Sport category: Lionel Messi Barca is more than a club
Date: 06-08-2006 09:22
Ronaldinho, the two-time reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, played just 30 minutes in the 3-0 romp Thursday over Mexico's UANL Tigres outside Monterrey - he scored a goal - and figures to play no more than a half, if that, in L.A.
"I think that was just the time he could and should be on the field," said Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard, a Dutchman who was among the world's top defenders a generation ago. "Maybe he can play a little more than 30 minutes (in this game)."
Rafael Marquez, Mexico's captain and best player at the World Cup, played only 20minutes against Tigres. Camroonian striker Samuel Eto'o gave a full half. Argentine phenom Lionel Messi and Portuguese midfielder Deco haven't seen action, and recent signings Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram, both consensus All-World Cup defenders, won't make their debuts until later in the NorthAmerican tour.
"Everybody is expecting more," Deco said, "but we need to keep our cool. ... We just need to do what we always do. We need to get our form back - we have only just met the new players - and now we need to start thinking about the (real) games ahead."
Said Rijkaard: "The main thing for Barcelona is as always: We like to leave a good impression for the crowd, which deserves it. It's an honor to play for Barcelona, and we will defend the club, the colors of the club."
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