FOOTBALL | SPORT

Malaysia - National Olympic Team 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 06:33:00 +0000

Selamat berjuang skuad Olimpik Malaysia

Past Result

- 2012 London Olympic Qualifying Round 2 - Lebanon vs Malaysia (19 June 2011) 0-0
Malaysia vs Lebanon (23 June 2011) 2-1; Malaysia wins to qualified for grouping

Upcoming Games

- Grouping C Consist:
Japan, Bahrain, Syria and Malaysia

Malaysia Olympic Team during Olympic qualifier match.

Registered Official

1. DATO' AFANDI HAMZAH (TEAM MANAGER)
2. DATO' ROSLAN AHMAD (SECURITY OFFICER)
3. ONG KIM SWEE (HEAD COACH)
4. HASSAN SAZALI MOHD WARAS (ASST. COACH)
5. YONG WAI HWANG (GK COACH)
6. MOHD NASRUL AHMAD TAJUDDIN (PHYSIO)
7. RASTISLAV BOZIK (PHYSICAL TRAINER)
8. AHMAD HILMI ABDUL LATIF (SPORT CODE)
9. MOHD ZAIDI ABDUL LATIB (MASSUER)
10. MOHD SUKRI HAIMI (KITMAN)

Registered Player (List Updated Accordingly to Matches Between Malaysia vs Pakistan, 9 March 2011)

1. KHAIRUL FAHMI CHE MAT
2. MAHALI JASULI
3. MOHAMAD FADHLI MOHD SHAS
4. MOHD FAIZAL MUHAMAD
5. SIVANESAN SHANMUGAM
6. MOHD IRFAN FAZAIL
7. SYAHRUL AZWARI IBRAHIM
8. GURUSAMY G. KANDASAMY
9. GARY STEVEN ROBBAT
10. WAN ZACK HAIKAL WAN NOR
11. MOHAMAD FANDI OTHMAN
12. WAN ZAHARUL NIZAM WAN ZAKARIA
13. MOHD AFFIZIE FAISAL MAMAT
14. MUHAMMAD ZAMER SELAMAT
15. MOHAMAD MUSLIM AHMAD
16. AHMAD SHAKIR ALI
17. AHMAD FAKRI SAARANI
18. MOHAMMAD FAIZAL ABU BAKAR

PELUANG PERNIAGAAN BERSAMA MAXCARE SUCCESS SDN BHD

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:50:00 +0000

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Hall of Fame - Players, Coaches and Officials (part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:48:00 +0000

Franz Beckenbauer

Germany's greatest ever footballer, Franz Beckenbauer was a World Cup winner as a player in 1974 and as German coach in 1990 as well as twice European Footballer of the Year in an almost unrivalled distinguished career. Nicknamed Der Kaiser, Beckenbauer virtually created the and perfected the role of libero in the modern game.

Name: Franz Anton Beckenbauer

Nickname: Der Kaiser

Nationality: German

Date and Place of Birth: September 11, 1945 in Munich, Germany

See Beckenbauer video

Career Appearances and Goals:
1964 - 1977 FC Bayern Munich - 427 apps, 60 goals

1977 - 1980 New York Cosmos - 105 apps, 19 goals

1980 - 1982 Hamburger SV - 28 apps, 0 goals

1983 New York Cosmos - 27 apps, 2 goals

International Career:
1965 - 1977 West Germany - 103 apps, 14 goals

Coaching Career:
1984 - 1990 West Germany

1990 - 1991 Olympique Marseille

1993 - 1994 FC Bayern Munich

1996 FC Bayern Munich

Playing Honours:
Bayern Munich

Bundesliga - 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974 DFB Cup (German Cup) - 1966, 1967, 1969, 1971 European Cup - 1974, 1975, 1976 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup - 1967 Intercontinental Cup - 1976

Hamburger SV

Bundesliga - 1982

New York Cosmos

NASL Championship - 1977, 1978, 1980

West Germany

FIFA World Cup Winner - 1974 European Championships Winner - 1972

Coaching Honours:
West Germany - FIFA World Cup - 1990

FC Bayern Munich - Bundesliga 1994, UEFA Cup 1996

Franz Beckenbauer's Style of Play:
Versatile and cool on the ball, Franz Beckenbauer started his career as a midfielder but went on to virtually create the modern role of libero or ball playing sweeper during his illustrious career. Calm, cool and collected in possession, he was the consummate defender who was always ready to help his side break into attack with a strong run from defensive areas.

Dominant in the air and composed on the ground, Franz Beckenbauer is widely regarded as one of world football's all time greatest players and certainly one fo the finest defenders the world has ever seen.

About Franz Beckenbauer:
Spurning the chance to join his boyhood heroes 1860 Munich after an altercation with their youth team during a youth tournament, Franz Beckenbauer joined city neighbours FC Bayern Munich and made his debut as a left winger in 1964, helping the club to promotion to the Bundesliga in 1964/65. With Beckenbauer's powers growing Bayern Munich began to build their powerbase winning the German Cup in 1966 and 1967 and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1967. Beckenbauer took over as club captain during the 1968/69 season and helped the club to their first league title win in over thirty years that season.

Given Beckenbauer's imperious ball skills, vision and defensive talents, he began to experiment with the role of libero in the Bayern Munich team and over the course of several seasons perfected the role as a defensive maintay who was able to turn defence into attack, carrying the ball from the back and helping release Bayern's attacking talents.

Bayern Munich turned their domestic dominance to the European stage in the mid-1970s winning successive European Cups in 1974, 1975 and 1976, giving them outright possession of the European Cup trophy and the European Badge of Honour. On a personal level, Franz Beckenbauer was recognised for his part in Bayern's success by winning the European Footballer of the Year award in 1972 and 1976.

Beckenbauer's international career ran from 1963 to 1977 for West Germany and in total brought him 103 caps, 14 goals, one World Cup win in 1974 and a European Championships victory in 1972.

After over a decade of success for Bayern Munich and West Germany, Beckenbauer made a move in 1977 to the blossoming North American Soccer League to join Pele at New York Cosmos.

Beckenbauer was also a success in North America, winning the NASL Championship three times and playing over 100 times in his first spell at the club between 1977 and 1980.

After three years in America, Franz Beckenbauer returned to his native West Germany in 1980 and played 28 games for Hamburger SV before going back to New York Cosmos for a swansong season in 1983.

Beckenbauer's record as a coach is equally impressive taking West Germany to World Cup glory in 1990 and Bayern Munich to Bundesliga success in 1994 and the UEFA Cup in 1996.

Franz Beckenbauer has held the position of club president of Bayern Munich, vice-chairman of the DFB (German Football Federation) and was a key figure in the German 2006 World Cup organising committee.

See Beckenbauer video

Top 5 About.com World Soccer Players 2006/2007

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:43:00 +0000

From Alan Hylands,

The spotlight of the world is trained more fully than ever before on the actions of world soccer's top players and never more so than in the year following a major international tournament such as last summer's World Cup in Germany. Many top players underachieved in Germany and with reputations faltering had to pin their hopes on their club careers to rescue their tattered images. We've selected five players that we think have epitomised the spirit of world football in the past season 2006/2007 and truly deserve to be named as the best footballers in the world.

1. KakaKaka's World Cup ended early in disappointment as Brazil failed to live up to their early billing and failed to reach the final for the first time since 1990. Personally the young playmaker was under pressure in the following months at both club level, where he was expected to fill the void left at AC Milan by Andriy Shevchenko's departure to Chelsea, and for Brazil where new coach Dunga began his reign by dropping Kaka to the bench in the friendly against Argentina. In both cases Kaka delivered the perfect answer by firing AC Milan to the Champion's League final and by regaining his Brazil starting spot in style.

2. Cristiano RonaldoNo longer is the young Portuguese winger known as "the other Ronaldo" in world footballing circles as his performances for Manchester United, in both domestic and European competition, have catapulted him into the upper echelon of world soccer's greats. Skilful with either foot and deceptively strong in the air, Ronaldo has taken his game to an all new level this season, mixing the skilful showboating with plenty of end product in terms of goals and assists as Manchester United look set for the Premiership title and a possible league and cup double. Double Player of the Year awards haven't flattered him at all.

3. Steven GerrardWhile we usually clamour more for the skilful artists and big goalscorers when it comes to handing out awards, it would be completely remiss to leave Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard out of any list of the world's top players over the past season. Strength and skill personified, Gerrard is the engine room of a hard working Liverpool side that has now made it's way to a second European Cup final in three years and stand on the verge of bringing a 6th European Cup back to Anfield. If one player espouses all that is good about English football over the years, it is Steven Gerrard.

4. RonaldinhoUnarguably one of the major disappointments at last summer's World Cup was the lacklustre performance of Barcelona's Brazilian star Ronaldinho. Long touted as the world's finest player he seemed slow and tired when given the chance to prove his worth on the biggest international soccer stage after a gruelling season winning La Liga and the Champion's League with Barcelona. 2006/2007 again saw his detractors aim digs at his weight and apparent disinterest in the game but 24 goals in 53 games tells a different story as the puppet master again has lit up world soccer at the most vital of moments.

5. Lionel MessiIt's been a tough year for Argentinian wonderkid Lionel Messi as injury robbed him of a lot of the 2006 part of the season for both club and country as he tries to establish himself in one of club football's most entertaining strikeforces at Barcelona and take on the international mantle of legend Diego Maradona, which is no small feat in itself! Messi has responded by firing in an average of a goal every other game for Barcelona and Argentina this season and with an unending bag of tricks is really my number one young player to watch over the next few years. "The new Maradona"-maybe not but then who ever could be?

source: http://worldsoccer.about.com

How Will Chelsea's Strikers React To Anelka's Signing?

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:40:00 +0000

From Alan Hylands,

I may have bemoaned the lack of genuine talent being transferred in this January transfer window but this week made me eat my words a little as Nicolas Anelka finally left the purgatory world of Bolton Wanderers and a relegation dogfight for the more rarefied air of Stamford Bridge and Chelsea's battle for silverware on multiple fronts. I'm a long term admirer of Anelka (despite his supposedly sulky demeanour) and have been surprised that a bigger club haven't taken advantage of his undoubted talents before now. Liverpool had their chance when he was there on loan and blew it and it's taken a few years and nearly thirty million for them to get a striker anywhere near his quality in Fernando Torres. An expensive lesson learnt. Chelsea's main problem with Anelka's signing will be in keeping their current band of strikers happy and finding a system of play that suits them with the added dimension of Anelka in their attack. Didier Drogba has made no public secret of his desire to leave the club in the aftermath of Jose Mourinho's "sacking" and having told countless media outlets that he didn't even want to come to Chelsea in the first place and cried the night before he signed the (multi-million pound) contract I can't see the Ivorian lasting beyond the summer which at least solves the problem of finding a system to incorporate Drogba and Anelka who thrive on very types of service. Andriy Shevchenko has looked a spent force since he signed for Chelsea and the old myth of quality European player only signing for English clubs once they are past their best and ready for a large pension fund can be summed up easily in two words: Andriy Shevchenko. He's lost the yard of pace that set him apart and the hunger that made him one of the world's most feared strikers in the red and black of AC Milan and I'm surprised he wasn't moved on in the summer. A definite departure in the summer if not before. I'll sum the other Chelsea strikers up in two words: the rest. Claudio Pizarro is a perfect example of the kind of sub-standard player available on a free transfer when Roman Abramovich closed his transfer purse to Jose Mourinho and while he's a solid player he is nowhere near the standard required for a club pushing for the trophies Chelsea aim for. Salomon Kalou is of a similar standard, a good player but not a potentially great player who will NEVER score 20 plus goals for Chelsea in a season. The bottom line is that Nicolas Anelka can strike up a quick partnership when Didier Drogba comes back form the African Nation's Cup but he needn't get used to playing with him because I have a funny feeling he'll have a new multi-million pound strike partner come August 2008. From a selfish point of view I just hope he isn't a Bulgarian with first hand knowledge of the English Premier League and London football....

source: http://worldsoccer.about.com/

On top of the world

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:37:00 +0000

by Paolo Menicucci

Qualifying for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage is routine for an AC Milan side which has reached the final three times in the past five years. The 1-0 victory against Celtic FC which gave the Rossoneri top spot in Group D, however, will not be forgotten in a hurry by Rossoneri team-mates Kaká and Filippo Inzaghi.

Kaká prize
What made the match so special for them? Perhaps because Kaká was voted Man of the Match by uefa.com users and Inzaghi scored the winner. Wrong answer – that too is routine. For Kaká it was the first game since receiving the Ballon d'Or which he proudly showed to the Milan tifosi prior to kick-off. For Inzaghi that 70th-minute winner took him beyond Gerd Müller as the all-time record scorer in UEFA club competition with 63 goals.

'Great honour'
uefa.com met Kaká at Milan's Milanello training ground the day after he was awarded the Ballon d'Or which he was keeping close to his side as he entered the room. "It's a great honour to have written my name in the history of football like this," he told us. "It's a very important award in Europe, I would say the most important individual award for a footballer. Having my name included on the list of winners is really a huge honour."

Milan greats
The Brazilian international is the sixth Milan player to win the award after Gianni Rivera, Ruud Gullit, Marco Van Basten (three times), George Weah and Andriy Shevchenko. The ten goals Kaká scored to lead Milan to the UEFA Champions League title was the key for his individual success. "To win awards like the Ballon d'Or and the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, you have to do well in the Champions League especially in a year when there is no World Cup or European Championship. The Champions League was definitely the most important trophy last year and we won it."

Huge responsibility
Kaká will become a father for the first time next year and recently revealed plans to study theology to become an evangelical pastor. His hunger for further success on the pitch, though, is undiminished. "Getting to this level means I have the necessary quality so if I work hard I can stay at this level. It is a huge responsibility but I like it because it's a challenge. Next year I want to win all the things I won this year [again]. This is my new challenge."

'Do it again'
As for the future, Kaká is happy for more of the same. "I have always said I want to become a symbol of this club, one of the leaders and the captain, respecting the hierarchy in the team. Paolo Maldini is a great example for me. But not just him. There are several players here who have won everything but still have the same motivation to keep on winning. At 25 I have already won almost everything in my career. Now I want to do it again." Starting with the FIFA World Club Cup which Milan will contest later this month in Japan. "This is the last major trophy I'm missing and it's the same for several of my team-mates including the Italian internationals who won the World Cup last year."

Inzaghi record
Among those is Inzaghi who discussed his new record with uefa.com after the game against Celtic. Like Kaká, there is plenty more the 34-year-old hopes to achieve. "It's a great feeling especially because I did it at San Siro, in front of my own supporters. Now I'll try and keep going and keep scoring, particularly because a lot of the players chasing me in the goalscorers' charts are younger than me and will have more opportunities to catch me up."

First goal
Some players don't remember their past goals or games, not Inzaghi. You don't want to get your numbers wrong when interviewing him. He remembers all his European goals, including the first on from 28 September 1995 when his Parma FC side defeated Albania's KS Teuta 2-0. "I remember that goal clearly," he recalled. "It was an important one because it was my first game in Europe and I scored in the last minute. I don't think you ever forget your first European goal."

Athens triumph
"Obviously my favourite goals were the two I scored in Athens," he added. "There's no question about that. I'd like to thank all the clubs I have played for and my team-mates." Kaká is the man to thank for the second goal in last season's UEFA Champions League final. His perfect pass split the Liverpool FC defence and put Inzaghi through. The striker's instinct, for which he still thanks mother nature, did the rest, Inzaghi's goal sealing Milan's seventh European Cup title. With Kaká and Inzaghi in this kind of form, there are likely to be many more golden weeks to celebrate.

source: ©uefa.com 1998-2007. All rights reserved.

How to Kick a Soccer Ball – A Youth Coach’s Nightmare

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 14:39:00 +0000

Submitted by coachv

How many times have you heard it shouted from the soccer coach’s and soccer parents? “Don’t kick with your toe, use your laces.” Sounds like a simple request, but most people working with youth soccer players find this to be a major stumbling point.

Don’t feel bad if you have a soccer player or soccer team that is struggling with the basics of kicking a soccer ball or passing. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the greatest youth coaches that hold a C – A certification and they struggle with the same issue. One of the biggest problems with teaching the correct soccer kick form is that people see this as one simple issue. In our research we found that there are several issues that need to be dealt with.

If you start as we did on the Blast The Ball video, you start with the “evolution of the soccer kick”. You MUST learn WHY youth soccer players kick with their toe before you can correct it. Simply telling them to switch to a “lace kick” will not only confuse them and frustrate them, but may also cause serious physical injury.

Pointing the toe DOWN will cause the toe to impact the ground and cause a horrible strain to the top of the foot. This injury will last for several days, but more importantly the psychological impact will last for months. They will fear performing this kick because they know, “it hurts”.

Learning how to “shorten the leg” through a V swing and starting with an angle kick is the first step. This allows the soccer player to freely move their foot through the ball without fear of “hitting the ground”. Yes this takes time and must be done at a slow pace, but after they learn this method it will be automatic and become a muscle memory.

The next step is to make sure that players get the feeling of LOADING their leg prior to starting the kick. One of the simplest movements yet least understood movements in soccer today is the Soccer Hop. When we show it to professional soccer players, they are simply amazed. They find themselves “soccer hopping” around their living room.

Sadly we often hear many in the youth soccer community say, “kids learn soccer by playing the game”. I think this is one of the most detrimental phrases in youth soccer today. How many golfers (hackers) are 60+ years old and still hitting a bad slice? They have over 8000 hours of “playing time” yet haven’t learned a thing. On the reverse side, why is it that the top golfers in the world spend hours upon hours at the driving range refining their skills when they are already at the top of their sport?

They understand like we in youth soccer need to understand this important point. You learn the GAME of soccer by playing the game. It creates overall awareness, creativity and teamwork.

You learn the needed SKILLS to play the game by programming muscle memory and correct swing (kicking) thoughts until they become instinctive.One of the biggest mistakes I see in youth soccer coaching today is the lack of a “step-by-step system” or understanding to teach players basic kicking skills. When we created www.BlastTheBall.com we were dedicated to making it as thorough as possible. We wanted every soccer player, soccer coach and soccer parent to understand every part of kicking form and ball flight.

Remember that all great athletes work on refining individual movements. They then take those movements to their sport so they can be at the top of their game.

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Premiership Greatest XI

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:14:00 +0000

This is a very difficult thing to do and it is all about opinions after all. Some of the choices will be universally approved while some would be mocked or even condemned.

My choice would be Peter Schmeichel over David Seaman for goal keppers.

I have gone for a 3-man defense for my first team because I could not leave out some players in the more advanced positions and had also because I do not think that there has been an outstanding right back who really stands out from the rest to warrant being in my first team.

The 3 defenders I have chosen for my first team are Tony Adams who has been Arsenal's best defender and captain in the last 30 years.

He did not have the natural ability, athleticism or speed of many of the defenders on the list but he had leadership and organizational abilities which are just as crucial for a defense.

Marcel Desailly of Chelsea who had everything you want in a defender; strength, speed and leadership.

The final defender I have picked is Jaap Stam of Manchester United who like the other 2, had all the qualities you want in a defender.

Midfielders

I am not going to make a list here because I have cheated and put some players that are essentially forwards but I chosen to class them as defenders as there was no way I was going to leave any of them out for the other.

I have picked 2 genuine central midfielders who would have to be the ball winners because the other 3 are not likely to defend at all.

They are perhaps the best 2 in their respective positions and would be in most people's list as the very best player to have played in the premiership and they are Roy Keane of Manchester United and Patrick Vieira of Arsenal.

They were not just very competitive and combative but they were also very good players on the ball as well. They were totally inspirational to their teams and led their teams to many victories.

The 3 other "midfielders" are the best players to have played for their respective clubs, in terms of technical ability and they are Eric Cantona of Manchester United who was the inspiration for their winning the premiership for the first time in 25 years when they won it in 1992/93 season.

He has arguably being the main catalyst for their triumphs thereafter. Dennis Bergkamp was just technically perfect, and as far as I am concerned the best player to have won an Arsenal shirt. Gianfranco Zola was another genius with the football and was rightly voted Chelsea's best ever player.

Strikers

This is always going to be the most position to pick just 2 outstanding candidates out of 50 excellent choices but I have gone managed to pick 2 of the very best.

They are as different as chalk and cheese, but they had scoring goals as their common attribute. The first player I have picked is arguably the most exciting player to have played in the premiership and most would agree that it has been a privileged for the premiership to have had Thierry Henry grace it with absolute brilliance.

He is not just a goal scorer but he created lots and lots of chances for his teammates and scored so many contenders for best goal ever in the premiership. His partner is quite simply the best striker in premiership history as his goals will attest to.

Alan Shearer was just a goal scoring phenomenon who also had more to his game than scoring goals. He is still the leading scorer in the premiership history and it will take a great effort for his record to be broken. He is the only player to have scored a century of goals for 2 different clubs in the Premiership.

by dennis Neri

The Inventors of Modern Soccer - English Soccer History

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:27:00 +0000

by: Niv Orlian

English Soccer History – Early Days

It's hard to determine exactly how soccer became so popular in England in the 19th century, but the truth is that in the mid 19th century, almost every major town had a semi-professional soccer team. These teams were usually associations of workers from the same factory or institution or simply students at a local University.

Matches between those teams were played occasionally, with little to no prize, but only for competition's sake. However, these matches were played without any rules or a referee and as soccer isn't necessarily a sport that's completely clean of violence, all it took was a harsh tackle or an argument about a particular rule to start a bloody fight between the two teams and their supporters.

But the year 1863 marked an extremely important chapter in English soccer history, as several soccer clubs from all over the country (prominently from London) met up in the English capital and set up a sort of "soccer constitution" called the Laws of the Game (a modified version of the original rules are still in effect today and are still called as such).

That was also the birth certificate of the Football Association, or simply FA that is still ruling over English soccer nowadays and had a tremendous importance throughout the history of soccer in England and the way it evolved.

English Soccer History – Important Milestones

With England being rightfully considered the inventors of modern soccer, one would expect them to be amongst the most successful national squads in the World. However, despite having some world class soccer players throughout time and despite always being favorites for the competitions they start in, the English national squad only achieved few important milestones throughout the entire soccer history in England.

The apogee of English soccer and the most important chapter ever to be written in the entire history of soccer in England was definitely the successful World Cup run in 1966, a competition that was held on English ground, giving them the advantage to grasp their long-awaited trophy.

The 1966 team, captained by legendary Bobby Moore and with other key components such as Jackie Charlton or Geoff Hurst playing regularly, remains the best national squad in the entire English soccer history, especially since their success has not been equaled ever since.

English Soccer History – Modern Era

England is still a top team in Europe and throughout the World and has some players that are considered having world class quality, but the national team still has moderate success, despite being star-studded.

Recently, the form of English clubs overshadowed the poor performance of the national team, as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal continue to be heavy contenders for each year's European Champion's League, the most prestigious club competition in the World.

Despite being happy with the respect English clubs impose in Europe, fans are still yearning for that long awaited European or World Cup which could mark a new important chapter in the English soccer history.

Rooney out for four weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 03:42:00 +0000

Manchester United and England have been dealt a huge blow with the news that Wayne Rooney has been ruled out for four weeks with an ankle injury.

Rooney was expected to start United's Premier League clash with Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The in-form 22-year-old was also named in Steve McClaren's England squad for next week's friendly with Austria and the potentially decisive Euro 2008 qualifier with Croatia at Wembley five days later.

But following a training ground incident on Friday, Rooney will now miss at least three league games for United - against Blackburn this weekend, Bolton Wanderers on November 24 and Fulham on December 3.

The recently-named Barclays Premier League player of the month for October will also miss both legs of England's double-header.

"Wayne Rooney picked up an ankle injury in training and will be out for about four weeks," confirmed a club spokesperson.

Rooney had scored nine goals in his last nine games for club and country.

He had also formed a lethal partnership with Carlos Tevez, who had scored three times in his last three games for the Red Devils.

Louis Saha looks set to step up from the substitute's bench for the visit of Blackburn on Sunday.

Latest UEFA EURO 2008 result

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 08:56:00 +0000

THE DAY REPLAYED - Current holders Greece, Czech Republic and Romania qualified for the final phase of the UEFA EURO 2008 on Wednesday with two match-days left in the campaign.

These three countries join Germany, who qualified last Saturday, as well as the two host nations, Switzerland and Austria.

Results in full

Group A
Kazakhstan 1-2 Portugal
Belgium 3-0 Armenia
Azerbaijan 1-6 Serbia

How they stand
1-. Poland 24 points
2-. Portugal 23 pts
3-. Finland and Serbia 20 pts

Group B
Ukraine 5-0 Faeroe Islands
France 2-0 Lithuania
Georgia 2-0 Scotland

How they stand
1-. France 25 pts
2-. Scotland 24 pts
3-. Italy 23 pts

Group C
Malta 2-3 Moldova
Turkey 0-1 Greece
Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2 Norway

How they stand
1-. Greece 25 pts
2-. Norway 20 pts
3-. Turkey 18 pts

Group D
Ireland Republic 1-1 Cyprus
San Marino 1-2 Wales
Germany 0-3 Czech Republic

How they stand
1-. Czech Republic 23 pts
2-. Germany 23 pts

GroupE
Russia 2-1 England
Macedonia 3-0 Andorra

How they stand
1-. Croatia 26 pts
2-. England 23 pts
3-. Russia 21 pts

Group F
Liechtenstein 3-0 Iceland
Denmark 3-1 Latvia
Sweden 1-1 Northern Ireland

How they stand
1-. Sweden 23 pts
2-. Spain 22 pts
3-. Northern Ireland and Denmark 17 pts

Group G
Luxembourg 0-2 Romania
Netherlands 2-0 Slovenia
Albania 1-0 Bulgaria

How they stand
1-. Romania 26 pts
2-. Netherlands 23 pts
3-. Bulgaria 18 pts

Moscow misery for England

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 08:37:00 +0000

Russia fought back from one goal down to leave England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 hanging by the narrowest of threads following a 2-1 defeat in Moscow.

Substitute Roman Pavluychenko stepped off the bench to score twice and leave Steve McClaren's side hoping for a minor miracle in order to reach next summer's final in Austria and Switzerland.

England remain second behind Group E leaders Croatia, but should Russia win their game in hand against Israel and then defeat Andorra in their final qualifying match, then they will progress to the finals at the expense of McClaren's side.

It had all started so positively on the controversial synthetic pitch inside Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium as Wayne Rooney fired the visitors into a first-half lead with a thunderbolt of a 29th-minute volley.

Russia had started at a high tempo and Konstantin Zyrianov had gone close with a low drive which Paul Robinson pushed on to the post before Rooney broke the deadlock in sensational style.

The Manchester United striker controlled a flick from Michael Owen on his chest before rifling an unstoppable volley beyond the static Vladimir Gabulov from just inside the penalty area.

England should have doubled their lead and perhaps killed off Russian hopes with two clear-cut chances just after half-time.

Firstly, Steven Gerrard scuffed a close-range volley wide of the back post when ghosting in unmarked onto a Gareth Barry free-kick.

Then Micah Richards was inches away from stabbing Rooney's flick from a wicked Gerrard free-kick beyond the keeper from the edge of the six-yard box.

England were to pay for their profligacy as Russia were awarded a controversial 68th minute penalty when Rooney was adjudged to have brought down Konstantin Zyrianov.

Rooney clipped the midfielder's heels but the contact appeared to have taken place outside the area.

However, Pavluychenko, who had only been on the pitch for ten minutes, kept his nerve to drill the spot-kick low and to Robinson's right to draw the scores level.

Then, with England rocking, Pavluychenko did it again as he reacted quicker than Joleon Lescott and Sol Campbell to force the loose ball home after Robinson had palmed away Alexey Berezutsky's angled shot.

England made a desperate triple change by sending on Frank Lampard, Stewart Downing and Peter Crouch for the final ten minutes, but they were unable to break down the red wall that had been erected in front of Gabulov's goal.

Three minutes of stoppage time were added but McClaren's side were continually repelled and now seem certain to be spending next summer on extended holidays rather than playing in the European Championship after a cruel twist of fate.

MANCHESTER UNITED - Fergie: Best team won

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:36:00 +0000

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thought the controversial decisions in Sunday's 2-0 win against Chelsea evened themselves out and his side were worthy winners of the match.

Blues boss Avram Grant, taking charge of the team for the first time following Jose Mourinho's departure, thought his side were unlucky to have John Obi Mikel sent off and to concede a penalty, but Ferguson disagreed.

"I've seen the sending off incident and it was maybe a bit harsh, but there was intent there," said the veteran boss.

"It could have hurt the boy (Evra) but a lot of referees would have let it go. Then, when you see Joe Cole's tackle in the second half on Cristiano Ronaldo, that should have been a straight red card.

"It was right down the Achilles which is happening repeatedly to Cristiano. He got a yellow card, but it should have been red. I think the referee was perhaps balancing it out.

"The foul on Louis Saha for our penalty was a bit harsh, but I think that cancels out the one we should have got in the first half.

"We should have had a penalty kick (for Joe Cole's foul on Evra) in the first half, I think the cameras clearly show that. In tight games like that, the referee has to make big decisions quickly and he can get it wrong.

"But I thought we were the better team.

"Our football in the early parts of the match was outstanding - in the first half-hour we played as well as we have all season in terms of the penetration of our play, the movement and our passing.

"We could have been two or three up early on. Petr Cech made a great save from Wayne Rooney right at the start and we were dominant at that point.

"I think the real turning point was the goal just before half-time. It was a real blow to Chelsea. At that point we had complete control of the match."

source: www.football.co.uk

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News Archive FA Barclays Premiership - 16/09/2007

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:24:00 +0000

Manchester United have confirmed that French defender Mikael Silvestre will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury sustained in the 1-0 victory at Everton. detail......

Sunderland have been boosted by the news that skipper Dean Whitehead does not require surgery to correct a knee injury and could be back in action before Christmas. detail.......

Liverpool's England striker Peter Crouch has admitted to being frustrated by Reds boss Rafa Benitez's rotation policy. The 26-year-old made his first league start of the campaign in the goalless draw at Portsmouth at the weekend, having dropped down the pecking order following the big-money summer arrival of Spain ace Fernando Torres. detail......

Manchester City's matchwinner Michael Johnson won high praise from manager Sven-Goran Eriksson following the 1-0 victory at home to Aston Villa. The 19-year-old England Under-21 international scored the only goal of the game at Eastlands early in the second half, to move the Citizens up to second place in the Premier League table. detail.....

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his team is "blossoming" in the post Thierry Henry era. The Gunners had been tipped to struggle this season following the departure of their talismanic skipper to Barcelona during the summer. But speaking after Saturday's 3-1 derby victory over Tottenham which moved them to the top of the Premier League table, Wenger revealed his delight at his side's impressive start to the new season. detail.....

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants an apology from the assistant-referee who ruled out an effort from Salomon Kalou during Saturday's goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers. detail....

England enjoy emphatic victory

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 07:48:00 +0000

England continued their Group E revival as Michael Owen and Micah Richards scored in the second period to add to a first-half Shaun Wright-Phillips strike which secured a comfortable home win against Israel.

Third straight win
A run of three games without a victory looked to have left England with an uphill task to qualify, but 3-0 victories against Andorra and Estonia got their campaign back on track and once Wright-Phillips had volleyed in the opener, Steve McClaren's team were always in charge against visitors who had lost only one of their previous 18 competitive fixtures. Owen eased any lingering doubts with a fine second goal four minutes into the second half, his 38th international strike, before Richards headed in his first for his country to round off a dominant display.

England on top
England had been beaten by Germany last month but McClaren's side were quickly into their stride at Wembley Stadium and could have been in front as early as the tenth minute, Emile Heskey – on his first appearance since UEFA EURO 2004™ – blazing Owen's lay-off over the bar. The hosts continued to press, however, and got their reward in the 20th minute when Wright-Phillips stole in at the far post to volley Joe Cole's left-wing cross into the net.

Mixed fortunes
England might have added to their advantage before half-time as they kept Israel penned inside their own half, Owen driving a shot straight at goalkeeper Dudu Awat and slashing the rebound high and wide. The Newcastle United FC striker made amends in style soon after the interval, turning on the edge of the Israel penalty area and drilling in an unstoppable half-volley. Richard rose highest to nod in a third from Gareth Barry's corner six minutes past the hour to ensure England will go into Wednesday's match against Russia, who are a point above them, in good heart. Israel have to wait until 17 October for their next game, against Croatia.

source news
Euro 2008 Qualifying result (08/09/07)

Gerrard set to start

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:34:00 +0000

England boss Steve McClaren has confirmed that Steven Gerrard will start Saturday's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley.

The influential Liverpool captain has been struggling with the broken toe he suffered in a Champions League encounter with Toulouse last month, but he was able to train on Friday without suffering any ill-effects.

Paul Robinson will start in goal despite his poor form at the start of this season, but Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves remains a doubt because of a thigh problem.

McClaren said of Gerrard: "It will be a big boost for everyone but most of all it will be a boost for Stevie Gerrard because he wants to play in this game.

"Owen Hargreaves also wants to play every game and we're giving him every opportunity, but we'll leave it up to the player and the medics."

England captain John Terry is unsure whether Hargreaves will be ready to feature against Israel, saying: "He was on the sidelines watching what we were doing formation-wise and for set-plays.

"It was an idea to make sure he was fully OK and to give him another day's rest. It's touch and go whether he is going to be OK for the game."

England are already without Frank Lampard and David Beckham because of thigh and knee injuries respectively.

UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying news

UEFA EURO 2008 fixtures & Results

Nigeria's future in FOOTBALL

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:30:00 +0000

For many youths in Africa's most populous country a new street football program called Search and Groom, in partnership with FIFA, is making an escape from poverty through football more than just a pipedream.

Nigeria is a football-mad nation - the game permeates the country like virtually no other place in the world. The dream of making it as a player is a life raft for may Nigerians who tread the turbulent waters of poverty, unemployment and homelessness. In the capital of Lagos, however, FIFA Football for Hope Implementing Partner Search and Groom is harnessing Nigeria's passion for the game to help young people improve their lives regardless of their talent on the pitch.

A Street Soccer showdown
From 12 to 15 July, Search and Groom hosted the Street Soccer League Cup, a four-day tournament bringing together 16 teams from across Lagos and beyond. The event, supported within the framework of FIFA's Football for Hope movement, combined a five-a-side tournament for mixed teams with workshops on a variety of Nigeria's most pressing social issues, including the spread of HIV/AIDS and the lack of employment and educational opportunities for the young. Matches were held in a mini-pitch stadium with seating for 1,000 spectators and were followed avidly by local school children invited to take in the spectacular skills on offer. The teams were drawn from four of Lagos' poorest areas with a special representative from Nigeria's far north.

The tournament built on the success of last year's Free Kick event, also a recipient of Football for Hope funding. However, this year the tournament was expanded and improved, attracting local celebrities and former stars of the Nigerian national team. They encouraged the players to pursue their dreams and congratulated them on their commitment to their own personal development.

Stars of Ajegunle
Between matches, two of the tournament's shining stars took time out to speak with FIFA.com. Simon Okwori and Nimikimi Macintosh are teammates on the side representing what is considered to be Lagos' toughest borough - Ajegunle. "We are like brothers," Simon grins, "in fact, people often mix us up and call me Macintosh". The two, sitting in the shade of a pavilion away from the wild commentary that accompanies each match, reflect on the importance of Search and Groom in their lives.

"Our lives have changed for the better," remarks Simon, as Nimikimi nods in agreement. The two friends have been playing football together in Ajegunle since they were children and have been involved with Search and Groom since its inception in 2003.

Both Simon and Nimikimi have overcome incredible hurdles growing up in Lagos. Nimikimi, 19, was born in the metropolis but his family moved back to Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta when he was thirteen. Since then he has been on his own, either sleeping at friends' houses or squatting on the floor of the barbershop where he works. The money he earns cutting hair is just enough to keep him afloat.

Simon, 20, was born in Benue State and moved to Lagos with his family when he was a child. The twelve members of his family live in a one-room flat in Ajegunle, surviving largely on his father's small army pension. "Sometimes it is so crowded that I go and sleep where Nimikimi is staying to get some peace and quiet," says Simon.

Simon and Nimikimi both share the dream of making it to Europe as professional footballers. Yet they also understand the dangers: "There has to be something after football - that is a lesson that we have learned through Search and Groom," Simon concedes.

Grandfather's advice
One person has been particularly important in communicating this message. Joseph Erico is considered the grandfather of Nigerian football. A former goalkeeper for Nigeria's national team in the 1970s, he then served on the coaching staff for the U-23 team and the Super Eagles during appearances at the 2000 Olympics and 2002 FIFA World Cup respectively. Now he volunteers his time as coach for Search and Groom. "Anything that involves kids is something that I support," he said. "Search and Groom not only provides them opportunities to express themselves on the pitch but also to ensure they take responsibility for their lives."

Erico has been coaching the two players for the past four years and both of them are grateful for his advice. "He has been a big influence on us and we are proud to be able to play under a former national team coach," states Simon. As for the future, "no matter what happens, we will always return to Ajegunle to help other youngsters who love the game of football. That is our dream," says Simon. "We have become role models in Ajegunle," reflects Nimikimi, who has given up several opportunities to play professionally in Lagos so that he can stay involved with Search and Groom.

Life in Lagos
The positive outlook of both young men is remarkable, given the problems they are confronted with on a daily basis. Simon dropped out of school at the age of seventeen. He now supplements his family's income by producing and selling artwork and hopes to continue his education as a graphic artist. Many of his pictures have been produced using charcoal, an appropriate medium for his depictions of the hard struggle of Nigeria's lower classes.

Nimikimi's situation is yet more precarious. Without family support in Lagos, he was forced to drop out of school and work for his survival. With no formal secondary education, his prospects of finding a decent job are slim. Despite the hardships, he remains committed to building a life in his neighbourhood. Through Search and Groom he has twice travelled abroad, to Kenya and South Africa, but sees no reason to abandon Ajegunle. "We love our home and we are proud to be Nigerians," he states unequivocally.

Reunion via Radio
In a curious twist of football fate, Nimikimi's trip to South Africa in 2006 brought his family back into his life. In September of last year he was a member of the Search and Groom team at the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town. His mother, listening in Nigeria's eastern Delta, heard her son's name on the radio during coverage of the tournament. Contact was re-established between mother and son and, after seven years of separation, Nimikimi visited his family in eastern Nigeria. Since the reunion, Nimikimi's older brothers have taken it upon themselves to help support their younger sibling. The thought of moving out to the delta, however, was quickly dismissed. "There is no Search and Groom there" explained Nimikimi.

This year's Street Soccer League Cup raised considerable media interest in Nigeria. The activities of Search and Groom in the field of "Development through Football" remain unique in Africa's most populous nation but the idea of using football to help young people reach their goals in life is catching on quickly. Search and Groom Project Director Yomi Kuku is already looking to the future: "We are confident that next year's tournament will be even bigger and better!"

Simon and Nimikimi's team from Ajegunle finished third in the inaugural Street Soccer League Cup. Nimikimi was crowned Player of the Tournament, impressing the crowds and fellow players alike with his touch and vision. Both players are looking forward to the year ahead with Search and Groom - and maybe to the title in 2008!

source: www.fifa.com

Chasing pack seek favours

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 04:50:00 +0000

Bayern Munich and Chelsea hold the early advantage in the German Bundesliga and the English Premiership, but their title rivals are hoping to make up ground over the course of the weekend. In order to do so, they will need to keep their own sides of the bargain by winning and rely on Hamburger SV and Aston Villa, who will play host to the heavyweight pair, doing them a favour.

Barcelona and Inter Milan, who both dropped two points in the opening matches of their Primera Liga and Serie A title defences, will also be out to close in on their chief challengers for honours. With Nancy, Monaco and Valenciennes tied on points atop of the French Ligue 1, it will be interesting to see who emerges from matchday seven at the front of the race for gold. FIFA.com takes a look ahead at the next few days on the European club calendar.

more news: fifa.com news

http://www.fifa.com

Turkish Grand Prix 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:02:00 +0000

Lewis Hamilton's championship lead was cut to five points by McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso after the Englishman suffered a late puncture in Turkey.

Hamilton was on course for third place behind the Ferraris of Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen when his right-front tyre fell apart with 15 laps to go.

The drama enabled Alonso to slip by into third place and left Hamilton in fifth behind BMW's Nick Heidfeld.

His car damaged by the puncture, Hamilton was not able to fight back.

The 22-year-old had been forced to trail back to the pits for the last third of the lap at Istanbul Park, and the flailing tyre damaged some of the aerodynamic parts at the front of his car.

That meant he was much slower than before the problem, and Heidfeld was able to pull away, leaving the McLaren driver to concentrate on staying ahead of Renault's Heikki Kovalainen.

Hamilton said: "It was just a little bit of a problem. You always have setbacks. I'm still leading by five points. It is not over."

Until the late puncture, Hamilton had had an uneventful race, with the Ferraris just too fast for him to challenge at the front.

The red cars were never more than a handful of seconds ahead of Hamilton, but they had enough pace to ensure he was never in the fight for the lead.

Massa led away from pole position at the start as Hamilton, lacking grip on the slippery side of the track, lost second place to Raikkonen.

Alonso, directly behind his team-mate in fourth place on the grid, fared even worse, and dropped down to sixth behind both BMW Saubers, which he had to follow until they made their first pit stops.

The Spaniard made a couple of abortive attempts to pass Heidfeld once the German's team-mate Robert Kubica made his first pit stop early on lap 12, but had to wait until Heidfeld's stop on lap 17 to assume fourth place.

The world champion stopped only a lap later than Heidfeld, but it was enough for the McLaren to leapfrog the BMW.

Once Hamilton made his stop two laps later, the Englishman was about 14 seconds ahead of his team-mate.

And while Alonso was able to hold the gap, and occasionally close it, he was not able to make a significant impression on Hamilton until the late-race drama.

Alonso said: "To be overtaken by two cars and find yourself sixth going into the first corner is not great.

"You just have to wait for the miracle and it only happened with Hamilton.

"If someone had told me on lap two that I would have been on the podium it would not have been easy to believe.

"The final result is the best thing of the weekend... I will not remember this Grand Prix all my life but, anyway, it has been quite good."

Ahead of the McLarens, the Ferraris were fighting a private battle.

Raikkonen closely followed Massa for the first stint of the race, giving the impression that he was the faster of the two.

But the Finn stopped a lap earlier than Massa, who emerged from the pit stops with a two-second lead.

He held the margin and looked in complete control until a few laps before his second and final pit stop when he was held up in traffic and Raikkonen closed right up on to his tail.

But Massa kept his cool and, again stopping a lap later than Raikkonen, held the lead to the end.

Massa's win meant he moved one point ahead of Raikkonen in the championship, but still 15 points adrift of Hamilton.

The Brazilian was delighted to win in Turkey for the second successive year, after taking his maiden win at the track in 2006.

"To win a second race in a row here, starting from pole, is amazing," said the Brazilian. "I love the place.

"Turkey is where my career made a switch and I started winning races and fighting with the front-runners.

"Having the second win consecutive win here is fantastic. It is difficult to find the right words."

Raikkonen was left to rue the mistake in qualifying that had left him third on the grid.

"In these days it's hard to get past - the race was decided in qualifying," he said.

"When two team-mates are fighting, it's whoever is first that is usually going to stay there.

"The car was very good but there is nothing more I could have done."

Kovalainen was not able to catch Hamilton's McLaren and the Finn finished sixth after a strong race in the Renault, with Williams's Nico Rosberg and BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica taking the final points positions.

Nani magic undoes brave Spurs

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:45:00 +0000

Manchester United's season is up and running after Nani's spectacular goal gave Sir Alex Ferguson's champions a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a controversial game on Sunday.

It was a cruel blow on Spurs, who enjoyed the better of the exchanges but were undone when the Portugal winger beat England keeper Paul Robinson from 30 yards in the 68th minute to earn United their first victory of the season.

Starting the day one off the bottom of the table after two points from the first three games, United desperately required a confident start yet they were fortunate not to fall behind inside the opening minute as Robbie Keane hit the bar with an ambitious lob from outside the area. Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves went close for United, but Robinson was forced into just one serious save before the break.

With England head coach Steve McClaren looking on, Robinson produced a flying stop to deny his international team-mate Rio Ferdinand, yet that was the closest United went as Tottenham carved out the better chances in the first half.

The second half was full of drama, with Webb turning down two Tottenham penalty appeals in quick succession after Rocha had wasted a golden chance by heading wide from the edge of the six-yard area.

A powerful run by the impressive Gareth Bale found Berbatov, who clattered to the ground inside the penalty area underneath a challenge from Vidic. As the ball trickled towards the line, Ferdinand made a dramatic clearance while Tottenham appeals for a penalty fell on deaf ears. Tottenham were then denied another penalty when Berbatov's effort struck Brown, the visitors claiming the England defender had used a hand.

In a frantic spell, Jermaine Jenas denied Carlos Tevez with a 66th minute clearance off the line before Nani's tremendous winner raised the roof. The Portuguese winger was given time by Anthony Gardner to line up a long-range shot, which took a slight deflection off Tevez as it flashed past Robinson

source: www.fifa.com

New era dawns in La Liga

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 08:50:00 +0000

Pundits invariably fall back on the events of the previous season when making their predictions for the new term ahead. The problem confronting La Liga watchers, however, is that 2006/07 threw up so many twists and turns that nothing should be taken for granted this time out.

League champions Real Madrid looked out for the count back in March only to produce an irresistible late title surge, while perennial top-flighters Celta Vigo and Real Sociedad set their sights on top-half finishes only to slide inexorably towards relegation.

And as the title holders and bitter city rivals Atletico Madrid limber up for Saturday's curtain-raising derby, prudence would appear to be the watchword for anyone daring to foretell what lies ahead.

Uncertainty dogs Schuster
Fabio Capello did exactly what was asked of him last year. He called time on Real Madrid's Galácticos and, against all the odds, secured the club's 30th league title into the bargain. It was a rocky path, however, with coach Capello finding his selection decisions and tactics questioned at every turn, and despite bringing the Merengue trophy drought to a long-awaited end, the Italian was told to pack his bags when the partying was over.

Promptly installed as his replacement was Bernd Schuster, and the German certainly seems to have plenty to occupy his thoughts as he settles in. Seven pre-season defeats are far too many for a team with designs on rubber stamping their domestic supremacy, with the alarm bells going up a pitch or two in recent days following two Spanish Super Cup reverses to Sevilla, the second of them a humiliating 5-3 loss in the return leg at the Bernabeu.

Although considerable sums were splashed out on Pepe, Christoph Metzelder, Javier Saviola, Wesley Sneijder and Rostjon Drenthe in the close season, the question marks hanging over the depth of the squad remain. The arrival of Argentinian defender Gabriel Heinze and flying Dutch winger Arjen Robben has gone some way to alleviating those fears, but it remains to be seen whether they are the answer to Schuster's troubles.

Barça's 'fantastic four'
Perhaps mindful of the curse that the Galáctico tag brought on Madrid, Barcelona hotshot Samuel Eto'o has expressed his disquiet at the 'fantastic four' nickname being given to the quartet formed by himself, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and summertime signing Thierry Henry.

Whatever the Cameroonian's concerns, the fact is that coach Frank Rijkaard seems to be holding all the aces as the start of the season nears. With bright young things Giovani dos Santos, a spectacular success on Barcelona's pre-season travels, and Bojan Krkic waiting in the wings, the Dutchman has even more tricks up his sleeve and is entitled to fancy his chances of landing the title once more.

Having successfully negotiated the summer tour of Asia - a point of conflict between the players and the board - the hardest tasks facing Rijkaard are to keep his stable of thoroughbreds happy and to avoid a resurgence of the seeming over-confidence and questionable work rate that scuppered their title bid last time out.

After picking up five trophies in the last 15 months, Sevilla have high hopes of launching a serious challenge of their own. Juande Ramos's compact, well-drilled unit have gone from being surprise packages to genuine contenders thanks to tactical discipline, an ability to produce free-flowing football almost at will and a spirit of togetherness in the dressing room.

The youthful vitality of Jesus Navas and Mariano Puerta, the experience of Luis Fabiano, Kanoute and Javi Navarro, and the reflexes of Andres Palop, should make the Andalusians compulsive viewing in a season that also sees them tackle the UEFA Champions League for the very first time.

Spanish spine at Los Che
Valencia fans are still wondering what might have been had a spate of serious injuries not wrecked their chances in 2006/07. In crafting a team with a distinctly Spanish flavour, coach Quique Sanchez Flores has put the accent very much on quality and style. Remaining faithful to his recruitment policy, he has drafted in yet more rising domestic talents, most notably Alexis and Spain U-20 internationals Juan Manuel Mata and Sunny.

The new-look Atletico Madrid also deserve a mention in dispatches. Diego Forlan, Simao Sabrosa, Luis and Raul Garcia have just checked in at the Vicente Calderon to bolster a squad that manager Javier Aguirre believes can hit the heights. The departure of Rojiblanco hero Fernando Torres to Liverpool marks the beginning of a fresh chapter at a club famed for its unpredictability. With the directors having spared no expense in overhauling the squad, nothing less than a place in Europe will do.

UEFA Cup representatives Zaragoza, Villarreal and Getafe, who have appointed Michael Laudrup to fill the void left by Schuster, seem to be the teams best equipped to trade blows with the big boys. Over in Bilbao, meanwhile, newly appointed Athletic boss Joaquin Caparros has the brief of reviving a proud club that narrowly avoided the drop last term. Fellow sleeping giants Real Betis have handed Argentinian coach Hector Cuper much the same task after a similarly heart-stopping flirtation with relegation.

The new kids on the block are Murcia, Valladolid and Almeria, and like all recently promoted outfits survival will be the name of the game. A fine example for them to follow is Recreativo Huelva, and after just missing out on a UEFA Cup slot and having stayed afloat in the top tier for two consecutive seasons for the first time in their long history, Spain's oldest club side hope to keep the dream alive.

Rounding off the list of runners and riders in a race with no clear favourites are Deportivo La Coruna, who have been bolstered by the signing of Mexico's Andres Guardado, Racing Santander, now minus totemic striker Nicola Zigic, and last but certainly not least, Levante and Osasuna.

source: www.fifa.com

Brandy clinches inaugural Champions Youth Cup title for Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 05:04:00 +0000

It was a classic battle between Juventus, a team with the best defensive record in the tournament, against Manchester United, a side blessed with free-flowing attacking play.

In the end all it took was a moment of genius from Manchester United's rising star Febian Brandy to clinch the inaugural Champions Youth Cup trophy at the Bukit Jalil Stadium here today. Brandy, in the 50th minute, sneaked past the defence and blasted the Devils ahead.

"I'm simply delighted with the result. I was also extremely pleased with the performance of the players. They stuck to the game plan from the start and it paid off handsomely. We played a patient game and relied on counter attacks … and it worked tonight," said Andrew Welsh.

The coach sang praises for Brandy, who has been one of the most exciting players in this tournament, scoring three goals for this team. "With him around the others have no time to relax and he keeps the team on their toes," said Welsh.

"It has been a fantastic tournament and we had a wonderful two and a half weeks here. The boys got to play teams from different part of the world and it was a learning experience for them. We will definitely return to defend the title next year."

Like they had in their previous matches, United attacked from the word go and were almost rewarded as early as the 13th minute but Michael Barnes' low drive missed its target by inches.

Juventus relied on their superior defending skills and managed to thwart all the raids that went their way.

Midway through the first half, playmaker Ayub Daud's free kick, from the edge of the box, hit the underside of the bar and bounced back into play but it quickly cleared by the alert United defence.

In the second half, the Italians came charging back and held possession for long stretches but against the run of play United struck in the 50th minute

With time rapidly running out, Juventus piled on the pressure but were unable to break through and had to settle for the second spot.

In the third-fourth playoff match, played here earlier in the evening, Flamengo came alive after the break to score a convincing 3-1 win over AC Milan.

The Brazilians went ahead in the 14th minute through Vander Viera but AC Milan levelled terms in the 29th minute through star striker Pierre Aubameyang, who netted his seventh goal of the tournament.

Flamengo stepped up the pace in the last 15 minutes of the second half to claim two goals and seal the victory over Milan.

Just past the hour mark, Diego Silva turned in superb freekick from Kayke Rodrigues. And with four minutes on the clock, Rodrigues brought the curtains down for the Brazilians in style with a sensational freekick that curled into the far corner beyond the reach of AC Milan keeper Daniel Offredi.

Flamengo coach Rivelino Espinosa said their semi-final match against Manchester United did not reflect the team's true calibre. "We wanted to prove our defeat to Manchester United in the semi-final was just a bad day. It was not hard to motivate the boys after that defeat. Although we played Milan in the group stages, today's game was quite different as it was a knock-out format. I'm delighted the boys rose to the occasion to finish third and hope we are invited back again next year to try and win the title."

source: www.thechampionsyouthcup.com

Hewson sets up Man United for final date against Juventus

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 03:42:00 +0000

Striker Sam Hewson had but two chances and took full advantage of them to help Manchester United set up a date with Juventus in the final of the inaugural Champions Youth Cup.

Hewson nodded Manchester United ahead in the 25th minute but Flamengo's Kayke Rodrigues soon cancelled it out nine minutes later.

With seven minutes on the clock, Febian Brandy sent in a long cross over the goal that found Michael Barnes lurking behind the defence. Barnes caught sight of Hewson in the middle and headed to his teammate who easily nodded Manchester United ahead for the second time.

Flamengo tried desperately to launch a comeback. They came frustratingly close twice, hitting the woodwork on both occasions. They also had several close attempts but that was as good as it got for the South Americans who had to settle for a 2-1 defeat.

Flamengo manager Adilio Goncalves summed it perfectly. "They (Manchester) had two chances and they got two goals, we attacked, attacked and attacked, and after all that, only had one goal," said Adilio. "Overall, we had a great tournament here and I was satisfied with they way the boys carried themselves."

Andrew Welsh, the Manchester United coach, was all smiles as he entered the Press Conference room to meet the Media. "I am absolutely delighted with the performance of my players tonight. It was a very very tough game and we expected it to be, but our boys were just great," said Welsh.

"We knew we could score … we had the artillery in Brandy, Scott and Conor," he added.

In the second semifinal match tonight, Juventus survived a late onslaught from their rivals, AC Milan, to win 2-1. Juventus snatched the lead in the 18 th minute through Simone Esposito and they doubled it in the 40th minute, this time through Christian Pasquatto who converted a penalty.

AC Milan refused to accept defeat and charged back, continuously harassing the Juve defence with quick strikes led by their ace striker, Pierre Aubameyang. Milan had numerous close calls before finally hitting the target in the 58th minute when Andrea Cosner stabbed in the ball during a melee.

Although Juventus were a man down in the 62nd minute when Yobid Bassaoule was sent off for a second bookable offence, AC Milan were unable to make good the advantage they had to score the equalizer.

source: http://www.thechampionsyouthcup.com

Sports coaching course in Senegal

noreply@blogger.com (Mohd Isa Othman) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 08:44:00 +0000

As part of its partnership with the Neuchatel-based International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) within the framework of FIFA's 'Win in Africa with Africa' project, Dakar's Cheikh Anta Diop University will, from this October, be organising a second session of its sports management course.

This academic study programme provides students with an essential grounding in the fields of law, marketing, finance, management, communication and event organisation. These management tools have been adapted by a team of highly renowned educationalists to suit local requirements and realities.

Over the last 20 years, sport has undergone rapid development and growth, becoming an economic issue around which highly diverse interests intersect. However, sport is also marked by certain inequalities. The difference in popularity between sports and in economic situations from one country to another make sports management a complex task.

The course aims to offer students the widest possible overview of modern sport, equipping them with the basic tools needed to administer their federation or club effectively within the specific context of Senegal and the surrounding countries. If managing a football club has always been your dream, then do not hesitate; enrol right away!

source: www.fifa.com