Football Tigers

Rafa: Gerrard can still get better

2006-11-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

But Benitez now sees a growing maturity in Gerrard that will also benefit England and the much-maligned partnership with Frank Lampard.
Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester City at Anfield, intent on protecting their 13-month unbeaten home league record.
Gerrard had his best game of the season in the midweek Champions League defeat of PSV Eindhoven, and saw him net only his second goal of the campaign.
And Benitez is aware Gerrard, now back in his favoured central midfield role, feels he is close to his best.
But not in the eyes of the Spanish boss, who said: "He can score goals, win the ball in the air, be good at set pieces, everything. When he says he is close to his best, maybe he does not know his true potential.
"He is improving a lot, he is maturing and thinking about the game. That will not only help us but also the England team. He will be able to form a better partnership with Frank Lampard because he is becoming more mature and more aware of what he should be doing."
It is this understanding of his midfield role that Benitez sees as the key to Gerrard's long-term development.
Previously Benitez had doubts about the timing of Gerrard's surges from midfield and the dangers they cause to an exposed defence but now believes the 26-year-old is learning.
"I really think Steven is an amazing player, he is always thinking about what he can do, he has such quality that he is a player you cannot stop," Benitez added.
"He is always thinking now about how he can improve the team, he is capable of doing that.
"He can still improve. I say to him he needs to know his team-mates and the players he has in front of him. If we play with two wingers and two strikers, he must concentrate and be careful all the time because when he goes forward into the box, that can leave gaps behind.
"His strength is getting into the box. We saw that many times last season and this week against PSV. He must do this, he is so good at it.
"But he must also think about what he does. He must concentrate and be aware all the time what is going on around him. If we do not have a holding midfield player he knows he cannot run into the box as much as he would like.
"He must be careful. I have told him he must go forward but he must also be aware of what is happening behind his runs.
"He said he was close to his best, but I do not think so. He is much better but his potential is so high he can improve much more."
With Liverpool hit by injuries to Mark Gonzalez, Mohamed Sissoko, Xabi Alonso, Stephen Warnock and Fabio Aurelio, the onus is very much on Gerrard taking on the responsibilities of leadership.
Benitez says: "Steven can score a lot of goals because he has that quality. He now has greater confidence, he can score all sorts of goals.
"It has been difficult for him because he hasn't been scoring and everybody all the time is talking about it. Do not forget we are talking about young men, you try to support them but the player needs to produce his best level on the pitch.
"Maybe he has been worried, but he has trained really hard, worked at the problem and I am really happy for him. Steve knows as captain he must set an example."
Jermaine Pennant (hamstring) has a chance of playing against City, and Benitez believes the top sides should have more time to recover from midweek European games.
He says: "I cannot understand why if you have played on the Wednesday you must then play again on the Saturday, rather than the Sunday which gives you more time to recover from injuries. In Spain this is normal.
"You must protect the top sides who are in Europe, because their success is good for the country. But they should not be penalised by having to play the next Saturday.
"You should be proud of teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and ourselves in the last 16 of the Champions League. It is good for the Premier League and for England.
"Why do we not protect the top sides? It would be better for everybody."

PSV look to bounce back in league

2006-11-25T05:20:00.000-08:00

PSV will be looking to bounce back from their Champions League defeat against Liverpool when they entertain Utrecht.
PSV were forced to settle for second place in Group C of Europe's elite competition after slipping to a disappointing 2-0 loss at Anfield in midweek.
"We lost the ball too much and too easy," said PSV coach Ronald Koeman.
"Then it always becomes a difficult match.
"We were too sloppy in our build-up play from the back. We have dangerous players in our attack, but if they don't get the ball in the right way, they will never score a goal."
PSV have won their last seven league matches to storm to the top of the Eredivisie, but that wasn't evident against Liverpool.
"We have to show more patience and control, but we did not give away much," he added.
PSV have a three-point lead at the top of the table and will be confident of securing victory against mid-table FC Utrecht, who have won just once on the road while tasting defeat in their last three away matches.
Second-placed Ajax play at struggling Sparta Rotterdam the following day.
Ajax's title aspirations have suffered in recent weeks after losing to PSV and drawing 1-1 with FC Twente last time out.
And coach Henk ten Cate's side will face another stern test against 16th-placed Sparta, who have won their last two games as they battle for survival.
AZ Alkmaar are five points behind PSV and they travel to seventh-placed Heerenveen on Sunday.
AZ slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Feyenoord last time out, while Heerenveen beat struggling RKC Waalwijk 2-0.
RKC, who have not won for nine games, can move out of the bottom two if they win at fellow strugglers Willem II on Saturday.
RKC are currently in 17th place with eight points, while Willem - who have lost their last two matches - are in 15th position with 10 points.
And in-form Feyenoord will be looking to keep alive their Champions League qualification hopes by beating NEC Nijmegen at De Goffert on Sunday.
Feyenoord have won their last five successive matches to climb up to fourth, while NEC have dropped to 14th after going five games without a win.
On Friday night, FC Twente take on Vitesse Arnhem, Excelsior host Heracles Almelo on Saturday, and on Sunday basement club ADO Den Haag travel to FC Groningen and NAC Breda are away to Roda JC.

France's top two host struggling giants

2006-11-25T05:17:00.000-08:00

Gerard Houllier's champions are 12 points clear of the chasing pack, while Auxerre are languishing in 13th spot.
On Tuesday, Les Gones dropped their first points in the Champions League when they threw away a two-goal lead and were eventually held 2-2 at Real Madrid.
Houllier is experiencing huge problems up front in the build-up to Sunday night's big game, with virtually all of his frontmen nursing injuries.
Earlier this week he spoke of his desire to bring in a new face in attack.
"I do indeed need a new striker. Of course the injured players will return, but there's nothing to say they won't get injured again, like what happened last year with the defenders," Houllier told Le Progres newspaper.
Lille, meanwhile, will go into their game on Saturday against their Monegasque rivals hoping to close the gap on the leaders.
Laurent Banide's team will be no easy pickings, though, as they have lost only once in four outings since he took over.
Elsewhere on Sunday, third-placed Lens face a tough trip Le Mans, while fourth-placed Nancy go to the Stade Nungesser to take on Valenciennes.
Another French giant PSG, who are well below par in 14th, travel to relation-threatened Nantes.
In Troyes on Saturday, Albert Emon's Marseille will have do without the services of France midfielder Franck Ribery, who has a groin injury, when they take on the hosts.
Fresh from their midweek 3-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray, Bordeaux will be hoping for more of the same when take on high-flying St Etienne at the Stade Chaban Delmas.
In other games, Lorient take on form-team Sochaux, who are unbeaten in their last six matches - a run including four wins.
Basement boys Sedan travel to Nice and Toulouse welcome Rennes to the Stadium de Toulouse.

Schalke look to stay at summit

2006-11-25T05:10:00.000-08:00

Schalke have managed to maintain their focus and move to the top of the table despite a season full of dramas.
Coach Mirko Slomka has been under pressure from day one while numerous dressing room spats have claimed the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
However, a 4-2 win in Cottbus last time out took the Royal Blues to the summit and into a position they can defend on Friday night before their rivals even take to the field.
Schalke host Bochum in the Revier derby which, given the way the season has gone for both sides so far, will almost certainly provide a surprise or two at the Arena AufSchalke.
The home side can move five points clear of second-placed Werder Bremen with a win before Saturday sees several more intriguing ties at the top and bottom.
Bayern Munich moved up to fourth with their second successive win last weekend, helping Schalke by knocking Stuttgart off top spot with a 2-1 home victory.
When the fixture list was revealed in July, this Saturday would have been circled as a likely top-of-the-table clash as Hamburg entertain Bayern in a north versus south fixture.
However, both Champions League participants find themselves in unexpected territory after 13 rounds of matches.
While Bayern in fourth may not be too far from their ambitions, Hamburg are languishing in 17th place with just one win all season - and that in all competitions.
Thomas Doll's side have become the laughing stock both in Germany and in Europe, where they have lost all five of their Champions League group fixtures.
Werder Bremen have fared significantly better in Europe and a 1-0 win over Chelsea has put them within touching distance of the second round, and sending holders Barcelona out of the competition.
They must replicate that form in the Bundesliga on Saturday as high-flying Arminia Bielefeld travel to the Weser Stadium.
Stuttgart are not in action until Sunday, when they will already know what three points against struggling Borussia Monchengladbach will be worth.
Gladbach could drop into the bottom three this weekend if Bochum and Hamburg can cause upsets.
Mainz, on the other hand, cannot escape the relegation zone, but a win over Hannover would raise confidence levels out of the doldrums.
Elsewhere, Nurnberg aim to build on their first win in 11 games when they travel to Wolfsburg while Alemannia Aachen will be looking to extend Hertha Berlin's inconsistent season and head back in the right direction.
Frankfurt and Dortmund also clash with the points needed to remain on the fringes of the top five.
Finally, on Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen and Energie Cottbus will be involved in a mid-table affair with the home side hoping to avoid tired legs from their UEFA Cup exertions on Thursday.

Top-of-the-table showdown in Italy

2006-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

The top two in Serie A meet on Sunday night with Palermo playing host to Inter Milan, whose city rivals AC take on Messina on Saturday.

AC Milan are suffering and desperate for a change in fortunes. Carlo Ancelotti's men, who are at home to Messina in this weekend's 13th round, are 22 points behind leaders Inter.
Even their Champions League adventure had some of its shine removed this week as the Rossoneri lost 1-0 at Greek underdogs AEK Athens.
Veteran defender Paolo Maldini urged everyone to be calm after Milan's setback to AEK.
"We had even more opportunities than against Anderlecht (on matchday four), with great ball possession and control," he said.
"The problem is the injuries. We had two youth team players on the bench and we were limited.
"I hope someone will be able to return soon because playing every three days with the same men all the time isn't easy."
Among the ailing is defender Dario Simic, who has an intercostal injury.
"The injuries are really strange, especially Dario's," Maldini said.
These are times of change for Milan, with the Serie A giants on the verge of wholesale defensive changes.
The talismanic Maldini, now 38 years old and near the end of his career, is expected to quit playing at the end of the season.
And there are other concerns about the back line as well, with Cafu and Alessandro Costacurta also nearing the end of their careers.
Roma's French defender Philippe Mexes and Palermo's Andrea Barzagli have been mooted as possible signings, but acquiring them will not be easy.
Mexes has finally lived up to the hype which led to his move to the Eternal City from Auxerre a few years ago and has arguably been the best defender in the league with Roma boasting the meanest defence in Italy.
He is under contract in Rome until June 2008, and is thought to have a 10.5million euro buyout clause.
The price tag on Barzagli is far greater. He is valued at 20million euros.
What matters now for Milan, however, are the players currently at the club, because it is they who must figure out a way out of the hole they find themselves in, brought about by an eight-point deduction for match-fixing at the start of the season.
Maximum points are needed when they face 12th-placed Messina at the San Siro on Saturday, and with a long injury list those will not be easy to obtain.
Ancelotti hopes to have Alessandro Nesta, Kaka Kaladze and Massimo Ambrosini fit for selection.
Various injuries have ruled out Gennaro Gattuso, Giuseppe Favalli and Sergio Serginho.
Simic, Cafu and Costacurta are doubtful with muscular problems, while goalkeeper Nelson Dida is carrying a left knee injury.
Nevertheless, Maldini believes Milan's luck has already begun to turn.
Despite their defeat to AEK, Milan still clinched a place in the next phase of the Champions League due to other results.
"I hope that the unfortunate moment is over after going through as group winners," Maldini said.
"With all the negative things, there was also good news. The mindset is not a problem, if we can do it now we can always do it. Everything is about to change."
In Saturday's other game, struggling Chievo are at home to seventh-placed Udinese.
A clash of the titans will take place on Sunday night at the Renzo Barbera stadium, the home of Palermo.
The Rosanero take on leaders Inter looking to rejoin them at the top. They go into the game just three points behind.
In Sunday's other games, Roma visit Sampdoria after whipping Catania 7-0 last weekend, although Luciano Spalletti's men suffered a midweek Champions League defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Siena will host Fiorentina in a Tuscany derby, Lazio play at home against strugglers Ascoli, and Empoli host Cagliari, with both teams in good form.
Fourth-placed Livorno go to Reggio Calabria to visit rock-bottom Reggina, Torino face Atalanta at the Fratelli D'Italia stadium and Parma go to Catania.

"Lyon and Valencia are two teams that motivate us to play our best"

2006-11-21T01:45:00.000-08:00

Last night, Iker Casillas once again had an incredible performance he should be praised for. He talked to the press after this morning's training session. He talked about the victory over Racing Santander, which he says "redeems us from losing against Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu, gives us a little boost for the matches against Olympique Lyonnais and Valencia, and allows us to keep fighting for the top spot of the League."

Roberto Carlos welcomes Marcelo

2006-11-21T01:41:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid's veteran left-back Roberto Carlos has welcomed the recent arrival of fellow Brazilian Marcelo at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos has welcomed the arrival of Marcelo as it will allow him to reduce his workload.
The 33-year-old has been a fixture for the Spanish giants since his arrival from Internazionale in 1996 and has admitted to feeling the strain in recent times.
But the purchase of his long-term replacement from Fluminense will give him the breather he believes he needs every now and again.
"I will finally have a player to play in my place sometimes," he told GloboEsporte.com.
"I've played more than 560 matches for Real Madrid and more than 100 for the national team. It will be very good to have him here (in Madrid).
"It is very difficult to maintain a high level when you play all the matches in a season."
Roberto Carlos is Madrid's longest-serving overseas player and he has revealed that he is close to agreeing to extend his stay to a dozen years.
"Everything is arranged," he said. "I'm very happy to conclude my European career at Real Madrid."
When he finally severs his ties with the nine-time European champions, the former Palmeiras man wants to finish his career back in his homeland.
He added: "I still think of playing in Brazil. I would like Santos to be the team as I'm fan of them, but I still have two more years to decide."
After the World Cup in Germany, in which Brazil were eliminated at the quarter-finals, Roberto Carlos hung up his international boots and the Brazilian Football Confederation is rumoured to be organising a farewell game for him and fellow veteran defender Cafu.
"I haven't thought about that really. If I am invited, I'd accept with pleasure", he said.

Magpies braced for Duff injury blow

2006-11-21T01:37:00.000-08:00

Newcastle are facing mounting injury problems ahead of Thursday's UEFA Cup meeting with Celta Vigo with Damien Duff facing up to a month out.

Republic of Ireland winger Duff and Australian central defender Craig Moore will both have scans on Tuesday on injuries picked up in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
Duff hurt his knee and faces at least a fortnight out of action while Moore is also likely to miss the European night at St James' Park - and leave Newcastle with only three fit defenders for the game.
Celestine Babayaro (groin) and Stephen Carr (toe) are unlikely to have recovered in time.
Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "Duff and Moore will both have scans tomorrow when the swelling goes down on their injuries and if I was to say how long we will be without them I would be only guessing.
"To be honest, while it is a case of wait and see, Craig Moore looks as though he will definitely miss our UEFA Cup tie on Thursday.
"Celestine Babayaro is not under consideration for Celta Vigo or Portsmouth on Sunday, and while Stephen Carr is making good progress from his toe injury it is debatable whether he will be ready for Thursday."

Fergie dismisses Old Firm hopes

2006-11-21T01:33:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Rangers and Celtic will never get the chance to test themselves in the Premiership.

Three years after completing a Champions League double over Rangers, Manchester United boss Ferguson gets the chance to repeat the feat against the other half of Scotland's Old Firm at Celtic Park.
Victory would sweep United into the knockout stage of the competition with a game to spare, although it will be no easy feat against a side who have lost just once - to Barcelona - in 11 previous matches on home soil in the competition.
'Battle of Britain' encounters of this magnitude inevitably see thoughts move to the possibility of Scotland's biggest two clubs testing their abilities down south.
And while Ferguson concedes the pair could succeed, he does not believe they will ever have the opportunity.
"Over the years there has been talk of British leagues," reflected Ferguson.
"If the barometer of how successful Rangers and Celtic would be is the friendly games they play, they would probably do very well.
"But the situation is not as simple as that, and in any case the situation is all hypothetical because I do not think it will ever happen. It is too difficult a move."
With the Premiership's lesser lights unwilling to vote for a proposition which could cost them a place in the league, and the bigger fish anxious not to concede any of their power, the path to England is locked and bolted for the Glasgow giants, meaning European confrontations represent the only true measure of the respective standards.
United will start hefty favourites to gain the victory which would seal qualification and top spot in Group E with a game to spare.
However, Ferguson is wary of the threat Celtic pose, particularly in front of the home side's supporters.
"Celtic Park is without question one of the best atmospheres anyone could experience and their players can be inspired by it," he said.
"If the game is going Celtic's way, you have your work cut out to stem the tide of emotion and enthusiasm that can be generated by that support.
"Celtic's record at home is one of the best in Europe, so we accept we are in for a tough game."
Even though Chelsea visit Old Trafford on Sunday in a top-of-the-Premiership showdown, Ferguson is promising no more than two changes to the side which beat Sheffield United last weekend.
One of them could see captain Gary Neville rested in favour of either John O'Shea or Wes Brown, with the Red Devils boss admitting his long-serving full-back may eventually require an operation to cure a worrying calf problem which has plagued him since returning from the World Cup.
"Gary came through Saturday's game OK and he trained on Monday but obviously, the injury has been a concern," said Ferguson.
"We are holding our breath hoping it doesn't happen again because if it does we will have to take a long-term view and do something about it."

Gunners ace Clichy aims for top

2006-11-21T01:30:00.000-08:00

Gael Clichy firmly believes he can be a long-term fixture at left-back for both Arsenal and France.

With Ashley Cole having departed the Gunners for Chelsea, the 22-year-old is hoping for an extended run in the first team after fully recovering from a broken foot, the latest in a long line of injury setbacks.
Clichy has slotted effortlessly into the Arsenal defence, and is set to continue against Hamburg in the Champions League, when the home side will be missing William Gallas.
Already capped at Under-21 level by France, the full-back hopes it will only be a matter of time before he is pressing Lyon's Eric Abidal for a starting place with Les Blues.
"When you play football at a great club like Arsenal, you want to be the best," Clichy declared.
"My first objective is to play my best football I can for the club, and the national team is a bonus. "If I could catch the first French team, that would be amazing for me, but for now it is just Arsenal."
Clichy added: "The Under-21s was a great experience for me, but now I am looking forward and maybe in a few months I will be called up for the first-team, which would make me really happy."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen for his players to show a ruthlessness in front of goal against Hamburg, who are bottom of Group G, something which was distinctly missing during Arsenal's last European outing against CSKA Moscow.
It was a similar story in the Premiership on Saturday, when the Gunners had to be content with another 1-1 draw after struggling to break down a resolute Newcastle side.
Clichy believes it is only a matter of time before his team-mates are back to their clinical best in front of goal.
He said: "We have plenty of chances to score goals with the players we have got.
"Of course we cannot hide behind bad luck or say 'it is not our day'.
"Sometimes that is true - but we need to improve, all of us, to work harder to get more chances and to score and put the ball into the net.
"We have got the quality and it is just about confidence."
Victory is crucial if last season's Champions League runners-up are to remain on course for the knockout stages.
They are currently level on points with Porto, who they play away next month, and one behind leaders CSKA.
Midfielders Gilberto and Freddie Ljungberg are available again, along with forward Robin van Persie, who went off on Saturday with an ankle problem.
However, Gallas is set to be out for several weeks after he suffered a thigh injury at the end of yesterday morning's training session.
Switzerland duo Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou are candidates to fill in at centre-back.
Wenger feels Gallas, 29, is not likely to return in time for the Premiership match against former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on December 10.
"It is a huge blow," Wenger said. "He has brought experience, winning mentality and communication.
"William wants us to win the game against Chelsea and now we will have to win without him."

Messi suffers metatarsal blow

2006-11-13T09:14:00.000-08:00

Barcelona star Leo Messi is set to be out well into the New Year after picking up a foot injury on Sunday against Real Zaragoza.

The Argentinian lasted only 23 minutes of the match before being replaced by Ludovic Giuly, and it has since been confirmed that he has suffered a broken metatarsal and will need to undergo an operation.
"Messi has fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot. The treatment will be surgical and the expected loss is around three months," said a medical statement on the Barcelona website.
The injury means Messi will miss the two crucial Champions League matches against Levski Sofia and Werder Bremen, which defending champions Barca both need to win or risk facing an embarrassing early exit out of the tournament.
Barca, who are already missing star striker Samuel Eto'o with a serious knee injury, are also sweating on the fitness of holding midfielder Edmilson, who damaged an ankle in the first half of Sunday's game and is likely to be missing for 10 days.
Despite those two injuries, Barca were still able to beat in-form Zaragoza 3-1 at the Nou Camp to move back to the top of the Primera Liga table.

Henry: No regrets over Barca snub

2006-11-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry insists he has no regrets about staying with the Gunners, and claims he will end his career at Ashburton Grove.

The Gunners captain ended frenzied speculation about his future by penning a new four-year deal during the summer and has reiterated his desire to spend the rest of his career at the club.
"Do I regret having extended my deal at Arsenal? No, I am keen to stay for my whole life at Arsenal," the 29-year-old France striker said.
"I am fine here, I could never play for any other English side."
Henry, who snubbed a proposed move to European champions Barcelona in order to stay in north London, added: "If an opportunity like Barcelona comes again, with all my respect for such a club, I will refuse.
"It was one of my last decisions of my career.
"I don't feel I have lost anything, I have no regrets."
One of the reasons Henry is believed to have signed his new deal is that he was promised big-name signings would quickly follow.
He insists he does not feel let down by the recent purchases Arsenal have made, saying: "Did I feel betrayed considering the official promises of reinforcements if I stayed?
"No, I just asked myself some questions. The arrivals of Julio Baptista and William Gallas have comforted me."

Shevchenko rules out Milan return

2006-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has dismissed talk he wants to return to Italy amid suggestions he was desperate to return to AC Milan.

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi claimed over the weekend Shevchenko was keen on a move back to Italy following a telephone call between the pair.
However, the Ukrainian has rejected speculation he is considering a return by insisting he was just being polite in his conversation with Berlusconi.
Shevchenko said: "There's nothing in it.
"The phrase I made that I wanted to return was out of simple courtesy," he told Corriere dello Sera.
AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani also insisted Shevchenko had little hope of returning to the club anyway.
Galliani explained that Shevchenko's return to the San Siro is 'technically impossible' and that Berlusconi was not being realistic.
Shevchenko moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer in a deal worth £30 million but the Ukraine international has struggled to make much of an impact in the Barclays Premiership.
But Galliani said: "It is technically impossible. Shevchenko is a non-European player and his (non-European) spot has been taken by Ricardo Oliveira, full stop.
"The president thinks ahead to the future and speaks about feelings but he doesn't look at the acquisitions. Hence, there's no point in remembering the rest, that 'Sheva' is a Chelsea player, that they paid lots of millions for him and that he made a life choice."
Milan have certainly missed Shevchenko, with Oliveira only scoring once in 10 Serie A appearances.
The Rossoneri virtually waved goodbye to any hopes of clinching the Scudetto when their 2-1 defeat by Roma on Saturday left them 20 points adrift from leaders Internazionale after 11 games.
Chelsea were, not surprisingly, ignoring the latest comments from Berlusconi although insiders did make a point of labelling them 'mischief-making'.
The Blues have no plans to offload Shevchenko, who celebrated the latest family arrival with a goal in their 4-0 demolition of Watford at Stamford Bridge.
The celebration moved Chelsea right-back Geremi to predict that fans will see the best of the striker in the next few weeks.
Geremi said: "He is getting better every week and you could see from our celebration of his goal that we all get on.
"We will see the best of Shevchenko in the coming weeks."
Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o has already claimed Shevchenko had made a mistake moving to England but Geremi claims his fellow Cameroon star is wrong in his assessment.
Geremi said: "I don't think he was right. Sheva is a great player who has come to a great club.
"I think he wanted another challenge and the club wanted to sign him. He wanted to play in the Premiership. He needs time to gel and that's what he's trying to do."

Toon ace Dyer reveals sight fears

2006-11-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer has admitted he feared for his eyesight after a freak training-ground accident.

The 27-year-old England international was rushed to a specialist after catching his eye on a pole last month just days after his return from a five-month injury lay-off.
Dyer made his comeback as a substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Manchester City, but admitted he thought at one point he might have been blinded.
Dyer told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "I thought I had lost the sight in one eye. My sight completely went.
"And when I looked at the doctor's face and he did not want to say how bad it was, I realised it was bad.
"By the time we got to the hospital to see the specialist, my sight still had not come back.
"But after we waited around, it slowly came back and after they did the tests, they said there was a lot of trauma to the eye, but I should get my eyesight back.
"It is still not 100%, but I was given the okay to play after two weeks."
Dyer's time at St James' Park has been blighted by injury and illness, and there were genuine fears for his career as treatment for a long-standing medical condition hampered his recovery from a persistent hamstring problem.
However, manager Glenn Roeder's own successful fight against a brain tumour has helped to put his own problems into perspective.
Dyer said: "If you look at what happened to the manager, you realise just how fortunate you are.
"I am not going to get down over an eye injury because it could be a lot worse."
Dyer's contribution to the draw at City was a boost to Roeder as he attempts to turn the club's Premiership season around, and his pace and guile could be a major asset in the coming weeks with the Magpies' strike-force decimated by injuries.
Dyer said: "I was a bit disappointed I was only on the bench. But the manager has that approach, even though he is under a lot of pressure.
"He was at West Ham when he had the likes of Paolo di Canio and Frederic Kanoute injured. He never rushes players back.
"You are frustrated, but you have got to take your hat off. He never takes chances with his players and you have got to the thankful for that."

Ameobi expects to undergo surgery

2006-11-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has admitted fears he may have finally played his last game of the season due to his long-standing hip injury.

The 25-year-old was pressed into service at the weekend as Glenn Roeder tried to squeeze one more game out of him before he undergoes surgery on his hip-cartilage problem.
Ameobi will be booked in with top US specialist Marc Philippon - the man who saved the career of former Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle - as soon as possible.
The striker said: "It all depends on what the medical team say, but this might be my last game. It is a no-brainer - an operation is inevitable.
"It is a shame, but I know I have been lucky enough to last this long. I just have to look at Kevin Kyle, who was out for two years.
"I have the same problem and I have been fortunate enough to be able to struggle on. I could have been out for as a long as he has."

Joey: I'm ready for England return

2006-10-27T01:51:00.000-07:00

Chelsea's Joe Cole insists he is ready for England selection again after coming through his first start of the season without any ill effects.

Cole has been sidelined since damaging knee ligaments in the summer and has appeared as a substitute on just three other occasions this season.
The injury, which Cole describes as the biggest of his career, also forced him out of England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign under new coach Steve McClaren.
England face Holland in a friendly next month and Cole's return could prove to be a timely boost for the England coach after the 2-0 setback to Croatia in their European Championship qualifier. Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has not been a qualified success on the left flank for England and Cole could be the answer McClaren is seeking.
The 24-year-old midfielder started and scored in Chelsea's 2-0 Carling Cup victory at Blackburn on Wednesday night and he declared: "The next England game would not be too soon for me.
"I am fit for selection and will be ready for it. It is good to be back. It was such a long time out and was probably the biggest injury of my career, but the knee was fine.
"There were no twinges at all. That is probably the first day like that so I am very positive. I am looking forward to the next game.
"It was nice to score for my confidence and nice to get 80 minutes under my belt."
Cole gave Chelsea the lead against Rovers with a backheel in the 53rd minute and Salomon Kalou added a second nine minutes from time.
Chelsea now face Sheffield United on Saturday and that may see the return of Carlo Cudicini in goal following his absence through concussion.
The reigning champions have struggled to hit peak form so far this season but Cole warned the rest of the Premiership they were beginning to get back to their best.
Cole added: "We are seeing the team really pick up now. I think the lads have been brilliant in the last couple of weeks.
"There is stuff for us to work on still but we are coming into a bit of form. We are showing how strong the squad is."

Blade 'pulls blade' on team-mate

2006-10-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

Sheffield United defender Claude Davis reportedly brandished a razor during an argument with club colleague Ade Akinbiyi earlier this week.

Blades striker Akinbiyi, 32, has admitted he had a training-ground bust-up with Davis.
A report in the Daily Mail claims Jamaica international Davis, 27, approached Akinbiyi while holding a razor as a row following the defender's sending-off against Everton last week escalated. "There was a lot of argy-bargy, but that was about it," Akinbiyi said.
"There was a row lasting about two minutes in the changing room, but I'm not saying if he did or didn't pull out a razor."

Magpies reveal drop in revenue

2006-10-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

Newcastle have announced a loss in revenue for the 11-month period up to June 30 this year.

The revenue of £83.1million was down from £87million from 2005, largely due to the club not playing the UEFA Cup last season.
However, following Graeme Souness' dismissal as boss, Glenn Roeder led the Magpies back into Europe's second-tier competition for the current campaign.
"This year has been a period of the transition for the club," Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said in a statement to the Stock Exchange.
"The team performances in the first half of the season fell significantly below our level of expectations.
"However, following the board's decision to make changes at management level, the first team had an excellent run in the second half of the season, finishing a satisfactory seventh place in the Premiership and qualifying for the UEFA Cup through the Intertoto Cup."

Cover story of UEFA's magazine

2006-10-27T01:36:00.000-07:00

As every week, uefa.com publish their magazine. This last number's cover story features two Madridistas: David Beckham, who made his 100th appearance in the Champions League against Steaua Bucharest, and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who scored his 50th goal in the aforementioned competition. At Realmadrid.com, we have decided to reproduce the entire article of the magazine for your enjoyment.

It was a mark of the quality of the goal that opposition fans stood to applaud. Having been dazzled by Real Madrid CF as a team on their first visit to the Steaua Stadium, Ruud van Nistelrooy gave the 25,000 crowd a moment of individual brilliance to remember the occasion. Shielding the ball under pressure from Dorin Goian after being played in on the right side of area, the Dutchman chipped delicately over the advancing goalkeeper. Carlos Fernandes, lobbed like a tennis player at the net, looked on in anguish as the ball looped high above him before dropping down just over the line.

Van der Sar: We never doubted Roo

2006-10-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

Although it is now 10 games since Rooney last found the net, the 21-year-old has proved in recent games the first noticeable dip in form of his fledgling career is now a thing of the past.
Few would bet against the 21-year-old hitting the target against Bolton on Saturday as United look to consolidate their position at the Premiership summit.
And van der Sar feels any talk about Rooney's demise has been well wide of the mark.
"Nobody here has any doubts about Wayne," said the giant Dutchman.
"People regard him very highly and expect a lot of him but even if he was to play 55 games a season, as soon as he goes through a spell where he is not scoring or makes a couple of wrong decisions, people get on his back.
"We all know how it works in England. You just have to see past it."
Although Tomasz Kuszczak was one of the few United players to impress at Crewe in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, van der Sar is certain to return at the Reebok Stadium, where the Red Devils were one of only three sides to beat Bolton in the Premiership last term.
Three wins and a draw on home soil already this season has taken Sam Allardyce's men into the top three and the Trotters know victory, coupled with an unlikely Sheffield United triumph over Chelsea at Bramall Lane, will see them replace tomorrow's opponents at the top.
Not that anyone at Old Trafford is allowing their focus to stray from building on the momentum generated by six successive wins in all competitions following the blip which saw United lose at home to Arsenal, then fail to beat Reading a week later.
"When you look at the teams we have played and the results we have had, it is fair to say we have had the start we were looking for," said van der Sar.
"The Arsenal result was a disappointing one and the draw at Reading was frustrating but overall, we have had the start we were looking for."

Cech moves closer to home

2006-10-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has been moved to a hospital closer to his home after showing good progress this week.
Cech, 24, underwent emergency surgery after fracturing his skull in a collision with Reading's Stephen Hunt, in the first minute of Chelsea's 1-0 win at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.
He left the Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Thursday and Chelsea released a statement on their website, which confirmed the Czech Republic international's move.
The statement read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Petr Cech has been moved from the Radcliffe Infirmary following his successful operation for a depressed fracture of the skull.
"Petr will continue his recovery in a hospital closer to his home. Petr's condition is improving every day and he is now walking again unaided.
"Everyone at Chelsea FC, his wife Martina and his family would like to pay tribute to the surgeons and staff at the Radcliffe and Royal Berkshire hospitals for the first-class care they have provided over the last six days."

Benitez wants keepers protected

2006-10-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has stepped into the row over dangerous challenges on goalkeepers and demanded that they get more protection.

Benitez was reacting not only in the wake of the rumpus over Chelsea's match at Reading last weekend, but also similar incidents in a reserve game on Merseyside which has seen both Liverpool and Everton facing FA charges and Polish keeper Jerzy Dudek facing a five-match ban.
The Spanish boss, who expects captain Steven Gerrard to have recovered from a hamstring injury to lead Liverpool at Manchester United on Sunday, has long been angered by tactics used against goalkeepers in England.
Benitez did not want to comment on the uproar following injuries to Chelsea pair Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini at Reading - in which the FA have decided to take no action against the Reading players involved.
But he insisted: "Whether there was intent is not the issue, but challenges where a knee hits a head are fouls and dangerous.
"For me it is clear, the six-yard box is for the keeper, that's how I see the laws.
"But here in England everybody is allowed into the six-yard box to push the keeper, stand in front of him, jostle him, stop him jumping. It seems anything can happen.
"We need to protect goalkeepers, sometimes the challenges are very dangerous for them."
Benitez has reviewed the video of the reserve match which saw Dudek red carded for raising his hands to Everton teenager Victor Anichebe following what the Pole considered a dangerous challenge.
And Benitez is also angry about a similar challenge on youth team keeper David Martin, after he had taken over from Dudek in the same match.
Dudek faces a three-match ban for violent conduct and potentially two more if he is found guilty following an FA charge of improper conduct for confronting the referee and failing to leave the pitch quickly enough.
Benitez said: "You saw the incidents at Reading, maybe there was no intent but the challenges were still fouls.
"I have had something similar in a reserve game. The match was against Everton last week and there has been FA charges since then for both clubs.
"There were two challenges on two goalkeepers in that same game. It was really, really dangerous.
"If you tackle a goalkeeper in the head what happens? It is a very dangerous challenge, there may be no intent but it is still dangerous.
"The two challenges in that game were amazing, very dangerous, crazy. You can sometimes understand a player's reaction when something like that happens.
"The challenges on Dudek and Martin were both bad ones."
He added: "Ten years ago players were not as big, quick and strong as maybe they are now, there was not the same chance of injury. But the rules are the same then as they are now.
"For me it is still a free-kick when a goalkeeper is fouled in the six-yard box.
"It is more dangerous now because of the strength and speed of players and the game. Ten, 20 years ago it was not the same.
"But you should still not be allowed to touch a keeper in the six yard box.
"Years ago it was a foul. Now it seems you can challenge the goalkeeper, and nothing happens to you.
"Now you are faced with 6ft 4in strikers challenging you.
"If the keeper is watching the ball in the air he cannot see the striker and does not know what is about to happen."
Benitez continued: "I have seen a few goals scored in England when the goalkeeper was about to catch the ball, a player jumps into him, and a goal is allowed.
"You cannot allow this to happen, you have to protect goalkeepers more."
Both Liverpool and Everton have until November 1 to respond to charges of failing to control their players, likewise Dudek after his charge.

best possible scenario for a Real Madrid recovery

2006-10-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid players and coaching staff members have said they "have to move on" and "learn from" their "mistakes" on numerous occasions since their first League defeat on Saturday against Getafe. Seventy-two hours later, they have the chance to turn this around in a competition they know very well. They will face a complicated rival, who also have three points in the group stages so far. Both teams have never faced each other in a European competition. The winner will be a step closer to the second place on Group E's table, and to group leader Olympique Lyonnais.

Drogba is best in Europe - Lampard

2006-10-19T22:25:00.000-07:00

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard claims there is no hotter striker in Europe at the moment than Blues striker Didier Drogba.

Drogba grabbed his ninth goal of the season on Wednesday night to condemn Barcelona to their first European defeat in 19 months.
The Ivory Coast international has been in fearsome form since the start of the new campaign.
He fired a hat-trick on his previous Champions League outing, away to Levski Sofia, and scored one of the Premiership's best goals of the season with a ferocious volley against Liverpool last month.
Lampard, 28, said: "He's a fantastic striker anyway but at the moment he's in one of those really hot spells.
"If he's not the best striker in Europe, I don't know where there's a better one.
"His all-round game is fantastic. He's scoring spectacular goals. That's Didi and it's great to have a striker playing like that."
Chelsea fans expected to be watching Europe's best striker this season after the club spent more than £30million on Andriy Shevchenko but they did not think it would be Drogba.
The big Ivorian, signed from Marseille for £24million in 2004, seemed ready to quit the club when Shevchenko arrived. Last season he suffered some criticism from Chelsea fans for diving but has responded in style.
Shevchenko has struggled to find top gear but Drogba has cut down on the diving and is enjoying his best form since moving to Stamford Bridge.
Lampard said: "That's what happens when you're a striker. You have to go through the highs and the lows and Didi's on a high.
"You've got the other end of the scale with Shevchenko, who is a world-class striker for years and, at the moment, he can't get his goals."
Drogba's winner against Barcelona came in the 47th minute, when he collected a long pass from Ashley Cole, turned past Carles Puyol on the edge of the penalty box and slammed a right-foot shot into the corner of the net.
Drogba, 28, said: "We won against a big team who played very well but Chelsea played very well and now we have nine points. That's the most important thing.
"My goal gave me a better feeling than the one I scored against Liverpool but I have to say I was a bit lucky with the first touch."
Asked if he has ever played better than he is doing at the moment, Drogba replied: "Yes, I think I have, when I was in Marseille."
Victory over Barcelona was sweet for Chelsea, who were knocked out of the Champions League by the Catalans last season.
Mourinho's team top now Group A with a maximum nine points from three games and have put European Cup holders Barcelona under pressure. The rivals meet again in Spain in a fortnight.
Lampard said: "The onus is on them to beat us at the Nou Camp which I'm sure they will try to do.
"But there are too many strong teams throughout the competition to worry about putting them out.
"It's not a question of putting anyone out at the moment. It's a question of worrying about ourselves and trying to top the group.
"We know we're in a strong position but we're not there yet. It's two big away games for us now with Barcelona and Werder Bremen.
"Ideally we will get a win from one of them games, or not get beaten, and establish ourselves as the top team in the group."
The Barcelona result has been good therapy in a traumatic week for the club.
Goalkeeper Petr Cech fractured his skull during Saturday's 1-0 win over Reading and is still in hospital after emergency surgery.
Third-string goalkeeper Hilario played against Barca because Carlo Cudicini was knocked unconscious and swallowed his tongue, after coming on as a substitute for Cech at Reading.
Lampard said: "It's been a difficult time for the lads with the injury to Petr. I don't think anyone in the team has been through an injury like Petr had. It was such a freak injury.
"But I think it gave an extra dimension to our game. There was a lot of spirit among the lads and we wanted to win the game, not exactly for Petr but with Petr in mind.
"We've always had durability and spirit in the team and any top team has to have that, especially when you play a team of Barcelona's ability.
"You have to be strong and together throughout the game and we showed that in what was a top performance. You could see at the end what it meant to the team."
Chelsea staff and players have also been saddened by the death of Victoria Buchanan in a road accident on Tuesday.
Drogba dedicated his goal to the 28-year-old, who worked at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea Pitch Owners.

Carra: 'Average' Reds must improve

2006-10-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admits the Reds have been "average at best" this season and must put that right with a win at Old Trafford.

The stand-in skipper has been critical of Liverpool's shortcomings but believes things are moving in the right direction after Wednesday's win at Bordeaux.
Carragher, who captained the side in Steven Gerrard's absense, also revealed he sought out boss Rafael Benitez to discuss his concerns about his own form and that of the team after a disjointed start to the campaign.
Benitez has not been slow to demand more from his experienced players, and while Carragher rated the victory against Bordeaux as a big step in the right direction, he knows anything short of that performance at Old Trafford will all but end Liverpool's title aspirations.
Carragher said: "The boss has talked to us about our performances this season, and I have been saying the same thing myself - a lot of the players, including myself, have not been performing as well as we have the last few seasons.
"That has made it difficult for the new players to ask them to settle in quickly. The players who have been here a while have maybe not helped them to settle in by producing performances up to our own standards.
"We have got to look to ourselves, to find our own best levels, and now we have achieved a good away win at last I hope that everyone will see us back playing at our best, collectively and individually.
"We have been average, at best, and we are not even halfway towards our true form. We are probably only a quarter of the way there at the moment."
With Peter Crouch's second-half header securing Champions League success in south-west France, Carragher is now steeling himself for another searching examination.
He said: "Teams like Manchester United and Chelsea are pulling away so it is going to be very difficult. We got a good start in Europe and the Community Shield, but it did not continue like that.
"We knew that we had to get back to that form, it has not been what we would have wanted.
"United are flying at the moment and it is massive for us to go there and get something. People will start saying that if we lose we are out of it, that's maybe too early for that.
"But all we want to do is (take) one step at a time, collectively. It's a long way to go but the win in Bordeaux was a step in the right direction."
Carragher, with Sami Hyypia equally effective alongside him, produced Liverpool's best defensive performance of the season during the win against Bordeaux.
Carragher added: "We have missed players. There was no Stevie (Gerrard) in Bordeaux and we only had Momo Sissoko for a while. Bolo (Boudewijn Zenden) and Xabi (Alonso) did fine, but we do miss Stevie and Momo. The are top players, and it was great to see Momo come on and do so well.
"It was always going to be difficult to do what we did last season, that run at the end of the campaign was outstanding. We always want to reach that standard, but we would have liked to have done a bit better than we have been doing.
"We need more clean sheets, and there's nowhere better to go and produce a top performance than at Manchester United."
He added: "This season we have not done so well away, and we knew that we had to put that right in Europe before we went to Manchester United.
"We always accept that playing United is massive, so we needed a boost to our confidence before going there."

Double angst for frustrated Gerrard

2006-10-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

Not only did Gerrard come closest to giving England victory in the Euro 2008 qualifier with a thunderous late shot which crashed back off the bar, he also picked up a booking which rules him out of Wednesday's crucial trip to Croatia.
And, given the Zagreb encounter arguably represents the toughest test for Steve McClaren's men as they bid to overcome the first setback of their new coach's reign, Gerrard made no attempt to conceal his disappointment.
"England against Croatia is a great fixture," he said.
"As a player, you want to be involved in all the big games, so I am going home really frustrated, not just with not getting three points but also missing the Croatia game.
"I will be cheering the boys on from home. Hopefully, they will turn in a good performance and get the result."
Gerrard revealed he quizzed referee Markus Merk about the second-half challenge on Goran Pandev which earned him the second caution of England's qualifying campaign.
Amazingly, the German official agreed Gerrard had played the ball but confirmed the Liverpool player had been penalised for his follow through.
"I was really disappointed with the referee's decision," said the 26-year-old midfielder.
"I told him I got the ball and he agreed with me but said the momentum took me into the player."
Gerrard almost made amends for his misdemeanour after being teed up by Shaun Wright-Phillips six minutes from time, only for his evening to end in even more frustration.
"I need a change of luck," he said.
"I have already hit the woodwork four or five times this season.
"I hit the shot well, but maybe I hit it a little too well. Sometimes, you mis-hit them and they go in."

Anelka: I'm getting closer

2006-10-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

The often temperamental France striker, who was called into the national squad last week for the first time in over six months, has completed 90 minutes in only one of the four Premiership starts he has made this season.
And despite not featuring in France's Euro 2008 qualifying defeat to Scotland he feels he is close to his best.
"I'm still not 100% but I'm not far off full capacity," Anelka said.
"I feel good. In the league I can now nearly play a whole match in its entirety.
"My only aim is to play to take pleasure from playing. In the long term, I've grown tired of spending my life fighting with people."

Lamps: England can shine in Croatia

2006-10-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

Steve McClaren's side dropped their first points of the campaign when they were held to a shock goalless draw by minnows Macedonia at Old Trafford on Saturday.
It has raised the stakes against the Croatians, who have not lost a competitive game in Zagreb since gaining their independence 16 years ago - but were beaten there by France in a friendly international in 2000.
But Lampard, who won his first cap seven years ago against Belgium at the Stadium Of Light, is urging England to stand up and be counted when they confront what is likely to be a hostile atmosphere.
The Chelsea midfielder said: "Wednesday is potentially the hardest game in the group although Russia and Israel away will also be difficult.
"Croatia will test us. We have got to stand up on Wednesday to a hostile crowd, a good technical side and show what we are made of as a team. We've got to stand up and be counted.
"They always produce players from a young age who are technically good players and they have always got a bit of an edge to them. They are determined and will be desperate to beat England.
"They are tactically a clever team as well. I watched them in the World Cup and they gave Brazil a really tough game. That's the sort of players they have got.
"But I scored my first England goal against Croatia and also scored against them in Euro 2004. They are nice memories.
"It will be a nice time on Wednesday to get another one especially with it being my 50th cap."
Lampard admitted: "It seems a long time ago since I won my first cap in Sunderland.
"I then went out of the team. I was in the wilderness for a couple of years after that but I've come back.
"To get to 50 caps will mean a lot. It is a milestone. Stevie G (Steven Gerrard) got there recently and it is something I've always wanted to do.
"I'm very proud. A lot of big names have got to that milestone and I want to get there and then push on.
"It will be a nice feeling for me before the game and when walking out. But when you go on the pitch, you just concentrate on the game."
Lampard dismissed the suggestion that England should cruise through to the Euro 2008 finals in Switzerland and Austria and insisted Macedonia should be taken seriously as a footballing nation.
He said: "People who said it was an easy group weren't looking properly at the group.
"Like I said, you can't underestimate Croatia, Russia and Israel - and also Macedonia as we have seen from the way they performed against us.
"They have all got talented players and it was never going to be a group where you are going to breeze through and win every game and come top.
"There will be these certain games that are difficult. It's about qualifying.
"The draw with Macedonia is a small setback - but we have to make sure we get our heads down and try and put it right on Wednesday now.
"I don't think Saturday was a reality check. We were quite realistic in the dressing room and we understand that, as much as you want to win every game, it doesn't always work that way.
"Macedonia didn't surprise me. People and the lads in the drssing room should have respect for Macedonia.
"People say 'Macedonia' and a few years ago you wouldn't even count them as a real challenge.
"But they have got good quality players especially up front and in midfield. We half expected them to be dangerous on the counter-attack like they were.
"We expected ourselves to have that little edge more that would have put us in the lead and won the game. You are talking about the final ball and the finishing.
"The goalkeeper made a couple of decent saves. You have days where the final ball slips away or gets blocked and credit to them, they defended well at the back."

Ferdinand fitness boost for England

2006-10-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

Ferdinand missed Saturday's goalless home draw with Macedonia after suffering a spasm in a back muscle during training on Friday.
The Manchester United defender has reported a slight improvement in his condition on Sunday.
Ferdinand, 27, will rejoin Steve McClaren and his squad and will be then assessed by the England medical team before a decision is taken on whether or not he can train on Monday.
McClaren's squad are scheduled to fly to Zagreb on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's game in the Maksimir Stadium.
Steven Gerrard will be missing through suspension. He will serve a one-match ban after collecting his second yellow card of the campaign against Macedonia.
Boss McClaren has decided not to call anyone else into the squad to replace Gerrard. Twenty-three players are expected to travel to Croatia if Ferdinand is passed fit.

Spain lose against their strongest rival

2006-10-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

The Spanish national team failed to win again. Sweden beat Spain 2-0 in a painful night for Spanish football. This result may symbolise the end of an era and the start of a new project for the Spanish national team. Spain have lost hope, but must recover if they want to qualify for the 2008 Austria-Switzerland European Championship. The Reds were never comfortable playing in the Rosunda Stadium, and didn't know how to react to Sweden's early first goal.

Terry could miss Bulgarian trip

2006-09-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

Chelsea fear captain John Terry will miss the Blues' Champions League trip to face Levski Sofia on Wednesday with a back injury

Khalid Boulahrouz also missed the Fulham game on Saturday with an illness and Blues boss Jose Mourinho may be forced to keep Portuguese duo Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho in central defence.
Mourinho said: "Paulo is not a central defender. He never plays central defender but we asked him to do it and his answer was unbelievable.
"Paulo and Ricardo are both very fast and we can press high and that means the team is very compact. I really don't feel big problems. He played very well.
"Michael Essien can also play there but I didn't want to play Essien as a central defender because he's playing so well in midfield."

Queiroz - Ronaldo can be world's best

2006-09-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to become the best player in the world.

All eyes will be on the Portugal winger on Tuesday, when he heads back to his homeland to face Benfica, especially as his last appearance at the Stadium of Light ended in such disaster.
Totally ineffective as United crashed out of the Champions League group phase in December and baited throughout by home supporters acutely aware of his previous affiliation to Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo lost his rag as he made his way off the field.
Although allegations of spitting towards fans were ultimately rejected, the 21-year-old was found guilty by UEFA of offering a 'one-fingered gesture' to his hosts and was banned for the opening game of this season's competition.
Since then, Ronaldo landed himself in even more trouble during the World Cup.
Not only was he widely condemned for his part in getting Wayne Rooney sent off during England's quarter-final defeat to Portugal, he hardly endeared himself to United fans either with repeated statements of his desire to join Real Madrid.
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed he was never worried that Ronaldo would leave Old Trafford.
Yet the Scot did treat the threats with enough seriousness to dispatch Queiroz to the Portugal World Cup camp, where his second-in-command was successful in getting Ronaldo to recognise he could achieve all his career goals with the Red Devils.
"When you deal with young players, it is not about telling them, or forcing them to do certain things," said Queiroz.
"It is about getting them to think about life, principles and values, teaching them to think for themselves and come up with the right answers.
"You want them to try to create the right balance between how they play, the things they say, the friends they have, everything around the game, on and off the pitch.
"With Cristiano I am always trying to create that special ambition and desire within him not to be one of the best players in the world but to be the best player in the world. He can do it, there is no doubt in my mind about that."
Given the maturity Ronaldo has shown in responding to the taunts of opposition crowds in the Premiership this season, Queiroz is not anticipating a repeat of the youngster's petulant behaviour on his previous visit to Lisbon.
On the contrary, he thinks the Madeira-born star can use Tuesday's game as an opportunity to correct a few things.
"In the few months since the World Cup, Cristiano has grown up and matured fantastically," he said.
"We won't speak about what happened against Benfica last season, we did that at the time.
"I think he realises this is a special opportunity for him to reverse what happened last season and leave the stadium in a correct manner.
"Cristiano has shown recently that he is not affected by mistakes, that he has a strong personality and can play with a lot of authority. I am sure he will do well."
United also expect Rooney to make a major impact after struggling for form during the early weeks of the campaign and has not scored in Europe since his debut-day hat-trick against Fenerbahce two years ago. Not that anyone around Old Trafford is too bothered.
"There is no reason why Wayne has struggled in Europe," said Queiroz. "It will come.
"When people talk about him, they treat him like someone who has been a professional for years, yet he has only been with us for a short period of time.
"He is so young, and it is so early in his career it is impossible to make a fair judgement about him."

Reds sweep aside Spurs at Anfield

2006-09-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

Goals from Mark Gonzalez, Dirk Kuyt and John Arne Riise ensured Tottenham's poor start to the season continued with a 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.

Spurs spent heavily in the summer but have lost four of their first six league games and must wonder just what has gone wrong for a side who so nearly qualified for the Champions League last season.
Liverpool will not be bothered by the Londoners' woe, however. They go into their Champions League clash with Galatasaray in fine form.
They toiled somewhat in the first period as Benitez maintained his rotation policy - no doubt with Wednesday in mind - by leaving out Jamie Carragher, Luis Garcia and Fabio Aurelio from the side that beat Newcastle in midweek.
Riise returned after an ankle injury. Also recalled were Sami Hyypia and Mark Gonzalez. The Liverpool manager has now made 19 changes in six Premiership games this term.
Spurs, with their worst start to a league campaign in 14 years and 13 of those since they last won at Anfield, fielded an unchanged side from the one that drew with Fulham last time out in the league.
They found out that Hyypia does not like being left on the bench much, if his first two tackles were anything to go by. His first took out fellow Finn, Teemu Tainio and earned him a warning from referee Howard Webb, while the second was perfectly legal but pole-axed Jermain Defoe.
Liverpool attempted to take the initiative. Craig Bellamy with a 20-yard shot over the top, and then a bouncing effort from Xabi Alonso - who the crowd begged to shoot from any range after his midweek stunner - also just missing the target.
Spurs were intent on deep defence, at times all 10 outfield players were less than 30 yards from Paul Robinson, while trying to set Defoe free with long balls from the back.
Robbie Keane was almost put through by one pass from Danny Murphy, Hyypia getting a toe in the way, but the onus was on Liverpool to open up the Londoners.
Ledley King got a touch on a Murphy free-kick, the ball bouncing just wide before Liverpool felt they should have had a penalty when the ball hit King on the arm.
Then Pascal Chimbonda sliced a Gonzalez corner onto the upright before Mohamed Sissoko saw a shot blocked. The tempo was quicker but Spurs were getting more possession as well as extra men forward.
King and Michael Dawson worked to contain Bellamy and Kuyt, with Steven Gerrard belatedly getting into the game with surges from the right flank.
There was more urgency about Liverpool after the break but anxiety crept in when Bellamy got in the way of Kuyt as the Dutchman sent a header over the bar, with the Welshman also just failing to get on the end of a low cross from his strike partner.
Gonzalez, too, was more involved and the supply of crosses from both flanks increased.
On 55 minutes, a Gonzalez corner found Alonso racing in on the edge of the box but this time his effort sailed high into the Kop.
Spurs sent on Edgar Davids for Tainio on the hour as it seemed the visitors might get something from the game so frequently were Liverpool conceding possession in midfield, Alonso frequently at fault.
The turning point came on 61 minutes. Davids got away on the left and set up Jenas two yards out, the midfielder somehow missing the far post.
And as he lay in the six-yard box in sheer disbelief, Liverpool broke away and took the lead.
Gerrard crossed from the right and Bellamy hit the post from close range, the ball breaking for Gonzalez to fire his first league goal for the club into the bottom corner.
Hyypia was booked for a foul on Didier Zokora, with Luis Garcia coming on for Bellamy.
Then Kuyt struck a classic strikers' goal on 73 minutes. Garcia's pass threaded into the box and Kuyt latched on to it, cracking a fine shot high into the net.
Gerrard was in an offside position to his right, but as Spurs momentarily stopped, the Dutchman had eyes only for the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Liverpool sent on Aurelio for Gonzalez, with Spurs replacing Murphy with Mido on 79 minutes, but surely now the extra striker was too late to save the Londoners.
Liverpool sent on Carragher for Alonso with six minutes left, Benitez not a man to take even the slightest risk with points seemingly in the bag.
But that did not stop Riise from rubbing salt in Spurs' wounds with a stunning drive from 30 yards in the 89th minute.

Gallas a believer in Gunners style

2006-09-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

William Gallas is convinced Arsenal are still capable of playing the "best football" anywhere in the Premiership.

The French defender scored his first goal for the Gunners since a deadline day move from Chelsea in Saturday's 3-0 win over bottom club Sheffield United.
It helped set Arsenal on the way to a maiden victory at their new Emirates Stadium home, as Arsene Wenger's men made it seven points out of a possible nine in their last three games.
Belief within the squad is growing with each match following a stuttering start to the campaign.
Gallas, 29, is confident his new side are going places fast.
He declared: "When I joined the club, I said to my girlfriend that we were going to do something good this season.
"Then before the Manchester United game, I told her we were going to win, I also told some others and they laughed - but I see what the team is like every day in training.
"It's all very quick, top quality. Now I can say we have the opportunity to be champions. I came here to be a champion.
"Sometimes we play the best football in England, but more important is to win as well.
"Now we know what we can do, we have to be able to play good, but we have to play to win as well.
"Sometimes we have to play really quick football, but sometimes we have to slow the ball down a little more.
"You cannot go out and attack all the time.
"When you play against teams who sit back, you attack with 10 players because they might break and we concede a goal."
Gallas already feels more than settled in new surroundings, although the former Blues defender admits the daily commute from his west-London home can be something of a grind.
He said: "I have not moved house yet, so at the moment I have to tackle the M25 every morning to get to training.
"One-and-a-half hours it takes just to drive there - it's very difficult and I have to get up early every morning just so I can be ready to leave by 8am.
"If it's not the M25, then I have to drive across London, through Chelsea and Hampstead and so on.
"I have to move, but probably will not be able to until January."
Gallas invited his parents, who are visiting from Guadeloupe, to the match on Saturday - and would like them to sit in the stands on a regular basis.
The defender said: "Every time they come to see me, I score. I should get them a season ticket, but they do not come here often because they live so far away."
Arsenal manager Wenger, who celebrates 10 years at the club next week, is more than happy with the way Gallas has fitted into his squad.
"William has the mentality of a winner, to produce it when it's needed, no more than that," said Wenger, whose team will be in Champions League action against Porto on Tuesday.
"I read an interesting article talking about what is in common between winners, about every sport, both men and women, and it said it was competitiveness and composure at the right moment.
"They found that common denominator, refusing not to win and as well mixing that with composure.
"That means not being terrified when you have a chance and I think that makes a winner.
"I have seen many fail because they have inhibition and in top competition you cannot have inhibition when you are under pressure and that takes composure and we saw that."

Real Madrid prepare for the match against Dynamo Kiev after defeating Betis in Seville

2006-09-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

The match timetable allows no rest. Hours after winning 1-0 against Betis in Seville, Real Madrid trained to prepare for Tuesday's match against Dynamo Kiev. The encounter will be held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium at 8:45 pm CET. Yesterday's starters and substitute players started training separately in this morning's closed-doors session. Cicinho and Beckham didn't train.

The Champions League is back this week, so Real Madrid players haven't been able to take the day off today. The squad met at 12:00 at Real Madrid City in order to work out behind closed doors. This morning's was the first of two sessions they will attend prior to the match against Dynamo Kiev, which will be the Whites' second match in the Champions League group stages. Real Madrid want to improve on the image they gave in the previous match against Olympique Lyonnais, and will fight to win in front of their fans at the Bernabéu.
Fabio Capello started the session by dividing his men into two groups. On the one hand were yesterday's starters against Betis -Casillas, Ramos, Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos, Guti, Emerson, Diarra, Reyes, Cassano and Van Nistelrroy- and on the other the rest. The only player missing from yesterday's initial line-up was Cicinho, who went down in the 28th minute last night. He was in severe pain and had to be taken off the pitch. A preliminary medical report diagnosed a torn anterior cruciate ligament on his right knee. This was confirmed this morning after Real Madrid's medical staff made more tests at Valdebebas. Cicinho's operation has been scheduled on Monday.Pavón, Robinho, Raúl Bravo, Helguera, Mejía, Raúl, Ronaldo and Salgado joined last night's starters in a mild jog. Ronaldo and Salgado spent the first 15 minutes of the session doing stretching exercises supervised by physical trainer Santiago Lozano. After this, Fabio Capello took the reins of the session and started to teach his players what weapons to use against Dynamo Kiev.

The Real Madrid attacker adds the Golden Foot to a long list of individual accomplishments

2006-09-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

The Golden Foot award that was presented to Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima on 28 August was just another accolade to add to the Brazilian forward's long list of honours. In fact, Real Madrid's number “9” is one of the football world's most decorated players, and this latest achievement is yet another to add to the neverending list of individual and team trophies.

Speaking of Ronaldo means speaking of success. The Brazilian forward has been given a gift, and everything he does is done well, translating into awards and honours. The latest achievement was the Golden Foot award in recognition of his career in sports. However, it wasn't the only award won by the Brazilian superstar, one of the best footballers in the world.
Ronaldo is one of the most heralded footballer players in the history of the sport, and he has won all kinds of awards. Two Golden Balls, three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, and one Golden Boot are just a few honours the Fenomenon has achieved throughout his career. He has been the top scorer in the Spanish League on two occasions, and was also the top scorer of the 2002 World Cup in Korea afte recovering from a serious knee injury and scoring eight goals. Those eight goals, plus the four he scored in the 2002 French World Cup and the three in the recent German World Cup, make Ronaldo the all-time top scorer in World Cup competition with 15 goals, passing Germany's Gerd Müller, who had held the record with 14.

Gunners splash out for Brazil starlet

2006-09-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazil under-19 midfielder Denilson, and could pay an eventual £3million according to his club Sao Paulo.

The Brazilian side are confident they struck a good deal after receiving an initial £1.9million for the under-19 skipper, with the Gunners due to pay a further £1.1million due depending on his future performances.
Sao Paulo claimed in a statement on their website that Arsenal will send Denilson on loan to another European club to gain experience.
Director of football Marco Aurelio Cunha said: "We have sold an 18-year-old for the same price as an experienced player.
"The deal is highly profitable for a player of his age."
"The deal is very satisfactory as we could receive profits in the future. There are some clauses which benefit Sao Paulo as we are the team where Denilson was born as a player."

Chelsea furious at talk of major rift

2006-09-02T22:43:00.000-07:00

Chelsea have consulted lawyers after allegations of a bust-up involving Jose Mourinho and Peter Kenyon over the sale of William Gallas.

Reports have suggested the Blues manager and chief executive fell out over the decision to off-load the unhappy France international defender as part of the deal to bring England left-back Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge from Arsenal.
The transfer was concluded just minutes before the midnight deadline on transfer-deadline day, with Chelsea paying Arsenal £5million plus Gallas in exchange for Cole.
The Blues maintain Mourinho's relationship with Kenyon is strong and the pair were in constant contact throughout Thursday as efforts to bring Cole to Chelsea gathered pace.
Gallas, who irked the Chelsea coach by failing to join up with the squad on their pre-season tour of America, had been omitted from the first team this season.
Mourinho, with Kenyon's agreement, was prepared to let the defender play solely reserve-team football for the final year of his contract if they could not engineer a sale which suited the Blues - however disruptive that might have been for the squad.
Chelsea were not prepared to sell Gallas outright to Arsenal, or any other club for that matter, as the club would have perceived that outcome to be a victory for the 29-year-old.
Clearly the best solution for the Blues was to be rid of the player, in a deal they were happy with and their player-plus cash agreement with Arsenal for Cole brought about an ideal conclusion to one of the longest running transfer sagas of the summer.
But the Chelsea coach has since been left fuming by suggestions that Kenyon went behind his back to dispose of Gallas and - as a result - it is understood the club have held lengthy discussions with their lawyers over possible legal action.
Cole returned to training with England on Friday ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with Andorra on Saturday and is delighted to have finally made the switch across the capital.
But while Cole celebrated his move, the club's midfielder Claude Makelele confessed he had been forced to join up with France.
The 33-year-old retired from international football after the World Cup final and underlined his decision with a letter to the French Federation on August 22.
But France coach Raymond Domenech selected Makelele for France's Euro 2008 qualifiers and threatened him with domestic suspension under FIFA's rules.
Mourinho hit back by accusing France of treating Makelele like a "slave" and Chelsea confirmed the player had sent a retirement note to the French FA two days prior to his controversial call-up.
Now Makelele still insists he wants to quit the international scene and hinted that the next two qualifiers will be his last for the country.
Makelele said: "I said after the World Cup that I would take international retirement, on television and with a note sent to the federation.
"I truly wanted to retire. The fact that he has put me in the squad has turned things upside down. From a legal point of view, I had to be here. Chelsea authorised me to play so that they do not incur any sanctions.
"The coach wanted me to make a comeback when I had told him I didn't wish to return.
"I will be there to win these two very important matches and I hope that afterwards the situation will be resolved so that there is no ambiguity.
"It is necessary now to let the squad get on with work and that the soap opera ends this week."

Moyes could sue Rooney over book

2006-09-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

Everton boss David Moyes is likely to sue Wayne Rooney over claims he made in his recent book, although proceedings have not yet been issued.

Moyes' solicitors have already started proceedings against the Daily Mail, which published extracts of "Wayne Rooney: My Story So Far'.
And while no action has been taken against Rooney or publishers HarperSport yet, it could be imminent.
Moyes' lawyer Mel Goldberg said: "Proceedings have been issued against the Daily Mail. Separate action will be taken against the publishers and presumably Wayne Rooney as well because he is the cause of the publication.
"But at this minute legal proceedings against Wayne Rooney have not been issued."
Moyes is particularly upset by Rooney's claims that the Scot broke his confidence by leaking details of a personal nature.
"There were several comments," said Goldberg. "The main headline (in the Daily Mail) was Rooney claiming that David Moyes forced him out (of Everton) which is not true, and another comment that 'David Moyes was jealous of me' - that was not true.
"And there was a comment which we regard as very serious which is that David Moyes broke professional confidence by leaking stories which he had been told. That's not true either.
"Moyes went out of his way to cover up, over a long period of time, about that and other matters as well.
"What a player tells a manager in confidence is something which is special and if other players feel a manager is going to blow the whistle on him to other people, no player would ever speak to his manager in confidence and that has greatly upset him," said Goldberg.
Regarding possible outcomes, Goldberg said: "An apology has not been forthcoming. We've been corresponding with the Daily Mail and nothing's been forthcoming.
"As far as the paper is concerned proceedings have already been issued. So far as the book publishers are concerned that will happen shortly, I've no doubt.
"Matters are always begun by a writ but often they are settled before they get to court so it's possible that this matter will be settled. But there's no settlement been discussed."

Reds let Kromkamp return to Holland

2006-09-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Liverpool have allowed defender Jan Kromkamp to join PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee after he agreed a five-year deal with the club.

The full-back, who can also play in midfield, was signed from Villarreal in January but failed to make a first-team place his own at Anfield.
He was, however, used as a substitute in the FA Cup final and helped Liverpool to their victory over West Ham on penalties.
He made 18 first-team appearances for Rafael Benitez's side and was a member of Holland's World Cup squad.
Kromkamp, 26, had joined Villarreal from AZ Alkmaar in 2005 but failed to settle in Spain.
He joins PSV on the same day as the Dutch club signed former Newcastle and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert following his release from Valencia.

Ballack set to make Blues' opener

2006-08-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack is winning his fitness battle ahead of Sunday's Premiership opener against Manchester City.

Ballack took a bang on the hip early in the 2-1 Community Shield defeat by Liverpool and is receiving treatment for the injury.
Ballack will not play any part in Germany's international friendly with Sweden on Wednesday night, increasing his chances of facing City.
"The injury is a painful bruise and there is some swelling around the hip," Ballack told the club's website.
"I have to wait and see what happens in the next few days, but I'm hoping it'll be okay for the Manchester City game."
A doubt also remains over Michael Essien who broke a small bone in his wrist against Liverpool but the Ghana midfielder insists he will be ready for Sunday.
"I had a scan on Monday afternoon. They say it is a fracture but not too serious," he told the London Evening Standard.
"It is a little bit sore but not enough to stop me playing. I didn't have much of a summer holiday but I'm fit and ready for the new season."

Buffon: Gunners move tempted me

2006-08-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed he would have been tempted by a move to Arsenal - but he is now focused on life in Serie B.

Following the club's enforced relegation to the Italian second division for their part in Serie A's match-fixing scandal, Buffon had been linked with a move away.
"I cannot hide that, after five years here, I was tempted by a new experience," the World Cup winner said.
"That could have been AC Milan, Internazionale or Arsenal, and I think I would have tended towards Milan.
"This club has helped me to win and if I have become world champion, it is thanks to Juve.
"I can cope with a year in the second division and I will look to do something new and win the Serie B title."

O'Shea was hoping for Ruud reunion

2006-08-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

John O'Shea admits he is surprised former team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy has been omitted from the Holland squad to face Republic of Ireland.

Despite a high-profile exit from Manchester United to Real Madrid this summer, the prolific marksman has been overlooked for the Dutch squad to face the Irish on Wednesday.
"You could say I'm surprised they've dropped him, but that is the manager's prerogative," remarked United defender O'Shea.
"It shows the quality they have when they can leave out players like Ruud and Mark van Bommel. It's going to be quite interesting.
"But I had been hoping to meet up with Ruud again. I was sad to see him go, not just because of his talent and the goals he scored, but as a friend too.
"As the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] always says, though, the club move on, and we've brought in Michael Carrick who is going to be a great addition to our squad."
O'Shea is adamant no-one is irreplaceable, not even a player who averaged 30 goals a season, as has been proven in the past.
He reflected: "Look at other players who have left the club, like [Eric] Cantona and [Roy] Keane.
"People said they were irreplaceable, but different players come in and add their qualities to the team.
"You have to move forward because if you keep looking back then you would be into the season and you could lose a few points."
One United star O'Shea will be up against is veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, now 35 and with 108 caps to his name.
"It's amazing the run he has had for Holland," smiled O'Shea.
"He was telling me the average age of the Dutch squad now is 23 or 24 - and that it would be around 20 but for him being in the squad!"
Ireland manager Steve Staunton only has 20 players available to face the Dutch following the withdrawals through injury of captain Robbie Keane, goalkeeper Shay Given, centre-back Richard Dunne, along with Alan Lee, Stephen Ireland and Terry Dixon.

Midfield stars pen new Palace deals

2006-08-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

Crystal Palace midfielders Tom Soares and Ben Watson have signed new contracts to keep them at Selhurst Park until 2010 and 2009 respectively.

Both players are currently with the England Under-21 squad as they prepare for Tuesday's game against Moldova.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old striker Charlie Sheringham has signed a two-year deal with the club, after previously being on a month-to-month contract.

Capello demands more

2006-08-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

After the match, Fabio Capello talked to the media and analysed certain aspects of Saturday's match against Real Salt Lake. He was satisfied with his team's work, but mentioned there are still some aspects that need improving. The Italian coach praised Javi García's performance.

FABIO CAPELLO:"Players can get distracted when playing the final match of tours like this one. But, I also noticed some positive things. I gave playing time to several players who hadn't really had their chance yet. We rarely got to our opponent's box during the first half. On the other hand, during the second half, we showed more enthusiasm and played at a faster pace. We have to use the three remaining preparatory matches to correct our mistakes. I liked Javi García's performance very much. He has a good chance of playing with the first team this season. I also liked how Roberto Carlos played and the defense in general. Nevertheless, We have to improve on some things I really didn't like."

First session of Cannavaro

2006-08-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

While the rest of the squad enjoyed the morning off, Fabio Cannavaro arrived at Real Madrid City at 10 in the morning to begin training, his first session as a Real Madrid player. The recent World Champion will train with the rest of his teammates this early evening and will travel to the US on Monday to begin his personal pre-season build-up.

Cohen disappointed by UEFA decision

2006-08-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Former Liverpool defender Cohen spent two seasons at Anfield after moving from Maccabi Tel Aviv in 1979 before returning to Israel when he failed to establish himself in the first team.
Now he is president of the Israel Football Players' Association and he has described his disappointment at Maccabi Haifa being forced to renounce home advantage for the second leg because of the conflict in Lebanon.
Cohen instead insists the game could have been played in the capital Tel Aviv which he claims is untouched by the war.
Cohen told BBC Radio Five Live: "The people who are not living in Israel do not understand Tel Aviv is out of the war.
"You do everything - you lie on the beach and go to discotheques. It is like living in London.
"It is very disappointing not to get Liverpool in Tel Aviv and (have) very big celebrations.
"It is unfair because they reduce the chances of Maccabi Haifa or any team in Israel to qualify. Liverpool are strong (at home) but away they are not so strong so they give Liverpool an advantage."
The teams meet in the first leg at Anfield on Wednesday night and Cohen believes the Israelis are severely hampered by the disruption to their preparations because of the conflict.
"It's very, very difficult because Maccabi Haifa are from the north and they have the missiles on the houses and the streets and they didn't have a session in Haifa.
"Maccabi Haifa need to play at Anfield and they are trying to do the impossible thing to try to get a good result.
"There are a few players (that) if they weren't now playing at Anfield they should be in the army so you can imagine the thinking. How can their heads be in football?"

Rooney must curb temper - Kendall

2006-08-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

Kendall, who watched Rooney grow up at Goodison Park before his £27million move to Old Trafford, feels that Sir Alex Ferguson should work hard behind the scenes to curb the excesses of the young England striker.
Rooney was sent off in the World Cup finals and again in a pre-season friendly in Amsterdam.
Kendall - who has his testimonial against former club Athletic Bilbao on
Saturday at Goodison Park - believes the 20-year-old is being targeted by referees and opponents and has to learn to live with that level of pressure.
"Players know he is fiery. Alan Ball was a fiery character and people would try to wind him up, but you were not in the spotlight then on the pitch as you are now and could get away with a lot.
"The situation has changed, everything you do is seen. Because of his nature people are looking to wind him up, and that has to be sorted out on the training ground.
"Sir Alex has got to appoint someone so that every time they have a little five-a-side game, he has someone niggling at him, verbally.
"Looking from the outside, the kid has got to learn to live with it and Sir Alex is the best at sorting that out, surely. It's much better playing with 11 than 10, particularly when it is Wayne you are losing because he's been sent off."
But Kendall believes that Rooney can overcome his demons and will live up to his teenage potential.
He said: "He's a tremendous talent. I remember talking to Colin Harvey when he was in charge of the Everton youth team and asking him if he had 'anything' good in the team.
"He just said 'only one.' There were others obviously, but only one like that. He said he was special and that was Wayne.
"But he has to come to terms with the position he is in and learn to curb his temper."

Mourinho in no rush to sign striker

2006-08-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Crespo joined Milan ealier this week on a two-year loan deal leaving Chelsea short of recognised centre-forwards.
Carlton Cole has joined West Ham this summer but Mourinho believes the arrivals of Andriy Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou give him enough options.
The Blues boss, linked with big-money moves for Fernando Torres and Carlos Tevez, also counts his wingers Arjen Robben or Shaun Wright-Phillips as front men.
Mourinho said: "We are better than last season. We lost Crespo but we have Shevchenko. We lost Damien Duff but we have Kalou. We have no problems.
"We have Didier Drogba, we have Shaun, we have Robben. We have a lot of options."
Mourinho's immediate problems appear to lie in defence where he has been forced to use right-back Paulo Ferreira as a centre-back and a left-back in the absence of William Gallas.
Gallas, out of contract at the end of next season, returned to training at Chelsea on Monday after failing to report for the club's pre-season training camp in the USA.
He was not considered fit enough to take part in this week's friendlies against Feyenoord and Celtic.
Mourinho has admitted there is an offer on the table for Arsenal's Ashley Cole but he remains anxious not to lose unsettled Gallas before the start of the season.
Claude Makelele was also excused from the two games this week because he is only just back in training.
Makelele was granted an extended break by Mourinho after the World Cup - unlike Gallas who stayed away without the manager's permission.
Petr Cech is recovering from a shoulder operation he underwent after the World Cup and Joe Cole will miss the start of the season, even though his knee injury is not as bad as first feared.
Mourinho claims it has been hard to prepare his team for the new season because of the limited time available with his players after the disruption of the World Cup.
He took his squad to the USA for a pre-season training camp and Chelsea then played three warm-up games in five days, ending with Wednesday's friendly against Celtic.
The Premiership champions face FA Cup winners Liverpool in the Community Shield on Sunday, but Mourinho has already warned he will treat the Cardiff showpiece as just another friendly.
The Chelsea boss then loses the bulk of his squad to international duty before opening the Premiership campaign against Manchester City.
Mourinho said: "This is the most difficult pre-season I have had in my career.
"We have to play Liverpool after only 15 days of pre-season. That is very difficult.
"Other teams at this moment are in better condition than we are. We are working to improve and the natural tendency is to get better."
Mourinho, stung last season by criticism that Chelsea played dull football, has vowed to make his team more attractive this season.
He expects the formidable partnership of Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard to provide new thrust from midfield.
Mourinho said: "The main change is that last season we played with just one attacking midfield player.
"This season, with Ballack and Lampard, we have players to score goals and get the ball to the box. We will play with just one holding midfield player."
Ballack has no concerns about adjusting to the high-tempo style of English football after more than a decade in German football.
The Germany captain said: "It's a different game in England but I've played here many times in the Champions League and it's never been a problem.
"It's a different tempo but you can get used to that. Having played at international level you get used to different styles of play.
"It's a new club and a new challenge and that's something I'm looking forward to.
"I've been impressed with the professionalism and discipline in every aspect of the club but also the fun parts too. In training we like to have a laugh."

Chelsea pull out of Cole transfer

2006-08-09T22:02:00.000-07:00

Arsenal have reportedly asked for £25million for the 25-year-old England defender, and Chelsea claim they will not buy unless the price drops.
A Chelsea statement read: "Chelsea FC has been in discussions with Arsenal Football Club for some time over the possible transfer of Ashley Cole.
"Chelsea has made a very substantial offer for the player. Although discussions have continued, Arsenal's valuation of the player does not match Chelsea's and therefore no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on Tuesday night urged Arsenal to make up their minds about the potential transfer of Cole before the end of the week.
However the club's stance has now hardened, and Chelsea could consider other options at left-back, where they are short of competition for Wayne Bridge.
An official offer has been submitted to Arsenal, and Mourinho said last night: "It is in their hands and we have to wait.
"What can I do? Arsenal has an offer from Chelsea. If they accept, they
accept, if they don't accept, they don't.
"If Arsenal decide to sell the player, that is okay. But the player belongs
to Arsenal, we cannot do anything about it.''
Mourinho declared himself ready to look elsewhere, and that could mean
renewing his interest in Real Madrid veteran Roberto Carlos, who only last week turned down the chance to join Fenerbahce and committed himself to the Spanish club for a further 12 months.
"We are waiting for decisions but we have other options. We cannot play a whole season only with Wayne Bridge,'' Mourinho said on Tuesday.
"If we have no solution about Ashley Cole in a couple of days, we turn the
corner and we see other faces.
"Yes there is a space in our squad for another left-back because we only have one real left-back.''
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has called for Cole's future to be sorted out "one way or the other'' by the end of the week.
The player has criticised Arsenal's handling of the tapping-up saga which engulfed both the Gunners and Chelsea, in his forthcoming autobiography.
And he was not included in the Arsenal squad for Tuesday's first leg of
their Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb, which the Gunners won 3-0.
Wenger stressed that was more to do with the defender's lack of full match fitness, however, rather than the issue of cup-tying a player on the brink of being sold.
"I do not know what will happen with Ashley Cole in the next few days, but
for me certainly the deadline has come now to make a decision one way or the other,'' said Wenger on Monday.
"This week is the last limit I can expect something to happen.''
Speaking to BBC Radio London, the Arsenal manager added: "It is better because it gets the player settled again and their mind on the team. That is what you want.''
Cole could now start the season with Arsenal, even though he seems reluctant to remain at the Emirates Stadium.
He barely played at first-team level last season due to a series of injuries, but was in the team beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League final and was then an ever-present for England at the World Cup.

2006-07-23T04:51:00.000-07:00

England and Arsenal Ladies defender Faye White could miss most of the season after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligaments in a friendly.
White was injured in the Gunners' game at Bristol City on 16 July.
"I'm extremely disappointed to be out of training with this injury," the 28-year-old said.
"I have an appointment with a surgeon early next month and we'll have to take it from there, but I know I'll be out for a while."

Bent admits World Cup frustration

2006-07-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Charlton striker Darren Bent has revealed his helplessness at having to watch on holiday while England endured problems in attack at the World Cup.
He was omitted from the squad and was a frustrated onlooker as injured Michael Owen's exit left England struggling.
"I thought Michael Owen's injury was unlucky," he told BBC Five Live Sport.
"But there is nothing we could do about it. There were several strikers left at home who were just watching and were helpless to do anything."
Bent scored 18 Premiership goals last season and was the highest-placed English striker in the top flight.
He and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe were surprisingly left out by the then England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.
There is no reason why I can't get many more England caps while playing for Charlton
Darren Bent
Bent added: "A few of the boys texted me and told me I was unlucky and said I should have been there.
"A lot of the public were brilliant as well and said it was a disgrace how myself and Jermain were not in the squad.
"I just said I didn't do enough last year and hopefully next time around I will be able to."
Bent signed a new four-year contract with the Addicks this summer but may miss the start of the season after newspaper reports claimed he had sliced his finger when making a sandwich.
If that is the case, he would also be out of the running to make the England squad to face Greece in a friendly on 13 August - in what will be manager Steve McClaren's first game in charge of the national team.
Asked about whether he got on well with McClaren, Bent joked: "I thought I got on well with all of them but obviously that has changed.
"There is not a lot I can do about that but I'm just looking forward to the new season and I'm raring to go."
He also insisted being at Charlton would not hinder his England prospects.
"I got one cap last year and my team-mate Luke Young has got several," he said.
"Chris Powell, Paul Konchesky and Scott Parker all got England caps playing here so there is no reason why I can't get many more playing for the club."

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning penalty kick in a shoot out against England during the quarterfinal W

2006-07-02T22:51:00.000-07:00

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after scoring the winning penalty kick in a shoot out against England during the quarterfinal World Cup soccer match between England and Portugal in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Saturday, July 1, 2006. Portugal won 3-1 in a penalty kick shootout.

Fans Celebrate France's Victory At Champs-Elysees In Paris After France Beat Brazil In Their World Cup 2006 Quarter-Final Soccer Match

2006-07-02T22:38:00.000-07:00

Fans celebrate France's victory at the Champs-Elysees in Paris after France beat Brazil in their World Cup 2006 quarter-final soccer match July 1, 2006. REUTERS

Tunisia's Anis Ayari Clears The Ball Off The Goal Line During Their Match Against Spain In Stuttgart

2006-06-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

Tunisia's Anis Ayari clears the ball off the goal line during their Group H World Cup 2006 soccer match against Spain in Stuttgart June 19, 2006.

Spain's Fernando Torres kicks the ball during the Spain v Tunisia

2006-06-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

Spain's Fernando Torres kicks the ball during the Spain v Tunisia Group H soccer match at the World Cup Gottlieb-Daimler stadium in Stuttgart, Germany, Monday, June 19, 2006. The match ended 3-1 for Spain. The other teams in Group H are Saudi Arabia and Ukraine.

Portugal's Costinha, left, and Iran's Vahid Hashemian go for a header during the Portugal v Iran Group D soccer match at the World Cup stadium in Fra

2006-06-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

Portugal's Costinha, left, and Iran's Vahid Hashemian go for a header during the Portugal v Iran Group D soccer match at the World Cup stadium in Frankfurt, Germany, Saturday, June 17, 2006. The other teams in Group D are Mexico and Angola. Portugal won 2-0.

An Iranian woman waves a national flag prior to the Group D soccer match between Portugal and Iran at the World Cup stadium in Frankfurt, Germany

2006-06-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

An Iranian woman waves a national flag prior to the Group D soccer match between Portugal and Iran at the World Cup stadium in Frankfurt, Germany, Saturday, June 17, 2006. The other teams in Group D are Mexico and Angola.

Poland's goalkeeper Artur Boruc reacts at the end of the World Cup

2006-06-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Poland's goalkeeper Artur Boruc reacts at the end of the World Cup, Group A soccer match between Germany and Poland, at the Dortmund stadium, Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2006. Germany won the match 1-0. The other teams in Group A are Ecuador and Costa Rica.

Polish goalie Artur Boruc

2006-06-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

Polish goalie Artur Boruc stretches for a ball during the, Group A, Germany 2006 Soccer World Cup match at Dortmund's world cup stadium, between Poland and Germany, Wednesday, June 14, 2006. The other teams in Group A are Ecuador and Costa Rica.

Tricolore

2006-06-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

French players Zinedine Zidane, Sylvain Wiltord and Franck Ribery share a joke while preparing for their first 2006 FIFA World Cup™ against Switzerland on 13 June 2006.

Painted patriots

2006-06-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Korean fans pictured in excited mood on 13 June, prior to their team’s encounter with Togo in Group G of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

Kaka the difference as records fall

2006-06-13T22:42:00.000-07:00

At least the goal that carried the day lived up to Brazilian traditions as Kaka found space on the edge of the penalty area to shrug off the threat from three hovering defenders before caressing the ball high into the net. He was the 'Fab Four' member who most lived up to his reputation though there were some promising moments conjured by Ronaldinho

Brazilian fan dances samba

2006-06-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

A Brazilian fan dances samba as she waits for the beginning of Brazil's training session at Offenbach, near Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, June 8, 2006A Brazilian fan dances samba as she waits for the beginning of Brazil's training session at Offenbach, near Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, June 8, 2006. Brazil will play in Group F against Japan, Croatia, and Australia during the upcoming soccer World Cup.

MEXICO-IRAN-FAN

2006-06-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

A Mexico football fan smiles as she awaits the start at Nuremberg's Franken Stadium of the first round Group D World Cup football match between Mexico and Iran, 11 June 2006. This opening Group D match is seen as critical to the hopes of both teams in a group which also contains Portugal and Angola.

Omar BRAVO (MEX), Budweiser Man of the Match

2006-06-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

I thank God, the coach and most of all my team-mates for making this victory possible. But more important than this award is the win for the team which keeps us nicely in the running. This is one of the most emotional days of my career, and what better way to round it off than with two goals. Iran are a great team. They battled and never gave up. The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic.

This combination of six World Cup photos taken from two matches played Friday June 9, 2006 shows, clockwise from the upper left: Germany's Philipp Lah

2006-06-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

This combination of six World Cup photos taken from two matches played Friday June 9, 2006 shows, clockwise from the upper left: Germany's Philipp Lahm, right, scores the 1-0 during the Germany/Costa Rica match in Munich, Germany; Ecuador's Carlos Tenorio, left, is tackled by Poland's Jacek Bak, during the Poland/ Ecuador match in Gelsenkirchen, Germany; A soccer fan wearing a hairpiece in the colors of the German flag reacts in front of a big television screen in Kaiserslautern, Germany; A supporter of the Costa Rican national soccer team shouts out as he waits for the start of the World Cup in Munich; Germany's scorer Philipp Lahm, right, is cheered by teammates Torsten Frings, center, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, left, during the Germany/ Costa Rica match in Munich; Ecuador's Edison Mendez, right, reaches for the ball as Poland's Jacek Krzynowek looks on, during the Poland/Ecuador match in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

German players celebrate Torsten Frings' goal against Costa Rica during the Germany 2006 hosts' 4-2 win

2006-06-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

German players celebrate Torsten Frings' goal against Costa Rica during the Germany 2006 hosts' 4-2 win

FBL-WC2006-SCG-TRAINING

2006-06-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Serbia and Montenegro's forward Savo Milosevic runs during a training session in Billerbeck, 06 June 2006. The Serbs are in Group C at the World Cup, whoch starts on Friday, along with the Netherlands, Argentina and Cote d'Ivoire. They face the Dutch in their opener on June 11. AFP PHOTO PHOTO / DIMITAR DILKOFF

The FIFA World Cup™ Stadium Hamburg

2006-06-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

The FIFA World Cup™ Stadium Hamburg - Home of SV Hamburg and venue for the FIFA World Cup™ game between Cote D'Ivoire and Argentina

Colourful German supporters

2006-06-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

German supporters at the friendly match between Germany and Colombia. Germany won 3 to 0. AFP PHOTO JOHN MACDOUGALL

Dancing queens

2006-06-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Colourful samba dancers cheers on Brazil during their 4-0 defeat of New Zealand in Geneva, Switzerland on 04 June 2006. PHOTO/ANTONIO SCORZA

Frederik Winsnes Of Rosenborg Challenges Sylvain Wiltord Of Lyon During Their Uefa Champions League Group F Soccer Match At Lyon's Gerland Stadium

2006-06-03T02:18:00.000-07:00

Frederik Winsnes of Rosenborg challenges Sylvain Wiltord (top) of Lyon during their UEFA Champions League Group F soccer match at Lyon's Gerland stadium December 6, 2005. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

Real Betis' Goalkeeper Doblas Removes Flare From Pitch During Their Champions League Match Against Anderlecht In Seville

2006-06-03T02:16:00.000-07:00

Real Betis' goalkeeper Antonio Doblas removes a flare from the pitch thrown by the crowd during a Champions League Group G soccer match against Anderlecht at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera Stadium in Seville, southern Spain December 6, 2005. REUTERS/Marcelo del Pozo

Fan Runs Onto Pitch To Embraces Brazilian Striker Ronaldinho During Training Session In Switzerland

2006-05-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

A fan runs onto the pitch to embrace Brazilian striker Ronaldinho (L) during a training session at Thermoplan Arena in Weggis, Switzerland, May 26, 2006.

Brazilian Striker Ronaldinho Laughs After Fan Ran Onto Pitch To Embrace Him During Training Session In Switzerland

2006-05-31T08:57:00.000-07:00

Brazilian striker Ronaldinho laughs after a fan ran onto the pitch to embrace him during a training session at Thermoplan Arena in Weggis, Switzerland, May 26, 2006.

Iran banking on 'home advantage'

2006-05-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

"The world visiting friends", the German version of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ official slogan, could have been conceived specifically for the Iranian national team. After all, with Ali Karimi (Bayern Munich), Mehdi Mahdavikia (Hamburg), Vahid Hashemian (Hannover 96) and Ferydoon Zandi (Kaiserslautern), no fewer than four of the 23-strong squad selected by coach Branko Ivankovic ply their trade in the German Bundesliga.
Karimi arrives fresh from a domestic double triumph with Bayern, while Mahdavikia emerged as one of Hamburg's most influential players, probing and prompting the northerners to third place and a shot at qualification for the UEFA Champions League. However, for all their importance at club level, it is with their national team that Mahdavikia and Co enjoy superstar status.
Back in March 2005, Hashemian sent a passionate 110,000 crowd into raptures with a brace for Iran in a 2-1 qualifying victory over Japan in Tehran. "That was a vital victory. Four days later, we travelled to Korea DPR and won 2-0, completing a giant stride towards qualifying," the former Hamburg, VfL Bochum and Bayern striker recalled.

Iran finally banished all remaining doubts on 8 June last year with a 1-0 home victory over Bahrain. All four Bundesliga-based players started that match, emphasising the quartet's pivotal role in national colours. "I'm exceptionally pleased with the players from Germany. Their Bundesliga experience means a lot to us, because they'll help us win matches," coach Ivankovic enthused.

'Definitely the best team in our history'
Under the Croatian boss, who took the helm early in 2002, Iran have developed into a cohesive and solid unit. "The authorities gave me enough time to inject the players with my philosophy of the game," Ivankovic said. Meanwhile, Hashemian said: "Plenty of foreigners come to Iran, but disappear again after just a few months. He's hung on in there up to now, and understands the character of the Iranian team. He knows how to get us motivated."
A glance at the current FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking gives a strong indication of the current strength in Iranian football. The national team lie 23rd, ahead of fellow Asian FIFA World Cup contenders Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia. Many commentators rate the current team as the best the country has ever produced.
"In my opinion, we currently possess an extremely strong team, which with just a couple of exceptions, is also extremely young. That makes the current team exceptionally good," 2004 Asian Player of the Year Karimi said. Hashemian is even prepared to go a step further: "We definitely have the best team in our history. This team is very intelligent and mature."

A blend of talented youngsters and the experienced Bundesliga quartet have encouraged the Iranians in their target of surviving the group phase in their third tilt at the world trophy. "Our minimum goal is to get through the group stage, and give something back to the large Iranian population in Germany," said Karimi. "But I'm not saying qualifying for the round of 16 will be easy. There's no such thing as easy opponents in football today. Any team good enough to qualify for the World Cup has a point to prove to the watching world. Our group is just as difficult as many other groups, so we'll have to work very hard if we want to make the next round."

Home advantage?
Ivankovic and his men have been drawn to face Mexico, Portugal and FIFA World Cup newcomers Angola in Group D. "We've landed in a real 'group of death'. Portugal made the EURO 2004 final, and Mexico looked a tidy proposition at the Confederations Cup last year. But every team at the finals has battled through a long qualifying campaign and proved they have the quality. We Iranians are no exception. That's why I think we have nothing to fear. On the contrary, we're totally up for it and utterly determined to give a good account of ourselves," Mahdavikia explained.
The Bundesliga quartet are banking on a form of home advantage. "Obviously it has to be a point in our favour. All our overseas players operate in Germany. We have enormous experience of German football, and we know what to expect in terms of the atmosphere and the stadiums," Mahdavikia continued.
Karimi agrees that international experience could be the ace in the pack. "Players with experience of the European scene obviously know their way around the modern game. That'll definitely help the Iranian national team. Those who play in Iran will benefit from the experience of the overseas-based players. It'll bring out the best in them when they appear on the international stage."
Whatever happens in Germany, coach Ivankovic already looking to their medium and long-term prospects. "I hope to hand over a team built on the younger generation to the next Iran coach," he said. "We feature a number of youngsters. The country boasts a good crop of home-produced talent, and I believe one or two of them can become superstars if they get the chance. I believe we're heading in the right direction."
A path leading to the round of 16 would give football in Iran another powerful boost, and open the prospect of a breakthrough at European club level for the most promising starlets.

Last-gasp penalty gives Croatia draw with Iran

2006-05-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

A Marko Babic penalty deep in stoppage time salvaged a 2-2 draw for Croatia against Iran in a FIFA World Cup™ warm-up international on Sunday.
Iran, who are also in the finals in Germany, were on the verge of a notable victory when their goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour slid into one of his own defenders and then clipped Croatia's Ivica Olic as the ball ran free. Bayer Leverkusen's Babic calmly converted the kick.
Iran took the lead after 21 minutes when a shot from Mohammad Nosrati was not cleared and the ball fell to Ali Karimi who drove it into the net.
Croatia drew level ten minutes later when Jurica Vranjes's cross was knocked back by Hajduk Split's Niko Kranjcar and Dado Prso shot past Mirzapour.
The match became disjointed after the break with both sides making several replacements.
One of Croatia's substitutes, defender Mario Tokic, gifted Iran a second goal after 82 minutes when his poor return ball landed at the feet of Arash Borhani who accepted the chance.
It looked like Croatia were heading for their first defeat under coach Zlatko Kranjcar until, six minutes into stoppage time, they were handed a lifeline.
"Iran's goals came from our own mistakes," Kranjcar said. "Despite that, we had the game under control. We had a number of chances we failed to convert. Now we have a few days' rest and the players will be ready for the World Cup."
Croatia play two more friendlies, against Poland and Spain, before kicking off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Brazil in Berlin on 13 June. They also face Japan and Australia in Group F

Fashion Week in China

2006-04-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Who is the captain?

These days the entire world is looking forward to 2006 FIFA World Cup.

2006-04-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

Thirty-two teams from across the globe make up the field for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ finals. Six continents are represented and six past winners will take part, including hosts Germany, who head the 14-strong European contingent, and holders Brazil who lead the South American challenge.