FERGUSON'S PREMIER LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS
Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated 20 years in charge of Manchester United on Monday.
The Scot is rightly regarded as the greatest manager the English game has ever seen, boasting a remarkable trophy haul that comprises of eight Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, three Charity Shields, a European Cup, a European Cup Winners Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a UEFA Super Cup while in charge of the Red Devils.
Here, premierleague.com looks back at five of Ferguson's most memorable highlights from the Premier League.
November 27, 1992 - Signs Eric Cantona from Leeds United
The mercurial Frenchman came from Leeds for £1.2million and with a controversial reputation but under Ferguson's astute man-management, the striker flourished at Old Trafford and was instrumental in United claiming four Premier League titles in five years as his sublime skills lit up the Theatre of Dreams until his retirement from football in May 1997.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? A TO Z
Despite Cantona's stint at United being marred by his kick at a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park in January 1995, it didn't stop him being voted Ferguson's greatest signing by United supporters.
However, Cantona nearly did not arrive to kick-start the United revelution as Ferguson had initially been chasing Sheffield Wednesday forward David Hirst.
“Because of Wednesday's refusal to let us sign David Hirst, we looked around at strikers we rated and who might be available," said Ferguson.
“I tried Leeds and was delighted when they agreed to release Cantona."
The Scot was also unconcerned by the potential baggage Cantona might have brought with him.
“I am not interested in all the tittle-tattle being written about the player,'' added Ferguson.
“My attitude is that I am not looking for problems or a confrontation with the player. Whatever has gone on at Leeds is in the past and we should remember he is a truly gifted player.
“He will be treated on merit. I've signed him in the hope of improving our scoring record. We will do our talking on the football field and Eric Cantona is certainly good enough to have a lot to say.”
Later, Ferguson revealed how the deal came about.
“Leeds chief executive Bill Fotherby was on the phone, asking about Denis Irwin. It was then an idea jumped into my head. 'Ask him about Eric Cantona', I scribbled on the chairman's writing pad.”
May 2, 1993 - Wins inaugural Premier League title.
Ferguson had the distinction of becoming the first manager to lift the Premier League crown and end United's 26-year wait to claim English football's ultimate prize thanks to Nick Henry's goal for Oldham that ended closest rivals Aston Villa's title challenge at Villa Park.
United were presented the trophy ahead of the 3-1 home win over Blackburn Rovers, eventually finishing 10 points ahead of his United predecessor Ron Atkinson's Villa side, which signalled the start of a dominance that would garner another seven titles.
Steve Bruce's double deep into injury time to seal a crucial win over Wednesday and Ferguson subsequently dancing on the pitch became the enduring image of that season's triumph.
“This is the greatest achievement, the greatest moment of my football career. I couldn't have asked for anything else,'' Ferguson said at the time.
“I'm proud of the players and really pleased for the chairman, the supporters and everyone connected with the club.
“There's tremendous pressure on any player at this club to try to win the championship. It's killed a lot of players, it's killed a lot of teams. But I feel that the character my players have shown in the last two or three years makes them something special.
“They've deserved to win the league and now, having opened the door, there's no saying what they can achieve.
“It won't be easy and because we've won it once does not give us any divine right. But it does take that weight off.
Ferguson also revealed he was actually playing golf when he found out United had clinched the title.
“Suddenly I heard a car screeching to a halt and footsteps coming up the gravel path by the green and a chap appeared with a huge smile on his face. ‘Mr Ferguson, Manchester United have won the League’.”
May 5, 1996 - Overhauls 14-point Newcastle United lead to win Premier League.
United completed the first part of what proved to be a second double in three years as they clawed back what at one point seemed an insurmountable 14-point defecit to the Magpies by clinching the Premier League title on the final day of the season at Middlesbrough.
United's successful campaign marked the emergence of Ferguson as undisputed 'king of the mind games' after he caused Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan to lose his cool on live television.
After accusing Leeds of only raising their game against United, Keegan famously produced his outburst after a narrow 1-0 win over the same opposition, saying: “Some of the things which have been said over the last few days have been almost slanderous.
“I think you've got to send a tape of that (the game) to Alex - isn't that what he wants?
“He has gone down a bit in my estimation. Football in this country is honest. You sometimes wonder abroad but here it is honest. I would love to beat them now, love to.
“The battle is still on. United haven't won it yet, it's not over.”
Sadly for the Toon Army, it was.
May 16, 1999 - Clinches fifth Premier League title as first part of historic treble
United came from a goal down to beat Tottenham Hotspur and claim the title on the last day of the season in legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel's last game at Old Trafford to record the first in what proved to be an unprecedented and well-documented treble of the Premier League title, FA Cup and European Cup.
Ferguson claimed it was the most satisfying of his five titles up to that point.
“You can look back at great days and all the rest of it, but they don't compare with this," he said.
“When that final whistle went and to win it on our own ground when we had to win it, after being 1-0 down, what can you say to that?
“We can't slacken and we can't afford to slacken.
“It's like a bus and we're going on to the next stop. If somebody gets left behind then that's their own fault.
“But I don't think any of these players will want to be left behind. They are as ambitious as I am now.
“Titles are won over a year and I think they deserved it. They are the best team in the country and they've proved that.”
Ferguson also paid tribute to Schmeichel, who set a record of 178 clean sheets for the club.
“It's a sad because he will not play here again,” Ferguson added. “That must be a sad day for all those players like the (Mark) Hughes, (Steve) Bruces, (Gary) Pallisters and (Bryan) Robsons.
“All the warriors who have been here and Schmeichel was one of them. There's no doubt in my mind that he's the greatest goalkeeper I've had in my team.”
October 24, 2004 - Ends Arsenal's record-breaking run
After going through the previous Premier League season unbeaten, Arsenal turned up at Old Trafford looking to make it 50 games without defeat.
However, United had other ideas as a Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty and Wayne Rooney saw the home side to victory.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
READING v ARSENAL, 0-4 Sun 22 Oct 2006
Arsenal reinforced their claim to be genuine contenders for the Barclays Premiership trophy by dismantling top-flight newcomers Reading.
Thierry Henry, who scored twice, Alexander Hleb and Robin van Persie supplied the goals as the Gunners reigned supreme at the Madejski Stadium - the venue where both Manchester United and Chelsea had been forced to battle all the way for points.
United had needed a second-half equaliser from Cristiano Ronaldo to salvage a draw and Chelsea a heavy deflection to take the points on a day when Stephen Hunt's clash with Petr Cech made all the headlines.
Hunt's first-minute challenge left Chelsea goalkeeper Cech with a fractured skull but the Irishman retained his place in the starting line-up for this one, having been cheered heartily before kick-off by the home support.
The first minute was once again hugely significant, however, as it took the slick-passing visitors just 58 seconds to take the lead.
Cesc Fabregas was the architect with a run into the box on the right that saw him easily evade the challenge of ex-Highbury trainee James Harper and lay the ball back for Henry to fire past Royals goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, who had not let in a single goal at that end since September last year.
That another would follow before the break was no surprise, though, as Arsenal dominated possession and the home side were able to make only occasional inroads at the other end.
Hunt was still willing to charge round the pitch and received a finger-wag of disapproval from Jens Lehmann after contact was briefly made as the Irishman chased a ball into the box.
But Ibrahima Sonko, who had hospitalised Cech’s replacement Carlo Cudicini in a stoppage-time collision last week, did not look his usual robust self and backed off to allow Van Persie to end a run from his own half with a shot.
That went well wide and there was a bigger let-off when Justin Hoyte, whom Hunt had previously nudged into an advertising hoarding, fired across goal and wide following Tomas Rosicky’s defence-opening flick.
But in the 39th minute, when Hleb came in from the right and played a one-two with the Czech, Hahnemann was beaten again with a rising drive that was simply too hot to handle.
Reading had only occasionally created problems at the other end but Lehmann had been required in the 25th minute to tip over a pile-driver from Seol Ki-Hyeon after the German had punched a corner to where he had been lurking on the edge of the box.
It was to prove their only on-target effort of the afternoon. Arsenal managed 10 times as many.
Reading replaced the ineffective Ulises de la Cruz at the break with Brynjar Gunnarsson but within four minutes of the restart Van Persie had made it 3-0.
It was the result of a fine passing movement down the right involving Henry and Hleb and once the home defence had been well and truly opened the Dutchman was left with a simple finish.
Reading were ahead on corners, however, as a Seol cross saw the ball skid just beyond the back post off a defender before the back-pedalling Kevin Doyle headed the home side’s seventh wide.
It was a different story from open play, though, as the exposed Hahnemann could only spill a Henry drive into Rosicky’s path. The goal was at his mercy but somehow the summer signing fired wastefully over.
Hunt was still trying to make things happen but when the ball broke kindly for him in the box, after Kolo Toure had blocked Doyle, he could only fire a snap-shot over.
In the 71st minute, Henry made it 4-0 from the penalty spot as Hahnemann upended Fabregas after the Frenchman had provided the pass for the teenager.
However, Hahnemann denied Rosicky a minute later after the midfielder had been put through.
The Royals seemed demoralised and could not wait for the final whistle as Arsenal sent Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor on for the last quarter of an hour, with Alexandre Song joining them later.
Arsenal reinforced their claim to be genuine contenders for the Barclays Premiership trophy by dismantling top-flight newcomers Reading.
Thierry Henry, who scored twice, Alexander Hleb and Robin van Persie supplied the goals as the Gunners reigned supreme at the Madejski Stadium - the venue where both Manchester United and Chelsea had been forced to battle all the way for points.
United had needed a second-half equaliser from Cristiano Ronaldo to salvage a draw and Chelsea a heavy deflection to take the points on a day when Stephen Hunt's clash with Petr Cech made all the headlines.
Hunt's first-minute challenge left Chelsea goalkeeper Cech with a fractured skull but the Irishman retained his place in the starting line-up for this one, having been cheered heartily before kick-off by the home support.
The first minute was once again hugely significant, however, as it took the slick-passing visitors just 58 seconds to take the lead.
Cesc Fabregas was the architect with a run into the box on the right that saw him easily evade the challenge of ex-Highbury trainee James Harper and lay the ball back for Henry to fire past Royals goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, who had not let in a single goal at that end since September last year.
That another would follow before the break was no surprise, though, as Arsenal dominated possession and the home side were able to make only occasional inroads at the other end.
Hunt was still willing to charge round the pitch and received a finger-wag of disapproval from Jens Lehmann after contact was briefly made as the Irishman chased a ball into the box.
But Ibrahima Sonko, who had hospitalised Cech’s replacement Carlo Cudicini in a stoppage-time collision last week, did not look his usual robust self and backed off to allow Van Persie to end a run from his own half with a shot.
That went well wide and there was a bigger let-off when Justin Hoyte, whom Hunt had previously nudged into an advertising hoarding, fired across goal and wide following Tomas Rosicky’s defence-opening flick.
But in the 39th minute, when Hleb came in from the right and played a one-two with the Czech, Hahnemann was beaten again with a rising drive that was simply too hot to handle.
Reading had only occasionally created problems at the other end but Lehmann had been required in the 25th minute to tip over a pile-driver from Seol Ki-Hyeon after the German had punched a corner to where he had been lurking on the edge of the box.
It was to prove their only on-target effort of the afternoon. Arsenal managed 10 times as many.
Reading replaced the ineffective Ulises de la Cruz at the break with Brynjar Gunnarsson but within four minutes of the restart Van Persie had made it 3-0.
It was the result of a fine passing movement down the right involving Henry and Hleb and once the home defence had been well and truly opened the Dutchman was left with a simple finish.
Reading were ahead on corners, however, as a Seol cross saw the ball skid just beyond the back post off a defender before the back-pedalling Kevin Doyle headed the home side’s seventh wide.
It was a different story from open play, though, as the exposed Hahnemann could only spill a Henry drive into Rosicky’s path. The goal was at his mercy but somehow the summer signing fired wastefully over.
Hunt was still trying to make things happen but when the ball broke kindly for him in the box, after Kolo Toure had blocked Doyle, he could only fire a snap-shot over.
In the 71st minute, Henry made it 4-0 from the penalty spot as Hahnemann upended Fabregas after the Frenchman had provided the pass for the teenager.
However, Hahnemann denied Rosicky a minute later after the midfielder had been put through.
The Royals seemed demoralised and could not wait for the final whistle as Arsenal sent Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor on for the last quarter of an hour, with Alexandre Song joining them later.
BLACKBURN ROVERS v BOLTON WANDERERS, 0-1 Sun 22 Oct 2006
Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two penalties in two minutes as Bolton Wanderers secured a remarkable 1-0 victory over local rivals Blackburn Rovers.
The Finland shot-stopper came to the rescue with Blackburn chasing the game after Ivan Campo’s goal.
Jaaskelainen first blocked Benni McCarthy’s effort in the 87th minute, then repeated the feat from substitute Jason Roberts’ attempt 60 seconds later.
Bolton skipper Kevin Nolan was then sent off for dissent as they stretched their unbeaten run to seven games to stay on the shoulders of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Blackburn, superb winners in the UEFA Cup against Wisla Krakow, will wonder how they lost this match.
Morten Gamst Pedersen and Andre Ooijer both went close inside the opening 16 minutes.
Then Robbie Savage almost made the breakthrough in the 19th minute, his 25-yard free-kick being superbly tipped over the top by Jaaskelainen.
Bolton, though, launched two swift counter-attacks in quick succession.
El-Hadji Diouf sent his effort into goalkeeper Brad Friedel’s arms after being released by Nicolas Anelka.
Then, in the 21st minute, the Senegal striker’s header came back off the post, again following good work by his French team-mate.
Blackburn were looking dangerous from set-pieces and Pedersen rattled in a free-kick from distance in the 26th minute that came back off Jaaskelainen’s body.
It was an entertaining game, with Nolan seeing his powerful shot deflected for a corner after good work by Anelka.
Play swung back down the other end and Shabani Nonda headed off target after being released by David Bentley.
Jaaskelainen was called into action in the 37th minute when he reacted superbly to turn over a 35-yard piledriver from Tugay.
Bolton veteran Gary Speed then cleared off the line after a header from Zurab Khizanishvili hit the goalkeeper.
Nonda, on loan from Roma, was being allowed plenty of space but his header in the 43rd minute landed on the roof of the net.
Bentley squandered a great chance of giving Blackburn the lead on the stroke of half-time.
He was left clear at the far post as Brett Emerton played the ball in following a surging run but Jaaskelainen was able to smother his weak effort.
Tugay strode forward in the 50th minute and tried his luck only to see his effort clear the bar.
Jaaskelainen kept Bolton on level terms two minutes later when he reacted smartly to push away a shot from McCarthy, who had latched onto a ball from Lucas Neill.
Bolton retaliated and Campo released Diouf but he was wasteful, shooting over the bar.
Pedersen then tried to curl a shot beyond Jaaskelainen but the goalkeeper was equal to it.
Blackburn appeared to be turning the screw in front of a crowd of 27,662.
But then Bolton unexpectedly took the lead in the 61st minute through Campo.
He was left unmarked in the six-yard box as Diouf swung in a corner from the left, and headed firmly past the stranded Friedel.
Campo wheeled away in delight after scoring his fourth goal of the season.
Bolton almost added a second in the 66th minute when Friedel beat away a shot from Nolan following Kevin Davies’ lay-off.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes made a double substitution in the 74th minute, bringing on Roberts and Aaron Mokoena for Pedersen and Savage.
But the match took a dramatic turn in the 87th minute when Jaaskelainen saved McCarthy’s penalty after Roberts had been bundled over by Quinton Fortune.
Incredibly, Blackburn were awarded another penalty a minute later and again Jaaskelainen kept it out.
Roberts dusted himself down after being blocked by Speed only to produce a carbon copy of McCarthy's tame effort, the Finn diving the same way to repel the ball for a second time.
Nolan, however, was then sent off for dissent as Bolton held on.
Jussi Jaaskelainen saved two penalties in two minutes as Bolton Wanderers secured a remarkable 1-0 victory over local rivals Blackburn Rovers.
The Finland shot-stopper came to the rescue with Blackburn chasing the game after Ivan Campo’s goal.
Jaaskelainen first blocked Benni McCarthy’s effort in the 87th minute, then repeated the feat from substitute Jason Roberts’ attempt 60 seconds later.
Bolton skipper Kevin Nolan was then sent off for dissent as they stretched their unbeaten run to seven games to stay on the shoulders of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Blackburn, superb winners in the UEFA Cup against Wisla Krakow, will wonder how they lost this match.
Morten Gamst Pedersen and Andre Ooijer both went close inside the opening 16 minutes.
Then Robbie Savage almost made the breakthrough in the 19th minute, his 25-yard free-kick being superbly tipped over the top by Jaaskelainen.
Bolton, though, launched two swift counter-attacks in quick succession.
El-Hadji Diouf sent his effort into goalkeeper Brad Friedel’s arms after being released by Nicolas Anelka.
Then, in the 21st minute, the Senegal striker’s header came back off the post, again following good work by his French team-mate.
Blackburn were looking dangerous from set-pieces and Pedersen rattled in a free-kick from distance in the 26th minute that came back off Jaaskelainen’s body.
It was an entertaining game, with Nolan seeing his powerful shot deflected for a corner after good work by Anelka.
Play swung back down the other end and Shabani Nonda headed off target after being released by David Bentley.
Jaaskelainen was called into action in the 37th minute when he reacted superbly to turn over a 35-yard piledriver from Tugay.
Bolton veteran Gary Speed then cleared off the line after a header from Zurab Khizanishvili hit the goalkeeper.
Nonda, on loan from Roma, was being allowed plenty of space but his header in the 43rd minute landed on the roof of the net.
Bentley squandered a great chance of giving Blackburn the lead on the stroke of half-time.
He was left clear at the far post as Brett Emerton played the ball in following a surging run but Jaaskelainen was able to smother his weak effort.
Tugay strode forward in the 50th minute and tried his luck only to see his effort clear the bar.
Jaaskelainen kept Bolton on level terms two minutes later when he reacted smartly to push away a shot from McCarthy, who had latched onto a ball from Lucas Neill.
Bolton retaliated and Campo released Diouf but he was wasteful, shooting over the bar.
Pedersen then tried to curl a shot beyond Jaaskelainen but the goalkeeper was equal to it.
Blackburn appeared to be turning the screw in front of a crowd of 27,662.
But then Bolton unexpectedly took the lead in the 61st minute through Campo.
He was left unmarked in the six-yard box as Diouf swung in a corner from the left, and headed firmly past the stranded Friedel.
Campo wheeled away in delight after scoring his fourth goal of the season.
Bolton almost added a second in the 66th minute when Friedel beat away a shot from Nolan following Kevin Davies’ lay-off.
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes made a double substitution in the 74th minute, bringing on Roberts and Aaron Mokoena for Pedersen and Savage.
But the match took a dramatic turn in the 87th minute when Jaaskelainen saved McCarthy’s penalty after Roberts had been bundled over by Quinton Fortune.
Incredibly, Blackburn were awarded another penalty a minute later and again Jaaskelainen kept it out.
Roberts dusted himself down after being blocked by Speed only to produce a carbon copy of McCarthy's tame effort, the Finn diving the same way to repel the ball for a second time.
Nolan, however, was then sent off for dissent as Bolton held on.
MANCHESTER UNITED v LIVERPOOL, 2-0 Sun 22 Oct 2006
Rio Ferdinand struck a spectacular goal to upstage Paul Scholes on his 500th appearance for Manchester United in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
Scholes marked the occasion in perfect style with the opener after good work by Ryan Giggs late in the first half.
But the famously private midfielder will be only too happy to let Ferdinand take the headlines after he smashed home a stunning second to settle the match.
United asserted their dominance more and more as a lively game went on, after Liverpool had started the brighter.
The visitors pushed forward straight from the kick-off, but Mark Gonzalez's cross was disappointing. Riise then tried his luck from his own half, but the ball sailed over the bar.
Luis Garcia and Steven Gerrard then closed in on Edwin van der Sar, but the former was penalised for a trip on Ferdinand, replays suggesting the decision may have been harsh.
Wayne Rooney - also reaching a significant landmark, his 100th game for United - produced a delightful ball to pick out Gary Neville in United's first attack, but the full-back's cross was cleared under pressure by Sami Hyypia.
From a Michael Carrick corner shortly afterwards, the ball bounced off the chest of a static Nemanja Vidic to Louis Saha, whose shot was parried by Jose Reina.
Saha then cut inside Steve Finnan and unleashed a fierce curling shot which an uncertain-looking Reina could only parry, before gathering at the second attempt.
Dirk Kuyt was given a golden opportunity for Liverpool as he was picked out by Gonzalez's pin-point cross, but was only able to direct his header into the arms of compatriot Van der Sar.
Saha's header at the other end was tame under pressure from Jamie Carragher, and Reina was able to snatch the loose ball with Rooney bearing down on him.
Scholes then provided the fairy-tale moment with the opening goal seven minutes before half-time.
Giggs crossed through the legs of Finnan to the former England midfielder, unmarked six yards out in the centre of the goal.
His first effort was half-stopped by Reina, but Scholes reacted quicker than Hyypia to stab the loose ball home from virtually beneath the crossbar.
United almost doubled their lead just three minutes later when Saha let fly with another long-range effort, Reina diving full-length to superbly turn the ball around the post.
Xabi Alonso shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box after Gerrard's corner cannoned to him via the chest of Darren Fletcher as Liverpool went in at half-time a goal behind.
Saha shot wide from 20 yards shortly after the restart before Scholes - seeking to emulate the brace he struck against Port Vale 499 appearances previously - also fired wide from a similar range.
Rafael Benitez introduced Jermaine Pennant for Gonzalez after 51 minutes but Gerrard remained in his right-wing berth, with Pennant lining up in an unfamiliar role on the left.
The attendance was announced as a new Premier League record of 75,828, and they were given something more to shout about as Ferdinand doubled the advantage with a fine strike.
Giggs' corner was cleared back to him and he delivered a second cross with his right foot, which Saha attempted to bring under control only for Jamie Carragher to hack the ball away from him.
Ferdinand, though, brought the loose ball down neatly with his right foot before lashing it home with his left for his first goal since an injury-time winner in the corresponding fixture last season.
Benitez responded by introducing a second striker in the shape of Peter Crouch, with Alonso the man to be sacrificed.
Giggs set off on a mesmerising run to try and kill the game off with 20 minutes remaining, but team-mate Rooney ended up in his way and the chance slipped away.
Gerrard shot wide from distance before Crouch picked up a booking for a challenge on Van der Sar after the keeper unusually mis-controlled a back-pass.
Gerrard headed over the bar at the far post from a Pennant free-kick before he and Luis Garcia were both off target with efforts from distance as the Reds' challenge petered out.
Rio Ferdinand struck a spectacular goal to upstage Paul Scholes on his 500th appearance for Manchester United in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
Scholes marked the occasion in perfect style with the opener after good work by Ryan Giggs late in the first half.
But the famously private midfielder will be only too happy to let Ferdinand take the headlines after he smashed home a stunning second to settle the match.
United asserted their dominance more and more as a lively game went on, after Liverpool had started the brighter.
The visitors pushed forward straight from the kick-off, but Mark Gonzalez's cross was disappointing. Riise then tried his luck from his own half, but the ball sailed over the bar.
Luis Garcia and Steven Gerrard then closed in on Edwin van der Sar, but the former was penalised for a trip on Ferdinand, replays suggesting the decision may have been harsh.
Wayne Rooney - also reaching a significant landmark, his 100th game for United - produced a delightful ball to pick out Gary Neville in United's first attack, but the full-back's cross was cleared under pressure by Sami Hyypia.
From a Michael Carrick corner shortly afterwards, the ball bounced off the chest of a static Nemanja Vidic to Louis Saha, whose shot was parried by Jose Reina.
Saha then cut inside Steve Finnan and unleashed a fierce curling shot which an uncertain-looking Reina could only parry, before gathering at the second attempt.
Dirk Kuyt was given a golden opportunity for Liverpool as he was picked out by Gonzalez's pin-point cross, but was only able to direct his header into the arms of compatriot Van der Sar.
Saha's header at the other end was tame under pressure from Jamie Carragher, and Reina was able to snatch the loose ball with Rooney bearing down on him.
Scholes then provided the fairy-tale moment with the opening goal seven minutes before half-time.
Giggs crossed through the legs of Finnan to the former England midfielder, unmarked six yards out in the centre of the goal.
His first effort was half-stopped by Reina, but Scholes reacted quicker than Hyypia to stab the loose ball home from virtually beneath the crossbar.
United almost doubled their lead just three minutes later when Saha let fly with another long-range effort, Reina diving full-length to superbly turn the ball around the post.
Xabi Alonso shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box after Gerrard's corner cannoned to him via the chest of Darren Fletcher as Liverpool went in at half-time a goal behind.
Saha shot wide from 20 yards shortly after the restart before Scholes - seeking to emulate the brace he struck against Port Vale 499 appearances previously - also fired wide from a similar range.
Rafael Benitez introduced Jermaine Pennant for Gonzalez after 51 minutes but Gerrard remained in his right-wing berth, with Pennant lining up in an unfamiliar role on the left.
The attendance was announced as a new Premier League record of 75,828, and they were given something more to shout about as Ferdinand doubled the advantage with a fine strike.
Giggs' corner was cleared back to him and he delivered a second cross with his right foot, which Saha attempted to bring under control only for Jamie Carragher to hack the ball away from him.
Ferdinand, though, brought the loose ball down neatly with his right foot before lashing it home with his left for his first goal since an injury-time winner in the corresponding fixture last season.
Benitez responded by introducing a second striker in the shape of Peter Crouch, with Alonso the man to be sacrificed.
Giggs set off on a mesmerising run to try and kill the game off with 20 minutes remaining, but team-mate Rooney ended up in his way and the chance slipped away.
Gerrard shot wide from distance before Crouch picked up a booking for a challenge on Van der Sar after the keeper unusually mis-controlled a back-pass.
Gerrard headed over the bar at the far post from a Pennant free-kick before he and Luis Garcia were both off target with efforts from distance as the Reds' challenge petered out.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Emerton happy with Rovers
Friday 22 Sep 2006
Blackburn Rovers full-back Brett Emerton has no regrets about rejecting the chance to join Middlesbrough during the summer.
The Australian World Cup star was one of new Boro boss Gareth Southgate's leading summer transfer targets, but eventually opted to sign a long-term contract extension at Ewood Park.
BRETT EMERTON
Speaking ahead of Rovers' trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday, Emerton said: "There's no denying there was interest, but that's in the past now and I just want to concentrate on my career with Blackburn.
"As far as my decision goes, I always wanted to stay at Blackburn, so it was an easy one to make, especially after what we achieved last season.
"There's also a great manager, coaching staff and players here. I enjoy my time and I'm happy to be here for another four seasons.
"To be honest, this season has gone well for me and I'm enjoy it. Hopefully the good form can continue."
Emerton may be happy with his own form, but he had to wait until last weekend for Rovers to secure their first victory of the season - 4-2 at home to Manchester City.
The 27-year-old added: "It was good to get that first win under our belt because although results before that had not been that good, we had been performing quite well.
"We need to use it as a platform to kick on now. It's important to string two or three good results together early on in this league to get yourself away from the relegation zone.
"We're now confident we can go to Middlesbrough and get a good win, particularly after we did well there last season. I think that will help us."
Friday 22 Sep 2006
Blackburn Rovers full-back Brett Emerton has no regrets about rejecting the chance to join Middlesbrough during the summer.
The Australian World Cup star was one of new Boro boss Gareth Southgate's leading summer transfer targets, but eventually opted to sign a long-term contract extension at Ewood Park.
BRETT EMERTON
Speaking ahead of Rovers' trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday, Emerton said: "There's no denying there was interest, but that's in the past now and I just want to concentrate on my career with Blackburn.
"As far as my decision goes, I always wanted to stay at Blackburn, so it was an easy one to make, especially after what we achieved last season.
"There's also a great manager, coaching staff and players here. I enjoy my time and I'm happy to be here for another four seasons.
"To be honest, this season has gone well for me and I'm enjoy it. Hopefully the good form can continue."
Emerton may be happy with his own form, but he had to wait until last weekend for Rovers to secure their first victory of the season - 4-2 at home to Manchester City.
The 27-year-old added: "It was good to get that first win under our belt because although results before that had not been that good, we had been performing quite well.
"We need to use it as a platform to kick on now. It's important to string two or three good results together early on in this league to get yourself away from the relegation zone.
"We're now confident we can go to Middlesbrough and get a good win, particularly after we did well there last season. I think that will help us."
Real eye Reyes deal
Friday 22 Sep 2006
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Real Madrid are keen to make Jose Antonio Reyes' loan move from Arsenal in to a permanent switch next summer.
The Spain international left the Gunners last month in a swap deal that saw Julio Baptista arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
JOSE REYES
"I think Reyes is going to stay here forever," Calderon told Sky Sports News. "My idea is to sign a contract for six or seven years.
"It was very difficult to decide what to do because Baptista wanted to leave Real and Reyes wanted to leave Arsenal.
"We did that at the last minute and did that in a way with the loan, with an option to buy. Both clubs can buy the player, paying an amount we've already fixed.
"I'm quite sure Reyes is going to stay here, but I don't know what's going to happen with Baptista. It's something the coach has to decide.
"My intention, which I said in my campaign, is I am not going to interfere with what the coach is going to do. This case depends on what's going to happen at the end of the season."
Friday 22 Sep 2006
William Hill - First for Premiership Football Betting. Live betting on all major televised games...
Real Madrid are keen to make Jose Antonio Reyes' loan move from Arsenal in to a permanent switch next summer.
The Spain international left the Gunners last month in a swap deal that saw Julio Baptista arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
JOSE REYES
"I think Reyes is going to stay here forever," Calderon told Sky Sports News. "My idea is to sign a contract for six or seven years.
"It was very difficult to decide what to do because Baptista wanted to leave Real and Reyes wanted to leave Arsenal.
"We did that at the last minute and did that in a way with the loan, with an option to buy. Both clubs can buy the player, paying an amount we've already fixed.
"I'm quite sure Reyes is going to stay here, but I don't know what's going to happen with Baptista. It's something the coach has to decide.
"My intention, which I said in my campaign, is I am not going to interfere with what the coach is going to do. This case depends on what's going to happen at the end of the season."
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Ballack On Target For BluesTuesday 12 Sep 2006
Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win against Werder Bremen at Stamford Bridge, but had to survive a few scares along the way.
A Michael Essien strike midway through the first half and a 68th-minute Michael Ballack penalty secured maximum points, although it could have been very different had Bremen hitman Miroslav Klose been at his best.
BALLACK AND DROGBA
Jose Mourinho handed a first start to Ashley Cole and also brought in Claude Makelele, with Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips the men to miss out. Joe Cole was named on the bench after recovering from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season.
Werder coach Thomas Schaaf recalled Germany internationals Torsten Frings and Tim Borowski, after resting them for last weekend's embarrassing cup defeat against third division side FK Pirmasens, while Klose played after passing a fitness test.
Chelsea started well and looked to exploit the pace of Andriy Shevchenko and Didier Drogba by knocking long balls over the top of a Werder backline that often strayed dangerously high.
Essien was at the centre of all Chelsea's early attacking play and it was fitting that the midfielder opened the scoring in the 24th minute - although he needed the help of Werder defender Petri Pasanen.
Frank Lampard attempted to waltz through the visiting defence only to lose possession on the edge of the box, but Pasanen inexplicably knocked the ball into Essien's path and the Ghanaian World Cup star coolly slotted the ball home.
The Blues continued to enjoy plenty of possession, but the Bundesliga side were dangerous on the break and Pierre Wome and Klose both wasted decent chances to level before the interval.
The visitors took control after half-time and Klose twice went close, heading just over and then against the bar from right-wing crosses by the hard-working Frings.
Blues skipper John Terry was uncharacteristically rattled and picked up a yellow card for a body check on Ivan Klasnic, and moments later was fortunate not to collect a second for a poor challenge on the same player on the edge of the home box.
The game changed again in the 68th minute when Clemens Fritz needlessly fouled Drogba in the box.
Ballack took over spot-kick duties from Lampard and showed the England midfielder exactly how to do it by smashing the ball into the top corner.
Lampard was inches away from making it three when he hit the inside of the post with a shot from an acute angle, but the near miss mattered little as the fight had drained out of Bremen and they never looked likely to produce a meaningful response.
Afterwards Ballack admitted the Blues had found it tough going.
The Germany captain said: "I'm happy but it was a difficult game for us.
"Bremen were a very good team and it was important we scored the first goal, after that it was a bit easier. The second goal was the game over."
Mourinho was delighted with the result and picked out new boy Ashley Cole for special praise.
"He had a positive game," said Mourinho.
"At the moment, we are playing a system without wingers and he has to do the whole corridor up and down."
Chelsea opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win against Werder Bremen at Stamford Bridge, but had to survive a few scares along the way.
A Michael Essien strike midway through the first half and a 68th-minute Michael Ballack penalty secured maximum points, although it could have been very different had Bremen hitman Miroslav Klose been at his best.
BALLACK AND DROGBA
Jose Mourinho handed a first start to Ashley Cole and also brought in Claude Makelele, with Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips the men to miss out. Joe Cole was named on the bench after recovering from the knee injury he suffered in pre-season.
Werder coach Thomas Schaaf recalled Germany internationals Torsten Frings and Tim Borowski, after resting them for last weekend's embarrassing cup defeat against third division side FK Pirmasens, while Klose played after passing a fitness test.
Chelsea started well and looked to exploit the pace of Andriy Shevchenko and Didier Drogba by knocking long balls over the top of a Werder backline that often strayed dangerously high.
Essien was at the centre of all Chelsea's early attacking play and it was fitting that the midfielder opened the scoring in the 24th minute - although he needed the help of Werder defender Petri Pasanen.
Frank Lampard attempted to waltz through the visiting defence only to lose possession on the edge of the box, but Pasanen inexplicably knocked the ball into Essien's path and the Ghanaian World Cup star coolly slotted the ball home.
The Blues continued to enjoy plenty of possession, but the Bundesliga side were dangerous on the break and Pierre Wome and Klose both wasted decent chances to level before the interval.
The visitors took control after half-time and Klose twice went close, heading just over and then against the bar from right-wing crosses by the hard-working Frings.
Blues skipper John Terry was uncharacteristically rattled and picked up a yellow card for a body check on Ivan Klasnic, and moments later was fortunate not to collect a second for a poor challenge on the same player on the edge of the home box.
The game changed again in the 68th minute when Clemens Fritz needlessly fouled Drogba in the box.
Ballack took over spot-kick duties from Lampard and showed the England midfielder exactly how to do it by smashing the ball into the top corner.
Lampard was inches away from making it three when he hit the inside of the post with a shot from an acute angle, but the near miss mattered little as the fight had drained out of Bremen and they never looked likely to produce a meaningful response.
Afterwards Ballack admitted the Blues had found it tough going.
The Germany captain said: "I'm happy but it was a difficult game for us.
"Bremen were a very good team and it was important we scored the first goal, after that it was a bit easier. The second goal was the game over."
Mourinho was delighted with the result and picked out new boy Ashley Cole for special praise.
"He had a positive game," said Mourinho.
"At the moment, we are playing a system without wingers and he has to do the whole corridor up and down."
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
They got a lotta girls
who know they got it going on
but nothing's ever a comparison to you
Now cant you see that your the only one i really want
and everything i need
is everything you do?
Any girl walk by,dont matter
'cause your looking so much better
Dont ever need to get
caught up in jealousy
She could a super-modelevery magazine...the cover
She'll never, ever mean a thing to me...
chorus
Shes no you...oh, no
You give me more than i could ever want
She's no you
Im satisfied with the one I've got
'cause your all the girl
that i've ever dreamed
She's only a picture on a magazine
Shes no you... shes no you
They got a lot of girls
who dance in all the videos
But i prefer the way you do,
the way you move
You're more than beautiful
andi just wanna let you know
That all i ever need
is what i've got with you
Any girl walk by, dont matter
every time your looking better
i think your perfect
there aint nothing i would change
she could be a super-modelevery magazine... the cover
she'll never, ever take my heart away
repeat chorus
No one's ever gonna get to me
Oh, the way you do
Now baby cant you see
That you're the one... the only one
Who's ever made me feel this way?
Nothings ever coming even close
No one's ever been comparable to you
I dont want nothin i dont gotI dont need nothin but you
I cant get more than youre given me
Dont stop anything you do.
Your all that... all that,
and then someYou know what... just what I need
And no girl, no place and no where
Would mean a thing to me.
repeat chorus
who know they got it going on
but nothing's ever a comparison to you
Now cant you see that your the only one i really want
and everything i need
is everything you do?
Any girl walk by,dont matter
'cause your looking so much better
Dont ever need to get
caught up in jealousy
She could a super-modelevery magazine...the cover
She'll never, ever mean a thing to me...
chorus
Shes no you...oh, no
You give me more than i could ever want
She's no you
Im satisfied with the one I've got
'cause your all the girl
that i've ever dreamed
She's only a picture on a magazine
Shes no you... shes no you
They got a lot of girls
who dance in all the videos
But i prefer the way you do,
the way you move
You're more than beautiful
andi just wanna let you know
That all i ever need
is what i've got with you
Any girl walk by, dont matter
every time your looking better
i think your perfect
there aint nothing i would change
she could be a super-modelevery magazine... the cover
she'll never, ever take my heart away
repeat chorus
No one's ever gonna get to me
Oh, the way you do
Now baby cant you see
That you're the one... the only one
Who's ever made me feel this way?
Nothings ever coming even close
No one's ever been comparable to you
I dont want nothin i dont gotI dont need nothin but you
I cant get more than youre given me
Dont stop anything you do.
Your all that... all that,
and then someYou know what... just what I need
And no girl, no place and no where
Would mean a thing to me.
repeat chorus
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Hehe..now i'm at home.Tomorrow i with mamat will go back to UiTM Shah Alam by using motorcycle.Recently,i sent the EX5 bike to workshop to avoid any problem during the journey.I had installed new spocket,box,brake shoe,pedal,side mirror and other item.The workshop also do all round checkup.The bad news is : IT COST A LOT OF $$$.gulps...
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Monday, July 31, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
France need to break the spell
BERLIN, June 23 (Reuters) - France need to end their long run without a World Cup win on Friday to avoid going home early again and give playmaker Zinedine Zidane the chance of another international before he retires after the finals.
Raymond Domenech's side, without Zidane and defender Eric Abidal through suspension, have kept up the suspense until their last Group G match and now need to beat Togo by two clear goals in Cologne.
It is a manageable task but their already eliminated opponents are desperate to bow out by showing there is more to them than behind-the-scenes turmoil.
France were in exactly the same situation four years ago when they needed to beat Denmark by two goals. They lost and were sent packing early.
Les Bleus have not won a World Cup match since lifting the trophy on home soil eight years ago.
Switzerland, top of the group with one of the youngest squads in the tournament, only need to draw against South Korea in Hanover on Friday to advance.
The Koreans need a victory to go through.
UNLIKELY VICTORY
The winners of the section take on the runners-up of Group H, who could be any one of four teams but is unlikely to be leaders Spain, who are up against Saudi Arabia in Kaiserslautern.
Anything but an unlikely victory by several goals over Spain would mean the Saudis are out.
Second-place Ukraine face a stern test against Tunisia in Berlin. The North Africans gave the group leaders a fright earlier this week, taking an early lead before Spain fought back to win 3-1.
BERLIN, June 23 (Reuters) - France need to end their long run without a World Cup win on Friday to avoid going home early again and give playmaker Zinedine Zidane the chance of another international before he retires after the finals.
Raymond Domenech's side, without Zidane and defender Eric Abidal through suspension, have kept up the suspense until their last Group G match and now need to beat Togo by two clear goals in Cologne.
It is a manageable task but their already eliminated opponents are desperate to bow out by showing there is more to them than behind-the-scenes turmoil.
France were in exactly the same situation four years ago when they needed to beat Denmark by two goals. They lost and were sent packing early.
Les Bleus have not won a World Cup match since lifting the trophy on home soil eight years ago.
Switzerland, top of the group with one of the youngest squads in the tournament, only need to draw against South Korea in Hanover on Friday to advance.
The Koreans need a victory to go through.
UNLIKELY VICTORY
The winners of the section take on the runners-up of Group H, who could be any one of four teams but is unlikely to be leaders Spain, who are up against Saudi Arabia in Kaiserslautern.
Anything but an unlikely victory by several goals over Spain would mean the Saudis are out.
Second-place Ukraine face a stern test against Tunisia in Berlin. The North Africans gave the group leaders a fright earlier this week, taking an early lead before Spain fought back to win 3-1.
Argentina back on goal trail
LEIPZIG, June 23 (Reuters) - Argentina need to rediscover their goal power when they take on Latin American rivals Mexico in the second round of the World Cup at the Zentralstadion on Saturday.
The twice former champions were held 0-0 by Netherlands in their final Group C match on Wednesday and will be looking to find the net again with the ease of their 6-0 rout of Serbia & Montenegro a week ago.
"Mexico will not be at all easy as opponents" - Ayala
Argentina, with an 8-1 goal record in three group games and two players on two goals apiece in striker Hernan Crespo and winger Maxi Rodriguez, are favourites to reach the last eight.
Mexico have only reached the quarter-finals in the two World Cups they hosted and came to Germany expecting to improve their record abroad.
But their finishing has been so poor they only scraped into the knockout phase.
"We will continue to insist on working on our finishing (in practice)," Mexico's Argentine coach Ricardo La Volpe said after they lost their last Group D match 2-1 to Portugal.
Captain Rafael Marquez said: "The team continue to show poise and character...we have a new opportunity now and we can't let it slip."
The two Latin American nations have only met once before in the World Cup when Argentina won 6-3 in the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930.
They have, however, played each other in numerous friendlies and in the Copa America, to which Mexico have been invited regularly since 1993.
Argentina beat Mexico in the 1993 Copa America final in Ecuador but lost 1-0 to them in the group stage in the last tournament in Peru in 2004.
SAME CHANCES
"Mexico will not be at all easy as opponents," defender Roberto Ayala said. "They have made matters difficult for us the previous times they have played Argentina.
"Mexico have the same chances as us. We'll try to prevent them from being comfortable on the ball and when we attack attempt the variety of options we have showed up to now."
La Volpe's team had a good Confederations Cup in Germany a year ago when they reached the semi-finals and only went out to Argentina on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Argentina will have to bring in Fabricio Coloccini after right back Nicolas Burdisso was injured on Wednesday.
Jose Francisco Fonseca, who scored against Portugal, is expected to start again for Mexico even though Jared Borgetti could be fit after missing two matches with a thigh injury.
Brazilian-born Antonio Naelson "Zinha" should replace the suspended Luis Perez, who was sent off on Wednesday.
Probable teams: Argentina (4-4-2):
1-Roberto Abbondanzieri; 4-Fabricio Coloccini, 2-Roberto Ayala, 6-Gabriel Heinze, 3-Juan Pablo Sorin; 18-Maxi Rodriguez, 8-Javier Mascherano, 5-Esteban Cambiasso, 10-Juan Roman Riquelme; 7-Javier Saviola, 9-Hernan CrespoCoach: Jose Pekerman
Mexico (5-3-2):1-Oswaldo Sanchez; 16-Mario Mendez, 4-Rafael Marquez, 5-Ricardo Osorio, 3-Carlos Salcido, 14-Gonzalo Pineda; 6-Gerardo Torrado, 7-Antonio Naelson "Zinha", 8-Pavel Pardo; 9-Jared Borgetti, 17-Jose Francisco FonsecaCoach: Ricardo La Volpe
LEIPZIG, June 23 (Reuters) - Argentina need to rediscover their goal power when they take on Latin American rivals Mexico in the second round of the World Cup at the Zentralstadion on Saturday.
The twice former champions were held 0-0 by Netherlands in their final Group C match on Wednesday and will be looking to find the net again with the ease of their 6-0 rout of Serbia & Montenegro a week ago.
"Mexico will not be at all easy as opponents" - Ayala
Argentina, with an 8-1 goal record in three group games and two players on two goals apiece in striker Hernan Crespo and winger Maxi Rodriguez, are favourites to reach the last eight.
Mexico have only reached the quarter-finals in the two World Cups they hosted and came to Germany expecting to improve their record abroad.
But their finishing has been so poor they only scraped into the knockout phase.
"We will continue to insist on working on our finishing (in practice)," Mexico's Argentine coach Ricardo La Volpe said after they lost their last Group D match 2-1 to Portugal.
Captain Rafael Marquez said: "The team continue to show poise and character...we have a new opportunity now and we can't let it slip."
The two Latin American nations have only met once before in the World Cup when Argentina won 6-3 in the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930.
They have, however, played each other in numerous friendlies and in the Copa America, to which Mexico have been invited regularly since 1993.
Argentina beat Mexico in the 1993 Copa America final in Ecuador but lost 1-0 to them in the group stage in the last tournament in Peru in 2004.
SAME CHANCES
"Mexico will not be at all easy as opponents," defender Roberto Ayala said. "They have made matters difficult for us the previous times they have played Argentina.
"Mexico have the same chances as us. We'll try to prevent them from being comfortable on the ball and when we attack attempt the variety of options we have showed up to now."
La Volpe's team had a good Confederations Cup in Germany a year ago when they reached the semi-finals and only went out to Argentina on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Argentina will have to bring in Fabricio Coloccini after right back Nicolas Burdisso was injured on Wednesday.
Jose Francisco Fonseca, who scored against Portugal, is expected to start again for Mexico even though Jared Borgetti could be fit after missing two matches with a thigh injury.
Brazilian-born Antonio Naelson "Zinha" should replace the suspended Luis Perez, who was sent off on Wednesday.
Probable teams: Argentina (4-4-2):
1-Roberto Abbondanzieri; 4-Fabricio Coloccini, 2-Roberto Ayala, 6-Gabriel Heinze, 3-Juan Pablo Sorin; 18-Maxi Rodriguez, 8-Javier Mascherano, 5-Esteban Cambiasso, 10-Juan Roman Riquelme; 7-Javier Saviola, 9-Hernan CrespoCoach: Jose Pekerman
Mexico (5-3-2):1-Oswaldo Sanchez; 16-Mario Mendez, 4-Rafael Marquez, 5-Ricardo Osorio, 3-Carlos Salcido, 14-Gonzalo Pineda; 6-Gerardo Torrado, 7-Antonio Naelson "Zinha", 8-Pavel Pardo; 9-Jared Borgetti, 17-Jose Francisco FonsecaCoach: Ricardo La Volpe
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Portugal win, Cup record for coach
GELSENKIRCHEN, June 21 (Reuters) - Portugal's 2-1 win over Mexico on Wednesday earned Luiz Felipe Scolari a World Cup record of 10 successive victories as a coach.
"Ten wins in the World Cup is the kind of thing that would mark anybody's life, especially mine," Scolari told reporters after Portugal ended their Group D campaign with three victories from three matches.
"Ten wins in the World Cup is the kind of thing that would mark anybody's life, especially mine" - Scolari
Scolari also led Brazil to seven consecutive wins when they lifted the World Cup in South Korea and Japan four years ago.
He said he liked Portugal's attitude against Mexico.
"It wasn't a game where everything was at its best but the way the team carried itself from beginning to end, I think it was good," said Scolari.
The Brazilian refused to say whether he would prefer to play Netherlands or Argentina, who meet in Group C later on Wednesday, in the second round.
"It's not up to us to pick, it's they who will choose," said Scolari.
"When it's the World Cup, you cannot choose. It's best that we do our job from day to day and we try to get another win."
Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe said his team did not convert enough of their goal chances.
SCORING PROBLEM
"I believe our main problem is scoring," said La Volpe. "We had a penalty and didn't get it in. We have the forwards we need, we get to the opposing goalkeeper but we must put away our chances."
Mexico, who went down to 10 men in the 61st minute when Luis Perez was sent off, had thrown away the chance of an equaliser four minutes earlier as Omar Bravo blasted a penalty into the crowd.
La Volpe, however, was satisfied with Mexico's all-round performance.
"We played well," he said. "I think we are playing the ball around better than our rivals.
"Today we didn't score enough. For the coach that is the most difficult thing to resolve."
Mexico captain Rafael Marquez agreed with his coach.
"We had so many chances we could not put away," said Marquez. "Unfortunately we lost but because of our superior points we go through (to the last 16).
"We are missing a bit of luck because we continue to make lots of chances. The penalty miss?...let's not talk about that. We have to try to work on scoring goals."
GELSENKIRCHEN, June 21 (Reuters) - Portugal's 2-1 win over Mexico on Wednesday earned Luiz Felipe Scolari a World Cup record of 10 successive victories as a coach.
"Ten wins in the World Cup is the kind of thing that would mark anybody's life, especially mine," Scolari told reporters after Portugal ended their Group D campaign with three victories from three matches.
"Ten wins in the World Cup is the kind of thing that would mark anybody's life, especially mine" - Scolari
Scolari also led Brazil to seven consecutive wins when they lifted the World Cup in South Korea and Japan four years ago.
He said he liked Portugal's attitude against Mexico.
"It wasn't a game where everything was at its best but the way the team carried itself from beginning to end, I think it was good," said Scolari.
The Brazilian refused to say whether he would prefer to play Netherlands or Argentina, who meet in Group C later on Wednesday, in the second round.
"It's not up to us to pick, it's they who will choose," said Scolari.
"When it's the World Cup, you cannot choose. It's best that we do our job from day to day and we try to get another win."
Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe said his team did not convert enough of their goal chances.
SCORING PROBLEM
"I believe our main problem is scoring," said La Volpe. "We had a penalty and didn't get it in. We have the forwards we need, we get to the opposing goalkeeper but we must put away our chances."
Mexico, who went down to 10 men in the 61st minute when Luis Perez was sent off, had thrown away the chance of an equaliser four minutes earlier as Omar Bravo blasted a penalty into the crowd.
La Volpe, however, was satisfied with Mexico's all-round performance.
"We played well," he said. "I think we are playing the ball around better than our rivals.
"Today we didn't score enough. For the coach that is the most difficult thing to resolve."
Mexico captain Rafael Marquez agreed with his coach.
"We had so many chances we could not put away," said Marquez. "Unfortunately we lost but because of our superior points we go through (to the last 16).
"We are missing a bit of luck because we continue to make lots of chances. The penalty miss?...let's not talk about that. We have to try to work on scoring goals."
Angola eliminated after draw
LEIPZIG, June 21 (Reuters) - Angola failed in their bid to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup finals on Wednesday, drawing 1-1 with already eliminated Iran.
Striker Flavio came off the bench to give Angola a 1-0 lead in their Group D clash at the Zentralstadion after an hour, but defender Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh headed firmly home in the 75th minute to seal the draw.
Mexico finished second in the group despite losing 2-1 to Portugal, who topped the standings with three wins out of three.
"We were not intelligent enough to defend our 1-0 lead but I'm nonetheless proud of my players," Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves told reporters.
"Today's match was a little bit of bad football but in the end I think a draw was a fair result. People were saying we would let in a lot of goals but that didn't happen."
DESERVED MORE
Iran coach Branko Ivankovic felt they deserved more.
"We dominated the 90 minutes and perhaps deserved a victory today," said the Croat. "The conditions were very hard but the players put their heart and soul into the match.
"During the last few months we've had a few problems with injuries but we can be satisfied with our performance overall."
Portugal will play the losers of Wednesday's match between Argentina and the Netherlands and Mexico face the winner.
Goncalves again opted to start with captain Akwa as a lone striker supported by a solid five-man midfield.
Akwa failed to make much impression on the Iranian defence and was replaced by Flavio in the 51st minute after picking up a groin injury.
FIRST GOAL
Within 10 minutes Flavio had scored Angola's first goal in a World Cup finals, heading powerfully home from a perfect right-wing cross by Ze Kalanga.
Iran had dominated the first half and should have taken the lead in the 24th minute.
Veteran striker Ali Daei, in what could be his final international appearance, rose unmarked at the back post but the 37-year-old sent his header sailing over the bar.
Shortly after, Angola midfielder Mendonca blocked a powerful header from dangerous Iran frontman Vahid Hashemian on the line.
Iran's attacking potency was dulled considerably when Hashemian was forced off just before the break with what appeared to be an injury to his lower back.
They finally broke through when Bakhtiarizadeh was left completely unmarked from a corner on the right and guided his header inside the far post.
LEIPZIG, June 21 (Reuters) - Angola failed in their bid to reach the knockout phase of the World Cup finals on Wednesday, drawing 1-1 with already eliminated Iran.
Striker Flavio came off the bench to give Angola a 1-0 lead in their Group D clash at the Zentralstadion after an hour, but defender Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh headed firmly home in the 75th minute to seal the draw.
Mexico finished second in the group despite losing 2-1 to Portugal, who topped the standings with three wins out of three.
"We were not intelligent enough to defend our 1-0 lead but I'm nonetheless proud of my players," Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves told reporters.
"Today's match was a little bit of bad football but in the end I think a draw was a fair result. People were saying we would let in a lot of goals but that didn't happen."
DESERVED MORE
Iran coach Branko Ivankovic felt they deserved more.
"We dominated the 90 minutes and perhaps deserved a victory today," said the Croat. "The conditions were very hard but the players put their heart and soul into the match.
"During the last few months we've had a few problems with injuries but we can be satisfied with our performance overall."
Portugal will play the losers of Wednesday's match between Argentina and the Netherlands and Mexico face the winner.
Goncalves again opted to start with captain Akwa as a lone striker supported by a solid five-man midfield.
Akwa failed to make much impression on the Iranian defence and was replaced by Flavio in the 51st minute after picking up a groin injury.
FIRST GOAL
Within 10 minutes Flavio had scored Angola's first goal in a World Cup finals, heading powerfully home from a perfect right-wing cross by Ze Kalanga.
Iran had dominated the first half and should have taken the lead in the 24th minute.
Veteran striker Ali Daei, in what could be his final international appearance, rose unmarked at the back post but the 37-year-old sent his header sailing over the bar.
Shortly after, Angola midfielder Mendonca blocked a powerful header from dangerous Iran frontman Vahid Hashemian on the line.
Iran's attacking potency was dulled considerably when Hashemian was forced off just before the break with what appeared to be an injury to his lower back.
They finally broke through when Bakhtiarizadeh was left completely unmarked from a corner on the right and guided his header inside the far post.
England draw with Sweden
COLOGNE, June 20 (Reuters) - England drew 2-2 with Sweden on Tuesday to earn a second round World Cup clash with Ecuador while the Swedes go through to face hosts Germany.
England, who lost striker Michael Owen to a knee injury after just two minutes, took the lead with a stunning 34th minute volley by Joe Cole from over 30 metres.
"Of course, we have to do better because we cannot concede goals like that" - Eriksson
Sweden levelled with a Marcus Allback header in the 51st minute and were unlucky not to knock England off the top of Group B after creating a string of chances.
Steven Gerrard put England back in front with a header from a Cole cross four minutes from time, but Henrik Larsson brought the scores level again after a long throw deceived the defence.
England were rattled by the sight of Owen leaving on a stretcher and struggled to keep possession for the opening 20 minutes against a combative Sweden side, who have not lost to them in 12 matches stretching back 38 years.
"We did well in the first half but then Sweden did better in the second half and they scored from two set pieces," said England's Swedish coach Sven-Goran Erikssson. "Of course, we have to do better because we cannot concede goals like that."
Substitute Gerrard added: "The most important thing today was to top the group. We wanted to keep the same tempo in the second half. From the bench it looked really difficult because they were pushing for the goal."
Sweden midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg agreed that it was a tough match. "It was quite a tight game. "They (England) must be very disappointed. It will be great to play them (Germany)."
Ljungberg was a threatening presence while defender Teddy Lucic sent in a superb angled drive from a corner that was charged down by Frank Lampard.
Wayne Rooney, in his first World Cup start after a substitutes' appearance in last week's 2-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, helped redress the balance with some nice passes and a shot that ricocheted off Lucic.
COLE'S GOAL
It was nothing compared to the subsequent candidate for one of the goals of the tournament.
Cole controlled a headed clearance by Niclas Alexandersson with his chest and struck a long-range shot that keeper Andreas Isaksson could only touch on to the inside of his post as it flew in.
However, the sense of euphoria among England fans and the team's clean sheets at these finals lasted only six minutes after the break.
Tobias Linderoth curled over a corner from the right and Allback's glancing header beat keeper Paul Robinson and Ashley Cole on the line.
Sweden were nearly 2-1 up minutes later when Ljungberg's header was parried on to the underside of the bar by Robinson in a goalmouth melee.
Eriksson replaced Rio Ferdinand with Sol Campbell in central defence but the next chance fell to Sweden when captain Olof Mellberg hit the top of the bar.
GERRARD ON
Sweden had a nervous England side on the ropes and were clearly looking to deliver the knockout blow, prompting Eriksson to swap Rooney for Gerrard.
Gerrard promptly cleared off the line with his first touch after a Kim Kallstrom effort and then put England ahead in the 85th minute with a firm header from a far post Cole cross.
But the drama was not over as Larsson got the final touch on a long throw by Erik Edman in the 90th to salvage a draw and Sweden's unbeaten run against England stretching back to 1968.
COLOGNE, June 20 (Reuters) - England drew 2-2 with Sweden on Tuesday to earn a second round World Cup clash with Ecuador while the Swedes go through to face hosts Germany.
England, who lost striker Michael Owen to a knee injury after just two minutes, took the lead with a stunning 34th minute volley by Joe Cole from over 30 metres.
"Of course, we have to do better because we cannot concede goals like that" - Eriksson
Sweden levelled with a Marcus Allback header in the 51st minute and were unlucky not to knock England off the top of Group B after creating a string of chances.
Steven Gerrard put England back in front with a header from a Cole cross four minutes from time, but Henrik Larsson brought the scores level again after a long throw deceived the defence.
England were rattled by the sight of Owen leaving on a stretcher and struggled to keep possession for the opening 20 minutes against a combative Sweden side, who have not lost to them in 12 matches stretching back 38 years.
"We did well in the first half but then Sweden did better in the second half and they scored from two set pieces," said England's Swedish coach Sven-Goran Erikssson. "Of course, we have to do better because we cannot concede goals like that."
Substitute Gerrard added: "The most important thing today was to top the group. We wanted to keep the same tempo in the second half. From the bench it looked really difficult because they were pushing for the goal."
Sweden midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg agreed that it was a tough match. "It was quite a tight game. "They (England) must be very disappointed. It will be great to play them (Germany)."
Ljungberg was a threatening presence while defender Teddy Lucic sent in a superb angled drive from a corner that was charged down by Frank Lampard.
Wayne Rooney, in his first World Cup start after a substitutes' appearance in last week's 2-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, helped redress the balance with some nice passes and a shot that ricocheted off Lucic.
COLE'S GOAL
It was nothing compared to the subsequent candidate for one of the goals of the tournament.
Cole controlled a headed clearance by Niclas Alexandersson with his chest and struck a long-range shot that keeper Andreas Isaksson could only touch on to the inside of his post as it flew in.
However, the sense of euphoria among England fans and the team's clean sheets at these finals lasted only six minutes after the break.
Tobias Linderoth curled over a corner from the right and Allback's glancing header beat keeper Paul Robinson and Ashley Cole on the line.
Sweden were nearly 2-1 up minutes later when Ljungberg's header was parried on to the underside of the bar by Robinson in a goalmouth melee.
Eriksson replaced Rio Ferdinand with Sol Campbell in central defence but the next chance fell to Sweden when captain Olof Mellberg hit the top of the bar.
GERRARD ON
Sweden had a nervous England side on the ropes and were clearly looking to deliver the knockout blow, prompting Eriksson to swap Rooney for Gerrard.
Gerrard promptly cleared off the line with his first touch after a Kim Kallstrom effort and then put England ahead in the 85th minute with a firm header from a far post Cole cross.
But the drama was not over as Larsson got the final touch on a long throw by Erik Edman in the 90th to salvage a draw and Sweden's unbeaten run against England stretching back to 1968.
Owen ruled out for rest of Cup
BADEN BADEN, Germany, June 21 (Reuters) - England striker Michael Owen has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup finals with a knee injury, the Football Association said on Wednesday.
"It has now been confirmed that the injury will prevent Michael playing any further part in the World Cup and he will return to England immediately," the FA said on its Web site.
"As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble" - Owen
Owen's club, Newcastle United, said the striker had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he fell awkwardly less than two minutes into England's Group B 2-2 draw with Sweden in Cologne on Tuesday.
He was due to fly back to England on Wednesday after undergoing a scan on the injury.
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd told the club's Web site: "At this stage, it's too early to say how long he will be out for, although it is a serious injury.
"He'll come home and back into our care and will be assessed by our club medical staff at some point in the next couple of days following his return."
The disappointed 26-year-old striker told the FA web site: "Obviously, it's a massive blow to suffer the injury -- and be out of the World Cup.
"As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. It was a major disappointment to pick up the injury so early in the game," added Owen, who has scored 36 goals in 80 England games.
He had been looking to show his true form against the Swedes, having been given less than an hour in each of England's two previous group wins over Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago after a lengthy absence with a broken foot.
TERRIBLE LUCK
Injuries have been the bane of Owen's year since leaving Real Madrid last August for Tyneside. He missed matches in the early part of last season due to hamstring problems before breaking a bone in his foot on Dec 31.
In total, he made only 10 starts and one substitute's appearance for the club.
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who replaced Owen with lanky striker Peter Crouch against Sweden, added: "Michael has had terrible luck with injuries since Christmas.
"I feel very sorry for him to miss out on the rest of the World Cup -- it's blow to him and a big loss for the team."
Along with Wayne Rooney, who against the Swedes was starting his first game since breaking his foot on April 29, Owen is England's only proven goalscorer at the top level.
Eriksson had gambled by bringing only four strikers to Germany, with the other being 17-year-old Theo Walcott.
The teenager has only made one substitutes' appearance for England, in last month's friendly win over Hungary, and has never played for Arsenal since joining them in January.
Owen said: "I'm clearly sorry to be leaving the lads in Germany but I'm convinced they can go on and achieve success.
"I'll be following all the matches very closely and giving them my full support, hopefully all the way to (the final in) Berlin."
BADEN BADEN, Germany, June 21 (Reuters) - England striker Michael Owen has been ruled out for the rest of the World Cup finals with a knee injury, the Football Association said on Wednesday.
"It has now been confirmed that the injury will prevent Michael playing any further part in the World Cup and he will return to England immediately," the FA said on its Web site.
"As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble" - Owen
Owen's club, Newcastle United, said the striker had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee when he fell awkwardly less than two minutes into England's Group B 2-2 draw with Sweden in Cologne on Tuesday.
He was due to fly back to England on Wednesday after undergoing a scan on the injury.
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd told the club's Web site: "At this stage, it's too early to say how long he will be out for, although it is a serious injury.
"He'll come home and back into our care and will be assessed by our club medical staff at some point in the next couple of days following his return."
The disappointed 26-year-old striker told the FA web site: "Obviously, it's a massive blow to suffer the injury -- and be out of the World Cup.
"As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. It was a major disappointment to pick up the injury so early in the game," added Owen, who has scored 36 goals in 80 England games.
He had been looking to show his true form against the Swedes, having been given less than an hour in each of England's two previous group wins over Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago after a lengthy absence with a broken foot.
TERRIBLE LUCK
Injuries have been the bane of Owen's year since leaving Real Madrid last August for Tyneside. He missed matches in the early part of last season due to hamstring problems before breaking a bone in his foot on Dec 31.
In total, he made only 10 starts and one substitute's appearance for the club.
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who replaced Owen with lanky striker Peter Crouch against Sweden, added: "Michael has had terrible luck with injuries since Christmas.
"I feel very sorry for him to miss out on the rest of the World Cup -- it's blow to him and a big loss for the team."
Along with Wayne Rooney, who against the Swedes was starting his first game since breaking his foot on April 29, Owen is England's only proven goalscorer at the top level.
Eriksson had gambled by bringing only four strikers to Germany, with the other being 17-year-old Theo Walcott.
The teenager has only made one substitutes' appearance for England, in last month's friendly win over Hungary, and has never played for Arsenal since joining them in January.
Owen said: "I'm clearly sorry to be leaving the lads in Germany but I'm convinced they can go on and achieve success.
"I'll be following all the matches very closely and giving them my full support, hopefully all the way to (the final in) Berlin."
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Brazil, France re-enter the fray
BERLIN, June 18 (Reuters) - Brazil and France, winners of the last three World Cups, face contrasting challenges when they make their second appearances at these finals on Sunday.
Brazil entered the tournament as clear favourites but that mantle passed on Friday to Argentina, whose scintillating 6-0 drubbing of Serbia & Montenegro had soccer fans and experts drooling.
"Our business is to play football, put the ball on the ground and impose our style and technique" - Parreira
The Brazilians, champions in 1994 and 2002, had launched their title defence earlier in the week with a laboured 1-0 win over Croatia, a performance reminiscent of several past Argentina displays.
If Brazil are to compete with their South American neighbours in the later stages, they need to show they can step up a couple of gears, starting with Sunday's Group F match against Australia in Munich.
TOUGH STYLE
Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has already warned his team not to try to match the tough-tackling Australian style, seen to best effect in their opening 3-1 win over Japan.
"Australia are a very physical team but we are not going to fight with them," he said. "Our business is to play football, put the ball on the ground and impose our style and technique."
France were champions in 1998, beating Brazil 3-0 in the final, but have not scored a single goal in the finals since and could equal Bolivia's unenviable record of five games in a row with no goals to show if they fail to net against South Korea in Leipzig.
South Korea are no pushovers, having reached the semi-finals of the 2002 tournament they co-hosted with Japan and having launched their campaign in Germany with a 2-1 win over Togo in Group G.
COAX GOALS
France looked lacklustre in their 0-0 draw with Switzerland and coach Raymond Domenech knows he must somehow coax goals out of his team if they are to avoid a second embarrassing early elimination.
He is expected to bring in Louis Saha to partner Thierry Henry up front.
In the only other fixture of the day, Croatia meet Japan in Group F in Nuremberg. Both sides are aware the losers will almost certainly not make it into the last 16.
After a week of fairly predictable results, Saturday's games introduced an element of surprise with Ghana overpowering Czech Republic 2-0 with an exhilarating, swashbuckling display which opened up Group E.
Ghana missed a penalty but scored a goal in each half through Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari while the Czechs had defender Tomas Ujfalusi sent off.
Three players received their marching orders, equalling a record in the World Cup finals, in a bruising 1-1 draw between Italy and United States in the same group.
Italy took a first half lead through Alberto Gilardino before conceding an own goal by Cristian Zaccardo and then having defender Daniele De Rossi sent off, all in the first half hour.
The Americans fared worse with Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda showing red cards either side of the interval to Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope.
More predictably, Portugal beat Iran 2-0 with a goal from Deco and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty to go top of Group D.
BERLIN, June 18 (Reuters) - Brazil and France, winners of the last three World Cups, face contrasting challenges when they make their second appearances at these finals on Sunday.
Brazil entered the tournament as clear favourites but that mantle passed on Friday to Argentina, whose scintillating 6-0 drubbing of Serbia & Montenegro had soccer fans and experts drooling.
"Our business is to play football, put the ball on the ground and impose our style and technique" - Parreira
The Brazilians, champions in 1994 and 2002, had launched their title defence earlier in the week with a laboured 1-0 win over Croatia, a performance reminiscent of several past Argentina displays.
If Brazil are to compete with their South American neighbours in the later stages, they need to show they can step up a couple of gears, starting with Sunday's Group F match against Australia in Munich.
TOUGH STYLE
Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has already warned his team not to try to match the tough-tackling Australian style, seen to best effect in their opening 3-1 win over Japan.
"Australia are a very physical team but we are not going to fight with them," he said. "Our business is to play football, put the ball on the ground and impose our style and technique."
France were champions in 1998, beating Brazil 3-0 in the final, but have not scored a single goal in the finals since and could equal Bolivia's unenviable record of five games in a row with no goals to show if they fail to net against South Korea in Leipzig.
South Korea are no pushovers, having reached the semi-finals of the 2002 tournament they co-hosted with Japan and having launched their campaign in Germany with a 2-1 win over Togo in Group G.
COAX GOALS
France looked lacklustre in their 0-0 draw with Switzerland and coach Raymond Domenech knows he must somehow coax goals out of his team if they are to avoid a second embarrassing early elimination.
He is expected to bring in Louis Saha to partner Thierry Henry up front.
In the only other fixture of the day, Croatia meet Japan in Group F in Nuremberg. Both sides are aware the losers will almost certainly not make it into the last 16.
After a week of fairly predictable results, Saturday's games introduced an element of surprise with Ghana overpowering Czech Republic 2-0 with an exhilarating, swashbuckling display which opened up Group E.
Ghana missed a penalty but scored a goal in each half through Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari while the Czechs had defender Tomas Ujfalusi sent off.
Three players received their marching orders, equalling a record in the World Cup finals, in a bruising 1-1 draw between Italy and United States in the same group.
Italy took a first half lead through Alberto Gilardino before conceding an own goal by Cristian Zaccardo and then having defender Daniele De Rossi sent off, all in the first half hour.
The Americans fared worse with Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda showing red cards either side of the interval to Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope.
More predictably, Portugal beat Iran 2-0 with a goal from Deco and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty to go top of Group D.
Gutsy battle keeps U.S. alive
KAISERSLAUTERN, June 17 (Reuters) - Italy and the United States proved in their thundering 1-1 draw on Saturday that the excitement of World Cup football is not always provided by silky skills and smooth possession.
With three red cards, crunching tackles, lots of passion and sheer grit and determination from both sides, there was never a dull moment in the group E match.
Nor did this game live up to the stereotypes of U.S. and Italian football.
The Americans, who kept their qualification hopes alive in a tight group, showed they can match a top European team on a tactical and technical level, albeit assisted by some tremendous aggression.
No-one has ever doubted the skill and astuteness of Marcello Lippi's Italy team but the players also proved they can mix it physically when they need to and confirmed their own claims of a stronger team spirit.
REFEREE'S DECISIONS
The red cards, only the fourth time there have been three dismissals in a match at a World Cup finals, may leave the impression this was a dirty game but that would be a harsh judgement.
Certainly, there could be no argument with Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda's dismissal of Italy's Daniele De Rossi for an ugly elbow on Brian McBride, which left the blood-splattered striker needing three stitches below his left eye.
Americans Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope then paid the price for the lowered tolerance towards late tackles from behind.
However, most of the clashes were hard but fair and despite the battling spirit both sides displayed there was hardly any dissent and no loss of control from anyone other than De Rossi.
It was De Rossi's elbow, described by Lippi as the midfielder's "umpteenth stupid mistake" that turned the game.
RAW AND GUTSY
Although Cristian Zaccardo's own goal had cancelled out Alberto Gilardino's opener for Italy, the Azzurri coped pretty well with a thrusting and forceful early period from the U.S.
With De Rossi off, though, Lippi was forced to replace his main creative forward player, Francesco Totti, with the battling midfielder Gennaro Gattuso -- adding steel to his midfield but leaving him short of imagination and inspiration.
From then on it was clearly going to be a slog for Italy and even though the Americans lost two players, handing Lippi's side a numerical advantage, they were unable to make the most of it.
The second half was old school football -- raw and gutsy -- and also put paid to another lingering stereotype about the United States and the game of soccer.
The thousands of U.S. fans outshouted the Italian supporters, roaring their team on and hurling abuse at some of the refereeing decisions with the kind of passion found at Spanish or English stadiums every week.
GROUP STAGE
The American fans as well as their players deserve to be taken seriously.
Their anger at the annulment of substitute DaMarcus Beasley's effort in the 65th minute was, however, misplaced. McBride was clearly in an offside position, blocking the line of sight of Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon.
The Italians might have produced one of their characteristic late winners but substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta's touch twice let him down inside the penalty area.
Those were just the sort of chances Filippo Inzaghi, left on the bench, thrives on and Lippi will surely reflect on that ahead of Thursday's final group game with Czech Republic.
All four teams still have a chance with the group to be decided on Thursday and while the U.S. have just one point before playing Ghana, while Italy have four, it is the Americans who will take most encouragement from Saturday's showdown.
KAISERSLAUTERN, June 17 (Reuters) - Italy and the United States proved in their thundering 1-1 draw on Saturday that the excitement of World Cup football is not always provided by silky skills and smooth possession.
With three red cards, crunching tackles, lots of passion and sheer grit and determination from both sides, there was never a dull moment in the group E match.
Nor did this game live up to the stereotypes of U.S. and Italian football.
The Americans, who kept their qualification hopes alive in a tight group, showed they can match a top European team on a tactical and technical level, albeit assisted by some tremendous aggression.
No-one has ever doubted the skill and astuteness of Marcello Lippi's Italy team but the players also proved they can mix it physically when they need to and confirmed their own claims of a stronger team spirit.
REFEREE'S DECISIONS
The red cards, only the fourth time there have been three dismissals in a match at a World Cup finals, may leave the impression this was a dirty game but that would be a harsh judgement.
Certainly, there could be no argument with Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda's dismissal of Italy's Daniele De Rossi for an ugly elbow on Brian McBride, which left the blood-splattered striker needing three stitches below his left eye.
Americans Pablo Mastroeni and Eddie Pope then paid the price for the lowered tolerance towards late tackles from behind.
However, most of the clashes were hard but fair and despite the battling spirit both sides displayed there was hardly any dissent and no loss of control from anyone other than De Rossi.
It was De Rossi's elbow, described by Lippi as the midfielder's "umpteenth stupid mistake" that turned the game.
RAW AND GUTSY
Although Cristian Zaccardo's own goal had cancelled out Alberto Gilardino's opener for Italy, the Azzurri coped pretty well with a thrusting and forceful early period from the U.S.
With De Rossi off, though, Lippi was forced to replace his main creative forward player, Francesco Totti, with the battling midfielder Gennaro Gattuso -- adding steel to his midfield but leaving him short of imagination and inspiration.
From then on it was clearly going to be a slog for Italy and even though the Americans lost two players, handing Lippi's side a numerical advantage, they were unable to make the most of it.
The second half was old school football -- raw and gutsy -- and also put paid to another lingering stereotype about the United States and the game of soccer.
The thousands of U.S. fans outshouted the Italian supporters, roaring their team on and hurling abuse at some of the refereeing decisions with the kind of passion found at Spanish or English stadiums every week.
GROUP STAGE
The American fans as well as their players deserve to be taken seriously.
Their anger at the annulment of substitute DaMarcus Beasley's effort in the 65th minute was, however, misplaced. McBride was clearly in an offside position, blocking the line of sight of Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon.
The Italians might have produced one of their characteristic late winners but substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta's touch twice let him down inside the penalty area.
Those were just the sort of chances Filippo Inzaghi, left on the bench, thrives on and Lippi will surely reflect on that ahead of Thursday's final group game with Czech Republic.
All four teams still have a chance with the group to be decided on Thursday and while the U.S. have just one point before playing Ghana, while Italy have four, it is the Americans who will take most encouragement from Saturday's showdown.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
HOLLAND THROUGH,IVORY COAST ELIMINATED
STUTTGART, June 16 (Reuters) - Netherlands secured their place in the last 16 of the World Cup on Friday, withstanding a powerful Ivory Coast onslaught for a 2-1 victory in Group C.
The Dutch seemed to be cruising after goals from Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy put them 2-0 in front by the 26th minute. But they were made to fight all the way by the Africans, who are now eliminated.
"Until leading 2-0 we had played well, then we lost it," Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel told reporters.
"We played badly but...we have to learn from it. Ivory Coast were strong opponents. They were always dangerous."
A cagey opening barely hinted at the fireworks to follow, with an Ivory Coast penalty claim the main talking point when Giovanni van Bronckhorst wrapped an arm around Emmanuel Eboue.
The Dutch had hardly posed a threat before producing two moments of quality to leave the Ivorians reeling.
After 23 minutes Van Persie's burst towards the area was brought to a clumsy end by Kolo Toure and the Arsenal striker picked himself up to slam an unstoppable free kick past the flailing arms of goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie.
REVERSE PASS
Worse was to follow for the Africans when Arjen Robben teased the defence before slipping a reverse pass for Van Nistelrooy to curl a first-time shot past Tizie.
The Ivorians refused to let their World Cup hopes sink under the orange tide and rocked the Dutch back on their heels before halftime.
First Didier Zokora shook the frame of the goal with a venemous right-foot blast, then the diminutive Bakary Kone halved the deficit with a contender for goal of the tournament.
Taking the ball off Zokora on the left, Kone raced diagonally towards goal before clipping a rising shot past Edwin Van der Sar after 38 minutes.
It was the first goal the Dutch had conceded in 11 competitive matches, ending Van der Sar's international clean-sheet record at 1,013 minutes.
The Dutch had not let in a goal in their previous 10 non-friendly encounters, an all-time European record.
The interval took the wind out of the sails of the Ivory Coast as the early second-half exchanges were littered with niggly fouls.
But Van Persie came to the rescue for the uncomfortable Dutch after 78 minutes when he cleared a Didier Drogba header off the line.
Gilles Yapi Yapo also forced a save from Van der Sar three minutes later.
Supreme Argentina set standard
GELSENKIRCHEN, June 16 (Reuters) - Argentina set the benchmark for the World Cup with a magnificent 6-0 demolition of Serbia & Montenegro on Friday as they immediately became tournament favourites and the team everyone will want to avoid.
Their performance was packed with classy, high-speed football and marvellous individual displays amid great teamwork and memorable goals -- including an early contender for best of the tournament by substitute Esteban Cambiasso.
The display was all the more remarkable as it was achieved against a Serbian team who conceded just one goal in their qualifying campaign in a group that included Spain and arrived in Germany with a reputation as a tough nut to crack.
That was shredded by one of the most complete 90-minute performances seen at a World Cup for many years.
EMPHATIC FOOTBALL
Within moments of the players leaving the pitch the Argentine fans turned their attention to the watching Diego Maradona, hero of their second World Cup success in 1986, who was swinging his shirt in wild celebration in the VIP box.
But not even Maradona's team, nor the 1978 vintage who won the tournament on home soil, produced such an emphatic display against high quality European opposition and it was a collection of "new Maradonas" who deserved the adulation.
The label has been pinned on just about every promising youngster in the national team over the last decade but the more mature Juan Riquelme, though a totally different type of player, was a worthy inheritor of the famous number 10 shirt on Friday.
Initially marked tightly, the 27-year-old emerged from the shackles to stride the pitch like a colossus, spraying passes short and long in every direction with virtual disdain for the scurrying Serbians struggling to shut him down.
CONSTANT MENACE
The diminutive Javier Saviola, who made his international debut as a teenager in 2000, gave a mature all-round performance that belied his 24 years and he provided a constant menace up front before being replaced after an hour.
Then there was Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old did not feature in the opening 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and, with a doubt over his injured foot, was held back until the 74th minute on Friday.
By then Argentina were cruising from their 3-0 halftime lead but his introduction, and that of another young striker Carlos Tevez for Saviola, ensured they finished with a flourish.
Messi set up Hernan Crespo for the fourth goal, Tevez, similar in build to Maradona, then produced a run worthy of the master for the fifth, before Messi completed the rout with a cool finish two minutes from time.
Four years ago Argentina arrived at the World Cup full of hope and failed to make the second round. This time they have limited the talk and, despite again being placed in a tough group, suddenly look the best team in Germany.
Former Brazil World Cup finalist Leonardo described Friday's show as "magnificent and spectacular". He will not be alone in that analysis.
GELSENKIRCHEN, June 16 (Reuters) - Argentina set the benchmark for the World Cup with a magnificent 6-0 demolition of Serbia & Montenegro on Friday as they immediately became tournament favourites and the team everyone will want to avoid.
Their performance was packed with classy, high-speed football and marvellous individual displays amid great teamwork and memorable goals -- including an early contender for best of the tournament by substitute Esteban Cambiasso.
The display was all the more remarkable as it was achieved against a Serbian team who conceded just one goal in their qualifying campaign in a group that included Spain and arrived in Germany with a reputation as a tough nut to crack.
That was shredded by one of the most complete 90-minute performances seen at a World Cup for many years.
EMPHATIC FOOTBALL
Within moments of the players leaving the pitch the Argentine fans turned their attention to the watching Diego Maradona, hero of their second World Cup success in 1986, who was swinging his shirt in wild celebration in the VIP box.
But not even Maradona's team, nor the 1978 vintage who won the tournament on home soil, produced such an emphatic display against high quality European opposition and it was a collection of "new Maradonas" who deserved the adulation.
The label has been pinned on just about every promising youngster in the national team over the last decade but the more mature Juan Riquelme, though a totally different type of player, was a worthy inheritor of the famous number 10 shirt on Friday.
Initially marked tightly, the 27-year-old emerged from the shackles to stride the pitch like a colossus, spraying passes short and long in every direction with virtual disdain for the scurrying Serbians struggling to shut him down.
CONSTANT MENACE
The diminutive Javier Saviola, who made his international debut as a teenager in 2000, gave a mature all-round performance that belied his 24 years and he provided a constant menace up front before being replaced after an hour.
Then there was Lionel Messi. The 18-year-old did not feature in the opening 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and, with a doubt over his injured foot, was held back until the 74th minute on Friday.
By then Argentina were cruising from their 3-0 halftime lead but his introduction, and that of another young striker Carlos Tevez for Saviola, ensured they finished with a flourish.
Messi set up Hernan Crespo for the fourth goal, Tevez, similar in build to Maradona, then produced a run worthy of the master for the fifth, before Messi completed the rout with a cool finish two minutes from time.
Four years ago Argentina arrived at the World Cup full of hope and failed to make the second round. This time they have limited the talk and, despite again being placed in a tough group, suddenly look the best team in Germany.
Former Brazil World Cup finalist Leonardo described Friday's show as "magnificent and spectacular". He will not be alone in that analysis.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Cool Ecuador breeze through
HAMBURG, June 15 (Reuters) - A year ago in Germany, Mexico surprised everyone at the Confederations Cup, this time Ecuador could be the ones to turn heads at the World Cup after reaching the second round with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Thursday.
The Mexicans reached the final four of the World Cup warm-up event and if Ecuador continue to play with the business-like confidence and creativity they have shown so far, bookmakers will need to rethink the odds on them going even further.
Against Costa Rica on Thursday, Ecuador, playing in only their second finals, won comfortably without seeming to break a sweat, controlling the pace of the game throughout.
At various points in the game, in particular after their first goal scored by Carlos Tenorio in the eighth minute, they took charge by stringing together short and accurate passes. One such wave produced 14 passes in total.
Ecuador and hosts Germany have both qualified from Group A, but the South Americans are top of the group after beating Poland 2-0 in their opening game. The group winners will be settled when Germany play Ecuador in Berlin on June 20.
When Costa Rica did try to attack, Ecuador seemed so confident in defence that even their supporters believed there was no real threat that they would concede a goal.
Up front they are potent on all levels. First-choice strikers, Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado, the scorer of the second goal, along with substitute and the third goalscorer, Ivan Kaviedes all showed terrific touch and pace.
Before the tournament, Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes said his team needed to be tougher and he repeated his call before the Ecuador game. But his players failed to respond.
Technically they showed neat skills, but they were reliant on long balls aimed at Paulo Wanchope which the veteran striker was never able to reach.
The Ticos may be seen as the minnows in the group, but they were playing at the finals for a third time, one more than their opponents.
Ecuador, in the second round for the first time, seem to have a lot more power left in their engine.
HAMBURG, June 15 (Reuters) - A year ago in Germany, Mexico surprised everyone at the Confederations Cup, this time Ecuador could be the ones to turn heads at the World Cup after reaching the second round with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Thursday.
The Mexicans reached the final four of the World Cup warm-up event and if Ecuador continue to play with the business-like confidence and creativity they have shown so far, bookmakers will need to rethink the odds on them going even further.
Against Costa Rica on Thursday, Ecuador, playing in only their second finals, won comfortably without seeming to break a sweat, controlling the pace of the game throughout.
At various points in the game, in particular after their first goal scored by Carlos Tenorio in the eighth minute, they took charge by stringing together short and accurate passes. One such wave produced 14 passes in total.
Ecuador and hosts Germany have both qualified from Group A, but the South Americans are top of the group after beating Poland 2-0 in their opening game. The group winners will be settled when Germany play Ecuador in Berlin on June 20.
When Costa Rica did try to attack, Ecuador seemed so confident in defence that even their supporters believed there was no real threat that they would concede a goal.
Up front they are potent on all levels. First-choice strikers, Carlos Tenorio and Agustin Delgado, the scorer of the second goal, along with substitute and the third goalscorer, Ivan Kaviedes all showed terrific touch and pace.
Before the tournament, Costa Rica coach Alexandre Guimaraes said his team needed to be tougher and he repeated his call before the Ecuador game. But his players failed to respond.
Technically they showed neat skills, but they were reliant on long balls aimed at Paulo Wanchope which the veteran striker was never able to reach.
The Ticos may be seen as the minnows in the group, but they were playing at the finals for a third time, one more than their opponents.
Ecuador, in the second round for the first time, seem to have a lot more power left in their engine.
England win 2-0 with late charge
NUREMBERG, June 15 (Reuters) - England had to endure 83 minutes of frustration against Trinidad & Tobago before Peter Crouch and then Steven Gerrard powered them into the World Cup second round with a hard-earned 2-0 Group B win on Thursday.
Captain David Beckham floated a perfect ball from the right to the far post where 6ft 7in (2.04 metre) Crouch headed the first powerfully into the net.
"We knew if we kept to our game plan we'd break them down" - Beckham
With a minute remaining Gerrard made sure with a left-foot drive from the edge of the box.
The three points followed a scrappy 1-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday and ensures England will finish first or second, depending on their final match with Sweden on Tuesday.
"We never give up," Beckham told reporters. "That's the message we give out -- that's the message we always give out.
"We knew if we kept to our game plan we'd break them down. And the good thing about the game was that we finished strongly.
"There's always tension when you are expected to win. The plus of the game is that we got those goals in the second half which we haven't being doing lately."
ROONEY RETURN
Until their late charge in the last seven minutes, England had looked likely to follow in the path of the Swedes who had proved unable to break down the Caribbean outsiders.
England were boosted by the long-awaited return of Wayne Rooney fom a broken foot.
His 58th minute arrival, met with loud cheers by England's fans, came hours after two medical experts had pronounced him to fit to play after a faster than expected recovery from a broken foot.
England looked sharper with Rooney and fellow substitute Aaron Lennon on the pitch, but their finishing remained poor and the well organised Soca Warriors defended in numbers attempting to get a draw.
Striker Michael Owen, who lasted only 55 minutes against Paraguay and is far from his best after long-term injury, ballooned an early chance when Frank Lampard's shot was only parried by Shaka Hislop.
BECKHAM CROSS
England, looking much better than on Saturday, kept stringing their passes together but could only create half-chances against some determined defending.
Crouch nearly tipped the ball past Hislop at the far post after a Joe Cole cross. Beckham aimed a series of corners at John Terry to no avail and the Warriors' defence also charged down his free kicks.
England squandered two great chances before the break, though, when Lampard skied an Owen cut back from close range and Crouch fluffed a volley from Beckham's inviting cross, his shot heading towards the corner flag.
England fans were still chanting for Rooney to come on when Terry spared his team's blushes just before the break by clearing off the line after an aerial duel between Rio Ferdinand and Stern John.
NUREMBERG, June 15 (Reuters) - England had to endure 83 minutes of frustration against Trinidad & Tobago before Peter Crouch and then Steven Gerrard powered them into the World Cup second round with a hard-earned 2-0 Group B win on Thursday.
Captain David Beckham floated a perfect ball from the right to the far post where 6ft 7in (2.04 metre) Crouch headed the first powerfully into the net.
"We knew if we kept to our game plan we'd break them down" - Beckham
With a minute remaining Gerrard made sure with a left-foot drive from the edge of the box.
The three points followed a scrappy 1-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday and ensures England will finish first or second, depending on their final match with Sweden on Tuesday.
"We never give up," Beckham told reporters. "That's the message we give out -- that's the message we always give out.
"We knew if we kept to our game plan we'd break them down. And the good thing about the game was that we finished strongly.
"There's always tension when you are expected to win. The plus of the game is that we got those goals in the second half which we haven't being doing lately."
ROONEY RETURN
Until their late charge in the last seven minutes, England had looked likely to follow in the path of the Swedes who had proved unable to break down the Caribbean outsiders.
England were boosted by the long-awaited return of Wayne Rooney fom a broken foot.
His 58th minute arrival, met with loud cheers by England's fans, came hours after two medical experts had pronounced him to fit to play after a faster than expected recovery from a broken foot.
England looked sharper with Rooney and fellow substitute Aaron Lennon on the pitch, but their finishing remained poor and the well organised Soca Warriors defended in numbers attempting to get a draw.
Striker Michael Owen, who lasted only 55 minutes against Paraguay and is far from his best after long-term injury, ballooned an early chance when Frank Lampard's shot was only parried by Shaka Hislop.
BECKHAM CROSS
England, looking much better than on Saturday, kept stringing their passes together but could only create half-chances against some determined defending.
Crouch nearly tipped the ball past Hislop at the far post after a Joe Cole cross. Beckham aimed a series of corners at John Terry to no avail and the Warriors' defence also charged down his free kicks.
England squandered two great chances before the break, though, when Lampard skied an Owen cut back from close range and Crouch fluffed a volley from Beckham's inviting cross, his shot heading towards the corner flag.
England fans were still chanting for Rooney to come on when Terry spared his team's blushes just before the break by clearing off the line after an aerial duel between Rio Ferdinand and Stern John.
Ljungberg gives Sweden 1-0 win
BERLIN, June 15 (Reuters) - Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg grabbed a priceless late goal to grab a 1-0 Group B win that eliminated Paraguay at the World Cup on Thursday.
Ljungberg headed the ball into the bottom corner in the 89th minute after a right wing cross was headed back across goal by substitute Marcus Allback to hand Sweden the points.
"We created a lot of chances but couldn't score. Fortunately this time we ended up scoring." - Ljungberg
Ljungberg almost added a second in injury time with a long-range shot that Aldo Bobadilla pushed away for a corner as Sweden looked to finish off the plucky South Americans.
"For much of the match we had the same problem as before," said Ljungberg. "We created a lot of chances but couldn't score. Fortunately this time we ended up scoring."
PARAGUAY UPSET
Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz, visibly upset, said: "There are no excuses, we just couldn't reach our goal. I'm deeply hurt". He then declined to answer any more questions from reporters.
Bobadilla had produced several quality saves to keep Paraguay in the game but it was in vain as Sweden moved on to four points behind England who top the group after qualifying with six points by beating Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 earlier.
Before the goal Allback had come closest to breaking the deadlock but his shot on the turn 10 minutes from time was well saved by Bobadilla, who was in outstanding form.
SWEDISH PRESSURE
Roared on by a huge contingent of yellow-clad supporters among the 72,000 crowd at the Olympiastadion, the Swedes had piled on the pressure at the outset.
Midfielder Kim Kallstrom, promoted to the starting lineup after a strong performance as a substitute in Sweden's first match against Trinidad, which ended goalless, was a frequent threat to the South Americans' defence.
In the best moment of the first half, he forced an outstanding diving save from Aldo Bobadilla with a powerful shot from just outside the penalty area.
Paraguay tried hard but were unable to create many clear-cut chances.
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had an excellent opportunity to give Sweden the lead just before halftime but his weak shot from close range was easily gathered by Bobadilla.
The Paraguayan keeper faced a tougher test in the 54th minute when Henrik Larsson curled a free kick round the wall but Bobadilla got down quickly to push the ball wide.
Allback, a halftime substitute for Ibrahimovic, lobbed Bobadilla five minutes later only for Denis Caniza to hook the ball away just before it crossed the line.
BERLIN, June 15 (Reuters) - Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg grabbed a priceless late goal to grab a 1-0 Group B win that eliminated Paraguay at the World Cup on Thursday.
Ljungberg headed the ball into the bottom corner in the 89th minute after a right wing cross was headed back across goal by substitute Marcus Allback to hand Sweden the points.
"We created a lot of chances but couldn't score. Fortunately this time we ended up scoring." - Ljungberg
Ljungberg almost added a second in injury time with a long-range shot that Aldo Bobadilla pushed away for a corner as Sweden looked to finish off the plucky South Americans.
"For much of the match we had the same problem as before," said Ljungberg. "We created a lot of chances but couldn't score. Fortunately this time we ended up scoring."
PARAGUAY UPSET
Paraguay coach Anibal Ruiz, visibly upset, said: "There are no excuses, we just couldn't reach our goal. I'm deeply hurt". He then declined to answer any more questions from reporters.
Bobadilla had produced several quality saves to keep Paraguay in the game but it was in vain as Sweden moved on to four points behind England who top the group after qualifying with six points by beating Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 earlier.
Before the goal Allback had come closest to breaking the deadlock but his shot on the turn 10 minutes from time was well saved by Bobadilla, who was in outstanding form.
SWEDISH PRESSURE
Roared on by a huge contingent of yellow-clad supporters among the 72,000 crowd at the Olympiastadion, the Swedes had piled on the pressure at the outset.
Midfielder Kim Kallstrom, promoted to the starting lineup after a strong performance as a substitute in Sweden's first match against Trinidad, which ended goalless, was a frequent threat to the South Americans' defence.
In the best moment of the first half, he forced an outstanding diving save from Aldo Bobadilla with a powerful shot from just outside the penalty area.
Paraguay tried hard but were unable to create many clear-cut chances.
Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic had an excellent opportunity to give Sweden the lead just before halftime but his weak shot from close range was easily gathered by Bobadilla.
The Paraguayan keeper faced a tougher test in the 54th minute when Henrik Larsson curled a free kick round the wall but Bobadilla got down quickly to push the ball wide.
Allback, a halftime substitute for Ibrahimovic, lobbed Bobadilla five minutes later only for Denis Caniza to hook the ball away just before it crossed the line.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Klinsmann proves a point
DORTMUND, June 14 (Reuters) - Everything went right for Juergen Klinsmann on Wednesday as Germany's 1-0 victory over Poland proved the coach's Californian revolution was just what the three times world champions needed.
Klinsmann kept faith with his young defenders even after the fierce criticism they faced in the wake of Germany's 4-2 win over Costa Rica in the tournament's opening match and saw them play impeccably, limiting Poland to a couple of half chances.
"This was a victory for the entire squad" - Klinsmann
The coach then had the satisfaction of seeing his aggressive substitutions pay off, with speedy winger David Odonkor coming off the bench to set up Oliver Neuville, another substitute, for the winner in the first minute of added time.
The home fans among the 65,000 crowd gave full voice to their joy and tens of millions of watching Germans will have shared their growing belief that Klinsmann might just deliver what seemed the impossible dream of a fourth World Cup triumph.
"It was great that it worked out for us but we always knew about the strength of our substitutes," Klinsmann told reporters after a win that leaves Germany close to a place in the last 16.
"This was a victory for the entire squad. Both Neuville and Odonkor have pace and that gives us the chance to keep the tempo high to the end of the match."
FEW QUALIFICATIONS
Klinsmann, who won the World Cup as a player in 1990, had few other qualifications for the job when he was appointed by a desperate German Football Association in the wake of the country's dismal Euro 2004 showing.
What he did have was unshakable conviction that German football needed changing from the top down.
Plotting from his base on the beach in California, he brought in a raft of young players few in Germany had heard of and hired a team of American fitness instructors and a sports psychologist.
The effects of that sea change in philosophy were in evidence on Wednesday, as Germany grew in strength and belief as the game went on and ended up overwhelming the Poles.
"We knew that this team had talent, desire and strength," Klinsmann said. "We believed in them but you need wins to get everyone behind you."
The German public will certainly be with them now and the welcome when they run out at the Olympiastadion on June 20 for the final Group A game against Ecuador should be deafening.
DORTMUND, June 14 (Reuters) - Everything went right for Juergen Klinsmann on Wednesday as Germany's 1-0 victory over Poland proved the coach's Californian revolution was just what the three times world champions needed.
Klinsmann kept faith with his young defenders even after the fierce criticism they faced in the wake of Germany's 4-2 win over Costa Rica in the tournament's opening match and saw them play impeccably, limiting Poland to a couple of half chances.
"This was a victory for the entire squad" - Klinsmann
The coach then had the satisfaction of seeing his aggressive substitutions pay off, with speedy winger David Odonkor coming off the bench to set up Oliver Neuville, another substitute, for the winner in the first minute of added time.
The home fans among the 65,000 crowd gave full voice to their joy and tens of millions of watching Germans will have shared their growing belief that Klinsmann might just deliver what seemed the impossible dream of a fourth World Cup triumph.
"It was great that it worked out for us but we always knew about the strength of our substitutes," Klinsmann told reporters after a win that leaves Germany close to a place in the last 16.
"This was a victory for the entire squad. Both Neuville and Odonkor have pace and that gives us the chance to keep the tempo high to the end of the match."
FEW QUALIFICATIONS
Klinsmann, who won the World Cup as a player in 1990, had few other qualifications for the job when he was appointed by a desperate German Football Association in the wake of the country's dismal Euro 2004 showing.
What he did have was unshakable conviction that German football needed changing from the top down.
Plotting from his base on the beach in California, he brought in a raft of young players few in Germany had heard of and hired a team of American fitness instructors and a sports psychologist.
The effects of that sea change in philosophy were in evidence on Wednesday, as Germany grew in strength and belief as the game went on and ended up overwhelming the Poles.
"We knew that this team had talent, desire and strength," Klinsmann said. "We believed in them but you need wins to get everyone behind you."
The German public will certainly be with them now and the welcome when they run out at the Olympiastadion on June 20 for the final Group A game against Ecuador should be deafening.
LEIPZIG, June 14 (Reuters) - Every four years Spain arrive at the World Cup hoping and believing that this time it is going to be different.
This time, Spanish heads tell their hearts, they are finally going to be crowned world champions and consign over 50 years of World Cup failure to the history books.
This time has been different -- but not for the most obvious reasons. For once, the Spanish media have not hyped the national team's chances and the players haven't spent weeks talking themselves up.
Instead, in various ways, they have done their talking on the pitch, as Wednesday's emphatic and thoroughly deserved 4-0 Group H win over debutants Ukraine in their World Cup opener demonstrated.
It was Spain's 23rd match without defeat since Luis Aragones took over after Euro 2004 in Portugal, and was done in a totally businesslike and professional manner.
With the ruthlessness of the matador's sword killing a bull thrown in.
They established an early grip on the game with two goals in the opening 17 minutes from Xabi Alonso and David Villa, and added two more in the second half.
Villa scored from the first penalty awarded in the finals and Fernando Torres blasted home an unstoppable shot nine minutes from time.
They stifled former European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko, clearly not at his best following injury worries but also kept under control by some brilliant defensive work from Sergio Ramos, Pablo Ibarez and Mariano Pernia.
The defence provides the foundation for the rest of the team to function and Aragones's 4-3-3 system, honed to perfection by newly-crowned European champions Barcelona, worked perfectly.
Luis Garcia and his Liverpool club-mate Xabi Alonso also worked tirelessly in midfield alongside Marcos Senna while up front Villa and Torres were simply irresistible.
Torres, powerful, tall, strong and with the pace of a Spanish stallion, terrorised the Ukraine defence and his outstanding goal in the closing minutes was the best of the match.
FINE START
No-one, least of all the Spaniards, will celebrate this win for more than it was -- a fine start to a long tournament.
There is a school of thought among coaches here that it is better to start slowly as England and Brazil have done rather than at a gallop like Spain did at the Zentralstadion.
The argument goes that if you start poorly you can only get better. Start brilliantly and things can only get worse.
This was indeed Spain's best start to a World Cup and only their fourth win in 12 opening games since their best finals when they finished among the top four in 1950.
It represents another high for Spanish sport this summer.
A week before Barcelona won the Champions League, Sevilla lifted the UEFA Cup.
In motor racing Fernando Alonso appears to be heading for a second successive Formula One world title while last weekend Rafael Nadal retained French Open tennis crown.
"We are a great footballing country, but we've done nothing at the World Cup before," said Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas earlier this week.
They still have it all to do in the World Cup and there is a long way to go but judging by this performance it might be Spain's year. They will not think that in Spain of course.
This time, Spanish heads tell their hearts, they are finally going to be crowned world champions and consign over 50 years of World Cup failure to the history books.
This time has been different -- but not for the most obvious reasons. For once, the Spanish media have not hyped the national team's chances and the players haven't spent weeks talking themselves up.
Instead, in various ways, they have done their talking on the pitch, as Wednesday's emphatic and thoroughly deserved 4-0 Group H win over debutants Ukraine in their World Cup opener demonstrated.
It was Spain's 23rd match without defeat since Luis Aragones took over after Euro 2004 in Portugal, and was done in a totally businesslike and professional manner.
With the ruthlessness of the matador's sword killing a bull thrown in.
They established an early grip on the game with two goals in the opening 17 minutes from Xabi Alonso and David Villa, and added two more in the second half.
Villa scored from the first penalty awarded in the finals and Fernando Torres blasted home an unstoppable shot nine minutes from time.
They stifled former European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko, clearly not at his best following injury worries but also kept under control by some brilliant defensive work from Sergio Ramos, Pablo Ibarez and Mariano Pernia.
The defence provides the foundation for the rest of the team to function and Aragones's 4-3-3 system, honed to perfection by newly-crowned European champions Barcelona, worked perfectly.
Luis Garcia and his Liverpool club-mate Xabi Alonso also worked tirelessly in midfield alongside Marcos Senna while up front Villa and Torres were simply irresistible.
Torres, powerful, tall, strong and with the pace of a Spanish stallion, terrorised the Ukraine defence and his outstanding goal in the closing minutes was the best of the match.
FINE START
No-one, least of all the Spaniards, will celebrate this win for more than it was -- a fine start to a long tournament.
There is a school of thought among coaches here that it is better to start slowly as England and Brazil have done rather than at a gallop like Spain did at the Zentralstadion.
The argument goes that if you start poorly you can only get better. Start brilliantly and things can only get worse.
This was indeed Spain's best start to a World Cup and only their fourth win in 12 opening games since their best finals when they finished among the top four in 1950.
It represents another high for Spanish sport this summer.
A week before Barcelona won the Champions League, Sevilla lifted the UEFA Cup.
In motor racing Fernando Alonso appears to be heading for a second successive Formula One world title while last weekend Rafael Nadal retained French Open tennis crown.
"We are a great footballing country, but we've done nothing at the World Cup before," said Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas earlier this week.
They still have it all to do in the World Cup and there is a long way to go but judging by this performance it might be Spain's year. They will not think that in Spain of course.
Jaidi Earns Tunisia Late Point
Wednesday 14 Jun 2006
Tunisia and Saudi Arabia played out an uninspiring 2-2 draw that only really came to life when the Saudis took the lead six minutes from time.
The game was a scrappy affair from the start but Tunisia found their rhythm first and had the better of the opening exchanges.
The first half-hour was a flurry of throw-ins and free-kicks and it was from a dead-ball situation that Tunisia opened the scoring in the 23rd minute.
Riadh Bouazizi was fouled outside the Saudi area but when the free-kick was whipped into the box it was met by the head of a Saudi defender.
However, he could not get any power on his clearing header and, as the ball looped into the air, Zied Jaziri executed an acrobatic volley to put Tunisia in the lead.
The rest of the half was all about Tunisia but, despite all of their possession, they could not muster a meaningful attack and went into the interval with just the one goal to show for their endeavours.
Saudi Arabia must have been given the hair dryer treatment at half-time as they came out for the second half with infinitely more purpose and should have equalised just two minutes after the restart.
A long ball was pumped towards the Tunisian area and Karim Haggui made a mess of his clearance to present Mohammed Noor with a great chance six yards out.
But the Saudi number eight hesitated and could only get a weak flick on the ball and it drifted wide.
The Saudis were level ten minutes later though after a quick attack released Noor down the right. He whipped in a low cross that was met full on the volley by Yaser Al-Kahtani who steered the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Saudi Arabia were now attacking with more purpose and Tunisia were looking devoid of any ideas, insisting on lumping the ball to Jaziri up front.
The Saudis' renewed efforts were rewarded on 84 minutes when substitute Sami Al-Jaber ran onto a throughball before slotting his shot past the keeper.
The Saudi's most capped player had only been on the pitch for two minutes when he was played through after a quick Saudi Arabia break.
His cool finish looked to have set up a dream ending for the Saudis and they were just two minutes away from a win when Radhi Jaidi levelled for Tunisia.
Just minutes after Hussein Sulimani had hit a free-kick against Ali Boumnijel's upright, Tunisia broke away and Jaziri clipped a ball into the six-yard box that Jaidi headed powerfully past Mabrouk Zaid.
The Saudis will be heartbroken to have not picked up all three points and, in reality, a draw was not much use to either team and, on the basis of this match, Ukraine must still feel that they have a good chance of qualifying from Group H.
Wednesday 14 Jun 2006
Tunisia and Saudi Arabia played out an uninspiring 2-2 draw that only really came to life when the Saudis took the lead six minutes from time.
The game was a scrappy affair from the start but Tunisia found their rhythm first and had the better of the opening exchanges.
The first half-hour was a flurry of throw-ins and free-kicks and it was from a dead-ball situation that Tunisia opened the scoring in the 23rd minute.
Riadh Bouazizi was fouled outside the Saudi area but when the free-kick was whipped into the box it was met by the head of a Saudi defender.
However, he could not get any power on his clearing header and, as the ball looped into the air, Zied Jaziri executed an acrobatic volley to put Tunisia in the lead.
The rest of the half was all about Tunisia but, despite all of their possession, they could not muster a meaningful attack and went into the interval with just the one goal to show for their endeavours.
Saudi Arabia must have been given the hair dryer treatment at half-time as they came out for the second half with infinitely more purpose and should have equalised just two minutes after the restart.
A long ball was pumped towards the Tunisian area and Karim Haggui made a mess of his clearance to present Mohammed Noor with a great chance six yards out.
But the Saudi number eight hesitated and could only get a weak flick on the ball and it drifted wide.
The Saudis were level ten minutes later though after a quick attack released Noor down the right. He whipped in a low cross that was met full on the volley by Yaser Al-Kahtani who steered the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Saudi Arabia were now attacking with more purpose and Tunisia were looking devoid of any ideas, insisting on lumping the ball to Jaziri up front.
The Saudis' renewed efforts were rewarded on 84 minutes when substitute Sami Al-Jaber ran onto a throughball before slotting his shot past the keeper.
The Saudi's most capped player had only been on the pitch for two minutes when he was played through after a quick Saudi Arabia break.
His cool finish looked to have set up a dream ending for the Saudis and they were just two minutes away from a win when Radhi Jaidi levelled for Tunisia.
Just minutes after Hussein Sulimani had hit a free-kick against Ali Boumnijel's upright, Tunisia broke away and Jaziri clipped a ball into the six-yard box that Jaidi headed powerfully past Mabrouk Zaid.
The Saudis will be heartbroken to have not picked up all three points and, in reality, a draw was not much use to either team and, on the basis of this match, Ukraine must still feel that they have a good chance of qualifying from Group H.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Rosicky stars for Czechs
Monday 12 Jun 2006
Czech Republic marked their World Cup finals debut with an impressive 3-0 victory against the USA in Gelsenkirchen.
An early Jan Koller header and a strike in each half from the outstanding Tomas Rosicky secured the points, as the Czechs produced one of the best displays of the tournament to date.
However, their chances of lifting the trophy in Germany took a major blow when Koller was stretchered off with a hamstring injury shortly before the interval.
The giant striker looks unlikely to play any further part in the finals and with Milan Baros forced to sit out the game with a foot injury and Koller's replacement, Vratislav Lokvenc, looking anything but threatening, the Czechs could be short on firepower.
While Czech coach Karel Bruckner deals with that problem, his USA counterpart Bruce Arena will have to reflect on a result and performance that looks likely to ensure his side head home before the knockout stages.
The USA had plenty of possession and put together some neat passing moves in midfield, but the lack of an incisive final ball into the area ensured they rarely threatened to get on the scoresheet.
Czech Republic took just five minutes to break the deadlock, when the impressive Zdenek Grygera crossed from the right and Koller rose to plant a bullet header beyond the helpless USA goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
The Americans went close to equalising when Claudio Reyna struck the post, with Petr Cech well beaten, just before the half-hour mark, but with Pavel Nedved in inspirational form in midfield, the Czech Republic were the more dangerous attacking force.
Their second goal arrived in fine style nine minutes before the break. Arsenal new boy Rosicky collected the ball 30 yards out, advanced forward and unleashed an unstoppable shot in to the top corner.
The second half saw the USA with more of the ball, but they rarely looked like scoring. Half-time substitute Eddie Johnson was their most threatening striker, but although he twice went close, he did not manage to force Cech in to a save.
Lokvenc and Marek Jankulovski wasted good chances to add a third before the game's two outstanding players, Nedved and Rosicky, combined to make sure of victory in the 76th minute.
Nedved split the defence open with a perfectly weighted throughball for Rosicky, who strode forward and coolly slotted the ball beyond Keller
-from:www.4thegame.com
Monday 12 Jun 2006
Czech Republic marked their World Cup finals debut with an impressive 3-0 victory against the USA in Gelsenkirchen.
An early Jan Koller header and a strike in each half from the outstanding Tomas Rosicky secured the points, as the Czechs produced one of the best displays of the tournament to date.
However, their chances of lifting the trophy in Germany took a major blow when Koller was stretchered off with a hamstring injury shortly before the interval.
The giant striker looks unlikely to play any further part in the finals and with Milan Baros forced to sit out the game with a foot injury and Koller's replacement, Vratislav Lokvenc, looking anything but threatening, the Czechs could be short on firepower.
While Czech coach Karel Bruckner deals with that problem, his USA counterpart Bruce Arena will have to reflect on a result and performance that looks likely to ensure his side head home before the knockout stages.
The USA had plenty of possession and put together some neat passing moves in midfield, but the lack of an incisive final ball into the area ensured they rarely threatened to get on the scoresheet.
Czech Republic took just five minutes to break the deadlock, when the impressive Zdenek Grygera crossed from the right and Koller rose to plant a bullet header beyond the helpless USA goalkeeper Kasey Keller.
The Americans went close to equalising when Claudio Reyna struck the post, with Petr Cech well beaten, just before the half-hour mark, but with Pavel Nedved in inspirational form in midfield, the Czech Republic were the more dangerous attacking force.
Their second goal arrived in fine style nine minutes before the break. Arsenal new boy Rosicky collected the ball 30 yards out, advanced forward and unleashed an unstoppable shot in to the top corner.
The second half saw the USA with more of the ball, but they rarely looked like scoring. Half-time substitute Eddie Johnson was their most threatening striker, but although he twice went close, he did not manage to force Cech in to a save.
Lokvenc and Marek Jankulovski wasted good chances to add a third before the game's two outstanding players, Nedved and Rosicky, combined to make sure of victory in the 76th minute.
Nedved split the defence open with a perfectly weighted throughball for Rosicky, who strode forward and coolly slotted the ball beyond Keller
-from:www.4thegame.com
Italy Ease Past Ghana
Monday 12 Jun 2006
Goals either side of half-time from Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta gave Italy a 2-0 victory over World Cup debutants Ghana in Hanover.
Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi opted for a three-man attack, handing Francesco Totti a starting spot alongside Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino.
Italy made a fast start, forcing a number of early corners, but Ghana were more than holding their own.
After 12 minutes Gilardino was denied by a block by Black Stars keeper Richard Kingston, while at the other end Alessandro Nesta had to clear with Matthew Amoah threatening.
Just before the half-hour mark, Toni came within a coat of paint of giving Italy the lead as he latched on to Gilardino's flick, held off John Mensah and thrashed a 20-yard shot against the underside of the crossbar.
Soon after Amoah's effort drifted just wide of target and then Emmanuel Pappoe wasted a clear chance from ten yards out, before Totti threatened with two long-range free-kicks.
Five minutes before the break Italy forged ahead, as a short corner was played to Pirlo and he arrowed a 25-yard right-footer into the far corner of the net through a crowd of players.
Soon after the restart Gilardino thrashed a shot straight at Kingston when he was through on goal, before Italy were forced to replace the injured Totti.
Midway through the second period Simone Perrotta forced a fine save from Kingston and shortly after Asamoah Gyan thought he'd won a penalty as he was pushed over by Daniele De Rossi.
An offside flag denied Iaquinta with 14 minutes to play, but seven minutes later the same player latched on to a short backpass from Sammy Kuffour to sidestep Kingston and roll the ball into the empty net to wrap up the victory.
Ghana continued to press forward in the closing stages, but were unable to break down a typically resolute Azzurri defence.
Monday 12 Jun 2006
Goals either side of half-time from Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta gave Italy a 2-0 victory over World Cup debutants Ghana in Hanover.
Azzurri coach Marcello Lippi opted for a three-man attack, handing Francesco Totti a starting spot alongside Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino.
Italy made a fast start, forcing a number of early corners, but Ghana were more than holding their own.
After 12 minutes Gilardino was denied by a block by Black Stars keeper Richard Kingston, while at the other end Alessandro Nesta had to clear with Matthew Amoah threatening.
Just before the half-hour mark, Toni came within a coat of paint of giving Italy the lead as he latched on to Gilardino's flick, held off John Mensah and thrashed a 20-yard shot against the underside of the crossbar.
Soon after Amoah's effort drifted just wide of target and then Emmanuel Pappoe wasted a clear chance from ten yards out, before Totti threatened with two long-range free-kicks.
Five minutes before the break Italy forged ahead, as a short corner was played to Pirlo and he arrowed a 25-yard right-footer into the far corner of the net through a crowd of players.
Soon after the restart Gilardino thrashed a shot straight at Kingston when he was through on goal, before Italy were forced to replace the injured Totti.
Midway through the second period Simone Perrotta forced a fine save from Kingston and shortly after Asamoah Gyan thought he'd won a penalty as he was pushed over by Daniele De Rossi.
An offside flag denied Iaquinta with 14 minutes to play, but seven minutes later the same player latched on to a short backpass from Sammy Kuffour to sidestep Kingston and roll the ball into the empty net to wrap up the victory.
Ghana continued to press forward in the closing stages, but were unable to break down a typically resolute Azzurri defence.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
A NOVEL WRITTEN BY SADDAM HUSSEIN
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese readers looking for a slightly different tale can now curl up with "Get Out of Here, Curse You" -- a novel by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
The book, believed to have been written on the eve of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and titled "Devil's Dance" in its Japanese translation, hit stores around the nation on Friday.
Jordan banned the book on the grounds it could damage ties with Iraq, but pirated copies of the tale of an Arab tribesman who defeats foreign invaders became a bestseller in Amman.
The original manuscript was smuggled out of Iraq by one of Saddam Hussein's daughters, Raghad, and a copy given to Japanese journalist and translator Itsuko Hirata.
"The novel is dated to the times of ancient tribal society but the tribal warfare depicted in the novel is strikingly similar to what happened and is happening in the Iraqi war -- totally," Hirata told Reuters before the book's release.
"He (Saddam) knew he was heading into a war he couldn't win, so I think with this book he was trying to make his position clear and send a message to the Iraqi people."
Among the chapters are those titled "The Foreigner Who Sold the Tribes," "Retaliatory Tactics" and "The Burning of the Twin Towers," although Hirata said this did not specifically refer to the World Trade Centre buildings attacked on September 11, 2001.
Saddam, now on trial for war crimes, was credited with writing several other novels but Iraqi writers and intellectuals said after his overthrow the books were written by a committee.
Hirata believes the current novel, issued in a cover patterned with violets, was written by Saddam and has a melodic clarity to it that suggests it could be adapted to the stage.
"I really think this book should be made into a musical," she said. "And once this is done, it should play in the heart of his enemy's country, on Broadway."
Koichi Chikaraishi, editor-in-chief at publisher Tokuma Shoten, said they decided to issue the book because it was a historical curiosity.
"People here don't think Saddam is totally bad, as they do in places like America, so there are people who will be interested in hearing his side of the story," he said, adding that he wasn't sure how it would sell.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese readers looking for a slightly different tale can now curl up with "Get Out of Here, Curse You" -- a novel by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
The book, believed to have been written on the eve of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and titled "Devil's Dance" in its Japanese translation, hit stores around the nation on Friday.
Jordan banned the book on the grounds it could damage ties with Iraq, but pirated copies of the tale of an Arab tribesman who defeats foreign invaders became a bestseller in Amman.
The original manuscript was smuggled out of Iraq by one of Saddam Hussein's daughters, Raghad, and a copy given to Japanese journalist and translator Itsuko Hirata.
"The novel is dated to the times of ancient tribal society but the tribal warfare depicted in the novel is strikingly similar to what happened and is happening in the Iraqi war -- totally," Hirata told Reuters before the book's release.
"He (Saddam) knew he was heading into a war he couldn't win, so I think with this book he was trying to make his position clear and send a message to the Iraqi people."
Among the chapters are those titled "The Foreigner Who Sold the Tribes," "Retaliatory Tactics" and "The Burning of the Twin Towers," although Hirata said this did not specifically refer to the World Trade Centre buildings attacked on September 11, 2001.
Saddam, now on trial for war crimes, was credited with writing several other novels but Iraqi writers and intellectuals said after his overthrow the books were written by a committee.
Hirata believes the current novel, issued in a cover patterned with violets, was written by Saddam and has a melodic clarity to it that suggests it could be adapted to the stage.
"I really think this book should be made into a musical," she said. "And once this is done, it should play in the heart of his enemy's country, on Broadway."
Koichi Chikaraishi, editor-in-chief at publisher Tokuma Shoten, said they decided to issue the book because it was a historical curiosity.
"People here don't think Saddam is totally bad, as they do in places like America, so there are people who will be interested in hearing his side of the story," he said, adding that he wasn't sure how it would sell.
THIERRY HENRY
The Frenchman had been linked with a summer switch to Barcelona, who came from behind to beat Arsenal in Wednesday's Champions League final in Paris, but has opted to pledge his future to the north London club.
"I'm staying here with the club that I love," he said.
"It's been amazing since I joined the club. It did cross my mind to leave but I think with my heart and my heart told me to stay.
"Seven years ago Arsene Wenger signed me and without him and David Dein I would not be here now.
"In the past year the love the fans have shown me has been amazing. Although we lost on Wednesday I decided that I couldn't let them down by leaving.
"I can't forget about the love from the Arsenal fans and sometimes from fans at other clubs. It's difficult to leave a country like England because the fans are so passionate and the stadiums are full all the time.
"The team's display on Wednesday showed me that we can be proud of what we did and how far I can go with this team.
"We are a team of heart and a lot of quality, even though we lost.
"I wanted to concentrate on beating Tottenham and clinching fourth spot and playing in the Champions League final before I made my mind up, but eventually it was a quick decision for me."
news from: www.4thegame.com
Friday, May 19, 2006
Match Report
Champions League Final
Stade de France
Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 7.45pm
Barcelona 2 : Eto`o 77, Belletti 81
Arsenal 1 : Campbell 37
By Richard Clarke in Paris
It was just not to be.
Arsenal’s journey to the Champions League Final had been based on bravery, artistry and youthful endeavour. They displayed those qualities again on a dramatic night at the Stade de France but, with the trophy within their grasp, found their path blocked by a mighty Barcelona side.
In a few days time, Arsène Wenger’s side will be able to puff out their chests with pride at their performance in the first ever final in Europe’s top competition. They played with 10 men for 72 minutes after Jens Lehmann was sent off in the early stages then took the lead eight minutes before the break when Sol Campbell nodded home a free-kick.
For much of the second half it seemed like this impossible mission would be accomplished. Barca had all the pressure but Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg had chances to finish the argument.
However, 14 minutes from time, Samuel Eto’o struck home from an acute angle on one side and soon afterwards substitute Juliano Belletti fired home in similar circumstances on the other.
There would be no way back.
The air was thick with equal measures of ambition and anxiety in the hours before kick-off. Inside the stadium, a small army of media men prepared to carry news of this historic game out to the world. Outside, there were thousands more fans — some in yellow, some in red and blue — all of them ready to drink deep from the atmospheric well this evening.
To put it simply, it was the biggest game Arsenal had ever played.
Wenger stuck with his tried and tested European formation. It was a 4-5-1 with Alexander Hleb and Ljungberg pushing forward to support Henry, the lone striker. At the back, Campbell got the nod over Philippe Senderos.
Within the first 180 seconds Henry could have scored twice. First he cushioned a well-timed pass into the area by Emmanuel Eboue past his marker, Rafael Marquez, to give himself a point-blank shot at goal just eight yards out. Barca keeper Victor Valdes was quick off his line blocked the French striker’s shot with his leg. The ball ricocheted away for a corner. It was played short to Henry on the left of the area and his vicious, low shot nearly surprised Valdes at the near post.
The opening salvos were coming from Arsenal and the London fans sensed it. If their side were to sing a tuneful song tonight then Henry would the conductor and the captain seemed to have the baton in his hand in the early stages.
In the ninth minute Ludovic Giuly escaped from Ashley Cole and stung Lehmann’s hands. Soon afterwards, Ronaldinho sent a free-kick just wide. It was a ‘sighter’ and there would be surely more from him this evening.
And so it proved.
In the 17th minute, the Brazilian cleverly sent Eto’o through against an Arsenal defence that had found itself too square on. The Cameroon striker raced forward and has appeared to have skipped past Jens Lehmann only to see his trailing leg caught by the German. The ball ran on and Giuly planted it into the empty net.
It appeared to be a goal but amid the din referee Terje Hauge had blown for the original foul. Play would be pulled back for a free-kick right on the line of the penalty area. However the foul meant Lehmann had to see red. The 36-year-old held his head in his hands at the sight of the card.
It was a correct decision but a truly sad one aswell given Lehmann’s immense contribution to Arsenal’s season. Perhaps even unluckier was Pires, who was substituted to make way for substitute keeper Manuel Almunia. The Spaniard, who had been excellent himself when required his season, survived an immediate scare when play finally restarted as Ronaldinho whistled another free-kick just wide.
It was, of course, a pivotal moment and Arsenal struggled to recover.
But history has proved that this side should not underestimated. In the 37th minute, Eboue roared up the right and was felled by Carles Puyol. Henry took the free-kick and Campbell ghosted in front of Oleguer to flick a header into the net at the far post.
Half of the stadium exploded in noise and colour. The other half was stunned into silence.
In the minutes that followed Barca’s swagger had a certain urgency about it. Could they really throw it away from such a position of strength? However they still had Ronaldinho and the Brazilians was still pulling the strings like a puppeteer.
In first half injury time he nudged the ball into Eto’o in the corner of the area. The striker swivelled past Campbell and sent a shot fizzing toward the goal. Almunia narrowed the angle and got a fingertip on the ball to deflected it on to the post.
An incredible save and one that made you think this might just not be Barca’s night.
The Catalans flew at Arsenal at the start of the second half. Ronaldinho continued to sparkle and tested Almunia with a couple of efforts from distance. In driving rain, the tide was unremittingly one-way. But it seemed Arsenal’s dam has been well-built.
It seemed that Barca had run out of ideas and, if anything, Arsenal were stretching them more and more. Henry fired wastefully at Valdes when put clear, Hleb thumped a shot wide and Ljungberg forced the Spanish international keeper to tip acrobatically over the bar when the Swede had wriggled himself into some space on the left of the area.
On the hour, Barca manager Frank Rikjaard brought on Henrik Larsson for the ineffective Mark van Bommel. The Swedish striker’s introduction was to prove pivotal. In the 76th minute he cushioned a perfect ball for Eto’o to race through and fire home from an acute angle. Five minutes later the Swede laid on the pass for Belletti to thump home a shot that cannoned into the net off the ankle of Almunia.
Arsenal tried their best to raise themselves but, tired and outnumbered, their tanks was empty.
The full whistle saw the opposite reaction to the opening goal. This time the red-and-blue half of the pitch was ecstatic and the yellow side stunned. But the Arsenal supporters soon roused themself through song. It was the least their side deserved on the night.
Fortunately this young team will come again and every Arsenal fan can be proud of their team this evening.
As I said early, after the disappointment has died, a certain satisfaction will take its place. Next season we will have the Emirates Stadium and, thank heaven, another opportunity in this great competition.
But, for tonight at least, we must console ourselves with the thought that it was just not to be.
-news from www.arsenal.com
FUNNY KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HEALTH AND EXERCISE
Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it...don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
Q: H ow can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good.
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.
Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: H E L L O O O O ...... Cocoa beans ... another vegetable!!! It's the best feel good food around!
Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Excuse Me !!!! Isn't 'Round' a shape!
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. Now go have a biscuit...flour is a veggie!
Thursday, May 18, 2006
SPORTS:BUENOS AIRES: Juan Roman Riquelme is the quiet man of Argentinian football who is aiming to be the World Cup’s big noise.Four years after being left out of Argentina’s 2002 squad, the 27-year-old playmaker is now the pivotal figure in Jose Pekerman’s side, his languid forays from midfield invariably wreaking havoc in opposition defences.His modest demeanour is legendary in Argentina, where he enjoyed superstar status after rising to prominence during seven seasons at Boca Juniors that included a brief spell alongside his hero Diego Maradona.But despite being idolised by Boca’s fans, Riquelme eschews the spotlight and the trappings of celebrity, a trait that was accentuated by the kidnapping of his younger brother in early 2002.That incident — his brother was released after Riquelme’s family paid a US$160,000 (about RM576,000) ransom — left the midfielder shaken and later played a part in persuading him to sign for Spanish giants Barcelona.Leaving Boca was a huge wrench for Riquelme, who had already turned down several offers of a big-money move to Europe in order to stay with the club he had supported since childhood."I never wanted to leave Boca," said Riquelme, in a recent interview with British magazine FourFourTwo. "The love from the Boca fans made me happy and my only aim was to play in the Boca strip. Then I went through a very difficult time when my relationship with the club deteriorated."Around the same time my brother was kidnapped and that made me feel the time had come to move. It was a bad time. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody." Riquelme’s move to Barcelona was not the end of the nightmare however.Soon after reporting for duty at the Nou Camp he was told by then coach Louis Van Gaal that he did not want him, and that his signing had been made on the orders of the club’s president.Frozen out of the action, Riquelme lost his place in the first team and after a disappointing season was heading for the exit.Salvation came in the shape of a loan move to unfashionable Villarreal, who wasted no time in building their team around him.He has since flourished, making the move permanent and helping the Spanish side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League this season.Though his campaign ended in disappointment when he missed a last-minute penalty against Arsenal that would have forced extra-time, he was the undoubted star of the ’Yellow Submarines’ run to the last four."Riquelme’s a kind of quarter-back," was Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s appraisal. "He’s always able to slow the game down and wait for a weak moment to kill you." Villarreal team-mate Marcos Senna says Riquelme’s great talent is his positional play, which more than makes up for a distinct lack of pace."You think he’s only moving at 10kph, and then suddenly there he is in the right place as he’s moving at 80," said Senna. "He’s one of the best in the world — a real pleasure to play with." — AFP
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