Talking Smart: Foreign Names

Tomasz Kuszczak (Pol.)
The difficult "szcz" denotes a sound close to "shch" in "fresh cheese": [tomash kushchak].

Tor Hogne Aarøy (Nor.)
In Norwegian language the double "аа" is [o], the "о" is often read as [u], the "g" before "n" sometimes is read as "y", while "ø" after consonants is read as French "eu": [tur huine orøy].

Tuncay Şanlı (Tur.)
In Turkish language the "c" mean English "j". So, he is "Tunjay", not "Tunkay", as many think. While "Ş" is a Turkish [sh]: [tunjay shanli].

Václav Mrkvička (Czech.)
Czech "c" is [ts]. As for the surname, it has a hidden syllable: [vatslav m(o)rkvichka].

Vedran Ćorluka (Croat.)
Often the special sign over the "c" is omitted, which leads to a mispronunciation. Should be: [vedran chorluka].

Vanderlei Luxemburgo & Flamengo

Famous Brazilian coach Vandelei Luxemburgo, whose contract with Santos is almost over, and who would like to change a club, has received a superoffer from Flamengo. He has not only been offered a good salary, but also promised interest from players' sale.

Nelson Rivas

Colombian fullback of Inter Nelson Rivas has been suspended for one month due to cardiological problems. If further examination detects serious problems with player's heart, he won't be able to play in Italy, since the local clubs bear criminal responsibility for their players' health.

Argentinean National Team

Alfio Basile announced a list of players who will take part in first qualification matches for Mundial 2010 against Chile and Venezuela:

Keepers: Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe), Oscar Ustari (Getafe).

Defensemen: Daniel Díaz (Getafe), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Gabriel Milito (Barcelona), Javier Zanetti (Inter), Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo), Martín Demichelis (Bayern), Nicolás Burdisso (Inter).

Midfielders: Esteban Cambiasso (Inter), Maxi Rodriguez (Atlético Madrid), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Jonás Gutiérrez (Mallorca), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Federico Insúa (América de México), Juan Román Riquelme (without a club).

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Javier Saviola (Real Madrid), Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United).

Talking Smart: Foreign Names

Steven Pienaar (Dut.)
In Dutch language the "ie" stands for a long [i], while doubled "аа" is pronounced as a single [a]: [pinar].

Szombathely (Hun.)
In this Hungarian surname you should remember two things: first, the "sz" stands for [s], and second, the "ly" is [y], as in "boy": [som-ba-tey].

Thomas Myhre (Dan.)
The "y" letter in Scandinavian languages stands for French [u] sound, if not at the beginning of a word. While the "h" is mute in this case: [miu-re] (with [iu] being one syllable).

Tim Cahill (Eng.)
Despite that the "h" is in intervocal position (between two vowels) here, in which it's often mute, in this case it's clearly pronounced: [ka-hill].

Tomasz Cywka (Pol.)
Unlike in Hungarian, in Polish the "sz" is [sh], while "с", as we told many times, is [ts] in Polish language. The "y" is different to "i", but the non-Polish are not likely to understand the difference. So, it's [tomash tsivka].

Ever Banega

President of Boca Juniors, Mauricio Macri, rejected Milan's proposal to buy Ever Banega for 14 million dollars. The price offered for one of the best Argentina's young players seemed too low for Macri.

Talking Smart: Foreign Names

Sami Hyypiä (Fin.)
In this tricky Finnish name the doubled "yy" is pronounced as single French "u": [hiu-pee-a], "iu" should be one syllable.

Sedgwick (Eng.)
Although the root "e" is omitted here, the "g" anyway should be read as in "gesture", not as a [g]: [sedzhwik].

Shunzuke Nakamura (Jap.)
First, the "Sh" is pronounced here as [sh], because it is followed by "u", not by "е" nor "i", and second, the Japanese swallow the second "u" in this name: [shunske].

Stephen Hunt (Eng.)
That's how the name [stiven] is written in English. Don't look for "Steven". Update: ok, look for Steven, there tons of them. Although, the correct way to spell this name is still "Stephen".

Stephen Wishart (Eng.)
Here the "s" and the "h" belong to various roots, hence don't form a [sh] sound: [wis-hart].

Transfers: Kleberson

Finally pentacampeon Kleberson managed to return home. After his intent to sign with Santos failed, the Paranaense joined Flamengo. In Europe Kleberson's last club was Turkish Besiktas.

Talking Smart: Foreign Names

Raimond van der Gouw (Dut.)
The rules of Dutch language demand this surname to be pronounced as [van der gau].

Riccardo Scimeca (It.)
In Italian language "sc", if followed by "i" or "е", is read as [sh]: [shimeka].

Robert Malcolm (Eng.)
The second "l" in this surname is mute: [malkom].

Roman Bednář (Czech.)
Another example of a Czech surname with "ř", which is pronounced as [rzh]: [bednarzh].

Rudi Skácel (Czech.)
In Czech language the "с" is [ts]: [skatsel].

Transfers: Ze Maria

Well-known Brazilian winger Ze Maria signed with Sheffield United. The ex-player of Brazilian national team used to play for Inter and Parma. His last club was Spanish Levante.

Talking Smart: Foreign Names

Nicky Wroe (Eng.)
In English language the "Wr" combination at the beginning of a word has "W" mute.

Pavel Ricka (Czech.)
In Czech language "с" is always [ts], don't take the "ck" for English [k]. It's [tsk]: [pavel ritska].

Peñarol (Ur.)
Some forget sometimes about the tilde, which results in wrong pronunciation of a club's name. Should be [peniarol].

Péter Halmosi (Hung.)
Another Hungarian name to repeat the Hungarian phonetic rules. As the rest of similar Hungarian three-syllable surnames, this one has a stress over the first syllable: [peter halmoshi].

Pugh (Eng.)
This English name should be pronounced as [piu] (one-syllable).

Ricardo Caruso Lombardi

Ricardo Caruso Lombardi, who has been sacked as a coach of Argentinos Juniors, has replaced Pablo Marini on the position of a chief coach of Newell's Old Boys. Before Argentinos Caruso Lombardi coached mainly small clubs like Temperley, Sportivo Italiano, Estudiantes de Caseros, Platense, El Porvenir, All Boys and Tigre.

Injuries: Alexis Sanchez

In a match of Argentinean Apertura against Tigre River Plate's yuong star Alexis Sanchez was attacked by defenseman Juan Carlos Blengio which resulted in torn ligaments. That means that next three months the hope of River and Chilean national team will have to spend without football.

Argentina: Apertura 2007, Week 10

Arsenal de Sarandí - Racing Club 0:1
Sava

Lanús - Estudiantes La Plata 1:0
Jimenez
Estudiantes turned out to be completely unprepared for the tournament.

Huracán - Colón de Santa Fe 2:2
Mendoza, Nieto - Romero, Gandin

Rosario Central - San Lorenzo 1:3
Silvera, Mendez, Hirsig - Vizcarra

Gimnasia La Plata - Banfield 0:1
Cvitanich

San Martín San Juan - Vélez Sarsfield 3:2
Brusco (pen.), Tonelotto, Herrera - Silva, Balvorin (pen.)
An excellent win of modest provincial club. La Volpe's days at Velez are numbered.

Argentinos Juniors - Newell´s Old Boys 4:0
Hauche, Pereira (3)
An unexpected hat-trick of Uruguayan Pereira resulted in sacking of Newell's head coach.

Independiente - Olimpo Bahía Blanca 3:0
Montenegro, Denis (2)
Denis scored twice again and has now 13 goals in 10 games. An outstanding pace.

Tigre - River Plate 4:1
Martinez, Gimenez, Ayala (2) - Ruben
After that game Passarella started showing the signs of being prepared for defection to Monterrey. A wonderful win of small club over the giant does not seem that bright in light of severe injury of Alexis Sanchez who will be out of action for next three months.

Boca Juniors - Gimnasia de Jujuy 2:2
Boselli, Paletta - Miranda, Berza
Boca was sleeping by the end of the game and allowed a goal in injury time.

Talking Smart: Foreign Names

Martin Švejnoha (Czech.)
Another Czech "h", which should be pronounced rather as [g], since it's voiced: [shvey-noga].

Metcalfe (Eng.)
In this surname the "l" is mute: [metkaf].

Mirsad Bešlija (Croat.)
This surname is read due to the rules common for the western slav languages: [mirsad beshliya].

Moritz Volz (Ger.)
In German language "v" is pronounced as [f], while "z" stands for [ts]: [folts].

Nick Farquharson (Scot./Austr.)
The surname is of Scottish origin - [farkerson], but in Australia it is pronounced differently: [farkuarson].

Argentina & Brazil: Those Who Never Went to Europe

The emigration of Argentinean, Brazilian and Uruguayan players to Europe has become unprecedently active in last years. The talented players leave their homeland sometimes having not actually played in national leagues and hence having not gained their valuable experience. The wisest from this point of view seem to be those who managed to avoid the temptation and stay in South America at least till their 23-24 years. Let's have a look at those players.

Number one is, undoubtedly, River's leader Fernando Belluschi, who managed by his 23 to become Argentina's champion with Newells. Fernando now is in wonderful form, being a member of Argentinean national team, as well as one of world's best midfielders.

Another one to deserve some respect is once world champion with sub-20 Ariel Seltzer from Argentinos Juniors. This fullback remained faithful to his team both when it descended to the lower league, and when it returned and began to show some great football now.

Another outstanding Argentinean who remained loyal to his country despite his bright talent is Santiago Raymonda, playmaker of Instituto and Arsenal. He is 28 already.

Raymonda's club-mate, also a playmaker, Martin Andrizzi belongs to the same category. He is 31 already, but has never played abroad. He is considered as a very qualified specialist in Argentinean football.

Many Argentinean keepers of the highest class spend all their career at home. One of examples is Cristian Lucchetti, a keeper-scorer, who spent one season in Mexican Laguna Santos though.

Ex-defenseman of sub-20 Banfield's Marcos Galarza has reached 23 years, which means that he has played eight seasons in Argentinean league, and that his priceless experience is doubled by his youthfullness and energy. The best moment to move to Europe.

The same can be said about Galarza's mate forward Dario Cvitanich. He has blossomed by his 23 having turned into one of the most threatening Argentinean forwards.

Juan Krupoviesa, who is 27 now, remained faithful to Argentina and Boca too. At the present moment the member of Argentinean national team is injured.

One of the most classic cases is the one of Rodrigo Palacio. He is 25, he is a member of Argentinean national team, but he has never tried yet European pitches. Although Olympic Lyon expressed very serious interest to him a month ago.

Another one to never get to Europe is once Argentina's speediest defenseman Alcides Piccoli from Colon. He is 28 already and is unlikely to move abroad.

The same refers to very popular in Argentina forward Claudio Enria. This santafesino has tried great deal of Argentinean clubs, but never played for European ones, although could have felt himself perfect in any of them.

Gimnasia de Jujuy is lead this season by 27-year wonderful playmaker Cesar Carranza. Last year he conducted the game at Nueva Chicago. For unknown reasons the European scouts pay no attention to that skillful player.

Fernando Crosa has turned 28. Now he is somewhat lost, but a couple of years ago played for River Plate and was considered as one of Argentina's best fullbacks.

An experienced warrior, playmaker Pablo Batalla has reached 23 years too. This season he plays for Gimnasia de La Plata. Has never played in Europe either.

Cristian Cellay underwent all the testing and humiliation with his Huracan in lower league. Now this excellent defenseman is 26.

The brightest playmaker Rodrigo Diaz was away for Mexican Toluca for quite a brief period. The rest of his career was spent in Argentina, in particular in Independiente. Europe incomprehensibly does not express interest to that brilliant.

Of course, there is no way to forget about German Denis, the best Argentina's striker as of today. By his 26 this forward has developed so much, that is simply obliged to be invited to the national team. Europe does not notice him either.

The whole group of wonderful players, who are more than 23, but who never played in Europe, gathered in Lanus. First of all, Agustin Pelletieri, who already played for national team, as well as wonderful Marcos Aguirre and solid forward Jose Sand.

German Re is the only one to remain from the champion squad of Newells 2004. His outstanding level allowed him to move in either of directions, but he remained faithful to Newells.

Several excellent players who have never smelled the European grass, play today in Olimpo. In particular, River's alumnus playmaker Diego Barrado, 26, as well as defensemen Matias Villavicencio and Raul Saavedra.

Racing's Nicolas Cabrera and Cristian Pellerano have never left the country either. While Martin Romagnoli managed to become 30 without leaving Argentina too.

River's Paulo Ferrari and Danilo Gerlo could have been desired in any European grand. Instead they decided to spent the best years of the careers at home.

San Lorenzo boasts of several such players too. Jonathan Bottinelli has turned 23 several days ago, but this is already a tested warrior, wanted by many European grandees. Gaston Aguirre is a bit older, he is 26, but still has not played abroad. Neither have Cristian Tula (29), Gonzalo Hirsig (29) and Adrian Gonzalez (31).

Well, and finally, Velez Sarsfield with its experienced Mariano Uglessich, Walter Bustamante, Hernan Pellerano and Sergio Sena. In their cases the experience is combined with youthfullness and wonderful physical conditions.

In other words, it's quite possible to make a great Argentinean National Team out of the players who are older than 23 and who never played abroad. For example, it could be like this:
Cristian Lucchetti - Paulo Ferrari, Marcos Galarza, Hernan Pellerano, German Re - Fernando Belluschi, Santiago Raymonda, Rodrigo Diaz, Marcos Aguirre - German Denis, Rodrigo Palacio

Brazil too has many such players, despite that the Brazilians are tempted even more by the European clubs.

In Atletico Mineiro today there has been sticking out Corinthians' alumnus 24-year Coelho. In victorious for Corinthians season of 2005 he had played an important role.

Atletico Paranaense's anchorman Alan Bahia has never left country by his 24 years.

By his 25 years Botafogo's fullback Anselmo Vendrechovski, better known as Juninho, has turned into one of Brazil's best defensemen. Before Fogao he played for his native Coritiba.

One of Brazil's most talented playmakers Lucio Flavio by his 28 years left the homeland just once - for Arab Al-Ahli. Today he plays for Botafogo too.

Another one to have 26 years already is Cruzeiro's playmaker, who played in many Brazilian grandees, Marcinho. He neither crossed Brazilian border despite having an undoubtful and bright talent.

Keeper Fernando Enrique is 24, and he has been loyal to his Fluminense so far.

Another one to have a brief spell in Arab football is playmaker of many big Brazilian clubs, Tcheco. At least, he never played in Europe.

One of Brazil´s best defending midfielders today is named Martinez from Palmeiras. By his 27 years he has played exclusively at home.

Josiel from Parana is 27 too, and he is one of this year's best scorers. He has been wanted by many European clubs, but has been remaining at home for now.

One of Brazil´s best keepers, Fabio Costa from Santos, never played abroad in his 30.

Another defending midfielder Rodrigo Tabata (ex-Goias, now Santos) has played solely in Brazilian teams till his 27 without thinking of Europe. His qualification is beyond any doubts.

Pedrinho, well-known all over Brazil, spent just one season at Al-Ittihad, but most of his career was spent in Brazil. He is 30 already.

Rogerio Ceni, a keeping-striking legend spent 16 last years in Sao Paulo. He is 34 now and his case is one of the brightest, since he is a true world-class figure.

Those to never play abroad have been also Maurinho, once member of Brazilian national team, as well as respectful Corinthians' fullback Marinho. Both are old enough.

Dagoberto, despite being wanted by many European grandees, successfully managed to play at home till his 24, while the rest of his sub-20 mates have long been playing in Europe already.

Only after having turned 28 ex-playmaker of Goias and Sao Paulo Danilo was released to play in Japan.

Paulo Baier, one of the best Brasileirao's players today, is 33. He has never left country either.

Finally, extremely talented Flavio Luiz played at home till he turned 30.

So, the Brazilian National Team of those who are over 23, and who never played abroad, impresses too:
Rogerio Ceni - Coelho, Marinho, Juninho, Maurinho - Martinez, Marcinho, Lucio Flavio, Flavio Luiz - Dagoberto, Josiel

I don't know what you think, but to me those who prefered to stay at home seem to be twice as more respectful.

Talking Smart: Foreign Names

Maciej Żurawski (Pol.)
In Polish language "с" stands for [ts] (if not in combination with "h"), "j" stands for [y], while "Ż" - for [zh]. The combination "ie" means a long mild [e]. "W" is [v]. So, [matsey zhuravski].

Mahon (Eng.)
Despite that it does not have an ending "e", it is pronounced as if it had one: [mahoun]. Note also, that a derivation "McMahon" is read differently too.

Mark Nygaard (Dan.)
In Danish language "y", if not at the begininng of a word, is read as [yu]: [nyugard].

Mark Yeates (Eng.)
This surname has several variants of pronunciation. We suggest the most common: [yeits].

Martin Slocombe (Eng.)
Another example of a "combe" root, in which the "b" is mute: [slokom].

Freddy Rincon

Famous Colombian Freddy Rincon, who, as we informed, was arrested by Brazilian police in connection to accusations in narcotraffic, has been released. In his interview the ex-star of Corinthians and Santos declared his innocence and attacked the chiefs of Santos who owe him 12 million reals.

Alexis Sanchez

The chiefs of River Plate were so impressed with the bright start in their team of young Chilean Alexis Sanchez, that they are doing their best now to keep him at least till 2009. Sanchez is still only 18.

Talking Smart: Foreign Names

John O'Shea (Irl.)
This Irish surname should be pronounced as [o-shey].

Keogh (Irl.)
Another Irish surname which should be remembered: [kee-ou].

Kjetil Wæhler (Nor./Swed./Ger.)
In Norwegian and Swedish languages "kj" stands for [ch]. In German language the "h", if not at the beginning of a word, usually is mute. The letter "æ" denotes something between Latin [a] and [e] and should be rendered as [e]: [chetil veler].

Lukáš Brhlík (Czech.)
Another example of a Czech "h" which is always voiced and should be rendered in international transcription systems through [g]. Also there is a hidden syllable here among a heap of consonants: [lukash brglik].

Luke Chadwick (Eng.)
In English surnames with "-wick" suffix the last letter of a root is doubled while the "w" is not pronounced: [chaddik]. Although, in USA you may encounter a more predictable pronounciation.