Top Stories

Monday Kickoff: Valdes to miss World Cup; River Plate tops Boca; and more

VictorValdesBarcelona1-AtleticoMadrid2014 (Getty)

By CAITLIN MURRAY

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes will miss the World Cup and may have played his last game for Barca.

Valdes, 32, tore his right anterior cruciate ligament during Barca’s 3-0 win over Celta Vigo last week after an awkward landing during a free-kick save. The Spanish international will be out for seven months after a successful surgery Monday, ruling out this summer’s World Cup, according to the club.

Valdes will miss the rest of Barca’s season and is out of contract at the end of the season, with reports indicating he had planned to leave the club then. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said the club was planning on offering a contract extension.

He has played 535 games for FC Barcelona since his debut for the club more than a decade ago, conceding 441 goals and helping Barca win six leagues titles and three Champions League titles.

Here are some other stories to kick off your Monday:

RIVER TOP BOCA IN LA BOMBONERA

Celebrations lasted well into the early hours of the morning in Buenos Aires’ northern district after a big win for River Plate.

In the 202nd league version of the Superclasico, River defeated Boca Juniors, 2-1, at La Bombonera to drive the knife into the heart of their city rivals. Following a scoreless first half, River’s No. 10 Manuel Lanzini took a pass in the box in the 58th minute and finished past Boca goalkeeper Agustin Orion.

Ten minutes later, Boca’s heart and soul, captain Juan Roman Riquelme, fired home a patented free kick from just outside the box to level the scoreline.

But it was Ramiro Funes Mori, a former resident of Dallas and former FC Dallas youth player, who provided the winning touch in the 86th minute. Funes Mori’s glancing header off a corner kick evaded Orion to give the visitors a crucial three points in their chase for the Clausura title.

QUICK KICKS

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been cleared by the FA of allegedly spitting at Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta last Tuesday. (REPORT)

Veteran defender Cristian Chivu has mutually terminated his contract with Inter Milan after missing much of the last three seasons due to foot injuries. (REPORT)

Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is reaching the final stages of his recovery and training to get back on the roster. (REPORT)

Dnipro midfielder Jaba Kankava may have saved the life of his opponent, Dynamo Kiev captain Oleg Gusev, after Gusev took a knee to the face and swallowed his tongue. (REPORT)

—–

What do you think of this news? Will the loss of Valdes be a blow for Spain in the World Cup? Where does the injury leave Barca?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Such a beautiful day in the Windy City. So glad I didn’t waste 1:45 (plus added time) watching Sunderland. Watching them is like watching monkeys throw dung at each other.

    Reply
  2. Right now, there must be tons of Sunderland supporters stunned that the team still can’t score (or create any chances) playing at home with Altidore on the bench.

    Reply
    • I’m sure they can’t believe it. I’m more concerned about our national team, this is not good with him now rotting on the bench (rather have him playing in the MLS with tons of playing time).

      Reply
      • Well, he hasn’t been rotting on the bench, but playing quite regularly until today. I’m sure he’ll see some minutes before the end of the season. And maybe a little rest before the WC will do him good.

  3. I almost forgot about him. Sami Khedira has time to get fit for Germany this summer. If he can find his former form, and ability, he’ll be another formidable player.

    Reply
    • I like the guy but he is easy to forget because he isn’t flashy. But he needs to be careful or he will just end up hurt again. I would take it slow… but its a world cup year… It would be hard to convince anyone not to try for it.

      Reply
  4. Eh, FC Dallas had someone now on River Plate? Apparently he and his brother lived her in Texas for like 7 years. Hmm, hope he becomes good.

    Reply
  5. Barca may reup him out of loyalty but blowing out your knee at this juncture is awful timing for Valdes because in theory Barca could say, you turned your back on us turnabout is fair play, and he wouldn’t have external market value until his knee was rehabbed.

    Reply
    • Barca has offered his full support to him and he will rehab at the Barcelona facilities. Due to this I see him staying at barca for at least another year

      Reply

Leave a Comment