Friday, August 31, 2012

Champions League Draw Highlights: City to face Madrid

Champions League Draw Highlights: City to face Madrid

Champions League Draw Highlights: City to face Madrid

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 07:58 PM PDT

Of the eight quartets decided at the Champions League Group Stage draw today in Monaco, there is one that clearly stands out: Group D. The group has already been dubbed the ‘Group of Death’ and consists of the champions of England, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.

Real Madrid and Manchester City will be favored to qualify, but Ajax and Borussia Dortmund are two of the toughest clubs from Pots 3 and 4. City will travel to Madrid in the first match of the group stage on September 18, and the return trip will be November 21.

Ronaldo Champions League Draw Highlights: City to face Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid are seeking their tenth Champions League title, but were drawn against Manchester City in the group stage. The two sides have never played each other in a competitive match. Harry Engels / Getty Images.

Defending champions Chelsea will have to travel to the Ukraine to face a dangerous Shakhtar Donetsk side, and were unlucky to draw Italian champions Juventus from Pot 3. Danish champions Nordsjaelland complete the group, and will compete in the Champions League Group Stage for the first time in club history. Malaga and Montpellier will also be making their group stage debuts.

Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain were drawn alongside Porto and Dynamo Kyiv in Group A. Last year’s runner-up, Bayern Munich will face Valencia CF and Lille OSC.

Barcelona will face Celtic in its opening group stage match, and will also play Benfica, a quarterfinalist in last year’s competition.

Arsenal and Manchester United both received favorable draws, with FC Schalke and Braga being drawn as their Pot 2 opponents, respectively.

Here is the complete list of groupings, with each team listed from Pot 1 to 4 as determined by UEFA coefficients:

GROUP A: Porto, Dynamo Kyiv, Paris Saint-Germain, Dinamo Zagreb

GROUP B: Arsenal, FC Schalke, Olympiacos, Montpellier

GROUP C: Milan, Zenit St. Petersburg, Anderlecht, Malaga

GROUP D: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax, Borussia Dortmund

GROUP E: Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, Nordsjaelland

GROUP F: Bayern Munich, Valencia CF, Lille OSC, BATE Borisov

GROUP G: Barcelona, Benfica, Spartak Moscow, Celtic

GROUP H: Manchester United, Braga, Galatasaray, CFR Cluj

Liverpool-Hearts: Home Is Where The Heart Is

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 03:21 PM PDT

nm e1346350792478 300x188 Liverpool Hearts: Home Is Where The Heart IsTwo men that have achieved a lot in football once said:

They seemed unstoppable. Even experienced players can have a bad start because of the excitement of playing in such a stadium. –Fabio Capello

I felt the power, it was magnificent. –Jose Mourinho

These men may have accomplished a lot but there was one thing that they could not achieve. Personally, I have seen it with my own two eyes. And I doubt there is anything on this earth that can compare to it. It’s a place where for the best part of five years some of the the greatest teams on the continent arrived and were dispatched without mercy. Times may have changed but one thing remains: Anfield comes alive on a European night.

If Liverpool Football Club is accused of being held back by its past glory, then Europe is where the shackles come off. It's where the roar of present and past generations comes together. That’s not to say that Anfield will be at its most raucous, after all, the occasions for which this special stadium comes to life tend to be the grandest of them all and we are still in the qualifying stages in August. That being said, if John McGlynn’s men do emerge victorious, it will be a victory that stays with them and the Hearts faithful for the rest of their lives.

Brendan Rodgers' men will be holding a slender advantage going into the second leg. They will be looking to both insure progress into the group stages of the Europa League, as well as, to carry on the feeling of optimism that courses through the veins of Liverpool supporters, following their encouraging draw with Premier League Champions- Manchester City at the weekend. With Arsenal being the visitors on Merseyside this Sunday, there is another fine balancing act for the former Swansea manager to perform. He will want to have the game wrapped up as quickly as possible, but may very well opt to utilize his squad in the same way he did for the first leg at Tynecastle last week.

Sebastian Coates was nearly faultless in the draw with Man City at the weekend. He will probably partner with Jamie Carragher in the center of defense; given that Daniel Agger’s suspension has now been served and that Skrtel-Agger will almost certainly be the preferred combination for the league match on Sunday. Jose Enrique may play some part of the game for fitness reasons, but it’s far more likely that Jack Robinson will once again have an opportunity to impress -there’s even a chance the Downing at left back experiment will continue.

Jordan Henderson – having played no part against City – will likely link the midfield alongside Jay Spearing and Charlie Adam, two of which could very well be playing his last game for the club. Up front the options are a little more straightforward with Adam Morgan hopeful he will play more than a cameo role and Andy Carroll having recovered from the knock that prevented him from playing in the first leg.

Raheem Sterling may be disappointed to find himself on the bench – or even not in the squad altogether – but that will be a big sign of how far he has come in Brendan Rodgers’ plans since taking over.

Liverpool will go into the game not being able to field Lucas Leiva through injury, as well as signings Nuri Sahin and Oussama Assaidi because of eligibility. Hearts will go into the game only having minor concerns. Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas is desperate to recover from a thigh injury, and even though he has not been training, he will possibly play some part. Following their goalless draw away to Aberdeen at the weekend, John McGlynn knows that should they be able to withstand the inevitable early pressure then it’s possible they could make things difficult for Liverpool as things get tense.

Having played no part in Europe last year, supporters had to watch on forlornly as other teams took the center stage while they were stuck at home. Even if there is a long held disdain for the competition, they have still (along with Internazionale and Juventus) won this trophy more times than anyone. The opportunity to be the outright front runner is one that cannot be passed up. Amsterdam waits in the distance, but for now it’s nice to have European football back at Anfield…where it belongs.

Dimitar Berbatov – fabulous, frustrated and Fulham bound

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 12:43 PM PDT

f e1346358882407 300x246 Dimitar Berbatov fabulous, frustrated and Fulham boundWhen trying to assess Dimitar Berbatov’s time as a Manchester United player, quite a few F’s come to mind (and no, not that one).

Signed from Tottenham on transfer deadline day in 2008, despite a late bid from Manchester City – whose takeover by billionaires from Abu Dhabi had been confirmed just hours earlier – Berbatov has always divided opinion.

To some, the F in question is one of fantasy. A player of wonderful skill in the mold of Cantona and Sheringham. Tall and short of pace, but blessed with the intelligence and vision that enabled him to play as if in a serene bubble; almost oblivious to the lesser players rushing around him, yet able to wave a magic wand to win a game.

But for others, the F is for frustration. He went missing in big matches and was a lazy, luxury player who would slow down the pace of attacks and never quite fit into the team.

F is for fickle too, as many fans flitted from one view to the other. However, they were not alone. The most important F of all – Fergie – consistently backed his man until the very end of 2010-11. The season in which the Bulgarian was joint top scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals, including his best F of all – five – against Blackburn, and a hat-trick against Liverpool.

Without Berbatov’s goals, United would not have won a record 19th Premiership crown that year. Yet for others he was still F for flop, and this faction would point to the crucial late-season game in 2009-10 at home to Chelsea, as costing the team the title.

On that occasion, with his team 2-1 down in the dying moments, he was teed up by Gary Neville to volley goalwards from the edge of the penalty area. It was F for fluffed lines as he mis-kicked, allowing Petr Cech to make a comfortable save.

The writing seemed truly on the wall when another F came along: F for final, as the denoument of the 2011 Champions League saw the season’s top scorer not even sitting on the bench at Wembley. It was baffling to some after all that had happened over the previous nine months, but left none in any doubt about the player’s impending defenestration. What followed last season was an inevitable and painful list of F’s: Berbatov was forlorn, frustrated and (as a United player) finished.

At the end of it all, it came down to a choice between two other Fs: Fiorentina and Fulham, with the fee being the most ridiculous F of all – four million. Even his harshest critics would consider him worth more than that. But lacking a vital F at Old Trafford, a future, this was a buyer’s market. The player was initially set to jump on a plane for Florence, but La Viola have been left F for fuming as he changed his mind.

So it is that Dimitar Berbatov’s career takes an ironic twist as he ends up back in London, wearing a white once shirt again. The final F will be farewell – only F for fond in some people’s eyes, of course – but was his time at Old Trafford really an F for failure? As ever with this enigmatic footballer, no two fans will agree over that.
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Soccer-Schweinsteiger left out of Germany squad

Soccer-Schweinsteiger left out of Germany squad

Soccer-Schweinsteiger left out of Germany squad

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 03:26 AM PDT

BERLIN, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Germany have left midfielderBastian Schweinsteiger out of their squad for the World Cupqualifiers against Faroe Islands and Austria next month. Coach Joachim Loew said the Bayern Munich player was stillnot match fit after a series of nagging injuries. "I have spoken with Bastian and we have come to theunderstanding that he still needs some time, to get back intotraining and match rhythm. Our plan for Bastian Schweinsteigeris laid around the two matches in October against Ireland andSweden." Germany host Faroe Islands on Sept. ...

Soccer-Del Piero to sign for Sydney FC in A-League

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 03:23 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Reuters) - Sydney FC pulled off a massive coup forthe struggling A-League by announcing on Friday that Italyforward Alessandro Del Piero was expected to sign for theAustralian club. Sydney FC officials will fly to Italy over the weekend toconclude the signing of the former Italian striker who leftJuventus last season after 19 seasons. "This is huge for Sydney FC, huge for the A-League and hugefor Australian football," Sydney chairman Scott Barlow said in astatement. ...

Soccer-It's a struggle to get booked, says Luis Fabiano

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 02:19 AM PDT

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Scoring a goal was easybut getting a yellow card was hard work for Brazil's World Cupstriker Luis Fabiano as Sao Paulo beat Botafogo 4-0 in theBrazilian championship. The former Sevilla striker admitted deliberately gettinghimself booked in the second half of Thursday night's game, andearning an automatic suspension for a third yellow card, toavoid the long trip to Salvador for a match against Bahia. But he made hard work of it. ...

Chelsea open European title defence against Juventus

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:28 AM PDT

Chelsea's Bertand challenges Newcastle United's Coloccini during their English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in LondonMONACO (Reuters) - Chelsea will start the defence of the Champions League trophy they won so dramatically last season with a Group E match against former winners Juventus at Stamford Bridge. The Italian champions, who have lifted the European Cup twice, should give Chelsea a stern test on September 19 before Roberto di Matteo's side face Danish newcomers FC Nordsjaelland and Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk. ...

Soccer-Bundesliga fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Bundesliga matches on Friday Friday, August 31 (GMT)Mainz v Greuther Fuerth (1830) Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Nuremberg v Borussia Dortmund (1330) Bayer Leverkusen v Freiburg (1330) Hoffenheim v Eintracht Frankfurt (1330) Schalke 04 v FC Augsburg (1330) Werder Bremen v Hamburg SV (1330) Fortuna Duesseldorf v Borussia Moenchengladbach (1630) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)VfL Wolfsburg v Hanover 96 (1330) Bayern Munich v VfB Stuttgart (1530)

Soccer-Belgian championship fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Belgian championship matches on Friday Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Mechelen v Beerschot (1600) Charleroi v Ghent (1800) Lierse v OH Leuven (1800) Waasland-Beveren v Cercle Bruges (1800) Zulte Waregem v Mons-Bergen (1800) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Club Bruges v Standard Liege (1230) Anderlecht v Racing Genk (1600) Lokeren v Kortrijk (1830)

Soccer-Greek championship fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Greek championship matches on Friday Friday, August 31 (GMT)Panathinaikos v PAS Giannena (1830) Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Platanias v Panthrakikos (1515) Veria v Panionios (1515) Xanthi v AEK Athens (1730) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Aris Salonika v OFI Crete (1515) Asteras Tripolis v Kerkyra (1515) Olympiakos Piraeus v Levadiakos (1730) Monday, September 3 (GMT)Atromitos Athinon v PAOK Salonika (1730)

Soccer-Dutch championship fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Dutch championship matches on Friday Friday, August 31 (GMT)ADO Den Haag v Groningen (1800) Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Roda JC Kerkrade v Willem II Tilburg (1645) PEC Zwolle v NEC Nijmegen (1745) RKC Waalwijk v Heracles Almelo (1745) NAC Breda v Utrecht (1845) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Vitesse Arnhem v Feyenoord (1030) Twente Enschede v VVV-Venlo (1230) PSV Eindhoven v AZ Alkmaar (1230) Heerenveen v Ajax Amsterdam (1430)

Soccer-Serie A fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Serie A matches on Friday Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Torino v Pescara (1600) Bologna v AC Milan (1845) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Udinese v Juventus (1600) Cagliari v Atalanta Bergamo (1845) Catania v Genoa (1845) Inter Milan v AS Roma (1845) Lazio v Palermo (1845) Napoli v Fiorentina (1845) Parma v Chievo Verona (1845) Sampdoria v Siena (1845)

Soccer-Scottish Premier League fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Scottish Premier League matches on Friday Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Aberdeen v St. Mirren (1400) Celtic v Hibernian (1400) Ross County v Kilmarnock (1400) St. Johnstone v Dundee United (1400) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Hearts v Dundee (1400) Motherwell v Inverness Caledonian Thistle (1400)

Soccer-Turkish championship fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Turkish championship matches on Friday Friday, August 31 (GMT)Genclerbirligi v Orduspor (1600) Mersin Idmanyurdu v Eskisehirspor (1815) Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Buyuksehir Bld. Spor v Antalyaspor (1500) Kayserispor v Akhisar Belediyespor (1600) Karabukspor v Besiktas (1730) Elazigspor v Kasimpasa (1815) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Sivasspor v Fenerbahce (1500) Galatasaray v Bursaspor (1730) Gaziantepspor v Trabzonspor (1800)

Soccer-La Liga fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the La Liga matches on Friday Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Celta Vigo v Osasuna (1400) Real Zaragoza v Malaga (1600) Deportivo Coruna v Getafe (1800) Real Mallorca v Real Sociedad (2000) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Rayo Vallecano v Sevilla (1000) Athletic Bilbao v Real Valladolid (1400) Levante v Espanyol (1600) Real Madrid v Granada CF (1750) Barcelona v Valencia (1930) Monday, September 3 (GMT)Real Betis v Atletico Madrid (1930)

Soccer-Portuguese championship fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Portuguese championship matches on Friday Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Vitoria Guimaraes v Estoril (1730) SC Olhanense v Porto (1930) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Gil Vicente v Vitoria Setubal (1500) Beira Mar v Moreirense (1500) FC Pacos de Ferreira v Braga (1700) Rio Ave v Academica (1700) Benfica v Nacional Madeira (1915)

Soccer-Ligue 1 fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the Ligue 1 matches on Friday Saturday, September 1 (GMT)Olympique Lyon v Valenciennes (1500) Ajaccio v Evian Thonon Gaillard FC (1800) FC Lorient v AS Nancy (1800) Sochaux v Montpellier HSC (1800) Bastia v St Etienne (1800) Stade Brest v ES Troyes AC (1800) Toulouse v Stade de Reims (1800) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Girondins Bordeaux v Nice (1200) Olympique Marseille v Stade Rennes (1500) Lille v Paris St Germain (1900)

Soccer-English premier league fixtures

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 01:02 AM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Fixtures from the English premier league matches on Friday Saturday, September 1 (GMT)West Ham United v Fulham (1145) Swansea City v Sunderland (1400) Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City (1400) West Bromwich Albion v Everton (1400) Wigan Athletic v Stoke City (1400) Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers (1630) Sunday, September 2 (GMT)Liverpool v Arsenal (1230) Newcastle United v Aston Villa (1500) Southampton v Manchester United (1500)

Granero the Real deal, says QPR manager Hughes

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 12:50 AM PDT

(Reuters) - Queens Park Rangers confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Esteban Granero from Real Madrid on Thursday for an undisclosed fee. Granero, 25, a product of Real's youth set-up who has struggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu, signed a four-year deal at Loftus Road. "He is a great player, first and foremost," Rangers manager Mark Hughes told the club's website (www.qpr.co.uk). "You don't play at a club like Real Madrid if you're not. He is very well regarded there and for him to leave a club of that stature to come to us shows the belief he has in what we are trying to do. ...

Carroll completes loan move to West Ham

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 12:49 AM PDT

England's Carroll heads the ball as Italy's Nocerino looks on on during their Euro 2012 quarter-final soccer match at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev(Reuters) - West Ham United have signed England striker Andy Carroll on a season-long loan from Liverpool, the London Premier League club said on Thursday. West Ham will then have the option of a permanent deal to sign Carroll for an undisclosed fee at the end of the season. "It's great to be here at West Ham and all signed up - I just can't wait to get started now," the 23-year-old Carroll told the official West Ham website (www.whufc.com). "I want to be playing games and obviously hoping to score some goals. ...

Redrow chairman proposes buyout of UK housebuilder

Posted: 31 Aug 2012 12:41 AM PDT

LONDON (Reuters) - Three investment funds led by the chairman of Redrow are considering a takeover offer for the British housebuilder valuing it at 562 million pounds. Bridgemere Securities, controlled by Steve Morgan, Penta Capital LLP and Toscafund Asset Management LLP said on Friday they were considering a cash offer of 152 pence per share. Shares in Redrow, one of the smaller London-listed housebuilders, were up 2.7 percent to 155 pence in early trading, having risen 16 percent in the past month. Redrow said it would consider the approach and shareholders should take no action. ...

Liverpool strike late to break Hearts, CSKA out

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 11:55 PM PDT

Liverpool's Downing challenges Hearts' Paterson during their Europa League soccer match at Anfield in LiverpoolLONDON (Reuters) - An 87th-minute goal from Luis Suarez took Liverpool through to the Europa League main draw at the expense of Scotland's Hearts as CSKA Moscow crashed out to AIK Solna on Thursday. CSKA, 2005 UEFA Cup winners, lost 2-0 to the Swedes who knocked out the Russians 2-1 on aggregate after Kwame Karikari grabbed an early goal for the visitors and Martin Lorentzon added a second in stoppage time. Hearts, 1-0 down from the first leg, showed plenty of industry but rarely any creative spark as hosts Liverpool appeared content to play a waiting game in the qualifying playoff round ...

Soccer-Venky's back Blackburn with club record signing of Rhodes

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 10:21 PM PDT

Aug 31 (Reuters) - Heavily criticised Indian owners Venky'sdemonstrated their commitment to Blackburn Rovers by sanctioningthe club record signing of Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes foreight million pounds ($12.65 million). The transfer was finalised on Thursday with the 22-year-oldagreeing a five-year deal after leaving Championship (seconddivision) rivals Huddersfield Town. "An awful lot of work has gone into this deal and we are allindebted to Mrs Desai and her family for their magnificentsupport," Rovers' managing director Derek Shaw said of soccerclub owner Anuradha Desai in a statement. ...

UPDATE 1-Soccer-Southampton to sign Japan defender Yoshida

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 10:04 PM PDT

* Yoshida set to sign for Southampton * Will link up with compatriot Lee (Writes through with quotes, detail) Aug 31 (Reuters) - Southampton are set to shore up theirdefence with the signing of Japanese international Maya Yoshidaafter the central defender and his Dutch club VVV-Venlo agreedto a deal, the English Premier League club said. The 24-year-old, capped 17 times by his country, will sign athree-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee provided heis given entry clearance. He has already secured a work permit. ...

Soccer-Brazilian championship results and standings

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 06:58 PM PDT

Aug 31 (Infostrada Sports) - Results and standings from the Brazilian championship matches on Thursday Thursday, August 30Flamengo 1 Sport 1 Sao Paulo 4 Botafogo 0 Wednesday, August 29Atletico Mineiro 2 Ponte Preta 2 Coritiba 1 Internacional 0 Fluminense 1 Corinthians 1 Goianense 0 Cruzeiro 2 Gremio 2 Vasco da Gama 0 Nautico 3 Figueirense 2 Portuguesa 3 Palmeiras 0 Santos 1 Esporte Clube Bahia 3 Standings P W D L F A Pts 1 Atletico Mineiro 19 13 5 1 35 15 44 2 Fluminense 20 12 7 1 32 12 43 3 Gremio 20 13 1 6 31 16 40 4 Vasco da Gama 20 10 5 5 25 19 35 -------------------------5 Sao Paulo 20 11 ...

Soccer-Gallego sets bar high at relegation haunted Independiente

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 04:35 PM PDT

BUENOS AIRES, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Americo Gallego made adefiant statement of intent on Thursday when he took charge ofArgentine side Independiente, who are battling to avoid beingrelegated from the top flight for the first time. "I came here to fight at the top (of the standings) and notagainst relegation," the coach, who signed for one season, toldreporters. "All the teams I've taken charge of, the word champion hasbeen in my mind." Gallego, a World Cup winner with Argentina as a midfielderin 1978, has already steered Independiente to the title but thatwas 10 years ago. ...

Real's Granero latest QPR capture

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 03:47 PM PDT

Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero (R)Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero has become the latest player to sign for Queens Park Rangers during the current transfer window, the English Premier League club announced late Thursday.

FIFA says Brazil advancing on World Cup projects

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 03:34 PM PDT

FIFA Secretary General Jerome ValckeWork on all the 2014 World Cup stadiums and infrastructure is progressing well and Brazil has reached "cruise speed", a top FIFA official said here Thursday after visiting two host cities.

Soccer-Malaga sign Argentine striker Saviola

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 03:31 PM PDT

MADRID, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Malaga have signed Argentineformer Real Madrid and Barcelona striker Javier Saviola on aone-year deal, the Spanish club said in statement on Thursday. The 30-year-old negotiated a release from his contract withBenfica and passed a medical at the Costa del Sol club. Saviola won 40 international caps with Argentina, scoring 11goals, and after leaving River Plate for Barcelona went on toplay with AS Monaco, Sevilla and Real before moving to Portugal. ...

Soccer-Granero the Real deal, says QPR manager Hughes

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 03:14 PM PDT

Aug 30 (Reuters) - Queens Park Rangers confirmed the signingof Spanish midfielder Esteban Granero from Real Madrid onThursday for an undisclosed fee. Granero, 25, a product of Real's youth set-up who hasstruggled to establish himself at the Bernabeu, signed afour-year deal at Loftus Road. "He is a great player, first and foremost," Rangers managerMark Hughes told the club's website (www.qpr.co.uk). "You don't play at a club like Real Madrid if you're not. Heis very well regarded there and for him to leave a club of thatstature to come to us shows the belief he has in what we aretrying to do. ...

Soccer-Liverpool strike late to break Hearts, CSKA out

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 02:54 PM PDT

LONDON, Aug 30 (Reuters) - An 87th-minute goal from LuisSuarez took Liverpool through to the Europa League main draw atthe expense of Scotland's Hearts as CSKA Moscow crashed out toAIK Solna on Thursday. CSKA, 2005 UEFA Cup winners, lost 2-0 to the Swedes whoknocked out the Russians 2-1 on aggregate after Kwame Karikarigrabbed an early goal for the visitors and Martin Lorentzonadded a second in stoppage time. Hearts, 1-0 down from the first leg, showed plenty ofindustry but rarely any creative spark as hosts Liverpoolappeared content to play a waiting game in the qualifyingplayoff round match. ...

Liverpool start League Cup defence at Albion

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 02:45 PM PDT

Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (R) celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Europa League Play-off second legLiverpool will start their defence of the League Cup with a trip to West Bromwich Albion, while four-time winners Manchester United host Newcastle in the tie of the third round.

Liverpool, Inter into Europa League group stages

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 02:39 PM PDT

Vaslui's Polish defender Piotr Celeban (L) runs for the ball with Inter Milan's Japanese midfielder Yuto NagatomoEuropean heavyweights Liverpool and Inter Milan qualified for the Europa League group stage after coming through their respective play-off ties on Thursday.

UPDATE 10-Soccer-UEFA Europa League play-off round results

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 02:35 PM PDT

Aug 30 (Infostrada Sports) - Results from the UEFA Europa League play-offs second leg matches on Thursday Play-off roundThursday, August 30, second legSporting (Portugal) - Horsens (Denmark) 5-0 (halftime: 2-0) First leg: Horsens - Sporting 1-1. Sporting win 6-1 on aggregate.Liverpool (England) - Hearts (Scotland) 1-1 (halftime: 0-0) First leg: Hearts - Liverpool 0-1. Liverpool win 2-1 on aggregate.AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) - Anzhi Makhachkala (Russia) 0-5 (halftime: 0-2) First leg: Anzhi Makhachkala - AZ Alkmaar 1-0. Anzhi Makhachkala win 6-0 on aggregate. ...

Soccer-Liverpool return to West Brom in League Cup

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 02:24 PM PDT

Aug 30 (Reuters) - League Cup holders Liverpool face ahaunting trip to West Bromwich Albion in the third round of thisyear's competition following the draw on Thursday. Liverpool lost 3-0 at West Brom on the opening day of thePremier League season last week but will return to the Hawthornsin one of five all-Premiership ties in England's second-tierknock-out competition. Manchester United host Newcastle United, championsManchester City entertain Aston Villa, Queens Park Rangers areat home to Reading and Wigan Athletic travel to West Ham United. ...

Suarez helps Liverpool edge past Hearts

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 02:22 PM PDT

Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (L) goes around Hearts' Jamie MacDonald (C)Luis Suarez's late goal sent Liverpool into the Europa League group stage as the Reds drew 1-1 with Hearts at Anfield on Thursday to clinch a 2-1 aggregate success.

Soccer-English League Cup 2nd round results

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 01:38 PM PDT

Aug 30 (Infostrada Sports) - Results from the English League Cup 2nd Round first leg matches on Thursday 2nd RoundThursday, August 30Northampton Town (IV) - Wolverhampton Wanderers (II) 1-3 (halftime: 1-2) Wednesday, August 29 Everton - Leyton Orient (III) 5-0 (halftime: 4-0) Tuesday, August 28 Reading - Peterborough United (II) 3-2 (halftime: 3-2) Yeovil Town (III) - West Bromwich Albion 2-4 (halftime: 1-2) Aston Villa - Tranmere Rovers (III) 3-0 (halftime: 1-0) Burnley (II) - Plymouth Argyle (IV) 1-1 (halftime: 1-0, 90 mins: 1-1, penalty shootout: 3-2) Burnley win 3-2 on penalties. ...

Soccer-Carroll completes loan move to West Ham

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 01:22 PM PDT

Aug 30 (Reuters) - West Ham United have signed Englandstriker Andy Carroll on a season-long loan from Liverpool, theLondon Premier League club said on Thursday. West Ham will then have the option of a permanent deal tosign Carroll for an undisclosed fee at the end of the season. "It's great to be here at West Ham and all signed up - Ijust can't wait to get started now," the 23-year-old Carrolltold the official West Ham website (www.whufc.com). "I want to be playing games and obviously hoping to scoresome goals. ...

Chelsea, United spared as City get fiendish Champions League draw

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 01:20 PM PDT

Former player George Weah (R) of Liberia draws for the UEFA Champions League group stageFate largely smiled on Manchester United and holders Chelsea in Thursday's Champions League draw, but Manchester City found themselves drawn into a daunting group with Real Madrid, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool's Carroll joins West Ham on loan

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 01:02 PM PDT

Andy CarrollLiverpool striker Andy Carroll ended months of speculation over his future by joining West Ham on a season-long loan on Thursday.

Soccer-Champions League group stage fixtures

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 12:56 PM PDT

Aug 30 (Reuters) - Fixtures for 2012-13 Champions Leaguegroup stage following the draw in Monaco on Thursday. Playing on Sept. 18 Group A Dinamo Zagreb v Porto Paris St Germain v Dynamo Kiev Group B Montpellier HSC v Arsenal Olympiakos Piraeus V Schalke 04 Group C Malaga v Zenit St Petersburg AC Milan v Anderlecht Group D Borussia Dortmund v Ajax Amsterdam Real Madrid v Manchester City Sept. ...

Saviola linked with Malaga after leaving Benfica

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 12:13 PM PDT

Javier SaviolaArgentine forward Javier Saviola parted company with Benfica on Thursday, amid reports in the local media that the 30-year-old is poised to join Spanish club Malaga.

UPDATE 2-Soccer-Chelsea open European title defence against Juve

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 12:03 PM PDT

(Adds details) MONACO, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Chelsea will start the defence ofthe Champions League trophy they won so dramatically last seasonwith a Group E match against former winners Juventus at StamfordBridge. The Italian champions, who have lifted the European Cuptwice, should give Chelsea a stern test on Sept. 19 beforeRoberto di Matteo's side face Danish newcomers FC Nordsjaellandand Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk. ...
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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Soccer Europe

Soccer Europe

Inter Milan set to lose two Brazilian internationals before transfer deadline

Posted: 30 Aug 2012 03:08 AM PDT

no e1346265333279 269x300 Inter Milan set to lose two Brazilian internationals before transfer deadlineAfter being linked with a move away from the San Siro since the transfer window opened, it looks like goalkeeper Julio Cesar has finally completed his move away from the Nerazzurri. The Brazilian will finalize his move to London side Queens Park Rangers shortly and its rumored to be a four year deal worth 2.5 million euros a season.

Cesar spoke candidly to media outlet Sportv News, telling them that the Inter brass told him that in order to stay at the club, his salary must be cut. He said:

I’ll terminate my contract with Inter and thank President Massimo Moratti for the seven wonderful years we have had together.

Previously considered as one of the top keepers in world football, the Brazilian is getting on in age, but still attracted many suitors before deciding to join QPR.

He should be able to step in and replace the oft-calamitous Robert Green, who already made an error. It was very similar to the one against the United States in the 2010 World Cup, when a shot that should have been easily saved wound up in the back of the net.

The other Brazilian linked with a move elsewhere is Maicon. Despite being 31 years old, he is still one of the best plying their trade at the right back position. Maicon has drawn interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City for what seems to be the past two seasons, yet he’s stayed with Inter.

However, at his age, he may be looking for a challenge elsewhere while he is still capable of playing top-flight football, and any one of those aforementioned clubs could provide him a new platform to showcase his talent. With Chelsea signing Spanish right back-Cesar Azpilicueta, the English giants seem to have taken themselves out of the race, leaving Manchester City and Real Madrid to duke it out for the Brazilian’s signature.

Reports out of Italy are suggesting that Premier League champions Manchester City seem to be favorites to acquire the player. Maicon’s contract is set to expire after this season and since he has not extended it, Inter would do well to get some monetary compensation for the player before he leaves on a Bosman. Inter have set a valuation of around 8 million euros; Manchester City are rumored to have bid 4.5 million euros. Inter have depth at right back, including Inter idol Javier Zanetti and Jonathan, so losing their star wouldn’t be hugely detrimental.

With the transfer deadline set for this Friday, Inter are set to lose some of their seasoned veterans as they try to insert youth into the first team squad. Youth that the Inter brass hope will guide them to a top 3 finish, like they’ve become accustomed to.

Javi Martinez joins Bayern Munich in German history’s biggest transfer deal

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 06:25 PM PDT

cfimg4500566316902769236 e1346300993421 300x234 Javi Martinez joins Bayern Munich in German historys biggest transfer deal

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

After nearly a month of negotiations between FC Bayern Munich of the German Bundesliga and Athletic Bilbao of Spanish La Liga BBVA, the terms and completion of Javi Martinez's transfer to the capital of Bavaria has been completed.

According to the Telegraph the deal is worth a German transfer record fee of £31.6 million which will not make English Premier League champions Manchester City happy after having been beaten to the Spanish youngster.

The 23-year-old is anticipated to make his league debut this weekend when the club faces off against Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena. He was part of Spain's 2010 World Cup side as well as the 2012 UEFA European Championship winning squad.

Having risen through the ranks at Bilbao, it looked only a matter of time before a major club came calling for his services. The youngster’s versatility is sure to aid Bayern Munich not only in their defensive midfield, but Martinez also has the ability to be a makeshift central defender if necessary.

Although he is young, the club seems convinced of his quality and he is thought to be the next up and coming great holding midfielder in the game. With so much pressure on his shoulders it will truly be a make or break season for the young man's career.

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Borussia Monchengladbach Falls To Dynamo Kiev in Champions League qualifiers

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 05:13 PM PDT

cfimg5161378363537951337 e1346285613455 300x217 Borussia Monchengladbach Falls To Dynamo Kiev in Champions League qualifiers

(Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Borussia Monchengladbach were the club that surprised everyone in the German Bundesliga last season. Their final position in the league table saw then earn a place in the UEFA Champions League qualification round this late summer, and it was anticipated by many of their fans for it to be a season to remember.

However, after a miserable showing in their European return to action last week, the club came into the second leg of the last qualifying round with a 3-1 deficit to Dynamo Kiev and is desperate need of a miracle to go through.

The Foals were able to draw the aggregate level numerically at 3-3 before Ideye Brown put the game away for Dynamo Kiev with a cheeky chipped goal in the 88th minute. The German side would have needed another goal to again tie the aggregate scoreline and go through on away goals (what would have been three for Gladbach versus only two for Kiev), but alas, that never happened.

Again we find a disturbing trend in European play for most Bundesliga teams – that of oddly shaky defenses. What is it about playing teams from other countries that rocks the nerves of German defensive lines? This game was perhaps a ‘rare’ case in which the above did not occur, although that can assuredly be argued. What I’m referring to is the first leg, which was at home for Gladbach and where they conceded three crucial away goals. Granted, Gladbach is coming off a busy transfer season but with 110 days off you would think the defense would already be set. Dante is a huge loss yes, but what’s really astounding is in the last fixture Kiev had only four shots on frame in which two of them were goals. Today’s match was not much different. Kiev’s shots were limited, but the chances that came were good chances.

The UEFA Europe League is not a just reward, but perhaps it’s best. If Gladbach play like they did today, with ample chances and great creativity from the wings, then they stand a good chance of going far in the competition.

The first 45 minutes can be written off in this match, with the only major highlight coming right in the beginning for Gladbach as Patrick Herrmann had a great chance to get on the scoreboard early. He did not convert it. Gladbach would make a furious comeback late in the second half. The Foals had been pressuring all game long and it finally paid off in the 70th minute when Yevhen Khacheridi put one past his own keeper. Eight minutes later Alexander Ring placed a beautiful corner kick right at the head of Juan Arango, who didn’t miss. All that was left for Gladbach to complete the comeback was another goal, but it was the other team who got it. Ideye scored and the Foals could not muster up another. The aggregate scored ended at 4-3 in favor of Kiev.

There’s lots for Gladbach to be proud of. A furious comeback for one. Kiev is a disciplined team, a good side that will give opponents fits. They have lots of European experience. The fight Gladbach showed was courageous. De Jong looked like he was in the game for once, and not a lost little lamb. Herrmann was brilliant all night, by far the Foals most dangerous man. The wing play was excellent. All vast improvements over what we had been seeing the last few weeks.

So now it’s left up to Schalke, Dortmund, and Bayern to do the talking for the Bundesliga as we brace ourselves for the UEFA Champions League draw in the remainder of this week.

The Evolution of the Game

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 05:05 PM PDT

Many may recognize the game football, or soccer, but few know the origin, history and meaning behind the game. Many cultures have played some form of the sport for over 3000 years, though the initial birth of the game remains uncertain. One of the earliest known appearances has been dated back to around 1004 B.C. in Japan. The Chinese, Japanese, Greeks and Romans all played earlier versions of the sport. The game has evolved immensely over many decades. Historical reference has documented that the first type of soccer balls ranged from human heads, bond cloth, to animal skulls or bladders. The ball is not the only important aspect of the game, however; early controversy and prohibition, diverse reasons for playing along with the colossal player and fan dedication are what have made soccer the most viewed and played sport in the world.

Starting in a small field in Japan, a fun little pastime began some 3000 years ago. This game spread across to China and soon was picked up by more and more people in these two countries. Competition between Japan and China soon began which eventually led to the spread of this pastime to the Greeks and Romans. The early Roman Olympic Games featured a game similar to that played by the Japanese and Chinese. The picture of a marble carving below depicts a Roman man playing the ancient Roman version of soccer.

soccergameinformation e1346285218247 300x252 The Evolution of the Game

Though it may appear to be a merry leisure the Roman games featured some twenty-seven men playing vigorously against another team of the same amount. The Romans referred to their version as 'Pheninda', which was a combination of Japanese soccer and a rougher game, much like rugby. The Roman version of soccer was so brutal that about two-thirds of a team would have to see a medic after fifty minute duration of play.

Historians kept detailed records of war and religious movements, yet cared little about the recording of sports and leisurely pastimes. Such little record and former knowledge of the beginning of the game has raised lots of questions of how soccer spread from Asia to Europe. Despite early records, the game spread; and with its migration across the land it aroused disapproval throughout England and other parts. Because the game was violent, the church highly disapproved its existence. The Medieval English 'mob soccer' games would involve entire villages and create ruckus and disturbance.

soccerfansinfo e1346285273910 The Evolution of the Game

The game was considered dangerous and sinful. The picture above shows how entire villages would participate in the game. What the scene does not depict is increasing condemnation from major authority figures such as King Edward, King Henry IV, Henry VIII and the Mayor of London, Nicolas de Farndone. Soccer was banned from play and the consequence of playing was imprisonment.

The prohibition of soccer did not stop its reign or cease its play. Football was spread to every continent, as players would play secretively and in other countries. English schools picked up the idea of the game, it was used as a fun pastime and a way to keep boys fit. Once English schools started incorporating football, the game became more organized. Actual football teams formed with defined player positions, game referees and 'training masters'.

totalprosports e1346285503854 300x246 The Evolution of the Gametotalprosports 2 e1346285747963 300x225 The Evolution of the Game

 

 

 

 

 

 

The players in the newly formed teams, like Stoke City and Notts County in the pictures above, had found a hobby that was intriguing and different. Soccer was a leisure pursuit that invited players to have fun and de-stress through exercise, all while giving spectators an entertaining pastime. Through all of the new excitement, however; a problem arose with the development of teams. Each school team or institution of players had their own unique set of rules.

Without a set list of rules and regulations, competition games were difficult to set up. Finding another school team or league that had the same, or even similar, set of laws was not easy.  Cobb Morley, founder of a semi-professional soccer league, saw that the game needed organization if teams were to compete orderly with one another. His idea was put to work in 1863 with the formation of the Football Association.

trueknowledge e1346285845874 The Evolution of the Game

Cobb Morley is justly credited as being "the father of soccer". Not only did his ideas structure the Football Association, he also created the Laws of the Game. Morley's proposed laws are one of the most important documents in the history of football. His laws held every official rule of the game and how it should properly be played. The Football Association formally accepted Cobb Morley's guidelines of soccer and permanently made part them part of soccer's constitution.

As soccer teams and rules were evolving, equipment also improved. Soccer balls were actually manufactured with rubber and leather as opposed to the earlier pig or cow bladder. Charles Goodyear, who invented vulcanized rubber, was the first to design and craft soccer balls with his rubber. One of Charles Goodyear's balls is depicted below.

soccerballworld e1346285907351 300x223 The Evolution of the Game

Since Goodyear's first model soccer balls have come a long way. Despite all of the changes some specs stuck. The Encyclopedia of Association Football states the following regarding the regulation and design of soccer balls: "According to the Laws of Football, the ball must be spherical with an outer casing of leather or other approved materials. The circumference shall not be more than 28 in., nor less than 27 in, while the weight at the start of the game must not be more that 16 oz., nor less than 14 oz.” Advances in ball designs are ongoing, but specifications and measurements are permanent fixtures. As soccer became more and more popular with even more new teams being formed Mitre and Thomlinson's started to mass produce soccer balls; these two companies were the first to produce high quantities of balls.

Soccer was taking on a whole new face; from the advancements of equipment to new rules and regulations. Football was growing rapidly and becoming a popular sport. Players had newly improved and more reliable balls to play with along with equipment designed to help protect players from injuries. The picture below shows the updated leather ball with a type of cleats and an early variety of shin guards.

soccertraininginfo e1346286267913 The Evolution of the Game

The first national teams and larger football leagues began to emerge at the brink of the twentieth century. The Federation of International Football Associations was founded and growing in numbers by the 1930s. More nations worldwide recognized the benefits of FIFA and began to join.

Globally soccer has evolved to new heights and surpassed all other sports. Football is the most played and watched sport in the world. The fan base and support is immense, while player dedication grows more intense with each match. Many league players no longer participate in soccer as a pastime, but have pursued a career as a footballer. Soccer has grown to become the largest, most popular sport played by over 250 million players in just over 200 countries. With the international interest spike through the years, soccer has become a hot topic in the sports reporting world. As the fan base continues to grow and the popularization of the game develops, it is important to remember the ultimate beginnings and influences of the game. The initial stages of soccer were shaped by interests of the Japanese and prohibition allowed football to wander into other countries. Players and fans have allowed the game to thrive for decades.

 

The Steve Bould effect is kicking in at Arsenal

Posted: 29 Aug 2012 11:07 AM PDT

steve e1346263608246 300x239 The Steve Bould effect is kicking in at ArsenalWhen Steve Bould was confirmed as Arsenal's new assistant manager, replacing the long-serving Pat Rice, the fans were optimistic. While everyone was grateful for Rice's contribution to the club, there was a sense that a fresh approach was needed, and the perceived wisdom was that Bould would bring that.

After pre-season, few were convinced. That same old fragility in defence, the infuriating trait of Arsenal for the last few seasons – which was the main thing people were hoping Bould would solve – was still very much there. Still, it was only pre-season, so people weren't panicking much.

It was concerning against Sunderland, when the Black Cats were able to stroll through a couple of times fairly unchallenged to directly threaten Arsenal. It all seemed very familiar – leaks at the back being a potential down-fall in every game. Luckily Wojciech Szczesny was equal to the efforts that came his way.

In the run-up to the Stoke game, many were pessimistic. In recent history the Gunners have struggled to handle the physicality of the Potters – not just in general but in attack, with aerial balls the main Achilles heel of Wenger's side. When the news broke that not only would number one goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny miss out, but that he would be replaced by dodgy number three Vito Mannone, the negativity increased.

What a surprise, then, that it was the defence that came out with the most credit. In the full-back positions, Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs had impressive games, and between them the partnership of Per Mertesacker and new skipper Thomas Vermaelen functioned well. In front of the defence Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby tidied up well, and in the end, Mannone was barely tested.

The adjective of the day for Arsenal was solid. The cohesion wasn't quite there in attack, but the huge positive was the firmness with which they repelled each Stoke advance. Throw-ins were dealt with in a no-nonsense fashion (although the usual bullet launcher Rory Delap didn't feature), attacks were fended off with no hints of leaks in the defence, and not a single corner was given away.

It's generally agreed that title-winning sides need to be built on solid foundations, and while Arsenal has often had good personnel at the back, there have regularly been organisation problems. That hasn't just been the defense, but the entire team – at times it's just been the back four as the only line of defence, rather than the midfield offering a protective shield.

While Wenger is undoubtedly a fantastic manager, he isn't perfect. Defensive organisation, as well as concentration, has been an area neglected by Arsenal sides in the recent past. Bould, a no-nonsense center-back in his playing years, will be looking to rectify that first and foremost, and from the evidence against Stoke, it seems as if he has.

Wenger's tactical strength lies in maximising his side's potential with the ball, and is excellent at forging strategies to score goals, but doesn't seem to be as adept at making his side as efficient as they could be off the ball. This is where Bould comes in, with his academy side he was quoted as noting his team's drawbacks off the ball, and he managed to solve that with great success.

Bould has clearly put this expertise into use as Arsène's right-hand man. Arsenal dealt well with everything Stoke threw at them, with several tactics – such as placing Abou Diaby on Peter Crouch from goal kicks – designed, and succeeding, to help the Gunners win the ball back and cancel out the threat, as well as being able to start attacks from the back as Wenger loves them to do.

With Wenger knowing what it takes for a side to be free-flowing and high-scoring in attack, and Bould having the defensive know-how to shore up a team, it seems to be a match made in heaven. While Rice was a loyal servant, Bould brings more modern ideas and a fresh take on the game. This should help the Gunners in their search for a trophy.
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