PROFILE FOOTBALL STAR

Gattuso extends Milan contract

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:53:00 +0700

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has put an end to speculation about his future by adding another year to his contract with the Rossoneri which will take him through to the end of the 2011/12 campaign.

World Cup winner
The 31-year-old Italian international has been limited by injuries to only seven games in Serie A this season. A FIFA World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, Gattuso joined Milan in 1999 from US Salernitana Sport after making his name in Scotland with Rangers FC. He has won the Scudetto once and the UEFA Champions League twice among other trophies with the Rossoneri. Leonardo's side have qualified for the UEFA Champions League first knockout round, the draw for which takes place on Friday in Nyon.
Source http://www.uefa.com

Carling Cup Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 11:18:00 +0700

Mexico struggle to win over Trinidad

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:02:00 +0700

Mexico staggered to a vital 2-1 win over Trinidad & Tobago in a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier on Wednesday, the victory keeping alive their hopes of automatic qualification for next year's finals.

The result came as a relief to the hosts after back-to-back defeats in Honduras and El Salvador, but was not enough to squeeze into the top three places of the CONCACAF final stage group that would guarantee a place in South Africa.

As the six-team pool reached its halfway mark, Mexico lie in fourth place on six points from five games, one point behind Honduras. A fourth-placed finish would leave them with the unenviable prospect of a two-leg playoff against the fifth team from South America, currently Ecuador.

Javier Aguirre's team got of to a perfect start when Guillermo Franco collected a pass on the right, cut inside and slipped the goal past Clayton Ince in the first minute. Mexico wasted chances to add to their lead and paid when Hayden Tinto pounced on a defensive mistake and fired into the top corner on the stroke of halftime.

The hosts regained the lead three minutes after the break when Oscar Rojas scored from outside the area. The defeat left the Soca Warriors bottom with two points from five games.

Real Madrid target Kaka does not want to leave Milan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 3 Jun 2009 13:03:00 +0700

Brazilian superstar Kaka admits he would not like to leave AC Milan in the summer transfer market.

Reports have claimed the 27-year-old is closing in on a move to Real Madrid.

“I’ll say for the last time and I mean the last time. I do not want to leave Milan,” Kaka told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I beg you, in this moment I would prefer to be silent because I don’t want to be badly interpreted or, worse still, manipulated.”

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said earlier on Monday: “On the rumours that regard Kaka I repeat that he is still a Milan player. There is no doubt he is the object of desire of two important European clubs, just like Pato.

“This means that they view Milan well and we will look to resist the assault from European clubs that make more than us and have different tax rates,” Galliani concluded.

[Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport]

United and Barça promise 'fantastic' final !!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:13:00 +0700

FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC are ready to put on a spectacle worthy of a place in history when they meet in the UEFA Champions League final in Rome, the Eternal City.

Stirring finale
Two of European football's most evocative names, the newly crowned champions of England and Spain, cross paths at the Stadio Olimpico with United aiming to become the first team in 19 years to successfully defend the European Champion Clubs' Cup and the first in the UEFA Champions League era. Having already lifted the Liga and Copa del Rey this month Barcelona have the chance to claim an unprecedented Spanish treble. It promises to be one of the more stylish gladiatorial contests staged in the city of the Colosseum, with Sir Alex Ferguson saying simply: "It has the capability to be a fantastic final."

History help
United have never lost a European Cup final while two of this competition's three previous showpiece matches in Rome ended in an English victory. According to Sir Alex, another success is essential to justify his club's ever-growing stature. "I've repeated many times we should have done better in Europe. To be in the pantheon of great teams, the prerequisite is to win this cup. It's an opportunity for us to go alongside a lot of the great teams. This team has that type of future – it's a young squad with the right type of experience which can do well in the next few years. Hopefully we can endorse that."

Ferdinand return
Captain Rio Ferdinand is fit again after a calf injury, although United will be without the suspended Darren Fletcher as they bid to become the first side since AC Milan in 1989 and 1990 to land back-to-back European Cups. "We're good at doing things for the first time," Sir Alex added with pride. "It's interesting and unusual that no one has defended the trophy since the Champions League started, because in the history of the European Cup it was done regularly. We have an opportunity to change that and hopefully we can take it."

Glorious campaign
While the United boss is at the end of his 35th season as a manager, Josep Guardiola is concluding his first and, though two trophies are already in the Camp Nou cabinet, the 38-year-old – 29 years Sir Alex's junior – is not finished yet. "It's been a great season but it can still finish badly, there's a lot still to do. In football things can change very suddenly. I've been very lucky to have a squad of players who are very good tactically and technically. We want to show how good we are and how hard we've worked by winning tomorrow."

Defensive reshuffle
Barcelona's usual full-backs Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal are suspended and Rafael Márquez has a knee injury so Yaya Touré will drop back to central defence with captain Carles Puyol filling in at right-back, Seydou Keita on the left and 20-year-old Sergi Busquets replacing Keita in midfield. Andrés Iniesta and Thierry Henry should be fit after thigh and knee problems respectively, with Guardiola adding: "If they're OK they will play – if they're not, they won't. I think they'll be there. I would have liked to have more players at my disposal but that's how it is. It's going to be a great final."

Source http://www.uefa.com

Gallery : Champion Again

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:35:00 +0700

Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:47:00 +0700

Manchester United are three points clear at the Barclays Premier League summit after beating their neighbours.

First-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez took United to within four points of another Barclays Premier League title.

Ronaldo produced another superb free-kick to put the Red Devils in front against City.

But that 18th-minute strike was overshadowed by Tevez's stunning effort, the South American racing to the dug-outs and cupping his ears listening to the celebrations.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Wallpaper

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:04:00 +0700

The great entertainers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:29:00 +0700

There was always a danger that after last Tuesday's thriller at Stamford Bridge, the second leg of Wednesday's quarter-finals would prove anti-climactic. As it turned out, they were anything but. Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder goal against FC Porto had pundits puzzling over their superlatives once again, and Arsenal FC's terrific performance against Villarreal CF laid down a marker that Manchester United FC will do well to match in the semi-finals.

Ronaldo strike
Ronaldo has been slow to hit the heights of last season when he top scored in the competition with eight goals, but when it mattered most he produced a performance and goal to leave his manager Sir Alex Ferguson purring. After being the dominant figure en route to the title in Moscow, Ronaldo has seen his lustre stolen this term by Lionel Messi who is tipped to take his European Player of the Year crown too. Ronaldo's warning shot in Porto suggests that battle is not over yet. Whether one of those two mercurial talents will have the final say in Rome on 27 May is a compelling subplot to a memorable UEFA Champions League season that promises more fireworks to come with four attack-minded teams through to the semi-finals.

'The way football should be played'
Arsenal FC have put their mid-season slump well and truly behind them and are playing with the belief and confidence that carried them through to the final in 2006. The team may have changed but Arsène Wenger's attacking philosophy is just the same and will make their meeting with United one to savour. "We are two good footballing sides, so it should be a terrific semi-final," his opposite number Sir Alex said. "Our game earlier in the season [a 2-1 Arsenal win] was fantastic. It was the way football should be played and we will look forward to it."

'We like to attack'
FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola approaches every game in that same spirit. "What we want is to play well and for our football to generate respect," he said. "We like to attack teams and to create the most amount of goal opportunities we possibly can." With Messi – the competition's top scorer this season with eight goals – Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry to the fore they have been doing just that. Barcelona lead the competition with 29 goals so far, are the only side still in it to have scored in every match, and have hit four or more in four of their ten games, including against both the French and German champions in the knockout stage.

Positive
Under Guus Hiddink, their semi-finals opponents Chelsea FC are also direct and positive. In the quarter-finals Hiddink's Chelsea scored two more goals than the Blues had managed in their eight previous UEFA Champions League matches against Liverpool combined. "We know we can score goals," Hiddink said. "Whenever we can we try to take the initiative." That positivity seems to sum up the UEFA Champions League over the past two seasons. For the second season in a row three English sides are through to the semi-finals, but their direct, positive and attacking approach has kept all of Europe enthralled. In 2006/07 309 goals were scored in 125 matches at an average of 2.47 goals a game. Last season 330 goals were scored at an average of 2.64 goals, while this season 320 goals have been scored at a similar average of 2.66 goals per game. With four teams intent on attack in the semi-finals, there should be plenty more goals and excitement yet.

http://www.uefa.com

Champions League - Ronaldo bullet fires United past Porto

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:48:00 +0700

A stunning long-range strike from Cristiano Ronaldo sent Manchester United into the Champions League semi-finals with a 1-0 win at Porto.

The Portuguese powered home a spectacular drive in the sixth minute as the holders secured a tense 3-2 aggregate victory.

United became the first British side to win at the Estadio do Dragao in 23 attempts over 41 years, and their reward is an all-Premier League semi-final against Arsenal.

After a month of shambolic defending and uncertainty, this was the solid, secure United that earlier this season set a record number of consecutive Premier League clean sheets.

Rio Ferdinand must take much credit for this on his return from a groin injury. While he did not have an outstanding game individually, his constant communication appeared to imbue his colleagues with improved positional sense and confidence

Nemanja Vidic, in particular, looked much improved from his poor displays against Liverpool, Sunderland and the first leg against Porto.

Porto fielded the same starting 11 that performed so admirably at Old Trafford a week earlier, but were without their charismatic coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who served a touchline ban.

The punishment was the result of a misguided appeal against a sanction from earlier in the competition, and Ferreira opted not even to turn up to the stadium, leaving his assistant Jose Gomez to his own devices.

United failed to control the first leg, allowing Porto to snatch a late 2-2 draw, but grabbed the return fixture by the scruff of the neck. Or rather, Ronaldo did.

The winger has been widely criticised for performing below his best this season, but for all the carping he remains a fairly useful player - if not the world's best, then certainly still in the top 10.

He has 20 goals to his name this campaign and has lost none of his sense of occasion.

After five minutes of barracking from the Porto fans - a product of his former association with rivals Sporting Lisbon - Ronaldo unleashed a firecracker from nearly 40 yards that whooshed past Helton into the top-left corner.

Take that, naysayers.

In an instant, all the angst about Mariano Gonzalez's late equaliser in the first leg disappeared.

United had regained the aggregate advantage and could once again lead from the front. Although Porto improved as the half went on, they were reduced to half-chances - the best of these came to Bruno Alves who beat Vidic in the air but sent his header just wide.

United fans held their breath when Wayne Rooney pulled up in pain on 37 minutes after a challenge from Rolando.

The England striker has had a tough history against Portuguese opponents. He suffered a broken metatarsal against Portugal at Euro 2004, then another following a Paulo Ferreira tackle versus Chelsea in 2006. Then he was sent off - after an intervention from Ronaldo - for a stamp at that year's World Cup, again against Portugal.

While United could have been forgiven for fearing the worst, the 23-year-old hobbled around briefly before shaking the injury off.

Porto created little in the second half, but the knowledge that a single home goal would send the holders out meant jitters crept in.

United have not forgotten the late Costinha goal that allowed Jose Mourinho's Porto to topple them in 2004, and the failure to add more breathing space made for a tense finale.

Edwin van der Sar's horribly bobbled clearance on 82 minutes typified the anxiety, yet in truth he had little to do except make some routine saves from Hulk and Lisandro Lopez.

After the pyrotechnics at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, this was much more like the tense, tight Champions League we know.

But United know what it takes to win and did just enough to set up an all-English semi-final

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Profile - Carlos Tevez

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:04:00 +0700

Carlos Alberto TÃ©vez (born 5 February 1984 in Ciudadela, Buenos Aires Province) is an Argentine footballer who made his name with Argentine giants Boca Juniors, Corinthians in Brazil and later in England with West Ham United. He is currently playing for Manchester United, on a two-year loan from Media Sports Investments.

He is regarded as one of the most promising prospects to come out of Argentina. Like Argentine teammate Lionel Messi, he has been labelled as the “New Maradona”. Diego Maradona once described him as the “Argentine prophet for the 21st century”.

Full name: Carlos Alberto TÃ©vez
Date of birth: February 05, 1984
Birthplace: Ciudadela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nationality: Argentinian
EU passport: No
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 74 kg

Club: Manchester United
Position: Forward [C]
Number: 32
Contract expires: June 2009
Previous clubs: (youth) All Boys > Boca Juniors > (â‚¬16m) Corinthians > West Ham > (free) Manchester United

International debut: March 2004, v Ecuador
Caps: 34
Goals: 7
World cups: Germany 2006

Batistuta or Shearer?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 7 Apr 2009 23:17:00 +0700

Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer were unequivocally among the finest strikers of their generation. FIFA.com wants to hear which of these two legends you think was the greatest.

Batistuta represented Newell's Old Boys, River Plate and Boca Juniors in his homeland, but it was a 1991 move to Fiorentina that proved his platform to superstardom. Indeed, by the time he left La Viola nine years later, he had become the club's - and one of Serie A's - record all-time marksmen and had a life-size statue erected in his honour. One prize that eluded Batigol in Florence was the scudetto, but it is something he put right in the 2000/01 season during a subsequent spell at Roma.

Batistuta also excelled at international level. He finished as the top scorer at the Copa America 1991, posting what proved to be the winner in the final against Colombia, and his second-half double in a 2-1 defeat of Mexico ensured Argentina retained their title two years later. He also appeared in three FIFA World Cups™, posting ten goals in 12 matches, and registered an unequalled 56 goals in 78 caps for his country.

Shearer made immediate headlines on his full debut as a 17-year-old, netting a hat-tirck for Southampton in a 4-2 victory over Arsenal. He moved to Blackburn Rovers in 1992, where he was on target 130 times in 171 games and inspired their capture of the league title in 1995. He joined his boyhood idols Newcastle United the following year, in a then-world-record transfer, and his monotonous prolificacy in the black-and-white stripes cemented him as the club's and Premier League's record all-time scorer. Moreover, he was named the competition's Overall Player of the Decade for the 1990s.

Shearer made 63 appearances for England, scoring 30 goals, and won the Golden Boot at UEFA EURO 1996. He was on target twice in four games at France 1998, and was later inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.

Batistuta and Shearer were outstanding No9s, instinctive predators with exceptional long-rang shooting ability. It's over to you to decide which one was greater. Click 'Add your comment' to make your opinion known, remembering to keep your posts clean, respectful, on-topic and in English.

Source http://www.fifa.com

Brazil back to winning ways

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 2 Apr 2009 12:05:00 +0700

Luis Fabiano scored twice as Brazil strolled to a 3-0 win over a demoralised Peru in a hopelessly one-sided 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier on Wednesday.

Brazil, who have 21 points from 12 games, moved up to second in the South American group and cut the gap between themselves and leaders Paraguay to three points. Peru, with seven points, went five adrift at the bottom of the ten-team table and have no realistic hope of ending their 24-year wait for a FIFA World Cup finals appearance.

Their dismal form comes as coach Jose del Solar has controversially refused to pick German-based strikers Claudio Pizarro and Jefferson Farfan because of alleged indiscipline nearly 18 months ago. Brazil had drawn their previous three home qualifiers 0-0 - against Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia - but this time got the early breakthrough they needed.

Kaka, who missed Sunday's 1-1 draw in Ecuador through injury, was fouled by Carlos Zambrano and Luis Fabiano placed his penalty just beyond Leao Butron's outstretched arm to open the scoring in the 18th minute. After that, it was a question of how many Brazil would score.

The second came nine minutes later when Elano chipped the ball over the Peru defence and Luis Fabiano chested it down and scored despite not hitting the ball cleanly. Butron prevented Brazil from adding a third before half-time when he denied Robinho with his feet after the hosts sliced through the Peru defence, then saved a powerful drive by Daniel Alves.

Luis Fabiano was denied a hat-trick when Butron tipped over his header on the hour. But midfielder Felipe Melo added the third four minutes later when he won two challenges in midfield, burst into the area and placed his shot between Butron and the near post.

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who almost single-handedly earned Brazil their draw on Sunday, prevented Peru from scoring when he tipped Alexander Sanchez's drive onto the crossbar.

source http://www.fifa.com

Carragher issues title warning

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:48:00 +0700

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United will be feeling the strain in the title race after the reds closing the gap at the top of the table to just one point.

Rafa Benitez's men capitalised on United's surprise 2-0 defeat to Fulham on Saturday with a 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa on Sunday to move within a point of the leaders, albeit having played a game more.

Carragher acknowledged the title is still United's to lose hands, but the defender feels his side are hitting form at just the right time in the season.

"This will have sent a message out to United and Chelsea," said Carragher. "Let's not kid ourselves, they'd have been watching the game.

"When you play Real Madrid and Manchester United and score so many goals, you know in the back of your mind that can't happen every week so to get five against Villa was a magnificent achievement.

"If we'd have dropped points against Villa, United's defeat at Fulham wouldn't have made that much of a difference but we've capitalised on it.

"Now United will realise they are in a fight for the league."

Carragher believes Liverpool have recovered well from a lapse in form at the turn of the year which saw United displace them at the top of the Premier League.

"We are maturing and getting used to the demands of fighting for a title," he said.

"We were there earlier in the season but, having not been in that position before, maybe we didn't know how to deal with it.

"We've probably found it difficult a few times this season to cope with that.

"We're well aware that the title is in Manchester United's hands, but we're trying to put them under as much pressure as possible."

Gerrard: No European fears

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:19:00 +0700

Captain Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool fear nobody left in the competition ahead of Friday's draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Reds lived up to their ranking as the number one team in Europe after sweeping Real Madrid aside 5-0 on aggregate in the round of 16.

Friday's draw could pit the Anfield club against the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United or Chelsea, but Gerrard claims the only fear will come from the opposition following Liverpool's impressive form in recent weeks.

"We are not running scared of anybody. We will take who we get and believe that we are going to go through," he said.

"If you are asking me about a fear factor in the Champions League, then I think it is the other seven teams in the draw who are going to have concerns about coming up against us after that Real Madrid result."

Meanwhile, manager Rafael Benitez expects Daniel Agger to be available for Sunday's visit of Aston Villa after the defender's recent back problem.

Full-back Alvaro Arbeloa is also expected to return, but midfielder Xabi Alonso is still struggling with a hamstring problem.

"Daniel is back in training," Benitez told the club's official website.

"Hopefully he will be available for the weekend but it depends on the doctor and whether he thinks it's a risk or not.

"Having Agger available again will be a big boost. When we play at home especially he is a player who can play good passes and is a threat in front of goal.

"We have missed him but hopefully he will now be available for the rest of the season."

Manchester United 1 - 4 Liverpool

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:43:00 +0700

Benitez's men back in the race

Rafael Benitez might end up having the last laugh after all as his Liverpool side hauled themselves back into the title fight with a decisive 4-1 hammering of 10-man Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Merseyside giants battled back from a goal down to defeat the Premier League leaders in clinical fashion, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard turning the match on its head before the break, with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena easing Liverpool well clear before the end.

In contrast, it was an day to forget for Nemanja Vidic, who gifted Torres the equaliser before being sent off against Liverpool for second time this season as Benitez's side reduced United's lead at the top to four points, albeit having played a game more.

It represented Liverpool's biggest win at United since 1936 and could yet trigger an amazing championship revival.

Liverpool were the ones who needed the win and there appeared an extra sharpness about them from the start, especially Torres who gave the Red Devils defence a torrid time.

Once Jamie Carragher had recovered his composure after being unsettled by a late switch to right-back because of Alvaro Arbeloa's late withdrawal, they had the edge in vital areas, the hosts no better than their nervy first-half display against Inter Milan in midweek.

Indeed, it was a surprise when United went ahead.

Pepe Reina read Carlos Tevez's through ball for Park Ji-sung well enough but came out too quickly for his own good. When the South Korean nicked the ball away, the Liverpool keeper could not stop.

And though Reina pleaded for leniency, referee Alan Wiley correctly pointed to the spot.

Ronaldo is not the type of player to waste such opportunities and duly dispatched his 17th goal of the season.

Had Sir Alex Ferguson's men been able to hold their advantage for a decent length of time, the visitors might have panicked. But five minutes later Liverpool were level thanks to a rare mistake from Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian has been virtually foot perfect this season, so much so that he is favourite to win the PFA player of the year award.

But first Vidic let Martin Skrtel's long punt forward bounce when he could have headed it back into the Liverpool half quite easily. Then, he failed to deal with the loose ball, allowing Torres to nip in and streak clear, beating Edwin van der Sar with clinical efficiency.

Conceding one goal was amazing enough for the Red Devils, yet before half-time Liverpool had scored again.

Hull were the last team to score more than once against United in Premier League combat - and that was four-and-a-half months ago.

But when Torres tried to send Gerrard racing into the box and Patrice Evra mis-timed his tackle, the Liverpool skipper found he converted his penalty with the same confidence Ronaldo had shown earlier.

Gerrard's glee was obvious. And Liverpool's lead was fully deserved, condemning Ferguson to his first interval rallying call in league combat at Old Trafford all season.

The Scot injected a greater sense of urgency into his team, even if there was no improvement in their retention of the ball.

Carrick in particular was having a pretty bad day, twice putting his side in danger with wayward passes.

United at least managed to generate some momentum, with Tevez almost getting on the end of a Wayne Rooney knock-back and then rolling a shot on the turn just wide.

Having expressed his `hatred' of Liverpool earlier in the week, the last thing Rooney wanted was to suffer an immediate defeat and a chance for Gerrard - a long-time friend - to gloat.

Yet as time ticked by, that was the fate Rooney was condemned to, especially as Ferguson waited until less than 20 minutes remained before he made the introductions of Dimitar Berbatov, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

It is the kind of strength Benitez does not have and one of the major reasons why Liverpool have found themselves on the wrong end of a 14-point swing in fortunes since United returned from their Club World Cup campaign in Japan just before Christmas.

What Liverpool have managed to do this season is beat Chelsea and United, against both of whom they have now registered 'doubles'.

Any hope United had, evaporated within a minute of Ferguson's spectacular triple substitution as another woeful first touch, again from Vidic, left the Serbian little alternative other than to haul down Gerrard.

For the second successive game against Liverpool, it brought Vidic a red card and he was still making his way down the tunnel when Aurelio curled home a superb free-kick.

And Liverpool were not finished as Andrea Dossena lobbed Van der Sar to complete a memorable win, whose significance remains unknown.

Holders United head through to quarter-finals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:43:00 +0700

Nemanja Vidić is mobbed by his United team-mates after his early headed goal

Vidić rises to head in a corner from Ryan Giggs

José Mourinho watches on at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney (right) congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United FC progressed to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after headed goals from Nemanja Vidić and Cristiano Ronaldo earned them a 2-0 victory over FC Internazionale Milano.

Nervy night
The champions of England, Europe and the world remain on course for an unprecendented quintuple of trophies this term after surviving an uncomfortable encounter with the Serie A leaders, who could easily have scored at least one goal. Inter's coach José Mourinho arrived here with a reputation for getting results against United – most famously with FC Porto five years ago – but while he left with a chorus of "You're not special any more" ringing in his ears, his side certainly ensured a nervy night for their hosts.

Urgent start
Rather than energise United, Vidić's fourth-minute opening goal seemed to send Sir Alex Ferguson's men into their shells in a stuttering first-half display. Vidić had rewarded an urgent start when he got clear of Patrick Vieira and met Ryan Giggs's corner with a powerful header which flew inside an unguarded far post. Yet United, apparently unsure whether to defend their advantage or push on, did neither.

Carelessness
Inter's attempts to find a way back into the tie initially foundered on Zlatan Ibrahimović's isolated status up front, but United's uncharacteristic carelessness soon encouraged the five-man Nerazzurri midfield to venture forward in support, and chances came. After Giggs had surrendered possession – not the first United player to do so – Inter won a free-kick 35 metres from goal and from Maicon's delivery, Ibrahimović directed a header down into the ground and up on to the crossbar.

Inter on offensive
Stanković then tried his luck with a long-range strike that Edwin van der Sar touched wide and the Serbian missed a better opening soon after when Ibrahimović's superb curling pass left him clear at the far post. As the ball bounced in front of him, however, he failed to keep his effort down and it flew over. Although Giggs and Wayne Rooney combined to put John O'Shea clear, Júlio César saving at his feet, the half ended with Inter on the offensive as Ibrahimović broke on to Mario Balotelli's through ball and drove a low shot past the far post.

Switch rewarded
Sulley Muntari, scorer of an FA Cup winner here for Portsmouth FC, replaced Vieira at the break but more telling was Sir Alex's decision to switch Giggs to a central attacking role with Rooney moving out left. The dividend was immediate, Rooney crossing for Ronaldo to head his first UEFA Champions League goal since last year's final in Moscow. Dimitar Berbatov then brought a close-range stop from Júlio César but Inter had one last throw of the dice.

Winning machine
Adriano came on in the 58th minute and within 60 seconds the Brazilian had volleyed an Esteban Cambiasso cross against the inside of the far post, the ball running back across the line with Van der Sar beaten. Inter's chance of a fightback was gone and their quest for a first European crown since 1965 is over for another year. No such worries for Sir Alex as his winning machine rolls on to the last eight – and a tenth UEFA Champions League quarter-final in 13 seasons.

Source http://www.uefa.com/

Mourinho wants fresh slice of history

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:05:00 +0700

osé Mourinho brings his FC Internazionale Milano team to Old Trafford hoping to engineer a moment to match the career-defining conquest of Manchester United FC that he achieved on his first visit as coach of FC Porto five years ago this week.

Touchline run
"At that time they didn't know who was this crazy manager running down the touchline," said Mourinho, recalling his memorable goal celebration during the 1-1 draw that carried eventual winners Porto past United at this stage of the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League. If anyone is going to sound undaunted by facing a United side unbeaten in 18 European home games it is the Portuguese, not least given he lost just one of ten subsequent encounters with United during his three years at Chelsea FC.

Finely balanced
This tie is balanced after a goalless first leg but Mourinho talked up Inter's prospects of upsetting opponents targeting a tenth quarter-final in 13 seasons: "Zero-zero away from home is not a very good result. It is a result that leaves lots of question marks." Mourinho's prediction of a close contest decided by "little differences" echoed his United counterpart, Sir Alex Ferguson, who admitted: "With a 0-0 draw you are never overconfident because an away goal can be a severe setback to you."

Concentration required
Yet United will draw confidence from having beaten FC Barcelona from this position in last term's semi-finals. "That was the situation when we played Barcelona and what was required was magnificent concentration and focus," said Sir Alex, who played down the significance of his record against Mourinho. "I look at my football club and what it has achieved over the time I have been here. That is more important to me than my record against him."

Defenders return
Sir Alex believes United have undergone a "massive improvement" since their last defeat in the competition, 21 games ago in the 2007 semi-final with AC Milan. "We have far more maturity and understanding of the Champions League," said the Scot, who will bring back Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo after they sat out Saturday's 4-0 FA Cup win at Fulham FC. While he can also call on defenders Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea – both fit despite limping off against Fulham – Mourinho must reorganise his back line after Nicolás Burdisso and Marco Materazzi suffered injuries in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Genoa CFC.

Buck the trend
With Cristian Chivu also sidelined, Inter's coach will recall Walter Samuel after a three-match injury absence, and could also hand Patrick Vieira a first start in the competition since Matchday 1. He admitted stopping the hosts' "incredible strikers" will not be easy. "[Sir Alex] has lots of ammunition and is clever in the way he uses it. They are never predictable. You have to read the game and adapt to what they bring." Inter fell at this stage in 2007 and 2008 but the 'Special One' thinks he can buck the trend. "The press have been talking for three weeks about the drama of Inter going out always in the last 16. I prefer to think in a different way, of the possibility of Inter knocking out the world champions. Not even my flu can affect my pleasure."

Source http://www.uefa.com

Beckham still keen to stay in Milan ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:14:00 +0700

The midfielder's current loan deal expires next week with the player expected to return to America unless the club's reach agreement on a permanent switch.

Milan are looking to extend Beckham's loan deal until the end of the season as they have failed to agree a fee with Galaxy to sign him permanently.

Beckham has impressed Milan since his arrival, scoring two goals in 11 games, and he is determined to stay in Italy as he looks to retain his spot in the England squad.

Speaking from Doha, where Milan are set to play a friendly against Al Sadd, Beckham said: "I want to stay … I know negotiations are on and, hopefully, I can continue to play with Milan.

"My experience with Milan has been incredible. I have spent two-and-a-half months with one of the biggest clubs in the world, some of biggest players in world and one of best coaches in the world and so far it has been an incredible experience.

"I have already expressed that I want to stay here, negotiations are still going on and hopefully it will be sorted out in the next few days and I can carry on playing my football in Milan."

“I want to stay … I know negotiations are on and, hopefully, I can continue to play with Milan,” Beckham said from Doha, where Milan is set to play an exhibition against Al Sadd later Wednesday.

Beckham has a five-year contract with the Galaxy worth $32.5 million. He can opt out of his MLS contract at the end of the season in October.

Fergie reveals Benzema admiration, pans Real

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 20:52:00 +0700

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he has great admiration for Lyon striker Karim Benzema.
The France international is regarded as one of Europe's hottest properties, with a number of top clubs believed to have expressed an interest in acquiring his services; and United are reported to be among that group, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona also keen on the talented 21-year-old.
Ferguson insists he is not about to make an imminent move for the powerful frontman, due to the inflated price tag on his head, but admits that Benzema is the type of player he would welcome in his squad.
"He is an excellent footballer," the Old Trafford chief told Le Journal du Dimanche. "He reminds me of (Zinedine) Zidane in the way that he uses his body. He has broad shoulders and a great drive when he has the ball at his feet.''

When asked if Benzema could play for United one day, Ferguson added: ''You always have to keep an eye on all the best players and how they are developing.

''But Lyon's president (Jean-Michel Aulas) is a sharp man. He sold (Michael) Essien for 38million euros, (Mahamadou) Diarra for 26million euros, (Florent) Malouda for 19million euros, (Eric) Abidal for 16million euros. And I congratulate him for that.

''When we played Lyon last season, at the end of the match, he said, 'Chelsea are making me an offer of 50million euros for Benzema'. I replied to him, 'At that price, I'll leave him to them'!''

Ferguson also revealed he is a big fan of another young France star, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.

''He is fantastic,'' the United boss said. ''Always moving and incredible energy. He is always going forward but defends a lot too. He would have no problem playing in England.''

The United boss was also asked earlier this month whether Real Madrid were among the favourites for the Champions League, and replied: ''No chance.

''Their game lacks pace. They have great players like (Gabriel) Heinze, (Fabio) Cannavaro, (Fernando) Gago, but they aren't quick. ''There is (Arjen) Robben, the only one who can give them some rhythm, but he isn't very brave.

''The three English teams - Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal - or Barcelona (are the favourites, along with United). The level of the Premier League is so elevated that it prepares you for games at the highest level.

''And Barcelona can count on a fantastic player - (Lionel) Messi.''

Hiddink gets to work

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:50:00 +0700

f leaders Manchester United beat Fulham next Wednesday, Chelsea will be 10 points behind with just 13 games remaining.

"There's a 10-point difference but things can happen in the final stages of the championship," said Hiddink.

"The players are very committed, but sometimes you can have a little bit different approach to get even more efficiency out of the players."

"I want to see these results as soon as possible. I don't like to give anyone much time, not me and not the players, to get out a little bit more than sometimes they think they can bring.

The 61-year-old Dutchman made his comments to Chelsea TV after being shown around the club's training ground on Thursday.

He was greeted at Cobham by chief executive Peter Kenyo and met some of the players in the treatment room.

He then accompanied chairman Bruce Buck out on to the training field to watch the main session, led by Ray Wilkins. They were later joined by Abramovich and director Eugene Tenenbaum.

Brought in following the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari on Monday, Hiddink, who has taken the job until the end of the season, is confident Chelsea can still challenge for three trophies this season.

"The FA Cup is there, the Champions League and also the league. All the three roads are very important," he said.

"I have to live, as soon as possible, in the depth of the club. I am not just here to add to my experience with the club and Premier League, but also I want to see these results as soon as possible."

Of his vision for Chelsea, Hiddink said: "I am not that cautious. I think you must be more organised in every part of the pitch but I think, especially in England, they like the approach of attacking the team.

"I see what is available, I see what suits and I see the culture and what is demanded. Sometimes you can have a little bit different approach to get even more efficiency out of the players.

"That is where I am aiming at and if you add those individuals together and make a team, then everyone can bring a little bit more."

Hiddink will watch Chelsea's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Watford from the stands before officially taking charge on Monday.

Hiddink will continue to lead Russia's World Cup qualification campaign at the same time as attempting to revive Chelsea's domestic campaign.

Russia's next qualifying games are against Azerbaijan on 28 March and Liechtenstein on 1 April.

Hiddink initially said he only intended to coach Chelsea until the end of the season as a favour to club owner Roman Abramovich. But he has now hinted he may remain at Stamford Bridge.

"What happens after May is unclear," said Hiddink, who has a contract with the Russian FA until the end of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. "It's difficult to make it work because the Premier League is challenging."

Chelsea captain John Terry believes Hiddink could be persuaded to stay at the club if his tenure is successful.

"We have six months to turn things around and if we do he will probably get offered the full-time job," said the defender.

"It is down to us to put in the performances and get results for him and then hopefully something can be done in the summer."

Hiddink also revealed that he is unlikely to make any significant changes to Chelsea's existing backroom staff.

"I'm not in favour of bringing in my group of people," he said.

"I like to adapt to what is required, make an analysis and if something is needed we can do it. I'm looking forward to having the co-operation of Ray Wilkins."

Source http://www.worldsoccer.com

Andrei Arshavin profile

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 4 Feb 2009 11:52:00 +0700

Name: Andrei Arshavin
Team: Russia
Group: D; Sweden, Spain, Greece.
Caps (Goals): 33 (10) as of May 14, 2008
DOB: May 29, 1981 (27 years old)
Position: Attacking Mid/Second striker
Club Team: Zenit St. Petersburg

It seems only fitting to feature the man who set up what was ultimately the winning goal in today’s UEFA Cup victory for Zenit St. Petersburg.

Arshavin is easily one of the best players currently not playing in Western Europe - along with Zenit teammate Anatoliy Tymoschuk. It seems like he should have, or should be soon, making his way to one of the Big 3 leagues or the Bundesliga, but apparently he’s got a good thing going in St. Petersburg. Andrei grew up in the city, made his way in Zenit’s youth system, won a couple RPL Player of the Year awards and has now helped bring Russian Premier League and UEFA Cup titles to the club in the last year. And along the way he was named captain of the Russian National Team by The Human Knockout Rounds Ticket, Guus Hiddink.

AA is something of a hybrid striker/winger/playmaker, not entirely unlike the role Adrian Mutu has taken up for Fiorentina. He’s got pace, dribbling skills, tricks and the ability to finish, but most importantly he’s got vision. These skills allow him a sense of versatility, playing on the wing or behind the strikers, and he’s got a tendency to float across the pitch a bit. Under Guus he’s almost always employed as a support striker behind one or two up front.

Russia, like Zenit in the UEFA Cup, appeared to almost sneak up on people and surprisingly qualify for the Euros at the expense of England - though I’m not sure any success with Hiddink can be considered surprising. In both cases, Arshavin often acts as a catalyst for the attack and thus a big reason for their accomplishments. It’s hard to argue he’ll be able to sneak up on anyone in Swissaustria, but you never know.

With Group D being a fairly wide open competition - at least the knockout spot not designated to Spain - Russia has a real chance at making a dent in the competition, especially with Guus. And if Arshavin performs to capability, they may even have a surprise candidate for Player of the Tournament on their hands along with their achievements.

Robinho held over 'sex assault'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:20:00 +0700

Premier League footballer Robinho has been arrested by police investigating an allegation of sexual assault.

The Manchester City forward met with police as part of a "criminal investigation", following the alleged attack at a nightclub in Leeds.

Robinho's spokesman, Chris Nathaniel, said the player "strenuously denied any allegation of wrongdoing".

West Yorkshire Police confirmed a man was arrested on Tuesday in connection with an alleged incident on 14 January.

Mr Nathaniel said Brazilian international Robinho met with police, as pre-arranged, as part of the criminal investigation and later released on bail.

"He strenuously denies any allegation of wrongdoing or criminality and is happy to co-operate with the police if further required," he said.

Robinho, whose full name is Robson de Souza, joined Manchester City from Real Madrid in September for £32.5 million, making him Britain's most expensive player.

Beckham stays longer at AC Milan??

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:14:00 +0700

AC Milan playmaker Kaka wants David Beckham to stay with the club beyond his expected two-month loan spell.
The 33-year-old Beckham made his competitive Milan debut Sunday, unexpectedly starting the Serie A match and playing 89 minutes in a 2-2 draw at AS Roma.
"I certainly would like to play more with him," Kaka said Monday through an interpreter before the FIFA World Player Gala.

Beckham has moved to Italy from the Los Angeles Galaxy to keep in shape during the U.S. league's offseason and try to maintain his place in England's squad for World Cup qualifying.
"David has shown that he is a player ready to run the extra mile," said the 26-year-old Kaka, who also played alongside Beckham in a friendly against Hamburger SV in Dubai last week.
"The first matches showed quite clearly what his qualities are and his passing ability and his capacity to play well. Perhaps these first two months will lead to six months or to one year, to more contracts."
Kaka, FIFA's World Player of the Year for 2007, is on a shortlist of five players for the 2008 award Monday.

What have Manchester City got for their £14million?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:44:00 +0700

Manchester City fans may be disappointed by the failure of the club to persuade Milan’s Brazilian star Kaka that his future lies at Eastlands and many people are joking that they can console themselves with the fact that they have got Craig Bellamy instead!

Chequered career

Bellamy has had a chequered career yet somebody at Manchester City, presumably Mark Hughes, thinks that at nearly thirty years of age, Bellamy is worth £14million. As an unbiased observer I fail to see how that can add up. I’m not suggesting that Bellamy is a bad player, I just can’t see how he fits into the ambitious plans the club reportedly have.

When he was sixteen Bellamy joined Norwich City as a trainee. He showed tremendous potential and became a hot property during his four years at the club where he scored thirty-two goals in eighty-four appearances.

That impressive start to his career led to Coventry paying £6.5million for his services in 2000.

Stalled

At Coventry Bellamy’s career stalled a little. He became the first player to be sent off playing for Wales for five years when he was dismissed in Belarus for violent conduct and he stayed at the club for just ten months. In that time he managed only six goals in thirty-four games.

Coventry were pleased to ‘get rid of’ Bellamy to Newcastle for a loss of £500,000, and the feeling was apparently mutual as Bellamy publicly described Coventry as ‘rubbish’.

Headlines

At Newcastle Bellamy was never far from the headlines. Occasionally the headlines were positive and football related, for instance in September 2001 he scored a fourteen minute hat-trick for the club in a League Cup game against Brentford.

However, in his four seasons at Newcastle he played just ninety-three league games and contributed a disappointing twenty-eight goals.

Headbutt

Increasingly he started to make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. In 2002 he was sent off in a Champions League game for head butting and given a three game ban. On his return to Champions League action he was sent off again and banned for another three games.

In early 2004 he was reported to have thrown a chair at Newcastle coach John Carver during a row at an airport prior to a European game. Later that year he was forced to apologise to his manager Graeme Souness following a bust-up on the training ground.

Liar

In January 2005 Bellamy conducted a remarkable TV interview in which he called his manager a liar. He was unsurprisingly fined two weeks wages by the club and regarded as being surplus to requirements.

A few days later Bellamy joined Celtic on loan until the end of that season. He scored seven goals in twelve games for them before returning to Newcastle for whom he could never play again.

Loan

In July 2005 he signed for Blackburn for a fee of £5million. He signed a four year contract but stayed for only eleven months. He played just twenty-seven games scoring thirteen goals.

In June 2006 Bellamy made a surprise move to Liverpool for £6million. He stayed with them for thirteen months. He managed twenty-seven games for the club and scored just seven goals. During this time he was a surprise choice to take over the captaincy of Wales after the more obvious role model Ryan Giggs retired from international football.

Golf club

His time at Liverpool wasn’t without controversy and there was a widely reported row with John Arne Riise at a club training camp in Portugal when Riise was allegedly hit with a golf club.

July 2007 saw Bellamy make a £7.5million move to West Ham. He has made only twenty-one appearances for the Hammers and scored seven goals.

Disciplinary

Having looked over his career of seven clubs in nine years, disciplinary problems everywhere and one hundred goals in two hundred and ninety-eight games, I cannot understand how anyone would put his current value at anything like the £14million Manchester City have allegedly paid.

In the four years since his bust-up with Graeme Souness at Newcastle, Bellamy has played for four different clubs and played no more than twenty-seven games for any of them. He has managed around a goal every three games and earned a reputation as a trouble maker. What has Mark Hughes seen?

Star

Maybe he will prove to be a star and score the goals that start to see City heading towards the European spot that the clubs owners are so desperate to see. On the other hand, maybe he will stay for a while, play a few games, score a few goals and then move on under a cloud. We’ll have to wait and see.