The Laureus World Sports Awards are presented annually to the best individuals and teams from the global sporting year. The first edition was held in the year 2000, and now in its eight years of existence, the Laureus Awards are considered the "Oscars of Sport".


FC Barcelona have been rewarded with the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award in recognition of their historic agreement with UNICEF.


The Ceremony was held in the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona and FC Barcelona were among the winners for the revolutionary agreement Barca closed with UNICEF this year.


The Barça president send a special message during his acceptance speech in the ceremony on this evening:

This is dedicated to all the most vulnerable children around the world, to FC Barcelona’s fans and members and to everybody who has supported this initiative. Barca is more than a Club. We promote social values and try to be the best and always by being sporting.

FC Barcelona´s first team was nominated for the "Team of Year 2006" award in recognition of the major titles won this year and the wonderful football the team plays. However, the award was presented to Italy, winners of the World Cup 2006 in Germany.


Other winners in this colourful and superbly organised event last night included the two tennis sensations, Serena Williams and Roger Federer.

Reports in today´s edition of Catalan sport newspaper "SPORT", suggest that Barca´s technical secretary Txiki Begiristain is in the hunt for a ball-winning midfielder. Further "SPORT" claims that FC Barcelona have a four-man shortlist to strengthen their midfield:
Liverpool's Mohamed Sissoko, Valencia's David Albelda, Atletico Madrid's Peter Luccin and AS Monaco´s Yaya Toure.


However, Barca´s txiki Begiristain was reluctant to comment on specific transfer targets and told "SPORT":

We are working for the next campaign but we will never talk about names in advance. It is logical because the speculation transmits to the press.

FC Barcelona´s Brazilian left back Sylvinho faces a month on the sidelines with a calf injury, picked up during Friday´s training session at La Masia.
Sylvinho will probably be out for 4 weeks and might miss next month UEFA Championsleague battle with Premiership Club Liverpool.

European Champions FC Barcelona have dominated the first eleven that UEFA have chosen as the best hybrid team of 2006.
Barcelona Dominate UEFA 2006 ‘Dream Team’

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European Champions League winner FC Barcelona have four players and coach Frank Rijkaard in the UEFA 2006 "Dream Team". the visitors of UEFA´s official website voted Barca captain Carles Puyol, Gianluca Zambrotta, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o into the best team of 2006.


UEFA Dream Team 2006 - (4-3-3)


Goalkeeper:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)


Defenders:

Gianluca Zambrotta (FC Barcelona)
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid CF)

Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)
Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern Munich)


Midfielders:

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC)
Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal FC)

Kaká (AC Milan)


Strikers:
Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona)

Thierry Henry (Arsenal FC)
Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelona)


Manager:

Frank Rijkaard (FC Barcelona)

FC BArcelona will face Real Zaragoza as the next opponent in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. Today´s draw finally brought last year´s quarterfinal opponents together again to fight their way into the Semi´s. Real Zaragossa had the upper hand last year, when they won 4-2 at home and lost 1-2 at Camp Nou, after a controversial sending off of superstar Ronaldinho, but went through on aggregate (5-4). The draw, gives the Barca team the opportunity to forget last years elimination. the first leg will be played on 31st of January at Camp Nou and the second leg will take part on the 28th of February at La Romareda.


All Quarterfinals:


FC Barcelona - Real Zaragoza
FC Sevilla - Betis

Deportivo La Coruna - Valladolid
Getafe - Osasuna