Naija soccer Gists

Fabregas taunts long-ball Chelsea

2012-04-18T04:28:00.002-07:00

Former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has delivered a backhanded compliment to new Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo ahead of the Blues' Champions League clash with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Fabregas, who joined the reigning European champions from the Gunners last summer, believes Chelsea now play more "long balls" under Di Matteo than under previous manager Andre Villas-Boas. However, the Spaniard concedes the Premier League outfit will prove a tricky opponent in the semi-final tie.

"I follow the Premier League every weekend," said Fabregas. "They have changed radically.

"What happened with Villas-Boas was they played more from the back, trying to keep possession and take the initiative in the game. But they've gone back to the type of Chelsea that was more successful a few years ago - playing on the counter, trying to hit the targetman, long balls, sitting back and using that No 9 as a reference point.

"The game will be difficult. In recent games against Chelsea when I was at Arsenal and now with Barca, even though we kept possession it's hard to play against them. They counter very easily and Didier Drogba can score against you. So you have to be careful and aware of the threat they pose on the counter-attack."

Fabregas revealed he has no regrets about leaving English football for life in La Liga, having already claimed the Spanish Supercopa, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup trophies with the Catalan giants.

"It's much better than I expected and I have played much more than I expected," he said.

"I came here to learn, to get better as a player and a person and also to experience weeks like this - Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Champions League, then Real Madrid in a game which, if we win, we are back in the title race, followed by Chelsea again.

"I've learned a lot tactically. I now know my position on the pitch. I feel more mature as a player.

"It's a pleasure to be playing in this team. It's the most important week of the season and to be able to experience something like this is a dream for me.

"Winning the Champions League is a challenge that I have set myself. I was very close a few years ago and I still have a thorn in my side so, for me, it is great dream and I would love it to be fulfilled in my first year at Barcelona."

Culled from Soccernet.

Man United on alert over Van Persie

2012-04-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney admits Manchester United must stop in-form Arsenal striker Robin van Persie if the champiare to keep their title defence on track with a victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side romped to a remarkable 8-2 win over Arsenal back in August, but Rooney knows the Gunners are much-improved since that humiliation and the United striker believes van Persie has been the key to their revival.

Van Persie has scored 20 times since the Old Trafford demolition and the Dutch forward has been almost unplayable at times.

If Arsenal avenge their Manchester mauling and dent United's bid to move level on points with leaders Manchester City, it is likely van Persie will have given another masterclass.

"Van Persie has scored a lot of goals and is playing really well," Rooney said.

"He will be the biggest threat for Arsenal on Sunday. Van Persie and (Aaron) Ramsey are certainly the two who have stood out for them this season."

With Rooney, who bagged a hat-trick against Arsenal in August, back in form after a barren run, Sunday's game promises to be a shoot-out between two of the best strikers of their generation.

The duo have 39 goals between them this season, but Rooney would gladly go without a goal as long as United leave with all three points.

"It is not about me and Van Persie," he said. "It is about us against Arsenal. That is what we will be focusing on."

After inflicting Arsenal's biggest defeat for 114 years, Michael Carrick is well aware the Gunners will be desperate for revenge and the United midfielder has warned his teammates to expect a backlash.

"Maybe they will be thinking of revenge," Carrick said. "They didn't start the season too well but they are still up there.

"Arsenal against Manchester United is always a massive game. They will want to win and so will we."

With United playing a few hours before City host Tottenham, Ferguson's men have an opportunity to put serious pressure on the leaders.

They could be facing Arsenal at the right time as Arsene Wenger is without Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Andre Santos and Bacary Sagna, while Thierry Henry faces a late fitness test on a calf problem and Thomas Vermaelen is a severe doubt with the same injury.

In contrast, Ferguson's options have been boosted by the return from injury of England defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

Michael Carrick has warned his teammates to expect a backlash from Arsenal.

While United need a victory to aid their title defence, Wenger would happily settle for finishing in the top four after his side made their worst start to a season for 58 years.

They go into Sunday's game in fifth place—four points behind fourth placed Chelsea—following successive defeats against Fulham and Swansea.

And Wenger claims the prospect of missing out on Champions League should be all the motivation Arsenal need to avenge that Old Trafford embarrassment.

"You want to play big games, and this is a big game that comes at a moment when we want to convince people that we are capable of coming back into the top four. There is no better opportunity than Man Utd to show that," he said.

"We are really frustrated because we made the minimum of our last two games, we were twice leading and in the end we lost them both.

"We were on a very strong run before that, and we lost that run in a way that is difficult to accept because everything went against us in the two games - but we have to accept that and win our game on Sunday."

With Tottenham well set in third place, Wenger concedes a defeat would be a major blow to their top four hopes, but he retains belief in his injury-hit squad.

"If you imagine a catastrophe, you can always make life difficult. You can go the other side, they (Tottenham) could lose, we can win," he said.

"That is why we love the league. It is just important that we keep our belief in our game, in our players, and that we go into the game with that belief."

Top 5: Goalscoring goalkeepers

2012-04-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

As Joe Hart watched his header drift agonisingly wide against Sporting Lisbon last night, the Manchester City keeper also saw his side's European adventure end for another season.

So close to sending City into the quarter-finals, Hart's stooping header was brilliantly saved by opposite number Rui Patricio, who cruelly denied Hart a place on the hallowed list of goalscoring goalkeepers.

Had he scored, the England number one would have joined a prestigious group of shot-stoppers. Tasked with keeping the ball out of the net, a select few have also shown that they know how to stick it away as well. So often stranded 100 yards away from any goal-mouth glory, these goalscoring keepers rightly take their place in footballing folklore.

In tribute, GiveMeFootball has decided to compile a list of our favourite keepers who somehow found themselves moonlighting as lethal strikers. Plenty of worthy nominees have missed out, and we invite you to add to the list by leaving your favourite in the comment box below.

5. Jose Luis Chilavert

Paraguayan sensation Jose Luis Chilavert notched 57 goals for club and country over an illustrious 22-year career. Taking free-kicks and penalties with unerring accuracy, the South American David Beckham scored four goals for Paraguay as his country qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

However, he takes his place on this list for a remarkable performance in 1999. Chilavert, playing for Argentinian club Velez Sarsfield, became the first goalkeeper to score a hat-trick in the history of football when he bagged three penalties against Ferro Carrill Oeste.

4. Jens Lehmann

The former Arsenal keeper may have failed to score for Arsenal during his five years in north London but the German shot-stopper was prolific for previous club Schalke.

Scoring from the penalty spot against 1860 Munich in 1995 , Lehmann went on to double his tally when he secured a last-minute equaliser against Borussia Dortmund in 1997.

3.Tim Howard

A strong gust of wind and a mighty punt helped Tim Howard get on the scoresheet for Everton against Bolton this year. Gale-force winds had made life difficult for Howard and his opposite number Adam Bogdan, and Howard's goal gave the Toffees a 1-0 lead.

The American goalkeeper went on to say the goal was "cruel" on Bodgan and he refused to celebrate when his 100-yard clearance bounced over the hapless Bolton keeper. However, Bogdan's blushes were spared when Gary Cahill and David Ngog turned the tie around, Bolton leaving Goodison Park 2-1 winners.

2. Paul Robinson

The former England number one has two goals to his name. A free-kick taken just outside his own penalty area embarrassed fellow England keeper Ben Foster in a match for Spurs against Watford in 2007.

However, his first professional goal was much more dramatic. With his side Leeds trailing Swindon 2-1 in a 2004 League Cup tie, Robinson was sent up for a corner in the final minute. Displaying the movement of a seasoned striker, Robinson got across his marker, rising above the defence to thump home an equaliser that forced extra time. The game went on to penalties and Robinson finished the job, saving a spot kick and sending his side into the next round.

1. Jimmy Glass

Without doubt the most crucial goal a goalkeeper has ever scored. Carlisle keeper Glass was waved forward for a corner as relegation-threatened Carlisle played Plymouth Argyle in the final game of the 1998/1999 season. With the score locked a 1-1, Carlisle knew a draw would send them down to the non-league.

As the corner was swung in Glass rose highest, forcing a smart save from his opposite number in the Argyle net. Fortunately for the Cumbrian side the ball landed back at the feet of the Carlisle keeper, who hammered the ball home, saving his side from non-league obscurity. Glass was playing his final ever game for Carlisle as well, having been signed only three weeks before on a short-term loan

Reading promoted into Premier League

2012-04-17T22:09:00.002-07:00

Reading returned to the English Premier League after securing automatic promotion with a 1-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

Mikele Leigertwood volleyed in an Ian Harte free-kick nine minutes from time for the only goal of the game at the Madejski Stadium.

Forest, though, came close to snatching an equaliser in stoppage time but substitute Marcus Tudgay's header was cleared off the line by Alex Pearce with the striker's follow-up kept out by Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici.

Victory took the Royals, who've won 46 points from a possible 51 since January, back to the top flight for the first time since 2008, with the players swamped by joyful Reading fans who swarmed onto the pitch at the final whistle.

With only the top two sides guaranteed promotion, victory gave Championship leaders Reading an unbeatable eight point lead over third-placed West Ham, with only a maximum of six on offer to the Hammers from their final two regular season league games.

Meanwhile second-placed Southampton took a giant stride towards promotion with a 3-1 win away to Peterborough, the visitors 2-0 up inside 10 minutes.

Jos Hooiveld headed the Saints into a fifth minute lead before, five minutes later, Billy Sharp doubled their advantage.

Sharp scored his second and Southampton's third in the 57th minute before Peterborough's Tommy Rowe pulled one back four minutes from time.

That left Saints on the brink of promotion as they now have a five-point lead over West Ham.

The Hammers remained third with a 1-1 draw away to strugglers Bristol City.

James Tomkins headed the Londoners into a 25th minute lead only for City to equalise four minutes later through Cole Skuse.

Had Bristol City won, they would have relegated both Portsmouth and Coventry.

Instead Portsmouth, Southampton's bitter south coast rivals, gave themselves hope of avoiding the drop, at least for the time being, with a 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace.

Scott Allan fired Pompey, into a 32nd minute lead and, 10 minutes after halftime, Greg Halford made it 2-0 for Michael Appleton's men, who'd relegated bottom of the table Doncaster with a dramatic 4-3 win last weekend.

However, Palace ensured a nervous finale at Fratton Park when Darren Ambrose pulled a goal back for the south London side with a 71st minute penalty.

Pompey, docked 10 points for entering administration, knew a draw with Palace would relegate them to the third tier of English football for the first time in 29 years.

Ambrose twice went close to an equaliser and Palace's Paddy McCarthy had the ball in the back of the net only for his 'goal' to be ruled out for a foul on Portsmouth goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown.

But Pompey, five points from safety, hung on for a victory that preserved their Championship status.

Australian defender Shane Lowry's 66th minute header saw Millwall win 1-0 away to Coventry after visiting keeper Maik Taylor saved Gary McSheffrey's penalty.

Coventry, behind Portsmouth on goal difference, are now, like Pompey, five points from safety with two matches to play.

Blackpool and Cardiff all but made sure of playoff spots with 1-0 and 2-0 wins over Leeds and Derby respectively.

Meanwhile Hull beat Barnsley 3-1, Brighton drew 2-2 with Watford, Ipswich and Birminghan shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

Elsewhere, the matches between Leicester and Burnley and Middlesbrough and Doncaster both ended in goalless stalemates.

Football's young guns set for golden era

2012-03-13T02:29:00.002-07:00

Messi

Whilst most of last week’s football headlines across the world went to Lionel Messi, a young Brazilian continued his rise to prominence with a hat-trick of his own. Messi’s five goals against Bayer Leverkusen may have trumped Neymar’s three against Internacional, but the manner of the 20-year-old’s goals
suggested something very special could be on the horizon.

Neymar

Neymar’s name isn’t one that’s new to football fans, and a string of top clubs in Europe have been mentioned alongside the player as possible future destinations. However, his allegiance to Brazil, and more importantly domestic football in South America, has helped the game’s profile on the continent dramatically increase globally. But it’s not just the fresh-faced forward who has got people talking about the samba stars once again, with Lucas Moura, Ganso and Leandro Damiao three more players still plying their trade in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

Brazil have enjoyed huge periods of success in their rich football history, most notably in the late 50s and early 60s, as well as the mid-90s and early 00s. Each period has been defined by a great young player (Pele and Ronaldo) mixed into a team of high-quality performers.

Neymar is the next player for Brazil to build a team around, and with the likes of Dede (23), Sandro (22) and Danilo (20) all involved in the national setup, the next decade promises to be great for the Selecao.

Throw in Hulk, Ronaldinho, Dani Alves and Fernandinho, and a more experienced core is also in place to help the youngsters through. But Brazil aren’t the only country putting their faith in youth. Argentina’s dynamic front three, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, are 24, 23 and 24 respectively.

Erik Lamela

Erik Lamela, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder at Roma, has also just broken into the national side and has a huge future ahead of him. It’s not just in South America that the kids are rising though, with France following the example set by Germany over the past few years and letting their youngsters do the talking.

Mamadou Sakho (22) and Yann M’Vila (21) provide the platform in defence and midfield, whilst Olivier Giroud (25) might be older in years but newest on the scene. His rise to prominence at Montpellier has been nothing short of phenomenal, and performances thus far for Les Bleus suggest a massive future for Laurent Blanc’s side.

Not to be out done, Joachim Low has again given youngsters their chance on the international stage. Mario Gotze might be the only teenager in the setup, but Lewis Holtby and Andre Schurrle are 21, whilst Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Marco Reus, Lars Bender, Sven Bender, Holger Badstuber and Sebastian Rudy are just one year older. Three of Germany's ‘best’ players, Mesut Ozil, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels, are all 23 – a scary though for the rest of European and World football. Spain, the current international No.1, won’t be left behind on this one though, having won the U21 European Championships last summer. Javi Martinez captained the side, and showed his skills to the British public with a fine performance for Athletic Bilbao against Manchester United on Thursday night in the Europa League.

David De Gea

David De Gea is starting to show the form that made the Red Devils spend big on his services in the summer transfer window, whilst Juan Mata, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Iker Muniain and Thiago Alcantara are all 23 or younger.

As for the Dutch – they have Jeffrey Bruma coming through the ranks in defence, a player English fans no quite well from his time at Chelsea. Kevin Strootman, Georginio Wijnaldum, Luuk De Jong, Luciano Narsingh and Ola John have also come into the plans of Burt Van Marwijk over the past 12 months.

Phil Jones

The fear for England is that they’ve once again fallen behind their international rivals. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Micah Richards are all 23 or under, whilst winger Theo Walcott is only 22. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, yet to get a senior chance for the Three Lions, is also one of the nation’s brightest hopes.

And up-front, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck are both in their early 20s, suggesting things might not be all bad for the Three Lions. But, if we’re talking about young players making an impact on the international stage, then a special mention must go to Belgium, who have an unerring crop of players climbing through the ranks across the continent.

Thiabut Courtois (19), Kevin De Bruyne (20) and Romelu Lukaku (18) are three players at Chelsea, whilst Europe’s hottest property – Eden Hazard – is just 21. Jelle Vossen, Dedryk Boyata, Axel Witsel and Steven Defour are all 23 or under, suggesting qualification for World Cup 2014 is well within the realms of possibility for Georges Leekens’ side. In short, it seems world football is set for perhaps is greatest ever period, with so many good young players climbing through the ranks for their clubs and making an impact on the international stage. With all that in mind, Brazil’s 2014 World Cup has all the ingredients to be the greatest showpiece event of all time – and what price a home win to send a nation into delirium?

2012-03-13T01:25:00.001-07:00

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Chelsea Sacks Villas-Boas as Manager

2012-03-04T07:20:00.004-08:00

Andre Villas-Boas today "parted company" with Chelsea, the club have confirmed.

The 34-year-old lost his job less than 24 hours after yesterday's Premier League defeat at West Bromwich Albion, which left the Blues fifth in the table.

Chelsea also announced assistant manager Roberto Di Matteo would take charge of the team until the end of the season.

Villas-Boas was only appointed eight months ago and cost billionaire owner Roman Abramovich £13.3million to land from FC Porto.
The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early.
Chelsea statement

Chelsea said in a statement on their website: "Andre Villas-Boas has parted company with Chelsea Football Club today. The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season.

"The club is still competing in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts.

"With that in mind, we felt our only option was to make a change at this time. With immediate effect, Roberto Di Matteo has been appointed first-team coach on an interim basis until the end of the season."

Season sliding to disaster
Villas-Boas had been under mounting pressure after overseeing what was threatening to be Chelsea's worst season since Abramovich bought the club almost nine years ago.

A run of just five wins from the last 16 games saw the Blues slide out of the top four, while they remain in real danger of crashing out of both the Champions League and FA Cup in the next week-and-a-half.

Yobo sets record as Eagles draw

2012-03-01T00:45:00.000-08:00

Nigeria's Super Eagles and their Rwandan counterparts, the Wasps, played out a goalless draw in a 2013 Afcon qualifying in Kigali on Wednesday.

Eagles did not shock me - Hamilton

Nigeria force draw in Rwanda

Stephen Keshi in his first competitive game as Nigeria manager opted for three local-based stars, Ejike Uzoenyi, Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwuekwe in his starters to underscore his faith in them.

Rwanda head coach, Milutin Sredojevic, who has had an impressive run since taking charge in November 2011, started with Oliver Karekezi and Meddie Kagere in attack.

The West Africans started off fastest with Enugu Rangers' left winger, Ejike Uzoenyi pulling most of the strings by darting runs down the left flank and caused the defence of the Wasps torrid times.

Keshi's men were livelier in the opening 20 minutes.Keshi later sent on Ikechukwu Uche, Reuben Gabriel and also capped Wigan's Victor Moses to put an end to speculation on his international future as Odemwingie, Dickson Etuhu and Ahmed Musa respectively gave way.

Granada CF striker, Uche found the back of the net within minutes of coming on but his effort was rightly struck off for offside by South African referee, Daniel Bennett.
Moses' introduction sparked life into the Nigerian attack.

Nigeria captain, Joseph Yobo, who won his 87th appearance to become the nation's most capped men's footballer, missed the chance to win his side the points minutes to time.

The second leg between both teams is expected to hold in Nigeria on the weekend of June 15 and 17, 2012.

Eagles did not shock me - Hamilton

2012-03-01T00:34:00.002-08:00

Former Nigerian footballer and manager, Paul Hamilton is excited that Super Eagles did not lose to the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Eagles were held 0-0 by the East Africans in the race for the South Africa 2013 Afcon at the Stade Regionale de Nyamirambo on Wednesday.

Stephen Keshi's men played a mixture of home and foreign-based players.

Hamilton told SuperSport.com that the barren draw may not be agreeable with many Nigerians but it is far better a result than an outright defeat.

"I wasn't disappointed with the draw, what if we had lost the game. I think the draw is better for planning, it is now the responsibility of the coach to ensure we win the return leg in Nigeria."

However, Hamilton picked fault with the late arrival of the Europe-based professionals.

"The late arrival of the Europe-based professionals was not good for proper blending with the home-based players.

"Subsequently, the coach must insist on having them, at least, four clear days or he revert to the domestic players," he said.

The former NEPA player gave nod to the fusion of the home and foreign-based players.

"It's quite commendable the mixture of local and foreign players, it will engender healthy competition and stronger team.

"I challenge the local players not to slack but continue to give their best at any given chance," he said.

Nigeria force draw in Rwanda

2012-03-01T00:30:00.002-08:00

Nigeria survived a late Rwanda onslaught to force a 0-0 draw at Stade de Kigali Wednesday in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations first round qualifier.

The Super Eagles were playing their first competitive match under new coach Stephen Keshi and will be favoured to reach the final elimination round after the mid-June return match.

Keshi had warned his mix of local and overseas-based stars to expect a battle at the compact 22 000-capacity ground in the Rwandan capital, and so it proved with the home team much improved under new Serb coach Milutin Sredojevic.

There was no joy for Indian Ocean island teams with Madagascar crashing 4-0 to the Cape Verde Islands and the Seychelles slumping by the same score against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ryan da Graca and Eduardo Gomes scored in the first half and Toni Varela twice in the closing stages as the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde devoured their opponents in Antananarivo.

Dioko Kaluyituka was the hat-trick star in Victoria for the Congolese, winners of the Cup of Nations in 1968 and 1974 but not among the top 30 African teams in the Fifa rankings this month.

Mabi Mputu was also on target for the visitors, who are banking on experienced French coach Claude le Roy to lift them out of the doldrums after missing the last three Cup of Nations tournaments.

Kenya edged Togo 2-1 in Nairobi with James Sit+uma putting the home team ahead, Razak Boukari levelling before halftime and Allan Wanga snatched a winner for the Harambee Stars.

There was also a late winner in Bujumbura as Burundi defeated new-look Zimbabwe 2-1 with the decisive goal scored by South Africa-based defender Valery Nahayo against rivals lacking several regulars involved in a match-fixing probe.

Tanzania had to fight back for a 1-1 draw against Mozambiqie in Dar es Salaam with Cleusio Bauque scoring a superb solo goal for the Mambas (Snakes) and Mwinyi Kazimoto equalising.

A second-half brace from Leger Djime earned Chad a thrilling 3-2 victory over Malawi in N'Djamena where Mahamat Labbo was also on target for the home team and Atusaye Nyondo and Atletico Madrid starlet Robin Ngalanda hit the Malawi goals.

Ethiopia were held 0-0 in Addis Ababa by Benin – a satisfactory result for former France star Manuel Amoros in his competitve debut as coach of the west African Squirrels.

Arshavin transfers to Zenit

2012-02-25T04:54:00.000-08:00

Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin has returned to former club Zenit St Petersburg on loan for the rest of the season, in a deal completed on Russian transfer deadline day.

Andrei Arshavin has received some heavy criticism this season

Arshavin joined Arsenal in a high-profile move from Zenit in 2009, but the 30-year-old has been struggling for form this season and consistently linked to a possible move away from The Emirates.

Speculation emerged on Friday that Zenit were keen on welcoming Arshavin back, with unsubstantiated sources suggesting the Russian league leaders were prepared to pay a £1 million fee along with his wages.

The terms of the deal are yet to be announced, but confirmation arrived via Arshavin's personal Twitter account around 8pm. "It's done," he wrote.

Soon after ther Russian club said on their website: "Arshavin is back!''

The move may have come as a surprise to Gunners manager Arsene Wenger, who had maintained earlier on Friday he did not expect Arshavin to rejoin his former club before the Russian transfer window closed. Wenger did add he would "not stand in his way'' should an 11th-hour agreement be reached.

Arshavin spent eights years with Zenit, and his return to the Russian league leaders will no doubt be greeted warmly by fans who witnessed his rise to become one of Europe's most sought-after talents.

Another motivation for Arshavin's return can be found in this summer's Euro 2012 tournament, in which he would hope to feature prominently for Russia. Playing regularly for Zenit certainly won't harm his chances.

Tevez has return to Manchester city

2012-02-15T01:09:00.000-08:00

Carlos Tevez returned to Manchester on Tuesday insisting he wanted to end his long-running feud with Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and play again for the Premier League leaders.

The Argentina striker, returning from his homeland, has not played for City since incensing Italian manager Mancini by refusing to warm-up while on the bench during a Champions League tie away to Bayern Munich on September 27.

Mancini has indicated his willingness to make peace with Tevez if the player apologises to him.

And Tevez, during a Fox Sports interview broadcast in translation on Britain's Sky Sports News on Monday, said: "I do not think I was wrong, but if they (the club) think so I apologise.

"I am ready to return, to win and do the best for the club's shirt," he added. "Hopefully I can help City to be champions again."

However, in the same interview, Tevez, said Mancini had treated him "like a dog" during the controversial incident in September last year that has led to more than three months of Eastlands' exile.

"I had already warmed up for 10 minutes and he has this attitude that he wants to lose 2-0 instead of 4-0," Tevez said.

Liverpool deny any sponsor pressure on Suarez.

2012-02-15T00:57:00.000-08:00

Liverpool denied on Tuesday reports they'd apologised for Luis Suarez's conduct at Old Trafford as a result of pressure from shirt sponsors Standered Chartered bank.

Uruguay striker Suarez sparked fresh uproar last weekend when he refused to shake the hand of Manchester United's Patrice Evra, having only recently returned from an eight-game ban for racially abusing the French defender.

Liverpool subsequently apologised for Suarez's conduct but, having steadfastly supported their forward up until that point, there were suspicions they had been pressured into taking action by Standard Chartered, who are currently half-way through a four-year deal worth £81 million.

However, Liverpool insisted Tuesday that managing director Ian Ayre and manager Kenny Dalglish had not been prompted by anyone from outside Anfield.

"Ian Ayre kept Standard Chartered fully informed of developments over the course of the weekend," said a Liverpool statement. "The actions the club decided to take on Sunday were supported by Standard Chartered."

A Standard Chartered statement Sunday said: "We were very disappointed by Saturday's incident and have discussed our concerns with the club."

It has been suggested the club's American-based owners, Fenway Sports Group, only became fully aware of the severity of the Suarez situation when reports appeared in the US press.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson branded Suarez's conduct ahead of Liverpool's 2-1 defeat on Saturday a disgrace, while Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor called the Liverpool star's actions "disrespectful, inappropriate and embarrassing".

Suarez finally showed some contrition in a statement expressing his regret for his actions.

"I have spoken with the manager (Kenny Dalglish) since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong," Suarez said Sunday on Liverpool's official website.

"I've not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened.

"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions.

Ayre added: "We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's (Saturday's) game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so," Ayre said.

"He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra.

"He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his teammates and the club. It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable."

And, later on Sunday, Dalglish said: "Ian Ayre has made the club's position absolutely clear and it is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford.

"To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do."

Top 10 Afcon flops.

2012-02-15T00:53:00.000-08:00

Gyan after a penalty miss...

Here, in no particular order, are MTNFootball’s Top 10 Flops of the recently completed 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Attendances

Though both Gabon and Equatorial Guinea did a great job in hosting the tournament, the one area they failed to come to grips with was the poor attendances.

Apart from matches involving the two host teams, empty seats more often than not outnumbered spectators.

The worst example was Zambia’s 3-0 win over Sudan in the quarterfinals when the Esatdio de Bata, with a capacity of 37,500, had no more than a couple of hundred people in it.

Senegal

Enough has been written and said about Senegal’s shocking failure at the 2012 Nations Cup, so we won’t go on anymore about it here. They came into the tournament as one of the favourites and were sent packing in the group stages after three successive defeats. Ouch!

Demba Ba

Almost all of Senegal’s attacking players were disappointing at the Nations Cup, but none of them came into the tournament with red-hot form like Demba Ba.

He was banging in goals left, right and centre for Newcastle in the Premier League, but at Afcon 2012 he simply failed to fire.

He then returned to the Magpies and scored in his first game back, as did Papiss Cisse on his debut for the club. Go figure.

Ghana’s discipline

Three players sent off in the space of six games points to a serious lack of discipline in Ghana’s ranks.

It was a major problem for the Black Stars at this tournament and when they look back on just why they failed to live up to their favourites tag, it will definitely feature high up on the list.

Gervinho

CAF may have included Gervinho in their team of the tournament, but apart from his (admittedly superb) solo goal against Mali in the semifinals, he was a major disappointment for Cote d’Ivoire.

His finishing, final pass or cross and link-up play was sub-standard. He then underlined his struggles with a nervy miss in the final’s penalty shootout.

Morocco

Talked of as ‘dark horses’ for the title, Morocco were eliminated after losing their first two group games to Tunisia and co-hosts Gabon.

They at least salvaged a little pride with a win over Niger in their last match, but it was still a dreadfully disappointing showing from the North Africans.

Burkina Faso

And we can say the same for Burkina Faso’s Stallions. Sure, they were in a tough group, but to go home with no points at all?

Just not good enough, especially from coach Paulo Duarte, who blamed pretty much everyone and everything, but himself for his side’s abject failure.

Goalkeeping

While Zambia’s Kennedy Mweene gave a tournament-long master class in the art of goalkeeping, the standard of glove work at the Nations Cup was generally pretty ropey.

The nadir was Aymen Mathlouthi’s inexplicable howler that gifted Ghana a 2-1 win over Tunisia in the quarterfinals.

Asamoah GyanAsamoah Gyan came into the tournament under an injury cloud and, apart from his brilliant free kick goal against Mali in the group phase, he looked a shadow of himself.

His weak penalty miss in the semifinal against Zambia summed up the kind of Nations Cup he had.

Big-name strikers taking penalties

Didier Drogba missed two penalties, including one in the final; Asamoah Gyan fluffed one in the semifinal; Gabon’s star Pierre Aubameyang missed in the quarterfinal shootout against Mali; and Gervinho fired wide in the final’s penalty shootout.

For some inexplicable reason, most of the continent’s best attackers were pretty useless when it came to spot kicks.

United fan plans to stop City expansion

2012-02-15T00:48:00.001-08:00

A Manchester United fan aims to block rival Manchester City's "goals of football domination" by selling off thousands of parcels of a site earmarked by the world's richest club for a £100-million training complex.

Businessman Shaun O'Brien has divided the land at his vehicle recovery company, OB Trucks, near City's Etihad Stadium, into 18,500 square-foot plots for sale in a bid to disrupt a proposed council order to make him sell it.

He was selling the plots for 250 pounds each through website, Unite Against the City, to "ardent Reds and anybody else that feels strongly about our David & Goliath situation," in order to make the club negotiate individually and fairly for each plot, the website said.

The sale had attracted buyers from around the world, including the United States and Spain, since the website went live on February 6, O'Brien told Reuters, declining to reveal the sales figures. "We're very close to fulfilling the 5,000 minimum."

The campaign was "to prevent Manchester City's attempts to acquire our land in Eastlands, Manchester, in order to further their goals of football domination", O'Brien wrote on the website.

Local newspaper Manchester Evening News said O'Brien had refused a one-million-pound offer from City to leave the site, stalling the club's bid to redevelop a run-down, 80-acre plot near their stadium.

O'Brien said City had offered him 200,000 pounds for the land for the past two years, though they had said they would pay another 750 000 pounds for moving and expenses.

"But it's just not enough," he said. "I've been here for 15 years, I had no intention to sell (the land)... As a business who want my land to further their business they should come and sit down, negotiate and we'll hack out a figure, whereas all along they've said we'll give you 200,000 pounds or we'll get the council to CPO you," he said.

A compulsory purchase order has now been issued by Manchester City Council and the club to try to force O'Brien to sell at market value.

Manchester City hold the title of the world's richest club, gained after they were bought by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi three years ago.

Giggs not in a hurry to retire.

2012-02-15T00:44:00.001-08:00

Manchester United great Ryan Giggs has insisted he won't make the same mistake as teammate Paul Scholes by retiring too soon.

Scholes quit after helping United win a record 19th English title last season and started to coach the reserve side at Old Trafford.

However, he was summoned back into first-team action by Sir Alex Ferguson in January to help ease United's injury crisis in midfield.

Giggs though recently signed a one-year contract extension and the 38-year-old, who has only ever played professionally for United, is set to take part in a 22nd season at Old Trafford, having made his debut in 1991.

Since then midfielder Giggs has scored 162 goals and won 12 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and three League Cups.

And on Thursday he is set go become the first player to make 900 appearances for United when they play Ajax in the Europa League.

"When to retire is difficult," Giggs told Tuesday's Daily Telegraph. "Do you quit too early or go that one too many games and let people see you on the slide? Retirement is just a decision that I have to take my time with because I feel different after each game.

"He (Scholes) was missing it and it's no secret that me, (Gary Neville) and a few other people felt that he had finshed too early, but who where we to know?

"We wanted him to carry on but he'd made his decision quite early and it was probably too early, which I think he accepts now. Who knows? Maybe he'll carry on next year," the former Wales international added.

Giggs could feature as an over-age player in the Great Britain side at the 2012 London Olympics but is wary of taking part lest it damage Wales's case to remain an independent football nation.

"I haven't thought about the Olympics too much but nearer the time, I am obviously going to have to," Giggs said. "First of all, I have to get picked - there are a lot of players vying for 20-odd spots - (and then there) is another obstacle: will it affect Wales in the future?.

"If it does, then it will be an easy decision for me to make. If it comes to the time when the likes of myself, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are picked, it is something we will have to speak to the FAW (Football Associatiob of Wales) about," he added.

Giggs said switching to central midfield after starting out as a left winger had helped prolong his career.

"Moving in to central midfield has definitely helped me," he said. "I had a taste of what it was like on the wing against Liverpool on Saturday (a match Premier League champions United won 2-1) and it's just completely different because you are up and down all the time."

City includes Tevez in their 25 squad man list

2012-02-03T01:19:00.000-08:00

Premier League clubs have submitted their squads for the final half of the season following the close of the January transfer.

Crazy football skills..

In a surprise list, Manchester City league-leading AWOL striker Carlos Tevez was included in their 23-man squad while Blackburn defender Chris Samba is another wantaway star named in his club's squad, despite not playing since handing in a transfer request last month.

Meanwhile, second-placed Manchester United have added injured skipper Nemanja Vidic, while Liverpool will evidently hope that midfielder Lucas Leiva also makes a swift recovery as the Merseysiders put forward the smallest squad with just 19 names included.

In the EPL rule which states that each club's 25-man squad should have eight homegrown players who - regardless of age or nationality - have spent three years in the youth system of a club in England or Wales before they reached the age of 21.

Contrary to reports elsewhere, players aged under 21 can, if required, be named in the 25-man squad as a homegrown player. An Under-21 player is defined as being born on or after January 1, 1989.

Clubs can use an unlimited number of Under-21 players in addition to their 25-man squad. For instance, Chelsea would not need to name Daniel Sturridge and Arsenal Jack Wilshere in their 25-man squad.

Any player who is left out of the 25-man squad will only be eligible to play in the Carling Cup until January 1. From January 1 to January 31, clubs can make unlimited changes to their 25-man squad. On February 1 a new 25-man squad must be named to run until the end of the current campaign.

If a club chooses fewer than 25 players for their squad it is almost certainly due to them having a large number of under-21 players. Clubs with fewer than 25 players in their squad are still permitted to sign free agents.

Full squads:

(Squad lists do not include registered Under-21 players as information is not yet available)

ARSENAL: Andre Santos, Andrey Arshavin, Mikel Arteta, Yossi Benayoun, Maroune Chamakh, Abou Diaby, Johan Djourou, Lukasz Fabianski, Gervinho, Kieran Gibbs, Laurent Koscielny, Vito Mannone, Per Mertesacker, Park Chu-young, Tomas Rosicky, Bacary Sagna, Thierry Henry, Alex Song, Sebastien Squillaci, Robin van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen, Theo Walcott.

ASTON VILLA: Gabriel Agbonlahor, Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan, Darren Bent, Ciaran Clark, James Collins, Carlos Cuellar, Fabian Delph, Richard Dunne, Shay Given, Brad Guzan, Christopher Herd, Emile Heskey, Stephen Ireland, Eric Lichaj, Andrew Marshall, Stiliyian Petrov, Stephen Warnock, Charles N'Zogbia, Jermaine Jenas, Alan Hutton, Robbie Keane.

BLACKBURN: Christopher Samba, Michel Salgado, Herold Goulon, Bradley Orr, Bruno Ribeiro, David Dunn, Paul Robinson, Mark Bunn, Nick Blackman, Martin Olsson, Mauro Formica, Radosav Petrovic, Gael Givet, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Steven Nzonzi, David Goodwillie, Vince Grella, Simon Vukcevic, Ayegbeni Yakubu, Scott Dann, Amine Linganzi, Anthony Modeste, Marcus Olsson.

BOLTON: Robbie Blake, Adam Bogdan, Tim Ream, Kevin Davies, Mark Davies, Chris Eagles, Sean Davis, Stuart Holden, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Ivan Klasnic, Zat Knight, Robert Lainton, Tyrone Mears, Fabrice Muamba, Temitope Obadeyi, Martin Petrov, Darren Pratley, Nigel Reo-Coker, Sam Ricketts, Paul Robinson, Tuncay Sanli, Gretar Rafn Steinsson, David Wheater, David Ngog, Chung-Yong Lee.

CHELSEA: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Michael Essien, Ramires, Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Didier Drogba, John Mikel Obi, Florent Malouda, Raul Meireles, Jose Bosingwa, Paulo Ferreira, Salomon Kalou, Ross Turnbull, Daniel Sturridge, John Terry, Ryan Bertrand, Gary Cahill, Hilario, Sam Hutchinson.

EVERTON: Victor Anichebe, Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill, Tony Hibbert, Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Darron Gibson, Nikica Jelavic, Seamus Coleman, Sylvain Distin, Marouane Fellaini, John Heitinga, Tim Howard, Jan Mucha, Steven Pienaar, Landon Donovan, Royston Drenthe, Denis Stracqualursi, Marcus Hahnemann, James McFadden.

FULHAM: Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mousa Dembele, Clint Dempsey, Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu, Marcel Gecov, Zdenek Grygera, Orlando Sa, Brede Hangeland, Aaron Hughes, Andrew Johnson, Stephen Kelly, Danny Murphy, Bjorn Helge Riise, John Arnse Riise, Bryan Ruiz, Mark Schwarzer, Philippe Senderos, Steven Sidwell, Csaba Somogyi, Pavel Pogrebnyak, David Stockdale, Rafik Halliche.

LIVERPOOL: Brad Jones, Glen Johnson, Jose Enrique, Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio, Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Andy Carroll, Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt, Stewart Downing, Jay Spearing, Jamie Carragher, Jose Reina, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni, Martin Skrtel, Lucas Leiva, Craig Bellamy.

MAN CITY: Micah Richards, Joe Hart, Stuart Taylor, Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry, James Milner, Adam Johnson, Gael Clichy, Costel Pantilimon, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure, Aleksandar Kolarov, Nigel de Jong, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko, Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, David Pizarro, Gunnar Nielsen, Owen Hargreaves.

MAN UTD: Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Jonathan Evans, Michael Owen, Anderson, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Chris Smalling, Park Ji-Sung, Javier Hernandez, Nemanja Vidic, Michael Carrick, Nani, Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher, Antonio Valencia, Tomasz Kuszczak, Anders Lindegaard, Paul Scholes, Ritchie De Laet.

NEWCASTLE: Shola Ameobi, Demba Ba, Hatem Ben Arfa, Leon Best, Yohan Cabaye, Fabricio Coloccini, Robert Elliot, Danny Guthrie, Jonas Gutierrez, Steve Harper, Tim Krul, Peter Lovenkrands, Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan, James Perch, Danny Simpson, Alan Smith, Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Cheik Tiote, Mike Williamson, Papiss Demba Cisse.

NORWICH: John Ruddy, Russell Martin, Adam Drury, Bradley Johnson, Steve Morison, Zak Whitbread, Andrew Crofts, James Vaughan, Grant Holt, Simeon Jackson, Andrew Surman, Anthony Pilkington, Wes Hoolahan, David Fox, Elliott Bennett, Simon Lappin, Leon Barnett, Elliott Ward, Marc Tierney, Jonathan Howson, Kyle Naughton, Aaron Wilbraham.

QPR: Paddy Kenny, Armand Traore, Clint Hill, Shaun Derry, Fitz Hall, Adel Taarabt, Bobby Zamora, Rob Hulse, DJ Campbell, Jay Bothroyd, Samba Diakite, Jamie Mackie, Danny Gabbidon, Akos Buzsaky, Taye Taiwo, Nedum Onuoha, Joey Barton, Luke Young, Thomas Smith, Heidar Helguson, Radek Cerny, Brian Murphy, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anton Ferdinand, Dijbril Cisse.

STOKE: Diego Arismendi, Asmir Begovic, Peter Crouch, Rory Delap, Salif Diao, Matthew Etherington, Ricardo Fuller, Danny Collins, Robert Huth, Kenwyne Jones, Carlo Nash, Wilson Palacios, Jermaine Pennant, Ryan Shawcross, Ryan Shotton, Mamady Sidibe, Thomas Sorensen, Matthew Upson, Jon Walters, Glenn Whelan, Dean Whitehead, Andy Wilkinson, Marc Wilson, Jonathan Woodgate, Cameron Jerome.

SUNDERLAND: Phil Bardsley, Titus Bramble, Wes Brown, Fraizer Campbell, Trevor Carson, Lee Cattermole, Jack Colback, Nicklas Bendtner, Craig Gardner, Sebastian Larsson, Kieran Richardson, Michael Turner, John O'Shea, David Vaughan, Kieren Westwood, Ahmed Elmohamady, Sotiris Kyrgiakos, Simon Mignolet, Stephane Sessegnon, James McClean, David Meyler, Marcos Angeleri, Craig Gordon, Matthew Kilgallon, Wayne Bridge.

SWANSEA: Michel Vorm, Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Alan Tate, Ferrie Bodde, Leon Britton, Andrea Orlandi, Curtis Obeng, Danny Graham, Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer, Stephen Dobbie, Wayne Routledge, Garry Monk, Leroy Lita, Luke Moore, Jose Moreira, Angel Rangel, Kemy Agustien, Mark Gower, Gerhard Tremmel, Fede Bessone, Gylfi Sigurdsson.

TOTTENHAM: Brad Friedel, Heurelho Gomes, Carlo Cudicini, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Michael Dawson, William Gallas, Ledley King, Younes Kaboul, Bongani Khumalo, Ryan Nelsen, Aaron Lennon, Jake Livermore, Tom Huddlestone, Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar, Gareth Bale, Louis Saha, Jermain Defoe, Rafael van der Vaart, Sandro, Emmanuel Adebayor, David Bentley, Giovanni Dos Santos, Simon Dawkins, Scott Parker.

WEST BROM: Keith Andrews, Chris Brunt, Simon Cox, Luke Daniels, Graham Dorrans, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Ben Foster, Marton Fulop, Zoltan Gera, Billy Jones, Shane Long, Gareth McAuley, James Morrison, Youssouf Mulumbu, Peter Odemwingie, Jonas Olsson, Steven Reid, Liam Ridgewell, Paul Scharner, Nicky Shorey, Gabriel Tamas, Jerome Thomas, Someon Tchoyi.

WIGAN: Chris Kirkland, Mike Pollitt, Ben Watson, Emmerson Boyce, Gary Caldwell, David Jones, Hendry Thomas, James McArthur, Jordi Gomez, Hugo Rodalleha, Mohamed Diame, Maynor Figueroa, Steve Gohouri, Antolin Alcaraz, Franco Di Santo, Ali Al-Habsi, Ronnie Stam, Adrian Lopez, Conor Sammon, Shaun Maloney, Albert Crusat, Jean Beausejour.

WOLVES: Wayne Hennessey, George Elokobi, David Edwards, Richard Stearman, Jody Craddock, Michael Kightly, Karl Henry, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, Steven Fletcher, Stephen Hunt, Carl Ikeme, Roger Johnson, Christophe Berra, Matt Jarvis, Adam Hammill, Nenad Milijas, Sebastian Bassong, Eggert Jonsson, Ronald Zubar, Jamie O'Hara, Kevin Doyle, Dorus De Vries, Kevin Foley.

fella what do you all think about this....

crazy soccer skills

2012-01-30T02:14:00.000-08:00

Hello soccer fans let a look at some crazy soccer skills by some amazing soccer player..... Enjoy and leave your comments.....

Jay Jay okocha

Neymar Crazy Skills

Ronaldo (9)

Taiwo set to join QPR

2012-01-20T00:21:00.000-08:00

A deal has apparently been agreed between the London side and the Milan club regarding their Nigerian defender.
The acquisition of the Nigerian international would represent something of a coup for QPR, who are desperate to strengthen their team before the transfer window closes.

What seems unclear is whether it's a loan deal or a full-on purchase.

The sturdy left-back left Olympique Marseille this summer on a free transfer, but has seen only eight matches in all competitions with Milan.

He has earned praise from Max Allegri of late prompting Mark Hughes anxious to shore up his rickety defense to come calling.

He believes Taiwo will help QPR manage to avoid relegation

Barca take Copa advantage

2012-01-19T02:38:00.000-08:00

Eric Abidal proved an unlikely matchwinner as Barcelona came from behind to beat Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final a the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo answered his critics for his poor performance against Barcelona last month by scoring the opener after 11 minutes, picking up Karim Benzema's pass before driving past Gerard Pique and firing low past Jose Manuel Pinto.

Barcelona took control for the rest of the first period but could not find a way through as Alexis Sanchez's header came back off the post and Andres Iniesta fired wide when well-placed inside the area.

But four minutes into the second half they were level as Carles Puyol headed home Xavi's corner.

Iniesta and Benzema then saw efforts come back off the bar and post respectively before Abidal, who yesterday signed a one-year contract extension, latched on to Lionel Messi's excellent ball over the top to prod past Iker Casillas and score only his second goal in five seasons at the club.

Jose Mourinho surprised many by recalling Ricardo Carvalho after 21 games out through injury and handing Hamit Altintop only his third start as a Madrid player at right-back.

However, just as in the league clash between these two last month, it was the hosts who went ahead early on.

Ronaldo showed great pace to surge past Pique, but Pinto in the Barcelona goal was at fault as the ball crept between the keeper's legs on its way into the net.

Barcelona responded by dominating for the remainder of the first half.

Sanchez headed Cesc Fabregas' cross off the inside of the post and Iniesta should have equalised when the Chilean found him free inside the area, but for once the Spain international's control deserted him and he couldn't squeeze the ball in from a tight angle.

Madrid held on until half time, but just minutes after the break the Catalans were deservedly level as Xavi's corner picked out the completely unmarked Puyol and his diving header gave Casillas no chance.

Moments later Iniesta nearly put the visitors in front as more brilliant combination play between he and Fabregas put the Barca number eight through just inside the area, but Sergio Ramos got across to deflect his volley on to the bar.

Four minutes later it was Madrid who struck the woodwork as Altintop's cross was headed powerfully against the post by Benzema.

With Madrid still struggling to create chances, Mourinho brought on Mesut Ozil and Jose Maria Callejon for Gonzalo Higuain and Lassana Diarra in the search of a winner.

Callejon's first contribution, however, was to get booked for a late challenge on Messi and Pepe was also lucky not to see a second yellow card directly after the foul as he appeared to stand on Messi's hand while the Argentinian was on the ground.

Unusually it was Barca's set-pieces that were causing Madrid the most problems and from another Xavi free-kick Sergio Busquets headed just over when he should have found the target.

The winner did eventually arrive for Barcelona, though, and predictable Messi was heavily involved.

Messi escaped Madrid's pressure in the midfield and scooped a wonderful ball over the top for Abidal, who kept his cool to slot past Casillas.

Rabiu Ibrahim signs for Celtic

2012-01-19T02:28:00.000-08:00

Celtic have announced the signing of Nigerian midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim subject to a successful work permit application.

Ibrahim, 20, will join the Parkhead side on a three-and-a-half year deal after impressing while on trial with the Hoops.

The playmaker earned the move after making an impact in a practice match against St Johnstone when he played 60 minutes of the 3-2 victory.

The former PSV player marks Celtic's second piece of transfer business in as many days after announcing the signing of defender Jaroslaw Fojut on a pre-contract agreement on Tuesday.

Speaking of the capture of Ibrahim, manager Neil Lennon told the club's official website: "We have been very impressed by Rabiu.

"In my view he is a highly talented and exciting young player and someone who will be a tremendous addition to our squad.

"He is a playmaker, well balanced and a very intelligent footballer. We are really looking forward to him joining us."

Chance for Jose to break Barca run

2012-01-16T13:24:00.000-08:00

Overcoming Real Madrid's mental block against Barcelona will be the chief concern for coach Jose Mourinho when the teams resume their battle for supremacy on Wednesday.

Real host their arch-rivals for a King's Cup quarterfinal first leg (2100 GMT) having won 22 of their last 23 matches in all competitions, the one defeat being a 3-1 La Liga reverse at Barca's hands at the Bernabeu six weeks ago.

Mourinho has managed only one victory over Barca in eight attempts since taking the job two years ago, Cristiano Ronaldo nodding an extra-time winner in a 1-0 triumph in last season's King's Cup final.

Four defeats and three draws across four competitions make up the rest of the story but the coach goes into Wednesday's tie holding a five-point La Liga lead over the champions.

Mourinho has made it clear the league is this season's priority and he would be able to write off a King's Cup slipup as irrelevant.

However, the psychological impact of the 'clasico' tussles could play a big role in each team's campaign.

"You'll have to ask the Madrid players if we have eaten into their morale," Barca midfielder Xavi told a news conference on Monday.

"Winning or losing will have a big effect on a team's state of mind. The winner will receive a huge confidence boost."

Spanish international Xavi responded to questions about Ronaldo, who has gone off the boil in recent games and received whistles from some sectors of the Bernabeu crowd since his below-par showing at last month's 'clasico'.

The comparisons with Lionel Messi, crowned World Player of the Year for the third time last week, appear to weigh heavy on the Portuguese forward who has scored three times in 10 'clasicos' compared to the Argentine's seven strikes over the same period.

"Messi always makes the difference. The Bernabeu seems to be to his liking. He always rises to the occasion and we expect him to do the same again," Xavi said.

RUNS OF FORM

"Ronaldo, like all strikers, goes through runs of form. Sometimes the ball goes in, other times it doesn't but it is clear he is capable of making the difference."

Ronaldo is La Liga's leading scorer with 21 goals but his anxious performances against Barca and a tense relationship with some of Real's fans mean the world's most expensive player will once again be the focus of attention.

"I have a routine before matches like most players," Ronaldo told DT magazine. "I try to laugh, crack a few jokes, listen to house music.

"I don't put myself under pressure. If you do this, things go badly. I am this way whether I am preparing to play Barcelona or any other team. My mental strength is very important."

Mourinho has a doubt over defender Pepe, who missed training on Monday with a bruised thigh, but Angel Di Maria is expected to return to the squad.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola is without the injured David Villa, Ibrahim Afellay and Pedro while Seydou Keita is away at the African Nations Cup.

On Tuesday third-tier Mirandes, who have knocked out La Liga sides Villarreal and Racing Santander, visit Espanyol (2000).

The 23-times Cup winners Athletic Bilbao are at home to 2003 winners Real Mallorca on Wednesday (1900) and the final first leg will be a Valencia city derby on Thursday.

Levante, one of the revelations of the league season, are fourth just behind neighbours Valencia and visit the Mestalla (2030).

Scholes back at Man United

2012-01-08T12:19:00.000-08:00

Paul Scholes has sensationally returned to Manchester United, and made his return to action in the Third Round of the FA Cup as United knocked out holders City.

Scholes, 37, retired from professional football at the end of last season after an illustrious career with the Red Devils, though has continued to play the game and remains in good condition. He is part of the the club's reserve team coaching staff.

The Red Devils have had trouble in their engine room with Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher sidelined, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson even resorted to playing Wayne Rooney in midfield at one point during the season.

The veteran midfielder now returns to the squad, and he went straight to the bench in the blockbuster FA Cup clash against Manchester City on Sunday. He came on at the hour mark as the Red Devils came out on top in a 3-2 decision.
Newspaper reports over the past couple of days had suggested Scholes could be about to rejoin the club where he won 10 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Champions Leagues. However, Scholes' inclusion in the team to face City on Sunday means he had already re-signed before the press speculation began.

"It's fantastic that Paul has made this decision,'' said United boss Sir Ferguson. "It's always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early.
"But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him. It's terrific to have him back.''
Scholes said: "I've been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it. I'm delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I'm looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club.''
It is believed Scholes was pressed into reconsidering by a number of senior colleagues, who felt the midfielder could still be a major influence on United's quest for honours at a time when so many central midfielders are absent.
"He came to see me and said he wanted to come back, he was missing it too much,'' Ferguson told ITV. "There were no negatives as far as I'm concerned. The players were fantastic about it, the fans I'm sure will be happy and I'm happy.
"Everyone knows he's one of the greatest players in Manchester United's history. He's a fantastic footballer and there's no loss to his real fitness which is important. He's sometimes missed three or four months with injuries, so it's more more or less the same kind of scenario.''

Milan agrees to sign Tevez on load

2012-01-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

AC Milan have agreed terms with Carlos Tevez and are waiting to hear back from Manchester City about their latest offer for the Argentine forward.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani revealed the news when asked by journalists whether or not Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato is for sale.

"We are not negotiating the sale of Pato, I have an agreement with Tevez but not with City," he said.

Galliani said on Thursday he had sent an "imaginative" offer to City which the Italian press claim consists of a loan until the end of the season with an obligation to buy, under set conditions, in the summer.

However, City have already rejected a previous offer from Milan to borrow the player, claiming they will only sell him outright.

Italian press on Saturday claimed Inter Milan have entered the bidding by offering 25 million euros for the 27-year-old.

Both of those bids, however, are believed to be well below the 35 million euros French league leaders Paris St Germain have allegedly offered.

Henry completes Arsenal return

2012-01-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

Thierry Henry has completed his return to Arsenal on loan from MLS side New York Red Bulls and could face Leeds United in the FA Cup on Monday night, live on ESPN.

• Arsenal eye Podolski swoop
• Henry still unbelievable - RVP
• Vermaelen forces Wenger into market

Henry, 34, has signed a short-term deal and will return to the USA at the end of February to prepare for the Major League Soccer season.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is set to lose Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh to the African Nations Cup imminently, so the arrival of Henry comes at a useful time, particularly with Robin van Persie notoriously injury-prone and Park Chu-young still unproven in England.

Henry, who is Arsenal's record goalscorer, left the club for Barcelona in 2007 - where he won the Champions League - before making the move to New York in 2010.

After signing the loan deal, Henry said on the club's official website: "It is unreal to be honest. But when it comes to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking. Once I knew the plan behind it I was OK with it. I am not coming here to be a hero or prove anything. I am just coming here to help. People have to understand that.

"Marouane and Gervinho are going to the Africa Cup of Nations, so I was asked to fill in the gap. It is a loan deal and I'll be on the bench most of the time. If I can make the bench that is! The Boss has a team here already who are doing something good. I am just going to be part of the squad.

"I want to send a message to the fans of New York Red Bulls as well. I always said I would not play in Europe again. But it is hard for me when it comes to Arsenal. I am not coming here for the whole season, I will be back and I want to win the MLS Cup with the Red Bulls. I hope it is win-win situation where I can help Arsenal and come back fit for the MLS season."

Speaking about the deal, Wenger, said: "I am very happy. It was my desire and Thierry's desire. We will have Thierry for January and in February. Then he will go back to the United States. I am sure during these two months he will be a massive asset to the team in the dressing room and on the pitch. He can be relaxed, not under too much pressure and be a tremendous help to the team."

Wenger had been widely expected to rest much of his first team for the third round clash against Leeds at Emirates Stadium, but says he will only rest a few players, inculding Van Perise, which could open the door for Henry.

"[I will play] a strong side, a normal side," Wenger told the club's official website. "Robin van Persie will certainly be rested for this game. We will hopefully have Chamakh available, Park available.

"Gervinho will maybe miss the game because they [the Ivory Coast players] have to turn up 14 days before the [Africa Cup of Nations] tournament starts."