AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted Saturday that his European and world champions will need to play the perfect match on Sunday if they are to topple cross city rivals Inter Milan.
Although Ancelotti's side rule supreme on the continent and across the globe, it is the Italian champions and league leaders Inter who everyone in Italy considers to be the best team in Milan.
They have a 22-point lead over Milan in the standings - although the European champions have three games in hand - and have lost only once in the last season and a half of league encounters.
But Milan are brimming with confidence having lifted the Club World Cup in Tokyo a week ago by beating Argentina's Boca Juniors 4-2 in the final.
"The victory in Japan was very important and was the best way to prepare for this derby in terms of confidence and serenity," said Ancelotti.
"This won't be a final against Inter but it is a vital match in terms of our championship chances.
"We must claw back some points. We need to play a perfect match because they are so strong that if we are not at our best we risk being on the wrong end of a terrible result."
Ancelotti's best hope comes from the fact that Inter are depleted due to a string of midfield injuries, keeping out the likes of Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo and Olivier Dacourt, although that has not stopped them from opening up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.
"Inter currently have some unfortunate problems in central midfield but they still have a great defence and formidable attack," added Ancelotti.
Despite their big lead at the top, Inter coach Roberto Mancini does not want his side to get complacent.
"We're top of the league and we have more to lose than they do," he insisted, even though Milan must win to harbour even the slightest hope of crawling back into the title race.
"It's a derby and so of course it will be a bit different. It's a match between two great clubs and it will be a great show on the field.
"We have the players that can make a difference. Playing a (Milan) derby is important because these are two of the most successful clubs in the world."
Friday, December 28, 2007
Italy Football Review 2007: Milans dominate, as violence spreads
Just as it was over the previous 12 months, it has been a year of extremes in Italy.
In 2006, there was the infamous match-fixing scandal that threatened to bring Italian football to its knees. That was quickly followed by the pinnacle of footballing achievement as the Azzurri claimed their fourth World Cup victory with a penalty shoot-out triumph over France.
In 2007, it seems as if little has changed.
AC Milan conquered all abroad while their bitter cross-city rivals Inter were dominating at home, yet still the year could not pass without tragedies and scandals.
In February, a policeman was killed after violence broke out around the Sicilian derby between Catania and Palermo.
In November, a Rome-based disc jockey was accidentally shot dead by a policeman when violence reared its ugly head once again, this time at a gas station when rival Juventus and Lazio fans crossed paths when both heading to away fixtures.
On the pitch, both Milans were majestic, while the national team teetered on the brink of missing out on Euro 2008.
A 0-0 home draw with France in September ensured palms all over the country remained tepid right up until November when veteran right-back Cristian Panucci popped up to score a late header in Glasgow to give Italy a 2-1 victory over a valiant Scotland and a ticket to Austria and Switzerland.
Ironically, the world champions were then placed alongside France, the Netherlands and Romania in their group for the Euro 2008 finals.
It would be a similar story in club football.
Inter Milan have been untouchable at home, romping away to the Italian title in the 2006-07 season while setting a new Italian league record of 17 straight victories and finishing the season 22-points clear of second-placed Roma.
This season they are unbeaten after 17 games and already with a seven-point lead on the pack.
And following closely behind are a resurgent Juventus who were promoted having claimed the Serie B crown last season and already almost back to their best lying eight points behind Inter as Serie A went into its winter break.
But in Europe, where Inter have long failed to match their close neighbours, AC Milan have been quite simply unstoppable.
With Brazilian playmaker Kaka to inspire them and veteran forward Filippo Inzaghi banging in vital goals, Milan stormed to the Champions League title in May with victory over Liverpool and then added the Club World Cup in December by dominating Boca Juniors.
Inzaghi scored two goals in each game - a 2-1 win over the English outfit and 4-2 triumph against the Argentines - but it is Kaka who has been the real star of the show.
In fact it was his two-goals in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford that essentially set the stage for Milan's success.
That allowed Milan to come away from Manchester United's ground with a narrow 3-2 defeat and a brilliant 3-0 victory in the return leg eliminated the toughest hurdle in the glory quest.
Kaka was rightly named World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner.
Inzaghi, meanwhile, surpassed the great Gerd Muller's European goalscoring record.
But just as Italy wanted to bask in its glory, along came the draw for the Champions League knockout round.
Milan drew Arsenal after winning their group, Inter, likewise having topped their group, will face Liverpool and Roma, who already had to contend with Manchester United in the group stages, face Real Madrid
In 2006, there was the infamous match-fixing scandal that threatened to bring Italian football to its knees. That was quickly followed by the pinnacle of footballing achievement as the Azzurri claimed their fourth World Cup victory with a penalty shoot-out triumph over France.
In 2007, it seems as if little has changed.
AC Milan conquered all abroad while their bitter cross-city rivals Inter were dominating at home, yet still the year could not pass without tragedies and scandals.
In February, a policeman was killed after violence broke out around the Sicilian derby between Catania and Palermo.
In November, a Rome-based disc jockey was accidentally shot dead by a policeman when violence reared its ugly head once again, this time at a gas station when rival Juventus and Lazio fans crossed paths when both heading to away fixtures.
On the pitch, both Milans were majestic, while the national team teetered on the brink of missing out on Euro 2008.
A 0-0 home draw with France in September ensured palms all over the country remained tepid right up until November when veteran right-back Cristian Panucci popped up to score a late header in Glasgow to give Italy a 2-1 victory over a valiant Scotland and a ticket to Austria and Switzerland.
Ironically, the world champions were then placed alongside France, the Netherlands and Romania in their group for the Euro 2008 finals.
It would be a similar story in club football.
Inter Milan have been untouchable at home, romping away to the Italian title in the 2006-07 season while setting a new Italian league record of 17 straight victories and finishing the season 22-points clear of second-placed Roma.
This season they are unbeaten after 17 games and already with a seven-point lead on the pack.
And following closely behind are a resurgent Juventus who were promoted having claimed the Serie B crown last season and already almost back to their best lying eight points behind Inter as Serie A went into its winter break.
But in Europe, where Inter have long failed to match their close neighbours, AC Milan have been quite simply unstoppable.
With Brazilian playmaker Kaka to inspire them and veteran forward Filippo Inzaghi banging in vital goals, Milan stormed to the Champions League title in May with victory over Liverpool and then added the Club World Cup in December by dominating Boca Juniors.
Inzaghi scored two goals in each game - a 2-1 win over the English outfit and 4-2 triumph against the Argentines - but it is Kaka who has been the real star of the show.
In fact it was his two-goals in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford that essentially set the stage for Milan's success.
That allowed Milan to come away from Manchester United's ground with a narrow 3-2 defeat and a brilliant 3-0 victory in the return leg eliminated the toughest hurdle in the glory quest.
Kaka was rightly named World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner.
Inzaghi, meanwhile, surpassed the great Gerd Muller's European goalscoring record.
But just as Italy wanted to bask in its glory, along came the draw for the Champions League knockout round.
Milan drew Arsenal after winning their group, Inter, likewise having topped their group, will face Liverpool and Roma, who already had to contend with Manchester United in the group stages, face Real Madrid
Man City 2 - 2 Blackburn
Roque Santa Cruz ended Blackburn's four-game losing streak with a controversial late equaliser to seal a 2-2 draw at Manchester City on Thursday.
Santa Cruz took his tally to seven goals in his last four games with the 82nd minute header which had initially been ruled out for offside by the linesman Darren Cann before being awarded by referee Howard Webb.
It was a crucial goal that ended City's hopes of claiming ten successive league home wins and moving into fourth spot in the Premiership ahead of Liverpool, who visit Eastlands on Sunday.
Although City's unbeaten home record this season went up in smoke with the 2-0 League Cup defeat against Spurs last week, their 100-percent Premiership record at Eastlands remained intact ahead of the clash with Mark Hughes's men.
And after a slow start, Sven-Goran Eriksson's side took the lead as the game burst to life with three goals inside three minutes midway through the first-half.
By that stage, Rolando Bianchi had already missed an easy chance for the home side when he failed to score from three yards after being teed up by Martin Petrov's precise cross from the left.
But City were able to break the deadlock on 27 minutes when Bulgarian midfielder Petrov once again broke down the left, beating the out-of-position full-back Zurab Khizanishvili far too easily, before crossing for former England striker Darius Vassell to head in at the far post.
However, just a minute after falling behind, Blackburn had hauled themselves level when Paraguayan striker Santa Cruz headed David Bentley's free-kick past goalkeeper Joe Hart at the near post.
City's defence made it easy for the former Bayern Munich man to score by allowing him to work himself free inside the six yard box.
Blackburn, with just one win in nine games ahead of this clash, were not able to celebrate for long, however, as City reclaimed the lead sixty seconds later with Petrov once again at the heart of the move.
Yet again, he beat Khizanishvili before evading a Christopher Samba challenge on the edge of the box.
Free of attention, Petrov pulled the ball across the face of goal, but just as Bianchi looked set to score, Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen beat him to it by inadvertently diverting the ball into his own net.
The shell-shocked Khizanishvili was replaced at half-time by striker Benni McCarthy as Hughes attempted to boost his team's attacking threat.
But City continued to dominate, even if clear-cut chances proved to thin on the ground.
Blackburn struggled to threaten Hart and, when Morten Gamst Pedersen was picked out by Brett Emerton at the far post on the hour mark, the Norwegian could only direct his volley against the body of City defender Micah Richards.
City substitute Elano then went close to sealing the points eight minutes with a stunning volley from 20 yards that unluckily dipped the wrong side of the post to let Blackburn off the hook.
But Santa Cruz claimed the decisive strike when he headed Bentley's cross into the net from close range eight minutes from time.
Santa Cruz took his tally to seven goals in his last four games with the 82nd minute header which had initially been ruled out for offside by the linesman Darren Cann before being awarded by referee Howard Webb.
It was a crucial goal that ended City's hopes of claiming ten successive league home wins and moving into fourth spot in the Premiership ahead of Liverpool, who visit Eastlands on Sunday.
Although City's unbeaten home record this season went up in smoke with the 2-0 League Cup defeat against Spurs last week, their 100-percent Premiership record at Eastlands remained intact ahead of the clash with Mark Hughes's men.
And after a slow start, Sven-Goran Eriksson's side took the lead as the game burst to life with three goals inside three minutes midway through the first-half.
By that stage, Rolando Bianchi had already missed an easy chance for the home side when he failed to score from three yards after being teed up by Martin Petrov's precise cross from the left.
But City were able to break the deadlock on 27 minutes when Bulgarian midfielder Petrov once again broke down the left, beating the out-of-position full-back Zurab Khizanishvili far too easily, before crossing for former England striker Darius Vassell to head in at the far post.
However, just a minute after falling behind, Blackburn had hauled themselves level when Paraguayan striker Santa Cruz headed David Bentley's free-kick past goalkeeper Joe Hart at the near post.
City's defence made it easy for the former Bayern Munich man to score by allowing him to work himself free inside the six yard box.
Blackburn, with just one win in nine games ahead of this clash, were not able to celebrate for long, however, as City reclaimed the lead sixty seconds later with Petrov once again at the heart of the move.
Yet again, he beat Khizanishvili before evading a Christopher Samba challenge on the edge of the box.
Free of attention, Petrov pulled the ball across the face of goal, but just as Bianchi looked set to score, Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen beat him to it by inadvertently diverting the ball into his own net.
The shell-shocked Khizanishvili was replaced at half-time by striker Benni McCarthy as Hughes attempted to boost his team's attacking threat.
But City continued to dominate, even if clear-cut chances proved to thin on the ground.
Blackburn struggled to threaten Hart and, when Morten Gamst Pedersen was picked out by Brett Emerton at the far post on the hour mark, the Norwegian could only direct his volley against the body of City defender Micah Richards.
City substitute Elano then went close to sealing the points eight minutes with a stunning volley from 20 yards that unluckily dipped the wrong side of the post to let Blackburn off the hook.
But Santa Cruz claimed the decisive strike when he headed Bentley's cross into the net from close range eight minutes from time.
Chelsea: Lampard ruled out for several weeks with thigh injury
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will be out of action for several weeks after scans revealed he has suffered a torn thigh muscle.
Lampard, 29, sustained the injury in the first half of his side's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The England midfielder is likely to be back in late January but his absence is another blow for Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who is already without John Terry, Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.
"Scans have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh," a Chelsea statement confirmed. "The tear is not in the same leg that Frank injured earlier this season.
"He will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."
On top of those injuries, Drogba, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou are set to miss a month's action on African Nations Cup duty in the New Year
Lampard, 29, sustained the injury in the first half of his side's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The England midfielder is likely to be back in late January but his absence is another blow for Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who is already without John Terry, Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.
"Scans have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh," a Chelsea statement confirmed. "The tear is not in the same leg that Frank injured earlier this season.
"He will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."
On top of those injuries, Drogba, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou are set to miss a month's action on African Nations Cup duty in the New Year
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Derby 1-2 Liverpool
Steven Gerrard scored a last-minute winner as Liverpool kept their Premier League title bid alive in dramatic fashion against bottom side Derby County on Wednesday.
Jay McEveley's first goal of the season, in the 67th minute, looked to have salvaged an unlikely draw for Paul Jewell's battling side after Fernando Torres had opened the scoring in the 12th minute.
But a frantic finish saw Gerrard bundle home the decisive goal from close range after Lewis Price had spilled Torres's initial shot and McEveley had fired his clearance straight to the England international.
The defeat stretched Derby's winless run to 12 games and left Jewell still searching for his first victory since succeeding Billy Davies last month.
While Liverpool's lead remained so slender Derby always had hope of salvaging something and the equaliser finally arrived in the 67th minute and owed as much to good luck as skill.
Eddie Lewis fired a low free kick into a crowded goalmouth and when the ball deflected off Torres to McEveley the defender kept his head to side-foot past Jose Reina and send Pride Park delirious.
Alonso thought he had snatched a late win for the visitors eight minutes from time only to see his curling shot superbly saved by Price, while Gerarrd hammered another shot against the crossbar in the dying minutes before his luck changed for the better at the death.
Jay McEveley's first goal of the season, in the 67th minute, looked to have salvaged an unlikely draw for Paul Jewell's battling side after Fernando Torres had opened the scoring in the 12th minute.
But a frantic finish saw Gerrard bundle home the decisive goal from close range after Lewis Price had spilled Torres's initial shot and McEveley had fired his clearance straight to the England international.
The defeat stretched Derby's winless run to 12 games and left Jewell still searching for his first victory since succeeding Billy Davies last month.
While Liverpool's lead remained so slender Derby always had hope of salvaging something and the equaliser finally arrived in the 67th minute and owed as much to good luck as skill.
Eddie Lewis fired a low free kick into a crowded goalmouth and when the ball deflected off Torres to McEveley the defender kept his head to side-foot past Jose Reina and send Pride Park delirious.
Alonso thought he had snatched a late win for the visitors eight minutes from time only to see his curling shot superbly saved by Price, while Gerarrd hammered another shot against the crossbar in the dying minutes before his luck changed for the better at the death.
Sunderland 0-4 Man United: Fergie gives Keane a lesson in football
Roy Keane's rookie season as a Premier League manager took another painful turn for the worse as his former club, Manchester United, eased to a comfortable 4-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.
A double for Louis Saha and a goal apiece from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo left Sunderland mired in the relegation zone while champions United moved above Arsenal at the top of the table, at least for a few hours.
This being a fixture the footballing world would expect Manchester United to win, Keane could afford to gamble with his team selection but handing a Premier League debut to 17-year-old unknown Martyn Waghorn was brave even by the confident Irishman's standards.
Prolific for Sunderland's reserve team, and with an FA Youth Cup hat-trick under his belt earlier this month, the teenager has been forging quite a reputation on Wearside.
Fouled by the Sunderland and former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham, the Portuguese midfielder stepped up to take the free kick 20 yards from goal and his swerving shot was beaten away by the Scotland goalkeeper, Craig Gordon.
In the 20th minute it was abundantly clear why every emerging English forward wants to follow in the England international's footsteps as United's talismanic striker broke the deadlock in fine style.
A neat exchange of passes between the full back, Wes Brown, and Ronaldo culminated in Rooney being given the opportunity to race clear on goal. Gordon was powerless to prevent a measured finish inside his left post and Keane suddenly faced another stiff test of his managerial talent.
Ten minutes later the Sunderland manager's task became almost impossible as Rooney turned provider to double the visitors' lead.
It was Ronaldo who capped a mesmerizing half with a trademark free kick in the 45th minute, after former United star Dwight Yorke fouled Darren Fletcher 22 yards from goal.
Unsurprisingly United eased off after the break with Ronaldo making way for the South Korean Park Ji-Sung and the Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic stepping aside for the Spanish under-21 international Gerard Pique.
Rooney spurned a glorious chance to extend the visitors' advantage when he fired Nani's 76th minute cross over the bar.
But there was still time for Saha to score his second goal of the game, the French striker stroking home a penalty four minutes from time after
A double for Louis Saha and a goal apiece from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo left Sunderland mired in the relegation zone while champions United moved above Arsenal at the top of the table, at least for a few hours.
This being a fixture the footballing world would expect Manchester United to win, Keane could afford to gamble with his team selection but handing a Premier League debut to 17-year-old unknown Martyn Waghorn was brave even by the confident Irishman's standards.
Prolific for Sunderland's reserve team, and with an FA Youth Cup hat-trick under his belt earlier this month, the teenager has been forging quite a reputation on Wearside.
Fouled by the Sunderland and former Manchester United defender Danny Higginbotham, the Portuguese midfielder stepped up to take the free kick 20 yards from goal and his swerving shot was beaten away by the Scotland goalkeeper, Craig Gordon.
In the 20th minute it was abundantly clear why every emerging English forward wants to follow in the England international's footsteps as United's talismanic striker broke the deadlock in fine style.
A neat exchange of passes between the full back, Wes Brown, and Ronaldo culminated in Rooney being given the opportunity to race clear on goal. Gordon was powerless to prevent a measured finish inside his left post and Keane suddenly faced another stiff test of his managerial talent.
Ten minutes later the Sunderland manager's task became almost impossible as Rooney turned provider to double the visitors' lead.
It was Ronaldo who capped a mesmerizing half with a trademark free kick in the 45th minute, after former United star Dwight Yorke fouled Darren Fletcher 22 yards from goal.
Unsurprisingly United eased off after the break with Ronaldo making way for the South Korean Park Ji-Sung and the Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic stepping aside for the Spanish under-21 international Gerard Pique.
Rooney spurned a glorious chance to extend the visitors' advantage when he fired Nani's 76th minute cross over the bar.
But there was still time for Saha to score his second goal of the game, the French striker stroking home a penalty four minutes from time after
Monday, December 24, 2007
Man United 2-1 Everton: Ronaldo to the rescue
Cristiano Ronaldo's double ensured Manchester United overcame a spirited Everton to move back to within one point of leaders Arsenal at the head of Premier League table. Sir Alex Ferguson's side appeared destined for a frustrating afternoon at Old Trafford after Tim Cahill had cancelled out Ronaldo's 22nd-minute opening goal.
But a clumsy challenge from Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar sent United captain Ryan Giggs crashing to the ground inside the visitors area with just three minutes remaining and Ronaldo kept his nerve to clinch the points from the penalty spot.
But Ronaldo's goals - his 15th and 16th of the season - once again proved the difference and ensured Ferguson's side remain close on the heels of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal ahead of the next round of holiday fixtures. With both teams abrasively testing each other out for weakness - and Everton quickly exposing the inexperienced United right-back Danny Simpson - the game was notable more for a series of niggly personal battles before Ronaldo injected the first bit of quality.
Tevez, who has been outstanding in recent weeks, had earlier volleyed the first real opportunity of the afternoon high over Howard's bar and would spurn at least two more clear opportunities to score.
But a clumsy challenge from Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar sent United captain Ryan Giggs crashing to the ground inside the visitors area with just three minutes remaining and Ronaldo kept his nerve to clinch the points from the penalty spot.
But Ronaldo's goals - his 15th and 16th of the season - once again proved the difference and ensured Ferguson's side remain close on the heels of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal ahead of the next round of holiday fixtures. With both teams abrasively testing each other out for weakness - and Everton quickly exposing the inexperienced United right-back Danny Simpson - the game was notable more for a series of niggly personal battles before Ronaldo injected the first bit of quality.
Tevez, who has been outstanding in recent weeks, had earlier volleyed the first real opportunity of the afternoon high over Howard's bar and would spurn at least two more clear opportunities to score.
Chelsea 1-0 win over Blackburn
Chelsea face a nervous Christmas as goalkeeper Petr Cech waits to learn the extent of a hip injury sustained during Sunday's 1-0 win over Blackburn. Cech limped out of the action in the second-half following a collision with Blackburn forward Roque Santa Cruz and his injury could prove costly for Chelsea, who are also without rib injury victim Carlo Cudicini for the home clash with Aston Villa on Wednesday.
With Manchester United and Arsenal winning their games earlier in the weekend, Chelsea had no room for error as they attempted to close the gap on the leaders.
Cole's goal ensured that they lie six points behind leaders Arsenal, but Grant is confident that the gap can be overcome.
He said: "I am very happy with the victory because this is not an easy place to play, especially after drawing with Blackburn at home. We showed a lot of fighting spirit, made two or three chances and Hilario made a very good save, so I am happy.
For Blackburn, the defeat was their fourth in succession, but manager Mark Hughes insisted that he could have no complaints about the performance of his players.
With Manchester United and Arsenal winning their games earlier in the weekend, Chelsea had no room for error as they attempted to close the gap on the leaders.
Cole's goal ensured that they lie six points behind leaders Arsenal, but Grant is confident that the gap can be overcome.
He said: "I am very happy with the victory because this is not an easy place to play, especially after drawing with Blackburn at home. We showed a lot of fighting spirit, made two or three chances and Hilario made a very good save, so I am happy.
For Blackburn, the defeat was their fourth in succession, but manager Mark Hughes insisted that he could have no complaints about the performance of his players.
Unstoppable Inter scalp world champions
In a battle between the world's best and Italy's best it was the domestic champions Inter who beat AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro in Sunday's first Milan derby of the season.
It was a match that had been eagerly anticipated since a week ago when Milan added the Club World Cup title to the Champions League crown they claimed back in May when beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final.
Inter were pushing the pace of the game but Milan looked dangerous on the counter-attack and striker Filippo Inzaghi earned a free-kick on the edge of the box on 18 minutes after Colombian centre-back Ivan Cordoba dragged him down. Andrea Pirlo stepped up to sweep home a delicious curler into the top corner. That sparked some life into Inter and they almost equalised two minutes later but Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez grazed the bar with a shot from a tight angle after Argentine forward Julio Cruz's right-wing cross had not been dealt with by a panicking defence.
Inter did find a way back into the game 10 minutes before the break in sumptuous fashion as Ibrahimovic and Esteban Cambiasso worked the ball to Cruz, who held off Clarence Seedorf's challenge before firing low past Brazilian goalkeeper Dida.
And that was despite Inter briefly playing with 10 men due to an injury to Argentine centre-back Walter Samuel. Milan were possibly feeling the effects of last week's trip to Japan and made a string of early second half changes, with Italy striker Alberto Gilardino and Brazilian midfield pair Emerson and Serginho introduced into the fray.
Inter certainly looked the stronger side after the break and a deflected shot from Argentine midfielder Cambiasso sent Dida the wrong way on 64 minutes to give the hosts the lead. Late on Milan did start to exert some pressure but Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar got down well to turn away World Player of the Year Kaka's fierce drive.
Roma stayed second after a Francesco Totti double gave them a 2-0 win over Sampdoria on Saturday.
Juventus are third, eight points off Inter, after goals from Hassa Salihamidzic and French forward David Trezeguet earned them a 2-0 success over Siena.
Fiorentina returned to winning ways in spectacular fashion as they thumped rock-bottom Cagliari 5-1 having not won in their previous five games.
It was a match that had been eagerly anticipated since a week ago when Milan added the Club World Cup title to the Champions League crown they claimed back in May when beating Liverpool 2-1 in the final.
Inter were pushing the pace of the game but Milan looked dangerous on the counter-attack and striker Filippo Inzaghi earned a free-kick on the edge of the box on 18 minutes after Colombian centre-back Ivan Cordoba dragged him down. Andrea Pirlo stepped up to sweep home a delicious curler into the top corner. That sparked some life into Inter and they almost equalised two minutes later but Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez grazed the bar with a shot from a tight angle after Argentine forward Julio Cruz's right-wing cross had not been dealt with by a panicking defence.
Inter did find a way back into the game 10 minutes before the break in sumptuous fashion as Ibrahimovic and Esteban Cambiasso worked the ball to Cruz, who held off Clarence Seedorf's challenge before firing low past Brazilian goalkeeper Dida.
And that was despite Inter briefly playing with 10 men due to an injury to Argentine centre-back Walter Samuel. Milan were possibly feeling the effects of last week's trip to Japan and made a string of early second half changes, with Italy striker Alberto Gilardino and Brazilian midfield pair Emerson and Serginho introduced into the fray.
Inter certainly looked the stronger side after the break and a deflected shot from Argentine midfielder Cambiasso sent Dida the wrong way on 64 minutes to give the hosts the lead. Late on Milan did start to exert some pressure but Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar got down well to turn away World Player of the Year Kaka's fierce drive.
Roma stayed second after a Francesco Totti double gave them a 2-0 win over Sampdoria on Saturday.
Juventus are third, eight points off Inter, after goals from Hassa Salihamidzic and French forward David Trezeguet earned them a 2-0 success over Siena.
Fiorentina returned to winning ways in spectacular fashion as they thumped rock-bottom Cagliari 5-1 having not won in their previous five games.
Real's Baptista makes it a beastly night for Barca
Julio Baptista gave Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster the Christmas present he wanted by getting the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 win over their bitter rivals Barcelona on Sunday. The rugged Brazilian striker - nicknamed The Beast - found the net after 36 minutes to bring to an end to Barcelona's 100 per cent home record in their Nou Camp stadium this season, both in La Liga and the Champions League.
"I thought we could have got a second goal. We had two or three good attacks in the second half but, overall, it's a fair result," said Schuster.Real's triumph puts them firmly in lead of the Spanish championship race and they are now the overwhelming favourites to retain their title.
The 30-time Spanish league winners have 41 points from the 17 games and have extended their lead to seven points over second-placed Barcelona.
"It's good to get the points but nothing's decided yet. Let's wait until the end of the season until we starting talking about trophies," said the ever-prudent Schuster. His opposite number Frank Rijkaard was visibly disappointed at the outcome but tried to look on the bright side after the game.
"We were in the game right until the whistle. In fact, until the very last moment I thought we could get a point but they were very well organised at the back.
"However, I have the feeling that we played well, especially in the midfield and also at the back. We didn't give them many chances but we also lost too many balls at important moments," reflected the Dutch coach.
The defeat means that Rijkaard will also have to spend the two-week holiday period having to listen to a debate about his future. The likes of Marco van Basten and Jose Mourinho have been regularly mentioned as potential replacements for Rijkaard if Barca fail to win a trophy for the second year in succession.
"I thought we could have got a second goal. We had two or three good attacks in the second half but, overall, it's a fair result," said Schuster.Real's triumph puts them firmly in lead of the Spanish championship race and they are now the overwhelming favourites to retain their title.
The 30-time Spanish league winners have 41 points from the 17 games and have extended their lead to seven points over second-placed Barcelona.
"It's good to get the points but nothing's decided yet. Let's wait until the end of the season until we starting talking about trophies," said the ever-prudent Schuster. His opposite number Frank Rijkaard was visibly disappointed at the outcome but tried to look on the bright side after the game.
"We were in the game right until the whistle. In fact, until the very last moment I thought we could get a point but they were very well organised at the back.
"However, I have the feeling that we played well, especially in the midfield and also at the back. We didn't give them many chances but we also lost too many balls at important moments," reflected the Dutch coach.
The defeat means that Rijkaard will also have to spend the two-week holiday period having to listen to a debate about his future. The likes of Marco van Basten and Jose Mourinho have been regularly mentioned as potential replacements for Rijkaard if Barca fail to win a trophy for the second year in succession.
Champions League draw: AC Milan rue tough Arsenal challenge
Defending champions AC Milan were cursing their misfortune on Friday when the draw for the Champions League knock-out second round pitted them against English Premier League leaders Arsenal.
It was a bad day all round for the three Italian sides left in the competition with Inter Milan drawing last season's finalists Liverpool and Roma pulling Spanish champions Real Madrid out of the hat.
With a host of, on paper at least, easier ties available to them, including the likes of Fenerbahce, Lyon, Porto, Olympiakos and Sevilla, the Italian teams are instead facing the toughest route possible if they are to progress to the latter stages of Europe's premier competition. "We could have had a better draw," Milan chief Umberto Gandini told Sky Sport. "We've drawn the toughest possible team.
"Arsenal are a great team who reached the final in Paris (in 2006) when we lost to Barcelona (who won the cup).
"They have a very experienced coach (Arsene Wenger) with players that are as young as they are talented. "They have a lot of players that have come through the French academy system and are a team with a strong presence and an incredible potential."
Roma were also disappointed with their draw having been paired with the record nine-time champions of Europe.
"We could have had a better draw. I would have preferred Porto or Sevilla," admitted Roma coach Luciano Spalletti. "But I believe in our ability because our players can match Real." The Roma contingent certainly looked disappointed with their draw but Spalletti denied they would be feeling any worse than their opponents.
"I'd like to see how Madrid reacted when they saw they had drawn us," he said.
Probably the happiest of the Italians are Inter, who have a two-legged tie against Liverpool to look forward to.
In their current form the nerazzurri would probably fancy their chances against anyone. "All-in-all it's a good draw for us. Like always in the last 16 there are no easy teams to play," said coach Roberto Mancini."Probably we will be seen as the stronger team: there were possibly easier ties but if you want to win the cup you have to beat everyone." But despite his satisfaction at the draw, Mancini acknowledged that he is coming up against an opposite number in Rafael Benitez who has enjoyed a lot of success in Europe, winning the title in 2005 before guiding Liverpool back to the final last season.
"There are no easy games in football, especially in the Champions League. All the other second round ties look difficult," added Mancini."We will play a strong team, with the mentality and aggressiveness of the English and the tactics of a very clever coach."
The first legs will be played on February 19/20 with the return matches on March 4/5.
It was a bad day all round for the three Italian sides left in the competition with Inter Milan drawing last season's finalists Liverpool and Roma pulling Spanish champions Real Madrid out of the hat.
With a host of, on paper at least, easier ties available to them, including the likes of Fenerbahce, Lyon, Porto, Olympiakos and Sevilla, the Italian teams are instead facing the toughest route possible if they are to progress to the latter stages of Europe's premier competition. "We could have had a better draw," Milan chief Umberto Gandini told Sky Sport. "We've drawn the toughest possible team.
"Arsenal are a great team who reached the final in Paris (in 2006) when we lost to Barcelona (who won the cup).
"They have a very experienced coach (Arsene Wenger) with players that are as young as they are talented. "They have a lot of players that have come through the French academy system and are a team with a strong presence and an incredible potential."
Roma were also disappointed with their draw having been paired with the record nine-time champions of Europe.
"We could have had a better draw. I would have preferred Porto or Sevilla," admitted Roma coach Luciano Spalletti. "But I believe in our ability because our players can match Real." The Roma contingent certainly looked disappointed with their draw but Spalletti denied they would be feeling any worse than their opponents.
"I'd like to see how Madrid reacted when they saw they had drawn us," he said.
Probably the happiest of the Italians are Inter, who have a two-legged tie against Liverpool to look forward to.
In their current form the nerazzurri would probably fancy their chances against anyone. "All-in-all it's a good draw for us. Like always in the last 16 there are no easy teams to play," said coach Roberto Mancini."Probably we will be seen as the stronger team: there were possibly easier ties but if you want to win the cup you have to beat everyone." But despite his satisfaction at the draw, Mancini acknowledged that he is coming up against an opposite number in Rafael Benitez who has enjoyed a lot of success in Europe, winning the title in 2005 before guiding Liverpool back to the final last season.
"There are no easy games in football, especially in the Champions League. All the other second round ties look difficult," added Mancini."We will play a strong team, with the mentality and aggressiveness of the English and the tactics of a very clever coach."
The first legs will be played on February 19/20 with the return matches on March 4/5.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Exciting match this weekend
The mother of all derbies, the El Clasico. Barcelona go up against Real Madrid. The two biggest clubs in Spain come together to battle it out over ninety minutes to see who reigns supreme.
The game will be played out at Barca’s home ground the majestic Nou Camp and a four point gap hovers between first and second placing in the Primera Liga table. Madrid have been playing like a compact unit under new manager Bernd Schuster while Rijkaard’s men have had trouble gaining points away from Nou Camp.
Barcelona team news:
With the poor form of Brazillian forward Ronaldinho,Frank Rijkaard has kept the samba king warming the bench for their last two games but with Lionel Messi ruled out through injury, Rijkaard has told the media that it is a battle between Mexican starlet Giovanni Dos Santos and Ronaldinho to start upfront alongside Samuel Eto’o.
A surprise inclusion in the Barca squad might be former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry who has returned to training on Tuesday. Edmilson has also managed to train this week but this game is too close for him to make a comeback in. Xavi and Andrea Iniesta will most likely be the chosen pairing in central midfield while Yaya Toure patrols the midfield and protects the back four of Gabriel Milito, Carlos Puyol, Eric Abidal and Rafael Marquez.
The only selection headache for Rijkaard is whether to opt for the Gianluca Zambrotta or put Puyol at right-back like he has experimented in recent matches. If Puyol does slot in at right-back, Marquez will go into the middle while Zambrotta will warm the bench.
Real Madrid team news:
Bernd Schuster is relishing the chance to take on his former employees and put one over them as he brings his very impressive Madrid outfit to Nou Camp. Schuster rested nine of his first team players for the midweek Copa Del Rey match against Alicante.
The team pretty much picks itself in terms of form with captain Raul having a renaissance season after suffering confidence setbacks under Fabio Capello. Ruud Van Nistelrooy will once again be the source of goals for Madrid while Robinho drifts in from the left to provide the extra man upfront. Baptista will continue in his central midfield role as he has been in good form the last two games and his likely partner will be Mahmadou Diarra and Dutch playmaker Wesley Snjeider. The trio will form the triangle midfield while Robinho and Raul flanks Van Nistelrooy to make it a 4-3-3 formation which easily switches back to a 4-5-1 when defending. At the back, Iker Casillas who was hit by thrown objects from the crowd at Bilbao two weeks ago will keep goal for the visitors while Sergio Ramos starts at right-back. Fabio Cannavaro and Pepe will hold forte in centre defence.
The only real big selection headache for Schuster is whether to choose the attack-minded Marcelo or to play it safe and use Miguel Torres. Another option in defence is Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze who has yet to make the desired impact at Madrid.
Prediction:
A four point gap could grow to a massive seven if Madrid manage to come away from Camp Nou with three points but having said that, Ronaldinho and Co. know that defeat will cause their fans shame and might just be the cue for the axe to drop on their coach.
So with neither side wanting to lose, an exciting game of open attacking football can be anticipated with both sides getting on the scoresheet.
High-scoring draw of 2-2 on the cards maybe?
The game will be played out at Barca’s home ground the majestic Nou Camp and a four point gap hovers between first and second placing in the Primera Liga table. Madrid have been playing like a compact unit under new manager Bernd Schuster while Rijkaard’s men have had trouble gaining points away from Nou Camp.
Barcelona team news:
With the poor form of Brazillian forward Ronaldinho,Frank Rijkaard has kept the samba king warming the bench for their last two games but with Lionel Messi ruled out through injury, Rijkaard has told the media that it is a battle between Mexican starlet Giovanni Dos Santos and Ronaldinho to start upfront alongside Samuel Eto’o.
A surprise inclusion in the Barca squad might be former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry who has returned to training on Tuesday. Edmilson has also managed to train this week but this game is too close for him to make a comeback in. Xavi and Andrea Iniesta will most likely be the chosen pairing in central midfield while Yaya Toure patrols the midfield and protects the back four of Gabriel Milito, Carlos Puyol, Eric Abidal and Rafael Marquez.
The only selection headache for Rijkaard is whether to opt for the Gianluca Zambrotta or put Puyol at right-back like he has experimented in recent matches. If Puyol does slot in at right-back, Marquez will go into the middle while Zambrotta will warm the bench.
Real Madrid team news:
Bernd Schuster is relishing the chance to take on his former employees and put one over them as he brings his very impressive Madrid outfit to Nou Camp. Schuster rested nine of his first team players for the midweek Copa Del Rey match against Alicante.
The team pretty much picks itself in terms of form with captain Raul having a renaissance season after suffering confidence setbacks under Fabio Capello. Ruud Van Nistelrooy will once again be the source of goals for Madrid while Robinho drifts in from the left to provide the extra man upfront. Baptista will continue in his central midfield role as he has been in good form the last two games and his likely partner will be Mahmadou Diarra and Dutch playmaker Wesley Snjeider. The trio will form the triangle midfield while Robinho and Raul flanks Van Nistelrooy to make it a 4-3-3 formation which easily switches back to a 4-5-1 when defending. At the back, Iker Casillas who was hit by thrown objects from the crowd at Bilbao two weeks ago will keep goal for the visitors while Sergio Ramos starts at right-back. Fabio Cannavaro and Pepe will hold forte in centre defence.
The only real big selection headache for Schuster is whether to choose the attack-minded Marcelo or to play it safe and use Miguel Torres. Another option in defence is Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze who has yet to make the desired impact at Madrid.
Prediction:
A four point gap could grow to a massive seven if Madrid manage to come away from Camp Nou with three points but having said that, Ronaldinho and Co. know that defeat will cause their fans shame and might just be the cue for the axe to drop on their coach.
So with neither side wanting to lose, an exciting game of open attacking football can be anticipated with both sides getting on the scoresheet.
High-scoring draw of 2-2 on the cards maybe?
Champions League: The draw
The Champions League draw for the knockout stage is finalized: The draw is as follows
Liverpool vs Inter Milan
Arsenal vs AC Milan
Lyon vs Manchester United
Olympiacos v Chelsea
Celtic vs Barcelona
Schalke04 vs FC Porto
Fenerbahce vs Sevilla
AS Roma vs Real Madrid
Comments some of the club said after the draw:
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: "It's a big one but was it going to be whoever we had drawn. "It's a long time since we played them, they are a very good team. It's going to be tough but there are no easy ones at this stage."
Inter Milan chief executive Ernesto Paolillo said: "We feel Liverpool are the strongest team, what better team to have as an opponent?
"I think Liverpool will make it difficult for us and I hope it will be difficult for them as well."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger: "It's an interesting draw. I believe we can do it if we play at our best. It's a good target for us to get stronger for the match. "If you look at last season's results then it's the hardest draw because they are the champions. It's a big challenge but if you ask me do we have a chance to knock them out then I say yes.
"If you want to win the Champions League then you have to beat the biggest clubs. AC Milan are a very big team - world and European champions. But we can do it."
Milan operations director Umberto Gandini said: "Quite frankly I've seen better draws at this stage of the competition. "Arsenal are an excellent team, lots of young talent, well coached by Arsene Wenger. They are doing phenomenally well in the Premier League and doing well in the Champions League and we know it's going to be very tough."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Maybe it is the hardest of the five we could have got.
"Lyon have won the French championship for the last seven years, which is incredible given the number of players they have lost over the last few years.
"It will not be an easy game but hopefully, by the time we get there we will have all our squad available. That is a pre-requisite for the challenge anyway. If I can pick the team I want I think we will have a good chance."
Olympiacos boss Takis Lemonis said:"The draw is a very difficult one, as it would have been with any other opponent. It's much too early to judge how the games will go because we have two months before these matches.
"A lot of things will be judged better when we see what situation we and Chelsea are in at the time. We knew that whichever team we faced at this stage would provide a very difficult challenge. "At this level there is no good or bad draw. We hope that we will be in good situation when the time comes."
Liverpool vs Inter Milan
Arsenal vs AC Milan
Lyon vs Manchester United
Olympiacos v Chelsea
Celtic vs Barcelona
Schalke04 vs FC Porto
Fenerbahce vs Sevilla
AS Roma vs Real Madrid
Comments some of the club said after the draw:
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: "It's a big one but was it going to be whoever we had drawn. "It's a long time since we played them, they are a very good team. It's going to be tough but there are no easy ones at this stage."
Inter Milan chief executive Ernesto Paolillo said: "We feel Liverpool are the strongest team, what better team to have as an opponent?
"I think Liverpool will make it difficult for us and I hope it will be difficult for them as well."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger: "It's an interesting draw. I believe we can do it if we play at our best. It's a good target for us to get stronger for the match. "If you look at last season's results then it's the hardest draw because they are the champions. It's a big challenge but if you ask me do we have a chance to knock them out then I say yes.
"If you want to win the Champions League then you have to beat the biggest clubs. AC Milan are a very big team - world and European champions. But we can do it."
Milan operations director Umberto Gandini said: "Quite frankly I've seen better draws at this stage of the competition. "Arsenal are an excellent team, lots of young talent, well coached by Arsene Wenger. They are doing phenomenally well in the Premier League and doing well in the Champions League and we know it's going to be very tough."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Maybe it is the hardest of the five we could have got.
"Lyon have won the French championship for the last seven years, which is incredible given the number of players they have lost over the last few years.
"It will not be an easy game but hopefully, by the time we get there we will have all our squad available. That is a pre-requisite for the challenge anyway. If I can pick the team I want I think we will have a good chance."
Olympiacos boss Takis Lemonis said:"The draw is a very difficult one, as it would have been with any other opponent. It's much too early to judge how the games will go because we have two months before these matches.
"A lot of things will be judged better when we see what situation we and Chelsea are in at the time. We knew that whichever team we faced at this stage would provide a very difficult challenge. "At this level there is no good or bad draw. We hope that we will be in good situation when the time comes."
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Chelsea stroll past Liverpool into the Carling Cup semi-finals!
Final Score: Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool
To begin with the game was delayed by 5 min because the linesman is injured before the kick off. Furthermore, the fourth official Peter Walton, who will now have to take part, was stuck in traffic and almost didn't make it.
It was a quiet first half , each goalkeeper saved a goal for their team and spectators were wishing for a action packed second half. In the 58th Minute Lampard got lucky, his shot takes an incredible loop up off Carragher, over Itandje and nestles into the bottom far corner of the net. GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool
90th min GOAL!
This has been a disappointing game both in terms of quality and entertainment value. However, the overly critised Andrei Shevchenko provides some right at the death to kill the game for Chelsea, and put three London sides into the semi-final draw. Ballack wins a header and the Ukranian striker smashes home from an acute angle. Itandje should have done better but the shot had serious power. Sheva is immediately replaced by Steve Sidwell as Chelsea protect their unassailable lead.
To begin with the game was delayed by 5 min because the linesman is injured before the kick off. Furthermore, the fourth official Peter Walton, who will now have to take part, was stuck in traffic and almost didn't make it.
It was a quiet first half , each goalkeeper saved a goal for their team and spectators were wishing for a action packed second half. In the 58th Minute Lampard got lucky, his shot takes an incredible loop up off Carragher, over Itandje and nestles into the bottom far corner of the net. GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool
90th min GOAL!
This has been a disappointing game both in terms of quality and entertainment value. However, the overly critised Andrei Shevchenko provides some right at the death to kill the game for Chelsea, and put three London sides into the semi-final draw. Ballack wins a header and the Ukranian striker smashes home from an acute angle. Itandje should have done better but the shot had serious power. Sheva is immediately replaced by Steve Sidwell as Chelsea protect their unassailable lead.
Rooney eyes summer wedding after Euro 2008 failure
Wayne Rooney is to marry girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin next June, after his diary was left clear by England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, he said in comments published Tuesday. "For a while we couldn't make any plans because I didn't know whether I would be playing in Euro 2008," the 22-year-old Manchester United striker told Hello! magazine.
"But when we failed to qualify, as devastating as that was, we were able to come up with some firm dates," he added. Rooney and childhood sweetheart McLoughlin have been together for five years. The 21-year-old bride-to-be said she had visited potential venues for the wedding in France and Italy, and would also consider a ceremony in England.
"But when we failed to qualify, as devastating as that was, we were able to come up with some firm dates," he added. Rooney and childhood sweetheart McLoughlin have been together for five years. The 21-year-old bride-to-be said she had visited potential venues for the wedding in France and Italy, and would also consider a ceremony in England.
World Player of the Year: Kaka outstanding footballer of 2007
Brazil and AC Milan's Kaka has simply been the outstanding footballer of 2007 and proved that claim by winning the FIFA Player of the Year award on Monday to add to his European Footballer of the Year honour.
The 25-year-old Kaka starred in AC Milan's run to the European Champions League title, then the European Super Cup and the recent Club World Cup. Kaka plays in the style of a classic number 10 such as legends Pele, Diego Maradona, Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, whom so many youngsters dream of emulating.
Kaka, born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, comes from a comfortably off family in Sao Paulo, not from the slums which have produced so many top Brazilians, and aged just 20 played in his first World Cup in 2002 where Brazil won the title for the fifth time. At a young age, the diminutive Kaka had high hopes heaped on his shoulders with the Brazilian media saying he would emulate legendary playmakers such as Rivelino and Socrates and it was not a surprise when he joined European giants AC Milan in 2003.
His talent was as obvious as the jokes about his name were numerous and he was a key component of AC Milan's 2003/2004 Italian league winning team which finished 11 points ahead of AS Roma. As his career has progressed, he has become more fluent in his movement, has continually improved technically and has generally got better and better in all departments.
In an interview published earlier this year, AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi said that "there has never been any possibility" that Milan would sell Kaka, who has been a target of Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.Real Madrid offered AC Milan 90 million euros (123 million US dollars) for Kaka, Spanish sports daily Marca reported in the summer.
Kaka, the highest earning footballer in Italy, "has never wanted to leave and I believe that he will never do so... Kaka is the symbol of Milan," Berlusconi added.
And Kaka is the highest earning footballer in Italy with an annual salary of six million euros, according to a study published in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milan, who have the biggest wages bill at 120 million euros a year, certainly have the financial muscle to handsomely pay for Kaka's huge influence on the team.
Kaka is contracted to them till 2011 when he will not even have reached 30.
The 25-year-old Kaka starred in AC Milan's run to the European Champions League title, then the European Super Cup and the recent Club World Cup. Kaka plays in the style of a classic number 10 such as legends Pele, Diego Maradona, Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane, whom so many youngsters dream of emulating.
Kaka, born Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, comes from a comfortably off family in Sao Paulo, not from the slums which have produced so many top Brazilians, and aged just 20 played in his first World Cup in 2002 where Brazil won the title for the fifth time. At a young age, the diminutive Kaka had high hopes heaped on his shoulders with the Brazilian media saying he would emulate legendary playmakers such as Rivelino and Socrates and it was not a surprise when he joined European giants AC Milan in 2003.
His talent was as obvious as the jokes about his name were numerous and he was a key component of AC Milan's 2003/2004 Italian league winning team which finished 11 points ahead of AS Roma. As his career has progressed, he has become more fluent in his movement, has continually improved technically and has generally got better and better in all departments.
In an interview published earlier this year, AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi said that "there has never been any possibility" that Milan would sell Kaka, who has been a target of Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.Real Madrid offered AC Milan 90 million euros (123 million US dollars) for Kaka, Spanish sports daily Marca reported in the summer.
Kaka, the highest earning footballer in Italy, "has never wanted to leave and I believe that he will never do so... Kaka is the symbol of Milan," Berlusconi added.
And Kaka is the highest earning footballer in Italy with an annual salary of six million euros, according to a study published in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milan, who have the biggest wages bill at 120 million euros a year, certainly have the financial muscle to handsomely pay for Kaka's huge influence on the team.
Kaka is contracted to them till 2011 when he will not even have reached 30.
Ronaldo - I need to do more
Brazil striker Ronaldo admits he needs to do more if he is to earn another contract at AC Milan.Ronaldo, whose current deal at the Rossoneri expires in June, has made just one appearance this season due to a series of injuries - and the 31-year-old realises time is running out on his chances of remaining at the San Siro beyond the summer.
"I will only remain at this great club if I deserve it," said Ronaldo. "But I truly need to merit it."
"I will only remain at this great club if I deserve it," said Ronaldo. "But I truly need to merit it."
Cagliari coach Sonetti resigns
Cagliari coach Nedo Sonetti, who took up his post a month ago, has resigned and his predecessor has been recalled, the Italian first division club said on Wednesday.
Coach Marco Giampaolo, who arrived at the club at the start of the 2006/07 season was sacked on November 13 but now the club has done an about turn and has decided to give him his job back.
Sonetti had already coached Cagliari for two previous spells, between 2001 and 2002, then from 2005 to 2006. He is one of the best known coaches in Italian football during the last 30 years having been at the helm of Torino, Cremonese, Lecce and Brescia.
Coach Marco Giampaolo, who arrived at the club at the start of the 2006/07 season was sacked on November 13 but now the club has done an about turn and has decided to give him his job back.
Sonetti had already coached Cagliari for two previous spells, between 2001 and 2002, then from 2005 to 2006. He is one of the best known coaches in Italian football during the last 30 years having been at the helm of Torino, Cremonese, Lecce and Brescia.
Real Madrid revival makes it a year to remember
Real Madrid and the national team's recovery from the depths of despondency have been the big talking points in Spanish football during the last 12 months. The Spanish giants bounced back from looking down-and-out in the Spanish championship race at the start of the year to claim a record 30th title in June and they lead La Liga once again as the year comes to an end.
It has been a remarkable turnaround since January when Real were lying third but chaos often reigned off-the-pitch, and sometimes on it.The turmoil was epitomised by David Beckham's decision to announce in mid-January that he was leaving Real for the American side Los Angeles Galaxy almost six months before the actual multi-million dollar move.
Real's bitter rivals Barcelona looked on the way to their third successive crown but former coach Fabio Capello steered the team back on course. Firstly, he took the brave decision to unload the under-performing and over-weight Brazilian superstar Ronaldo to Milan during the winter transfer window.
Secondly, in February, Capello swallowed his pride and recalled David Beckham just a month after saying that he would never play for Real again.Beckham then responded with some of the best football of his four years in the Spanish capital, which prompted his recall to the England side. Finally, with Ronaldo out of the way, Capello threw his weight behind the club captain Raul Gonzalez.
The dramatic changes lead to Real losing only once in their last 17 games.They topped the summer spenders among the European clubs when they splashed out around 118 millio euros on eight players, including high-profile signings like Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United and Arjen Robben from Chelsea.
It has been a remarkable turnaround since January when Real were lying third but chaos often reigned off-the-pitch, and sometimes on it.The turmoil was epitomised by David Beckham's decision to announce in mid-January that he was leaving Real for the American side Los Angeles Galaxy almost six months before the actual multi-million dollar move.
Real's bitter rivals Barcelona looked on the way to their third successive crown but former coach Fabio Capello steered the team back on course. Firstly, he took the brave decision to unload the under-performing and over-weight Brazilian superstar Ronaldo to Milan during the winter transfer window.
Secondly, in February, Capello swallowed his pride and recalled David Beckham just a month after saying that he would never play for Real again.Beckham then responded with some of the best football of his four years in the Spanish capital, which prompted his recall to the England side. Finally, with Ronaldo out of the way, Capello threw his weight behind the club captain Raul Gonzalez.
The dramatic changes lead to Real losing only once in their last 17 games.They topped the summer spenders among the European clubs when they splashed out around 118 millio euros on eight players, including high-profile signings like Gabriel Heinze from Manchester United and Arjen Robben from Chelsea.
Barcelona: Henry resumes training
Barcelona's French striker Thierry Henry resumed team training Wednesday four weeks after he was out injured with back problems, the club announced. "After some warming-up, the coach (Frank Rijkaard) gathered the team in the middle of the pitch and welcomed the French striker," the club said on its website. The French international stopped training on November 25.
The 30-year-old, who joined Barca from English Premiership side Arsenal during the summer, has scored five goals in the Spanish league and two in the Champions League this season.
He could now be available for Sunday's match at the Nou Camp against Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The 30-year-old, who joined Barca from English Premiership side Arsenal during the summer, has scored five goals in the Spanish league and two in the Champions League this season.
He could now be available for Sunday's match at the Nou Camp against Barcelona's arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea
William Gallas punished a rare mistake by Petr Cech to give Arsenal a hard-fought 1-0 win against Chelsea on Sunday that proved Arsene Wenger's side are ready to fight for the Premier League title. Gunners captain Gallas, a former Chelsea player, settled a brutal encounter with a first half header to send Arsenal back to the top of the table after they briefly lost pole position to Manchester United earlier on Sunday.
Defeat for Chelsea leaves Avram Grant's side six points behind the Gunners and possibly without captain John Terry for some time after the England defender suffered a suspected broken foot. After Manchester United's 1-0 win at Liverpool, Wenger's side found themselves in second place and forced to play catch-up.
But Arsenal had done enough to celebrate their first win over Chelsea in 12 attempts.
Defeat for Chelsea leaves Avram Grant's side six points behind the Gunners and possibly without captain John Terry for some time after the England defender suffered a suspected broken foot. After Manchester United's 1-0 win at Liverpool, Wenger's side found themselves in second place and forced to play catch-up.
But Arsenal had done enough to celebrate their first win over Chelsea in 12 attempts.
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United: United takes further lead in points
Liverpool's hopes of wresting the Premier League title away from Manchester United suffered a major setback on Sunday when they allowed the champions to get away from Anfield with a 1-0 win.
Carlos Tevez's goal just before half-time settled a contest that Liverpool dominated for most of the 90 minutes and could, with better finishing, have had wrapped up by the time the Argentinian claimed his ninth goal of the season.
From the outset, Liverpool had looked the sharper of the two sides and the predictably robust opening exchanges were punctuated by a couple of decent half-chances for a side that was unchanged from the line-up. But with the half-time whistle approaching, United suddenly found another gear and, after Hargreaves had won a corner on the right, took the lead with the help of some uncharacteristically shoddy defending by their hosts.
With Liverpool's defence anticipating an inswinging delivery from Giggs, the Welshman instead drilled a low ball to Rooney, who was, inexplicably, completely unmarked on the edge of the area. Liverpool's attempts to quickly get back on level terms after the restart were spearheaded by Gerrard, who thumped one drive into van der Sar's midriff before volleying Kewell's astute cross wide. Kewell made way for Ryan Babel with 25 minutes left and the Dutch winger went close with a shot that flashed across van der Sar's goalmouth ten minutes later.
But with United largely content to sit back and soak up the pressure, it was a counter-attack from the visitors that produced the best of the second-hand chances.
Carlos Tevez's goal just before half-time settled a contest that Liverpool dominated for most of the 90 minutes and could, with better finishing, have had wrapped up by the time the Argentinian claimed his ninth goal of the season.
From the outset, Liverpool had looked the sharper of the two sides and the predictably robust opening exchanges were punctuated by a couple of decent half-chances for a side that was unchanged from the line-up. But with the half-time whistle approaching, United suddenly found another gear and, after Hargreaves had won a corner on the right, took the lead with the help of some uncharacteristically shoddy defending by their hosts.
With Liverpool's defence anticipating an inswinging delivery from Giggs, the Welshman instead drilled a low ball to Rooney, who was, inexplicably, completely unmarked on the edge of the area. Liverpool's attempts to quickly get back on level terms after the restart were spearheaded by Gerrard, who thumped one drive into van der Sar's midriff before volleying Kewell's astute cross wide. Kewell made way for Ryan Babel with 25 minutes left and the Dutch winger went close with a shot that flashed across van der Sar's goalmouth ten minutes later.
But with United largely content to sit back and soak up the pressure, it was a counter-attack from the visitors that produced the best of the second-hand chances.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Two great matches on Sunday
Arsenal vs Chelsea:
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's showdown with Chelsea on Sunday will go a long way towards deciding the destiny of the Premier League title. Wenger is convinced the Gunners can win the league for the first time since 2004 if they come out on top in their clashes with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
A victory for Wenger's side at the Emirates Stadium would open up a six point gap on their London rivals. And with Liverpool playing second placed United earlier on Sunday, Arsenal could have a healthy advantage at the top by the end of the weekend. "It's down to consistency in the big games. I believe without a doubt that this season will be the most exciting year in the Premier League," Wenger said. "Since I have been here you have never had four teams as tight as that after 15 or 16 games. It is super healthy.
The main sub-plot of Sunday's meeting between London's pre-eminent forces is Ashley Cole's first return to Arsenal since his controversial move across the capital in 2006. The England left-back made it clear he wanted to leave Arsenal after falling out with the board over his wage demands and ended up at Chelsea, who had already been fined by trying to tap him up.
At home, Arsenal have won seven and drawn one of their eight games and have an array of foraging youngsters to take up the mantel of their more experienced starters should fitness tests be failed.
Liverpool and Manchester United:
Liverpool, with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the helm, and with perfectionist Rafa Benitez stupidly under pressure State-side, hope home advantage tells a story when taking on Manchester United. The Red Devils have in-form deadly duo Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez up front.
Liverpool surprisingly lost for the first time this season in the Premier League on Saturday at Reading, but their form has still been utterly impressive. They have scored 26 goals in their last seven games across all competitions, and are due a home win against their northern rivals, having not beaten them at Anfield since 2001.
Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's showdown with Chelsea on Sunday will go a long way towards deciding the destiny of the Premier League title. Wenger is convinced the Gunners can win the league for the first time since 2004 if they come out on top in their clashes with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
A victory for Wenger's side at the Emirates Stadium would open up a six point gap on their London rivals. And with Liverpool playing second placed United earlier on Sunday, Arsenal could have a healthy advantage at the top by the end of the weekend. "It's down to consistency in the big games. I believe without a doubt that this season will be the most exciting year in the Premier League," Wenger said. "Since I have been here you have never had four teams as tight as that after 15 or 16 games. It is super healthy.
The main sub-plot of Sunday's meeting between London's pre-eminent forces is Ashley Cole's first return to Arsenal since his controversial move across the capital in 2006. The England left-back made it clear he wanted to leave Arsenal after falling out with the board over his wage demands and ended up at Chelsea, who had already been fined by trying to tap him up.
At home, Arsenal have won seven and drawn one of their eight games and have an array of foraging youngsters to take up the mantel of their more experienced starters should fitness tests be failed.
Liverpool and Manchester United:
Liverpool, with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the helm, and with perfectionist Rafa Benitez stupidly under pressure State-side, hope home advantage tells a story when taking on Manchester United. The Red Devils have in-form deadly duo Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez up front.
Liverpool surprisingly lost for the first time this season in the Premier League on Saturday at Reading, but their form has still been utterly impressive. They have scored 26 goals in their last seven games across all competitions, and are due a home win against their northern rivals, having not beaten them at Anfield since 2001.
Champion League - Teams qualified for knockout round
The teams which have qualified for the knockout round (January – May 2008) are:
AC Milan
AS Roma
Arsenal
Barcelona
Celtic
Chelsea
Fenerbahce
Inter Milan
Liverpool
Manchested United
Olympiakos Piraeus
Olympique Lyon
Porto
Real Madrid
Schalke 04
Sevilla.
The draw will be held in Nyon, Switzerland on Dec 23rd 2007.
AC Milan
AS Roma
Arsenal
Barcelona
Celtic
Chelsea
Fenerbahce
Inter Milan
Liverpool
Manchested United
Olympiakos Piraeus
Olympique Lyon
Porto
Real Madrid
Schalke 04
Sevilla.
The draw will be held in Nyon, Switzerland on Dec 23rd 2007.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Fabio Capello prepares to take charge of England
David Beckham looks a good bet to win the 100th cap he craves but Fabio Capello's appointment as England manager may not be good news for some of the other big names in the national squad. Capello, who was expected to be confirmed as Steve McClaren's successor on Thursday following "extremely positive" talks with the English Football Association, has earned the opportunity to become the best-paid coach in world football over the course of 16 years in charge of four of the world's biggest clubs.
In that time, the Italian has earned a reputation for displaying steel-plated stubborness when it comes to putting the needs of his team ahead of superstar egos. Beckham and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Alessandro del Piero at Juventus, Edgar Davids at Milan and Francesco Totti at AS Roma: you could put together a formidable team of players that have found themselves sitting on the bench after lighting Capello's notoriously short fuse.
Amongst England's current crop of allegedy world class performers, Frank Lampard would appear to be the most vulnerable to the Capello chop. Ever since Marcel Desailly anchored AC Milan to their famous 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League final, all of the 61-year-old's club teams have been constructed around a midfield player deployed essentially as a shield for the back four.
There are also rumours that Capello is no great fan of the current England captain, John Terry, while a player like Shaun Wright-Phillips, championed for his pace under the old regime, may find himself a victim of the new manager's insistence that the ability to retain possession is the primary qualification for international football. That should play in favour of Beckham. The former England captain was axed by Capello after he agreed to leave Real Madrid for LA Galaxy last season, but he won the Italian's admiration for refusing to sulk, fighting his way back into the side and playing a key role in helping to secure the Spanish league title.
Barring injury, Beckham, who won his 99th cap as a substitute in the 3-2 defeat by Croatia that ensured England missed out on Euro 2008, is certain to be in Capello's first squad, which will be assembled for a friendly against Switzerland at Wembley in February.
But Claudio Ranieri believes his compatriot will not shy away from axing some big names if he believes it necessary to construct a team capable of challenging for glory in South Africa.
"Capello picks players who play together well - It sounds easy and obvious but not everyone can do it," the Italian former Chelsea boss said. "He goes for the best blend, not necessarily the best individuals. The team is more important than any individual. And his teams work together so well and are very difficult to score against. And sooner or later, they will score against you."
Having won league titles with all of his clubs, Capello has the kind of pedigree that McClaren conspicuously lacked and Ranieri expects England's fans, who jeered as often as they cheered during the unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, to rally behind him. "The fans will love Capello when he wins. And Fabio Capello is a winner," he said. "I think he can win the World Cup with England and make them into a team feared and respected throughout the world." To achieve that goal, Capello believes he has to get England's best players to overcome what he sees as a "mental block" preventing them from reproducing their club form on the international stage.
In that time, the Italian has earned a reputation for displaying steel-plated stubborness when it comes to putting the needs of his team ahead of superstar egos. Beckham and Ronaldo at Real Madrid, Alessandro del Piero at Juventus, Edgar Davids at Milan and Francesco Totti at AS Roma: you could put together a formidable team of players that have found themselves sitting on the bench after lighting Capello's notoriously short fuse.
Amongst England's current crop of allegedy world class performers, Frank Lampard would appear to be the most vulnerable to the Capello chop. Ever since Marcel Desailly anchored AC Milan to their famous 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League final, all of the 61-year-old's club teams have been constructed around a midfield player deployed essentially as a shield for the back four.
There are also rumours that Capello is no great fan of the current England captain, John Terry, while a player like Shaun Wright-Phillips, championed for his pace under the old regime, may find himself a victim of the new manager's insistence that the ability to retain possession is the primary qualification for international football. That should play in favour of Beckham. The former England captain was axed by Capello after he agreed to leave Real Madrid for LA Galaxy last season, but he won the Italian's admiration for refusing to sulk, fighting his way back into the side and playing a key role in helping to secure the Spanish league title.
Barring injury, Beckham, who won his 99th cap as a substitute in the 3-2 defeat by Croatia that ensured England missed out on Euro 2008, is certain to be in Capello's first squad, which will be assembled for a friendly against Switzerland at Wembley in February.
But Claudio Ranieri believes his compatriot will not shy away from axing some big names if he believes it necessary to construct a team capable of challenging for glory in South Africa.
"Capello picks players who play together well - It sounds easy and obvious but not everyone can do it," the Italian former Chelsea boss said. "He goes for the best blend, not necessarily the best individuals. The team is more important than any individual. And his teams work together so well and are very difficult to score against. And sooner or later, they will score against you."
Having won league titles with all of his clubs, Capello has the kind of pedigree that McClaren conspicuously lacked and Ranieri expects England's fans, who jeered as often as they cheered during the unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, to rally behind him. "The fans will love Capello when he wins. And Fabio Capello is a winner," he said. "I think he can win the World Cup with England and make them into a team feared and respected throughout the world." To achieve that goal, Capello believes he has to get England's best players to overcome what he sees as a "mental block" preventing them from reproducing their club form on the international stage.
AC Milan beat Urawa 1-0 to reach final
Italian powerhouses AC Milan lived up to their pre-tournament promise by beating Urawa Red Diamonds 1-0 to reach the final against Boca Juniors in the Club World Cup on Thursday.
Brazilian striker Kaka, who won the prestigious French Ballon d'Or for the Player of the Year, produced a pin-point cross from the left for midfielder Clarence Seedorf's goal in the 68th minute.
Boca, the Argentine giants, beat Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in the other semi-final on Wednesday to meet Milan who are aiming for the first Club World Cup for Europe. "I knew Kaka would cross the ball back. So I went straight into the line," Dutchman Seedorf said. "I was concentrated to kick it good, keep it low and that was good."
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "Boca Juniors are a different type of team from Urawa. They are opponents who have experience and history." "But we came here to bring the Cup to Europe. We just try hard to accomplish our goal," he added. "I expect Boca Juniors to play aggressive, they are not a defensive team. For us, it's important to win the trophy. Both teams try to win the Cup. It will be a more difficult game than against Urawa. But we have high motivation."
Brazilian striker Kaka, who won the prestigious French Ballon d'Or for the Player of the Year, produced a pin-point cross from the left for midfielder Clarence Seedorf's goal in the 68th minute.
Boca, the Argentine giants, beat Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in the other semi-final on Wednesday to meet Milan who are aiming for the first Club World Cup for Europe. "I knew Kaka would cross the ball back. So I went straight into the line," Dutchman Seedorf said. "I was concentrated to kick it good, keep it low and that was good."
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said: "Boca Juniors are a different type of team from Urawa. They are opponents who have experience and history." "But we came here to bring the Cup to Europe. We just try hard to accomplish our goal," he added. "I expect Boca Juniors to play aggressive, they are not a defensive team. For us, it's important to win the trophy. Both teams try to win the Cup. It will be a more difficult game than against Urawa. But we have high motivation."
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Arsenal 2-1 Steaua Bucharest: Second place in Group H
Arsenal were forced to settle for second place in Champions League Group H despite finishing with a 2-1 win against Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday. Arsene Wenger sent out an under-strength side at the Emirates Stadium but they were still too good for the Romanians. First half goals from Abou Diaby and Nicklas Bendtner put the Gunners in control before Dorel Zaharia replied after the break.
But the Premier League leaders, who had already qualified for the knockout stages, missed out on the prized top spot as Sevilla beat Slavia Prague 3-0. Arsenal now face the prospect of a tough tie against one of the group winners in the last 16.
It was the perfect preparation for Sunday's crucial showdown with title rivals Chelsea.
With Chelsea looming at the weekend, Wenger rested Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky.
But the Premier League leaders, who had already qualified for the knockout stages, missed out on the prized top spot as Sevilla beat Slavia Prague 3-0. Arsenal now face the prospect of a tough tie against one of the group winners in the last 16.
It was the perfect preparation for Sunday's crucial showdown with title rivals Chelsea.
With Chelsea looming at the weekend, Wenger rested Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor, Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky.
Roma 1-1 Man Utd: Violence reported in Rome
For the second season running violence scarred Manchester United's visit to Rome with a 16-year-old believed to be among seven Red Devils fans requiring hospital treatment after trouble outside the Stadio Olimpico, where United recorded a 1-1 draw. Mercifully, there were no problems inside with 1,200 visiting fans well policed and able to watch their team perform impressively but eventually lose their 100% Champions League record when Mancini levelled Gerard Pique's first-half header.
Despite a marked improvement in security from the disgraceful baton-wielding policing on United's last visit in April, the talk will still be about the apparent inability of the Italian authorities to contain the scourge of hooliganism, which has already twice seen soccer suspended in the country.
Roma manager Luciano Spalletti must have felt reasonably confident about ending an understrength United's perfect record in Group F but it soon became apparent the visitors were not in the mood to roll over.
Had Nani's set-piece delivery matched the eye-catching nature of his blistering left-wing raids, United would probably have been in front long before they eventually seized the initiative through Pique in the 34th minute.
The Spain Under-21 international has supposedly had his attitude criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz recently. If those stories are true, then the Barcelona-born youngster provided the perfect answer as he rose to nod home when Nani eventually got a corner right.Ghanaian midfielder Ahmed Barusso left a nasty imprint on the game and Johnny Evans' shin at the start of the second half as he went straight over the ball with a woeful tackle which could have brought a greater sanction than the yellow card produced by referee Martin Hansson.
Having already shown the worst side of his game, Barusso offered a glimpse of his best, sending a 25-yard effort whistling just wide of Tomasz Kuszczak's goal.United were never on the back foot for long though and would have doubled their lead if Alexander Doni had not raced out to block Louis Saha's shot at point-blank range after Wayne Rooney had sent his strike partner clear with a superb through-ball.
The introduction of Mirko Vucinic changed that theory as the Montenegrin quickly set up Mancini for a well-taken equaliser before striking the base of a post with an excellent snap-shot, the nearest Roma came to a winner.
Despite a marked improvement in security from the disgraceful baton-wielding policing on United's last visit in April, the talk will still be about the apparent inability of the Italian authorities to contain the scourge of hooliganism, which has already twice seen soccer suspended in the country.
Roma manager Luciano Spalletti must have felt reasonably confident about ending an understrength United's perfect record in Group F but it soon became apparent the visitors were not in the mood to roll over.
Had Nani's set-piece delivery matched the eye-catching nature of his blistering left-wing raids, United would probably have been in front long before they eventually seized the initiative through Pique in the 34th minute.
The Spain Under-21 international has supposedly had his attitude criticised by Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz recently. If those stories are true, then the Barcelona-born youngster provided the perfect answer as he rose to nod home when Nani eventually got a corner right.Ghanaian midfielder Ahmed Barusso left a nasty imprint on the game and Johnny Evans' shin at the start of the second half as he went straight over the ball with a woeful tackle which could have brought a greater sanction than the yellow card produced by referee Martin Hansson.
Having already shown the worst side of his game, Barusso offered a glimpse of his best, sending a 25-yard effort whistling just wide of Tomasz Kuszczak's goal.United were never on the back foot for long though and would have doubled their lead if Alexander Doni had not raced out to block Louis Saha's shot at point-blank range after Wayne Rooney had sent his strike partner clear with a superb through-ball.
The introduction of Mirko Vucinic changed that theory as the Montenegrin quickly set up Mancini for a well-taken equaliser before striking the base of a post with an excellent snap-shot, the nearest Roma came to a winner.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Real Madrid 3-1 Lazio
First half goals from Julio Baptista, Raul Gonzalez and Robinho secured the top spot for Real Madrid in the European Champions League Group C with an emphatic 3-1 win over Lazio on Tuesday.
The nine-time European champions finished with 11 points from their six group games.
Olympiakos ended their campaign with the same number of points after beating Werder Bremen 3-0 on Tuesday but Real finish in front on the basis of their head-to-head results with the Greek side.
Pole position in their group means that Real will now breath a little easier and avoid former champions Manchester United, AC Milan and Inter Milan, as well as Chelsea, when the draw for the last 16 is made on December 21.
The victory also preserved Real's 100 per cent home record, both in La Liga and in continental competition, and made it a miserable night for Lazio's 43-year-old goalkeeper Marco Ballotta despite him earning a memorable accolade.
The nine-time European champions finished with 11 points from their six group games.
Olympiakos ended their campaign with the same number of points after beating Werder Bremen 3-0 on Tuesday but Real finish in front on the basis of their head-to-head results with the Greek side.
Pole position in their group means that Real will now breath a little easier and avoid former champions Manchester United, AC Milan and Inter Milan, as well as Chelsea, when the draw for the last 16 is made on December 21.
The victory also preserved Real's 100 per cent home record, both in La Liga and in continental competition, and made it a miserable night for Lazio's 43-year-old goalkeeper Marco Ballotta despite him earning a memorable accolade.
Chelsea 0-0 Valencia
Valencia's miserable European campaign ended on a low note as they were held to a 0-0 Champions League draw against Chelsea on Tuesday that denied them even a UEFA Cup consolation. Ronald Koeman's side were already out of contention to join Chelsea in the Champions League knockout stages and a lacklustre display at Stamford Bridge ensured they finished bottom of Group B.
It was the fifth successive match without a goal for the Spanish club, who are a shadow of the team that pushed Chelsea so close in the quarter-finals of this competition last season.
Chelsea, who had already clinched first place, should have won by several goals but were let down by the kind of poor finishing that Avram Grant must have feared after Didier Drogba's knee surgery.
With a crucial Premier League clash at Arsenal looming on Sunday and his side's place in the Champions League knockout stages already secure, Grant could have been forgiven for sending out an under-strength side.
It was the fifth successive match without a goal for the Spanish club, who are a shadow of the team that pushed Chelsea so close in the quarter-finals of this competition last season.
Chelsea, who had already clinched first place, should have won by several goals but were let down by the kind of poor finishing that Avram Grant must have feared after Didier Drogba's knee surgery.
With a crucial Premier League clash at Arsenal looming on Sunday and his side's place in the Champions League knockout stages already secure, Grant could have been forgiven for sending out an under-strength side.
Liverpool beats Marseille 4-0
Liverpool marched into the knockout stages of the Champions League with a convincing 4-0 win over an outclassed Marseille on Tuesday. An early strike from captain Steven Gerrard was followed by a superb solo effort from Fernando Torres, a Dirk Kuyt goal early in the second half and a stoppage time effort from substitute Ryan Babel as Liverpool became the first English club to win at the home of France's best-supported club.
From the fourth minute, when Gerrard knocked in the rebound from his own penalty, there was little doubt that Liverpool would complete a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes in group A. They have beaten Besiktas 8-0 and FC Porto 4-1 at home and the equally comfortable nature of this win will send them the five-times champions into the last 16 - and Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester United - in confident mood.
From the fourth minute, when Gerrard knocked in the rebound from his own penalty, there was little doubt that Liverpool would complete a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes in group A. They have beaten Besiktas 8-0 and FC Porto 4-1 at home and the equally comfortable nature of this win will send them the five-times champions into the last 16 - and Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester United - in confident mood.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Champions League Preview: Sink or swim for Liverpool and Real
Liverpool and Real Madrid, with an astonishing 13 European titles between them, face the humiliating prospect of being dumped out of the Champions League on Tuesday. Liverpool, who have lifted the continental crown five times, are in the most precarious position having to travel to France where only a Group A win will suffice against 1993 winners Marseille in the imposing Stade Velodrome.
Eight-time champions Real are in a better position. They tackle Lazio at the Bernabau needing only a draw to make the knockout rounds but wary that a heavy defeat could send them heading for the exit from Group C.
In Group B, Chelsea, who have already made sure of their place in the last 16, welcome struggling Valencia who can only hope to aim for a UEFA Cup place. Liverpool, runners-up last season and champions for the fifth time as recently as 2005, suffered the worst possible preparation for their trip to the south of France when they were beaten 3-1 by Reading in the Premiership at the weekend.
Both Marseille and Liverpool have seven points, one behind group leaders Porto, but a draw could be enough for the French side to qualify after Eric Gerets' men won the first match between the two at Anfield. Marseille warmed up for the do-or-die clash with a 2-0 win over Monaco in the French championship on Saturday.
Gerets believes his team's occasionally fickle fans could be key on Tuesday. "There's been a change in the behaviour of our fans," said the former Belgian international. "I was pleasantly surprised by the support we had throughout the 90 minutes on Saturday. On Tuesday, against Liverpool, we will need even a little more."
Porto, the 2004 champions, need just a draw at home to Besiktas to make the last 16. The Turks, crushed 8-0 by Liverpool on their last Champions League trip and are bottom of Group A, need to win to qualify. Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam said: "Our total focus is on the Porto game which is important both for us and Turkish football. Our aim is to write a new page in the club's history." Real are confident Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will be fit to face Lazio and fire them into the next stage.Van Nistelrooy limped out of Saturday's 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao after scoring his seventh league goal of the season.
"I had some problems with my calf muscle towards the end of the game but I'll definitely be ready for Tuesday," said the 31-year-old. Madrid need just a point to ensure qualification and with four goals in the competition van Nistelrooy has a crucial role.
Chelsea, who reached the semi-finals last season, are already assured of top spot in Group B with three wins and two draws in their five games. The Londoners will again be missing Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba who has undergone knee surgery with the player battling to be fit for the African Nations Cup in Ghana, which kicks off on January 20.
Eight-time champions Real are in a better position. They tackle Lazio at the Bernabau needing only a draw to make the knockout rounds but wary that a heavy defeat could send them heading for the exit from Group C.
In Group B, Chelsea, who have already made sure of their place in the last 16, welcome struggling Valencia who can only hope to aim for a UEFA Cup place. Liverpool, runners-up last season and champions for the fifth time as recently as 2005, suffered the worst possible preparation for their trip to the south of France when they were beaten 3-1 by Reading in the Premiership at the weekend.
Both Marseille and Liverpool have seven points, one behind group leaders Porto, but a draw could be enough for the French side to qualify after Eric Gerets' men won the first match between the two at Anfield. Marseille warmed up for the do-or-die clash with a 2-0 win over Monaco in the French championship on Saturday.
Gerets believes his team's occasionally fickle fans could be key on Tuesday. "There's been a change in the behaviour of our fans," said the former Belgian international. "I was pleasantly surprised by the support we had throughout the 90 minutes on Saturday. On Tuesday, against Liverpool, we will need even a little more."
Porto, the 2004 champions, need just a draw at home to Besiktas to make the last 16. The Turks, crushed 8-0 by Liverpool on their last Champions League trip and are bottom of Group A, need to win to qualify. Besiktas coach Ertugrul Saglam said: "Our total focus is on the Porto game which is important both for us and Turkish football. Our aim is to write a new page in the club's history." Real are confident Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will be fit to face Lazio and fire them into the next stage.Van Nistelrooy limped out of Saturday's 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao after scoring his seventh league goal of the season.
"I had some problems with my calf muscle towards the end of the game but I'll definitely be ready for Tuesday," said the 31-year-old. Madrid need just a point to ensure qualification and with four goals in the competition van Nistelrooy has a crucial role.
Chelsea, who reached the semi-finals last season, are already assured of top spot in Group B with three wins and two draws in their five games. The Londoners will again be missing Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba who has undergone knee surgery with the player battling to be fit for the African Nations Cup in Ghana, which kicks off on January 20.
Lazio defeats Catania 2-0
Lazio secured only their fourth victory of the campaign by beating mid-table Catania 2-0 on Saturday.Tommaso Rocchi headed an early opener for the side from the capital and substitute Goran Pandev doubled their advantage with a late second after the visitors had been dismissed to ten men following Gionatha Spinesi's red card.
Improving Palermo moved up to seventh in the Serie A table with a 2-0 win against Fiorentina.
Fabrizio Miccoli and Fabio Simplicio netted against the fifth-placed Viola who finished the game with ten men when the injured Alessandro Gamberini was forced to leave the pitch after all their substitutes had been used.
Improving Palermo moved up to seventh in the Serie A table with a 2-0 win against Fiorentina.
Fabrizio Miccoli and Fabio Simplicio netted against the fifth-placed Viola who finished the game with ten men when the injured Alessandro Gamberini was forced to leave the pitch after all their substitutes had been used.
Everton 3-0 win against Fulham
Everton defender Leighton Baines could be set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win against Fulham.The former Wigan Athletic star had to be substituted after picking up the problem midway through the first period.
Phil Jagielka came on to replace Baines, who will have a scan to determine the extent of the injury.Head physio Mick Rathbone told Everton's official website: "It's a hamstring injury but it doesn't look too bad.
"We'll scan it, considering the importance of the next few weeks."He'll be back. It could be a cramp - although we think there's a slight tear there."Nuno (Valente) has a slight hamstring strain as well but he's making a good recovery and we'll get both of them back as soon as possible."
Phil Jagielka came on to replace Baines, who will have a scan to determine the extent of the injury.Head physio Mick Rathbone told Everton's official website: "It's a hamstring injury but it doesn't look too bad.
"We'll scan it, considering the importance of the next few weeks."He'll be back. It could be a cramp - although we think there's a slight tear there."Nuno (Valente) has a slight hamstring strain as well but he's making a good recovery and we'll get both of them back as soon as possible."
Real Madrid beat Bilbao 1-0
Real Madrid were made to battle hard before eventually beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in the San Mames Stadium.Ruud van Nistelooy's 54th-minute strike lifted Real seven points clear of second-placed Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Bilbao remain in the bottom half of the table after the loss to Bernd Schuster's side.
In Saturday's early match, sixth-placed Valencia had to settle for a point from a poor goalless draw at Osasuna.
Meanwhile, Bilbao remain in the bottom half of the table after the loss to Bernd Schuster's side.
In Saturday's early match, sixth-placed Valencia had to settle for a point from a poor goalless draw at Osasuna.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Newcastle United 2 - 1 Birmingham City
Senegal defender Habib Beye was the toast of Tyneside when his last-minute flying header earned Newcastle United their first win in seven matches to move them back into the top ten.Obafemi Martins' seventh goal of the season from the penalty spot, his sixth in the league, had earlier wiped out an early Cameron Jerome goal as Alex McLeish tasted defeat for the first time as Birmingham boss.
In front of their lowest home league crowd of the season, 49,948, the win greatly eases the pressure on Sam Allardyce whose side have now claimed five points from a possible 21.Fresh from their greatly improved performance against Arsenal, Allardyce not surprisingly named an unchanged Newcastle side.But just as they had done against the Gunners, United found themselves behind to an early goal following yet another defensive error after nine minute.
This time David Rozehnal was the culprit when the Czech international failed to allow for the conditions in the torrential rain and Cameron Jerome capitalised by stealing possession before cleverly rounding Shay Given and placing his shot into the empty net.
This was the 12th successive game that Newcastle had failed to keep a clean sheet, but on the credit side they refused to allow their heads to drop and laid siege on the Birmingham goal for the remainder of the first half.Maik Taylor knew little about keeping out a point-blank save from Martins and Rafael Schmitz cleared off the line.
United lost Nicky Butt with a groin strain on the half-hour mark and he was replaced by Mark Viduka, who made an immediate impact with his physical presence.The equaliser came from the penalty spot after 35 minutes when referee Rob Styles was perfectly positioned to see the trailing leg of Matthew Sadler send Martins crashing to his knees.He awarded what was the first penalty of the season involving Newcastle and Martins climbed off the floor to take the kick.
Quite adept at taking penalties with either foot, Martins shaped to take left-footed, but switched in his run-up and saw Taylor get both hands to the ball, but frustratingly for the Northern Ireland number one saw the ball hit the upright and went over the line.James Milner then twice within the space of a minute should have put Newcastle ahead after 40 minutes.
England's record Under-21s appearance maker got on the end of a Charles N'Zogbia free-kick only to see Taylor turn it over the bar and from a free-kick smashed a 20-yarder against the woodwork.Despite finishing the half on a high, United then allowed the Blues to take the early second period initiative and it should have seen them regain the lead when Sebastian Larsson - the matchwinner at Spurs last week - blasted wide when he should have done better.
Play deteriorated along with the weather until Allardyce sent on Emre for the once again disappointing Geremi.
And Emre was to have two important parts to play in a grandstand finish. First he appealed for a second penalty when a late free-kick struck the outstretched arm of Jerome.Then with a last throw of the dice United snatched their first win since beating Spurs on 22 October. Emre's near-post corner was met by the flying Beye, whose downward header flashed into the net.
In front of their lowest home league crowd of the season, 49,948, the win greatly eases the pressure on Sam Allardyce whose side have now claimed five points from a possible 21.Fresh from their greatly improved performance against Arsenal, Allardyce not surprisingly named an unchanged Newcastle side.But just as they had done against the Gunners, United found themselves behind to an early goal following yet another defensive error after nine minute.
This time David Rozehnal was the culprit when the Czech international failed to allow for the conditions in the torrential rain and Cameron Jerome capitalised by stealing possession before cleverly rounding Shay Given and placing his shot into the empty net.
This was the 12th successive game that Newcastle had failed to keep a clean sheet, but on the credit side they refused to allow their heads to drop and laid siege on the Birmingham goal for the remainder of the first half.Maik Taylor knew little about keeping out a point-blank save from Martins and Rafael Schmitz cleared off the line.
United lost Nicky Butt with a groin strain on the half-hour mark and he was replaced by Mark Viduka, who made an immediate impact with his physical presence.The equaliser came from the penalty spot after 35 minutes when referee Rob Styles was perfectly positioned to see the trailing leg of Matthew Sadler send Martins crashing to his knees.He awarded what was the first penalty of the season involving Newcastle and Martins climbed off the floor to take the kick.
Quite adept at taking penalties with either foot, Martins shaped to take left-footed, but switched in his run-up and saw Taylor get both hands to the ball, but frustratingly for the Northern Ireland number one saw the ball hit the upright and went over the line.James Milner then twice within the space of a minute should have put Newcastle ahead after 40 minutes.
England's record Under-21s appearance maker got on the end of a Charles N'Zogbia free-kick only to see Taylor turn it over the bar and from a free-kick smashed a 20-yarder against the woodwork.Despite finishing the half on a high, United then allowed the Blues to take the early second period initiative and it should have seen them regain the lead when Sebastian Larsson - the matchwinner at Spurs last week - blasted wide when he should have done better.
Play deteriorated along with the weather until Allardyce sent on Emre for the once again disappointing Geremi.
And Emre was to have two important parts to play in a grandstand finish. First he appealed for a second penalty when a late free-kick struck the outstretched arm of Jerome.Then with a last throw of the dice United snatched their first win since beating Spurs on 22 October. Emre's near-post corner was met by the flying Beye, whose downward header flashed into the net.
Manchester United 4 - 1 Derby County
Ryan Giggs became the 11th Manchester United player to score 100 league goals with the first of his side's four against bottom-of-the-table Derby County at Old Trafford.The 34-year-old Welshman joined a select band of players, including Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best to have hit a century for the Red Devils.
Giggs, who made his league debut for United back in March 1991, seems to get better with age.
This was vintage Giggs, who left the field to a standing ovation in the 64th minute after scoring one and being denied a second by the foot of a post.Giggs broke the deadlock in the 40th minute of a game played on a sodden Old Trafford pitch with the rain swirling around the stadium throughout.
The move began when Anderson found Patrice Evra on the left side of the Derby box.He threaded the ball back into the penalty area while Cristiano Ronaldo put a fierce 25-yard shot and, although Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater blocked his effort, Giggs followed up to side-foot the rebound home from eight yards.
United made it 2-0 in first-half injury time as Ronaldo chipped a 25-yard free-kick to the left of the Derby box inside the penalty area to Anderson.He helped the ball on to Carlos Tevez, standing near the penalty spot and, although the Argentinian had a comic moment when he missed his first shot completely, he soon recovered to place his second effort into the roof of the net from 12 yards.
Tevez added United's third goal on the hour when he raced on to Wes Brown's clever pass from the right and dispatched the ball into the bottom corner of the net with a shot from just inside the box.Ronaldo completed United's scoring deep into injury time.Tyrone Mears was harshly adjudged to have brought down Ronaldo in the box when the United man looked to fall over the legs of the Derby substitute.
Referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot and, after a shimmy, the Portuguese star buried the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from the resulting penalty.Wayne Rooney hit the post with an audacious chip after being put clear by Giggs' glorious 40-yard through ball and the Welsh maestro also struck a post with a superb left-foot volley from Brown's cross.
But spare a thought for Derby as they battled hard all afternoon and were rewarded with their first away goal in the Premier League this season when substitute Steve Howard bundled home Mears' right-wing cross off his chest from six yards.
Giggs, who made his league debut for United back in March 1991, seems to get better with age.
This was vintage Giggs, who left the field to a standing ovation in the 64th minute after scoring one and being denied a second by the foot of a post.Giggs broke the deadlock in the 40th minute of a game played on a sodden Old Trafford pitch with the rain swirling around the stadium throughout.
The move began when Anderson found Patrice Evra on the left side of the Derby box.He threaded the ball back into the penalty area while Cristiano Ronaldo put a fierce 25-yard shot and, although Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater blocked his effort, Giggs followed up to side-foot the rebound home from eight yards.
United made it 2-0 in first-half injury time as Ronaldo chipped a 25-yard free-kick to the left of the Derby box inside the penalty area to Anderson.He helped the ball on to Carlos Tevez, standing near the penalty spot and, although the Argentinian had a comic moment when he missed his first shot completely, he soon recovered to place his second effort into the roof of the net from 12 yards.
Tevez added United's third goal on the hour when he raced on to Wes Brown's clever pass from the right and dispatched the ball into the bottom corner of the net with a shot from just inside the box.Ronaldo completed United's scoring deep into injury time.Tyrone Mears was harshly adjudged to have brought down Ronaldo in the box when the United man looked to fall over the legs of the Derby substitute.
Referee Chris Foy pointed to the spot and, after a shimmy, the Portuguese star buried the ball into the bottom right corner of the net from the resulting penalty.Wayne Rooney hit the post with an audacious chip after being put clear by Giggs' glorious 40-yard through ball and the Welsh maestro also struck a post with a superb left-foot volley from Brown's cross.
But spare a thought for Derby as they battled hard all afternoon and were rewarded with their first away goal in the Premier League this season when substitute Steve Howard bundled home Mears' right-wing cross off his chest from six yards.
Chelsea 2 - 0 Sunderland
Andriy Shevchenko moved from his usual spot on the bench into the starting line-up and showed what a top player he is by scoring the first as Chelsea dispatched lacklustre Sunderland 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.Frank Lampard coolly slotted home a penalty for the second as the west Londoners remained third in the Premier league.
With top-scorer Didier Drogba sidelined after undergoing a knee operation, Shevchenko was restored to the first-team by manager Avram Grant.But it was his strike partner Salomon Kalou who had the first chance of the game after six minutes when the Ivory Coast frontman met Lampard's corner and rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from eight yards out.
Chelsea had a good case for a penalty on ten minutes when Dean Whitehead appeared to push Shaun Wright-Phillips inside the Black Cats area, but referee Peter Walton waved away the shouts.
But class is everything and on 23 minutes the Ukraine striker notched up Chelsea's opener.
A long diagonal ball by Lampard to Kalou saw the Ivorian send in a fine left-footed byline cross which Shevchenko met superbly with a diving header past a hapless Darren Ward.Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones forced Carlo Cudicini into a smart save on 33 minutes with the visitors' first effort of the match.
The second half was a poor affair with neither side able to dominate possession of the ball and not even a flurry of substitutions could lift the stupor.But on 75 minutes Chelsea was awarded an innocuous looking penalty when Alex fell to the ground in the six-yard box while tracking a Lampard in-swinging free-kick.The referee adjudged Danny Higginbotham to have pushed the Brazilian centre-back.Lampard dispatched the gift with consummate ease by tucking the ball into Ward's left-hand side corner of the net.
To add to Sunderland's woes, Liam Miller was given a straight red card three minutes from time for pushing Claudio Pizarro in the face.
With top-scorer Didier Drogba sidelined after undergoing a knee operation, Shevchenko was restored to the first-team by manager Avram Grant.But it was his strike partner Salomon Kalou who had the first chance of the game after six minutes when the Ivory Coast frontman met Lampard's corner and rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from eight yards out.
Chelsea had a good case for a penalty on ten minutes when Dean Whitehead appeared to push Shaun Wright-Phillips inside the Black Cats area, but referee Peter Walton waved away the shouts.
But class is everything and on 23 minutes the Ukraine striker notched up Chelsea's opener.
A long diagonal ball by Lampard to Kalou saw the Ivorian send in a fine left-footed byline cross which Shevchenko met superbly with a diving header past a hapless Darren Ward.Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones forced Carlo Cudicini into a smart save on 33 minutes with the visitors' first effort of the match.
The second half was a poor affair with neither side able to dominate possession of the ball and not even a flurry of substitutions could lift the stupor.But on 75 minutes Chelsea was awarded an innocuous looking penalty when Alex fell to the ground in the six-yard box while tracking a Lampard in-swinging free-kick.The referee adjudged Danny Higginbotham to have pushed the Brazilian centre-back.Lampard dispatched the gift with consummate ease by tucking the ball into Ward's left-hand side corner of the net.
To add to Sunderland's woes, Liam Miller was given a straight red card three minutes from time for pushing Claudio Pizarro in the face.
Reading 3 - 1 Liverpool
Liverpool slipped to their first Premier League defeat of the season as Reading battled to a priceless win at the Madejski Stadium. Second-half strikes from Kevin Doyle and James Harper secured the Royals their first win in five league outings after Steven Gerrard had cancelled out Stephen Hunt's first-half penalty.
Liverpool had two valid penalty claims turned down and saw Gerrard and Peter Crouch hit the woodwork as Reading enjoyed the rub of the green.But the home side earned their good fortune with a resolute display that deservedly saw them avenge a 4-2 Carling Cup defeat at the same ground earlier this season.
The luck that Reading enjoyed surfaced first as they made a 16th minute breakthrough.Brynjar Gunnarsson latched on to Bobby Convey's first-time pass and drove past Jamie Carragher into the Liverpool penalty area and the defender reacted too slowly as he clattered the midfielder.
It was a clear foul and, although replays suggested contact was just outside the box, Liverpool could have few complaints that referee Andre Marriner's instant reaction was to agree with his linesman in awarding a penalty.
Hunt calmly sent Jose Reina the wrong way from the spot for his second goal of the season, but Liverpool predictably reacted with menace as their unbeaten league record came under real threat.They were level on 28 minutes when Torres chested down a long punt forward from Reina and rolled the ball into the path of the previously anonymous Gerrard, who escaped the attentions of Hunt and took one touch to set himself up before stroking past Marcus Hahnemann.
The game truly turned Reading's way on the hour after Gerrard was booked for a foul on Hunt and Nicky Shorey's resulting free-kick was flicked home by Doyle.Doyle thumped a shot on the turn just over and Gerrard's dipping shot smacked against the crossbar before Reading made the game safe midway through the second half.Doyle found Convey tight on the left wing and his pass sent Harper clear with the midfielder neatly side-stepping Reina before clipping home a neat finish.
With a must-win Champions League game with Marseille to come in midweek followed by a Premier League showdown with Manchester United next weekend, Rafa Benitez effectively threw in the towel as he withdrew Torres, Gerrard and Carragher in the second half.
Liverpool had two valid penalty claims turned down and saw Gerrard and Peter Crouch hit the woodwork as Reading enjoyed the rub of the green.But the home side earned their good fortune with a resolute display that deservedly saw them avenge a 4-2 Carling Cup defeat at the same ground earlier this season.
The luck that Reading enjoyed surfaced first as they made a 16th minute breakthrough.Brynjar Gunnarsson latched on to Bobby Convey's first-time pass and drove past Jamie Carragher into the Liverpool penalty area and the defender reacted too slowly as he clattered the midfielder.
It was a clear foul and, although replays suggested contact was just outside the box, Liverpool could have few complaints that referee Andre Marriner's instant reaction was to agree with his linesman in awarding a penalty.
Hunt calmly sent Jose Reina the wrong way from the spot for his second goal of the season, but Liverpool predictably reacted with menace as their unbeaten league record came under real threat.They were level on 28 minutes when Torres chested down a long punt forward from Reina and rolled the ball into the path of the previously anonymous Gerrard, who escaped the attentions of Hunt and took one touch to set himself up before stroking past Marcus Hahnemann.
The game truly turned Reading's way on the hour after Gerrard was booked for a foul on Hunt and Nicky Shorey's resulting free-kick was flicked home by Doyle.Doyle thumped a shot on the turn just over and Gerrard's dipping shot smacked against the crossbar before Reading made the game safe midway through the second half.Doyle found Convey tight on the left wing and his pass sent Harper clear with the midfielder neatly side-stepping Reina before clipping home a neat finish.
With a must-win Champions League game with Marseille to come in midweek followed by a Premier League showdown with Manchester United next weekend, Rafa Benitez effectively threw in the towel as he withdrew Torres, Gerrard and Carragher in the second half.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
We can't blow this golden chance of winning silverware, says Moyes
A defining week in the season is upon Everton and for David Moyes it is a step into the unknown. Zenit St Petersburg tonight will become the first Russian club side to play at Goodison Park and, as champions of their domestic league, they will present an acid test of Everton's hopes of progress in the Uefa Cup - but it was mention of an impending Carling Cup quarter-final that really set the Scot dreaming.
"Five years I've been here and that is the first time anyone has been able to ask me about a cup quarter-final," said the Everton manager, when asked if he would rotate against the Russians with next Wednesday's visit to West Ham in mind. The response encapsulated both Moyes' greatest frustration and failing since replacing Walter Smith in March 2002.
In 12 cup campaigns prior to this season Everton have only once gone as far as the fifth round under Moyes, in the 2005 FA Cup. Now, perhaps, there is change at Goodison. A point against Dick Advocaat's Zenit tonight will guarantee Everton a place in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup, while at Upton Park next week Moyes has an opportunity to take the club into a semi-final for the first time since the victorious FA Cup run of 1995.
"This is where we would hope to be, and I would have liked to have been in this situation more often," he admitted. "But I have to be pleased with the progress we have now and the opportunity to play the Russian champions and then a cup quarter-final at West Ham. I want that to be the norm, I want to be talking about cup quarter-finals every season, but I haven't been able to do so in five years here. It is looking healthier now, but we are not there yet and we have to keep progressing in all competitions."
That message has been drummed into his players this season. Harsh cup draws have played a part in the barren runs - Arsenal and Chelsea have twice knocked Everton out of the domestic cups under Moyes, Manchester United once, with the eventual semi-finalists Villarreal an unfortunate Champions League opponent in 2005 - but exits to Shrewsbury, Dinamo Bucharest, Fulham and Middlesbrough also indicate an ability to orchestrate their own downfalls.
Record investments on the scale of £11.25m for Yakubu and £8.6m on Andrew Johnson, and a side containing the artistry and ambition of Mikel Arteta, now demand better. As does Moyes.
"It is not about surviving or getting a Uefa Cup place, he actually wants us to win some silverware," said Phil Neville, the captain. "With the amount of money the manager has spent and the fact that we've been getting into European qualifying positions in recent years, there comes a time when you've got to put your balls on the line and say: 'We need to win a trophy'. We are getting to that point now."
With Andrei Arshavin and Konstantin Zyryanov, the two Russian internationals who put Everton defender Joleon Lescott on trial during England's costly Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in Moscow, Zenit have the calibre to puncture Goodison's renewed optimism. Joseph Yobo and Tim Howard are both doubtful for tonight's penultimate Group A fixture although, on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run, the Everton manager is considering resting some players for West Ham.
"This is new to me, I don't do rotation," said Moyes. "I said when the draw was made that Zenit are the strongest team and I still believe that. This will be a real test. It is moments like this that we have been hoping to have for a long time."
Everton (probable 4-4-2): Wessels; Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines; Arteta, Carsley, Osman, Pieenar; Johnson, Anichebe.
Zenit St Petersburg (probable 4-4-2): Contofalsky; Anyukov, Lombaerts, Skrtel, Jin; Sirl, Tymoschuk, Zyryanov, Dominguez; Arshavin, Pogrebnyak.
Referee K Jakobsson (Iceland).
"Five years I've been here and that is the first time anyone has been able to ask me about a cup quarter-final," said the Everton manager, when asked if he would rotate against the Russians with next Wednesday's visit to West Ham in mind. The response encapsulated both Moyes' greatest frustration and failing since replacing Walter Smith in March 2002.
In 12 cup campaigns prior to this season Everton have only once gone as far as the fifth round under Moyes, in the 2005 FA Cup. Now, perhaps, there is change at Goodison. A point against Dick Advocaat's Zenit tonight will guarantee Everton a place in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup, while at Upton Park next week Moyes has an opportunity to take the club into a semi-final for the first time since the victorious FA Cup run of 1995.
"This is where we would hope to be, and I would have liked to have been in this situation more often," he admitted. "But I have to be pleased with the progress we have now and the opportunity to play the Russian champions and then a cup quarter-final at West Ham. I want that to be the norm, I want to be talking about cup quarter-finals every season, but I haven't been able to do so in five years here. It is looking healthier now, but we are not there yet and we have to keep progressing in all competitions."
That message has been drummed into his players this season. Harsh cup draws have played a part in the barren runs - Arsenal and Chelsea have twice knocked Everton out of the domestic cups under Moyes, Manchester United once, with the eventual semi-finalists Villarreal an unfortunate Champions League opponent in 2005 - but exits to Shrewsbury, Dinamo Bucharest, Fulham and Middlesbrough also indicate an ability to orchestrate their own downfalls.
Record investments on the scale of £11.25m for Yakubu and £8.6m on Andrew Johnson, and a side containing the artistry and ambition of Mikel Arteta, now demand better. As does Moyes.
"It is not about surviving or getting a Uefa Cup place, he actually wants us to win some silverware," said Phil Neville, the captain. "With the amount of money the manager has spent and the fact that we've been getting into European qualifying positions in recent years, there comes a time when you've got to put your balls on the line and say: 'We need to win a trophy'. We are getting to that point now."
With Andrei Arshavin and Konstantin Zyryanov, the two Russian internationals who put Everton defender Joleon Lescott on trial during England's costly Euro 2008 qualifying defeat in Moscow, Zenit have the calibre to puncture Goodison's renewed optimism. Joseph Yobo and Tim Howard are both doubtful for tonight's penultimate Group A fixture although, on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run, the Everton manager is considering resting some players for West Ham.
"This is new to me, I don't do rotation," said Moyes. "I said when the draw was made that Zenit are the strongest team and I still believe that. This will be a real test. It is moments like this that we have been hoping to have for a long time."
Everton (probable 4-4-2): Wessels; Neville, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines; Arteta, Carsley, Osman, Pieenar; Johnson, Anichebe.
Zenit St Petersburg (probable 4-4-2): Contofalsky; Anyukov, Lombaerts, Skrtel, Jin; Sirl, Tymoschuk, Zyryanov, Dominguez; Arshavin, Pogrebnyak.
Referee K Jakobsson (Iceland).
Ronaldo – Did he jump or was pushed
Ryan Giggs has joined Sir Alex Ferguson in coming to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo as the footballer of the year attempts to persuade the rest of the English game that he does not deserve his reputation as a serial diver. Ronaldo's fondness for looking for free-kicks earlier in his career almost certainly contributed to the referee Rob Styles denying him a penalty in Manchester United's 2-0 defeat of Fulham on Monday and Giggs, like Ferguson, feels his team-mate is being treated unfairly by match officials.
Ferguson has described it as "unbelievable" that Styles brandished a yellow card in Ronaldo's direction after he seemed to have been brought down by Fulham's goalkeeper, Antti Niemi, and Giggs spoke of the feeling at Old Trafford that the club's leading scorer is paying because of his past mistakes. Ronaldo, famously branded a "cheat" by the Middlesbrough manager, Gareth Southgate, may have nobody but himself to blame for that, but the official line from United is that he has eradicated diving from his game and should be treated the same as everyone else.
"I think Ronnie had that reputation [as a diver] when he first came here, but that's gone now," said Giggs. "It was hard for the referee because it happened so quickly, but because Ronnie was running so fast the referee has had to make a split-second decision. I think because there was no obvious contact, he didn't give a penalty - but all Ronnie did was try to avoid the keeper, so in my view that cannot be seen as simulation."
Ferguson's complaint after the game was not solely with Styles but also Niemi, accusing him of "conning" the referee by making diving gestures in Ronaldo's direction. The television replays proved the Finn had done little more than indicate to Styles there had been no contact.
However, Giggs was the next closest player and he was convinced Ronaldo had legitimate reasons for going down. "Niemi has tried to stop Ronnie and his arm has followed his leg, so everyone thought it was a penalty," he said. "I think when the referee sees it again he will realise he has made a mistake. But you'd have to ask the referee about that."
Ronaldo could conceivably have been sent off for dissent after sarcastically applauding Styles' decision to book him, but since the end of the game the player has chosen to handle the situation with dignity. Yesterday he refused to criticise Styles, even though the decision deprived him of the chance to score the first hat-trick of his United career. "I don't want to speak too much about the penalty incident," he said. "All I will say is that I always try to play in an honest way. It's frustrating because he gave me a yellow card, but football is like that - the referee makes a mistake, the players sometimes make mistakes. I don't think the ref did a good job on this occasion, but I have to respect his decision."
Ferguson has described it as "unbelievable" that Styles brandished a yellow card in Ronaldo's direction after he seemed to have been brought down by Fulham's goalkeeper, Antti Niemi, and Giggs spoke of the feeling at Old Trafford that the club's leading scorer is paying because of his past mistakes. Ronaldo, famously branded a "cheat" by the Middlesbrough manager, Gareth Southgate, may have nobody but himself to blame for that, but the official line from United is that he has eradicated diving from his game and should be treated the same as everyone else.
"I think Ronnie had that reputation [as a diver] when he first came here, but that's gone now," said Giggs. "It was hard for the referee because it happened so quickly, but because Ronnie was running so fast the referee has had to make a split-second decision. I think because there was no obvious contact, he didn't give a penalty - but all Ronnie did was try to avoid the keeper, so in my view that cannot be seen as simulation."
Ferguson's complaint after the game was not solely with Styles but also Niemi, accusing him of "conning" the referee by making diving gestures in Ronaldo's direction. The television replays proved the Finn had done little more than indicate to Styles there had been no contact.
However, Giggs was the next closest player and he was convinced Ronaldo had legitimate reasons for going down. "Niemi has tried to stop Ronnie and his arm has followed his leg, so everyone thought it was a penalty," he said. "I think when the referee sees it again he will realise he has made a mistake. But you'd have to ask the referee about that."
Ronaldo could conceivably have been sent off for dissent after sarcastically applauding Styles' decision to book him, but since the end of the game the player has chosen to handle the situation with dignity. Yesterday he refused to criticise Styles, even though the decision deprived him of the chance to score the first hat-trick of his United career. "I don't want to speak too much about the penalty incident," he said. "All I will say is that I always try to play in an honest way. It's frustrating because he gave me a yellow card, but football is like that - the referee makes a mistake, the players sometimes make mistakes. I don't think the ref did a good job on this occasion, but I have to respect his decision."
Monday, December 3, 2007
Kaka is named Europe's top player
Kaka of AC Milan has been named European player of the year for 2007, beating Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United into second place. The Brazilian, 25, was the Champions League’s top scorer last season with 10 goals as he led his team to the trophy, with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the final in Athens.
Kaka was a clear winner of the Ballon d’Or [Golden Ball] after amassing 444 points in France Football’s survey of 96 journalists from around the world, each being asked to vote on a shortlist of 50 players.
Ronaldo, the Portugal winger, came a distant second with 277 points, having scored a total of 25 goals for club and country. Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s 20-year-old Argentina forward, was third, with Chelsea's Didier Drogba fourth.
The leading trio - Kaka, Ronaldo and Messi - have also been shortlisted for Fifa’s world player of the year award which will be announced in Zurich on December 17.
Kaka was a clear winner of the Ballon d’Or [Golden Ball] after amassing 444 points in France Football’s survey of 96 journalists from around the world, each being asked to vote on a shortlist of 50 players.
Ronaldo, the Portugal winger, came a distant second with 277 points, having scored a total of 25 goals for club and country. Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s 20-year-old Argentina forward, was third, with Chelsea's Didier Drogba fourth.
The leading trio - Kaka, Ronaldo and Messi - have also been shortlisted for Fifa’s world player of the year award which will be announced in Zurich on December 17.
European football rocked by match-fixing probe
European foootball is reeling from the weekend revelation that a host of matches may have been fixed as part of a multi-million pound betting scam.UEFA's top brass left this idyllic lakeside city Monday following the Euro 2008 draw to face what has been described as potentially the most damaging scandal to hit the global game.
The alarm bell was sounded in Germany when Der Spiegel magazine reported that suspicion surrounded 26 matches involving teams from eastern Europe including one Euro 2008 qualifier.
That prompted speculation Croatia might be involved leading to their expulsion and a last minute recall to next year's finals for England.
But UEFA were quick to knock that notion firmly on the head."There is nothing at all from the European Championships. It is pure fantasy that it involved Croatia," William Gaillard, UEFA's director of communications, told AFP."There is no chance of England or Scotland having a back way into the finals."
He confirmed that 15 matches were under suspicion but that only one - an Intertoto Cup game - was being "officially investigated".Reports claim the rogue game was the InterToto Cup match between Bulgarians Cherno More and Macedonia's Makedonija on July 7, which Cherno More won 4-0. The Bulgarian club reportedly deny any wrongdoing.
UEFA has handed a 96-page dossier to Europol, the pan-European police organisation, detailing its concerns surrounding the 15 suspect games.Michel Platini, the UEFA president, described the scale of the problem European football was facing."We know that in Hong Kong, Singapore or elsewhere in Asia you might have a single bet of 10 million dollars on a match ending 4-4," he told The Sunday Times.
"It's coming to the end of the match, it's 2-2 and there are four penalties, and it finishes 4-4. We knew about these cases because we do have an early-warning system in place. We do know that some teams were approached by people."Platini added: "We have known that for a long time and it could become very bad for football, and for all sport, in the future."
Graham Bean, an ex-British police officer and former head of the English Football Association's compliance unit, left no doubt as to the gravity of the problem."I can't remember anything happening on this scale before," he told the BBC."For something of this magnitude and these type of games then this is clearly very serious and potentially one of the most serious things that has happened in world football."
Bean said UEFA's main problem would be tracing the origin of the bets to produce enough evidence for a conviction.
The alarm bell was sounded in Germany when Der Spiegel magazine reported that suspicion surrounded 26 matches involving teams from eastern Europe including one Euro 2008 qualifier.
That prompted speculation Croatia might be involved leading to their expulsion and a last minute recall to next year's finals for England.
But UEFA were quick to knock that notion firmly on the head."There is nothing at all from the European Championships. It is pure fantasy that it involved Croatia," William Gaillard, UEFA's director of communications, told AFP."There is no chance of England or Scotland having a back way into the finals."
He confirmed that 15 matches were under suspicion but that only one - an Intertoto Cup game - was being "officially investigated".Reports claim the rogue game was the InterToto Cup match between Bulgarians Cherno More and Macedonia's Makedonija on July 7, which Cherno More won 4-0. The Bulgarian club reportedly deny any wrongdoing.
UEFA has handed a 96-page dossier to Europol, the pan-European police organisation, detailing its concerns surrounding the 15 suspect games.Michel Platini, the UEFA president, described the scale of the problem European football was facing."We know that in Hong Kong, Singapore or elsewhere in Asia you might have a single bet of 10 million dollars on a match ending 4-4," he told The Sunday Times.
"It's coming to the end of the match, it's 2-2 and there are four penalties, and it finishes 4-4. We knew about these cases because we do have an early-warning system in place. We do know that some teams were approached by people."Platini added: "We have known that for a long time and it could become very bad for football, and for all sport, in the future."
Graham Bean, an ex-British police officer and former head of the English Football Association's compliance unit, left no doubt as to the gravity of the problem."I can't remember anything happening on this scale before," he told the BBC."For something of this magnitude and these type of games then this is clearly very serious and potentially one of the most serious things that has happened in world football."
Bean said UEFA's main problem would be tracing the origin of the bets to produce enough evidence for a conviction.
Champions League - Celtic approach final hurdle
Celtic need a point at already-qualified Milan to reach the Champions League knockout stages for a second successive year and dash the hopes of Shakhtar Donetsk.The final round of games in Group D have been brought forward by a week because European champions Milan jet off to the Club World Cup in Japan following Tuesday's matches.
SPL leaders Celtic, who drew 1-1 at Hearts on Saturday, will be without long-term injury victim John Kennedy while goalkeeper Artur Boruc thinks he can face Milan despite a knee problem.
Shakhtar, three points behind Celtic, must beat eliminated Benfica at home and hope an expected Milan reserve side win against the Scottish champions.
The Ukrainians would then qualify for the last 16 for the first time because of a better head-to-head record. They beat Celtic 2-0 at home in September and lost 2-1 in Glasgow last week after Massimo Donati's stoppage-time winner.
Former Milan midfielder Donati, who hardly figured in six years at the San Siro where he was constantly sent on loan, criticised Italian football last week as being full of jealousy.His words may stoke some of Milan's second string into action but the Rossoneri also have the carrot of finishing first in the group as a defeat or draw would make Celtic top dogs."It's a game that should give us the mathematical certainty of finishing top of the group so we have a better draw for the last 16," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.
Ancelotti is also under pressure and will demand a home victory with his stuttering side failing to win at San Siro in the league this season. They drew 0-0 with Juventus on Saturday.
Benfica too have something to play for in Donetsk. A win would lift the Portuguese side above the Ukrainians into third and put them into the UEFA Cup last 32.
SPL leaders Celtic, who drew 1-1 at Hearts on Saturday, will be without long-term injury victim John Kennedy while goalkeeper Artur Boruc thinks he can face Milan despite a knee problem.
Shakhtar, three points behind Celtic, must beat eliminated Benfica at home and hope an expected Milan reserve side win against the Scottish champions.
The Ukrainians would then qualify for the last 16 for the first time because of a better head-to-head record. They beat Celtic 2-0 at home in September and lost 2-1 in Glasgow last week after Massimo Donati's stoppage-time winner.
Former Milan midfielder Donati, who hardly figured in six years at the San Siro where he was constantly sent on loan, criticised Italian football last week as being full of jealousy.His words may stoke some of Milan's second string into action but the Rossoneri also have the carrot of finishing first in the group as a defeat or draw would make Celtic top dogs."It's a game that should give us the mathematical certainty of finishing top of the group so we have a better draw for the last 16," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti told reporters.
Ancelotti is also under pressure and will demand a home victory with his stuttering side failing to win at San Siro in the league this season. They drew 0-0 with Juventus on Saturday.
Benfica too have something to play for in Donetsk. A win would lift the Portuguese side above the Ukrainians into third and put them into the UEFA Cup last 32.
Michel Platini cashes in to keep Europe happy
The best deals are those from which everyone walks away satisfied. Michel Platini, the Uefa president, has shown that, at least when it comes to carving up club football’s biggest prize, he knows what he is doing. On Friday, Uefa approved Platini’s plan to overhaul the Champions League format.
In fact, it was more of a tweak than a revamp, but it was an important tweak. The crux of it is that Europe’s 12 biggest leagues will be guaranteed a place in the Champions League proper (under the present system it is only the top nine nations).This is important because it means that more second-tier leagues will be represented. And that makes their Champions League television rights more valuable. Imagine that you are a broadcaster in Belgium.
The Belgian champions have to go through a round of qualifying and sometimes they make it, sometimes they do not. Yet you have to decide how much you want to bid for the competition, knowing that, if there are no Belgian clubs involved, your ratings will not be very high and you will make less in advertising and sponsorship (for all the talk of globalisation in football, one thing remains constant: a domestic club, no matter how lacklustre, continue to draw more viewers than a high-profile match involving two foreign teams).
Group stage unchanged:
There will be no changes to the main part of European club football's most prestigious competition, which will continue to feature 32 teams split into eight groups of four in the group stage, followed by the knockout phase. The eight sides that finish in third place in their groups will move into the knockout phase of the UEFA Cup – which also has an amended format.
Access list:
However, the UEFA Champions League access list between 2009 and 2012 will change accordingly: 22 teams go through directly to the group stage instead of 16. The six additional clubs will be the third-placed sides from the associations ranked between 1 and 3 in the ranking list, and the champions of countries ranked from 10 to 12.
Qualifying routes:
Ten teams will qualify through a double qualifying route – one is reserved for the champions of the associations ranked from 13 to 53, with the exception of Liechtenstein. Five clubs will qualify via this route. The other path is reserved for the non-champions of associations rated between 1 and 15.
Saturday final:
The final from 2009/10 will be played on a Saturday, in the same week of the year as now, kicking off at 20.45CET. Matches in the first knockout round, featuring 16 clubs, will be split over four weeks instead of two, using dates reserved for UEFA club competitions in February and March. The third qualifying round will be marketed centrally by UEFA.
Great competition:
"We are all of the opinion that this is a great competition which provides a considerable spectacle," said UEFA President Michel Platini. "The Executive Committee has unanimously adopted one of three proposals. I wanted more democracy in the access list, and the Executive Committee has understood this message.
Good for football:
"I think that the decision which has been taken, in particular to spread the first knockout round over four weeks, is good for football, because it gives an added value to these matches," he added. It is also hoped that playing the UEFA Champions League final on a Saturday will give families, especially children, the chance to see the game.
UEFA Cup format:
The UEFA Cup between 2009 and 2012 will feature 48 sides, split into 12 groups of four; the top two teams in each group will qualify for the knockout phase and be joined by the eight clubs that finish the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in third place. The knockout stage, with 32 sides and four rounds, will lead to the final, played in a single match at a neutral venue. The first round – currently knockout – will become part of the qualifying phase.
Title-holders:
Only the title-holders will qualify directly for the UEFA Cup group stage, with all other clubs having to qualify. The qualifying process will consist of four rounds, with 37 additional slots compared to the present situation, to accommodate sides that currently qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup (from the associations ranked 9 to 15 and 22 to 51, except Liechtenstein). Losing teams in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round and third qualifying round will move into the UEFA Cup fourth qualifying round and group phase respectively.
Thursday night:
UEFA Cup ties will be played on a Thursday night – or on a Wednesday night during exclusive UEFA Cup weeks – with two kick-off times, in principle at 19.05 and 21.05CET. The final will take place on a Wednesday at 20.45.
In fact, it was more of a tweak than a revamp, but it was an important tweak. The crux of it is that Europe’s 12 biggest leagues will be guaranteed a place in the Champions League proper (under the present system it is only the top nine nations).This is important because it means that more second-tier leagues will be represented. And that makes their Champions League television rights more valuable. Imagine that you are a broadcaster in Belgium.
The Belgian champions have to go through a round of qualifying and sometimes they make it, sometimes they do not. Yet you have to decide how much you want to bid for the competition, knowing that, if there are no Belgian clubs involved, your ratings will not be very high and you will make less in advertising and sponsorship (for all the talk of globalisation in football, one thing remains constant: a domestic club, no matter how lacklustre, continue to draw more viewers than a high-profile match involving two foreign teams).
Group stage unchanged:
There will be no changes to the main part of European club football's most prestigious competition, which will continue to feature 32 teams split into eight groups of four in the group stage, followed by the knockout phase. The eight sides that finish in third place in their groups will move into the knockout phase of the UEFA Cup – which also has an amended format.
Access list:
However, the UEFA Champions League access list between 2009 and 2012 will change accordingly: 22 teams go through directly to the group stage instead of 16. The six additional clubs will be the third-placed sides from the associations ranked between 1 and 3 in the ranking list, and the champions of countries ranked from 10 to 12.
Qualifying routes:
Ten teams will qualify through a double qualifying route – one is reserved for the champions of the associations ranked from 13 to 53, with the exception of Liechtenstein. Five clubs will qualify via this route. The other path is reserved for the non-champions of associations rated between 1 and 15.
Saturday final:
The final from 2009/10 will be played on a Saturday, in the same week of the year as now, kicking off at 20.45CET. Matches in the first knockout round, featuring 16 clubs, will be split over four weeks instead of two, using dates reserved for UEFA club competitions in February and March. The third qualifying round will be marketed centrally by UEFA.
Great competition:
"We are all of the opinion that this is a great competition which provides a considerable spectacle," said UEFA President Michel Platini. "The Executive Committee has unanimously adopted one of three proposals. I wanted more democracy in the access list, and the Executive Committee has understood this message.
Good for football:
"I think that the decision which has been taken, in particular to spread the first knockout round over four weeks, is good for football, because it gives an added value to these matches," he added. It is also hoped that playing the UEFA Champions League final on a Saturday will give families, especially children, the chance to see the game.
UEFA Cup format:
The UEFA Cup between 2009 and 2012 will feature 48 sides, split into 12 groups of four; the top two teams in each group will qualify for the knockout phase and be joined by the eight clubs that finish the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in third place. The knockout stage, with 32 sides and four rounds, will lead to the final, played in a single match at a neutral venue. The first round – currently knockout – will become part of the qualifying phase.
Title-holders:
Only the title-holders will qualify directly for the UEFA Cup group stage, with all other clubs having to qualify. The qualifying process will consist of four rounds, with 37 additional slots compared to the present situation, to accommodate sides that currently qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup (from the associations ranked 9 to 15 and 22 to 51, except Liechtenstein). Losing teams in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round and third qualifying round will move into the UEFA Cup fourth qualifying round and group phase respectively.
Thursday night:
UEFA Cup ties will be played on a Thursday night – or on a Wednesday night during exclusive UEFA Cup weeks – with two kick-off times, in principle at 19.05 and 21.05CET. The final will take place on a Wednesday at 20.45.
Wembley wants European final
Uefa has decided to move the Champions League final from its traditional Wednesday night to a Saturday for the 2009-10 season and Wembley is bidding to be one of the first venues to host the new slot.
The stadium faces competition from Berlin's Olympiastadion, the Allianz Arena in Munich, Real Madrid's Bernabéu and the Mestalla in Valencia. The change follows pressure from the Uefa president, Michel Platini, who believed staging the final on a Wednesday night prevented it being an occasion for families.
Uefa also confirmed changes to the format that will allow three Premier League teams to qualify automatically for the group stage of the Champions League. The fourth-placed side, however, are now more likely to play stronger opponents in the qualifying rounds.
Platini's determination to see more champions in the competition sees 22 clubs qualifying automatically, including the Scottish champions. Five more places will go to the 15 leading countries, and the remaining five reserved for the champions of the lowest 40 clubs. Uefa is also revamping the Uefa Cup, whereas the Intertoto Cup will be abolished from the 2009-10 season. The seedings for tomorrow's Euro 2008 draw have thrown up the possibility of Holland, Italy, Germany and France being in the same group.
Uefa has calculated the seedings on results in qualification for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 and have not taken into account performances in the finals in Germany last year.
The stadium faces competition from Berlin's Olympiastadion, the Allianz Arena in Munich, Real Madrid's Bernabéu and the Mestalla in Valencia. The change follows pressure from the Uefa president, Michel Platini, who believed staging the final on a Wednesday night prevented it being an occasion for families.
Uefa also confirmed changes to the format that will allow three Premier League teams to qualify automatically for the group stage of the Champions League. The fourth-placed side, however, are now more likely to play stronger opponents in the qualifying rounds.
Platini's determination to see more champions in the competition sees 22 clubs qualifying automatically, including the Scottish champions. Five more places will go to the 15 leading countries, and the remaining five reserved for the champions of the lowest 40 clubs. Uefa is also revamping the Uefa Cup, whereas the Intertoto Cup will be abolished from the 2009-10 season. The seedings for tomorrow's Euro 2008 draw have thrown up the possibility of Holland, Italy, Germany and France being in the same group.
Uefa has calculated the seedings on results in qualification for the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 and have not taken into account performances in the finals in Germany last year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
