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EPL 09/10: Chelsea held at Uptown Park and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:08:00 +0000

A tale of two penalties ensued in the capital as Frank Lampard's controversial second half effort rescued Chelsea a point against a West Ham side who had earlier taken the lead through a spot-kick of their own.

Lampard had a half chance after breaking from deep but his drive from the edge of the box drifted wide, much to the amusement of the Hammers faithful.

Chelsea's frustrations were exacerbated on the stroke of half-time when Jack Collison, who earlier in the half had drawn an excellent save from Cech's feet, was brought down from behind by Ashley Cole's unnecessary lunge in his own box.

Chelsea's protestations were rightly given short shrift by referee Mike Dean before Diamanti proved the coolest man in East London as he sent Cech the wrong way from 12 yards.

Ancelotti had seen enough and after summoning John Obi Mikel and Daniel Sturridge from the substitutes' bench, it was the latter that changed the course of the game when he went down under Matthew Upson's challenge inside West Ham's box within ten minutes of the restart.

The sight of an assistant referee with his flag across his chest had West Ham's players livid as Upson looked to have played the ball cleanly but Dean concurred and pointed to the penalty spot.

Lampard dispatched but was ordered to retake for infringement from both sides. His second attempt, which Green got close to but could not keep out, was again adjudged to have been illegal.

Unperturbed by the most unusual of interruptions Lampard showed remarkable composure in netting his third spot-kick of the afternoon. This one was allowed to stand, although such controversy could have been avoided had the correct call been made in the first place.

Goals either side of the interval from Nenad Milijas and Kevin Doyle handed Wolves a 2-0 win over Burnley on Sunday, as Mick McCarthy reverted back to a winning formula.

The victory is enough to lift Wolves out of the Premier League relegation zone, while the Clarets' troubles on the road continue.

Those in attendance at Molineux saw little during an uninspiring first half to raise the temperature, but the hosts did at least have something to shout about after 15 minutes.

Wolves then wrapped things up five minutes into the second half when Doyle outmuscled Steven Caldwell, cut inside Michael Duff and bundled the ball home.

The Clarets did come close to finding a route back into the game just past the hour-mark, but Kevin Foley was on hand to hack off the line when Steven Caldwell met a Chris Eagles corner with a powerful header.

Everton were denied a win at Goodison Park as Birmingham held on for an unlikely 1-1 draw.

The Toffees were dominant throughout but for all their possession they created few clear-cut chances, as City's good run in the Premier League continues.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov opened the scoring with a powerful finish in just the fifth minute - Louis Saha chested the ball down from Tony Hibbert's throw into the path of the Russian, who left Joe Hart with no chance from close range.

But Birmingham scored with their first attack - Seb Larsson finishing precisely into the corner of Tim Howard's net from the edge of the box - and the away side hung on for a point.

Fansrock Zone: Arshavin fly to outwit Liverpool! [Serious funny video .. hahaha]

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:37:00 +0000

A video so funny and cool that you want to see over and over again! Arshavin - the tormentor of Liverpool! Hahahaaha

Debate: Hughes sacking - where will City standing?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:17:00 +0000

Manchester City may be struggling to break into the Big Four but there is one table they seem set on topping.

It pains me to say this, but the shambolic treatment of Mark Hughes looks likely to make them Britain's most disliked club. Yes, even more than Chelsea.

Supporters were split over Hughes' appointment from the start and remained so until the end of his reign.

Some signings, like those of Shay Given and Craig Bellamy, were inspired and there have been some glorious moments of football.

But since Hughes has failed to bring the best out of the big-money signings City's new multi-billionaire status gave him to work with - seeming almost reluctant to do so at times - his reign must be viewed with scepticism.

He fielded unbalanced sides and got his tactics wrong on several occasions, constraining the attacking exuberance of Stephen Ireland and dithering over Nigel de Jong's presence in the team. Senior players have questioned his training methods. His decision to allow Richard Dunne to leave without first bedding in Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott, while admirable, has proved disastrous.

Yet no-one deserves the kind of treatment meted out to Hughes by City today, never mind last week's embarrassing approach to Guus Hiddink, whose links with Roman Abramovich were always likely to lead to a knock-back.

The mishandled affair reflects extremely badly on City's blundering executive chairman Gary Cook, who has already referred to former owner and alleged human rights abuser Thakin Shinawatra as "a great guy to play golf with" and recently welcomed Maine Road idol Uwe Rosler "to the Manchester United Hall Of Fame" at a club function.

Apparently aware before the Sunderland match that he was being replaced by Roberto Mancini, Hughes was still allowed by Cook to take charge in a manner than recalled Tottenham's shabby farewell to Martin Jol.

He might have wanted the chance to do so, but Cook should have known the inevitable teary-eyed exit would reflect appallingly on the club.

City officials scurried around during the 90 minutes composing a statement discussing Hughes' removal, then were faced by an angry delegation of players after the final whistle, demanding that the manager should stay.

It remains to be seen whether Mancini, a hero in Italian football but unproved in the Premier League, will bring the success the club demands and the fans deserve.

But City, always one of the friendliest clubs in the league if never the best-run, have lost a lot of friends today. And for that also, they surely out of the this season.

Official: Roberto Mancini replacing Mark Hughes at Eastland

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:25:00 +0000

Manchester City FC can confirm that it has today terminated the contract of Mark Hughes.

In giving reason for the termination Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said:

“Prior to the current season beginning, with significant investment in players and infrastructure in place, the consensus between the Board and coaching staff was that appropriate agreed targets should be set for the 2009/2010 season.

“The targets were agreed as a result of the player acquisition strategy of the club being radically accelerated in the summer as a result of very favourable conditions for any buying club. It was also based on the fact that the infrastructure of the club had been overhauled completely at great cost in order to create the best possible environment for the team.

“A return of two wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed and set. Sheikh Mansour and the Board felt that there was no evidence that the situation would fundamentally change. This is a particularly difficult announcement given the personal investment over the past 15 months on all sides and we would like to put on record our respect for and thanks to Mark Hughes and we wish him the best in his future career.”

Manchester City Football Club can confirm the appointment, with immediate effect on a permanent contract, of Roberto Mancini and are also pleased to announce that Brian Kidd will join Roberto as assistant manager.

Commenting on the appointment, Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Roberto is a hugely experienced manager with a proven track record of winning trophies and championships. His experience and track record speak for themselves. What is absolutely clear is that Roberto believes in Manchester City’s potential to achieve at the highest level and importantly in his own ability to make this happen. My hope is that our incredible fans will join us in welcoming Roberto to the football club.”

Mark Bowen, Eddie Niedzwiecki, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges have also left the Club and further appointments will be announced in due course.

FIFA Club World Cup 2009: Barca is the champions of the world

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Barcelona's successful year continued after battling from a goal down to claim a 2-1 extra-time win over Estudiantes in the Fifa Club World Cup final.

The trophy, their sixth piece of silverware this year, had to be earned the hard way as they trailed at half time courtesy of Mauro Boselli's header.

Pedro levelled matters late on before Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi secured the victory for Josep Guardiola's side with a 110th minute winner.

Against Atlante in the semis, Barca found themselves trailing after just four minutes and they almost suffered a similar fate, Enzo Perez only just failing to get on the end of Juan Sebastian Veron's through-ball in the fifth minute.

At the other end a superb back-heel from Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Xavi in the clear, but instead of shooting he opted for a pass inside and it was in front of both Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry.

Xavi's attempted pass was deflected up in the air, and Barca centre-back Gerard Pique climbed high to head the ball into the path of the unmarked Pedro, whose looping header over Albil found the back of the net and sparked wild celebrations by the European side.

The goal also sent the match to extra-time, when Barca made all the running.

Messi and Ibrahimovic both failed to hit the target with decent openings in the first period, but it would be the former who would end up being the match-winner.

Xavi's cross in behind the Estudiantes defence was latched onto by Messi and he dove forward to chest the ball past Albil and ensure yet another trophy would be heading back to the Camp Nou with record-breaking Barca.

FIFA Club World Cup 2009: Pohang Steelers win 3rd place after penalty shootout

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:38:00 +0000

Pohang Steelers beat Atlante on 4-3 penalties to finish third at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009. Kim Hyun-Gil scored the winning penalty after Song Dong-Jin had saved Rafael Marquez’s spot-kick and Horacio Peralta’s effort had hit the outside of the post. Normal time had ended with the sides at one goal apiece, with Marquez cancelling out Denilson’s opener for the Asians.

Pohang flew out of the blocks, taking less than sixty seconds to create the first opportunity. Denilson controlled the ball superbly, and his ensuing through-ball put No Byung-Jun one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the Steelers No22’s touch deserted him and Federico Vilar was able to smother the ball at his feet.

Atlante’s response came on five minutes. Christian Bermudez sprinted clear of the Pohang defence, but a leaping Song Dong-Jin managed to tip the diminutive attacker’s attempted chip over. From the resulting corner, Gabriel Pereyra’s thumping header came back off the crossbar before being cleared.

On 22 minutes, Denilson came close to scoring what would surely have been the goal of the tournament. Collecting the ball inside his own half, the Brazilian tricked his way past four adversaries and unleashed a fierce drive, which was repelled by Vilar.

Song Chang-Ho’s 30-yard piledriver went narrowly over the bar on 25 minutes, before Song Dong-Jin made a fine block to deny Fernando Navarro’s close-range effort. The Pohang No21 pushed the resulting corner into the path of the unmarked Jose Gonzalez, who was unable to find the target. Pereyra came mightily close to breaking the deadlock thereafter, but his cushioned finish hit the post.

Pohang broke the deadlock with the clock reading 42. Shin Hyung-Min did brilliantly to win a header he had no right to win. The ball fell into the path of Denilson, who took it down and slotted it past Vilar from nine yards for his fourth goal of UAE 2009.

The Asian champions almost doubled their advantage shortly later. Choi Hyo-Jin’s sheer determination carried him into the Atlante box, but although his shot across goal beat Vilar, Miguel Martinez slid in to push the ball out for a corner, which came to nothing.

The first chance of the second half was, as was the case in the first, quick in arriving. This one was, by contrast, dispatched. Pereyra freed Marquez, whose precise finish across goal found the bottom corner to level the scores.

Pereyra was thriving and his 25-yard free-kick was on 55 minutes was only narrowly off target. Atlante enjoyed a dominant 15-minute spell thereafter, although they failed to invent any meaningful opportunities.

Pohang did on 83 minutes. The lively No skilfully beat his marker and, from six yards out, forced Vilar into a smart save. The same player nearly presented Denilson with a chance four minutes later, but his attempted pass was intercepted.

With the seconds ticking down on normal time, Pereyra’s header came back off the post. Then, the brilliant Denilson spun his marker inside the area only to see Vilar block his ensuing shot. Penalties would decide the third-place play-off.

EPL 09/10: Portsmouth add more misery to Liverpool, Fulham trash United and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:29:00 +0000

Fulham took apart Manchester United's makeshift defence to inflict a fifth Premier League loss of the season on the champions as Liverpool crashed to defeat at lowly Portsmouth.

Aston Villa enhanced their UEFA Champions League hopes with a battling victory over Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur did likewise with success at Blackburn Rovers.
Mark Hughes, with former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini reportedly in the stands, boosted his prospects of hanging on to the Manchester City job after a seven-goal thriller against Sunderland.

Liverpool found precious little festive cheer on the South Coast in slumping to a seventh league defeat as Portsmouth were dominant in claiming a 2-0 victory.

Rafa Benitez's side travelled to the Premier League's bottom club on the back of a midweek win but experienced that familiar losing feeling as goals in either half from Nadir Belhadj and Frederic Piquionne did the damage.

A miserable day for Liverpool and Benitez was exacerbated by a red card dished out to Javier Mascherano before half-time for a reckless challenge on Tal Ben Haim. Had Liverpool played with 12, though, they would still have lost.

Portsmouth were aggressive from the onset and while chances were at premium in the opening period few would begrudge their opener, a stunning angled strike from Belhadj after 33 minutes that whistled past Pepe Reina.

Liverpool's search for an equaliser was largely restricted to a deflected Steven Gerrard effort that Asir Begovic clawed off the line, before Piquionne added a sumptuous second on the volley after the break.

Arsenal have moved to within two points of second-placed Manchester United with a game in hand after getting the better of Hull City with a 3-0 Emirates success.

Arsene Wenger's side took the lead just before half-time when Denilson stroked home a delightful free-kick after Abou Diaby was deemed to have been brought down by George Boateng.

The visitors had the perfect chance to equalise after the interval, but Geovanni saw his spot-kick saved by Manuel Almunia after Mikael Silvestre needlessly hauled down Craig Fagan.

Fulham ruthlessly capitalised on Manchester United's defensive crisis after a commanding 3-0 win over the Premier League champions at Craven Cottage.

Danny Murphy enjoys scoring against United and he broke the deadlock on 22 minutes with an expertly placed shot beyond Tomasz Kuszczak from 25 yards after he robbed the dithering Paul Scholes of possession.

Fulham increased the lead barely 20 seconds after half-time when Clint Dempsey nodded down a cross for the in-form Bobby Zamorato prod home in predatory fashion.

Zamora was involved in Fulham's third goal on 75 minutes as he superbly controlled a deep free-kick before laying the ball off on the edge of the box for Damien Duff to rifle a volley beyond Kuszczak.

Roque Santa Cruz scored a goal in each half to lift his under-fire manager Hughes as City enjoyed a roller-coasted 4-3 home triumph over Sunderland.

City enjoyed a dream start when Roque Santa Cruz side-footed home on four minutes after a low cross from Craig Bellamy, who was then brought down in the box for Carlos Tevez to score from the spot on 12 minutes.

Yet City's defensive frailties came back to haunt them on 16 minutes when John Mensah headed home Andy Reid's cross after the hosts failed to deal with a corner.

Sunderland levelled on 24 minutes through Jordan Henderson only for City to regain the lead before half-time through Bellamy's precise finish.

Poor defending from City again allowed the Black Cats to equalise on 62 minutes as Henderson was afforded time and space to pick out Kenwyne Jones to glance home.

The hosts were back in front on 69 minutes when Pablo Zabaleta picked out the unmarked Gareth Barry in the box and he steered the ball across goal for Santa Cruz to nudge over the line.

The Black Cats finished the match with 10 men when Michael Turner was sent off for a challenge on Barry much to the ire of visiting boss Steve Bruce.

Aston Villa continued their good run of form as John Carew's second-half header kept the hosts in the top-four positions after a 1-0 win over Stoke.

Stoke thought they had taken the lead just past the half-hour mark only for Mamady Sidibe's effort to be ruled out for a push on Villa full-back Stephen Warnock.

And Villa capitalised on that reprieve on 61 minutes as Ashley Young played in a dangerous cross from the right which Carew nodded past Thomas Sorensen.

Peter Crouch scored a goal in each half as Tottenham put their Christmas party shenanigans behind them with a 2-0 win away to Blackburn.

Spurs edged ahead just before the interval when Niko Kranjcar retrieved a wayward shot from Tom Huddlestone and crossed for Peter Crouch to head home at the far post.

Blackburn came close to an equaliser five minutes into the second half when Benni McCarthy's shot clipped Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes before coming back off the post.

Spurs made certain of the points on 83 minutes when Jermaine Jenas rolled the ball through to Crouch, who showed good composure before placing his attempt into the back of the net.

Hughes on his way out if City lose today!

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is fighting an increasingly hazardous battle to save his job. Failure to beat Sunderland today would see Hughes in the firing line.

City face Sunderland at Eastlands on the back of a midweek 3-0 capitulation to Tottenham and the doubting voices are getting louder.

Star striker Carlos Tevez, however, last night launched an impassioned plea for Hughes to be given more time, telling, ‘It would be a massive backward step for this club if Mark Hughes leaves now. People should not panic.’

But it emerged last night that club owner Sheik Mansour, of Abu Dhabi, is being urged to question how the season is progressing.

Hughes feels that he maintains the Sheik’s support. City lie in eighth place in the Barclays Premier League table and he has privately pointed out that three wins from the next five league games will leave his team exactly where he and his board agreed they should be in early January.

Indeed, City have a game in hand over many of their close rivals.

However, the sands appeared to shift significantly at Eastlands yesterday as leaks began to suggest that not everybody at City was as firm in their support of Hughes.

With Hughes facing Sunderland, Stoke City and Wolves over the Christmas period, the Welshman can only hope that Sheik Mansour holds his nerve under pressure from those who feel City are experiencing a disappointing season.

Debate: Mourinho will get Chelsea hairdryer, Beckham to send United out of the competition ?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:59:00 +0000

It was always going to happen one day - but you just wonder how the Chelsea fans who still worship the Special One will react to him coming to the Bridge to try and boot the Blues out of the Champions League.

This morning's sensational draw for the last 16, not only pitting Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan against Chelsea but also pairing the other San Siro side with Manchester United, ensures that the days until mid-February will be absolutely full of build-up.

What you will not get at the Bridge is warm hugs and embraces - although things have certainly warmed up between David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson since the former England skipper left Old Trafford in 2003.

Carlo Ancelotti's hatred of Mourinho is visceral, with the Italian believing the Portuguese stands for all that is wrong in football - haughtily self-important, egotistical and vain, as well as being possessed by a Messiah complex.

In turn, Mourinho enjoyed playing up to the image, going out of his way to wind Ancelotti up last season with a series of needless, petty jibes.

That ensures fireworks all the way - mainly, it must be assumed, coming from Milan.

But quite what the Chelsea players, many of whom owe their significant success to Mourinho, will think about having to play against him is a tougher one to call.

As is the response of the Chelsea fans. For many of them, Mourinho's departure was one of the lowest points of their lives, the end of an era that surpassed all their previous dreams and aspirations.

The muted and polite applause that greeted Avram Grant when he brought his Chelsea side to SW6 in midweek will seem even more miniscule in relation to the waves of acclaim that will be sent towards Mourinho before kick-off for the second leg.

Unless, of course, Mourinho does what Mourinho tends to do in the build-up, picking a fight he does not need to pick and calling it on with Ancelotti, Chelsea, Roman Abramovich and even the supporters.

Things may be very different at Old Trafford as Beckham - assuming he is fit enough to convince Leonardo he deserves to play - comes back to United as a visiting player for the first time.

Beckham has forgiven and forgotten Fergie for the flying boot incident and the almost unseemly manner he was allowed to go to Real Madrid, and nothing will give the midfielder more pleasure than going back to the ground where he enjoyed so many of his proudest moments for club and country.

As for the matches - and Arsenal will back themselves to see off the limited challenge of Porto - it gives renewed life to a trans-national rivalry that has lost impetus in recent seasons.

While Liverpool, two years ago, and United last term, saw off Inter, it appeared to confirm the new order in Europe, after the 90s were all about Italiuan supremacy.

Over the past four seasons, the Premier League and Spain's La Liga have fought tooth and nail for the title of European masters, with Serie A, despite AC Milan's revenge win over Liverpool in 2007, firmly in the shade.

The Premier League, backed by the Sky machine and national pride, has loudly trumpeted its claims to be the best, pointing to the sheer number of world class foreign players who have travelled here to earn their living - nothing, of course, to do with the wages the clubs play.

But the true value of a currency is when it is measured against the Silver Standard of trophies.

And while England has produced six finalists since 2005, the Iberians have have many wins under the belt, courtesy of Barcelona's triumphs over Arsenal and United in 2006 and 2009.

This season, United are not yet as good as they looked before being taken to the cleaners by Barca in Rome and Arsenal have been savaged by injuries.

Even Chelsea, who looked dominant and devastating when they smashed Arsene Wenger's Gunners last month, have lost their way since, furrowing Carlo Ancelotti's brow yet further.

By contrast, Barca still look the real thing, likely to reinforce their claims for global domination in Dubaithis weekend.

Barca and Real still stand in the way before any of the English trio can walk out in the Bernabeu on May 22 but even to still be around for the last eight the threat of both halves of Milan will have to be snuffed out.

The Mourinho factor will make the task all the harder. Don't know about you, but I can't wait.

UCL 09/10: Chelsea vs Inter, AC Milan vs United in knockout phase this year!

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Chelsea tackle Inter Milan and former boss Jose Mourinho, Manchester United meet AC Milan and David Beckham, while Arsenal face Porto in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League.

The draw for the last 16 of the tournament has thrown up some hugely intriguing ties, none more so than the meeting between the Blues and their colourful former manager.

Mourinho led the Blues to back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006 but was unable to secure success on Europe's biggest stage.

The Portuguese tactician has enjoyed similar domestic glory with Inter Milan in Serie A but has, as yet, failed to make a mark on the Champions League.

Beckham's first return to Old Trafford is equally eye-catching, with the England international's loan move to AC Milan from LA Galaxy seeing him up against the club where he made his name.

Sir Alex Ferguson guided the Red Devils to glory in 2008 before their final defeat in 2009 and will be keen not to be dragged into the inevitable Beckham mania as he plots a third European crown.

Arsenal secured their place in the latter stages of the tournament with a game to spare in the group stage and will be hopeful of progressing to the quarter-finals and beyond once again having been paired with 2004 winners Porto, who they have met three times in the last four seasons.

Holders Barcelona, who were not at their best at times in the group stage, will have to overcome German side Stuttgart if they are to continue their defence of the trophy they lifted in Rome last year.

Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu will play host to the final on 22nd May next year, with the Spanish giants tackling dangerous French opponents Lyon in the first knockout round.

Bayern Munich, who produced a memorable victory away to Juventus to book their place in the last 16, are heading back to Italy to face a Fiorentina side who enjoyed home and away victories over Liverpool.

CSKA Moscow escaped expulsion despite two of their players failing doping tests after their group clash with United and are up against Sevilla, although Alexei Berezutski and Sergei Ignashevich will miss the first leg through suspension.

French champions Bordeaux boasted the best record in the group stages and will have their sights firmly set on further progress after being paired with Greek giants Olympiakos.

SEA Games Football Final: Malaysia bags gold

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:39:00 +0000

Malaysia finally ended its 20-year gold drought in the SEA Games men’s football competition, when it defeated Vietnam 1-0 in the final played at the Main Stadium of the National Sports Complex in Vientiane on Thursday.

The National Under-23 boys, who came here as non-medal prospects, pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Games to win the gold.

Malaysia last won the football gold in the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games in 1989, with a 1-0 victory over Singapore.

The ‘winner’ came courtesy of an own goal by Vietnam’s Mai Xuan Hop’s in the 84th minute of a toughly-fought final. The football gold medal was also Malaysia’s 40th gold medal in Vientiane.

The victory was all the more sweeter as the Malaysians had lost 1-3 to Vietnam in a group match on Dec 6.

Earlier, the young Malaysians had knocked out defending champions Thailand 2-1 in the group stage to win a place in the semi-finals.

Then in the last four, they downed Laos 3-1 in front of a sell-out 20,000 fans.

EPL 09/10: Chelsea, Liverpool win and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:28:00 +0000

Chelsea ended their blip in form with a victory over rock-bottom Portsmouth to restore a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while Tottenham won their battle of the UEFA Champions League contenders with Manchester City.

Liverpool recorded only their third win in 10 league games as celebrations of 50 years since Bill Shankly became manager were marked by narrowly defeating Wigan at Anfield, and Arsenal's title credentials were dented by a draw at Burnley.

Avram Grant's return to Stamford Bridge as Portsmouth manager was an unhappy one as Chelsea restored a three-point lead at the table's summit with a 2-1 win.

Chelsea were without Didier Drogba due to a back injury, however, Nicolas Anelka made up for his strike partner's absence by converting early dominance into a lead after collecting a 23rd minute pass from the rampaging Alex.

But there was evening-long evidence of recent anxiety at set-pieces and it was at a free-kick that Pompey equalised as Frederic Piquionne volleyed past Petr Cech in the 51st minute after Jamie O'Hara had hit a wall.

Marc Wilson, though, undid the hard work of his team-mates in the 79th minute as he chopped down Branislav Ivanovic inside the penalty area and Frank Lampard converted to ensure Pompey prop up the division.

Tottenham delivered an indication that they may be better equipped than Manchester City to break the cartel of the Big Four with a 3-0 success over Mark Hughes' side at White Hart Lane.

Spurs had provided the first-half threat, with City's Emmanuel Adebayor seemingly in one of his disinterested moods, and correctly took the lead in the 37th minute when Niko Kranjcar tapped in after Peter Crouch had headed against Stephen Ireland.

Crouch had proved a handful all evening and he was again involved in the undoing of defensively-shaky City in the 54th minute as he nodded on for Jermain Defoe to prod past Shay Given.

Spurs had lost to Wolves at the weekend and were without a win in three matches prior to Wednesday, so Kranjcar's excellent second goal of the night on 90 minutes added additional gloss.

David Ngog and Fernando Torres were the heroes for Liverpool as they moved sixth in the table on goal difference as Wigan were beaten 2-1 on what proved to be a tense night at Anfield

The Reds were celebrating 50 years since former manager Shankly took charge at Anfield and home supporters only had to wait an additional nine minutes for a further reason to cheer.

Young French striker Ngog continued his improvement by cleverly applying a glancing header to Fabio Aurelio's cross at the Anfield Road end.

A host of star names from the days of Shankly, including Kevin Keegan, were in attendance, but they failed to fully inspire a Liverpool side low on confidence as Wigan threatened on the counter-attack through Paul Scharner and Jordi Gomez.
Torres, rested on the bench after Sunday's defeat to Arsenal, was introduced in the second half, but it was Wigan who finished strongly as Jason Scotland hit a glorious chance against the crossbar.

However, Spain international Torres found the back of the net in the 79th minute as he scored his side's second, despite seeing an original effort blocked on the line by Titus Bramble when goalkeeper Chris Kirkland had already been beaten.

Charles N'Zogbia netted in injury time to give Wigan a goal they deserved as Liverpool again failed to keep a clean sheet, but Rafa Benitez's side held on.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal had been praised for coming from behind at Liverpool, but they could not fully capitalise as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Burnley, meaning the Gunners only moved above third-placed Aston Villa on goal difference.

Owen Coyle had promised in the build-up to the midweek fixture that his side would not abandon their passing style when competing with the cultural aesthetics of Arsenal.

But the Burnley boss must have wished that defender-come-midfielder Andre Bikey had opted for the agricultural when getting the ball trapped under his feet in the 18-yard area in the seventh minute to gift Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas a messy goal.

Bikey, though, redeemed himself at Turf Moor in the 28th minute when winning a penalty after being clattered by Thomas Vermaelen, allowing Graham Alexander to once again make no mistake from the spot.

Having conceded the equaliser, injury-hit Arsenal, who will know title contenders need to win games such as these, suffered another setback before half-time as Fabregas limped off to be replaced by Aaron Ramsey.

Burnley thought they had taken the lead after half-time when Steven Fletcher finished at the back post, but the striker was on the wrong end of a tight offside decision.

FIFA Club World Cup 2009: Barca reach final after beat Atlante

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Barcelona emphatically underlined why many regard them as the best and most entertaining side in the world in their semi-final with Atlante. The European champions found themselves at an early deficit, but an exquisite performance was rewarded with a 3-1 victory and a date with Estudiantes in Saturday’s decider.

Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, who performed exceptionally following his 53rd-minute introduction, and Pedro were on target for Barça, following Guillermo Rojas’s surprise opener for the Cancun outfit. Atlante will now face Pohang Steelers in the third-place play-off.

Barcelona immediately began to showcase their inimitable, pass-and-move football. Three minutes in, that style conjured up the first opportunity for Busquets, who shot tamely wide from the edge of the box.

However, the reigning European champions were stunned on five minutes. Rojas beat goalkeeper Victor Valdes to a long ball and clipped the ball over the Barça No1. The diminutive playmaker still had significant work to do, as the ball was heading out for a goal-kick, but, from an acute angle, he managed to flick the ball into the empty net with his outstretched leg.

Pep Guardiola’s troops charged up the other end and from a Xavi corner, Busquets' header forced Federico Vilar into a smart save. Atlante then broke menacingly down the right, but Fernando Navarro’s end product failed to validate his admirable build-up play.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic came close to creating a chance for himself after tricking two opponents exquisitely, while Xavi also drew gasps from the pro-Barcelona crowd by side-stepping a pair of adversaries.

Luis Velasquez earned his plaudits on 20 minutes, heading a 20th-minute Andres Iniesta cross destined for Ibrahimovic out for the corner, which came to nothing. The Swedish striker was troubling Atlante. With 22 minutes gone, he muscled Vilar off the ball outside of the penalty area and chipped it towards the unmanned goal. However, with no support, a comfortable clearance was made.

Iniesta tried his luck on 25 minutes and the midfielder’s powerful, swerving effort was only narrowly off target. Ibrahimovic followed suit seven minutes later, sending a dipping free-kick just over the bar.

Finally, the Barcelona onslaught reaped a reward ten minutes before the break. Xavi’s corner was flicked on by the head of Yaya Toure, and Busquets scrambled home the loose ball. The crowd in Abu Dhabi duly went wild.

Another sweeping Barça move almost resulted in a goal just before half-time. However, after hurtling into the Mexicans’ area, Dani Alves fired into the side-netting. An engrossing first 45 was brought to a close thereafter. Barcelona had dazzled but the game was still in the balance.

The Catalan giants started the second half as they ended the first: dominating possession and attacking at every opportunity. Velasquez was doing his utmost to keep them at bay.

Pedro played a delightful one-two with Xavi near the byline, but just failed to keep the ball in play. Then the crowd erupted: Lionel Messi jogged on to the field to replace Toure.

The Argentinian took less than two minutes to adhere to the script his adoring followers had imagined. Taking a clever reverse pass from Ibrahimovic in his stride, he skipped away from his marker, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home to provoke deafening noise inside the Zayed Sports City Stadium.

Messi was heavily involved in the ensuing ten minutes. His lightning feet earned two free-kicks, the latter of which Xavi curled on to the head of Ibrahimovic, whose dangerous cut-back forced Atlante to concede a corner.

The UEFA Champions League holders put the game out of their CONCACAF counterparts reach on 67 minutes. Iniesta jinked his way into the Atlante 18-yard box and craftily slipped the ball through to the unmarked Pedro, who finished calmly.

A superb Xavi pass presented Ibrahimovic with a chance soon afterwards, but he wasted his effort.

The last 20 minutes were all about Barcelona warming themselves to a thrilled audience. Messi and Ibrahimovic showcased their vast array of party pieces, and the latter also scored with a stunning strike from distance. Pedro also came close to adding to the Spaniards’ cushion.

As it transpired, 3-1 was how it finished – a result that, in truth, flattered the brave Mexicans. If this Barcelona master class was anything to go by, Estudiantes face an uphill battle on Saturday.

Franck Ribery ready to move to Chelsea for £45m

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Bayern Munich's new president Uli Hoeness is ready to cash in on Chelsea target Franck Ribery if the France star does not sign a new contract in the next few weeks.

The Bundesliga club resisted all bids for the 26-year-old last summer, but Hoeness now concedes that Ribery will be sold if his contract to 2011 is not extended by the spring.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to sanction a £45million move, while Real Madrid, Manchester United, City and Barcelona will also be alerted by the admission that this season could be Ribery's last at the Allianz Arena.

'If Ribery doesn't renew his deal in the spring, it would be fiscally irresponsible to keep him, as he's out of contract in 2011,' said Hoeness, who replaced Franz Beckenbauer as Bayern president last month. 'We'd just be giving away €50-60m (aproximately £45-55m) in that case.'

Ribery has missed much of the season with a knee injury, which may deter attempts to sign him in January, but his days in Germany appear to be numbered.

EPL 09/10: United level at the top and round-up

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Manchester United marked manager Sir Alex Ferguson's 900th league game in style as they moved level with Chelsea at the top of the table with a home victory over a much-changed Wolves side, while Aston Villa won at Sunderland to return to third.

In-form Birmingham climbed to fifth as Alex McLeish's side recorded a fifth successive league win by defeating Blackburn at St Andrews, and Bolton overcame fellow strugglers West Ham after a mistake from Robert Green at the Reebok Stadium helped the Trotters to move out of the relegation zone at Wolves' expense.

Ferguson was celebrating his 900th league game in charge of United and a 3-0 victory over Wolves provided the perfect marker to ensure the lead of Chelsea, who host Portsmouth on Wednesday, is based only on goal difference.

But Wolves boss Mick McCarthy also created a story as, seemingly with Saturday's game with Burnley in mind, he made 10 changes to the team which won at Tottenham at the weekend, with goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann the only survivor.

United had dominated the opening phases at Old Trafford, but they did not take the lead until the half-hour mark as Wayne Rooney converted a penalty after Ronald Zubar intentionally, and foolishly, handled a cross.

Wolves had battled hard prior to falling behind, but they were hit by an additional setback two minutes before half-time as Nemanja Vidic headed past Hahnemann from a Darron Gibson corner.

United's third came in the 66th minute as Dimitar Berbatov brilliantly set up Antonio Valencia with an overhead kick for a 10-yard finish to end any debate that he and his team-mates had recovered from their weekend defeat to Villa.

Martin O'Neill's Villa continue to look very well equipped to qualify for the UEFA Champions League after a 2-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, where the home side had captain Lorik Cana sent off in the second half.

England striker Emile Heskey opened the scoring in the 24th minute as the increasingly-impressive James Milner flicked a pass through the heart of the Sunderland defence for his team-mate to fire low past Marton Fulop.

Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel was required to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the best in the league before half-time as he superbly stopped an Andy Reid shot.

It was harsh on Sunderland that they were not on level terms, but Steve Bruce's side continued to waste chances in the second half as Reid hit a volley wide after Darren Benthad done well to head on.

Milner then made the Black Cats pay as he added fuel to rumours that he could be an England starter at the World Cup with a superb goal from 25 yards on 61 minutes.

Things went from bad to worse for Bruce with 11 minutes remaining as Cana was sent off for a second booking.

McLeish has been keen to play down talk of European qualification this season but the Scot will have his work cut out after Birmingham's 2-1 win over Blackburn moved the Blues level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham.

Cameron Jerome took advantage of sleepy defending from Blackburn on 12 minutes as McLeish' No.10 knocked past Paul Robinson from close range after collecting the ball from a ricocheted Sebastian Larsson cross.

Birmingham thought they had a second on 20 minutes when Christian Benitez netted from Stephen Carr's pass, but the Ecuadorian's effort was ruled out due to a tight offside decision.

Carr had an excellent evening and delivered Jerome's second goal on a plate as he crossed for his team-mate to apply a simple finish three minutes after half-time.

Blackburn set up a nervy finish in England's Second City when Ryan Nelsen tapped in from close range after Pascal Chimbonda had turned a Morten Gamst Pedersen free-kick across the face of goal in the 69th minute, but it was not enough.

Birmingham failed to make life more comfortable in the closing minutes as Benitez staggeringly hit the cross bar at an open goal, however the Blues hung on to record five successive Premier League wins for the first time in the club's history.

Gary Megson's Bolton again eased the pressure on their under-fire manager with what could prove to be a vital 3-1 win over West Ham at the Reebok Stadium.

Bolton, who drew 3-3 with Manchester City at the weekend, had the better of the first half and Kevin Davies could have scored in the opening seconds with a deflected effort from long range.

West Ham handed Kieron Dyer a first start in three months, but the injury-prone midfielder limped off with an apparent hamstring problem after 21 minutes.

The game came to life after the interval and Lee Chung-Yong broke the deadlock after 64 minutes following an excellent give-and-go with Ivan Klasnic.
But Gianfranco Zola's Hammers were level five minutes later as Alessandro Diamantimade no mistake when meeting Jack Collison's lay-off.

Bolton, though, regained the lead as England hopeful Green produced a horrible moment in the 77th minute as he fumbled a deflected Gary Cahill volley to give Klasnic a simple rebound.

Megson's men then wrapped up the points with two minutes remaining as Cahill headed substitute Ricardo Gardner's back-post corner.

Debate: Sukan SEA Laos 2009: Bolasepak - Malaysia vs Vietnam! Siapa Juara?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Post ini merupakan peraduan khas sempena kejayaan Malaysia mara ke perlawanan akhir bolasepak Sukan SEA di Laos. Baca dan sertai peraduan ini!

Skuad bola sepak kebangsaan menempa sejarah apabila mara ke perlawanan akhir selepas mencatat kemenangan bergaya 3-1 ke atas pasukan tuan rumah pada aksi separuh akhir Sukan SEA XXV, semalam.

Kemenangan itu mengulangi pencapaian pada Sukan SEA 2001 di Kuala Lumpur ketika Malaysia kali terakhir mara ke final acara bola sepak Sukan SEA.

Malaysia akan menentang Vietnam Khamis ini pada pukul 6 petang waktu Malaysia.

Vietnam layak ke perlawanan akhir selepas membenam Singapura 4-1 pada satu lagi perlawanan separuh akhir semalam.

"Kemenangan ini akan dikenang sebagai hari bersejarah dalam dalam sukan bola sepak negara.

"Kemenangan ini adalah hasil semangat kental para pemain yang tidak kenal erti mengalah.

"Mereka mempamer semangat juang yang tinggi walaupun beraksi di depan ribuan penyokong pasukan tuan rumah,

"Tahniah kepada para pemain kerana berjaya merealisasikan harapan untuk ke final," katanya.

Malaysia mara ke perlawanan akhir selepas membenam Loas menerusi dua jaringan Baddrol Bakhtiar dan Safiq Rahim.

"Para pemain di bawah bimbingan Rajagobal membuktikan mereka adalah antara skuad terbaik dalam sejarah bola sepak negara.

"Kita pernah mendapatkan jurulatih asing, tetapi gagal menepati apa yang kita harapan.

"Apabila Rajagobal diberi amanah membentuk skuad bola sepak negara, dia telah melaksanakan tugasnya dengan cemerlang," katanya.

Menurutnya, jika boleh dia mahu skuad negara bertemu dengan Vietnam pada perlawanan akhir.

"Ini kerana kita mahu membuktikan kekalahan kita kepada Vietnam pada perlawanan peringkat kumpulan disebabkan keputusan pengadil yang tidak memihak kepada pemain kita.

"Kita mahu membuktikan bahawa kita lebih baik berbanding Vietnam," katanya.

p/s: Malaysia pasti juara! Berikan komen anda yang bernas, bersemangat bersempena perlawanan akhir ini!

p/s/s: Post ini menjanjikan hadiah wang tunai RM200 kepada:
1. Pengomen terbanyak dengan komen2 yang benas.
2. Berikan satu kata2 semangat kepada pasukan Malaysia pada komen anda. Contohnya: "Malaysia Boleh" - Kekreatifan diambil kira.
3. RT post ini dengan meletakkan ayat ini - "Malaysia pasti juara bolasepak Sukan SEA 2009"
4. Berikan tekaan anda keputusan perlawanan akhir ini.
5. Itu sahaja ... selamat mencuba

p/s/s/s: Kuiz ini akan ditutup sebaik sahaja perlawanan akhir Bolasepak Malaysia vs Vietnam bermula dan keputusan akan diumumkan keesokannya. Keputusan penganjur adalah muktamad!

FIFA Club World Cup 2009 Final Preview: Barca vs Atlante - Who will win?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Kick-Off: Wednesday, December 16, 2009. 20:00 local time.
Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

First it was Spain, then it was Europe, and now Barcelona are attempting to complete a historic 2009 by becoming officially the best club side in the world, a title already bestowed on them by a throng of football fans and pundits but one they have never actually won.

When the Blaugrana defeated Manchester United 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in May – claiming the Champions League title and completing the third leg of their historic treble – they essentially dethroned the previous world champions, vanquishing the only other side in Europe who were deemed to boast consistency and quality on a level akin to theirs. Now Pep Guardiola’s men have the opportunity to make their unofficial title bona fide.

The summer may have brought with it a brief truce in hostilities, but it did not prevent Barca’s momentum carrying them to further silverware. Already boasting the Primera Division and Copa del Rey titles, the men from Camp Nou promptly hoovered up the Supercopa de Espana and the UEFA Super Cup.

There is but one spot left on Barca’s mantelpiece, and it neatly fits the Club World Cup. The Catalan giants now stand on the very cusp of holding all six trophies at once, surely an achievement that will be not be replicated for decades to come.

Atlante provide their first opposition in Abu Dhabi, while a final against either Pohang Steelers or Estudiantes will follow on Sunday should Europe’s finest emerge unscathed against the Mexicans.

Jose Guadalupe Cruz’s Atlante side qualified for the Club World Cup by virtue of their success in the CONCACAF Champions League, beating Cruz Azul 2-0 over two legs to be named the best side on the North American continent.

Whereas Barcelona have successfully built upon their continental success, Atlante have faded somewhat, finishing a rather disappointing ninth in 2009’s Apertura, possessing a record that saw them lose more games than they won.

However, the Mexicans have had a little more time to adapt to the Abu Dhabi climate than their opponents, already having had one game at the 2009 Club World Cup. Auckland City, who shocked Al-Ahly in the first round, were comfortably dispatched 3-0, with the goals coming from Daniel Arreola, Christian Bermudez and Luis Bermudez.

Dominant in their previous encounter, Atlante have also enjoyed some success against Spanish opposition over the course of the last few months. The summer’s Peace Cup saw them paired against Malaga, who proved a test for the Mexicans. After being threatened by the La Liga side at 1-1, Los Potros de Hierro scored twice in the final quarter of the game to ease to victory.

Barcelona

Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi remains Barcelona’s key injury problem. The Argentine offensive wizard has not yet returned to training after sustaining an ankle issue. He has not yet been ruled out, but the prospects of him playing seem bleak.

With a long trip and an intense schedule, Guardiola may attempt to shuffle his squad a little.

Probable Starting XI: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta; Pedro, Ibrahimovic, Henry

Atlante

Atlante have registered no injury issues ahead of Wednesday’s game and will likely stick close to the XI that eased past Auckland.

Christian Bermudez had a thigh problem last week, but that did not stop him from playing against the New Zealanders.

Probable Starting XI: Vilar; Martinez, Guerrero, Velazquez; Gonzalez, Arreola; Navarro, Rojas, Solari; Bermudez, Marquez

Verdict: Easy win for Barca!

United and FC Twente in pursuit of Huntelaar

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:49:00 +0000

Manchester United have been linked with an approach for AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in January.

Steve McClaren’s FC Twente are trying to negotiate a loan to take him back to Holland but his advisers want a bigger club.

The 26-year-old has made just five starts since he left Real Madrid for the San Siro last summer and has scored just two goals for the Rossoneri in nine overall outings - both during a seven-minute substitute spell against Serie A side Catania last month.

The former Ajax frontman is desperate to impress Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk ahead of next year's World Cup in South Africa.

But the one-time Tottenham Hotspur target, who has scored 14 goals in 29 international appearances for Holland, may reluctantly decide to quit life in Italy in order to maintain his hopes of featuring in the 2010 finals.

United, meanwhile, are also keen on a deal for Cardiff defender Adam Matthews.

UCL 09/10: Barca, Inter, Stuttgart, Olympiakos qualified to next round

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:41:00 +0000

The group phase of the UEFA Champions League concluded with Barcelona safely avoiding elimination and Liverpool, Arsenal and Rangers all losing.

The three British sides all suffered narrow defeats but it mattered little as their fates were already known before kick-off, with Arsenal progressing as Group H winners, Liverpool dropping down to the Europa League and Rangers bowing out of continental competition entirely.

Group F commanded the most attention and reigning champions Barcelona overcame Dynamo Kiev 2-1 to seal top spot, meaning they will not face any of the three remaining English sides in the next round.

Barcelona started the night in control of their own destiny at the top of the group, but with all four teams still in contention to qualify and a complex set of permutations in place it was always going to be a nervy night for the Catalan giants.

Tensions escalated after just two minutes when Victor Valdes fumbled Artem Milevskiy's glancing header into his own net, but Barca responded strongly and Xavi equalised with a close-range finish from Eric Abidal's left-wing cross before half-time.

Barcelona starved Dynamo of possession in the second period and wrapped up an impressive night's work with a fabulous late free-kick from the brilliant Lionel Messi.

Inter Milan joined Barca in the knockout stages following a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Russian champions Rubin Kazan, who must now take their place in the Europa League.

Mario Balotelli was the star of the show for Jose Mourinho's side, first setting up Samuel Eto'o for the opening goal with a neat pass and then netting with a superb free-kick midway through the second half.

Guaranteed to fall into the Europa League as the third-placed team in Group E regardless of the outcome of their clash with Fiorentina, the main point of interest for Liverpool fans was the performance of Alberto Aquilani on his first start.

The Italian midfielder showed a few neat touches but looked understandably rusty after a long spell on the sidelines as the Reds were beaten 2-1 draw at Anfield.

Yossi Benayoun headed Liverpool into a 1-0 lead from Steven Gerrard's free-kick two minutes before the break, only for Martin Jorgensen to draw Fiorentina level with a fine effort from the edge of the box.

Alberto Gilardino then popped up with an injury-time winner for the Italian side and it was a crucial strike as it secured first place in the group.

Lyon therefore had to settle for second spot despite ending their group campaign with an emphatic 4-0 success against Hungarian minnows Debrecen.

Goalkeeper Djordje Pantic could only parry a weak effort from Sidney Govou and Bafetimbi Gomis seized on the rebound to put Lyon ahead in the 25th minute.

Debrecen have conceded more goals than any other team in the competition this season and poor defending was again in evidence as Michel Bastos struck home a powerful second on the stroke of half-time after being left unmarked in the box.

Miralem Pjanic added a third just before the hour mark and Aly Cissokho drove home a fourth to complete the rout.

Olympiakos sealed their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Group H winners Arsenal in Greece.

There may have been a famous name in the Arsenal defence but young defender Tom Cruise was one of several unfamiliar faces in a line-up showing 11 changes from the side that beat Stoke in the Premier League over the weekend.

The Gunners acquitted themselves well throughout but the onus was on Olympiakos to press forward and their urgency was rewarded when Leonardo slotted past Lukasz Fabianski early in the second half.

There was late drama in Belgium as Standard Liege goalkeeper Sinan Bolat scored a last-minute equaliser to deny AZ Alkmaar a Europa League adventure.

Jeremain Lens broke the deadlock for AZ four minutes before half-time, darting towards the near post to volley in a pinpoint delivery from Sebastien Pocognoli.

AZ looked set to pip Liege for third spot until Bolat sparked wild celebrations with a headed goal right at the death that rescued a 1-1 draw and a vital point.

Rangers already knew they would finish bottom of Group G and they were not able to bring their European campaign to a close on a high note as they went down 1-0 to Sevilla in Spain.

Fredi Kanoute fired Sevilla in front from the penalty spot after just eight minutes following a clumsy challenge by Steven Whittaker on Fernando Navarro and Rangers lacked the potency to find an equaliser in an uninspiring second half.

Stuttgart needed to beat surprise package Unirea Urziceni to claim second spot behind Sevilla and they rose to the challenge in style with a comprehensive 3-1 triumph.

The damage was done inside 11 minutes as Ciprian Marica, Christian Trasch and Pavel Pogrebnyak found the target for Stuttgart to stun their Romanian visitors

Unirea reduced their arrears through Antonio Semedo in the first minute of the second half but Stuttgart held on to give new manager Christian Gross the perfect start to his reign.

Debate: Liverpool, Juventus already out - Is the Europe gap shrinking?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 13:50:00 +0000

The rich get richer, the strong become stronger, while the poor get poorer. That seems to be how football works these days as Europe’s top dogs continue to grow in leaps in bounds, signing one megastar after another or poaching emerging young talents from smaller clubs in order to compete with their fiercest rivals on and off the pitch.

But some of the unfancied sides in this season’s Champions League refused to follow the script.

The biggest shock of all so far has been Liverpool, who didn’t even have the dramatic nous to be eliminated from the competition on the last day of the group phase. The Reds, unlike Europe’s other big guns, didn’t have much to spend during the summer, but at the same time, they succeeded in maintaining the core of the group from last season that did so well, bar for a certain Xabi Alonso.

But even then, with the club’s pedigree, an experienced manager like Rafa Benitez and some of the best players in the world at his disposal, you would think that they could at least push their qualification hopes until the last matchday.

Juventus were equally abysmal all round, and they splashed out to sign the likes of Felipe Melo and Diego. They only managed two wins in Group A, both unconvincing 1-0 victories over the poorest side in the section, Maccabi Haifa. The Old Lady were still expected to qualify for the knockout stage at the expense of another behemoth, Bayern Munich, but their miserable campaign was compounded when they were demolished 4-1 at home by the Bavarians, despite needing only a draw… despite scoring first.

Milan, on the other hand, stumbled across the finish line in the end, eventhough the final Group C standings would show that they have a comfortable looking two-point cushion over third placed Marseille. They were held at home by the French outfit and over the two meetings with minnows FC Zurich, collected just one fortunate point.

Fiorentina, the “fourth” team in Serie A last term, are the ones who are providing all the thrills from Italy, both in terms of results and performances. French sides, Bordeaux, inspired by Yoann Gourcuff and Lyon, who are assembling a new generation of septuple-chasing stars, have also been impressive, while Marseille weren’t far behind either, although they will have to fly the French flag from the Europa League from here on out.

The Russians are also leading a resurgence of their own. Rubin Kazan have become one of the darlings of the competition this campaign after shocking mighty Barcelona not once but twice, first winning at the Camp Nou before holding the reigning European kings to a stalemate at home. Not many teams in the world can prevent Lionel Messi and co. from scoring.

Barca could yet join Liverpool and Juventus in the Europa League or worst still, out of Europe all together, and so can Inter. It’s not a scenario you would’ve imagined happening a few years ago, or even last season.

CSKA Moscow, meanwhile, came close to upsetting Manchester United at Old Trafford, but quietly flew under the radar after an opening day setback against Wolfsburg to qualify for the last 16 on the last matchday, eventhough the Germans had been the favourites to progress.

Speaking of the devil, United haven’t been all that convincing either. After escaping embarrassment at home against CSKA, they did eventually stumble in their own backyard on Matchday Five against Besiktas, although Sir Alex Ferguson fielded his version of “the kids” having already bagged qualification to the next phase.

Romanian fairytale side, Unirea Urziceni are on the verge of becoming the only competition debutants this season to qualify for the last 16. They might not have had the toughest of groups, but when you consider that they have only ever been playing in Romania’s top flight for only four years, Rangers, VfB Stuttgart and even Sevilla must seem like Goliaths to them.

Even Arsenal were in a spot of bother. In fact, they were caught between a rock and something else altogether five minutes into the tournament after going behind 2-0 at Standard Liege, only to crawl back to win 3-2. But on Matchday Three, they were held at struggling Dutch side, AZ, another club playing in the Champions League-proper for the very first time, although they did participate in the old European Cup once before.

Chelsea were one of the more convincing of the perennial favourites heading into the final round of games, securing passage to the last 16 by Matchday Four and topping the group in the penultimate round, but a 2-2 draw at home to APOEL on Tuesday night put a blemish on their excellent run. And they fielded quite a strong team, too, against the Cypriots.

Real Madrid, despite all the criticism levelled at them and the incessant spotlight being focused on the Neo-Galactico project, were the only team who didn’t fumble against lesser opposition, beating both FC Zurich and Marseille twice. They failed to beat Milan in both encounters, but that’s not really a disappointment when you take into account that the Italians were the seeded team and Madrid were in the second pot during the group draw. Even then, the Merengues – along with the Rossoneri – had to wait until the final day to book their ticket to the round of 16.

Once upon a time, Europe’s underdogs would have all these hideous statistics and records stacked up against them, stats like the biggest defeat, the longest winless run, or the longest losing streak. They were unflattering figures that prompted questions to be raised about whether or not the smaller teams should be allowed to compete in the Champions League.

But now, in a blink of an eye, the tables have been turned and the question that begs to be asked is: is the gulf between Europe’s traditional giants and the chasing pack diminishing? Or are the superpowers of the continent simply taking their elite status for granted? Or maybe it’s just the old adage that anything can happen in football.

UCL 09/10: Bayern, CSKA Moscow, AC Milan and Real Madrid qualified to next round

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:58:00 +0000

Manchester United progressed to the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League as group winners as Michael Owen scored a brilliant hat-trick in Wolfsburg, while elsewhere Chelsea signed off with a disappointing draw at home to Apoel Nicosia and Bayern Munich battered Juventus 4-1 in Turin.

AC Milan sneaked in the next round despite failing to beat FC Zurich as Real Madrid did them a favour in Marseille, while United's win in Wolfsburg allowed CSKA Moscow to progress at the Bundesliga club's expense as they won in Besiktas.

The story of the night was in Turin though as Juve were miserable as they crashed out to Bayern.

Man United started the evening in Wolfsburg with the most unfamiliar of backlines as Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher were paired at centre-half and Park Ji-sung employed at right-back. Sir Alex Ferguson's side survived a couple of early scares before finding a footing without looking threatening themselves.

With the game heading for a stalemate going into the break Owen reminded Ferguson, and Fabio Capello, what he is capable of as he drifted in between his markers to deftly nod home Nani's left wing delivery.

Owen was not the only striker showing Ferguson what he was capable of though as Edin Dzeko - a reported United target - restored parity ten minutes after the break as his bullet header from Marcel Schafer's devilish delivery gave Tomasz Kuszczak not a prayer.

United were on the back foot thereafter but on a rare counter-attack Gabriel Obertan demonstrated brilliant foot work down the left before sliding the ball across goal for Owen to tap in.

Owen capped a memorable individual performance with the best goal of the night courtesy of another Obertan pass, as he raced clear before clipping a brilliant finish beyond Wolfsburg's crestfallen goalkeeper.

Wolfsburg's inability to beat United opened the door of opportunity for CSKA Moscow and it was one they stepped through on their travels to Besiktas.

Milos Krasic's effort four minutes before half-time gave CSKA the lead but Besitkas hit back at the death when Deivson Bobo found a leveller in the 86th minute.

The Russians secured progression in style in the final minute when Yevgeny Aldonin drove home a late, late winner.

Chelsea started the evening safe in the knowledge they had already claimed top spot in Group D and a relaxed atmosphere in the stands seemed to filter down to the pitch as they fell behind to Apoel Nicosia in just the sixth minute.

Constantinos Charalambides caught Chelsea napping down the left and from his delivery Marcin Zewlakov was able to steer a neat finish beyond Ross Turnbull.

It was a lead that was to prove short-lived as Michael Essien's swerving drive from range deceived Dionissis Chiotis in the Apoel goal, before the influential midfielder had to be replaced after pulling up with a hamstring injury.

Concern over Essien's injury was softened somewhat before the break as Didier Drogba's crisp low strike, following a bright interchange between Gael Kakuta and Yuri Zhirkov, gave Chelsea the lead.

John Terry had a goal disallowed late in the second half and his frustration was increased three minutes from time when John Obi Mikel's sloppy pass presented Nenad Mirosavjevic with the most unlikely of levellers.

Atletico Madrid secured third spot in the group despite slumping to a 3-0 defeat in the Vicente Calderon against Porto. The Portuguese, who started the game guaranteed of second place, were cruising by the quarter-of-an-hour mark.

Bruno Alves' header set them on their way in just the second minute before Radamel Falcao doubled the gloom in the Spanish capital.

With 15 minutes remaining Hulk etched his name on the scoresheet with a well deserved third for Porto.

Real Madrid progressed as Group C winners as they claimed an impressive 3-1 win on their travels to Marseille.

Cristiano Ronaldo's fifth goal in four Champions League appearances for Madrid gave the Spanish giants a lead in the crunch clash.

The Portuguese forward opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a trademark free-kick before Marseille's Argentine schemer Lucho Gonzalez restored parity for the home side.

On the hour mark Raul Albiol's goal for Madrid all but ended Marseille's hopes and Real's superiority was underlined by Ronaldo's second of the night with ten minutes left.

Marseille's failure to beat Madrid meant AC Milan could afford to drop points against FC Zurich and they did just that. Milan Gajic's stunning free-kick gave the home side a first half advantage that they held until the 64th minute when Alain Rochat saw red and conceded a penalty after bundling over Marco Borriello in the box.

Ronaldinho showed customary composure as he slotted home from 12 yards.

Bayern Munich marched into the next round with the most emphatic of 4-1 victories against Juventus.

David Trezeguet calmed nerves in Turin as he gave Juventus a 19th minute lead but it was to prove a false dawn. The Frenchman's finish was impressive but overshadowed by Bayern's leveller on the half hour mark.

When Ivica Olic went down in Juventus' box under challenge from Martin Caceres few expected Hans-Jorg Butt to run the length of the field to take the resulting penalty. Bayern's goalkeeper was a model of composure amid the nervous tension though, as he feinted before slotting past a bemused Gianluigi Buffon with aplomb.

It got even worse for the Old Lady after the break as Bayern forged ahead through Olic's tap-in after Buffon had parried Daniel van Buyten's free header into his path.

With the natives restless Bayern striker Mario Gomez exacerbated their woes in the 83rd minute with a third and decisive goal for Bayern and it got even worse for the home side as Anatoliy Tymoschuk made it four at the death.

French champions Bordeaux were afforded the luxury of travelling to Maccabi Haifa already assured of top spot and their excellent campaign continued with a win.

Abdou Traore was the architect of their winner in Israel as his cross was converted by Bordeaux striker Jussi.

Champions League preview - Matchday 6. Who will qualify?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Some of Europe's heavyweights are facing the prospect of crashing out of the Champions League in the final round of games in Groups A to D.

The likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan, Juventus and Bayern Munich are all sweating on reaching the last 16 as the group stages draw to a nervy conclusion.

Manchester United are safely through to the knockout stages, but they need a point away to Wolfsburg to ensure they finish as winners of Group B.

If injury-hit United lose to Wolfsburg, and CSKA Moscow fail to win at Besiktas in the other game in the group, last season's runners-up will finish in second spot.

Chelsea end their Group D campaign safe in the knowledge they have won the group and they will be aiming to get back to winning ways when they welcome Apoel Nicosia to Stamford Bridge.

In the other encounter in the group, Atletico Madrid need a win over already-qualified Porto be sure of a third-place finish and a spot in the Europa League.

Juventus' home clash with Bayern Munich in Group A is arguably the clash of the night with the Germans needing to win in Turin to secure their passage into the next round.

If Juventus draw it means Bayern will join Liverpool as early casualties from the Champions League dropping into the Europa League.

In the other game in the group already-qualified Bordeaux travel to basement boys Maccabi Haifa, who are still looking for their first point in the group.

Group C is still be decided with three teams still in with a chance of reaching the next round.

Real Madrid, who are two points clear at the summit of the group, need only a point from their trip to Marseille to send them through.

Marseille are currently third in Group C and they need a win to have any chance of reaching the last 16.

The French side would need to win by a larger margin than 3-0 to be sure of a place in the next phase, but could still qualify with any type of win if Milan fail to beat FC Zurich.

In-form Milan will progress with a victory, but matching Marseille's result against Real will also see them through to the lucrative knockout stages.

United set to battle Chelsea for Aguerro's signature

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:27:00 +0000

Manchester United are quietly keeping track of efforts to prise Sergio Aguero from cash-strapped Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea have shown the most determination in landing the Argentina striker, with reports in Spain saying the English club have seen at least two bids knocked back.

Aguero has conceded it may be time to leave La Liga, though not till the end of the season, when the Blues could be under a transfer embargo.

Inter boss Jose Mourinho has made Aguero his No 1 target for next summer, reports El Mundo Deportivo, but meeting his £55million release clause would be tricky for the Italians and former Chelsea winger Ricardo Quaresma could be offered in part-exchange.

However, United could yet emerge as a rival for the 21-year-old hot shot.

Sir Alex Ferguson has long tracked the father of Diego Maradona's grandchild but tentative approaches in the summer revealed his huge pay demands.

The champions' spending power has been called into question, but United are tracking Valencia striker David Villa and reports in Spain indicate that Ferguson is excited by the prospect of building a Villa-Aguero-Wayne Rooney attack.

Ferguson has yet to spend most of the £80m United received from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, though Partizan Belgrade and Bayern Munich have suggested an Old Trafford cash shortage over failed moves for Adem Ljajic and Franck Ribery.

Debate: Brazil got a tough group but still the likely champions?

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:02:00 +0000

Brazil have enjoyed some extremely straightforward World Cup groups in past but they face a stern early test when they turn up in South Africa next year.

Dunga’s side will kick off their 2010 World Cup campaign on June 15 against North Korea in Johannesburg and anything less than a win in this game will have Brazil sweating going into their final two Group G matches.

Five days after the game with North Korea, the Selecao will be back in Johannesburg to play the Ivory Coast. The African outfit will be no pushovers and some pundits believe the Elephants can make a deep run in the tournament. The Brazilian squad will be well aware of the talents of Didier Drogba, the Toure brothers and other Ivorians who frequent the Champions League.

It will be imperative for Brazil that they have their passage to the knockout rounds secured after their two games in Johannesburg because they face their old enemy Portugal in Durban in their last Group G match.

What's the other teams chances - Spain, England, South Africa, Italy?

All of the seeded teams were looking to avoid France and Portugal but as the draw wore on Dunga’s luck ran out and the Portuguese popped up to complete the line-up in Group G.

Dunga already knows a fair bit about his counterparts from across the Atlantic as he has taken them on twice in friendlies during his time as manager of Brazil. Back in February 2007 in London, it was Portugal who inflicted the first defeat of Dunga’s time in charge of Brazil. Revenge was taken for this loss late last year when Brazil battered Portugal in Brasilia. A Luis Fabiano hat-trick as well as a goal apiece from Maicon, Elano and Adriano helped the hosts to a convincing 6-2 win.

It is difficult to see a repeat of that scoreline in Durban on June 25 but whatever happens it is bound to be a fascinating game when Brazil and Portugal meet in the 2010 World Cup.

If Brazil do get out of Group G there will be little respite for the team as they look likely to face Chile, Honduras or even Spain in the first knockout round. Back-to-back games against Portugal and Spain would certainly reveal exactly what Brazil is all about.

The most likely quarter-final opponents for the Selecao should they reach that point is the Dutch. A game against Holland would surely seem like a walk in the park for Dunga’s squad after overcoming the might of Spain.

The other major World Cup contender on Brazil’s side of the draw is England who could meet Dunga's men in the semi-finals of the World Cup. One would hope that if the two teams were to meet in a the semi-final then they would serve up a better game then their encounter in Doha earlier in the month.

In this version of events, Brazil have topped Group G and Spain have somehow failed to win Group H and have subsequently been knocked out by the Selecao in the second round. With Spain out of the way Brazil’s opponent in the 2010 World Cup final would mostly likely be Argentina, Germany or Italy.

In trying to predict Brazil’s opponents in the final of the World Cup the heart says Argentina but the head says Germany.

Source: Goal.com, Castrol Football

Carlo Ancelotti and Jimmy Bullard scoop awards of the month

hydir@ymail.com (Ir. hydir) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:28:00 +0000

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has won the Manager of the Month award for November, with Hull City's Jimmy Bullard picking up the Player of the Month award.

The Blues ended the month with three wins and three clean sheets, sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, five points clear of second placed Manchester United.
They beat their title rivals 1-0 at the start of the month thanks to John Terry's goal, before going onto cruise past Wolves, winning 4-0.

The Blues were in control and put three past Mick McCarthy's men in just over 20 minutes, the fit-again Joe Cole adding a fourth.

Ancelotti then took his side to Arsenal where they faced a tough examination of their title credentials.

But the Gunners proved no problem for the in-form pacesetters, who ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

The award is Ancelotti's first prize as a Premier League manager as he looks to regain the title from Sir Alex Ferguson's United.

Meanwhile, Bullard has inspired a struggling Hull side since his return from a long-term knee injury.

The Tigers have gone four matches unbeaten and the form of Bullard has lifted the pressure surrounding manager Phil Brown.

Bullard was the catalyst in a 2-1 win over Stoke on his home debut, his passing and movement causing no end of problems for the Potters.

He also set-up Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink for the winner after City came from behind to claim all three points.

The 31-year-old then scored twice - a penalty and a free-kick - in a thrilling 3-3 with fellow strugglers West Ham at the KC Stadium to give Hull a crucial point.

The former Fulham then ended the month off in style for the Tigers, scoring a late equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City with a spot-kick.

The charismatic midfielder celebrated in comical fashion by mimicking manager Brown's half-time team-talk at the same ground where he held his infamous dressing down a year previous.