Loading...Santa Cruz moving to Rovers
Blackburn have signed Paraguay striker, Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich. There will be the 4-years deal with Ewood Park after he spending 8 years with Bungesliga club.
Full Report: Soccernet.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Atletico Madrid signed Reyes from Gunners
Atletico Madrid have completed an agreement to sign Spain winger Jose Antonio Reyes from Arsenal on a four-year contract. Reyes, 23, spent last season on loan at Real Madrid but after making it clear he did not want to return to England he was recruited by their rivals.
Full Report: Soccernet.com
Birmingham signed Spurs' Ghaly
Birmingham manager, Steve Bruce has spent £3million to signed Tottenham's Ghaly as his eighth signing of the summer, subject to a successful application for a work permit.
Bruce believes Ghaly has the technique, hunger and aggression to be a major asset in the fight for Barclays Premier League survival.
Full Report: Soccernet.com
Monday, July 30, 2007
Goals of the season Manchester United 06/07
I had found this clip from the member of YouTube, JunaidRonaldo17.
He had compiled the Top Goals of Manchester United in season 2006/2007.
Here are the sequence of the goals.
C.Ronaldo vs Aston Villa
Scholes vs Aston Villa
Fletcher vs Middlesbrough
Rooney vs Middlesbrough
Rooney vs Portsmouth
Giggs vs Fulham
C.Ronaldo vs Fulham
Scholes vs blackburn
Rooney vs Bolton
Saha vs Chelsea
Rooney vs Europe XI
C.Ronaldo vs Europe XI
C.Ronaldo vs Everton
Larsson vs lille
Ferdinand vs Liverpool
C.Ronaldo vs Portsmouth
Carrick vs Reading
C.Ronaldo vs Reading
C.Ronaldo vs Reading
Carrick vs AS Roma
Smith vs AS Roma
C.Ronaldo vs AS Roma
Carrick vs AS Roma
Carrick vs Sheffield United
Rooney vs Sheffield United
Larsson vs Watford
Rooney vs Watford
Solskjear vs Reading
Rooney vs AS Roma
Rooney vs Sheffield United
Giggs vs Tottenham
Eagles vs Everton
Rooney vs Watford
Richardson vs Watford
Rooney vs AC Milan
Rooney vs AC Milan
YouTube Clip:
Credits to: JunaidRonaldo17
Arsenal win the Emirates Cup, Arsenal 2 - 1 Inter Milan
Robin van Persie produced a moment of brilliance to fire Arsenal to victory over Inter Milan and claim the Emirates Cup.
The Gunners had shown plenty of spirit and glimpses of the quality they will need to have an impact on next season's title race during an entertaining encounter with the Italian champions.
Then just when the match seemed to be heading towards a draw, van Persie - out since breaking his metatarsal in January - smashed home a winner following superb close control in the six-yard box.
As expected, manager Arsene Wenger made several changes from the starting XI for yesterday's victory over Paris St Germain.
Those changes included bringing in centre-back William Gallas, who was named captain ahead of Kolo Toure, and handing a first-team debut for teenage winger Kieran Gibbs.
Summer signing Eduardo da Silva was still missing as he awaits next week's appeal to the Home Office for a work permit.
Inter were very disappointing against Valencia yesterday, and having also rotated several of their players, the Italians offered little threat during the opening exchanges.
Van Persie looked lively in attack for the Gunners and was ably supported by Alexander Hleb.
On 20 minutes, a clever step-over from Hleb created a shooting chance just outside the box for van Persie but Julio Cesar forced away his low effort.
Former Everton defender Marco Materazzi was cautioned for a late challenge on Emmanuel Eboue as the Arsenal defender, playing on the wing, surged down the right flank.
From the resulting free-kick, a yard outside the area, van Persie forced a good reaction save from Cesar at his near post.
Mathieu Flamini - on target against PSG yesterday - made the Inter keeper work again to stop his low 20-yard strike.
Summer signing Bacary Sagna also saw his angled shot saved as Arsenal and van Persie shot over from a free-kick.
Wenger kept the same XI for the second half, with Eboue again dangerous down the right.
Arsenal felt they should have been awarded a penalty when van Persie went down following what looked like a push by defender Cristian Chivu, a big-money summer signing from Roma but referee Mark Halsey was unimpressed.
Van Persie needed brief treatment on his shoulder following the awkward fall but was soon up and running again.
Out of nothing, Inter snatched the lead on 52 minutes.
Cesar the midfielder floated the ball over from the right and Honduras striker David Suazo got above Gallas to power a header in off Jens Lehmann's right-hand post.
Eboue smashed an angled drive over as Arsenal looked to quickly get back on level terms.
Source: Soccernet.com
The equaliser came on 68 minutes through Hleb. Following a break down the right, Sagna cut the ball back to the penalty spot.
Francesco Toldo, on at the break for goalkeeper Cesar, made a brilliant save to keep out Hleb's first effort, but had no chance of stopping the low shot into the corner from the rebound.
The Inter keeper produced another fine reaction stop to deflect away van Persie's close-range effort flowing a low right-wing cross from Hleb.
Young Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner came on for Gibbs to add some weight to the Arsenal attack in the final 10 minutes.
Yet it was van Persie who the game late on. There looked little danger when Eboue fed the Dutchman, surrounded by blue shirts, on the right side of the area.
However, van Persie produced a sublime dragback to turn defender Daniele Pedrelliez inside out - before smashing the ball high into the roof of the net.
Fabregas: I want to lead Arsenal to title
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes he is mature enough to captain the Gunners.
And the 20-year-old disagrees with former Arsenal stars Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg's claims that Arsene Wenger's side are unlikely to be serious title contenders this season.
'While I respect the opinions of Henry and Ljungberg, I believe this team can fight for the title,' the former Barcelona trainee told the News of the World.
'What I say is not madness. We got to the Champions League final in 2005, often playing without players like Henry, Ljungberg and Ashley Cole.
'I have matured very much over the last two years and I am prepared to be the leader of the team.
'Maybe then people won't ask me any more about becoming the next Patrick Vieira!'
Fabregas added: 'I would love to captain Arsenal. It is a matter of enormous pride to me because the fans are always with me and that support is very valuable.
'I know how the fans suffer when we lose.'
Iraq 1-0 Saudi Arabia: Captain seals Cup victory
Iraq had defeated Saudi Arabia seal their first Asian Cup in the history.
Iraqi captain Younis Mahmoud scored the winner in the 71st minute when he climbed above the defence at the far post and headed a perfectly-weighted corner from Hawar Mulla Mohammed into the net.
Full Report: Soccernet.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Blackburn 4-0 FK Vetra, Rovers earn UEFA spot
Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes saw his side secure a place in the UEFA Cup on the day he signed Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich.
The pressure is on the other strikers to deliver now the Paraguay international has set up camp at Ewood Park.
Blackburn scored goals for fun in this Intertoto Cup third round tie but it is doubtful if they will enjoy such an easy ride in the coming season.
The Lithuanian team were outclassed after being reduced to 10 men before half time.
Blackburn romped home and clinched a place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup thanks to goals from Morten Gamst Pedersen, Jason Roberts, Christopher Samba and Benni McCarthy.
• Rovers bag Santa Cruz, earn Euro spot
Hughes made one change to the side that recorded a 2-0 victory in Lithuania last week with midfielder Aaron Mokoena replacing Tugay.
Blackburn ran the game from the start and McCarthy had a good chance of opening the scoring in the 15th minute only to hook his effort across the face of the goal.
Then a minute later the highly-rated South African dragged his shot wide of the target.
However the visitors almost pulled a goal back in the 23rd minute when Severino was left unmarked at the back post.
But the Brazilian failed to test goalkeeper Brad Friedel much to Blackburn's relief.
That acted as a wake-up call and Pedersen opened the scoring in the 25th minute when he powered home a cross from David Bentley.
Bentley tried his luck in the 36th minute only for goalkeeper Vaidas Zutautas to make a clean save.
Vetra's troubles increased in the 40th minute when they were reduced to 10 men with Dejan Miloseski sent off for two yellow cards.
Blackburn needed only three minutes of the second half to make it 2-0 on the day and 4-0 on aggregate.
Pedersen skipped to the byline and delivered a ball to the back post where Jason Roberts was waiting.
He made no mistake against a depleted Vetra side, who looked short on confidence.
Blackburn stepped up the pace and extended their advantage with two goals in quick succession.
McCarthy showed superb skill to score from inside the area in the 54th minute.
Then 60 seconds later Christopher Samba got on the end of a Pedersen free kick to head past Zutautas and put Blackburn 6-0 ahead on aggregate.
Substitute Matt Derbyshire should have added a fifth but saw his shot blocked in the 68th minute as Blackburn ran out easy winners.
Arsenal 2 - 1 Paris S.G., Arsenal youngster beaten Prais S.G in Emirates Cup
Arsene Wenger's current Arsenal side are very much still a work in progress but there were a few glimpses against Paris St Germain on Saturday afternoon that life without Thierry Henry may not just be so bad.
The Emirates Cup - which opened with a 2-1 win for the hosts - at least gives the Gunners boss further chance to tinker as he fine tunes preparations for the battles ahead over the coming nine months.
Goals from Mathieu Flamini and Niklas Bendtner were enough for the Gunners before Peguy Luyindula pulled a goal back.
Arsenal were outplayed for large spells at times during the first half, before snatching the lead in stoppage time through Flamini.
However, this was a team missing summer signing Eduardo da Silva, the Brazilian-born Croatian international awaiting the outcome of next week's appeal to the Home Office for a work permit.
Neither Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky nor Theo Walcott featured against the French side - all of whom are set to play an integral part next season and should return for the Amsterdam Tournament in a week's time.
Gilberto, meanwhile, has been given extra time off after Brazil's Copa America triumph this summer and is another of Wenger's key men ready to step back into the breach.
Of those who did turn out this afternoon, Bendtner, the young Danish striker, certainly caught the eye.
A season on loan at Birmingham in the Championship was certainly time well spent.
Bendtner, 19, showed he has plenty of hunger, strength and enough raw talent to be more than just a bit-part player next season, his chest down setting up the opening goal before he doubled Arsenal's lead from close range with 20 minutes left.
However, the 19-year-old knows he must do better when presented with one-on-one chances like he was during the second half - and certainly from the penalty spot after a weak kick was easily saved late on.
Full-back Bacary Sagna, meanwhile, produced a solid display for a home debut even if he was somewhat reluctant to get forward as much as his half-time replacement Emmanuel Eboue.
Cesc Fabregas - whose name seems to have replaced Henry's on the back of the majority of the Arsenal shirts in the stands - was, however, somewhat subdued during his brief first half appearance.
By the time the visit of Fulham comes around for the Barclays Premier League opener on August 12, though, Wenger knows all of his men must be at their very best if they are to reach the only 'acceptable' target of again mounting a sustained title challenge over the entire campaign.
Despite the absence of Eduardo - who has a hearing on August 2 at which Wenger is 'optimistic' they will be granted clearance - Arsenal were at least able to field fit-again Robin van Persie, who had been sidelined since January.
Kolo Toure took the captain's armband, with fellow leader-in-waiting William Gallas starting on the bench.
It was PSG - managed by former Rangers boss Paul Le Guen - who created the first good opening after 10 minutes.
Luyindula got clear on the left and sent over a low cross, which Pierre-Alain Frau drilled just wide.
Luyindula then somehow contrived to miss the target from 10 yards having weaved his way into the Arsenal penalty area.
That let off seemed to spark the hosts into life as Van Persie was tripped on the edge of the area following a powerful run.
The Dutchman took the resulting free-kick himself but blasted over.
As the interval approached, Toure made a hash of an attempted clearance on the edge of the Arsenal area - kicking the ball up over his head and straight to Pauleta.
The PSG captain tried to lob Almunia but the Spanish keeper pulled off an acrobatic one-handed save.
In first-half injury-time, Arsenal snatched the lead from a corner which was not cleared properly.
When the ball was swept back into the box Bendtner showed great strength to chest it down into the path of Flamini, who stretched to volley into the bottom right corner off the post.
As predicted, Wenger made sweeping changes for the start of the second half - replacing Fabregas as well as goalscorer Flamini, who could have left the club in the summer.
As the hour-mark passed Clichy's through-ball released Bendtner but, after holding off his marker, the Dane spurned the one-on-one with the keeper as he opened his body and put the ball wide.
However, after 70 minutes he made no mistake, stabbing in from two yards after keeper Mickael Landreau had failed to hold onto his knockdown from a corner.
A near-post finish from Luyindula pulled one back for PSG, and there was still time for Bendtner to miss a late penalty after Alexander Hleb was fouled.
Clearly much hard work now lies ahead for Wenger and his men, who face Inter Milan here on Sunday afternoon - but on today's evidence, it may well provide some just rewards.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Terry sign new 5 years deal with Chelsea
Chelsea captain signed 5 years deal with Chelsea to stay in Premier League.
The England skipper put pen to paper today to end months of speculation over his future.
Terry had a little over two years to run on his previous contract, which is superseded by the new one, meaning he is now committed to the Stamford Bridge club until 2012.
Terry told the club's website: 'I'm really happy this has now been concluded.
'There has been a lot of speculation but these things take time and I never had any doubts that I wanted to stay at Chelsea and that the club wanted me to stay.
'I hope that the fans can see that we are all trying to build something special here, both for now and for the future, and I want to be a part of that.
'I have been at Chelsea all my career and have the privilege of being captain. Now it's time to look forward to the new season, which we are all very confident about.'
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon echoed Terry's delight that an agreement had been reached after months of wrangling.
'This is an important day for Chelsea,' he said. 'This was the right deal for us, and for John.
'As a club we are committed to try to keep our players together on long-term deals, and this was a natural progression from last season when other players also committed themselves for the long term.
'As captain, John is clearly a key player for Chelsea and also a great symbol of the club, so naturally we are very pleased this has been agreed.'
After coming through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge, Terry made his Blues debut against Aston Villa in October 1998, and he succeeded Marcel Desailly as captain ahead of the 2004-05 season.
He led Jose Mourinho's side to consecutive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006 and his determined performances at the heart of the Chelsea defence prompted England manager Steve McClaren to name him skipper upon his appointment last summer.
In all, Terry, 26, has amassed 39 caps for England.
Source: Soccernet.com
Friday, July 27, 2007
Guangzhou 0 - 3 Manchester United, Nani score in his 2nd match for Man Utd
Manchester United's pre-season tour of Asia ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in the Guangdong Olympic Stadium.
Strikes from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Lee Martin got the crowd on their feet in a match that sadly lacked the kind of sparkle the Reds provided elsewhere in the Far East.
Dong Fangzhuo fulfilled his dream of playing for United in his home country and was cheered throughout the match. But it was a frustrating run-out for the China international, who so desperately wanted to find the back of the net.
Elsewhere, injuries to Ryan Giggs, Edwin van der Sar, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo meant Sir Alex was able to hand Lee Martin and Tomasz Kuszczak their first pre-season starts, while youngsters Phil Bardsley, Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson also gained berths from the opening whistle.
The game's first chance fell to Dong, when Lee Martin's low ball flashed across the goalmouth. Dong was unable to make a connection on that opportunity but did go closer on 15 minutes when he headed wide of the Guangzhou goal.
The home team showed little ambition going forward, content instead to try and soak up the pressure. It's always a risky tactic and the Reds made Guangzhou pay on 20 minutes when Michael Carrick was chopped down inside the penalty area.
Guangzhuo weren't happy with the referee's decision to award a penalty – he'd initially signalled for a free-kick just outside the box – but Wayne Rooney ignored the protests to blast home from 12 yards.
The Reds scored three in 15 minutes against FC Seoul and three in 11 minutes in Macau, but there was no goal rush this time. United struggled to penetrate Guangzhou's defensive line, although the home side's negative tactics didn't help matters.
The first real chance from open play arrived in the 41st minute when a Michael Carrick cross was touched onto the woodwork by a Guangzhou defender. It was a timely intervention since Wayne Rooney was lurking at the back post and would surely have buried the chance. As it was, the ball bounced back into play and Rooney was penalised for a foul in the ensuing scramble.
It was left to Nani to brighten what had been a sloppy first period. The Portugal international, who scored on his debut against Shenzhen FC, added to his goal tally with a glorious chip from the left side of the penalty area, which drifted over Guangzhou goalkeeper Shuai and in off the far post. It was the kind of sublime piece of skill and ingenuity United fans will hope to see more of during Nani's Old Trafford career.
Sir Alex made two changes at the start of the second half, with Darron Gibson making way for John O'Shea and Tom Heaton coming on for Kuszczak… eventually. The referee actually blew his whistle to get the second period underway without realising the Reds had nobody in goal. The game was quickly stopped, however, to allow Heaton time to take up his position between the sticks.
The error drew ironic cheers from the crowd, which soon turned to celebrations as Lee Martin fired United further into the lead with a brilliant swerving strike from 30 yards. Had it not been for Nani's spectacular first-half effort, Martin's goal would surely have grabbed all the headlines.
The game opened up somewhat as both teams made a string of substitutions. Alan Smith, Chris Eagles, Patrice Evra, Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown all saw action, but it was the 76th-minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo that drew most attention.
Despite playing for only a quarter of an hour, Ronaldo still managed to pull out a number of flicks and tricks in what was a thrilling display of exhibition football. It was a lively end to a sub-standard match, although, on the whole, Sir Alex will be delighted with United's pre-season form.
Line-ups
United: Kuszczak (Heaton 46); Bardsley, Vidic (Silvestre 58), Ferdinand (Brown 58), Simpson; Martin (Evra 58), Carrick, Gibson (O'Shea 46), Nani (Eagles 58); Rooney (Ronaldo 76), Dong (Smith 62)
Unused subs: Evans, Fletcher
Guangzhou: Shuai; Zhihai (Xichang 74), Dechao (Suozhi 83), Yan, Wenpeng (Zhixing 56), Z Lin (Xianrong 69); Pengfeng (Yong 56), Zhijie (Zhiyi 69), Oliveira, L Lin (Deen 56); Batista (Junyan 56)
Unused subs: Xinhua, Ming, Alfredo, Wilberto, Xiaoming, Dazhong, Liang, Yuntao, Wenyao, Yaohui
Sunderland sign defender McShane
Sunderland have signed defender Paul McShane from West Bromwich Albion in an initial £1.5million deal, according to the midlands club.
The fee could ultimately rise to £2.5million for the Republic of Ireland defender, 21, who joined the Baggies from Manchester United last summer and made 42 appearances, scoring three times.
Three quarters of that extra £1million is based on appearances plus a further £250,000 if the Black Cats retain their top-flight status this season or regain it during McShane's stay in the north-east.
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray said: 'I want to thank Paul for his contribution last season. He's a terrific lad with a terrific attitude to football.
'But Paul intimated to me in very strong terms that his ambitions lay away from this football club.
'I've said it many times before that I want players here who want to play for the shirt so that we can move the club forward together.
'We've now sold three players who made it clear they wanted to leave.
'We now have an opportunity to build a new team with players who are fully committed to taking the club forward.'
McShane is Sunderland boss Roy Keane's sixth signing of the summer after recruiting Greg Halford, Russell Anderson, Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson and Dickson Etuhu, but he has missed out on several high-profile signings.
Keane withdrew his offer for Preston's highly-rated England Under-21 striker David Nugent after waiting in vain for an answer from the player, and Wigan full-back Leighton Baines has politely declined the offer of a big-money move to the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats boss has also revealed his pursuit of Hearts keeper Craig Gordon, who is valued by his club at up to £10million, is at an end.
However, he insists he respects the decisions of those players who have resisted his overtures having faced similar choices during his own illustrious career.
Keane said: 'You have to respect the players' decisions.
'With some players, you get vibes and you think, 'We know this is going to be a hard one to pull off'.
'It was like me last year. I left (Manchester) United and I was never going to go to another team but Celtic.
'I spoke to other clubs and other clubs offered me two, three times the money within half an hour of my house, and I took a lot less money to travel three hours.
'It doesn't matter what, some players will have their minds set on what they are going to do, and you have to respect the players for that.
'Maybe they might regret it, maybe they have made the right decision. Only time will tell.'
Keane, who dismissed speculation linking him with Kilmarnock striker Steven Naismith, former Manchester United team-mate Alan Smith and Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer, confirmed Baines' decision not to make the move to Wearside, which was announced by Wigan yesterday.
The 22-year-old is reportedly wanted by Everton, and Keane said: 'It's disappointing, of course, but you can't win them all. I spoke to Leighton last week and then he rang me the other night.
'He had his reasons and he rang me himself, he didn't get his agent to ring. I haven't got a problem with that, I have to say.
'He's a nice enough lad, not a problem, but he had his reasons for not coming to the club and we have got to respect that and wish him well.
'My job is to try to keep bringing players into the club that we think will improve us, and you are not going to win them all.
'We are disappointed, but life goes on. We wish Leighton well and we just kick on and continue to look to bring players into the club.'
And on Gordon, he added: 'It's been well-documented that we made a bid for the lad in Scotland that was turned down.
'That's the end of it. I have got two very good goalkeepers, Marton Fulop and Darren Ward, so that's it, as far as I'm concerned.'
Keane discussed his pursuit of McShane earlier, when he said: 'We are in talks with West Brom at the moment and we hope that will be concluded over the next few days - we hope.
'Paul is a player I know and I like. He's a good character. We need competition for places and Paul would bring that.
'I don't like talking about players who are under contract at other clubs, but we are hopeful a deal can be done. But we will have to wait and see.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Barcelona 1 - 0 Dundee United, Henry score on debut
Thierry Henry scored the winner on his debut as Barcelona beat Dundee United in their friendly at Tannadice.
In the final minute of an entertaining encounter, United defender Darren Dods pulled down Giovani, allowing the former Arsenal player, on as a second-half substitute, the opportunity to score from the spot.
United's debutant keeper Grzegorz Szamotulski saved the first effort but Henry followed up to knock the ball into the net.
It could have been different if Barry Robson's 82nd-minute header had not been chalked off for a push on Barca defender Eric Abidal and if Lee Wilkie's last-minute header had not been headed off the line by Julian Belletti, but in the end the classier side won through.
United gave a debut to keeper Szamotulski, the former Sturm Graz player who signed on Wednesday, and he was kept busy in a relatively entertaining first half.
• Ronaldinho thanks Utd fans for 'special' night
The visitors quickly took control of the game and in the 14th minute Ezquerro casually swept a Xavi cross over the bar from eight yards out when more focus might have brought the opener.
Three minutes later, Dundee United midfielder Morgaro Gomis fouled Ronaldinho 25 yards from goal and the Brazilian flashed his right-footed free-kick off the outside of the post.
Despite playing in second gear at times, Barca continued to dictate the tempo and in the 28th minute Ezquerro drew a good save from Szamotulski with a drive from distance.
Samuel Eto'o made a hash of a great chance set up by Iniesta before driving straight at Szamotulski from close range after taking a clever Ronaldinho pass.
In between those two chances Xavi volleyed Ronaldinho's cross past the post from the edge of the box and Ezquerro fired wide with only the United keeper to beat.
Barca made seven changes at the break and just 25 seconds in to his debut, Henry, on for Eto'o, whipped a shot inches past the post from the edge of the box.
United's overly-enthusiastic defender Lee Wilkie was then booked for a foul from behind on Henry to the jeers of the Tannadice crowd.
The Catalan giants appeared to be trying to walk the ball into the net and in another attack that left United threadbare at the back, Henry curled his right-footed shot from just inside the box high and wide.
In the 80th minute Barcelona substitute Bojan went through on goal but hesitated with only Szamotulski to beat, allowing the Tannadice keeper to save at his feet.
In the 82nd minute United skipper Robson headed Steven Robb's cross in off the post but the cheers soon died down when the goal was chalked off for a push on Eric Abidal.
Then came the drama of Henry's debut goal and Wilkie's near miss.
After the match Barca coahc Frank Rijkaard said of Henry: 'We have seen he is an intelligent player and we have seen some good passes.
'We have to take into account he has not played for a long time and it was his decision to go and play. He played well.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Fulham's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Fulham in August 200712 August Premier League Arsenal VS Fulham 12:00 Away 15 August Premier League Fulham VS Bolton 19:45 Home 18 August Premier League Fulham VS MIddlesbrough 15:00 Home 25 August Premier League Aston Villa VS Fulham 15:00 Away
Everton's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Everton in August 200711 August Premier League Everton VS Wigan 15:00 Home 14 August Premier League Tottenham VS Everton 20:00 Away 18 August Premier League Reading VS Everton 15:00 Away 25 August Premier League Everton VS Blackburn 17:15 Home
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Derby Country's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Derby Coutry in August 200711 August Premier League Derby Coutry VS Portsmouth 15:00 Home 15 August Premier League Manchester City VS Derby Coutry 19:45 Away 18 August Premier League Tottenham VS Derby Coutry 15:00 Away 25 August Premier League Derby Coutry VS Birmingham 15:00 Home
Bolton's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Bolton in August 200711 August Premier League Bolton VS Newcstle 15:00 Home 15 August Premier League Fulham VS Bolton 19:45 Away 18 August Premier League Portsmouth VS Bolton 12:45 Away 25 August Premier League Bolton VS Reading 15:00 Home
Blackburn's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Blackburn in August 200711 August Premier League Middlesbrough VS Blackburn 15:00 Away 15 August Premier League Blackburn VS Aston Villa 20:00 Home 18 August Premier League Blackburn VS Arsenal 15:00 Home 25 August Premier League Everton VS Blackburn 17:15 Away
Birmingham's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Birmingham in August 200712 August Premier League Chelsea VS Birmingham 13:30 Away 15 August Premier League Birmingham VS Sunderland 19:45 Home 18 August Premier League Birmingham VS West Ham 15:00 Home 25 August Premier League Derby Country VS Birmingham 15:00 Away
Aston Villa's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Aston Villa in August 200711 August Premier League Aston Villa VS Liverpool 17:15 Home 15 August Premier League Blackburn VS Aston Villa 20:00 Away 18 August Premier League Newcastle VS Aston Villa 17:15 Away 25 August Premier League Aston Villa VS Fulham 15:00 Home
Feyenoord 1-1 Chelsea, Chelsea remain undefeated in pre-season campaign
Chelsea's substitute goalkeeper, Carlo Cudicini helping Chelsea to maintain their undefeated record in the pre-season campaign.
Cudicini produced fine performance - topped by superb save from Roy Makaay's penalty.
Full report: Soccernet.com
Da Silva starred in Gunners Austrian training camp - Red Bull Salzburg 1-0 Arsenal
Arsenal was ended their Austrian training camp with a narrow defeat to Salzburg. New Gunner, Da Silva starred in the friendly match with Salzburg but was not prevent Arsenal from the defeat.
Salzburg's player, Vladimir Janocko score the winning goal against Arsenal.
Full Report: Soccernet.com
Iraq and Saudi head to head in AFC Asian Cup Final
In the Asian Cup Semifinal matches, the defending champion, Japan has been defeated by Saudi Arabia. Malek Maaz scoring twice in a 3-2 win to send the Saudis into the final.
On the other hand, the Korean has drew with Iraq in Fulltime + Extra time, Iraq has defeat Korea in penalty shoot-out with 4 - 3.
We will see Iraq and Saudi Arabia head to head in Asian Cup Final 2007.
AFC Asian Cup Semifinals Result:
 | Iraq | - | Korea Republic |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | - | 0 |
*0-0 AET, Iraq win 4-3 on penalties
 | Japan | - | Saudi Arabia |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | - | 3 |
Source: afcasiancup.com
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Liverpool's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Liverpool in August 200703 August Friendly Shanghai Shenhua VS Liverpool 17:30 Away 05 August Friendly Feyenoord VS Liverpool 19:00 Away 11 August Premier League Aston Villa VS Liverpool 17:15 Away 15 August Premier League Liverpool VS West Ham United 17:15 Postponed 19 August Premier League Liverpool VS Chelsea 16:00 Home 25 August Premier League Sunderland VS Liverpool 12:45 Away
Chelsea's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Chelsea in August 200712 August Premier League Chealsea VS Birmingham 13:30 Home 15 August Premier League Reading VS Chealsea 20:00 Away 19 August Premier League Liverpool VS Chealsea 16:00 Away 25 August Premier League Chealsea VS Portsmouth 15:00 Home
Arsenal's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Arsenal in August 200702 August Amsterdam Tournament Arsenal VS Lazio 18:30 Neutral 04 August Amsterdam Tournament Ajax VS Arsenal 21:15 Away 12 August Premier League Arsenal VS Fulham 12:00 Home 14/15 August Champions League Qualifier 1L VS Arsenal TBA Neutral 18 August Premier League Blackburn Rovers VS Arsenal 15:00 Away 25 August Premier League Arsenal VS Manchester City 15:00 Home 28/29 August Champion League Arsenal VS Qualifier 2L TBA Neutral
Source: Arsenal.com
AFC Asian Cup Semifinals Fixture
AFC Asian Cup Semifinals Fixture:
| 25th July 2007, 6:20PM GMT +8 | | Iraq | - | Korea Republic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25th July 2007, 9:20PM GMT +8 | | Japan | - | Saudi Arabia | |
Source: afcasiancup.com
Liverpool 3 - 1 South China - Highlights Clip
Liverpool's Riise free kick, Liverpool 1 - 0 South China:
Penalty kick by Alonso to make it 2 - 0:
Brilliant free kick from Li Haiqiang from 30 yards, 2 - 1:
3 - 1, score by Agger:
Redknapp calls for James recall
Harry Redknapp has backed David James' England claims - but the Portsmouth boss does not believe his veteran keeper has a realistic chance of extending his 34-cap international career.
'That kind of performance is what we have come to expect from David James,' said Redknapp, whose side edged into Friday's final thanks to Benjani's solitary first-half strike.
'I have been saying for a long time there is not a better goalkeeper in the Premiership than David James.
'In my opinion, he deserves to play for England. But it seems Steve McClaren has decided to look elsewhere, so I would be very surprised if he brings David back, even though his performances warrant it.'
Despite their advancing years, collective age 68, Redknapp is convinced James and Campbell will once again prove to be the bedrock of his side this season.
The arrivals of Sylvain Distin, David Nugent and Ghana World Cup star Sulley Muntari have certainly sent out a signal of intent from Fratton Park but Redknapp will look to James and Campbell to set the standard.
'They are both top-class players,' said Redknapp. 'When you bring in people of that standard, you expect them to reach that kind of level.
'Last year was our best season for 51 years and one of the major reasons for that was because we brought in David and Sol.
'They have both been there and done it all. That makes a big difference.'
Portsmouth 1-0 Fulham: Benjani winner
Portsmouth booked their place in the Asia Trophy final after Benjani Mwaruwari's first-half goal saw Harry Redknapp's side overcome Fulham 1-0 at Hong Kong Stadium.
Both sides fielded a number of new signings and a competitive contest was settled just before the break thanks to a predatory strike from the Pompey striker.
Portsmouth had the game's opening chance after five minutes as Gary O'Neil shaped to shoot from the edge of the area before slipping in David Nugent, but the striker could only sidefoot tamely at keeper Tony Warner.
Sulley Muntari, who was stamping his authority on proceedings early on, then fired over from 20 yards as Pompey seemed to be gaining the upper hand.
Nugent wriggled free down the left and fed Nico Kranjcar but the midfielder dragged his shot wide of Warner's right post from the edge of the box just before the half-hour mark.
Fulham then spurned two good opportunities as the first period drew to a close.
Simon Davies found a yard of space on the right flank and the winger's curling cross eluded everybody except the onrushing Clint Dempsey at the back post but the midfielder headed straight at David James before Brian McBride's follow-up was deflected wide.
The resulting corner was only half-cleared and another Davies cross again found Dempsey free in the box but his low shot was blocked.
Portsmouth took full advantage of the reprieve and went ahead on the stroke of half-time.
Benjani started the move out on the right with a cheeky backheel that found Nugent and the striker fed O'Neil on the edge of the box.
The midfielder's strike hit Zat Knight and the ball fell to a lurking Benjani, who slotted home from seven yards.
Some nice interplay between Lomana LuaLua, on during the interval for Benjani, and Muntari at the start of the second period saw the striker release Kranjcar down the right.
The Croatian's dangerous cross was nearly turned into his own net by Knight but substitute keeper Ricardo Batista managed to turn the ball round the post.
Diomansy Kamara nearly produced an equaliser after 56 minutes when Sylvain Distin dallied too long in possession and was robbed by Davies.
He played in the midfielder who forged into the box and skipped past Sol Campbell but clipped James' outstretched leg as he tried to lift the ball over the Portsmouth keeper.
Nugent outmuscled Knight when chasing a long ball but curled his shot wide of the far post.
Then, a deep ball in was not properly dealt with by the Pompey defence but Collins John blazed over when the ball broke to the striker in the box after 67 minutes.
David Healy then got in behind the Portsmouth defence but there was nobody in the box to collect his cutback.
However, the ball fell to Papa Bouba Diop and James did well to block the midfielder's strike after it took a slight deflection.
Muntari nearly doubled Portsmouth's lead eight minutes from time when he hit a thunderous 25-yard strike that just whistled past the post and Gary O'Neil hit the post with a fierce strike in injury-time as Pompey finished the stronger.
Source: Soccernet.com
Benitez praises Voronin
Rafael Benitez praised the growing contribution of new signing Andriy Voronin to Liverpool's pre-season programme after his telling contribution to today's 3-1 Barclays Asia Trophy win over South China in Hong Kong.
The Ukraine international, a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, completed his first full 90 minutes for his new club in front of 36,000 fans.
He won a penalty, put away by Xabi Alonso, and produced a work rate in intense heat that impressed manager Benitez, who witnessed further goals from Daniel Agger and John Arne Riise.
Benitez said on Sky Sports 1: 'Voronin has started well for us. He has `game', intelligence and he has fitted well into the side.
'It is early for him, but we knew he was a very good player and, when you have better players around, normally you play better.'
Benitez also accepted second-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson could have done better with the first-half goal he conceded from fully 40 yards, while maintaining a `wait and see' stance in the saga over the possible signing of Manchester United full-back Gabriel Heinze.
Benitez added: 'Their goal was strange, Scott Carson was not expecting it, a shot from so far out that hard. It was a surprise, and I am sure he will be disappointed with that.
'As a keeper, when you concede any goal you are disappointed, but particularly when it is that kind of goal.
'I am sure he will bounce back from that, it is just one mistake, nothing important.'
On the Heinze situation, with Liverpool having had a £5.8million offer rejected by United, Benitez said: 'We sent in an offer for Heinze, and they rejected it. Now the lawyers have to talk. The agent has called in the lawyers, everybody knows the situation now all around the world.'
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been critical of the part played in the proposed deal by Heinze's agent, with the player and Liverpool claiming a letter exists stating the defender can leave Old Trafford if anyone makes a £5.8million bid.
United do not want to sell to their biggest local rivals, and Benitez said: 'I would rather now wait and see what happens next.'
Liverpool play Portsmouth in the final on Friday, the Hampshire club having won their match 1-0 against Fulham.
South China 1-3 Liverpool: Voronin shines
Liverpool set up a Asia Trophy final clash with Portsmouth after seeing off a spirited South China outfit 3-1.
A side with skipper Steven Gerrard and summer signings Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel were given a testing examination as goals from John Arne Riise, Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger finally saw off the hosts at Hong Kong Stadium.
Riise opened the scoring after nine minutes with a trademark blistering free-kick from the edge of the area that left keeper Zhang Chunhui with little chance as it arrowed its way into the top corner.
Harry Kewell's ball into the box caused panic in the South China defence shortly afterwards and the ball broke to Andriy Voronin but the Ukraine striker could not apply the finish.
Jose Luis' side then nearly grabbed an equaliser as first an inswinging corner was cleared almost off the line before the Liverpool defence misjudged a deep cross but Bai Hei spooned his shot wide when well placed.
The home side fell further behind after 26 minutes when Alonso's cute through ball split the South China defence and Voronin was bundled over in the box. Alonso slotted home the spot kick low to Zhang's left.
However, South China halved the deficit just after the half hour mark when, after Mohammed Sissoko had been penalised for a foul near the right touchline, skipper Li Haiqiang curled a brilliant effort into the top corner of Scott Carson's net from 30 yards.
Alonso went close with a couple of long-range drives before the interval, the first from a Peter Crouch lay-off after persistent work from Voronin and the second when the ball fell to him after Crouch's surging run was stopped in its tracks as the Reds maintained their advantage.
The second half opened in low-key fashion but Dirk Kuyt, who had replaced Crouch, fired over when Alvaro Arbeola's low cross picked the Dutchman out on the far side of the area.
Voronin went close after 70 minutes when the striker rose to meet Kuyt's cross from the left but just could not keep his header down as it went narrowly over the bar.
A third was not long in coming though as Agger rounded off a beautifully worked goal after 72 minutes.
It was the centre-back who started it as he intercepted a pass and rode a couple of challenges before feeding Riise on the left. The Norwegian's cross picked out Kuyt and he teed up Agger to drive the ball home from inside the box.
Zhang then produced two good stops in the space of two minutes as he first parried Kuyt's strong effort before denying Jermaine Pennant at the far post.
Liverpool should have scored a fourth two minutes from time but Voronin could only get minimal contact on Pennant's teasing cross and Kuyt somehow could not turn it in at the far post.
Source: Soccernet.com
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Manchester United vs ShenZhen FC Highlights
Manchester United vs ShenZhen FC Highlights clip in YouTube:
1st half Highlights, Goal from Giggs, Rooney and Nani:
4th goal from OShea:
ShenZhen FC 0 - 6 Manchester United, Full Time Report by TheSun
NANI scored on his Manchester United debut in the Far East today.
The £14million summer signing from Benfica struck in the first half as the Red Devils crushed Shenzhen 6-0 in Macau.
And Nani celebrated his first United goal by launching himself into a double somersault that could soon be a regular sight in the Premier League.
United cruised to victory in their latest warm-up match after taking the lead when Wayne Rooney squared to Ryan Giggs, who had an easy finish into the empty net.
Rooney then sent a perfectly executed chip into the net from the edge of the area after 18 minutes.
Next came Nani's strike - the Portugal winger drilled a low shot inside the left post.
Boss Alex Ferguson said: “Nani has not done a great deal of training but that was a good start for him.”
O’Shea belted home Ronaldo’s cut-back after half-time and two minutes later Nani showed explosive speed to burst over halfway before feeding Rooney who in turn set up Ronaldo for the fifth.
And Chris Eagles added another goal to complete the rout.
Source: TheSun.co.uk
Paul Scholes miss start of the season of EPL with Man Utd?
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes could miss the start of the season after the club confirmed he would undergo an exploratory knee operation which could keep him out for up to a month.
Scholes picked up a knock to his knee during his side's pre-season tour to Asia and headed home to Manchester five days early while his team-mates ran in six unanswered goals against Shenzhen.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV: 'Paul fell on his knee in the last game. We've sent him home for arthroscopy to see what kind of damage there is.
'We don't think it's serious but it could keep him out for three weeks or a month.'
Speaking about the match, which saw a debut goal from summer signing Nani as well as strikes from Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson said: 'It was a good performance in spells and the humidity was quite high.
'Some of the goals were very good.
'We wanted to use as many players as we can and it was an exercise to get everyone fit. They have all had their share and it's been good for us that way.
'In our first game (of the tour) there was a bit of rustiness but in the last two games we haven't looked like conceding.'
United defender Wes Brown hailed his side's efforts after the performance.
Paul Scholes' injury - and early return to Manchester - overshadowed the result, England international Brown believed the scoreline bodes well for the coming season.
'It was a good game and six goals is good in pre-season,' he told MUTV.
'We have a good squad now. It was a good test but we played well to a good tempo and in the end they couldn't handle us.'
Looking ahead to the coming season, Brown said: 'For myself I want to play as many games as possible and when I do play to play well.
'I hope as a team we can win trophies again.
'We have a good squad now. Nani played well and fitted in fine on his first game.
'It's good for the whole season for the squad and shows what a player he is. We need players who can come on and change the game.
'The signings have done well, obviously Owen (Hargreaves) and Anderson are still to come in, but they have fitted in well.'
Freddie signs for Hammers
West Ham have completed the signing of Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.
The Sweden international, 30, had been the Gunners' longest serving player after costing Arsene Wenger's side £3million in 1998 from Halmstads.
Ljungberg joins long time team-mate and star striker Thierry Henry, who signed for Barcelona in June, in leaving the club this summer.
The midfielder played 325 times for Arsenal, scoring 72 goals, but lost his grip on a starting spot last season.
He now joins Julien Faubert, Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy and Richard Wright in moving to Upton Park since the Hammers' dramatic last-day survival last season.
Ljungberg said he left Arsenal because he felt like 'it was the end' for the club as he knew it following Henry's move.
'Two years ago when I signed my last contract we talked a lot about the future and about bringing great players to the club. Despite building the new stadium we wanted to stay top in England and do well in Europe.
'For me that didn't really happen.
'I stayed because I wanted to stay loyal to Arsenal. But when Henry left this summer it felt like the end for me unfortunately.
'I felt like all the unbeaten players (from Arsenal's `invincibles' of 2003/04) had left. I wanted to be loyal but I felt like it was the right time.
But Ljungberg also insisted there were positive reasons behind his decision and insisted he shared owner Eggert Magnusson's vision.
'I'm coming here because I want to build a great team.
'And why I want to join is because of Magnusson. He wants to bring them forward to be top of the country.
'He's willing to go to the transfer market to buy top players and mix them with youth players. West Ham have a great academy.
'He wants to help take the club up and take them to the top in England. It's a big challenge for me.'
Ljungberg claimed it had been a real wrench to leave Arsenal and that manager Arsene Wenger had tried to convince him to stay.
'I've been there for nine years, almost 10 years,' he said.
'It's a big thing for and I feel it in my heart a little bit.
'When I spoke to the boss, he wanted me to stay.
'But at the same time, I feel it had to be something very, very special for me to leave.
'I want to go forward and, with the people I have around me, I think it's going to be really good.'
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley believes Ljungberg was lured after seeing the other moves the club have made in the transfer market this summer.
'We spoke to Freddie over the last week and we tried to sell him the club and what we're about,' Curbishley said.
'He's seen players come in a and push us forward.'
As for Ljungberg's own qualities, Curbishley added: 'He brings a few things, Champions League experience, captain of Sweden, he's versatile.
'There's a hunger there. He wants to come and push West Ham on and be partly responsible for that.
'He's joining another terrific club and that's the way he's got to see it.
'He understands the passion of the club and the passion of the fans and I'm sure he'll be a big hit here.'
Source: Soccernet.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
Shenzhen FC vs Manchester United 2nd Half Updates
Shenzhen FC 0 - 6 Manchester United
55" John O'Shea
58" C.Ronaldo
63" Eagles
ShenZhen FC VS Manchester United - 1st Half Updates
ShenZhen FC 0 - 3 Manchester United
2007 Drivers and Constructors Championship Standing after Nurburgring GP
2007 Drivers Championship Standing after Nurburgring GP
| 01 L.HAMILTON | 70 |
| 02 F.ALONSO | 68 |
| 03 F.MASSA | 59 |
| 04 K.RAIKKONEN | 52 |
| 05 N.HEIDFELD | 36 |
| 06 R.KUBICA | 24 |
| 07 G.FISICHELLA | 17 |
| 08 H.KOVALAINEN | 15 |
| 09 A.WURZ | 13 |
| 10 M.WEBBER | 8 |
| 11 D.COULTHARD | 8 |
| 12 J.TRULLI | 7 |
| 13 N.ROSBERG | 5 |
| 14 T.SATO | 4 |
| 15 R.SCHUMACHER | 2 |
| 16 J.BUTTON | 1 |
| 17 S.VETTEL | 1 |
2007 Constructors Championship Standings after Nurburgring GP
| 01 McLAREN | 138 |
| 02 FERRARI | 111 |
| 03 BMW SAUBER | 61 |
| 04 RENAULT | 32 |
| 05 WILLIAMS | 18 |
| 06 RED BULL | 16 |
| 07 TOYOTA | 9 |
| 08 SUPER AGURI | 4 |
| 09 HONDA | 1 |
Source: F1-Live.com
Nani score on his debut with Man Utd
Nani, Manchester United new signing winger, score his first goal on his debut match against Shenzhen FC.
In the 1st-half, Ryan Giggs scored the first goal of the match at 12" with a nice pass by Rooney. after 7", Rooney score a superb goal and follow by Nani goal at 23".
Current Updates:
12" Giggs
19" Rooney
23" Nani
Current Score:
Manchester United 3 - 0 Shenzhen FC
Current Time: 40"
Manchester United's August 2007 Fixture
Fixture Table for Manchester United in August 200701 August Pre-season Manchester United VS Inter Milan 20:00 Home 05 August FA Charity Shield Chelsea VS Manchester United 15:00 Away 12 August Barclays Permier League Manchester United VS Reading 16:00 Home 15 August Barclays Permier League Portsmouth VS Manchester United 19:45 Away 19 August Barclays Permier League Manchester City VS Manchester United 13:30 Away 26 August Barclays Permier League Manchester United VS Tottenham 16:00 Home
Shenzhen FC vs Manchester United - Far East Tour 3rd Match Preview
Today, Manchester United will face Shenzhen FC in Macau for their 3rd match in the pre-season tour to Asia.
According to Sir Ferguson, Nani is on course to make his United debut against Shenzhen FC in Macau today.
Owen Hargreaves is again a big doubt for the game because of a knee complaint, but the 16,000 Reds' fans who will pack into the Macau Stadium seem set to witness at least one United debutant in action.
"Nani should be ready for Monday," revealed Sir Alex at his pre-match press conference. "He's been training well and should feature during the match. Owen has been doing some good training and is not far away.
"It should be another tough game for us. The first two matches have been of a good standard and I expect the same again on Monday."
Beside this, China's winger, Dong FangZhuo has been fly off to join Manchester United in Macau on Sunday. Dong will join United for the pre-season training, but Sir Alex was not insist of using Dong in the pre-season's match, because he wanted Dong to be rested, after committed to playing for China in AFC Asian Cup last week.
Source: ManUtd.com
Allardyce Desperate for New Faces at Newcastle
Sam Allardyce has expressed some frustration again over the weekend at the lack of progress on the transfer front.
Sam has already lost Joey Barton for at least 6 weeks with a foot injury and it’s starting to look like Kieron Dyer may want to leave the club.
Let’s take a look at what Sam has been saying to the press – and we’ll try to find out exactly what’s going on – certainly we have to bring more defenders and probably others into the club within a short 3 weeks.
Sam told the Journal today:
“In the last couple of weeks we haven’t got one single face in and I certainly hope in the next week it’s going to be at least one or two,” “We need another three or four before August 11 (the first day of the Premier League season) – that’s a certainty.
“Everything has hampered our progress – maybe players don’t want to come, maybe the terms aren’t good enough, maybe clubs want too much money, maybe another club’s nipped in ahead of us.
“Until you get pen to paper you never think you’ve clinched it. We just have to keep moving on.”
Sam has already said he wants at least three new defenders in – and now with Barton out and Dyer looking like he may want to go – Sam may also want to bring one or two new mid-fielders in. We were linked yesterday with center-back Brede Hangeland from FC Copenhagen and also Julio Baptista, the Brazilian attacking midfielder. Both players would be very good additions to our squad.
Hopefully we can look forward to new faces this week and we need to get at least two in – hopefully both defenders – until we know exactly where Dyer stands.
But if Kieron Dyer wants to leave Newcastle then Sam has to get rid of him. Kieron has never produced what he’s capable of at Newcastle and has been injured far too much. If he doesn’t want to be here - so be it. There’s only so much Allardyce can do for players - but if they don’t have the heart to fight for the shirt at Newcastle - they must be moved out.
We only need players at Newcastle who want to be here - then we can at least rely on them to produce 100% in each game - something that has been lacking in their performances over the last two seasons. It’s something that Sam - to his credit - will demand from them in every game.
Source: nufcblog.com
被抓之歌 (namewee 明志) NameWee's new song, to express his feeling after the song Negarakuku being criticized by 'somebody' in Malaysia
Malaysian blogger, Namewee, was criticized by 'somebody' in Malaysia after he published his new song, Negarakuku in youtube.
NameWee, was being interviewed by Malaysia's newspaper, China Press about his song, Negarakuku. During the interview, NameWee was explained he was no intention to insult the country, he love Malaysia, his intention is just to reflecting the real situation in Malaysia today.
Here is the song he created, to express his feeling after the interview:
Source: namewee.com
Beckham makes Galaxy debut in 1-0 defeat
David Beckham made his long-awaited debut for Los Angeles Galaxy in front of a capacity crowd when he came on as a substitute in the 78th minute of Saturday's exhibition match against Chelsea.
The England midfielder, who has been struggling to recover from an injury to his left ankle, was cheered loudly by the 27,000 fans at the Home Depot Center as he ran on to the pitch in place of striker Alan Gordon.
Although his new team were beaten 1-0 by the FA Cup holders, Beckham was delighted to launch his much-trumpeted American adventure by playing a late cameo role in front of a packed stadium that included several Hollywood stars.
'It was very emotional,' the former England captain told reporters after 12 minutes of action that featured a few deft touches, a tumble as he tried to evade a tackle by Chelsea's Steve Sidwell and a late corner kick.
'The reaction to me if I even take off my top or kick the ball has been incredible, it made me feel a bit embarrassed at times. I really wanted to be out there tonight with all the attention. It is a great day for the club.'
His problem ankle was another matter, though.
'I'm not fit and I haven't trained since I have been out here,' Beckham said. 'The ankle is swollen and we'll see how it is tomorrow. It is not going to go away for a week or so but it's making progress, it's not a serious injury.'
Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas told ESPN television: 'It is a long-term process and we want to make sure David is 100 percent.
'We have games next week, next month and over the next five years. Everyone will get their chance to see David Beckham here and across the country.'
Signed by the Galaxy from Real Madrid on a $32.5 million five-year deal, Beckham had been one of seven substitutes named for the match by Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop.
His pop star wife Victoria watched the action from a corporate suite accompanied by her actress friend Katie Holmes, wife of Tom Cruise.
Other celebrities in the crowd included Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. actresses Eva Longoria and Jennifer Love Hewitt and English actors John Hurt and Ray Winstone.
Beckham did not appear on the pitch when his Galaxy team mates initially appeared for their pre-match warmup, delaying his arrival until both teams had run out of the tunnel shortly before kickoff.
Accompanied by a security official, the former England captain then made his way to the Galaxy bench with the capacity crowd at the Home Depot Center roaring its approval.
After Beckham sat down next to his fellow substitutes, he was encircled by around 100 photographers desperate to record the moment.
Beckham twisted his ankle playing for his country against Estonia in a Euro 2008 qualifying match last month.
He aggravated it in his final appearance for Real 11 days later when his former team clinched the Spanish league title.
Saturday's game, a sell-out, was the Galaxy's second-highest grossing fixture since the MLS side hosted Real a year ago, with Beckham playing for the opposition.
Substitution of David Beckham in 77":
John Terry Score:
David Beckham's debut for LA Galaxy:
Source: Soccernet.com
Japan, Iraq, South Korea and Saudi are heading to AFC Asian Cup Semi Finals
Result of the AFC Asian Cup Quarter Finals:
| Japan | - | Australia |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | 1 |
*1-1 AET, Japan wins 4-3 on Penalties
| Iraq | - | Vietnam |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | - | 0 |
 | Iran | - | Korea Republic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | - | 0 |
*0-0 AET, Korea Republic win 4-2 on penalties
| Saudi Arabia | - | Uzbekistan |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | - | 1 |
Source: afcasiancup.com
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Dramatic Nurburgring GP 2007 - Alonso wins rain hit thriller
Heavy rain at the start of the 60-lap European Grand Prix combined with a late shower combined to make a thrilling race for all those who survived the early carnage. Through it all came Fernando Alonso to record his first win since the Monaco Grand Prix in what was a tense end to the race as he caught and then passed Felipe Massa with five laps remaining.
Mark Webber secured his second career podium finish for Red Bull Racing with a fine run to third position, meaning that for the first time this year, Lewis Hamilton was not on the podium and in fact did not finish the race in the points. Along with Alonso, it was an eventful day for the championship leader.
Kimi Raikkonen started the race from pole position, but even at that early stage there had been a few spots of rain. As the race got underway the heaven opened and the race strategies could be thrown out of the proverbial window.
With heavy rain falling they all dived to the pits, but race leader Raikkonen slithered back out of the slip road and back onto the circuit. Next time around he made the pit entry move work and he dropped back to seventh position. It would all prove academic anyway as down at turn one, Jenson Button was the first of many to skate off the circuit and into retirement.
Tonio Liuzzi soon joined Button in retirement at the turn followed by Hamilton, Scott Speed, Nico Rosberg and Adrian Sutil.
With the intermediate tyres not coping with the conditions and cars piling up at turn one, the race director put out the red flags and halted the race.
Hamilton had managed to keep his engine running and after being picked up by the crane and placed back on the circuit, he was back underway. The rain shower soon passed over and the circuit steamed in the summer sun. Marcus Winkelhock, making his race debut with the Spyker Ferrari team, had opted to start the race from the pit lane on intermediate tyres. The gamble paid off as he took over the lead as Raikkonen peeled into the pits and the red flags flew.
The moment would not last long for Winkelhock, but to lead your second lap in a Grand Prix is something pretty special. The German found himself shuffled back down the order as the race resumed and he would later retire with a hydraulics issue. Quite a debut for a small team it must be said.
Felipe Massa led from the restart while Hamilton opted to take dry tyres. It was a bad move and he slipped even further back from which he would spend the rest of the day recovering from. Out front Massa set the pace and kept Alonso firmly under control while Raikkonen quickly worked his way back up to third position.
Raikkonen’s Nurburgring curse would intervene mid-race as he coasted to retirement on entry into the pit lane. For Ferrari, Massa seemed firmly in control, pulling out 11 seconds before the second round of stops.
Alonso kept the pressure on and reduced the gap to six seconds just before rain started to fall for a second time with 11 laps remaining. Everyone pitted and took intermediate tyres once again but Alonso pushed hard, caught and then made a sensation pass around the outside of Massa to take the lead and then the win five laps from home.
Mark Webber was not a factor for the win, but he drove a great race to finish third and hold off a late charge from Alex Wurz in his Williams Toyota. David Coulthard made Red Bull’s day even better as he took the chequered flag in fifth position.
Nick Heidfeld had a poor race in his BMW Sauber. The start of the race saw him run into the side of team-mate Robert Kubica on the first lap and later on would repeat the move with Ralf Schumacher. Still, Heidfeld took sixth position ahead of Kubica in what is his home event.
The battle for the final points was a close affair. It shouldn’t have been really as Heikki Kovalainen ran a safe fifth until pitting three laps before the second rain show arrived. It was a gamble for glory, but it did not work as he finished eighth, holding off Lewis Hamilton for the final point on the final lap.
For Hamilton, ninth position was not a great result, but he put in a storming drive despite the odd error on track and with strategy. Giancarlo Fisichella finished tenth in the second Renault ahead of Rubens Barrichello, Anthony Davidson and Jarno Trulli.
A dramatic race, with a result that close the championship battle right up ahead of the next race in Hungary.
Result of Formula 1 Nurburgring Grand Prix 2007:
| Pos | Drive | Team | Times | Pits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F.Alonso | McLaren | 2h 6'26"358 | 4 |
| 2 | F.Massa | Ferrari | + 0'08"155 | 4 |
| 3 | M.Webber | RedBull | + 1'05"674 | 4 |
| 4 | A.Wurz | Williams | + 1'05"937 | 4 |
| 5 | D.Courthard | RedBull | + 1'13"656 | 4 |
| 6 | N.Heidfeld | BMW | + 1'20"298 | 6 |
| 7 | R.Kubica | BMW | + 1'22"415 | 4 |
| 8 | H.Kovalainen | Renault | + 1 lap(s) | 4 |
| 9 | L.Hamilton | McLaren | + 1 lap(s) | 4 |
| 10 | G.Fishicella | Renault | + 1 lap(s) | 4 |
| 11 | R.Barrichello | Honda | + 1 lap(s) | 5 |
| 12 | a.Davison | Super Aguri F1 | + 1 lap(s) | 6 |
| 13 | J.Trulli | Toyota | + 1 lap(s) | 6 |
| 14 | K.Raikkonen | Ferrari | Ret.: 34L | 2 |
| 15 | T.Sato | Super Aguri F1 | Ret.: 19L | 3 |
| 16 | R.Schumacher | Toyota | Ret.: 18L | 3 |
| 17 | M.Winkelhock | Spyker F1 | Ret.: 13L | 2 |
| 18 | J.Button | Honda | Ret.: 2L | 1 |
| 19 | A.Sutil | Spyker F1 | Ret.: 2L | 1 |
| 20 | N.Rosberg | Williams | Ret.: 2L | 1 |
| 21 | S.Speed | Toro Rosso | Ret.: 2L | 1 |
| 22 | V.Liuzzi | Toro Rosso | Ret.: 2L | 2 |
Source: F1-Live.com
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