Test test test
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Guerrero double keeps Hamburg in title race
BERLIN (AFP) - Peru striker Jose Guerrero netted both goals on Sunday to seal Hamburg's 2-1 win at Schalke 04 which keeps Martin Jol's side in the heart of the title race and just a point behind leaders Hertha Berlin.
The three points in Gelsenkirchen leaves Hamburg fourth in the league, but level on 48 points with Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg with the three clubs all just a point behind Hertha who were humbled 2-0 in Stuttgart on Saturday.
"I am proud of my team," said Hamburg coach Jol. "Schalke had nine days to prepare for this game, for us was it the 11th game in 33 days. I would not have expected this result - that was a one-off."
The game was heading for a goalless draw until Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer went to head away a dangerous ball in the area, but only managed to nod his clearance into Guerrero's path who fired the gift home on 70 minutes.
And the Peruvian striker made it 2-0 just five minutes later when Germany midfielder Marcell Jansen fired at goal to give Guerrero a simple tap in at the far post.
Schalke's Dutch striker Jefferson Farfan scored a consolation goal with ten minutes left, but the defeat leaves Schalke eighth and just one point separates the top four sides in the Bundesliga.
"Both teams had the chance of taking the lead, then Guerrero's goals came from nowhere," said Schalke coach Fred Rutten after the Royal Blues announced last week ex-Germany captain Oliver Kahn will be their new manager.
"He played a great game, you could see from the beginning the self-confidence was missing. At Schalke there always seems to be happening which, of course, influences the team."
On Saturday, defending champions Bayern Munich beat Karlsruhe 1-0 without injured strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose to close the gap behind Hertha.
Bayern welcomed back Franck Ribery, who had been suffering with a shin injury, and the French midfield maestro made his mark in the 34th minute when he split the Karlsruhe defence to set up Argentina striker Jose Ernesto Sosa.
Bayern had Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto to thank for the three points in the dying seconds as he deflected an effort from Karlsruhe's Michael Mutzel over the bar.
Karlsruhe stay bottom while the win keeps Bayern second, but just one point behind Hertha who were brought crashing down to earth after hosts Stuttgart scored two goals in four minutes to continue their rise up the table to sixth.
Brazilian striker Cacau scored just two minutes after the break to put the hosts ahead before a header from Germany Under-21 midfielder Sami Khedira to double the lead on 51 minutes.
Wolfsburg are joint second with Bayern and just a point behind Hertha after they won 3-0 at Arminia Bielefeld.
Brazil striker Grafite netted in the 58th minute to become the league's joint top-scorer with 18 goals in 16 games to go level with Hoffenheim's injured striker Vedad Ibisevic.
Hoffenheim dropped further back in the title race as their 2-2 draw at Hanover left them five points off the leaders in fifth and they are now four points off the title race.
Bayer Leverkusen are seventh after their 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Although they hammered Stuttgart 4-0 the week before, Werder Bremen continue their erratic season as Borussia Dortmund captain Alexander Frei slotted home a 61st minute penalty to take the three points as his side are ninth, with Bremen tenth in the table.
Cologne remain in mid-table after their 2-0 win at second-from-bottom Energie Cottbus, while on Friday night Borussia Moenchengladbach remain in the bottom three as they lost 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers VfL Bochum.
The three points in Gelsenkirchen leaves Hamburg fourth in the league, but level on 48 points with Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg with the three clubs all just a point behind Hertha who were humbled 2-0 in Stuttgart on Saturday.
"I am proud of my team," said Hamburg coach Jol. "Schalke had nine days to prepare for this game, for us was it the 11th game in 33 days. I would not have expected this result - that was a one-off."
The game was heading for a goalless draw until Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer went to head away a dangerous ball in the area, but only managed to nod his clearance into Guerrero's path who fired the gift home on 70 minutes.
And the Peruvian striker made it 2-0 just five minutes later when Germany midfielder Marcell Jansen fired at goal to give Guerrero a simple tap in at the far post.
Schalke's Dutch striker Jefferson Farfan scored a consolation goal with ten minutes left, but the defeat leaves Schalke eighth and just one point separates the top four sides in the Bundesliga.
"Both teams had the chance of taking the lead, then Guerrero's goals came from nowhere," said Schalke coach Fred Rutten after the Royal Blues announced last week ex-Germany captain Oliver Kahn will be their new manager.
"He played a great game, you could see from the beginning the self-confidence was missing. At Schalke there always seems to be happening which, of course, influences the team."
On Saturday, defending champions Bayern Munich beat Karlsruhe 1-0 without injured strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose to close the gap behind Hertha.
Bayern welcomed back Franck Ribery, who had been suffering with a shin injury, and the French midfield maestro made his mark in the 34th minute when he split the Karlsruhe defence to set up Argentina striker Jose Ernesto Sosa.
Bayern had Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto to thank for the three points in the dying seconds as he deflected an effort from Karlsruhe's Michael Mutzel over the bar.
Karlsruhe stay bottom while the win keeps Bayern second, but just one point behind Hertha who were brought crashing down to earth after hosts Stuttgart scored two goals in four minutes to continue their rise up the table to sixth.
Brazilian striker Cacau scored just two minutes after the break to put the hosts ahead before a header from Germany Under-21 midfielder Sami Khedira to double the lead on 51 minutes.
Wolfsburg are joint second with Bayern and just a point behind Hertha after they won 3-0 at Arminia Bielefeld.
Brazil striker Grafite netted in the 58th minute to become the league's joint top-scorer with 18 goals in 16 games to go level with Hoffenheim's injured striker Vedad Ibisevic.
Hoffenheim dropped further back in the title race as their 2-2 draw at Hanover left them five points off the leaders in fifth and they are now four points off the title race.
Bayer Leverkusen are seventh after their 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Although they hammered Stuttgart 4-0 the week before, Werder Bremen continue their erratic season as Borussia Dortmund captain Alexander Frei slotted home a 61st minute penalty to take the three points as his side are ninth, with Bremen tenth in the table.
Cologne remain in mid-table after their 2-0 win at second-from-bottom Energie Cottbus, while on Friday night Borussia Moenchengladbach remain in the bottom three as they lost 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers VfL Bochum.
Newcastle heading for the Championship?
After yet another Premier League defeat, Newcastle United look as though they could be heading for the Championship. With just eight games to go, the Magpies currently sit 18th in the league, two points behind Blackburn in 17th and with a very tricky run-in to come, I would not be at all surprised to see them relegated.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham are all still to come for Chris Hughton's men (well, Joe Kinnear's men really). In all probability, they will take
People say Newcastle are simply 'too good to go down', however I would have to disagree with that. If you look at it on paper, yes, they are too good to go down. They have players like Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith, who would easily walk into several sides in the league.
The situation with the manager can't be helping the players. Hughton is currently in charge whilst Kinnear recovers from heart surgery and for me, I feel the club should have appointed someone else once Kinnear became ill. Since Kinnear has left, Newcastle have won just one game. No matter what way you look at it, that is not good. It will be fascinating to see how this one pans out over the next few weeks and months.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Perfect Ways to Shoot a Soccer Ball
The world's most popular game of soccer is all about shooting. A pulsating game of soccer in a jam-packed stadium comes alive and grips your senses as you watch the ball smash into the net. The thundering sound of the ball when it whizzes past the goalkeeper and hits the net makes you joyous as a fan or spectator. But what really makes the ball, beat the flying goalkeeper seems like a mystery to many. A thrilling goal excites your senses, but there is considerable science and technique involved behind it. The game of soccer is nothing but science and it takes years of practice to master the art of soccer shooting.
The most important aspect about the game of soccer is to score a goal. Scoring a goal from any position or direction provides the players with a delirious feeling and they engage in wild celebrations with their teammates. A good marksman in soccer is known for his ability to score and finish a move with cynical touch. A precision finish which complements the training methodologies of a soccer manual has attained magical status. A player with an extraordinary ability to shoot and finish the task at hand remains as first choice for the coaches. In the world of international competitive soccer legends like Pele, Maradona, Eusebio, Garrincha and Ronaldo have won the hearts of millions of fans with their superb vision and impeccable ability to shoot. A cynical finish is surely a lensmans delight as it remains as the most coveted and glorious moment during any soccer game.
The article will explore the secret behind the magical skills of soccer shooting and delve into the nitti- gritties associated with it. If you aspire to be the perfect soccer shooter and be in the limelight at the end of every game then there are a few suggestions to assist you. You need to develop the ability of judgement to shoot like an expert. The timing of your shot is an imperative aspect of the whole process because an incorrect sense of timing will make you miss the target. If you are a fast mover, then you can take a sudden shot on goal as it might entirely puzzle the goalkeeper and leave him bemused. The defender might act as an advantage for you in this regard, if you can learn the technique of shielding him to block the vision of the goalkeeper.
There are two types of shooting methods, which you can master named short and long-range efforts. Always keep your non-kicking foot towards the direction of the goal post, so that the ball travels towards it. In case of long range efforts you have to bend a little low and hit the ball with the toe part of your feet. If you want to curve the ball to the right side, then hit with your out-step. Always keep your toes intact while shooting; otherwise you might end up with a weak and powerless effort.
But shooting is not all about power. A cool finish in soccer is appreciated by the fans who love to witness such everlasting moments of the game. A well-placed goal with a soft touch from the foot can be quite charming.
Swinging the ball is also an essential part of soccer shooting. You can swing the ball with the inside or outside part of your foot. You need to practice very hard in order to swing the ball with considerable momentum. One of the latest additions to the art of shooting is the toe poke. When there is just no room or space for you in front, you can toe poke the ball in. You can also scoop it with your toe if you are marked from all possible sides.
An article on soccer shooting remains incomplete without mentioning the skillset of shooting in the air. If you can learn the skills of bicycle kick, front volley, back volley and side volley then you will be hard to stop for any defender.
So pick up these secrets of soccer shooting and go all guns blazing to thump the ball time and again.
The most important aspect about the game of soccer is to score a goal. Scoring a goal from any position or direction provides the players with a delirious feeling and they engage in wild celebrations with their teammates. A good marksman in soccer is known for his ability to score and finish a move with cynical touch. A precision finish which complements the training methodologies of a soccer manual has attained magical status. A player with an extraordinary ability to shoot and finish the task at hand remains as first choice for the coaches. In the world of international competitive soccer legends like Pele, Maradona, Eusebio, Garrincha and Ronaldo have won the hearts of millions of fans with their superb vision and impeccable ability to shoot. A cynical finish is surely a lensmans delight as it remains as the most coveted and glorious moment during any soccer game.
The article will explore the secret behind the magical skills of soccer shooting and delve into the nitti- gritties associated with it. If you aspire to be the perfect soccer shooter and be in the limelight at the end of every game then there are a few suggestions to assist you. You need to develop the ability of judgement to shoot like an expert. The timing of your shot is an imperative aspect of the whole process because an incorrect sense of timing will make you miss the target. If you are a fast mover, then you can take a sudden shot on goal as it might entirely puzzle the goalkeeper and leave him bemused. The defender might act as an advantage for you in this regard, if you can learn the technique of shielding him to block the vision of the goalkeeper.
There are two types of shooting methods, which you can master named short and long-range efforts. Always keep your non-kicking foot towards the direction of the goal post, so that the ball travels towards it. In case of long range efforts you have to bend a little low and hit the ball with the toe part of your feet. If you want to curve the ball to the right side, then hit with your out-step. Always keep your toes intact while shooting; otherwise you might end up with a weak and powerless effort.
But shooting is not all about power. A cool finish in soccer is appreciated by the fans who love to witness such everlasting moments of the game. A well-placed goal with a soft touch from the foot can be quite charming.
Swinging the ball is also an essential part of soccer shooting. You can swing the ball with the inside or outside part of your foot. You need to practice very hard in order to swing the ball with considerable momentum. One of the latest additions to the art of shooting is the toe poke. When there is just no room or space for you in front, you can toe poke the ball in. You can also scoop it with your toe if you are marked from all possible sides.
An article on soccer shooting remains incomplete without mentioning the skillset of shooting in the air. If you can learn the skills of bicycle kick, front volley, back volley and side volley then you will be hard to stop for any defender.
So pick up these secrets of soccer shooting and go all guns blazing to thump the ball time and again.
5 Useful Soccer Tricks
Body feints and scissors aren't the only soccer tricks you see in a professional soccer match anymore. More and more soccer players use tricks and special moves to increase their game. But what are the best tricks to use in a match?
I've made a list of 5 very useful soccer tricks. These tricks are generally used to beat your opponent.
1 - Scissor
Although the scissor trick is very old, it's still very effective. Your opponent needs to concentrate fully on the ball to tackle you. But that's very hard when you perform a good scissor.
Besides that, the scissor is a great move to combine with another trick. Start with a scissor and follow up with a feint shot, for example.
2 - Step Over
The Step Over is a very effective trick once you fully master it. You use it to send your opponent the wrong way, or to buy yourself some time and space.
The Step Over can be widely used. You can use it while dribbling, but also when standing still.
But you can also customize the move itself. For example, try a double Step Over by 'stepping over' with your right foot and then your left. Or do a Step Over Turn, this is very useful for a defender that comes near his own back line with an opponent behind him.
3 - Cruyff Turn
In my opinion, the Cruyff Turn should be in all these type of lists. This soccer trick is very easy to learn, easy to execute and very effective.
Since Johan Cruyff introduced this soccer trick, lots of other soccer players started to use this trick, other came up with a variation. That brings me to another big advantage of this trick: you can customize it. Make this trick your own by giving it your own twist. Be creative!
4 - Marseille Turn
The Marseille Turn looks like a show off trick, but it's actually very useful. Just make sure not to to overuse it. This could annoy your opponent.
Imagine you're dribbling. By accident, you touch the ball a bit too hard. Your opponent goes for the ball. This is the perfect moment to use the Marseille Turn. With the Marseille Turn you throw your body between the ball and your opponent. In addition, you even beat your opponent and continue dribbling.
5 - Shoulder feint
This is a less known move but still very useful. It's the easiest move on this list. So make sure to add this to your game, no matter what your position is.
This is one of the most used soccer tricks. You use it to put your opponent on the wrong foot.
This trick requires almost no technique, all you need is timing and experience. Just like many other easy tricks, you can adjust this trick to your own needs or follow up with another trick.
These 5 tricks are very useful in matches. Except for the Marseille Turn, they're not very hard to learn and apply.
Don't underestimate it though. The best advice I can give to soccer players who want to use tricks, is that it requires time and experience to apply soccer tricks successfully.
Practice these tricks and keep practicing them. You'll see that after a while, you start using tricks in reactions to the actions of your opponents. You don't have to overthink them as much as in the beginning. Good luck!
I've made a list of 5 very useful soccer tricks. These tricks are generally used to beat your opponent.
1 - Scissor
Although the scissor trick is very old, it's still very effective. Your opponent needs to concentrate fully on the ball to tackle you. But that's very hard when you perform a good scissor.
Besides that, the scissor is a great move to combine with another trick. Start with a scissor and follow up with a feint shot, for example.
2 - Step Over
The Step Over is a very effective trick once you fully master it. You use it to send your opponent the wrong way, or to buy yourself some time and space.
The Step Over can be widely used. You can use it while dribbling, but also when standing still.
But you can also customize the move itself. For example, try a double Step Over by 'stepping over' with your right foot and then your left. Or do a Step Over Turn, this is very useful for a defender that comes near his own back line with an opponent behind him.
3 - Cruyff Turn
In my opinion, the Cruyff Turn should be in all these type of lists. This soccer trick is very easy to learn, easy to execute and very effective.
Since Johan Cruyff introduced this soccer trick, lots of other soccer players started to use this trick, other came up with a variation. That brings me to another big advantage of this trick: you can customize it. Make this trick your own by giving it your own twist. Be creative!
4 - Marseille Turn
The Marseille Turn looks like a show off trick, but it's actually very useful. Just make sure not to to overuse it. This could annoy your opponent.
Imagine you're dribbling. By accident, you touch the ball a bit too hard. Your opponent goes for the ball. This is the perfect moment to use the Marseille Turn. With the Marseille Turn you throw your body between the ball and your opponent. In addition, you even beat your opponent and continue dribbling.
5 - Shoulder feint
This is a less known move but still very useful. It's the easiest move on this list. So make sure to add this to your game, no matter what your position is.
This is one of the most used soccer tricks. You use it to put your opponent on the wrong foot.
This trick requires almost no technique, all you need is timing and experience. Just like many other easy tricks, you can adjust this trick to your own needs or follow up with another trick.
These 5 tricks are very useful in matches. Except for the Marseille Turn, they're not very hard to learn and apply.
Don't underestimate it though. The best advice I can give to soccer players who want to use tricks, is that it requires time and experience to apply soccer tricks successfully.
Practice these tricks and keep practicing them. You'll see that after a while, you start using tricks in reactions to the actions of your opponents. You don't have to overthink them as much as in the beginning. Good luck!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Boro boss eyeing FA Cup success
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will put history to one side as he attempts to pull off an FA Cup and Premier League survival double.
Boro head into Sunday's quarter-final against Everton at Goodison Park entrenched in a desperate fight to retain their top-flight status.
Whatever happens on Merseyside, the Teessiders will return knowing they have 10 games in which to stave off relegation - something they famously failed to do the last time they reached the final of club football's most famous knockout competition.
Back in 1997, a Boro side including Juninho, Fabrizio Ravanelli and Emerson went to Wembley twice - losing the League Cup final to Leicester after a replay and then the FA Cup final to Chelsea.
However, worse was to follow as they slipped out of the Premier League - and the pain of that treble disappointment remains acute for the club's supporters.
But as memories of that season come flooding back, Southgate is adamant they are irrelevant.
He said: "It's not really of any relevance. It's recent history, but it doesn't have any bearing.
"It's a different group of players, a different group of staff - and we are looking forward.
"I hope we get to a final - that's the first thing; then it's for us to make sure we get our league form sorted.
"But we are only at the quarter-final stage at the moment with a hell of a game on our hands, so we can worry about those sorts of scenarios a bit further down the line."
Boro looked to have belatedly embarked upon a road to salvation in the league last Saturday when they turned in a fine display to defeat title-chasing Liverpool 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium, and they headed for Tottenham on Wednesday brimming with confidence.
But Spurs dusted themselves down after their agonising Carling Cup final penalty shoot-out defeat by Manchester United to score four times without replay and plunge the Teessiders back into the mire.
Southgate, who has never sought to prioritise as his side continues to compete on two fronts, is convinced the situation in the league is retrievable.
He said: "It's all in our hands. We have got fixtures against teams who are in the pack above us, and they will be key.
"But we have known for a while that we were going to have to grind on and pick up results we weren't expected to.
"We did that against Liverpool, and that raised expectations for Tottenham - and had we got a point at Tottenham, that would have been a brilliant result for us.
"But we didn't, and the size of the defeat makes it look a lot worse - and obviously affects the goal difference. But it means there is no hiding place for any of us."
For a couple of days at least, the focus will be on Everton and the prospect of a Wembley semi-final - and perhaps a return trip as Boro attempt to make up for a missed opportunity when they bowed out of the competition at the same stage last season to Cardiff, who went on to play Portsmouth in the final.
Southgate said: "We don't have a league game until next Saturday and really we want to give the FA Cup everything we have got, once you have come this far in a competition.
"If we didn't have any interest in winning it, we might as well have put out the youth team against Barrow (in the third round).
"Now we have gone three or four games, you want to keep that run going.
"We only had the chance to win two competitions at the start of the season, and this is one of them."
Post to the Mailbox!
United face Toffees, Blues must wait
Arsenal or Hull City will face Chelsea, while Manchester United take on Everton after the semi-final draw for the FA Cup was made on Sunday.
United and Chelsea - the bookmakers' favourites for the cup - have been kept apart in Sunday's last-four draw - meaning a second cup final showdown in three seasons remains on the cards.
Chelsea will face either Arsenal or Hull, who have yet to meet, while United will take on Everton who defeated Middlesbrough 2-1 on Sunday.
Arsenal won their delayed fifth-round tie on Sunday afternoon, beating Burnley 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.
United and Chelsea met each other in the FA Cup final two years ago with Chelsea winning 1-0 in extra-time through Didier Drogba.
But Sir Alex Ferguson's side got the better of the Blues on penalties in the Champions League final last May and their latest Premier League meeting resulted in a 3-0 victory for United.
Neither side will take a final appearance for granted, though, with Ferguson well aware of Everton's capabilities in the cup.
The Toffees' last major trophy was their FA Cup victory in 1995, when they upset United 1-0 in the final. The pair have met 10 times in the competition and are tied at 5-5.
Everton striker Louis Saha, who scored the winner in Sunday's 2-1 quarter-final victory over Middlesbrough, admitted United's 4-0 win against Fulham on Saturday gives the Toffees plenty of food for thought.
The former United player told the club's website: "When I remember the game yesterday, it is a difficult one, but it is a special thing to go to Wembley.
"I think it is going to be a really tough game but we have been great all season so far.
"We have shown great commitment in the FA Cup so, obviously, we have to show that to keep winning the next two games.
"You have to beat the big teams at some point and this will be a big test for us because they are the best team around."
United winger Park Ji-sung is just hoping to be part of the Wembley experience after missing out on playing at the national stadium thus far.
"I'd love to be involved because I haven't yet experienced what it feels like to play there," he told MUTV.
"Injuries have meant I've missed out when we've been there and I didn't play in the recent Carling Cup final win.
"I know what a great stadium it is and hopefully I'll get the chance to play this time."
Arsenal will be firm favourites to beat Hull when they meet in their quarter-final at the Emirates, despite the Tigers' shock victory there in the league this season.
The Gunners and Chelsea last faced each other in the FA Cup in the fifth round in 2004, when Arsenal triumphed 2-1.
Indeed, Guus Hiddink's side may have to overcome more than 60 years of history if they are to reach the final again - they have not beaten Arsenal in the FA Cup since 1947.
The matches will be played at Wembley Stadium on April 18 and 19.
FA Cup semi-final draw:
Arsenal/Hull City v Chelsea; Manchester United v Everton.
Blues boss focusing on football
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has refused to be drawn on comments made by managing director Karren Brady in her national newspaper column.
Brady, who writes a weekly diary for The Sun, stated on Saturday "I think we have entered Phil Scolari territory" while also mocking the signing of Ulises de la Cruz by saying "after the council, I think we must be Birmingham's second biggest employer".
Previous entries have also caused unrest this season and are seen from the outside to be unsettling the club's efforts to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Brady did last week state McLeish has the board's full support. When asked about their relationship, the former Scotland manager insisted he is focused purely on footballing matters.
He said in the Birmingham Mail: "I'm only going to talk about the football, that is my side of it. I've got a team full of spirit, full of confidence, they are all pulling for each other. The coaches, we're all pulling for each other out on the training ground.
"I've got to say that we will keep working on the players' morale. Morale is fantastic, my job is to give them morale, give them confidence and I'm not going to talk about anything external, other than the lads that are doing so well for us."
Eustace swaps Hornets for Rams
Derby County have announced the loan signing of midfielder John Eustace from Championship counterparts Watford, who is 'excited' by the move.
The 29-year-old has been keen to seal a short-term move after failing to feature for the Hornets since December.
Former Stoke City midfielder Eustace is thoroughly looking forward to his time at Pride Park, with the club currently 16th in the table after five wins in their last seven games.
He said on Sky Sports News: "Obviously I wasn't playing at Watford, and I want to be playing first-team football.
"Derby showed an interest and I jumped at the chance. (Manager) Nigel (Clough) seems to have turned it around. It looks an exciting place to be. There is a quality squad here.
"I've got good experience and hopefully that can help. I'm just raring to go. I am really excited to be here and am going to give 100 per cent."
Interval roasting stirred Toffees
David Moyes revealed that his Everton players were given the scolding of their lives during their FA Cup quarter-final with Middlesbrough.
Boro were deservedly ahead at the break thanks to a David Wheater header, and Moyes and his coach Steve Round both laid into their side at the break.
They got their required response in a six-minute spell which saw Marouane Fellaini and substitute Louis Saha grab the goals which secured a 2-1 win and a semi-final place against Manchester United on the weekend of April 18/19.
That will be a repeat of the 1995 final, when Everton beat Manchester United 1-0 thanks to a Paul Rideout winner.
Everton had not reached the semi-finals of the competition since that year, and Moyes feared for a long spell in the opening hour that they would fail to make it to the last four this time.
He said: "It was (as case of) who could get into the dressing room first to have a real go at them. It was Steve Round, my coach, who got there first.
"The way we played in the first half is not the way Everton play. And they were told that in no uncertain terms by both of us.
"But we are delighted to have got this far. We were favourites but I was worried that there would be one game this weekend that didn't go the way everyone expected. For a long while I feared it would be us.
"There was a lot of re-organisation needed at the break, but they also needed to be really charged up.
"We have talked a good game beforehand, but we didn't do anything in that first half to deserve a semi-final place.
"I can be angry at half-time, but Steve got there first this time and did a good job on them.
"I felt they responded very well. For the first 15 minutes of the second half they were really up for it.
"It is not easy to come from behind to beat a Premier League side, and we needed to be at our best. Louis Saha gave us a real direction up front, we haven't got many others in the side who can give us that goal threat."
Moyes added: "Middlesbrough played well, but we have earned the right to go to a final having beaten Liverpool and Aston Villa so far. Now we have to beat a really good side to get to the final.
"I felt Louis would last 30 minutes (because of his injuries), but in the end he had 45 and was excellent. He will be a big player for us when he can start matches."
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate admitted his side, battling relegation in the Premier League, could not handle Everton's comeback.
He said: "Of course it is a huge disappointment to lose a cup semi-final, and we were in a position of being 45 minutes from Wembley.
"Everybody's emotions are pretty raw, but the way we gave the lead away underlines why we are where we are this season.
"We had commitment and endeavour, but we have to learn how to win matches and see matches through to the end.
"We had a six-minute period where we didn't deal with the high balls into the box, which we had done brilliantly before that. There were harsh lessons to learn."
Southgate refused to blame goalkeeper Brad Jones, who was at fault for both Everton goals.
He said: "We win or lose as a team, I do not understand why people always want to find someone to blame. For every goal that is conceded, there are three or four mistakes in the lead up to it.
"As far as I am concerned, Brad Jones has been excellent for us, whatever might have happened on the goals, that is football.
"Did we do enough as a team to win the game? Probably not, that is what we must look at.
"It is a shame for the fans. Going to Wembley would have been something to look forward to, but now we have a quarter of the season to go to get ourselves out of the relegation zone.
"We have been excellent in the cup, now we have to stick together and get through this. There have been some tough evenings to endure after matches, now we have to get over this and keep fighting in the league."
Beckham’s busy schedule could rebound on him
LONDON (AP)—David Beckham’s decision to play for two clubs in hopes of going to the 2010 World Cup could be too big a gamble.
He is embarking on an almost nonstop schedule on two continents while trying to satisfy the demands of three coaches and two sets of management in addition to sponsors, promoters and family. Dreaming of a fourth consecutive World Cup, he could wind up flat on his face from exhaustion.
Beckham, AC Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy announced Sunday they had struck a deal in which the former England captain will remain with the Serie A club until the season ends, then return to his Major League Soccer team in July.
That means that Beckham, who has been on loan to Milan, will play for three teams over the next nine months despite passing his 35th birthday.
All this runs alongside his commercial activities, ambassadorial position with MLS and promotional work for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Not to be forgotten are matters closer to home—husband to Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham and father of their three sons.
Mission Impossible? Maybe he’ll call on his Los Angeles neighbor and good friend Tom Cruise for advice.
“People have talked about the amount of games that I will be playing and the amount of hours I will be playing football but it’s never bothered me, that side of the game,” he said. “I have always loved playing as many games as possible.”
But Beckham’s lifestyle is far more than just soccer. The coaches of Milan, the Galaxy and England may well be alarmed at this hectic schedule.
If it were simply Milan or the Galaxy, he would get long breaks at the end of the season, wherever he is. Playing for both in overlapping seasons means only short periods of inactivity to rest aching muscles and repair injuries.
“I get a good four weeks rest in the summer and then I get another rest in December,” he said. “It sets me up right to then to go into January fully fit and fully ready and at my best.”
Although Beckham believes he can cram all this into his routines, it is a situation he tried to avoid. He wanted Milan to buy him outright from the Galaxy before the March 8 deadline set by the MLS team.
After two unsuccessful seasons with the Galaxy, who failed to reach the playoffs despite his arrival, Beckham moved on loan to Milan to improve his chances of making the England squad.
He figured correctly that playing alongside the likes of some of the world’s top players, including Ronaldinho, Kaka and Paolo Maldini, would catch the eye of England manager Fabio Capello—a former Milan coach—and improve his chances of playing for his country.
Once in Milan, Beckham liked the experience so much he decided to stay and negotiate a break from the Galaxy. But Milan got nowhere near the Galaxy’s price and the transfer never happened.
Contributing some of his own massive fortune, Beckham negotiated an extension to his loan deal and will stay in Serie A until June 30 before crossing the Atlantic again to play the second half of the MLS season.
Once that finishes in late November, Beckham is expected to return to Italy in January 2010 to resume playing for Milan although it is not clear whether that will be a full-time transfer or another loan.
All this will mean that Beckham could be the busiest soccer player on the planet. But he says it was the only way to make sure he can be in South Africa for the World Cup, assuming England makes it.
“I personally have to do everything I can do be involved in that,” he said. “Everyone knows how passionate I am about playing for my country and, if it gives me a better chance of being involved in that squad, I’ll do anything possible to make that happen.”
By the time that World Cup starts June 11, 2010, Beckham could be playing there for England as a 36-year-old Galaxy player, or Milan star or both, assuming he stays fit.
For any England player, there are a lot of twists and turns before that happens. Beckham has just created a few more.
He is embarking on an almost nonstop schedule on two continents while trying to satisfy the demands of three coaches and two sets of management in addition to sponsors, promoters and family. Dreaming of a fourth consecutive World Cup, he could wind up flat on his face from exhaustion.
Beckham, AC Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy announced Sunday they had struck a deal in which the former England captain will remain with the Serie A club until the season ends, then return to his Major League Soccer team in July.
That means that Beckham, who has been on loan to Milan, will play for three teams over the next nine months despite passing his 35th birthday.
All this runs alongside his commercial activities, ambassadorial position with MLS and promotional work for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Not to be forgotten are matters closer to home—husband to Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham and father of their three sons.
Mission Impossible? Maybe he’ll call on his Los Angeles neighbor and good friend Tom Cruise for advice.
“People have talked about the amount of games that I will be playing and the amount of hours I will be playing football but it’s never bothered me, that side of the game,” he said. “I have always loved playing as many games as possible.”
But Beckham’s lifestyle is far more than just soccer. The coaches of Milan, the Galaxy and England may well be alarmed at this hectic schedule.
If it were simply Milan or the Galaxy, he would get long breaks at the end of the season, wherever he is. Playing for both in overlapping seasons means only short periods of inactivity to rest aching muscles and repair injuries.
“I get a good four weeks rest in the summer and then I get another rest in December,” he said. “It sets me up right to then to go into January fully fit and fully ready and at my best.”
Although Beckham believes he can cram all this into his routines, it is a situation he tried to avoid. He wanted Milan to buy him outright from the Galaxy before the March 8 deadline set by the MLS team.
After two unsuccessful seasons with the Galaxy, who failed to reach the playoffs despite his arrival, Beckham moved on loan to Milan to improve his chances of making the England squad.
He figured correctly that playing alongside the likes of some of the world’s top players, including Ronaldinho, Kaka and Paolo Maldini, would catch the eye of England manager Fabio Capello—a former Milan coach—and improve his chances of playing for his country.
Once in Milan, Beckham liked the experience so much he decided to stay and negotiate a break from the Galaxy. But Milan got nowhere near the Galaxy’s price and the transfer never happened.
Contributing some of his own massive fortune, Beckham negotiated an extension to his loan deal and will stay in Serie A until June 30 before crossing the Atlantic again to play the second half of the MLS season.
Once that finishes in late November, Beckham is expected to return to Italy in January 2010 to resume playing for Milan although it is not clear whether that will be a full-time transfer or another loan.
All this will mean that Beckham could be the busiest soccer player on the planet. But he says it was the only way to make sure he can be in South Africa for the World Cup, assuming England makes it.
“I personally have to do everything I can do be involved in that,” he said. “Everyone knows how passionate I am about playing for my country and, if it gives me a better chance of being involved in that squad, I’ll do anything possible to make that happen.”
By the time that World Cup starts June 11, 2010, Beckham could be playing there for England as a 36-year-old Galaxy player, or Milan star or both, assuming he stays fit.
For any England player, there are a lot of twists and turns before that happens. Beckham has just created a few more.
Del Piero aims for 'perfect game'
Alessandro Del Piero claims Juventus will need to produce "the perfect game" to knock Chelsea out of the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Chelsea hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago, but Del Piero still believes that can be overturned at the Stadio Olimpico with a repeat of their performance in London and a bit of luck.
"We played well there a fortnight ago," he said. "Chelsea played quite a good game and won, we played a very good game but lost.
"Hopefully we can turn that around on Tuesday night.
"We have been particularly looking forward to this game and on Tuesday we will have to play the perfect game."
An away goal in London would have given the Bianconeri more hope of going through, but Del Piero refuses to see it as a lost cause.
"We have got to concede as little room as possible and take our chances intelligently," he added.
"I hope that tomorrow night the whole of Juventus is on top of its game, not just me, and then we can go through.
"The result may be negative at the moment, but it is not terrible. Certainly, we cannot rely only on technical and tactical aspects tomorrow; we need to play with our heart, the desire to win, enthusiasm and passion."
Coach Claudio Ranieri is asking for even more than that.
"Juventus has such a history in Italian and European football and all of the players who arrive here realise what it means to where this shirt," he said.
"It may be a heavy responsibility to wear it, but we have got to give it the maximum.
"When we reach the maximum, we then have to go beyond that."
Two years ago, Juventus were playing in Serie B after an enforced relegation from the top flight of Italian football for the first time in their history.
They have worked hard to get back into a position to play matches such as this one and Ranieri will be asking for one more effort to keep the dream of renewed European success alive.
"Tomorrow night we play on the international stage," he said. "We have done a lot to get here and we want to stay here.
"We are playing on three stages and tomorrow's is beautiful and stimulating. It is the international one and we want to do well."
After losing Mohamed Sissoko to a fractured foot at the weekend, Ranieri received even worse news on Monday when he lost central defender Nicolas Legrottaglie to a recurrent knee injury.
"He still has the same problem with his knee," he explained. "He tried to train, but said he could still feel pain. He had never really fully recovered from it in the first place."
Former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg should take his place alongside Giorgio Chiellini at the heart of the Juve defence while Jonathan Zebina has been included in the squad after making his first appearance of the season in the Turin derby at the weekend.
Zdenek Grygera is also back after missing the derby while Del Piero and Amauri should start in attack, but Ranieri is not taking anything for granted.
He even refused to rule out naming David Trezeguet in an ambitious three-man attack.
"You can never be 100% certain about anything," he said.
"Usually I decide my team on the evening before the match, but sometimes I have to wait until the day of the game to see if there are any injuries.
"We will see. We have got to play all of our cards and I am convinced we will play a great game, whoever I field."
Champions League Preview: Bayern Munich - Sporting CP
This game would seem a formality with Bayern Munich leading 5-0 from the first leg. However, it’s not over till the fat lady sings, and without wanting to cast aspersions on the Bavarian women folk, Bayern still have 90 minutes to play.
Mission Accomplished
Barring a total and utter catastrophe at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, Bayern Munich will book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and reach what manager Uli Hoeness called their “minimum expectation”.
The 5-0 demolition in the first-leg was a Franck Ribery-inspired affair but with the mercurial Frenchman missing from the return leg (as well as a few more key names), it will be interesting to see how the Bavarians fare.
Bayern obviously turned it on in Portugal, as they did at the start of February against Stuttgart, and as they did at the weekend when beating Hannover 5-0. That however hasn’t been the consistent story in 2009 thus far as three league defeats prove, and as their 4-2 DFB Pokal exit at Bayer Leverkusen showed last week.
"It looks a formality on paper, but it’s not," trainer Juergen Klinsmann told the club’s official website.
"We can take nothing for granted. We need to take it seriously and mustn’t be careless. That’s something we can’t afford.
"It’s the kind of match where we can have a look at one or two players, and that’s what we’ll do, although we won’t overdo the rotation. I want to maintain the flow."
Mission Impossible
Sporting Clube de Portugal, aka Sporting Lisbon to many, are going to have to stage the comeback of all comebacks to have the slightest chance of taking their place in the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League.
They are going to have to better the best comeback in Champions League history to turn the tie on its head. Deportivo La Coruna, came back from losing 4-1 to Milan in the 2003/04 quarter-finals first leg to win the return 4-0. The Spanish side, however, had home advantage for the second leg.
While a home loss to Bayern Munich was not a complete shock to the viewing public, the nature and scale of the loss two weeks ago at the Jose Alvalade did raise more than a few eyebrows on the Iberian Peninsula.
After withstanding an early spell of Sporting pressure Bayern turned on the style in Lisbon. Franck Ribery broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time and, after Miroslav Klose had scored a second, the Frenchman made it 3-0 three minutes past the hour from the penalty spot following Fabio Rochemback's foul on Philipp Lahm.
Luca Toni's late double completed the biggest ever away win in the Champions League knockout round and the joint highest away victory in the competition's history.
That result aside though, Sporting have been in good form domestically and warmed up for their trip to the Allianz Arena with a 2-0 win over 12th-placed Paços Ferreira on Saturday evening courtesy of goals from Liedson (8) and Derlei (34). Sporting remain in touch at the top of the Portuguese top flight, four points off leaders Porto.
They probably won’t turn the result around but will want at least to restore a little pride.
FORM GUIDE
Bayern Munich
07/03/09 Bayern Munich 5-1 Hannover (Bundesliga)
04/03/09 Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
01/03/09 Werder Bremen 0-0 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
25/02/09 Sporting CP 0-5 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
21/02/09 Bayern Munich 1 Koeln 2 (Bundesliga)
Sporting CP
07/03/09 Sporting CP 2-0 Pacos de Ferreira (Portuguese League)
28/02/09 FC Porto 0-0 Sporting CP (Portuguese League)
25/02/09 Sporting CP 0-5 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
21/02/09 Sporting CP 3-2 Benfica (Portuguese League)
14/02/09 Belenenses 1-2 Sporting CP (Portuguese League)
TEAM NEWS
Bayern Munich
Juergen Klinsmann has a whole host of players missing for the second leg so it is just as well that the Bavarians built up such a commanding lead from the first game in Portugal.
Luca Toni and Franck Ribery are both out with Achilles and shin injuries, respectively, while Tim Borowski is also going to have to sit this one out with a hamstring injury. Hamit Altintop was also a victim of the weekend win over Hannover as he tore a calf muscle, but Daniel van Buyten could be fit to play some part.
There may be a rare opportunity for the likes of Hans-Jorg Butt, Breno, Andreas Ottl and Jose Ernesto Sosa to see some action with Klinsmann admitting that there will be some rotation.
Possible Starting XI: Butt, Oddo, Breno, Lucio, Lahm, van Bommel, Ottl, Schweinsteiger, Sosa, Klose, Podolski
Sporting CP
Rui Patricio is set to play in goal after recovering from an injury to his left hand. Midfielder Simon Vukcevic has recovered from a bout of flu, but Sporting are going to have to do without Fabio Rochemback, who has a shoulder injury.
Leandro Grimi, Leandro Romagnoli and Helder Postiga won’t feature with injuries, although Adrien Silva and will be fit in time. Defender Miguel Veloso remains a long-term absentee with a thigh injury.
Probable Starting XI: Rui Patricio, Pedro Silva, Daniel Carrico, Anderson Polga, Caneira, Adrien Silva, Izmaylov, Vukcevic, Joao Moutinho, Derlei, Liedson
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bayern Munich - Miroslav Klose
While the cat's away the Miroslav Klose will profit. That seems to be the case in the absence of Luca Toni from the Bayern ranks, anyway. Italian hit man Toni seems to hog the headlines when he plays and scores, but Klose has shone of late with goals and assists and will look to enjoy himself again on Tuesday with his strike partner sitting this one out.
Sporting CP - Joao Moutinho
Moutinho is the key midfielder for Sporting, although he failed to have much of an impact on the first-leg. That won’t stop various European scouts watching his performance at the Allianz Arena before no doubt making another move to sign the Portuguese starlet in the summer.
PREDICTION
The win over Hannover at the weekend needs to be the start of a winning run from Bayern and I feel that Sporting could be on the end of another beating on Tuesday (albeit a little less severe). Bayern are going to book their place in the quarter-finals, while Sporting will have to concentrate on finishing high enough in the Portuguese league to qualify for next season’s competition.
Bayern Munich 3-1 Sporting CP
Mathew Burt, Goal.com
Goal.com Manager is YOUR chance to prove your managerial abilities and win top prizes! Click onto http://fantasy.goal.com, register for FREE and select YOUR Champions League line-up today!
Go to Goal.com for the world’s most comprehensive soccer coverage.
Updated 8 hours, 39 minutes ago
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* Beckham's busy schedule could rebound on him
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* Ronaldo scores 1st goal since return
* Greek soccer fans clash with police before game
* Goalie Scurry signs with Washington Freedom
* CONCACAF Gold Cup to be played at 13 sites is US
* Man United-Everton in FA Cup semifinal
* Galliani praises Beckham's commitment to Milan
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Mission Accomplished
Barring a total and utter catastrophe at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, Bayern Munich will book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and reach what manager Uli Hoeness called their “minimum expectation”.
The 5-0 demolition in the first-leg was a Franck Ribery-inspired affair but with the mercurial Frenchman missing from the return leg (as well as a few more key names), it will be interesting to see how the Bavarians fare.
Bayern obviously turned it on in Portugal, as they did at the start of February against Stuttgart, and as they did at the weekend when beating Hannover 5-0. That however hasn’t been the consistent story in 2009 thus far as three league defeats prove, and as their 4-2 DFB Pokal exit at Bayer Leverkusen showed last week.
"It looks a formality on paper, but it’s not," trainer Juergen Klinsmann told the club’s official website.
"We can take nothing for granted. We need to take it seriously and mustn’t be careless. That’s something we can’t afford.
"It’s the kind of match where we can have a look at one or two players, and that’s what we’ll do, although we won’t overdo the rotation. I want to maintain the flow."
Mission Impossible
Sporting Clube de Portugal, aka Sporting Lisbon to many, are going to have to stage the comeback of all comebacks to have the slightest chance of taking their place in the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League.
They are going to have to better the best comeback in Champions League history to turn the tie on its head. Deportivo La Coruna, came back from losing 4-1 to Milan in the 2003/04 quarter-finals first leg to win the return 4-0. The Spanish side, however, had home advantage for the second leg.
While a home loss to Bayern Munich was not a complete shock to the viewing public, the nature and scale of the loss two weeks ago at the Jose Alvalade did raise more than a few eyebrows on the Iberian Peninsula.
After withstanding an early spell of Sporting pressure Bayern turned on the style in Lisbon. Franck Ribery broke the deadlock three minutes before half-time and, after Miroslav Klose had scored a second, the Frenchman made it 3-0 three minutes past the hour from the penalty spot following Fabio Rochemback's foul on Philipp Lahm.
Luca Toni's late double completed the biggest ever away win in the Champions League knockout round and the joint highest away victory in the competition's history.
That result aside though, Sporting have been in good form domestically and warmed up for their trip to the Allianz Arena with a 2-0 win over 12th-placed Paços Ferreira on Saturday evening courtesy of goals from Liedson (8) and Derlei (34). Sporting remain in touch at the top of the Portuguese top flight, four points off leaders Porto.
They probably won’t turn the result around but will want at least to restore a little pride.
FORM GUIDE
Bayern Munich
07/03/09 Bayern Munich 5-1 Hannover (Bundesliga)
04/03/09 Bayer Leverkusen 4-2 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
01/03/09 Werder Bremen 0-0 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
25/02/09 Sporting CP 0-5 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
21/02/09 Bayern Munich 1 Koeln 2 (Bundesliga)
Sporting CP
07/03/09 Sporting CP 2-0 Pacos de Ferreira (Portuguese League)
28/02/09 FC Porto 0-0 Sporting CP (Portuguese League)
25/02/09 Sporting CP 0-5 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
21/02/09 Sporting CP 3-2 Benfica (Portuguese League)
14/02/09 Belenenses 1-2 Sporting CP (Portuguese League)
TEAM NEWS
Bayern Munich
Juergen Klinsmann has a whole host of players missing for the second leg so it is just as well that the Bavarians built up such a commanding lead from the first game in Portugal.
Luca Toni and Franck Ribery are both out with Achilles and shin injuries, respectively, while Tim Borowski is also going to have to sit this one out with a hamstring injury. Hamit Altintop was also a victim of the weekend win over Hannover as he tore a calf muscle, but Daniel van Buyten could be fit to play some part.
There may be a rare opportunity for the likes of Hans-Jorg Butt, Breno, Andreas Ottl and Jose Ernesto Sosa to see some action with Klinsmann admitting that there will be some rotation.
Possible Starting XI: Butt, Oddo, Breno, Lucio, Lahm, van Bommel, Ottl, Schweinsteiger, Sosa, Klose, Podolski
Sporting CP
Rui Patricio is set to play in goal after recovering from an injury to his left hand. Midfielder Simon Vukcevic has recovered from a bout of flu, but Sporting are going to have to do without Fabio Rochemback, who has a shoulder injury.
Leandro Grimi, Leandro Romagnoli and Helder Postiga won’t feature with injuries, although Adrien Silva and will be fit in time. Defender Miguel Veloso remains a long-term absentee with a thigh injury.
Probable Starting XI: Rui Patricio, Pedro Silva, Daniel Carrico, Anderson Polga, Caneira, Adrien Silva, Izmaylov, Vukcevic, Joao Moutinho, Derlei, Liedson
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bayern Munich - Miroslav Klose
While the cat's away the Miroslav Klose will profit. That seems to be the case in the absence of Luca Toni from the Bayern ranks, anyway. Italian hit man Toni seems to hog the headlines when he plays and scores, but Klose has shone of late with goals and assists and will look to enjoy himself again on Tuesday with his strike partner sitting this one out.
Sporting CP - Joao Moutinho
Moutinho is the key midfielder for Sporting, although he failed to have much of an impact on the first-leg. That won’t stop various European scouts watching his performance at the Allianz Arena before no doubt making another move to sign the Portuguese starlet in the summer.
PREDICTION
The win over Hannover at the weekend needs to be the start of a winning run from Bayern and I feel that Sporting could be on the end of another beating on Tuesday (albeit a little less severe). Bayern are going to book their place in the quarter-finals, while Sporting will have to concentrate on finishing high enough in the Portuguese league to qualify for next season’s competition.
Bayern Munich 3-1 Sporting CP
Mathew Burt, Goal.com
Goal.com Manager is YOUR chance to prove your managerial abilities and win top prizes! Click onto http://fantasy.goal.com, register for FREE and select YOUR Champions League line-up today!
Go to Goal.com for the world’s most comprehensive soccer coverage.
Updated 8 hours, 39 minutes ago
Email Print
Buzz up! 0 votes
digg add to facebook del.icio.us
more
* fark
* mixx
* StumbleUpon
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World Soccer
* Beckham's busy schedule could rebound on him
* US to play Sweden in Algarve Cup final
* Ronaldo scores 1st goal since return
* Greek soccer fans clash with police before game
* Goalie Scurry signs with Washington Freedom
* CONCACAF Gold Cup to be played at 13 sites is US
* Man United-Everton in FA Cup semifinal
* Galliani praises Beckham's commitment to Milan
More World Soccer News
Sponsored Links
*
Save on Chelsea MA Hotels
Hotel Deals in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Compare Prices, Save up 75%.
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Champion Apparel at SanDiegoFit.com
Active wear for women and children. Designs by Danskin, Carushka, Champion, Marika and more. Variety of sports bras, shorts, boot pants, yoga wear and tees at competitive prices. Plus sizes.
sandiegofit.com
*
Big Restless Legs Relief
This Maximum Strength Remedy Calms Your Legs So You Sleep Soundly.
www.AllCalm.com
Inter down to bare bones in defence
Inter Milan are set to travel to Manchester with just two fit central defenders after losing Marco Materazzi and Nicolas Burdisso to injury.
Both picked up injuries within the first half hour of Inter's 2-0 victory over Genoa on Saturday, and coach Jose Mourinho doubts either will be available for Wednesday's Champions League clash at Old Trafford.
Mourinho said: "(Christian) Chivu, (Walter) Samuel, Materazzi and Burdisso are out."
The former Chelsea boss jokingly adding that there "is a bit of hope" they can recover, but that the hope "will end tomorrow morning".
Mourinho admitted he is tempted to play his biggest striker in the back four.
That would be Mario Balotelli, who Mourinho says is a consideration for Wednesday.
"I have got to think about it," he said. "He plays well, is creative and is gaining more faith.
"He is a tough player to face as an opponent. He has personality and shows no fear.
"Who knows, it is a possibility, with his height, that maybe he could play at the centre of the defence.
"But then maybe I would be a bit worried about him trying to nutmeg his way out of defence."
Whoever Mourinho does choose in his defence, which at this point looks like it can only be Ivan Cordoba and Nelson Rivas, the Portuguese coach is confident they will be able to do a good enough job.
"Inter have always found the way out of any difficulty," Mourinho added.
Cannavaro: We must be patient
Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro is preaching patience ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League showdown against Liverpool.
Trailing to Yossi Benayoun's late goal at the Bernabeu, Madrid know they have to score at least once at Anfield if they are to avoid tumbling out of the competition at the last-16 stage for the fifth successive year.
Cannavaro insists that is not a reason for them to be reckless from the first whistle in Tuesday night's clash though, saying: "We must be extremely patient at Anfield, because a goal could arrive soon or arrive in the last minute.
"We have to have a lot of patience, make no mistakes at the back and the goal will surely come.
"If we score we would force Liverpool to come out and play. If they want to win the game they are going to have to play and this is the moment where we could take advantage."
A frustrated Madrid found goalscoring chances hard to come by during the first leg as a well-organised Liverpool line-up again showed why they have been so successful in Europe over the last few years.
Madrid defender Pepe doubts whether Rafael Benitez's side will be as defensive in the second leg as they were in Spain, but Cannavaro is not in agreement with his centre-back partner on that issue.
When asked if he thought Liverpool would employ similar tactics to the first meeting, the Italian World Cup winner said in AS: "I'm sure that's how it will be. The best result for them was 1-0 at the Bernabeu because now we have to have a great game, and score a goal.
"As I said, for me it's important to go there and have a lot of patience. We shouldn't look at the scoreline.
"We must start the game knowing we could score a goal in the first minute or the last. It's the same to us. The important thing is to score."
Cannavaro also feels it is out wide where Madrid need to look if they are to get the upper hand against Liverpool, although he insists that does not mean all the onus will be on former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben to unlock the Reds' defence.
"The key is that we don't have to play down the middle. We need to open up the pitch a lot, search for a one on one down the wings," Cannavaro added.
"We need everything from Robben, from Wesley (Sneijder), from Marcelo...If we want to win at Anfield we have to be a team because we don't have players of the quality of (Lionel) Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
"We need to be all together, the players, the bench, those who remain in the stands, the coach, the physiotherapists...
"To win this game is going to depend on the small things. The greater the opponent, the smaller the details are that enable you to win."
Adebayor: Milan and Barca wanted me
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has claimed European heavyweights AC Milan and Barcelona were both eager to secure his services last summer.
The Togo international was strongly linked with a move away from Emirates Stadium last summer, with the aforementioned European duo mooted as potential suitors.
However, Adebayor ended speculation surrounding his future as he put pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract in August.
The 25-year-old has stated that while he had the option to join either Barca or Milan, he is certain he made the right decision to remain with the Gunners.
"I knew that Milan and Barcelona were interested in me, but in the end I chose Arsenal," Adebayor told Sportweek.
"Arsenal are a club that I want to repay with important victories for having allowed me to become one of the great players in world football.
"I find myself well here, even if, as I say in life, you can never know what will happen in the future."
We'll derail Rafa's Reds, roars Raul
Raul remains confident Real Madrid can overcome their defeat at the Bernabeu and knock Liverpool out of the Champions League at Anfield.
Primera Liga giants Real travel to Merseyside on Tuesday night for the second leg of their last-16 tie trailing their opponents 1-0 after Yossi Benayoun struck late on in Spain a fortnight ago.
However, Raul - the top scorer in Real's history and in the Champions League - insists he and his team-mates possess the ability to upset Rafael Benitez's Reds at Anfield.
The hosts are notoriously strong in front of their home supporters in continental competition, but captain Raul feels that Real manager Juande Ramos will coax the required performance.
"We have a clear idea of what we have to do - score twice," Raul said in The Times. "The other day we were hit strongly by the defeat, but we know we are going to have our chances and we are not going to give up.
"We are capable of beating Liverpool at Anfield. Since the arrival of Juande Ramos we are more disciplined.
"At the beginning of the season we had a lot of problems - we were scoring goals, but letting them in as well and that cost us a lot of points. We are now in good shape, above all physically and mentally."
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Midweek Games Review: Man United Extend Lead!
The Red Devils took home all three points through goals from Rooney and Berbatov, while Black and White shirts were reduced to the pleasure of drilling a hole in the Dutch dike. Nine minutes into the game, the Magpies found the back of the net and Van der Sar’s record clock read 1311 minutes. With this victory, Man United extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches in all competitions.
The Lilywhites thrashed Middlesbrough like the top table team that they were touted to be at the beginning of the season. Keane bagged his first goal since his return to The Lane, while Pavlyuchenko put in another as Aaron Lennon netted twice. Tottenham are slowly drawing away from the relegation zone, as Boro are currently in big trouble after this loss, since they currently languish in the bottom three.
The Gunners finally found their scoring shoes after failing to score in their last four league outings. They outclassed rock bottom West Brom, but a victory such as this is but expected of a club that has consistently finished at the top for a long time now. Wenger will be particularly pleased with the win, since Villa dropped points at Eastlands, thereby allowing Arsenal to close the gap to only three points. Another boost for the fans at the Emirates is that Villa will travel to Anfield as well as Old Trafford very soon. It has to be noted that both the Red teams have not lost at home this season, and it will be an acid test to the Villans hope of a Champions League spot.
Another round passes by us swiftly, as each team will look to improve, since the business end of the season will be upon us soon.
Here are the midweek results:
Portsmouth (0-1) Chelsea
West Brom (1-3) Arsenal
Liverpool (2-0) Sunderland
Stoke (2-0) Bolton
Wigan (0-1) West Ham
Manchester City (2-0) Aston Villa
Newcastle United (1-2) Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur (4-0) Middlesbrough
Blackburn (0-0) Everton
Fulham (0-1) Hull City
Drogba Talks Up Turin Game: Juventus – Chelsea
As the battle between the Premier League and the Serie A is set to be renewed with the Champions League being used as the stage for the proceedings, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has spoken of the game in prospect.
Presently, it is the lone goal by the Ivory Coast international that separates the two teams. He is said to have spoken about the Blues’ prospects in the peninsula by saying that the Pensioners will have to either score, or hold their opponents to a draw.
The prolific striker went on to predict that it will be an open game at the ground of the Italian giants, since they will have to score if they are to progress in the competition. However, the Old Lady has not dropped a game at home in coveted club competition this season, and it will be anything but an easy game for the West London club.
The former Marseille player appeared to have this in mind when he said that his side could have scored one or two more goals at the Bridge, but conceded that he is happy that they scored at home, although the back four could have manned the barricades better during the second half.
Although Chelsea have the advantage of a goal, they will have to be wary, since the Black and White shirts are well and truly capable of turning things around in the second leg.
Spanish League ; Match round-up - First Division Day 26
Sevilla bounced back from their midweek cup defeat with a 2-1 win over regional rivals AlmerÃa on Sunday evening. Kanouté opened the scoring in only the fifth minute after picking up a cross from Romaric, and Renato added a second rather fortunately on the hour mark after his mis-kick looped in to the net. Negredo got one back from the penalty spot a few minutes later, but the locals held on to strengthen their hold on third place.
It was another high scoring weekend though, and nowhere more so than in La Coruña, where Deportivo beat Racing Santander 5-3. Jonathan Pereira put the Cantabrians ahead with only twenty seconds on the clock, and although Juan RodrÃguez equalised, Zigic restored the lead before the break. Two from Riki and two more from Lafita and Verdú in the first twenty minutes or so after the restart wrapped things up though, with Berrocal completing the scoreline later on.
Deportivo move up to sixth, just behind Málaga who return to the UEFA Cup spots after a 1-2 victory in a bad-tempered match at Getafe. Eliseu turned in Duda's cross on the half hour mark, and Baha made it two on the stroke of half time. Cuadrado was sent off for a second bookable offence with a quarter of an hour to go, and Contra got one back from the resulting free kick. Numbers were evened up at the end though when soldado was also red-carded.
Valencia's woes continued, and Unai Emery's side dropped out of the European spots after a 2-1 defeat at bottom club Numancia. Vicente gave the Ches an early lead with a long shot which Juan Pablo let slip through his hands in to the net. But an acrobatic strike from Aranda made it all square shortly before the interval, and Barkero blasted a free kick through a gap in the defensive wall after the restart to give his side their first win in two months.
Valladolid appear to be sure of another season in the top flight after a 2-3 win at Recreativo. Jonathan Sesma put them ahead with a long lob early on, and Goitom turned in a corner for the second a few minutes later. Colunga pulled one back from the penalty spot, but Goitom got his second of the night before being sent off early in the second half. Camuñas headed in a second for the locals, and the visitors were left with nine men when Rubio was also sent off, but the game ended soon afterwards.
Recre ended the weekend just a point above Mallorca and Betis, who cancelled each other out in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Andalusians went two up before the break with strikes by Mark González and Mehmet Aurelio, and they seemed to be running away with the three points when Arzu headed a third soon after the restart. But Chori Castro came on to score twice, with Webó getting one in between, for one of the comebacks of the season.
Mallorca, Betis and Getafe are now three points above the drop zone after Osasuna lost 1-2 to Sporting Gijón. A victory would have taken Camacho's team above their opponents in the table, but two spectacular goals from Barral and Diego Castro gave the Asturians a two goal lead with less than twenty minutes gone. Nekounam reduced the gap from the penalty spot a few minutes later, but the visitors held on to end a run of four defeats in a row. (08.03.09)
Barcelona's lead at the top of the table is back up to six points after a 2-0 win over fellow cup-finalists Athletic Bilbao. Yeste missed an early chance before Sergio Busquets headed the hosts in to the lead from Xavi's free kick with just over a quarter of an hour gone. And Messi got the second from the penalty spot later in the first half after Gurpegui brought down Iniesta. It could have been more though, as Iniesta and Eto'o hit the woodwork after the restart.
Second placed Real Madrid though saw their run of ten league victories in a row come to end after they were held to a 1-1 draw by city rivals Atlético Madrid. The visitors went ahead when Forlán beat Casillas after a rapid breakaway close to half time. Huntelaar equalised soon after the restart, but in the end they were grateful for a point after Forlán hit the post and his colleagues missed several chances later on.
Villarreal consolidate fourth spot after a 1-0 victory over struggling Espanyol. Fuentes got the only goal midway through the first half, heading in an Ibagaza corner. But otherwise they had Diego López to thank for the three points, the keeper making several important saves to thwart the Catalan side, who also missed a penalty in the second half when Luis GarcÃa drove his kick against the bar. (07.03.09)
FIFA World Cup qualifying results- February 11
Here are the results from the FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifying games played on Wednesday, February 11, 2009.
FIFA World Cup 2010 European Qualifying
San Marino 0-3 Northern Ireland ( Venue: Stadio Olimpico) ( Group 3)
Goal scorers:- Gareth McAuley (5′), Grant McCann (32′), Chris Brunt ( 63′)
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Georgia ( Venue: Dublin) ( Group 8 )
Goal scorers:- Robbie Keane *2 ( 73′, 78′ pen)/ Alexander Iashvili (1′)
Malta 0-0 Albania ( Group 1)
AFC World Cup 2010 Qualifying
Japan 0-0 Australia
Uzbekistan 0-1 Bahrain
Goal scorer:- Mahmood Abdulrahman ( 90+5′)
Iran 1-1 South Korea
Goal scorers:- Javed Nekounam (59′)/ Park Ji Sung (81′)
North Korea 1-0 Saudi Arabia
Goal scorer:- Mun In-guk (30′)
FIFA World Cup 2010 European Qualifying
San Marino 0-3 Northern Ireland ( Venue: Stadio Olimpico) ( Group 3)
Goal scorers:- Gareth McAuley (5′), Grant McCann (32′), Chris Brunt ( 63′)
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Georgia ( Venue: Dublin) ( Group 8 )
Goal scorers:- Robbie Keane *2 ( 73′, 78′ pen)/ Alexander Iashvili (1′)
Malta 0-0 Albania ( Group 1)
AFC World Cup 2010 Qualifying
Japan 0-0 Australia
Uzbekistan 0-1 Bahrain
Goal scorer:- Mahmood Abdulrahman ( 90+5′)
Iran 1-1 South Korea
Goal scorers:- Javed Nekounam (59′)/ Park Ji Sung (81′)
North Korea 1-0 Saudi Arabia
Goal scorer:- Mun In-guk (30′)
Winners and losers of the January transfer window
The English Premier League spent a record-breaking sum of $227.8 million during the January transfer window, appearing to defy the dire economic times. However, a closer look at the way the money was splashed around indicates that the spending was mainly restricted to a handful of teams with exceptional resources.
In total, the EPL paid out more than the top divisions of Spain, Italy, Germany and France – combined.
Let's take a look at the winners and losers from a window that centered firmly around England.
Winner: Manchester City
Missing out on Kaka, in what would have been a world-record $150 million deal, may just have been the best thing for cash-laden City, whose Arab billionaire owners have a limitless bankroll. Signing the Brazilian would have dramatically raised expectations to an unrealistic level, and even though Kaka is a wonderful player, a solid core is needed first before a superstar arrival can have a real impact.
That is what Mark Hughes has started to do, and he ended up with four strong acquisitions in Wayne Bridge, Nigel de Jong, Craig Bellamy and Shay Given. Sure, it set City back to the tune of $72 million, but that's a mere drop in the ocean of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's oil wealth.
Losers: European clubs not from England
The collapse of the pound against the Euro has suddenly made it much more expensive for English clubs to look abroad for talent. Whereas managers may have previously looked overseas for a bargain, English bosses generally stayed closer to home.
Winner: Tottenham Hotspur
After the doomed reign of Juande Ramos, Spurs got most of its old team back. Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane both returned in big-money deals, and Pascal Chimbonda also came back to White Hart Lane.
Harry Redknapp had to spend heavily to land his top targets, but he has finally got a team he feels confident of moving forward instead of the disjointed and uninspiring bunch he inherited.
Loser: Liverpool
The Anfield club is in a great position to challenge for its first championship title since the 1989-90 season. However, instead of landing a big name to push them over the line, Rafa Benitez instead sold Robbie Keane back to Tottenham for $10 million less than he had paid for him just five months earlier.
Winners: Agents
Isn't it always thus? As long as there is money exchanging hands between clubs, the agents will get their cut.
January is their prime time, as panic drives up prices and wages. Super agent Pini Zahavi is believed to have earned $1.3 million for his role in Wayne Bridge moving from Chelsea to Manchester City.
So what was the most significant issue to arise from the latest transfer window? And will the big money signings have the desired effect for their new teams? Share your thoughts and comments below.
Who will survive the World Cup hex?
The final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 World Cup gets underway this week but, despite plenty of familiar faces, the outcome is far from certain.
Mexico's recent troubles have led to serious concern south of the border that Sven-Goran Eriksson's side will struggle to book its place in South Africa.
The United States appears to be in good shape to go through due to its consistency and strength at home. Costa Rica and Honduras figure to put up a strong challenge.
Three teams go directly through to the finals, while the fourth-place finisher faces a playoff against a South American nation.
Below is a breakdown of the "Hexagonal" -- in order of predicted finish -- as the teams prepare for the 10 games that will shape their immediate World Cup futures.
1. United States
Bob Bradley's team may not be spectacular, but it knows how to win in this region and should have too much for its CONCACAF rivals. An opening victory over Mexico would be a perfect start on the road to South Africa, though doubts will remain about the team's ability to do well against more accomplished opponents on the biggest stage.
2. Costa Rica
The class team in the previous round of qualifying, Costa Rica won six games out of six and conceded just three goals. Los Ticos are well organized and efficient and won't fear anyone in the group as they look to reach their third World Cup in a row.
3. Mexico
Where to start with Mexico's problems? Head coach Eriksson's job is on the line before the Hex even starts after poor performances and his controversial insistence on selecting naturalized players. The team is packed with individual talent, but it is struggling to jell as a unit and looks increasingly susceptible on the road.
4. Honduras
Honduras clearly has the ability to match the top teams in the region on any given day, yet it must conquer its penchant for annoying slip-ups against weaker opposition. The emergence of Wilson Palacios in the English Premier League as a genuine star can only help Honduras' cause.
5. Trinidad and Tobago
The Caribbean nation was fortunate to reach this round, as it was helped by Guatemala's troubles and a victory over an under-strength U.S. side. An aging squad lacks real firepower, so it is hard to see the Soca Warriors gaining any results on the road. Fourth place could be the best T&T can hope for.
6. El Salvador
Two major problems face El Salvador -- a lack of discipline and a lack of talent. The weakest team in the group, it looks set to finish at the bottom. If the side fails to make an early impact, then expect a loss of morale and disruption of team unity.
So, will the U.S. have everything go its way or will CONCACAF spring some surprises? Share your thoughts and comments below.
U.S. vs. Mexico winners and losers
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- From the moment the draw was made for Hexagonal qualifying, it was clear that the opening game between the United States and Mexico would be critical for both of CONCACAF's two biggest fish.
A 2-0 victory and three points gave the U.S. a dream start -- and the one-sided contest provided its share of winners and losers.
Here is our list of those who gained and lost the most Wednesday night in Columbus.
Winner: Michael Bradley
Even without scoring the only two goals of the game, Bradley was a dominant force in midfield and his efforts helped the home side dictate the pace throughout. Displaying a confidence he has not always shown for the national side, Bradley had a breakthrough night and proved he has the ability to make a game-changing difference at this level.
Loser: Sven-Goran Eriksson
These are bleak times for Eriksson, whose job as Mexico coach is now in extreme peril after the latest in a series of dire performances. It has not taken long for the Mexican public to come to the conclusion that he is totally the wrong man for the job -- and they can't wait to see the back of him.
Winner: Sunil Gulati
U.S. Soccer's president gave up around $1 million in revenue to stage the game in Columbus rather than a big NFL stadium and saw his decision justified spectacularly. Columbus came out in force to create a strong pro-U.S. atmosphere and Crew Stadium was rocking by the end of a successful night. Oh yeah, and the cold and windy weather didn't hurt, either.
Loser: Kenny Cooper
The FC Dallas forward has designs on the main striker's role for the U.S. His cause was not helped by a strong and largely mistake-free performance by Brian Ching, who is coach Bob Bradley's favored choice. The Houston Dynamo front man boosted his stock further in Columbus.
Winners: Javier Aguirre and Portsmouth
Eriksson's exit would clear the way for Aguirre to return to the job he occupied from 2001 to 2002, when he took Mexico to the last 16 of the World Cup in Japan and South Korea. It would also allow Portsmouth to bring in Eriksson as the replacement for Tony Adams, who was fired last weekend. The English Premier League club has already acquired Eriksson's former England assistant Brian Kidd as its No. 2.
Loser: Giovani Dos Santos
In the space of a year, Gio has gone from being one of world soccer's most highly touted young talents to being in danger of dropping off the radar altogether. The 19-year-old has been useless with Tottenham in the EPL, and he missed two golden opportunities to get Mexico back in the game.
So who do you think were the big winners and losers from Wednesday night's game? Share your thoughts and comments below.
The Road to South Africa: Ranking the favorites
The first edition of our World Cup rankings looks at which teams are shaping up as the strongest favorites if the tournament was about to begin.
We have looked beyond the form and strength of the relative teams and included factors such as acclimatization to the hot South African temperatures and home advantage. Hence, the surprise inclusion of some African teams, including the hosts, in our top 16.
1. Spain: Euro champ is a class above the pack.
2. Brazil: Needs to peak at the right time.
3. Argentina: Potential for greatness despite inconsistency.
4. Holland: Star-studded lineup keen for major success.
5. Germany: Always comes up big at major events.
6. Italy: Finally getting it together after poor Euros.
7. Portugal: Talented team should survive qualifying.
8. England: Bouncing back from missing the Euros.
9. France: Troubled squad needs to get its act together.
10. Paraguay: Dominating South America and could go far.
11. Cameroon: Classiest team in Africa could provide shocks.
12. Croatia: Wants to make up for Euros heartbreak.
13. Greece: Temperatures could suit this developing side.
14. United States: Will cruise through CONCACAF but needs to step up.
15. Ivory Coast: Will like its chances of making the knockout phase.
16. South Africa: Will have home support and an easy draw.
So what do you think of our rankings? Do you think Russia, the Czech Republic, Australia or others should have been included? Praise or criticize, let us know below.
Here's how Dempsey would celebrate upset of United
No one expects Fulham to beat Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup, but stranger things have happened.
And even stranger things could happen if the West London club do topple United and go on to reach the final at Wembley.
Fulham's American midfielder Clint Dempsey has promised to follow in the tradition of Cup finalists by recording a song before the showpiece occasion of the English soccer calendar. Except that Dempsey, who goes by the alias of "Deuce," will use his rapping skills to conjure up the sort of production never before heard in U.K. soccer circles.
Dempsey's rap ability was showcased on British television station Setanta last year. Take a look at his efforts.
"I've heard about FA Cup final songs -- especially that Anfield Rap," said Dempsey in the People newspaper this week. "I was thinking about hanging up my mic and retiring, but if we get to Wembley I can do better than that."
Liverpool's players recorded an atrocious rap song before the 1988 Cup final, which forever dented the street cred of a sensational team. Cardiff City's 2008 effort was entertaining, but the all-time award must go to Tottenham, for their 1981 song, featuring Argentina superstar Ossie Ardiles.
Mighty Bayern make Champions League statement
For the past six months, Bayern Munich has shown little to suggest it could be on course for a successful season.
Mired in a six-team struggle at the top of the German Bundesliga, Bayern got through one of the weakest Champions League qualifying groups and was not among the favorites ahead of the round of 16.
That all changed Wednesday night as Jurgen Klinsmann's side obliterated Sporting Lisbon with a superb 5-0 victory in Portugal.
It makes the return leg in two weeks time a formality and announces Bayern as a force in Europe's top club competition.
Here is a look at how things will shake up from the second batch of round-of-16 ties played on Wednesday.
Chelsea 1, Juventus 0
Didier Drogba's early goal capped off a good night for Guus Hiddink, who was in charge of Chelsea at home for the first time. The London club already appears to be more organized and efficient now that Luiz Felipe Scolari has gone. You've got to like Chelsea's chances in Turin.
Prediction: Chelsea will qualify with a 1-1 draw (2-1 on aggregate).
Real Madrid 0, Liverpool 1
Liverpool's challenge for the English Premier League title is collapsing, but Rafa Benitez still has the magic touch in Europe. Despite an attacking onslaught from Real, Liverpool held firm and delivered a crushing blow with Yossi Benayoun's late header.
Prediction: Liverpool will qualify with a 1-0 (2-0 on aggregate) win.
Sporting Lisbon 0, Bayern Munich 5
Franck Ribery ran the show and Luca Toni also scored twice in the most dominant display of the round. Bayern can effectively put its feet up and look forward to the quarterfinals -- and will fear no one after this performance.
Prediction: Bayern will qualify with a 2-0 (7-0 on aggregate) win.
Villarreal 1, Panathinaikos 1
Villarreal still hasn't lost at home in Europe, but it lost the edge in this tie by failing to make the most of its chances. Giorgios Karagounis's spectacular strike put Panathinaikos on top and Villarreal had to rely on a Giuseppe Rossi penalty to pull even. The Greek team will return home as deserved favorites.
Prediction: Panathinaikos will qualify with a 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) win.
Share your thoughts and comments below.
Inzaghi Hat Trick Leads Milan Past Atalanta
Milan continued their quest for a Champions League spot as they hosted mid-table side Atalanta at San Siro. The Rossoneri played in a 4-3-1-2 formation with David Beckham, who has managed to secure his stay at the club at least until the end of the season, behind Alexandre Pato and Filippo Inzaghi in attack.
Meanwhile, Atalanta played in a 4-4-1-1 system with Simone Padoin behind Gianvito Plasmati up front.
First Half
It did not take long for the home side to take control, and in the 7th minute they took the lead thanks to Inzaghi. The prolific striker finished off a long move with a nice left-footed volley on a low cross by Marek Jankulovski from the left wing.
The home side responded a minute later with an interesting run into the area by Jaime Valdes, but Mathieu Flamini managed to stop the Chilean midfielder.
On the subsequent counterattack, Pato made himself dangerous as he received near the area and fired a powerful shot from 20 meters, but goalkeeper Andrea Consigli was able to hang on to it.
Milan looked a lot more determined and aggressive than in their recent matches. In the 18th minute, Beckham played a superb pass to Pato from inside his own half, and the Brazilian controlled it well but Consigli came out with the right timing to clear the ball away.
The English superstar wreaked havoc again four minutes later, when he played another great cross into the area for Inzaghi that was cleared by Leonardo Talamonti, but only as far as Pato who came close to scoring after taking the ball on the bounce.
On the half hour mark, Christian Abbiati was called into serious action for the first time for Milan, as defender Gianpaolo Bellini fired a dangerous low shot after a poor clearence by the Rossoneri’s defence.
Three minutes later the home side came close to doubling their lead as Pato played a great pass to Jankulovski, who tried a left footed shot that was very well saved by Consigli.
Just before break, Abbiati had to make another fine save to preserve Milan’s lead, tipping Plasmati’s header on a cross from the left by Padoin over the bar in the 41st minute.
The first half ended with Milan on a 1-0 lead, but Atalanta might have deserved something more after creating a few clear cut chances to score.
Second Half
No changes were made by either coach during half time. The home side started strongly, and in the 51st minute Pato found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper after controlling the ball with his arm, though the referee didn’t see it, but he couldn’t get it past Consigli.
After a while, Milan started playing more and more defensively, trying to protect their lead, which allowed Atalanta to make themselves dangerous on a few occasions. In the 63rd minute, Ferreira Pinto made a great run past Gianluca Zambrotta and from the edge of the area he tried a right-footed diagonal shot, which went just wide of the post.
However, at a difficult time for the team, Inzaghi managed to put the match beyond doubt in the 71st minute. Pato played a great subtle pass to the marksman, who was just onside and looped the ball over Consigli before slotting it into the an empty net to make it 2-0.
The 35-year-old even got his hat-trick three minutes later, rounding off a great move that started with a one-two between Zambrotta and Jankulovski; on the Italian’s low cross into the area, Inzaghi struck a clinical left footed shot that beat the Atalanta goalkeeper for the third time.
After this goal, commendably Atalanta still continued to attack in search of a consolation goal. But it was Milan who blew a chance to make it 4-0 in the 84th minute, when Pato was in a great position to take a shot on goal after receiving the ball from Jankulovski, but he inexplicably fired it way over the crossbar. It simply wasn’t his match today.
At the 90th minute, the referee correctly decided to end the match without any injury time was it was already over as a contest. This victory allows Milan to maintain their third position in the table, and they now have 51 points. Meanwhile, Atalanta are 10th with 36 points.
Meanwhile, Atalanta played in a 4-4-1-1 system with Simone Padoin behind Gianvito Plasmati up front.
First Half
It did not take long for the home side to take control, and in the 7th minute they took the lead thanks to Inzaghi. The prolific striker finished off a long move with a nice left-footed volley on a low cross by Marek Jankulovski from the left wing.
The home side responded a minute later with an interesting run into the area by Jaime Valdes, but Mathieu Flamini managed to stop the Chilean midfielder.
On the subsequent counterattack, Pato made himself dangerous as he received near the area and fired a powerful shot from 20 meters, but goalkeeper Andrea Consigli was able to hang on to it.
Milan looked a lot more determined and aggressive than in their recent matches. In the 18th minute, Beckham played a superb pass to Pato from inside his own half, and the Brazilian controlled it well but Consigli came out with the right timing to clear the ball away.
The English superstar wreaked havoc again four minutes later, when he played another great cross into the area for Inzaghi that was cleared by Leonardo Talamonti, but only as far as Pato who came close to scoring after taking the ball on the bounce.
On the half hour mark, Christian Abbiati was called into serious action for the first time for Milan, as defender Gianpaolo Bellini fired a dangerous low shot after a poor clearence by the Rossoneri’s defence.
Three minutes later the home side came close to doubling their lead as Pato played a great pass to Jankulovski, who tried a left footed shot that was very well saved by Consigli.
Just before break, Abbiati had to make another fine save to preserve Milan’s lead, tipping Plasmati’s header on a cross from the left by Padoin over the bar in the 41st minute.
The first half ended with Milan on a 1-0 lead, but Atalanta might have deserved something more after creating a few clear cut chances to score.
Second Half
No changes were made by either coach during half time. The home side started strongly, and in the 51st minute Pato found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper after controlling the ball with his arm, though the referee didn’t see it, but he couldn’t get it past Consigli.
After a while, Milan started playing more and more defensively, trying to protect their lead, which allowed Atalanta to make themselves dangerous on a few occasions. In the 63rd minute, Ferreira Pinto made a great run past Gianluca Zambrotta and from the edge of the area he tried a right-footed diagonal shot, which went just wide of the post.
However, at a difficult time for the team, Inzaghi managed to put the match beyond doubt in the 71st minute. Pato played a great subtle pass to the marksman, who was just onside and looped the ball over Consigli before slotting it into the an empty net to make it 2-0.
The 35-year-old even got his hat-trick three minutes later, rounding off a great move that started with a one-two between Zambrotta and Jankulovski; on the Italian’s low cross into the area, Inzaghi struck a clinical left footed shot that beat the Atalanta goalkeeper for the third time.
After this goal, commendably Atalanta still continued to attack in search of a consolation goal. But it was Milan who blew a chance to make it 4-0 in the 84th minute, when Pato was in a great position to take a shot on goal after receiving the ball from Jankulovski, but he inexplicably fired it way over the crossbar. It simply wasn’t his match today.
At the 90th minute, the referee correctly decided to end the match without any injury time was it was already over as a contest. This victory allows Milan to maintain their third position in the table, and they now have 51 points. Meanwhile, Atalanta are 10th with 36 points.
ANALYSIS-Soccer-Unprecedented deal will test Beckham and Milan
MILAN, March 8 (Reuters) - David Beckham is taking a big risk by extending his Milan loan deal until June before returning to the Los Angeles Galaxy and then potentially coming back to Italy in November.
The discontinuity could leave the 33-year-old midfielder’s first team place at Milan in the balance and threaten his desire to play in a fourth World Cup with England in 2010—his main reason for coming back to Europe originally.
AC Milan have again floundered this season despite Beckham’s good form and his “timeshare” agreement with Galaxy will hardly help the Rossoneri reverse their decline.
Beckham’s most immediate concern is helping Milan salvage something from another difficult season. After two months on loan at the San Siro, he knows that problems abound.
Third-placed Milan, a disappointing fifth in the league last term, are virtually out of this season’s title race and were also knocked out of the UEFA Cup.
Amid flashes of brilliance, which often came from Beckham in the early weeks before a slight dip in his own form, the Rossoneri have shown the same inconsistent form which hampered them so badly last year.
Kaka and Ronaldinho are not as fluent as they once were while the ageing defence is shaky and inspirational 40-year-old captain Paolo Maldini retires in May.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti could face the sack at the end of the campaign if they fail to finish third and whatever happens, next season could be just as tough for the 2007 European champions.
Losing Beckham for the start of next term, after they failed to buy him outright, will mess up Ancelotti’s plans for winning Serie A for the first time since 2004.
“Beckham has given a new push to the team in terms of quality and enthusiasm. He has given the team something extra and certainly it makes it easier to win the scudetto,” Ancelotti told reporters.
GATTUSO THREAT
The return of Gennaro Gattuso in particular could cause problems for the Englishman and Milan.
Tough tackler Gattuso is a Rossoneri talisman and would not take too kindly to being kept out of the side by Beckham once his long-term knee injury heals towards the end of the season.
If he regains his place when Beckham heads off, he will not relinquish it without a fight if the midfielder returns.
It is not obvious to see how the two right footers could play together in Ancelotti’s three-man midfield.
Gattuso could be just one of Beckham’s worries.
Playing for Milan and Galaxy without a proper break could leave him tired in the run-up to the World Cup in South Africa, should England reach them.
The reaction of Galaxy fans to his short return will also be interesting after he made it clear he had become quickly disillusioned with U.S. soccer having joined from Real Madrid in 2007 in a bid to spread the game there.
The world’s most marketable player did not want to go back at all but Galaxy have fought hard to make sure they get a bit more back on their reported $250 million five-year investment.
At least Beckham has never been scared of a challenge.
Equalling Bobby Moore’s England outfield appearance record of 108 in last month’s 2-0 defeat in Spain is a mark of his determination after his international career had seemed all but over.
He also took a risk in leaving Manchester United for Real in 2003 but became a rare of example of an English player succeeding abroard.
His bright start to his Milan career also confounded the doubters and he will now have to do it all over again.
The discontinuity could leave the 33-year-old midfielder’s first team place at Milan in the balance and threaten his desire to play in a fourth World Cup with England in 2010—his main reason for coming back to Europe originally.
AC Milan have again floundered this season despite Beckham’s good form and his “timeshare” agreement with Galaxy will hardly help the Rossoneri reverse their decline.
Beckham’s most immediate concern is helping Milan salvage something from another difficult season. After two months on loan at the San Siro, he knows that problems abound.
Third-placed Milan, a disappointing fifth in the league last term, are virtually out of this season’s title race and were also knocked out of the UEFA Cup.
Amid flashes of brilliance, which often came from Beckham in the early weeks before a slight dip in his own form, the Rossoneri have shown the same inconsistent form which hampered them so badly last year.
Kaka and Ronaldinho are not as fluent as they once were while the ageing defence is shaky and inspirational 40-year-old captain Paolo Maldini retires in May.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti could face the sack at the end of the campaign if they fail to finish third and whatever happens, next season could be just as tough for the 2007 European champions.
Losing Beckham for the start of next term, after they failed to buy him outright, will mess up Ancelotti’s plans for winning Serie A for the first time since 2004.
“Beckham has given a new push to the team in terms of quality and enthusiasm. He has given the team something extra and certainly it makes it easier to win the scudetto,” Ancelotti told reporters.
GATTUSO THREAT
The return of Gennaro Gattuso in particular could cause problems for the Englishman and Milan.
Tough tackler Gattuso is a Rossoneri talisman and would not take too kindly to being kept out of the side by Beckham once his long-term knee injury heals towards the end of the season.
If he regains his place when Beckham heads off, he will not relinquish it without a fight if the midfielder returns.
It is not obvious to see how the two right footers could play together in Ancelotti’s three-man midfield.
Gattuso could be just one of Beckham’s worries.
Playing for Milan and Galaxy without a proper break could leave him tired in the run-up to the World Cup in South Africa, should England reach them.
The reaction of Galaxy fans to his short return will also be interesting after he made it clear he had become quickly disillusioned with U.S. soccer having joined from Real Madrid in 2007 in a bid to spread the game there.
The world’s most marketable player did not want to go back at all but Galaxy have fought hard to make sure they get a bit more back on their reported $250 million five-year investment.
At least Beckham has never been scared of a challenge.
Equalling Bobby Moore’s England outfield appearance record of 108 in last month’s 2-0 defeat in Spain is a mark of his determination after his international career had seemed all but over.
He also took a risk in leaving Manchester United for Real in 2003 but became a rare of example of an English player succeeding abroard.
His bright start to his Milan career also confounded the doubters and he will now have to do it all over again.
Man United, Chelsea romp into FA Cup semifinal
LONDON (AP)—Carlos Tevez scored twice in Manchester United’s 4-0 win at Fulham and Chelsea cruised past second tier Coventry 2-0 to reach the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday.
Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-sung also hit the target at Craven Cottage as Man United, with Cristiano Ronaldo rested and Dimitar Berbatov on the bench, still had far too much firepower for Fulham.
Tevez scored with a close range header in the 20th minute and a solo run and shot in the 25th as Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils stayed on course for an unprecedented five titles in one season.
United, which won the Club World Cup in December and the League Cup last weekend, is seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and is also going strong in the Champions League.
Didier Drogba (15th minute) and Alex (72nd) fired Chelsea into the semifinal with an easy victory at Coventry.
on Sunday, Everton hosts Middlesbrough for a place in the semifinals while Arsenal, which is round behind because of replays and postponements, welcomes second-tier Burnley in a fifth-round game.
In the only Premier League game this weekend, Robbie Keane scored an 89th-minute equalizer as Tottenham drew 1-1 at Sunderland after Kieran Richardson had netted for the home side in the third. The draw means that both teams are five points above the relegation zone with 10 games to go.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Andrey Voronin scored all three goals in Hertha Berlin’s 3-1 victory at Energie Cottbus and defending champion Bayern Munich outplayed Hannover 5-1.
Although Atan Cagdas gave Cottbus the lead, Voronin hit back with goals in the 34th, 45th and 88th minutes, while Bayern also had to rally against Hannover after falling behind to Jiri Stanjer’s 15th minute strike.
Daniel van Buyten, Miroslav Klose, Hamit Altintop, Lukas Podolski and Martin Demichelis all scored in Munich.
Hertha remains atop the Bundesliga with 46 points through 23 rounds and now has a four-point lead over the next four teams. Bayern jumped from fifth to sit tied with Hoffenheim in second.
Hoffenheim also has 42 points after a scoreless draw at home against Werder Bremen.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—St. Mirren upset Celtic 1-0 to reach the Scottish Cup semifinals, a week after losing 7-0 to the same opponents in the league.
Billy Mehmet scored the only goal of the game at New St. Mirren Park with a 55th-minute penalty after Celtic captain Stephen McManus had brought down Craig Dargo as the striker charged in to the area.
Dunfermline and Aberdeen face a replay after a 1-1 draw and Falkirk won 1-0 at Inverness to reach the semifinal. The other quarterfinal between Rangers and Hamilton is on Sunday.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)—Dimitris Salpingidis scored one goal and set up another to help Panathinaikos beat visiting Larissa 3-0 and move into second place in the Greek league.
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos and Gilberto Silva also scored.
The Athenians now have 50 points from 25 games, eight behind league leader Olympiakos and one point ahead of PAOK Thessaloniki. Olympiakos travels to PAOK on Sunday.
Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-sung also hit the target at Craven Cottage as Man United, with Cristiano Ronaldo rested and Dimitar Berbatov on the bench, still had far too much firepower for Fulham.
Tevez scored with a close range header in the 20th minute and a solo run and shot in the 25th as Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils stayed on course for an unprecedented five titles in one season.
United, which won the Club World Cup in December and the League Cup last weekend, is seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and is also going strong in the Champions League.
Didier Drogba (15th minute) and Alex (72nd) fired Chelsea into the semifinal with an easy victory at Coventry.
on Sunday, Everton hosts Middlesbrough for a place in the semifinals while Arsenal, which is round behind because of replays and postponements, welcomes second-tier Burnley in a fifth-round game.
In the only Premier League game this weekend, Robbie Keane scored an 89th-minute equalizer as Tottenham drew 1-1 at Sunderland after Kieran Richardson had netted for the home side in the third. The draw means that both teams are five points above the relegation zone with 10 games to go.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Andrey Voronin scored all three goals in Hertha Berlin’s 3-1 victory at Energie Cottbus and defending champion Bayern Munich outplayed Hannover 5-1.
Although Atan Cagdas gave Cottbus the lead, Voronin hit back with goals in the 34th, 45th and 88th minutes, while Bayern also had to rally against Hannover after falling behind to Jiri Stanjer’s 15th minute strike.
Daniel van Buyten, Miroslav Klose, Hamit Altintop, Lukas Podolski and Martin Demichelis all scored in Munich.
Hertha remains atop the Bundesliga with 46 points through 23 rounds and now has a four-point lead over the next four teams. Bayern jumped from fifth to sit tied with Hoffenheim in second.
Hoffenheim also has 42 points after a scoreless draw at home against Werder Bremen.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—St. Mirren upset Celtic 1-0 to reach the Scottish Cup semifinals, a week after losing 7-0 to the same opponents in the league.
Billy Mehmet scored the only goal of the game at New St. Mirren Park with a 55th-minute penalty after Celtic captain Stephen McManus had brought down Craig Dargo as the striker charged in to the area.
Dunfermline and Aberdeen face a replay after a 1-1 draw and Falkirk won 1-0 at Inverness to reach the semifinal. The other quarterfinal between Rangers and Hamilton is on Sunday.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)—Dimitris Salpingidis scored one goal and set up another to help Panathinaikos beat visiting Larissa 3-0 and move into second place in the Greek league.
Lazaros Christodoulopoulos and Gilberto Silva also scored.
The Athenians now have 50 points from 25 games, eight behind league leader Olympiakos and one point ahead of PAOK Thessaloniki. Olympiakos travels to PAOK on Sunday.
Ronaldo returns to action after knee surgery
ITUMBIARA, Brazil (AP)—Ronaldo played his first official game in more than a year, the latest comeback from a knee injury for the three-time FIFA player of the year.
Ronaldo entered in the 68th minute of Corinthians’ Brazilian Cup match against Itumbiara on Wednesday and was loudly cheered by most of the 30,000 fans at Juscelino Kubitschek Stadium. He had not played since rupturing a left knee tendon while with AC Milan during an Italian Serie A match against Livornia on Feb. 13 last year.
ITUMBIARA, Brazil (AP)—Ronaldo played his first official game in more than a year, the latest comeback from a knee injury for the three-time FIFA player of the year.
Ronaldo entered in the 68th minute of Corinthians’ Brazilian Cup match against Itumbiara on Wednesday and was loudly cheered by most of the 30,000 fans at Juscelino Kubitschek Stadium. He had not played since rupturing a left knee tendon while with AC Milan during an Italian Serie A match against Livornia on Feb. 13 last year.
The 32-year-old forward, whose 15 World Cup goals are a record, left the field without talking to the media after apparently being hit in the eye by a microphone.
“It was a good debut for Ronaldo,” Corinthians coach Mano Menezes said. “He moved well and even tried some of the moves that are typical of him. It was a first step important to overcome and with time things should become easier.”
Ronaldo touched the ball for the first time after less than a minute, and in the 74th he just barely failed to reach a ball crossed into the area. He claimed being fouled while trying to get past two defenders in the 75th near the top of the area, but the referee ruled he dived.
Ronaldo was free from markers in a counterattack in the 77th, but teammate Douglas chose to take a shot on goal instead of passing to the striker, drawing jeers. Ronaldo had one final chance in injury time, but again the referee called a foul on him when he tried to overcome a defender inside the area.
Ronaldo had right knee surgery in 1999 while with Inter Milan and needed surgery on the same knee a year later.
Ronaldo entered in the 68th minute of Corinthians’ Brazilian Cup match against Itumbiara on Wednesday and was loudly cheered by most of the 30,000 fans at Juscelino Kubitschek Stadium. He had not played since rupturing a left knee tendon while with AC Milan during an Italian Serie A match against Livornia on Feb. 13 last year.
ITUMBIARA, Brazil (AP)—Ronaldo played his first official game in more than a year, the latest comeback from a knee injury for the three-time FIFA player of the year.
Ronaldo entered in the 68th minute of Corinthians’ Brazilian Cup match against Itumbiara on Wednesday and was loudly cheered by most of the 30,000 fans at Juscelino Kubitschek Stadium. He had not played since rupturing a left knee tendon while with AC Milan during an Italian Serie A match against Livornia on Feb. 13 last year.
The 32-year-old forward, whose 15 World Cup goals are a record, left the field without talking to the media after apparently being hit in the eye by a microphone.
“It was a good debut for Ronaldo,” Corinthians coach Mano Menezes said. “He moved well and even tried some of the moves that are typical of him. It was a first step important to overcome and with time things should become easier.”
Ronaldo touched the ball for the first time after less than a minute, and in the 74th he just barely failed to reach a ball crossed into the area. He claimed being fouled while trying to get past two defenders in the 75th near the top of the area, but the referee ruled he dived.
Ronaldo was free from markers in a counterattack in the 77th, but teammate Douglas chose to take a shot on goal instead of passing to the striker, drawing jeers. Ronaldo had one final chance in injury time, but again the referee called a foul on him when he tried to overcome a defender inside the area.
Ronaldo had right knee surgery in 1999 while with Inter Milan and needed surgery on the same knee a year later.
The 10 missteps in Beckham’s U.S. foray
David Beckham’s career could have been made for Hollywood, at least until he landed on the doorstep of Tinseltown.
While most of Beckham’s soccer life resembled the staple movie-reel fodder of heartbreak, redemption and happy ending, his stint with the Los Angeles Galaxy has been more like a black comedy.
The script was in place for a rousing story of success, but thanks to Beckham and most of his supporting cast fluffing their lines, the England midfielder’s American adventure will end with an overwhelming sense of anticlimax at the end of the 2009 Major League Soccer season
Beckham has no desire to come back to the Galaxy, but a deal is close to being reached that will see him stay on loan at AC Milan until the end of the European campaign in July before playing out the remaining months in Los Angeles and exercising an opt-out clause in his contract.
It all means that the Beckham era will pass by MLS with little in the way of meaningful change to the sport’s status in America.
It could have all been so different, though.
If a fit, hungry and determined Beckham had suited up in Galaxy colors instead of a hobbling and exhausted wreck with his focus on an England national team recall, then the club would surely have performed far better than its miserable efforts the past two seasons.
Yet the 33-year-old cannot be held solely responsible. The Galaxy’s mismanagement – and certain actions by his team of advisors – all contributed toward the collapse of Beckham’s American Dream.
Here we pinpoint the 10 critical mistakes that ensured his move to the United States would end in failure.
1. The injection
Beckham’s performances for Real Madrid toward the end of his four-year stay were outstanding and helped the Spanish club clinch the La Liga title. However, his desperation to play in the final game against Real Mallorca led to him having a cortisone injection in his troublesome left ankle, which, it is believed, only got worse once he arrived in America.
2. The price tag
Beckham’s glitzy unveiling at the Home Depot Center was full of the sort of hype and hoopla you would expect to greet the man chosen to invigorate soccer in the U.S. But all the fireworks and glitter wasn’t enough for 19, Beckham’s management company, which put out a release with the fancy price tag of $250 million, the figure Becks could apparently earn over five years.
No detailed breakdown of how that sum was arrived at has ever been released and over time it became apparent it was a nice round amount aimed at generating maximum media coverage. However, as Beckham failed to make an impact on the pitch, the $250 million figure was increasingly ridiculed by his critics and damaged his credibility.
3. The promises
Thanks to his ankle problem, Beckham couldn’t play once he arrived in Los Angeles. So he talked. And talked and talked and talked at countless news conferences around North America, all saying pretty much the same thing.
He said he wasn’t trying to lift soccer above America’s “big three” sports, but he would and could raise the profile of the game. He was committed to it, for at least five years and maybe longer.
It was a nice idea and nice sentiment. However, his subsequent actions and desire to run for the hills at the earliest opportunity cast a disingenuous shadow over him. A glance back at those early days now suggests he was uttering nothing more than empty words.
4. The tackle
Beckham should not have played against Chelsea in an exhibition game 10 days after turning up in California. His ankle had not recovered properly and was heavily bandaged. He came on as a substitute, and he and the Galaxy were a few minutes from getting away with their risk.
Then Chelsea backup midfielder Steve Sidwell came charging in with a horrible tackle that caused more bruising to Beckham’s ankle and added more delays to the real start of the Becks road show.
5. The TV show
Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham’s reality television show was a bad idea for a number of reasons, not simply because it was horrible viewing. The attempt to thrust Victoria into the Hollywood limelight fueled the ire of the critics who suggested David Beckham had come to MLS for factors other than soccer.
6. The overexuberance
The 2007 SuperLiga final was the Galaxy’s best chance of salvaging something from an awful season. An apparently fully fit Beckham was keen to show the fans what they had been missing.
However, his enthusiasm went too far. By leaping into a challenge with Pachuca’s Fernando Salazar, Beckham ruptured knee ligaments that would keep him out until the final game of the season.
7. The appointment
Season 2 was going to be when it all started going right for the Galaxy. Head coach Frank Yallop was sent packing to San Jose after a dismal season and was replaced by Ruud Gullit. A former World Footballer of the Year, Gullit, the reasoning suggested, would have the necessary gravitas to not be overshadowed by the Beckham circus.
And he did. The problem was he had no knowledge of MLS and little inclination to learn. Gullit was sent on his way within eight months and left behind a club in crisis.
8. The signing
Carlos Ruiz is just one of several clueless signings made by the Galaxy, but the decision to bring in the Guatemalan striker highlighted the utter failure of the club to surround Beckham with any kind of meaningful talent.
Ruiz was injured in the first game of the 2008 campaign in Colorado and was unable to make any impact. The man for whom the Galaxy had clogged up their salary cap space ended up being offloaded to Toronto FC before the end of the season.
9. The loan
Beckham’s desire to cling to his England career was fully understandable, but the handling of his loan move to Milan was poor on all sides. The Galaxy were naive for not spotting the potential trouble, and Beckham’s advisors should have done more to keep his employer in the picture.
It was the beginning of the end. And although Beckham will be back in MLS for a few months, the end is effectively here.
10. The clause
The clause in Beckham’s MLS contract that allows him to opt out after three years was kept silent in the early stages. It probably didn’t seem like a big deal to the league or the Galaxy at the time, but the clause eventually became a serious problem.
If not for its inclusion, AC Milan would not have been able to toy with the Galaxy in the negotiating process and this sorry situation could have been resolved more quickly.
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