Pro Eleven Headline News

Milan Defeat Hamburg On Beckham Debut

Milan were warming up for the resumption of the Serie A calendar this weekend, and fielded a strong line-up, with Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Pato and debutant David Beckham, who passed a late fitness test, all starting.

Hamburg also fielded many of their first-teamers, with Alex Silva, Piotr Trochowski, and Ivica Olic all playing.

Pato had the first attempt of the game, cutting in from the left and firing wide.

A mistake by Paolo Maldini gifted a chance to Jose Paolo Guerrero, but the Peruvian lashed off-target.

Hamburg were much the better side in the first half-hour, and did most of the attacking. Ivica Olic headed wide, while Alex Silva just failed to turn the ball home at the back post from a right wing free kick.

Marcell Jansen came desperately close to breaking the deadlock on 32 minutes, curling inches over the bar. Dida then had to be sharp to push away a long-shot from Guerrero.

Pato tested Hesl with a daisycutter down the other end, but the sides went in goalless at the break.

There were a mass of substitutes at the break, with Beckham one of those to make way.

Shevchenko and Hamburg substitute Mladen Petric both had attempts in an even start to the second half.

On the hour mark, Milan were awarded a penalty after Ambrosini went down in the box under pressure from Alex Silva. Ronaldinho stepped up, and sent Hesl the wrong way to put Milan ahead.

The lead lasted little longer than five minutes though as substitute Collin Benjamin bundled the ball home from a corner.

Hamburg now looked for a second goal, and Olic zipped in behind Milan replacement Philippe Senderos, and fizzed a low shot just wide.

The Germans missed a fine chance with five minutes remaining as Petric was unmarked six yards out but headed wide. Ronaldinho volleyed over for Milan.

The game went to penalties, and Milan won 4-3. Emerson missed for the Rossoneri, while Aogo and Thiago Neves failed for Hamburg.

Milan: Dida; Zambrotta, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Ronaldinho; Pato, Shevchenko

Hamburg: Hesl, Demel, Reinhardt, Mathijsen, Aogo, Jarolim, Alex Silva, Trochowski, Jansen, Olic, Guerrero
Goal


Lotina Recognises Sevilla 'Need' Ahead Of Copa Del Rey Clash

Deportivo La Coruña take on Sevilla in the Copa Del Rey this week and after the latter were surprisingly knocked out of the UEFA Cup, Miguel Ángel Lotina knows the onus is on them to qualify.

The Depor coach spoke to AS today and acknowledged that even though his side will be giving the match maximum importance, it is a key match for their opponents too.

"We like the cup and we are going to give the game full importance, at the weekend we will focus on the league again," he mused.

"Sevilla are always good, but now, after getting knocked out of the UEFA Cup, they have a need, and that is dangerous. We have to be intelligent to know that we are going to play a team that are hungry and want to satisfy their fans, although that could also make them nervous."

In a coincidental twist, Sevilla and Depor meet three times in less than a week, twice in the Copa Del Rey and once in the league, and Lotina declared today that he does not know which 'is more important right now.'

He did however, admit that he will be making changes in the Copa Del Rey, before paying tribute to Sevilla, a side he says that by 'league position and play', are doing very well.

"We are going to make some changes. Some of the first team players we are going to rest. There are many people who are working well and I want to see them against a strong team, I want to see everything they are showing in training," he said.

"We have a lot of respect for Sevilla, they are a strong team with good players, it will be a difficult round, and, in spite of the changes, we go with the idea to win, and with a lot of desire." Goal


Ryan Giggs hints at retirement

Wales and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has hinted that he could retire from football at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old former Wales captain's current Old Ttraffird contract expires after this season, and he revealed he may call time on his illustrious career.

He told The Sun: "I will keep playing as long as I enjoy it, I am fit and the manager wants me.

"If one of those three things stops, I will consider retiring. It could be at the end of this season.

"I am at the end of my contract in May. We will see. At the minute there hasn't been any contact with United.

"I am as fit as I ever have been. The only difference is recovering from the game."

Giggs was part of the United squad that won the World Club Cup last month but has found himself on the United bench for much of the season.

"Today victories and titles make me happier than when I was younger," he said.

"Because I know that they could be my last."

Giggs is British football's most decorated player, with two Champions League victories, 10 Premier League championships and four FA Cup wins to his name.

He added: "Today victories and titles make me happier than when I was younger," he said.

"Because I know that they could be my last."

Giggs said United have not started contract talks but his agent Harry Swales told the BBC: "Ryan says he can still play on for a few more years.

"We haven't spoken to United yet but I'm sure it will happen in due course." Wales Online