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Thursday, February 28, 2013
Cristiano Ronaldo v Barcelona: have targets on Real Madrid striker's last six... - Telegraph.co.uk
"Hopefully this is really a turning point to have won this link and to make it better it was against Barcelona," said Casillas. "We enjoyed an extremely good link all round and this will stimulate us to create a good showing of ourselves in other matches. "Cristiano is vital for all of us. Today he offers his maximum." to us and is in sensational form Cristiano Ronaldo's history against Barcelona for Sure Madrid: Spanish Primera Liga 10 April 2010Real Madrid 0 - 2 Barcelona Ronaldo's first game against Barca found Real on the top for much of an engrossing game, but in the finish the Catalans found an extra gear. At the heart of everything, both men the entire world was watching, Cristiano thrown into battle with Lionel Messi. The showman against the witch, model against material. Ronaldo, all poise and energy, the cleaving broadsword in the centre of each Real strike, and Messi, impish, mischievous, Barcelonaas rapier. Ronaldo was refused his dream start in his private struggle with the Argentine. Its first test that was failed by the vanity project of unprecedented scale brought Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso and the rest to the Spanish capital in the summer at great cost, precisely to overthrow Catalan dominance,. --- Spanish Primera Liga 29 Nov 2010Barcelona 5 - 0 Real Madrid Beautifully-engineered first-half strikes by Xavi and Pedro represented minimal the imperious house part deserved, but a support for David Villa following the period established the party alight. Realas befuddled participants, not least a confidential Ronaldo, beat a retreat back to the main city with tails between their legs. Spanish Primera Liga 16 Apr 2011Real Madrid 1 - 1 Barcelona (1 purpose for Ronaldo) The very first of an quadruple for El Gran ClAsico in a matter of months opened with Barcelonaas coronation was but ensured by an engrossing draw all as Spanish winners for a third straight season. The episode didn't quite fit the exotic wonders on display in the same installation last November, when Barcelona won 5-0, but Jose Mourinhoas Real Madrid derived some measure of satisfaction from this committed performance as Ronaldoas charge eight minutes from time, his first target against Barca in the white of Madrid, served block out Lionel Messias earlier success from the spot. Copa del Rey 20 Apr 2011Barcelona 0 - 1 Real Madrid (1 purpose for Ronaldo) Real Madrid claimed their first trophy under Jose Mourinho in spectacular fashion when Ronaldo's extra-time champion secured a 1-0 Kingas Cup final victory over arch-rivals Barcelona. With after frequent time had ended in stalemate penalties emerging in a tense and sporadically challenging battle at a joyous Mestalla ground in Valencia, the Portuguese forward hopped to crash home a header from Angel Di Mariaas superb heart. Champions League 27 Apr 2011Real Madrid 0 - 2 Barcelona Two moments of beauty stood out amidst the beastliness of what Henry Cold weather called 'The Overall Game of Shame.' Two this brutal match was rescued by goals, twomoments of magic from Lionel Messi, his second goal echoing Diego Maradonaas dribbled gem against England in 1986, from the dark ages. But for Messi remembering that football should really be about adventure, happiness and creativity, and Xavi also playing with model, this was the game that self-esteem forgot. There was no respect, no elegance, no reliability. Pepe was sent down and the overall game was scarred by play-acting from both sides, frequent surrounding of the umpire, Wolfgang Stark and a tube ruck at half-time. Winners League 03 Might 2011Barcelona 1 - 1 Real Madrid A creditable draw for real and Ronaldo however the better team won to the Wembley final. Undoubtedly Messi was in the centre of most Barca's sophisticated motion, the ball driving a happy carousel with him, Ronaldo was high in effort and invention but to no avail. Madrid attempted equally honest means and fouls to avoid the stylish little Argentine. Of Madridas 29 fouls, 11 were on Messi, a record for a Champions League sport this season. It wasn't as dirty since the first leg and Real renewed pride nevertheless the total result was never in doubt. ---- Spanish Super Cup 14 Aug 2011Real Madrid 2 - 2 Barcelona Real Madrid and Barcelona provided four targets in an enjoyable first leg of the Spanish Super Cup. Having hogged the news for several bad-tempered clashes last time, the 2 played out a casino game refreshingly emptiness of late difficulties and mass-brawls. Still another surprise saw Real adopt the position of the cultivated driving side out from the two, opening the score through Mesut Ozil and then levelling through Xavi Alonso. Among times, Barcelona occupied the smash-and-grab style often utilized by Madrid last time, with David Villa and Lionel Messi rating. Spanish Super Cup 17 Aug 2011Barcelona three - 2 Real Madrid Cesc Fabregas came off the seat to simply help his new part Barcelona beat Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup, but the former Arsenal captainas introduction at the Nou Camp was overshadowed by another ugly brawl between your bitter rivals. Spanish Primera Liga 10 Dec 2011Real Madrid 1 - 3 Barcelona Messi yet again eclipses Ronaldo in the fight of the footballing gods, while Andre Iniesta was Herculean in midfield as Barcelona overcame the surprise of a 22nd-second Karim Benzema purpose to draw level with Real at the very top of La Liga. Copa del Rey 18 Jan 2012Real Madrid 1 - 2 Barcelona (1 goal for Ronaldo) Eric Abidal proved an unlikely matchwinner as Barcelona originated in behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of these Copa del Rey quarter-final a the Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo answered critics of a percieved weak efficiency against Barcelona last month by scoring the opener after 11 minutes, picking up Karim Benzema's move before driving past Gerard Pique and shooting low past Jose Manuel Pinto. Spanish Primera Liga 21 Apr 2012Barcelona 1 - 2 Real Madrid (1 target for Ronaldo) Real Madrid and Ronaldo upstaged the European champions and Messi with a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou. The result sent Real are seven points obvious with four games left after goals from Sami Khedira and Ronaldo either side of an Alexis Sanchez equaliser. In the method Real broke the Spanish league scoring record making use of their 108th and 109th goals of the campaign. Real proceeded to get the Spanish title. ----- Spanish Super Cup 23 Aug 2012Barcelona 3 - 2 Real Madrid (1 target for Ronaldo) Barcelona came from behind to take a thin lead from the first leg of the Spanish Supercopa at the Nou Camp. Cristiano Ronaldo went Real into the lead contrary to the function of play 10 minutes into the second half from Mesut Ozil's place, but Barcelona replied as Pedro revealed good poise to slot house a moment later. The action then raced from end to end and it absolutely was the hosts who cast forward 20 minutes from time when Lionel Messi won from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos had brought down Andres Iniesta. A fantastic jinking run from Iniesta separated Xavi to stroke home Barcelona's next goal seven minutes later. But, the readers were gifted a way back into the tie five full minutes from time when Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes attempted to dribble around Angel Di Maria and only succeeded in presenting the Argentinian an open goal Spanish Super Cup 29 Aug 2012Real Madrid 2 - 1 Barcelona (1 purpose for Ronaldo) True Madrid guaranteed their first Spanish Super Cup since 2008 on away objectives after having a narrow victory over posture rivals Barcelona in Wednesday's second leg at the Bernabeu. The hosts had failed to gain in their last seven home conferences with Barca but went about closing that history in early stages with objectives in the first 20 minutes from Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo. The guests were then reduced to 10 men as Adriano was shown a straight red card for denying Ronaldo an obvious goalscoring option, but they regained their composure and were brought back into the game with a beautiful free-kick from Lionel Messi right before half-time but Real found the game out against the 10 men and got the prize on absent targets. Spanish Primera Liga 07 Oct 2012Barcelona 2 - 2 Real Madrid (2 targets for Ronaldo) On a warm evening another classic in the current features of El Classico a' another stunning display, amid most of the sound and fury, the theatrics and the traditional brilliance, for 2 men who simply demand to be praised as aMore than the usual Playera. It finished up Ronaldo 2 to Messi 2, with the tiny Argentine master and the preening Portuguese genius, two of the best possible people of this or every other generation, highlighting the 222nd bout of footballas glitziest competition as only they are able to. aThose two are of still another planet,a sighed Realas chef Jose Mourinho afterward. Copa del Rey 30 Jan 2013Real Madrid 1 - 1 Barcelona Both sides had lots of chances all through an enthralling first half nevertheless the opener didn't occur until five full minutes into the second period when Cesc Fabregas snapped onto Lionel Messi's through basketball to fire past Diego Lopez. Madrid got the equaliser their performance merited nine minutes from time if the game's outstanding musician, Raphael Varane, rose to head home Mesut Ozil's mix. Copa del Rey 26 Feb 2013Barcelona 1 - 3 Real Madrid (2 targets for Ronaldo) Ronaldo scored an objective in each half as Real Madrid removed Barcelonaas 22-match unbeaten run in a triumph at the Nou Camp to secure a spot in the Copa del Rey final. Ronaldo struck on his sixth straight visit to Nou Camp when he acquired and turned a punishment in the 13th minute before obtaining the web again after the break in the minute. Raphael Varane got his 2nd purpose of the sport in the moment to summary the wrap carrying out a 1-1 attract the very first leg.
Ferguson ready to make full use of Manchester United squad - Yahoo! Sports
The Old Trafford area is 12 points clear at the very top of the Premier League table and people Real Madrid in the next leg of the Champions League last 16 a' a match an amount of people will lose out on. The 71-year-old was reminded of the team detail that found Paul Scholes skip a against Inter Milan in 1999. "In 1999 I left Paul Scholes from the quarterfinal against Inter Milan yet he was usually the one who scored the goal that got us through," Sir Alex told MUTV. He was left by "i from the semifinal since I really could not chance him and Roy Keane together while they were both on yellow cards. He got on, accepted it graciously, got ordered and missed the last anyway. "What did he do? He did not allow it to affect him. He continued to become one of the greatest players this club has ever had. "A this team, in this situation, anything could happen on the run-in. People can all of a sudden find themselves playing in your final or a significant category game since that is the kind of team I have." Sir Alex is pleased by the competitiveness of his squad, and has been buoyed by how anxious every player is to add, but warned the squad members set to play in Saturday's league match against Norwich which they must remain careful. "It is quite difficult to turn the team at the moment," the Red Devils manager continued. "They all wanted to perform against Real Madrid and there were a lot of unhappy people. Which was great. It's a measure of their own confidence in themselves. "But we'd a talk. I said 'look, do not think for a minute losing a game title for Manchester United is just a simple issue.' It's a significant matter." Follow GOAL.COM on Facebook
More Info: Al Ahli - to Ittihad Kalba [Live Football]
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Arsenal: Match Preview - Bragging rights - Football.co.uk
The stage is set and the eyes of the world shall be bestowed at White Hart Lane this Sunday. No other fixture in the English Premier League exerts a rivalry in the same breath as a North London Derby. When Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal collide on Match Week 28, form guide, league position, and all statistics are thrown out the window, as it's all about Bragging Rights. As always, this promises to be a mouth-watering clash, with both teams knowing the implications of a loss, and the prospect of a draw would not satisfy either of the managers.
Tottenham News: What a revelation Gareth Bale has been for Tottenham this season. After losing Jermain Defoe's (injury) and Emmanuel Adebayor (AFCON) last month, there was a cause of concern at the cub with no dedicated striker. However, Bale's recent outstanding run has seen him score 8 goals in 6 appearances and his dedication on the pitch has driven the team forward. Tottenham's sensational run has seen them, being only the second side (besides Manchester United) to remain unbeaten in the Premier League in 2013. Unlike last season where Spurs fell just short, this year Tottenham appear to be a different team altogether with grit and have the determination to finally end the 16 year wait to finish above their North London Rivals, Arsenal. Spurs might be boosted with the timely return of Defoe, who can provide the necessary fire power for the remainder of the season, starting with Arsenal
Arsenal News: After one year how much has changed for Arsenal. Before these two clubs met last year (Match week 26) Arsenal had just commenced a good (EPL) run with 2 wins and a draw but were knocked out of the FA cup and were humbled by AC Milan. Sounds familiar, as Arsenal have the exact same statistics this season, with the only difference of winning against Aston Villa before facing their North London neighbours. With Arsenal's league form being good (4wins & a draw) Manager, Arsene Wenger, knows all too well the importance of this encounter and how a victory can inspire Arsenal's aspirations for a top four finish. While Arsenal have Gibbs unavailable for the clash their major concern will be if they can get Bacary Sagna back in time considering Gareth Bale's playing position on the same wing.
1. The North London Derby has taken place 173 times with Arsenal winning on 73 occasions to Tottenham's 53 and have shared the spoils 47 times.
2. Both clubs have not lost a single game in their last 5 fixtures. Arsenal have won 4 and drawn 1, while Tottenham have won 3 and drawn 2.
7. Cards have been shown in abundance in these encounters. The last 3 fixtures have seen over 75 fouls with 13 yellow and 2 red cards (Both to Tottenham players, Parker and Adebayor).
8.The last two meeting between the North London Rivals have resulted in the same score line 5-2 (Arsenal victorious on both occasions).
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Stoke City: Berbatov goal good enough to win any game - This is Staffordshire
NEW signing Brek Shea has 'Believe' tattooed in large letters on his right leg, so has at least brought a little positive thinking into the Stoke camp.
However, with just one win in 23 league games on the road, it might not be long before Stoke's travelling faithful have 'Boredom,' 'Gordon Bennett' or 'Take Me Home' inked on to various body parts.
EARLY RUN-OUT: Brek Shea made his debut for the Potters on Saturday in the 1-0 defeat at Fulham when he replaced Matthew Etherington after just 24 minutes into the game.
PAIN GAME: Stoke's Steven Nzonzi receives treatment after having his nose re-arranged by Dimitar Berbatov's arm. Picture: Wesley Webster
The 800 Stokies did their best to get behind their side, but the fact some of the loudest chants of the afternoon were about former heroes such as Peter Thorne, George Berry, Abdoulaye Faye and Mark Stein, suggests the current fare is becoming almost incidental to the afternoon out.
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Stoke were a little unlucky not to come away with a point from Craven Cottage, but most complaints these days are about the entertainment as much as the results.
Results must take priority of course, but if they aren't there either then it's not a massive surprise that many away fans are getting the hump.
Most of City's travelling fans are either 'gold', 'silver' or 'platinum' members. I'm not quite sure how they are divided, but I think it's something to do with which precious metal you prefer to hit yourself over the head with for 90 minutes to recreate the away match experience.
Considering Stoke's record of shutting up shop and trying to grind out performances away from home, it was certainly a left-field, 'monkey-tennis', call by whoever chose this game for live coverage by Sky.
That employee would be spending the next deadline day having faces pulled at them at Clayton Wood, but could be saved from that fate by Dimitar Berbatov's stunning volley which lit up the game in first half injury-time.
It was a bolt from the blue because Fulham, despite their possession, had been frustrated by a Stoke side determined to defend in numbers.
I'm sure cats across the Potteries scarper under the sideboard when Tony Pulis goes on the radio after each away disappointment and announces 'we just need one or two things to drop for us.' However, on this occasion he did have a point.
After going a goal down, Stoke had to be positive. Sure enough, Peter Crouch was foiled by Mark Schwarzer before Jon Walters had a penalty saved. Throw in the seventh-minute incident when Walters raced through, but fired across goal and we have a spot-kick and two one-on-ones.
That might not exactly be laying siege to the Fulham goal, but it's a reasonable number of clear-cut chances for one mid-table Premier League side to create away to another.
It has to be said Stoke were lucky to still have eleven men on the field in the second half. Robert Huth will find out today if he is to be charged for appearing to aim an elbow at Philippe Senderos, while Steven Nzonzi was definitely fortunate to stay on after a first-half incident.
It wasn't a red card challenge, but you could see Nzonzi was brassed off by the way he furiously waved his arm at the Fulham fans who were telling him to get up and get on with it.
He was clearly still riled when he shoved Bryan Ruiz in the face, an incident which drew only a yellow card despite, or perhaps because of, some ridiculously theatrical rolling about from Ruiz.
Mind you, Fulham's melodramatic manager Martin Jol, pictured, described the challenge as 'Evil' which suggests the central midfielder could face the same sanctions the White House imposed on North Korea.
Hopefully he won't because he remains one of the shining lights of a campaign which has been much better than Stoke's away form would suggest.
Stoke, after all, are still tenth, which would be their highest finish since promotion back to the top flight in 2008.
Anyone who only watches Stoke at home might well be wondering what all the moaning is about. Anyone who only watches Stoke away needs some medication or a medal, possibly both.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Chelsea dealt blow ahead of Middlesbrough clash - Fulham Chronicle
Centre-back Cahill is struggling with a virus, while Cesar Azpilicueta has a leg injury and won't travel to face the Championship outfit.
Cahill's absence could mean a recall to the side for captain John Terry, who was an unused sub in Sunday's defeat at Manchester City.
Via: Central Coast Mariners - Western Sydney [Live Football]
Fulham Beats Stoke in Premier League as Schwarzer Saves Penalty - Bloomberg
Mark Schwarzer saved a penalty kick in the second half to help Fulham beat Stoke 1-0 in English soccer's Premier League.
Schwarzer dived to his right to stop Jonathan Walters's kick in the 56th minute at Craven Cottage after a handball call against Ashkan Dejagah. Fulham took the lead in first-half stoppage time as Dimitar Berbatov volleyed a shot past Asmir Begovic.
The victory pulls Fulham within a point of 10th-place Stoke and also moves the Cottagers nine points clear of the relegation zone at the bottom of the standings.
Ronaldo to Man Utd? Benitez-Chelsea FC bust-up? Laudrup to Real Madrid CF ... - Crunchsports.com
Daily Mirror: Gareth Bale smashed home another wonder strike to lift Tottenham into third place in the Premier League.
Also: John Toshack confirmed that Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is a top candidate to succeed Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Metro: Sam Allardyce held Gareth Bale up as a one-man army after the Welshman's dazzling display earned Tottenham a dramatic win at West Ham last night.
Daily Telegraph: Gareth Bale struck one of the goals of the season to decide one of the games of the season last night as Tottenham beat West Ham.
The Times: Gareth Bale struck twice as Tottenham moved into third place in the Premier League after a 3-2 victory over West Ham at Upton Park.
The Guardian: Michael Laudrup has said he is flattered to be linked with a return to Real Madrid but intends to honour his Swansea City contract and remain with the League Cup winners next season.
The Independent: Gareth Bale said he had set up the North London derby perfectly after producing another of his trademark wonderful strikes to fire Tottenham into third place in the Premier League.
Manchester United vs. Real Madrid: 4 Tactical Issues Van Persie's Injury Causes - Bleacher Report
Robin van Persie was subbed off early during Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, cuing UK-wide fears regarding his fitness for a pivotal upcoming game.
The second leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie with Real Madrid looms, and speculation will mount over the Dutchman's readiness.
The Red Devils striker has a history of injury issues and only completed his first full healthy season in the English Premier League last year with Arsenal.
The good news is his notoriously weak ankles aren't in question, but hips can be tricky. Sir Alex Ferguson isn't concerned, but everyone else is.
Sir Alex Ferguson is the only English Premier League manager who employs a 4-4-2 formation, but it's not a true version. He basically utilises two nine-and-a-halves, making the link-up play and freedom attached to both strikers of pivotal importance.
Subbing one, or even both, out for Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez is adequate, but not the same. This is Real Madrid; this is the UEFA Champions League.
He was everywhere, blocking Cristiano Ronaldo at every turn and bailing Rafael out of heaps of trouble. He did such a good job, Ronaldo actually switched wings in order to score.
His potential missing of the second leg was a problem everyone was trying to solve in a pre-emptive, theoretical sense. One effective, if detrimental to the attack-esque suggestion, is the use of Wayne Rooney in the deeper midfield slot.
The English forward has shown he's capable deep and has the legs to track, but he doesn't possess the required tackling skills to do the job well enough.
It was a slim possibility before the Robin van Persie scare. Now it's certain not to happen, as Sir Alex Ferguson cannot sacrifice both dynamic attacking threats.
It's harsh to call Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez—two very capable strikers that would walk into most English Premier League starting XIs—backups, but that's exactly what they are.
Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney are the first-choice pair, and Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't tinkered with his system that much this season. He's become reactive and tried out the midfield diamond, but more often than not makes specific counter-changes whilst retaining a principle shape.
Given the understanding Rooney and Welbeck enjoy, plus the latter's superiority in the passing and build-up game over the Mexican alternative, he would get the nod nine times out of 10.
Chicharito, for all his talents, is a little one-dimensional and doesn't match up well against an agile, clever and fresh defence in Real Madrid.
But it doesn't matter who comes in to replace him; they won't be the same. The attacking line will be less fluid, and the ability to hold the ball in offensive areas will dramatically decline.
After losing out in the title race to Manchester City in a fashion no Manchester United fan wishes to recall, it was always going to take a marquee signing to reinstall the faith.
His presence is an uplifter, a motivator, and when he's on the pitch his teammates know he's capable of scoring any time. And he only needs one chance.
Will United modify their game without him? Impossible to tell, as he's not been laid off due to injury yet, but Arsenal certainly did. He's unique.
Chelsea FC: Grading Striker Demba Ba's Start for the Blues - Bleacher Survey
So far, so good for Demba Ba at Stamford Bridge. Even though the 27-year-old striker has not seen a great quantity of playing time for the Blues since coming over from Newcastle United early in the wintertime shift industry, what he has shown should absolutely justify management's decision to sign the Senegalese international to a wholesome three-and-and-half yearAdeal. And while most Chelsea transfer periods tend to be more like biannual Xmas spending sprees with wealthy Uncle Roman using the elite baseball leagues across the world as his stores, this January's wound up being fairly quiet despite all the rumors of Radamel Falcao and Marouane Fellaini dancing through the heads of Blues supporters. Chelsea sold Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool for A12 millionAand closed Ba from the Toon for A7 millionAand actually ended up with A5 million more in its coffers than it started with when all was said and done. So who says Abramovich can not be considered a little thrifty when he needs to? Demba Ba is proving to be a very stable order for interim director Rafael Benitez (right) and Chelsea since being authorized from Newcastle United in January.Michael Regan/Getty Images By finding BaAfor this kind of good cost and wrapping him up for these wonderful years of his baseball career, the Blues went quite a distance to starting to fix the situation they suddenly found themselves having last period at the striker spot when team story Didier Drogba starting showing signs of aging, Fernando Torres stayed ice-cold and Sturridge began voicing discomfort with his playing time. Like fellow newbies Eden Hazard, Oscar, Victor Moses and CAsar Azpilicueta, it will take time to Ba to assimilate in to his new environments in West London, gel along with his new teammates and get accustomed to coming in off the bench. But once he does, assume some really big things from him. Ba wants to play the role of lone striker and fits in perfectly with Chelsea's recent 4-2-3-1 tactical development and advantages from his huge 6-foot-2-inch body, enormous steps and intense ability to play balls in the air. Against Southampton in the third round of the FA Cup in his Blues debut, BaAscored twiceAand offered only a little taste to Chelsea lovers of his abilities in the field, then tallied his first English Premier League goal for the club 11 days later against those same Saints. In his return to Tyneside and St. James' Park on Feb. 2, Ba tried to exhibit off some of those skills facing target but was unjustly honored with an activate the faceAby former teammate Fabricio Coloccini and a broken nose. No red or orange carda'or fee kicka'was released, and the Magpies went on to overcome Chelsea 3-2 as Ba was forced to keep the match with his injury. Up to now, Blues temporary manager Rafael BenAtez has only began Ba four timesAin Premier League play and his goal against Southampton is his only top-flight tally for Chelsea currently, but time should show him to be a 20-goal-plus a year scorer. After Demba Ba (left) emerges from the shdow of present starting striker Fernando Torres (right), then Chelsea will be able to see how important his signing this winter exchange market really was.Michael Regan/Getty Images One particular four begins arrived on Sunday against the defending league champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, and Ba again showed his power to create havoc facing the purpose when he caused a collision between herself and the Sky Blues Joe Hart, which resulted in a Frank Lampard charge kickAand a wonderful save your self by the City goalkeeper. After he's given the chance to become the main striker for the European champions, Baa'tied for fourthAin the EPL with 14 goalsa'will become even more abundant and important for the Blues and their offensive strikeforce. And once Ba emerges from the shadow of being Torres's back-up at striker, Chelsea and its lovers will see so just how big the signing with this true expertise in fact is. >Follow me on Twitter: @KevinStott11
Xavi Hernandez or Andres Iniesta: Who's More Essential for FC Barcelona? - Bleacher Report
While Lionel Messi is the most described of the FC Barcelona squad, you will find others in the squad who contribute. They might not receive the same amount of publicity as Messi. Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta are one of the crucial players in Manhattan project Blaugrana. They deserve to be described though briefly. The reason of this information is always to evaluate Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta in terms of importance. The equipment used were examples of their advantages, achievements and design of play while at Barca. The use of personal experience in addition to research from Internet resources (including Twitter reputation and Google benefits )Awere most notable assessment. Xavi Hernandez I'd the advantage of seeing Xavi Hernandez for action when Barca visited Miami, Florida. Xavi participated in the 2011 Herballife World Football fit between Manhattan project Blaugrana and Chivas of Guadalajara. Through the match, Seydou Keita felt pressure from opposite Chivas of Guadalajara players at all sides. Xavi surely could eliminate a number of the stress and come to the aid of Keita. The Hamilton Academical Barcelona web site reinforced that impression in its review of Xavi. They mentionedAXavias versatility within different areas of the area. XaviAwas the beneficiary of the UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament in 2008 honor. February 23, 2013 When I searched Xavi Hernandez in Google, he received 5,060,000 visits at 11:47 a.m.Aon. Xavi HernandezDavid Ramos/Getty Photos Xavi has 40,782 followers on his Twitter Account when it absolutely was evaluated on the exact same trip to Noon. However, Xavi was out for 15 days and recently experienced a damage. It is these conditions that have influenced Xavi in his power to contribute to La Blaugrana. Andres Iniesta Andres Iniesta is apparently a more complete person. According to the Hamilton Academical Barcelona website, Iniesta is rewarded for his versatility as a midfielder for the team. Iniesta could prove his worth when he won the last-minute aim that won the Euro 2010 Championship to Spain. Second place was received by iniesta in the FIFA Ballon DaOr honors in the entire year 2010. Iniesta received 5,000,000 visitors from Google when I entered his name at 11:50 a.m.Aon February 23, 2013.AIniesta had 5,374,221 Twitter followers when his account was examined Aat 11:54 a.m.Aon the same day. ESPN-FC commented about Iniestaas humility inside their report of the midfielder. That is also a plus in regards to significance in a staff. Many the folks in activities often look positively at those individuals who have down-to-earth people. Conclusion While you can find people who may rank athletes in value, this is not possible. Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta have different types which complement one another. It is the type of these great people alongside others at Barca that make it one of the European powerhouses. I am hoping these styles will unite in the 2nd leg of the Round of 16 UEFA Champions League match.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Seven decades after Holocaust, neo-Nazis use soccer to preach ...
Fans of the German soccer team Kaiserslautern hold up Israeli flags to protest against anti-Semitism prior to the Bundesliga match between FC Kaiserslautern and VfL Wolfsburg in March last year.
Nearly seven decades after the Holocaust, young soccer fans in Germany have become targets of neo-Nazis who preach the hatred of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich.
"Again and again we see neo-Nazi presence in [sports] fan clubs and my office asks that action be taken against them," said Winfriede Schreiber, head of the Brandenburg branch of the German government's intelligence service. "For example, we see the fan club in [the German city] Cottbus consisting of a lot of neo-Nazis. We asked the football club to do something about this."
At her office in Brandenburg, a state in eastern Germany, Schreiber monitors extremism and reports evidence of hate crimes to prosecutors.
"The neo-Nazis now look like everyone else," Schreiber said. "Gone are the jackboots and black leather jackets that used to make it easy to expose them. Now they blend into the local population."
"The danger the neo-Nazis pose is that they are against democracy and they work to alienate young people from democracy," she said. "They have made 'Juden' [Jews] a curse word even if there are no Jews playing on the soccer field."
Jens Teschke, a spokesman for Germany's interior ministry, which is responsible for domestic security, said neo-Nazi activities are visible throughout Germany, but strongest in the country's east.
"Neo-Nazis take young soccer fans to homes built in the Nazi times as holiday retreats for elite members of Hitler's party," Teschke said. "They laud the Nazi era and the legacy of this era."
According to Teschke, the German government launched programs in January 2011 to make soccer coaches more aware of neo-Nazi tactics.
In England, fans of London-based Tottenham Hotspur -- which boasts a strong Jewish following -- have been subjected to anti-Semitic abuse for many years. In November, supporters of West Ham United "hissed on several occasions, mocking the mass execution of Jews during the Second World War," the U.K.'s Telegraph newspaper reported. "While the hissing, shamefully, is nothing new, Tottenham fans were also subjected to a chant of 'Adolf Hitler, he's coming for you.'"
Only days earlier, an American college student suffered a foot-long stab wound and a punctured lung when a mob of up to 50 masked men armed with knives and baseball bats attacked Tottenham Hotspur fans before a Europa League match in Rome.
"The coordinated attack ... appears to have been motivated at least in part by anti-Semitism," the Telegraph reported.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center also recently highlighted the issue's growth. "The problem of anti-Semitic abuse at soccer matches which until recently has been limited to Eastern Europe, has been revived in Western Europe," it said in a report.
Prime targets of anti-Semitism on the soccer field are the Makkabi teams, Jewish athletic clubs located in 15 German cities.
"Every Makkabi team in Germany is confronted with anti-Semitism, as are teams with Jewish roots," said Deidre Berger, director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in Berlin, an advocacy group.
According to Oppenberg, who's coached Tus Makkabi Berlin for seven years, only two members of the current team are Jewish. The rest are from North Africa and Turkey.
During a game last March, Oppenberg said members of a Turkish team shouted at fellow Turks on the Makkabi team: "How can you play for these damned Jews?"
The Turkish team beat the Makkabis 1-0. Oppenberg said the Turkish coach confronted him after the game and said: "We f---d you Jews."
"If you have racism and anti-Semitism in society, then you will have it in football too," said Alex Feuerherdt, a soccer referee and freelance writer.
More Info: RSC Anderlecht FC - SV Zulte Waregem [Live Football]
France's Pinturault wins World Cup giant slalom
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (AP) — Alexis Pinturault of France used a daring second run to win a World Cup giant slalom Sunday as his closest German challengers faltered.
Pinturault was second after the first heat, behind hometown favorite Felix Neureuther and ahead of Fritz Dopfer. But Dopfer crashed out in the second run and Neureuther made a mistake that dropped him down to 12th in the ranking. Germany was seeking its first men's giant slalom victory in 40 years.
World Cup leader Marcel Hirscher of Austria and world champion Ted Ligety of the United States profited from the Germans' mistakes to take second and third, respectively.
Pinturault clocked a combined time of 2 minutes, 32.42 seconds for his second win of the season and his first giant slalom victory.
"I have good memories from Garmisch, I also won the junior giant slalom title here in 2009," said Pinturault, who now has three career World Cup victories.
Hirscher overcame a stomach virus to extend his overall World Cup lead. He was 0.60 seconds behind the winner and Ligety was 0.63 back.
Ligety, the GS specialist who also won two other gold medals at the worlds in Schladming, Austria that concluded one week ago, was fifth after an error-filled first run. The American also made a mistake in the second heat, losing his line at the same spot where Neureuther nearly went off the course.
Ligety had won four of the previous five giant slaloms this season and would have set a record with fifth. His third place was his worst finish in the event this season.
"Third place is not what you want to be getting at this stage, but I'll take it," Ligety said. "In the first run I just made a ton of little mistakes. In the second I was lucky not to get into too much soft snow in that turn. You have to take risks."
Hirscher, who was silver medalist at the worlds behind Ligety, now has a 209-point lead overall over Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway, who finished sixth.
Man City vs Chelsea: Key battles, history and stats | Firstpost
Yes. It's the English Premier League, and the league leaders may be clear at the top of the table by 12 points, but fans still care. People who follow the league still care and in a league where anything can happen, Manchester City vs Chelsea will always be one of the biggest games.
Then of course, there's the curious managerial cases — Roberto Mancini proclaiming that he is the 'best manager in England' and Rafael Benitez trying to teach Fernando Torres how to kick a ball into the back of the net.
City have just started off on what looks set to be a trophy-laden future. Despite any arguments, money will buy them a trophy now and again — and the Abu Dhabi based owners aren't going anywhere too soon.
It's going to be pretty tight too. Chelsea have scored an average of 1.42 goals per match, compared to City's 1.26 goals per match.
So if anyone tries to douse the excitement of watching two oil-powered clubs clash, tell them the above facts and revel in glory.
In the Premier League, Manchester City have failed to win their last three games. This has take them from title-contenders to complete outsiders. Chelsea never made a legible challenge since the start —with the firing of managers and all that usual activity at the Bridge.
Obvious thing is, if City lose this match, they can prepare to send a bottle of wine and some flowers to Alex Ferguson come the end of the season.
Yaya Toure vs Frank Lampard: Yaya's hasn't reached the heights of last season, but he's still a formidable force to deal with. But judging by Lampard's recent form — and his intent to prove the contract-givers at Chelsea wrong — we will give this battle to the 34-year-old midfield genius (who has scored in his last four EPL games).
Pablo Zabaleta vs Eden Hazard: One thing Zabaleta brings to City is reliability. He can be called upon to do a task, and he usually does it well. But his forays forward may have to be limited, with Hazard a constant floating danger cutting in from the left.
Gareth Barry vs Juan Mata/Oscar: Oscar starts through the middle but loves a run on the right wing. Mata starts on the right but is usually the creative epicenter for Chelsea. And breaking all these plays is Barry. He has been in decent form recently but Chelsea's attacking trio could be too hard to stop at times and Barry will need all the support. We believe an interchanging Chelsea should win it in midfield.
Sergio Aguero vs Branislav Ivanovic: It's Aguero's speed vs Ivanovic's strength — so there's very little to choose from. Sometimes the Argentine will get the better of the Serb and it's how much he makes of that moment. Ivanovic has been very consistent for Chelsea and should see off aerial threats, but needs to be aware of the zippy striker.
David Silva vs Ramires: Silva's best needs to come early in the game for him to have an impact — because you can't expect Ramires to tire out at the end of the game. He will keep going and going. While Silva hasn't quite impressed with goal-scoring this season, his passing is the main threat.
- Frank Lampard is aiming to score in five consecutive Premier League appearances for only the third time after 2005 and 2010. He has scored 11 goals in his 13 Premier League starts
- Chelsea have been awarded more penalties than any other side this season (8) while City have been awarded 14 since the start of last season, only Manchester United have been awarded more.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Kenyan job now more risky than Chelsea - Football - nation.co.ke
Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouch addressing a press conference on 20th February 2013 after he was unveilled as National team, Harambee Stars coach at Nairobi Boulevard Hotel. Photo/File NATION
Former Kenya football boss, the late Job Omino, summed it up when he summarily got rid of the hugely popularly and achieving German Reinhardt Fabisch in 1987 after the "pesky" coach persistently made demands for better terms.
"Coaches come and coaches go," was the famous, or is it infamous, remark that the Kenya Football Federation chairman made as they and the 1987 All Africa Games football finalist parted ways with much in bravado from the former but little in civility.
The highly volatile Chelsea job, where managers hardly last a season, could easily make the European record books but compared to the Harambee Stars situation, the Blues constant dilemmas sound like an eon of stability.
Football Kenya Federation, as usual, after failing to pay Frenchman Henri Michel his dues, parted ways with him in unclear circumstances last year. Was the Frenchman fired or did he go on French leave?
It did not matter to FKF. They promptly announced that James Nandwa would stand-in while they shopped for a replacement who was duly unveiled yesterday. Adel Amrouche.
Former Kenya football boss, the late Job Omino, summed it up when he summarily got rid of the hugely popularly and achieving German Reinhardt Fabisch in 1987 after the "pesky" coach persistently made demands for better terms.
"Coaches come and coaches go," was the famous, or is it infamous, remark that the Kenya Football Federation chairman made as they and the 1987 All Africa Games football finalist parted ways with much in bravado from the former but little in civility.
The highly volatile Chelsea job, where managers hardly last a season, could easily make the European record books but compared to the Harambee Stars situation, the Blues constant dilemmas sound like an eon of stability.
Football Kenya Federation, as usual, after failing to pay Frenchman Henri Michel his dues, parted ways with him in unclear circumstances last year. Was the Frenchman fired or did he go on French leave?
It did not matter to FKF. They promptly announced that James Nandwa would stand-in while they shopped for a replacement who was duly unveiled yesterday. Adel Amrouche.
Note that FKF were mum on his contract. They did not even bother to indicate how long the contract of the Algerian-turned-Belgian was despite the spirited inquiries from journalists during the presentation ceremony.
The startling statistic that will make Omino turn gaily in his grave is this: The appointment of Amrouche makes it the seventh change of coaches over the past two years for Harambee Stars – that is an astonishing average of one national coach every three and a half months.
Iker Casillas getting better from surgery desires with winning a championship title this year
Iker Casillas says his recovery from a broken bone in his hand goes a lot better than expected and he could possibly be back involving the Real Madrid posts when late March.
Casillas' hand was broken by a random end from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa during Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final sport at the Mestalla on January 23.
It was feared he would experience 3 months on the sidelines, and the club moved quickly to signal Diego Lopez for 3.5 million from Sevilla to perform in their likely season-defining games against Barcelona in the Copa and Manchester United in the Champions League.
The Madrid club captain told reporters on Thursday evening, at the beginning of a new club shop at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, that the initial schedule had only been a worst-case scenario.
"I am feeling really positive," Casillas said. "The physician gave me the worst-case scenario, he said it may get three months. But last week when the splint was removed, I was told I'd four weeks left. Now I am doing active exercises to have freedom and strength in the finger."
Casillas said he'd been spending so much time at Madrid's Valdebebas education facility to have back playing as soon as possible.
"Until now I have maybe not had much strength in it, but I'm receiving it back little by little," he said. "We have reached the halfway point of the injury. I have still got monthly to go. I will have to work more and suffer more to get straight back the flexibility of before. I am getting excited about returning. It's worse being off the pitch than on it."
The event was also attended by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, although coach Jose Mourinho was missing.
Alonso told reporters that he did not know yet whether he'd get over his groin issue with time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
"I am in the healing stage," the midfielder said. "I am looking to get better the moment possible, to have reduce the distress and return in top form. When I'll get ready plenty of people ask. I hope to be able to perform against Barca, but I don't have an answer right now."
Former Liverpool player Alonso said that, with the link balanced at 1-1, whoever won first in the Champions League last 16 get back sport at Manchester United on March 5 would be favourites to succeed.
"They can have the support of the fans," he explained. "It will probably be considered a concern. The side that results first will undoubtedly be favourites. Old Trafford is a good floor and it is the type of match all of us prefer to play. The tie is very open."
Di Maria stated that it could suit Madrid to be playing overseas in both of the future, probably season-defining, games.
"Things are going well and develop to continue this way," he said. "We know that we have to have huge matches in both tournaments and that it'll maybe not be easy. Because we excel when things are against us perhaps playing away will soon be inside our favour. We have had this week to work with the best way to approach the games. I really hope everything goes well."
Benzema, who remains question for Saturday evening's La Liga game at Deportivo La Coruna, said he wasn't focused on his current poor form facing target.
"I trust that I score more goals than I've to date, but the important things could be the squad and to win the forthcoming matches," he said. "We need certainly to work together to get. We have a great team and we are all in good form."
Kaka performed well in the game against Deportivo
"From the very first minute of the second half we found an alteration of attitude. We didn't get because of the substitutions, which were made in the twelfth second of the 2nd half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all players that sparked the comeback.
"It does work that honestly he [Kaka] is playing well. His frame of mind assists him and this is essential for the team, that he's another option and that he's playing well. That is always good.
Kaka's performance also earned the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who had been pleased about the result of the squad after going behind to a Riki strike on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us being an chance to change their fortunes. In the second half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we were able to simply take the three things house or apartment with us."
Before the Blaugrana edged out Sevilla later on Saturday morning, the win moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona. Despite the border remaining exactly the same, Kaka feels success over Depor may boost Real's likelihood of claiming silverware this expression.
"I am better. What we've nearby is exciting and it's the critical the main period and if the manager wants me to play I will be there to help in these matches."
"The team is playing well and things are getting better for me personally also. In baseball anything changes rapidly and I am happy to help the team win.
"[It was] an important success really hard match. In the very first half we were a little nervous and a few mistakes were made by us. In the 2nd half we improved and we won three points that are important for us and for what is to come over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officials website.
Real originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the visitors. After enduring a spell with limited sport time, Kaka now feels he is able to help his team as they turn to keep their La Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed joy at his recent change in fortunes, since the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
Kaka performed well in the game against Deportivo La Coruna
"From the very first second of the next half we found an alteration of attitude. We did not win because of the alternatives, that have been made in the second of the second half, but because of the change we made. It had been the attitude of all the participants that started the recovery.
"It holds true that seriously he [Kaka] is playing well. His frame of mind assists him and this is essential for the team, that he's another option and that he is playing well. That is always positive.
Kaka's performance also received the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who had been happy with the reaction of the squad after planning behind to a Riki strike on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us being an chance to change their fortunes. But in the 2nd half we improved our play, we scored two goals and we were able to get the three items house or apartment with us."
The gain moved Real to within 13 points of group leaders Barcelona, before the Blaugrana edged out Sevilla down the road Saturday morning. Despite the profit remaining the exact same, Kaka feels victory over Depor may improve Real's likelihood of claiming wallpaper this phrase.
"I am better. What we've around the corner is interesting and it's the critical area of the time and if the boss wants me to play I'll be there to simply help in these matches."
"The group is playing well and things are receiving better for me also. In basketball anything changes quickly and I am pleased to help the team win.
"[It was] an essential success really hard match. In the very first half we were a little troubled and a few mistakes were made by us. In the second half we increased and we won three points which are important for us and for what is in the future over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officers site.
Real came from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the guests. After putting up with a difficult spell with limited sport time, Kaka now thinks as they check out hold their La Liga and Champions League hopes alive he is able to help his staff.
Kaka has expressed joy at his new change in fortunes, as the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo Manhattan project Coruna.
AC Milan and Real Madrid continue Kaka talks | Somaliweyn
AC Milan remain hopeful of luring Kaka away from Real Madrid in the January window as negotiations between both sides continue, Goal.com understands.
The Rossoneri opened talks with Madrid over a winter transfer earlier this month, but Milan CEO Adriano Galliani stated on Monday that the move had fallen through.
'The negotiations for Kaka have broken down. It's not possible to complete the deal for fiscal reasons. We had agreed on everything else but the deal broke down,' Galliani said.
Nevertheless, despite Galliani's comments, talks between Madrid and Milan are ongoing as the Serie A giants remain keen to find a solution.
Both teams had reached an agreement over a 24-month free loan deal, after Milan initially intended to sign Kaka until June 2015, whereas Madrid aimed to ship the Brazilian out on loan for 18 months.
Milan are reluctant to accept Madrid's request, but they hope to reach a compromise before the transfer window slams shut as negotiations continue.
City do the Harlem Shake - Manchester City
City's first-team squad have performed their own version of the Harlem Shake - the latest viral craze sweeping the internet.
Joe Hart had been keeping a close eye on the YouTube dance phenomenon and decided it was time for him and his teammates to create their own version.
England's no.1 enlisted first-teamers Pablo Zabaleta, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, James Milner, Edin Dzeko, Scott Sinclair and Aleksandar Kolarov for City's rendition, as well as a host of EDS starlets, including George Evans, Devante Cole and Eirik Johansen.
CityTV were on hand to capture this ludicrous spectacle during a break between the morning and afternoon sessions of Wednesday's grueling double training session.
Everyone from firefighters, to soldiers to wrestling stars have performed the dance, with new versions being uploaded onto YouTube at a rate of 4,000 per day.
For the uninitiated, these videos typically last for 30 seconds and feature one person (often helmeted or masked) dancing to the song alone for 15 seconds surrounded by an unassuming group of bystanders.
Then, when the bass drops the video cuts to the entire crowd in weird and wacky outfits going crazy and dancing along to the song by New York DJ Baauer.
The craze originated from five teenagers known as The Sunny Coast Skate from Queensland, Australia, whose original video now has 13.4 million hits on YouTube.
Usain Bolt and supermodels at London Fashion Week have since performed the viral hit, prompting a mushroom cloud effect with more than 40,000 imitators recording their own original takes on the video, accumulating more than 175 million views worldwide.
City are the first major football team to enter into the craze, so get retweeting, liking and sharing on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
Cardinal Pell, from soccer prospect to priest
He was born 71 years ago in southwestern Australia. Cardinal Pell will be the only cardinal from Oceania voting in the conclave. He is also one of 50 that took part in the 2005 election of Benedict XVI. Shortly before that vote he described how he felt.
"I don't think I'm so much nervous, but I'm on my toes. I recognize this as a enormously important historic moment for the church and pleased God will get the decision right."
Pell is recognized as a passionate and very eloquent person. The Oxford-educated theologian devoted much of his time to education. His essays and articles have also been published in many outlets like the Oxford Press. He also has a weekly column at the Sunday Telegraph, Sydney's leading newspaper.
Before he was ordained a priest, Pell signed on to play soccer for an Australian soccer team, a passion that continues to this day.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Manchester United Youngster Phil Smith Experiencing True Madrid Harm...
Obtain the CaughtOffside iPad software. Down load the # 1 Free Activities App from the Software Store. Most of the latest footie information and much, much more. Phil Jones unlikely to be fit for Real Madrid conflict at Old Trafford. Register to QPR compared to Manchester United Manchester United energy guy Phil Jones is losing his fight to be easily fit into time for you to face Real Madrid in the Champions League, manager Sir Alex Ferguson unmasked on Thursday. Smith left Old Trafford on crutches after putting up with the damage in Manchester Unitedas 2-1 FA Cup victory over Reading on Monday night which booked a quarter-final date with either Chelsea or Middlesbrough. Jackson will surely miss Saturdayas top versus bottom Premier League clash with struggling Queens Park Rangers, and it seems he's severely uncertain to make the reunite leg of the Champions League last 16 clash with Real Madrid with the link perfectly set after a 1-1 attract the very first leg. Shock are working quite hard,a Ferguson told Sportinglife. aHe has an outside chance for Real Madrid a' a maximum of that.a It's been Jonesa usefulness that Manchester United have gained from many since taking him up as an adolescent centre-back from Blackburn Rovers. He has not merely starred in his natural position but additionally as a midfielder and at right-back where he played against Reading and picked the injury up in challenging with Jobi McAnuff. It's in the defensive midfield role that he's particularly excelled, and he was used in that position to stifle Cristiano Ronaldo in the 1-1 Champions League sketch with Real Madrid last week. Ferguson will be anxious to possess Jones available for the return leg at Old Trafford. Although was omitted of Roy Hodgsonas most recent group, Smith in addition has played as a for England.
Pepe Reina in Liverpool Europa League rally-cry | The Sun |Sport ...
The Reds go into tomorrow's second leg against Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 down following their flop in Russia last week.
"We have to show character from the beginning, especially in the first 15-20 minutes to get the people right behind us, but then they will lift us in the weak moments as they always do.
"The fact it is a night game makes it different. Supporters come to the game more excited. It's difficult to explain, but there's a different kind of atmosphere.
"Everybody knows about Anfield on a European night and I can tell you from experience, it's very impressive when you play against Liverpool at Anfield."
Liverpool need to score three goals to see off the Russians in normal time — and Reina admits the Reds cannot afford to concede.
He added: "The mentality of the players is different when you go into a game like this because you know you have to win by two or three goals.
"90 minutes is a long period of time and we have to make sure we defend well first and then we will have the chances.
"2-0 is a very tough result to overturn, but if there is one place that can do it, it's Anfield — there is no doubt about that."
Reina ranks Liverpool's win over Chelsea in the 2007 Champions League semi-final as his best-ever atmosphere at Anfield.
"Although it was not 2-0, it was 1-0, it was a difficult result and history could have been different if they'd scored in the first few minutes or so.
UEFA Europa League 2013: Late activities summarize - SBNation.com
Liverpool miracle return pops up one goal small, Chelsea are preserved in stoppage time and two German side are knocked out. Steaua Bucuresti rallied to force more time against Ajax while Napoli transpired without a battle against Plzen. The late Europa League games were truly more interesting compared to the early games. Liverpool very nearly finished a miracle comeback but came up one goal brief against Zenit St. Petersburg. The German edges Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover 96 both had bad times and departed the competition, while Chelsea got a success in stoppage time as a result of Eden Hazard. Here is a recap of all late game action. Ola John opened the score for Benfica in the 59th second, bouncing around defenders into the box on the left side before whipping Bernd Leno with a superb shot into top of the corner. Bayer's Andre SchArrle won in the 74th moment to provide his part some hope, but Benfica hit straight back two minutes later thanks to Nemanja Matic. Cheick Diabate's purpose in the 41st moment demonstrated the difference for Bordeaux who'll advance into the next round. Kiev truly didn't go down with a battle managing 16 efforts but Bordeaux owner Cedric Carrasso was up to the job making five preserves and maintaining the clean page on the afternoon. Follow the link for the full match report. Fenerbahce, playing behind closed doors as a consequence from UEFA, took benefit of a card against Borisov's Dmitri Baga in the 20th second and found the champion thanks to a penalty before halftime. Two minutes into first half stoppage time Andrey Gorbunov fouled Moussa Sow, offering Fener a fee which was turned by Baroni Cristian. Apparently, despite they're being number supporters in the arena, a sparkle still ended up in the pitch all through second half stoppage time, delaying the finish of the match. The match was performed behind closed door have UEFA were charged with the throwing of missiles and/or fireworks by fans during December's Europa League home sport against Borussia Monchengladbach. Sergio Pinto gave Hannover some hope with a in the 70th minute however the house part could not discover the second goal they needed to force more time and fell on aggregate to Anzhi. Minutes were scored nine by lacina Traore in to stoppage time and energy to jazz up the last box score only a smidgen. Check the page for a full match report. Olympiakos never threatened Levante who light emitting diode 3-0 after the first leg. Obafemi Martins' purpose in the eighth moment probably had a lot to do with it. The match was entered by ajax with a 2-goal lead however they couldn't hang on. Iasmin Latovlevici pulled Steaua within one in the minute and Vlad Chiriches finished the comeback in the minute, forcing the match to extra time (that will be in progress right now). Napoli didn't set up much of a struggle in the first leg and not much changed in the next leg. Plzen's Jan Kovarik put the tie to sleep once and for all four minutes in the second half, whipping Morgan De Sanctis from close range. Stanislav Tecl won in the 74th minute...essentially it was like adding a little more whipped cream to really a great sundae. a Milan defeat Barcelona, 2-0: Match Report a how Milan stifled the Blaugrana a Schalke take a pull against Galatasaray A Complete Europa League insurance a Manchester United Chief Executive going down
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Europa League Betting: Spurs to pass French exam, Magpies to fail ...
"Metalist have won all four of their home games in this season's Europa League, while Newcastle haven't won any of their four away matches."
Our Europa League man Kevin Hatchard predicts mixed fortunes for the Premier League teams involved in Thursday's early Europa League kick-offs.
It's hard to escape the idea that Newcastle may have already missed their chance to win this tie. Last week's goalless draw at St. James' Park was tough on the Magpies - they had two perfectly good Papiss Cisse goals disallowed for offside - but a full-strength team also squandered several excellent opportunities to grab a first-leg advantage.
With a crucial Premier League clash with Southampton coming up on Sunday, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has admitted he won't be able to field such a powerful line-up in the second leg. Striker Shola Ameobi and winger Sylvain Marveaux are likely to play after impressing as substitutes last Thursday, but it remains to be seen whether top stars like Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Fabricio Coloccini will be risked from the start of the match.
Metalist showed no signs of rustiness last week, despite coming back from a long winter break. The slick passing and clever movement that have become Metalist trademarks were in evidence on Tyneside, and despite the loss of star striker Taison to Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainians still carried a goal threat. Midfielders Jose Sosa and Marlos are dangerous going forward, and Brazilian schemer Cleiton Xavier is a threat from both open play and set-pieces.
Metalist have won all four of their home games in this season's Europa League (including a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen), and I think they will have too much quality for a weakened Newcastle side. The Ukrainians conceded just one goal at home in the group stage, and I think the price of 1.9110/11 for the home win is pretty generous. It's worth considering that Newcastle haven't won any of their four European away games this term, and in the Premier League they have won on just one of their 13 road trips.
Gareth Bale's heroics (two sumptuous free-kicks, one at the end of each half) have given Spurs a slender 2-1 advantage going into this second leg in France, and I suspect that will be enough of a platform to take the North Londoners into the last 16.
Lyon recovered well from that first-leg defeat at the weekend as they won 4-0 at Bordeaux, but they must now do what no other team has managed in this season's Europa League - they must beat Spurs. Tottenham won two and drew four of their group games, and the only match that presented a serious danger was a goalless draw at Lazio in which the Italians squandered a host of chances.
Spurs have an excellent away record in the Premier League, winning seven of their 13 games, and I think their speed on the break could be crucial in this encounter. At some stage Lyon will have to open up in search of the goal they need to win the tie, and I think the pace of players like Bale and Aaron Lennon can catch Les Gones out on the counter.
Lyon will draw strength from their outstanding home record in Ligue 1 (8W, 2D, 2L) and the fact they won all three of their Europa League group games at Stade Gerland. On the other hand, Remi Garde's men have failed to win their last two home games, drawing 0-0 with Evian Thonon and losing 3-1 to Lille.
Spurs have had a week's rest since the first leg, and their next Premier League game isn't until Monday evening. On that basis I would expect Europa League devotee Andre Villas Boas to field a strong line-up, and if he does I think their pace and power will be enough to secure the result they need. Layers should consider opposing Lyon at 2.3411/8, but alternatively you could back Spurs +0 & +0.5 on the Asian Handicap at 1.9310/11.
Link: Berrichonne de Châteauroux - AS Arles Avignon [Live Football]
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Arsenal v Bayern Munich – player ratings | Arseblog News – the ...
A second defeat in four days, this time at the hands of a quality Bayern Munich outfit, doesn't make for entertaining reading. Here are the player ratings after another disappointing night at the Emirates.
Wojciech Szczesny: 4/10 – Picked up where he left off against Blackburn, teeing up Thomas Muller beach volleyball style for Bayern's second. Looks increasingly nervous with the ball at his feet.
Bacary Sagna: 5/10 – Battled hard, but needed an outlet in front of him to maximise attacking intent. Left exposed at the back dealing with Mandzukic for the visitors' third.
Thomas Vermaelen: 4/10 – Out of position and seemingly out of his depth. Hampered by an early booking he got a proper rollicking from Wilshere for backing off Muller in the first half. Not aided by lackadaisical midfield it was telling that all three goals stemmed from action on his wing.
Laurent Koscielny: 5/10 – Unnecessarily hasty clearance led to Bayern's first goal and nowhere to be seen when Muller scored second from inside six-yard box. Needs to take more responsibility for pushing forward when fed ball by Szczesny.
Per Mertesacker: 3/10 – Didn't track Van Buyten for second and given run around by Mandzukic who came close to scoring a third with his head before half-time. Didn't enjoy being closed down quickly by Bayern attack which took toll on passing quality.
Mikel Arteta: 5/10 – Picked up a booking putting himself about a bit, but his dedication to being a defensive midfielder means he takes no risks when passing. So much sideways distribution hints at Denilsification.
Jack Wilshere: 7/10 – It's getting repetitive pinpointing him as the best of a bad bunch, but that was again the case. Led the charge after half-time and always willing to take on a man before pushing forward.
Aaron Ramsey: 6/10 – Shunted into a wider position after his promising stint in Arteta's role he gave it his all but doesn't have the pace to provide an attacking threat on the flanks. Passing for the most part was neat and simple.
Santi Cazorla: 4/10 – Pretty much anonymous all game. Went looking for the ball in central positions leaving Sagna having to pound up and down the right on his own. Switched to left in last 15 minutes but let Lahm race past him unhindered in build up to Bayern's killer third.
Theo Walcott: 5/10 – Arsenal needed his pace on the wings but resorted to using him as a target man which expectedly didn't work. Dante seemed to learn lessons from recent England-Brazil friendly to nullify his threat.
Lukas Podolski: 4/10 – Got a goal but did next to nothing on the left-wing. Rarely troubled Lahm, seldom went looking for the ball and might as well have been learning the rest of London.
Olivier Giroud: 5/10 - Had a chance to equalise with his first touch but fired straight at Neuer. Little service after that.
Tomas Rosicky: 6/10 - Quick to turn defence into attack his influence was soon dampened by Bayern's third which killed tempo of the game.
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