World Football On The Net

muscular Gatotkaca

2010-06-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

Who would deny the talent of Arjen Robben as one of the best attacking midfielders at the moment? None. However, people also will be difficult to refuse if Robben referred to as the injury-prone player. Therefore, he called fragile glass broken leg.

These are two circumstances that surrounded his career this mercurial wing over the last five seasons. When purchased on the official declared in August 2009, there were quite some think that Bayern Munich gamble. However, not many of them claimed that Robben is the best purchase to supplement the power they have today.

He considered going to complement the capabilities Franck Ribery on the left side of the Bayern attack. Robben is true enough skilled relying left foot when mounted on the right side.

Indeed promising immediate action came a day after official costumed Bayern. Robben melakoni sweet debut. Two goals in the match versus printed successful Wolfsburg. Robben's presence at the same time give Bayern their first win this season after three games only twice and once lost the series.

"He (Robben) will make our team more attractive," said Bayern president Uli Hoeness. "He is one of the best attacking midfielders Europe. He's always in the list of players we want. Squads would be perfect with Robben on the right side and Franck Ribery on the left side."

Robben was no less pleased to be joined by Bayern. Although initially somewhat reluctant to move from Real Madrid, he finally decided to move to Germany earlier this season.

"I felt very welcome here. Bayern are a big club full of great history and I'm glad to be here," he said.

Rose rapidly after injury
Robben with Bayern honeymoon lasted only about one month alone. When melakoni game against Juventus in the Champions League (30/09/2009), Robben lying in the middle of the field and should ditandu. Otherwise a severe right knee injury. "I think Robben injury serious enough, this really is not anything good for us," said coach Louis van Gaal.

He could otherwise be out for four weeks. In fact, to re-sod, Robben took eight weeks. Doubled from the previous prediction. He's only played as a substitute again in early December 2009.

Just recovered a few weeks, she again experienced problems in his legs. When Bayern doing exercises on the sidelines of winter break in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in January, Robben returned grinning in the middle of the field.

Lucky, both injuries were not as bad as the first. However, Robben was still save the trauma caused by injury at the end of 2009 it Septrember. So, when Philipp Lahm made a tackle him in a practice session, in January last, emotions Robben got hooked. Both got involved and pushed the argument.

However, it is just emotional moment. After the exercise, the heat was already yawning. "That's a normal thing. The exercise was like that, nothing extraordinary. After practice, our relationship was fine," said Robben told Bild.

The incident was in fact a momentum of rise pascacedera Robben. When Bayern return to play after the winter break, Robben is always revealed as a starter. In fact, not only that, his performance on the field was very impressive. Several times a inspirator success Robben Bayern won three digits.

In the last five games Bayern in the Bundesliga 1, Robben was always played in the first minute. In fact, the four most recent matches, Robben always score goals. One of them is a crucial goal that determines the victory at home to Bayern 3-2 Werder Bremen (23 / 2). Robben also contributed goals as Bayern Greuther Furth 6-2 spVgg roll in the arena of DFB Pokal (10 / 2).

Alleged that Robben will still always be approached injury is not yet incontrovertible. However, its performance on the field this season to cover up that he is a player "footed glass." In fact, as proclaimed Robben will replace Ribery in Bayern's game.

Robben was not a figure of reinforced steel and wire-like muscular Gatotkaca. He also never digodog in Candradimuka crater. However, Robben still has a talent that could make it fly higher. Talent that is able to change the "glass" to "iron".

robben profile

2010-06-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Arjen Robben (born January 23, 1984 at Bedum) is a wing midfielder Netherlands) which bertinggi 186 cm and body to play at Real Madrid. He strengthened timnasnya Euro 2004 and World Cup in 2006.

Presumably their parents (either father or mother, or perhaps both - both of them) is a very racist person. This is evident from Robben's first name, "Arjen" which may be close to the "Aryan", which means the Aryan race, considering that the Netherlands was inhabited by a majority of people Arya atupun mix, but the sides remain prominent Aryanya. This is supported by physical appearance Robben high, blond and blue eyed.

Mourinho's phenomenal

2010-05-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Jose Mourinho's phenomenal anyone who doubts his ability, would think a thousand times to say it. the fact that the team had said it could direct the underdog triumph in European football stage.
let alone a team of italian intermilan classmate in Jose Mourinho's first season racing directly italian pride of the nation achieve extraordinary accomplishments in the field of European football. truly remarkable ability that belongs to the the special one.
we can only hope this success in 2010 will be maintained in the next year.

Joe Cole

2010-02-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

Fabio Capello has dealt a blow to the World Cup hopes of Chelsea’s Joe Cole after he left the midfielder out of his latest England squad and claimed the player "has problems".

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has used Cole sparingly in recent weeks, and the 28-year-old spent the first half of 2009 on the treatment table after a serious knee injury.

Capello suggested that Cole’s current form was the main reason for his exclusion from the squad.

“[Joe] Cole did not play against Inter [in the Champions League] and it's not a good moment for him,” he explained to the News of the World.

"Chelsea prefer Daniel Sturridge at the moment. Cole has problems and he's not the player I remember."

The Italian, who included Theo Walcott in his squad, also revealed that he felt the Arsenal player was lacking in confidence but needed game time to improve.

“I saw the last game Theo [Walcott] played, he was on for 72 minutes and did very well, but he is not in a fantastic moment,” he added.

"He needs to regain confidence because he has lost a lot of balls. He is getting better and better, but he needs to play."

England face Egypt on Wednesday night at Wembley in an international friendly.

survive until the break

2010-02-22T05:10:00.000-08:00

Everton Successfully silenced Manchester United 1-3 at the headquarters of Everton, Goodison Park.

This victory was the second victory of orphans David Moyes from Manchester United in 30 meetings between the two teams.

Man United could excel in the first 16 minutes through Dimitar Berbatov.

Everton managed to respond with an equalizer through Diniyar Bilyaletdinov thunder kick three minutes later.

Equally strong position to survive until the break.

In the 76th minute Everton, Dan Gosling scored the goal MU, and the position changed to Everton 1-2 for excellence.

Toward the last minute, Jack Rodwell added goals for Everton secure victory. Rodwell scored pretty hard shot along the ground cross conquer goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar.

With the victory, Everton getting closer to the position of the six major standings.

Meanwhile, Manchester United themselves stuck with that loss in the second position.

Two goals from French striker

2010-02-13T00:56:00.000-08:00

Louis Saha to Everton hero as Chelsea entertain at Goodison Park, Thursday (11 / 2) morning pm. Two goals from French striker was making his team win 2-1.

However, Everton had depressed. The home team had struck after Florent Malouda had to steal a goal in minute 17, after kicking his left leg could not dammed Tim Howard.

Everton could only respond when the game entered the 33rd minute. Louis Saha who got the ball from Landon Donovan took off hard kick that can not be driven Petr Cech.

In minute 45, just before halftime, Everton had a chance to excel after Donovan violated Ricardo Carvalho in the penalty box. However, the forward Louis Saha as the executor failed to perform his duties well after the kick the ball successfully dammed Petr Cech.

Saha's failure to pay on 75 minutes. Kick his left leg from a distance of more than 20 meters into the net without being able dammed Chelsea Petr Cech.

Chelsea almost scored penyama position three minutes later. Only, Didier Drogba could not convert the chances they had, after the ball just about sundulannya the rule. Rebound the ball kicked John Terry is not on target.

With this result, the difference in points Chelsea with their main rivals, Manchester United be trimmed into a single number. Chelsea remain with 58 points, while Manchester United with 57 points. While Everton climbed to ninth position with 35 points.

Impressive Player

2010-02-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Emmanuel became the third striker to sign for the Blues in the summer of 2009, joining from Arsenal in the wake of other new arrivals Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.

After being spotted in youth teams in his home land, the Togo international began his professional career in France at Metz in 1999 and from moved to Monaco from where he was signed by the Gunners.

Once there he made 104 first team league appearances and scored 46 goals. His record in cups for Arsenal was equally impressive as he found the net on 16 occasions in 38 starts.

He was named African Player of the Year in 2008 and has been Togo’s player of the year for the past four seasons. In 2007-08 he won the goal of the year top prize and was voted into the Premier League’s all-star eleven.

The 6ft 3in striker’s most productive season in the top flight came in that 2007-08 campaign when he notched 24 goals in 36 starts.

In January 2010, Emmanuel was on the Togo team coach which was ambushed in a machine-gun attack at the African Nations Cup in Angola, when three people died. He was given compassionate leave, returning to the Club on January 24.

Lucrative Business

2010-02-12T01:36:00.000-08:00

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Pep Strategy

2010-02-07T17:22:00.000-08:00

After leading the 'B' side to promotion to Segunda División B, Guardiola revealed that Ronaldinho, Deco, Samuel Eto'o and others were not part of his plans for next season. By the time of the announcement, Guardiola had already offloaded full back Gianluca Zambrotta to Milan, attacking midfielder Giovani dos Santos to Tottenham Hotspur, and midfielder Edmílson to Villarreal. Deco went to Chelsea, while the iconic Ronaldinho was sold to Milan. Lilian Thuram was going to Paris Saint-Germain but the discovery of a heart condition put a stop to the move, and the veteran retired to tend to his health. Oleguer Presas signed with Ajax, Santiago Ezquerro was released by Barça and Marc Crosas was sold to Celtic. The fate of Samuel Eto'o took much of the summer to unravel, with the Cameroonian linked with several clubs, but Guardiola finally declared that he would stay after his dedication in training and participation in the pre-season.

Under Guardiola's new leadership, several new signings were made. Dani Alves and Seydou Keita arrived from Sevilla, Martín Cáceres from Villarreal by way of Recreativo, Gerard Piqué returned from Manchester United, and Aliaksandr Hleb was signed from Arsenal. Henrique was also signed from Palmeiras, but was immediately loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen.

Guardiola's first competitive game as coach was in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, in which Barça comfortably beat Polish club Wisła Kraków 4–0 at home. FC Barcelona was defeated 1–0 in Kraków, but progressed with a 4-1 aggregate victory. Promoted Numancia also defeated FC Barcelona in the opening match-day of the La Liga, but the team then went on an undefeated streak for over 20 matches to move to the top of the league. Barça would maintain their spot atop La Liga's table, securing their first league title since 2006 when Real Madrid lost at Villareal on May 16, 2009.
Josep Guardiola celebrating Barcelona's 2009 UEFA Champions League Final with Manuel Estiarte.

The league title was the second piece of silverware in Guardiola's first season at the Camp Nou. On May 13, 2009, Barcelona won the Copa del Rey, defeating Athletic Bilbao 4-1.

Guardiola finished the season by leading Barça to the final of the Champions League, where they beat Manchester United 2–0. In doing so, they became the first Spanish club to win the domestic cup, league, and European club titles (the treble) in the same season. Furthermore, Guardiola became the youngest coach ever to coach a Champions League winning team.

Guardiola has shown preference to playing a 4-3-3 system, the same system used by Frank Rijkaard. In interviews with the press, his players stressed a harder work ethic than before, but also a more personal approach during training and a closer relationship with their new coach.

On September 26, FC Barcelona gave Pep Guardiola his 50th professional victory, away against Málaga.

Later, Guardiola would coach the first team to 6 title victories in one year, becoming the first manager ever to do so. These include the Spanish League, Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup, and World Club Cup.

On 20 January 2010, Guardiola agreed to a one-year contract extension that would keep him with Barcelona until the end of the 2010-11 season.

Pep Profile

2010-02-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

Josep "Pep" Guardiola i Sala (Catalan pronunciation: [ʑuˈzɛp ɡwəɾˈðjɔɫə]; born 18 January 1971 in Santpedor, Barcelona, Catalonia) is a former Spanish football midfielder and current FC Barcelona manager. He spent the majority of his playing career with Barcelona, and was part of Johan Cruyff's dream team that won FC Barcelona's first European Cup. He was captain of the club for the final four years of his time with Barcelona. Guardiola also played for, among others, Brescia Calcio, A.S. Roma, Al-Ahli and Dorados de Sinaloa. As an international, Guardiola played for Spain and some friendly exhibition games for Catalonia. After retiring as a player, Guardiola became coach of FC Barcelona B. On 8 May 2008, Barcelona president Joan Laporta announced that Guardiola would succeed Frank Rijkaard as the first team manager. He signed his contract on 5 June 2008. In his first season as manager, FC Barcelona won the treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. In doing so, Guardiola became the youngest UEFA Champions League winning manager ever. The following season, Guardiola and Barcelona won the Supercopa de España against Athletic Club Bilbao, the UEFA Super Cup against Shakhtar Donetsk, and the FIFA Club World Cup against Estudiantes, bringing the manager's tally to a perfect six trophies in six competitions thus completing the first ever sextuple.

Guardiola joined La Masia aged 13 and rose through the ranks at the youth academy of Barcelona for six years, making his début in 1990 against Cádiz. As Phil Ball writes in Morbo,

"In his first week at the club, Cruyff turned up unannounced at the 'Mini' stadium, a venue just down the road from Camp Nou used by the youth and B teams. Just before half-time he wandered into the dug-out and asked Charly Rexach, the youth team manager at the time, the name of the young skinny lad playing on the right side of midfield. 'Guardiola – good lad' came the reply. Cruyff ignored the comment and told Rexach to move him into the middle for the second half, to play as pivote, a difficult position to adapt to and one not used by many teams in Spain at the time. 'Pep' Guardiola adjusted immediately, as Cruyff had suspected he would, and when he moved up into the first-team in 1990 he became the true fulcrum of the Dream Team."

Johan Cruyff utilised the young defensive midfielder in the absence of the suspended Guillermo Amor. He became a first team regular in the 1991-92 season and at only 20 years old was a key component of a side that won La Liga, the European Cup and the Spain national side that triumphed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The prestigious Italian magazine Guerin Sportivo heralded Guardiola as the finest player in the world under the age of 21.

Cruyff's Dream Team went on to retain the La Liga title in the 92-93 and 93-94 seasons. The side was strengthened by the recent signing of Romário, again reached the UEFA Champions League Final, but were humbled by Capello's Milan in Athens, and lost the match 0-4.

Cruyff left in 1996, with FC Barcelona finishing 4th in the 1994-95 season and 3rd in the 1995-96 season, but Guardiola retained his position at the center of FC Barcelona's midfield. In the 1996-97 season, FC Barcelona, this time ledd by Bobby Robson, won three cups - the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup. Much of the Dream Team had by this time left, with new signings such as Luís Figo and Ronaldo taking over from Hristo Stoichkov and Txiki Begiristain. At the end of the 1996-97 season, FC Barcelona rejected offers from A.S. Roma and Parma F.C. (of around 300 million pesetas)[citation needed] for Guardiola. After prolonged and complicated contract talks, Guardiola signed a new contract with the Catalan club which extended his stay until 2001. His buyout clause was fixed at 15.000 million pesetas, the second highest in the Spanish league.

A calf muscle injury ruled Guardiola out of most of the 1997-98 season, in which FC Barcelona won a league and cup double under new manager Louis van Gaal. He returned to action the following season and FC Barcelona once again won the league thanks largely to the performances of Rivaldo and Figo.[original research?] On 8 June 1998, Guardiola underwent surgery to try to solve once and for all the problems that he was experiencing with his calf which had led to him missing the 1998 FIFA World Cup for Spain. A largely disappointing 1999-00 season ended once again in surgery as Guardiola missed the last three months of the season due to a serious ankle injury.

FC Barcelona didn't win any silverware during the 2001 season and finished fourth place in the league, but qualifying for the Champions League. On 11th of April 2001, FC Barcelona's captain announced his intention to leave the club after 17 years of service. He stated that it was a personal decision and, in part, a response to what he perceived as football heading in a new, more physical, direction.[cite this quote] On 24 June 2001, Guardiola played his last match with Barça in the last game of the season against Celtic.

Guardiola played 479 games for the club, in 12 seasons in the Barcelona first team, winning 16 trophies. At the press conference after the Celtic game, he said: "It's been a long journey. I'm happy, proud, happy with the way people treated me and I have made many friends. I cannot ask for more. I have had many years in the elite. I did not come to make history but to make my own history."[cite this quote] Guardiola was slow, but intelligently gifted with skill and foresight, rarely scored goals but set up from difficult positions on the field,[original research?] he won six league titles, a European Cup and Olympic gold, amongst other numerous trophies. Born in the Catalan town of Santpedor, schooled barely 100 metres from Camp Nou and resident at La Masia, the traditional farmhouse that stands incongruously in its shadow, he was a part of a gifted side Barcelona produced, ordering, constructing, constantly moving the ball. He has been called the hero of a number of Spain's current midfielders, as Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta and Cesc Fàbregas[3] has stated that Guardiola was his role model and hero.

Tevez return

2010-01-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

Tevez scintillating performance in the City during December and then make the award rewarded Barclays Player of the Month.

In eight games in the month, Tevez scored eight goals in all competitions. He also appeared consistent and always be inspired assault team.

Since migrate from sekota club, Manchester United, Tevez returned to find his best game and started becoming a favorite among fans The Citizens.

"I am pleased with this trophy because it proves that I always wanted to give the best if given a chance," he said through the official club website.

"I also want to reward my teammates, without them I could not get this trophy. Then, I'll keep trying to play my best and give the best for the City."

In the meantime, the best manager award in December acquired Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish.

hell for the visitors

2010-01-22T00:30:00.000-08:00

Manchester Lagabola - Arsenal recorded its first defeat this season at Old Trafford. Manchester United the host managed to reduce gun the Gunners after a 2-1 victory thanks to first miss. After the two parties with the victory, Arsenal had been lost during a visit to the stable MU, Sunday (30/8/2009). This defeat came after winning first Arsenal goal by Andrei Arshavin in the first half.

MU himself managed to rise in the second round. Wayne Rooney managed to equalize from a white point. Previously, he was overthrown by Manuel Almunia so the referee pointed to the white point. The host then managed to reverse the position this time own goal by Abou Diaby. Starting from the violation of Darren Fletcher on the right ribs, Ryan Giggs sent a ball Diaby headlong into Almunia's goal. Arsenal faction had cheered after Robin van Persie's goal shook the MU in minutes injury time. Hell for the visitors, annul the referee for offside.

In those games were born nine yellow cards, six for Arsenal while three for MU. Additional thanks to these three points, Manchester United climbed to the rank of three kemenanga standings with three and one defeat. While Arsenal down to fifth position, despite playing only three parties.

Match path

Emmanuel Eboue became the first player to kick off in front of the opponent's goal area, although he was kicking the release of the 18-meter distance to the goal in the 2nd minute was wide off the mark. Arsenal got a free kick at minute 5 and was taken by Andrei Arshavin. Ben Foster jump to reach the ball, but did not catch the eye. However, he managed to grab the second attempt.

MU records first opportunity in the 9th minute. After trying it slowly to find a gap in front of Arsenal, Wayne Rooney leads the ball to Darren Fletcher who went with spurn first time. However, the direction is still rising. In minute 23, Gael Clichy mistake in front of goal could be exploited almost MU players, although Manuel Almunia and then managed to catch the ball. A minute ago, turns MU goal attempt in jeopardy through Robin van Persie and Arshavin.

MU got a free kick in the 32nd minute after Patrice Evra William Gallas dropped just outside the penalty area. Rooney free kick executed while the ball is still widening. Five minutes before the break, Arsenal winning. From the kick hard outside the penalty box, Arshavin is not well managed terkawal make goals. Foster tried to put a halt to stretch the ball but failed. Shortly before halftime, MU Arsenal tried to strike. However, no replies goals born until the referee blew the whistle signaled the end the first half.

Three minutes into the second half, Arshavin feedback from the left rib successfully led to van Persie who continued with the goal sontekan at close range. Lucky for MU, Foster was able to readily hold the ball into the goal with his foot. Chelsea get a penalty in the 57th minute after Almunia drops Rooney in the forbidden box. Almunia can and Rooney a yellow card which was also the executor of an equalizer.

Arsenal almost ahead again in the 61st minute free kick by Van Persie. The ball hit the crossbar sepakannya MU. MU turned excel in minute 64. Giggs free kick to the face posted net Abou Diaby instead headlong into his own team's goal. MU led 2-1. Other opportunities MU produced in minute 69. Ji Sung Park's new attraction in sending feedback where the overlapping Evra was waiting and opened fire. But Almunia still be secure.

Dimitar Berbatov is signed in the last ten minutes had a golden chance in injury time. From the counter-attack, Berba waste a golden opportunity when Almunia had to face in front of him as far sepakannya widened. Present a similar opportunity a few moments later. From the counter-attack, Nani got the ball at the line of fire, but ran aground in the hands sepakannya Almunia. The second opportunity was then still wasted. Arsenal actually managed to break into Chelsea's goal in the last minute by Van Persie. However, the line judge had raised his flag after seeing Gallas offside position. This decision is disappointing Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is right to leave his seat. Chelsea 2, Arsenal 1.

a fantastic reaction

2010-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay said here assess former coach Jose Mourinho's team will get a warm welcome when carrying Inter Milan visit Stamford Bridge in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Mourinho does have a chance reunited with Chelsea after the draw last 16 of Champions League Uefa yesterday made to reconcile the Inter with The Blues.

Action will be very emotional for the Portuguese man because he had to carve an impressive achievement for Chelsea before polishing deposed in 2007.

A number of impressive achievements that have offered to make Gourlay said here convinced Mourinho at Stamford Bridge former Porto coach was going to get a warm welcome.

"I'm sure Jose will get a fantastic reaction from our fans. But in the end it is the opposite and we will try to win the two fight it," said Gourlay said here.

Gourlay said here also considered action of the Inter Chelsea would be fantastic because both teams are championship pemuncak in the Premier League and Serie A.

"This is fantastic. This is a discussion (meeting Inter and Chelsea) when I arrived here this morning and it happened. It's fantastic for the fans and lovers of football and it will be very spectacular. I'm sure," said Gourlay said here.

after draw with Dynamo Kiev

2009-10-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

Samuel Eto'o had a pop at Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho after their 2-2 draw with Dynamo Kiev.

Inter's Champions League hopes now hang in the balance and Eto'o admits he can't understand why Mourinho refused to attack Dynamo from the start last night.

Eto'o told Tuttosport: "Inter isn't cursed in the Champions League. We always take the wrong approach in matches.

"Why start with one centre-forward when two strikers are best for playing at home?!!"

Andriy Shevchenko will return to the San Siro on Tuesday to face old rival Inter Milan and Jose Mourinho, his former coach at Chelsea.

After eight seasons with AC Milan, Shevchenko is returning to his former stadium with Dynamo Kiev for the Champions League game in Group F.

Champions League
Group Stage Matchday 3
Tue., Oct. 20
Matchday Wrap Matchday Photos
Debreceni 3-4 Fiorentina Recap
Alkmaar 1-1 Arsenal Recap
Liverpool 1-2 Lyon Recap
Barcelona 1-2 Rubin Kazan Recap
Inter Milan 2-2 Dynamo Kiev Recap
Rangers 1-4 Unirea Urziceni Recap
Stuttgart 1-3 Sevilla Recap
Olympiakos 2-1 Standard Recap
Wed., Oct. 21
Matchday Wrap Matchday Photos
CSKA Moscow 0-1 Man United Recap
Real Madrid 2-3 AC Milan Recap
Chelsea 4-0 Atletico Madrid Recap
Bordeaux 2-1 Bayern Munich Recap
Juventus 1-0 Maccabi Haifa Recap
Wolfsburg 0-0 Besiktas Recap
FC Zurich 0-1 Marseille Recap
FC Porto 2-1 APOEL Recap
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VIDEO

Shevchenko has scored 14 goals in his career against Inter, with his favorite being the one that earned Milan a spot in the 2003 final, which he then won with a penalty kick in the shootout victory over Juventus.

"I'm just hoping to score in the 15th minute with Dynamo," Shevchenko said.

Barcelona leads the group with four points. Dynamo is next with three points, followed by Inter with two and Rubin Kazan with one.

Inter was satisfied after holding defending champion Barcelona to a 0-0 draw in its opener but somewhat disappointed with its 1-1 draw in Rubin in its last European outing.

"There are still four games remaining in group play and nothing is decisive tomorrow," Mourinho said.

Inter striker Mario Balotelli picked up two yellow cards against Rubin and will miss the Dynamo match. With Diego Milito questionable as he returns from a thigh strain, Mourinho is hoping Samuel Eto'o can play despite a bruised right foot.

"Samuel will be in the team no matter what," Mourinho said. "As for Milito, there was a glimmer of hope that he could be ready."

Midfielder Thiago Motta is also out.

Inter beat Genoa 5-0 Saturday in Serie A but midfielder Esteban Cambiasso picked up a muscle problem and is now a questionable starter.

Dejan Stankovic, who scored a spectacular goal from midfield against Genoa, and newly signed Wesley Sneijder will probably support Eto'o in attack if the Cameroon striker can play.

Otherwise, Mourinho may have to revert to reserve forward David Suazo, or move the versatile Stankovic into a more attacking position.

Inter president Massimo Moratti claimed Inter could beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou if it plays the way it did against Genoa.

"We've got to aim for four victories and we're capable of pulling that off," Moratti said.

Dynamo beat Rubin 3-1 in its opener and then lost at Barcelona 2-0.

"Dynamo wants to advance. It's a young team but it always knows how to fight, and that's what I like about it," Shevchenko told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "I know Mourinho and his strong points well. Inter is very solid, it's got that classic Mourinho organization and very skillful players."

Shevchenko struggled under Mourinho during a brief spell at Chelsea, but said he doesn't "have anything personal" against the manager.

Shevchenko scored the winner in Dynamo's 2-1 derby win over Obolon Kiev on Saturday, and his first goal against Inter came on his derby debut almost exactly a decade ago, during a 2-1 Milan win in 1999.

"The Champions League is a competition for champions. We faced the champions of Spain and the champions of Russia and tomorrow we meet the champions of Ukraine," Mourinho said. "Half of their team is on the national side and the other players are also of high quality.

"This team has everything - they're physical, organized well and have a skillful and experienced coach (Valeri Gazzaev), speed on the flanks and best two center forwards in Ukraine in attack," Mourinho added. "We'll do all we can, with the awareness that in football it only takes a few split seconds to go from paradise to hell. That's what I told my players."

Robben suffered injuries

2009-09-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

appearance attacking football style that was exhibited by Bayern Munich last night was incredible. this can be seen how Juventus so very overwhelmed with every attack from Bayern Munich. Munich striker Robben move swiftly and very dangerous movements, so he had to be violated and suffered injuries and had to be pulled out. the outcome of this match 0-0 to Munich vs. Juventus FC.

Drogba goal

2009-09-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

An early Didier Drogba goal was enough to give Chelsea a vital 1-0 win over Juventus in their Champions League last-16 first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Chelsea came racing out of the traps and deserved the lead they took through Didier Drogba’s goal inside the first 15 minutes. Juventus’ initial response was good, though, The Old Lady coming close through Alessandro Del Piero.

The visitors were the better side in the second period and put pressure on the Blues’ defense, but failed to create enough clear opportunities, meaning an intriguing second leg lies in store with the English side holding the advantage after tonight.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink caused no surprises with his starting XI. Drogba and Nicolas Anelka joined Salomon Kalou in a three-pronged forward line, while Alex continued to deputize for the injured Ricardo Carvalho in defense. Ashley Cole returned at left-back in place of Paulo Ferreira.

Juventus picked captain Del Piero and Amauri in attack over David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta, while Olof Mellberg came into the defense ahead of Zdenek Grygera, who had started against Palermo at the weekend.

The Blues made a fast start, Kalou cutting inside from left and shooting across the face of goal to give Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon an early test after just four minutes.

Then, Jose Bosingwa found space on the right after being fed by Michael Ballack and whipped in a good cross. Drogba managed to get in front of his marker, Nicola Legrottaglie, and headed just over the bar from close-range.

But the Italians did not heed the warnings, and, in the 12th minute, Chelsea went ahead. Frank Lampard delivered a poor free-kick from the right touchline, which Mauro Camoranesi cleared as far as Kalou 25 yards from goal.

The Ivorian winger was determined to keep the move alive and turned to guide the ball back into the box, where Drogba was able to get onto the wrong side of Legrottaglie and scuff a shot past Buffon into the far corner of the net from just inside the penalty area.

Drogba should have scored again four minutes later, but wasted his third golden opportunity of the opening stages. Lampard fed a corner in and Drogba, who stood completely unmarked six yards out, mistimed his header wide of the post.

That finally seemed to galvanize the visitors, who came close to scoring twice in quick succession as they enjoyed a good spell mid-way through the first half.

Firstly, former Chelsea midfielder Tiago swivelled well outside the box and spotted the run of Del Piero. The Portuguese slipped through a clever pass and the Italian forced Blues keeper Petr Cech into a good save.

From the resulting corner, Del Piero’s delivery was helped on by Amauri and so nearly connected with Giorgio Chiellini at the far post. The Brazilian striker should have done better with his header, having lost Chelsea captain John Terry.

Things quietened down as the half progressed, although Juve were still able to threaten as Camoranesi’s shot deflected narrowly over the crossbar, before Pavel Nedved shot straight at Cech from 20 yards just before half-time.

After the break, Chelsea started well, Drogba again getting a run on Legrottaglie and heading just wide from Bosingwa’s cross, while a left-footed effort from Lampard was well held by Buffon in the 57th minute.

For Juve, Nedved had another shot which failed to trouble Cech, before substitute Marco Marchionni rifled in an effort from 25 yards that fell just over Czech Republic international’s goal.

Then, Del Piero and Amauri came close with headers in quick succession on 70 minutes as Juventus put pressure on the hosts without creating many clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.

Juve coach Clauido Ranieri seemed reluctant to alter his side’s system while they held the edge in the match, with no sign of Trezeguet until he was brought on in the 86th minute in place of Mohamed Sissoko.

Anelka, who had a quiet night for Chelsea by his high standards so far this season, drove a powerful effort narrowly wide with three minutes to go, before Trezeguet, moments after arriving on the pitch, poorly struck wide after a clever flick by Del Piero.

Then, in the third minute of added time, Nedved’s deflected long-range effort came so close to finding the inside of the post, but the home side held on and are in the strong position going into the second leg in Italy.

Robben close his team

2009-09-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

Dutch winger Arjen Robben fua scored his debut goal in the fight to help Bayern Munich beat the defending champion the Bundesliga, VfL Wolfsburg 3-0 while the first league win this season yesterday.

Robben, appeared on his debut fight, after the official sehar trafficked from Real Madrid, playing as a substitute Hamit Altintop when Bayern was leading 1-0. 12 minutes later, after passing one another in cooperation with Franck Ribery, a former pillar of the break Chelsea goalkeeper Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio for the second time.

Bayern dominated the game from the beginning whistle. Golden opportunities Bastian Schweinsteiger had launched a sundulannya on the pole before Mario Gomez, the Bundesliga's most expensive player, the team packed up the opening goal after the ball anticipate vomit from Altintop on 27 minutes.

Robben close his team victory in the 80th minute. "I never imagined could be perfect in his debut fight. Bayern Munich all the players play perfectly. We controlled the game, "bungah Robben who trafficked with the official price Rp 227 billion, Sunday (30 / 8).

"Franck Ribery and I played solid. He is a great player and we need it. "

Bayern, who began the week 14th in the Bundesliga after playing poorly at the beginning of the season for 43 years, crept into the 7th position with a score of five points from four matches. Wolfsburg, perched on rank 6 with a score of 6 after receiving their second defeat this season.

who crossed for Keita

2009-09-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

First-half goals from Bojan Krkic and Seydou Keita set an under-strength Catalan side on their way and summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic grabbed his first for the club late on as Barca strolled to a comfortable victory.

Pedro was rewarded for his winning goal in the UEFA Super Cup win over Shakhtar Donetsk last week with a place in the starting XI, replacing Lionel Messi who is on international duty with Argentina.

New look Barca
Keita, Bojan and Maxwell all started in a new-look Barcelona side, as Thierry Henry and Yaya Toure were left on the bench and Rafa Marquez and Andres Iniesta on their way back from injury watched on from the stands, along with new signing Dmitro Chygrynsky.

Barca dominated the tie and Ibrahimovic showed some neat touches early on.

Sporting came into this game with five players missing through injury and coach Manuel Preciado opted to field all five summer signings from the start.

On 17 minutes, Barca were ahead. Keita cleverly flicked on Xavi's corner with his head and Bojan was applied the finishing touch with a diving header at the back post.

Late in the first half, Bojan went on a mesmerising run that ended in a corner off which Barcelona went two up.

This time it was taken short to Dani Alves, who crossed for Keita, who crashed an unstoppable header past Juan Pablo to give Barca a two-goal lead at the break.

82nd minute
Ibrahimovic had his goal eight minutes from time when he was left all alone to finish with ease at the back post after Sporting once again failed to deal with a Barca corner.

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2009-09-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

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Start behave and Descending

2009-08-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Popular and elite club that sought to create Adebayor began to lose balance and start to grow a sense arogan and greed in his heart. Starting from the Togo national team, the team where he was always treated like 'god', he began to spearhead protests berulah with money problems have received the bonus. Actions that culminate in the pemecatannya and two other players from Timnas Togo.

At Arsenal, he also began to show attitude arogannya using terhadapnya for AC Milan. In an interview with the media, it shows a clear-clear that he will not feel heavy to leave the club if gajinya has not been raised. This directly results interview barbed terdalam every Arsenal fans. When a Cesc Fabregas-is always shown loyalty to the club with the refuse transfer gossip and news about himself.

Parahnya again, in the 2008-2009 season is a time where it had fallen far appearance. Suddenly no longer Adebayor who ran with enthusiasm and hard work. Even though print still had 16 goals from 38 appearance, he has changed. Adebayor Adebayor who is now a lazy, inconsistent, and less concentration. He now become the most stuck Offside. Offside is trapped normal thing for a striker, but if an attacker to extremes often trapped Offside only because he looks lazy to go down to the bottom. Ade is also not consistent when he was 10 must get the opportunity to menceploskan only one of them. Finally, lack of concentration makes firs-touchnya more inconsequential and any place, even passingnya often seen melenceng despite the distance of only 5 meters. This disadvantage of making the team because the flow of the Arsenal attacks quickly become damaged thereby.

Student evaluation reports were distributed to make clear that appearance is very bad for a striker. Arsenal fans feeling disappointed that due sikapnya the arogan develop further into the antipati terhadapnya. Ade has been trying to improve it with the report that he is still happy living in the Arsenal, but Gunners fans have been hurried memusuhinya. And when the £ 25 million bid from Manchester City to come and accepted by Arsenal, with the majority of fans accept that the decision opens.

Arsenal have the funds to purchase the minimum, even from the sale of Adebayor for £ 25 million itupun seems only £ 10-15 million are given to Wenger to spend. But money is not the cause of which is the main selling Adebayor, but the characters that should be held is not owned by a winner. A Cristiano Ronaldo, the players who are not notabone faithful and materialistic also still appear good for the MU even though he is eager to move to Real Madrid.

So, indeed pantaskah Arsenal sell Adebayor? um full.

"I still will undergo training individuals and still feel a little sick. I only need to set foot rhythm," the Russian firm aged 26 this year.

restored with surgery

2009-08-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

Half-Portugal Deco Souza confident decisions stand in Chelsea akan improve his career that had dimmed due to injury in the last two seasons.

The birth of Brazilian players disappeared from this row on the board after leaving Barcelona and Chelsea to be disturbed injury. But Deco remain confident and steadfast membenahi appearance recover from post-injury.

That's why he rejected the desire for Inter Milan merekrutnya. And the increase seen when the game starts Deco menccetak beautiful goal to take Chelsea 3-1 win over Sunderland in the Premier League on Tuesday (18 / 8) ago.

"Careers in season ago is the worst because I never get so old injury. But this season will be different. I feel healthy and can play. I want to help and be trusted by the team coach Carlo Ancelotti," said Deco.

On the other hand, the new Chelsea Yuri oppugn Zhriskov right knee injury should be restored with surgery.

Zhirkov, who purchased from CSKA Moscow, failed to strengthen the Blues early in the season after the damage during the pre-season tour in the United States.

"I do not know from where that news comes as no right at all. My condition is improving and the doctor in three days I can not fully exercise though.

"I still will undergo training individuals and still feel a little sick. I only need to set foot rhythm," the Russian firm aged 26 this year.

Rio Ferdinand will be absent

2009-08-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Latch Manchester United Rio Ferdinand will be absent from the gridiron during the month due to a thigh injury.

The former Leeds United player has been absent in the initial fight two Premier League 2009/2010 season due to injury to thigh.

And according to MU coach Sir Alex Ferguson after the scan results come out when Ferdinand will be absent up to a month. "Rio absent for three to four weeks," said Ferguson.

Thus the absent Ferdinand will also defend the British national team in the important fight Qualifications World Cup 2010 European zone against Croatia in September to come.

Fortunately Ferguson may have been lower latch when Nemanja Vidic MU visit to Wigan Athletic headquarters next weekend.

Vidic was absent because of some fight experience calf injury. Absennya Vidic and Ferdinand have to swallow to make MU surprising defeat of the campaign club Burnley, Wednesday.

epl schedule

2009-08-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

TIME HOME AWAY VENUE
18:45 WIB Chelsea 2 - 1 Hull City Stamford Bridge
21:00 WIB Portsmouth 0 - 1 Fulham Fratton Park
21:00 WIB Wolverhamton W 0 - 2 West Ham Utd Molineux Stadium
21:00 WIB Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Manchester City Ewood Park
21:00 WIB Bolton Wanderers 0 - 1 Sunderland Reebok Stadium
21:00 WIB Aston Villa 0 - 2 Wigan Athletic Villa Park
21:00 WIB Stoke City 2 - 0 Burnley Britannia Stadium
23:15 WIB Everton 1 - 6 Arsenal Goodison Park

16 Agustus 2009
TIME HOME AWAY VENUE
19:30 WIB Manchester Utd 1 - 0 Birmingham Old Trafford
22:00 WIB Tottenham H. 2 - 1 Liverpool White Hart Lane

19 Agustus 2009
TIME HOME AWAY VENUE
postponed Fulham v Blackburn Rovers Craven Cottage
01:45 WIB Sunderland 1 - 3 Chelsea Stadium of Light
01:45 WIB Wigan Athletic 0 - 1 Wolverhamton W. DW Stadium
postponed West Ham Utd v Aston Villa Upton Park
postponed Arsenal v Bolton Wanderers Emirates Stadium

20 Agustus 2009
TIME HOME AWAY VENUE
01:45 WIB Birmingham 1 - 0 Portsmouth St Andrews Stadium
01:45 WIB Hull City 1 - 5 Tottenham H Kingston Comm. S
01:45 WIB Burnley 1 - 0 Manchester United Turf Moor
02:00 WIB Liverpool 4 - 0 Stoke City Anfield
postponed Manchester City v Everton City of Manchester S

22 Agustus 2009
TIME HOME AWAY VENUE
21:00 WIB Arsenal v Portsmouth Emirates Stadium
21:00 WIB Birmingham v Stoke City St Andrews S
21:00 WIB Hull City v Bolton Wanderers Kingston Comm
21:00 WIB Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers Stadium of Light
21:00 WIB Manchester City v Wolverhampton W City of Manchester S
21:00 WIB Wigan Athletic v Manchester United DW Stadium

23 Agustus 2009
TIME HOME AWAY VENUE
19:30 WIB West Ham Utd v Tottenham H Upton Park
21:00 WIB Burnley v Everton Turf Moor
22:00 WIB Fulham v Chelsea Craven Cottage

25 Agustus 2009
TIME HOME AWAY VENUE
02:00 WIB Liverpool v Aston Villa Anfield

be a powerful golfers

2009-08-21T12:52:00.000-07:00

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Still has great potential

2009-08-18T06:24:00.000-07:00

With the recent appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the new Chelsea manager and the recent announcement that Andriy Shevchenko will be coming back to the Bridge now that his one-year loan deal with AC Milan has expired, there are questions being asked of what Ancelotti / Chelsea will do with the 32-year-old striker.

While Shevchenko and many Chelsea fans are not optimistic about his future at the Bridge, Sheva still has great potential to finish his career in style and justify the money that was spent on him. The article discusses the following points:

1. Why Shevchenko did not live up to his potential at Chelsea
2. How Chelsea could have made better use of the Ukrainian international
3. Why Shevchenko deserves one more season as a Chelsea starter under Ancelotti.

The time was fall of 1997 and the place was one that has become extremely familiar to Chelsea fans recently – the 98,000 capacity stadium in Barcelona – Camp Nou. The Spanish champions were taking on the 5 time Ukrainian Champions Dinamo Kiev in the Champions League group stage. After losing 3-0 to Dinamo in their hometown, Barcelona, led by Van Gaal, was looking to bounce back from their shocking defeat.

However, Barcelona had their hopes demolished by half-time after a hat trick from a phenomenal young Ukrainian – his name was Andrei Shevchenko. Would any blue-blooded Chelsea fan seriously say that they would not have wanted that Shevchenko to have played on the starting squad against Barcelona in this year’s semi-final?

Ever since Andrei Shevchenko joined Chelsea for a record transfer fee of 30 million pounds in the summer of 2006, it appeared inevitable that with such a star studded team; Chelsea would reign supreme over England and Europe. After nearly three years have passed, various pundits, analysts, and Chelsea mangers from Jose Mourinho to Felipe Scolari have leveled severe criticism about my hometown hero’s lackluster performance. However, those former Chelsea managers never used Sheva properly as they did not understand him.

First of all, in order to understand how Shevchenko operates, you must first understand Valeriy Lobanovsky, the old Dinamo Kiev manager whose unique philosophy made him the star that he eventually became. Shevchenko has stated on many occasions that he owes all of his success to his deceased old manager and he went as far as leaving his Champions League medal on his grave.

In a nutshell, Lobanovsky (a plumber by trade) was a pioneer in football theory when he became the first Soviet Manager in the 1960’s to request a computer to be used by his football club. The theory he developed was dubbed “scientific football” in which certain numerical values were assigned to each “action” in the game such as tackles, passes, and shots. (Foer 159, “How Soccer Explains the World”) and the computer would calculate each player’s “intensively” (tackles and goal shots), “activity” (tackles and passes), “error rate” (unsuccessful actions), and “effectively” (tackles, goals, assists, passes).

Lobanovsky considered the football team to be a collective (not unlike the Borg) and judged how each individual contributed to the team’s overall performance without specific positions for players. While this led to a focus on defense, it created highly disciplined teams and largely kept egos in place. He saw pace and cohesion as the keys to victory. Not only were his teams much fitter than opposing sides, the players also seemed to have a near-telepathic understanding of each other. A result perhaps of one of his favourite drills: blindfolded five-a-side matches.

When Lobanovsky took over the struggling Dinamo again in the fall of 1996, he implemented the system once again and stated that the team is a collective and not centered on individuals. Hence, the victory over the individual focused Barcelona a year later was not only due to Shevchenko’s brilliance, but each player doing their part in making the defense, the midfield, and the strikers effective.

After Shevchenko joined AC Milan in ‘99, the team, under Carlo Ancelotti (2001-2009) eventually adapted somewhat to Shevchenko’s collectively oriented style by having the team work together in an almost Christmas tree formation to get the maximum number of goals to Shevchenko and his partner up front Inzaghi. The Balon d’Or and the CL goal scoring records set by Shevchenko overlooked the fact that AC Milan, similar to Dinamo Kiev in the 1990’s was a well oiled machine that worked tirelessly on all parts of the pitch to make the team succeed. Shevchenko was simply performing his role to his best ability.

Since Roman Abramovich acquired Chelsea in 2003, his eyes were set on the brilliant striker. However, the owner of Milan, Silvio Berlusconi, who became Shevchenko’s Godfather, did everything possible to hold on to his “son” until Roman finally made the offer Silvio could not refuse – the record breaking £30.8 million pound transfer in May of 2006. At this point Roman was becoming very impatient with Mourinho’s Chelsea coming up short of winning the Champions League and decided to “help out” Jose by acquiring Ballack , Kalou and Shevchenko against the manager’s wishes. As a result, Shevchenko was in a bad situation from the start as the Chelsea midfield became destabilized while the manager was not happy to have him.

To elaborate, from 2004 to 2006 the Chelsea midfield had been very cohesive with the combination of Lampard and the Iceland international Eiour Godjohnsen, who was one of the most versatile players around as he had performed as a central-midfielder; as a right or left winger; as a holding-defensive midfielder or as a striker. He was replaced by the slower and older Ballack who just did not seem to give the necessary effort. Hence, the midfield feeding mechanism to the strikers such as Drogba, Shevchenko and Kalou had become weak. In addition, Shevchenko, in spite of being tired after Ukraine’s World Cup performance and having to go from a very mild Mediterranean climate in Milan to the cold and humid climate of England compounded the problem.

Despite all of this, Shevchenko scored in his Chelsea debut in the Community Shield in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool, and quickly delivered again in his first Premier League goal against Middlesborough. After this, Shevchenko’s exhaustion caught up with him and he fell into a bit of a drought. The back-to-back trophy-winning Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho blamed all of Chelsea’s problems on Shevchenko and benched him as a result. He went as far as saying that Shevchenko considered himself above the other players and was expecting preferential treatment. However, Jose was wrong to have Shevchenko take the blame as an individual for the collective lackluster performance of the team.

The breakdown of the locker room atmosphere at Chelsea has been well chronicled in Claude Makalele’s recent biography Tout Simplementu. “For two years at Chelsea we lived as a group of friends, dining together, getting drunk together, going to training together and winning matches together,” wrote the French international. The team resembled Lobonovsky’s vision of a collective. But then all of a sudden Mourinho broke the solidarity by treating certain players that he was instrumental in acquiring such as Drogba as stars.

The catalyst for this may have been Roman encouraging the team to play a more open and offensive oriented game, which Jose flatly refused to do. He began treating players that he perceived as being close to the Roman such as Shevchenko and Terry with contempt. Makelele was stunned that the “Special One” had forgotten to value the contribution of players and began taking credit for all success and blaming individual players for any failures. “He no longer believed that players were responsible for success but only his methods did.” In short, Jose’s ego was clouding his judgment.

In response, Roman, who was obviously good friends with Shevchenko due to a common language and perhaps not wanting to see his investment wasted, forced Jose to play Sheva. Andrei proved to be invaluable in the FA Cup when he scored the goal of the year on January 19th, 2007 against Tottenham by curling the ball into the Spurs net from an impossible angle. He would prove equally useful in the Champions League by scoring key equalizers against Valencia in the Group Stage and Porto in the Quarterfinals. Unfortunately, an untimely injury and the subsequent hernia operation would keep him out at the end of the season when Chelsea needed him most.

All in all, despite all of the problems, Shevchenko ended up having an adequate season with 14 goals, well short of his 24 goals for Milan in the award winning year of 2004 but by no means was a terrible performance as Jose implied. Shevchenko gave the following explanation: “The real problem is that I cannot find any continuity. I was doing well this season, scoring seven goals in my last 10 matches, but then I suffered a back injury. Before I am judged I would like to enjoy a decent run in the side now that I have adapted to English football. Italian football is about tactics and logic, whereas England is different, it is all about speed and instinct.”

During the summer, Shevchenko did everything he could to get back in shape and work on his speed after surgery, even going as far as training with an Olympic sprinter to bring himself up to form. Roman even brought in Avram Grant as Director of Football to help Andrei, which was interpreted by Jose’s as undermining his authority. However, the training would prove to be useful as Andrei scored the equalizing goal to prevent a humiliating loss to Rosenborg BK in the Champions League Group Game. Apparently, Jose could not stand Grant and Roman being right and left “by mutual consent” as a result. It appeared that now under Grant as head coach Shevchenko would finally shine. Unfortunately, Shevchenko only scored 5 goals in the Premier League that season and Grant appeared to have given up on him when he transferred in former gunner Nicholas Anelka to essentially take Shevchenko’s spot as backup striker, leaving Shevchenko on the bench once again.

When Scolari took over the Chelsea reigns in the summer of 2008, he promised to give Shevchenko a “fresh start” but later contradicted himself by playing Deco in his place in the season opener against Portsmouth. Shevchenko was sent on loan to Milan and has begun regained his form. His goal against England in the World Cup qualifier illustrated his resurgence.

The newly appointed Chelsea manager and Sheva’s old AC Milan manager, Carlo Ancelotti, stated that Chelsea’s mistake was that they did not use Shevchenko properly by persistently using the one-striker system with Drogba upfront rather than being more flexible and adjusting the midfield to feed the ball to two strikers (Drogba and Sheva) upfront like Milan did. In addition, Shevchenko never prospered because he never felt welcome in London – mostly because of Jose’s arrogance. The unjustified blame game under Mourinho certainly took its toll on him and likely hurt his subsequent performance.

All in all, with Drogba facing a possible 5 match ban from the Champions League, the Boys in Blue are in dire need of a second striker besides Anelka. In my humble opinion, Shevchenko could fill this role provided that the team is willing to accept him and the midfield is willing to adjust to accommodate the two striker strategy.

Why spend another 30 million pounds on Tevez or David Villa when Chelsea already has Sheva under contract and the real problem is in the midfield? Just like a roofer would not spend money on buying a customized golden drill bit when the drill battery is dead and the power cord is broken, Chelsea must fix the truly broken part of its team (midfield) rather than spending enormous sums fixing something that is working reasonably well (offense).

Despite his age of 32 (top players like Zidane, Beckham, Pele, Maldini played well into their 30’s), Shevchenko still has the skills and now has something to prove to Chelsea fans. Under Ancelotti, who understands Sheva and how to make a team play a common strategy rather than a group of individuals, Sheva may once again become the top striker we know him to be.

Mourinho was brought

2009-08-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Mourinho was brought in at the start of the previous season to bring his Champions League winning knowledge to bear on the club, but the side struggled through the group stages before tamely falling to Manchester United in the last 16.

Four major new faces were brought in over the summer. Genoa pair Diego Milito and Thiago Motta arrived soon after the end of the season and Brazil captain Lucio was a surprise purchase from Bayern Munich before Samuel Eto'o arrived as part of the deal that took Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona.

"Compared to last season we are a new team with new men and a new style of play," captain Javier Zanetti said.

Despite Mourinho missing out on Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, who were part of his FC Porto side that won the 2004 Champions League and who he later took to Chelsea, the Portuguese coach was pleased with the purchases.

"The team has started to come together as I wanted," Mourinho said after signing Eto'o. "The defense is settled and we have an excellent group of strikers with Samuel, Diego Milito, Mario Balotelli and even David Suazo with his speed.

"I now have great trust in this squad."

There was initial disappointment that Ibrahimovic was sold, but with €50 million (US$70 million) coming into the club coffers, along with Eto'o, many proclaimed it the deal of the summer.

The Cameroon striker is a player who delivers on the big occasions. He was key to Barcelona winning the Champions League in 2006 and 2009, scoring in both finals, and has won Olympic gold at the 2000 Games and two African Nations Cups with his country.

"I know that Inter is desperate to win the Champions League, but you can't only think about that cup," Eto'o said. "Because if you are too focused on the Champions League, you forget about the other competitions and then you run the risk of being knocked out of European competition.

"You need to take it match by match and treat them all as a final."

With the 28-year-old forward likely to lineup alongside Milito, who hit 24 goals to help Genoa reach the Europa League playoffs, there is hope that the side will no longer be so reliant on one player, as it was when the Swede was leading the attack.

Whilst Ibrahimovic was the undoubted star of the side, leading the league's scoring last year with 25 goals, all too often Inter's game plan revolved around giving him the ball and expecting him to weave his magic.

It may have worked domestically, but when the team met tougher resistance in the form of Manchester United the plan fell apart. The hope is that the new signings will give Inter a more flexible, intelligent style of play that will allow them to make real progress in Europe.

Inter has won two European Cups, the last in 1965. In that time, city rivals AC Milan has won it six times and Juventus twice.

liverpool transfer 2009

2009-08-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Name Pos. Previous Club New Club Transfer Fee
Xabi Alonso M Liverpool Real Madrid $43.2 million
Alberto Aquilani M AS Roma Liverpool $34 million
Alvaro Arbeloa D Liverpool Real Madrid $5.7 million
Ryan Flynn M Liverpool Falkirk On loan
Adam Hammill M Liverpool Barnsley Undisclosed
Jack Hobbs D Liverpool Leicester City Undisclosed
Sami Hyypia D Liverpool Leverkusen Free
Glen Johnson D Portsmouth Liverpool $28.6 million
Sebastian Leto M Liverpool Panathinaikos Undisclosed
Chris Mavinga D Paris Saint-Germain Liverpool Undisclosed
Jermaine Pennant M Liverpool Real Zaragoza Free
Stephen Sama D Borussia Dortmund Liverpool Free

The challenge for Milan

2009-08-14T20:21:00.001-07:00

Reads a statement released by Milan: "AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho.

"Tomorrow, the player will be in Milan for the medical, and to sign the contract which will tie him to Milan until June 30th 2011."

This announcement brings to an end months of speculation over the Brazilian's future.

He had been on the outer at Barcelona pretty much since El Clasico in December, with his private life, his fitness and his bulging waistline making more headlines than his performances on the pitch.

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard, always one to back him given what they had achieved together, had to drop him due to his dropping fitness levels, and once Pep Guardiola was announced as the new coach in early May, a summer exit for the two time World Player of the Year was only a matter of time.

Chelsea and Milan were the early frontrunners, with the player himself expressing a desire to team up with Luiz Felipe Scolari once again last month. However, Big Phil was not too keen, and Manchester City subsequently came into the fray.

But with Chelsea out, there was only going to be one winner, and that had been clear for two weeks now. City had a superior financial offer for Barca, but as with many things these days, the player's will had the final say and a deal was struck with Milan after intense negotiations between Adriano Galliani, Joan Laporta and Roberto de Assis.

During his five years in Spain, Ronaldinho won two La Liga titles (2004-05, 2005-06), one Champions League (2005-06), the World player of the Year award twice (2004, 2005), and the Ballon d'Or (2005).

He leaves on a low, but when the dust settles, he will go down as one of the best to ever play for Barcelona - as much for what he won as for the way he heralded a new era for the club following the collapse of Real Madrid's 'Galactico' policy.

Some of his best displays also came on the biggest of stages - a sensational left footed strike against Milan in the Champions League in 2004, two more against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that almost saw Barcelona through single handedly later that season, and then that sublime assist for Ludovic Giuly at San Siro a year later - which guaranteed Barcelona's progress to the final.

However, perhaps the crowning moment was his stunning showing at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005, when he got a standing ovation from the Real Madrid fans after two goals and a mesmerising display of football in a 3-0 win.

The challenge for Milan now will be to get the player back to peak fitness, before we even speak of form. He still has the magic in his feet as we saw from his two goals on his return to football a couple of weeks ago, but whether he can roll back the years and offer the Rossoneri the kind of service he did to Barcelona, remains to be seen. His ability against rigid Italian defenses will also be tested to the limit.

It will also be very interesting to see how he fits into the team, and whether Ronaldinho, Kaka, Alexandre Pato, Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf (who has openly opposed this move) can play together.

Barcelona, in the meantime, are expected to announce the signing of Aliaksandr Hleb, with Arsenal seemingly having given the nod following the signing of Samir Nasri from Marseille.

The challenge for Milan

2009-08-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

The spirit of the EPL competition

2009-08-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

English premier league (EPL) 2009 immediately scrolling, large and small teams have been prepared with the players with a new strain that can be vanguard and rearguard strengthen the team. crowd immediately began his support team ready to compete in your pet epl this year. do not forget to wear your costume team pride and take his team asesories. and if the whole family also likes football, and want to play football in the family field have good equipment you have to play football, football shoes and select the appropriate for your game.

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Top 10 NFL players

2009-08-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Browns, 1957-1965
Forty years after his shocking retirement at the peak of his career, and now only seventh on the all-time rushing list, Brown still ranks as the standard against which all other running backs are measured. In only nine seasons, and playing largely with a 12-game schedule, he rushed for 12,312 yards. His 5.2-yard average remains the best among the game's top 20 all-time rushers. An awesome combination of brute force inside the tackles, absolutely punished tacklers, but still could outrun defenders in the secondary.
-- Len Pasquarelli

2. WR Jerry Rice -- 49ers, Raiders, Seahawks, 1985 -- 2004
Everyone knows the numbers that Jerry Rice has put up -- among them NFL records in touchdowns (205), receptions (1,519) and receiving yards (22,466). But what set Rice apart was his work ethic. Rice's work ethic was, and still is at 41, unparalleled and that's a major reason why he's one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL. He not only made big catches in the games that didn't matter, he also made them when the games mattered. -- Sean Salisbury

tobe continued

Argentina squad

2009-08-04T13:09:00.001-07:00

Goalkeepers: Juan Pablo Carrizo (Real Zaragoza), Mariano Andujar (Catania)

Defenders: Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan), Emiliano Papa (Velez Sarsfield), Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid), Daniel Diaz (Getafe), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Sebastian Battaglia (Boca Juniors), Mario Bolatti (Huracan), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle United), Jesus Datolo (Napoli), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Lisandro Lopez (Olympique Lyon), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli)

Tevez named in Argentina squad

2009-08-04T13:07:00.001-07:00

It will be Argentina's last match before their World Cup qualifier at home to arch-rivals Brazil on September 5.

Bolatti was widely regarded as the best player of the Argentine Clausura championship in which Angel Cappa's brilliant Huracan side finished second to Velez Sarsfield last month. The 24-year-old was called up by previous coach Alfio Basile in 2007 but was not capped.

Datolo, 25, has received his first call-up since joining Napoli this year.

Maradona included Manchester City's new signing Carlos Tevez although the striker is nursing a left ankle injury.

National team physio Luis Garcia was travelling to England on Tuesday to help with Tevez's treatment, the Argentine FA said.

Javier Zanetti

2009-08-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Inter Milan Defender
Height: 1.78m. Weight: 73.00kg. Nationality: Argentina
Born: 10/08/1973 in Buenos Aires
First professional match: Inter - Vicenza : 1-0 le 27/08/1995

Season Club Championship European Competitions Caps
92-93 Talleres (-)
93-94 Banfield 1 Goals, 37 Games (-)
94-95 Banfield 3 Goals, 29 Games (-)
95-96 Inter Milan 2 Goals, 32 Games 2 Games (UEFA Cup)
96-97 Inter Milan 3 Goals, 33 Games 12 Games (UEFA Cup)
97-98 Inter Milan 28 Games 2 Goals, 9 Games (UEFA Cup) 1 Goals, 5 Games
98-99 Inter Milan 3 Goals, 34 Games 1 Goals, 9 Games (Champions League)
99-00 Inter Milan 1 Goals, 34 Games (-) 5 Games
00-01 Inter Milan 29 Games 4 Games (UEFA Cup) 5 Games
01-02 Inter Milan 34 Games 1 Goals, 10 Games (UEFA Cup) 8 Games
02-03 Inter Milan 1 Goals, 33 Games 16 Games (Champions League)
03-04 Inter Milan 34 Games 6 + 6 Games (Champions League + UEFA Cup)
04-05 Inter Milan 35 Games 11 Games (Champions League)
05-06 Inter Milan 26 Games 8 Games (Champions League)
06-07 Inter Milan 1 Goals, 37 Games 8 Games (Champions League)
07-08 Inter Milan 1 Goals, 37 Games 8 Games (Champions League)

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2009-08-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

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player salary

2009-08-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

Player contracts and compensation

NFL players are all members of a union called the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA). The NFLPA negotiates the general minimum contract for all players in the league. This contract is called the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), and it is the central document that governs the negotiation of individual player contracts for all of the league's players. The current CBA has been in place since 1993, and was amended in 1998 and again in 2006. The NFL has not had any labor-related work stoppages since the 1987 season, which is much longer than Major League Baseball, the NBA or the NHL. The current CBA was originally scheduled to expire at the end of the 2012 season, but in 2008 the owners exercised their right to opt out of the agreement two years early.[31][32]

Players are tiered into three different levels with regards to their rights to negotiate for contracts:

* Players who have been drafted (see below), and have not yet played in their first year, may only negotiate with the team that drafted them.[31] If terms cannot be agreed upon, the players' only recourse is to refuse to play ("hold out") until terms can be reached. Players often use the threat of holding out as a means to force the hands of the teams that drafted them. For example, John Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1983 but refused to play for them. He had a fallback option of baseball, as he had played in the New York Yankees organization for two summers while at Stanford. The Colts traded his rights to the Denver Broncos and Elway agreed to play.[33] Bo Jackson sat out an entire year in 1986, choosing to play baseball in the Kansas City Royals organization (and ultimately for the Royals themselves) rather than play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team that had drafted him. He reentered the draft the following year, and was drafted and subsequently signed with the Los Angeles Raiders.[34]
* Players that have played 3 full seasons in the league, and whose contract has expired are considered "Restricted Free Agents" (see below). They have limited rights to negotiate with any club.[31]
* Players that have played 4 or more full seasons in the league, and whose contract has expired, are considered "Unrestricted Free Agents"(see below) and have unlimited rights to negotiate with any club. Teams may name a single player in any given year as a "Franchise Player"(see below), which eliminates much of that player's negotiation rights. This is a limited right of the team, however, and affects only a small handful of players each year.[31]

In 2010, unless the CBA is extended, the rules will change so that players don't become "Unrestricted Free Agents" until they have played at least 6 full seasons in the league. They will be "Restricted Free Agents" if they have 3-5 full seasons in the league.

Among the items covered in the CBA are:

* The league minimum salary
* The salary cap
* The annual collegiate draft
* Rules regarding "free agency"
* Waiver rules

top 50 Champions League goals

2009-08-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

Leading pundits from across the UK were asked to compile a top 50 Champions League goals for a TV special this week.

And Zizou’s goal that gave Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 was rated the finest ever seen in the world’s top club tournament.

The Frenchman’s turn and rifled shot with his weaker left foot started the party for thousands of travelling fans in Glasgow’s South Side on a memorable night.

I don’t have much to add to this except: Watch the video!

Oh, and one more thing: I miss Zidane.

Most of the world outside the United States thinks of Zinedine Zidane as one of the greatest - as in, top five all-time - soccer players. Most of the U.S., if they recognize the name at all, know him as that guy who head-butted an Italian player in the 2006 World Cup final, possibly costing France a title.

Ultimately, Zidane's legacy for future generations might be contained in the film "Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait," which premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and plays in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts beginning this week. (It is not available on DVD in the United States.)

It is, no kidding, one of the best sports documentaries ever made - certainly one of the most original.

What makes the film, directed by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno, so special is its experimental concept: The entire 92-minute movie, which utilizes 17 cameras, focuses on Zidane during the course of a single game.

No interviews, save for an occasional voiceover by Zidane. No biographical background. No reactions from other players. Simply Zidane, often filmed from the waist up, with and without the ball (there is a nice score from Mogwai, a Scottish rock band).

The idea is to observe a top tier athlete and not only his physical ability, but his decision-making process, his interaction with teammates and how he handles fatigue. It is an up-close study of an athlete at work.

It's hard to see this concept working in an American sport, with the possible exception of basketball (It'd be fun to follow Baron Davis around with 17 cameras during a playoff game).

Baseball's best bet would be an elite National League pitcher, say Greg Maddux, who is involved in every pitch on defense and still bats. Barry Bonds standing around left field for most of a three-hour documentary wouldn't be too interesting.

In the NFL, probably a quarterback who audibles, such as Peyton Manning, would be best, but half of that documentary would be looking over formation photographs while his team is on defense.

The NHL? Too many line changes.

The game depicted in "Zidane" was between his club team, Real Madrid, and Villareal in a Spanish league game played before 80,000 fans in Madrid on April 23, 2005. Gordon and Parreno's cameras are so zeroed in on Zidane that many of his famous Real teammates - David...

Zidane

2009-08-01T04:50:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid have spent €93 million on Cristiano Ronaldo and have not given up on adding Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich to their list of summer reinforcements.

The Frenchman has declared he would be delighted to move to the Santiago Bernabeu but the Bavarian club are doing everything within their power to prevent Ribery from leaving,

Zinedine Zidane, who is an advisor to Real president Florentino Perez, has now praised his compatriot, branding him the best player in the world.

"There are very good footballers in the world, like Cristiano Ronaldo or [Lionel] Messi, but the best for me is Ribery," he told ESPN. "And I am not saying that because he is French, but because he is very good."

Zidane has also explained that, regardless of who Real Madrid decide to buy, they should never be called 'Galacticos' again.

"The president of Real want the best players for his team, but he should not call them galacticos," he stated.

"I remember that we were called galacticos when [David] Beckham, [Luis] Figo, Ronaldo and I were playing and the result was very negative.

"People should say they are the best and that is it."

fellow footballer

2009-07-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

The brother of fellow footballer Simone Inzaghi, Inzaghi got his start playing for hometown club Piacenza Calcio as a teenager in 1991, but made only two appearances before being loaned to Serie C1 side Leffe, with whom he scored an impressive 13 goals in 21 matches. In 1993, Inzaghi moved to Serie B club Verona and scored 13 goals in 36 appearances. Upon his return to Piacenza, he scored 15 times in 37 games and proved himself as an exciting young prospect.

Inzaghi made his Serie A debut when he transferred to Parma in 1995, but scored only twice in 15 matches. He moved on to Atalanta the following season, finishing as the Capocannoniere (Serie A's top scorer) with 24 goals.

At the start of the 2007-2008 season he picked up where he left off in Athens, scoring the equalizer in the Super Cup in Milan's 3-1 victory over Sevilla, a game in which he controversially celebrated his goal despite all the other goal scorers of the game (Renato, Marek Jankulovski and Kaká) not doing so, showing respect for the late Sevilla player Antonio Puerta. Inzaghi capped off the year by scoring two goals in the final of the 2007 Club World Cup, helping Milan win 4-2 against Boca Juniors to take revenge for the defeat on penalties in 2003.

On 24 February 2008, Inzaghi scored the matchwinning goal in Milan's 2-1 win over Palermo with a diving header; it marked his first Serie A goal in over a year. This was followed by ten more goals in the league, the last against Udinese. This strike against Udinese was his goal number 100 for the club in official games. In November 2008, he agreed for a contract extension to June 2010.[5] On 8 March 2009, Inzaghi scored his first hat-trick of the season against Atalanta when they won by 3-0 home at San Siro. His 300th career goal came in the 4-1 thrashing of Siena away from home. He then went on to score three goals against Torino, his second professional hat-trick in as many months. With this new triple 'Super Pippo' breaks a new record, the player with the most registered hat-tricks in Serie A during the last 25 years. With 10 hat-tricks, Inzaghi is ahead of Giuseppe Signori (9), Hernan Crespo (8), Roberto Baggio, Marco van Basten , Gabriel Batistuta and Abel Balbo (7).

inzaghi shatter pompey

2009-07-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

AC Milan's veteran Italian striker Filippo Inzhagi grabbed his 65th career European goal to dent Portsmouth's Uefa Cup ambitions in a 2-2 draw on Thursday as Manchester City and Tottenham eased to victory.

Portsmouth, in their first season of European football, were cruising at 2-0 in their Group E clash at Fratton Park after goals from Younes Kaboul and Kanu.

But substitute Ronaldinho pulled one back with a fabulous free-kick in the 84th minute before poacher Inzhagi struck in the second minute of injury time to put Milan, who now have seven points, into the knockout stages.

"We are struggling to put teams to bed but they have some excellent players and if you switch off, they punish you," admitted Portsmouth boss Tony Adams.

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2009-07-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

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American football rules

2009-07-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

American football grew out of the English game of rugby. Unlike soccer, the foot hardly ever touches the ball in American football. (Soccer is the game most of the world calls football.)

The Field is 100 yards long (and 160 feet wide). The middle of the field is the 50 yard line. The lines are labeled every 10 yards descending in both directions from the 50 yard line. Thus there are two 40 yard lines and no 60 yard line. Each team owns half of the field (they switch sides every 15 minutes of play). Thus, the two 40 yard lines are distinguished by who owns them. The "zero yard line" is called the goal line. The areas to either side of those 100 yards, extending 10 yards past the goal lines, are called the end zones. Teams try to get the ball past the opponent's goal line into the end zone to score a touchdown. At far edge of each end zone are the goal posts which, together with the cross bar, look like a big H. These are used only when a team decides to kick a field goal instead of going for a touchdown or to kick for an extra point after scoring a touchdown. To score the field goal or extra point, the ball must go between the vertical posts and over the bar.

In the other direction, the field is divided into three parts, left, center and right, by the hash marks, which are 60 feet from each side line. Normally, for each play, the ball starts where it ended up at the end of the previous play. However, if the ball ends up outside of the center part of the field, it is brought back to the nearest hash marks so plays never start at the extreme sides of the field. The area to either side of the field is out-of-bounds.

Kickoffs: At the start of the game there is a coin toss to see which team gets the ball first. The team that has the ball is the offense; the other team is the defense. A football game is supposedly one hour, but takes about three hours to play because the clock is often stopped for various reasons. The game is divided into 15 minute quarters with a major division at 30 minutes which is called half time. At the end of the first and third quarters, the players merely switch sides. The ball is moved to the corresponding point on the other side of the field, and play continues. This switching of sides evens up any advantage due to the sun or wind. The players leave the field for 20 minutes at half-time. After half-time, play does not continue where it ended. Instead, the team that originally lost the coin toss gets to have the ball first following another kickoff.

At the start of each half and after each touchdown or field goal (when it's time to let the other team have the ball), the defending team starts by placing the ball on a tee at their 35 yard line and kicking the ball toward the other team. This is a kickoff. The other team tries to catch the ball and run it back as far as possible. If the player catching the ball sees there is no hope of running it back, he raises his hand asking for a fair catch. In a fair catch, the defending team may not tackle him and he may not run with the ball. If the ball is kicked into the end zone and no one catches it or the player catching it does not run with it, there is a touchback and the first play starts at the offense's 20 yard line. Unlike a touchdown, a touchback does not score any points.

Downs: The offense has 4 plays or downs to cover 10 yards or more. A play ends when the player with the ball is either stopped or goes out-of-bounds or if the ball is thrown and missed (which is called an incomplete pass). A player is stopped when his knees touch the ground either because he was tackled by a defensive player or because he fell. When a play is over an official blows a whistle. Normally, teams try to cover the 10 yards in 3 plays or less. If they don't make it in 3 plays, they use the 4th down to kick the ball toward the other team. The ball is not placed on the ground and kicked as it is in a kickoff. Instead, the ball is snapped back to the kicker who kicks the ball. This is punting. Teams don't have to punt on 4th down. Sometimes, if the distance to complete the 10 yards is very short or if a team is far behind in the score, they elect to go for it on 4th down--to try to complete the 10 yards with another play. If they fail to make it on 4th down, the ball is turned over on downs where it ends up. On 4th down, if they are close enough to the defense's goal posts, the offense may also elect to kick a field goal. If the field goal misses, the ball is turned over to the other team where it was before the field goal attempt.

If a team succeeds in advancing 10 yards or more, they get a first down. That is, they get a new set of 4 downs to make another 10 yards.

Scoring: The object of the game is to score more points than your opponent. A touchdown is worth 6 points. After a touchdown, the team then attempts to kick the ball through the goal posts to get an extra point. Because this kick almost always works, most people think of a touchdown as being worth 7 points and then subtract a point if the extra point kick is missed. The team that scored the touchdown has the option of trying to get the ball into the opponent's end zone again in just one running or passing play instead of kicking for the extra point. If this two point conversion works, they get two points instead of just one. This is, however, more than twice as difficult as kicking an extra point.

A field goal is worth is worth 3 points.

If an offensive player is stopped in his own end zone, the defense scores a safety which is worth 2 points. This rarely happens. After a safety, the offense must kick the ball to the other team with a free kick where the kicker kicks the ball from his own 20 yard line. It's called a free kick because the kicker may not be tackled.

Diagram of players

Points After Touchdown

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

Game play in American football consists of a series of downs, individual plays of short duration, outside of which the ball is dead or not in play. These can be plays from scrimmage—passes, runs, punts, or field goal attempts—or free kicks such as kickoffs. Substitutions can be made between downs, which allows for a great deal of specialization as coaches choose the players best suited for each particular situation. During a play, each team should have no more than 11 players on the field, and each of them has specific tasks assigned for that specific play.

Object of the game

The object of the game is to score points by advancing the ball to the opponent's end zone for a six-point touchdown, by kicking the ball through the goal posts for a three-point field goal, or by tackling an opposing ball carrier in their own end zone for a two-point safety. After scoring a touchdown a team may attempt a one-point "extra point," a close-range field-goal-type kick, or a "two-point conversion" in which the ball is advanced into the end zone on a single play instead of a kicked extra-point attempt. The team with the most points when time has expired wins.

Time of play

Collegiate and professional football games are 60 minutes long, divided into four quarters of 15 minutes each. In high school football, 12 minute quarters are usually played. The clock is stopped frequently, however, so that a typical college or professional game can exceed three hours in duration. Timing is stopped after any incomplete pass or any play that ends out of bounds (although in the NFL the clock restarts on the referee's ready-for-play signal outside the last two minutes of the first half and the last five minutes of the second half). In addition, each team is allowed 3 timeouts each half that they may use at their discretion.

The clock may also be stopped for an officials' time-out, after which, if the clock was running, it is restarted. For example; if there is a question as to whether or not a team has moved the ball far enough for a first down, the officials may bring the chains in to measure. While this measurement is taking place, the officials will signal for a stoppage of the clock. Once the measurement is finished and the ball is spotted, the referee will then signal for the clock to restart. Additional situations where officials may take a time-out are to administer a penalty and for an injured player to be removed from the field.

In addition to the game clock, a separate play clock is also used. This counts down the time the offense has to start the next play before it is assessed a penalty for delay of game (see below). This clock is typically 25 seconds from when the referee marks the ball ready for play. The NFL and NCAA use a 40-second play clock that starts immediately after the previous play ends, though for certain delays, such as penalty enforcement, the offense has 25 seconds from when the ball is marked ready.

Officials call for media time-outs (that is, a time-out to allow time for television and radio advertising) after a change of possession (turnover by interception, fumble, or on downs), following a successful PAT (Point(s) After Touchdown), a field goal try, or in the NFL after a kickoff when the opposing team scored, usually when there is more than 5 minutes to play in each quarter. If an instant replay challenge is called during the game, the referees also signal for a media time out. The referee signals these media time-outs by first using the time out signal, then extending both arms in a horizontal position.

Separating the second and third quarters is halftime. Teams change ends of the field at the end of the first quarter and the end of the third quarter. In the NFL, an automatic timeout is called by the officials when there are two minutes left in both the second and the fourth quarters; this is most commonly referred to as the two-minute warning. No such warning is normally given in amateur football, though if there is no visible stadium clock, the referee will give a two-minute warning (four minutes in high school).

back to milan

2009-07-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

may have sold their star player Kaka to Real Madrid, but right-back Massimo Oddo is confident that the side are still strong enough to be competitive, comparing them to Italy's World Cup winning outfit in 2006.

"I always remember the year of the World Cup, when there was so much criticism, but the squad pulled together to do something truly unique," he explained to Milan Channel.

"I am convinced the fans will continue to cheer on these colours and these players, despite the absence of Ricky."

The veteran spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, but has returned to the Rossoneri after failing to make an impression for the Bavarians.

"I've returned after a year on-loan and will try to give my contribution to the team if possible," he concluded.

maldini the legend

2009-07-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Maldini, who retired after 24 years in Rossoneri colours after helping Milan finish third last season, admits the transfer makes financial sense but worries how it will affect their Champions League hopes.

"This decision (to sell) was not taken well by his team-mates and supporters," he said.

"Looking at the accounts, it is a logical thing. But it is also logical to set realistic goals, and winning the Champions League without Kaka is unrealistic."

He added: "It is an historic change.

"Kaka is one of the top five players in the world with (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It is the first transfer of this level. The other four have not moved."

Kaka's compatriot Alexandre Pato has been linked with a move to Chelsea to be reunited with new Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, who brought him to Milan as a 17-year-old in 2007.

But Maldini does not think the teenager will be lured away.

"I do not think he will," he said. "We hope to be able to see him for many more years at Milan. He still has to fulfil his potential as he is only 19 years old."

Andrea Pirlo is also said to be considering his future, but Maldini has warned the Italy international not to make any rash decisions on the back of losing Ancelotti and Kaka in quick succession.

"I want Andrea to stay, but then I do not know what he is thinking," added Maldini. "He must think not 10 times before leaving but 100."

As for his own future, Maldini appears keen to remain involved with Milan but has not been offered a role yet.

"My future? Looking after family life," he said. "I have had proposals of various kinds. From Milan still nothing, but there will be time to talk about this."

MU asia tour without ronaldo

2009-07-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

United chief executive David Gill today announced plans for the Manchester United Asia Tour 2009, the club's fifth tour to the continent in the last decade. The Tour will include stops in Jakarta for the first time, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and China, with the details of the China stop to be confirmed at a later date.

Organized by ProEvents, the Tour will provide both crucial pre-season training and an opportunity for the world champions to play in front of legions of fans across Asia.

The Reds’ provisional schedule* will see the team depart from Manchester on 16 July as it kicks off its tour in China. From there, the team will head to Seoul to play once again at the World Cup Stadium on 20 July.

In Jakarta, the team will play against an Indonesia Super League Select at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on 24 July. United’s final match will be against a Malaysia XI at either the Shah Alam Stadium or Bukit Jalil Stadium on 26 July.

oddo optimised

2009-07-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

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2009-07-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

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2009-07-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

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Carlo is a great man and a great manager

2009-07-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Ancelotti is the club's latest boss, following Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink's departures, and former AC Milan loanee Beckham is sure the Italian will be a success in the Premier League.

"Chelsea are so lucky because Carlo is a great man and a great manager," the former Manchester United player told the News of the World. "He can definitely make Chelsea champions again. No doubt about it. And I say that even though everybody knows I have Manchester United in my heart.

"Yes, it will be difficult because the Premier League is totally different to Serie A but he has great experience and I am convinced he will be a great success in England, too.

"You don't do what he did at Milan and suddenly lose it overnight. So I say good luck to him, he deserves it."

He added: "The players can expect to work with the ultimate professional. He works so hard and is so organised and dedicated.

"Carlo will be the first on the training pitch and the last off it because he just loves working with the players himself. That's his passion. You won't find him sitting in his office leaving it to someone else. He is very hands on.

"That's how he was at Milan and I'm sure that's how he will be at Chelsea, leading by example, leading the team.

"But while he is serious about his work and his football, he is also a lot of fun to work with. He is very relaxed, very down-to- earth and likes a joke. He is very approachable."

Eto'o for Ibra

2009-07-19T07:05:00.001-07:00

Laporta met his Inter counterpart Massimo Moratti on Friday to discuss the potential switch.
Moratti said earlier that negotiations are still ongoing but Laporta insists the deal is all but completed with Inter set to receive 45m euros as well as land Eto'o and Barcelona winger Alexander Hleb.
"I can't say that it will still happen if one of the conditions isn't fulfilled since the signing has been agreed in a comprehensive manner," he said. "I spoke with Samuel on Tuesday and after the dinner in Italy.

"I'm not going to disclose these conversations. I'll only say that his move is not a question of money.

"He is a professional and his work has to be rewarded, but his priority is not money. It's other things."

With Ibrahimovic, who finished as Serie A's top scorer last season, seemingly on the verge of a move to the Nou Camp, David Villa's chances of joining the treble winners appear even slimmer.

However, Laporta insists they have not given up hope of landing the Valencia and Spain striker.

"The signing of David Villa has not been ruled out," he added. "We have not ruled out any of the possibilities open to us.

"The technical secretary remains in contact with him because he understands the anxiety of a player for whom, if the clubs had reached an agreement, things would have gone in a different direction."

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic, who has been with Inter since 2004, insists he is not looking to engineer a move, but would welcome the chance to test his skills in La Liga.

He told Swedish tabloid Expressen: "There's a chance that I'll go to Barcelona if a concrete offer is made.

"In this case it would be interesting for me.

"It's up to Inter to decide what they want to do. I respect my contract. I do my job and am happy to be here."

Eto'o for Ibra

2009-07-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Laporta met his Inter counterpart Massimo Moratti on Friday to discuss the potential switch.

Moratti said earlier that negotiations are still ongoing but Laporta insists the deal is all but completed with Inter set to receive 45m euros as well as land Eto'o and Barcelona winger Alexander Hleb.

"I can't say that it will still happen if one of the conditions isn't fulfilled since the signing has been agreed in a comprehensive manner," he said. "I spoke with Samuel on Tuesday and after the dinner in Italy.

"I'm not going to disclose these conversations. I'll only say that his move is not a question of money.

"He is a professional and his work has to be rewarded, but his priority is not money. It's other things."

With Ibrahimovic, who finished as Serie A's top scorer last season, seemingly on the verge of a move to the Nou Camp, David Villa's chances of joining the treble winners appear even slimmer.

However, Laporta insists they have not given up hope of landing the Valencia and Spain striker.

"The signing of David Villa has not been ruled out," he added. "We have not ruled out any of the possibilities open to us.

"The technical secretary remains in contact with him because he understands the anxiety of a player for whom, if the clubs had reached an agreement, things would have gone in a different direction."

Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic, who has been with Inter since 2004, insists he is not looking to engineer a move, but would welcome the chance to test his skills in La Liga.

He told Swedish tabloid Expressen: "There's a chance that I'll go to Barcelona if a concrete offer is made.

"In this case it would be interesting for me.

"It's up to Inter to decide what they want to do. I respect my contract. I do my job and am happy to be here."

Kaka for six-year contract

2009-07-19T06:59:00.001-07:00

The deal with AC Milan is expected to set a new world record transfer fee and could pave the way for a new 'Galáctico' era at the Santiago Bernabéu under recently re-elected president Florentino Perez.

Reports suggest that the transfer fee is around 68m euros ($94.05m or £58.9m), thereby smashing the previous world record of £47m set by Real in 2001 when they bought Zinedine Zidane from Juventus.

At a press conference in Recife, where the 27-year-old playmaker is currently on international duty ahead of Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Wednesday, Kaka revealed he rejected the move to England as he did not want to leave Milan mid-season.

"I can officially say I'm a Real Madrid player. My professional link with AC Milan finishes now, but my sentimental link will never end,'' he said.

"Real Madrid intend to build a great team, with historic players such as Raul and Casillas. We will make history again, both in Spain and Europe. I guess the sport project is very good.

"Manchester City and Real Madrid are two different clubs with different situations. At that time (January), it was mid-season, I had a strong emotional impact due to the Italian fans requesting me to stay, and I decided to stay.

"Now another chance came up and AC Milan is in a big crisis (financially). For me, the sporting project (at Madrid) is interesting and will be an important boost to continue my career in the highest level."

AC Milan gave Kaka a glowing tribute on their website.

''From next season, Kaka will play at Real Madrid,'' read the statement. ''AC Milan [thank] the man and the great champion Kaka for his decisive contribution to the many victories achieved in the six years of his commitment.

''The lost technique, while serious, can be remedied. It will be very difficult to fill the void that will be left by Kaka, a shining example of professionalism, commitment and professionalism.

''AC Milan, (according to) the wishes of the managers, players and supporters of the Rossoneri, offer him the most cordial and affectionate wishes for the continuation of his sporting career.''

Madrid also confirmed the deal on their website, in a statement which read: ''Kaka is a player of Real Madrid after an agreement with AC Milan. The Brazilian footballer has now successfully passed all medical tests. Kaka has signed a contract for the next six seasons with Real Madrid.''

Kaka could now become the first of a new wave of 'Galáctico' signings, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, David Villa and Franck Ribery all linked to the Spanish giants since Perez's unopposed re-election as the club's president last week.

In Perez's previous stint with the club, he oversaw the acquisitions of global stars of Ronaldo (£23.2m), David Beckham (£24.5m), Luis Figo (£37m), as well as Zidane.

Kaka signed for hometown club Sao Paolo at the age of 15 and overcame a career-threatening spinal injury to help his team win the Torneio Rio-Sao Paulo title in 2001, his debut season.

He made a brief substitute's appearance in Brazil's successful World Cup campaign in 2002 before clinching an 8.5m euros transfer to AC Milan a year later.

The Scudetto was secured in his first campaign at the San Siro, where he also won the Champions League in 2007. In the same year Kaka was awarded the Ballon d'Or, as European Footballer of the Year, and was named FIFA's World Player of the Year.

He had the opportunity to join Manchester City in January this year in a deal reported to be worth £100m, but opted to stay in Italy.

However, with Perez's arrival bringing the promise of a new era of dominance for Madrid, and former manager and mentor Carlo Ancelotti having himself departed for Chelsea, Kaka has opted to seek a fresh challenge in Spain.

Chelsea transfer news on premier league

2009-07-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Chelsea

Aston Villa have not received an offer for Ashley Young, despite the club admitting they would listen to bids of around £25million. Chelsea and Tottenham are both thought to be interested, although Spurs' chances are low as they are direct rivals. (Times)

Chelsea are close to completing a deal with MFK Kosice to bring Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic to Stamford Bridge. The player has agreed a four-year deal and a £5m transfer fee. (The Sun)

Mark Hughes has stepped up his bid to sign John Terry by insisting a move to Manchester city would revitalise the England captain's career. (Mail)

John Terry has been told a decision over his future must be made before Chelsea leave for their pre-season tour to America on Thursday. (Express)

Carlo Ancelotti has met with Terry to discuss rumours of a move to Man City and believes the defender is happy to stay at Chelsea despite rumours of a £300,000-a-week salary offer. (Sun)

Chelsea could take advantage of the Middlesbrough fire sale to snap up England Under-21 star Andy Johnson - a target for Real Madrid last season - for as little as £8 million. (Mail)

Ancelotti is prepared to let defender Michael Mancienne re-join Wolves on another 12-month loan deal.

Chelsea have announced the £18 m signing of CSKA Moscow's Yuri Zhirkov.

When Ancelotti officially takes over at Chelsea he will be handed a £60 million transfer kitty - Franck Ribery remains his first choice. (Star)

Ashley Cole is ready to sign a new contract that is likely to see him end his career at the club.

Chelsea are still in the hunt for AC Milan's Brazilian forward Pato. (Sun)

Daniel Sturridge, Yuri Zhirkov and Ross Turnbull will become Carlo Ancelotti's first signings at Chelsea. (Mirror)

Florent Malouda snubbed a move to AC Milan to sign a new deal with Chelsea.

Arsenal have offered Emmanuel Adebayor to AC and Inter Milan to prevent the 25-year-old from joining Chelsea. (Mirror)

Zlatan Ibrahimovich's agent has suggested that the forward is likely to start next season as a Chelsea player. (Goal)

Jose Bosingwa looks to be getting closer to a move to Bayern Munich. (Times)

cr9 on show

2009-07-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo in 'perfect condition' after passing medical with Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo has successfully completed a medical with Real Madrid before later being introduced as the club's latest signing in front of thousands of fans, completing a deal that makes him the most expensive player in the world.

Ronaldo landed at Madrid airport just after midday today before heading to the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja for his medical as he puts the finishing touches on his world-record £80million move from Manchester United.

Following the examination, Carlos Diez, Real Madrid's medical chief told the club's website: "(Ronaldo) is in perfect condition and very eager to start the season as soon as possible."
The 24-year-old had already undergone initial medical tests with the Spanish giants while on holiday in Portugal last month, which the player claimed at the time had gone "perfectly".

"He has an extraordinary cardiac and lung capacity," Diez added. "We have complemented everything that we already did in Portugal and done all the specific tests.

"Now we will be able to start working using an individual plan in order to improve his performance. For him (Ronaldo), it's a dream, and this dream starts to convert into reality from today."

The 2008 Fifa world player of the year is expected to get a hero's welcome when he dons Real's jersey for the first time at a ceremony at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium which is scheduled to get underway at 9pm.

In a statement Real said Ronaldo's unveiling "could very well make history".

The current record turnout for an unveiling of a player goes to Argentina's Diego Maradona who drew 75,000 people when he was presented at Naples in July 1984 after joining the Italian side from Barcelona.

This season will see Ronaldo team up with Kaka, the 2007 world player of the year, who signed with Real from AC Milan in early June.

Kaka was officially unveiled on June 30 at the Bernabeu stadium before 55,000 fans, according to club figures, and Real expect an even higher turnout for Ronaldo's unveiling.

Kaka was the first big name Florentino Perez signed since he returned in June for a second stint as president of Real.

Perez, who brought Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane to Real during his first term as the club's president between 2000 and 2006, is seeking to rebuild a squad which trailed arch rival FC Barcelona last season by reviving his policy of signing football superstars.
Squad Number: 7
Position: Forward
Place of Birth: Funchal, Madeira
Date Of Birth: 05/ 02/ 1985
Height: 6'1
Weight: 13st 0lbs

This Season
Appearances: 40(5)
Goals: 22
Yellow Cards: 7
Red Cards: 1
Minutes on Pitch: 3624

Defour predicts bright Belgian future

2008-10-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a long wait since the 2002 FIFA World Cup for Belgium to reach another major finals, but when Spain visit the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels on Wednesday night the home side have high hopes of a victory that would leave them in pole position to reach South Africa in 2010.

Impressive start
Belgium made an impressive start in the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with home victories over Estonia and Armenia and an away draw against UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-finalists Turkey. Only Spain now lie ahead of them in Group 5, and the European champions' 100 per cent record is under threat from a new generation of Belgian players, the result of a deliberate decision by the country's governing body to concentrate on youth development in recent years.

Swift promotion
The likes of Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Moussa Dembélé, Marouane Fellaini, Axel Witsel and Steven Defour could all be in the Under-21 side but have instead formed the new core of René Vandereycken's senior Red Devils. R. Standard de Liège captain Defour has noticed that, after false starts in previous qualification campaigns, the atmosphere surrounding the national team has improved a lot. "You feel that things are going well, on and off the pitch," the 20-year-old told uefa.com. "The squad has become more mature, the players come from clubs where they play a lot and do well, and now things are going better there are also more fans to support us."

Confident performance
More than 20,000 were in attendance on Saturday to see Armenia beaten 2-0 courtesy of goals from Wesley Sonck and Fellaini, and Defour was delighted with the overall performance. He said: "The players do well at their clubs, and that's important as they come to the national team with confidence. That's very important and that is what you notice on the pitch. We did what we have to do, we won, we dominated and played good football at times, and that gives us confidence for the Spain match."

Less pressure
Defour is even relishing the fact that to many of Wednesday's likely sell-out 46,000 crowd, Belgium will be underdogs. "Against Armenia, everyone expected us to win," he said. "Against Spain, it might be easier for us in terms of pressure. Now everyone thinks it would be fantastic if we win, and that it still would be very good if we can draw. Well, we hope to spring a surprise."

Villarreal climb as Barça crash

2008-03-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

<-- Villarreal have gone second in the Spanish top flight

Villarreal CF put themselves firmly in title contention by taking advantage of FC Barcelona's defeat at Real Betis Balompié to move above the Catalans into second place in the Primera División.

Villarreal's night
After Barcelona surrendered a two-goal half-time lead to lose 3-2 against Betis in Seville, Villarreal fulfilled their part of the bargain by beating Club Atlético de Madrid 3-0 at El Madrigal.

Betis fightback
Frank Rijkaard's Blaugrana looked to be keeping a tight grip on the coat-tails of leaders Real Madrid CF when Bojan Krkić and Samuel Eto'o scored within 15 minutes of kick-off. However, mid-table Betis staged a remarkable second-half comeback inspired by Edu. After reducing the deficit soon after the hour, the Brazilian forward first had a penalty saved by Víctor Valdés, then rifled in a superb winner after 78 minutes. Betis had conjured an equally impressive equaliser through Juanito only two minutes before.

Atlético outplayed
That result kept Barcelona four points behind Madrid – and allowed Villarreal to overtake them with victory over fourth-placed Atlético. Manuel Luis Pellegrini's men benefited from uncertain defending by the visitors to establish a 2-0 interval advantage, with Santi Cazorla and Nihat Kahveci scoring after 39 and 43 minutes. When Nihat struck again in the 66th minute, the contest was over. Only three points separate Villarreal from Madrid, who host Sevilla FC on Sunday.

Cup of joy for PSG, despair for Lens

2008-03-30T01:37:00.001-07:00

<-- PSG celebrate with the League Cup

A 93rd-minute penalty from Bernard Mendy gave Paris Saint-Germain FC a 2-1 victory over RC Lens in the French League Cup final at the Stade de France.

Paying the penalty
With the game seemingly destined for extra time, PSG striker Péguy Luyindula fell under the challenge of Lens captain Vitorino Hilton and Mendy coolly converted the spot-kick. The win, PSG's third in the competition, earned a UEFA Cup place for Paul Le Guen's men while shattering their Ligue 1 relegation rivals – the capital club sit third-from-bottom in the table, with Lens one place and two points better off.

Shifting fortunes
PSG started the brighter of the sides and took a 19th-minute lead through Pauleta. The former Portugal forward finished with a delicious lob over goalkeeper Ronan Le Crom after the ball dropped to him in the Lens area. Yet Jean-Pierre Papin's team got stronger as the match wore on, equalising when Eric Carrière angled a shot perfectly beyond the reach of Mickaël Landreau after 52 minutes. Lens then looked the more likely winners, with Olivier Monterrubio hitting the post and Yohan Demont forcing a late tip-over from Landreau. However, Lens' dream was then broken with PSG's last attack of regulation time.

Victory for Bordeaux
In Ligue 1, the drama was limited to the meeting between second-placed FC Girondins de Bordeaux and AS Nancy-Lorraine in third, which Laurent Blanc's men came from behind to win 2-1. Trailing to a 29th-minute header by Monsef Zerka, Bordeaux drew level eight minutes after the interval when Fernando Cavenaghi found space to score. Bordeaux then gained the initiative in an increasingly open contest with a second yellow card for Jonathan Brison. However, there were only eight minutes left when the hosts found the deciding goal, a Cavenaghi penalty, the forward's 12 of the campaign. Nancy's defeat was sealed by the sending-off of Frédéric Biancalani, again for two bookings. Bordeaux moved to within six points of leaders Olympique Lyonnais who play on Sunday.

Arsenal recover to beat Bolton at death

2008-03-30T01:33:00.000-07:00

<-- William Gallas takes the plaudits at Bolton

Arsenal FC gained a vital victory by overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at Bolton Wanderers FC – but they still trail Premier League leaders Manchester United FC by six points.

Title race
A stoppage-time own goal from Jlloyd Samuel snatched the points for Arsenal who had started the day in third place yet moved into second. However, Manchester United remain in charge of the title race after defeating Aston Villa FC 4-0 at Old Trafford in the Saturday evening kick-off. Chelsea FC, in third, host Middlesbrough FC on Sunday.

Arsenal revival
Arsène Wenger's men endured a miserable first half at the Reebok Stadium with two goals for Matthew Taylor sandwiching the 31st-minute sending-off of Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby. But the Gunners' ten men fought back after the interval. William Gallas reduced arrears before Robin van Persie's penalty restored parity and then Cesc Fabregas forced the decisive own goal. The result ended a five-match winless run for Arsenal in the Premier League.

United response
United responded to the news from Bolton by beating Villa with two goals in each half. A home victory looked likely from the moment Cristiano Ronaldo put United in front on 17 minutes with an outrageous flick between the legs of a defender. Carlos Tévez and then Wayne Rooney with a brace were also on target. Villa, seeking European qualification, missed several opportunities with Shaun Maloney the most culpable.

Derby relegated
If the Arsenal scoreline left Bolton four points adrift in the bottom three, the draw in the meeting of the two sides below them suited neither. Derby County FC scored first and last in the 2-2 home draw with Fulham FC but were relegated despite Emanuel Villa's late equaliser. The home victories elsewhere for Birmingham City FC and Sunderland AFC could also prove costly for Bolton and second-from-bottom Fulham. Birmingham survived the sending-off of Franck Queudrue to beat Manchester City FC 3-1 with two goals from Mauro Zarate. Sunderland owed their 2-1 success against West Ham United FC to an added-time strike from Andy Reid.

Portsmouth prevail
FA Cup semi-finalists Portsmouth FC consolidated sixth place courtesy of a 2-0 home win over strugglers Wigan Athletic FC. Blackburn Rovers FC sit three points behind them following a 0-0 draw at Reading FC.

Bayern profit amid dropped points

2008-03-30T01:28:00.000-07:00

<-- Lukas Podolski earned a point for Bayern

A combination of results elsewhere in Germany and Lukas Podolski's equaliser in a 1-1 draw at 1. FC Nürnberg kept FC Bayern München on course for the Bundesliga title.

Favourable scorelines
A share of the spoils against struggling Nürnberg might not have been the ideal outcome but it was enough for the leaders because none of their potential pursuers won. Second and third-placed Hamburger SV and FC Schalke 04 both drew while there were home defeats for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Werder Bremen. So Bayern maintained their seven-point advantage thanks to substitute Podolski's 81st-minute equaliser against Nürnberg. The home team had led in the Franconia-Bavaria derby through Zvjezdan Misimović's 44th-minute strike.

Points aplenty dropped
Hamburg, meanwhile, slipped up against a DSC Arminia Bielefeld side who sit two points above Nürnberg in the third and final relegation place. HSV also needed a late leveller, from Paolo Guerrero on 82 minutes, to cancel out a Markus Bollmann opener ten minute before. Schalke, with three successive victories before today, had to settle for a point at Karlsruher SC. Which was more than Leverkusen and Bremen managed between them. Leverkusen lost 2-0 against Eintracht Frankfurt who climbed into the top six courtesy of strikes from Stefan Kiessling and Evangelos Mantzios; the Weserstadion witnessed a 2-1 success for MSV Duisburg which lifted the victors out of the drop zone. Diego scored for Bremen after Duisburg had the cushion of a half-time lead earned by Ivica Grlic and Manasseh Ishiaku.

Six-goal thriller
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, VfL Wolfsburg won 1-0 at FC Hansa Rostock on Friday, before Saturday's mid-table collision between VfL Bochum 1848 and BV Borussia Dortmund finished in a 3-3 draw. Stuttgart, who had started the weekend in sixth position, visit Hannover 96 on Sunday when bottom club FC Energie Cottbus host Hertha BSC Berlin.

Madrid and Hamburg awarded 2010 finals

2008-03-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

<-- The Santiago Bernabéu home of Real Madrid

The Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid will host the 2010 UEFA Champions League final, with UEFA awarding the same season's UEFA Cup final to the Arena Hamburg.

Key criteria
The UEFA Executive Committee confirmed the selection of the two stadiums after its meeting in Liechtenstein on Friday but postponed a decision on the venues for the 2011 finals to allow members more time to consider the bids. The home stadiums of Real Madrid CF and Hamburger SV were chosen on the basis of capacity, facilities, accommodation and security among other considerations.

Famous finals
Now boasting a capacity of 71,569, the Santiago Bernabéu has staged three previous European Champion Clubs' Cup finals. Real Madrid won the first of them, beating AC Fiorentina 1-0 in 1957, before AC Milan had a memorable night in the Spanish capital when they defeated AFC Ajax 4-1 in the 1969 edition. More recently, Nottingham Forest FC overcame Hamburg 1-0 in the 1980 final.

International finals
The Santiago Bernabéu has also held the home legs of two UEFA Cup finals and two European/South American Cup games involving Madrid, together with several major international matches – notably the final of the 1964 UEFA European Championship where Spain beat the Soviet Union 2-1, and the 1982 FIFA World Cup final which Italy won 3-1 against West Germany.

Important games
Seating 51,680, the Arena Hamburg opened in 2000 on the site of Hamburg's old Volksparkstadion and was the setting for matches at the 2006 World Cup. The Volksparkstadion also hosted group-stage games at the 1974 World Cup and the semi-final of the 1988 UEFA European Championship, where West Germany lost 2-1 to the Netherlands.

Super Cup
Meanwhile, the Executive Committee confirmed that the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Super Cup matches will be played at the Stade Louis II in Monaco, as is the custom. The 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championship was awarded to France, and the same year's U17 event to Liechtenstein, while Nyon will stage the 2009 UEFA European Women's U17 Championship.

Milito replaces Puyol as Barça concern

2008-03-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

<-- Carles Puyol and Gabriel Milito are both nursing minor injuries

Gabriel Milito may be unavailable for FC Barcelona's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg at FC Schalke 04 on Tuesday because of a groin problem, but captain Carles Puyol expects to get a clean bill of health.

Groin problem
Milito has been ruled out Saturday's Primera División game against Real Betis Balompié after missing Argentina's friendly victory in Egypt on Wednesday. Barcelona have now started a rehabilitation programme which they hope will see the 28-year-old Milito feature in Germany. Fellow central defender Puyol could even be back for tomorrow despite being injured during Spain's 1-0 friendly defeat of Italy in midweek. The 29-year-old was taken off after 17 minutes amid fears he had damaged ligaments in his right ankle.

Big Bang

2008-03-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hope you do the game also. This would help all of us increase our page rank. Thanks, enjoy the game!

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Glorious Germany aim even higher

2008-03-27T04:44:00.000-07:00

<-- Germany celebrate their 4-0 win against Switzerland

Philipp Lahm has warned that Germany will be "an even better team" at UEFA EURO 2008™, despite registering an impressive 4-0 victory over co-hosts Switzerland in Basel on Wednesday.

'Even better'
With goals from Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski either side of two strikes from Mario Gómez, Germany bettered their recent 3-0 win against the other UEFA EURO 2008™ host nation Austria in Vienna, but FC Bayern München defender Lahm feels his side have not hit top gear yet. "We can still improve in the run-up to the EURO, then we will be an even better team," he said.

Questions answered
Coach Joachim Löw was also pleased with the friendly performance, and as he prepares to announce his finals squad on 16 May it now seems likely that Klose and Gómez will be his first-choice strike partnership. That would mean a supporting role in midfield for the industrious Podolski. "We have found answers to some open questions," explained Löw. "It was a EURO qualifier for every single player."

Westermann praise
It was not just the strikers who impressed the coach, however, with 24-year-old FC Schalke 04 defender Heiko Westermann demonstrating his versatility and work-rate. Just seven weeks after making his international debut in the 3-0 win in Vienna, he seems a certain choice for the finals, with Löw saying: "Westermann played very well – this was a very convincing and pleasing display."

Proper result
Having been flattered by the scoreline in Vienna, this was a far more complete performance from the Germans, and goalscorer Gómez feels his team fully merited the result. "Recent matches have not been convincing, but tonight we had an absolute will to win challenges, everyone worked for each other and it paid off," he said. "It's important to travel to the finals with such momentum behind you, but in the end all that matters is what happens in June."

Cannavaro upbeat despite Spain defeat

2008-03-27T04:41:00.000-07:00

<-- Fabio Cannavaro (right)

On familiar turf in Spain, Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro was left to reflect on a performance that showed promise ahead of UEFA EURO 2008™, even if they did lose to a "beautiful, unstoppable shot".

Stunning goal
With a close-fought game seemingly meandering to a draw in Elche last night, David Villa finally ended Italy's resolve. With 12 minutes remaining, the Spain substitute unleashed a sumptuous volley, giving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon no chance as it fizzed into the top corner. "Villa's goal was very beautiful, an unstoppable shot," said Real Madrid CF centre-back Cannavaro, his thoughts echoed by his coach Roberto Donadoni who added that "when you see a goal like Villa's you just have to stand up and clap your hands".

Unique style
Italy had a first-half effort from Luca Toni scrubbed out due to a foul by Cannavaro, and the man now in his second season in Italy believes he and his team-mates can draw a lot of positives from the game. "We proved we are a good team even if we lost," said the Azzurri captain. "We have our own style. Perhaps we don't always retain possession like Spain but we try to go deep and we caused a lot of problems with our tactics here."

Harsh defeat
Italy's next outing will be against Belgium in Florence on 30 May, ten days before they open their UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign against the Netherlands. Donadoni believes his charges are on track to add the European crown to the 2006 FIFA World Cup. "We had our chances [against Spain] to score but unfortunately we didn't capitalise," said the 44-year-old. "Spain also created a few opportunities but I don't think our defeat was merited. I'm not worried because we played well."

Impressive run
Spain counterpart Luis Aragonés will have few worries either as the Selección extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches at the Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium. It also made it five games without conceding, though they were perhaps more impressed at beating Italy's back line. "Italy are an impressive team with the best defence in the world," said Aragonés, who gave a debut to Liverpool FC defender Álvaro Arbeloa. "We were up against a great team, physically stronger than us, and the only way we could win was by dominating possession. We did, and that's where Spain were commendable."

Breadth of Croatian talent pleases Bilić

2008-03-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

<-- Slaven Bilić

Slaven Bilić was satisfied with Croatia's 1-1 draw in Scotland although forward Ivan Klasnić felt his side "didn't make the most of our chances" at Hampden Park.

Klasnić criticism
In Croatia's first game since Eduardo da Silva was ruled out for UEFA EURO 2008™ with a broken leg, Klasnić returned to international action after missing much of the season following two kidney transplant operations. The Werder Bremen man was paired with Igor Budan up front, and concluded: "We dominated but in the end we didn't make the most of our chances. I can't be completely happy with this result. We played better than Scotland, but after we scored the first goal, we slowed down a little bit."

'A competitive match'
Croatia took an early lead through Niko Kranjčar, but Scotland were on level terms by half-time thanks to a Kenny Miller goal. The UEFA EURO 2008™ contenders showed plenty of composure on the ball, and produced some dangerous moves but were unable to re-establish their lead, though Bilić insists that had nothing to do with the lack of Eduardo. Having scored ten of Croatia's 28 goals in qualifying, many feared that his absence would be a severe brake on the national team's ambition, but the coach was impressed with the depth of talent in Glasgow. "The players who came on as substitutes brought a lot of positives to our play. Both forwards [Klasnić and Budan], Jerko Leko and Ognjen Vukojević played well. It's nice to see we have strength in depth. On the bench we have players who can maintain and raise our tempo, and that's a great thing to know."

Burley glad
In his first game as Scotland manager, George Burley had to do without talismanic captain Barry Ferguson, but was happy enough with the outcome, saying: It was a good performance against a top quality side. As a unit, we worked hard and it was very much a team performance. It was a competitive friendly and the boys all gave it 100 per cent. We saw the spirit and togetherness of the side and we need to keep that going and fine tune it."

Moments of madness temper Dutch joy

2008-03-27T04:35:00.000-07:00

<-- Marco van Basten

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten admitted to mixed feelings after watching his team come back from three goals down to complete a historic 4-3 victory against Austria in Vienna on Wednesday night.

Individual mistakes
Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored the winner with his second of the night four minutes from time, with Johnny Heitinga and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink also on the scoresheet as the Dutch turned a three-goal deficit into victory for the first time in their history. "I saw some good things and some less good things," said Van Basten. "I'm glad we at least got the win, but the beginning was not good and that's an understatement. The three goals we conceded were very poor and came down to individual mistakes. Joris Mathijsen and Henk Timmer simply didn't do what we asked of them."

Tactical changes
Unsurprisingly, former international striker Van Basten was far more satisfied with the second half, in which his charges hit three unanswered goals: "After [Wilfred] Bouma replaced Mathijsen, there was an improvement. He was more resolute, sharper and faster. It was also better when Wesley Sneijder moved into Demy de Zeeuw's position and [Clarence] Seedorf moved into Sneijder's. We dictated the game in the second half and had a little luck at the end as well. We knew there were still 45 minutes left, and that's what I told them. We played a lot faster too, which was pleasing."

Mental resilience
With UEFA EURO 2008™ rapidly approaching, Van Basten will have been delighted by his team's mental resilience. "I've never been involved in such a crazy game with the Oranje," he added, scratching his head to come up with a comparable achievement. "The craziest I can remember was a [1984 UEFA European Championship qualifier] I played in against Ireland in Dublin, when we came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2."

Russia ready to return to action

2008-03-26T07:54:00.001-07:00

<-- Igor Akinfeev

Russia are relishing their first game in four months as they prepare to face fellow UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers Romania in Bucharest tonight, a match coach Guus Hiddink is hoping to use to unearth some fresh talent for this summer's finals.

Key absentees
Hiddink's side have not played since booking their place in Austria and Switzerland with a 1-0 defeat of Andorra on 21 November, a win that secured second place in qualifying Group E thanks to Croatia's 3-2 victory in England the same night. The joy at reaching the finals was somewhat tempered by a red card – and subsequent two-match ban – for talismanic striker Andrei Arshavin, scorer of three goals in qualifying. The FC Zenit St. Petersburg forward has been left out of the squad while Aleksandr Kerzhakov has also been overlooked to give him more time to adapt following his move to FC Dinamo Moskva from Sevilla FC. Marat Izmailov, who had been suggested as a potential replacement for Arshavin, misses out for personal reasons while Konstantin Zyrianov has a thigh injury.

High-class opposition
With friendlies against Kazakhstan, Serbia and Lithuania remaining before UEFA EURO 2008™, at which Spain, Greece and Sweden will form the opposition in Group D, Hiddink is expecting a tough test at the Steaua Stadium, saying: "I've watched a few Romania games, including their win against the Netherlands in October and this is a team of high class. They don't have players of the calibre of Gheorghe Hagi anymore, but they have a lot of decent players." The Russia coach, who signed a contract until 2010 on Monday, is expected to field as close to his first-choice lineup as possible in Bucharest with Igor Akinfeev set to return in goal after a year on the sidelines with a knee injury behind the usual defence of Vasili and Aleksei Berezutski – the latter will captain the side for the first time – Sergei Ignashevich and Aleksandr Anykov. Igor Semshov, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, Yuri Zhirkov and Vladimir Bystrov are likely to start in midfield, but up front is more of a dilemma for the coach in the absence of Arshavin and Kerzhakov.

Striking options
None of the four strikers in the squad – Roman Adamov, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Dmitri Sychev – have found the net in the first two rounds of matches in the new Russian Premier-Liga season but Hiddink is adamant there is still plenty of time to impress him. "I keep my EURO squad in mind and have a fair idea of how we need to play, but that doesn't mean I am decided already," he said. "The players have enough time to persuade the coaches to change their minds." FC Moskva forward Adamov and Roman Shirokov, who has been successfully converted from a midfielder to a centre-back by Zenit coach Dick Advocaat this winter, are expected to win their first caps as substitutes.

Van Persie poised for welcome comeback

2008-03-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

<-- Van Persie

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has expressed his delight at having Robin van Persie back at his disposal tonight against UEFA EURO 2008™ co-hosts Austria following a five-month absence, but insists the Arsenal FC striker has some hard work ahead of him.

New bent
Traditionally the home of free-flowing, attacking football, the Netherlands that emerged from qualifying for this summer's finals are of a different ilk. Twelve Group G games produced a mere 15 goals, fewer than any of the 14 qualifiers, as defence took precedence. It speaks volumes for Van Persie's creative value that he was his country's top scorer, despite missing five games through injury.

Adaptation
The 24-year-old's last act in qualifying was to limp off with a knee injury in the 2-0 win against Slovenia in October, but he had already made his mark with four goals in the Netherlands' campaign and Van Basten is relieved to have him back. "Robin will be able to experience the atmosphere in the camp again," said the coach, who is likely to call on goalkeeper Henk Timmer in Vienna as Edwin van der Sar and Maarten Stekelenburg are unavailable. "We need to see what role will best suit him in our new playing style."

Full diary
That new style has led to a 4-2-3-1 system supplanting the 4-3-3 formation and Van Persie, expected to replace Ryan Babel in the starting lineup, could thrive in one of the three creative roles. All will be revealed at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion and having played just four games in the last four months, the Gunners forward needs to rediscover his form quickly. "Robin has trained hard in the past few weeks to get in shape," said Van Basten. "A lot of big matches await him and Arsenal before the end of the season – hopefully he will play in a lot of those and get in a good rhythm for the European Championship."

Klasnić relishing Croatia return

2008-03-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

<-- Ivan Klasnić [right]

Croatia continue preparations for UEFA EURO 2008™ with a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park tonight, a game invested with special significance for striker Ivan Klasnić.

Long-term absence
The 28-year-old Werder Bremen player won the last of his 26 caps on 7 October 2006, scoring Croatia's fifth goal in a 7-0 win against Andorra to take his national-team tally to eight. However, his career was then interrupted by a series of kidney transplant operations which sidelined the forward for more than a year before his triumphant return to the Bremen side. Three goals in four Bundesliga starts since his November comeback have caught the eye of Croatia coach Slaven Bilić and, with star striker Eduardo da Silva injured, they might yet earn Klasnic a place at this summer's finals.

'Everything's fine'
Klasnić, though, has learned better than to look too far ahead. "It's 18 months since I was last with the squad and that time hasn't gone too quickly – when I was in hospital, it went really slowly, to be honest," he said. "There haven't been many changes to the team, however, and everything's fine. I have worked so hard to get back into the squad and I really want to get back into the team – that has been my main goal. I'm not nervous. If I get the chance to play then great, if not it's also OK, I definitely won't be angry. The coach has recalled me and that's what is most important."

'Great atmosphere'
Klasnić has recent experience of Glasgow having attended the first leg of Bremen's UEFA Cup Round of 16 tie against Rangers FC on 6 March. That was a 2-0 defeat for the Bundesliga side and the forward is hoping for a happier outcome this time around – particularly after Bilić's team lost 3-0 at home to the Netherlands last month. "I was at Ibrox when Bremen played Rangers and the atmosphere was great so I hope it'll be the same for this match. We really want a victory, after all it is our last friendly before we begin final preparations for the EURO. We especially need the win after our defeat by the Netherlands in Split."

Eduardo absence
This will be Croatia's first game without Eduardo, who faces at least a 12-month lay-off after suffering a double compound fracture to the left leg playing for Arsenal FC on 23 February. In his absence, Bilić is likely to start with Mladen Petrić and Ivica Olić up front with Klasnić in contention to get his chance as a late substitute. Midfielder Jerko Leko is rated doubtful with a toe injury while captain Niko Kovač may play a restricted role as he recovers from flu.

Portugal eager to explore options

2008-03-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

<-- Luiz Felipe Scolari

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has no qualms about testing the strength-in-depth of his squad in tonight's friendly against Greece in Dusseldorf.

Stepping up
Scolari's men take on the European champions in a repeat of the UEFA EURO 2004™ final without key performers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Nani. However, the coach is demanding that the replacements – including a midfield of Fernando Meira, Miguel Veloso and Carlos Martins – prove both their own value and that of a squad bound for Austria/Switzerland.

Squad game
"We are missing Ronaldo, Nani, Deco and other players but we have to get by without them," said the Brazilian. "If we can't, then we are not a real team. We can't just depend on three players. We need a group that is capable of covering for absentees, however brilliant they may be. Ronaldo is a great player who makes the difference, but his absence gives us an opportunity to watch somebody else in action."

No guarantees
Failure to heed Scolari's words could mean missing the trip to UEFA EURO 2008™. "I have a good idea [about my squad] but that can change subject to performances," he warned. "Players who feel their place is safe could be wrong and much will depend on the work they put in." One player who is destined for this summer's finals is goalkeeper Rui Patrício – the 20-year-old from Sporting Clube de Portugal could win his first cap against the Greeks. "I still don't know if Rui Patrício will play on Wednesday," added the coach.

'Not a favourite'
Rui Patrício should provide competition for Ricardo and Quim when Portugal tackle Turkey, the Czech Republic and Switzerland in their Group A matches in June. Of their chances of ultimate success in the tournament, Scolari is rather less effusive. "We are one of 16 finalists, of whom 15 will lose, and I have already said we are not among the favourites."

Beckham to bring up England century

2008-03-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

<-- David Beckham

David Beckham will become only the fifth player to win 100 caps for England when he features against France in Paris tonight.

Illustrious club
The LA Galaxy midfielder will follow in in the footsteps of Billy Wright, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton when he brings up his century at Stade de France and, having been left out Fabio Capello's first match in charge against Switzerland at Wembley last month, the Italian coach is now backing Beckham to extend his England career until the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "I know Beckham well and I know what he can give me and what he can give the team," said Capello, who coached the 32-year-old at Real Madrid CF last season. "He will play. I couldn't possibly make him come from the United States and not play him, that would be very cruel. As for the future we will have to see, but the David Beckham I know can certainly get to 2010 if he carries on training as he has done. He has always been a very good professional and only people like that can last so long."

World Cup ambition
Beckham made his England debut in 1996 and, having survived being dropped by first Steve McClaren and now Capello, is hoping to prolong his international career for as long as possible. "[The World Cup] is something I want to reach," said Beckham, who was part of the England squad at the 1998 and 2002 tournaments and was also involved in the UEFA European Championship in 2000 and 2004. "I would love to play and be part of the squad in 2010. But I'm taking it as it comes – who knows what's round the corner?"

Capello impact
Having won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, the 1998/99 UEFA Champions League and European/South American Cup with Manchester United, and added the Primera División title under Capello at Madrid last season, Beckham is perfectly placed to assess what creates success – and he believes the new coach has brought a new atmosphere to the England squad. ""He's started off well; the regime has totally changed and players have recognised that," he said. "If you're not playing well and don't respond, you won't be in the team. We've a manager with strong beliefs. He is, without doubt, the right man for the England job.

'What we need'
"He's got his own ways, he knows how to get teams playing. That's what our country needs. We need to get the confidence of the nation back. It's embarrassing when we promise things and say how good we are as a team and don't fulfil that potential. But we do have some of the most talented players in the world and now we've got a manager who knows how to get the best out of players."