JUST SPORTS

TRANSFER UPDATE 040609

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:43:00 +0000

It's that time of the year again when Clubs all over Europe bring out their cheque books to sign the type of players they think would bolster their chances in their various domestic leagues or in Europe. Below are just some of the transfer rumours going round.

Aston Villa are targeting Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Gareth Barry who joined Manchester City on Tuesday. (Birmingham Post)

German side Bayern Munich are preparing a bid for Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa. (German newspaper Bild)

Manchester City believe they are close to the £20m signing of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

(Full story: Daily Mail)

City are also battling it out with rivals Manchester United for the signature of Argentine forward Carlos Tevez, who has been on a loan deal at Old Trafford.

(Full story: Daily Express)

Tevez will decide in the next seven days where his future lies, after United made a final take-it-or-leave-it offer to the 25-year-old.

(Full story: Daily Star)

Chelsea have made a last-ditch £70m offer for AC Milan forward Kaka.

(Full story: Daily Star)

The Blues are hopeful that Kaka's personal demands may also price Real Madrid out of the market.

(Full story: Daily Mirror)

However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has admitted that Madrid are favourites to land the Brazil star.

But new Chelsea manager and former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has not given up on signing Kaka and even phoned the Brazilian and begged him not to join Real.

(Full story: The Sun)

The Blues are also targeting Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Valencia forward David Villa.

(Full story: The Guardian)

Chelsea have opened talks with Portsmouth to sign right-back Glen Johnson in a deal that could be worth £17m.

Arsenal are closing in on the £10m signing of Ajax centre-half Thomas Vermaelen.

(Full story: The Sun)

The Gunners are keen on Juventus and Italy central defender Giorgio Chiellini. (The Times)

But Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be on his way to AC Milan with the Italian side set to bid £15m for the Togo international.

(Full story: The Sun)

AC Milan and Barcelona are lining up Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic in a £25m deal.

TRANSFER WINDOW OPENS

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:49:00 +0000

The Mid Season Transfer Window opened January 1, 2009 and as expected a lot of transfer rumours has been flying around. Different Teams in the various European Leagues have been very busy in making their intents known. As expected, the English Premiership Teams are leading the pack in bringing in new faces to either shore up or consolidate on their positions.

Manchester City with their new found wealth are rumoured to have budgeted over $60million as transfer funds with many top players said to be on their radar.

Below are just some of the possible transfer dealings:

Tottenham are closing in on Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe, with Spurs set to pay £15m for the England striker. (Various)
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is also hoping to secure the services of Sunderland defender Pascal Chimbonda on loan. (The Sun)
Chimbonda had been expected to move from Sunderland to Lyon but that deal is now off, according to the player's agent. (Daily Star)
Redknapp has also made an enquiry for West Ham and England centre-back Matthew Upson, who is rated at £12m. (Daily Mirror)
But Tottenham and Redknapp have had a £12m bid for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing turned down. (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough will target Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt if they lose Downing to Tottenham. (Daily Mail)

Carlos Tevez has reiterated his desire to stay at Manchester United, despite weekend speculation linking the striker with a move away from Old Trafford. (The Sun)

Newcastle are hoping to offload Spanish flops Xisco and Jose Enrique as well as Alan Smith and Charles N'Zogbia. (The Sun)

Arsenal could lose forward Theo Walcott on the cheap after dragging their feet over a new contract. (Daily Express)

Stoke are keen on out-of-favour Wigan striker Henri Camara. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City keeper Kasper Schmeichel is ready to quit the club after falling down the pecking order at Eastlands. (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa are monitoring Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic, who is also wanted by Everton. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City have revived their bid for Arsenal defender Kolo Toure. (Daily Mail)
Deals are also expected to be completed for West Ham's Scott Parker and Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz. (Daily Mail)
City boss Mark Hughes will also launch an improved bid for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy. (Daily Express)

Rangers have denied that Newcastle have made an offer for captain Barry Ferguson. (Daily Express)

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, who has been linked to Portsmouth and West Ham, insists he is not interested in a big-money move to the English Premier League. (Daily Record)

Sunderland are set to beat Portsmouth and Blackburn to the signature of Marseille midfielder Modeste M'bami. (The Sun)

Southampton midfielder Andrew Surman is wanted by Championship rivals Reading and Wolves. (The Sun)

2010 AFRICA W/CUP DRAW ANALYSIS

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:31:00 +0000

Group A is a Francophone affair, and a tough test for any team hoping to make it to the World Cup in 2010.

Cameroon may be Africa's top-ranked side, but they will know there is no easy passage through a group which also includes Morocco, Gabon and 2006 World Cup contenders Togo.

Cameroon boss Otto Pfister knows all about Togo. He lead them through that chaotic campaign in Germany and will now meet his old charges as he tries to lead the Indomitable Lions to South Africa and Angola.

Gabon will be fired up to try and embarrass their illustrious neighbours and Morocco are looking for a resurgence under new coach Roger Lemerre.

There is no free passage to 2010 from Group A.

GROUP B
Nigeria have been handed a fine chance to make amends for missing out on the 2006 World Cup.

Boasting the only 100% record from the African qualifying campaign so far, the Super Eagles should prove too strong for Kenya and Mozambique and will find Tunisia their toughest opponents.

The Carthage Eagles have reached the last three World Cups, albeit without winning a match in the finals, but look more entertaining under Portuguese coach Humberto Coelho than predecessor Roger Lemerre.

Led by skipper Karim Haggui, the 2004 African champions will hope the new breed of Tijani Belaid and Fahid Ben Khalfallah can lead them to South Africa.

The World Cup will prove a step too far for Kenya and Mozambique - but the matches between the pair should decide who reaches the Nations Cup, which the Mozambicans haven't contested since 1998.

GROUP C
The other top seeds will surely look at Egypt's group with envy.

The six-time African champions have an excellent chance of ending their 20-year wait for an appearance at the World Cup finals, having been drawn against Algeria, Zambia and Rwanda.
Hassan Shehata's side has eased through qualifying so far, and has one of the hottest properties in African football leading the line in Amr Zaki.

However, it's no foregone conclusion as they will first have to overcome an Algerian side brimming with confidence after knocking out both Senegal and The Gambia.

Zambia are another side who have punched above their weight in qualifiers, beating Togo to top spot in their previous group.

Rwanda will be hoping to finish inside the top three in Group C, having failed to qualify for the last two Nations Cup finals.

GROUP D
Having overcome their long-standing inability to reach the World Cup finals, Ghanaian fans will believe Group D gives the Black Stars the chance to make it two in succession.

The only previous African champions in the group - four times over - are now being driven forward by the quality of Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and John Mensah.

Yet the Malians will be no pushovers - boasting the likes of Momo Sissoko of Juventus, Mahamadou Diarra of Real Madrid, Barcelona's Seydou Keita and Sevilla's Frederic Kanoute.

In addition, coach Stephen Keshi has performed miracles before, when leading unfancied Togo to Germany 2006.

The Beninois and Sudanese also have the ability to upset the apple cart in this group.

The Sudanese are a rising force in African football thanks to the oil money resurrecting a game which flourished in the 1970s, while the Squirrels proved their quality when ousting 2006 World Cup finalists Angola in this year's round of qualifying.

GROUP E
Ivory Coast have a fine chance of making a second appearance at the World Cup finals, after their eye-catching debut in 2006.

The Elephants' main rivals in the group are Guinea, who they thrashed 5-0 in the quarter-finals of this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

Ivory Coast then imploded in the semi-finals, losing 4-1 to Egypt, but a comfortable campaign in the first round of qualifying suggests that their momentum is being regained.

"The team has had some problems winning games, but we're still one of the best on the continent," Ivory coast captain Didier Drogba told BBC Sport.

"The disappointment of Ghana is behind us, you can't live in the past, you have to look forward."

Guinea's form in the first group stage of qualifying was patchy, while Burkina Faso surprisingly took four points from their two games against Tunisia.

Malawi are bidding for only their second appearance at the Nations Cup finals, and a continuation of the home form that saw them beat Egypt 1-0 in the previous round will give them reason to be optimistic.

CAN THE GUNNERS KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING?

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Arsenal's youngsters overwhelmed their Championship opponents in a Carling Cup match six goals to nil.

Arsene Wenger has hailed his latest crop of young Gunners as the best he has ever
had at the club and backed his charges to reach Wembley after they turned in a
scintillating performance on Tuesday night to in the Carling Cup.

The Arsenal manager named a side with an average age of just 19 and in which the
oldest player, keeper Lukasz Fabianski, was a mere 23.

Wenger's faith in youth was repaid as Mexican striker Carlos Vela, 19, grabbed a
hat-trick while Nicklas Bendtner, 20, hit a first-half double and 16-year-old Jack
Wilshere weighed in with his first senior goal as the Gunners ran out comprehensive
winners.

There were also impressive displays from Wales Under-21 midfielder Aaron Ramsey
and aspiring full-back Kieran Gibbs, which all left the Arsenal manager confident the
club's future is in safe hands.

However, Wenger admitted that integrating his talented youngsters in the Arsenal
first team would be a challenge, comments which will no doubt frustrate Gunners
fans who are impatient for success after years without a trophy since their 2004-05
league triumph.

''I was not surprised because I see them every day, but you never know on a big stage
how they play,'' said Wenger. ''They did that with the belief we want them to have and
the spirit we want them to have.''

''Now for us the biggest challenge is to keep them together and slowly integrate them
into the first team. Some have done that already.
''When you are under immense pressure to buy in every transfer window, you know
that you have these players behind and it would be killing the work we have done.''

Wenger said there was no reason why the young Gunners could not go all the way to
Wembley, having reached the final in 2007 and losing in the semis last season.

''We want to win the trophy this season, why not?'' he said. ''The only pressure you
have is that when you go through the rounds towards the semi-finals, everybody says,
'Now you have to change all these players'.

''So what do you do? Let them play like they have tonight and then say, 'Sorry, you do
not play anymore'. For me, that is not serious. No matter how far we go, we have to
stick to our policy.

''These players do not play like kids. They play with intelligence, talent and with spirit.
They can beat many teams and I would not be scared to play any individual in the
Premier League.''

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell admitted his side had no answer to the
young Gunners, whom he hailed as the ''best in the world'' for their age group.

''They were awesome at times and would have beaten most teams, he said. We knew
they were a good set of lads, but nobody knew how good they were.''

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REVIEW

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:21:00 +0000

I have been off for a while. The biggest club competion in the world is back again and I guess football fans all over are excited about this. Below is a review of first round matches played yesterday.

GROUP E:
It was a goalless affair in this group, with the games at both Celtic Park and Old
Trafford ending 0-0.

Manchester United welcomed back Cristiano Ronaldo, making his first appearance of
the season after injury, but they were frustrated by Villarreal. Franco hit the post for
the visitors, Jonny Evans struck the woodwork for the home team.

Celtic were equally frustrated by Danish side Aalborg, Barry Robson missing a first-
half penalty and the Bhoys having a goal disallowed as Aalborg ended with 10 men
after Michael Beauchamp was dismissed.

GROUP F:
Bayern Munich celebrated being back in the Champions League with a 1-0 victory
away at Romanian side Steaua Bucharest.

Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten, who once played for Manchester City, bagged
the only goal of the game with a first-half header.

The game of the group was in France, though, as Lyon came from 2-0 down at home
against Italian side Fiorentina to steal a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
Striker Alberto Gilardino twice headed in from fine crosses, before Frederic Piquionne tapped in a Karim Benzema pass and then Benzema rescued a point with an angled
shot from inside the box.

GROUP G:
FC Porto romped to the top of Group G with a comprehensive victory at home against
Turkish outfit Fenerbahce 3-1.

The hosts went 2-0 up in the first half, Lisandro Lopez converting Raul Meireles'
cross with an unstoppable finish, before Lucho Gonzalez was teed up by Cristian
Rodriguez to double the advantage.
Spanish striker Daniel Guiza tapped in a rebound to get Fenerbahce back in it, but
Dorvalino Lino capitalised on some weary defending to seal it at the death.

In the group's other game, Ismael Bangoura put Dynamo Kiev ahead from the
penalty spot against Arsenal, but Gunners captain William Gallas slotted in a late, late
leveller to make it 1-1.

GROUP H:
In the so-called 'Group of Death', Juventus had to wait until 14 minutes from time to
earn the three points in a 1-0 win against Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.
It was veteran Italian forward Alessandro del Piero who grabbed the crucial goal, his
30-yard free-kick swerving and deceiving Zenit goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev.

Real Madrid joined Juve at the top of the group with a very routine, unspectacular 2-0
victory over minnows BATE Borisov of Belarus.

Sergio Ramos slotted in Guti's pass in the 11th minute to put them in front, before
Ruud van Nistelrooy tapped in a second after Raul's shot was saved. BATE had Anri
Khagush sent off for two yellow cards to cap a miserable evening.

BIG BLOW FOR CHELSEA

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien who plays for the Premier league side Chelsea has
been ruled out for "several months" after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, the
club has announced.

The 25-year-old suffered the injury during Ghana's World Cup qualifier against Libya
in Tripoli on Friday.
Essien will undergo surgery once the swelling around his knee has subsided.

England striker Michael Owen picked up the same injury during the 2006 World Cup
and was ruled out of competitive action for 10 months.
Essien has been a regular for Chelsea since his £24m move from Lyon in 2005,
scoring 14 goals in 132 appearances.
A Chelsea statement read: "Michael has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and
will undergo an operation as soon as the majority of the swelling has subsided. We
expect this to happen in a week's time.

"In the meantime, Michael has started rehab in the aqua therapy centre at Cobham
which will improve the condition of the knee prior to surgery. A return to full fitness
is not expected for several months."

The loss of the combative Ghanaian for such a long period is a major blow to Chelsea,
who have no like-for-like replacement available and will not be able to buy any fresh
faces before the transfer window re-opens in January.

Essien had landed awkwardly during the qualifier against Libya and was immediately
taken to hospital for scans, with the diagnosis now confirmed by Chelsea's own
medical staff.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, who opened their Premier League campaign with two wins
and a draw, are next in action away to Manchester City on Saturday before facing
Bordeaux in the Champions League and champions Manchester United in the league
on 21 September.

ITS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:01:00 +0000

The Transfer Deadline closed midnight Monday and with it a lot of transfers were closed.

Michel platini has been one of the few voices harping on the effect of too much money been spent on players. I believe a time will come (if it hasn't come already) when a player will only have loyalty to the amount he would be paid rather than the club itself. Players would soon become modern day mercinaries whose motivating factor for playing would be the Dollar, Pound or Euros as the case may be.

Clubs with money will continue to dominate the ones with no or little money to spend. The European league titles will be for the highest bidder.
Before I forget myself let me give a lowdown on the transfers that were concluded before the deadline.

ROBINHO - (REAL MADRID (Spain) to MAN. CITY (England)). His was a case of the highest bidder geting the goods. Robinho was hijacked from the hands of Chelsea at the last minute by a group that says they have a very deep pocket (ADUG) and are ready to buy (bring) the best players to Man. City. He moved for a British record of over 61million dollars. Who says money cant bring you happiness albeit a temporary one.

Dimitriv Berbetov - (T.Hospur (England) to Man. Utd (England)). The deal took a long time to conclude and it was leftt for nearly late before all agreements were reached for a fee said to be around $54m. Note thatt Man. City almost hijacked this player also.

Richardo Quelressmo - ( Sorting Lisbon(Portugal) to Inter Milan (Italy)). Jose Mourinho finally has his country man. This might just spell the end for Luis Figo's time at Inter.

Marouane Fellaini (Standard Liege (Belgium) to Everton (England)). This relatively unknown player was signed on the last day for transfers and it would help calm frayed nerves at Goodision Park. Coach and fans alike have bemoaned the club's lack of new signings this season. Bought for 15million pounds, he would help shore up the tofee's midfield.

Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow to T. Hospur). His coming at a fee of 14million pounds imminently made it inevitable about the transfer of berbetov from the club.

Vedran Corluka (Man. City to T. Hospur). 8.5million pounds signing.

TRANSFER DEADLINE LOOMING

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:34:00 +0000

Kaka claims he has no intention of joining Chelsea and has pledged his future to AC Milan. "Me going to Chelsea? I'm staying as a Rossoneri player," he said. (La Gazzetta dello Sport.)
Chelsea will make a final £80m bid for AC Milan's Kaka, with the Brazil star reportedly keen on a move after the arrival of compatriot Ronaldinho at the San Siro, whose lifestyle does not meet with Kaka's approval. (Daily Mail)
The 26-year-old is being lured with a £200,000-a-week offer to join Luis Felipe Scolari's team. (Daily Mirror)

One Brazilian who looks certain to move to Stamford Bridge is Robinho after Chelsea agreed a £28.6m deal with Real Madrid. The Spanish club are preparing to replace the striker with Valencia's David Villa or Villareal's Santi Cazorla. (The Guardian)

Meanwhile Blues winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has been told to choose between a move to former club Manchester City or Everton, with Portsmouth deterred by the £10m price tag. (The Guardian)

Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera moved a step closer to becoming a Liverpool player in an £8m switch, with Liverpool set to recoup that money should they qualify for the Champions League group stage. (The Times)

Everton will discover whether their bid for Cameroon international midfielder Stephane M'Bia has been accepted by Rennes. The French club are holding out for £10m. (Daily Express)

Newcastle and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Standard Liege midfielder Marouane Felliani, although they could be put off by the Belgian club's £10m price tag. (Daily Mail)

Stoke and Blackburn lead the contenders for Lens midfielder Kanga Akale. (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa will press ahead with plans to sign James Milner for £9m from Newcastle. (Guardian)

TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSING

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:31:00 +0000

The football transfer window is gradually coming to a close and activities have heightened in various club boardrooms as to which player(s) to buy or sell before the deadline. The most obvious fact about this season's tranfers is that the English Clubs have been more active than their counterparts in Europe. Below are some of the transfer rumours still making rounds:

Dimitar Berbatov could finally be on his way from Tottenham to Manchester United for a transfer fee of between £25m and £28m. (The Independent)
Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is ready to pay about £10m for Colombian striker Radamel Falcao after sending spies to his Argentine club River Plate. (Various )
Tottenham have been told they must pay £23m if they want to prise Diego Forlan from Atletico Madrid. (Daily Mail)

Espanyol have accepted a £12m offer from Everton for winger Albert Riera, but the player's preferred move is to Liverpool. (Guardian)

Midfielder Stephane Mbia could yet end up at Everton, if the Merseyside club and Rennes can agree on a transfer price between £7m and £10m. (Guardian)

Portsmouth are bracing themselves for an £8m bid for Nico Kranjcar from Hamburg, and Harry Redknapp may be pressurised to sell the midfielder. (Daily Star)
Pompey are also weighing up a move for Atletico Madrid's Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta, but could face competition from Everton. (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa are set to abandon their £9m bid for James Milner unless Newcastle are prepared to sell the midfielder - who is demanding a new contract - immediately. (Daily Mail)

Middlesbrough will resist any offers - thought to be about £14m - from Liverpool for winger Stewart Downing. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City are tracking Wolves midfielder Karl Henry after being impressed by his outstanding form for the Championship side. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland are keen to sign Spain left-back Mariano Pernia from Atletico Madrid. The club may be forced to sell because of cash problems. (Daily Mirror).

GOLDEN MOMENT FOR ARGENTINA

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:22:00 +0000

BEIJING -- For much of the men's Olympic soccer tournament, the focus has been on Argentine star Lionel Messi, and given his undeniable skill on the ball, much of that attention is deserved.

But history has shown countless times that one-man teams don't win tournaments, and this was proven once again in Saturday's final, with Angel di Maria's goal giving Argentina a 1-0 victory over a game Nigeria side.

It was the Benfica midfielder's second game-winner in three matches, his first coming in extra time of the Albiceleste's 2-1 quarterfinal win over Holland. When combined with the way Argentina's defense stood firm, it made for a laundry list of heroes, which was manager Sergio Batista's plan all along.

"We tried to come up with a squad that would give us a good tactical variety," Batista said through an interpreter. "But the real goal is to put together a team. Each cog plays a role, and they played to their strengths. Each player contributed to this achievement."
That said, Messi's fingerprints were all over Argentina's second consecutive Olympic triumph. Pouncing on a loose ball in midfield in the 58th minute, a quick-thinking Messi stroked a gorgeous through ball, springing di Maria on a clear breakaway.
And with Nigeria's Ambruse Vanzekin off his line, di Maria's deft chip sailed over the stranded keeper and settled into the net for the game's only goal.

It was a rare moment of magic in a match hamstrung by a midday kickoff, a brain-dead decision that resulted in an on-field temperature of 42 degrees (107 degrees Fahrenheit).
Such oppressive conditions led FIFA to take the extraordinary step of instituting breaks in the middle of each half so that players stayed properly hydrated. The move may have ensured the players' health, but it didn't increase the entertainment value.

"I think the heat affected both teams," Nigeria manager Samson Siasia said. "Most players weren't able to play to their level."
That was especially apparent in front of goal, where Nigeria spurned several clear chances. And it wasn't just wayward finishing that let Dream Team IV down.

Nigeria's day was summed up in the 34th minute, when Sani Kaita's cross not only evaded two Argentine defenders, but surprised Promise Isaac to such an extent that the ball bounced off his shins and into the grateful arms of goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

There were other opportunities as well, including substitute Victor Anichebe's redirect of a Victor Obinna cross, which looked like a sure equalizer in the 84th minute. But Romero managed to deflect it just wide of his post.
"I don't know how the keeper got to it, to be fair," Anichebe said. "I put my foot to it and I thought it was going in, and then the keeper came back."

Nigeria's profligate finishing only magnified the absence of injured attacker Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi, who scored two goals -- and apparently injured his shin -- in the 4-1 semifinal defeat of Belgium. According to Siasia, Obasi has been in so much pain over the past few days that he couldn't even jog.
"I think we missed [Obasi] a lot," Siasia said, "because that guy can do some magic, create something out of nothing."

But for all the talk of Nigeria's woes in front of goal, the match was an even affair. Not only did Argentina enjoy a slight edge in possession, but it created some good chances of its own. For one, di Maria had a clear look at goal in the 18th minute, only to scuff his attempt straight at Vanzekin. And five minutes into the second half the Nigeria keeper parried away a fierce drive from Messi.

It was then left to di Maria to show everyone how to finish, and his goal capped off a tournament in which he and Sergio Aguero did the most to take the pressure off Messi. And in the process, he also made a name for himself.
"[Di Maria] was very important for us," midfielder Javier Mascherano said. "I think he's a great player. Everyone wants him now, and he showed his qualities as a player, no?"
That he did ... and so did 17 other players as well.

OLYMPIC MOMENTS

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:00:00 +0000

The Olympics games is fast winding down and is has been two weeks of non stop action laced with excitement. Records have been broken, new champions born and crowned, hearts broken, old rivalries renewed, new rivalries made.

Some talking points of the Games must be the eight gold medal winning of American Swimmer – Michael Phelps in the swimming events and more so with the fact that he broke world records on the way to winning the gold medals. He made history as the most successful Olympian in the history of the games.

The American’s monopoly of the Track events was finally broken by an inspired Jamaican team and other countries that have been on the fringes of success in past Olympics. It just shows that other smaller countries are catching up to the American’s in terms of talent discovery and development.
Though the irony of it all is that most of these athletes from other countries all have their training in the US with some of them on scholarships in Colleges and Universities there.

Usain Bolt, a name that would be listed as one of the great Olympians in years to come lived up to his pre-Olympic billings by becoming one of the few Olympians to have won both the 100m and 200m races and the only one to have done so in world record breaking times. The tall lanky lad from Jamaican was simply unstoppable and breathtaking.

IOC President Jack Raques complained about the seeming disrespect by Usain Bolt for his fellow competitors and for over- celebrating but what would you expect from someone that blew away all opposition to confirm his supremacy as the world fastest man?

The Male Football Final event will be a repeat of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medal match, Nigeria vs Argentina. Nigeria won the gold on that occasion 3 goals to 2 to be the first African country to do so. Argentina are the defending champions having won gold in Athens 2004 so you might be right to say it will be a match between two past winners. The match promises to be full of excitement.
The South Americans are coming with flair and attacking fluidity and with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Augerio, etc in the team a lot of attacking fire power is sure to be on display. Confidence will be high for the Argentines after their 3-0 bashing of their eternal enemies Brazil in the semi finals. This is not to take anything away from the Nigerians who bashed a bewildered Belgium 4-1 in the semi-finals with a display that was imperial. It will be a close call but I would want to stick my neck out for the Nigerians for the Gold.

The host country China came into the games with one ambition only and that is to overtake the Americans in the medals table at the end of the games. They sure achieved this aim even though there still some events yet to be completed but with the way the medals table stands now, it would be impossible for the Americans to catch up with the host country.

This year’s Olympics haven’t been entirely free of the perennial doping scandals. Some competitors have tested positive already but this I believe would not in any way diminish the success of the Game.

WILL ARSENAL'S DROUGH END THIS SEASON?

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:41:00 +0000

There have been longer droughts in sport.
It is approaching eight years since the New York Yankees won the World Series, 31 golf majors went by without a European success and it is 74 years since the rain eased long enough to allow Lancashire to be named county champions.

Oh, and lest we forget, when Liverpool were last crowned league champions Microsoft was about to proudly release Windows 3.0 and middle Britain was up in arms over the Poll Tax.

All of which offers absolutely no comfort to Arsenal fans - who have to cast their minds back to the FA Cup final in May 2005 for the last time they supped a celebratory, trophy-winning drink.
You have to go back a further year for Arsenal's last league success - in four years the Gunners have gone from the Invincibles to the outsiders.
And as Arsenal legend Lee Dixon told BBC Sport, a club like Arsenal simply cannot go three, four or five years without winning trophies.

"They made huge inroads last year but obviously they fell away," said Dixon.
"I thought they were very close - two or three games, that was all it was. There were games they were up in against the big teams that they lost and it looked very hopeful but there has been a bit of unrest in the summer by losing a couple of key players.
"Those gaps have been filled by the youngsters who have come through and look as if they are going to get a chance this year but I still think they are two players short. I am a bit worried about the start of the season."

Two players like Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb perhaps, who have left for AC Milan and Barcelona respectively? Both key players last season, both earmarked as key players in Arsenal's future, yet both now playing elsewhere.

New, even younger recruits have been brought in but is there a danger that Arsenal are great at identifying talent but increasingly less adept at hanging on to it?
This year, Hleb, Flamini and almost Emmanuel Adebayor, who next? Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy or, heaven help the Gunners, Cesc Fabregas?

Manager Arsene Wenger conceded in an interview in July that the club has to make a profit on transfer dealings, with expensive players leaving to be replaced by younger talents, focusing on the "collective quality of their game".
Could - and whisper it quietly - Arsenal be a selling club? Dixon thinks not.
"We are certainly not a selling club but these young players get their heads turned," he countered.

"They are moving on to bigger and better things in their mind but I don't see that as an onlooker. If you leave Arsenal there are not many places you can go on an upward step.
"I think Flamini had his head turned with money and going to such a so-called big club but I think he has made a mistake and I think the other players will see that.
"I'll challenge you to name anyone who has left and gone on to bigger and better things. There aren't many places you can go and enjoy your football so much.
"You can go to other places and earn more money and maybe that is a sign of the modern player."

And yet the upheaval, while creating one itch, could help Wenger scratch another. Dixon says that while the manager is desperate to land a first league title since 2004, he also wants Arsenal to have an English core.
Theo Walcott, Mark Randall, Jack Wilshire, Kieran Gibbs and Welshman Aaron Ramsey might not be the men to fire Arsenal to the title this year but at least they might be at the club for the long haul.

Manchester United built their success on a core of young British players who stayed, while much of the foreign talent came, flickered brightly and then left. Tony Adams and Lee Dixon were part of an English core inherited by Wenger
Arsenal have had the style but not the foundations and Wenger has seemingly been building a chateau on sand.
"Arsene has always wanted to keep an English core but he has found it difficult," added Dixon, who won four league titles as part of a fabled English back-five while a Gunner.
"When we all left it was the decline into an all-foreign team and he was more disappointed than anyone but he has struggled to bring in English players and nurture them to first-team capabilities. Now he has a crop he really believes in.

"There is no doubt in my mind that having an English core in an English team is beneficial to the club. You need to have that affiliation for your home club.
"I feel over the years that has been lost. They have produced some brilliant football but the actual loyalty and commitment to the club long term are not there."

Of course, loyalty and ambition tend to be uneasy bedfellows and it is a lot easier to keep world-class players when the team is winning trophies, especially the league.
"I'm very much a believer you have to get the league right," added Dixon. "It is more important than the Champions League and more important than cups. In the league you play 38 games, that's the most important and that is Wenger's philosophy.
"He will be more disappointed than anybody that they have not put a really good challenge up for a few years now."

But will that challenge come this year or do Manchester United and Chelsea remain a class apart?
"I think they will finish third," said Dixon. "It pains me to say it because I want us to challenge and win it but I just feel we're a little bit short."
Arsenal's wait for silverware, any silverware, might go on a little while longer.
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Olympics, Thiery Henry & Other Stories

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:58:00 +0000

Lyon started the defence of their French Championat title on a winning note and the title race already looks like its going to be a one horse race with Lyon going for an eight consecutive league title. That must be a record in the modern era for any team in any of the Eurpean leagues.

A Nigerian Footballer Chinedu Ogbuike who is currently playing in the Olympic football tournament with the Dream Team IV as the Nigerian team is called has been recalled from he Olympic tournament by his club, a newly promoted first division German club. Reason for this could not be more that the Court of Arbritation for Sports (CAS) ruling that clubs are not bound to release their players for the Olympic tournament. This ruling has been critised by many as it deprives a player of representing his country in the biggest sports event in the world. Thankfully the clubs that took FIFA to CAS over this issue has since decided to allow their players stay and play for their countries, Lionel Messi of Barcelona been just one of the many players that was disputed about. I think this German Club shoud take a cue from Barcelona and Werder Bremen (also a German Club) and alllow this young man fulfil is ambition of playing for his country in this one in a lifetime event.

Thierry Henry going to Man Utd - hmmm. If you believe this you'll believe anything. Am not an Arsenal fan but I think Henry has too much love for the Gunners for him to now join one of their fiercest rivals. But in football where money dictates the tunes and loyalty can be dropped at the wink of an eye anythinig is possible.

Hectic Transfer Season

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:41:00 +0000

Monaco forward Nene claims he is a target of Tottenham and Roma. (Brazilian newspaper Jornal do Brasil, 1237).

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to sign David Villa and either Dimitar Berbatov or Thierry Henry before the start of the season. (Manchester Evening News, 1029 BST)

Barcelona look set to block a move by Manchester United for Thierry Henry by playing the former Arsenal striker in the Champions League on Wednesday. (Daily Star)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to land Spain's Euro 2008 star David Silva from Valencia. (Daily Mirror)
But Spanish forward Silva has delivered a huge snub to Liverpool and United by insisting he will not move to the Premier League. (Daily Star)
Manchester United are determined to complete the signing of Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov before the start of the season but relations between the two clubs remain frosty. (The Times)
Spurs have dismissed talk of Manchester United moving for Thierry Henry and expect them to renew their interest in Berbatov. (The Independent)

Chelsea will step up their bid to land Real Madrid striker Robinho by upping their offer to £25m. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea's Joe Cole is demanding assurances over his future after Liverpool declared an interest in buying the midfielder. (Daily Mail)
The Blues are preparing to cut their losses by selling defender Branislav Ivanovic to AC Milan. (The Times)

Portsmouth are set to beat West Ham and Tottenham to sign Ghana skipper Stephen Appiah from Fenerbahce. (The Sun)

Spurs are furious after Vedran Corluka's £5m move was called off at the last minute by Manchester City. (Daily Express)

Hull's proposed move for Claudio Pizarro has stalled over the player's wages. (Daily Telegraph)
The Tigers have asked Roman Abramovich to help fund the deal for the striker, who earns £3m a year. (Daily Star)

European Club Season begins

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:06:00 +0000

French Championat starts this weekend to kick off what promises to be a very exciting season of European Football. Many clubs have been very active in the transfer market. While some have been concluded, speculations about some players movement are still cloudy to say the least. Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) wanted by Liverpool, Robinho (Real Madrid) wanted by Chelsea Fc just to name a few. Below is an update of rumours making the mills about clubs and players:

Liverpool's owners have failed to raise the cash to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa and now the move could be off - again. (Daily Mirror)
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is set to incur the wrath of boss Kevin Keegan by demanding forward Alan Smith be sold to Everton. (Various)
Everton boss David Moyes will up his bid to £13m for Joao Moutinho as he spends the money generated by the sale of striker Andy Johnson. (The Sun)
Tottenham will switch their attentions away from Zenit St Petersburg forward Andrei Arshavin if his club do not lower their £19m asking price. (Daily Express)
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will beat Portsmouth to the signature of Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul. (Daily Star)
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is interested in bringing Reading striker Kevin Doyle to the club. (Daily Mail)
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan wants to sign midfielder Sean Davis from Portsmouth for £2.5m. (Daily Mirror)
Arsenal right-back Just Hoyte is a £3m target for Middlesbrough after the Teessiders sold Luke Young to Aston Villa. (Daily Mirror)
Blackburn will wrap up a deal for Ghanaian midfielder Anthony Annan after he impressed on trial from IK Start but they will miss out on a move for MK Dons captain Keith Andrews. (Daily Mirror)
Premier League newcomers Stoke will bring in Charlton midfielder Amdy Faye for £1m. (Daily Mail)

CHANGE AT CHELSEA FC

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:03:00 +0000

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari insists he will oversee a culture change at Stamford Bridge - both on and off the pitch.
Scolari has pledged to break with the past by promoting talented youngsters ahead of expensive imports, and he has also pledged to adopt a 'more modest' approach than former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
While the former Brazil and Portugal coach's immediate predecessor was Avram Grant, it is the irrepressible Mourinho against which his achievements will be judged and he has insisted he will go about the job in his own way.
The Portuguese famously arrived in England proclaiming himself to be the 'special one'.
Scolari said: 'I am not Jose Mourinho, so why compare me with him? Mourinho says 'I will win 10 championships' but I am more modest than that.
'I am from south Brazil and in my culture we never say 'I will win this or that'. I just say that I will try my best to win all the competitions.
'But Mourinho is Mourinho, he has a different culture to me.'
Speaking about his recruitment plans he also signalled a significant shift from previous managers who have had access to owner Roman Abramovich's vast reserves of cash.
'Since I came to Chelsea we have only spent £8million on Deco. Jose Bosingwa came in before I arrived.
'Maybe in the past they have spent more money, but now they don't need to spend as much because they already have a solid base. Now they need a coach to develop young players and I think I am that coach.
'The new philosophy at Chelsea is to bring some young boys through the system.'

OLYMPICS DREAMS & OTHERS

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0000

The Olympics has already started off with the first round of the football matches (male and female). The usual suspects- Argentina, Brazil, Italy all had wins in their matches while potential winners Holland and Nigeria both settled for a goaless draw against each other.
More fireworks is expected as the matches progress.

Check below transfer news and rumours.

Liverpool could have raised some of the cash to finance a move for Gareth Barry with the sale of

Dirk Kuyt - but the Reds scared off Hamburg with their £16m valuation of the Dutch striker. (Daily Mail)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is set to test Blackburn boss Paul Ince's resolve with a £7m bid for Ewood Park striker Benni McCarthy. (Various)

Aston Villa are close to securing the signature of Middlesbrough right-back Luke Young for about £5m and Reading left-back Nicky Shorey for £4m. (Various)

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan insists Alan Smith still has a future at the club, despite reports linking the striker with a move to Everton. (Daily Star)

Chelsea captain John Terry says winning the Premier League is the club's priority for the upcoming season. (Various)

Former Tottenham winger Chris Waddle is not happy at striker Dimitar Berbatov apparently wanting to leave the club and fears Spurs could become a feeder club. (Various).

Nigerian League vs Foreign Leagues

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:05:00 +0000

There is a buzz around town here in Nigeria and its caused by nothing but the impending start of the English Premiership. The Man Utd vs Portsmouth match played last weekend at the Abuja stadium has further whetted the appetite of soccer crazy fans. I wonder when the Nigerian League would be able to create such excitement and delirium amongst the fans. Imagine people wearing the jerseys of Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Shooting stars, etc, hmm that would be the day!! All that people get to hear about our League is allegations and counter allegations of bribery and corruption. Have you ever wondered or bothered to ask why 90% of home matches in Nigeria are won by the single goal margin - the winning goal coming via a penalty given in the dying seconds of the match or in the 30th minute of the injury time? We have referees as magicians and club officials as terrorists in this country.
The latest news coming from the Nigerian Football League (NFL) is the termination of the contract for sponsorship of the league held by telecommunicatioins giants Globacom though the company has come out to refute the claim made by NFL. officials managing the league spend more time fighting real and unreal enemies than they devote in running the game. Points are never won on the field of play but in the boardroom. Until those running our football put their house in order and take a cue from what the South Africans, Egyptians, just to name but a few African countries with very bouyant leagues, Soccer loving Nigerians will continue to turn abroad to get their dose of excitement from football that they cant get here.
Go CHELSEA-the Quadruple or nothing else!!

Latest Transfer News

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:36:00 +0000

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti claims Frank Lampard has given his "approval" to join the Italian champions if they agree a fee with Chelsea. (www.inter.it, 1535 BST)

Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul "wouldn't join Sunderland even if there was an earthquake", according to his agent. (AFP news agency, 1342 BST)

Real Madrid are set to reject offers for Brazil star Robinho from Barcelona and Chelsea. (El Mundo Deportivo, 1210 BST)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced he will land Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov before the start of the season. (The Sun)
Ferguson has met United winger Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time in almost two months in a bid to stop the player joining Real Madrid. (The Guardian)

Barcelona are poised to make a £24m bid for Berbatov after missing out on Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea have rejected Barcelona's offer of a swap deal involving Samuel Eto'o and Blues forward Didier Drogba. (The Sun)

Liverpool will sell Andrei Voronin to a German club for around £3m to help finance the signing of Gareth Barry from Aston Villa. (Daily Mirror)

Russian star Andrei Arshavin is worried his dream move to Barcelona from Zenit St Petersburg is on the brink of collapse. (The Sun)

Frank Lampard has told Inter Milan he will look elsewhere if his move to the Italian club from Chelsea is not completed soon. (Daily Mirror)

Monday Football News

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:07:00 +0000

With the various European Leagues starting very soon with activity has increased in the players market. Teams are either selling off or buying. The English Premiership has witnessed the highest number of activities compared to other leagues. Here are just some of the news coming out of europe.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Manchester United should be "happy and proud" to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club in what he believes would be "the transfer of the century". (PA Sport 1330 BST)
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso's switch to Juventus could be off as the Italian giants are unwilling to pay £16m for him. (Football 365. 1235)

Inter Milan have made an official £6.5m opening offer for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. (The Sun)
Chelsea are ready to bid £75m for AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka after their initial "astronomical" bid was turned down. (Daily Express)
Another Brazil superstar, Barcelona's Ronaldinho, has turned down a move to Manchester City, despite the offer of a salary of £200,000 a week. (Various)
Ronaldinho will join AC Milan, says Brazil boss Carlos Dunga. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham full-back Pascal Chimbonda will this week seal an £8m switch to Valencia. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool hope to tempt Aston Villa to part with Gareth Barry by adding Steve Finnan to their existing £15m offer for the England midfielder. (Telegraph)
Manchester United and Arsenal are locked in an £18m battle to sign Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. (Daily Star)

Tuesday Soccer News

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Manchester United want Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov and are ready to bid £23m, despite Spurs slapping a £30m price tag on the Bulgarian. (Daily Mirror)
Another Tottenham striker could also be on his way as Sunderland will step up their attempts to sign Darren Bent, although Aston Villa and Blackburn are also interested. (Daily Mirror)

Spurs' strikeforce is the flavour of the month as Robbie Keane has told the club he wants to join Liverpool, who want to trade Peter Crouch and £5m for him. (The Sun)
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would apparently pay £85m for Fernando Torres if given any encouragement by Liverpool. (Daily Star)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is "confident" he has persuaded Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at the club and out of Real Madrid's clutches. (Daily Express)
Midfielder Deco's arrival at Chelsea from Barcelona now means Frank Lampard will leave the Blues to join Inter Milan. (Various)

Monday Soccer News

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:25:00 +0000

EURO 2008 is over and the best team in the tournament has won it. For once the Spaniards were able to wipe off the disappointments of crashing out of past major tournaments. Last night against the Germans erased any doubts about the potency and rise to power of the Spanish team. In Luis Aragones they had a shrewd albeit misunderstood coach. Here are some of the comments made by football pundits:

Alan Hansen BBC Sport football expert and Match of the Day summariser

Spain showed you do not need height when you have touch, technique and passing. They showed what the rest of Europe has to aspire to.
They had chance after chance after chance. It was a bit like watching Arsenal in the way they try to walk it in, but there were so many great passing moves.
I am delighted for Fernando Torres with the Liverpool connection and I cannot believe Luis Aragones took him off.
For the goal he took a bad first touch but showed great pace to get on to it quickly and it was a great, great finish.
When questions have been asked this Spain side have answered them emphatically.

They have a good manager, a great team and are fantastic to watch.
With them you can throw the coaching manual away. It was effortless and pleasing on the eye. They get it and play it and they have so many options.
I have nothing but admiration for the Germans. I cannot believe how bad they have been throughout the tournament and they did well to get to the final.
They are bad as I have ever seen - they could have been beaten five or six in Vienna.
Iker Casillas in the Spain goal never had a shot to save. In 90 minutes the Germans never really went close.
Germany had a good 10 minutes but they did not create anything and Spain came back and absolutely annihilated them.
Whenever there were questions asked about Spain they answered them.
The penalties against the Italians was a prime example and they came through in style.
They have thrilled everyone. When you watch that type of play you have to admire it.
It is fantastic and a long time coming. Every two years we say will it be Spain's turn? They have spent a long time in the wilderness and now they have won the whole thing.
I think we have seen the powerbase of Europe shifting, they are a young team and in 2010 they will start favourites - it will no longer be the Germans and the Italians.
Player of the tournament: Marcos Senna, Andres Iniesta and Xavi have been brilliant but I am going for David Villa for his goals. They were the springboard for their success.

Alan Shearer BBC Sport football expert and Match of the Day summariser
Spain thoroughly deserved it, from the start to the end of the tournament.
They scored more than everyone else, conceded fewest and played some fantastic football while they were doing it.
We thought nerves might get the better of them in the last 20 minutes as they haven't been in this type of situation recently, but no.
I cannot remember Casillas having a shot to save in the final stages and Spain were dominant.
Even in their third group game when they played their reserves against Greece they performed in exactly the same manner.
David Villa got four goals and I am delighted for him, he deserves his medal for a brilliant tournament and it's not easy watching from the sidelines.
There's more to come from this Spanish side. They have got enough young players to stick together, keep the same group together and they'll be confident of doing well at the World Cup in two years' time.
They all want the ball, they are all comfortable on the ball and it's a kind of football you really could get used to watching.
Spain have really entertained everyone. They keep it on the floor, knock the ball around and pass and move and they are the best team in the tournament by far.
What do people want at home? They want to be entertained. Some of their football has been special.
Torres showed so much determination and pace to get to the ball to score it was a terrific effort.
We asked the question before the game if it was going to be Fernando's night without his mate David Villa next to him and he came up trumps big time.
Defensively Germany were so weak it's unbelievable. Every single team they played against had so many chances to score it was untrue.
From a German point of view, I just cannot believe they got this far. They are so poor, Spain cut through them time after time and they could easily have got three or four.
Spain have deserved everything they've got - they've had no luck along the way, they've just earned everything.
If you love football, you have to be happy with this result. It has been a victory for football, it's been a magnificent tournament.
Player of the tournament: I'm going to be different and go for Carlos Puyol. Every backline needs a leader and he was it.

Martin O'Neill BBC Sport football expert and Match of the Day summariser
Spain have been brilliant to watch. It has been a bit like switching the television on and watching Barcelona in recent years.
They have fantastic technique and ability and a complete mastery of the ball. They thoroughly deserved to win. There were flashes from Holland, Portugal and Croatia but Spain have been absolutely fantastic.
I'm delighted for Aragones. He has taken a lot of criticism in the last few years but has come back.
In the qualifying rounds they lost to Northern Ireland at Windsor Park and he was under severe pressure but fought his way back.
There have been a number of stories in the tournament, including Turkey and our hearts go out to them. But Spain have been the team that deserved everything to come their way.
The Germans had a little spell where you thought they might just get into the game.
Michael Ballack will be disappointed, he missed out on the final at the World Cup in 2006 and perhaps he was not fit, but he was their one world class player in an average side.
You need more than that. I think only Diego Maradona is the only player ever to win a major tournament on his own. Ballack just did not have the calibre of players he needed around him.
Spain have been magnificent. I always felt they were big underachievers for years. They have come up with a talented team with question marks but answered all of them.
From the manager to the substitutes to the players - everyone has come up trumps.
Tactically they got it spot on. The substitutions were really big decisions he had to make and he got every single one right.
I thought after the World Cup in 2006 it might get a bit negative in the later stages, but I have been pleasantly surprised.
We have had the odd diabolical game but overall it is been terrific and been won by Spain. What a journey for them.
Player of tournament: Two years ago I thought Marcos Senna's legs had gone but as they have progressed he has taken a major role in proceedings.

FRIDAY SOCCER MUSINGS

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:55:00 +0000

14 teams down!! Europe's biggest sporting spectatle began some three weeks ago with sixteen teams. We are now left with probably the two most exciting and resillient teams in Germany and Spain. The Spaniards will be trying to shake off the tag of perenial underachievers by winning the title which will be their second trophy in any competition at the national level. The Germans have been there before but still have the hunger to go for their fourth EURO title.
The match on sunday will be a game between two constrasting teams - Spain with their flair and free flowing football and the Germans with their high workrate and power. The two teams both posses players that can change the course of any game if given the chance. I forsee a German win though in football nothing is sure until the whole ninety minutes or 120 minutes in the case of extra time.

There have been a lot of transfers of players going on the market while some have been concluded others are still been peddled on the pages of the newspapers. Here are just some of the transfer rumours for today:

Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho will reject a move to Manchester City as the 28-year-old wants to stay at Barcelona. (Daily Mirror)
There is some good news for City fans however as the club will clinch the £18m signing of Brazilian striker Jo from CSKA Moscow on Friday - free of third-party complications. (Daily Express)

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is ready to fight Liverpool to keep £12m England winger Stewart Downing. (Various)

Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has revealed the Blues are tracking Russia midfielder Yuri Zhirkov. (Daily Star)
Midfielder Claude Makelele is staying at Chelsea after agreeing a one-year extension that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2010. (Daily Star)

Striker Kanu is refusing to sign a new one-year contract with Portsmouth as he insists they owe him a better deal. (The Sun)

Tuesday Soccer News

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:59:00 +0000

1) Roberto Donadoni has been sacked as the Azurri's coach following
their disappointing run in the ongoing Euro 2008 championship.
The problem to me is not the coach but the fact that the Italian team
needs a total overhauling. The old guards need to be changed.

2) Real Madrid intend to announce the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo on 7 July.

3) Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is demanding £50m to secure the transfers
of David Villa, Daniel Alves, David Silva and Gareth Barry. (The Mirror)

4) Jose Mourinho has cut short his summer holiday to personally take charge
of Inter Milan's pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard. (The Sun).

5) AC Milan are ready to call off their pursuit of Emmanuel Adebayor after
Arsenal rejected the move. (The Star)
Arsenal could move for Valencia midfielder David Silva if as expected
Alexander Hleb moves to Barcelona. (The Sun)

Soccer Transfer Rumours

noreply@blogger.com (khay) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:22:00 +0000

1) Barcelona are ready to hijack AC Milan's attempts to buy Arsenal's
Emmanuel Adebayor. (Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola says Deco, Ronaldinho and
Samuel Eto'o are surplus to requirements for next season.
(Spanish sports paper Marca, 1320 BST)

2) Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to say he is leaving Manchester United
after Euro 2008, according to "a close friend". (Daily Mirror)

3) Manchester City are negotiating with Ronaldinho's sponsors, Nike,
over signing the Brazilian. (Daily Express).

4) Frank Lampard is at the centre of a "tug-of-war" between former
manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan and incoming Chelsea
boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. (The Sun)

5) Liverpool's John Arne Riise is expected to complete a £5m move
to Roma this week. (Daily Mail)