Simon Kuper and Stefan Syzmanski titled the American version of their new book Soccernomics (review is here), but their title for the release in the UK is Why England Lose. In the book, Kuper and Syzmanski identified the US as a rising power in soccer and England as a permanent disappointment to their rabid fans.

Dopey Dunga thinks Nilmar's weekend screamer against Corinthians was impressive - but insists that it's still not enough to earn him a call-up to the national team.

"It was a beautiful goal and it was fast, which showed Nilmar's best quality. But 20 days ago, no one spoke about Nilmar (being) in the selection, (everyone) wanted Ronaldo.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

by GIANFRANCO PANIZO

When the U.S. national team plays Brazil on Sunday in the Confederations Cup final, there will likely be twelve Brazilians on the field when the game kicks off.

Diego has confirmed that Juventus have indeed made attempts to sign him. But sorry direttores, he's not interested. Instead, you can watch him and his ferosh beard on Survivor : The Cayman Islands next season.

"The truth is that there is a proposal from Juventus and the other teams in Europe.

Better than Brazil?

Spain set a world record of 15 consecutive wins after beating South Africa 2-0 to reach the Confederations Cup semis.

Their latest victory means Spain have equalled Brazils all time record of 35 matches without defeat, (1993 and 1996). But are they better than that Brazilian team?

To be honest, most of the Brazilian team, from the goalkeepers to the guy who washes the shirts, can all do this with their eyes closed.
But it makes for impressive viewing none the less!
101gg

Brazil scored three goals in the second half of the Confederations Cup final to complete a remarkable comeback and win the game after going down by two goals at the end of the first half. Clint Dempsey gave the Americans a surprising lead early on, and Landon Donavan ended a fantastic counter attack by putting the [.

Estudiantes celebrate in the Minerão

Brazilian team, Cruzeiro, contrived to lose 1-2 at home to Argentina's Estudiantes in the second leg of the Libertadores and left the estádio Mineiro in tears. 0-0 from the first leg in Argentina, Cruzeiro were favourites to lift the trophy. Things looked on course when Henrique scored in the second-period.

Spanish "Liga" Club VILLAREAL have signed Brazilian NILMAR da Silvafor 5 years at a price of 10M€ making him the highest transfer inVillareal History. The 25 year old comes from Brazilian team PORTOALEGRE & is currently part of the Brazilian National Team thatrecently won the FIFA 2009 Confederations Cup.

The 2009 Brazilian Serie A had its first round this weekend, with ten matches. Sao Paulo, which won the last three national titles, lost 1-0 in its debut, an away game at the Maracana Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, against Fluminense. Mauricio scored a nice goal a few minutes into the game to give the locals the win.

Today is a very important day for the seleção because Dunga is slated to announce the official squad list for the qualifiers and the Confederations Cup! We know right.... it's almost like American Idol!

Anyway, Nilmar has told the Brazilian press that he hopes to be called up to the national team.

While the pain is still fresh from its 3-1 loss to Italy on Monday, the U.S. men's national team must turn its attention to mighty Brazil, which the Americans face on Friday (9:55 am, ESPN2) in their second Confederations Cup match.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley will have to make at least one change to the lineup that pushed Italy for much of Monday's match, with midfielder Ricardo Clark set to serve his one-game suspension for a red card.

While Bayern Munich players were trying to get used to the management style and new age thinking of Juergen Klinsmann, three other teams tried to prise away the Bundesliga title from them. These three teams were Wolfsburg, Hertha Berlin and Hoffenheim. They have succeeded, a new champion will be crowned this Saturday.

After four years in the dark, he's back. Manchester United's 'mega flop' Kleberson has seen his career resurrected since his move away from Old Trafford and in this year Confederations Cup has looked every part a accomplished Brazilian player.

Now at Brazilian club Flamengo, a number of good performances has earned him a recall into Brazil's team and it's not hard to see why.

Not an usual game, I should say. After eliminating Spain, the US had acquired a different aura in the eyes of Brazilians. Suddenly, the squad that was massacred 3-0 became a respectful team. That way, both sides started the match nervous. Brazil for the reason already mentioned. The US for losing virginity in a FIFA tournament final against Brazil.

Any chance that this Confederations Cup victory was anything but business as usual for the Seleccao should be dispelled. The USA pushed them very hard. The win is being compared to some of the great all time comebacks in Brazil's storied footballing history.

1958 World Cup: Sweden lead 1-0 through Liedholm just 3 minutes into the game.

Ronald 'Gordo' Miorin once again shares his weekly thoughts as the Inter squad travel back from Asia.
In 2006, in a famous advert on Brazilian TV promoting the FIFA World Cup, a small Japanese boy asked his father about a shock: "It is another earthquake?

Photo by ISIphotos.com

by GIANFRANCO PANIZO

When the U.S. national team plays Brazil on Sunday in the Confederations Cup final, there will likely be twelve Brazilians on the field when the game kicks off.

The Felipe Melo transfer from Fiorentina seems to be crystallizing around the club's condition that Emmanuel Eboue be part of the deal. In lieu, the Violas bring down Melo's expensive buyout clause which stands at £21 million.

This would be a great deal. Eboue has been unhappy with his lack of playing time and when he has come on the pitch, has not utilized it well.

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6iX00OoqJz0/SdW5d0vVn4I/AAAAAAAAGhY/0UWeA_RgtcM/s1600-h/kaka3_1241297c.jpg"img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.

Well well well.....could it be that Kaka is really about to join Real Madrid?

Reports leaking out of the Brazilian Football Confederation suggest Kaka has today undergone a medical in Recife, where Brazil are set to face Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The cynic I am, I have to admit I thought the 'Kaka to Madrid' saga was just another one of Florentino Perez's hot-air moments.

Kaka will be sporting this logo next season

Marca in its non-stop action coverage, says its finally over. Kaka is now a Merengues (In Spanish). He becomes the first signing in the second Florentino Perez era for a reported 65 million euros over a six year period. In effect he finishes his career at Real.

While the pain is still fresh from its 3-1 loss to Italy on Monday, the U.S. men's national team must turn its attention to mighty Brazil, which the Americans face on Thursday (9:55 am, ESPN2) in their second Confederations Cup match.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley will have to make at least one change to the lineup that pushed Italy for much of Monday's match, with midfielder Ricardo Clark set to serve his one-game suspension for a red card.

[video sent to us from See the Cup] Brazilian team Santos won the inaugural ladies Copa Liberatadores on Sunday, or to give the tournament its full and excellent sounding Spanish language title: Copa Libertadores de Fútbol Femenino. A healthy crowd of 14,000 were in attendance at the Estádio Urbano Caldeira to see Santos beat Paraguay's Universidad Autónoma [.

I know, I know. It's not even in December yet. Although, you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise with the amount of tinsel, fairy lights and ‘great gift ideas' polluting my telly box in the last few days; already I'm getting that urge to take my best scissors to the mains and put shot to the whole damn thing.

After granting a spot in next year's first division of Brazilian football, Vasco da Gama finished the combo and took home the dubious title of champion of the second division. Wearing a commemorative jersey (not very tasteful, if I may say), the club cameback to beat America-RN at a packed Maracana.

Harry finally set to get his man.

Join Our Facebook Fan Page for the Latest News/Rumours/Forums/Videos/WAGS/Funny Stuff/Features!

Tottenham are poised to clinch the £7m transfer of Brazil under-20 captain Sandro according to reports.

A story in today's Mirror suggests Harry Redknapp will tie up a deal to bring the midfielder to White Hart Lane once the Brazilian season finishes this weekend.