Turner prize keeps Hull flying high
October 19, 2008
HULL, England (AFP) – Hull’s Premier League fairytale shows no sign of turning sour as the Tigers roared back into third place with a 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.
Phil Brown’s side are playing in the top flight for the first time in their 104-year history and were widely tipped for a quick return to the relative obscurity of Championship football.
But Hull have defied those expectations in spectacular fashion.
Michael Turner’s second half header at a disbelieving KC Stadium clinched Hull’s third successive win – and their fifth win in eight matches – to send them above Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa.
They are just three points behind leaders Chelsea and, while a finish in the Champions League places is surely a dream too far, Brown’s men have already gone along way to securing their Premier League status.
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy, back from injury, was handed his first league start this season by Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola.
But it was Hull, full of confidence after their sensational start to life among the English game’s elite, who took control in the early stages.
Andy Dawson’s superb long pass set up a chance for Daniel Cousin, who skipped inside two Hammers defenders before delivering a cross that just eluded Marlon King.
King headed straight at Robert Green from a Paul McShane cross in the 11th minute as the Tigers continued to dominate.
West Ham finally found some rhythm and went close to taking the lead in the 15th minute when Bellamy crossed to the unmarked Carlton Cole, only for the striker to shoot straight at Boaz Myhill.
Dean Marney volleyed just wide from a King cross but the Hammers continued to threaten and Herita Ilunga headed a Scott Parker corner just wide from close range.
It was West Ham who finished the half on top as Valon Behrami fired wide from long range.
Bellamy had a sight of goal on the stroke of half-time when he collected Cole’s clever nod down in the box but the Wales forward blazed high and wide from a tight angle.
Hull rediscovered their high tempo after half-time and took the lead in the 51st minute when Dawson sent in a throw from the right and Turner out-jumped Upson to head the opener past Green.
Cole should have equalised two minutes later when he met Behrami’s cross on the edge of the six yard box, but the striker lashed his shot against the underside of the bar.
Having survived that scare, the home side grew in confidence and Kamil Zayette came close in the 56th minute when he steamrollered out of defence before lashing a long-range effort just over the bar.
Cole remained a danger for West Ham and his cross in the 68th minute found Matthew Etherington, who volleyed into the side-netting from a tight angle.
That was the last serious threat from Zola’s side though and Hull were able to add the Hammers to a growing list of London scalps which already included Arsenal, Spurs and Fulham.
Written by: AFP
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Aguiar returns from injury misery to rescue Hearts
October 19, 2008
EDINBURGH (AFP) – Hearts midfielder Bruno Aguiar marked his first appearance for 18 months with the goal that gave his side a 1-1 draw in the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian on Sunday.
Csaba Laszlo’s side trailed to Steven Fletcher’s early strike at Easter Road but Aguiar was determined to make up for lost time after a lengthy battle with an ankle injury that he feared might end his career.
The Portuguese playmaker got the equaliser with a superb free-kick just before the break and could even have won it for Hearts, but squandered a late chance to leave the visitors a point and a place behind their bitter rivals.
Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen claimed his side had been denied a clear chance to extend their lead when Derek Riordan went down in the penalty area.
"In my opinion we should have had a penalty but sometimes you get them sometimes you don’t," he said. "Unfortunately, we didn’t get it.
"Riordan said it was a clear foul and that’s the way I saw it. But there is no point dwelling on it, the referee thought otherwise.
"If we had scored that penalty to make it 2-0, possibly the match would have been all over, but it wasn’t to be."
Laszlo inevitably saw it differently, adding: "I must compliment the referee. He didn’t make many mistakes and he had a good game. It’s not easy to referee a derby between Hearts and Hibs."
Hibernian had made a dream start when an incisive move produced the first goal 78 seconds after kick-off.
Colin Nish dispossessed Christos Karipidis before running on to Riordan’s clever backheel and squaring for Fletcher to force home from close range.
Hearts came close to an instant reply when Christophe Berra headed against the bar after Laryea Kingston had lobbed the ball back in after his half-cleared corner.
Riordan volleyed into the side net after David van Zanten’s cross found him unmarked at the back post moments later.
Kingston missed a great chance in the 11th minute after starting a counter-attack following Steven Thicot’s misplaced pass.
The Ghana midfielder played Christian Nade through and the ball fell for him on the right side of the box after Yves Ma-Kalambay had come out to slide clear, but he shot high and wide with the keeper stranded.
Riordan appealed strongly for a penalty when he was felled by the challenge of Eggert Jonsson just inside the box but referee Eddie Smith waved play on.
Nish gave away a soft free-kick 20 yards from goal when he pushed over Lee Wallace in the 42nd minute. Aguiar took full advantage to draw Hearts level with a fine strike from the set-piece.
Hibs threatened first in the second half when Janos Balogh scrambled to push Riordan’s looping header wide of his near post following Van Zanten’s deep cross.
Nade nodded home Kingston’s corner on the line moments later but he had impeded Ma-Kalambay and Smith blew for a foul.
With Aguiar pulling the strings, Hearts were starting to take control and Nade headed wide from another Kingston cross.
Aguiar could have won it for Hearts in the final moments but he completely miscued his shot from Andrew Driver’s cross.
Nade wasted an even better chance in stoppage time as he blasted Driver’s cross over from no more than seven yards.
Written by: AFP
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Udinese top as Ronaldinho sparks Milan closer to leaders
October 19, 2008
ROME (AFP) – Udinese headed an unlikely looking Serie A table on Sunday after coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Lecce while Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho scored twice to maintain AC Milan’s revival.
Udinese are top by goal difference on 14 points ahead of Catania, 2-0 winners in the Sicilian derby against Palermo, and Napoli, who beat Juventus 2-1 on Saturday.
Champions Inter Milan could take over at the head of the pile if they win at AS Roma in Sunday’s late match.
Milan’s resurgence continued with Ronaldinho the hero in a highly controversial 3-0 victory over 10-man Sampdoria that leaves the former European champions only one point off top.
But the plaudits go to Udinese who started the day as one of seven teams who could have ended it in first place in the scudetto.
Udinese coach Pasquale Marino paid tribute to his team for their comeback.
"I have to say we did really well to react (at 2-0 down) and also once we were level we didn’t settle for the draw but kept pushing for the victory right up until the end," he said.
Things seemed to be going all wrong for them as they conceded two woeful goals.
A comedy of errors from a defender and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic gifted Simone Tiribocchi an open goal in which to give the hosts a 32nd minute lead.
Maurizio Domizzi then put through his own net after the break to leave Udinese with a mountain to climb.
But Chilean substitute Alexis Sanchez scored his first goal for Udinese to start the comeback, tapping home from close range after a delightful pass from Antonio Floro Flores.
Then Gaetano D’Agostino levelled matters with 19 minutes left to send Udinese top.
Catania are second after their win, which was greatly aided by the sending off of Morris Carrozzieri for a second yellow card at the end of the first half.
Jorge Martinez rose highest in a crowded box to head home a left-wing cross from substitute Cristian Llama on 69 minutes.
And Giuseppe Mascara sealed the victory late on from the spot after Giulio Migliaccio was penalised for a handball in the box.
"We’d like to end the championship now," joked Catania coach Walter Zenga, a former Italy goalkeeper.
"Our aim, though, remains to reach 40 points (the theoretical bar to avoid relegation), once we have that we’ll feel better."
Milan cruised to victory at home to winless Sampdoria, but only after a terrible refereeing decision handed them a penalty and a man advantage early in the second period.
Slovakian full-back Marek Jankulovski smashed a shot from point blank range into Stefano Lucchini, striking the defender on the forearm.
But the referee awarded a penalty and gave the helpless Lucchini a second yellow card.
Ronaldinho converted the penalty and then sealed the three points midway through the half by taking a pass from compatriot Kaka in his stride and finishing low into the corner.
Veteran Italy forward Filippo Inzaghi, making his comeback from injury off the bench, added a third on the stroke of full time.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the red card had changed the course of the match.
"The 3-0 was a result of Sampdoria having a man less which allowed us more space on the pitch once they had been reduced to 10 men," he said.
It was AC Milan’s fifth match without defeat, including four wins, and leaves them amongst a posse of five teams just a point off top.
Another of those is Lazio who lost the Serie A lead after a dreadful 3-1 defeat at lowly Bologna.
The capital-based team were 3-0 down after just 26 minutes as Sergio Volpi scored a fifth minute free-kick and then former Italy striker Marco Di Vaio added a brace, the second a sumptuous control, turn and finsh.
Returning Lazio captain Tommaso Rocchi scored Lazio’s consolation after joining the fray after the break.
At the bottom Cagliari won for the first time this season as Robert Acquafresca’s late goal secured a 1-0 win at Torino.
Written by: AFP
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Ameobi wants to help Kinnear rescue Newcastle
October 19, 2008
Kinnear, who takes charge of his first game at St James’ Park on Monday, has been working with Ameobi in one-on-one sessions for the last week as he tries to beef up Newcastle’s forward line.
Kinnear is only at United on an interim basis after Kevin Keegan’s departure, but he believes he can turn Ameobi into the new John Fashanu, a powerful striker who starred for the Newcastle boss during their time together at Wimbledon in the 1990s.
That process cannot be completed quickly enough for the Magpies, who will be without captain Michael Owen for City’s visit as the former Liverpool striker recovers from a groin injury.
Obafemi Martins has a chance of starting after returning to training from a knee problem, but Ameobi, who might have left Newcastle after being loaned to Stoke last season, is likely to lead the line on Monday.
"The game is about moving on and certainly, I thought that was the case for me, but it wasn’t to be," said Ameobi.
"I have just got to make the most of where I am, I have always said that, and hopefully I can help this team climb up the table."
Ameobi has not scored a league goal for his home-town club – he arrived on Tyneside from Nigeria as a child – since his penalty in a 2-1 home defeat by Bolton on October 15, 2006, and his last from open play came against Everton three weeks earlier.
However, with Australian Mark Viduka sidelined indefinitely, his physical prowess could be an asset, and that has been the focus for Kinnear.
Ameobi said: "It’s playing my position, it’s getting me into the old habits again, the old routines I used to have and playing as a centre-forward, which is obviously where I want to play.
"It’s getting me playing up top and staying there and being a target man for the team.
"I certainly enjoy playing that role and hopefully I will get a chance to play there a bit more."
Written by: AFP
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Feyenoord lose to Willem II, AZ Alkmaar win
October 19, 2008
TILBURG (SW) – Feyenoord Rotterdam have suffered their fourth defeat in six games as they couldn’t cope with Willem II in Tilburg. AZ Alkmaar beat De Graafschap and move into third place.
Feyenoord travelled to Tilburg hoping to make an end to their disappointing performance.
But the home side took the lead through Frank Demouge in the 22nd minute and the Rotterdam outfit never managed to get past the opposing defense.
Feyenoord are now 15th in the Dutch league, while Willem II move into tenth place.
AZ Alkmaar had no particular difficulties at De Graafschap. El Hamdaoui broke the deadlock after 37 minutes and added a second in the 69th.
AZ have the same amount of points as PSV Eindhoven but a better goal record than the defending champions, allowing them to occupy the third position.
Written by: Jonathan Roorda
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CSKA too strong for Amkar Perm
October 19, 2008
MOSCOW (SW) – CSKA Moskva maintain some pressure on Russian league leaders Rubin Kazan with a convincing 4-1 win over fourth-placed Amkar Perm on Sunday.
Amkar did take the lead through Kushev in the 38th minute but Dzagoev and Brazilian Vagner Love soon turned things around for the home side.
Vagner Love added another in the 75th minute and Ignashevich netted CSKA’s fourth and final goal on 89 minutes.
Amkar had been without the red-carded Cherenchikov since the 48th minute and Kalashnikov further troubled the visitors being ex pulsed with four minutes left.
CSKA trail Rubin by seven points but with five games to go, the Muscovites still get to hope for a miraculous season end.
Written by: Jonathan Roorda
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Brazil win 2008 Futsal World Cup
October 19, 2008
RIO DE JANEIRO (SW) – Brazil have won the Futsal World Cup for the fourth time in history, beating defending champions Spain on penalties.
No goals were scored in the first half at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanazinho stadium, located right next to the world famous Maracaná.
But the hosts took the lead in the fifth minute of the second half through Marquinho, although Spain soon equalised through Torras.
A powerful strike from Vinicius restored Brazil’s advantage in the 37th minute but Alvaro took advantage of some defensive chaos and netted for 2-2 with 92 seconds to go.
Extra time went by without goals and penalties had to decide which side was to win this year’s trophy. Both teams scored their first two penalties but Torras had Spain’s third saved by goalkeeper Tiago.
Ari could have decided the clash with Brazil’s fifth but Spain keeper Luis Amado saved his team by parrying the effort. Marcelo then failed to actually level the score though, as Tiago saved his second of the night to secure the cup.
Brazil won the trophy three times before, in 1989, 1992 and 1996. Spain had won the last two editions.
Written by: Jonathan Roorda
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FA want coin thug banned from Aston Villa for life
October 19, 2008
LONDON (AFP) – The English Football Association has called on Aston Villa to hand a life ban to the supporter who struck referee’s assistant Phil Sharp with a coin during Saturday’s Premier League match against Portsmouth.
Sharp was hit on the head by a coin thrown from behind the Villa Park dug-out towards the end of the goalless draw and needed treatment for several minutes before finishing the game with a plaster on the wound.
The FA will investigate the ugly incident and a spokesman for the English game’s governing body admitted they expect Villa to take a tough stance if the culprit is identified.
FA spokesman Andrin Cooper said: "These sort of incidents are absolutely unacceptable. There is no way that match officials should have to worry about their safety at the game.
"There is no place for this sort of behaviour and we will be fully investigating this matter in co-operation with Aston Villa and the police.
"We would fully expect that, if the individual is identified, he would be banned for life."
Villa are desperate to avoid punishment from the FA for failing to control their fans and determined to find the hooligan.
Club spokesman Steve Tudgay said: "The police and the club are holding a joint investigation. CCTV footage of where the incident occurred will be checked.
"The culprits will be dealt with by the police but, from a club point of view, any culprit will be banned for life. We condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms."
Written by: AFP
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Juventus boss receives dreaded vote of confidence
October 19, 2008
ROME (AFP) – Juventus chief Jean Claude Blanc gave coach Claudio Ranieri the dreaded vote of confidence on Sunday, a day after the Turin giants lost 2-1 at Napoli.
Brazilian forward Amauri volleyed Juve in front on 61 minutes but the lead lasted only three minutes before Marek Hamsik equalised and Ezequiel Lavazzi hit the winner nine minutes from time to send Napoli top and leave Juve in the bottom half.
Juventus have won only two of their seven league matches this season and in Europe they were held to a 2-2 draw in Belarus by debutants BATE Borisov.
They have not won in their last four league matches, losing to Palermo and Napoli while drawing against Catania and Sampdoria.
It is quickly becomming apparent that this Juve team will not be challenging for top honours this season despite their surprising third place finish last season as a newly promoted side.
But Blanc insists the club will stick by former Chelsea and Valencia boss Ranieri.
"Ranieri? Faith is given one time and the club has already done so," Blanc told Sky cameras.
"It’s a tough time. We’ve set an objective of returning to winning ways as soon as possible so that our confidence returns.
"I saw an aggressive Napoli, we made some mistakes in defence. We know we have to work hard.
"We also need to take into account the list of injuries, it’s not an excuse but we’ve paid a very high price."
Juventus did have a host of star names missing including Gianluigi Buffon, David Trezeguet, Mauro Camoranesi, Nicola Legrottaglie and Vincenzo Iaquinta for the match but more worrying was the fact that for the third time in seven league games this season they have lost a lead.
Ranieri also came under fire for his choice of substitutions, in particular replacing forward Alessandro Del Piero with midfielder Paolo De Ceglie midway through the second half with the scores level.
But the coach insisted he had done so with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League visit of Real Madrid.
"There were two reasons: firstly because I wanted to save him for Tuesday’s match against Real Madrid and then because my two central midfielders had muscular problems," he said.
"It hurts me that we’re not managing to get results. It’s hurting the players too and I’ve told them that that’s the only way they’ll be able to manage this situation.
"My team played well for an hour and I didn’t see the difference between the team considered to be in good health (Napoli) and the one instead in crisis (Juve)."
Italy centre-back Girogio Chiellini said he couldn’t put his finger on where and how things had started to go wrong.
"At 1-0 we didn’t seem to be in any problems. Our build up to the match was excellent and then we made mistakes that cost us dearly," he said.
"If we want to win we have to cut out these mistakes. Juve have never lost so many matches in a row."
Written by: AFP
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Lehmann wants Germany swansong against England
October 19, 2008
BERLIN (AFP) – Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said Sunday he wants to make his final bow in the Germany shirt against England next month in the international friendly at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
The 38-year-old announced his retirement from die Mannschaft on August 8 having played in June’s Euro 2008 final, but the VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper now wants to make his final farewell against England on November 19.
"I would like to play against England, the opponent is one close to my heart after all these years in London (with Arsenal)," Lehmann told Sunday’s edition of Die Welt.
"I am impatient to see how the people react if I say farewell at this game," he added.
Lehmann spent five years at Arsenal, but lost his place in the side last season and moved to Stuttgart last summer.
He won 61 caps for his country and is no stranger to Berlin’s Olympic Stadium having helped Germany reach the 2006 World Cup semi-finals by saving two penalties to help beat Argentina there in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out.
Germany’s goalkeeper trainer, Andreas Koepke, has said Lehmann’s involvement for the friendly against England is possible, but not yet decided by national coach Joachim Loew.
Written by: AFP
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