Football

Wireless Routers at ShopWiki.com

2010-01-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

The Information Age has paved the way for the necessity of connectivity, especially through the Internet. This era has brought everyone's need to stay connected with the world whether he or she is just in the office, at school or at home.

Nowadays, a much preferred way of maintaining that connectivity is through wireless networks. As the name suggests, this type of network eliminates the need for the cumbersome installation of bulky wires and other physical equipment. However, for a device to share wireless connectivity, the network it is part of must be hooked up with a wireless router. After a wireless router is set-up, then your laptop, cellular phone, iPhone or Blackberry can automatically be connected to the network, provided they have the capability and the necessary hardware such as wireless network adapters.

Wireless networks are usually set-up in homes and home offices to integrate PCs and laptops. But, a ShopWiki article on Wireless Routers and Access Points also tells us that these networks are also helpful when it comes to gaming. You would just need a digital media adapter (also available via ShopWiki) installed on your TV or stereo.

Currently, there are three basic standards when it comes to a wireless network's speed and efficiency. These are Wireless A (802.11a), Wireless B (802.11b) and Wireless G (802.11g). But, the newest standard that is the most efficicient at the moment, Wireless N, is now available at ShopWiki as well. Check out the Belkin N1 Wireless Router which "greatly increases the throughput and range of Wi-Fi equipment". The other new models following the Wireless N standard are Buffalo Technology's AirStation Nfiniti, D -Link's RangeBoosterN, Linksys Wireless-N and Netgear's Rangemax Next.

If you have security concerns regarding wireless networks (as they have been reported to be also susceptible to viruses), then that would not be a problem. Aside from the basic security that is provided by virus scanners and Internet firewalls, many wireless router models also take security into consideration. The Netgear WGT624SC Super G Wireless Router provides WEP protection, MAC address control, automatic scanning of connected PCs and detailed security reports. The TrustEli Security Appliance has anti-spam features for each computer connected to the network, anti-adware and malware software included, content filtering options, and a hardware firewall system.

BCS is ultimate prize, but conference play is where it's at

2009-09-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

As much griping as you hear about the BCS system, my only real beef with it is that it takes our focus off the soul of college football: conference play. Conference games come against the teams that know you the best, hate you the worst and want to beat you the most.
They are the most intense. They create the most unique atmosphere. Sure, the BCS Championship is the ultimate prize. But that's for later, and only an elite few have a real shot at that prize. As September draws to a close, let the blood feuds in conference play commence.
Miami has been the story of the early season. Jacory Harris has looked like Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde and Ken Dorsey rolled into one. OK, that's a little over the top, but it's been so long since the Canes have had excellent quarterback play, you can forgive a little hyperbole.

The real test for Miami comes Saturday at Virginia Tech. I know the Hokies are sporadic, to put it kindly, on offense. But to use one of the most reliable quotes, if you want to be the man, you've got to beat the man. One dollar to "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. The Hokies are the men in the ACC. They've been in the conference five years and won three championships. This is the test to see how close the Canes really are to being back.

Former Pitt WR and current USC assistant Yogi Roth spent a lot of time breaking down Miami tape. He tells me the best thing offensive coordinator Mark Whipple has done is create favorable matchups for Harris to exploit. The sophomore QB has done it masterfully thus far.

I'm curious to see whom the Hurricanes try to pick on in the Virginia Tech secondary. Alabama successfully targeted Kam Chancellor on a few deep balls. He struggled to keep up with the Tide receivers. Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster believes Miami's offense has even more speed. How will the Hokies compensate? Will Whipple and Harris keep their magic touch of finding the most advantageous matchup? I already have Harris sitting second on my ESPN.com Heisman Watch ballot. Another big game might move him to the top of the heap.

Washington has a test perhaps as daunting as playing USC. Can the Huskies handle prosperity? It's been a long time since they've had any. The Huskies float into Stanford for a game featuring a running back among the nation's top 20 rushers and a quarterback in the top 25 in passing efficiency. Both play for Stanford. Toby Gerhart is a bull. Redshirt freshman QB Andrew Luck is a star in the making. I don't put an inordinate amount of stock in statistical rankings this early in the season, but Luck does sit 22 spots ahead of Jake Locker in passing efficiency. I'm just saying.

Watch out for special teams in this game. Again, this early, a long return or two can skew the numbers, but the Cardinal have the nation's leading kickoff return man in Chris Owusu and the fourth-ranked punt returner in Richard Sherman. Both Jim Harbaugh and Steve Sarkisian appear to be on course with the job of rebuilding. Both have beaten USC. This will be a test of Washington's maturity and important as a measuring stick for the rapidly improving Cardinal.

Remember how last week was all about revenge? I'm a little tired of the revenge motif. Glad to see Joe Paterno agrees. Iowa, which visits the Nittany Lions on Saturday, knocked them out of a likely national title shot last season.

Asked about the "R" word, Paterno said, "I don't know what revenge has got to do with it in football. It's not like they sneaked up on us and stuck us in the back with a knife or something. They played a good football game and they beat us."

He also said of last year's game, "We got licked." That's my favorite Paterno-ism. Every time I hear it, I think of life in black and white, and players donning single-bar facemasks running the wing-T. It's so old school, they ought to make that phrase hip again. Is it hip or fresh now?

Anyway, Penn State has gotten licked a lot by Iowa. The Hawkeyes have won six of seven in the series. In the preseason, I thought their schedule was the only thing keeping them from being Big Ten contenders, and they seem to be rounding into form after a lucky escape in the opener against Northern Iowa. Kirk Ferentz's teams always improve.

Penn State is a little banged up on D. Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman are nursing injuries. Even so, it's hard to imagine Penn State getting licked by Iowa again, especially in that Saturday night setting.

It's clear to me. I've seen enough. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett has the strongest arm in the land. I'm not sure it's close. He leads the nation in passing efficiency and guides the high-powered Hogs into Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Saturday.

For my money, you won't find two head coaches better on their respective sides of the ball than Bobby Petrino and Nick Saban. Petrino's offense is dynamic and diverse. The same is true of Saban's complex and stifling defensive schemes.

Saban told me the key to affecting and disrupting Mallett will be to disguise fronts and coverages, and to change it up. When Alabama brings pressure, it has to make Mallett get rid of the ball and avoid giving up the big play.

The game often is a tone setter in the SEC West. An 0-2 conference start quickly would reduce Arkansas from sleeper in the division to spoiler. An Arkansas win could signal chaos in the division all season.

It's not a conference game anymore, but what if Houston beats Texas Tech? The Cougars would be 2-0 versus the Big 12 South. That would trump anything Boise State is going to put on its resume. Oops. There I go again. Putting all the focus on the BCS picture. But this renewal of an old Southwest Conference battle should be fun.

Two quarterbacks from Abilene, Texas -- Taylor Potts and Case Keenum -- in a Texas-sized shootout. Each will throw for a million yards. Keenum told me this week it's been fun seeing the fans get energized about Cougars football again.

I'll also be eager to see whether Kansas has as much fight against Southern Mississippi as it did against its own basketball team. The football and basketball Jayhawks brawled on campus this week. Seriously? Did somebody take the last Wang burger at the Wheel? It's a hamburger with a fried egg on it from this great dive in Lawrence, and it wouldn't take much to make me fight for one. You'd think the Jayhawks would save that type of aggression for Missouri.

Kidding aside, the fight or fights were beyond stupid and a complete embarrassment for both the basketball and football programs, not to mention the entire university. It's even more embarrassing than being distracted all week by something dumb and letting a team come into your house and mess up your season. Rock, chalk, warn the Jayhawks.

Join us all weekend through "College Football Final" Saturday night after Notre Dame-Purdue.

Romario

2009-09-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

Former Brazil striker Romario is reportedly set to turn his hand to politics and may even run for President in the South American country. The 43-year-old is currently under investigation for tax evasion but that hasn't stopped him throwing his cap into the political arena with the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB). Some are speculating that the party will look to cash in on their newest member's popularity with the public and have him run in next year's presidential elections, but the official line is more diplomatic, with Alexandre Cardos, the PSB's Rio de Janeiro state chairman, explaining that the former footballer will need ideas to back up his fame: "Romario will have policies and can't just depend on the votes of his supporters." Romario himself agreed, adding: "I could be a candidate but my goal is to help children and sport. If I manage to get elected, I could help people in need. To get votes I need projects. I'm one who backs up his words."

Edwin set to consider future

2009-09-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has admitted he may call time on his lengthy career at the end of this season.

Van der Sar, 38, will sit down with the club in December to see if he will be offered a new one-year contract before deciding on his future.

The Dutchman is currently sidelined following surgery on a hand injury.

"I've said for a few years that it sometimes may be my last season," he revealed.

"Six months before my contract with Manchester United ended in December 2006, we extended for one year and so far it has been the same every time.

"I wait each season to see how or where I stand, if everyone is happy and if I can get motivated.

"But I know, because I always get older, it is increasingly likely that this will be my last season.

"In December, it will be clear how it goes. By then, I'll have clarity. It is a horrible dilemma."

Crouch headache for Harry

2009-09-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Harry Redknapp has admitted that Peter Crouch has given him a selection headache after bagging a hat-trick during Tottenham's 5-1 Carling Cup rout of Preston North End.

Crouch was handed only his third start of the season at Deepdale but responded with three goals on the night.
Redknapp must now decide whether to stick with the England striker alongside Jermain Defoe against Burnley on Saturday or recall the rested Robbie Keane.

"It was a good hat-trick from Crouchie and good to see Robbie and Jermain get one each as well," said Redknapp.

"(Roman) Pavlyuchenko was injured, otherwise he might have scored and made it even harder for me. But it's a nice problem to have.

"We've moved on a lot in the last year and I thought we looked sharp and that every time we went forward we could open them up."

Meanwhile, Redknapp was also pleased to see defender Michael Dawson come through his first game of the season unscathed.

He added: "It was good to get Michael Dawson back playing again.

"He's been out for a long time with his Achilles injury and a few weeks back we wondered when he was ever going to play."

Toure stands up for Adebayor

2009-09-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure thinks his team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor has been unfairly criticised for his behaviour in Saturday's 4-2 win against Arsenal.

The Togo international appeared to stamp on Gunners star Robin van Persie and, after scoring the third goal against his former club, raced the length of the pitch to celebrate his feat in front of the visiting fans.

Toure, who also left Arsenal for Eastlands in the summer, was quoted in The Sun as saying: "I am astounded because he has received blows from all the Arsenal players.

"Even though he was the first to go and salute them in the tunnel, even those who had an affinity with him didn't want to shake his hand. For me that is unacceptable.

"There was a very difficult moment with the supporters. At the start of the game they were whistling at him as if he never brought anything to the club. It was hard.

"I don't caution him for his gesture although I tried to stop him and I also have apologised to the fans. It's not to them that he should do this.

"I told him that this was not a good thing and he apologised. The problem is that they booed him while they applauded me. It was a reaction of pride. The whole world could have a reaction like that."

Salgado hints at Becks reunion

2009-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Blackburn Rovers defender Michel Salgado has spoken of the possibility of his former Real Madrid team-mate David Beckham sealing a loan move to Ewood Park in January.

The 33-year-old Spaniard, who has joined Rovers on a two-year deal, played alongside Beckham for four years at the Bernabeu.

Beckham is set to leave LA Galaxy on loan in January and is believed to prefer a return to the Premier League in the hope that he can earn a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

"I spoke to him last week when he was with the national team," revealed Salgado. "He asked me if I had signed here at Blackburn Rovers for two years. I said I had signed and I live in Manchester in Alderley Edge.

"He said to me, 'Oh, I have lived there, it is a fantastic place'.

"He said, 'Congratulations for going to Blackburn Rovers because it is a historic club. You have a great man as coach, Sam (Allardyce)'."

Asked about the possibility of Beckham moving to Ewood Park on loan, Salgado added: "I have to speak with him and the club, but maybe we will have to pay him, all the players! I will try!"

Adebayor faces two FA charges

2009-09-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Football Association has charged Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor with violent conduct and improper conduct following the Togo international's erratic behaviour during Saturday's 4-2 win against Arsenal.

Adebayor caught former team-mate Robin van Persie in the face with his boot and, after scoring City's third goal, raced 90 metres to celebrate his goal in front of the Gunners fans.

Objects were thrown towards Adebayor by some away fans who were infuriated by the forward's actions.

Last season, Arsenal supporters had accused the 25-year-old of not trying hard enough in some games following his attempts in the summer of 2008 to seal a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium.

A statement on the FA's official website read: "Under the fast-track disciplinary process, Adebayor has been charged with violent conduct following an incident with Robin van Persie, which resulted in the Arsenal player receiving facial injuries.

"Referee Mark Clattenburg has advised the FA that he did not see this incident, but has confirmed that had he done so, he would have sent Adebayor off for violent conduct. The player has until 6pm on Wednesday evening to respond to the charge.

"Adebayor has also been charged with improper conduct following his actions when turning and running the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters after scoring.

"The Greater Manchester Police have written to the FA with their views on this incident. A separate date will now be arranged for a commission to consider Adebayor's goal celebration."

In the aftermath of Saturday's controversial game, Adebayor had said: "I don't know what I have done wrong to get banned.

"I heard that a steward was injured and I regret that. I have apologised to Robin van Persie. It was silly to run up in front of the Arsenal fans. But these people had been insulting me all game.

"I didn't plan it, not at all. I didn't even know that I would score. The way things were going from the warm-up, at the end it came into my head."

New Potters deal for Whelan

2009-09-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international has overcome a sticky start to life in the Premier League with the Potters to become an integral part of Tony Pulis' side.

The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder was a fringe member of the squad during the first half of last season but played his way into the starting line-up during their successful fight against relegation.

"I've worked hard since I arrived here and it is great to have been rewarded with a new deal," he told the club's official website.

"It has taken a week or two to iron out, but I never had to think about it really.

"I want to play at the highest level and achieve as much as I can and I feel I can fulfil my ambitions here at Stoke."

Speaking about his time on the sidelines last season, he added: "It was obviously disappointing at the time because I wanted to show I can play at this level, but I kept my head up and worked as hard as I could and fortunately I got my chance and I have taken it.

"Hopefully I can keep improving here under the gaffer and retain my spot in the starting eleven."

Grosso and Iaquinta take Italy one step closer to South Africa

2009-09-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

TURIN, 9 September 2009 - South Africa is near, within reach. The Italian squad needs to bring home just one more point from their match in Dublin against Ireland, whose coach watched tonight's game from the stands at the Olimpico in Turin. Thanks to the four-point lead in the group stage with just two games left in the qualifying round, two possible results would work for the Azzurri when playing on the other side of the Channel, and if things don't go well for them, there is always the Cyprus safety net. A victory in Parma would guarantee first place in the group and thus the ticket to the 2010 World Cup. It's an ideal situation, due to a finally convincing win by the Azzurri (2-0) over Bulgaria, courtesy of Grosso and Iaquinta. Lippi made a good decision by placing Pirlo at the top of the midfield diamond and the team reaped the fruits of that choice tonight. Throwing in Marchisio and Grosso (unlike he did in Tbilisi), proved to be a brilliant decision. Of course, there is always Buffon, who when the score was 1-0, he pulled one of his star saves—one of those that seems too good to be true. Italy did not let their guard down when it came to goaltending and the Italian net has been undefeated for the last three matches.

GROSSO IS IN — Wearing the world champion shirt that brought back memories of Germany in front of his new public at the Olimpico that hasn't seen him play for Juventus yet, Grosso gave Italy the lead with a powerful left volley, finishing in a calibrated pass from Pirlo. It was the fourth goal with the National side for the former Lyon player and it marked his role tonight as a sprinter for the Azzurri, who were able to play with a good tempo and quality moves thanks to a strong midfield core. Iaquinta could have sealed the deal for the Azzurri but missed a goal on an empty net after an assist from Gilardino. The first 25 minutes of play were a monologue from the Italians.

FIERCE BUFFON — After that, Bulgaria pushed hard by surprise and unexpectedly. However, Buffon looked like a stuntman in an American film. The Italian keeper—one of the seven Juventus players in tonight's starting line-up—dove to the left to deny a very close call by Stiliyan Petrov and sent out a ball that was claimed as a goal by the Bulgarians. It was a miracle to match the one in Tbilisi. Just like a goal. Bulgaria insisted with another cannonball from Stiliyan Petrov that went out on the side. That was all.

ITALY CLOSED THE ACCOUNT — The Azzurri actually understood that it wasn't a good idea to hold onto a narrow advantage until the final minutes because one never knows, and they eagerly tried for a second goal. Iaquinta made everyone nervous when he had a bad header right by the goal, but he was always there. He was the one who gave Italy the final lead (2-0) after a move with Gilardino, the fifth midfielder for the Azzurri today, with a heavy presence like he had against Ireland. At the half, the Italian squad was sent to the locker-room amidst applause from the fans, something they weren't used to anymore.

HARMLESS BULGARIANS — The Bulgarians were now in control, but they didn't pose much of a threat to the Italians. The Azzurri only feared a header from Sarmov and a long-distance shot from Bojinov, another former Juventus player. The only bad news for Italy came with Cannavaro's booking; he will have to sit out the match against Ireland. However, it was only a small spot in an encouraging performance, as clearly stated by the chants from the 'pro-Del Piero' fans. Italy won and played well—which is something we wanted to say for a while now—and tagged the Bulgarian team as the first squad eliminated in the qualifying stage. South Africa is just around the corner.
from our correspondent Riccardo Pratesi

Argentina in freefall Another flop in Paraguay

2009-09-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

ASUNCION (Paraguay), 10 September 2009 – Argentina continue in freefall and Maradona seems not to have the foggiest idea of how to pull the chute. Paraguay booked their tickets for South Africa with a 1-0 win (Haedo in the 28th minute of the first half) and like Brazil last Saturday toasted their qualification in the presence of the demoralised Argentineans. As we write the central square in Asuncion, facing our hotel, is like an erupting volcano. In the centre is a structure known as the Patio de los Heroes, dedicated to the winners of various ancient South American wars, but the fans perched there have a slightly more up-to-date idea of who their heroes are. It is an official national holiday after President Fernando Lugo ordered the closure of schools and public offices. It will be Paraguay’s fourth consecutive World Cup and further evidence of its now established position as a continental footballing power. However, as of last night Argentina lie fifth and will therefore have to scrap it out with Honduras or Costa Rica provided their last final games don’t snatch this this last chance away from them.

GOAL AND THE WOODWORK — Paraguay scored their goal at the third attempt after having hit the post (Haedo 8’) and the crossbar (Santana 24’), both great attempts, especially the second, and seemed to suggest that Maradona would have done better to put one of his own personal demons in the team to give him a hand. However, there was nothing of the sort or maybe the chaos was such that not even supernatural forces would have been able to restore order. On the third counterattack, orchestrated by the skilful Cabanas, Haedo whipped in an unforgiving cross ball: it was inevitable that the excellent Paraguayan centre forward would have the upper hand over the awkward Domingues, mysteriously picked by Diego. From that point the tactical direction of the match, already clear from the start, just became more extreme: Argentina were on the attack with no idea of what to do other than boot in stupid crosses for their two diminutive strikers, while Paraguay closed down and waited for the space to launch one of their ferocious counterattacks.

MESSI BAD — The chilling fact about this Argentina team is that they give the impression that they wouldn’t be able to score even if they played for five hours. They are not the first team like this in history, but are so if we just look at teams with the best player in the world. Leo Messi let off two shots at goal in the last 10 minutes missing the target but above all failing to display even a modicum of commitment, strolling around the pitch as if the unfolding disaster was none of his business. If his name wasn't Messi, he would have been the first to be substituted at halftime. However, Maradona did immediately remove a feeble Datolo to try a 4-3-3 formation with the intangible Lavezzi, and then replaced Aguero with the towering Palermo. Aside from the two substitutions, just to make things harder, Veron contrived to be sent off having collected two yellow cards.

THE END — At first glance it would seem that Argentina play better with ten men, because after the sending-off they controlled the ball throughout. In reality Paraguay ended the game carefully, barricading Villar’s goal and awaiting an opportunity for a good counterattack, which came in the 45th minute and was badly wasted by Benitez. Recovering now, Argentina created their only real chance of the evening, a header by Palermo that Schiavi, a 36 year-old Newell player winning his first cap, stretched for but failed to nudge into the goal. The oldest first cap in the history of the Seleccion could have scored the equaliser, but it was not to be. At the end of the game, at a very tense press conference, Maradona said that he had no intention of resigning: “As long as just a single drop of blood flows in my veins I will fight for qualification. There’s still a chance and I want to play a part in it.” Outside, car horns were honking madly.
from out correspondent Paolo Condò

WORLD CLASS

2009-09-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

The Daily Mail report on a great night for England as they thrashed Croatia 5-1 and qualified for next summer's World Cup finals.

Hold the back page...

OOH-AAH AFRICA!
As you'd imagine, The Sun are treating it like the greatest thing that has ever happened, devoting their front and back pages to it and call upon 'Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Table Mountain (!)' and 'that girl runner who looks like a bloke' to 'Get De Beers In'. Bet they can't wait.

3 LIONS IN AFRICA
The Daily Mirror take a safari theme with their headline.

WE CAN WIN IT
The Daily Express quote Fabio Capello's optimism: "If everybody is fit we can be contenders to win the World Cup, yes, why not? All the players in our squad are really good." Wait, everyone's got to be fit? Uh oh.

NO STOPPING CAPELLO'S INVINCIBLES
The Times say: "England booked their place at next summer's World Cup finals last night with a performance of such class and conviction that even the normally reserved Fabio Capello expressed confidence that they can return from South Africa in triumph."

FIVE-STAR ENGLAND LIGHT WORLD CUP FUSE
The Guardian say: "England did not so much take revenge on Croatia as ignore them. That must have been more painful than being the victims of a terrible reckoning."

Other top stories...

HOW DO YOU TURN WALLIES INTO WORLD-BEATERS? THAT'S SIMPLE FOR AN ITALIAN TOUCHED BY GENIUS
In The Times, Tony Cascarino says: "It's not that Fabio Capello has the Midas touch, because there's no magic or mystery to his brilliance. His genius is in his comptetence. He knows how to organise a team. It's a basic concept but there's nothing more effective than the right game plan becing executed perfectly by committed players."

LENNON TURNS ON THE STYLE AS ENGLAND CRUSH CROATIA
The Independent say: "Fabio Capello permitted himself the occasional clenched-fist celebrating last night but he drew the line at the request for a wave from the England fans. Old Il Capo was not about to get carried away, but he did not mind if the rest of us did."

DOUR CAPELLO REMAINS CAUTIOUS AND LEAVES SMILING TO THE FANS
The Daily Express have a similar theme: "Only when Frank Lampard added the third with 32 minutes remaining did Capello allow himself a little celebration. By the time Steven Gerrard headed No.4, Capello had his mask of seriousness on again. He was positively furious when Eduardo scored a fairly meaningless goal for Croatia and was still grimacing when Wayne Rooney collected England's fifth."

FIVE-STAR ENGLAND REACH FOR THE CHAMPAGNE
Henry Winter in the Daily Telegraph writes: "From brolly to Bolly: what a difference a good manager makes. As Fabio Capello masterminded the destruction of Croatia, as the champagne corks popped and a jubilant Wembley let loose its delight at reaching the World Cup, the memory of Steve McClaren clutching his umbrella as Slaven Bilic's side won here two years ago was consigned to history."

LENNON'S ZEST AND PACE TAKES ON WALCOTT ROLE
Richard Williams in The Guardian focuses on one hero: "Last season, however, Lennon seemed to take an unsteady step backwards at White Hart Lane, while Walcott made a rocket-assisted international take-off on a memorable night in Zagreb. It was Capello who devised the tactic of pushing Walcott high up the field, ready to use pace and directness to burn holes in the opposition's defensive line. Last night, Lennon was the beneficiary of Walcott's recent poor luck with physical fitnes, under instruction to cause similar havoc down the right flank."

AFTER ALL THE NIGHTMARES, GHOSTBUSTER FAB PUTS US IN DREAMLAND
Oliver Holt in the Daily Mirror says: "England's recent history is haunted by so many ghosts it has sometimes seemed as if we need an exorcist as much as a manager. Well, last night, Fabio Capello sent those ghosts screaming and wailing into the night as England ran amok against Croatia and qualified with great glee and glorious panache for the 2010 World Cup."

NOW WE'LL WIN IT
We finish with Harry Redknapp in The Sun. Does he think England can win it? Judging by the limp thumbs-up he's giving the camera, you wouldn't think so, but: "Of course there is a long way to go yet. But I have a good feeling about next summer for England and I'm not going to shy away from telling people about it."

Ferdinand could face Spurs

2009-09-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Rio Ferdinand could make a shock return to the Manchester United team for Saturday's crunch clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

The 30-year-old England international has been sidelined since suffering a thigh injury last month and has only featured in one match so far this season, the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea.

"Rio has a chance for Saturday," confirmed Ferguson. "I'm not sure it's a big chance but he has a chance.

"We've had a good group of players training here at Carrington while the internationals have been going on - Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Anderson, Ji-sung Park as well as young Fabio (Da Silva) and Michael Owen.

"So we have a decent squad. In fact, it's unusual to have that many players here (during the international break)."

Of the weekend clash at White Hart Lane, the veteran Scot added: "I watched a couple of videos yesterday and they'll be a handful for us. But that's the nature of the Premier League. Hopefully I can pick the right team and get a good result.

"I think Tottenham can break into the top-four. Harry (Redknapp)'s brought in a few of his own type of players, players he's familiar with like Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.

"He's now got Nico Kranjcar as well from Portsmouth and Wilson Palacios from Wigan, who was a good signing and brought some steel into the midfield.

"They've really started well this season there's a good degree of experience there.

"I think Tottenham definitely have a realistic chance of breaking into the top-four. Them and (Manchester) City are ahead of the rest, I think then it's Everton and Aston Villa."

Arshavin blow annoys Wenger

2009-09-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Furious Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Russia coach Guus Hiddink for playing Andrey Arshavin in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Wales.

The midfielder aggravated a groin injury during the 3-1 victory that will sideline him for a fortnight even though the Gunners had highlighted the problem to Hiddink before the 28-year-old was called up for international duty.

Arshavin will miss Arsenal's next three matches, against Manchester City, Standard Liege and Wigan Athletic.

Wenger said: "We lost Arshavin, who played with Russia last night and should not have played. He's out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well for Wigan.

"I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem. He did not play in Russia's first game (last Saturday against Liechtenstein) but played last night.

"He should not have played and is injured. You can say a lot about it but it does not do a lot. All the players are not back yet, so we have to wait a bit to see what damage has been done by the international games."

Cascarino tips Lennon over SWP

2009-09-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

"Fabio Capello has options within his squad in terms of who he picks on the right-hand side of midfield for the big clash with Croatia on Wednesday. There's little to choose between Man City's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Tottenham's Aaron Lennon for a starting berth but in terms of form, I'd plump for the Spurs man.

"In terms of technical ability the two wingers are pretty evenly matched so Capello is more than likely to make his choice depending on who is more impressive in training this week and then go with his gut feeling. From what I've seen of both players this season, Lennon just has the edge although I don't think this is a massive decision for the manager as both would be a big threat to the Croats with their pace and trickery.

"Of course there is David Beckham too but I don't think he's likely to start competitive matches anymore. However, even when Theo Walcott returns to fitness there may be a role for Beckham within the squad. It may sound ridiculous but I would take Beckham to the World Cup to be used literally for his set-piece ability like special teams are in American football.

"If England are losing a match at the World Cup with 10 to 15 minutes to go, then there's no one better in English football to provide a piece of magic from a set-piece. Capello knows that he wouldn't panic in that situation so well worth using in that role but he shouldn't start in front of the likes of Lennon, Wright-Phillips or Walcott.

"In terms of the current England side I feel there are two spots in the starting eleven that are still up for grabs. One is the goalkeeping position and the other is at right-back. There is little to choose between the current crop of English goalkeepers so whoever has the best season at club level should be in a position to grab the position with both hands, so to speak.

"Ben Foster has been given a massive chance in Edwin van der Sar's absence at Old Trafford and he hasn't done badly but he certainly hasn't been brilliant. He has been beaten a bit too easily for my liking a few times this season. So when the Dutchman returns to fitness, I'd expect Foster to return to number two which means he will struggle to get in Fabio Capello's team.

"For me, Blackburn's Paul Robinson is just a squad keeper and not a number one so the contest will mainly between Portsmouth's David James who is likely to face a pretty torrid season with all the big name departures from Fratton Park and West Ham's Robert Green. To be honest there's little to separate either keeper, so club form will play a big part in Capello's decision making.

"Capello may have claimed that Liverpool new boy Glen Johnson is one of the best right-backs in the world and I would agree with that in terms of his play going forward but defensively he's still lacking. Johnson has got to defend far better as in the last few internationals the opposition have found space in behind him on numerous occasions. The England manager doesn't seem like a man who picks full-backs mainly for their attacking qualities; Italians usually prefer their defenders to be defenders first and foremost. Johnson is not that type of player at the moment.

"I have seen a lot of Johnson and although he has come on leaps and bounds since his Chelsea days he is still liable to defensive lapses. It's no coincidence that the Liverpool defence has conceded more goals since he has joined the club as their rigid backline has been exposed due to Johnson's suspect positional sense.

"The saving grace for the player is that England are not exactly overloaded in the right-back department with Gary Neville struggling to regain his past form and a place in the Manchester United team and Man City's Micah Richards a shadow of the player that burst onto the scene a couple of years ago."

Beckhamwatch: Facing The Future

2009-09-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

With things going well for him at last in America, David Beckham has found that this latest jaunt back home for England games has become the disappointing part of his footballing life at the moment. Not getting on the pitch for the friendly win over Slovenia on Saturday meant that he had been part of the match-day squad without playing for the first time since the opening game of the 1998 World Cup finals. So perhaps it isn't surprising that he's contemplating missing out on next year's World Cup squad.

With Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips all seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order, Beckham has had to face up to the possibility that Fabio Capello will not have room for him next summer, but insists that he will take the decision with grace if it doesn't go his way: "If I don't end up being in the squad that goes to South Africa, that won't mean I won't still be supporting the lads and wanting them to win," he said.

"I want to be involved but, if I'm not selected, it's because the manager believes he'd have a stronger squad and stronger players without me. I would accept that. I wouldn't have any reason to feel guilty if I was selected ahead of any of those lads - the manager will pick the squad he needs to win games. If I'm in, then great. If I'm not, it's good for the other players. We're really lucky to have the players we have at the moment.

"I maybe offer something different, on and off the pitch, with the experiences I've had throughout my career playing for England in big competitions and for some of the biggest clubs. If that brings something to this squad and to the young players, that's great. But all the players have realised that nothing is certain about being in squads now. Every player has to work hard to get the manager's attention. If you're playing well, you've got a chance. If you're not performing, you haven't got a chance."

To ensure that he does have a chance, Goldenballs is willing to once again annoy his American fans by leaving the club on loan at the end of the MLS season to head back to Europe, saying that he's already fielding offers from: "Three or four clubs. Milan have made me aware that they want me to go back there, and I'm more than happy with that, but it's always good to have options.

"The Galaxy understand," he continued. "I've got a great relationship with the owner, Tim Leiweke, and they know I have to come back. If it upsets a few people, I can't do anything about that. I keep saying how much I enjoy playing over there and how committed I am to the Galaxy, but I want to give myself every chance to be involved in the England squad. I've got plans, but my main focus now is on this game against Croatia.

"Being knocked out by them ahead of Euro 2008 was disastrous for us as a footballing nation. It's not about revenge. It's about us reaching the World Cup. The trust and belief had been lost in the players, but the squad has brought that back. Now we have to put qualification to bed. Yes, it was a tough time for the players, for everyone involved in the national team and the fans. But the most important thing is that we go into the game knowing if we win it we are in the World Cup so thoughts of revenge are a long way away."

Becks has also spoken out in defence of Arsenal's Croatian forward Eduardo, saying: "There has been far too much talk about diving. No-one wants to see it and it is disappointing when it happens. But it happens every week and Eduardo is not the first person to have done it. The whole thing should be put to bed. Eduardo is a great player. It is not that long ago that he suffered an horrific injury. You don't know what was going through his mind. He might have been trying to get out of the way of a tackle so he didn't get injured again."

Fisichella joins Ferrari

2009-09-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

MARANELLO (Modena), 3 September 2009 - It's official: Giancarlo Fisichella will take Luca Badoer's place at Ferrari. The announcement was made in a press release from Force India, and then confirmed in another note by Ferrari. Fisichella will drive in place of Luca Badoer until the end of the season. The current replacement for the recuperating Felipe Massa was disappointing in the Valencia and Spa GP's. The Roman will also be the reserve driver for Maranello in 2010, and has already arrived at Maranello, where he is trying out his seat and making a few adjustments with the technicians.

A DREAM — "It's true that it has always been my ambition to drive for Ferrari. I am very grateful to Vijay Mallya for having given me this opportunity" - the Italian's first comment - "For my part I hope that I have helped Force India to grow and to be in a position to fulfil their ambitions. Now they are a competitive team and I wish them all the best. I'm still struggling to believe that my life long dream is coming true, and for that I want to thank Ferrari and their president, Luca di Montezemolo. Some unbelievable things have happened to me in the last week: the pole and second place at Spa, and now the call from Ferrari to drive in the five remaining races until the end of the season. I will do my utmost to repay the team for this great opportunity. I know it won't be easy but I will give it everything I've got to get the best possible results. I want say that I'm very sorry for Luca: I know how much he wanted to be driving a Ferrari at Monza, because there is no greater thing for an Italian driver than being able to drive one of the red cars in front of our own fans."

CONTRIBUTION — "We chose Fisichella because we're expecting him to make an important contribution for the rest of this season," said Ferrari's team principal Stefano Domenicali. "Giancarlo has shown during the course of his long career that he is fast and competitive, and we are pleased to have an Italian driver on our team in our home race. We would like to thank Luca Badoer for the team spirit that he has displayed in the circumstances, and we are sorry that he was not able to show his capability in these last two races, which he drove in conditions that would have been difficult for anyone."

NUMBERS — Fisichella, 36, has driven in 225 GP's with three victories (Brazil 2003, Australia 2005 and Malaysia 2006), four poles and two fastest laps. He started with Minardi and has since driven for Jordan, Benetton, Sauber, Renault and Force India. His best season was in 2006 when he came fourth in the drivers' championship in a Renault.

Robinho fuels City exit talk

2009-09-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

Doubts about Robinho's future at Manchester City have resurfaced after the Brazil international revealed that he asked to be left out of the 1-0 win at Portsmouth so that he would be fit for his country's World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

The 25-year-old played in City's first three matches of the campaign but was surprisingly omitted from the starting line-up at Fratton Park.

His outburst, just over 12 months after he sealed his shock £32.5million transfer to Eastlands, has revived talk that the former Real Madrid star could be on the move again when the transfer window reopens in January.

Robinho said: "I asked to not play because I had pains in the ankle, especially because Brazil against Argentina is more important.

"It is always a special match because of the rivalry of the two teams. No one ever wants to lose. Every player likes to play in these matches.

"Of course Carlos (Tevez) has expressed concern because Argentina are in a much more difficult situation than us."

It is not the first time Robinho has tested City's patience. When the club failed to lure Kaka to Eastlands in January, he left a training camp to head back to Brazil without telling boss Mark Hughes.

Since moving to City, Robinho has scored 15 goals in 44 appearances for the club.

Capello rubbishes quit claim

2009-09-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello has rubbished speculation suggesting he was considering stepping down as England manager following the World Cup.

"My contract ends in 2012 and I want to respect it," he said.

"It is not only a matter for me but also the FA but in my mind the target is to respect my contract."

Capello has been at the England helm since replacing Steve McClaren in December 2007.

The former Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Roma coach has guided England to the brink of qualification for next summer's World Cup.

England are just one win away from booking their place in South Africa after seven wins from seven qualifying games.

They take on main Group Six rivals Croatia in a potentially decisive qualifier at Wembley next Wednesday.

2009-09-04T12:07:00.001-07:00

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Spurs land keeper Walker

2009-09-03T11:18:00.001-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has solved his goalkeeping crisis by bringing the former West Ham United shot-stopper Jimmy Walker to White Hart Lane.

The 36-year-old, who has penned a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of this season, will provide cover for Heurelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini.
Walker spent five seasons with the Hammers during which time he started 20 games for the club and was part of the team that won promotion to the Premier League in 2005.

He made his name at Walsall where he featured in almost 500 games during an 11-year spell with the club.

He was released by West Ham at the end of last season after spending three months on loan at Colchester United.

Redknapp had been linked with a move for Portsmouth shot-stopper David James but failed to lure the veteran England international to north London before the transfer window closed on Tuesday.

Gomes is currently sidelined with a thigh muscle injury while Cudicini has failed to impress in the Brazilian's absence.

Eduardo appeal to be lodged

2009-09-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Arsenal have confirmed that they intend to appeal against UEFA's decision to hand Eduardo a two-game ban for diving.

The Gunners are furious that European football's governing body handed out the punishment to the Croatia international for his actions during the Champions League victory against Celtic at the Emirates Stadium.
A brief statement on the club's official website read: "The club is in receipt of UEFA's reasoned decision in relation to the charge against Eduardo.

"We strongly believe that the decision taken is deeply flawed and not based on any forensic review of the video evidence available.

"There are obvious errors and inconsistencies in UEFA's judgment and we intend to appeal."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described UEFA's probe as a 'witch-hunt' and knows that if the club lose their appeal, Eduardo will miss this month's Champions League matches against Standard Liege and Olympiacos.

Earlier in the week Arsenal released a statement which read: "We have been deeply frustrated by the perfunctory and apparently arbitrary process that UEFA has followed in this instance.

"We believe it is imperative that UEFA's explanation for its decision provides clear and comprehensive standards that will be consistently enforced.

"It is also critical that UEFA provides specific details of the processes it plans to adopt in reviewing all games under its jurisdiction."

Tony doubts Klasnic ability

2009-09-03T11:12:00.000-07:00

The Croatia international joined the Trotters on transfer deadline day, but Cascarino has cast doubt on his ability.

He said: "Gary Megson needed to bring someone in as the club is desperately lacking in that area but whether the 29-year Croat is the answer, I'm not so sure.

"Megson had his fingers massively burnt by the big money signing of Johan Elmander last summer. In fact, they were pretty much charcoaled after the Swede scored just five goals 30 Premier League starts.

"I am surprised he's recruited another player from the French League as he should have learnt that the level in France is very poor compared to England.

"The football in France is far weaker; the better players are picked up by Europe's big guns very early on in their careers.

"The days are gone when you could find a Eric Cantona or David Ginola to snap up at a decent price as French football is now on a par with the Belgian and Dutch leagues.

"However, the difference between the Dutch and the French league is that in Holland they keep hold of their best young talent for a bit longer.

"Klasnic's goal scoring record over the past few seasons is not particularly impressive. Although he has scored four goals in five league appearances for Nancy this season prior to moving to the Reebok.

"However, this was in the French second division, so is hardly much to shout about.

"Time will tell but whether a player who has suffered from the health problems that Klasnic has had, can make an impact in the highly physical Premier League is debatable."

Chelsea handed signings ban

2009-09-03T11:10:00.001-07:00

Chelsea have been rocked by FIFA's ruling that they will be unable to buy any new players in the next two transfer windows.

As a result of the ruling, Chelsea will not be able to register any new players until January 2011.

A statement on FIFA's official website read: "On the occasion of its last meeting held on 27 August, the Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) was called to pass a decision in a contractual dispute opposing the French club Lens to the French player Gael Kakuta and the English club Chelsea.

"The French club had lodged a claim with FIFA seeking compensation for breach of contract from the player and requesting also sporting sanctions to be imposed on the player and the English club for breach of contract and inducement to breach of contract respectively.

"The DRC found that the player had indeed breached a contract signed with the French club. Equally, the DRC deemed it to be established that the English club induced the player to such a breach.

"As a result the player was condemned to pay compensation in the amount of Euros 780,000, for which the club, Chelsea, are jointly and severally liable, and sporting sanctions were imposed on both the player and Chelsea.

"A restriction of four months on his eligibility to play in official matches has been imposed on Kakuta. Chelsea are banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the two next entire and consecutive registration periods following the notification of the present decision.

"Furthermore, the club, Chelsea, have to pay Lens training compensation in the amount of Euros 130,000."

ROUND THE BENDTNER

2009-09-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Daily Mirror have the surprising news that Nicklas Bendtner turned down offers from Barcelona, Internazionale and Bayern Munich to stay at Arsenal this summer. By which we mean that it's surprising those three teams wanted to sign him.

Hold the back page...

RAFA LIED TO ME!
Ryan Babel isn't a very happy chappy, it says in The Sun, because he believes that promises made to him in the summer haven't been honoured by Rafa Benitez and that he's been made a scapegoat for Liverpool's mixed start to the season.

KEEP IT SHUT
The Daily Star meanwhile have a warning for David James from Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie. Apparently, he should quit moaning and trying to leave the club, because he's not even guaranteed a first team place anymore.

JERMAIN'S HEARTACHE
In the Daily Express, Jermain Defoe talks about the death of his half-brother earlier this year: "When we heard the news, you can imagine what it felt like. It changed me. He was just 26. You don't expect to see that."

FAB HIT BY BACK TROUBLE
There's bad news for Fabio Capello in the Daily Star, with John Terry pulling out of the friendly with Slovenia at the weekend with a back injury.

WEST HAM STARE INTO FINANCIAL BLACK HOLE
The Guardian meanwhile report on how close to meltdown West Ham came last year and speculate about how they will cope in the near future.

Other top stories...

HART MUST FORGE NEW PORTSMOUTH AFTER WINDOW WHIRLWIND
The Guardian report on troubles at Fratton Park: "The apparently endless list of potential player acquisitions for Portsmouth this close sesaon, which ultimately yielded 13 fresh faces for Paul Hart, was wryly described by the manager as 'legendary'. Supporters will surely bestow the same status on Hart himself should be prove successful in his attempt to avoid relegation this season."

IF REFS USED TV MONITORS THEY'D STOP THE DIVERS
In The Sun, Harry Redknapp discusses the diving issue, but gets a bit distracted by his own grievances: "Last season, my Spurs team were 2-0 up at Manchester United when our keeper came out for a challenge with United's Michael Carrick. There was no contact, but a penalty was awarded." Harry is clearly so blinded by his rage about this incident that he can't even remember why it shouldn't have been given. Gomes did make plenty of contact with Carrick, he just made plenty of contact with the ball first.

PUT AN END TO IT.. KIDS WILL COPY THE DIVERS
In the Daily Mail, Andy Townsend says: "When a player falls over in the area and gets a soft penalty against you, it is the most gut-wrenching feeling for an opposition player. You could have put in 80 minutes of hard graft away from home and all of a sudden your opponents have an easy chance to score. You feel like someone has emptied your bank account or broken into your house and stolen your telly. It is a sickening feeling of being utterly helpless."

ADEBAYOR CHANTS A WORRY FOR CITY
The Daily Telegraph meanwhile report on fears at Man City that some Man United fans will sing a chant about Emmanuel Adebayor that has racist overtones and personal insults, while they are also still trying to get their own fans not to sing Munich songs. Football fans are great, aren't they?

KLASNIC SHOWS RARE SPIRIT TO CONQUER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTS
In more positive news, The Times discuss Bolton's new signing Ivan Klasnic: "Returning to action after a broken leg or torn ligament is one thing, playing again after two kidney transplants quite another."