Inter UK: Final Note

As you have probably noticed, the coverage on this blog has slowed down over the last two weeks. Unfortunately, I am finding it almost impossible to find the time each day to devote to the blog and write about Inter in English.

I have always worked very hard to make Inter UK a respectable source of information about Internacional but without being able to commit the time the blog deserves, the quality and content of the blog will eventually suffer.

Because of this, I have sadly decided to stop writing on the blog.

Over the last 18 months which the blog has been running, I have really enjoyed writing about Inter and it has been a pleasure to have learnt to understand the uniqueness of the club and the Gaúcho culture. I have been contacted by several wonderful Colorado’s and have even been sent gifts ranging from Inter flags to even erva-mate and Chimarrao!

The blog has almost had 70,000 visitors which I think is incredible! I never predicted so many people would visit the blog and a number of incredible things have happened through the blog. I was able to write a weekly blog on Globo Esportes ‘Blog do Torcedor’ thanks to Mateus Reck, I was interviewed by the club for the official publication ‘Revista do Inter’ and I have even been contacted by journalists in UK, Europe and Brazil as well as representatives from a major European club.

I would like to thank everyone who has visited the blog or contacted me, especially those who have contributed regularly – Flávio, Ronald, Emerson just to name a few.

Even though I am no longer writing about Inter, I will still of course continue to follow the fortunes of the famous red shirt from south Wales!

MUITO OBRIGADO!

Matt

Fernando Carvalho looks for return to form

Inter vice president Fernando Carvalho has urged Inter to find the form that the team showed at the beginning of the season, despite an encouraging run of results which has seen the Colorado win their last five matches.

“At this moment we are looking for the football we displayed at the beginning of the season. In the last few games we have been victorious and we want to consolidate this and continue to improve. Inter are in a recovery process. We have to improve and continue to develop. The team is looking different following the exit of both Nilmar and Magrão”, affirmed Carvalho as Inter prepare for Wednesday’s visit of Corinthians to the Beira-Rio.

Meanwhile, Inter target Cléber Santana has been named in Atlético Madrid’s squad for their Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos on Wednesday.

The attacking midfielder has been in extended negotiations with both Atlético and Inter as he tries to resolve his future following a loan spell at Real Mallorca last season and is thought to want to return to Brazil.

Picture: Carvalho urges Inter to return to form

Inter win pushes Colorado up into second

Second half goals from strike duo Taison and Alecsandro ensured Internacional three points against Santo André last night, moving the Colorado into second place.

After Palmeiras were unexpectedly held to a 1-1 draw with Botafogo, Inter move within four points of the Brasileirão leaders having played two games less. Atlético-MG however who are level on points with Inter, can overtake the Colorado tonight if they can get a result from Corinthians.

Guiñazu unexpectedly started after whilst Danilo Silva started at right back as Bolívar switched into central defence alongside Sorondo in the absence of Índio. Giuliano who impressed during Inter’s win against Sport continued in the side after D’Alessandro began a five match ban whilst former Inter left back Gustavo Nery lined up for Santo André.

On a poor playing surface at the Estádio Bruno José Daniel, both teams had opportunities to go in fornt in the opening exchanges. A lively start from Inter saw Santo André’s ‘keeper Neneca come out to save at the feet of Giuliano whilst at the other end, Rômulo dribbled past Danilo Silva as his shot came back off the cross bar. The home side again went close moments later when centre back Cris powered a header over the bar from a Santo André corner.

With the pitch making it difficult for Inter to pass the ball, chance’s for Tite’s side were restricted with Taison’s over ambitious overhead kick failing to threaten the Santo André goal after Andrezinho and Alecsandro linked up well.

Despite telling the press at half time he had never played on such a bad pitch in all his time as a professional footballer, Alecsandro came into life in the second half as his dipping shot from the edge of the box was well save by Neneca. Neneca was forced into action again shortly afterwards as Taison and Giuliano linked up well. However the biggest threat to the Santo André keeper was to be one of his own defenders as Kléber’s cross into the box was careless cleared for Neneca to save at full strength whilst Alecsandro was inches away from connecting with the rebounding ball at the back post. Santo André’s luck was to finally run out however. After a need one-two with Giuliano, Taison (68) unleashed a well struck effort from 20 yards which flew into the top hand corner, giving Inter the lead.

With Inter looking increasingly threatening on the counter attack, Taison’s kick out at a Santo André defender proved costly as the Inter number 7 was issued a straight red card with just over ten minutes remaining. The needless sending off rules Taison out of Wednesday’s match with Corinthians.

The red card appeared to motivate the home side as they searched for the equaliser with substitute Ricardo Goulart going close.

Inter were able to secure the points however when the tireless Giuliano was brought down inside the box in the closing stages. Alecsandro (87) sent Neneca the wrong way to score the resulting penalty securing Inter the three points.

SANTO ANDRÉ 0-2 INTERNACIONAL
Taison 68
Taison sent off 79
Alecsandro (pen) 87

SANTO ANDRÉ: Neneca; Cicinho (Ricardinho), Cris, Marcel e Gustavo Nery; Fernando, Ricardo Conceição, Sidney (Ricardo Goulart) e Elvis (Pablo Escobar); Rômulo e Nunes
Técnico: Alexandre Gallo

INTER: Lauro; Danilo Silva, Bolívar, Sorondo e Kléber; Sandro, Guiñazu, Giuliano (Glaydson) e Andrezinho (Marcelo Cordeiro); Taison e Alecsandro
Técnico: Tite

Attendance: 2,725

Highlights:

Inter UK feature: Give us a circus!

The fantastic Ronald 'Gordo' Miorin returns this week with his latest, unique views-

Two thousand, two hundred years ago, on banks of the River Tiber, in what is now known as Italy, the Roman Republic laid the foundations of the future Roman Empire.

The power of Rome were their legions: thousands of Plebs soldiers were disciplined, courageous and loyal to their leaders.

The origin of this loyalty has been a matter of dispute among historians. However, no one discusses that - beyond the pursuit of personal profit, religious grounds and social relations - there was pride. Being a legionnaire was cause of immense pride, and was managing this feeling that leaders as Caius Julius Caesar, Caius Marius or Pompeu Magno managed to tackle and win warriors peoples with larger armies.

Great generals like Pirro of Epirus and Hannibal of Carthage were defeated only because the Romans did not give up. No matter how many times they lose, they always returned.

In due time, soldiers were made aware of their own value and began to demand greater rewards. The solution was simple: start new wars, which ended with the Roman banners in beaches of Brittany, on banks of Danube, at the foot of Atlas Mountains and in deserts of Syria.

It is correct a conclusion that points pacifists as Augusto and Adriano (the builder of wall in Brittany) as the major destroyers of Rome. If the Empire would not grow, the Empire necessarily had to end... and that is the lesson Rome taught us: Know - and keep - your own strength.

Even the least intelligent director of Internacional knows, or should know, that the great strength of club is vast Colorado's legion. People like you, my friend Matt, raised the club, built the Gigante Stadium and did everything to make Internacional what it is today.

It is important to remember that Internacional has the sixth or seventh largest crowd of fans in Brazil. For each Colorado exist – there are at least - 6 Corinthians lovers and 7 Flamengo's fans. States of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are infinitely richer than the Gaucho's country. Paradoxically, Inter has the largest number of paying members (100,115) and only Inter has fans as main financial support.
But the mob has many heads and many wishes. It is very difficult to satisfy plebs. Among three Colorado’s, there are three coaches: I want to attack quickly, you want a solid defence, he wants possession of the ball in midfield.

Maybe, we can learn another Roman lesson: Panem et Circences. This "Bread and Circus" policy can be translated as "reduce people's concerns and give them joy".
Well... against Colorado's wishes, Fernando Carvalho maintained Tite and his hated balance; against mob's desires, Fernando Carvalho opted not to hire Fernandão; against all advice, Fernando Carvalho expelled D'Alessandro from main team.

The Colorado's answered in last game: at 32 minutes, when D'Alessandro raised from bench, Beira-Rio Stadium trembled with 16,000 voices. The tribunes delight even before he touches the ball. In eight minutes, he showed his ability and scored a fantastic goal.

In an interview published on Wednesday, D'Alessandro talked about the reaction of the Colorado's: "Nobody can buy the affection of fans. They like me because I play well."

If Fernando Carvalho did not understand the message of people, I can explain:
- Do not be stupid, man. Give us circus!

- Stop turning our backs to people... or - in the absence of River Tiber – we will toss you in Guaíba River!

Giuliano gunning for Brasileirão title

Giuliano spoke to Guaíba radio yesterday and spoke of Inter’s desire to improve and to help Inter the year’s Campeonato Brasileiro.

The 19 year old who played a key role in Inter’s convincing 3-0 win over Sport last Monday explained that he is keen to improve.

“I work to get in the team and then to do well but. I have to a lot of growing to do as a player, I need to improve and correct errors. I am working to establish myself in the team”, he explained.

“The Libertadores is valuable but it is clear that we want the (Brasileirão) title, for the squad and the quality it has. Our bad phase has finished and now it is for us to make a good sequence of victories”, added Giuliano.

Giuliano could well feature again for Inter’s visit to Santo André on Saturday with Guiñazu unlikely to recover in time from a knee injury.

Picture: Giuliano impressed against Sport on Monday

Inter unveil Fabiano Eller and Edu

Inter unveiled their latest signings at the Beira-Rio yesterday afternoon as central defender Fabiano Eller and attacking midfielder Edu officially signed for the club.

Eller who won both the Libertadores and World Club Cup during his first spell with the club has signed a contract until December 2010 whilst Edu returns to Brazil from Spain, signing a three year deal.

Fabiano Eller spoke of his delight of returning to Inter after a enduring a miserable time at Santos.

“It is a pleasure to be here again, to return to the club that I had so much success in 2006 gives me great satisfaction. It is not hypocrisy, all my family supports Inter. A wise person will always return here which is why I left the door open when left. I return here with the objective of winning titles. We have a squad good enough to win the Brasileirão”, explained the 31 year old.

Meanwhile Edu spoke of his return to Brazil after a successful five year spell in Spain.

“At São Paulo I played like a striker. In Europe different tactical systems are used and I was used in all functions from midfield to attack. I am not a player who likes to be stuck in the area. I like to be on the ball but Tite will decide this.

“As Nilmar has a history here, I have a history at Betis. Now I start again back at zero. I had options to transfer to other European clubs and clubs in Arab football but with my family, I found it would be best to come back to Brazil. It is a new experience for me. Inter has a great squad to fight the title of the Brasileirão”, explained Edu.

Picture: Fabiano Eller (Top) and Edu (Bottom) meet the media at the Beira-Rio

D’Alessandro returns as Inter thrash Sport

Inter move back into the top four after a comfortable 3-0 victory over struggling Sport last night. Giuliano opened the scoring before half time before second half goals from Sandro and the returning Andrés D’Alessandro gave Inter a comfortable victory in Porto Alegre.

From xinhuanet.com - Two weeks away from Brazil, Internacional showed that they have not lost their step as they beat Sport 3-0 on Monday.

After their victory in Japan by winning the Suruga Cup last week, Internacional returned to the Brazilian soccer championship.

They opened scoring in the 43rd minute as Giuliano, off a crossed pass from Kléber, dribbled through and blasted the ball into the back of Sport's net.
In the 51st minute, Internacional scored off a corner kick when Sandro one-timed the ball into the net.

As the game came to a close, Internacional scored their third goal on 86minutes when D'Alessandro broke to the left side of the field and shot directly towards Sport's goalie Magrao before the ball ended up rolling into the back of the net.

With the victory, Internacional returns to the top-four of the Brazilian championship with 30 points, while Sport remain in dead-last place with a miserable 13 points

INTERNACIONAL 3-0 SPORT
Giulinao 43
Sandro 50
D’Alessandro 85

Inter: Lauro; Bolívar, Índio (Danilo), Sorondo e Kléber; Sandro, Guiñazu, Giuliano e Andrezinho (D’Alessandro); Taison (Marcelo Cordeiro) e Alecsandro.
Técnico: Tite

Sport: Magrão, Juliano, Igor e Renan; Elder Granja, Sandro Goiano, Hamilton, Fumagalli (Luciano Henrique) e Dutra; Wilson e Ciro (Eduardo).
Técnico: Péricles Chamusca

Attendance: 16,650

Highlights: