Fabio Cannavaro

New site!!!!

Hi everyone!

From now on this web-log won't be updated anymore.

I decided to make a real site.

Ofcoures a lot of things still have to be added at the new site, but you can already find some new things on it which I'm sure you'll like.

I hope to receive feedback from you all, by a message in the new guestbook or by sending me an email. Because if I don't receive feedback and if you don't tell me if there's anything wrong, I don't know it and I can't change it.

You can find the new site at: www.cannaddicted.com

I hope you like it!

Nastic - Real Madrid

Hard-earned victory over Nastic move the Whites into the second spot of the League table

Defeating Gimnastic inTarragona became an uphill battle for Real Madrid from the very moment the home side kicked off to begin Saturday's match. Nastic's constant pressure on both halves of the pitch combined with a penalty to give the home side the lead put the Whites in a dire situation. But Roberto Carlos netted the equaliser, and Helguera's header and Robinho' beautiful strike put Madrid up for good. The Whites remain undefeated in La Liga, and depending on Sunday's results could hold sole possession of the second spot in the table.

Earlier today Robinho commented that Leagues are won on fields like that of Tarragona and against teams like Nastic. The Brazilian also stated the importance of tallying points in every road match if Real Madrid are going to make a run at the title. And that's precisely what the Whites did on Saturday night against a complicated rival that made it an uphill battle during most of the first half.

A nuisance but not a threat
The match didn't get off to the start Real Madrid had hoped for. In the very first minute, Juan's header off a Cuéllar center sailed wide of Casillas' goal. Two minutes later, it was Cuéllar's corner that Casillas had to punch clear, only to be followd by a hard Pinilla strike. The best scoring chance the home side had came in minute six, when Makukula's shot from the edge of the box was sent over the crossbar.

Madrid weren't able to maintain possession in the midfield, and Nastic proved to be the more physical team throughout the first half by continually getting clear of their markers and easily reaching the perimeter of Iker's box. Raúl and Robinho timidly attacked Rubén Pérez's net but without creating any sense of danger. Nastic grew stronger and created more and more problems around their rival's box as the minutes ticked off the clock. Gil and Abel continued trying their luck on goal, and it wouldn't take long for the Tarragona side to strike.

In the 27th minute, Cannavaro tripped Makukula in the box and referee Mejuto González called for the penalty. Abel took the shot and got to ball by Iker to give the home side the 1-0 lead. Real Madrid picked up the pace and Helguera nearly missed Guti's free kick crosses into Rubén Pérez's box. When it looked like the Madridistas would head to the dressing rooms down a goal, Mingo fouled Van Nistelrooy on the edge of the box. Roberto Carlos drew the match when his free kick found the back of the net thanks to a little help from Makukula, who moved his leg out of the way just as the ball passed by.

Until the very last minute
Hours prior to kick-off, the President asked the team to battle it out until the very last minute. And just four minutes into the second half, Helguera's header off a Guti corner put the Whites ahead at the Nou Estadi. Just as they had done after the Barcelona match, the team made their way to the center of the pitch to celebrate the defender's goal.

But Nastic didn't believe they deserved to lose and began besieging Casillas' goal. Pinilla, Llera and Gil were all thwarted by the Madridista keeper. The home side again took control of the match and risked everything in search of the equaliser. But Capello's men struck again in what was the Italian coach's 50th League match with the Whites. Madrid gathered in defense, allowed the Catalans to control the ball, and waited for the counterattack that would put the game away for good. And the stategy proved successful when Robinho scored the team's third goal. The Brazilian started the play on the left wing and passed the ball to Diarra at the front of the box. The Mali native opened the play to the right, where Sergio Ramos crossed to the far post for the Brazilian to strike across Rubén Pérez's goal and into the net.

After tonight's win and Valencia's loss, Real Madrid could claim sole possession of the second spot in the table depending on the result of tomorrow's Sevilla-Celta match. The victory is a huge morale boost heading into three straight home matches at the Santiago Bernabéu. The first takes place on Wednesday against Steaua Bucharest in Champions League play.

MATCH SUMMERY:
1- NÁSTIC: Rubén Pérez; Ruz, Cáceres, Llera, Mingo; Abel, Juan (Merino, 53’); Cuellar, Pinilla, Gil (Campano, 68’); Makukula (Ismael, 71’).
3- REAL MADRID: Casillas; Ramos, Helguera, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Raúl, Diarra, Emerson, Guti (Reyes, 72’), Robinho; Van Nistelrooy.
GOALS:
1-0, min.29: Abel penalty.
1-1, min.43: Roberto Carlos
1-2, min.49: Helguera

1-3, min.84: Robinho,
Yellow for Cannavaro (27’), Ruz (31’), Juan (35’) and Mingo (38’)

Real Madrid is now on the second place in the Primera División, but most teams didn't play yet, and they will play tomorrow.

Écija - Real Madrid

David draw against Goliath in the debut of the 2006/07 King's Cup

Inclement weather that only worsened as the minutes ticked by made tonight's King's Cup clash more of a scrub match than a quality football game. Real Madrid were unable to impose last week's brilliant play against an extremely motivated Encija side that looked like a team from Spain's First Division. The home side didn't hold anything back and constantly sought the game winner, and Diego López proved how valuable he is between the woodwork. Meanwhile, the Whites worked off counterattacks and flashy plays by their footballers. The Madridistas took a 1-0 lead, but Ecija scored the well-deserved equaliser.

The Copa del Rey kicked off on Wednesday, and Real Madrid paid a visit to the Andalusian city of Ecija, where the local fans filled the stands to watch their David take on Spain's Goliath despite the torrential downpour. The field was in terrible shape and only worsened with the constant rain. Playing football was a challenge for both teams, and the game became more of a scrub match than an eye-catching, quality football. And that's exactly how the Second Division 'B' team intended to battle coach Fabio Capello's more experienced squad.

While Ecija pressured and hampered the Madridistas ability to move the ball forward, the visitors relied on counterattacking and magical football from the likes of Reyes, Cassano, and Ronaldo. The back line, comprised of four youth teamers -Torres, Pavón, Mejía and Raúl Bravo- had their work cut out for them as they were under a constant barrage of danger created by the better home side, led by Pepe Díaz and Raúl Pichardo. But behind the defence led by Pavón and Mejía, a sure-handed Diego López proved how good a goalkeeper he really is.

Real Madrid continued looking to settle the game that proved to be trickier than expected, but their brilliant touch and control over the last week was nowhere to be found. Reyes and Cassano gave glimpses of various feints and dribbling ability, and a captured public appreciated the spectacle. But Ecija continued to dominate the game. The Whites had their first scoring chance in the 15th minute off David Beckham's play from the wing. But the Madridistas' opportunities were few and far between, with the biggest threat coming off the boots of Ronaldo. The Brazilian had been quiet all night, but after several feints was able to get the ball to Cassano, who was unable to shoot on target.

The match was a free-for-all in the closing minutes of the first half. Capa, followed by Solano, could have opened up the scoreboard for the home side, while Diarra's header off a Beckham cross also missed the back of the net.

The game followed the same script throughout most of the second half. Ecija continued to scrap it out and Madrid waited for counters much like the one that culminated in a Beckham long ball to Cassano, but Ronaldo lost his balance just before coming face to face with goalkeeper Ariza.

The Whites got what they had waited for in the 66th minute. Beckham centered and Diarra's header found the post. But the football landed in front of Cassano and an open goal, and the Italian tapped it in for the 1-0 lead.

But Ecija had shown the true meaning of drive and desire all night long. Without backing down and proving exactly what this David versus Goliath competition is all about, the home team scored the well-deserved equaliser with only 10 minutes to play. Nolito's brilliant strike off a great play by Requena and Torres along the wing got passed Diego López on the near post, and San Pablo gave a standing ovation to their home side heroes.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ecija: Ariza; Torres, Arguello, Mario, Llano; Solano, Capa, Requena, Pichardo; Jorge García and Pepe Díaz.

Real Madrid: Diego López; Torres, Pavón, Mejía, Raúl Bravo; Diarra, Javi García, Beckham, Reyes; Cassano and Ronaldo.

Referee: Rodríguez Santiago. Yellow card to Solano (min.39).

Goals: 0-1 (min.66): Cassano taps in Diarra's header off the post

Notes: First leg of the King's Cup Round of 32 tie played in San Pablo before 9,000 spectators. Real Madrid President Ramón Calderón attended the match.

Real Madrid - Barcelona

Real Madrid has won the clasico against Barcelona with 2-0.

The first goal was made after just 2 minutes by Raúl.

The second goal was made after 50 minutes by van Nistelrooy.

With this result Real Madrid is now on the 4th place in the Primera División with only 2 points behind Barcelona and Valencia and 1 point behind Sevilla

The players that played:

REAL MADRID: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Helguera, Roberto Carlos; Raúl, Diarra, Emerson: Guti (Beckham 82’) y Van Nistelrooy (Reyes 79’).

BARCELONA: Valdés; Zambrotta, Thuram, Puyol, Sylvinho; Xavi, Deco (Giuly 54’), Iniesta; Messi, Ronaldinho y Gudjonhnsen (Saviola 64’).

A full match report will follow later

Video

Real cute video with training footage and a bit from the latest pressconference

Picture

Fabio watches Roger Federer play during the quarter final match at the Madrid Master Series tennis tournament

Cannavaro pressconference

I tried to translate the pressconference Fabio held at Real Madrid, there will probaly be some mistakes in it, but the big line will be correct.

It's the match that I have always thought ever player wants to play.

Count down for the classic one. And the new players from Real Madrid will experience it in a special way. They know the importance of this match. Cannavaro's feeling: "I want Sunday to arrive already, I want to play". He sees the prepared and stimulated team, but they don't have the confidence after Barcelona's defeat in the Champions League yesterday. "We are prepared, calm and want to give everything.

The defeat of Barcelona in yesterday's  Champions League match has changed the perspective of Sundays match?

The Champions League is always different from the Liga. But Madrid and Barcelona are both strong teams, this will be a very special match. Previous results are not important.

Did you see these classic ones in Italy?

I always liked it, it's the match that I have always thought every player wants to play, like Juve - Inter. I want Sunday to arrive because I have many desire to play.

How important is the absence of Eto'o?

Barça has many players with great qualities. If it's not Eto'o it will be Messi or Ronaldinho, to me it's not going to be easy to defend them.

The public got to applaud Ronaldinho

This year is different, we have a different team, and for that reason we wait for another result. Ronaldinho is one of the best of the world, it's normal that they applaud to him. We have changed our mentality, looked for balance, to be calm and play.

In 10 days you went through everything: defeats, victories, critics, euphorias...

I think it's normal, soccer is equal anywhere in the world and when you don't have results there are problems; but our team is conscious of what is spoken about, but we only thought about working. We are aware, the critcs after a party like Getafe is normal.

How much changed your attitude in the past 3 days?

It's certain that our stimulus was different against Getafe then against Steaua. Just as it will be against Barça, we have a great stimulus. But the important thing is to look for continuity in all the competitions. In order to gain titles it cannot have bumps.

Have you spoken with Thuram?

Yes, when I was with Italy. But tomorrow I will talk to him directly (laughs)

Yesterday the president said you are one of the best of the world.

We must demonstrate it, we have a good equipment but it is necessary to see it on the field. At the end of the season we will speak.

Tuesday a more physical soccer was seen.

I think that's what we all want, but each match is different. Tuesday went very well, it is necessary to continue improving and Sunday to play a perfect match. We know that all we want to is play well always, but we have much new people, new trainer, different mentality, we are surpassing the difficulties.

You could have seen the weak points of Barcelona yesterday...

Chelsea was very strong, it's that simple. We must have many desires.

How is Helguera?

Iván is a great defender that I have always liked. When I arrived he had problems, but now the trainer made him enter the team, he's ready and playing well. He is a player with great qualities, and he's calm.

How is it possible to defend Ronaldinho?

When Ronadihno starts, it is necessary to entrust itself to the fortune. He is a phenomenon and he is always dangerous. But they are equal to us, because Robinho, Cassano, Raul, Nistelrooy, all are very great.

It has lowered your yield from the World-wide one?

If you have seen me play at the World Championships, you have seen I was perfect, but now I understand that this is different. This is a different experience but my yield is good. I have played better or worse, but it is normal that I must work hard. I didn't notice a difference with the Italian Liga.

Are you the favourites?

Because we play at home, but I think it's 50%

To lose the diffence in points would be important...

Eight points would be an important difference, but Sunday we only can think about winning, nothing of points.

Are you thinking about the Balón de Oro?

I do not think about this, at the World Championships I ws very good, and the last season also, but it'ss difficult that they give it to a defender. I hope that the award goes to a player of Italy.

There is no easy match in this Liga

We know about difficulty and the force of the team. The level of this Liga is very good. all the teams are strong, the problem is that there are many teams and that is equal to many matches.

Christmas project

I gave it some thoughts, and this is what we are gonna do for Christmas.

There are two things:

1. Collecting money and donate it to his foundation

2. Make a scrapbook and send it to Madrid

I'll give an explanation of both things and a few rules for this.

1. Collecting money and donate it to his foundation

I'm gonna collect money from everyone who wants to join and donate it to his foundation. Togheter with the scrapbook we'll send him a message which says that we donated some money to his foundation.

If you want to participate in this send an email to fabiocannavaroweblog@hotmail.com subject: money project.

In your email you can tell me that you want to donate money. After I received your email I'll answer you by sending my bank account and further information to you. After you donated the money I want you to send an email to me to say that you donated the money and how much money you donated in your own currency. I want to know this so I can keep track of everything that is happening.

After I have received the money you donated on my account I'll add you to a list which will be published on this site and next to your name the amount of money you donated will be listed in Euro's and in your own currency. You will also receive a confirmation email from me that I received your donation. In that way you know that I really received it.

The list will show the total amount of money that has been donated. After the deadline (probably arround December 13) I’m gonna donate the full amount of money to his foundation. After that I will receive a official receipt, I will scan the receipt and place it on the site. In that way you can see that I really donated the full amount of money that I received.

That receipt will be send to Fabio togheter with the scrapbook and a card with all the names of the people who donated some money.

I'm sure he'll appreciate this.

2. Make a scrapbook and send it to Madrid.

We are gonna make a book with messages from his fans all over the world.

Here are a few ideas of thing that you can write in your message:

- Why you are fan of him

- How you became fan of him

- Since when you became fan of him

- Your favourite memory of him

- Something about yourself

- Your Christmas wishes for him ofcourse.

- Incluid a picture of yourself, your family, your room etc.

Please do not write messages with a full page of telling him that you love him etc.

He receives those messages enough already, this book has to have a different meaning. Write something special to him, a message that will have a meaning.

To make this a little more organised there are 3 rules for the message:

- Your message can be no longer that 1 page A4 size.

- Your message can only contain 1 picture

- The picture has to fit in the 1 page, you can't use an extra page for this.

If you have a message for him you can send it to: fabiocannavaroweblog@hotmail.com subject: Christmas message to Fabio.

You can also send a Christmas card, or a handwritten message to him.

The same rules go for this as for the messages you can send to me by email.

If you want to do this, you can send an email to: fabiocannavaroweblog@hotmail.com subject: Christmas message address. After that I will send you the address you can send you message to.

If you wonder if I'm gonna send a camera to him this time, the same way as the Birthday present, the answer is no! I'm making up something different to let him show that he received our present. I'm probably gonna ask him to write a letter back or something. I'm not sure about that yet. Any ideas you might have about this are welcome!

Please do not wait until the last moment with making the donation of sending your Christmas wishes. I do need some time to fit everything in the book and if you wait until the last moment it might happen that you are to late in case something went wrong.

I hope many of you will participate so this will be even greater as the birthday present.

Steaua - Real Madrid

Real Madrid won the Champions League match against Steaua with 1-4!

The goals were made by:

Sergio Ramos 9'

Raúl 34'

Robinho 56'

van Nistelrooy 76'

The goal for Steaua was made by Badea after 64 minutes.

The players that played for Real Madrid are:

Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Diarra, Raúl, Emerson, Robinho, Guti (71' Beckham), van Nistelrooy ( 78' Ronaldo), Helguera

Roger Federer visits the squad and receives a shirt from his friend Cannavaro

Making the most of his stay in the Spanish capital for the Masters Series of tennis, Roger Federer found some time to make his way to Valdebebas to visit with the Madridistas. A big football fan, the Swiss star had the opportunity to watch the team train and visit the facilities.

It's quite common to see football players in the stands at tennis tournaments, but the reverse is also true. Rafa Nadal is frequently spotted at the Santiago Bernabéu being that the Spanish tennis player loves escaping to see Real Madrid play. His on-court rival, Roger Federer, also wanted to get to know Real Madrid up close and in person, and the world's number one tennis player got his chance on Sunday.

Federer is in Madrid for the Master Series of tennis that will take place between Monday 16 October and Sunday 22 October. The Swiss star took advantage of a few hours of free time to go to Valdebebas to get to know the “magnificent facilities” that play home to Real Madrid's training sessions and to personally greet players of the first team. Ronaldo, Raúl, Van Nistelrooy, and Beckham were just a few of the player who met with the ATP's number one.

Federer also had the chance to watch the opening minutes of the final training session before the White expedition heads to Bucharest for Tuesday's Champions League match against Steaua. Federer was also introduced to Fabio Capello, who he invited to go watch some of the Masters Series tennis matches later in the week.

The tennis player was delighted with his football outing and he even confessed to wanting to have been a footballer. “I'm a huge football fan. I never had the chance to meet any of the players during my first two trips to Madrid. I am thrilled that I finally got the chance to meet them and to visit the facilities. This is a dream come true. I would have liked to be a footballer had I not become a tennis player. This is very special,” he said.

Not only does Federer love football, according to him, Real Madrid “is one of the best Clubs in the world. It's amazing how they organise everything. Unfortunately, I have never had the chance to see the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, but it's on my list.”. He also invited to the squad to go cheer him on during the Masters Series, stating, “I would love it if they could come to a match. It's a great tournament. I hope they can enjoy a good tennis match some day. There's a great atmosphere in Madrid.”

Federer, who might face Rafa Nadal, a huge Madridista, if they meet in the final, also analysed the tournament that begins on Monday. “I hope to get off to a good start and play well. Getting through the first rounds is the first important step. I remember playing well here three or four years ago. I hope to maintain that rhythm. Rafa has the advantage of playing at home. He's the reigning title holder and he has to defend it. Let's see if we can both play well. It's a difficult tournament for everyone.”