Benfica held, Sporting lose in Portuguese league
February 7, 2010
It was not the best of Saturday’s for Lisbon’s top clubs as leaders Benfica were held to a draw at Vitoria Setubal while Sporting Lisbon lost their home match with Academica.
Benfica began the day with a two-points lead over Braga but risk having to share the top spot again following a 1-1 draw at Setubal.
The match at the Estadio do Bonfim was entirely decided by own goals. Marco Zoro first hit his own target to put Benfica ahead in the 14th minute, and David Luiz then helped the hosts level in minute 38.
Braga play an away match to Belenenses on Monday, and a win would leave them back in shared first place.
Fourth-placed Sporting Lisbon lost 1-2 to Academica de Coimbra who needed just two minutes for Orlando to score the opening goal.
Joao Moutinho equalised in minute 23 but Joao Ribeiro restored Academica’s lead in the 29th. His goal would turn out to be worth three points.
Tags: Academica, academica de coimbra, benfica, Braga, Coimbra, david luiz, home match, hosts, joao moutinho, joao ribeiro, Lisbon, Marco Zoro, Orlando, portuguese league, setubal, sporting lisbon, target, top clubs, Vitoria Setubal, zoroRelated posts
Top three win in Eredivisie
February 4, 2010
There were no surprises in the Dutch Eredivisie this Wednesday, as all of the top three teams won their home matches without particular difficulties.
Joint leaders PSV hosted FC Utrecht and went ahead through Ola Toivonen in the seventh minute. Sander Keller did level with six minutes to go until the break, but midfielder Orlando Engelaar went on to net the home side’s winner on the hour mark.
Utrecht goalscorer Keller was sent off with a second yellow card in the 77th minute.
Twente played a home match with fifth-placed Heracles and scored one goal in each half to beat their guests 2-0. Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz opened the scoring in minute 43, and Blaise N’Kufo doubled the advantage in the 66th.
Ajax forgot to score in the first half against Roda JC, but made up for it in the second. Luis Suarez scored two penalties, one in the 54th minute and one in the 69th, and went on to find the target again in the 79th and 86th minutes for a stunning total of four goals.
Roda played part of the second half with a man less, as Davy de Fauw collected his second yellow card in the 67th minute.
Tags: Ajax, Blaise, break, Bryan Ruiz, Davy, dutch eredivisie, fc utrecht, Heracles, home match, kufo, luis suarez, no surprises, PSV, Sander Keller, second, second half, six minutes, target, toivonen, twente, utrecht, yellow cardRelated posts
Pazzini downplays Juve link
February 3, 2010
Sampdoria’s star striker Giampaolo Pazzini has played down rumors linking him to a move to Juventus by admitting that he is honoured to be linked with a switch to the Serie A giants.
The 25-year-old, who joined the Blucerchiati just over 12 months ago from Fiorentina, has impressed hugely since arriving at the Luigi Ferraris, with 21 goals.
And while it seems Juventus are making him to be their top-target for the summer, the player himself has stated that he remains committed to Sampdoria.
“I have been told about those reports,” said Pazzini.
“It gives me pleasure to know that a team as important as Juve can be interested in me.
“It only makes me proud that Juve would consider me as a target.
“But I focus on the present and right now I only want to do well with Sampdoria.”
The Italy international is under contract with Sampdoria until June 2012.
Tags: 12 months, Giampaolo, giampaolo pazzini, giants, Italy, luigi ferraris, pleasure, sampdoria, star striker, targetRelated posts
Egypt celebrate while Ivory Coast ponder the future
February 1, 2010
Egypt chalked up their seventh Africa Cup of Nations triumph here just as the ‘Golden Generation’ of the Ivory Coast again departed the continent’s biggest football stage empty-handed.
The Pharaohs 1-0 win over a youthful Ghana in Sunday’s final made it the 19th match they have gone unbeaten since 2004. It was also their third successive continental title.
Just as it was two years ago in Ghana, the Elephants from the Ivory Coast were again the popular choice to win their second Nations Cup crown, with such stars as Didier Drogba, Yaya and Kolo Toure in their lineup.
But not many reckoned that a suspect defence would cave in almost too easily against Algeria in the knockout stage of Angola 2010.
After a rather indifferent start, the Desert Foxes of Algeria would now have assured many they will not be making up the numbers at the World Cup in South Africa even after a 4-0 thrashing by fierce rivals Egypt. Egyptians dance in streets for African Cup football triumph
“People did not expect us to be in the semi-finals. We have not reached this stage for a very long time,” said Glasgow Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra.
“We’re a young team who have made a lot of progress.”
Skipper Yazid Mansouri added: “We will move ahead and learn from the mistakes we made at this tournament.
“We have to work very hard to get ready for the World Cup especially in the midfield and attack.
“The Nations Cup has afforded us a chance to know where we have to improve.”
Hosts Angola showed a lot of promise two years ago in Ghana reaching the last eight for the first time.
Cheered on by their noisy home fans in Luanda, the Palancas Negras bounced back from an opening day 4-4 draw with Mali in one of the most unforgettable matches of Angola 2010 to again equal their quarter-final finish in the previous tournament.
Most probably their run was cut short by their over dependence for goals on striker Flavio, who battled on despite suffering an injury.
He netted a brace against Mali and was also on target against shock troopers Malawi, who caused one of the biggest upsets by putting three unreplied goals past Algeria.
Part of the magic of this Nations Cup evaporated following the exit of the home team, but before then, it was football fever at its best across this oil-rich country of about 15 million people with long-serving President Eduardo do Santos at all their four games.
Gabon, who will co-host the next tournament with neighbours Equatorial Guinea, promised a lot only to capitulate on the final hurdle in their final Group D match against Zambia and thus miss out on a place in the quarterfinal. The price of this disappointment is that French coach, Alain Giresse, who has been with the Azingo since 2006, will most likely not have his contract renewed when it runs out later this month.
Giresse would be just the latest coach to lose his job following failure at the Cup of Nations.
Already Mali have fired their Nigerian-born coach, Stephen Keshi, and Nigeria, who again failed to live up to their huge potential, will decide this week to do away with coach Shuaibu Amodu.
This would be the second time Amodu will miss out on leading his country to a World Cup after qualifying the team.
He was also sacked when his team stumbled in the semi-final of the Nations Cup eight years ago and his place on the bench at the 2002 World Cup was taken by compatriot Adeboye Onigbinde.
There has been a public uproar back in Nigeria against the performance of the Eagles in Angola with an entire nation apprehensive of how such a team would fare at the World Cup in June against first round foes Argentina, Greece and South Korea.
Skipper Joseph Yobo has blamed Nigeria’s underachievement on a lack of continuity in the team.
“We often have different players in and out of the team when we need enough time to train and play together, if we are ever to reach great heights,” he argued.
There are now strong indications that his replacement would be the young Frenchman, Herve Renard, who guided Zambia to the quarterfinals for the first time in 14 years.
“I know what I want, I’m very ambitious and I’m not scared to say so. I said even before this tournament, that I wish to be coach of a very top team one day. I’m young but I’m not scared about anything,” said the 41-year-old Renard, whose contract with Zambia ends in May.
LUANDA (AFP)
Tags: africa cup of nations, african cup football, algeria, Angola, continental title, desert foxes, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, football triumph, ghana, glasgow rangers, herve renard, home fans, Ivory Coast, knockout stage, Luanda, nations cup, nigeria, palancas negras, pharaohs, ready for the world, Renard, rivals, Santos, semi finals, South Africa, Stephen Keshi, target, Toure, yaya, ZambiaRelated posts
Mariga move stalled by FA approval decision
February 1, 2010
McDonald Mariga’s move to the Premier League is awaiting approval from the Football Association, according to Serie A side Parma.
The Kenyan midfielder, who is a target of Manchester City, has been prevented from completing the deal due to work permit issues.
Parma’s general manager Pietro Leonardi told the Italian media on Monday: “We hope that this case will be resolved.
“We should have some update from England briefly.”
Tags: awaiting approval, briefly, England, football association, italian media, leonardi, manchester city, mcdonald mariga, midfielder, Pietro Leonardi, premier league, targetRelated posts
Huntelaar and Flamini staying at San Siro
February 1, 2010
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Mathieu Flamini will not be leaving Milan during the winter transfer window.
Dutch striker Huntelaar had been widely tipped to leave the San Siro after limited opportunities which has seen him make only 12 appearances and scoring three goals since his summer move from Real Madrid.
But the striker has stated that he will remain with the Serie A side despite interest from Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.
He said: “I have decided to remain at Milan because there are so many people here with whom I have built a great rapport. And I am happy in this club.”
Former Arsenal midfielder Flamini, identified as a target by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, has also indicated he will be staying in Milan.
“There are so many clubs that have shown an interest in my services,” the 25-year-old told the club’s official website.
“But for the time being, I am happy here.”
Tags: arsenal, city boss, everton liverpool, klaas jan huntelaar, manchester city, Mathieu Flamini, Milan, real madrid, roberto mancini, San, san siro, staying in milan, striker, target, tottenhamRelated posts
Juve must have no fear to progress: Zaccheroni
January 30, 2010
Juventus must crush the fear that has dogged them of late if they are to progress, new boss Alberto Zaccheroni said ahead of his first match in charge against his former club Lazio on Sunday.
The Turin giants sacked Ciro Ferrara and hired Zaccheroni on Friday, a day after they lost 2-1 at Inter Milan to exit the Italian Cup at the quarter-final stage.
Ferrara’s dismissal had been expected as Juventus have dropped to sixth in Serie A, 16 points behind leaders Inter, having already been knocked out of the Champions League in December.
“We have the duty to take the match to the opposition, always and everywhere,” the former AC Milan and Inter coach told a press conference on Saturday.
“Tomorrow night I expect the players to get rid of the fear that has conditioned them in many recent games.”
Zaccheroni is confident he knows how to turn the side’s fortunes around to achieve his “minimum target” of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, although he will be careful not to rush things.
“I have an idea about how to win, I have to convince the players to share it,” he said. “A collective way of thinking is important – it’s what will enable us to do well.
“I’ve thrown myself immediately into working on the team and the opposition. I want to put things back in order, not create confusion.”
Zaccheroni will be without a host of injured players on Sunday, as well as keeper Gianluigi Buffon and full back Fabio Grosso, who are suspended.
ROME (AFP)
Tags: Alberto Zaccheroni, champions league, confusion, Fabio, Ferrara, fortunes, gianluigi buffon, italian cup, juve, lazio, Milan, new boss, opposition, recent games, ROME, target, tomorrow night, turin, way of thinkingRelated posts
Benitez commits to Liverpool future
January 30, 2010
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has underlined his commitment to the Merseyside club despite admitting that Serie A giants Juventus are interested in him.
The Seria A giants declared their interest in the Spaniard this week and on Friday sacked boss Ciro Ferrara, with Alberto Zaccheroni taking his place until the end of the season.
But Benitez has preferred to talk about the future of Liverpool despite admitting he is flattered with the link.
“New investors may be coming in, and there is a possibility of a new stadium,” Benitez told the Daily Mail.
“It is important now that we see these things happen. We must see the club progressing.
“We are going in the right direction, but we have to make sure we really move forward now, by lining up players who are good and available and trying to sign them.
He reiterated: “The key is the stadium and investors.”
“There has been a lot of talk (about Juventus), and yes, I know about their interest.
“As a manager, you have to be proud when a big club, a top club in Europe, have an interest in you and are watching you.
“Perhaps there has been too much talking, but you cannot stop speculation.”
Despite a disappointing season, Benitez has emphasised his desire to continue in the Reds’ hot seat by striving to improve the side before the January transfer window closes on Monday.
The Reds are in need of reinforcements up front in particular, with Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones the subject of intense speculation as a loan target.
However, Benitez refused to discuss names but admits he is still keen to add to his sole signing of free transfer Maxi Rodriguez this month, albeit on a shoestring budget.
“We are working very hard under the conditions we have at this moment. But it is best not to ask me about players like Jones,” said Benitez.
“I am the Liverpool manager, not the Sunderland manager.”
Tags: Alberto Zaccheroni, boss, daily mail, desire, Europe, Ferrara, giants, going in the right direction, hot seat, intense speculation, investors, Jones, juventus, kenwyne jones, Liverpool, Merseyside, rafael benitez, reinforcements, shoestring budget, Spaniard, striker, Sunderland, targetRelated posts
Rangers hope to cruise to title
January 30, 2010
Steven Davis believes Rangers’ easing injury list means they can maintain their 10-point lead over Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premier League title.
The Northern Irish midfielder was on target for the first time this season in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over St Mirren which saw Rangers increase their advantage at the top.
Victory came as Celtic were slumping to a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian.
Rangers, who face relegation-haunted Falkirk on Saturday, had looked a little threadbare in recent weeks due to injuries and suspensions to key players.
Davis and his teammates had to rely on a last minute goal to rescue a point against Hearts last weekend as Walter Smith called-up several youth players.
However Nacho Novo, Kenny Miller, Steven Naismith and Pedro Mendes all returned in the midweek win over St Mirren and Davis believes this can boost their title hopes.
“These are difficult times for us at the moment with the number of injuries we have. This month, in particular, has been quite hard for the boys,” Davis said.
“But the boys who have come in have given the manager something to think about and we are starting to get a couple of players back. We have been missing a couple of important players recently and it will be good for us to get them back fit and get going again.”
Davis added: “We had a great run in December, but since then we have had injuries and suspensions and the manager has had to chop and change the side about. That can be disruptive.
“If we get everybody back fit it gives the manager a headache, a selection problem. Hopefully we can start playing better. We are capable of playing better.”
Kenny Miller may struggle to make the match against bottom club Falkirk after going off against St Mirren with a recurrence of his hamstring injury and top scorer Kris Boyd is still out.
Old Firm rivals Celtic head to New Douglas Park to take on Hamilton on the back of a costly defeat to Hibs.
Coach Tony Mowbray has stated that his side need to start winning games with his side only having claimed one victory so far this month and he will be boosted by the news several players have returned to training.
Scott McDonald, Mark Wilson and Shaun Maloney are all pushing for a top team return but the game against Hamilton may come too soon.
The Hoops boss might also be without Daniel Fox who is on the verge of joining English Premier League Burnley, but new signings Ki Sung-Yeung, Jos Hoovield and Morten Rasmussen, who made his debut against Hibs, are all available.
Elsewhere on Saturday only goal difference separates Aberdeen and Motherwell who meet at Pittodrie.
High-flying Hibs host St Mirren at Easter Road. John Hughes’ side sit in third-place, just two points behind Celtic, and any slip up from the Hoops could find Hibs climbing into the Champions League places.
Rugby Park is the destination for Peter Houston in his first game after being confirmed as Dundee United manager until the end of the season.
Kilmarnock are just one point above the relegation zone and are yet to win in the league under Jimmy Calderwood.
St Johnstone welcome a Hearts team looking to bounce back from their midweek thrashing at the hands of Aberdeen to McDiarmid Park.
Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)
Saturday
Aberdeen v Motherwell, Hamilton v Celtic (1230), Hibernian v St Mirren, Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Rangers v Falkirk, St Johnstone v Hearts
GLASGOW (AFP)
Tags: Aberdeen, bottom club, Boyd, coach tony, daniel fox, Davis, difficult times, Douglas Park, Dundee, Falkirk, Glasgow, Hamilton, jimmy calderwood, john hughes, kenny miller, Mark Wilson, McDiarmid Park, midfielder, minute goal, Morten Rasmussen, motherwell, pedro mendes, Peter Houston, premier league, Rugby Park, scott mcdonald, Scottish Premier League, selection problem, Shaun Maloney, st mirren, Steven Davis, steven naismith, Sung-Yeung, suspensions, target, tony mowbray, top scorer, top victory, walter smithRelated posts
Last-gasp Balotelli helps Inter pile on Juve agony
January 29, 2010
Mario Balotelli scored a last-gasp winner to help Inter Milan add to Juventus’s misery on Thursday with a 2-1 comeback win at the San Siro that takes them into the semi-finals of the Italian Cup.
The forward thumped in the rebound of a Thiago Motta shot one minute before the end of regulation time after Lucio’s 71st-minute goal had cancelled out Diego’s early opener for the visitors.
Inter will face Fiorentina in a two-leg semi-final, the first of which will take place next week.
The match could be Ciro Ferrara’s last in charge of Juve as Italian media say the club intend to sack him after a dreadful run of form.
Thursday’s defeat leaves his side with little real chance of winning a trophy this season as they are already out of the Champions League and have dropped to sixth in Serie A, 16 points behind leaders Inter, after losing five of their last six league games.
Juventus took the lead in the 10th minute when Inter goalkeeper Francesco Toldo, who looked insecure after getting a rare start with Julio Cesar resting on the bench, let a seemingly inoffensive shot by Diego slip though his arms and the middle of his legs.
The hosts, who are nine points clear at the top of Serie A after Sunday’s 2-0 derby win over second-placed AC Milan, had Juve pinned back for a spell after going behind and were unlucky not to have a penalty for handball by Felipe Melo in the 44th.
The Italian champions pressed even harder after the break.
Juve, without flu-hit captain Alessandro Del Piero and a long list of injured players, withstood the pressure for a spell and had chances at the other end. Diego was not far off target with a good right-footed effort and defender Giorgio Chiellini hit the post with a header in the 55th.
But centre back Lucio broke down their resistance by poking in after a Wesley Sneijder free-kick took a big deflection off the wall before Balotelli sealed it for Inter.
The authorities closed the away stand of the San Siro to prevent Juve fans attending a match they considered high-risk of being hit by trouble.
The rivalry between the two sets of fans has always been intense but the situation has become especially tense by Juve’s fans repeatedly racially abusing Balotelli, an Italy Under 21 international of Ghanaian descent.
AS Roma and Udinese will meet in the other last-four tie after getting past Catania and AC Milan respectively.
ROME (AFP)
Tags: AC, ac milan, Alessandro Del Piero, captain Alessandro del Piero, catania, deflection, felipe melo, francesco toldo, giorgio chiellini, inter milan, italian champions, italian cup, italian media, Italy, julio cesar, juve fans, last gasp, league games, Mario Balotelli, Milan, minute goal, regulation time, Roma, ROME, San, san siro, target, Thiago Motta, udinese, Wesley SneijderRelated posts
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