No team in world football has honed the practice of buying emerging strikers or developing their own world-class strikers like Atletico Madrid. Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and now Radamel Falcao are the obvious names from the last decade, but there have been far more.
The Argentine Basque striker Garate was Spain's top scorer three times in succession as the Atletico won three league titles, five Copa del Reys and the European Cup Winners' Cup in the 60s and early 70s.
The Mexican Hugo Sanchez was another who crossed the Atlantic to star at the Calderon, La Liga's top scorer with Atletico before he moved to Real Madrid and won the Pichichi a further four times.
Atleti began to reluctantly lose their best strikers to bigger clubs, yet kept replacing them.
They found another Pichichi in the Brazilian Baltazar in 1989 and yet another in 1992 when Manolo's formidable partnership with Paulo Futre clicked. Cristian Vieri was yet another Atletico Pichichi star in 1998, while their Uruguayan forward Diego Forlan won the award in 2009.
Atletico can be a chaotic club, yet they consistently get it right with strikers. They can possibly be excused for letting Atletico fan Raul slip through the net in the early 90s. Real Madrid did not make the same mistake.
Atletico's new striking star is the Colombian Falcao, a powerful 26 year old signed from FC Porto a year ago to soften the blow of losing Aguero and Forlan. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the headlines last season, but Falcao netted 36 times in a weaker side.
That total was more than any of Atletico's previous illustrious strikers and included 12 in Europe as Atleti won the Europa League. Two incredible Falcao strikes graced the final against Athletic Bilbao.
Football took notice, Falcao's eye-watering €40 million (Dh185m) fee appearing justified within a year.
Born on Colombia's Caribbean coast, Falcao's started out in his country's second division before Argentine giant River Plate signed him in 2004 aged 18. Falcao had begun to study journalism, but his studies took a back seat when he made his first team debut at 19.
A star in his five seasons in Buenos Aires, River Plate rejected an €8m bid from Deportivo La Coruna in 2008. He ended up moving to Europe for half that a year later, FC Porto the shrewd purchasers.
Falcao scored a record 18 European goals in his second season in Oporto as they won the Europa League. Interest soared and so did his buy out fee - hence Atletico's club record transfer fee.
Atleti had called it right again. After scoring a first half hat-trick in a man of the match performance against Chelsea in last week's European Super Cup, his stock rose further.
"His movement killed Chelsea," said The National columnist and former striker Andrew Cole. "Defenders couldn't stay with him and he always appeared to have an extra metre of pace than anyone who came near.
"He's the absolute top level and will go for big money when he leaves - and he will leave because Atletico sell their brilliant strikers."
At least they can take solace in their club's track record with replacing strikers.
Atletico's star man is not in Madrid this weekend as he's on international duty for Colombia. With Falcao up front, Colombia have risen to 22nd in the world rankings, yet they sit sixth in the nine team South American group - with only the first four teams qualifying automatically for Brazil 2014.
The schedule does not get any easier. Colombia face the unbeaten second placed Uruguay at home today and then group leaders Chile away on Tuesday.
The World Cup finals are a suitable stage for a player of Falcao's immense talents. First, he has to use them to help his country get there for the first time since the France 98 side of Rene Higuita, Carlos Valderrama, Faustino Asprilla.
Falcao could be a bigger star than all three, if he isn't already.
sports@thenational.ae
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
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Leaderboard
63 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA)
64 - Rory McIlroy (NIR)
66 - Jon Rahm (ESP)
67 - Tom Lewis (ENG), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)
68 - Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)
69 - Justin Rose (ENG), Thomas Detry (BEL), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Danny Willett (ENG), Li Haotong (CHN), Matthias Schwab (AUT)
Company%20Profile
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The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
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Schedule:
Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)
Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)
Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four
Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)
Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 28: Final (Dubai)
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SPECS
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TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30, December 1-2
International Vets
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation fixtures
Thursday, November 30:
10.20am, Pitch 3, v 100 World Legends Project
1.20pm, Pitch 4, v Malta Marauders
Friday, December 1:
9am, Pitch 4, v SBA Pirates
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Meydan card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (PA) Group 1 US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) Group 2 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Greatest Royal Rumble results
John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match
Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus
Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal
Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos
Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out
The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
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The 100 Best Novels in Translation
Boyd Tonkin, Galileo Press
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
The specs: 2018 Renault Megane
Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200
Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable transmission
Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km