Ronaldo defends Valcke's criticism towards Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Ronaldo defended FIFA's Secretary General Jerome Valcke's recent harsh words towards the Brazil's delayed World Cup preparations upon his arrival for routine inspections. Valcke declared last week that projects and

Ronaldo happy to end career at Real Madrid

MADRID, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday expressed his willingness to stay at Real Madrid for the rest of his career. The former Manchester United striker has only won one major trophy in his two previous years at the club, but speaki

Ronaldo retires from soccer

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- In a tearful announcement（公告,宣告）, Corinthians star striker Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima, or simply Ronaldo, revealed his decision on Monday to retire as a professional soccer player. Surrounded by his c

Ronaldo practises for first time in 2011

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Veteran striker for Corinthians Ronaldo got his first touch of the soccer ball on Sunday. While isolated to focus on his physical conditioning, the athlete participated in a 25 minute exercise in which he was able t

Ronaldo back to Real squad

MADRID, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid's star striker Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the squad for Spanish La Liga match slated for the weekend after recovering from an ankle strain, his club said on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined the squad in t

Euro 2012 main stadium to open on Oct. 8

KIEV, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Kiev Olympic stadium, which will host the final match of Euro 2012 Soccer Championship, will be completed in time, and the stadium is expected to open on Oct. 8, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Ministe

The wisdom of keeping quiet

For many people across the world, one of life's most valuable qualities is wisdom. 对很多人来说，聪慧是人生命中最宝贵的财富之一，你怎么认为呢？ The wisdom of keeping quiet Yvonne:Hi, I'm Yvonne Archer, this is '6 minute English' and with me today

Officials to line up for Beijing buffets

BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A new regulation to battle extravagance in Beijing Municipality bans banquets for officials in the city on business. Officials at various levels will all receive buffet-style meals during work-related visits to Beijing, a

Santos denies Neymar deal with Barcelona

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian top-flight club Santos released a statement on Friday denying speculation it has agreed to sell striker Neymar to Barcelona. Catalan daily Sport reported on Friday that Barcelona had already made a down-p

Milan drew 0-0 with Barcelona

AC Milan survived a prolonged Barcelona onslaught to hold their illustrious visitors goalless, but wasted some chances at the beginning. A series of sublime Barca attacks produced no end product, while Milan managed to shut out Lionel Messi in red-ho

Barcelona president Rossell angry at 'false' Pique rumors

MADRID, March 13 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona president Sandro Rossell has rejected claims that coach Pep Guardiola has asked for central defender Gerard Pique to be sold as a condition for renewing his contract at the club. With his current deal due to

Barcelona preapares to host basketball's Copa del Rey

MADRID, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thursday sees the start of the annual Copa del Rey in Spanish Basketball, a knockout competition that promises four days of thrilling basketball. This year's Copa del Rey is held in the Palau San Jordi in Barcelona and bri

Barcelona extend contract for young defender Montoya

MADRID, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona announced an agreement Friday to extend the contract for young full back Martin Montoya until the end of June 2014. Montoya, who has made a handful of appearances for the Barcelona first team and who was even

Barcelona qualify for Champions League final

MADRID, May 3 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona qualified for the final of the Champions（冠军） League on Tuesday night after drawing 1-1 at home to Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi- final. Pedro Rodriguez opened the score for

Barcelona closer to Real Madrid with 4-1 away win

MADRID, April 7 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona moved to within three points of BBVA Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid thanks to a 4-1 away win in Zaragoza on Saturday night. Although Barcelona were below their best and coach Pep Guardiola rested midfield tr

Nash selected Canada team general manager

OTTAWA, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Phoenix Suns star guard Steve Nash was named on Tuesday general manager of Canada's national basketball program in their bid for the London Olympic Games. Nash will lead the men's team to try to qualify for the London Olympi

When booking a flight, what questions do you need to ask?

Modern business often involves international travel. When booking a flight, what questions do you need to ask? 现代商务经常涉及到国际旅行，当预订航班的时候你需要询问什么样的问题 Imagine you are booking a flight and a hotel over the phone. What words

Inflation expectation presses for rate hike

Inflation expectation presses for rate hike The possibility of an interest rates hike by China's central bank is imminent as inflationary pressure prolongs and a prudent monetary policy is in place, the China Securities Journal reported Friday. China

European Debt Crisis Dampens Holiday Cheer

Concerns about the European debt crisis and high unemployment are sapping the Christmas holiday spirit in some of Europe's capitals. Along the Gran Via in Madrid, the holiday lights are up but do little to brighten the mood - shoppers and pedestrians

Chinese vice premier arrives in Germany for visit

BERLIN, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier（副总理） Li Keqiang arrived here Thursday on the second stop of his three-nation Europe tour to promote China's relations with European Union nations. In a written speech released at the airport,