Pro Eleven : FOOTBALL IN BLOG

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-07-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo Hails New Real Madrid Capture Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema will be presented as Real Madrid’s latest signing on Thursday evening at the Bernabeu, and any nerves he might have possessed ahead of the occasion will have been settled somewhat by the words of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has lavished praise on the young forward.

Speaking to French radio station RMC, Ronaldo had only words of encouragement for Benzema, who has previously played all his club football for Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais.

“Benzema is a great player,” enthused the world’s most expensive player. “He is eagerly anticipated here in light of what he did with Olympique Lyonnais. He will adapt very quickly because like me, he is young and has much to learn. It will be a lot of fun playing with him.”

Benzema has a formidable goal scoring record in France, netting 43 times in 112 league games. Perhaps more impressive is his ratio in the Champions League, in which he has scored on 12 occasions, despite playing just 19 games.

At just 21-years-old, ‘Benzinho’ has feature for the French national team on 24 occasions, but he has only managed to find the net six times for les Bleus. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-07-06T02:58:00.000-07:00

Owen signs for Man Utd

The out-of-sorts England striker has signed a two-year deal with the Premier League champions after completing a series of stringent medical tests this evening.

Owen has agreed a deal worth £50,000 a week - half of what he earned with previous club Newcastle.

But it is understood he will be given huge bonuses depending on appearances and the number of goals he scores.

Owen's Toon contract expired on July 1 with only Stoke and Hull expressing an interest in the 29-year-old.

But Old Trafford chief Alex Ferguson has made his move, convinced he can revive the former Liverpool star's fortunes.

Fergie said: "Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question.

"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish."

Owen revealed he did not hesitate to join the club once Ferguson came calling.

He said: "I had just begun to talk to other clubs when, out of the blue, Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon and invited me to have breakfast with him the next morning - during which he told me that he wanted to sign me. I agreed without a moment's thought.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands.

"I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.

"I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from day one.

"I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances."

Owen's shock switch caps a remarkable turnaround for the ex-Real Madrid hitman.

Having been relegated with Newcastle just six weeks ago, he faced an uncertain future with none of Europe's big guns showing an interest in him.

England boss Fabio Capello has continually snubbed him at international level. But, with the World Cup finals less than 12 months away, he could now force his way back into the reckoning if he succeeds at United.

The Old Trafford new-boy will battle it out for a starting berth with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov. The Sun

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-07-02T23:13:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid sign Karim Benzema from Olympique Lyonnais

"Karim Benzema, is new Real Madrid player" is the succinct and to the point, official statement on the club's website.

Spanish giants, Real Madrid and French side Olympique Lyonnais have hammered out an agreement which has finally made the transfer of Karim Benzema a reality. The player is set to undergo medical tests by the end of the week, to be followed by the signing of the contract with his new club.

The Queen of Europe has landed the 21-year-old French international striker for six years. The club's website has not disclosed, officially, the final transfer fee which will be paid to Lyon, but according to the BBC, he is going to cost the Madrid team 30 million pounds sterling.

Previous media reports had linked Benzema with a possible move to Old Trafford, but it is now a fact that he will not be joining Manchester United, having opted for Bernabeu instead.

This is the latest reinforcement that the Queen of Europe has made so far this summer, in a bid to knock their arch rivals off their perch in the next campaign. Real Madrid have already signed forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka as well as defender Raul Albiol. sofiaecho.com

Red Devils seal deal to sign Valencia from Wigan

Manchester United have completed the signing of Wigan winger Antonio Valencia, with the player describing the move as a "dream''.

The Ecuador international has been tracked by United for the last 12 months and new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has been unable to persuade him to stay at the DW Stadium.

United have not disclosed the fee they have paid to the Latics, though it is thought to be around £16m, after signing the player on a four-year contract.

The 23-year-old is the first player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo following his £80m move to Real Madrid.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me,'' he told United's official website. "I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started.''

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.'' ESPN

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

Brazil fight back to sink U.S in superb final

Holders Brazil fought back from 2-0 down with three second-half goals to beat the United States 3-2 and win the Confederations Cup for the third time in a superb final on Sunday.

The U.S., who shocked Spain in the semis, looked set to complete an even greater upset when goals by Clint Dempsey and skipper Landon Donovan put them 2-0 ahead at halftime.

U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard produced several good saves before striker Luis Fabiano took his tournament tally to five when he scored immediately after the restart and headed the equaliser in the 74th minute.

Brazil captain Lucio completed his side's stunning recovery when he rose superbly to power home an Elano corner six minutes from time.

The match was a fitting climax to an outstanding tournament which provided shocks, excellent football and passionate crowds, auguring well for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Brazil coach Dunga told a news conference he was delighted by his team's performance.

"Even after we went 2-0 down the team was still sure of itself. We told them at halftime to play down the wings, keep patient. We did that, we have been together for 29 days and we were determined to win it.

"It is very difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit, it is not easy, but if you have committed players who never give up then you have a chance and we came back in the second half. We showed a high level of professionalism."

Brazil had beaten the U.S. 3-0 in the group stage but faced a far tougher challenge in the final.

"The feeling is a mix of great disappointment but also great pride," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said.

"There is no getting around it is a difficult loss having had a two-goal lead. The moment that really hurt was conceding the goal so early in the second half -- that brought them right back into the game. "

STUNNED BRAZIL

The U.S. stunned Brazil by taking the lead with a fortuitous goal by Dempsey who connected with Jonathan Spector's cross and sent the ball speeding past Julio Cesar despite failing to make a clean connection.
Astonishingly, the Americans doubled their lead after 27 minutes.

Donovan started the move deep in his own half when he found Ricardo Clark, who broke down the left before sending a perfect cross back to Donovan.

His first touch wrong-footed Ramires, creating an opening for the striker who switched the ball to his left foot and cracked it past Julio Cesar for his 40th international goal in his 114th match.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Brazil had beaten the U.S. 14 times in 15 previous meetings but keeper Howard kept the outsiders firmly in control with a number of fine saves.

Brazil had the majority of the possession but rarely threatened until a minute after the restart when Luis Fabiano turned and shot through the legs of a defender in one movement.

Brazil twice went close to an equaliser, Howard pulling off an excellent diving save from a Lucio header and getting lucky when Kaka's downward header looked to have crossed the line before the keeper held on to it.

But he was not quite as fortunate the next time Brazil hit the bar.

Kaka accelerated past Spector on the left before crossing to Robinho on the six-yard line. He first time shot came back off the bar to Luis Fabiano who headed in the rebound.

Brazil were now in command and the decisive breakthrough came when Lucio rose to power the ball home with a his head. Guardian.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

Confederations Cup Final Preview: Brazil - U.S.A.

So, we do not have the dream final that the neutrals craved; Spain taking on Brazil would, indeed, have been a mouth-watering clash, but their shock defeat was indicative of this bizarre Confederations Cup as a whole.

We have seen some very unexpected performances, a few stunning wins, a handful of controversial decisions and, in general, the tournament, on the pitch at least, can be deemed to have been a success. Despite all of this, though, just when it appeared that the results would revert to type, all of a sudden, the United States woke up and stunned the party into a different kind of life.

Poor against the Italians and, frankly, dreadful against Brazil, Bob Bradley’s side should have been heading home, cursing what had been abject underachievement. But against Egypt, who had defeated Marcelo Lippi’s Azzurri and lost narrowly to a Kaka-inspired Brazil, the Americans performed with pace, power, skill and heart.

Needing a hugely unlikely six goal swing in order to qualify, Bradley made a tactical alteration, throwing Charlie Davies on alongside Jozy Altidore to operate in a 4-4-2 formation, rather than the negative, stifling, 5-4-1 that had been so ineffective in their opening two matches.

They instantly looked more comfortable and goals from Davies, Michael Bradley and Fulham’s Clint Dempsey secured a thoroughly convincing 3-0 victory. Incredibly, Brazil had beaten Italy by the same scoreline, and, on goals scored, the U.S.A snuck into the semi-finals.

With La Furia Roja looming, though, and with an international record for matches without a loss within their grasp, few considered Vicente Del Bosque’s side would even be contemplating defeat.

But it seems that when expectancy is removed from the equation, the U.S.A excel, and they proved this by performing heroically to bamboozle the Spaniards and secure a monumental 2-0 win.

Defensively, the pairing of Ogushi Onyewu and Jay Demerit were a towering presence, subduing the prolific David Villa and Fernando Torres like very few sides have achieved previously. They blocked, they headed, they challenged, they were inspirational, and it was a particularly sweet victory for striker Jozy Altidore. His big-money move to Villarreal in 2008 has been a disaster, but he reaped some level of vindication by embarrassing Casillas for the opening goal.

The team, as a whole, will be required to produce a similar level of commitment in the final, but the key factor may be whether Landon Donovan et al still have an element of surprise. It could be questioned if the Spanish superstars took the American challenge seriously enough, but they have paid for their complacency. However, the Brazilians, surely, will be more vigilant.

After a debatable start in the Samba hotseat, coach Dunga has instilled a level of discipline and tactical nous that, so far, has complemented the trickery and style to tremendous effect. World Cup 2010 qualification is almost secured and in this Confederations Cup campaign they have looked extremely comfortable. Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano and the mercurial Robinho have linked superbly in an attack full of pace and agility.

The Italians were ousted, Egypt vanquished in a thrilling contest and, crucially, U.S.A were unable to cope with the movement and technique of the South Americans in a 3-0 defeat that ultimately was flattering for Bradley’s men.

What impact will that group stage defeat have on the upcoming final? Different circumstances, different occasion, certainly, and it can be assumed that there will be a new-found confidence among the squad of the Americans following their conquering of the Spanish.

But Brazil know that they are capable of beating them, and this psychological advantage could prove to be pivotal to how the contest transpires. Dunga is aware of the weak areas of the American side and has already exploited them. It will be intriguing to see if his counterpart Bradley will have learned from his mistakes.

All in all, it makes for a captivating contest. The U.S.A would love to collect the kudos of beating the game’s most famous international side, as they continue their quest to be considered a credible football nation, while Brazil simply want to experience the feeling of lifting the trophy in South Africa – preparation, they hope, for a similar success next summer.

ROAD TO THE FINAL

Brazil

Group Stages
15 Jun Brazil 4-3 Egypt
18 Jun Brazil 3-0 U.S.A.
21 Jun Brazil 3-0 Italy

Semi-Final
25 Jun Brazil 1-0 South Africa

U.S.A.

Group Stages
15 Jun U.S.A. 1-3 Italy
18 Jun U.S.A. 0-3 Brazil
21 Jun U.S.A 3-0 Egypt

Semi Final
24 Jun U.S.A. 2-0 Spain

TEAM NEWS

Brazil

Juan remains out of the tournament, so Luisao will continue to deputise in the centre of defence, while Daniel Alves may earn a start following his stunning winner over South Africa. Dunga’s side toiled slightly against the stubborn hosts in the semi-finals and he may look to freshen up his starting line up, with Elano waiting in the wings.

Probable XI: Julio Cesar, Maicon/Dani Alves, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos, Felipe Melo, Gilberto, Ramires/Elano, Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Robinho

U.S.A.

Michael Bradley, midfielder and son of boss Bob, received a red card in the dying embers of the match against Spain and will, agonisingly, miss out. Rangers man Damarcus Beasley may come in to replace him. Altidore and Davies are certain to start together in the forward line for the third consecutive match.

Probable XI: Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Dempsey, Beasley, Clark, Donovan, Davies, Altidore

MEN TO WATCH

Brazil

As always, Kaka and Robinho will provide the flair, but the pace of Luis Fabiano could prove to be U.S.A.'s biggest problem. The Sevilla striker began to find form as the La Liga season ended, and he has taken his goals into this tournament. He is clinical in front of goal and Onyewu and Demerit will need to be wary of his darting runs in behind the back four.

U.S.A.

Jozy Altidore is trying his utmost to prove that he has what it takes at this level and his goal against Spain in the semi-finals was just reward for all his efforts. His touch still appears questionable, but he will harry and harrass the Brazil back four until the very last kick of the match and, if he gets a chance, who knows - he could make himself a hero.

PREDICTION

The U.S.A. are capable of pulling off another shock result, and with the Brazilians flagging, it may be a tight contest. But Dunga's disciplined side will prove to have too much in the end and will lift the trophy. Goal.com

Alonso seals third place for Spain

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso scored an extra-time free-kick as Spain beat the hosts South Africa 3-2 in the third-place play-off at the Confederations Cup.

Spain had been the favourites to win the tournament but they suffered a shock defeat to the United States in the semi-finals.

The play-off match appeared to be going the same way when Katlego Mphela gave South Africa the lead in the 73rd minute.

But Daniel Guiza scored two goals in two minutes to put Spain ahead.

However, Mphela forced the game into extra time by firing home a free-kick in the last minute of normal time.

Spain clinched victory early in the second period of extra time when Alonso curled a free-kick of his own into the bottom right-hand corner. itn.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-26T00:21:00.000-07:00

Brazil earns final against U.S.

The United States gets another chance at Brazil. And this time there's a trophy at stake.

Daniel Alves scored the only goal on a free kick in the 88th minute to give the Brazilians a 1-0 victory at the Confederations Cup on Thursday night in Johannesburg, sending the five-time World Cup champions into the final against the surprising United States and ending host South Africa's upset bid.

With time winding down, Ramires was tripped up at the edge of the box by South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena and sent tumbling.

Alves had been on the field for only six minutes, but Brazil coach Dunga called on him to take the free kick. He coolly stepped up and curled a shot into the far top corner, silencing the raucous home crowd.

The final is a rematch of last week's game in group play, when Brazil crushed the Americans 3-0. Brazil is 13-1 against the United States and has outscored the United States 26-8. Chicagotribune.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-24T01:54:00.000-07:00

Spain looking for place in history against U.S.

Spain will attempt to claim another spot in the record books and clinch their place in the final of the Confederations Cup when they take on surprise qualifiers the United States in Bloemfontein.

The European champions have already broken one world record during their stint in South Africa, with Saturday`s 2-0 victory over the host nation not only seeing Spain progress through Group A with a 100% record but also extending their run of successive wins to 15.

That saw them move one clear of Brazil, France and Australia, who all jointly held the former record along with the Spanish.

Saturday's win also extended Spain`s unbeaten run to 35 matches, drawing them level with Brazil's world-leading mark that was set between between 1993 and 1996, and Vicente del Bosque`s side can take that record for their own tomorrow as well.

Spain are huge favourites to continue their remarkable form against a United States side that created a big stir in battling back from the brink to qualify from Group B, but midfielder Xabi Alonso is not taking anything for granted.

"If they are here it`s because they have deserved it," said Alonso, who was part of the Spain side that ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win over the US in a friendly last year, Xavi scoring the only goal 12 minutes from time.

"Before we went to the European Championships we played against them and it was not easy at all.

"They are going to wait for us, they will be together. Their approach will not be much different to that of Iraq or South Africa. We cannot think that it will be easy.

"They are a physically strong team, well organised and very rapid on the counter-attack. Also, they have players who play in the Premier League and we already know them."

If Spain get through then it could set up a mouth-watering final against mighty Brazil, who will play host nation South Africa in the other semi-final on Thursday after comfortably finishing top of Group B with three wins from three.

Alonso admits that would be a special match but the Liverpool man is determined to take it one step at a time.

"It would be spectacular, but first we have the semi-final and then we`ll see. We cannot think of anything more than that," he said in Marca.

Few expected the United States, who have lost all three of their previous meetings with Spain, to progress out of a group that included Brazil and Italy, especially after losing to both those sides in their opening two matches and conceding six goals in the process.

However, Sunday`s 3-0 win over Egypt, combined with some favourable results in the other group games, left Bob Bradley`s side in second place in the pool, pipping Italy to a place in the last four thanks to having scored one more goal than the world champions.

The US will know they have their work cut out to make it through to the final though against a Spain side that has only conceded two goals in 13 matches since Del Bosque took charge last summer.

Bradley believes they can cause an upset, though, saying: "We came up against Spain before Euro 2008 and we played a great game. We've been watching them during this tournament and we've been taking note of their style. We know how to stop them and we are very confident." ESPN

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-22T23:57:00.000-07:00

Confederations Cup Standings: United States advances

Stars fall into place in Sunday’s soccer action, as US and Brazil each won their respective games to advance to next round

The Confederations Cup standings were this on Sunday: The United States soccer team appeared dysfunctional in its first couple of first round games against Italy and Brazil.

But then, with its tournament life on the line, the US needed a few stars to fall into place just to escape the first round.Facing off against Egypt, a team which had just surprised Italy in an earlier match, the odds were not in the U.S.’ favor.

In order to stay alive in the worldwide tournament the U.S. had to defeat Egypt by a minimum of three goals, with Brazil having to complete the same task against Italy.

The likelihood of both instances coming to fruition was almost beyond believable, especially when one considered the inconsistent playing of the U.S. team, and the immense talent of the Italian team.

Nevertheless, the odds came out on the side of the Americans. The Confederation Cup standings changed as the U.S. team upset Egypt by a score of 3-0, while the Brazilian team defeated the Italians by the same score.

The U.S. got its first tally in the 21st minute by Charlie Davies, while Michael Bradley – the son of head coach Bob Bradley – added another goal in the 63rd minute. Clint Dempsey headed in the third and final goal in the 71st minute, assuring the U.S. would advance in dramatic fashion.

“All of the critics in America who said we were no good after losing to Italy and Brazil, let’s see what they say now,” Michael Bradley said to Associated Press.

The United States has not had much luck recently in international match play, as they’ve been eliminated in big tournaments three of the last six years. The players never let the past dictate the future, though.

“Big surprise, but we knew we were capable of this,” forward Landon Donovan said to the AP. “Now we have a difficult game ahead of us and a very big match.”

This strange series of events leads the U.S. team to a semifinal match against the top-ranked team in the world, Spain. The Spanish squad is unbeaten in its last 35 matches, and will surely strive to give the U.S. team more headaches than both Brazil and Italy could manage.

“We know the way they can move the ball and keep possession,” Bob Bradley told the Associated Press, referring to the exhibition loss Spain handed the U.S. last year. “We played a good first half but they wore us down in the second half and it didn’t feel too good.”

Even if the United States gets beaten by Spain, they should still be proud of their accomplishments. If they somehow manage to stun Spain and keep the dream alive, the underdog will continue to make Americans proud.

Our Take

The United States soccer team has exceeded expectation already in the Confederations Cup standings, keeping hope alive for another potentially victory against the top-ranked team in the world. Spain will be sure not to take the U.S. team lightly, while the U.S. will be playing with house money. There is nothing to lose but a lot to gain. Collegenews.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-20T23:30:00.001-07:00

Italy needs victory against Brazil in Confed Cup

Struggling Italy meets an upbeat Brazilian team Sunday in a decisive Group B match that could send the loser home from the Confederations Cup.

Italy needs a victory by two goals to secure a spot in the semifinals without depending on the match between the United States and Egypt, while a draw will be enough for the Brazilians.

Italy is coming off a disappointing 1-0 loss to Egypt. Brazil appears to be hitting its stride after a dominating 3-0 win over the United States.

The match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria is one of the most anticipated in the eight-team competition in South Africa, pitting two title favorites against each other. European champion Spain is the other top contender in the tournament, which is being used as a World Cup warmup.

"It's a world classic and every player likes to be part of a match like this," Brazil striker Robinho said. "We respect the quality of the Italian players, but we are motivated to win."

The Brazilians wouldn't mind sending their rivals home earlier than expected.

"It would be good if we can eliminate Italy now," Kaka said. "They didn't have a good start in the 2006 World Cup either but ended winning the competition. You can't underestimate them."

Brazil has six points, three more than Italy and Egypt. The United States has yet to earn a point and is virtually eliminated.

Italy has left itself with a difficult task considering that it hasn't beaten Brazil since the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Brazil won two matches and drew another two since then.

Italy can advance with a draw if Egypt fails to beat the Americans in Rustenburg, but the Italians remain confident they can overcome the Brazilians.

"Brazil is certainly in better form in terms of skill and ball control, but I think we're in better form physically right now, and when two teams like that meet I always pick the one in better physical form," Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said.

The Italians have been downplaying the importance of the Confederations Cup and blaming injuries for the team's disappointing performances, and the match against Brazil is seen as another test ahead of next year's World Cup.

"The most important thing to me is that we at least show we're capable of playing with these big teams," Buffon said. "Whether we win, draw or lose, or advance or not, is less important. Now if we lose by a large margin, that would mean we're very far behind schedule, but I don't think that will happen."

Before losing to Egypt, Italy had to erase a 1-0 deficit in a 3-1 win against a 10-man U.S. team in its opener. The loss prompted the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper to call the Italian players "mummies."

"I didn't think it took much fantasy to come up with that," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said Saturday. "But watch out, mummies sometimes shed their bandages."

Brazil enters the match boosted by a solid performance against the United States, when it improved defensively and offensively from the sloppy 4-3 opening victory over Egypt.

"We are getting better within the competition," Robinho said. "We should be improving against Italy and continue to improve until the final, playing better in each match."

Defending champion Brazil will be eliminated only if its loses to Italy by two goals and Egypt beats the United States by at least three goals.

Brazil coach Dunga made four changes for the match against the United States to rest the regular starers and give opportunities to some of the reserves, and said he is likely to make more substitutions against Italy.

Lippi also is likely to alter his lineup, mostly on defense and at midfield. Captain Fabio Cannavaro, who decided to stay in South Africa despite the death of his grandfather, could match Paolo Maldini's record of 126 national team appearances.

It will be the first match between the rivals since a 2-0 win for Brazil in a friendly in London in February. The team's have never faced each other in the Confederations Cup.

Sunday's match will take place on the same date as the 1970 World Cup final in which the Brazilians -- led by Pele -- came out victorious 4-1. Brazil also defeated Italy in a penalty shootout in the 1994 World Cup final. Associated Press

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

Egypt hail greatest night after win over Italy

Egypt's coach Hassan Shehata and his players hailed Thursday's win over Italy in the Confederations Cup as a proud achievement and have set their sights on the tournament's semi-finals.

"This is a great result," Shehata told Reuters after an emotional night for the Egyptians, whose 1-0 victory over the world champions is their best ever result.

"We had a good game against Brazil technically but the result did not go our way. But this gives us great hope for the semi-finals," he added.

"It was a great feeling, a fantastic victory and we are very proud," said striker Mohamed Zidan, who went off with a hamstring injury and said he was unsure of playing in the final Group B match against the United States on Sunday.

"We have realised that we have to stand up together to show some good performances," added Zidan, who scored twice against Brazil in the 4-3 loss in the opening group game on Monday.

Defender Wael Gomaa said it was a thrill to beat a team of Italy's quality after a first-half goal by Mohamed Hommos.

"They were very strong with top players from Serie A and we are really happy about the victory. We know we will need to work hard to beat the U.S. and qualify for the next phase."

Gomaa, a long-standing member of Egypt's African Nations Cup-winning teams, added it had been a memorable night for his country.

Egypt had lost all four previous encounters with Italy, who had never before been beaten by African opponents in 14 previous matches.

Winger Ahmed Fathi, who had a brief spell at English club Sheffield United, said of the Italians:
"They are a big team but all our players gave a lot of effort on the pitch. The Americans will be difficult but we have to win it to go through."

All four sides in Group B can still reach the last four.

Brazil are top with six points, followed by Italy and Egypt on three each. The U.S. have lost their two matches but could still go through if Brazil beat Italy in Pretoria on Sunday and the Americans win handsomely against the African champions. Guardian.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Spain secures semifinal spot

Spain became the first team to lock up a spot in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday as they downed Iraq, 1-0 on a goal from David Villa in the 54th minute.

Iraq was very well organized in defense and did well to hold out for as long as they did against the European champions, but after a few missed opportunities, Villa finally cashed in on a cross from Joan Capdevila.

The win leaves Spain two points clear of second-placed South Africa in Group A after the hosts beat New Zealand, 2-0 on Wednesday in their second match.

The top two teams will play their final match of the group stage on Saturday with South Africa needing a draw to advance, while Iraq needs a big result against New Zealand and a South Africa loss.

Iraq's defense held out for a 0-0 draw against South Africa in the opening match, and they were able to keep the high-powered Spain attack off the scoreboard in the first half despite a few decent chances.

Sergio Ramos delivered a good cross from the right wing in the 25th minute to Villa at the back post, but he fired his open volley off the outside of the net from eight yards.

Five minutes later, Spain came close again as Santi Cazorla found space 30 yards from goal and sent a shot skipping just wide of the right post.

Villa could have given his side the lead in the 52nd minute, but he shot the ball straight at goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid from six yards, but he atoned for his earlier misses three minutes later.

Capdevila took the ball on the left wing and floated a cross to the front of goal for Villa, who turned a header inside the right corner from eight yards.

Kassid's goal came under pressure in the 79th minute as the keeper made a save on Mata at close range, while Ramos nearly found the net in the 87th with a well-struck volley that sailed over the crossbar.

Iraq had a chance to equalize late in the match, but Nashat Akram drove a shot wide of the left post with two minutes to play, extending Spain's unbeaten streak to 34 matches, which is just one short of Brazil's record of 35 set from 1993-96. Sportsnetwork.com

Brazil and Italy set to join Spain in semi-finals

Brazil and Italy will join Spain in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup if they both maintain their 100 percent records in Group B on Thursday.

Although both made shaky starts in their opening matches on Monday, Brazil should beat the United States and Italy should overcome Egypt which would give them both six points and mean they cannot be caught at the top of the group.

World champions Italy meet African champions Egypt at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (1830GMT) while Brazil, the South American champions, meet the CONCACAF champions United States at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in the day's first match (1400).

Brazil needed a last-minute penalty to overcome Egypt 4-3 in a thriller in Bloemfontein on Monday, a narrow escape their coach Dunga blamed on fatigue.

Italy, who had to overcome a halftime deficit before they beat the Americans 3-1 in Pretoria on Monday, could have Fabio Cannavaro back in the side after injury following his return to fulltime training.

Although the 2006 World Cup winners dominated the second half against the U.S., Italy coach Marcello Lippi highlighted several concerns as he looked ahead to the match against Egypt.

"I was surprised by the tension in our game early on but we finally managed to get the ball moving, though the ball possession was not as much as I would have liked," he told reporters.

Spain secured their place in the last four on Wednesday after they beat Iraq 1-0 in Bloemfontein. South Africa beat New Zealand 2-0 in the day's other Group A match. Guardian.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-15T02:12:00.000-07:00

Italy and Brazil begin countdowns to World Cup

World champions Italy could be severely depleted in defence when they kick off their Confederations Cup campaign against the United States on Monday.

Certain to be without World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, the Italians also have a doubt over his natural replacement Nicola Legrottaglie (muscle strain) and may have to play understudies Alessandro Gamberini and Georgio Chiellini in defence at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria (1830 GMT).

Italy narrowly beat New Zealand 4-3 in a friendly in Pretoria on Wednesday and face a U.S. side who have said they have no chance of winning the tournament, but are here to gain experience of South African conditions for next year's World Cup finals, which they expect to qualify for.

Confederations Cup holders Brazil, who are also the South American champions, get the day's action in Group B underway when they play Egypt in Bloemfontein (kickoff 1400 GMT).

Brazil won this event with a superb 4-1 victory over Argentina in Germany four years ago and come to South Africa in good form.

They have beaten Uruguay and Paraguay in World Cup qualifiers this month while African champions Egypt are struggling to qualify from their final group, losing 3-1 in their last match to Algeria on June 7.

In Sunday's opening match, hosts South Africa drew 0-0 with Asian champions Iraq at Ellis Park in Johannesburg while European champions Spain crushed Oceania champions New Zealand 5-0 in Rustenburg. guardian.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

Del Bosque warns Spain in prime condition

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque warned on Saturday his team was in prime condition despite a gruelling season and were pumped up to win the Confederations Cup.

The European champions are on a phenomenal 32-match unbeaten streak and open their tournament in this mining town on Sunday against New Zealand.

Del Bosque, the former Real Madrid coach, said he had already picked his starting 11 but was not prepared to reveal names.

"I have my 11 players for Sunday but fortunately I have a squad of 23 and they are all the best and can perform well," he said in his pre-match press conference, adding that there were no injury worries.

"We have had a very intense season but I believe that physically and mentally the team is fine and the team will start in the best of condition."

Captain Iker Casillas, who will win his 93rd cap on Sunday, echoed his coach's confident tone.

"I believe we are one of the favourites, we have been working together now for two years as a team," said the Real Madrid goalkeeper.

"We've had a long season but we are full of optimism. The feeling is that there's a confidence in the team now.

"We are getting further in competitions, Historically, Spain has suffered at the hands of big national teams, but now it is our turn to improve and reach the finals of the big competitions."

Spain, who have not lost since November 2006, should have little problem dispatching New Zealand but Del Bosque is too experienced to be complacent, warning that no team should be underestimated.

He pointed to New Zealand scoring three goals against world champions Italy in a warm-up match last week that they eventually lost 4-3.

"I saw the game against Italy and we saw what New Zealand are really all about," he said.

"They are an organised team, very good at set-plays, and if you don't respect the opposing team you could slip up."

Despite his caution, Spain are undeniably favourites, not just to beat New Zealand, but to win the Confederations Cup despite the presence of Italy and five-time world champions Brazil.

With the exception of Andres Iniesta, who has pulled out injured, Del Bosque has at his disposal a glittering array of talent headed by Fernando Torres, the Liverpool striker, and his partner up front David Villa of Valencia.

In midfield are the likes of Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Barcelona's Xavi, while the commanding presence of Casillas will keep goal.

While the coach was happy to run with the favourites tag, he said the standard of the teams here was exceptional and any of them could win.

"There are champions from other competitions here as well. There's a lot of good teams," said Del Bosque.

"We've seen Brazil play, we know all about Italy, and even Egypt could win this."

Casillas added that it was a proud moment to be seen as favourites in a tournament that also features Brazil.

"We feel proud but it doesn't mean we are over-confident," he said.

"We will just play our football, that's what brought us here and hopefully we will win this competition."
AFP

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid Complete Record Move for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo Finally Moving to Madrid

Spanish giants Real Madrid agreed on a €94 million/$131 million deal with Manchester United for the highly lauded Cristiano Ronaldo. Madrid have been following Ronaldo for the last two years, but have had past offers rejected by Manchester United. Ronaldo's move to Madrid trumps the highest transfer fee ever by over €20 million. Before Ronaldo's transfer, the highest transfer fee ever paid was €75 million for Zinedine Zidane by Real Madrid in 2001. The transfer of Ronaldo comes a mere two days after Real Madrid signed Brazilian playermaker Kaká, who cost the club €65 million, now the third highest transfer fee ever. Real Madrid hold the record for the top 3 transfer fees ever paid, with Cristiano Ronaldo topping the list.

Ronaldo joins a Madrid team in the middle of a rebuilding process. After witnessing bitter rivals FC Barcelona win the treble consisting of the domestic league, domestic cup, and continental cup, newly elected president Florentino Perez called for a swift change. This is Perez's second stint as president, who during his first stay at Madrid from 2000 to 2006, started the "Galaticos" movement. His aim was to sign a big name player ever season. However, Perez has decided to speed up the process, already purchasing two "Galaticos" just days after the transfer window opened. Perez has also noted that he isn't done with transfers just yet, and will be looking to bring in more players to help strengthen Madrid and their bid for La Liga and the Champions League.

Real Madrid and Manchester United are expected to complete the move before the end of the month. Cristiano Ronaldo must agree to terms with Madrid and he must complete a physical before becoming an outright "Galatico". He will join the likes of Kaká, Guti, and Rafael van der Vaart in the Madrid midfield. AssociatedContent.com

15 More Superstars Who Could Move This Summer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter)

Possible Destination: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United

The Super Swede, who was top scorer in Italy last season, has gone public with his desire to leave Serie A and try out a new experience abroad. Ibrahimovic is desperate to win the Champions League, and some sections of the press believe that a deal has already been done for him to join Barcelona, although Real Madrid and Man Utd are also in the reckoning.

Douglas Maicon (Inter)

Possible Destination: Real Madrid

Maicon and his agent have both told the press this week that they are unhappy about the Brazilian being under-appreciated by the Nerazzurri. Real Madrid are known admirers of the star, who is arguably the best right-back in the world, and there has been much talk of a €40 million bid, possibly including Wesley Sneijder. With Inter already possessing a ready-made replacement in wonderkid Davide Santon, this transfer is not impossible.

David Trezeguet (Juventus)

Possible Destination: Roma, Milan, Napoli, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Lyon, Marseille

After almost a decade in Turin, it seems that the prolific Frenchman’s relationship with Juventus has broken down. No longer guaranteed a starting place, due to the presence of Amauri, Trezeguet will not play second fiddle, and a summer exit seems likely, despite comments to the contrary today by the 31-year-old’s agent.

Andrea Pirlo (Milan)

Possible Destination: Chelsea

Often described as the best deep-lying playmaker in the world, Pirlo has been in indifferent form over the past two seasons, and there are murmurings that new Milan coach Leonardo may not fancy him. The departed Carlo Ancelotti is said to want Pirlo at his new club Chelsea, and the player himself refused to rule out the move earlier this week. Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani has declared that Pirlo will stay at Milan 99.9 per cent, but he also said that about Kaka and Andriy Shevchenko.

Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona)

Possible Destination: Inter, Manchester City, Chelsea, Milan

Eto’o had a stunning season in 2008-09, but it is very likely he will depart this summer. Barcelona attempted to offload the Cameroonian last year, and they will do the same this time around. All the talk is of a swap deal involving Inter’s Ibrahimovic, and all that is reportedly preventing the transfer from become official is the signature of Eto’o. Manchester City are also interested, and to a lesser extent Chelsea and Milan.

David Villa (Valencia)

Possible Destination: Real Madrid

The Spanish media are certain that, following the signings of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, David Villa will then become the next member of the Real Madrid Galacticos. With Valencia in desperate financial trouble, star man Villa will have to be sold, and the striker has made it clear that he only wants to join Real Madrid.

David Silva (Valencia)

Possible Destination: Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus, Inter

Despite Valencia president Manuel Llorente’s declaration that Silva was not for sale, the Spanish press believe that the Euro 2008 star will also be sold in order to balance the books. The attacking midfielder has been most heavily linked with Real Madrid and Liverpool, but Chelsea, Juventus and Inter may also be in with a shout.

Arjen Robben (Real Madrid)

Possible Destination: Milan, Inter, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City

The main casualties of Florentino Perez’s Galacticos spending spree are likely to be Real Madrid’s Dutch contingent, with Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Royston Drenthe and Robben all set to be sold. A fit Robben is one of the best players in the world, and there will be no shortage of clubs ready to take a chance on him.

Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)

Possible Destination: Inter, Chelsea

After a stunning 2007-08 season, Aguero toiled for periods last term. Nevertheless the Argentine is one of the best young forwards in the world, and it is only a matter of time until he leaves Atletico for one of Europe’s real giants. For a long time, Inter were the favourites to snap him up, but Chelsea are now ahead in the queue, and are rumoured to have tabled a bid in excess of €50m.

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)

Possible Destination: Real Madrid

Despite being the best player in the Premier League last season, Xabi Alonso and Rafa Benitez simply do not get on and, having tried to offload the midfielder in the summer of 2008, the Liverpool gaffer is unlikely to fail this time around. Real Madrid are well-known admirers, and the Spanish media expects Alonso to sign for the Blancos within the next few weeks.

Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal)

Possible Destination: Milan, Man City

After very nearly leaving the club in the summer of 2008, Adebayor played almost the whole of the 2008-09 season as if he wished he had departed. The former Monaco man has compared Milan to American signer/actress Beyonce, although in recent weeks the Rossoneri seem to have directed their attention to Edin Dzeko. Nevertheless, with Wolfsburg currently refusing to sell, Adebayor is still a very possible purchase. Manchester City are also willing to throw millions at the striker, and following Adebayor’s recent comments that he mainly plays football for money, this transfer cannot be ruled out either.

Gael Clichy (Arsenal)

Possible Destination: Real Madrid, Milan

Despite a disappointing 2008-09 campaign, much like Adebayor, few will doubt the ability and potential of Clichy. Real Madrid are on the lookout for a top-class left back, and Clichy is currently top of their shortlist. Milan are also long-term admirers, and they have money to spend following the sale of Kaka. The presence of former Gunner Mathieu Flamini may also be a tipping point.

Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

Possible Destination: Real Madrid, Barca, Chelsea, Man Utd, Inter, Milan

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s best players, speculation is rife that Ribery wants to quit Bayern. The English press believe that Sir Alex Ferguson wants the Frenchman to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, while the Spanish media are adamant that his next destination will be Real Madrid or Barcelona. The two Milanese clubs are less likely options.

Karim Benzema (Lyon)

It is perhaps more likely at this stage that Benzema will leave Lyon after the 2010 World Cup, but with all the money flying around Europe, a big bid could certainly see the youngster move a year earlier than planned. Benzema could prove to be the replacement of Eto’o at Barca, Ronaldo at United, Ibrahimovic at Inter, or Kaka at Milan. Watch this space.

Possible Destination: Barcelona, Man Utd, Inter, Milan

Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg)

Possible Destination: Milan, Inter, Chelsea, Manchester City

The revelation of European football this calendar year, Dzeko was undoubtedly the best player in the Bundesliga last season, and he looks like a real star of the future. It is no secret that Milan want Dzeko, and that Dzeko wants Milan – a pre-contract is already believed to have been signed. All that is stopping the transfer being completed is Wolfsburg’s refusal to sell. Given player power today, it will be difficult for the Germans to hold off Milan. Inter, Chelsea, and Manchester City are all waiting in the wings should Milan not meet Wolfsburg’s asking price. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-11T04:17:00.000-07:00

Daniel Parejo Backs Cristiano Ronaldo For Success At Real Madrid

Real Madrid starlet Daniel Parejo believes Cristiano Ronaldo can bring the glory days back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Manchester United confirmed through their official website today they have accepted a bid from Madrid for Ronaldo, worth €93 million euros (£80 million).

And Parejo, who spent six months in England last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, is supporting the possible transfer.

“Ronaldo is a fantastic footballer and no doubt he will be a massive addition to our team,” he told Setanta Sports.

“He has proved his talent on many occasions thanks to world-class displays and no doubt he will bring his winning mentality to Madrid.”

With the world record transfer bid accepted by United, the Portugal international is now set to discuss personal terms with los Merengues.

The Red Devils expect the matter to be resolved by Tuesday 30 June. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-09T23:08:00.000-07:00

Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o Jets Across Europe To Ponder Inter, AC Milan Options

Samuel Eto’o excused himself from the Cameroonian national team yesterday to make a quick return to Europe to clarify his future.

According to Sport, the Barcelona hot-shot first made a pit stop in Paris to meet with Inter’s top executives to discuss the club’s sporting objectives under Jose Mourinho, as well as to ascertain exact details about president, Massimo Moratti’s economic viability to take him to the San Siro.

Shortly after, Eto’o returned to Barcelona to meet with his advisor, Josep Maria Mesalles, to keep up to date with the latest contract talks with the club and to find out about in-coming offers from potential suitors.

The paper also believes that AC Milan could join the hunt for ‘Samu’ after officially selling star player, Kaka 24 hours earlier. In fact, it has been reported that the Rossoneri could unveil their plans to sign the 28-year-old in the next few hours.

In any case, Barcelona are expected to set Eto’o’s valuation at €40 million but the Blaugrana outfit are willing to negotiate a player-plus cash option. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-09T00:27:00.000-07:00

OFFICIAL: Kaka Signs For Real Madrid

The Brazilian has completed his long-anticipated move to the Merengues...

Brazilian international Kaka has finally made the switch from AC Milan to Real Madrid.

The Spanish media have been claiming the deal, worth approximately €65 million, had been as good as done for some time, but it has now finally been confirmed by Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Real Madrid's statement read:

"Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, Kaka, is a Real Madrid player after an agreement was reached with AC Milan. The Brazilian footballer has now successfully passed all medical tests. Kaka has signed a contract with Real Madrid for the next six seasons."

Meanwhile, AC Milan's statement read:

"From next season, Kaka will play at Real Madrid. Milan thank Kaka the man and the great champion for his decisive contribution to the many victories over the last six years.

"It will be very difficult to fill the void that Kaka will leave, as he is a shining example of commitment and professionalism. A. C. Milan, on behalf of the Rossoneri managers, players and supporters, send him the most cordial and affectionate wishes for the continuation of his sporting career."

The Move

Los Blancos gave Kaka a medical today, flying a doctor out to meet the former Sao Paulo man while he was on international duty with Brazil.

The deal was made official after the 27-year-old spoke with Milan president Silvio Berlusconi over the telephone, although Milan officials have been reluctantly admitting over the past few days that there was the possibility their player could leave the San Siro.

Kaka joined Milan in 2003, winning the Ballon d'Or during his time with the club and played a starring role in the 2004 Scudetto and 2007 Champions League triumphs.

Newly elected Real Madrid president Florentino Perez promised to bring in big names after taking over, in order to restore the club to it's former glory after their inability to challenge for Europe's top prize in recent seasons. It appears that Kaka was the first name on his list. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Barcelona Reject Andres Iniesta-Zlatan Ibrahimovic Swap Deal With Inter

According to Sport Mediaset, Inter patron Massimo Moratti had proposed to his Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta a swap deal involving Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Spanish international Andres Iniesta, however, the bid has fallen on deaf ears.

The Italian champions had apparently decided to turn to Iniesta after negotiations to exchange ‘Ibra’ with Cameroonian hitman Samuel Eto’o hit a stumbling block.

La Gazzetta dello Sport today reports that Eto’o has demanded a whopping €65 million to agree to the swap deal: a €15m pay-off from Barca and a lucrative five-year contract with Inter worth €10m a year.

It is claimed that the European champions have instead offered the services of holding midfielder Yaya Toure, who is reportedly at odds with the club.

Should Nerazzurri coach Jose Mourinho agree to sign the Ivorian international, Inter would still ask for at least €40m to release Ibrahimovic, who is tied to the club until 2013 and is valued at around €70m. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-07T03:31:00.000-07:00

Sluggish Argentina Sneak Past Colombia

Argentina knew that their fans demanded a comprehensive victory after suffering a 6-1 mauling to Bolivia in their previous World Cup qualifier in April, but Los Albicelestes struggled to get into the game and were outplayed by the visitors for moments during the encounter at the Monumental stadium.

Diego Maradona's side tried to play the ball around in the midfield, but with little luck, as the Colombians closed them down time and time again.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi couldn't find his form, and this greatly affected the production of the side, as they rarely threatened the Colombia goal and couldn't manufacture a single goal scoring opportunity.

Colombia, on the other hand, looked dangerous when moving forward and could have gone ahead with a long-range drive from Vladimir Marin and then another clear-cut effort from Wason Renteria.

Boca Juniors midfielder Fabian Vargas pulled the strings in the Colombia midfield and he also intercepted a number of important balls.

As the half progressed Argentina came more into the game, and this was because of Juan Sebastian Veron's influence. The Estudiantes de La Plata captain controlled the midfield and always pushed his side forward, providing the attackers with good balls.

However, in the 36th minute Colombia almost broke the deadlock when a powerful Radamel Falcao Garcia effort was blocked by Mariano Andujar.

Five minutes before the break Diego Maradona replaced the highly ineffective Sergio Aguero with Diego Milito. The Atletico Madrid attacker seemed to have a slight injury.

Minutes before the break, Messi could have been sent-off when he flung an arm into the face of Marin after receiving some harsh treatment.

In the second period Argentina livened up a touch, but they continued to lack imagination when moving forward.

Seven minutes in Argentina almost went ahead when a long-range Messi free-kick struck the crossbar.

In the 55th minute Daniel Diaz put Argentina ahead when he volleyed home a Veron corner kick.

The goal seemed to motivate the two-time World Champions, and Messi in particular, who breezed through the Colombians with speed and determination.

Minutes later a powerful Javier Mascherano drive from an acute angle was kept out by David Ospina. Mascherano was having a good game in the centre of the Argentina midfield.

Towards the end of the game Colombia pressed in an aim to draw level and they came closest to doing this with a Camilo Zuniga thunderbolt that was saved by Andujar.

By no means did Argentina impress but they claimed three valuable points that move them closer towards South Africa.

Team Line-ups

Argentina: Mariano Andujar, Gabriel Heinze, Daniel Diaz, Martin Demichelis, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Gago (Javier Zanetti 45'), Jonas Gutierrez, Juan Sebastian Veron, Sergio Aguero (Diego Milito 40'), Carlos Tevez (Nicolas Burdisso 83') and Lionel Messi

Colombia: David Ospina, Mario Yepes, Luis Perea, Pablo Armero (Carlos Quintero 81'), Cristian Zapata, Fabian Vargas, Vladimir Marin (Gustavo Ramos 65'), Camilo Zuniga, Fredy Guarin, Radamel Falcao Garcia (Hugo Rodallega 72') and Wason Renteria

Goal: Daniel Diaz (55')

Yellow Cards: Javier Mascherano (11'), Luis Perea (23'), Vladimir Marin (41'), Martin Demichelis (61') Pablo Armero (71') and Fabian Vargas (78')

Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-05T22:33:00.000-07:00

The Netherlands seeking to clinch place at 2010 World Cup finals

The Netherlands can become the first European side to clinch a place at the 2010 World Cup on Saturday.

While England and Denmark are among the other teams able to move closer to a spot in South Africa, the Dutch can get there with two games remaining with victory at Iceland.

The Netherlands has almost a full-strength side for the game in Reykjavik, one of 14 qualifiers in Europe on Saturday.

Only midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Ibrahim Afellay are missing for the Group 9 leaders, who have won all five of their qualifiers and are eight points clear of second-place Scotland.

"We want to grab this first chance," captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst said. "We've never been able to qualify so quickly for a tournament.

"Now we have to make sure we take the chance immediately. It's been a long season, but we all want to qualify for the World Cup, so we must beat Iceland."

The Netherlands beat Iceland 2-0 in Rotterdam last year through goals by Joris Mathijsen and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Dutch host Norway four days after the Iceland match in the next round of qualifying and that game could now be a celebration.

Group 6 leader England also has maximum points ahead of its next two qualifiers but may still have to wait even if it wins at Kazakhstan on Saturday and then against visiting Andorra on Wednesday.

"We want the job done as soon as possible," England midfielder Steven Gerrard said. "With all due respect to Kazakhstan and Andorra, these are games we should win, so we need to approach them with the right attitude.

"If we win these two games, we will be three points away from qualification with three games to play and that puts us basically in the driving seat."

England is without injured players David James, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Shaun Wright-Phillips but should still stretch its five-point lead over second-place Croatia.

Croatia hosts Ukraine on Saturday but is idle Wednesday.

Croatia will be relying on Mladen Petric for goals because striker Eduardo da Silva is out injured.

"It would be stupid to say that we're the same team with or without Eduardo," said captain Darijo Drna, who plays in Ukraine for UEFA Cup winner Shakhtar Donetsk. "They can surprise anyone. But we can't ignore the fact that we're a better team."

Group 1 co-leader Denmark can almost end the qualification chances of Sweden and take greater control of its own fate if it beats its Scandinavian rival in the teams' 100th meeting.

Sweden could wind up 10 points behind Denmark with five games to play if it loses.

Denmark has refreshed its experienced squad with newcomers, Kristian Bak Nielsen, Simon Kjaer and Jakob Poulsen, while coach Morten Olsen also picked Jesper Groenkjaer after an 18-month absence from the national squad because of injury.

But Groenkjaer and Liverpool defender Daniel Agger pulled out of training Wednesday. Groenkjaer has a sore knee and Agger a back problem which could mean he won't play on Saturday, according to team doctor Soren Kaalund.

Like Sweden, Portugal must win on Saturday to stay in contention in Group 1.

Portugal must snap a four-game winless streak in qualifying at Albania after taking six points from five games - seven fewer than Denmark and Hungary.

"This game is not about Albania; it's about Portugal, about us playing the good football we know we can play," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said. "We have to make that happen."

Albania coach Josip Kuze, who replaced Ari Haan last month, said he'd be happy with a draw and anticipated head-on attack from Portugal.

"They'll be twice as motivated as us," said Kuze, who will make his debut against the Portuguese. "I know that Portugal will press hard from the start, attacking and doing everything they can for a good result."

Slovakia will probably take top spot in Group 3 when it hosts last-place San Marino, with current leader Northern Ireland in friendly action at World Cup holder Italy.

The home team could face a hostile crowd in Pisa because local fans are upset over their club's relegation to the third division.

They have announced that they do not want Italy to play in their town in such a difficult moment.

"I understand the disappointment of the Pisan fans. But we have an agreement and the national team will play in Pisa," coach Marcello Lippi said. "I hope that good sense prevails at the stadium."

Lippi has called up an experimental squad for the friendly.

Italy's friendly could give Ireland the chance to go top in Group 8 when it plays at Bulgaria.

Ireland captain Robbie Keane and goalkeeper Shay Given missed training early in the week but should be fit, but Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson has been ruled out because of a groin injury. Canadian Press

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

Kaka Refuses To Speak About Real Madrid

The Brazilian ace is not answering any questions about his reported move to the Santiago Bernabeu...

Milan superstar Kaka has refused to answer questions over his future after being quizzed by a SKY Italia journalist during a Brazilian training session this afternoon.

The 27-year-old, who is preparing for a World Cup-qualifying double-header against Uruguay and Paraguay, was on his way back to the dressing room with Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar when he was hounded by a reporter who repeatedly asked him questions about whether he would be joining Real Madrid.

Kaka refused to answer the questions, and this silence will no doubt lead to more intense speculation over his future.

The Spanish and Italian media are in no doubt that a deal has already been done for Kaka to join Madrid, but Milan president Silvio Berlusconi stated earlier this evening that the outcome would not be revealed until Monday.

Chelsea now appear to be out of the running for the star after they issued a statement refuting the earlier reports that they had returned to Milan a second record-breaking bid of £73.5 million. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid complete deal for £56m Kaka?

The future of Brazilian midfielder Kaka was shrouded in mystery on Tuesday night after Spanish radio station Cadena Ser reported he had joined Real Madrid for £56m - only for the player's spokesman and AC Milan to both deny any deal had been agreed.

Real are set to go on a spending spree following the return of Florentino Perez as the club's president. Despite Kaka not wishing to leave AC Milan it is believed the offer was too good to turn down and, unlike with Manchester City in January, it seems unlikely the player will reject the move.

The fee would represent a new world record, surpassing the £46m Real paid to Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001. It would also mean Real hold the three highest fees paid, with the £37m for Luis Figo from Barcelona in 2000 completing the set.

The radio station reported a fee of €65million (£56million) which had been confirmed by Kaka's father and agent, Bosco Leite.

But in a statement released on the club's official website, Milan insisted Galliani had only travelled to Madrid to attend a dinner for Perez.

The statement read: "The general manager of the Rosseneri, Adriano Galliani, is in the city of Madrid exclusively for the investiture dinner of Florentino Perez, the new president of Real Madrid.''

And Kaka's spokeman, Diogo Kotscho, said on Tuesday evening: "Kaka will listen to Real and decide whether or not to make the transfer.

"What I can say for certain is that the Spaniards and Milan have not reached any agreement."

Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi said it would be difficult to keep hold of their star man: "I don't know if we will be able to keep Kaka at Milan because they offer him so much money."

Kaka has repeatedly said he does not want to play his football away from the San Siro. "I'll say it for the last time. The last time. I don't want to leave Milan,'' he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In this period I prefer to remain silent because I don't want to be misunderstood. Or, worse still, to be used.

"To the millions of Milan supporters, I say that I have made my choice. I have said what I want to stay. Leave me in peace, please.''

AC Milan are set for a major rebuilding exercise following the departure of long-term boss Carlo Ancelotti and the appointment of Leonardo. Milan know they need funds for their new coach to play with and cashing in on the 27-year-old attacking midfielder is seen as one way of providing that.

It also seems to bring to an end speculation that Kaka will be reunited with Ancelotti at Chelsea.

But it will not end the rumours over Cristiano Ronaldo after Perez lavished praise on the player earlier on Tuesday. It is believed that Perez sees Kaka and Ronaldo as the two perfect signings for his new tenure at the Bernabeu. ESPN

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-06-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti: Chelsea's new manager

Italian football manager Carlo Ancelotti has gone from Milan to London in less than a day.

Just 24 hours after resigning from his highly-successful eight-year stint at Italy's AC Milan, he has been announced as the new manager of English Premier League club Chelsea -- replacing temporary manager Guus Hiddink.

Chelsea, who won the FA Cup at the weekend, were looking for a permanent manager for the start of next season -- and Ancelotti has been signed on a three-year deal to the west-London club.

A statement on Chelsea's web site read: "Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job. He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for, and have been successful in, major domestic and European competitions."

Ancelotti, who turns 50 next week, has been in management since 1995, when he took charge of Italian Serie B club Reggiana. Although he only spent one season at Reggiana, he managed to earn them promotion to the top-flight Serie A league. Since then he has managed Parma and Juventus, before taking on the San Siro-based giants AC Milan.

As a manager he has enjoyed plenty of success, particularly in his time at the Rossoneri. He steered Milan to the Coppa Italia in 2003, the Serie A title in 2003--04, the UEFA Champions League in both 2002--03 and 2006--07, the UEFA Super Cup in 2003 and 2007 and the FIFA Club World Cup crown in 2007.

Before entering management, Ancelotti had a significant playing career as a midfielder with AS Roma and AC Milan. During his time at both clubs he amassed three Serie A titles, two European Cups, and he also won the Coppa Italia four times with Roma.

He is one of only six people to ever win the Champions League as both a player and manager -- a list which includes current Barcelona manager and this year's winner, Josep Guardiola.

Ancelotti also represented Italy on 26 occasions, scoring once. He played in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups alongside players such as Roberto Mancini and the recently-retired Paolo Maldini.

Despite his management success at AC Milan, it has been widely reported that his relationship with the club's owner, Silvio Berlusconi, has not been strong in 2009.

He takes over at Chelsea as the permanent replacement for Luiz Felipe Scolari, although Guus Hiddink has been in charge since Scolari was sacked from Stamford Bridge in February. CNN.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

Forlan wins second European Golden Shoe award

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has won the European Golden Shoe for the continent's leading marksman for a second time, the club said on Sunday.

Salzburg forward Marc Janko failed to find the net in the Austrian team's 4-1 home defeat by Altach on Sunday, so Forlan's 32 Primera Liga goals will secure him the prestigious award.

Uruguayan Forlan, who has just turned 30, won the Golden Shoe jointly with Thierry Henry in 2004-05 after netting 25 goals for Primera Liga club Villarreal.

Atletico secured a Champions League qualifying spot for next season with a 3-0 home win over Almeria on Saturday and Forlan scored the third, his 12th goal in eight matches. Guardian.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Chelsea beats Everton 2-1 in FA Cup final

Chelsea recovered after conceding the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, beating Everton 2-1 on Saturday to win the trophy a fifth time.

Louis Saha put Everton ahead after 25 seconds at Wembley, but Didier Drogba answered in the 21st minute and Frank Lampard delivered the winner with 18 minutes left when American goalkeeper Tim Howard's view was blocked by players in front of him.

Chelsea won its first trophy in two years and gave manager Guus Hiddink the perfect farewell before he resumes his job as coach of the Russian national team.

"We were very tough and the team has showed after a setback they react always, which is what I like," Hiddink said. "It was one of the biggest, a big achievement: winning in the Mecca of world football. The FA Cup is something you cannot believe."

The record goal came after a header by Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel wasn't cleared and Marouane Fellaini headed to Saha just inside the penalty area. The France striker turned and smashed a shot past goalkeeper Petr Cech.

He beat the previous quickest goal in a Wembley final by 18 seconds and was five seconds quicker than the winner Bob Chatt scored for Aston Villa in the 1895 FA Cup final, which was played at Crystal Palace in south London.

The goal gave Everton hope of a first trophy since the 1995 FA Cup. But Florent Malouda collected Lampard's looping pass out of a crowd and sent in a curling cross that Drogba headed into the back of the net.

It was Drogba's second FA Cup final — he scored the extra-time winner in Chelsea's 2007 victory over Manchester United. Associated Press

Fiorentina and AC Milan do battle for an automatic Champions League spot

This final day encounter has much more riding on it than could have been expected as one club will secure an automatic Champions League group stage position while the other will have the hassle of playing in the qualifying round of the premier competition in Europe.

Fiorentina, currently in fourth, kept her chances alive with a late equalizer against Lecce last week to take advantage of rivals Milan’s defeat to Roma at the San Siro. The Viola need two win with a two-goal advantage if they are to overtake Milan in the table and make it to third place on the final week of the league season.

(Juventus are also in the mix on the final day of the Serie A season, they are in third place currently, level on points with AC Milan and play Lazio at home.”The Old Lady” have a goal difference of 37 compared to 35 for Milan and 36 for Fiorentina.

Fiorentina has done well in the absence of star striker Adrian Mutu and will probably keep on playing Cesare Prandelli's 4-2-3-1 formation with Donadel and Montolivo in the middle of the pitch, behind the attacking trio in midfield.

Juan Vargas who is usually a left back will start again on the left flank of the attacking midfield after impressing in this position recently, Steven Jovetic will continue playing instead of the sidelined Mutu. Mario Santana and Emiliano Bonazzoli are also sidelined. Felipe Melo and Dario Dainelli miss the final game due to suspension.

The Artemio Franchi stadium will be packed as Fiorentina fans are preparing a "warm" welcome to Milan, trying to push their players as much as they can as this is a season defining match for both clubs.

This is both a massive and historical match for Milan as it is also the last match of the stellar career of legendary captain Paolo Maldini. It will also probably be the last match in charge of the Rossoneri for tactician Carlo Ancelotti as coach, and as a result the end of an era at the Milan giants.

Ancelotti knows that his team holds a decent advantage going into the game but Fiorentina are strong at home. Milan will play the 4-3-1-2 formation Ancelotti has returned to lately with mega star Kaka playing in front of a central midfield trio and behind two strikers Inzaghi and Pato.

Kaladze, Nesta and Bonera are still sidelined so veteran Favalli will keep playing at center back alongside Maldini, and in midfield Milan will miss the suspended Massimo Ambrosini and Mathieu Flamini will take his place.

It is a crucial match for Milan who will affect the preparation of their next manager with a two-goal defeat. Ancelotti will be eager for the win before he moves to Chelsea and the Milan players have already stated their intention to win for Maldini so he will have a fine farewell from the game and a last match to remember.

Expected lineups:

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Comotto, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Pasqual; Montolivo, Kuzmanovic, Semioli, Jovetic, Vargas; Gilardino

Milan (probable): Dida; Zambrotta, Favalli, Maldini, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Flamini; Kaka, Inzaghi, Pato. imscouting.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Chelsea beaten in race for £40 million Franck Ribery

Chelsea fear that they have missed out on Carlo Ancelotti’s first-choice transfer target this summer, with Franck Ribéry set to join Real Madrid for more than £40 million.

Ancelotti, who is expected to be confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager next week, disclosed in his autobiography this week that he had pinpointed the Bayern Munich forward as an ideal player for the London club as long as a year ago, when he first held discussions with Roman Abramovich about working at Stamford Bridge.

Signing the France international was a priority for Ancelotti, whose fate at his present club, AC Milan, will be decided after the final Serie A game of the season this weekend, away to Fiorentina. The Italian believes that Ribéry could bring some of the flair that Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, craves, but Real are bidding highest for the player.

Bayern were originally demanding £50 million for Ribéry, which would break the world record transfer fee of £45.6 million, which Real paid Juventus for Zinédine Zidane in 2001, but the Spanish club are hopeful of concluding the deal for less.

Chelsea are willing to invest this summer to help Ancelotti to reshape the side, but have balked at spending more than £40 million on a player they could have signed for less than half that figure two years ago. Then, the club were offered the option to sign Ribéry when he left Marseilles for Bayern, but instead they chose to move for Florent Malouda, his France team-mate, who has proved a disappointing acquisition.

With Ribéry destined for Madrid, Chelsea have already begun looking elsewhere in an attempt to inject some pace and width into a squad that has often appeared one-dimensional this season. Ashley Young, the Aston Villa winger, has been mentioned in dispatches, but Chelsea fear he will be overpriced and are reluctant to pay more than £20 million for a 23-year-old who has yet to deliver consistently on his undoubted promise. Villa are well placed to drive a hard bargain, as they did last year when they succeeded in keeping Gareth Barry despite an £18 million bid from Liverpool.

A more likely recruit for Chelsea is Yuri Zhirkov, the Russia international, who has been recommended by Guus Hiddink, the interim manager. The CSKA Moscow player is by no means a direct alternative to Ribéry, but he is valued for his versatility and although a competent left back, Chelsea view him as a left winger who will put pressure on the inconsistent Malouda.

In addition to wide players, Chelsea are eager to sign another striker, with Sergio Agüero, of Atlético Madrid, Karim Benzema, of Lyons, and Carlos Tévez top of their shortlist. Much depends on the future of Didier Drogba, which will not be decided until Ancelotti’s appointment is confirmed.

Real’s eagerness to sign Ribéry should put an end to their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo for another season as they are not in a position to spend the best part of £100 million on two wide players, particularly while Arjen Robben remains at the club.

Ronaldo refused to answer any questions on his future after Manchester United’s defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League final on Wednesday, but the indications are that he will remain at Old Trafford for at least another 12 months.

Real could also beat Chelsea to the signature of Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool midfield player, whom Ancelotti has also disclosed he would like to sign as Liverpool look to raise money to fund a renewed bid for Barry. TimesOnline

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-05-28T00:49:00.000-07:00

Brilliant Barcelona outclass Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson feared the side-effects of a trip on Barcelona's "carousel" - and he was doing his suffering in public after Manchester United were left sick and dizzy after the roughest of rides in Rome.

Barcelona's peerless midfield pair of Xavi and Andres Iniesta were the inspiration behind Ferguson's colourful christening of their passing style as he said: "I don't think they have ever given the ball away in their lives".

This extravagant claim appeared based in solid fact as Barcelona ruthlessly stripped Manchester United of their Champions League crown on the banks of the Tiber.

And as Ferguson grimly accepted the truth that Manchester United were dismantled by Barcelona, additional pain came from the knowledge that he knew what was coming and still his Premier League champions were ill-equipped, tactically and technically, to deal with it.

Ferguson's inner frustration surfaced with a needlessly aggressive response to a perfectly reasonable question about his hunger to fight back from this chastening night, but he made no excuses. It would have been folly to do so and he knew it.

Ferguson was critical of his players, labelling defending "shoddy" and admitting some big players would have been disappointed with their showings, but it was a rebuke delivered with an air of resignation as opposed to anger.

No shame in being outclassed by the best team in Europe - the problem for Ferguson was that it was Manchester United on the receiving end as opposed to inflicting it on their manager's behalf.

Picking over this defeat was hurting Ferguson. He was not used to it but on this occasion had to take his medicine. To fight United's corner in the face of such inferiority would have been futile. United were tactically bankrupt long before referee Massimo Busacca's whistle brought the punishment to a close.

Even the defiant, sympathetic applause of Manchester United's fans, who did their best to lift their team in a very dark hour, had a surreal tinge. It was not meant to be like this.

Manchester United were ready to embrace history in the Stadio Olimpico as the first club to defend the Champions League, but by the time Ferguson trooped into his post-match inquest it had left town.

In contrast the youthful Pep Guardiola was applauded in by elated, and highly-partisan, Catalans after a debut season as a coach that has hauled in La Liga, the Spanish Cup and now the Champions League. Perhaps Pep should retire now at the age of 38 - the only way is down surely?

After an opening nine minutes that gave false hope to all with United at heart, Barcelona had the place to themselves. The torture session was started by Samuel Eto'o's opening goal after 10 minutes.

Those of us who felt Barcelona would lack the physical presence to combat United were rather pleased with ourselves until that point. Shots in from Cristiano Ronaldo. Barca a bag of nerves. Exactly as we thought.

Eto'o's goal, courtesy of another moment of Fernando Torres-style frailty from Nemanja Vidic when faced with a world-class striker and poor goalkeeping from Edwin van der Sar, finished United.

It was as if confidence had simply been passed from United to Barcelona like a baton. Ferguson's gameplan fell apart as Ryan Giggs did not so much play in the hole as plunge through it and the deployment of Wayne Rooney on the left almost constituted an act of negligence.

The crumbling of United's edifice, there was an alarming visible decline in performance, gave life to Guardiola's inspirational decision to play Lionel Messi in a central role as opposed to out wide. United could not fathom how to deal with him and the Argentine's brilliant header simply crowned a glorious night for football, if not Ferguson.

It also settled, for now, the argument about who is the world's best player. Messi bestrode this showpiece, putting Ronaldo in the shade. Ronaldo, however, demonstrated as much spirit as anyone in a white shirt last night.

He never stopped running and his petulant late spats with Carles Puyol were borne out of frustration. Messi had help in the shape of Xavi and Iniesta, Ronaldo was a man alone.

Ferguson's own approach will be questioned and there can be no doubt his tactics failed on this occasion.

He went with the energy of Anderson and Ji-Sung Park in midfield, and while it worked against Arsenal it did not stand a chance here. Ferguson praised Park's awareness of space before the game, insisting "he doesn't need the ball." Sadly for the South Korean, this was a night when he had no choice in the matter.

And Rooney's deployment on the left, while it has enjoyed success before, is less successful against a team that denies United decent possession for minutes on end, as Barcelona did here.

It reduced Rooney to a virtual non-presence in the game, stuck helplessly on the fringes. He was eventually moved into the centre, but by then the pattern was set, the game was gone. Barcelona were ticking over and United were not good enough to turn it around.

Rooney's best work is through the middle of the pitch and this is where he should be restored next season.

United's display and defeat must be placed in context. They have won the Premier League for a third successive season and reached a Champions League final for the second year in a row. One defeat does not constitute a crisis - but the sheer scale of Barcelona's superiority will have shocked Ferguson and his players.

This tournament holds a special place in United's history and Ferguson's heart. The hurt will be especially acute on this, the highest stage.

United will regroup, rebuild and call on their reserves of resilience - but Barcelona are the best team in Europe. And, on this compelling evidence, by some distance. BBC Sport

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-05-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

Where the final will be won and lost

Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo

For many, Wednesday's Champions League final is the unofficial showdown to see which player is the best in the world: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? Which man is the world's very best player?

Each man is arguably at the peak of their powers and is undoubtedly their respective team's most creative player and man each will hope can unlock their opponent's defence.

Ronaldo is the current European and FIFA World Player of the Year and much will be expected of the 24-year-old when the game gets underway; the question must be whether he can live up to the pressure of star-billing when the stakes are so high.

With eight goals Ronaldo was the top scorer in last year's competition, but he has not scored in his six matches against Spanish opposition and missed an early penalty at the Nou Camp in last year's semi-final first leg against Barcelona.

By comparison 21-year-old Argentine Messi is this season's leading Champions League goalscorer with eight - twice as many as his Portuguese counterpart - but has never scored against English opposition in the 10 games he has lined up against them.

The statistics show that the Barcelona forward has more assists than Ronaldo this season in the Champions League and with five is only one behind joint leaders Xavi and Franck Ribery. By comparison Ronaldo only has two assists to his name.

However, the stats also show that Manchester United man is the more aggressive and appears to be more involved in threats on goal: Ronaldo has had 53 shots, with 32 on target, while Messi has had 24 with 11 on target. But given that the Barca forward has more goals to his name the stats suggests that he is the more accurate marksman, even if Ronaldo appears to be more of a handful.

The task of silencing football's two most exciting and dangerous players is an unenviable one, which could go a long way towards deciding the outcome of the final. So, who's marking who?

Gerard Pique v Cristiano Ronaldo

If, as expected, United line-up with Park Ji-Sung on the right and Wayne Rooney on the left Ronaldo will be utilised as a lone striker, meaning that Barca centreback Gerard Pique is the most likely candidate to be charged with keeping tabs on the Portuguese.

With injuries and suspension decimating the Barcelona defence Pique has become increasingly important and given that he will be facing the team he used to play for the Spanish 22-year-old will be desperate to impress.

Pique has enough pace to keep up with Ronaldo's lightening speed and has enough composure not to dive in and give away cheap fouls. In the air Pique is strong and commanding and more than capable of dominating, but it is with the ball on the deck that Ronaldo poses the most threat thanks to his vast repertoire of tricks and feints.

Lionel Messi v Patrice Evra

Don't let Messi's two subdued showings in the semi-final against Chelsea fool you, he is the player United will fear most. Marked out of the game by a defensive Chelsea side, Messi is likely to be afforded more time and space against United, but that is not to say Patrice Evra will leave the Argentine to his own devices.

Evra will have to keep his attacking instincts in check if he is to nullify Messi; give the Barca forward too much freedom and Messi can turn the game in an instant with his dynamic movement, vision, tricks and pace.

One of the best left-backs in the game Evra is undaunted by the prospect of facing Messi; as he has himself pointed out he faces Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov in training every week. The Frenchman did a sound job containing the prodigious flair of Theo Walcott in the semi-finals and will be hoping to put in a similar shift at the Stadio Olimpico.

Xavi Hernandez v Michael Carrick

The other key "head to head" area is in central midfield and sees a clash in style between the two creative fulcrums of the United and Barca sides: the tall, athletic Carrick and the diminutive, dynamic Xavi.

With United missing Darren Fletcher through suspension Carrick will be required to shoulder additional responsibility acting as both the defensive shield and creative catalyst.

Carrick is not without his critics, who appear to miss much of the simple but important passes he makes and the vital role he plays in disrupting opposition attacks, but within the United team he is held in high regard. His task on Wednesday will be twofold: to pick the lock of the Barca defence with a pinpoint pass or incisive run while also keeping tabs on his opposite number in the Barcelona ranks.

The heartbeat of the Barca team, Xavi was voted player of the tournament at Euro 2008, and is no less influential for the Camp Nou club. The elegant Catalan mirrors Carrick in that he is as vital to Barcelona in attack as defence.

If Carrick or Xavi manage to dominate their opposite number it could mean the difference between victory and defeat for United in Rome.

Sir Alex Ferguson v Pep Guardiola

The difference in experience between the Barcelona and Manchester United bosses could not be more different: Incredibly Guardiola is at the end of his first season as a coach, Ferguson is at the end of his 35th.

If experience counts for anything Ferguson holds the advantage. He has never lost a European Cup final and will be aiming to join Bob Paisley as only the second man to win the famous trophy three times. If the game comes down to a tactical decision or key substitution it would be a brave man to bet against Ferguson's wisdom holding the key over his vastly inexperienced counterpart.

Having already lead Barca to domestic league and cup glory Guardiola can already reflect on a successful season, but he will not want to end there. Of course, the same is true of Ferguson, who also won the Club World Cup and is just 90 minutes away from a unique quadruple of trophies.

In style and approach both men favour an expansive, high-tempo possession based game - which is why the final has whetted the appetite of neutrals across the world.

If there is a criticism to be made of Barca's approach it could be that they are reluctant to shoot, and appear more interested in creating the perfect move. When it works it is a wonder to behold, when it fails - as it did against Chelsea in the first semi - they can get frustrated.

But both sets of players have great respect for their managers, Ferguson for all that he has achieved and continues to achieve because of his seemingly unquenchable desire for success, and Guardiola for the way he has turned around Barcelona's fortunes in less than a year from La Liga also-rans to a successful, unified squad. ESPN

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-05-26T01:31:00.000-07:00

Barcelona attack at full strength for Champions League final

Barcelona's formidable attack will be at its best with Thierry Henry and Andres Iniesta likely to return for the Champions League final against Manchester United.

Henry and Iniesta were travelling with the team to Rome on Tuesday, a day after taking part in their first full training session since picking up separate leg injuries earlier this month.

The puzzle is coming together for the Spanish champions in time for Wednesday's match between two of the world's best.

"They are two basic footballing pieces in our scheme," Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez said. "We know they're going to play, that they'll be 100 per cent and to have them is a privilege because with them, we're better."

Both players have been key to the offensive juggernaut that has scored 151 goals to collect two trophies this season. A third European Cup would see it become only the fifth team to win the treble.

Iniesta's injury-time goal against a staunch Chelsea side earned the Catalans their sixth trip to the final. The Spain midfielder, recovering from a thigh injury, abandoned his usual reserved nature when it came to deciphering the final.

"United are the defending champions, one of the best, but they don't scare me. I have the same respect for them as they have for us," Iniesta said. "It's a chance to go down in history. I'd accept winning on penalties."

Based on their training methods, that's something Barcelona is not exactly ready for.

"We haven't practised them," Xavi said. "I think to do that is ridiculous because you can't emulate the tension of a game in a training session."

Henry has combined with Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o to score a league record 71 goals by a trio.

But Iniesta provides an integral midfield piece to rookie coach Josep Guardiola's philosophy - attacking, possession football born out of midfielders Xavi and Iniesta.

The two players are straight out of the mold of Guardiola, a former midfielder who orchestrated Barcelona to 10 major titles from that role, including in the Champions League in 1992.

"This is special for us because we played the best football," Xavi said after the club secured its 19th league title. "I have never seen (a team) play at this level, I have never played in a better team. We have individuals but, above all, we've won as a team. I'm proud."

But the absence of several defenders has left Barcelona's defence exposed against a team that knocked it out at the semifinal stage last year.

With full backs Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal suspended and centreback Rafael Marquez injured, midfielder Yaya Toure will likely partner former United player Gerard Pique in the middle as he did against Chelsea and Athletic Bilbao in the cup final. Captain Carles Puyol and 35-year-old Silvinho are likely to fill in on the wings.

With forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov to contend with, goalkeeper Victor Valdes may be called upon to make big saves in pressure moments again.

"What I must value is how Rooney, Tevez, (Paul) Scholes, etc. work," Iniesta said. "Rooney played left back against us. To win a final against United you can't make any mistakes."
Canadian Press

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Newcastle and Middlesbrough relegated in English Premier League

Newcastle and Middlesbrough were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday, while Hull and Sunderland stayed up.

Newcastle lost 1-0 at Aston Villa and Middlesbrough was beaten 2-1 at West Ham to finish in the last three teams on the final day of the league season.

Hull lost 1-0 to newly crowned champion Manchester United and Sunderland went down 3-2 at home to third-place Chelsea.

Last-place West Bromwich Albion was already certain to go down and drew 0-0 at Blackburn.

In Sunday's other games, Arsenal outplayed Stoke 4-1, Liverpool beat Tottenham 3-1, Everton won 2-0 at Fulham, Manchester City edged Bolton 1-0 and Wigan beat Portsmouth 1-0.

The goal that sent Newcastle down for the first time in 20 years came in the 38th minute at Villa Park where a shot from Gareth Barry took a deflection off Magpies midfielder Damien Duff and flew past his own goalkeeper.

"The worst feelings. It's painful, it hurts," said Alan Shearer, the former Newcastle striker who returned to the club to take the manager's job for the last eight games of the season, winning only one. "It's been a great experience for me but we've got no complaints. I can't say we were unlucky in the season. We went down because we weren't good enough over 38 games. Big changes have to be made at the football club.

"We've conceded too many goals, not created enough.... That's been a problem all season."

That own goal took the pressure off Hull, which started the game a point ahead of Newcastle and faced a Man United lineup missing most of its stars because manager Sir Alex Ferguson decided to rest them ahead of Wednesday's Champions League final against Barcelona in Rome.

Darron Gibson scored United's 24th minute winner with a long range strike as United finished the season with 90 points, four more than Liverpool.

Next-to-last Middlesbrough needed a big victory at West Ham but finished with a defeat. Carlton Cole fired the Hammers ahead in the 33rd minute and, although Gary O'Neil equalized in the 50th, Junior Stanislas scored West Ham's winner in the 58th.

Sunderland fell behind to Nicolas Anelka's 47th minute strike only for Kieran Richardson to equalize six minutes later. Goals by Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole put Chelsea in control at the stadium of Light and Kenwyne Jones's 90th minute reply for Sunderland made it 3-2.

When news of the other results came through, celebrations started at both Hull and Sunderland although Ricky Sbragia announced that he had quit as manager. Sunderland finished 16th with 36 points, Hull 35, Newcastle 34 and both Middlesbrough and West Brom had 32.

Robin van Persie scored twice as fourth place Arsenal romped into a 4-1 lead in the first 41 minutes at the Emirates Stadium and Fernando Torres fired the first as Liverpool beat Spurs at Anfield. Robbie Keane netted Tottenham's reply against the side that sold him back to his old club and decided not to celebrate the goal with his teammates.

Leon Osman scored Everton's two at Fulham, Felipe Caicedo fired Man City's winner against neighbour Bolton and Hugo Rodallega's goal was enough for Wigan to beat Portsmouth.
Canadian Press

Totti winner ruins Maldini's San Siro farewell

Paolo Maldini's last match for AC Milan at San Siro ended in a 3-2 loss to AS Roma on Sunday, with the 40-year-old defender's side beaten by Francesco Totti's late free kick.

Maldini, who made his Milan debut as a gangly 16-year-old substitute back in 1985, has won a string of trophies including seven Italian league titles and five European Cups with the club.

But there was no happy ending in front of the home fans as his side twice had to equalize before finally being beaten by Totti's free kick in the 85th minute.

John Arne Riise opened the scoring for Roma just before halftime, but Massimo Ambrosini brought Milan level in the 75th.

Jeremy Menez restored Roma's lead five minutes later, Ambrosini drew Milan level again, but Totti stepped up to score the winner.

Ambrosini, who had kept his side in the game, was then sent off two minutes from time for arguing with referee Andrea De Marco.

Milan's last game of the season takes Maldini and his teammates to Fiorentina next weekend.

Newly-crowned champion Inter Milan lost 3-1 at Cagliari, while Alessandro Del Piero scored twice as Juventus beat Siena 3-0 in new coach Ciro Ferrara's first game in charge of the Turin club.

Inter leads with 81 points, Milan and third-place Juventus both have 71, whilst Fiorentina in fourth has 68 after a 1-1 draw at Lecce.

It was Roma who made the better start at San Siro and Mirko Vucinic set Rodrigo Taddei up early on, but the Brazilian winger's shot was weak and goalkeeper Dida pushed the ball away for a corner.

In Milan's defence, Maldini was relatively comfortable and even joined in the attack on occasions.

But there was nothing he could do to stop Roma opening the lead just before halftime, when fullback Riise blasted in a freekick from the edge of the area.

Clarence Seedorf came on for David Beckham at halftime to sharpen the attack, but it wasn't until the further introductions of Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta that Milan came to life.

Kaka had a shot and a header pushed away, but from his cross Filippo Inzaghi shot, Doni failed to hold the ball and Ambrosini fired home the rebound.

Roma substitute Menez then put the visitors back in the lead, dribbling past Giuseppe Favalli to shoot low past Dida, but a minute later Milan was level again as Ambrosini poked home Kaka's low cross.

Once Totti had scored his freekick, Milan became more and more desperate and it was whilst arguing with the referee for a penalty that hadn't been given that Ambrosini received his second booking.

"It was a one-off match and I'm pleased with the way the team played and applied themselves," Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said. "The important thing is that today the team showed that they can play when they have the right preparation in the week.

"The boys knew they had to concentrate, despite everything else going on around them today. They showed great professionalism."

Juventus comfortably beat Siena to move level on points with Milan.

Del Piero and Claudio Marchisio scored in the first half and Del Piero added his second from a free kick to give Ferrara winning start after being appointed coach on Monday.

"It couldn't have gone any better, it has been an intense week, but we had a good preparation and I have to thank the players for the way they applied themselves," Ferrara said.

"I gambled on Alex and he did well, scoring two goals for me. I needed a bit of help from my captain."

All matches on Sunday were preceded by a minute's silence for a 19-year-old Vicenza fan who died overnight after falling six meters from a barrier during his side's 4-0 loss at Parma.

Also Sunday, it was: Atalanta 2, Palermo 2; Catania 3, Napoli 1; Chievo Verona 0, Bologna 0; Sampdoria 2, Udinese 2; and Torino 2, Genoa 3. Canadian Press

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

After 24 years, Maldini set for San Siro farewell

Twenty-four years of glorious San Siro service come to an end on Sunday when AC Milan great Paolo Maldini finally bids farewell to his adoring home fans.

Twenty-four years is how long Maldini has been pulling on the famous red and black shirt of Milan, during which time he has won an incredible number of trophies.

Since making his debut in 1985, the 40-year-old has won the Champions League five times, the Italian title seven times and the Italian Cup, surprisingly, only once.

His reign as captain and lynchpin for Milan has defied all odds in the modern game during an era when the pace and power of football has rendered long careers a rarity.

And what has made Maldini's career even more remarkable is that his own father Cesare was also a Milan stalwart during the 1950s and 1960s.

His swansong on Sunday will end, for the time being at least, a magnificent and long family tradition with the club, the only one for which he has turned out since his professional debut as a 17-year-old.

But he didn't just bristle for Milan, he has also earned an Italian record 126 caps for his country, while setting another record in turning out more than 900 times for Milan.

The only record to taint his otherwise unblemished career is the lack of success Italy enjoyed during his reign.

Quite unlike his glittering -- in terms of the trophies he won -- club career, his international experience has been barren.

He did at least play in both the World Cup and European Championship finals but Brazil denied him in 1994 and France did so again in 2000.

And when Italy landed the World Cup in 2006, 24 years since their last victory, Maldini was already in international retirement.

But his greatness and place in footballing history should not just be marked by victories.

He has always been an example to all, in his manner of playing and in his off-field demeanour.

For an Italian football star he has also been an exception for the lack of tantrums, fits and controversy following him around.

That's perhaps less surprising given that he played his whole career in defence, initially, and largely, as a left-back but also increasingly in recent years in the centre.

In fact it was in the centre of the back-line that he gave perhaps his most accomplished and important performance of all, in the 1994 European Cup final.

In that Milan were missing both their first choice centre-halves through suspension but Maldini filled in admirably and while the game is remembered mostly for Milan's swashbuckling attacking display that swept them to a stunning 4-0 victory, it was on the foundation of a formidable defensive effort.

Maldini kept the dream attacking line-up of Romario and Hristo Stoichkov quiet throughout the evening and Milan shocked the footballing world.

But perhaps his greatest achievement was in fact the lack of animosity shown to him.

Even Inter Milan's fans, the most likely to hate Maldini, were moved to pay hommage to him during the last, and Maldini's last ever, Milan derby.

"That was a wonderful surprise. On a human level I think that was one of the most satisfying experiences I've ever had," he said of the incident.

Maldini's impact will possibly only be felt at its most once he has left and his team-mates will certainly sense his absence greatly.

"The thing that has always impressed me about Paolo is that after every goal, no matter where he is on the pitch, he always runs over to celebrate with the scorer. Without fail, I think that's great," said Brazilian Kaka.

Sunday probably won't be Maldini's last game as unless he is booked or sent-off he will make his farewell at Fiorentina a week later.

But Sunday will be the day when his own fans -- 80,000 strong -- will get the chance to say goodbye and thank you.

Because Maldini is sure that he will never come back as a coach.

"I'm going to have a long holiday, until September and then I don't know but one thing is for sure, I'll never be a coach," he said. AFP

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Wolfsburg on brink of sealing Bundesliga title from Bayern, Stuttgart

The Bundesliga championship trophy will be in Wolfsburg on Saturday, while a replica is on hand in Munich. The German league is placing its bets with Wolfsburg, which needs only a draw to secure its first title this weekend.

Wolfsburg heads into the final round Saturday with a two-point lead over Bayern Munich and Stuttgart, who clash in Munich. Wolfsburg has 66 points, Bayern and Stuttgart have 64.

A draw against Werder Bremen at home should be enough for Wolfsburg to lift the trophy since it has a much better goal difference than either Bayern or Stuttgart. Werder could be tired mentally and physically after playing into extra time and losing to Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Cup final. Werder has nothing to play for in the Bundesliga.

"Should we be able to repeat 50 per cent of our recent performances, I don't think anything can go wrong in the last game," said coach Felix Magath, who could win the championship in his last game in charge of Wolfsburg.

The top league officials are all travelling to Wolfsburg and taking the trophy to be presented to the champion with them. A replica is going to Munich - just in case.

Magath is leaving for Schalke after two remarkable seasons in Wolfsburg, turning a team that was nearly demoted into a championship contender.

"We've played an extraordinary season, no matter what happens at the end," Magath said.

Magath is taking no chances and took the team into a training camp Thursday.

His players were confident that they won't let the title slip away.

"Our goal is to win the championship and that's why we only have this game on our minds," midfielder Christian Gentner said.

"We are very strong at home and if we play our game we should win against Bremen," key midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic said, although Bremen won 5-2 in Wolfsburg in the quarter-finals of the German Cup.

"We respect them, they have a really good team but if we play as well as we have recently, I am sure we can win," defender Marcel Schaefer said.

Wolfsburg could win the title even if it loses, provided Bayern and Stuttgart play to a draw.

Two players have stood out for Wolfsburg throughout the season - strikers Edin Dzeko and Grafite. They have combined for 51 goals so far, and could even break the record set by Bayern's Gerd Mueller and Uli Hoeness, who scored 53 goals between them two seasons in row more than 35 years ago.

Grafite, a 30-year-old Brazilian, tops the league with 26 goals. Dzeko, a 23-year-old Bosnian, has 25. They have scored the last 15 of Wolfsburg's league-high 75 goals. Last week, Dzeko had three and Grafite two in the 5-0 win in Hannover.

Both were Magath's discoveries. Magath combined the duties of coach and manager and used the money provided by the club's chief backer, the giant car maker Volkswagen, to completely revamp the green-clad team.

"I came to Wolfsburg to take the club to the top and to make it stay there," Magath said. "The job is done, even before the final game. I am pleased with what I've achieved and I can be relaxed about the last game."

Magath, 55, won the German double as coach of Bayern two seasons a row, but still got sacked in January 2007. He went to Wolfsburg that summer.

"The championship with Wolfsburg would be something special because no one took us seriously before the start of the season. I also didn't think it possible until late in the season," Magath said.

Wolfsburg has only been in the top division for 12 years. Without the car factory, the town situated in the middle of Germany probably wouldn't even be there.

The Nazis build a factory there to produce the "people's car," which later became the Beetle. After the Second World War, Wolfsburg was in the British zone of defeated Germany and the British resurrected the factory with the help of imported labour. Wolfsburg now has 123,000 inhabitants.

Bayern has been in the similar situations before - most recently in 2000 and '01, when it won titles on the final day of the season. Stuttgart hasn't won in Munich for nearly 10 years, but the team boasts striker Mario Gomez, who has 23 goals. Bayern could also finish fourth - and out of the Champions League spots - if it loses and Hertha Berlin wins in Karlsruhe.

At the bottom, Karlsruhe with 26 points and Energie Cottbus and Bielefeld at 27 are all hoping to get 16th place, which means a relegation playoff with the third-place team from the second division. The bottom two are demoted.

In other matches, it's Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Hamburger SV, Energie Cottbus vs. Bayer Leverkusen, Arminia Bielefeld vs. Hannover, Cologne vs. Bochum, Borussia Moenchengladbach vs. Borussia Dortmund and Schalke vs. Hoffenheim. Canadian Press

Xavi and Messi ready for Rome

Barcelona stars Xavi and Lionel Messi are both desperate to start against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday.

The pair both failed to make the clash against Arsenal in 2006 after picking up injuries in the build up.

Messi failed to make the squad at all, whilst a half-fit Xavi could only make the bench - but he did not make it on.

Now both are in line to play starring roles against United in Rome.

"I am looking forward to it so much," Messi said.

"It's the biggest game of my life and I am desperate to play - I didn't have the opportunity in Paris but I have the opportunity now and it means so much to me."

And Xavi added: "It's very difficult to get to the final of the Champions League and who knows if we'll be there again while I'm around.

"It was fantastic to win in Paris and I felt a part of it, even though I didn't get on the pitch.

"But as a player you want to feel you are a protagonist, you want to contribute and hopefully I will have the opportunity on Wednesday - we're all looking forward to it." Skysports

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

I Do Not Care What Happens At Real Madrid - Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that Real Madrid will have an "incredible team" next season but says that he does not care what happens there.

The Portuguese winger has been linked with a move to Madrid for some time but it appears that he will be staying with Manchester United for at least another season after previous comments in the press.

Nevertheless, he was asked about Madrid in an interview with Antena 3 and acknowledged that if Florentino Perez does take over as president, they could assemble a decent team.

"I'm sure Perez would create an incredible team at Madrid but at the moment I'm at United and I don't care about what happens there. I only care about what will happen next season at Manchester United," he said.

Regarding rumours linking him to Madrid, Ronaldo says that he is getting used to distancing himself from them.

"At home there are no newspapers, we do not get them, in Spain it is harder because the papers always speak about these things. I am a little more distanced from those things, I am relaxed doing my work and playing and giving my best," he mused.

The Portuguese star also spoke today about the upcoming final between Manchester United and Barcelona, which he says he is fully focused on.

"I am concentrating on the final, not worrying what else is going to happen with my team-mates or the coach, I am not worried about that now. It is the final the fans dream of because they have always wanted to see these two teams there," he explained.

"It's clear that we are the two best teams in Europe. Not only because we are in the final but also because of the football we have played this season and for the trophies we have won."

The winger also praised Barcelona, saying they are "playing fantastic" and refusing to speak of a direct battle with Lionel Messi.

"It is not only Messi, also [Samuel] Eto'o, who is scoring a lot, [Thierry] Henry, Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta. You cannot just speak about one player," he concluded. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-20T23:50:00.000-07:00

Shakhtar Donetsk prevail in UEFA Cup finale

An extra-time goal from Brazilian midfielder Jadson earned Shakhtar Donetsk a 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup final here on Wednesday to clinch the Ukrainian side's first European title.

Jadson's 15-yard shot slipped through the grasp of Werder goalkeeper Tim Wiese in the 97th minute after the teams had been locked 1-1 at the end of normal time.

The Germans thought they had snatched an equaliser in the last minute of the additional period, only for on-loan Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro's bundled effort to be ruled out for a foul on Dmytro Chygrynskiy.

Brazilian striker Luiz Adriano had finished coolly to give Shakhtar the lead in the first half, before an error by goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov allowed Werder centre-back Naldo to level.

Shakhtar become the first team from Ukraine to lift a European trophy since the break-up of the Soviet Union, while they will also be the last team to lift the UEFA Cup before its re-launch as the Europa League next season.

"We weren't able to play our usual football, we didn't put enough pressure on our opponents," said Werder coach Thomas Schaaf.

"We gave them too much space and lost too many balls. I congratulate Shakhtar, they were the best team on the night."

Mircea Lucescu's side settled first at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium and spurned the game's first clear opening when Adriano shot wide after being cleverly picked out on the cusp of the Werder area by Jadson.

The Ukrainians, inspired by the inter-play of their five-man Brazilian contingent, then went ahead in the 25th minute when Adriano ran onto a loose pass and delicately lifted the ball over the advancing Wiese.

Werder had overturned deficits against pre-tournament favourites AC Milan and local German rivals Hamburg earlier in the competition, and 10 minutes before half-time they drew level when Naldo's thumping 30-yard free-kick was tamely palmed into the net by Ukraine international Pyatov.

Wiese proved to be made of sterner stuff when he superbly touched away a stinging drive from Mariusz Lewandowski at full-stretch just before the interval.

The German shot-stopper kept out a Jadson free-kick early in the second period as Shakhtar resumed their occupation of the Werder defensive third, the orange-shirted players zipping passes across the pitch with beguiling ease.

Werder missed the promptings of their suspended Brazilian playmaker Diego, but they were inches away from going in front when Pizarro's glanced header was repelled by a sprawling Pyatov.

Wiese pushed away a long-range effort from Darijo Srna as Shakhtar began extra-time on the front foot and moments later they took a decisive lead when Jadson met Srna's centre with a low drive that crept beneath Wiese into the bottom-left corner. AFP

2009-05-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

Shakhtar and Werder set for UEFA Cup Final

History beckons for the winners of the UEFA Cup final between Germany's Werder Bremen and Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine in Istanbul on Wednesday night.

Both sides are appearing in the competition's final for the first time, with Shakhtar bidding to become the first Ukrainian side to win a European trophy since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Werder are hunting their first major European honour since the 1992 Cup Winners' Cup, while both sides know that whoever wins will enter the record books as the last UEFA Cup champions before the tournament's re-launch as the UEFA Europa League next term.

The German side qualified for the final by beating arch-rivals Hamburg on the away goals rule and they also eliminated their near neighbours in the semi-finals of the German Cup, setting up a meeting with Bayer Leverkusen on May 30.

Despite their cup exploits, though, Thomas Schaap's side, who knocked out pre-tournament favourites AC Milan in the round of 32, have endured an underwhelming league season.

The 2004 German double winners have been the epitome of inconsistency, hitting five goals in victories over Bayern Munich, Hoffenheim, Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt but struggling against the league's lesser lights.

A tame 3-1 defeat at home to bottom side Karlsruhe in their penultimate league game on Saturday confirmed a 10th-placed finish prior to a thankless trip to champions-elect Wolfsburg next weekend.

Werder will be without key players for the match in the Sukru Saracoglu stadium, with Juventus-bound playmaker Diego and Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida both suspended and German international defender Per Mertesacker injured.

"We will badly miss Diego in Istanbul, but we have a big enough team to win the cup," said Schaap.

Diego's Brazilian compatriot Naldo is also a doubt for the game, having missed the defeat to Karlsruhe with an adductor muscle injury.

"If I am not completely fit than I will not play," said the 26-year-old centre-back. "But I will fight and give my best to be back.

"It would be unbelievably beautiful and important for us to win the UEFA Cup. Every player on our team can write their names in the history books of this club. And we want to leave our marks."

Shakhtar, last season's Ukrainian champions, go into the game after thrashing Lugansk 3-0 away from home to secure second place in this year's championship behind runaway champions Dynamo Kiev.

A brace from forward Yevgen Seleznov and Brazilian midfielder Willian clinched victory and a place in the third qualifying round of next year's Champions League.

"We were the better side tonight and I believe the score is pretty fair," said Shakhtar coach Mirea Lucescu, who rested a number of first-choice players. "We all will do our best to win the UEFA Cup," he added. "I believe we have enough power and skill to win the trophy. We just need to prove it on the pitch in Istanbul."

Shakhtar are likely to be at almost full-strength on Wednesday night, with only Czech midfielder Tomas Hubschman absent after he picked up a booking during the semi-final triumph over Dynamo.

Lucescu's side have also been boosted by a report from the club doctor that Brazilian attacker Jadson should be able to play after shaking off a knock. AFP

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

OFFICIAL: Juventus Sack Claudio Ranieri, Ciro Ferrara Takes Over

The club have officially confirmed that they have ousted Claudio Ranieri and replaced him with Ciro Ferarra.

A statement on their official website reads:

"Ciro Ferrara is the new Juventus coach. Juventus would like to communicate that they have sacked Claudio Ranieri.

"From today, the first team will be handed over, and guided by Ciro Ferrara. Juventus would like to thank Claudio Ranieri for the work he has done in these two years.

"We would like to wish new coach Ciro Ferrara well for immediate success."

A press conference with Ferrara will follow at 1815 CET.

The news follows a day of talks between Jean-Claude Blanc and Alessio Secco. Former club legend Ciro Ferrara had been hotly tipped to come in and it has now happened.

After suggestions of leading the team for its final two matches, updates from Turin imply that he could also be made coach for the whole of next season, but this has not been confirmed just yet. All will be revealed during this evening's press conference. Goal.com

Inter Set Sights On Manchester United Star Nemanja Vidic – Report

Inter celebrated their fourth successive Scudetto at the weekend, with a comprehensive 3-0 demolition of Siena at the San Siro stadium.

Their 17th ever championship was the club’s first under Jose Mourinho, who has been at the club less than 12 months.

According to the latest reports, Mourinho and his coaching team have already commenced planning for next season, with Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic among their chief transfer targets.

Studio Sport has revealed that the club’s technical director, Marco Branca, is eager to make a move for the Serbian international after the Champions League final in around ten days' time.

Neither club have yet commented on the reports, but the Italian champions will have the difficult task of having to come up with the funds required in order to get their man. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

Mourinho hails his Scudetto-winning Inter players

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho likened winning the Serie A title this season to "an 11-month holiday" after his side celebrated their 17th Scudetto with a 3-0 win at home to Siena on Sunday night.

Mourinho's first year in charge of the Nerazzurri resulted in a successful defence of the title they had won three times in a row under his predecessor Roberto Mancini, and the Portuguese coach was modest regarding his own contribution to the success.

"I have been on holiday here for 11 months," he said. "I have just been lucky to be in the right place at the right time.

"That has happened 14 times in the last six years that I have been lucky to be on the right bench.

"It has been like an 11-month holiday in a great country. In November and December, I thought I was in St Moritz."

Inter were crowned champions before kicking a ball after AC Milan lost to Udinese on Saturday.

Mourinho and his players were celebrating the title until 3am the night before the game with Siena, but the Portuguese insisted his side were still 100% focused on picking up another win in the game.

"Sometimes joy is more important than sleeping a lot," he said. "I had hoped that we could get the party over with last night and so it was.

"I trained the team at 11am this morning and they were concentrated and understood that a Scudetto-winning party without a win at a full-house San Siro would have been bizarre.

"They knew they had to take the game seriously and win."

Inter do still have targets to play for, as forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic attempts to be crowned Serie A top-scorer.

His goal last night put him one shy of Marco Di Vaio on 22, but he could have matched the Italian had Mario Balotelli squared the ball to Ibrahimovic when the pair were both through on goal.

Despite Mourinho's orders to help the Swede reach the target, Balotelli went on to score himself, much to the anger of Ibrahimovic.

But Mourinho refused to reprimand the youngster.

"Halfway through the game, I told my players it was important to play for Ibrahimovic," explained Mourinho. "His objective to become the top scorer is not only individual but also the team has got to do more if we all wanted this.

"He was angry after the goal from Balotelli, but Balotelli is not nasty, he's just naive. He was in front of goal and wanted to score and so he forgot my words. You cannot criticise Mario, not even for this, because he's a great lad."

Mourinho also backed his player to overtake his Bologna rival now the pressure had been taken off Inter with the Scudetto win.

"(Bologna) are a team under pressure. Ibrahimovic plays in a team which has a game at Cagliari and then at home to Atalanta and who can make small adjustments to try and create chances to bring him closer to the goal," he said.

"It is not an obsession, though. The obsession was to win the league and Ibrahimovic has been one of the big stars of the season and if we can help him to become the top scorer, then we have got to try it."

Looking ahead to next season Mourinho revealed he would like "one more attacker, two midfielders and one defender" as he predicted a tougher route to the title next time out.

"I respect my rivals who have made winning so hard and maybe next year, they will make it even harder," he said.

"Maybe next year it is they who are celebrating while we are sat at home sad." ESPN

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Man. United Ties Premier League Mark

Manchester United tied Arsenal, 0-0, yesterday to capture its third consecutive English Premier League title and match Liverpool's mark of 18 league championships.

In a poorly played game between two of England's glamour clubs, United, which needed a point to clinch the title, won its 11th league title in 17 seasons. All came under Manager Alex Ferguson, who has 25 major trophies in his 23 years at Old Trafford and hopes to make it 26 when United faces Barcelona in the Champions League final May 27 in Rome.

"It makes you want to go on for ever," said Ferguson, a 67-year-old Scot who already has put off retirement once.

The draw at Old Trafford put the championship out of reach for second-place Liverpool, which is seven points behind with two games left.

"Thankfully, we got the job done today," striker Wayne Rooney said. "The last few years have been unbelievable."

Arsenal had the game's first scoring chance in the 14th minute when Robin van Persie put a header over the goal. Rooney then headed a cross from Michael Carrick wide of the near post, and Ryan Giggs sent a free kick from the edge of the area over the goal.

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar then easily caught two efforts by Arsenal before Giggs once again shot high. Cristiano Ronaldo fired a free kick wide with the final effort of the first half.

Arsenal had the better of play early in the second half with defender Kieran Gibbs shooting wide.

Van Persie sent a shot right at van der Sar in the 88th minute. Arsenal then pressured the United goal into injury time but were unable to get the goal that denied the Red Devils the title.

The final whistle set off a massive celebration. The team was presented with the Premier League trophy on the field, with the players hugging and spraying champagne.

The trophy was carried onto the field by four soldiers who returned from a four-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. As the medals were presented and fireworks exploded, the rain that had lashed the field all game cleared and Old Trafford was bathed in sunshine.

The title is Gary Neville's eighth, and the 34-year-old defender immediately set his sights on next year.

"I think it's a fantastic achievement," said the United defender, adding that Liverpool's challenge helped focus the champions. "They pushed us really hard this season. Next season, we've got our work cut out to go and do it again."

Powered this season by goals from Ronaldo and top performances from strikers Rooney and Carlos Tevez, United also had a rock-solid defense. Van der Sar set a British record by going 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal.

United withstood a shaky stretch in April, losing 4-1 at home to Liverpool and 2-0 at Fulham. Then came a winning streak that pushed the club ahead of rival Liverpool.

West Brom, meanwhile, will try to stay alive. It will be relegated if it loses today at home to Liverpool.

Middlesbrough has little chance of survival after it threw away a lead and was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Aston Villa. Newcastle slipped back into the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham. Hull moved out of the zone with a 1-1 draw at Bolton. The final round of games is May 24.

Hull has 35 points, Newcastle 34, Middlesbrough 32 and West Brom 31, with three teams to go down. Sunderland, which visits Portsmouth on Monday, is not out of danger with 36 points. Washington Post

Inter Milan champion as AC Milan loses

Inter Milan became the first club in more than 50 years to win four straight Serie A titles when AC Milan lost to Udinese 2-1 on Saturday.

Milan had to win to keep the title race alive, but the loss left it with 71 points, an insurmountable seven behind its city rival with two matches to play. Inter, with a game in hand, hosts Siena on Sunday.

Inter captured its 17th Serie A title, becoming only the third club in the 111-year history of the competition to win four straight.

Seventh-place Udinese opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Milan captain Paolo Maldini brought down Antonio Floro Flores. Gaetano D'Agostino scored on a penalty kick for his 10th goal of the season.

In the 49th minute, Cristian Zapata put Udinese in control, sliding the ball home after being set up by D'Agostino. Massimo Ambrosini scored for AC Milan in the 90th minute.

Milan still needs three points to guarantee a Champions League spot next season.
Associated Press

Barcelona crowned Spanish champions after Real defeat

Barcelona were crowned Spanish champions for the 19th time on Saturday as holders Real Madrid gifted the title to their bitter rivals after a 3-2 defeat at Villarreal.

Real knew anything other than a win would see Barcelona lift the title but Juande Ramos's side crashed to a third straight loss to hand the title to Barcelona.

It was Barcelona's second trophy inside four days, following their Kings Cup win over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, as they notched a league and cup double for the first time since 1998.

The Catalan giants can become the first Spanish side to win the treble if they can overcome Manchester United in the Champions League final in Rome on May 27.

"Our arch rivals are champions and we have to congratulate them," said Real defender Sergio Ramos.

"It has been difficult preparing for these past few matches as we knew it would be difficult to do anything as they had such an advantage."

Villarreal move level on points with Valencia following the Real win - courtesy of a late goal from Joan Capdevila - to keep up their Champions League charge.

Veteran French winger Robert Pires scored the 17th-minute opener with a rare header after Ariel Ibagaza had put in an enticing cross.

Real boss Ramos, who has admitted he is unlikely to be in charge next season, was visibly disappointed with the first half showing and Gonzalo Higuain replaced Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Higuain had an immediate impact setting up Rafael van der Vaart, a huge disappointment following a 13-million-euro switch from SV Hamburg, for the equaliser a minute after the break.

Villarreal responded and Cani put the hosts back in front in the 63rd minute before Higuain equalised late on, although it looked suspiciously offside.

Capdevila was the hero scoring in the final minute after Real keeper Iker Casillas had dropped the ball.

Earlier third-placed Sevilla spurned a chance to secure a Champions League place following a 0-0 draw at Osasuna.

Sevilla needed a win to make sure of a place in Europe's premier competition but fired blanks to leave coach Manolo Jimenez disappointed.

"We wanted a victory and are not happy to come away with a point," said Jimenez. "However, over a long season you have good games and bad ones. This was not a good one."

Sevilla move five points ahead of fourth-placed Valencia, who face Atletico Madrid, a point behind, on Sunday.

Osasuna continue to hover above the drop zone sitting fourth from bottom three points clear of the final relegation spot.

Their next game is a testing trip to Camp Nou to face newly-crowned champions Barcelona.

"Our European Cup final is at Camp Nou next weekend," said Osasuna coach Jose Antonio Camacho.

Elsewhere Saturday, Getafe rued a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor Stadium.

Roberto Soldado put Getafe ahead in the first minute of the second half and the visitors looked set to move six points clear of the relegation places.

However, Riki levelled in the 85th minute as Depor salvaged a point.

La Coruna move two points off the top four although a UEFA Cup place looks the more realistic target. AFP

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Man United on brink of another Premiership glory

When Sir Alex Ferguson walked through the door at Old Trafford in 1986 he memorably defined his job at Manchester United as "knocking Liverpool off their f***ing perch."

Twenty-two and a half years years later, the Scot finds himself on the brink of being able to declare "mission accomplished".

One point against an Arsenal side with nothing to play for in Saturday's lunchtime encounter will secure yet another triumph for one of the most extraordinary personalities his country has produced.

One point will mean a third consecutive Premier League title, the 11th of Ferguson's reign, the third trophy of this season and, most importantly for the man himself, it will mean that United have finally matched Liverpool's record haul of 18 English titles.

Arsenal are eminently capable of gate-crashing the party of course, but all the signs are that it should be an afternoon to savour on the Stretford End.

Memories of United's end-of-March blip have receded as the champions have hit their stride in recent weeks and they had something in reserve as Arsenal were swept aside in the Champions League semi-final earlier this month.

Typically, Ferguson has refused to let his players relax even though the finishing line is in sight, challenging them instead to take maximum points from their last two matches and finish the season with 92 points, which will be a club record in the Premier League.

The mood in Arsenal's camp will not have been helped by last weekend's 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Chelsea, but the recovery of Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin from a flu virus gives Arsene Wenger's side a weapon they were unable to deploy in the Champions League, although they will be without injured first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

For Arsenal, who have now gone four years without any silverware, the day is likely to trigger bittersweet memories of 2002, when Sylvain Wiltord's goal clinched 1-0 win and the title at Old Trafford.

Wenger has hinted that he will seek to add some experience to his squad, but he has also cautioned Gunners fans not to expect a summer splurge and reiterated his faith in his tyros.

"I believe in this team and from what I have seen in this season, that makes me quite optimistic. These players have the quality to beat anybody else."

While Wenger has graciously conceded that United have earned the title, there has been no such concession from his Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez, who will be keeping his fingers crossed for a Gunners victory that will keep the title alive until the final day of the season.

Liverpool travel to bottom side West Brom on Sunday and, if the title is lost by then, the Spaniard will readily pin most of the blame on bad luck with injuries.

"You cannot imagine if Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres had been fit all season where we would be now," Benitez said. "It has been a good season but we know it could be better."

Four points from their final two matches will guarantee Liverpool of second place ahead of Chelsea, who entertain Blackburn on Sunday with their thoughts increasingly focused on the FA Cup final against Everton at the end of the month.

At the other end of the table, both West Brom and Middlesbrough know defeat, at home to Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively, will make relegation a virtual certainty.

Hull have been installed as the favourites to join the bottom two in the Championship next season after slipping into the drop zone as a result of Newcastle's win over Middlesbrough on Monday.

And with Manchester United due at the KC Stadium on the last day of the season, Phil Brown's side know they must go all out for a win at Bolton and hope that Newcastle slip up at home to Fulham.

Wins for both Hull and Newcastle on Saturday would leave Sunderland in the bottom three ahead of their trip to Portsmouth, who are also not completely safe yet, on Monday.

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated):

Saturday

Bolton v Hull, Everton v West Ham, Manchester Utd v Arsenal (1145 GMT), Middlesbrough v Aston Villa, Newcastle v Fulham, Stoke v Wigan, Tottenham v Manchester City

Sunday

Chelsea v Blackburn (1500 GMT), West Brom v Liverpool (1230 GMT)

Monday

Portsmouth v Sunderland (1900 GMT) AFP

Milan sets sights on qualifying for Champions League

AC Milan must earn at least one point on Saturday at Udinese to keep the title chase alive for another day, but manager Carlo Ancelotti has turned his attention towards automatic qualification for next season's Champions League.

A win on Saturday in Udine would secure at least a top-three spot for the Rossoneri, which is why Ancelotti feels as though his team must come away with three points.

"It will be an important game," Ancelotti said of Saturday's contest. "The team knows what it must do: we want to reach as soon as possible the three points which will assure us of the mathematical qualification to the next Champions League. From now until the end of the season there are three difficult games and we don't want to arrive to the match against Fiorentina in need of points. For this reason, we want to win."

The manager may have been a bit distracted this past week with rumors of his potential departure to Chelsea continuing to swirl, while club owner Silvio Berlusconi openly blamed the boss for Milan's failure to win the Scudetto.

However, vice president Adriano Galliani has attempted to downplay the rift.

"Carlo Ancelotti is calm and doing well, there's no problem," he told Milan's official website.

"I reiterate that there won't be any meetings between him and president Berlusconi who at the moment is exclusively fulfilling his role of prime minister."

Even if Ancelotti is playing out the last few games of his Milan tenure, he would do well to return the club to the Champions League, and with a four- point lead on third-placed Juventus entering the weekend, the team has a very good chance at finishing second.

Ancelotti will be without both Giuseppe Favalli and David Beckham because of suspension, while Udinese will be trying to extend its winning streak to six games as they continue to search for a European spot.

Udinese is just one point behind seventh-placed Palermo, and they will be entering Saturday's match hoping to erase the memory of a 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Milan in December.

"The five-goal defeat from the first game still hurts," Udinese defender Cristian Zapata told the club's official website.

"On Saturday we must play a great game and try to win. Everything depends on us, we must believe and remain concentrated for all three games between now and the end of the season."

Should Milan win on Saturday, Inter would then need to beat Siena on Sunday to secure the title, while Juventus will be looking to lock up a Champions League spot with a win against Atalanta.

Fourth-placed Fiorentina leads Genoa by three points and the Viola will host Sampdoria, while Genoa entertains Chievo and sixth-placed Roma takes on Catania.

Last-placed Reggina is four points from safety and they play host to Cagliari, while 19th-placed Lecce invades 18th-placed Bologna.

Lazio defeated Sampdoria on penalty kicks to win the Coppa Italia on Wednesday and they travel to Palermo, while Torino is just one point above the drop zone and hits the road to meet Napoli. Sportsnetwork.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney Wants Revenge When Arsenal Visit Manchester United

In 2002, Arsenal won the Premier League title at Old Trafford giving their fans endless joy for banter and chants whenever the Gunners face their Manchester United counterparts.

Such songs give great displeasure to English powerhouse forward Wayne Rooney, who is hoping to seek vengeance this Saturday lunch-time, when United take on the north Londoners at home. A draw would be enough to secure an 18th title for the Mancunian side.

"One point will win the title for us," Rooney is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying. "Hopefully that can come on Saturday. It would be brilliant to do it in front of our own fans and brilliant to win it against Arsenal, who are a great footballing team.

"When they come to Old Trafford you always hear them singing about winning the title at Old Trafford, so it would be nice to win against them. That would be special."
He continued, "We want to do it in front of our own fans, I think the manager's said we've only done that once in 17 years.

"To win it three years on the run would also be amazing." Goal.com

Real Madrid Fail In Latest Pepe Appeal

The appeal board of the Spanish Football Federation have rejected an appeal by Real Madrid to reduce the ten-game sanction for Pepe.

The Portuguese defender was given the ban after his violent conduct in a game against Getafe at the Bernabeu last month.

After fouling Javier Casquero to concede a penalty he then proceeded to kick him and punch another player, before abusing the officials as he was being sent off.

It was reported that he was given two bans, each of four games, as well as a two-match suspension on top, for two acts of aggression.

This is the point that Madrid tried to argue in the latest appeal, as they claim that he committed one continuous act, rather than two distinct ones.

The appeal board has maintained though that he will have a four-game ban for the kicks on Javier Casquero, four for punching Juan Albin, one for insults towards officials, and another for the red card itself.

That means that he will still miss the remainder of this Primera Division season, and will also miss the first four matches of the next campaign.

The only appeal mechanism left for Madrid now is the Spanish Committee for Discipline in Sport, but the club are yet to decide whether they will take that option. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Barcelona wins Copa del Rey title

FC Barcelona has won the Copa del Rey title for the first time in 11 years after a 4-1 deserved victory against Athletic Bilbao.

Bilbao grabbed the lead when its midfielder Gaizka Toquero headed in from a corner after nine minutes at Valencia's Mestalla stadium on Wednesday night.

Barcelona's Yaya Toure, however, equalized the score with a great solo goal by beating two defenders and firing in a 25-yard (22.8 meter) shot.

Pep Guardiola's men dominated the game after the interval with three goals from Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Xavi Hernandez in 10 minutes in order to hoist the cup for the first time since 1998.

Messi found the net after goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz parried a shot, Krkic collected a defense-splitting pass from Messi and curled in a shot off the post, and Xavi made it 4-1 with a free kick.

"We knew that the Basques would be physical, that they were very strong," coach Pep Guardiola said. "Above all we knew that we were going to be facing a very aggressive team so it was important to get the ball out quick, to avoid contact and not let them suffocate us."

"It's not a question of having liberated ourselves," he added. "We played a good game. It's a great day."

"The team is on course for something important," he further explained. "It's their football."

The Catalans are also on course to win the League and the European Champions League. They meet Manchester United in the Champions League final on May 27 and need one point from three games to grab the domestic league championship. Presstv.ir

Lazio win shootout to lift Italian Cup

Lazio beat Sampdoria 6-5 on penalties to lift the Italian Cup after Wednesday's final at the Stadio Olimpico finished 1-1 following extra-time.

Uruguayan keeper Fernando Muslera saved efforts from Antonio Cassano and Hugo Campagnaro before Ousmane Dabo scored the decisive spot-kick to give the Romans their fifth Italian Cup triumph and a place in next season's Europa League.

Captain Tommaso Rocchi, a second half substitute, was Lazio's only player to miss in the shootout.
"I think it's a just reward for these lads after a year of sacrifices," Lazio coach Delio Rossi told Rai television. "I'm very happy."

Argentine striker Mauro Zarate put Lazio in front in the fifth minute when he sprinted to the edge of the box and lashed a splendid right-footed shot inside the far post.

Giampaolo Pazzini levelled just after 31 minutes when he nodded into the corner after Marius Stankevicius headed an Antonio Cassano cross his way.

Lazio made the running in the second half and the Samp defence did well to smother danger from Zarate and Goran Pandev before Pasquale Foggia volleyed over from a good position on the hour.

Sampdoria almost pinched victory in the second period of extra time, when the ball bobbled wide after Cassano's run into the box.

"It was a worthy final. We and Lazio both honoured it," said Samp coach Walter Mazzarri.
"We're sorry for our fans, but that's the way it went. That's football. That's life." Guardian.co.uk

Man United within one point of title

Manchester United moved within one point of a record-tying 18th English league title, rallying to win 2-1 at Wigan on Wednesday night behind second-half goals from Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick.

Hugo Rodallega put Wigan ahead in the 28th minute, but Tevez tied the score when he re-directed Carrick's off-target shot with a backheel in the 61st minute, three minutes after replacing Anderson. Carrick scored in the 86th.

"We did it the hard way," Carrick said.

United (27-4-5) has a six-point lead over second-place Liverpool (23-2-11) with two games remaining. It can win its third straight league title and tie Liverpool's record for most league championships with a tie or victory at home against Arsenal on Saturday.

"We'll approach the game the way we always approach a game,'' United manager Alex Ferguson said. "It is against a very good Arsenal side.''

Liverpool plays at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Tevez, who has five league goals, said he expects to play for a different club next year because of United's reluctance to make his loan permanent.

Wigan is 0-28-4 against the big four of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal since entering the Premier League four years ago. Associated Press

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Injury-hit Barcelona looking to win first of three trophies

Barcelona are in sight of their first of three trophies Wednesday, in the final of the Spanish King’s Cup against unfancied Athletic Bilbao.
On Sunday Barca were just three minutes away from clinching the league title, but were finally held to a 3-3 draw by Villarreal.

They need just one more point from their last three league games to claim the title.

Then comes the small matter of the Champions League final against holders Manchester United, in Rome on May 27.

Never before has a Spanish team pulled off the “treble” of league, cup and Champions - not even the legendary Real Madrid side of the late 1950s.

The King’s Cup final will be staged in Valencia’s old Estadio Mestalla, which is due to be demolished next year. Around 20,000 fans from each team are expected to make the trip, many of them without tickets.

Barca coach Josep Guardiola will have to get by without injury victims Rafa Marquez, Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry - and without Eric Abidal, sent off against Villarreal.

Guardiola will probably stick by reserve goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto, who has played in all the cup matches so far. He is also likely to bring in teenager Bojan Krkic to replace Iniesta.

Guardiola said Sunday night, after the Villarreal draw, that “we will have to pick ourselves up quickly…in order to prepare Wednesday’s final.”

He suggested that not being able to celebrate the league title Sunday could turn out to be a good thing.

“Winning the league today might have distracted the players before Wednesday,” he said.

Barca are hot favourites for the cup, but Bilbao are keen to pull off a surprise.

They have not been in the final since 1985, and no less than 18,000 fans turned up at their pre-journey training session Sunday.

Coach Joaquin Caparros said afterwards that “we are going to be at the centre of world football…For sure, we will be competitive opponents for them.”

Bilbao will certainly be fresher than Barca, who have played twice a week all season.

On Saturday Caparros rested all of his first-teamers against Betis, who were nonetheless beaten 1-0.

Barcelona have won the cup a record 24 times, Bilbao have won it 23 times, the last time in 1984 - against the Barcelona of Diego Maradona.

That 1984 final finished with an ugly brawl between both sets of players, and Maradona signed for Italian giants Napoli shortly afterwards. Thaindian.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-11T22:33:00.000-07:00

Samuel Eto'o: Barcelona Still Set For Primera Division Crown

The Cameroon international is confident that his side can overcome Sunday's setback against Villarreal to clinch the title...

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is adamant that Villarreal's last-gasp equaliser that denied the Camp Nou side the Primera Division championship on Sunday evening has merely stalled the title celebrations, and the Blaugrana can grab the win they need this weekend at Real Mallorca.

The Blaugrana let a 3-1 lead slip in the closing 15 minutes after Eric Abidal was sent off for the second time in a week, allowing Mati Fernandez and Joseba Llorente to level the tie and put the champagne on ice.

However Eto'o, who remains the frontunner in the race for the Pichichi title, is certain that Barcelona will clinch the title by collecting three points against the Islanders on matchday 36.

Sportinglife.com reports that the 28-year old said, "Winning the league is only a question of time. We could be champions before we even play again."

In addition, former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique told the club's official website that they would have liked to have clinched the title against Los Submarinos Amarillos, but now their focus is on defeating Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final on Wednesday evening at the Mestalla.

He commented, "It's clear that a win on Wednesday gives us our first title of the season, and for that there is a lot of motivation and a lot of desire."

Barcelona will be pronounced Spanish champions if Real Madrid fail to win at Villarreal, the day before the Catalan side take on Mallorca at the ONO Estadi. Goal.com

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Villarreal cancel Barcelona's title celebrations with last gasp equaliser

It is not yet Barcelona's title. When Daniel Alves curled home a free-kick on the stroke of half-time to put them 3-1 ahead of Villarreal, it seemed the race was at an end, only for the visitors to claw back the deficit as the match drew to an apparently celebratory close. Real Madrid can still dream – for that, they have Joseba Llorente's last minute equaliser to thank.

Barcelona had profited from the eccentric refereeing decisions of Tom Ovrebo when they beat Chelsea in their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night, yet they will argue they were the team who were hard done by here.

Controversy stalked Eric Abidal at Stamford Bridge when he was harshly sent off for fouling Nicolas Anelka, and the left-back suffered a similar fate again when he was judged to have brought down Llorente in the area with 15 minutes remaining. Mati Fernandez scored the resultant penalty to set up a frantic finish. Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, Barcelona were unable to deal with an almighty scramble in their own box, and Llorente chipped Victor Valdes to silence a stunned Nou Camp.

Real's 3-0 defeat at Valencia last night had given Barcelona the chance to seal the title tonight, yet Juande Ramos's side could be forgiven for starting to believe fate may be on their side. Hopes of that sort may be fanciful, but a choke of this magnitude will haunt Barcelona until they play again.

There had been little sign of the drama to come after Seydou Keita had given Barcelona the perfect start after just 12 minutes. Running at a rapidly retreating Villarreal defence, the midfielder opted to try his luck from just outside the area, and his shot, having taken a heavy deflection, looped over the head of Diego Lopez.

That lead lasted just 10 minutes however, as Barcelona allowed complacency to creep into their play, and Villarreal threatened to spoil the party. Yaya Touré was the chief culprit, gifting the ball to Robert Pires, whose pass released Giuseppe Rossi, and the Italian's cross was converted by Llorente.

The equaliser rocked the hosts and only a brilliant save from Valdes prevented Rossi from heading Villarreal into the lead moments later. From such close range, the striker ought to have given Valdes no chance, but directed his attempt too near the goalkeeper.

It is unwise to pass up such inviting opportunities against such a dangerous team, and Samuel Eto'o ensured Rossi would regret his miss. The striker had benefitted from the creativity of Lionel Messi and the doggedness of Andrés Iniesta. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Alves's accurate free-kick was the signal for the Nou Camp to break out the Mexican Waves.

Those celebrations turned out to be misplaced. The advantage still lies with Barcelona though. They are eight points clear of Real with three games remaining, and have a stronger goal difference and head-to-head record. Even so, after tonight they remain unable to relax. Guardian.co.uk

Milan held by Juventus

Juventus held Milan to an entertaining 1-1 draw at the San Siro that saw the Rossoneri's title hopes fade.

Milan missed out on the chance to cut leaders Internazionale's lead to five points, while third-placed Juve are still four points behind the Rossoneri in the race for second.

Clarence Seedorf put Carlo Ancelotti's men ahead on 56 minutes after Massimo Ambrosini's mis-hit shot fell into his path but a superb diving header by Vincenzo Iaquinta four minutes later levelled an end-to-end match in which both sides had great chances to win.

Milan ended the game with 10 men after Giuseppe Favalli was sent off for an innocuous-looking challenge on Juve sub Alessandro Del Piero with five minutes remaining.

Until then, they dominated possession with Juventus preferring quick, direct counter-attacks and both styles were effective without cancelling each other out.

Juve almost drew first blood on 11 minutes but Christian Poulsen fired over after an Amauri knock-down from what became a typical Bianconeri long ball.

The visitors had another good chance five minutes later but were foiled by Mathieu Flamini's superb slide tackle to deny Marco Marchionni who went one-on-one with Zeljko Kalac.

Less than 60 seconds later Iaquinta had a good appeal for a penalty turned down when Flamini and Paolo Maldini seemed to bring him down in the Milan area, while the Italy striker was furious again after five minutes when he went down in the box under pressure from Flamini.

The rest of the first half saw Milan keep the ball well and both sides lookedfairly threatening but there were no more clear-cut chances until a rather eventful second 45 minutes.

The hosts should have taken the lead a minute and half after the restart, but Filippo Inzaghi headed wide after he was found unmarked by a David Beckham corner.

Flamini saved his side's bacon with another brilliant last-gasp tackle to prevent Amauri from a simple finish after Kalac fumbled a daisy-cutter by Iaquinta.

Milan took the lead though, when a quick break released Inzaghi down the left. He cut the ball back for Ambrosini, whose wild swing at the ball would have been embarrassing had it not landed at the feet of the onrushing Seedorf, who had a simple finish.

The advantage did not last long though as, on the hour mark, Mauro Camoranesi swung a dipping cross from the right over the head of Maldini and into the path of Iaquinta, who stooped ahead of makeshift right-back Flamini to head into the bottom-right corner.

With a draw not really good enough for either side, 'hell for leather' was the tone for the remainder of the match.

There were opportunities - Inzaghi and Ronaldinho went close for Milan while Iaquinta and Del Piero had chances for Claudio Ranieri's men.

There was controversy - Alexandre Pato was brought down by Nicola Legrottaglie but no penalty awarded, while Favalli was somewhat harshly dismissed after Del Piero theatrically hurled himself to the ground.

There were even handbags, when spectators were given the unusual sight of Maldini losing his cool and grappling with Giorgio Chiellini, an incident that saw both defenders booked.

However, there was no winning goal and a draw was a fair result in a match that suits Inter after their 2-2 draw at Chievo. Yahoo! eurosport

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

Milan Will Attack & Finish Off Wounded Juventus - Carlo Ancelotti

The coach is showing his ruthless side as he prepares to do battle with the Old Lady...

Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has warned Juventus that his players will be looking to exploit their recent abject form when the two sides lock horns in Sunday night's mega showdown.

Plenty is at stake at the San Siro. Juve can hand Inter the title with a win, while speculation continues to suggest that it could be both Ancelotti's and Claudio Ranieri's last Milan-Juventus game. It will certainly be Paolo Maldini's last, while Alessandro Del Piero is looking to celebrate his 600 appearance for Juve.

Despite all the off pitch distractions, Ancelotti has clear ideas on tomorrow's fixture.

"Juve are going through a period of difficulty and this will be a stimulus for us. They will try to react and we are facing a difficult team," Ancelotti told Milan Channel during his pre-match press conference.

"Milan are having a good time, but it will be an ideal occasion for us to play a good game.

"There is plenty of enthusiasm and we are in a condition to attack them, and we will.

"If we win then there will be great advanatges. It's hard for teams to play us at the moment."

There could be a surprise return from Gennaro Gattuso for the Rossoneri. He has recovered from his long-term knee injury.

David Beckham is also in contention for a starting place.

Milan will be looking to delay Inter's Scudetto celebrations with a win. Goal

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

Reds rule Alonso out of Hammers clash

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Xabi Alonso will be missing for the Premier League title chasers' crucial trip to West Ham United on Saturday.

The Spanish midfielder suffered severe bruising in the tackle that landed Newcastle United's Joey Barton a red card - and subsequently banishment from the club by his manager Alan Shearer - in last weekend's 3-0 win at Anfield.

But the injury blow has been softened by the news that fellow midfielder Javier Mascherano has recovered from an ankle injury and hamstrung striker Fernando Torres have both been passed fit to travel with squad.

"Xabi is not fit and cannot play," Benitez said. "We think maybe in the next week he will be okay. We had an idea that he could be fit for this game but in the end it was impossible.

"Javier was training and is in the squad, and so is Fernando."

Benitez will be hoping to call upon both stars against one of the meanest defences outside of the 'big four'. With the Hammers closing in on seventh spot and a place in the Europa League next season no quarter will be given at Upton Park.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola thinks his side still need a win and a draw from their last three games to book their place in Europe and is aiming to pick up valuable points against the Reds.

"It is another opportunity for us to beat a top team and also it has got double the value that if we win this game we have a great chance to get into Europe," Zola said.

"We are just saying we need four points but we are going to try to get nine - that is the approach we have."

Zola is determined to earn his first win against one of the league's top-four clubs as a manager, although he is wary of Liverpool's style away from home.

"In my opinion they are a team you'd rather play at their home than away as if you look at their record away it must be one of the best in the Premier League," the Italian said.

"So it is a really tough match for us but my players are determined to beat one of the really top sides.

"We played Manchester United at home and Chelsea at home and we went very close and were unlucky. We keep trying as we lost against those teams but we learnt a lot from them and we are confident that Saturday is going to be a different game."

Striker Carlton Cole is approaching a return from his groin injury but the Liverpool clash may come too soon. ESPN

Real trio to miss Valencia clash

Real Madrid will on Saturday face Valencia without three midfielders - Wesley Sneijder, Guti and Lassana Diarra, because they have not yet recovered from physical problems.

Sneijder is struggling with a torn leg muscle, Guti has an ankle sprain and Diarra is out with the flu, the defending Spanish champions said.

Real are desperate to bounce back from their humiliating 6-2 home defeat to Barcelona last time out which effectively ended their chances of clinching the La Liga title for the third year in a row. iol.co.za

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

Bremen, Shakhtar to clash in UEFA Cup final

Germany's Werder Bremen will face Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine in the UEFA Cup final after coming through thrilling semi-finals.

Second-half goals by Claudio Pizarro and captain Frank Baumann sealed a 3-2 win for Bremen at German rivals Hamburg and a ticket to the May 20 final in Istanbul courtesy of the away goals rule.

Germany winger Piotr Trochowski had given Hamburg a 1-0 advantage from Bremen's Weserstadion last Thursday in the first leg, but goals by Diego, Pizarro and Baumann here cancelled out a brace from Hamburg's Ivica Olic.

"It was a great and open game - sensational," said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf.

"We always believed we could do it and we kept working until the end."

Goal-scorer Diego, who is being courted by Italian giants Juventus, said Bremen had decided the game before half-time.

"I think it was a hard game, we decided the game in the first half, this was important for us, we were the best team," said Diego.

The Brazilian said he is focused solely on winning the UEFA Cup now and any decision over a possible switch to Italy will be taken at the season's end.

"Right now, I am just concentrating on Werder Bremen, it is an important moment for me and the club," said the Brazilian.

"I am 200 percent for Bremen at the moment and any decision on my future will be taken at the end of the season."

After Bremen knocked out Hamburg on penalties in the German Cup in the semi-finals late last month, this was the third meeting between the two sides who will meet each other again on Sunday in the Bundesliga.

Shakhtar thanked their Brazilian contingent's eye for goal as they saw off fellow Ukrainians Dynamo Kiev 2-1 (3-2 on aggregate) to reach the final for the first time.

Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu praised his team.

"We are now a part of the history of European football," he said. "It was a tough game as Dynamo were at their best as well."

Brazilian Ilsinho netted a goal fit to win any game, finishing with aplomb at the end of a flowing move two minutes from time.

After drawing the away leg 1-1, Donetsk survived an early scare, Ismael Bangoura firing an early effort just wide for the visitors.

But Ilsinho's countryman Jadson put Shakhtar in front in the 17th minute when Kiev's Brazilian defender Ebert Betao failed to clear.

Dynamo came out fighting and two minutes into the second period they levelled after Artem Milevskiy fed Oleksandr Aliev, who in turn found Bangoura steaming through and he chipped Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov.

With extra-time looming, Kiev's Moroccan midfielder Badr El Kaddouri failed to cut out a through ball and Ilsinho pounced to outpace Nigerian Aliya Yussuf and slam a fine left-foot shot low into the bottom corner. AFP

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

Iniesta stuns Chelsea

Andres Iniesta scored in the 93rd minute for 10-man Barcelona as the Spanish side earned a dramatic 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal, earning themselves a spot in the final on away goals.

After a scoreless first leg in Spain, it looked like Chelsea would return to the final as Michael Essien's brilliant volley in the ninth minute gave the Blues a 1-0 lead, while Barca's Eric Abidal was sent off in the 66th minute.

However, one away goal by Barca would be enough to send them through, and the moment arrived three minutes into stoppage time as Lionel Messi squared the ball to Iniesta at the top of the box and he sent a rocket curling past goalkeeper Petr Cech and into the top right corner.

There was still a bit of time remaining and a Chelsea corner kick allowed Michael Ballack to send a volley towards goal that struck the armpit of Samuel Eto'o, prompting the Chelsea players to scream for a penalty that never was given.

Barcelona will now advance to the final on May 27 in Rome, where they will meet defending champions Manchester United.

The first half looked a lot like the first leg as Barcelona dominated the possession while Chelsea defended well in the final third.

However, unlike last Tuesday's match at the Nou Camp, it was the Blues who created the better chances.

The first goal of the semifinal arrived after 99 minutes of play, or nine minutes into Wednesday's game.

It was the first good chance for either side and it came from nothing as Frank Lampard tried to play a low cross to the middle of the box, only for it to be deflected by Barca's Yaya Toure.

The ball fell into the path of Essien, and he hammered a perfect volley from 25 yards that skimmed the bottom of the crossbar before settling into the back of the net.

It was a stunning strike and it appeared to take the air out of Barca, which was fortunate to not concede a second goal midway through the half.

Florent Malouda raced down the left wing, and as he got to the edge of the box, he was pulled down by Dani Alves, who could have been called for a penalty. Didier Drogba then stepped up to the free kick and curled a shot from a tight angle that was deflected past the far post by the leg of goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

The ensuing corner kick also came close to giving Chelsea a second goal as Lampard's cross was nodded just past the left post by John Terry.

Drogba then had a penalty appeal turned down minutes later when he made a good run into the box and got inside of Abidal, who appeared to grab the striker on his way to the ball.

Chelsea was getting the better of the play on the counter attack, while Barca put together a few half chances near the end of the half, but was let down by poor shooting.

Drogba could have made it 2-0 shortly after the break when he took a pass from Nicolas Anelka inside the area, cut back past a Barca defender and had only the keeper to beat from 10 yards. However, his shot was turned away the leg of Valdes, keeping the visitors within a goal.

However, the match took a big turn for the worse in the 66th minute for the visitors, who were reduced to 10 men when Abidal was sent off for a foul on Anelka, who was attempting to get in on goal after a flick from Drogba.

Barca had a look at goal in the 78th minute with a 25-yard free kick, but Alves fired high, while Chelsea was unlucky not to get a penalty kick when it appeared that Gerard Pique handled the ball inside the box in the 81st minute. Sports Network

Bremen must overcome 1-0 deficit against Hamburg in UEFA Cup play

Hamburger SV has a 1-0 lead from the first leg of the UEFA Cup semifinal at Werder Bremen, but knows that may not be enough even though it plays the return leg at home.

So far, the two northern German rivals have won one match apiece in their four-match series in three competitions over 19 days.

"For us, it's the match of the year," Hamburg striker Ivica Olic said of Thursday's UEFA Cup match.

Werder won a penalty shootout at Hamburg in the German Cup semifinal, when goalkeeper Tim Wiese stopped three shots from the spot.

Hamburg then won the UEFA Cup match in Bremen.

After Thursday's return leg in Hamburg, the two teams head to Bremen for their Bundesliga showdown on Sunday.

After losing the German Cup semifinals, Hamburg has also slipped behind in the Bundesliga and is in danger of missing out in all three competitions unless it can overcome Werder on Thursday.

Hamburg has not won a title in 23 years and under first-year coach Martin Jol it was in the running for three. Now, the UEFA Cup looks like its best bet.

In the second semifinal, Shakhtar Donetsk hosts Dynamo Kyiv with the two Ukrainian clubs tied 1-1 after the first leg.

Hamburg will be bolstered by the expected return of striker Mladen Petric, who has been out for two weeks, because of a cut on his shin.

Petric has scored 20 goals for Hamburg this season and plays well alongside Olic, Hamburg's second Croatian striker. Another striker, Paolo Guerrero, is suspended.

Defender Axel Silva is nursing a thigh injury but Jol expects him to be fit.

Hamburg's Bundesliga title hopes took a hit Sunday with its 1-1 draw at home against Hertha Berlin, but Jol remains upbeat.

"Things are going good, it's May and we have only important games left. It's the best for a player," he said.

Werder expects to have midfielders Diego and Mesut Oezil back after they missed the 1-0 league loss at Cologne. Both were officially listed as injured, Diego with back problems and Oezil with knee trouble, but many suspect they were rested. Coach Thomas Schaaf, who is celebrating his 10th anniversary in charge at Werder, denied that was the case.

Striker Hugo Almeida is still doubtful though after suffering a cut on his leg in the first leg in Hamburg. Defender Petri Pasanen is definitely out.

The home side was sitting back and defending well as the game entered stoppage time, but Essien quickly went from hero to goat as his poor clearance handed the ball to Messi, who set up Iniesta's fantastic goal. Canadian Press

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-05-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo masterclass sends Reds to Rome

Sir Alex Ferguson will attempt to rule Rome in the Champions League final in three weeks' time after 10-man Manchester United produced an awesome attacking display to destroy Arsenal 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.

A fortuitous opener from Park Ji-sung was followed by a thunderous 40-yard free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo to effectively book a final date with Chelsea or Barcelona on May 27 after only 11 minutes.

Ronaldo capped a fine performance by sliding home a third goal, his 25th of the season. It was not quite a perfect night for United as Darren Fletcher ended it in disbelief at a red card for a tackle on Cesc Fabregas - which will rule him out of the Italian job.

After just eight minutes, Arsenal' Kieran Gibbs lost his footing and hit the ground with a thump. Like lightning, Park seized on the loose ball, delicately lifting it over goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, whose arrival came just too late.

But if United's opener came courtesy of good fortune, their next was the result of audacity, mixed with high ability. As Ronaldo took a free-kick - following a foul by Robin Van Persie - the United star stepped back and waited from 35 yards out, ready to unleash his missile and Almunia knew what to expect.

Indeed, it could be argued that from such distances, not goalkeeper should be beaten. But as Ronaldo let fly, with venom, and watched his shot dip and flicker, Almunia was powerless to prevent it ripping into the net.

In fairness, Arsenal tried to rally, but there was nothing the Spanish stopper could do when United attacked again, Ronaldo supplying the finish to Wayne Rooney's cross.

For Fletcher there was a nasty sting in the tail. The Scot got studs on the ball before sending Fabregas flying in the penalty area, earning him a red card which will rule him out of the final.

Van Persie impressively converted the spot-kick - but it was little consolation for Arsenal.
The Press Association

Chelsea and Barca eye final prize

As if a place in the Champions League final isn't motivation enough for Chelsea and Barcelona to win their semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, both sides will also be fuelled by the chance to settle a few old scores.

For Barcelona, the frustration of being stopped from scoring at the Nou Camp for the first time this season in last week's first leg was exacerbated by the feeling that Chelsea had emerged unscathed from the Catalan cauldron by resorting to the game's dark arts.

It is a source of pride to Barca's fans that their team has always remained true to their purist principles. So to see Chelsea play in such a negative, niggly manner and still avoid defeat drew a furious response from Pep Guardiola's players.

Xavi led the protests against Chelsea's "anti-football" but, inevitably the Blues were unrepentant and Barca would relish the chance to reach the final by eliminating a club who present such an affront to their beliefs.

Losing in the semi-finals to Manchester United last season was painful enough but the prospect of bowing out at the same stage to Chelsea is too awful to contemplate.

But that desire won't guarantee Barca get their wish as Chelsea have plenty of additional incentive to complete the road to Rome themselves.

The Blues were one kick away from winning Europe's elite club competition last May when John Terry ran up to take a penalty in the teeming Moscow rain.

If Terry had converted that spot-kick, Chelsea would have won the shoot-out against Manchester United, but the England captain slipped up as he struck the ball, saw his effort clip the post and it was United who took the trophy.

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda admits the squad are still haunted by that agonising near-miss and he knows only a victory over United or Arsenal in this year's final can erase those bitter memories.

"Last year, to be in the final, was a very good experience but also bad," Malouda said. "It was a shame to lose. We are all determined now to get to Rome and win the trophy because we have come close before.

"This now means that our desire is even stronger than it has ever been. The Champions League is a very important competition for any player.

"We all know going to Rome is going to be difficult but we have ambition and the ability to win the competition. We know we can do it. We need to stay focused on our target and achieve our goal."

Barca will go through with a score-draw however and the Spanish league leaders arrive in west London in great spirits after thrashing Real Madrid 6-2 in the Bernabeu on Saturday.

That win all but sealed the title for Barca and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, who scored twice, is convinced they are capable of putting Chelsea to the sword in similar fashion.

"We will play in the same way against Chelsea as we did against Real and, playing like that, we will have many chances," Messi said.

"If we do things as we did on Saturday then we will score and go through.

"This was a massive boost. We're going to London with great spirit and desire to fight and with a lot of belief that we'll go through. We've come out of this with a renewed confidence and strength."

Barca's hopes of claiming the away goal that could prove so crucial would be dented if France striker Thierry Henry is unable to recover from a knee injury suffered against Real.

Reports suggesting Henry would be out for two weeks have been denied by Barca, but the Catalans are definitely without suspended centre-back Carlos Puyol and injured fellow defender Rafael Marquez.

Those absences leave Barcelona dangerously short of defensive options but, lest his players start to feel over-confident, Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was quick to emphasise their opponents' strength in depth.

"They can replace the two players rather easily," Hiddink said. "They are well equipped to bring a team which is able to play well. It won't make a huge difference."

Hiddink has his own injuries problems with Portugal internationals Ricardo Carvalho and Deco sidelined, but England left-back Ashley Cole is available after missing the first leg through suspension. AFP

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-05-05T00:45:00.000-07:00

Arsène Wenger puts his faith in Emmanuel Adebayor to lift Arsenal

Arsène Wenger says he has never known a team face so much adversity over the course of a single season as Arsenal have this time out, as he addressed the latest controversy to test his resolve.

Emmanuel Adebayor has been the target of fans' frustrations following his lacklustre showing in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Manchester United but, as Wenger prepared to start with the 16-goal striker in tonight's Emirates Stadium return, he threw a protective arm round him.

"I know and I can understand the criticism," said the manager, "but I watched carefully that game [against United] and he put a lot of effort in, more than people think. He was really isolated, we didn't give him enough support on the night.

"I believe that they [the fans] question his commitment since the summer because he was injured and he hadn't scored as many goals. But look at his efficiency in the Champions League and it's impressive. He has scored six goals in eight games [this season]."

Adebayor, who is expected to leave at the end of the season, had made noises last summer about a possible transfer, which was a portent of the turmoil to come for Arsenal. Having lost players before the season, most irritatingly Mathieu Flamini on a Bosman free to Milan, they have endured the William Gallas episode, which saw Wenger strip him of the captaincy, and suffered injuries and constant doubts, together with a bad start to the season. Their defeat at Manchester City on 22 November was their fifth in 14 Premier League games.

"If I had said in November, we will be in the semi-finals of the Champions League and the FA Cup, and go 21 [Premier League] games unbeaten, you would have called an ambulance," said Wenger. "I will feel very proud of this team if they get to the Champions League final because they have been through difficult periods ... with much more adversity than all the other teams I have had here." Wenger, who feels his team are viewed as "super-outsiders" for the Champions League – they trail United 1-0 – has been bolstered by the striker Robin van Persie's return from injury and the captain Cesc Fábregas stating that "my future belongs to Arsenal". Guardian.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Liverpool defeats Newcastle 3-0 in Premier League

Liverpool beat relegation-threatened Newcastle 3-0 today in English soccer's Premier League to halve Manchester United's advantage atop the standings to three points.

Yossi Benayoun, Dirk Kuyt and Lucas scored at Anfield to extend the visitor's winless run to 10 games. Newcastle, which finished with 10 men after Joey Barton was shown a 78th-minute red card, remains in the three-team relegation zone.

Liverpool has 77 points through 35 of 38 games, Manchester United has 80 points from 34 matches, while third-place Chelsea has 74 points with three games to play. Arsenal, with 68 points, is assured of at top-four finish.

At the bottom of the table, West Bromwich Albion has 28 points, with Middlesbrough and Newcastle on 31. Hull City is three points above the drop zone, with Sunderland a further point clear. Sunderland hosts Everton in today's other match.

Newcastle, which has been in the top division since 1993, made a positive start today before Liverpool took control and eventually recorded an easy win.

Newcastle was unable to register a shot on target during its early domination and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard then almost put his team ahead with a 30-yard effort which Steve Harper pushed clear.

Peter Lovenkrands managed to round Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina soon after, but Alvaro Arbeloa got back to cover on the line. deseretnews.com

Milan close gap on Inter to seven points

AC Milan's slim Serie A title hopes remain alive, after Sunday's 2-0 victory at Catania closed the gap on city rivals Inter to seven points, with four matches and a possible 12 points still remaining.

However, despite goals from Filippo Inzaghi and Kaka giving them a comfortable success on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti's side would need the defending champions to suffer an unlikely collapse to secure their first Scudetto since 2004.

Milan took the lead in Sicily in the 27th minute when Kaka burst into the area before teeing-up veteran striker Inzaghi for the 11th goal in his last eight matches.

The visitors' second goal came early in the second half when Kaka prodded home his 15th goal of the season from close range after David Beckham's header was only parried out.

The victory was Milan's fifth in a row, a run of form that contrasts sharply with third-placed Juventus -- whose title hopes mathematically ended as substitute Jose Ignacio Castillo scored an equalizer deep into injury time for relegation-threatened Lecce in a 2-2 draw in Turin.

Ivory Coast forward Axel Konan gave Lecce an 11th-minute lead after beating the offside trap, but veteran midfielder Pavel Nedved scored twice after the break to set Juve up for their first victory in five matches.

But Castillo's late header from a Simone Tiribocchi cross stunned the home supporters, who made their feelings known by jeering their team off the pitch.

Lecce remain second bottom after the draw, but are now only two points from safety.

Fiorentina maintained their grip on fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying position as Peruvian full-back Juan Manuel Vargas scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Torino.

Meanwhile, Roma's top four hopes look over after they were held 0-0 at home to Chievo, leaving them eight points behind Fiorentina with four games left. CNN International

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

Barca rout Real in Bernabeu goal feast

Barcelona produced a dazzling display of attacking football to rout arch-rivals Real Madrid 6-2 in the Bernabeu and all but secure the Primera Liga title.

Two goals apiece from Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry with defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique also on target signaled an humiliating defeat for Real who went into 'El Clasico' with renewed hope of retaining the Spanish title.

But a mixture of inspired play and comical defending undermined Juande Ramos' men who had taken the lead as Gonzalo Higuain headed home after 14 minutes.

Henry quickly equalized with a clinical finish after Messi's through ball beat the offside trap before an unmarked Puyol headed Barcelona ahead in the 20th minute from a Xavi free kick.

Messi then waltzed through the Real defense after Xavi had cleverly won the ball to put his side 3-1 ahead before the half-time.

Sergio Ramos gave Madrid hope in the 56th minute as he headed home an Arjen Robben free kick, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed.

Henry raced onto a through ball from the brilliant Xavi for the fourth before Messi made it five with an impudent finish to fox Iker Casillas in the Real goal for his 23rd goal in the league this season.

The final humiliation saw Samuel Eto'o charge down the right to cross for Pique who twisted cleverly to beat Casillas for the sixth and his first ever La Liga goal.

It was Barcelona's 100th league goal of the season which has brought them 27 wins from 34 matches.

Real fans headed rapidly for the exits as they tried to come to terms with the most goals ever scored by Barcelona in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Their side trail by seven points with only four games remaining with a super-confident Barcelona now headed to the second leg of their Champions League semifinal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The first leg was goalless. CNN International

Owen could be shorn of starting spot when Newcastle visit Liverpool

Alan Shearer is refusing to rule out the possibility that Michael Owen could be dropped for Newcastle United's trip to Liverpool on Sunday. The relegation-threatened club's manager admits that persisting with the 4-3-3 formation he deployed in the 0–0 draw at home to Portsmouth on Monday night could be "really mad" and is consequently poised to leave at least one striker from Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Owen on the bench at Anfield.

When Shearer replaced the convalescent Joe Kinnear he expressed considerable faith in Owen and stressed that the erstwhile England striker would be guaranteed a starting place in his sides, but yesterday Newcastle's manager seemed keener to emphasise that he is creating a meritocracy in which no one is indispensable.

"If I do decide to drop one of the three strikers it will be a tough choice," reflected the former England captain who is well aware that Owen has not scored for nine games now and missed an excellent chance against Portsmouth. "If I believe Michael can score at Liverpool then that will be reflected in the team on Sunday. If I believe that he can't then that's a decision I have to make. I will go on Sunday with the team I believe will be best suited to that particular game.

"When you look at the stats, work-rate wise, there's no problem with Michael, he's always in the top three or four players. But it's goals that Michael's made his name from and he was disappointed not to score the other night, as was everybody else. If he gets in the same situation on Sunday, we'll be looking for him to put it away. Michael's still banging goals in during training but I need him to start scoring in games."

Omitting Owen on the trip to the striker's former club would be a politically loaded act, but it seems that Shearer has certainly at least contemplated demoting a long-standing friend and one-time team-mate to the substitute ranks as he ponders his best attacking combination. "I have done mad things in my time," he said. "But, without wanting to give away formations or selections, it might be really mad to go to Anfield with three up front."

Although Newcastle are poised to restore the newly fit Joey Barton to midfield they must operate without a specialist left-back as José Enrique's hamstring strain appears poised to rule the Spaniard out for at least two weeks. With Steven Taylor also sidelined, their manager is hoping for an impressive central defensive performance against Fernando Torres from Sébastien Bassong.

"Bassong has probably been our best player since I came here," said Shearer. "I have been very impressed by Sébastien. He has everything, good pace, he's good in the air, he can use the ball and he can read the game. I think he has a big future, I really do – although I'd like him to score a goal from a corner."

Considering that Newcastle have registered just one goal – and two points – during Shearer's four-game tenure such words were heartfelt. Owen's barren run cannot end soon enough but whether he is deployed from the start tomorrow or used as in "impact" substitute remains to be seen. Guardian.co.uk

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-05-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid v Barcelona preview

A Real Madrid win over their fiercest rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Saturday in 'El Clasico' promises to throw the title race wide open.

The Catalans travel to the capital four points ahead of Real with five games to play but that lead could be whittled down to a single point if Madrid get their way.

A close title race seemed the last thing anybody expected after the two teams clashed at Camp Nou earlier in the season in December.

After a disappointing start to the campaign Real manager Bernd Schuster threw in the towel before a ball was kicked after announcing that his side could not win in Catalunya before adding it was their year.

The comments caused uproar among Madridistas and the board duly relieved the German of his responsibilities replacing him with ex-Tottenham boss Juande Ramos.

After Barca had dismantled their rivals 2-0, to open up a 12 point gap between the two teams, many began to think that Schuster had been right all along but fast forward four-and-a-half months and that dismal night in Barcelona remains Real's last defeat in the league.

Ramos has rebuilt his reputation and dragged a club that had appeared in the midst of chaos to pick up 52 points from a possible 54 to take them back towards the top of La Liga.

The run has given the champions renewed confidence, none more so than captain Raul - he has netted 15 league goals this term - who feels his side go into the game as favourites despite admitting that the current Barca side are one of the best ever.

"We are playing in the Bernabeu and Madrid have to be the favourites," he told AS.

"Either team are capable of winning, of course, but the atmosphere and the fans will help us. They are playing for a lot but I think we have even more to play for.

"A team is judged on trophies but this is one of the best teams in their history. They have some outstanding players."

Meanwhile despite seeing their lead at the top cut over the past few months Barca are not exactly playing badly following a run of 14 wins in 17 games since the Madrid win.

One of the things that could count against the Catalans is their gruelling fixture schedule with El Clasico falling in between their two UEFA Champions League semi-final ties with Chelsea.

Barca travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday with their players still feeling the effects of a rough and tumble first leg in Spain on Tuesday with the tie delicately poised at 0-0.

Therefore it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will protect his top stars ahead of the return leg and give the Champions League higher priority over the league.

However many of Barca's leading lights will be out for revenge after last season's humiliating 4-1 reverse at the Bernabeu when the visitors had to perform a 'pasillo' in recognition of Real securing the league title with three games to go.

Team news

Arjen Robben has made a miraculous recovery from a calf injury which threatened to keep him out of the clash and Ramos has confirmed that he will start on the right-wing.

Guti will miss out after spraining his ankle in training while Wesley Sneijder is ruled out with a thigh strain. Gabriel Heinze has shrugged off a knee injury to play his part but Pepe is definitely out as he sits out through his hefty suspension.

Meanwhile Guardiola could look to freshen up his squad with the Chelsea game in mind but defender Rafael Marquez definitely out after his knee buckled against the Blues in midweek.

The Mexican is out for the season and is not expected back for between eight and 10 weeks. Fellow defenders Martin Caceres and Gabriel Milito will also miss out so Carles Puyol is set to start especially since he is suspended for the return leg against Chelsea.

Striker Thierry Henry is doubtful to play from the start after complaining of a sore neck after suffering a hard knock to the head in midweek so Guardiola is thought to be toying with the idea of pushing Andres Iniesta further forward. SkySports

Inter Milan vs Lazio Preview

Jose Mourinho has no regrets about his "zero titles" taunt to second-placed AC Milan as the Serie A title race hots up.

The Nerazzurri, who welcome mid-table Lazio to the San Siro tomorrow night, head into the weekend seven points ahead of their arch rivals, who travel to Catania on Sunday.

That gap was 10 points prior to last weekend, when Inter suffered a shock defeat at Napoli shortly after Milan had seen off Palermo 3-0.

Another slip-up by the three-time defending champions this weekend would give the Rossoneri real hope heading into the final four games of the season, and potentially leave Mourinho with egg on his face after the Portuguese suggested Carlo Ancelotti's side would finish the campaign empty-handed.

"I have no regrets. I'm man enough to apologise to Milan if, at the end of the season, I'm wrong," Mourinho said.

"I remember (Milan midfielder Massimo) Ambrosini insulting 10 million Inter fans when he celebrated the Champions League victory.

"Many years have passed and I have never seen him apologise. He's a charismatic player who has captained a great club like Milan, but I have never heard him apologise to the Inter fans, many of whom live in his same city."

Of tomorrow's match, Mourinho added on www.inter.it: "I'm expecting a very difficult game against Lazio, but we need three victories to win the championship.

"We just have to think about ourselves, and having a seven-point lead is important because it increases our confidence.

"This story of seven points is a curious story because we had this advantage for months, then we had a 10-point lead for a few games, but the lead has always been between five and seven points.

"Now there are just five games left and we still have this lead. Excluding the Dutch and Cypriot championships, where two teams are already champions, no other team in Europe has a lead like ours, and everyone here is talking about this story of May 5."

On that date seven years ago, Inter missed out on the Scudetto following a 4-2 defeat at Lazio.

Mario Balotelli and Dejan Stankovic miss out through suspension tomorrow while Maicon, Nelson Rivas and Francesco Bolzoni are still injured, but Mourinho could welcome back Sulley Muntari after the Ghana midfielder resumed full training yesterday and came through unscathed.

Lazio coach Delio Rossi will definitely be without Ousmane Dabo, Mobido Diakite and Goran Pandev and also has a doubt over Stefano Mauri.

The Biancocelesti could reignite their faint hopes of a place in next season's Europa League with victory at the San Siro, having crept closer to sixth-placed Roma with a string of improved performances of late.

However, they failed to capitalise on the Giallorossi's defeat last week as they succumbed at home to Atalanta to see them remain five points behind their bitter rivals.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito said: "I hope that in the end the team will be focused, cohesive and determined as they have been in the last few games with the exception of Atalanta."
ESPN Star

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hamburg wins 1-0 at Bremen in UEFA Cup semifinal first leg

Hamburg made itself favourite to reach next month's UEFA Cup final with a 1-0 semifinal win at Werder Bremen, and Shakhtar Donetsk's likely to fill the other spot after a 1-1 draw at Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday.

Germany midfielder Piotr Trochowski scored for Hamburg against its German rival in the 28th minute, heading in at the far post from a cross by Guy Demel.

Hamburg needs only to avoid defeat in next week's second leg to qualify for the May 20 final in Istanbul. Shakhtar could make it through with a scoreless draw after securing a 1-1 result through a second-half goal by Fernandinho.

Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese, who stopped three penalties when Werder eliminated Hamburg in the semifinals of the German Cup last week, kept his team's chances alive in the two-legged semifinal with several good saves, including one from Ivica Olic early in the game.

The goalkeeper also turned away striker Paolo Guerrero's low shot in the 22nd.

On the other side, Frank Rost was busy in Hamburg's goal early in the match, foiling Diego for what was Bremen's best chance.

But after Bremen's early pressure, Hamburg controlled the game and created several chances.

The one it did convert came when Trochowski headed Demel's cross from the right flank over Wiese's outstretched arms and just inside the far post.

Werder also had the upper hand early in the second half and Hugo Almeida nearly beat Rost with a header after the Hamburg goalkeeper had failed to handle a cross. But Rost recovered to make a good save.

Defender Sebastian Boenisch narrowly missed in the 59th and Almeida missed with another header before he was replaced by Markus Rosenberg.

Guerrero got his second booking then and will miss the return leg.

The win put Hamburg close to its first final in a European competition since it won the European Cup, the precursor to the Champions League, in 1983.

Dynamo took the lead against its Ukrainian rival in the 22nd minute when Shakhtar defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy put Oleksandr Aliyev's powerful free kick into his own net while struggling with striker Artem Milevskiy at the far post.

But neither of the clubs, who have played each other 135 times, dominated the first half.

Dynamo had seven shots but only one was on goal - midfielder Carlos Correa shaved the right post with a powerful drive from outside the box in injury time.

"It was a very tough game," Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said. "Dynamo was better before the interval while we made too many mistakes. But in the second half we were in control of the game."

Still, Milevskiy missed a chance to make it 2-0 when he headed over a curling free kick by Aliyev in the 53rd.

Fernandinho tied it 15 minutes later. Jadson broke down the right flank and passed to Willian, who moved ahead and crossed into the box for the Brazilian player to put it in.

"An away goal in Kyiv is not that bad for us," Chygrynskiy said. "Though all our tactics for the match were aimed at victory."

Dynamo hasn't lost to Shakhtar at Valery Lobanovsky Stadium since July 2004, but needs a victory or a high-scoring draw in Donetsk to get through.

Its chances were improved when Shakhtar defender Oleksandr Kucher was booked, ruling him out of the second leg.

Of the two teams, Dynamo has the superior pedigree in European competition, winning the Cup-Winners' Cup in 1975 and 1986 during its Soviet heyday. Shakhtar was playing in its first European semifinals.

Both second legs are next Thursday. Canadian Press

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

O'Shea gives Man Utd slender advantage

Manchester United will carry a slim 1-0 lead into their second leg of their all-English Champions League semifinal against Arsenal.

A John O'Shea goal after 18 minutes was all the defending champions had to show despite dominating Wednesday's first leg at Old Trafford.

But the manner of their performance will encourage them to believe they can book a place in the final in Rome on May 27 and remain on course to repeat their feat of last season in winning the Champions League and English Premier League.

United started by far the brighter, playing with a high tempo in front of their own fans and it was not long before Manuel Almunia was forced into a brilliant one-handed save to deny Wayne Rooney from Darren Fletcher's cross.

On 16 minutes a cross from the right by O'Shea found Carlos Tevez who was denied by more Almunia heroics, the follow-up effort being parried behind.

From the resulting corner, the ball found its way to Michael Carrick at the far post, the midfielder sending the ball back in via a deflection for O'Shea to score with a first time shot into the roof of the net.

United continued to dominate possession and it took a brilliant reaction save from Almunia to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo scoring from point blank range with a header after a cross from the ever-dangerous Tevez.

The second half followed a similar pattern, but with O'Shea denied the acres of space he was enjoying down the right flank in the first half, United created fewer chances.

The best fell to Ronaldo who sprinted forward just after the hour mark to send a swerving shot past Almunia which rattled the crossbar.

Ryan Giggs came on as a second half substitute for United, his 800th appearance for the Red Devils, and had the ball in the net, but his effort was ruled out by a fractional offside decision.

Substitute Niklas Bendtner had Arsenal's best opening as the tall striker was first to a free kick but could not deflect his header into the goal.

Goal hero O'Shea said they were satisfied with their night's work.

"Their keeper made a couple of great saves but from the first-half we could have been a couple more up," the Ireland defender told Sky Sports.

"Overall though we have to be happy. We are more than capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates but it is far from over." CNN

Domestic battles to decide UEFA Cup final places

Hamburg SV are brimming with confidence ahead of their UEFA Cup semi-final against Werder Bremen on Thursday despite losing a German Cup penalty shootout to their opponents last week, coach Martin Jol said.

"They have yet to beat us. We played a 2-1 in the league and then a 1-1 in the Cup," Jol told reporters. "We will go to Bremen with lots of confidence."

Hamburg midfielder Piotr Trochowski said they wanted revenge for their Cup defeat.

"Bremen are not better than us. Look at where they are in the Bundesliga. We have played a superb season and maybe we will get our revenge in the UEFA Cup."

The northern German derby is not the only domestic battle in the last four.

Ukraine's top two sides meet in the country's capital as Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk extend their long rivalry to European competition.

Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf, whose team are 10th in the Bundesliga, for once does not have any serious injury concerns apart from defender Petri Pasanen who is doubtful for the first leg through a foot injury.

Hamburg's title hopes suffered a blow after a 2-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday left them three points off top spot in fifth place.

FITNESS WORRIES

Jol has fitness worries over Croatian striker Mladen Petric who needed stitches in a shin injury after the Werder Cup defeat.

Dynamo, who eliminated compatriots Metalist Kharkiv in the last 16, hold a 12-point lead over second-placed Shakhtar in the Ukrainian championship and have a good recent home record against their rivals.
Midfielder Roman Yeryomenko (cold) and forward Artyom Kravets (leg injury) are battling to be fit for the opening leg.

"We hope Yeryomenko's condition is not too serious and he will be ready. Kravets, however, remains a question mark. We want him to examined by doctors abroad -- only then will we be able to give an assessment," Dynamo coach Yuri Syomin told the club's website (fcdynamo.kiev.ua).

Shakhtar, in their first European semi-final, won the previous league match between the two clubs this season 1-0 in Donetsk in November.

Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu, who signed a new two-year contract after the quarter-final victory over Olympique Marseille, already has one eye on the return leg in Donetsk on May 7 with the Romanian unhappy about the state of the pitch at the club's Olimpiyskyy stadium.

"The pitch at Olimpiyskyy is destroying our play. As a coach, I feel ashamed to make my players perform on a pitch like this," he told the club's website (shakhtar.com).

"They are unable to launch a decent attack and allow the opponents to keep all 11 men behind the ball. The basis of our play is technique and pace." Guardian.co.uk

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-04-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Wenger seeks goals in away leg against United

Arsene Wenger's approach to Arsenal's Champions League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday will be in complete contrast to Alex Ferguson's.

"The rules, the modern rules, encourage teams at home to be cautious and the away team to be audacious," the Arsenal manager said on the eve of the semi-final first leg.

"To score an away goal could be very important," Wenger told reporters during a pre-match briefing.
United manager Ferguson said earlier on Tuesday he was prepared to adopt a cautious approach and would be happy with a tight and narrow victory.

"We need to win without losing a goal, I can put it that way," Ferguson told a news conference.
Wenger said: "What I want is for my team to play with belief and certainty and with a desire to score goals.
"This is the moment we've waited for. This is the moment we want to show we have what's needed to take advantage of this first game."

Wenger, who led Arsenal to the final in 2006 when they lost to Barcelona, added that he could see his present generation of players winning the trophy.

"I'm an optimist and I believe I will win it and the sooner the better."

Arsenal are almost clear of injury concerns although question marks remain over the involvement of Kieran Gibbs with an ankle complaint while former United defender Mikael Silvestre may also be absent with a back problem. Guardian.co.uk

Barcelona is at a crossroads after tie with Chelsea

Widely acknowledged as the finest soccer club in the world at the moment, FC Barcelona could see its season come completely unraveled in the next eight days.

All the signs were there Tuesday, when the Catalan club was held to a 0-0 tie by Chelsea in the first leg of its two-game European Champions League semifinal series in front of an ultimately subdued crowd of 95,000 in Barcelona.

Free-flowing Barcelona went into the game with 136 goals in 51 games this season, including 94 in 33 Spanish league games. Barcelona, powered by a front line of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o, supported by attacking midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi, was supposed to be unstoppable.

Barcelona had not been shut out in 50 consecutive games in all competitions, dating to its season-opening 1-0 loss at Numancia on Aug. 31.

"The best team in Europe, or the world," was the pre-game opinion of Chelsea Coach Gus Hiddink.

Barcelona carried the game to the English team throughout. It finished with 71% of the possession time and outshot Chelsea, 19-3, including 12-1 in shots on target.

But Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was in top form and made excellent saves on goal-bound shots by Henry, Dani Alves, Eto'o and Alexander Hleb. The rest of the team defended resolutely and in numbers, so Chelsea headed home to London and next week's decisive second game knowing that it has a slight upper hand.

A win at Stamford Bridge on May 6 would put the Blues into the Champions League final for the second year in a row, against the winner of the semifinal series between Manchester United and Arsenal that opens today in Manchester.

Chelsea defender and captain John Terry, whose missed penalty kick in Moscow last year cost the Blues the chance to defeat Manchester United in the final, said his team had done its homework.

"They had a lot of possession, but we stayed very tight," he told Britain's ITV. "We watched videos before the game. They like to play little balls through, and we knew that and stopped them doing it. It's a fantastic result."

Between now and the second leg, Barcelona has another massive challenge. Its lead in the Spanish league has been cut to four points over second-place and defending champion Real Madrid, which it plays Saturday in Madrid.

A loss there and in London next week could undo everything Barcelona has worked to achieve this season.

Barcelona Coach Josep "Pep" Guardiola was more concerned by the loss of Mexico international defender Rafael Marquez, who injured his left knee and is out for the season.

"Rafa's loss was the worst news today," Guardiola said. Los Angeles Times

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-04-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Beware of Barcelona's Three-Headed Monster

Chelsea's defenders should be very, very afraid. When the English soccer club faces Barcelona on Tuesday night in the semifinals of the Champions League, it will be going against one of the most potent offenses in the history of modern soccer. Barcelona's attacking trio -- 21-year-old Argentine phenomenon Lionel Messi (21 goals), French veteran Thierry Henry (17) and dynamic Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o (27) -- have scored more goals between them this season than the entire Chelsea squad.

With a devastating blend of short passes, speedy runs on the wings and lethal finishing, Barcelona's attack has been unstoppable this year. With 94 goals in 33 Spanish-league games, the club is averaging a blistering 2.85 goals per game. This scoring rate makes them the highest-scoring major-conference European team since 1961 when Real Madrid scored 89 goals in 30 games (2.97 average).

It's quite a turnaround from last season, when Barcelona suffered from a surfeit of mega-talented stars who couldn't work together. The club brought in a new coach, Josep Guardiola, a 38-year-old former Barcelona player who had never coached in the top league before. "Pep," as he's known in his native Catalonia, jettisoned some underperforming stars, such as Brazil's Ronaldhino, and imposed a ferocious new training regime: early morning practice, strict diet, 12:30 a.m. curfew.

As a result, Mr. Guardiola has gotten more out of his trio of star attackers -- Messrs. Eto'o and Messi have scored more goals than ever before and Mr. Henry has returned to top form.
Wall Street Journal

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-27T01:15:00.000-07:00

Inter Milan loses to Napoli, AC Milan wins

Inter Milan's lead in the Italian league was trimmed to seven points on Sunday after Jose Mourinho's side lost 1-0 at Napoli and city rivals AC Milan beat Palermo 3-0.

Napoli's Marcelo Zalayeta scored the only goal of a high-tempo, but uninspiring match in which both sides failed to create many chances.

Earlier Kaka converted two penalties to lead Milan to victory over Palermo, while Juventus was held to a 2-2 draw by last-place Reggina.

Reigning champion Inter remains top of Serie A with 74 points, while AC Milan is second with 67, Juventus has 65 and Fiorentina 58.

"It was a victory we had to work for and weren't expected to get," Zalayeta said. "We've failed to win matches that were easier than that this season."

Inter lacked imagination and was outmuscled by a more determined Napoli side, who won its first match since January and the first since ex-Italy coach Roberto Donadoni took over in February.

"Obviously it is emotional to win, especially against a team like Inter, who is top of the table," Donadoni said. "I think our defence did great, especially with rebounds and the second ball into the box."

Striker Ezequiel Lazezzi was the main danger for Napoli and his direct running was a constant problem for Inter's defence, though it wasn't until Zalayeta came on for the ineffectual German Denis, that Napoli made the breakthrough.

Lavezzi ran at the defence before rolling the ball across the face of the penalty area for his strike partner Zalayeta to curl past Julio Cesar.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared tired in Inter's attack while the team's only tactic was to hit the ball long and try to use the pace of Mario Balotelli or the height of Julio Cruz.

"It seemed to me to be a typical 0-0 match. In the first half Inter had most of the ball, but we didn't threaten," Mourinho said. "In the second half it was a different game and without threatening we lost control of the game.

"We are seven points ahead and need three wins from five matches. We have to look at ourselves and win the nine points we need to be champions."

Milan had no such problems going forward and took a 10th minute lead after Palermo defender Mattia Cassani fouled midfielder Massimo Ambrosini and Kaka stroked home the penalty.

"We started the match well with a good rhythm," Ancelotti said. "Palermo always make it difficult for you in midfield, but it was a good day and our midfield competed well.

"Kaka has returned well after two months out, and now the defence is also back to its best as players have returned and it is much more solid."

Ambrosini then helped to increase Milan's lead 10 minutes later, when Filippo Inzaghi headed in his cross from close range.

Early in second half, Palermo defender Cesare Bovo was sent off for a foul on Kaka. Shortly afterward, Federico Balzaretti bundled over the Brazilian in the area and Kaka got up to score with his second spot-kick of the match.

Juventus continued its run of poor form, needing a dubious penalty from Alessandro Del Piero and a scrappy goal from midfielder Cristiano Zanetti.

Having been knocked out of the Italian Cup in midweek, Juventus' season appears to be limping to a finish and Claudio Ranieri's side was fortunate to leave Reggina with a draw.

The bottom side went ahead in the 27th when defender Antonio Barilla was left unmarked to head home midfielder Daniel Adejo's cross.

Shortly after halftime, though, Adejo brought down striker Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alessandro Del Piero brought his team level with the penalty.

Midfielder Emil Hallfredsson put the home side in the lead again when he scored from long range, but Cristiano Zanetti equalized two minutes later after the ball came to him in the box.

"The first half an hour, I can't say I'm surprised we struggled because everyone knows about Reggina's pressing, but after that we recovered well," Ranieri said. "It was an intense match and we had to fight to the end. It certainly wasn't a beautiful match.

"We've welcomed back some players, such as (Mauro) Camoranesi and (Cristiano) Zanetti, but it takes them time to get back to their best."

Genoa's hopes of returning to the Champions League places were hit when it slipped to a 2-0 defeat away to Bologna.

Also Sunday, it was: Lecce 2, Catania 1; Sampdoria 3, Cagliari 3; Lazio 0, Atalanta 1; and Torino 1, Siena 0. Canadian Press

Raul helps Real close Barcelona gap

Captain marvel Raul scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-2 on Sunday to cut Barcelona's advantage at the top to four points ahead of next Saturday's 'El Clasico' at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona had dropped two points in a 2-2 draw at Valencia on Saturday and Real capitalised as Raul gave coach Juande Ramos a win on his first return to old club Sevilla.

"It was crucial that we won this match," admitted Ramos. "We have been winning lots of games but not getting any closer and sometimes it seems like hard work.

"Now we have closed to within four points and have home advantage against Barcelona next Saturday."

Brazilian Renato put Sevilla in front on 17 minutes but Raul levelled just before half-time and then scored twice inside three minutes (63, 66) to complete his hat-trick and take his season's tally to 18.

"It was pivotal to score just before the break," explained Ramos. "We took more risks in the second half because nothing less than a victory was good enough."

Diego Capel gave Sevilla a glimmer of hope with an 80th minute strike but Marcelo scored for Real in the dying seconds to make it 4-2.

Sevilla had beaten Real 4-3 at the Bernabeu in Bernd Schuster's final match in charge and since then Ramos has guided the champions back into the title race with 17 victories in 19 games.

Back in mid-December Barcelona had a 12-point buffer after beating Real 2-0 but that has now been sliced to just four points as the two sides prepare to face off again.

For Sevilla it was a fourth straight league loss and Valencia are just a point behind in fourth.

Real had to do without the suspended Pepe who will not play again this season after picking up a ten-game ban for his violent conduct against Getafe.

In the dug-out, Ramos was jeered by Sevilla fans who used to worship him for winning two UEFA Cups and a Kings Cup but later branded him a mercenary when he resigned to join Tottenham in October 2007.

Supporters printed thousands of fake dollar notes bearing Ramos's face alongside a 'Juan Dollar' caption to emphasise their point.

"We are all professionals and I am open to the criticism from the public," said Ramos. "It is just something you have to deal with in football."

On 17 minutes Diego Perotti floated in a great cross with the outside of his foot and Renato glanced in a header to put Sevilla ahead.

All Real's half-chances kept falling to Higuain, able to play after having a suspension overturned, but the Argentine could not find the equaliser.

With seconds until the break Raul levelled with Metzelder crossing across the face of the penalty area for the alert striker to slide home.

Raul struck again on 63 minutes with a left-footed volley and grabbed his treble three minutes later when goalkeeper Andres Palop fumbled Higuain's cross.

Earlier, Villarreal moved a point behind fourth-placed Valencia in the Champions League race with a 2-1 win at Getafe on Sunday.

It was Villarreal's first away win since a 2-1 triumph at Recreativo Huelva at the end of November and coach Manuel Pellegrini was happy to start winning on the road.

"It is a really important win," said Pellegrini. "It has been a while since we won away from home and we are now right in the Champions League battle along with five or so other teams."

Getafe pulled a goal back from the penalty spot late on but ran out of time and continue to languish one point above the drop zone.

Atletico Madrid stayed within three points of Villarreal with a 3-1 home win over strugglers Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

Racing Santander had humiliated Atletico 5-1 in mid-week but the capital club bounced back with goals from Diego Forlan, Sergio Aguero and Simao, who was also sent off, helping them overcome Sporting.

Gijon, who incredibly still haven't drawn a single game this season with 11 wins and 22 defeats, drop into the bottom three, a point from safety. AFP

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Rooney And Ronaldo Hail Manchester United Performance Over Tottenham

Manchester United came from behind tonight at Old Trafford, to emerge eventual victors over visitors Tottenham Hotspur in a seven-goal thriller.

The comeback denied Harry Redknapp of his first ever managerial win at Manchester United's home stadium, and created history in that the game was the first time in over two years that the Red Devils have come back from a two-goal disadvantage.

Scoring five goals in the space of 22 minutes - all in the second half - United nullified and voided Spurs' lead, securing themselves the top spot of the Premier League by a three-point margin with a game in hand over title chasers Liverpool.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were amongst the scorers for the hosts, both players netting themselves a double, with Dimitar Berbatov adding the cherry to the cake after 79 minutes.

"It was a good comeback," Rooney told Setanta Sports.

"We played too slow in the first half, we had to quicken the game up.

"Going in 2-0 down at half time we knew that if we got that first goal it would get the crowd up, spurring us on further. Fortunately we got some opportunities and took them.

"[Sir Alex told us to] quicken our game up and make sure we score. If we score one goal, then you never know, you always have that chance to go on and win, and we've done that."

Ronaldo then chimed in with his take on the game, citing the introduction of pint-sized Argentine striker Carlos Tevez as the major turning point of the game.

"It's a great result," the winger started.

"To score five goals in the second half is brilliant. We said after the first half that if we scored one, we could score three or four.

"Carlos Tevez changed the game when he came on, he really started to press the defenders.

"We are at the top of the league now. It's great."

Quizzed over the importance of the game, Wazza agreed that United will now be favourites to take the title once more, but wants to make sure that the heads stay focused within the camp.

"It was very important that we won this game," Rooney went on.

"Obviously we're in a great position now - three points clear with a game in hand - but we need to make sure that we take advantage of our situation.

"Now we have a little bit of a margin going into the final stages, and that fills the squad with belief and confidence." Goal

Late-show Henry rescues Barcelona in Valencia draw

Barcelona dropped two vital points in the Spanish title race on Saturday in a 2-2 draw at Valencia where substitute Thierry Henry grabbed a late equaliser.

It means champions Real Madrid, now seven points behind, can close to within four points at the summit with victory at Sevilla on Sunday and then try to beat their rivals in next Saturday's 'El Clasico' at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Dutch midfielder Hedwiges Maduro and winger Pablo Hernandez scored twice in as many minutes to go 2-1 up after Barcelona had taken the lead through Lionel Messi on 24 minutes.

Henry scored in the 86th minute to salvage a point for Barcelona who had a 12-point lead over Real back in mid-December, but could find themselves just four ahead by next weekend.

"Getting a point is better than losing isn't it?" said Henry. "This Barcelona team has the quality and also the courage that you need to succeed."

Barcelona face a testing week with Chelsea at Camp Nou on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-final first leg before the title duel with Real four days later.

Saturday's result kept Valencia in fourth, a point behind third-placed Sevilla.

Messi missed the 4-0 midweek thrashing of Sevilla, but returned to the starting line-up with Andres Iniesta switching to the left while Henry, who scored a hat-trick in the 4-0 rout of Valencia back in December, was on the bench.

Xavi, Samuel Eto'o, Sergi Busquets and Dani Alves all walked a yellow card tightrope knowing a booking would rule them out of next Saturday's crunch clash against Real.

Stung by their 4-0 drubbing at Camp Nou, Valencia came out of the blocks at a frenetic pace putting pressure on the visitors' slick passing game.

But with 24 minutes gone, Barcelona got the breakthrough with Iniesta keeping his composure metres from goal to pick out Messi rather than trying to squeeze the ball past former Real Madrid goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez.

Messi cooly rolled in his 21st goal but it was Iniesta's composure which made the goal.

Barcelona had not conceded in the league since March 1 so it was a tall order for Valencia, but the hosts stunned the leaders with two goals in as many minutes.

In the 43rd minute, Pep Guardiola's side failed to defend a whipped-in corner with goalkeeper Victor Valdes and Carlos Puyol going for the same ball and Maduro bundling the ball in with his thigh.

It broke Valdes's run of seven consecutive clean sheets and he conceded again 120 seconds later when Hernandez played a neat one-two before slotting home.

Henry came on for Seydou Keita just after the hour and forced a fine save from Sanchez.

Sanchez was at fault for the equaliser four minutes from time, however, failing to punch clear and Henry lobbed the ball in.

Real travel to Sevilla on Sunday when all eyes will be on coach Juande Ramos as he returns to his old club, where he won successive UEFA Cups in 2006 and 2007, for the first time.

Ramos and Real are still reeling from a 10-match ban handed out to Portuguese defender Pepe on Friday for violent conduct in the 3-2 win over Getafe last week and the player will now sit out the remainder of the season.

Earlier on Saturday UEFA Cup rivals Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Malaga left the more disappointed after missing an 88th minute penalty.

Deportivo goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia dived to his right to save Apono's late spot-kick.

Malaga, the suprise package of the season after being promoted, stay a point above Deportivo in sixth place.

Elsewhere, time is running out for Numancia to save themselves from an immediate return to the second division with the Soria club losing 2-1 at Almeria to stay bottom, five points from safety.

Numancia sensationally beat Barcelona 1-0 on the opening day of the season but have found the tough going ever since. AFP

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

Tottenham test for stuttering Manchester United

Manchester United can take a huge step towards retaining their Premier League title on Saturday but first they must do what none of their rivals have managed this season -- take all three points from a meeting with Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp's side may have spent the first half of the season struggling near the bottom of the table, but a defeat of Liverpool, a win and a draw against Chelsea and two draws with Arsenal underline their ability to raise their game against top level opponents.

Liverpool's 4-4 draw with Arsenal in midweek has increased United's margin for error.

But although Sir Alex Ferguson's men capitalised with a 2-0 win over Portsmouth 24 hours later, their performance was sufficiently jittery to suggest Tottenham could pose a tougher challenge at Old Trafford.

Spurs defender Jonathan Woodgate is anticipating a tight encounter and does not expect United to rest any of their big names ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal.

"We haven't been beaten by any of the top sides in the league this season and we have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea," Woodgate said.

"Our record against the top four is impeccable but United will put out a strong side and it will be very tough."

The early evening match will see Michael Carrick come up against his former club and the midfielder believes United just need to hold their nerve for the final month of the campaign.

"Liverpool's draw was a big boost and we're in a decent position now," he said. "Hopefully we can keep the momentum going until the end of the season and put the league to bed as quickly as we can. There are big games coming thick and fast and we need to be at our best in all of them."

Liverpool, who have been scoring freely but also leaking goals of late, cannot afford to dwell on their midweek setback as they prepare for what is likely to be a ferociously contested meeting with Hull.

Phil Brown's side are fighting for their Premier League lives with only a three-point cushion between them and the relegation zone.

Sunderland, who are only a point better off than Hull, will be desperate to take all three points from their trip to bottom side West Brom, who could be relegated as early as next weekend if results go against them.

Middlesbrough, who travel to Arsenal on Sunday, could benefit if Arsene Wenger opts to rest some of his big names ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester United.

Gareth Southgate's side, who entertain United next weekend, desperately need to start picking up some points and the Boro boss believes the fact that his side have been in trouble for so long could actually help them beat the drop.

"In a strange way, we have got less tension about us because we have faced the worst possible scenario being where we are, and we have realised we can handle that," Southgate said.

"If you can handle that, you can look forward and see what we can go on and achieve."

With West Ham entertaining Chelsea, Fulham will be hoping for a win over Stoke that could see them leapfrog their London rivals into seventh, the final qualifying spot for next season's Europa League, the successor to the UEFA Cup.

Blackburn will see their home encounter with Wigan on Saturday as a golden opportunity to pull clear of the drop zone at the expense of opponents with little left to play for this season.

Everton's meeting with Manchester City looks to be the match with least at stake this weekend but Everton's on-loan Brazilian striker Jo will at least have a point to prove to the club that paid 18 million pounds to bring him to England before the start of the season then offloaded him in January.

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated)

Bolton v Aston Villa, Everton v Manchester City, Fulham v Stoke City, Hull City v Liverpool, Manchester Utd v Tottenham (1630 GMT), West Brom v Sunderland, West Ham v Chelsea

Sunday

Arsenal v Middlesbrough (1230 GMT), Blackburn v Wigan (1500 GMT)

Monday

Newcastle v Portsmouth (1900 GMT) AFP

Inter 'Keeper Julio Cesar Accepts Adriano Departure

Adriano officially terminated his contract with Inter on Friday and his club team-mate and compatriot Julio Cesar is sad to see the player leave after his recent troubles.

"I think that he has made the best choice for himself. I'm sorry, because I wish he was still here with us," sighed the shot stopper to Sky Sports.

"We must leave him alone, he is considering what to do now and I don't know if he will resume playing right away. We all know Adriano's capabilities, he has great strength and I hope he returns to play football as soon as possible."

Julio Cesar's performances have been a key aspect of Inter's success this season. The former Flamengo keeper has made nearly 40 appearances for the club in all competitions

Earlier on Friday, Adriano's agent explained the current situation of the striker and claimed that he has no specific plans at this time, but clarified that the ex-Parma man would not return to Serie A in the future. Goal

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

Inter fall to Sampdoria in Cup semi-finals

* Sampdoria reach final with 3-1 aggregate win over Inter
* Second leg win not enough to save Inter
* Samp go through to face Lazio in May 13 final (Rewrites, adding quotes)

Sampdoria held off an Inter Milan fightback to reach the Italian Cup final despite losing Thursday's second leg 1-0.

Inter, stung by a 3-0 defeat in the first leg, gave themselves hope when Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck midway through the first half but Sampdoria held on to clinch a 3-1 aggregate win and a place in the final against Lazio.

"Today we tried and we deserved (to go through)," Inter coach Jose Mourinho told Rai television.
"One side played to win, the other played to lose by less than three goals.
"I'm extremely proud of my players. With a pinch of luck we'd have won 3-0."

The visitors from Genoa, cheered on by around 15,000 travelling fans, made a bright start as Inter struggled to adjust to a new formation with a three-man defence.
Mourinho's side frequently resorted to fouls to halt Samp's advances early on but Ibrahimovic's right-footed strike ignited them.

Soon afterwards the Swede forced a desperate save from Luca Castellazzi with a header before hitting the post with a diagonal lob, while Julio Cruz nodded narrowly wide on the stroke of halftime.
Inter, who had Marco Materazzi sent off at the end of the match when he responded to being booked by applauding the referee, created plenty of other chances but ended up falling well short.
Lazio won 2-1 at Juventus on Wednesday to complete a 4-2 aggregate win and take their place in the May 13 final on home territory at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Reuters

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Lazio defeat Juventus to reach cup final

Lazio have reached their first Coppa Italia final for five years after defeating Juventus 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico for a 4-2 aggregate victory.

The Roman club are now likely to face Sampdoria, who lead champions Inter Milan 3-0 from their semifinal first leg, in the final.

Argentine striker Mauro Zarate gave Lazio a 37th-minute lead with a stunning curling effort that gave goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon no chance.

The visitors doubled their advantage seven minutes into the second half when a shot from Serbian defender Aleksandar Kolarov deflected over Buffon.

Juventus pulled a goal back in the 64th minute when Alessandro del Piero came off the bench to volley home a deep cross from fellow-substitute Mauro Camoranesi.

The home side finished with 10 men after Camoranesi was sent off, but the match was marred by more ugly chanting by some Juve fans against Inter Milan's black striker Mario Balotelli.

Juve have been ordered to play their next Serie A match behind closed doors after a section of fans racially taunted Balotelli, an Italian of Ghanaian descent, during the top-of-the-table clash last Saturday.

However, the chanting against Balotelli started up again halfway through the first half, prompting the stadium announcer to ask the fans to stop. CNN

A Surprise If Inter Reach Coppa Italia Final - Jose Mourinho

Inter coach Jose Mourinho believes it will be a shock if his side overhaul Sampdoria to qualify for the Coppa Italia final.

The Nerazzurri welcome the Blucerchiati to the San Siro on Thursday night hoping to overturn the 3-0 deficit from the first leg. Although it seems like a mountain to climb, the 'Special One' has told his players to rise to the challenge.

"We are out of the Coppa Italia at the moment," Mourinho told Sky Sport Italia.

"The 3-0 is an important advantage for them. If we get to the final then it will be a surprise for everyone. However, nothing is impossible.

"Sampdoria have been talking defensively regarding this game, it's like Inter talking about the maths in the Scudetto.

"Nevertheless, football is football and everything is possible."

The coach was asked whether the possibility of meeting bitter rivals Juventus in the final acted like an extra incentive for his players, but the coach replied firmly.

"Juve in the final? It's not a motivation more for us. The motivation is getting to the final. Our objective is the final of the Coppa Italia." Goal

Manchester United go three points clear at the top of the Premier League

Sir Alex Ferguson accused his Manchester United players of becoming casual and risking an “embarrassing” anticlimax as they edged to a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth last night that took them three points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

After Liverpool’s dramatic 4-4 draw at home to Arsenal 24 hours earlier, the United manager was frustrated to see his strongest available side — minus a “tired” Rio Ferdinand — come close to conceding home points of their own as they allowed Portsmouth back into a game in which they took an early lead through Wayne Rooney. Only when Michael Carrick scored eight minutes from time were the champions secure.

A side showing nine changes to the one knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday homed in on a third successive league title — they have a game in hand on all their rivals — despite an unconvincing performance, although Ferguson claimed that only poor finishing had let them down initially.

“In the first half we played some of the best football you’ll see all season,” the United manager said. “The football was absolutely fantastic but we missed four or five clear chances. We could have been 5-0 up but, at only 1-0, we made it difficult for ourselves. We encouraged the opposition and I thought we were going to throw it away.”

It was not all good news for the champions, with United’s defensive resources being stretched ahead of their Champions League semi-final, first leg with Arsenal on Wednesday. Gary Neville limped off in the thirteenth minute and John O’Shea, his replacement, was also withdrawn, both with what are thought to be ankle injuries. “They’ll be out for weeks,” Ferguson said. The return of Wes Brown, who played for the reserves on Monday, is well timed.

Ferguson was adamant that his players will not be slacking off any more in the home straight. “We’re in a better position than we were yesterday morning,” he said. “But having seen that second half when we got so casual, I’m taking nothing for granted. We’ve got to keep our foot down all the time.”

While Paul Scholes was restored to the starting line-up for his 600th game for the club last night, sliding in the pass for Carrick’s goal, Carlos Tévez reverted to his customary place on the substitutes’ bench and he has admitted that he may leave Old Trafford when his two-year deal expires in the summer.

“Even if you score three of four goals, you do not play in another game,” the Argentina striker said. “There are many very good players here but I need to play. I have trained every day and never said anything against my team-mates or anyone, but it is true that there are other options for next season.”

Guus Hiddink conceded that Chelsea’s title hopes had all but evaporated after a 0-0 draw against Everton at Stamford Bridge that left them six points behind the leaders. “We said before that the two followers of Manchester United must not lose any points,” Hiddink, the interim manager, said. “But we lost two points and now we must be realistic.

“Mathematically there is still a chance, but I think we should follow the other two roads — the Champions League and Everton again [in the Cup Final on May 30]. We have West Ham on Saturday and we will not have the approach to let it slip away, but now we have to focus more on the Champions League games.”

As United regained pole position, one of their former players was dropping down a division. Roy Keane, who resigned from Sunderland in December. is expected to be named today as the manager of Ipswich Town, the Coca-Cola Championship club, who dismissed Jim Magilton yesterday. Times Online

Barcelona blitzes Sevilla

Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Barcelona regained its six-point lead atop the La Liga table on Wednesday as the club recorded a resounding 4-0 win over Sevilla at the Nou Camp.

Just one day after Real Madrid scored a dramatic 3-2 win over Getafe to close the gap to three points, Barca put together an impressive response with Andres Iniesta and Samuel Eto'o scoring goals inside of 18 minutes to send the hosts on their way.

Xavi made it 3-0 shortly after halftime and Thierry Henry added another goal five minutes later to cap the impressive offensive display.

Iniesta had Barca on the scoreboard after three minutes when he collected a loose ball in midfield and was given room.

He carried the ball towards goal and curled a perfect shot into the upper right corner, giving Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas no chance.

The Barca pressure continued minutes later when Daniel Alves struck a free kick that took a slight deflection and sailed just over the crossbar, while Eto'o fired over the net from 10 yards with only the keeper to beat.

Sevilla got a rare look at goal in the 12th minute when Diego Capel crossed to the back post for Jesus Navas, but he volleyed wide from six yards and Barca struck again five minutes later.

A nice build up saw Xavi and Iniesta work a nice one-two with Iniesta taking the return pass inside the box and sliding a first-time pass to the penalty spot for Eto'o, whose shot was tipped by the keeper but settled inside the left post.

Xavi almost made it 3-0 before the break when he chipped the ball inches wide of the far post, but the Spain international didn't have to wait long to put his name on the scoresheet.

Eto'o took a pass inside the box from Iniesta, and he dropped the ball back to Xavi to curl inside the upper right corner.

Iniesta was again involved in the build up five minutes later when he laid the ball off to Henry inside the box on the left. The former Arsenal man dribbled towards goal and calmly rolled the ball inside the far post, surprising the keeper and capping the win.

Valencia continues to chase a Champions League spot and they improved their position with a 2-1 win over Real Betis as David Villa scored twice, Deportivo downed Almeria 2-0, and Malaga overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit to beat Osasuna, 3-2. Sports Network

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

Arshavin hits 4 in 8-goal Liverpool draw

Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin became the first player to score four goals in a league game at Liverpool for 64 years but it was not enough to stop the Reds returning to the top of the Premier League after another 4-4 draw.

A week after crashing out of the Champions League 7-5 on aggregate after sharing eight goals in their quarterfinal second leg at Chelsea, Liverpool took their fans on another rollercoaster ride.

A draw was going to be enough to take the Merseysiders above Manchester United -- they have two games in hand -- but it needed 90 minutes of drama before they edged ahead on goal difference.

Russian striker Arshavin opened the scoring after 36 minutes and struck again after 67, 70 and 90 as Arsenal bounced back following their weekend FA Cup semifinal defeat.

Fernando Torres, with a header after 49 minutes, and Yossi Benayoun (56) hit back after halftime before Arshavin sent Arsenal 3-2 ahead with 20 minutes left.

Torres's second of the night after 72 hauled Rafael Benitez's side level two minutes later -- but it took Benayoun to salvage a draw for Liverpool in the third minute of time added on after that man Arshavin had hit number four after 90 minutes.

It was the first time in his career that Arshavin had scored four in a match and he told Sky: "I liked the game but of course it's not good for the team...almost basketball."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said of his Russian star: "His performance was outstanding. He had a quiet first half but when he comes into the game he is always very dangerous. He has personality and is a winner."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez saw his team concede a quartet of sloppy goals but he could not fault their commitment to the cause.

"You never know," he said of the Reds' dwindling hopes of overhauling United. "Today we made too many mistakes, but it's also very positive because the team showed character until the last minute."

Benitez added: "They (United) had it (the advantage in the title race) before and they continue in the driving seat. We have to keep pushing and showed today we will fight until the last game."
CNN International

Premier League Preview: Manchester United - Portsmouth

Fergie’s Fight

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been in a bombastic mood defending the FA Cup exit to Everton, but this will be worthless if his side fail to beat Portsmouth on Wednesday night.

The knives have been out after his decision to let Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs watch the game from the comfort of their homes contributed to the ending of the quintuple dream. While his youngsters excelled against the Toffees, the big hitters will be back for the return to Premier League action.

United certainly missed the incision of the trio at Wembley as the makeshift team put in a performance as flat as the pitch. If the front line fails to sparkle again, a title challenge that has regained momentum could start to falter once more.

The Red Devils will also be interested spectators of the clash between Arsenal and title challengers Liverpool. Any favour from their Champions League semi-final opponents could provide some welcome daylight in the chase for the trophy.

Another spur for this game is the painful memory of the 1-0 defeat to Pompey in the FA Cup last season. The Mancunians pummelled the visitors that day but were unable to put the ball in the back of the net.

If United fire blanks again, it would be a terminal blow to their hopes of a third successive Premier League crown. The pressure is now on for Fergie to ensure his sacrifice of the hallowed cup competition wasn’t in vain.

Pompey Push

Premier League safety is within touching distance, but Portsmouth cannot let up in their push for survival.

The turnaround under Paul Hart and ex-Manchester United idol Brian Kidd has lifted the club away from the Championship trap-door they were poised to fall through during Tony Adams’ time in charge.

Last weekend’s 1-0 win against Bolton Wanderers moved Pompey six points clear of 18th placed Middlesbrough. The magical 40-point mark is now just a win away, but few would back the team to get the result at Old Trafford.

Memories of last year’s 1-0 FA Cup quarter-final triumph will lift the players for the trip to the North West. The present also makes for good reading as well.

Just one defeat in eight games details the upturn since Fernando Torres’ last-minute header sounded the death knell on Adams’ reign at the club. Unfortunately, this came at the hands of fellow title chasers Chelsea.

To avoid another loss to ‘Big Four’ opposition, Pompey will be determined to stifle the attacking superstars they’ll be pitted against.

Holding midfielders Sean Davis and Hayden Mullins must continue to be tigerish in the tackle. The re-birth of giant centre backs Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin has also created the platform for progress.

Towering front man Peter Crouch also has a history of nodding home winners against the Red Devils from his time at Liverpool. If the England man can repeat the trick on Wednesday, his current and former employers will join in celebrating a tremendous result.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester United:

19th April vs. Everton (N) drew 0-0 (AET) lost 4-2 (PENS) (FA CUP)
15th April vs. Porto (A) won 1-0 (CHAMP LG)
11th April vs. Sunderland (A) won 2-1 (PREM)
7th April vs. Porto (H) drew 2-2 (CHAMP LG)
5th April vs. Aston Villa (H) won 3-2 (PREM)

Portsmouth:

18th April vs. Bolton Wanderers (H) won 1-0 (PREM)
11th April vs. West Bromwich Albion (H) drew 2-2 (PREM)
4th April vs. Hull City (A) drew 0-0 (PREM)
21st March vs. Everton (H) won 2-1 (PREM)
14th March vs. Middlesbrough (A) drew 1-1 (PREM)

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin Van der Sar, John O’Shea and Ryan Giggs all return to the United squad. Darren Fletcher (hamstring) and Wayne Rooney (ankle) are expected to shake off knocks. Michael Carrick faces a late fitness tests.

Wes Brown (foot) played 60 minutes for the reserves on Monday but won’t feature. Owen Hargreaves (knee) will return next season.

Last starting XI (vs. Everton): Foster, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Fabio Da Silva (Evra 63), Welbeck, Gibson, Anderson, Park (Scholes 67), Tevez, Macheda (Berbatov 91).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Nani, Evans.

Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Fabio, Evra, Neville, Rafael, O'Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evans, Park, Nani, Giggs, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Scholes, Tevez, Berbatov, Macheda, Welbeck, Rooney.

Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, Evra, Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Giggs, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Berbatov, Rooney.

Portsmouth:

Paul Hart is without the services of midfielder Niko Kranjcar (ankle) after he hobbled off against Bolton Wanderers. The Croatian joins long-term absentees Jerome Thomas (hamstring) and Papa Boupa Diop (knee). Centre-back Younes Kaboul (thigh) is also a doubt.

Last starting XI (vs. Bolton Wanderers): James, Kaboul (Pennant 90), Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis, Mullins, Nugent (Kanu 71), Kranjcar (Belhadj 77), Crouch.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Pamarot, Utaka, Hughes.

Squad: James, Begovic, Ashdown, Pamarot, Kaboul, Cranie, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Wilson, Lauren, Belhadj, Johnson, Basinas, Davis, Pelé, Mullins, Mvuemba, Pennant, Hughes, Utaka, Nugent, Gekas, Kanu, Crouch.

Possible starting XI: James, Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Johnson, Davis, Mullins, Nugent, Utaka, Crouch.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United: A shocking penalty miss on Sunday crowned a miserable few months for Dimitar Berbatov. Much of the United support has questioned the worth of the £30.75 million man, but importantly he retains the faith of Sir Alex Ferguson. The best way for the Bulgarian to repay this is with goals, starting against Pompey.

Portsmouth: Glen Johnson sits atop the list of the most improved Premier League players. The marauding full-back has been a revelation this term, fulfilling the promise he showed as a 17-year-old at West Ham United. A solid performance at Old Trafford will continue the upturn in his fortunes.

PREDICTION

Manchester United wilted at Wembley, but back at home they will have too much for Paul Hart’s Portsmouth side.

Pompey will put up a challenge, but their travelling support can expect a painful journey back to the South coast. Goal

Juventus Striker Vincenzo Iaquinta Turns Focus On Coppa Italia

Juventus’ slim hopes of re-opening the Serie A title race faded away last night, as the Bianconeri drew 1-1 with Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, but Italian international forward Vincenzo Iaquinta insists they have no regrets.

“In spite of everything, we are pleased with this draw,” he told the Old Lady’s official website.

“Now we just have to keep going down this road until the end of the season, starting with Wednesday’s clash against Lazio.”

Inter took the lead through Mario Balotelli, but ten-man Juve managed to salvage a point at the death thanks to a Zdenek Grygera header from a corner.

“We had tried a certain kind of tactics during the week,” explained the 29-year-old.

“We wanted to keep the defense line higher and try to play through-balls for me.”

Juventus will host Lazio in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night and will have to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to reach the final of the competition. Goal

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

Only Premiership win will do for rested Reds

Liverpool head into their vital Premier League clash with Arsenal well-rested but knowing that only a victory will do on Tuesday as they look to maintain the pressure on Manchester United.

The build-up to the game will once again be dominated by the continued bickering between Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and United's Sir Alex Ferguson.

Their row, which first became public when Benitez publicly criticised his counter-part back in January, escalated once again last week with Ferguson branding the Liverpool manager "arrogant".

But the sparring will be given a new context by the midweek matches that could see the title race take another twist.

Liverpool host Arsene Wenger's side on Tuesday with the opportunity to move two points above the leaders, who will still have two games in hand.

Ferguson's team will then go into Wednesday evening's match with Portsmouth at Old Trafford with their title credentials once again under scrutiny.

If Liverpool lose, United have the chance to move five points clear and will still have a game in hand.

With Liverpool having just six matches left, Benitez accepts his team can simply not afford any more slip-ups.

He will once again be without Steven Gerrard, who is still struggling with a groin problem that has kept him out of Liverpool's past two matches.

Although that absence will be a blow, Benitez is pleased that squad players are hitting form at the right time to boost the Reds' run-in.

In particular, he feels that defenders Daniel Agger and Emiliano Insua can make a significant contribution to the run in.

Benitez said: "Insua is improving and the competition for the left back position is very high with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena.

"Insua is doing well and the team is doing well. Hopefully we can see Emiliano fighting for his position until the end of the season with Fabio and Dossena.

"Daniel is a centre back who can bring the ball forward and score goals, not just from set pieces. He is doing well and he is working very hard."

Arsenal are still getting over their 2-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat to London rivals Chelsea on Saturday.

They also have a Champions League tie with Manchester United next week to concern them but Robin van Persie is doubtful for the game at Anfield due to a groin problem picked up at the weekend.

The Gunners sit fourth in the table and are seven points above fifth-placed Aston Villa and six points adrift of third-placed Chelsea.

But both Kolo Toure and Theo Walcott are relieved to be heading to Anfield so soon after their disappointment at Wembley.

England winger Walcott said: "Everyone is down, but we have to forget about this, because we have got a very big game on Tuesday against Liverpool.

"We dominated the first 30 minutes, but then Chelsea came back and took over the midfield a bit. Frank Lampard was the man of the match, and his experience showed.

"They have got a lot of experienced players and they showed that they have some world-class players in the team.

"We will learn from it and bounce back, because that is all we can do. It is another great experience for us all, but we have got to move on.

"It is a busy month for us and we are looking forward to it."

Toure feels that Wenger's men will benefit from their experiences this season and feels they have the potential to make a significant improvement.

He said: "This can be just the start for this team, because there are some really good players coming through.

"The good thing is that we only have a couple of days to get this loss off our back. We will head to Liverpool on Tuesday and look to get the three points." AFP

Real Madrid To Offer €38 Million For Franck Ribery

Real Madrid are set to test Bayern Munich's resolve and table a big-money bid for their French international midfielder Franck Ribery in the summer, according to reports.

Italian media source Itasportpress has claimed that once the presidential elections at the Bernabeu have taken place in June, Los Blancos will offer €38 million for the former Marseille star to signal the beginning of a new Galacticos era in Madrid.

Bayern spent a club-record €25m to land Ribery in the summer of 2007, and his glittering displays both in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League have sparked a bidding war among Europe’s elite sides.

Barcelona, and Pep Guardiola in particular, are long-term admirers of the 26-year old's abilities, and Manchester United are also known to have expressed an interest.

However, in a response to such speculation, Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness slapped a €50m price tag on the player in an attempt to stave off the circling suitors.

Indeed, Hoeness still remains confident that Ribery will sign a new deal to remain at the Allianz Arena for the foreseeable future.

The German legend is reported as saying, “[Franck] Ribery’s deal continues for another two more years, but there will be discussions to extend his contract by improving his current terms.”

Ribery has scored four times in eight Champions League matches this season, and is thought to be keen on a move to further his career. Goal

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-20T02:30:00.000-07:00

Milan’s Kaka Rules Out Real Madrid And Manchester United Again

Kaka reiterated his desire to stay with Milan when asked yet again about new rumours linking him with a move to either Real Madrid or Manchester United.
The Brazilian superstar has had to state his intention not to move away from the San Siro on several occasions since a move to Manchester City did not materialise in January.

Since then the media have consistently claimed that Milan's willingness to speak to the Premier League club was a sign that they may consider another huge bid.

Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with a move, with Sir Alex Ferguson reported to want Kaka if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford.

Kaka's admission that he also would like to try playing in England helped fuel the rumours, while Florentino Perez's quest to be president of Real Madrid has seen the player repeatedly linked with the Spanish giants.

But the player himself has moved to quash the reports once more and told the press that he is enjoying life at Milan and is not seeking a move away.

“I have already said and already shown that I am committed to this club so there is nothing else to add,” Kaka told the Italian media.

“I truly enjoy myself at San Siro and am happy with the support I receive here,” he concluded. Goal

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

Manchester United v Everton: FA Cup Game Zone

Sir Alex Ferguson has already said that he will be picking a much-changed team from the one that won in Porto last week. Such are Ferguson’s options, that David Moyes will only really be able to brief his back-four when he sees the teamsheet an hour before kick-off.

Wayne’s world
Metatarsal injury or no metatarsal injury Wayne Rooney has probably been nagging Ferguson to play ever since United returned from Portugal. Never one to volunteer for a rest, the in-form striker will be desperate to face his old team.

But surely Rooney won’t play, having played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday night, with Carlos Tevez kicking his heels on the bench. It should mean that Tevez will start on Sunday, whether it’s alongside Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov or even Cristiano Ronaldo, who responded so brilliantly against Porto to being used down the middle.

Ronaldo’s role
If Ronaldo does play, it is more likely he will move back out to the right and have a go at Leighton Baines.

Everton’s left-back has enjoyed a terrific season, gaining strength and confidence to put in some impressive performances down that flank. But he’ll have his hands full on Wembley’s wide pastures if the World Player of the Year is on form.

On the Park?
The challenge will be much different if Ferguson goes for Ji-Sung Park, as he often does for these kinds of feisty duels.

The disciplined Park has proved himself very dangerous cutting in from the right. Against hungry opponents, his energy might prove just the job.

So how can Everton win?
Moyes can take heart from this season’s two Premier League clashes. At Goodison Park back in October, the key was stepping up the tempo to counter the champions’ superior quality with some good old-fashioned passion. Once the penny dropped, Everton proved good value for the 1-1 draw.

They didn’t make it much easier in the return when Ronaldo’s penalty was all that separated the sides.

The odd couple
In both these games, Marouane Fellaini played a central role. His headed equaliser earned a point at home while a makeshift strike partnership with Tim Cahill at Old Trafford gave Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic something to think about.

Fellaini goes into the match in fine goal-scoring form with four goals in his last five games. Anything played forward will constitute danger when the giant Belgian starts putting himself about. With Cahill’s uncanny ability to get his head on the ball in a crowded box, the pair can be a real threat today. You can apply that to the team as a whole.

This game means more to Everton. If that comes across on the pitch, the underdogs are in business.

Team details

Manchester United (possible, 4-4-2): Foster; G Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Park, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani; Berbatov, Tevez.

Everton (possible, 4-4-1-1): Howard; Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines; Osman, P Neville, Cahill, Pienaar; Fellaini; Saha. Telegraph

Chelsea beat Arsenal to reach FA Cup final

In the build up to the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Arsenal, Didier Drogba had spoken ominously about a return to the imperious form that made him the most feared striker in the world. This was no empty rhetoric – the Ivorian was back to his distinctive best in scoring the winner here, taking Guus Hiddink's Chelsea to the FA Cup final.

The winner, coming just six minutes from the end was vintage Drogba. Frank Lampard’s volleyed ball over the top looked harmless enough until Drogba started pounding across the turf. Mikael Silvestre was shrugged off with ease en route, as the Chelsea striker shifted the ball around the on-rushing Lukasz Fabianski with his right foot before steering it into the empty net with his left.

Wenger had adapted his team selection to try and prevent the Chelsea midfield triumvirate of Lampard-Essien-Ballack from dominating the middle of the park.

From the side that had so elegantly dismissed Villarreal, the Frenchman made two changes, dropping Alex Song and Samir Nasri to the bench and playing Denilson and Abou Diaby alongside Casc Fabregas in the centre of midfield, with Robin van Persie moving out to the left flank. It was a valiant effort from the Arsenal manager - the two sides were evenly matched for much of this game - but there is no tactic for taming Drogba in full flight.

Just as the game had begun to settle, Arsenal took the lead. Getting little change out of Alex and John Terry through the middle Emmanuel Adebayor pulled out to the left. Kieran Gibbs took advantage of Nicolas Anelka’s defensive inattention to nip down to the by-line where Adebayor passed him the ball.

The 19-year-old left-back crossed to the far post where Theo Walcott had been left in loads of room by Ashley Cole. To cap Cole’s embarrassment Walcott’s soft volley hit his hand and the subsequent deflection was enough to fool Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal.

Until then, it had been Chelsea who had come closest to scoring. Lukasz Fabianski, continuing to deputise for the injured Manuel Almunia, had made begun the game in a nervous state, practically handing Chelsea the lead when he came hurtling out of his box to try and deal with Terry’s speculative chip.

Misjudging the bounce, Fabianski froze and Didier Drogba headed the ball towards the open goal – the alert Gibbs sprinted back and hooked the ball to safety. Gibbs played impressively and his maturity will not have gone unnoticed by the watching Fabio Capello.

The Polish goalkeeper did not look any more settled even after Arsenal had taken the lead, letting a Malouda cross-shot rifle under his body and only just wide of the far post. So it was unsurprising that he was in part culpable for Chelsea’s equaliser.

Lampard hit a superb crossfield ball to Malouda who had the ball in the net with three touches – trap, shift and shot. Emmanuel Eboue was too easily evaded but even so, Fabianski should not have been so easily beaten at his near post.

The Frenchman has been in good form after struggling for much of the season and he evidently likes the ground, having scored a memorable goal on debut here in the 2007 Charity Shield.

Having levelled matters, Chelsea were ascendant. Anelka hit the post with a whipped shot with Abou Diaby vainly appealing for a foul after giving the ball away on the edge of the box. Hiddink’s side were doing their best to intimidate Arsenal’s youthful team - Branislav Ivanovic and Michael Ballack were both cautioned for hefty sliding challenges, the first on Van Persie, the second on Fabregas.

There was improvement form Arsenal after the break and Wenger’s side’s fortunes seemed directly correlate with how often Walcott got on the ball. The England winger has been excellent since his return from his latest injury and enjoyed a compelling duel with Cole all game.

Just before the hour his curving cross was just too far ahead of Van Persie for the Dutchman to convert and five minutes later his crossed forced Alex into an acrobatic overhead clearance.

Chelsea punched back, a slick passing move – a rarity on this poor Wembley surface – culminated in Lampard volleying a Drogba cross wide. Then Arsenal were fortunate not to concede a penalty after Mikael Silvestre handled in the box while challenging Drogba for the ball. Referee Martin Atkinson was certainly in lenient mood – Denilson, frustrated at having a foul awarded against him, should have been sent off for pushing the referee. Atkinson merely cautioned him.

Extra-time seemed inevitable as both sides grew increasingly cautious until Drogba’s explosive intervention with just six minutes to go. Arsenal tried desperately to rescue the game after that – substitute Andrei Arshavin panicking Cech with some expert deliveries – but their first visit to the new Wembley was to end in disappointment.

Arsenal (4-5-1): Fabianski; Eboue, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs; Walcott, Fabregas, Denilson, Diaby, Van Persie (Arshavin 76); Adebayor (Bendtner 83). Subs: Mannone (g), Nasri, Vela, Ramsey, Song. Booked: Denilson.

Chelsea: (4-3-2-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, A Cole; Ballack, Essien, Lampard; Anelka (Kalou 82), Malouda; Drogba. Subs: Hilario (g), Carvalho, Di Santo, Mikel, Belletti, Mancienne. Booked: Ivanovic, Ballack. Telegraph

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

London rivals bury hatchet ahead of FA Cup semi

There was a time, not so long ago, when collisions between Chelsea and Arsenal were saturated by spite.

After his appointment as manager at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho appeared to go out of his way to target his Arsenal counterpart, Arsene Wenger, the man he infamously labelled a "voyeur".

Wenger never bothered to hide his contempt for a manager he viewed as disrespectful and a club whose cash-rich methods he despised. The result was a series of increasingly bitter clashes between the rivals.

But now the poison has been drawn.

Wenger is a more circumspect manager, his fierier habits tempered by age, while Mourinho's departure has made the Chelsea dug-out, now inhabited by interim manager Guus Hiddink, a less volatile place, to such an extent that the build-up to Saturday's FA Cup semi-final is likely to be the most polite on record.

Where once the air between west and north London was thick with waspish insults, now it hangs heavy with compliments.

"The first thing I thought when Guus Hiddink came to Chelsea was: 'Oh, no,'" said Robin van Persie, the Arsenal striker, of his fellow Dutchman. "Chelsea are still in the FA Cup and Champions League and he will win something.

"He is unbelievable. When I saw him two years ago in Holland, because we use the same physio sometimes, I asked to see his hands. He said: 'Yes, why?' I said that everything he put his hand on turns to gold. He was laughing. He is fantastic."

It would have been unthinkable for van Persie to have lauded Mourinho in the same way, and his unabashed admiration for Hiddink speaks volumes both for the esteem with which he is held in footballing circles.

The Gunners have no need to wage psychological war ahead of the weekend meeting at England's national stadium.

They are basking in the glory of an 18-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and progress to a Champions League semi-final showdown with Manchester United, courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Villarreal that bordered on the routine.

Chelsea, for all their fine form under Hiddink, hold no fears for Wenger's young squad.

"It is all about winning now," Cesc Fabregas, the Arsenal captain, said.

"We may not have the experience of Chelsea but we have the confidence and the excitement to play big games in the FA Cup and the Champions League. We are not scared of anybody."

Arsenal's confidence has been pepped by the suspicion that Chelsea are no longer the immovable object they once were.

There has been more creative freedom to their attacking play under Hiddink in recent weeks, but that commitment to enterprise has come at a cost, with seven goals leaked in their last two matches.

Petr Cech, the previously unflappable Czech goalkeeper, has looked nervous, unsettled by high balls and no longer commanding his penalty area with any semblance of authority.

Ricardo Carvalho is still feeling his way back to full fitness and, while John Terry returns from the suspension that ruled him out of the dramatic 4-4 Champions League draw with Liverpool, the Blues skipper cannot hold together his back-line single-handedly.

Chelsea's biggest hope is Hiddink himself. The stand-in manager has become a talismanic presence for the club since his appointment in February, breathing new life into Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack, and somehow convincing a side which had been sliding into mediocrity under Luiz Felipe Scolari that they are capable of mounting a challenge for honours.

It has been achieved through a combination of exhausting graft and attention to detail, and Hiddink, who will resume his full-time role as Russia coach in May, is not done yet.

"There is always pressure where we emphasise on winning, winning, winning," he said.

"Not just winning but also playing in a way which is meant to be attractive - those two roads are important. We are keeping up with our own demands and expectations." AFP

Ibrahimovic Praises Cesar & Buffon Ahead Of Juve-Inter Clash

Juventus and Inter meet in another highly anticipated Derby d’Italia this weekend, in a match that will end any chance the Bianconeri have of claiming this season’s Scudetto if they fail to emerge victorious.

In the lead up to the contest, many have had their say on what will take place in Turin, and the latest to do so is the Nerazzurri striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who believes that the two shot-stoppers will have a massive role to play in the clash.

“Going into the match, we know that both teams have two great goalkeepers,” Ibrahimovic asserted in an interview with the Inter Channel.

“When I arrived at Juventus, [Gianluigi] Buffon was already playing at a high level, and he was the number one in the world. Scoring in training was extremely difficult.

“Then when I came to Inter I met Julio Cesar, and I can say that over these past three years he has grown a lot to become as good as Buffon. He too has now reached a great level, and he is also very difficult to score against.

“It's like having an eleventh player on the field. Their presence will both be vital this weekend in the Derby d’Italia.”

On a more personal level, Ibra is eagerly awaiting the decisive fixture and his battle with Giorgio Chiellini, a man who has got the better of him in their past few meetings.

“We are two great teams with great players in all positions over the park.

“For me, it doesn’t matter who scores, what really counts is that in the end we win the competition. I prefer to win trophies with my team-mates, rather than score more goals for myself.

“As for Chiellini, it should be a great challenge for me again. He is a great player who I really like because he is strong and physical. I will have to be two steps ahead of him at all times and see how I go.”

Juve and Inter square off at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin Saturday evening, with the play set to get underway at 20:30 CET. Goal

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Germany vs. Ukraine in UEFA Cup semifinals

It's down to Ukraine vs. Germany for the UEFA Cup.

Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kiev advanced to the semifinals for the first time and will meet in the final four, while Hamburg and Werder Bremen progressed despite failing to win their second legs Thursday.

Shakhtar defeated former European champion Marseille 2-1 to ease through 4-1 on aggregate, while Kiev beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the Ukrainian capital after a scoreless first leg.

Diego repeated his first-leg performance for Bremen, scoring twice at Udinese to earn the German club a 3-3 draw and a 6-4 total edge.

While there are three English Premier League sides in the Champions League semifinals, the last English UEFA Cup representative, Manchester City, was eliminated by Hamburg 4-3 on aggregate despite winning the second leg 2-1.

"It's unbelievable, to get to the semifinals is fantastic," Hamburg coach Martin Jol said. "Bremen have got probably more experience, but we've got a talented team."

The semifinals are April 30 and May 7. Bremen and Kiev are at home first. The Germany-Ukraine final will be on May 20 in Istanbul.

Hamburg held a 3-1 lead after the first leg in Germany, and Paolo Guerrero extended the advantage by scoring after 12 minutes when City captain Richard Dunne failed to clear Jonathan Pitroipa's low cross.

But Elano responded for City 4 minutes later from the penalty spot.

Felipe Caicedo scored City's second in the 50th minute after being fed by Stephen Ireland. But City was reduced to 10 men in the 75th when defender Richard Dunne was shown a second yellow card for hauling down Ivica Olic.

Udinese had gone ahead of Bremen in the 15th minute when Switzerland midfielder Gokhan Inler struck from 35 yards. Diego, who played with a thigh injury, took advantage of a defensive error to equalize in the 28th with a spin move and precise shot.

Fabio Quagliarella restored Udinese's lead in the 30th, lifting the ball over charging goalkeeper Tim Wiese. Quagliarella then made it 4-4 on aggregate by scoring again in the 38th as he fell down at the edge of the area.

But Diego connected again in the 60th minute, heading in a rebound after a shot from Hugo Almeida hit the crossbar. Diego has five goals in six UEFA Cup games.

"He's a great player. Every team would like to have a player like that," Udinese's Brazilian defender Felipe said.

Diego had a chance for a hat trick, but his penalty kick was blocked by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the 72nd. A minute later, Claudio Pizarro scored an insurance goal for Bremen.

Already 3-0 up from last week's home leg, Luis Fernandinho extended Shakhtar's lead after 30 minutes in Marseille when goalkeeper Steve Mandanda failed to cover his near post.

Hatem Ben Arfa leveled in the 43rd for the French league leaders. But they missed numerous chances before, in the third minute of injury time, Luiz Adriano poked the ball through Mandanda's legs.

Ismael Bangoura set Dynamo Kiev on its way to a victory over PSG, scoring with a low long-range drive in the 4th minute.

PSG goalkeeper Mickael Landreau scored an own-goal in the 16th. Defender Ceara headed a cross from Olexandr Aliyev up in the air, and Landreau failed to punch the ball away as it spun off the back of his fists and into the net.

Ognjien Vukojevic made it 3-0 in the 61st by reacting quickly to the rebound after Landreau blocked Aliyev's free kick. Associated Press

Pro Eleven Headline News

2009-04-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

Man United beats Porto 1-0, advances to semifinals

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a spectacular long-range goal Wednesday to give Manchester United a 1-0 win over FC Porto and a spot in the Champions League semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Ronaldo began his run from just inside the Porto half in the sixth minute and sent a rising shot from 40 meters (yards) past diving goalkeeper Helton and into the top corner of goal in the second leg of the quarterfinals.

"To do it at that point in the game gave us a real platform to go into the game," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "We wanted to start the game quickly with good tempo ... but to get a start like that, no one can expect it, no one can expect that type of goal."

Defending champion United stretched its unbeaten run in the Champions League to 23 games by becoming the first English team to win at Porto in 12 matches. The English team won a second leg away from home for the first time since 1999, when it also won the continent's top club competition.

Man United will next play English rival Arsenal in the semifinals after the Gunners beat Villarreal 3-0 to advance 4-1 on aggregate. Chelsea will face Barcelona for the other place in the May 27 final in Rome.

"It's two good football teams so it should be a fantastic semifinal," Ferguson said. "We'll look forward to it."

Ferguson, who was marking his 150th Champions League match in charge of the club, had said earlier this week that he expected more from Ronaldo. The Portugal forward, who was playing center forward and was jeered by the local fans with every touch, replied with an impressive individual effort for his second goal of the competition.

"He's the quickest player we have and I felt that by using him in that role tonight we could stretch their back four," Ferguson said. "He's always willing to attack defenders, he's always a threat."

United showed better discipline to start than at the first leg at Old Trafford and controlled the play at the Stadium of Dragon from the fourth minute when goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar stopped winger Hulk's low shot.

Still, Ronaldo's long-range effort was the only chance the English champion's could muster despite controlling play until Porto began to rally in the 20th when Bruno Alves sent a free kick just wide of near post.

"We tried to change and spread the team around the field and hope Manchester would make some mistakes," Jose Gomes, who replaced suspended coach Jesualdo Ferreira, said through a translator.

The Portuguese champions continued to press and Van der Sar denied Lisandro Lopez five minutes later. The visitors finally penetrated the Porto area but Helton was well positioned to stop Ryan Giggs' volley in the 30th.

Porto captain Lucho Gonzalez left with an injury a minute later, and Mariano replaced him.

Alves then connected with Raul Meireles' floating free kick in the 41st, but the Porto center back headed wide as United's defense -- with Rio Ferdinand back from a back injury -- limited Porto's opportunities inside the area.

"They had to chase. That early (goal) had them on the back foot. I don't think they made any chances in the match," Ferguson said. "(We) defended very, very well and that was the key to it really, because if we get back to that foundation of not giving away goals then we can do well."

Helton soon stepped up to clear a dangerous centering pass, and then denied Dimitar Berbatov at the start of the second half as Porto looked for the equalizer that would put it through to the semifinals for the first time since 2004, when it had eliminated United on its way to winning the Champions League.

Hulk, unable to generate from the flank, tried to score with a free kick from the edge of the area in the 58th but it swerved directly at Van der Sar.

Porto had several other scoring chances, but Mariano, Rolando and substitute Ernesto Farias couldn't score the equalizer.

"We feel very bad. You can understand our emotions. We feel that wasn't a very just result today," Gomes said. "They scored one goal today and it was scored by the best player in the world." Associated Press

Hamburg, Bremen fight for German footballing pride in UEFA second legs

Germany's two remaining international sides have excellent chances in Thursday's UEFA Cup matches, having both won their first-leg games. But if they progress, they'll meet each other.

If the two teams both do advance to the semifinals, it will mean Germany is guaranteed a spot in the UEFA Cup final in Istanbul on May 20. And such a match-up would be all the more of a treat since the two Northern German sides are also local rivals with no love lost.

But for that scenario to come to pass, both teams need to close the deal on the road -- Hamburg against English Premier side Manchester City, and Bremen versus Italian Serie A competitors Udinese.

Bremen should be fairly confident, as their Italian opponents are languishing in 12th place in their domestic league.

But Werder are only tenth in the Bundesliga, and their talented Brazilian playmaker Diego is touch-and-go ahead of the clash in Italy. What's more, coach Thomas Schaaf will have to hope that his inconsistent defense has one of its better evenings.

Getting to know you

Hamburg, with the third-best record in the Germany, will also fancy their chances against Man City, who are currently in eleventh place in the Premier League.

Coach Martin Jol has no serious injury worries, although Hamburg should be aware that City do have a very good home record. Still, the Northern Germans have been difficult to score against in all competitions this season so there's no reason why they shouldn't prevail in Manchester.

And even if Bremen or Hamburg or both should falter on Thursday evening, they'll still be seeing a bit of one another in the coming weeks.

The two rivals meet for a league match next week and clash again in the semifinals of the German Cup on May 10. dw-world.de

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEWS

2009-04-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

Manchester United looks to make history in Portugal against FC Porto

After being held to a draw at home, Manchester United is trying to achieve what no other English team has managed to do - getting a win at FC Porto.

Porto scored a late equalizer to salvage a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford last week in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, meaning the Red Devils have to aim for a victory in Wednesday's return match at the Stadium of the Dragon.

That's a tough task though, as United has not won in three visits to Porto. The Portuguese club eliminated United in the 2004 quarter-finals after winning the first leg 2-1 at home under coach Jose Mourinho, going on to win the title.

In 11 home games against English opposition, Porto has won five and drawn six. United would also advance by scoring more than two goals in a draw.

"It's a big game, and there's no doubt it's going to be difficult," midfielder Paul Scholes said. "But all we have to do is win a football match. And with the players we've got, we're capable of doing that."

Porto produced a confident, disciplined performance in the first leg, while defensive errors undermined the English champion's efforts to take control of the game.

United manager Alex Ferguson is hoping to sharpen his attack with Dimitar Berbatov, who has recovered from an ankle injury, and plug a leaky defence with Rio Ferdinand, who was included in the squad after being sidelined with a groin injury.

With Cristiano Ronaldo having found the target just once in the tournament, a trump card for Ferguson could be 17-year-old striker Federico Macheda. The Italian teenager has yet to play in the Champions League, but has scored the winning goal as a substitute in United's last two Premier League games to keep its title defence on track.

"We're English and European champions and we don't want to let either trophy go," United midfielder Michael Carrick said. "This is the stage when you need to go out and get the job done and we're determined to do that."

Porto is on an unbeaten 20-match run in all competitions. It is closing in on its fourth domestic title in a row and is also in the semifinals of the Portuguese Cup. Argentine forward Lisandro Lopez is the Champions League's fourth best scorer with six goals.

Coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who will watch the game from the stands after UEFA on Tuesday gave him a one-game touchline ban, has all his players available except for defender Jorge Fucile.

Brazilian striker Givanildo "Hulk" Vieira is still looking for his first goal in European play but is undeterred by Manchester United's reputation.

"All I know is that we have quality players in our team and we can stand up to them," he said. Canadian Press

After drawing 1-1 in first leg, Arsenal won't rely on defence against Villarreal

Playing for a 0-0 draw against Villarreal in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday won't be good enough for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Arsenal will advance to the semifinals if they can keep the match at Emirates Stadium scoreless because they earned a 1-1 draw last week in the first leg at Villarreal.

"Our approach is to win the game, we have to be as simple as that," Wenger said Tuesday. "I don't feel that we are used to going into games trying to play 0-0. Of course we will be organized and disciplined but, when we have the ball, we want to score goals."

The London club will be helped by the absence of Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna, who scored the Spanish team's goal in the first leg but then picked up a hamstring injury in Saturday's 2-0 loss at Malaga.

Arsenal, however, beat Wigan 4-1 Saturday in the Premier League, so the team's best chance of reaching the last four may be to attack.

"We have turned the season in a very positive way and put ourselves in a great position to qualify and we want to take advantage of that," said Wenger, whose team next meets Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday. "I believe the determination, the hunger and the quality are there and we now face test after test."

Despite the absence of Senna, who was one of Spain's best players when it won last year's European Championship, Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini still believes his team is as good as Arsenal.

"I don't think Arsenal are a better side than us," Pellegrini said before training at the Emirates Stadium. "What we want to do is play our game and control the ball on the ground."

The winner of Wednesday's game will face either defending champion Manchester United or FC Porto in the semifinals. United and Porto drew 2-2 in the first leg and next play Wednesday in Portugal. The final is in Rome on May 27.

Arsenal forward Andrei Arshavin is ineligible for Wednesday's match because he played for Zenit St. Petersburg in the competition before his transfer to the Gunners, but the team has most of its forwards back after injury.

Robin van Persie and Eduardo da Silva are close to starting while Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott both played in Saturday's victory at Wigan, which strengthened Arsenal's grip on fourth place in the Premier League.

Wenger's problems are at the back with first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, central defender Johan Djourou and left back Gael Clichy injured and centre back William Gallas out for the rest of the season.

Villarreal midfielder Santi Cazorla is also out with a broken leg and, although Matias Fernandez and Ruben "Cani" Garcia missed the loss to Malaga, Pellegrini recalled them to the squad and said they were fit.

"If we have to play extra time I am happy with that," Pellegrini said. "We have prepared for extra time but we will try to win in the first 90 minutes.

"We know that Arsenal have a few players who aren't going to be playing and, if they don't have them, we are going to try and profit from that." Canadian Press