Silly Season: Mauricio Pinilla

Mauricio Pinilla is not one of the players of La Roja at the moment, although this transfer is large enough to get an attention on this blog. Pinilla is a Chilean player who has been a good attacker but has had problem with his temper. He has been playing in Europe since 2003 when he came to Italian club Inter, but only to be loaned to Chievo where he played six games without scoring. Last club he played for was Serie B club Grosseto where he scored 24 goals in 24 games, many of them shown on this blog. All those goals made an echo throughout Europe, but he decided to stay in Italy and play for Palermo who bought him today in front of Fiorentina, who were also interested in the 26 year old Chilean.
The transfer sum is around €6 million with a few other options. Palermo had a great season and came in 5th place, earning a spot on next years Europa League. Pinilla's main competition in Palermo will be struggling for the attacking spots with Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli, they scored 32 goals together last season.

Sunday glory

Alexis Sanchéz (1-2): Serie A (2010-05-02) Cagliari - Udinese 2-2

Once again, El Niño Maravilla scores for his Udinese. He has really exploded lately and will hopefully bring this great form to the World Cup, so Spanish defenders - WATCH OUT!
The goal? It was pretty basic, he stood unmarked at a center and could head the ball from close. But once again, he stood at the right place at the right time.



Rodrigo Tello (1-3): Turkcell Süper Lig (2010-05-02) Diyarbakirspor - Besiktas 1-3

Tello scored again for Besiktas in their game against Diyarbakirspor. It was the last goal of the game and it came from a firm header. Besiktas are currently in fourth place in the Turkish league, however they have no chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season, so they will play in Europa League instead. Tello is one of few players that are definitely up for a spot on the Chilean World Cup team.

How to make it to the final ...

Chilean goalscorers in Europe from this last week.

Alexis Sanchez (1-1): Serie A (2010-02-24) Udinese - Cagliari 2-1

Not the greatest goal, but Udinese are in a great need of points. Believe me, there are nicer goals coming ;)



Mark Gonzalez (1-1): Champions Leauge (1/8) (2010-02-24) CSKA - Sevilla 1-1
Speedy Gonzalez saved CSKA with a wonderful shot from distance. Sevilla's Palop didn't have a chance.



Claudio Bravo (1-0): Liga Adelante (2010-02-14) Real Sociedad - Gimnastic 1-0

Goalkeeper (!) Bravo scored the only goal in the match when he struck a freekick right outside the area. Who would have thought. Might we see a copy against Spain in the World Cup? I wish!



Matias Fernandez (3-0): Europa Leauge (2010-02-25) Sporting Lissabon - Everton 3-0

Goooooooolaaaaaaaazo, de Matigol. Just watch... CR9 who?