WORLD SPORTS NEWS

Glo-CAF Nominees emerge on Thursday

2009-12-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

THE race for the 2009 Glo-CAF Player of the Year has narrowed down to the final selection of five nominees as the Media, and Technical and Development committees of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have sent in their votes in line with the procedure for the selection of nominees for the prestigious award.

CAF Director of Communications, Suleiman Habuba, said the nomination forms sent to all the 12 members of the Media Committee and 17 members of the Technical and Development Committee have been returned. The committee members vote for players in scores of 5-1, with five being the highest and one the lowest.

The five players with the highest points will be announced at a Press Conference in Lagos on Thursday, December 10. He said that as usual, the nominations were based on players' performance for club and country from January 2009 till date and that nominations cover all African players in European and domestic African club leagues.

"The nomination is just the beginning of the process of selecting nominees for the prestigious Glo-CAF Awards ceremony as the five highest scoring nominees will be forwarded to all the national team coaches of CAF member-federations for their vote," Habuba explained.

Togolese international and Arsenal's former forward, Emmanuel Adebayor, who now plays for Manchester City, is the reigning Glo-CAF Player of the Year. Adebayor, who was crowned in Lagos at a colourful ceremony attended by FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, and other world football leaders, piped Ghana's Michael Essien to second place.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom, has been held in Abuja, Accra, Lome and Lagos. The venue for the 2009 edition will be announced at the Press Conference.

I am ready to lead S'Eagles, says Mancini

2009-12-08T00:38:00.000-08:00

THE hope of coach Shaibu Amodu leading the Super Eagles to both the Africa Nations Cup in Angola and the South Africa 2010 World Cup appears threatened following declaration yesterday by Inter Milan's former coach, Roberto Mancini, that he was ready to coach Nigeria after receiving an unofficial approach for the post.

Mancini confirmed yesterday that he was asked about his interest in the job should the position become available. The Italian said he would negotiate a deal with the Nigerian FA if it was serious about the interest. Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I was asked about my willingness to take over in an unofficial way and I said I was willing because the prospect of an Africa Nations Cup and a World Cup appeal to me.

"Nigeria is rich with excellent players who are not well known. If they really want me, I'll sit down and negotiate."

Nigeria is currently managed by Amodu but is believed to be interested in a foreign coach after the Super Eagles qualified for the World Cup finals in unconvincing fashion. The country had to beat Kenya in their final qualifying match and hoped on Mozambique defeating Tunisia to progress to the finals.

A brace from Obafemi Martins and a Yakubu Aiyegbeni goal gave Nigeria a 3-2 win, while Mozambique ran out 1-0 winner. Amodu's side was placed alongside Argentina, South Korea and Greece in Group B for the finals in South Africa and Mancini could be in line for a return to management after being sacked by Inter in May 2008.

He led the Italian giant to a third consecutive Serie A title before losing his job and opted to take a year away from management. But the 45-year-old said: "Since July, the decision to rest off has no longer been mine," adding that he would consider taking Marcello Lippi's post should the Italy manager step down after the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles' former defender, Ben Iroha, who played an important part in the team's run to a second Africa Nations Cup win at Tunisia 1994, has said the current management team has some questions to answer regarding the playmaker role if Nigeria is to triumph in Angola next January.

"We need a playmaker to direct things in the midfield," Iroha told Complete Sports. "Without a commander in the midfield, it will be difficult to achieve much. You don't expect the strikers to put up a good performance in such a situation.

"The likes of Martins, Osaze and Yakubu need somebody to feed them or do you expect them to go dropping into the middle to get the balls? If they do that, getting the goals will be difficult.

"We also need to work on the defence. That aspect has also been shaky and I will want the coaches to get the best four players to tidy up that position in Angola."

Iroha's overlapping runs from deep played a big part in Nigeria's success in Tunisia. He also scored a crucial goal in the semi-final victory over defending champion, Cote d'Ivoire.

Kanu: We fear no foe

2009-11-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

As the Confederation of African Football (CAF) get set to make the draws for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations tonight, Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, has said they would be battle-ready to face any of the four seeded countries they might be drawn with in the same group.

Angola, Egypt, Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire have been seeded for the Nations Cup and there is the possibility that Nigeria could be drawn alongside any of these countries.
But Kanu said there should be no cause for alarm over the draw.

“You must beat the best teams if you have an ambition to win the Nations Cup or World Cup. There is no short cut to success. Nothing good comes easy. We’ve just qualified for the World Cup despite that we were in a tough group and it did not come on a platter of gold,” Kanu noted.

“We won’t underrate any team that have qualified for the Nations Cup. Every team participating in the Nations Cup deserve to be accorded respect and have an equal chance of winning the trophy,” he added.
The Nations Cup draws will hold tonight at The Talatona Convention Centre in Luanda, Angola. The draws were expected to attract crème de la crème of African football, including Angola head of state, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who will be the special guest.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will today know their opponents in the group stage of the African Nations Cup as the draw for the competition holds today in the city of Luanda, Angola.
Nigeria are not one of the teams seeded for the draw, given their performance in the last three editions of the competition.
The country has been put in Pot 2. Host, Angola, defending champions, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon are the seeded teams and are in Pot 1.
The draws are expected to be witnessed by more than 300 guests, including the president of Angola, Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
The competition will be held in four Angola cities of Luanda, Carbinda, Benguela and Lubango.

Lagos fans hold the key, says Obuh

2009-11-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

Nigeria’s U-17 Head Coach, Sam John Obuh, has urged the people of Lagos State to turn out en masse at the Teslim Balogun Stadium to cheer the Golden Eaglets as they seek a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup final. Obuh believes the inspiration for the boys to pick a ticket for the finals place when they play Spain on Thursday lies largely in the hands of their Lagos fans.

“Support will be very important for us in Lagos against Spain. Spain is a very good team and they have the ability to turn a game on its head, but we will see how we tur n it before them,” said Obuh after his boys trounced Korea Republic 3-1 in Calabar on Monday night to earn a place in the semi-finals.

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, is also the nation’s most populous city.

Until 1992, it was the administrative capital, and all major football matches involving Nigeria were staged in the city until earlier this decade. But the National Stadium, Abuja, has taken over and it is only the advent of the Teslim Balogun Stadium that has brought Lagos back to the fore and a possible return of some international action to the bustling city.

“The people of Lagos know how to support, just like people in other parts of the country, he added. “We love them all, and we will continue to do our best until we retain the trophy.”

Colombia and Switzerland play the first semi-final match starting from 4pm before the floodlit second semi-final involving the cup holders and hosts. The match is a repeat of the 2007 final, which Nigeria won on penalties after both teams finished 0-0 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Spain is Eaglets final

Former Super Eagles midfielders, Etim Esin and Thompson Oliha, have said the Golden Eaglets semi-final match is a big hurdle the team must cross to pick the trophy for a record four times.

Esin, who was a part of the Nigerian team to the 1987 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, said: “with the confidence the boys have displayed so far in the competition, getting the trophy is a possibility. But their biggest challenge is Spain. Colombia and Switzerland, have what it takes to get to the finals but I don’t see them beating (the) Eaglets.”

Final before final

The erstwhile midfielder called the clash “finals before the finals,” adding that the Spanish teenage side will go all out to punish Nigeria for beating them to the gold at the finals of the last edition of the bi-annual championship.

“I don’t see the match getting to penalties. In Korea [2007], the Eaglets got the better of Spain in the finals on penalty shoot out,” he said. “With what we saw them play against Uruguay, I’m sure they will try to finish off our boys within the 90 minutes.”

In an act of comradeship, Oliha, who played alongside Esin in Chile but was forced to retire at the age of 27 as a result of a serious knee injury in 1994, noted that only pride and over-confidence can stop the Eaglets against Spain.

“Apart from the first two matches where it seems the boys were not sure of what they were doing on the pitch, they have performed excellently in subsequent games and that may be their undoing,” Oliha said. “To avoid defeat, our boys must score as many goals as possible, forget their previous victories and concentrate on the match.”

He added that the Spanish teenagers will be tough opposition saying “they have been runner-up three times and are tired of it. If they defeat us they are sure to beat whoever make it between the other two.”

So far so good

Also, Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju has said Nigerians can now begin to hope for the best from John Obuh’s boys.

Adepoju, who currently serves as the General Manager of Shooting Stars Club of Ibadan said, “You know before, many people thought that the team did not have anything to offer, and that they will not get this far but for a team that has now gotten to the semi-finals, I think we can now begin to hope for the best. I’m happy about their performance because they’ve moved from a stage of doubt to hope and God willing, I will be in Lagos to watch the match.”

Adepoju, who was fondly referred to as the “headmaster” during his playing days has warned that Gines Melendez’s lads will be going for the jugular of the host nation.

“You know we defeated Spain in the finals of the 2007 edition of the U-17 World Cup so they will now be hoping to take their revenge against us,” he said. “Spain is one of the toughest teams in this tournament so our boys have to be very careful.

“I would have preferred if they met Spain in the finals, not now, because that will be so interesting. However, they (the Eaglets) should try as much as possible to avoid long range shots and also ensure that they do not give the Spaniards any space.”

Kenya promises Nigeria hell

2009-11-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Kenya' Deputy Minister of Sports, Kabondo Kabondo, has again boasted that Super Eagles of Nigeria would be beaten silly when they clash with Harambee Stars in the World/Nations Cup qualifier scheduled for November 14 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking live from Nairobi with an Abuja-based radio station, Hot FM, Kabonda, who earlier last month told media men in Abuja that it was unfortunate that the Eagles would be calling when the generality of Kenyans wanted the ticket to go to Nations Cup badly, said that on reaching home, he became more convinced that Nigeria would fall easily in Nairobi.

"We believe we can qualify for the Nations Cup in Angola, so we are not taking chances. The current condition of our team and the climate advantage we have will help us to maul the Super Eagles by at least 5–0 with the hope that Mozambique will draw or lose to Tunisia.

"My optimism of our beating Nigeria is based on the fact that Eagles are no longer the dreaded team we used to know. That is why I believe that we will score them five times without them making any reply," he stated.

He said the Kenya Football Limited were working round the clock to ensure the Harambee Stars qualify for the CAF Nations Cup by beating the Eagles.
He assured that the Nigerian team would get fine hospitality when they visit Nairobi, but emphasised that Harambee Stars would beat them silly on the pitch.

Dollar on Obudu Mountain

2009-10-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

Prize money for Obudu mountain race increased

The prize money for the 5th Obudu international mountain race has been slightly adjusted to accommodate the first African mountain running championships which will hold alongside the Obudu international mountain race next month at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu,Cross River state.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the race,William Archibong revealed that the
total prize money for the two_in_one race has gone up from $227,000 to $245,500.However,the prize money for the
first three positions for both the male and female events remain the same at $50,000,$20,000 and $9,000
respectively to still make the Obudu international mountain race the highest paying mountain race in the world.
The prize money for the 4th to the 10th placed finishers have however been adjusted to
$4,500,$4,000,$3,000,$2,500,$2000,$1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

Archibong also revealed the prize money for the African mountain running championships as follows:The first
prize winner in the strictlt team event will go home with $15,000 while the second and the third placed winners
will get $10,000 and “The African nations mountain race will be competed for by only male runners this year representing their different countries and will be ran side by side the annual Obudu international mountain race”,reveals Archibong who has been the head of the LOC since 2005 when the inaugural edition of the race was run.
The LOC boss also revealed that the prize monies for the best Nigerian finishers (male and female) as well as
those for the media race still remain the same with the first three finishers winning $2000,$1500 and $1000
respectively.

The Obudu international mountain race covers a distance of 11 kilometres uphill to an altitude of 1,575 metres
above sea level taking you to one of the finest tourist destinations in the world,the Obudu Mountain Resort.
The race has already received the support of the new man at the helm of affairs at the World Mountain Running
Association (WMRA),Italian,Bruno Gozzelino who has hinted that the race may get a WMRA Grand Prix status as early
as 2011 if the Obudu LOC makes a request.

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) is also backing the race and its secretary general,Lamy Fatty wrote
the AFN recently to express their support for the innovative efforts of Governor Liyel Imoke especially regarding
the African mountain running championships.

The race has also attracted the new Commonwealth mountain running champion,Wilson Chemweno of Kenya,WMRA women’s grand prix winner and the race defending woman champion,Andrea Mayr of Austria as well as Czech Republic’s Anna
Pichrtova who won the women’s individual event at penultimate weekend’s World Mountain Running Long Distance
Challenge in Soll,Austria.

Also confirmed for the race is the men’s defending champion,Abebe Dinkesa who will be leading a strong
contingent of Ehtiopian runners including former woman winner,Rehima Kedir to both the international mountain
race and the African championships.

Argentina not invincible -Obuh declares

2009-10-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

Chief Coach of Golden Eaglets, John Obuh has said that they had what it takes to beat Argentina today in the final group match of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa stadium, Bauchi.

Speaking with sports journalists shortly before the Eaglets left for Bauchi, Obuh said having seen the Argentines play two matches, he has the antidot to shock them and pick the maximum points at stake to top the group A adding that he has a strategy to stop them
“We did not quite click against the Germans because we had very little knowledge of them and the boys had stage fright but I tell you that after the win over Honduras, confidence has returned and we are raring to go because we have a better knowledge of our opponents.

"The pressure on us to deliver has reduced drastically and we have been able to correct some of the flaws we noticed in the two previous matches of the group adding that the Argentines are good and I have massive respect for them, but my boys are equally good and deserved to be respected too.”

The Argentine is currently leading the table with six maximum points after victories over Germany and Honduras respectively and has already booked their place in the next round of the World Cup. They are seeking to win the cup for the first time after having lost out at the semi final of the championship on three occasion

Spain were better – US coach

2009-10-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

United States’ Under-17 coach, Wilmer Cabrere, has described the 10-man Spanish side that beat his team 2–1 at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Monday very impressive squad.

In a post match conference, Cabrere stated that the rival team had quality players and knew how to finish well, even though he was quick to give kudos to his young side, who he said tried to come back into the game.

He said that his team had good possession of the ball and produced a number of options, but were up against a side that defended very well too.
He described the Spanish side as a very good one and one of the favourites in the tournament to win the throph.

He looks forward to the next match with optimism.
In his assessment of the game, the Spanish coach, Gines Melendez, while congratulating his opponents, said the Americans have bright future as the side exhibited great promise and hope.
He declined to comment on the officiating of the game, but offered a word of appreciation to the organisers and the people of Kano State for a wonderful reception to his team.

Uruguay bank on luck to scale through Next Round

2009-10-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Uruguay coach, Roland Marcenaro is banking on luck to see his wards through the group as they lock horns with Korea Republic today in Kaduna in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group F duel. “We have a united and intelligent team featuring players, who know what they want, and also earned that little bit of luck you need in the South American championship.

If we can continue to count on these factors, we'll put up a fight in Nigeria,” Roland Marcenaro, Uruguay coach.

Despite producing a steady stream of world-famous players over the years, Uruguay have achieved very little at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The only time they managed to advance beyond the group stage in their three previous appearances in the finals was at New Zealand 1999, when they went out in the quarter-finals to Ghana despite Ruben Olivera's inspirational performances. Having first qualified in 1991, Los Charrúas last rubbed shoulders with the world's best in the category four years ago.

Uruguay secured their place at Nigeria 2009 after putting together a string of fine results in the opening group phase of the South American qualifying competition, held in Chile. Victors against Chile and Venezuela, they drew 1–1 with Ecuador and lost 2–0 to Argentina, performances that proved good enough for a place in the four-team play-off group comprising the second and third-placed teams in the two sections. And after kicking off with a 1–1 draw against the Bolivians, La Celeste recorded a 2–0 defeat of Colombia and a 3–1 victory over Ecuador to ensure their fourth appearance in the finals.

Uruguay’s prime objective is to go farther than they have ever done before in the competition, which would equate to a place in the last four. Even so, such is the quality of Marcenaro’s side that the fans and the country’s football media are entertaining hopes of an even greater achievement.

When the best youths from two traditionally powerful footballing giants cross swords with two hungry challengers from north Africa and Asia, the mixture is set to be as enthralling as it is exotic. Lovers of this combination need look no further than Group F.
Italy and Uruguay, and Algeria and Korea Republic, will seek to use the Kaduna stage to enhance their standings in the junior game and create a headline or two. All four teams will be determined to lay out their credentials and perform with credit at the global showdown in west Africa, partly by way of compensation for occasional inconsistency in their respective continental championships.

The youngest generation from FIFA World Cup holders Italy, who were eliminated at the semi-final stage in the European championship, rate as overwhelming favourites in the section. One talking point will be the ability of the tactically mature southern Europeans to cope with the robust play favoured by the Uruguayans, who only secured their passage to Nigeria by a back-door route. Algeria and the South Koreans, each defeated in their continental finals, will be looking to upset the acknowledged big two in the section. Nevertheless, anything could happen in a pool where all the teams could beat any other on their day.

Should the two big-name nations in the group live up to their billing, and barring any upsets along the way, we could well see the youngsters representing the four-time FIFA World Cup winners from Europe and the two-time winners from South America go head-to-head for the honour of winning the section.

In fact, it would rate as a minor triumph for both teams if they were to meet in a form of final match to determine the group winners. Uruguay have lost their last five matches at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, only making it through to the knockout stage at the 1999 tournament in New Zealand. Italy’s record is no better: they have sent their Under-17 juniors to the finals on five occasions but also only survived the group stage once, in Canada way back in 1987.

Francesco Totti: Four Other Clubs Have Made Offers, But I'll Extend With Roma

2009-10-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

Roma captain Francesco Totti has revealed he rejected offers from four major clubs, preferring to extend his contract with the Giallorossi.

The legendary number 10 is on the precipice of extending his terms with Roma, and he will sign on for the next five years.

However, with his original deal set to expire in 2010, it was inevitable that suitors would line-up.

However, Totti has always remained loyal to his beloved Lupi and claims he was not interested in moving.

"I have had four offers recently. A big Italian club and three foreign sides flattered me, but I will sign the new deal with Roma, all that's missing is a clause for after my career," Totti told Rivista Romanista magazine.

Totti has also put off talks about the national team return until a few months before the World Cup begins.

"Italy? I hear from Marcello Lippi every now and then, but there is still time to talk about this. We promised each other that we wouldn't speak about it until the spring," concluded 'Il Capitano'.

Valencia Must Not Fear Barcelona - Unai Emery

2009-10-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Valencia coach Unai Emery has given his thoughts on their crucial clash against on Saturday night, and he has told his side to focus on their own talents rather than fear those of the opposition.

"First, we will try to play ourselves and make them concerned about our desire to have the ball," Emery is quoted as saying by Goal.com Spain.

"From there, we will have their players' attention. All of them are dangerous in their own right. They have also scored many goals from set pieces.

"We must close them down and make the game uncomfortable for them. We must use our skills and our own resources.

"You have to give Barcelona a lot of respect, but not fear. We are capable of playing a great game with the help of the fans. We will try to win this game.

"[Lionel] Messi is troublesome, because he is possibly the best player in the world and plays for the best team in the world."

Emery also had a few words for Diego Maradona following his explicit outburst after Argentina's final World Cup qualifier, telling 'El Diez' that he must be more respectful.

"I've had to bite my tongue many times, but you always have to have respect. He will have his reasons for expressing himself like that and not keeping quiet," the Valencia coach concluded.

Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger: Referees Should Keep Their Distance

2009-10-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes there should be a respectful distance between managers and referees.

The Gunners gaffer thinks that over-familiarity between managers and officials, as well as between players and officials, means that the referee cannot retain his objectivity.

"I have no relationship with the referee. I never speak to any referee," he told reporters at his Friday press conference.

"I believe that the referees have to keep their distance with the players as well.

"Personally I respect the referees and I think the referees have to keep their distances from the managers and the players."

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is currently facing official sanction over his comments about the physical fitness of referee Alan Wiley.

Wenger maintains that emotions often run high after the final whistle, but consistent sanctions must be in place for those managers who overstep the mark.

"You know we are sometimes too excessive after the games," he added.

"What we want is for everybody to be treated exactly the same so there is only one rule in the Premier League.

"When the managers do not respect the code of conduct, this rule has to be applied to everybody and I don't think even Ferguson would want to be treated differently."

Meanwhile, Wenger also insists that developing young English talent remains an aim of his and he anticipates that there will be many more Gunners in the senior England side in years to come.

"Very soon we could have very many [Arsenal players in the England side]," he affirmed.

"We have [Theo] Walcott, we have [Kieran] Gibbs, we have [Jack] Wilshere who pushes on. Soon we might have some others. We have of course Aaron Ramsey, but he is British [Welsh, to be exact], not for England.

"I am highly determined [to bring more English players through]. First we look for quality, but we have improved our quality on all sides.

"We have produced many English players who have not completely made it at Arsenal. They might have made it somewhere else.

"On the England fringes we had players like [David] Bentley, [Steven] Sidwell and [Matthew] Upson who is now back in the England squad. They are quality players who were here."

Manchester City Insist Robinho Is Not Leaving For Barcelona

2009-10-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Manchester City are intent on keeping Robinbo, despite increasing speculation that he wants to leave to join Barcelona.

The nouveau riche Premier League outfit do not want to see one of their prized assets leave before they have begun to challenge for trophies and have dismissed the recent reports.

Barcelona have admitted that they would like to sign Robinho, and the player himself has stated that he would enjoy playing for the European champions.

Various types of deals have been suggested in the media, with a loan move in January being followed up by a permanent switch in the summer when any number of Barca players could join City is the latest rumour.

Despite all that speculation, City insist that the player whom they signed from Real Madrid last year will remain with them.

"Robinho remains an integral part of our squad. Any notion of a loan deal or a permanent deal is totally without foundation," a City source told the Manchester Evening News.

"We have had no contact from Barcelona and nor would we encourage it."

Real Madrid Lead TV's Top Earners

2009-10-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid are the world's biggest earners from television revenue ahead of Barcelona as the top two in Spain dwarf the Spanish league's other clubs.

Los Merengues came out on top in the Football Transfer Review study as they were shown to earn €136 million-per-season from their deal with Mediapro.

Barca are third, behind Manchester United, with income of €116 million, while the rest of the teams in la Primera are lucky to earn under 50 per cent of that.

Manchester United are also behind Madrid in marketing; replica kits and other merchandise earn the Spanish giants €129 million each year.

Matchday income is won by the Red Devils though as the Premier League champions make €128 million compared to Madrid's €101 million.

Despite claiming that they have to keep a tight rein on their budget, Bayern Munich are Europe's fourth biggest earner raking in €295 million, with €177 million coming from marketing.

FIFA Open Case Against Argentina Coach Diego Maradona

2009-10-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has announced that the organization's disciplinary committee will open a case against Diego Maradona following his profanity-laced tirade on live television after Argentina qualified for next year's World Cup.

Blatter was not too happy with Maradona's outburst and commented on the situation on Friday.

"The reports we have received so far leave us no other alternative but to ask the disciplinary committee of FIFA to open a case against the coach Diego Armando Maradona," Blatter was quoted as saying at a press conference in Cairo, Egypt.

The outspoken Argentina coach was delighted to hit back at all the criticism that has been aimed at him following the squad's unconvincing World Cup qualification campaign, as six points from the last two qualifiers saw the Albicelestes through to the finals.

"They can suck it and carry on sucking it," he fumed in the press conference after the dramatic win. "This is for all Argentines, minus the journalists.

"I want to thank my players for qualifying because they played like men and today they consecrated me as a coach. I also want to dedicate this to the whole of Argentina, to my family too, but there is one group who do not deserve this because they have treated me like rubbish.

"I don't usually read the newspapers or listen to sports programmes but my daughters do and they told me what had been said about me. So, I repeat, to all those that said anything against me, keep eating your words."

Chelsea Boss Carlo Ancelotti: I Would Like To Coach Italy Or The Ivory Coast

2009-10-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to swap the blue of Chelsea for the Azzurro of Italy in future, though he would also consider a move to the Ivory Coast.

The former Milan man is enjoying life in west London, but he can see himself guiding a national side.

"Me the Italy coach? I would like to in future, but not now. I am Italian, and so I would like to coach La Nazionale, but I am not sure if this will be possible one day," Ancelotti told the BBC.

"I would like to coach an African side. The Ivory Coast is a fantastic side for example."

Another Italian based in London is none other than Fabio Capello. Ancelotti has hailed the England coach, but he doesn't know whether the Three Lions can achieve glory at the World Cup next summer.

"He [Capello] is a great coach with great experience and I am happy that he is doing a great job," added the Italian.

"England are one of the best teams, but no European side has ever won the World Cup outside of Europe. It will be difficult, not only for England."

Cristiano Ronaldo Fit To Play For Portugal Against Hungary - Report

2009-10-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has come through training with Portugal without any setbacks and will be ready to face Hungary on Saturday, according to AS.

Ronaldo missed Real Madrid's defeat to Sevilla on Sunday due to an ankle injury he picked up in Los Merengues 3-0 victory over Marseille in the UEFA Champions League last week and only returned to full training yesterday.

Such was Ronaldo's comfort with the ankle yesterday that a scheduled scan on his ankle was declined by Portuguese medical staff and he trained as normal with the squad.

His availability will be a welcome boost for coach Carlos Quieroz as his side prepare to face their final World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Malta. Ronaldo has scored 22 times in 67 appearances for his country.

Portugal currently lie third in European Qualifying Group One, five points adrift of leaders Denmark, and two adrift of second placed Sweden. They must win both remaining fixtures to stand any chance of qualifying for the finals in South Africa next year.

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas A 2010 Prority For Real Madrid - Report

2009-10-09T02:40:00.000-07:00

Despite continuous rumours linking him with a return to Barcelona, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas will reportedly be the subject of a bid from Real Madrid next summer, according to AS.

It is suggested that Madrid's coaching staff already see a shortfall in Los Merengues midfield and have identified Fabregas, along with French midfielder Franck Ribery, as the transfer priorities next summer.

Real's interest is set to scupper what is seen by many as an eventual return to Camp Nou by the 22-year-old midfielder as Los Blancos seem certain to intensify their bid to lure the star Gunner away from the Emirates.

Madrid reportedly offered Arsenal in the region of €40-50 million for Fabregas in 2008 and followed that with a €60 million bid in the summer just passed but the player opted on both occasions to remain in London.

Now it appears that the situation may be changing, with suggestions that Fabregas' departure from North London is inevitable. The progress and development of Arsene Wenger's new breed of starlets including Aaron Ramsey, Vassiriki Diaby and Denilson is said to be key to a potential deal.

Fabio Cannavaro Tests Positive For Doping Substance After Taking Medication

2009-10-09T02:38:00.000-07:00

Juventus defender and Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has tested positive during an anti-doping test, according to La Repubblica and Sky Sport 24.

It is believed that he tested positive after taking an anti-allergen in order to prevent an anaphylatic shock from a wasp sting - a potentially fatal reaction if left untreated.

Juventus advised the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) of the administration of the medicine, advising them that it was "only an anti-allergen".

However, there seems to have been a breakdown in communications between the Juventus medical staff and the CONI.

It has been suggested that paperwork was not provided to the authorities that informed them of this course of action, which has led to Cannavaro reportedly being tested and found positive for cortisone.

The defender is now being questioned by the CONI in Turin, having remained in Italy due to his suspension for the Azzurri's match with the Republic of Ireland this weekend.

While there should not be any lasting problems for the world champion, he will hope that the situation is resolved in time to allow his participation in Italy's final World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.

Brazil And Real Madrid Can Make Me World's Best Player Again - Kaka

2009-10-09T01:30:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid and brazil playmaker Kaka has declared that he would like to once again be recognised as the best player in world football and he believes that winning trophies with club and country is the key to putting himself back on top.

Kaka won both the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007 and says that preparation is the key to winning titles and succeeding in achieving those individual accolades once again.

"To be elected again as the world's best have to win collective titles. I think I have the possibility of achieving that with [Real] Madrid and with the Selecao," the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by AS.

"I'm going to make the most to achieve that. Every time when Brazil is well prepared we achieve success, but that did not happen in 2006."

Brazil have already qualified for the World Cup in South Africa next summer with two qualifiers still to be played in the coming days, against Bolivia and Venezuela.

Manchester United Have Shown An Interest In Inter's Julio Cesar - Agent

2009-10-07T06:12:00.001-07:00

Manchester United's interest in Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar is real, but the Brazilian is expected to sign a new deal with the Milanese giants, according to his agent, Josias Cardoso.

Voices surrounding the 'keeper on Tuesday claimed that he was wanted by a major club. It now appears that team is none other than Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. Cardoso has revealed the Red Devils opened up early discourse, but nothing concrete emerged.

"Yes, United have shown an interest in Julio, but they have never made an official offer," the agent told Tuttosport.

Earlier, Nerazzurri director Marco Branca was quick to fire-fight the rumours, claiming a new deal was in the pipeline. Cardoso has confirmed the news coming from Appiano Gentile.

"At the moment we are speaking with Inter about renewing Julio's deal, but we have still not found a consensus," added the agent.

"We hope to reach an accord by the end of the month. This is our objective."

Diego Maradona Threatens To Quit The Argentine National Team

2009-10-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

Diego Maradona, the coach of the Argentine national team, affirmed that he hasn't liked several things since he was appointed, and that he will have to evaluate whether he will continue in the position at the conclusion of the World Cup qualifiers.

"I have a commitment with the guys, having said yes to Julio [Grondona] when he invited me to his house asking me to coach the national team was something very nice, but then came lots of things that I didn't like, and we will discuss them later on," said Maradona.

An annoyed Maradona told the press that he will only stay on "under his conditions", and although he didn't reveal what he wants changed exactly, he stated that a solution must be found.

One of the things that Maradona didn't like was that Pablo Zabaleta arrived in Argentina injured after playing for Manchester City. Maradona blamed Carlos Bilardo for this.

It is believed that Bilardo and Maradona have a bad relationship, however, both have tried to deny this in the past. According to Telam both don't speak to each other, and obviously this isn't a positive thing for the national team.

The last fight between the two occurred a few days ago, when Maradona told Bilardo to make sure that Carlos Tevez and Zabaleta didn't play for Manchester City before such crucial World Cup qualifiers against Peru and Uruguay.

Both players finally played, and Maradona exploded when he found out that Zabaleta was injured, and won't be able to participate in either of Argentina's two matches.

"There are things that I didn't like and to continue my conditions will have to be met," insisted Maradona.

Despite the injury setback, Maradona confirmed that he won't call up any more players, and will make do with the players he already has at his disposal.

"I will work with this squad. Now they are looking for players to see if we can replace him," explained Maradona, who is preoccupied with the number of players who are on yellow cards.

"We have a team with lots of yellow cards as we kept on getting yellows in each match, in all of the matches in which we played for our lives."

Even if Argentina manage to qualify for the World Cup, Maradona could possibly step down as the coach of the side if his demands aren't met.

Manchester United Striker Wayne Rooney Eyes England Record

2009-10-07T05:59:00.000-07:00

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has ambitions to become England's record goalscorer.

Bobby Charlton currently holds the record for most goals scored for the Three Lions with 49. Rooney has scored 25 times in 55 appearances.

"I spoke to Sir Bobby last week about it and we discussed playing and scoring for England," the 23-year-old told The Daily Star.

"It would be a dream come true to do it and mean so much to me.

"It would also be fantastic if two Manchester United players were to be one and two in the list.

"But don't rule out Michael (Owen) and he still has a chance of the record."

Rooney's club-mate Owen is currently fourth on the list of top sorers for England, with 40 goals - behind Charlton (49), Gary Lineker (48) and Jimmy Greaves (44).

Rooney is keen to win more trophies for his club, but also with his country. He featured for England in Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006, but endured disappointment in both cases.

However, he feels now that Fabio Capello has engendered a much more positive spirit within the Three Lions' camp.

"I do sometimes think about how far I can go in my career and what I can win," he added.

"It is about trophies, isn't it? For Manchester United and England. That is what I play for. And I do want to get better and better.

"The last two tournaments, in 2004 and 2006, were frustrating for me and the team and there is now a feel-good factor under Fabio Capello.

"We are playing as well as at any time since I came into the squad and the one thing you know with Mr Capello is that if you are not playing well you will not be in the team. That keeps us all on our toes and wanting to perform.

"I have played better. I think it's because I am scoring more goals, and forwards are always judged on goals, that people are saying I'm in my best form.

"I honestly believe I can get a lot better. I know I can.

"I would certainly like to score more goals."

Barcelona Moves For Cesc Fabregas And Robinho Dubbed ‘CR10’

2009-10-07T05:40:00.000-07:00

Barcelonawill make a move to try and prise Robinho away from Manchester City in January and then add Cesc Fabregas to their squad next summer, according to a report.

El Mundo Deportivo have mimicked Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo's 'CR9' nickname by giving the move for the Premier League-based pair the moniker 'CR10'.

The Catalan daily sportspaper reports that an agreement between Barca president Joan Laporta and Fabregas was sealed in the summer, and now a deal with Arsenal must be agreed.

Whether it is Laporta who seals that move will not matter, because the favourite to replace him at the helm is Sandro Rosell, and he will certainly look to re-sign the Catalan playmaker.

Robinho is also back on the club's agenda, with coach Pep Guardiola hopeful that the Brazilian can become part of his squad.

After taking the reins at Camp Nou last year, the coach told Barcelona that he wanted the skilful forward, but Madrid were unwilling to do business with their arch rivals.

Despite having stated he is happy in England, El Mundo Deportivo believe that Robinho would jump at the chance to move to Barca, and both Laporta and Rosell both are well-positioned to do a deal.

Didier Drogba: Chelsea Win Over Liverpool Shows We Can Win Title

2009-10-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Chelsea striker Drogba believes Sunday's 2-0 win over Liverpool is evidence of the Blues' title credentials.

The London outfit struggled last season against the other 'top four' sides, collecting only four points from a possible 18. Drogba knows that record must improve if they are to bring the Premier League trophy to Stamford Bridge.

"We have learned that a big part of our losing the title last year was our results against the big teams," Drogba told The London Evening Standard.

"We drew at home against Manchester United, and we lost here (Stamford Bridge) against Liverpool and Arsenal, so we wanted to change that trend this season.

"We want to be the team who wins these games against the big teams, and be at the top of the league.

"It's only the first game against a top-four team, but it was important to win it to show that we really want to be champions.

"We will be there. If the other teams want to win the title this season, they will have to fight us hard."

Chelsea were beaten last week by Wigan Athletic and looked below-par in their midweek Champions League win over APOEL Nicosia.

Drogba puts Sunday's improvement down to an improvement in attitude amongst the players.

He added: "Wigan was a disappointment, because if you want to win the league, you can't afford to lose many games like this. The good thing is that we reacted.

"The main thing was a change in the attitude, which was much better against Liverpool."