SOCCER HIGHLIGHTS

Chelsea v Middlesbrough Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:14:00 -0800

Chelsea captain John Terry is fit again after his back injury and is in the squad to face Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Terry missed two games with a back spasm but, while he returns, co-defender Ricardo Carvalho is out for 10 days with a hamstring problem.

Striker Didier Drogba continues in the squad but is likely to start on the substitutes' bench again.

Assistant first-team coach Ray Wilkins insists Chelsea are in good shape to face a month that could potentially define their season.

The Blues have three home games in the Barclays Premier League, beginning with the Boro clash, plus Hull and Wigan.

West Bromwich Albion 0 - 5 Manchester United Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:15:00 -0800

West Bromwich Albion 0 - 5 Manchester United

	Dimitar Berbatov (22)
	Carlos Tevez (44)
	Nemanja Vidic (60)
	Cristiano Ronaldo (65)
	Cristiano Ronaldo (73)

West Brom 0 - Manchester United 5 (Premier League, January 27, 2009) At the Hawthorns, Dimitar Berbatov had the first shot on target, drilling a shot straight at Carson. And it was Berbatov who broke the deadlock, combining beautifully with Michael Carrick to slot in the opener for United. West Brom were fortunate not to fall further behind when Carlos Tevez steered a shot just wide from a Ronaldo cross. The Baggies were then served a crippling blow when captain Paul Robinson picked up a straight red for a challenge on Park Ji-Sung. And the Baggies were put to the sword when a horrendous fumble from butterfingers Carson allowed Tevez the simple job for scoring the second. (First half highlights here.) West Brom came within inches of pulling a goal back when Ryan Donk pierced a hole through the United defence only to see his effort crash against the post. And the miss proved costly, Nemanja Vidic met Giggs’ corner in full force to head in the third before Giggs (who had another great game) teed up Cristiano Ronaldo for the fourth. Ronaldo, back in the goals, chalked up the fifth from Berbatov’s lay-off.

West Bromwich Albion 0 - 5 Manchester United Video

Sunderland v Fulham Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:09:00 -0800

Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia is expected to turn to his big guns once again for Fulham's Barclays Premier League trip to the Stadium of Light.

The Scot rested strikers Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse, as well as midfielders Dean Whitehead and El-Hadji Diouf, from the starting line-up for Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Blackburn, but all four could return.

Teemu Tainio is available after serving a one-match ban, while George McCartney could feature once again after returning from his long-term foot injury as a substitute at the weekend, and Paul McShane can play after being cup-tied.

Sbragia is determined to build his Sunderland team around Kenwyne Jones after rebuffing Tottenham's latest approach.

Bologna 1 - 4 AC Milan Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:22:00 -0800

Bologna 1 - 4 AC Milan

Marco Di Vaio (pen 9)	Clarence Seedorf (13)
	Kaká (pen 17)
	Kaká (43)
	David Beckham (59)

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini insists the Rossoneri will not be travelling to Bologna with the aim of taking revenge for their shock 2-1 home defeat to the Rossoblu on the opening weekend of the season.

Milan notched up their first win of 2009 with a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina at the San Siro last weekend and will be keen to decrease the six-point gap to leaders Inter Milan with a win tomorrow.

Real Madrid 1-0 Deportivo La Coruña Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:53:00 -0800

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña

Raúl (40)

Real Madrid trimmed Barcelona's lead at the summit back to 12 points after seeing off Deportivo La Coruna with a 1-0 win, but the entertainment that has become commonplace at the Nou Camp this season was sorely lacking at the Bernabeu.

Raul struck the only goal of a largely drab encounter just before the break as Madrid gained revenge for their 2-1 defeat in La Coruna on the opening day of the season.

Real Madrid 1 - 0 Deportivo La Coruña Video

Cardiff City 0-0 Arsenal Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:40:00 -0800

Cardiff City 0 - 0 Arsenal

Cardiff 0 - Arsenal 0 (FA Cup, January 25, 2009) Cardiff took the cup tie to Arsenal in the first half creating a host of goal-scoring opportunities including seeing Ross McCormack miss with a header from Joe Ledley’s fine left-wing cross. In the second half Robin van Persie steered a free-kick just wide of the post. Minutes before time Ross McCormack forced a fine save from Fabianski with a curling free-kick.

Liverpool 1-1 Everton Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:32:00 -0800

Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton

Steven Gerrard (54)Joleon Lescott (27)

Liverpool 1 - Everton 1 (FA Cup, January 25, 2009) Everton travelled to neighbours Liverpool for the second time in week in the final FA Cup tie of the round, and the blue half of Merseyside went mental when Tim Cahill (watch his sneaky run into the box from behind the goalline) headed a corner into Joleon Lescott who in turn steered home the opener. Early in the second half the Reds levelled, Torres skillfully played in Steven Gerrard and his shot beat Tim Howard embarrassingly at his near post.

Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton

FA CUP- Liverpool 1:1 Everton

Manchester United 2 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur Highlights Video

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:22:00 -0800

Manchester United 2 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur

Paul Scholes (35)	Roman Pavlyuchenko (5)
Dimitar Berbatov (36)

Manchester United 2 - Tottenham 1 (FA Cup, January 24, 2009) Against the odds, Spurs scored the opener at Old Trafford inside five minutes as Roman Pavlyuchenko glanced in Huddlestone’s cross past Foster. United’s best attacking moments were coming from Carlos Tevez, who rattled the bar from 20-yards out before forcing Ben Alnwick into a fine one-handed save to keep Spurs’ lead intact. The pressure eventually paid dividends, Paul Scholes opened his account for the season with a scruffy shot from the edge of the box before Dimitar Berbatov completed the turnaround with a textbook striker’s goal, controlling superbly and firing into the bottom corner.

FA CUP-ManU 2:1 Tottenham

Derby County v Nottingham Forest: Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:05:00 -0800

Defender Andy Todd and striker Steve Davies are likely to miss Derby's FA Cup fourth round clash against East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest at Pride Park.

Both players had to be substituted due to injury in the Rams' Carling Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United on Tuesday night - Todd with a hamstring strain and Davies due to a groin problem.

Kris Commons required stitches in a gashed shin at Old Trafford but the midfielder is expected to be available to face his former club.

The tie throws together two teams with new managers - each with strong links with their opponents.

Person Insurance
Human Insurance
Car Insurance
Life Insurance

Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur: Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 01:21:00 -0800

Tottenham skipper Ledley King has a hamstring strain and will miss Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final clash against Burnley at Turf Moor.

Left-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto is back from suspension but Vedran Corluka (both thigh), Jermaine Jenas (calf) and Aaron Lennon are out.

Full-back Alan Hutton is out with a foot injury.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will give Ben Alnwick the chance to solve one of the problem areas of his squad.

Protecting a 4-1 lead from the first leg of the semi-final, first-choice goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes is among a host of injuries Redknapp has to deal with, meaning Alnwick will make his Spurs debut.

Redknapp wants cover for Gomes, who has a thigh strain, but Alnwick has the chance to stake his claim as the Brazilian stopper's deputy while the search for a back-up goalkeeper continues.

Another concern for Redknapp is a lack of tenacity in his squad, which is why he wants Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios, with chairman Daniel Levy discussing personal terms with the 24-year-old after agreeing a fee with Wigan.

"We've agreed a deal and the chairman is talking to his people,'' Redknapp said. "Hopefully it will happen.''

Adding bite to his squad is also why he targeted Craig Bellamy, before Manchester City came in for the striker.

"I wanted Craig and would have loved him here,'' Redknapp said. "He's a fighter and wants to win, he also has terrific ability but once City come in it's difficult to compete because they are working on another level. We couldn't get anywhere near him.''

With his squad still being shaped, Redknapp will send out his strongest side possible against Burnley.

Darren Bent will be in the squad, three days after his glaring miss against Portsmouth - an opportunity Redknapp later suggested his wife could have scored.

Despite facing criticism for his comment, Redknapp said: "I don't regret saying it. If I had the hump every time somebody said something about me I wouldn't go out every morning. It's frightening really.

"Sometimes you say what you think and people take offence. I've spoken to him and there is no problem.

"You keep pussyfooting around with people - what am I supposed to say? Really good try? Really unlucky? He's really done his best with that?''

Redknapp is hoping for a different reaction from Spurs players to last season, when they won the Carling Cup then struggled to get results in the league.

"It didn't help league form last year as we only won three games after that until I arrived,'' Redknapp added. "I hope it has the reverse effect.

"The key is getting into the final and winning some league games - these are the two competitions that matter. We have to get to Wembley and stay in the Premier League. The FA Cup and UEFA are very secondary.''

Burnley manager Owen Coyle will be without skipper Steven Caldwell and striker Steve Thompson.

Defender Caldwell, who missed the first leg at White Hart Lane due to suspension, is banned again after being booked in last week's FA Cup win over QPR.

Thompson is cup-tied having played for Cardiff in an earlier round of the competition so Robbie Blake will return to the starting line-up.

Winger Wade Elliott is available again after missing Saturday's 2-1 defeat at neighbours Preston due to a one-match ban and should also claim a starting berth.

Coyle will also check on a couple of minor knocks as his side seek to defy the odds following a run of five defeats from seven games in all competitions.

The Clarets boss has urged his players to enjoy tomorrow`s Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham and is confident they can win the match, even if the tie appears beyond them.

"You don't have to be Einstein to recognise that Tottenham Hotspur, with all their quality and a three-goal lead, are clear favourites,'' said Coyle.

"There's no doubt we're trying to climb Everest and beyond but I believe that if we play to our capabilities then we can win the match on the night.

"That's we'll look to do.

"For a Championship club to get to a semi-final shows you the extent of the journey we've had,'' added the former Bolton striker.

"We're there on merit and have had some terrific results which have got us here.

"I want the players to enjoy themselves and give the fans a victory for the terrific support they've given us this season.

"We have raised the bar for everybody in terms of expectation and we know we have the ingredients to make this club talked about.

Manchester United v Derby County: Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:41:00 -0800

Manchester United new boy Zoran Tosic could make his debut in Tuesday night's Carling Cup semi-final against Derby.

Tosic was unveiled last week following his £8million move from Partizan Belgrade and Sir Alex Ferguson suggested it would be the end of February before the 21-year-old was ready to meet the physical demands of life in England.

But Ferguson appears to have had a change of heart and is considering naming Tosic in his squad to face the Rams, who hold a one-goal advantage from the first leg.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has confirmed Ryan Giggs remains the shining example for Manchester United's entire squad to follow.

The veteran midfielder has been little more than a bit-part player this season, but has shown his class with a fine performance against Chelsea followed by a big role in the winning goal at Bolton on Saturday.

"Ryan is as motivated as anyone in the dressing room,'' said Carrick. "That is why he has been here for so long and achieved so much.

"If you win a league title, a lot of players might think 'that is not bad, I will settle for that'. But you can't get away with that here and Ryan is the obvious example of that.

"As players coming in you look at Ryan, see how motivated and determined he is and realise that is the way to be.

"He commands the respect of everyone in the dressing room. People look up to him. It is not so much asking his advice, it is to see what it takes to be a success in the game.''

Derby boss Nigel Clough is boosted by the return of defenders Paul Connolly and Jordan Stewart for the tie.

Connolly missed the weekend defeat to QPR due to a one-match ban, while Stewart served the final game of his three-match suspension but both are set to return to bolster the Rams' defence.

However, Clough will be without on-loan striker Luke Varney who is cup-tied after playing for parent club Charlton earlier in the competition.

Defender Martin Albrechtsen returned from a knee injury to play 90 minutes against QPR and he is set to keep his place at the back after suffering no ill-effects.

Fellow defender Claude Davis is fit again after a hamstring injury and is pushing for a place among the substitutes, but striker Nathan Ellington has picked up a groin injury in training and misses out.

Clough remains optimistic his side can do the unthinkable and knock Manchester United out of the competition.

The Rams travel to Old Trafford for their semi-final second leg with a 1-0 lead after Kris Commons' strike gave them a surprise victory at Pride Park.

United are now firmly installed as Premier League favourites and are expected to put Clough's men back in their place, even if Sir Alex Ferguson fields a weakened side.

Clough remains optimistic, however, and said: "We are not sure what side they will put out but we are certainly capable of getting a result there, whether it be a draw to hang onto the lead or whatever.

"It is a long, long time since Derby have been to Wembley. That is the incentive and it should spur everyone on in training. We have got to look after the lead - so we won't be playing three up front - but you can't defend for 90 minutes at Old Trafford.

"When we get the opportunity to go forward we have to. We must have an element of a threat going forward in order to try to get us a goal. If we could get a goal at any point that would make their job that much more difficult.''

Liverpool v Everton : Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 04:27:00 -0800

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is not worried that Manchester United have taken his team's top spot in the Premier League and maintains their title bid is still on track.

United's 1-0 victory over Bolton on Saturday lifted them a point clear of Liverpool, who play Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield on Monday night.

Xabi Alonso (foot) and Fernando Torres (hamstring) have declared themselves fit to start for the Reds.

Fellow Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa is also set to return after a hamstring problem, although centre-back Daniel Agger (calf) may miss the game.

Benitez's rant at United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the row over his contract extension have raised questions over whether the Reds can handle the pressure of a title challenge.

However, the Liverpool boss insists their approach has not altered and they are unconcerned by the rise of United.

"The situation does not change, no matter what they do,'' said the Spaniard.

"We have to get three points in every single game and especially in the derby.

"I think it is important to understand when people talk about the title and your position in the table that I didn't expect in August to win the title in January.

"No-one can expect this. If you keep calm and analyse the situation you will know if you want to win the title it has to be maybe in May and to have Chelsea, Arsenal, now Aston Villa, and United in the title race is normal.

"We will try to stay there and if we cannot be (top) one week then the next week we have to think about getting three points and getting ahead again.

"I have a lot of confidence in my team.''

Benitez insists the club being in contention - having not won the championship since 1990 - has given his players an extra lift as the matches begin to get more important.

"There is a little bit of anxiety because we are in a fantastic position, but we have to be calm and take one game at a time,'' he added.

Everton manager David Moyes believes Mikel Arteta is in the form of his life going into the derby against the Reds.

The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder has become an increasingly influential figure at Goodison Park after arriving initially on loan four years ago.

Since reverting to a central midfield role, he has added goals to his game and scored his fifth of the season in the win over Hull last weekend.

If there were any doubts he would struggle to get over an operation in the summer to correct a stomach injury they have been firmly put to bed, according to Moyes.

The Everton manager will be without suspended midfielder Marouane Fellaini, as well as long-term injury victims James Vaughan (knee), Aiyegbeni Yakubu (Achilles) and Louis Saha (hamstring).

Nuno Valente (knee) is missing too but Joseph Yobo could come into contention after being sidelined with a hamstring injury for the last four matches.

But there are no doubts over Arteta's fitness and contribution, and Moyes said: "Mikel is always looking to score goals and it was a terrific one last week.

"Hopefully he will get a few more - he is always practising. He has found another dimension to his game.

"We needed someone to put his foot on the ball and control the play for us in the middle of the park. That has given Mikel confidence and the team confidence.

"It has taken him a while to get over the injury but his form has been very good and he has been playing very well.

"We are pleased as he has been an influence on the side for several years.

"Maybe he slipped off it a little bit at the start of the season because of his injury but since he has come back, he has got himself into condition.''

Moyes admitted that Arteta - who had a spell at Rangers - found it difficult to adjust to the English game in 2005.

The Scot said: "We brought him in as a central midfield player and he looked a little bit lightweight for the Premier League.

"He has played on the right and the left as well as the middle. He is versatile and we will continue to use him that way.

"Mikkel is now competing and handling the pace of the game much better in the middle.''

Dead-ball specialist Arteta has yet to be recognised by Spain and Moyes added: "We have always been trying to get Mikel nearer the squad but the competition is incredible.

Real Madrid v Osasuna: Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:01:00 -0800

The newspaper allegations of a vote-rigging scandal that led to the resignation of Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon have overshadowed the club's preparations for the visit of Osasuna.

Calderon threw in the towel to be replaced by interim president Vicente Boluda after a torrid week of lurid headlines, but still professed his innocence from any wrong-doing at a news conference.

The champions are showing definite signs of improvement under Juande Ramos having registered their third consecutive victory with a 3-0 win at Real Mallorca last weekend.

They have edged up to second in the standings but still trail leaders Barcelona by 12 points.

The feelgood factor generated by the turnaround in results, however, has now been overtaken by a sense of uncertainty at the prospect of a new presidential election and the newspaper headlines that will generate.

Madrid's experienced defender Michel Salgado has seen it all before at the nine-time European champions, and called for the players to keep their attentions trained on the pitch.

"We are on the up and need to isolate ourselves from everything that is going on,'' Salgado told sports daily AS.

"It's an institutional problem... and the players can do nothing about it. What we have to do is support the club, the current president, and focus on sporting matters.''

The match at the Bernabeu is shaping up to be a turbulent affair with fans expected to give their verdict on the week's events, and could offer up an uncomfortable atmosphere for the home side.

Incoming president Boluda asked for calm from everyone connected with the club.

He said: "The teams still have important objectives to achieve, and they deserve to have all of us behind them.''

Ramos will have to do without injured playmaker Guti and reserve goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, but that should not affect his starting 11.

He will also have the added advantage of a full week's rest in comparison to Osasuna, who were knocked out of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 defeat away to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. Madrid went out of the competition in the previous round.

Bottom club Osasuna have enjoyed a slight upturn in fortunes of late and had gone three matches unbeaten in all competitions before the visit of Barcelona last weekend.

They put up a spirited display to overturn a one-goal deficit to lead 2-1 with 10 minutes to go before Xavi and Lionel Messi snatched victory away from them.

But their best performances have all come at home, and they have yet to win on their travels in the league.

Chelsea v Stoke City Highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:15:00 -0800

Didier Drogba is back in the Chelsea squad for the Barclays Premier League match at home to Stoke.

The Ivory Coast striker was axed for the midweek FA Cup third-round replay against Southend.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is boosted by the return of Florent Malouda after a hamstring injury but looks set to lose Joe Cole to a knee problem. Midfielder Deco misses out with a calf strain, but Ricardo Carvalho is fit after a calf problem.

Scolari has denied Drogba was victimised for their defeat against Manchester United.

The Brazilian coach refused to say whether Nicolas Anelka or Drogba would start as the main striker but insisted that the Ivory Coast international, who did not even travel with the squad for the cup tie, was not being made a scapegoat for the United debacle.

Instead, Scolari claimed that he had been the biggest victim of their Old Trafford mauling, not his players.

"Didier is not being made a scapegoat,'' declared Scolari. "The reason he was left out was because it was an option for me. I put this player or that player in the team.

His reaction was normal. When you sign a contract at a club, you are first or second choice, the coach chooses.

"My job here is to choose 11 players and the job for the players is to play. Finish.''

Chelsea have again been concentrating on set-pieces after conceding another simple goal against Southend.

Their defensive lapses have been criticised by Scolari in recent weeks and the side will return to a combination of zonal and man-to-man marking against City.

Stoke possess a unique threat in long-throws from Rory Delap and such was Scolari's concern that he described relegation-haunted Stoke, in his customary Brazilian humour, as 'the most dangerous side in the world'.

"Stoke are more dangerous than all the teams in England and the world.

"If you look at their statistics, they've scored 18 goals and 11 have been from corners, free-kicks or throw-ins. It will be a very good test for us.

"We have been thinking about our problems and we have some solutions.''

Striker James Beattie is expected to make his debut for Stoke.

Beattie was drafted in from Sheffield United in midweek, after scoring 12 goals this season for the Coca-Cola Championship club.

Midfielder Salif Diao could be available, after suffering a back spasm, but Ricardo Fuller remains suspended.

Midfielder Liam Lawrence is desperate to restart his top-flight career.

Lawrence, 27, has been on the bench for the last four matches after recovering from an ankle injury.

He spent three months on the sidelines after falling over his dog and down a flight of stairs.

Now he is keen to show his pedigree, starting at Chelsea, after helping Stoke win promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship.

Atletico hit by stadium ban

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:55:00 -0700

Atletico Madrid have been hit with a stadium ban for their next two home Champions League fixtures as UEFA handed out their heaviest punishment so far for racism.

GettyImages

Atletico's Vicente Calderon Stadium

Due to the trouble that flared during last month's European match against Marseille the Spanish club, who were also fined €150,000, will have to play their group games against Liverpool and PSV Eindhoven at a venue at least 300 kilometres outside of Madrid.

European soccer's governing body said the punishment could be extended to a third match away from the Vicente Calderon stadium should there be repeat of crowd trouble or racist chanting within the next five years.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre has also been banned for his club's home and away fixtures against Liverpool on October 22 and November 4 for insulting Marseille player Mathieu Valbuena

Last week England vice-captain Rio Ferdinand had publicly criticised UEFA and FIFA for their seemingly lenient stance against racism, saying the paltry fines handed out did nothing to stop the problem.

Speaking after the Croatian FA was only fined £15,000 for their fans' racist chanting during last month's 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to England in Zagreb, he said: "They make a lot of comments about what they are going to do but they never back up the words with actions. Croatia were fined a few thousand quid. What good is that going to do?"

UEFA spokesman William Gaillard explained the reasons for UEFA's stringent action against Atletico, which follows Monday's announcement that England will refuse to play in Madrid when they take on Spain in a friendly in February because of past racist incidents.

Gaillard said: "This shows our renewed determination to show zero tolerance towards racism. We had a great Euro (2008) with outstanding fan behaviour and we want our club games to be played in the same spirit.''

Gaillard also said he understood why England players may be reluctant to return to Madrid where they were targeted four years ago.

He added: "I understand the players' fears. That is exactly why we are acting with renewed strength - to make sure that in the future England players will not be threatened by this kind of behaviour."

In a statement on their website UEFA added that Atletico were charged with a lack of organisation during the Marseille match, which led to crowd incidents, and for the improper conduct of their supporters.

The Primera Liga club, who have until midday Friday to respond to the punishment, released a statement on their official website that said Atletico's lawyers were looking into the matter.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have complained that the relatively late decision to move their game from Madrid has caused "disruption" to their fans.

"To say the decision is a bit late in the day, is to put it mildly," said chief executive Rick Parry.

"We have 3,000 fans going to the game and we are extremely concerned for our supporters, the vast majority of whom have already made travel arrangements.

"If the match is played at least 300 kilometres from Madrid, it will cause major disruption, inconvenience and large additional expense for our fans.

"UEFA have to take their needs into account when making a final decision on the game."

UEFA sympathise with Liverpool and have pledged to minimise problems for the 3,000 fans who have already booked a trip; but have defended the stadium ban saying there was "no alternative''

Gaillard said: "We are in touch with Liverpool because we are concerned about the fans. We know they face hardship and disruption and we sympathise with that, but we needed to punish Atletico Madrid. We have no alternative.

"What would people have said if Liverpool went there and the players and fans suffered the same treatment?"

Gaillard said they were already talking to the club about moving charter flights and UEFA would help in any way they could.

"We are looking at the logistics and seeing what help we can provide,'' he added.

England 5 - 1 Kazakhstan

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:55:00 -0700

England vs Kazakhstan
Rio Ferdinand (52') Zhambyl Kukeyev (68')
Aleksandr Kuchma (65') Own Goal
Wayne Rooney (77')
Wayne Rooney (86')
Jermain Defoe (90')

Better late than never.

England ultimately ended up with more than an adequate margin of victory against Kazakhstan to maintain a 100% record in World Cup qualifying Group Six.

But the scoreline should deceive no-one.

England were at times dreadfully poor and manager Fabio Capello will be alarmed how quickly the spark which so electrified their 4-1 win in Croatia last month disappeared.

Still, a win is a win, so the professionals say. And when the final table is compiled in 12 months' time, three points and five goals at home will not look so bad.

Yet it took Wayne Rooney's late double and Jermain Defoe's injury-time effort to eventually kill off spirited opponents ranked 131st in the world after Kazakhstan had rallied from a breakthrough header by stand-in skipper Rio Ferdinand and an Alexandr Kuchma own goal.

The win in Zagreb had launched a wave of euphoria over the Three Lions which should be enough for them to ride into South Africa in two years' time, if not as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, then a decent outsider.

As ever with England, too much can be taken for granted sometimes and the fact Capello's plea for supporters to cut out the boos, which have become such a feature at Wembley in recent times, lasted until the half-time whistle sounded told its own story of the opening 45 minutes.

Kazakhstan could not be compared to Andorra. They did try to play and attack when they could, and showed plenty of enthusiasm if not much finesse, as half-chances came their way thanks to some lacklustre England defending.

But, rather like a cup tie featuring a team from the higher reaches of the Premier League against one from League Two, the gulf in ability was obvious from the outset and a capacity crowd sat back and waited for the slaughter.

It did not happen. In fact, Kazakhstan goalkeeper Alexandr Mokin did not have a shot to save in the first half, two brave punches to Frank Lampard free-kicks the most exertion he required.

Disappointments were easy to find. The defence, with Matthew Upson replacing injured skipper John Terry, lacked cohesion. Upson was not commanding enough and Ashley Cole's concentration was strangely lacking.

In front of them, a midfield designed to get the best of Lampard and Steven Gerrard showed promise. Both men drove towards the visitors' box after receiving smart lay-offs from Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney respectively.

But on each occasion Kazakhstan's massed defence snuffed them out and any other moments of promise were overshadowed by sloppy passing.

Under the circumstances, and with his hat-trick so fresh in the mind, it was hardly surprising Walcott raised spirits - and the noise level - every time he touched the ball.

Aside from two fairly woeful first touches, the youngster lived up to his billing in all senses, apart from the goals.

His extreme pace and fearless desire to run at opponents threatened openings which, as it turned out, did not materialise for either Heskey or Rooney.

Capello's response was to introduce more direct running, in the form of Shaun Wright-Phillips, at the break, leaving Gerrard and Lampard to prove they could play together in central midfield as Barry made way.

The early signs were not good as Gerrard failed to cover Cole's overlapping burst, inviting Sabyrkhan Ibrayev to charge into the space left free.

Sergey Ostapenko probably should have converted the cross, Tanat Nuserbayev definitely should have finished off the downward header. Thankfully, neither did.

It was the let-off England required and, profiting from Mokin's poor goalkeeping, they duly scored.

Wright-Phillips' low drive was ruled to have taken a deflection as it whistled wide. Mokin tried to come through a crowd of bodies to reach Lampard's corner and got nowhere near.

It meant Ferdinand, lurking at the far post, had an empty net to nod his third international goal into.

Having vowed to "cherish the moment", England's stand-in captain enjoyed the celebration.

With 21-year-old Nuserbayev continuing to catch the eye of Premier League scouts, the hosts needed a second, which came courtesy of Kuchma, who turned Lampard's free-kick into his own net as he jumped with Rooney.

It should have been over. It certainly would have been in Italy, where Capello carved out most of an impressive coaching career.

So, to see Cole aimlessly loft a pass into the path of Zhambyl Kukeyev, who promptly drilled into the corner, just four minutes later, must have been fairly dispiriting.

Cole was booed by the England fans thereafter, although at least Rooney sent them home in happier mood as he headed home Wes Brown's teasing cross 13 minutes from time.

There was still time for a brief cameo from David Beckham, who would be a perfect special team player, if such a thing existed.

And it was Beckham's cross Rooney steered home to earn man-of-the-match accolades before being replaced by Defoe, who also got his name on the scoresheet in the final minute.

England 5 - 1 Kazakhstan Video

Eng 3-1 Kaz

Capello tells Walcott: "Don't try too hard"

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 06:38:00 -0700

LONDON, October 11 (National Team) - Fabio Capello will have a quiet word with Theo Walcott before Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan - to stop England's boy wonder trying too hard.

Walcott announced his arrival on the international stage in Zagreb last month with a phenomenal hat-trick in the unexpected hammering of Croatia.

Now, in front of a sell-out 90,000 crowd, the teenager will make his Wembley debut, with England fans expecting big things.

Capello is in no doubt he has a special talent to work with. However, the Italian also knows Walcott cannot be expected to produce such astonishing performances every time he pulls on a white shirt.

Which is why he will whisper a sobering message in Walcott's ear to ensure he helps England's pursuit of a 100% record from their opening three games.

You have to try and play normally and not try to do too much,'' he said.

"I am sure he will take that on board.

"He's a very good boy. He is young but he is still the same - nothing has changed since Croatia. That hasn't surprised me. Why would it?''

Walcott takes his place in an unchanged front line but elsewhere, Capello has selection issues to contend with.

Skipper John Terry is sidelined by a back problem, leaving Rio Ferdinand to take the captain's armband and Matthew Upson, Wes Brown and Joleon Lescott hoping for a start.
[ Capello tells Walcott: "Don't try too hard" on http://sportsoccerhighlights.blogspot.com ]

And, while it may new the start of a bright new dawn at Wembley - Capello's words - there is a familiar problem as Steven Gerrard returns to the same midfield as Frank Lampard.

At various stages under Capello's predecessors Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren, either Lampard or Gerrard shone. But never both.

Currently it is Lampard's star in the ascendancy, Capello's decision to use Gerrard on the left in the August friendly against the Czech Republic drawing stinging criticism from Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp, who could see an immense talent being wasted.

Despite the euphoria of last month, which Gerrard missed after a minor groin operation, Capello must realise he does not have enough players of such extreme talent to disregard one.

Which is why he will continue to work at the conundrum until he unearths a solution.

"I hope I can make it work,'' he said.

"Fantastic players have to play together. I don't know why they haven't worked before. The past is not my problem. I just think about the future.

"This kind of thing has happened a lot in my career, although always with the forwards.

"But it's not a problem for me. I prefer to have players of this quality.''

It is only two months since England were booed out of Wembley after a wretched performance against the Czech Republic and four since Euro 2008 unfolded without English representation following the abysmal failure in qualification.

Yet, on the back of just one - albeit extraordinary - win, Capello's side are being talked of as live World Cup contenders, a tournament they will not even have reached the last four of in two decades by the time 32 finalists assemble in South Africa.

It is the kind of over-the-top reaction that makes coaching England seem like an impossible job to many. It is just as well that number does not include Capello.

"It is not an impossible job,'' he said.

"Being England manager is a fantastic experience.

"I agree, it is not easy. For me, it is different to being in charge of a club, when you work and train every day. Then you can change errors and rectify mistakes.

"For this reason alone you need a different mentality.

"But the pressure is the same in all countries. The only difference is somewhere like Milan you are talking about one city and one set of supporters.

"Here, the focus is different. It's one nation. It is the England team.

Charlton to be taken over by Dubai investors?

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:25:00 -0700

Charlton Athletic appear set to become the latest club to be taken over by Dubai-based investors, after receiving a "indicative cash offer" from Zabeel Investments, a company previously linked with Newcastle United.

GettyImages

The takeover will come as a pleasant surprise to Charlton fans and perhaps club manager Alan Pardew.

A statement from the Championship club has revealed they will receive significant investment as part of a takeover from the Middle East.

The statement on the Charlton website read: "The board of Charlton Athletic plc announced on Friday that it has received an indicative cash offer from Zabeel Investments, a Dubai-based diversified investment company.

The indicative offer is subject to a number of preconditions, including due diligence. However, it is at a level at which, should the offer be made formally to shareholders, the board would recommend shareholders to accept it."

"Despite being approached by various English football clubs, as well as a number of well-known clubs in Europe and South America, Zabeel Investments believes Charlton is the right club for them.

"The board will keep the shareholders, fans and employees updated with any further developments."

Last year Charlton were subject of interest from a group of businessmen from the Middle East and Europe, but takeover talks were later called off. The bid valued the club at around £50 million.

No figure has yet been quoted for the sale of the club to Zabeel Investments.

Derek Chappell, plc chairman, and Richard Murray, chairman of the football club, commented: "The board firmly believes that a successful outcome for this transaction would be beneficial to shareholders and employees of Charlton, all fans of the club and the local community as a whole."

Mohammed Al Hashimi, executive chairman of Zabeel Investments, added: "We feel now is the right time to make a strategic, long-term investment in Charlton and get Charlton back to the English Premier League where the club belongs.

"The passion of the fans at Charlton, the heritage of the club and the unique status it enjoys in the community make it an exciting proposition for us.

"For the purposes of the takeover code, this announcement has been made with the consent of Zabeel Investments."

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle reported in September that the North East club snubbed a £200 million takeover offer from Zabeel Investments, with owner Mike Ashley holding out for a higher bid.

Early reports suggested that Tony Jimenez, who quit his role as Newcastle vice president of player recruitment on Thursday, played a role in brokering the Charlton deal.

Charlton dropped out of the Premier League in 2007 and were forced to sell several players over the summer, with Chris Iwelumo, Marcus Bent, Madjid Bougherra and Amdy Faye all leaving the club. The Addicks currently lie 14th in the Championship with four wins from ten games.

Bentley: Spurs have become a laughing stock

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 16:26:00 -0700

Tottenham midfielder David Bentley admits the Premier League's bottom club have become a laughing stock as they have claimed just two points from their first seven matches - their worst start to a season since 1912.

GettyImages

The winger has been dropped by England.

Manager Juande Ramos, having been in the job for just under a year, is under increasing pressure while questions are being asked of sporting director Damien Comolli's activity in the transfer market, allowing experienced strikers Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe to all leave the club in the last 10 months without finding suitable replacements.

I know people are having a laugh at the fact we are bottom of the league at the moment but it's up to everyone at the club to stop the jokes,'' said Bentley.

''We're not happy with what has been happening. You cannot hide from the situation but what we need are a team of leaders who take responsibility. We have to grow as people.

''We have more than enough good players at Tottenham to get us out of this situation and I give my word that we will.''

Reports had suggested Bentley blamed Ramos for missing out on the current England squad for not playing him often enough and playing him out of position.

Although the winger, who moved to White Hart Lane from Blackburn in the summer for £15million, does not regret the switch to north London and is says he is backing Ramos to turn things around.

''I'm fully behind him, 100%,'' the 24-year-old told The Sun.

''I still love being at Spurs and I don't regret joining the club for one second.

''I know I haven't been at my best but I haven't become a bad player in a fortnight. The manager believes in me.

Newcastle announce departure of Jimenez

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 05:19:00 -0700

Newcastle have announced that Tony Jimenez has left the club, adding to the turmoil surrounding the Tyneside outfit.

GettyImages

Jimenez (right) had been working under Dennis Wise.

The man appointed vice-president (player recruitment) by owner Mike Ashley when he installed his off-the-field team under executive director (football) Dennis Wise, has left St James' Park to ''pursue other interests''.

A club statement on the Newcastle website read: ''Newcastle United can today confirm that Tony Jimenez has left the club.

Tony, who was appointed vice-president (player recruitment) in January, has made the decision in order to pursue other interests.

''Newcastle United thanks Tony for all of his hard work and efforts and wishes him every success in the future.''

The Magpies have been a club in disarray ever since the departure of manager Kevin Keegan, who ironically cited his inability to work with Jimenez and director of football Dennis Wise as one of the reasons behind his decision to move on.

Wise, Jimenez and technical co-ordinator Jeff Vetere were put in place to oversee the club's recruitment policy, although their roles have proved controversial.

Keegan resigned last month after furious disagreements with managing director Derek Llambias over the club's transfer policy, which saw James Milner sold to Aston Villa and Fabricio Coloccini, Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Guthrie, Xisco and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez drafted in.

Owner Mike Ashley has since put the club up for sale, and Jimenez flew out to Dubai with the other executives in the hope that his business contacts could help them push through a quick deal.

However, Ashley will now need to find a buyer without the help of Jimenez after the club confirmed his departure on Thursday.

Mourinho says he considered England job

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Tue, 7 Oct 2008 21:18:00 -0700

Jose Mourinho says he was flattered by links with the vacant job as England coach but wanted continue his career in club football. He also turned down the Portugal job for similar reasons.
Jose Mourinho

NealSimpson/Empics

Jose Mourinho: One-time favourite for role with two national teams.
The Inter Milan boss was touted as a potential successor to Steve McClaren but revealed the lure of day-to-day involvement proved too great.

"In a certain moment I considered being England national manager," said Mourinho, who was out of work at the time of McClaren's departure in the face of exit from Euro 2008. Having left Chelsea in September last year, Mourinho was heavily backed at to take the job but chose to chase his ambitions of continental management, which he eventually realised with his summer appointment at San Siro.

First of all because I was in love with the football country and with England - I was also happy there - and secondly because if you have one country where the prestige of the national team manager is huge, it is England.

"But at the same time my passion for the day-by-day work, my passion to train every day, my desire to play every week and if possible more than one game a week, this is my life. That's the life I want to have."

Mourinho confirmed that he had been approached by his own country ahead of their appointment of Carlos Queiroz.

"I always had in my career project the Portuguese national team job as one of the last moments of my career but they tried to press me to do it early," Mourinho said in a video released by Ford.

"Sometimes you have to jump out of this road you built - but they understand that I cannot do it now.

"But I want to have the experience of coaching my country one day. I would like to make my family very proud, and I'm sure one day they will be very proud when I become Portuguese national manager.

"I [prefer] club [over country] because at this moment I'm a club manager and it's the kind of job I enjoy.

"The national team job is not the kind of job that motivates me - it's a completely different profile.

Chelsea warned off Lavezzi

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 19:07:00 -0700

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has warned Chelsea they would waste their time making an offer for their Argentinian striker Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Reports in England claim Chelsea are keen to lure the 23-year-old forward to Stamford Bridge as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Lavezzi has established himself as one of the top young strikers in Europe since arriving at the San Paolo from San Lorenzo last summer and Chelsea are thought to be willing to offer €13million to acquire his services.

When asked about Chelsea's reported interest on Lavezzi, Marino said: "I know nothing regarding that story.

"But I would not advise Chelsea to make any offer because we would turn it down immediately."

Lavezzi, who was a member of Argentina's gold medal team at the Beijing Olympics this summer, has scored one goal in three appearances for the Serie A outfit this campaign.

The South American sensation joined Napoli from San Lorenzo last summer and is under contract until the 2011-12 campaign.

Greedy Scolari wants more victories at home

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 08:19:00 -0700

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has highlighted his side's form at Stamford Bridge as one of the keys to the Premier League title race, insisting they cannot afford to drop points.

Although they have not been beaten in their last 86 home league matches, seven draws on their own turf last season helped hand the title to Manchester United.

One of those draws came against Aston Villa. But Chelsea never looked like dropping points against them yesterday, Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka grabbing the goals in a 2-0 win.

After sharing the points with Tottenham and United, it was Chelsea's first league win at home since the opening weekend of the season.

"We need to win more games at home,'' said Scolari. "We have played four games and won two of them; we need more, because we remember last season.

"I wasn't here but I know about this. There were many, many draws ... and the final result was being two points behind Manchester United.''

Cole opened the scoring when he lashed in at the near post but he then limped off with a foot injury and was left out of Fabio Capello's England squad.

John Terry and Ashley Cole, who both had back niggles, came through unscathed - while Deco and Alex could be available after the international break, and Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho will be on the road to recovery.

Scolari was delighted with the prospect of being top of the table over the international break, his players returning - and also three days off to finally sight see in London with his family.

"I will spend three days with my family,'' he said. "I have only spent one day in London, so I will do something with my wife. I don't want to talk about football!

"I told that to the players - to win and give me three days of thinking about nothing.''

Scolari spoke of his admiration for Martin O'Neill before the match.

The Villa boss feels Scolari is putting his own stamp on the football at Stamford Bridge.

"He is a brilliant manager,'' said O'Neill. "He's proved it; he won the World Cup with a side whose expectations were incredibly high - and that is hard to do.

"He doesn't have to prove anything. He's enjoying himself. He's inherited a very good side and put his stamp on it - which is remarkable. They were brilliant, which is a credit to him and the players.''

Aside from the scoreline, O'Neill noticed significant differences from Chelsea's performances against Villa last season.

"Ashley Cole is back probably playing to his best again,'' he said. "He has licence to go forward, safe in the knowledge that when it is played square to midfield they will put him in.

"Bosingwa has given them a new dimension, which has helped. But the great stalwarts of the last few years are still brilliant.

Chelsea vs Aston Villa Highlights video

Chelsea vs Aston Villa Highlights

Live Score Sat, October 5

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sun, 5 Oct 2008 17:33:00 -0700

- English Premier League -

Final Upton Park Expand +
West Ham 1 - 3 Bolton
30' 0 - 1 Goal Kevin Cyril Davies
34' 0 - 2 Goal Gary Cahill
68' Carlton Cole Goal 1 - 2
86' 1 - 3 Goal Matthew Taylor

Final Stamford Bridge Expand +
Chelsea 2 - 0 Aston Villa
21' Joe Cole Goal 1 - 0
43' Nicolas Anelka Goal 2 - 0

Chelsea vs Aston Villa Video

Chelsea vs Aston Villa Highlights

Final City of Manchester Stadium Expand +
Man City 2 - 3 Liverpool
19' Stephen Ireland Goal 1 - 0
41' Javier Garrido Goal 2 - 0
55' 2 - 1 Goal Fernando Torres
67' Pablo Zabaleta Red Card
73' 2 - 2 Goal Fernando Torres
90' 2 - 3 Goal Dirk Kuyt

Final Fratton Park Expand +
Portsmouth 2 - 1 Stoke
25' Peter Crouch Goal 1 - 0
48' 1 - 1 Goal Ricardo Fuller
51' Jermain Defoe Goal 2 - 1

Final White Hart Lane Expand +
Tottenham 0 - 1 Hull
9' 0 - 1 Goal Marcio Geovanni

Final Goodison Park Expand +
Everton 2 - 2 Newcastle
17' Mikel Arteta (pen) Goal 1 - 0
35' Marouane Fellaini Goal 2 - 0
45' 2 - 1 Goal Steven Taylor
46' 2 - 2 Goal Damien Duff

Luiz Felipe Scolari may have an injury crisis on his hands but Chelsea's title challenge continues apace, with Aston Villa the latest to be swept aside at Stamford Bridge.

First-half goals from Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka kept Scolari's men at the top of the Barclays Premier League, and it could have been more but for the reflexes of Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

• Scolari: My most satisfying win

The hosts, already without the services of Didier Drogba, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien, were missing Alex from their starting line-up and then saw midfielder Cole limp off.

Anelka, struggling with muscle spasms before the match, was also taken off at the break meaning Franco di Santo was Scolari's frontline striker for 45 minutes.

It mattered little. Scolari had never met Martin O'Neill before and had spoken of his admiration for the teams the Villa boss has produced - but this crop simply had no chance as Chelsea gave them a first-half masterclass in passing and movement.

Villa had been billed as the team to put pressure on Chelsea's unbeaten home league record, with the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young enough to trouble most sides.

As it was, Branislav Ivanovic went untroubled on his league debut as most of the action was ahead of him.

John Terry, partnering the Serbian in central defence, said before the match that he wanted to play even if it was on one leg - and he probably could have done that in the first half, such was Chelsea's dominance.

Friedel's busy afternoon in goal for Villa started with two early saves.

The first effort was from Michael Ballack, who fizzed a drive from 25 yards, then Florent Malouda had a go from the left flank at a similar distance.

Frank Lampard had the first clear opening of the game, in the 18th minute, when Anelka found him with a cross, only for the England midfielder to head wide.

Lampard, however, set up the opener three minutes later after Curtis Davies' clearance fell to Malouda. Malouda slipped the ball inside to Lampard, who in turn helped it on to midfielder Cole.

Cole took one touch and lashed his finish past Friedel and inside the near post, his third of the season.

Anelka could have doubled the lead when he cracked a drive from 30 yards but his effort smashed against the crossbar - starting the onslaught on Friedel's goal.

The American goalkeeper parried a Lampard free-kick and also denied Malouda with another skidding drive.

He also made a double save in the 43rd minute, but could not prevent Anelka tapping in the rebound. Ashley Cole had crossed from the left, Ballack's drive and Anelka's follow up were saved - but the Frenchman made sure with his next effort.

It was Anelka's last contribution as he was taken off at the break for Di Santo, while Villa took off Davies and Luke Young, with James Milner and Carlos Cuellar coming on.

Stiliyan Petrov did have an effort saved by Petr Cech - but then there was more attacking from Chelsea.

Worryingly for England boss Fabio Capello, who was watching from the stands, was the sight of Terry dropping his shorts for treatment on his back.

Then midfielder Cole picked up his apparent foot injury and hobbled down the tunnel, with Salomon Kalou taking his place.

Wastefulness from Ballack at close range, then a brave block from Friedel to deny Kalou, kept the score down. Kalou also had an overhead strike disallowed for offside - and another goal would not have flattered the hosts.

# Scolari: My most satisfying win

Luiz Felipe Scolari declared victory against Aston Villa as his most satisfying result as Chelsea boss as his side head into the international break top of the Barclays Premier League.

"I am satisfied because we played very well,'' Scolari said. "For me it is the most important game this season because if we won we were in first position in the league and now we have 10 days to recuperate our players through the international break.

"After, when we start the league, all our players will be in good condition.''

John Terry dropped his shorts to receive treatment on his back, while Joe Cole limped off with a foot injury - but Scolari feels they will be ready to play for England against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Of midfielder Cole's problem, Scolari said: "He got a little touch, it's nothing, a little problem on the foot. In two or three days with the national team he will be in the condition to play.

"John Terry is the same. He is a fantastic man, if he feels something he still wants to play.''

Ashley Cole came through 90 minutes following a slight knock during the week, although Anelka came off at the break and may miss the first part of France's schedule.

England boss Fabio Capello watched his players from the stands, with Frank Lampard putting in a box-to-box display in Chelsea's midfield.

"He played very, very well - I said it two times not once,'' said Scolari.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill agreed, adding: "He was absolutely outstanding. I think he is an outstanding player.''

Villa barely tested Petr Cech in Chelsea's goal but got the glimpse of a goal when Gabriel Agbonlahor almost took advantage of a Terry backpass.

O'Neill had no complaints with the result, adding: "Chelsea were brilliant. We would have had to have our best players at the top of their game to compete, never mind anything else. It is a harsh lesson.

"It's what you want to aspire to. We didn't help ourselves but it doesn't matter. We will have learned a lot from this.''

But for the reflexes of Brad Friedel, Chelsea could have added to their two goals in the second half.

"I was pleased he was in goal for us,'' O'Neill. "He was fantastic and we needed him or we would have been in a spot more bother.

- Italian Serie A -

Final Stadio Azzurri D`Italia Expand +
Atalanta 4 - 2 Sampdoria
7' 0 - 1 Goal Antonio Cassano
35' Sergio Floccari Goal 1 - 1
39' György Garics Goal 2 - 1
54' 2 - 2 Goal Antonio Cassano (pen)
71' Red Card Pietro Accardi
77' Sergio Floccari Goal 3 - 2
80' Red Card Daniele Dessena
83' Cristiano Doni Goal 4 - 2

Final Stadio Marc`Antonio Bentegodi Expand +
Chievo Verona 0 - 2 Fiorentina
32' 0 - 1 Goal Zdravko Kuzmanovic
38' Francesco Scardina Red Card
74' 0 - 2 Goal Alberto Gilardino

Final Comunale Luigi Ferraris Expand +
Genoa 3 - 2 Napoli
1' 0 - 1 Goal Ezequiel Lavezzi
44' Sokratis Papastrathopoulos Goal 1 - 1
52' Raffaele Palladino Goal 2 - 1
55' Marco Rossi Red Card
73' Alberto Diego Milito Goal 3 - 1
75' 3 - 2 Goal Germán Denis
90' Sokratis Papastrathopoulos Red Card

Final Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino Expand +
Juventus 1 - 2 Palermo
24' 0 - 1 Goal Fabrizio Miccoli
38' Alessandro Del Piero Goal 1 - 1
41' Mohamed Sissoko Red Card
81' 1 - 2 Goal Levan Mchedlidze

Final Stadio Oreste Granillo Expand +
Reggina 1 - 1 Catania Calcio
69' 0 - 1 Goal Michele Paolucci
72' Red Card Michele Paolucci
80' Andrea Costa Goal 1 - 1

Final Artemio Franchi Montepaschi Arena Expand +
Siena 1 - 0 Roma
45' Mario Frick Goal 1 - 0
66' Red Card Philippe Mexes
74' Red Card Christian Panucci

Final Stadio Friuli Expand +
Udinese 2 - 0 Torino
44' Fabio Quagliarella Goal 1 - 0
77' Fabio Quagliarella Goal 2 - 0

Final Stadio San Elia Expand +
Cagliari 0 - 0 AC Milan

Live Score Sat, October 4

noreply@blogger.com (Terengganu) — Sat, 4 Oct 2008 17:17:00 -0700

- English Premier League -

Final Stadium of Light Expand +
Sunderland 1 - 1 Arsenal
86' Grant Leadbitter Goal 1 - 0
90' 1 - 1 Goal Cesc Fábregas

Final The Hawthorns Expand +
West Brom 1 - 0 Fulham
61' Roman Bednar Goal 1 - 0

Final JJB Stadium Expand +
Wigan 0 - 1 Middlesbrough
89' 0 - 1 Goal Jeremie Aliadiere

Final Ewood Park Expand +
Blackburn 0 - 2 Man Utd
30' 0 - 1 Goal Wes Brown
64' 0 - 2 Goal Wayne Rooney

Blackburn 0 - 2 Man Utd

- English League Championship -

Final Bloomfield Road Expand +
Blackpool 1 - 1 Cardiff
83' 0 - 1 Goal Paul Parry
90' Alan Gow Goal 1 - 1

Final St Andrews Stadium Expand +
Birmingham 1 - 0 QPR
45' Kevin Phillips Goal 1 - 0

Final Oakwell Stadium Expand +
Barnsley 4 - 1 Doncaster
11' 0 - 1 Goal Brian Stock (pen)
49' Darren Moore Red Card
54' Stephen Foster Goal 1 - 1
60' Jamal Campbell-Ryce Goal 2 - 1
73' Jonathan Macken Goal 3 - 1
87' Iain Hume Goal 4 - 1

Final The Valley Expand +
Charlton 2 - 1 Ipswich
6' Nick Bailey Goal 1 - 0
34' 1 - 1 Goal Martin Cranie (og)
60' Moritz Volz (og) Goal 2 - 1

Final Carrow Road Expand +
Norwich 1 - 2 Derby
26' 0 - 1 Goal Rob Hulse
50' Red Card Roy Carroll
51' Sammy Clingan Goal 1 - 1
85' 1 - 2 Goal Nathan Ellington

Final City Ground Expand +
Nottm Forest 0 - 2 Crystal Palace
4' 0 - 1 Goal Paul Ifill
81' 0 - 2 Goal Shefki Kuqi

Final Home Park Expand +
Plymouth 4 - 0 Sheff Wed
15' Mark Beevers (og) Goal 1 - 0
25' Paul Gallagher Goal 2 - 0
30' Jamie Mackie Goal 3 - 0
90' Marcel Seip Goal 4 - 0

Final Madejski Stadium Expand +
Reading 3 - 1 Burnley
4' Noel Hunt Goal 1 - 0
52' Stephen Hunt Goal 2 - 0
64' Shane Long Goal 3 - 0
89' 3 - 1 Goal Chris McCann
90' Red Card Stephen Jordan

Final Bramall Lane Expand +
Sheff Utd 3 - 0 Bristol City
45' James Beattie Goal 1 - 0
56' Liam Fontaine (og) Goal 2 - 0
69' James Beattie Goal 3 - 0

Final Liberty Stadium Expand +
Swansea 3 - 1 Wolverhampton
1' Garcia-Penche Jordi Gomez Goal 1 - 0
16' 1 - 1 Goal Andrew Keogh
41' Jason Scotland Goal 2 - 1
57' Jason Scotland Goal 3 - 1

Final Vicarage Road Stadium Expand +
Watford 2 - 1 Preston
5' 0 - 1 Goal Sean St. Ledger
12' Jon Harley Goal 1 - 1
21' Tommy Smith Goal 2 - 1

Final Ricoh Arena Expand +
Coventry 4 - 1 Southampton
19' Jay Tabb Goal 1 - 0
33' Leon McKenzie Goal 2 - 0
47' Leon Best Goal 3 - 0
63' 3 - 1 Goal Andrew Surman
87' Jay Tabb Goal 4 - 1

- English League One -

Final London Road Ground Expand +
Peterborough 2 - 0 Leeds
47' George Boyd Goal 1 - 0
90' Craig Mackail-Smith Goal 2 - 0

Final Withdean Stadium Expand +
Brighton 3 - 3 Cheltenham
1' Glenn Murray Goal 1 - 0
2' 1 - 1 Goal Scott Murray
7' Glenn Murray Goal 2 - 1
45' 2 - 2 Goal Scott Murray
47' Glenn Murray Goal 3 - 2
85' Red Card Josh Payne
90' 3 - 3 Goal Andy Gallinagh

Final Brunton Park Expand +
Carlisle 1 - 2 Tranmere
1' 0 - 1 Goal Ian Moore
80' 0 - 2 Goal Ryan Shotton
90' Danny Graham Goal 1 - 2

Final The Weston Homes Community Stadium Expand +
Colchester 0 - 1 Bristol Rovers
53' 0 - 1 Goal Richard Lambert

Final The Alexandra Stadium Expand +
Crewe 1 - 3 Northampton
45' 0 - 1 Goal Danny Jackman
55' Tom Pope Goal 1 - 1
64' 1 - 2 Goal Adebayo Akinfenwa (pen)
70' 1 - 3 Goal Abdul Osman

Final Edgar Street Expand +
Hereford 0 - 0 Walsall

Final The Galpharm Stadium Expand +
Huddersfield 2 - 3 Leicester
50' 0 - 1 Goal Matt Fryatt
65' 0 - 2 Goal Matt Fryatt (pen)
69' Gary Roberts Goal 1 - 2
77' Liam Dickinson Goal 2 - 2
90' 2 - 3 Goal Lloyd Dyer

Final Matchroom Stadium Expand +
Leyton Orient 2 - 2 Scunthorpe
26' 0 - 1 Goal Izzy Iriekpen
45' 0 - 2 Goal Paul Hayes
57' Red Card Joe Murphy
59' Adam Boyd Goal 1 - 2
67' Stephen Purches Goal 2 - 2

Final The New Den Expand +
Millwall 0 - 4 Milton Keynes Dons
9' 0 - 1 Goal Sean O'Hanlon
45' 0 - 2 Goal Sam Baldock
62' 0 - 3 Goal Paul Robinson (og)
90' 0 - 4 Goal Sam Baldock

Final Huish Park Expand +
Yeovil 1 - 2 Southend
24' 0 - 1 Goal Lee Barnard (pen)
86' 0 - 2 Goal Hal Robson-Kanu
88' Danny Schofield Goal 1 - 2
90' Danny Schofield Red Card
90' Gary Roberts Red Card

- Spanish Primera División -

Final Estadio El Madrigal Expand +
Villarreal 2 - 1 Real Betis
20' 0 - 1 Goal Damia
69' Gonzalo Goal 1 - 1
70' Joseba Llorente Goal 2 - 1

Final Estadio Camp Nou Expand +
Barcelona 6 - 1 Atlético Madrid
3' Rafael Márquez Goal 1 - 0
6' Samuel Eto'o (pen) Goal 2 - 0
8' Lionel Messi Goal 3 - 0
13' 3 - 1 Goal Maxi Rodríguez
18' Samuel Eto'o Goal 4 - 1
28' Eidur Gudjohnsen Goal 5 - 1
73' Thierry Henry Goal 6 - 1

- Italian Serie A -

Final Stadio Olimpico Expand +
Lazio 1 - 1 Lecce
26' 0 - 1 Goal Simone Tiribocchi
89' Simone Inzaghi Goal 1 - 1

Final Stadio Giuseppe Meazza Expand +
Inter Milan 2 - 1 Bologna
25' Zlatan Ibrahimovic Goal 1 - 0
50' Adriano (pen) Goal 2 - 0
56' 2 - 1 Goal Vaggelis Moras

Inter Milan 2 vs Bologna 1