Ricardo picspam - part 1

Ricardo is my favorite player. After following him quite closely through the second part of 2008/2009 season I can say I know what his weak and strong sides are and... it doesn't change anything.

For the time being it seems that Ricardo found himself in the worst point in his career. Has a contract with Betis which was relegated in the previous season, hasn't been playing in months, his international career finished... What awaits him in the future? He declared he wants to play till 38. He is 34, four years ahead of him. For sure he should change the club. Hope to see him again in the goal soon.



Very nice portrait, taken before friendly match with Ireland, his debut in Portuguese goal.



At Betis he was wearing number 13 jersey for some time. Now he is number 1.



Euro 2004 team



World Cup 2006 team



Euro 2008 team











England - Portugal quarterfinal at Euro 2004 was the first match I've seen Ricardo in. At penalty shoot-out he defended penalty with bare hands.







It's just too beautiful to not post more photos of this.



And then he scored the final penalty himself. It was like 'Wow! Goalkeepers can also score penalties?' (I know nothing about football back then, it's not much better now ;)









Some photos from semi-final:







The prayers helped and that day Portugal won with Nederlands 2:1.



Unfortunately at the final Ricardo was not able to defend the corner shot and Greece won.
But matches are won on a field by forwards, not by goalkeepers and without Ricardo Portugal wouldn't be at semi-final, not to mention final.

Champions League, Inter vs. Chelsea

Was worried yesterday when I read about Julio Cesar's car accident. Fortunately he seems to be well except for a few bruises.

Inter - Chelsea was a fast match, pleasant to watch. Wonder if Inter make to the quarter-final. Everything is going to be decided in the second leg. Happy with the result 2:1, but it's not a clear lead.

Julio Cesar was quite busy during the whole match. A lot of saves, that's what I like. Don't think that the lost goal should be put on his account but well... the commentators always know better...

A few photos.







Bruised face doesn't look good.



But his saves during the game were fine.





Celebrating after Inter scored first goal in 3'.

On the contrary it was not good match for Petr Cech. He suffered an injury in the second half, seems it was something with his knee. Is it the end of the season for him?



Deputy Portuguese goalkeeper Hilário had to come in. Can't say anything about his performance, really, because he didn't have too much work to do in the goal.

Tommorow: Juve - Ajax. Looking forward to watch Buffon in action.

Memories of Confederation Cup 2009

Confederation Cup 2009 was a great competition. Also goalkeepers show. Some of my favourite players played there. Buffon, Julio Cesar and Casillas. But the greatest imperssion on me made Egyptian goalkeeper El Hadary.

He was unstoppable in the match Italy - Egypt.

Some photos from this match:





Essam El Hadary - the hero of that evening.





Buffon in striking red.





Without a chance to stop the ball.





Egyptian players celebrates after Shawky shot the goal.





El Hadary celebrates.



Buffon: 'like, omg'.



Not good for Italy, not good.



Buffon in action under the opponents goal near the end of the match.



Some more photos of El Hadary during the match.







On of the saves close to the end of the match. It was offside anyway.



And a foul on the goalkeeper I think.







El Hadary celebrates the victory after the final whistle.



Buffon and El Hadary exchange jersey after the match.



Of course they haven't shown it at TV.



Good they are photos ;)



El Hadary breaks down in tears after the match. Buffon's jersey is useful as the handkerchief (the lack of respect!) ;)

Pity that we are not going to see Egypt at World Cup 2010. El Hadary is 37 now. How much longer his international career will last?