From the gossip columns of football365.com
Arsenal have identified Obafemi Martins as their main transfer target this summer and are planning to make a £13m move for the Newcastle United striker in the next few days.
That's the bombshell news on the backpage of this morning's Independent. The same claim is also made in The Sun, but without the same amount of detail and confidence as The Indy's report.
Martins is wanted by Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, to replace Thierry Henry following his £16m departure to Barcelona this week. If he agrees to move to the Emirates Stadium, it will break Arsenal's transfer record, beating the £11m paid to Bordeaux for Sylvain Wiltord in 2000.
Newcastle would be loath to lose the 22-year-old Nigerian but know that they are powerless to stop him moving because of the buyout clause in his contract. The existence of the clause, which has annoyed the Newcastle manager, Sam Allardyce, was revealed by The Independent last week, as was Arsenal's interest in the striker. That has now hardened,' the newspaper claims.
At 22, Martins is far younger than Henry, but his signing would be a considerable surprise. The Nigerian has a reputation for being a hit-and-miss player, and went AWOL for Newcastle's final game of last season.
Still, Arsene knows. Apparently.
Friday 29 June 2007
Van Bronckhorst goes back home
Barcelona left-back Gio van Bronckhorst has joined Feyernoord on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old had been told that he was free to find anothe club as he would not be a part of the first teams plans next season.
He has a clause in his current contract (that had another year to run on it), which stipulated that he can leave on a free transfer this summer if he wishes.
With the signing of Eric Abidal and Cristian Chivu on the cards, the Catalan giants have their backs covered.
Van Bronckhorst has played 151 games for the club over four seasons, scoring 7 goals. He has won 2 La Liga titles, one Champions League, and one Spanish Super Cup.
The 32-year-old had been told that he was free to find anothe club as he would not be a part of the first teams plans next season.
He has a clause in his current contract (that had another year to run on it), which stipulated that he can leave on a free transfer this summer if he wishes.
With the signing of Eric Abidal and Cristian Chivu on the cards, the Catalan giants have their backs covered.
Van Bronckhorst has played 151 games for the club over four seasons, scoring 7 goals. He has won 2 La Liga titles, one Champions League, and one Spanish Super Cup.
Barca is not done yet
After securing Henry and Yaya Toure in the past week, Barca has shifted their attention to Roma's defender Christian Chivu and Lyon's Cris Abidal. Despite this,it has been reported they have already devised alternative targets if they fail to get their first choices. Three names have been mentioned as alternatives.
They are Deportivo La Coruña's Jorge Andrade, Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze and Pepe of Porto.
Roma has received offers for Chivu from Barca, Inter and Real Madrid.
They are Deportivo La Coruña's Jorge Andrade, Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze and Pepe of Porto.
Roma has received offers for Chivu from Barca, Inter and Real Madrid.
Tottenham extremely close to signing Bent
According to BBC Sport, the 23-year-old Darren Bent will become a Spurs player later today after the two clubs struck a compomise deal over the fee.
Charlton have been asking £17million for Bent, and although West Ham United had meet that price, the player himself rejected the club.
While that left the way clear for Spurs, their valuation of the player was some distance short of 17 million pounds. Indeed, Tottenham had earlier had a £13million bid turned down by the Addicks.
But the two clubs reached a compromise agreement on the fee on Wednesday, BBC Sport understands.
It is thought that Bent turned down West Ham in the hope that Spurs or Liverpool would meet Charlton's asking price for him. If Tottenham do complete the deal, they may allow Jermain Defoe to leave White Hart Lane.
Charlton have been asking £17million for Bent, and although West Ham United had meet that price, the player himself rejected the club.
While that left the way clear for Spurs, their valuation of the player was some distance short of 17 million pounds. Indeed, Tottenham had earlier had a £13million bid turned down by the Addicks.
But the two clubs reached a compromise agreement on the fee on Wednesday, BBC Sport understands.
It is thought that Bent turned down West Ham in the hope that Spurs or Liverpool would meet Charlton's asking price for him. If Tottenham do complete the deal, they may allow Jermain Defoe to leave White Hart Lane.
Liverpool signs top European babies
Liverpool has completed the signing of two young Europeans. Levski Sofia's Bulgarian international goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov would be joining Liverpool on a three-year deal while Athletic Bilbao confirmed that young defender Mikel San Jose has also signed for Liverpool. Both players are 18 years old as Rafa begin to plan for the future.
Such buys coincides with the resdevelopment of the youth setup in Liverpool. Former Ajax player Piet Hamberg was yesterday unveiled as the club's new academy technical manager with Under-18 coach John Owens promoted to academy manager. The pair will work alongside Malcolm Elias, who joined Liverpool from Southampton last summer, and is in charge of recruitment. The appointments follow the retirement of Steve Heighway after 18 years in charge of the academy.
In other Liverpool news, Mohammad Sissoko has signed a new four year deal with the club.
Such buys coincides with the resdevelopment of the youth setup in Liverpool. Former Ajax player Piet Hamberg was yesterday unveiled as the club's new academy technical manager with Under-18 coach John Owens promoted to academy manager. The pair will work alongside Malcolm Elias, who joined Liverpool from Southampton last summer, and is in charge of recruitment. The appointments follow the retirement of Steve Heighway after 18 years in charge of the academy.
In other Liverpool news, Mohammad Sissoko has signed a new four year deal with the club.
Cycle of Life in Spain
As Real showed Capello the door out of Spain, Real Sociedad has opened one for a new manager. Chris Coleman, yes former Fulham manager has been confirmed as the new Real Sociedad manager.
The 37-year-old former Fulham boss will be unveiled by the Basque club within the next few days following his appointment by Sociedad's president, Maria De La Pena.
It has been reported that Coleman has been recommended by former Welsh international John Toshack. The first objective for Coleman is to guide Sociedad back into the Primera Divison after they finished 19th and got relegated.
The 37-year-old former Fulham boss will be unveiled by the Basque club within the next few days following his appointment by Sociedad's president, Maria De La Pena.
It has been reported that Coleman has been recommended by former Welsh international John Toshack. The first objective for Coleman is to guide Sociedad back into the Primera Divison after they finished 19th and got relegated.
Real Madrid sacks Fabio Capello
Real Madrid have sacked coach Fabio Capello, 11 days after the Italian guided them to their first league title since 2003. Capello, 61, had two years left to run on his contract at the Bernabeu.
Real president Ramon Calderon: "We've laid the foundations, but we need to find a more enthusiastic way of playing."
German coach and ex-Real player Bernd Schuster is the heir-apparent, having negotiated an amicable release from his job at Getafe.
Capello is in the unusual position of having managed Real on two occasions, both for one season only, and winning the Spanish title for them each time. Having previously triumphed in 1996-97 with Madrid, he returned last summer from Juventus on a three-year contract.
History is repeating itself in one sense as Real again show they have little sentiment as far as successful managers are concerned. The club's last Spanish title victory in 2003 was not enough to keep Vicente del Bosque in his job, and German coach Jupp Heynckes was also sacked after guiding Real to the Champions League title in 1998.
Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic: "We have taken the decision not to continue with Fabio Capello next season. It was a difficult decision but a unanimous one based on an exhaustive report I made to the board. We don't think Capello is the right person to lead Real Madrid into the future given what we want this club to achieve. Now we have time to think over who will be the next head coach."
Capello in return has said: "I would like to thank publically Real Madrid to allow me to coach for the second time this great club, and to having helped me contribute like in 1996-1997 to win the Liga title.
"A thank you also to the squad, the technical staff and medical team, and Franco Baldini, who has always been close to me during this time. Thanks to everyone for the support that they have given in this experience. I can't forget our fans, without a doubt the best fan-base in the world."
Real president Ramon Calderon: "We've laid the foundations, but we need to find a more enthusiastic way of playing."
German coach and ex-Real player Bernd Schuster is the heir-apparent, having negotiated an amicable release from his job at Getafe.
Capello is in the unusual position of having managed Real on two occasions, both for one season only, and winning the Spanish title for them each time. Having previously triumphed in 1996-97 with Madrid, he returned last summer from Juventus on a three-year contract.
History is repeating itself in one sense as Real again show they have little sentiment as far as successful managers are concerned. The club's last Spanish title victory in 2003 was not enough to keep Vicente del Bosque in his job, and German coach Jupp Heynckes was also sacked after guiding Real to the Champions League title in 1998.
Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic: "We have taken the decision not to continue with Fabio Capello next season. It was a difficult decision but a unanimous one based on an exhaustive report I made to the board. We don't think Capello is the right person to lead Real Madrid into the future given what we want this club to achieve. Now we have time to think over who will be the next head coach."
Capello in return has said: "I would like to thank publically Real Madrid to allow me to coach for the second time this great club, and to having helped me contribute like in 1996-1997 to win the Liga title.
"A thank you also to the squad, the technical staff and medical team, and Franco Baldini, who has always been close to me during this time. Thanks to everyone for the support that they have given in this experience. I can't forget our fans, without a doubt the best fan-base in the world."
Copa America 2007
Here are the four matches that has been played in Group A and Group B
Group A
Venezuela vs Bolivia
Uruguay vs Peru
Group B
Chile vs Ecuador
Brazil vs Mexico
Group A
Venezuela vs Bolivia
Uruguay vs Peru
Group B
Chile vs Ecuador
Brazil vs Mexico
Monday 25 June 2007
Tak Giu....a Singaporean made movie
"Tak Giu" (15mins, Singlish/with English subtitles) is an indie film about soccer/football culture in Singapore.
Having taken up the challenge of a friendly match, 3 soccer-crazy boys realise that it is not easy to find a good, free public soccer field in Singapore.....if there's any at all. Through their journey they encounter obnoxious care-takers, locked-up fences, deterring weather and a persistent policeman. Will they be able to find their dream soccer pitch?
The story explores the issues of soccer amenities, and the attitudes of Singaporeans towards local and foreign soccer.
Cast: Daison Png, Stanley Huang, Jacen Tan, Lee Whye Leong, Mohd Suhaimi. Written, directed and produced by Jacen Tan. Sound/Music and Editing by Jacen Tan (Hosay Studios 2004/05) Email: hosay@hosaywood.com
Having taken up the challenge of a friendly match, 3 soccer-crazy boys realise that it is not easy to find a good, free public soccer field in Singapore.....if there's any at all. Through their journey they encounter obnoxious care-takers, locked-up fences, deterring weather and a persistent policeman. Will they be able to find their dream soccer pitch?
The story explores the issues of soccer amenities, and the attitudes of Singaporeans towards local and foreign soccer.
Cast: Daison Png, Stanley Huang, Jacen Tan, Lee Whye Leong, Mohd Suhaimi. Written, directed and produced by Jacen Tan. Sound/Music and Editing by Jacen Tan (Hosay Studios 2004/05) Email: hosay@hosaywood.com
Sunday 24 June 2007
A Quick Look at Henry
Thierry Daniel Henry
Date of Birth - August 17, 1977.
Birthplace - Paris, France
Height - 1.88 m
Previous clubs
Monaco - 1995-1998
Juventus - 1998-1999
Arsenal - 1999-2007
Barcelona - 2007-
International Record
France - 1997-
92 Caps - 40 Goals
Club Honours
Ligue 1 - 1997
French Super Cup - 1997
Premiership - 2002, 2004
FA Cup - 2002, 2003, 2005
Community Shield - 2002, 2004
International Honours
World Cup - 1998
European Championships - 2000
Confederations Cup - 2003
Personal Honours
European Golden Boot - 2004, 2005
FA Premier League Top Scorer - 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006
Onze d'Or: 2003, 2006
PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
FWA Footballer Of The Year: 2003, 2004, 2006
Runner-up: 2003, 2004
World XI Striker: 2006
Date of Birth - August 17, 1977.
Birthplace - Paris, France
Height - 1.88 m
Previous clubs
Monaco - 1995-1998
Juventus - 1998-1999
Arsenal - 1999-2007
Barcelona - 2007-
International Record
France - 1997-
92 Caps - 40 Goals
Club Honours
Ligue 1 - 1997
French Super Cup - 1997
Premiership - 2002, 2004
FA Cup - 2002, 2003, 2005
Community Shield - 2002, 2004
International Honours
World Cup - 1998
European Championships - 2000
Confederations Cup - 2003
Personal Honours
European Golden Boot - 2004, 2005
FA Premier League Top Scorer - 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006
Onze d'Or: 2003, 2006
PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2003, 2004
FWA Footballer Of The Year: 2003, 2004, 2006
Runner-up: 2003, 2004
World XI Striker: 2006
Thierry Henry Special.....The Early Years
Early career
Henry is of Antillean heritage; his father, Antoine, is from Guadeloupe, and his mother Maryse is from Martinique. He grew up in the heavily urbanised Les Ulis, a tough environment for the youngster. Despite this, the town provided good facilities for footballers. In 1983, the six-year-old Henry showed great potential, something which prompted Claude Chezelle to recruit the youngster at the local club CO Les Ulis. Five years later, Henry played his first game for the club. Henry's father put a lot of pressure on him to attend training, although the youngster was not particularly drawn to football. Henry went on to join US Palaiseau in 1989, but after a year, his father fell out with the club. He then moved to Viry-Châtillon for two years. US Palaiseau coach Jean-Marie Panza followed Henry to Viry-Châtillon, something which would lead to Henry naming Panza as his mentor in the future.
In 1990, AS Monaco sent scout Arnold Catalano to watch the 13-year-old play. Henry scored all six goals as his side won 6-0. Catalano asked Henry to join Monaco, without even attending a trial first. Catalano requested that Henry complete a course at the elite academy Clairefontaine, but the director there was reluctant to accept Henry due to his poor school results. Despite this, Henry was allowed to complete the course, leading to him joining Arséne Wenger's AS Monaco as a youth player. Subsequently, Henry signed professionally with AS Monaco, and was given his professional début in 1995. Wenger put Henry on the left wing because he believed that Henry's pace, natural ball control and skill would be more effective against full-backs than centre-backs. In his four seasons with Monaco, Henry scored 21 goals in 125 appearances, and helped the club win the Ligue 1 title in 1996-97.
In June 1997, Henry's good form was rewarded with a call-up to the U-20 French national team, where he played in the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship alongside William Gallas and David Trézéguet. Within four months, France head coach Aimé Jacquet called Henry up to the senior team. The 20-year-old made his senior international début on October 11, 1997 in a 2-1 win against South Africa. Jacquet was so impressed with Henry that he took him to the 1998 World Cup. Although Henry was a largely unknown quantity at international level, he ended the tournament as France's top scorer with three goals. He was scheduled to appear in the final — where France beat Brazil 3-0 — as a substitute, but the sending off of Marcel Desailly forced a defensive change instead. On Bastille Day 1998, he was awarded France's highest decoration, the Légion d'Honneur.
Henry's good form for Monaco continued during the 1998-99 season, as he helped the club reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Henry then left Monaco and moved to Italian Serie A club Juventus one year before his friend and team-mate David Trézéguet in January 1999 for £10.5 million. He played on the wing, but was unable to cope with the Italian defensive discipline of the Serie A. Henry scored just three goals in 16 appearances. Then of course he moved to Arsenal and the rest is history.
to be continued....
Henry is of Antillean heritage; his father, Antoine, is from Guadeloupe, and his mother Maryse is from Martinique. He grew up in the heavily urbanised Les Ulis, a tough environment for the youngster. Despite this, the town provided good facilities for footballers. In 1983, the six-year-old Henry showed great potential, something which prompted Claude Chezelle to recruit the youngster at the local club CO Les Ulis. Five years later, Henry played his first game for the club. Henry's father put a lot of pressure on him to attend training, although the youngster was not particularly drawn to football. Henry went on to join US Palaiseau in 1989, but after a year, his father fell out with the club. He then moved to Viry-Châtillon for two years. US Palaiseau coach Jean-Marie Panza followed Henry to Viry-Châtillon, something which would lead to Henry naming Panza as his mentor in the future.
In 1990, AS Monaco sent scout Arnold Catalano to watch the 13-year-old play. Henry scored all six goals as his side won 6-0. Catalano asked Henry to join Monaco, without even attending a trial first. Catalano requested that Henry complete a course at the elite academy Clairefontaine, but the director there was reluctant to accept Henry due to his poor school results. Despite this, Henry was allowed to complete the course, leading to him joining Arséne Wenger's AS Monaco as a youth player. Subsequently, Henry signed professionally with AS Monaco, and was given his professional début in 1995. Wenger put Henry on the left wing because he believed that Henry's pace, natural ball control and skill would be more effective against full-backs than centre-backs. In his four seasons with Monaco, Henry scored 21 goals in 125 appearances, and helped the club win the Ligue 1 title in 1996-97.
In June 1997, Henry's good form was rewarded with a call-up to the U-20 French national team, where he played in the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship alongside William Gallas and David Trézéguet. Within four months, France head coach Aimé Jacquet called Henry up to the senior team. The 20-year-old made his senior international début on October 11, 1997 in a 2-1 win against South Africa. Jacquet was so impressed with Henry that he took him to the 1998 World Cup. Although Henry was a largely unknown quantity at international level, he ended the tournament as France's top scorer with three goals. He was scheduled to appear in the final — where France beat Brazil 3-0 — as a substitute, but the sending off of Marcel Desailly forced a defensive change instead. On Bastille Day 1998, he was awarded France's highest decoration, the Légion d'Honneur.
Henry's good form for Monaco continued during the 1998-99 season, as he helped the club reach the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Henry then left Monaco and moved to Italian Serie A club Juventus one year before his friend and team-mate David Trézéguet in January 1999 for £10.5 million. He played on the wing, but was unable to cope with the Italian defensive discipline of the Serie A. Henry scored just three goals in 16 appearances. Then of course he moved to Arsenal and the rest is history.
to be continued....
Where Do Arsenal Go Without Henry?
The constant speculation is finally turning into a dreaded reality for Arsenal, and it leaves them with their backs firmly against the wall facing next season.
Are they doomed, or is there light at the end of this proverbial tunnal? There are many aspects we must look at before we attempt arriving at a conclusion.
For the full article by Graham Lister...
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=334712
Are they doomed, or is there light at the end of this proverbial tunnal? There are many aspects we must look at before we attempt arriving at a conclusion.
For the full article by Graham Lister...
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=334712
More from The Departed
"I don't believe what everybody is saying about the club collapsing, having a lack of players and everyone leaving. The team here is growing and there is some amazing talent."
"I do think this is the right time for Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner, who is coming back from Birmingham, to shine. Hopefully they will do it. As soon as you know they can do it, they will forget about me, that's the way it is.
"When Patrick left everyone was devastated, including me and then after that a little guy came around called Cesc Fabregas and, although I didn't agree with it, everyone started saying 'who needs Patrick Vieira'?"
"Cesc is a world-class player, Robin van Persie is a world-class player, hopefully Adebayor will become a world-class player, Tomas Rosicky is a world-class player, Jens Lehmann is a world-class player, Kolo Toure and William Gallas are world-class players. You can go through the whole squad like that."
"I will now become an Arsenal fan and will be looking at every result. I am sure the team will be successful."
"I would like say to you that you have been tremendous for me and I really do appreciate it. I am shaking as I say this. I will always remember you and I will have you in my head and my heart. I wanted to reassure you that I always gave 100% here. I hope you appreciate what I did here because I appreciate what you did for me. I grew as a man and became a better football player - I will always take that with me no matter what happens."
"Arsenal will be in my blood as well as my heart. I will always, always, always remember you guys. I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I did not lie because when you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner.
"The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever."
"I do think this is the right time for Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner, who is coming back from Birmingham, to shine. Hopefully they will do it. As soon as you know they can do it, they will forget about me, that's the way it is.
"When Patrick left everyone was devastated, including me and then after that a little guy came around called Cesc Fabregas and, although I didn't agree with it, everyone started saying 'who needs Patrick Vieira'?"
"Cesc is a world-class player, Robin van Persie is a world-class player, hopefully Adebayor will become a world-class player, Tomas Rosicky is a world-class player, Jens Lehmann is a world-class player, Kolo Toure and William Gallas are world-class players. You can go through the whole squad like that."
"I will now become an Arsenal fan and will be looking at every result. I am sure the team will be successful."
"I would like say to you that you have been tremendous for me and I really do appreciate it. I am shaking as I say this. I will always remember you and I will have you in my head and my heart. I wanted to reassure you that I always gave 100% here. I hope you appreciate what I did here because I appreciate what you did for me. I grew as a man and became a better football player - I will always take that with me no matter what happens."
"Arsenal will be in my blood as well as my heart. I will always, always, always remember you guys. I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I did not lie because when you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner.
"The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever."
Thank You Arsenal......Why I Left : Henry
Henry has issued an open letter to the fans of Arsenal. Here are some quotes from that letter.
"Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately and understandably he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of the coming season. (Wenger to leave the club at the end of next season?)I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein."
"This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything and I will represent myself in this transaction. I feel it is something I just had to do."
"Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there."
"But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin. They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club."
For the full article....
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007281078,00.html
"Arsene has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately and understandably he has said that at this moment he will not commit to the club past the expiration of his current deal which finishes at the end of the coming season. (Wenger to leave the club at the end of next season?)I respect his decision and his honesty but I will be 31 at the end of next season and I cannot take the chance to be there without Arsene Wenger and David Dein."
"This is solely my decision, no-one has forced me to do anything and I will represent myself in this transaction. I feel it is something I just had to do."
"Barcelona are a wonderful club steeped in tradition and play beautiful football. I'm sure I will be very happy there."
"But I will miss the Arsenal fans dearly, they have supported me through thick and thin. They will always be in my heart, as will all the fans who make the game here so special. I will always have a special bond with Arsenal Football Club."
For the full article....
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007281078,00.html
Henry say goodbye to England
As most of the world know right know, Thierry Henry has agreed to move to Barcelona. Both clubs and player has agreed to the move and only medicals and minor formalities has to be carried out and finalised. Yes, finally, it has happened, after months, maybe even years of specultion every summer, Henry has finally call it a day at Arsenal. Arsenal never liked players over the age of 30..hahaha( not really, just a hit at their one year contract policy for player over the age of 30) Henry is going over that magical 30 next season.
Henry will move in a deal expected to be worth 16 million pounds. In my books that is good business for a 29 year old who did not play much football last season. So we cant realy mention anything about his form or his playing level now. At Barca, Henry is set to earn a wage of 130,000 pounds per week. (US$300,000/SG$400,000)
The departure of David Dein and doogedd interest and pursuing done by Joan Laporta has been quoted as the main reason for his departure. Henry has been described to have extremely good relations with David Dein. DAvide Dein's son was Henry's best man during his wedding in 2003. Lack of silverware and progress by the team has also been reported as reasons for his departure.
Henry will move in a deal expected to be worth 16 million pounds. In my books that is good business for a 29 year old who did not play much football last season. So we cant realy mention anything about his form or his playing level now. At Barca, Henry is set to earn a wage of 130,000 pounds per week. (US$300,000/SG$400,000)
The departure of David Dein and doogedd interest and pursuing done by Joan Laporta has been quoted as the main reason for his departure. Henry has been described to have extremely good relations with David Dein. DAvide Dein's son was Henry's best man during his wedding in 2003. Lack of silverware and progress by the team has also been reported as reasons for his departure.
Goal.com: EPL Transfer Update Part 5
SUNDERLAND
In: Greg Halford (Reading, £2.5m).
Out: Kenny Cunningham (released), Tommy Miller (released).
Gossip: Hearts want Miller. Sunderland boss Roy Keane wants Wigan skipper Leighton Baines, valued at £6m by The Latics.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
In: Gareth Bale (Southampton, £5m).
Out:
Gossip: Darren Bent is coming if Spurs are willing to match Charlton's somewhat ambitious asking price of £17m. If Bent arrives, Spurs will apparently listen to offers for Jermain Defoe. Acccording to the Mirror, Bent himself has apparently told Liverpool and Spurs that he will go to the club that gives him the best chance of being an England regular. Mmmm, a tricky one. Meanwhile, Spurs are closing in on France Under-21 defender Younes Kaboul of Auxerre.
WEST HAM UNITED
In: Scott Parker (Newcastle, £7m).
Out:
Gossip: The Hammers are in the race to sign Preston striker David Nugent after missing out on Bent. Eggert's advances have also proved resistible (says the Daily Mail) to Blackburn regarding striker Benni McCarthy - who is also being courted by Chelsea. West Ham have apparently been offered Argentina striker Javier Saviola as a replacement for Carlos Tevez.
WIGAN ATHLETIC
In: Antoine Sibierski (Newcastle, free), Titus Bramble (Newcastle, free), Mario Melchiot (Rennes, free), Andreas Granqvist (Helsingborg, undisclosed).
Out: Matt Jackson (Watford, free), Arjan de Zeeuw (released), David Unsworth (released).
Gossip: Chris Hutchings, warming to this management lark - or at least the shopping side of it - is now willing to splash £5m of Dave Whelan's cash on West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas. Midfielder Josip Skoko (linked with Hajduk Split and Genclerbirligi) has until the end of the month to accept Wigan's offer of a new one-year deal. Wigan will sign Preston keeper Carlo Nash to provide competition for Chris Kirkland.
In: Greg Halford (Reading, £2.5m).
Out: Kenny Cunningham (released), Tommy Miller (released).
Gossip: Hearts want Miller. Sunderland boss Roy Keane wants Wigan skipper Leighton Baines, valued at £6m by The Latics.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
In: Gareth Bale (Southampton, £5m).
Out:
Gossip: Darren Bent is coming if Spurs are willing to match Charlton's somewhat ambitious asking price of £17m. If Bent arrives, Spurs will apparently listen to offers for Jermain Defoe. Acccording to the Mirror, Bent himself has apparently told Liverpool and Spurs that he will go to the club that gives him the best chance of being an England regular. Mmmm, a tricky one. Meanwhile, Spurs are closing in on France Under-21 defender Younes Kaboul of Auxerre.
WEST HAM UNITED
In: Scott Parker (Newcastle, £7m).
Out:
Gossip: The Hammers are in the race to sign Preston striker David Nugent after missing out on Bent. Eggert's advances have also proved resistible (says the Daily Mail) to Blackburn regarding striker Benni McCarthy - who is also being courted by Chelsea. West Ham have apparently been offered Argentina striker Javier Saviola as a replacement for Carlos Tevez.
WIGAN ATHLETIC
In: Antoine Sibierski (Newcastle, free), Titus Bramble (Newcastle, free), Mario Melchiot (Rennes, free), Andreas Granqvist (Helsingborg, undisclosed).
Out: Matt Jackson (Watford, free), Arjan de Zeeuw (released), David Unsworth (released).
Gossip: Chris Hutchings, warming to this management lark - or at least the shopping side of it - is now willing to splash £5m of Dave Whelan's cash on West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas. Midfielder Josip Skoko (linked with Hajduk Split and Genclerbirligi) has until the end of the month to accept Wigan's offer of a new one-year deal. Wigan will sign Preston keeper Carlo Nash to provide competition for Chris Kirkland.
Goal.com: EPL Transfer Update Part 4
MIDDLESBROUGH
In: Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal, £2m), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, £7m).
Out: Mark Viduka (Newcastle, free), Stuart Parnaby (Birmingham, free), Abel Xavier (LA Galaxy, free), Malcolm Christie (released), Danny Graham (released).
Gossip: Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is ready to offer Manchester United striker Alan Smith regular first team football, and is also ready to offer a return to England to ex-Leeds full-back Ian Harte, curently playing in Spain with Levante.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
In: Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, free), Joey Barton (Man City, £5.8m).
Out: Scott Parker (West Ham, £7m), Titus Bramble (released), Antoine Sibierski (Wigan, free), Craig Moore (released), Olivier Bernard (released).
Gossip: Craig Bellamy (Liverpool) to return (unless Alan Shearer has any say in the matter). The Daily Mirror reckons Obafemi Martins has asked manager Sam Allardyce not to cash in and sell him, though in view of recent events in Nigeria that's probably the least of Obafemi's worries. However, Martins reportedly has a £13million get-out clause in his contract, which was a nasty surprise for new boss Sam Allardyce, says The Evening Chronicle, especially as Michael Owen has a similar get-out clause. But the legendary Shearer says Owen will stay, and presumably he should know. So Allardyce may be spared the nightmare of not knowing if his two top strikers will be at the club for the start of next season.The Mirror also claims that the Magpies want Charlton's England defender Luke Young, while the club are poised to complete a £2m move for Czech defender David Rozehnal from PSG. And Newcastle are also keen on Breda's Netherlands Under-21 striker Maceo Rigters, say The Herald.
PORTSMOUTH
In: Sulley Muntari (Udinese, £7m), Sylvain Distin (Manchester City, free), Hermann Hreidarsson (Charlton, free).
Out:
Gossip: Harry Redknapp wants to sign Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute because top scorer Kanu is in talks with Ajax. Middlesbrough have rejected a bid of £10m from Redknapp for Pompey's former striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu.
READING
In: Kalifa Cisse (Boavista, £1m).
Out: Steve Sidwell (Chelsea, free), Greg Halford (Sunderland, £2.5m).
Gossip: Stephen Hunt wants a new, improved contract. But then who doesn't?
In: Jeremie Aliadiere (Arsenal, £2m), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, £7m).
Out: Mark Viduka (Newcastle, free), Stuart Parnaby (Birmingham, free), Abel Xavier (LA Galaxy, free), Malcolm Christie (released), Danny Graham (released).
Gossip: Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is ready to offer Manchester United striker Alan Smith regular first team football, and is also ready to offer a return to England to ex-Leeds full-back Ian Harte, curently playing in Spain with Levante.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
In: Mark Viduka (Middlesbrough, free), Joey Barton (Man City, £5.8m).
Out: Scott Parker (West Ham, £7m), Titus Bramble (released), Antoine Sibierski (Wigan, free), Craig Moore (released), Olivier Bernard (released).
Gossip: Craig Bellamy (Liverpool) to return (unless Alan Shearer has any say in the matter). The Daily Mirror reckons Obafemi Martins has asked manager Sam Allardyce not to cash in and sell him, though in view of recent events in Nigeria that's probably the least of Obafemi's worries. However, Martins reportedly has a £13million get-out clause in his contract, which was a nasty surprise for new boss Sam Allardyce, says The Evening Chronicle, especially as Michael Owen has a similar get-out clause. But the legendary Shearer says Owen will stay, and presumably he should know. So Allardyce may be spared the nightmare of not knowing if his two top strikers will be at the club for the start of next season.The Mirror also claims that the Magpies want Charlton's England defender Luke Young, while the club are poised to complete a £2m move for Czech defender David Rozehnal from PSG. And Newcastle are also keen on Breda's Netherlands Under-21 striker Maceo Rigters, say The Herald.
PORTSMOUTH
In: Sulley Muntari (Udinese, £7m), Sylvain Distin (Manchester City, free), Hermann Hreidarsson (Charlton, free).
Out:
Gossip: Harry Redknapp wants to sign Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute because top scorer Kanu is in talks with Ajax. Middlesbrough have rejected a bid of £10m from Redknapp for Pompey's former striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu.
READING
In: Kalifa Cisse (Boavista, £1m).
Out: Steve Sidwell (Chelsea, free), Greg Halford (Sunderland, £2.5m).
Gossip: Stephen Hunt wants a new, improved contract. But then who doesn't?
Goal.com: EPL Transfer Update Part 3
FULHAM
In:
Out: Claus Jensen (released), Mark Pembridge (released), Tomasz Radzinski (released), Mark Crossley (released).
Gossip: Agreement is apparently "close" on a £5.5m deal for West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara that would see Heidar Helguson head in the opposite direction. Tottenham striker Mido will sample life at Craven Cottage with Spurs keen to offload him. Chelsea could hijack Fulham's move for Ulsan Tigers midfielder Lee Chun-Soo, both clubs being under pressure to sign a Korean star because of their sponsorship deals with firms from Korea.
LIVERPOOL
In: Andrey Voronin (Bayer Leverkusen, free), Kristian Nemeth & Andras Simon (both MTK Hungariam, undisclosed).
Out: Robbie Fowler (released), Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva, £2.7m).
Gossip: You name him, he's probably been linked with Liverpool. The Reds are said to be poised to make a £25m "swoop" for Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, while Rafa apparently wants to beat Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Arsenalto the £15.5m signature of Villarreal striker Diego Forlan. Striker Djibril Cisse is in talks about spending another season on loan with Marseille, but if he can't have another loan spell, Bolton are ready to make a bid, say the Daily Mirror.
MANCHESTER CITY
In:
Out: Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth, free), Trevor Sinclair (released), Stephen Jordan (released), Hatem Trabelsi (released), Joey Barton (Newcastle, £5.8m).
Gossip: It's all about Thaksin and Eriksson at the moment. When that's resolved, expect the ex-Thai PM to open the cheque-book.
MANCHESTER UNITED
In: Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich, £17m); On their way: Nani (Sporting Clube de Lisbon) and Anderson (Porto).
Out:
Gossip: Gabriel Heinze has apparently agreed a "top-secret" £5m move to Real Madrid. How do we know? The Daily Star says so....
In:
Out: Claus Jensen (released), Mark Pembridge (released), Tomasz Radzinski (released), Mark Crossley (released).
Gossip: Agreement is apparently "close" on a £5.5m deal for West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara that would see Heidar Helguson head in the opposite direction. Tottenham striker Mido will sample life at Craven Cottage with Spurs keen to offload him. Chelsea could hijack Fulham's move for Ulsan Tigers midfielder Lee Chun-Soo, both clubs being under pressure to sign a Korean star because of their sponsorship deals with firms from Korea.
LIVERPOOL
In: Andrey Voronin (Bayer Leverkusen, free), Kristian Nemeth & Andras Simon (both MTK Hungariam, undisclosed).
Out: Robbie Fowler (released), Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva, £2.7m).
Gossip: You name him, he's probably been linked with Liverpool. The Reds are said to be poised to make a £25m "swoop" for Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, while Rafa apparently wants to beat Newcastle, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Arsenalto the £15.5m signature of Villarreal striker Diego Forlan. Striker Djibril Cisse is in talks about spending another season on loan with Marseille, but if he can't have another loan spell, Bolton are ready to make a bid, say the Daily Mirror.
MANCHESTER CITY
In:
Out: Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth, free), Trevor Sinclair (released), Stephen Jordan (released), Hatem Trabelsi (released), Joey Barton (Newcastle, £5.8m).
Gossip: It's all about Thaksin and Eriksson at the moment. When that's resolved, expect the ex-Thai PM to open the cheque-book.
MANCHESTER UNITED
In: Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich, £17m); On their way: Nani (Sporting Clube de Lisbon) and Anderson (Porto).
Out:
Gossip: Gabriel Heinze has apparently agreed a "top-secret" £5m move to Real Madrid. How do we know? The Daily Star says so....
Friday 22 June 2007
Chelsea News
Chelsea are eyeing Atletico Madrid defender Jose Ze Castro. The Portugal U21 international is being made available by Atletico this summer.
Aston Villa are monitoring Shaun Wright-Phillips' situation at Chelsea. West Ham and Tottenham are among Premiership rivals also being linked with SWP.
Chelsea and Arsenal are keeping tabs on Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins. The Nigerian's Toon deal has a £13 million buyout.
Jose Mourinho is ready to make his first cash signing this summer with a £4 million bid for Feyenoord wing-back Royston Drenthe.
Barcelona are putting Premiership clubs on alert after it emerged today that offers for Deco will be considered. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all sure to ask Barca to name their price for Deco.
Chelsea have reportedly a deal agreed with Internacional for teenage striker Alexandre Pato. Reports say Chelsea will pay £17 million for the teenager.
Ashley Cole admits Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge deserves a place ahead of him.
"On the form Wayne showed he is in front of me. I think it will be harder for me to get back into the team. I was rubbish last season and played nowhere near the level I can. I will have to fight for my place next season."
Aston Villa are monitoring Shaun Wright-Phillips' situation at Chelsea. West Ham and Tottenham are among Premiership rivals also being linked with SWP.
Chelsea and Arsenal are keeping tabs on Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins. The Nigerian's Toon deal has a £13 million buyout.
Jose Mourinho is ready to make his first cash signing this summer with a £4 million bid for Feyenoord wing-back Royston Drenthe.
Barcelona are putting Premiership clubs on alert after it emerged today that offers for Deco will be considered. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are all sure to ask Barca to name their price for Deco.
Chelsea have reportedly a deal agreed with Internacional for teenage striker Alexandre Pato. Reports say Chelsea will pay £17 million for the teenager.
Ashley Cole admits Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge deserves a place ahead of him.
"On the form Wayne showed he is in front of me. I think it will be harder for me to get back into the team. I was rubbish last season and played nowhere near the level I can. I will have to fight for my place next season."
Man Utd News
Manchester United defender Gaby Heinze is close to signing for Real Madrid.
The Daily Star says Heinze has agreed to move to Real after the Copa America in a deal worth £5 million.
And now for Rio's Corner....
Rio on new signings....
Ferdinand revealed United's players raved about Anderson to boss Fergie after they faced him in a pre-season friendly against Porto last summer.
"He was someone a few of the lads were talking about anyway. I've not seen Nani, the Portuguese kid, play. But a lot of people say he's very similar to Cristiano Ronaldo.
"If he ends up becoming half as good as him, we've got a fantastic player on our hands, so it's exciting. And we all know about Owen Hargreaves. He's a fantastic footballer as well and someone who will add another dimension to our midfield that's already great to play behind."
Rio on the MLS....
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has ruled out following David Beckham in making a move to America.
"He [Beckham] is going out there taking the whole family and he is going to make a real go of it I'm sure and good luck to him and hopefully he does it,"
"A lot of players have gone out there and tried it but it never really happened. But if anyone can at the moment Becks can I am sure."
When asked if he would ever consider a move to America, "No I wouldn't [go to America]. That is no slight on American soccer just from family [point of view] I would not be able to go that far away from my family. I could not see that happening at all, no chance."
The Daily Star says Heinze has agreed to move to Real after the Copa America in a deal worth £5 million.
And now for Rio's Corner....
Rio on new signings....
Ferdinand revealed United's players raved about Anderson to boss Fergie after they faced him in a pre-season friendly against Porto last summer.
"He was someone a few of the lads were talking about anyway. I've not seen Nani, the Portuguese kid, play. But a lot of people say he's very similar to Cristiano Ronaldo.
"If he ends up becoming half as good as him, we've got a fantastic player on our hands, so it's exciting. And we all know about Owen Hargreaves. He's a fantastic footballer as well and someone who will add another dimension to our midfield that's already great to play behind."
Rio on the MLS....
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has ruled out following David Beckham in making a move to America.
"He [Beckham] is going out there taking the whole family and he is going to make a real go of it I'm sure and good luck to him and hopefully he does it,"
"A lot of players have gone out there and tried it but it never really happened. But if anyone can at the moment Becks can I am sure."
When asked if he would ever consider a move to America, "No I wouldn't [go to America]. That is no slight on American soccer just from family [point of view] I would not be able to go that far away from my family. I could not see that happening at all, no chance."
Villa joins the race for Forlan
Aston Villa have joined the race to court Villarreal striker Diego Forlan back to the EPL.
The £15million rated player has already rejected a loan move to Sunderland and also has Liverpool as his potential suitors.
The 28-year-old scored 12 goals in 63 games for the Red Devils before moving to Spain where he averages a goal every two games. (54 goals in 103 games)
Another club erportedly interested in the Uruguayan is Newcastle.
The £15million rated player has already rejected a loan move to Sunderland and also has Liverpool as his potential suitors.
The 28-year-old scored 12 goals in 63 games for the Red Devils before moving to Spain where he averages a goal every two games. (54 goals in 103 games)
Another club erportedly interested in the Uruguayan is Newcastle.
Big Sam making the right sound bytes.
Big Sam is looking to add an experienced central defender alongside Steven Taylor. Great move considering Taylor is their best defender and there is no clear central defensive pairing in Newcastle. A strong central defensive pairing is the basis to make a strong team. So, we say Big Sam is doing well at identifying areas that needs dire improvement. Here was what he had to say,
"I don't want to put too much pressure on Steven Taylor. He has been labelled a hero or saviour by the fans because of his passion for Newcastle United and the commitment in his play,"
"But he is still a raw defender with huge potential and great promise, and while he is not quite there yet, he is still a great asset to this football club. I am looking to bring in central defenders with experience to play alongside Taylor to help him improve."
"It's not for him to be the main man, but we need to bring someone in to talk to him and bring him on and knock one or two rough edges off. Steven Taylor has great potential, and when people talk of him as a future England centre-half, I say, 'Perhaps, yes'."
Goal.com: EPL Transfer Update Part 2
BOLTON WANDERERS
In: Gavin McCann (Aston Villa, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa, free), Gerald Cid (Bordeaux, undisclosed), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zurich, undisclosed), Zoltan Harsanyi (FC Senec, undisclosed).
Out: Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea, free), Henrik Pedersen (released), Quinton Fortune (released), David Thompson (released), Cesar Martin (released).
Gossip: Sammy Lee could lose Finnish keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who appeals to Sunderland and Aston Villa, but would compensate by offering Sheffield United £2m for Paddy Kenny. Nicolas Anelka is keen on any bigger and more glamorous Premership outfit. Ricardo Vaz Te says he wants to leave the Reebok Stadium, allegedly.
CHELSEA
In: Tal Ben Haim (Bolton, free), Claudio Pizarro (Bayern Munich, free), Steve Sidwell (Reading, free), Danny Philliskirk (Oldham, undisclosed).
Out:
Gossip: Alex to pitch up at his 'parent' club from PSV for a nominal one US dollar, which would make him the Blues' most expensive signing so far this summer. Florent Malouda is on a supposed Chelsea wish-list, but then the Lyon man is also a Liverpool target. The Blues apparently failed in an "audacious" swap deal with Lyon involving midfielder Lassana Diarra and winger Malouda, at least according to The Independent. Chelsea are also said to be directing covetous glances in the direction of £4m-rated Feyenoord wing-back Royston Drenthe a star for hosts Holland at the European Under-21 Championship. The Blues want Arsenal target Miguel from Valencia, it's claimed, while Khalid Boulahrouz has been lined up for a £4m move to Sevilla, it seems. Oh, and Andriy Shevchenko is going back o Milan. No he isn't. Yes he is. No he isn't.....Really, he isn't.
DERBY COUNTY
In:
Out: Seth Johnson (released), Paul Peschisolido (released), Morten Bisgaard (released), Paul Boertien (released), Lee Grant (released).
Gossip: Derby boss Billy Davies wants West Ham defender Tyrone Mears for £1m, say The Sun.
EVERTON
In:
Out: Richard Wright (released), Alessandro Pistone (released).
Gossip: The Toffees are in talks to sign Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley, but Swiss midfielder Bruce Lalombongo has turned down a move to Goodison, and Everton are in competition with Celtic for 20-year-old Chateauroux defender Yassin Moutaouakil.
In: Gavin McCann (Aston Villa, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Aston Villa, free), Gerald Cid (Bordeaux, undisclosed), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zurich, undisclosed), Zoltan Harsanyi (FC Senec, undisclosed).
Out: Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea, free), Henrik Pedersen (released), Quinton Fortune (released), David Thompson (released), Cesar Martin (released).
Gossip: Sammy Lee could lose Finnish keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who appeals to Sunderland and Aston Villa, but would compensate by offering Sheffield United £2m for Paddy Kenny. Nicolas Anelka is keen on any bigger and more glamorous Premership outfit. Ricardo Vaz Te says he wants to leave the Reebok Stadium, allegedly.
CHELSEA
In: Tal Ben Haim (Bolton, free), Claudio Pizarro (Bayern Munich, free), Steve Sidwell (Reading, free), Danny Philliskirk (Oldham, undisclosed).
Out:
Gossip: Alex to pitch up at his 'parent' club from PSV for a nominal one US dollar, which would make him the Blues' most expensive signing so far this summer. Florent Malouda is on a supposed Chelsea wish-list, but then the Lyon man is also a Liverpool target. The Blues apparently failed in an "audacious" swap deal with Lyon involving midfielder Lassana Diarra and winger Malouda, at least according to The Independent. Chelsea are also said to be directing covetous glances in the direction of £4m-rated Feyenoord wing-back Royston Drenthe a star for hosts Holland at the European Under-21 Championship. The Blues want Arsenal target Miguel from Valencia, it's claimed, while Khalid Boulahrouz has been lined up for a £4m move to Sevilla, it seems. Oh, and Andriy Shevchenko is going back o Milan. No he isn't. Yes he is. No he isn't.....Really, he isn't.
DERBY COUNTY
In:
Out: Seth Johnson (released), Paul Peschisolido (released), Morten Bisgaard (released), Paul Boertien (released), Lee Grant (released).
Gossip: Derby boss Billy Davies wants West Ham defender Tyrone Mears for £1m, say The Sun.
EVERTON
In:
Out: Richard Wright (released), Alessandro Pistone (released).
Gossip: The Toffees are in talks to sign Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley, but Swiss midfielder Bruce Lalombongo has turned down a move to Goodison, and Everton are in competition with Celtic for 20-year-old Chateauroux defender Yassin Moutaouakil.
Major Transfer Updates from All over Europe
Mirko Vucinic.....Lecce-Roma
Juan.....Leverkeusen-Roma
D. Guthrie.....Liverpool-Bolton(loan)
Tiago.....Lyon-Juventus
Stephen Makinwa.....Palermo-Lazio
F. Quagliarella.....Sampdoria-Udinese
Robert Kovac.....Juventus-Dortmund
Nicola Ventola.....Atalanta-Torino
Jeremie Aliardiere.....Arsenal-Middlesbrough
Vincenzo Grella.....Parma-Torino
Radon Kishishev.....Charlton-Portsmouth
A. Granqvist.....Helsingborgs-Wigan Athletic
Raul García.....Osasuna-Atletico de Madrid
Suazo.....Cagliari-AC Milan
M. Bodmer.....Lille-O. Lyon
Colin Kazim-Richards.....Sheffield Utd-Fenerbahce
Portillo.....Real Madrid-Osasuna
Juan.....Leverkeusen-Roma
D. Guthrie.....Liverpool-Bolton(loan)
Tiago.....Lyon-Juventus
Stephen Makinwa.....Palermo-Lazio
F. Quagliarella.....Sampdoria-Udinese
Robert Kovac.....Juventus-Dortmund
Nicola Ventola.....Atalanta-Torino
Jeremie Aliardiere.....Arsenal-Middlesbrough
Vincenzo Grella.....Parma-Torino
Radon Kishishev.....Charlton-Portsmouth
A. Granqvist.....Helsingborgs-Wigan Athletic
Raul García.....Osasuna-Atletico de Madrid
Suazo.....Cagliari-AC Milan
M. Bodmer.....Lille-O. Lyon
Colin Kazim-Richards.....Sheffield Utd-Fenerbahce
Portillo.....Real Madrid-Osasuna
Euro 2007 Under 21 Championships - Olympic Spot Playoff
The winner of this match gains qualification to the Beijing Olympics.
It is fought between the two third placed teams in the group stages.
Italy vs Portugal
After 120 minutes, the scoreline was still 0-0. As such penalty shootouts were needed once again.
It is fought between the two third placed teams in the group stages.
Italy vs Portugal
After 120 minutes, the scoreline was still 0-0. As such penalty shootouts were needed once again.
AFC Asian Cup Friendlies
Indonesia 2-1 Jamaica
Indonesia 0-1 Singapore
Indonesia 3-0 Hong Kong
UAE 3-1 Malaysia
Malaysia 6-0 Cambodia
Iraq 1-1 Jordan
Iraq 0-0 Iran
Japan 2-0 Serbia
Japan 0-0 Colombia
Holland 2-0 Korea Rep.
Holland 3-1 Thailand
Mexico 4-0 Iran
Kuwait 1-1 Portugal
Kuwait 1-1 Egypt
China 4-1 USA
Indonesia 0-1 Singapore
Indonesia 3-0 Hong Kong
UAE 3-1 Malaysia
Malaysia 6-0 Cambodia
Iraq 1-1 Jordan
Iraq 0-0 Iran
Japan 2-0 Serbia
Japan 0-0 Colombia
Holland 2-0 Korea Rep.
Holland 3-1 Thailand
Mexico 4-0 Iran
Kuwait 1-1 Portugal
Kuwait 1-1 Egypt
China 4-1 USA
Two Al Nejmeh players killed in bomb blast - 14 June
BEIRUT: Two players of AFC Cup quarterfinalists Al Nejmeh of Lebanon were killed in a bomb blast in the capital of Lebanon on Wednesday, killing 10 people.
Defender Hussein Dokmak, 25, and playmaker Hussein Neim, 20, were driving back home after a friendly game through Beirut when the blast ripped through their car. Both were killed on the spot.
"Both players left the stadium after a friendly match in Dokmak’s car and were killed on the spot. Dokmak played for the first team while Neim was promoted in the beginning of the season from the youth to the first team." Al Nejmeh official Asaad Seblini said.
Al Nejmeh were drawn to play Mahindra United of India in the two-legged quarterfinals of the AFC Cup on September 18 and 25.
Defender Hussein Dokmak, 25, and playmaker Hussein Neim, 20, were driving back home after a friendly game through Beirut when the blast ripped through their car. Both were killed on the spot.
"Both players left the stadium after a friendly match in Dokmak’s car and were killed on the spot. Dokmak played for the first team while Neim was promoted in the beginning of the season from the youth to the first team." Al Nejmeh official Asaad Seblini said.
Al Nejmeh were drawn to play Mahindra United of India in the two-legged quarterfinals of the AFC Cup on September 18 and 25.
Asian Watch: AFC Cup Quarter Final Draw
MAHINDRA UNITED (IND) vs NIJMEH (LIB)
TAMPINES ROVERS (SIN) vs AL FAISALY (JOR)
XIANGZUE SUN HEI (HKG) vs AL WIHDAT (JOR)
SHABAB AL ORDUN (JOR) vs SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES FC (SIN)
matches to be played on 18 and 25 September.
TAMPINES ROVERS (SIN) vs AL FAISALY (JOR)
XIANGZUE SUN HEI (HKG) vs AL WIHDAT (JOR)
SHABAB AL ORDUN (JOR) vs SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES FC (SIN)
matches to be played on 18 and 25 September.
Newcastle's Crappy Transfer Policy
Money doesn’t buy you love. What it should buy you though is a decent footballer. If you spend it well.
Newcastle United have been lucky enough to have a decent transfer budget over the years but have managed to spend it on a bigger bunch of flops than you’d see at a junior school diving lesson.
And as Sam Allardyce is the latest manager to dive like Scrooge McDuck into the St James’ Park transfer kitty it might be worth us remembering some of the clowns, clods and cloggers that have disgraced the black and white shirt.....
For the full article
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=333684
Newcastle United have been lucky enough to have a decent transfer budget over the years but have managed to spend it on a bigger bunch of flops than you’d see at a junior school diving lesson.
And as Sam Allardyce is the latest manager to dive like Scrooge McDuck into the St James’ Park transfer kitty it might be worth us remembering some of the clowns, clods and cloggers that have disgraced the black and white shirt.....
For the full article
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=333684
Goal.com: EPL Transfer Update Part 1
ARSENAL
In: Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw, £2m).
Out: Jeremie Aliadiere (Middlesbrough, £2m), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham, undisclosed), Mart Poom (Watford, free), Arturo Lupoli (Fiorentina, free).
Gossip: Thierry Henry to Barcelona on a daily basis. Arsenal "interested" in winger Ryan Babel (Ajax), and in competition with Chelsea for Valencia defender Miguel. Off the pitch, the Gunners are said to be lining up their one-time goalkeeper Nicky Hammond as director of football. Other reports reckon ex-Gunners defender Gilles Grimandi is close to accepting Arsene Wenger's offer to take over David Dein's role.
ASTON VILLA
In:
Out: Gavin McCann (Bolton, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Bolton, free), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls, free), Stephen Henderson (Bristol City, free).
Gossip: Sheffield United among several clubs said to be poised to open talks with unwanted Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie. Hull have slapped a £3m valuation on goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, said to be a Villa target.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Ins: Stuart Parnaby (Middlesbrough, free), Fabrice Muamba (Arsenal, undisclosed).
Outs: Bruno N'Gotty (Leicester, free). [Nicklas Bendtner back to Arsenal after completing a season-long loan]
Gossip: Gary O'Connor is on the way from Lokomotiv Moscow. Failed bids for Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara (West Brom), as well as for West Ham's Marlon Harewood, have left Steve Bruce frustrated. The Blues have dropped their interest in Fulham's Zat Knight, in order to chase Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege. They also want Cardiff winger Joe Ledley. On the selling front, Nottingham Forest apparent want Birmingham midfielder Neil Danns for £500,000.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
In:
Out:
Gossip: Morten Gamst Pedersen is coveted by the Big Four. Rovers must pay £1.4m to Roma for striker Shabani Nonda, who was on loan at Ewood Park last season.
In: Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw, £2m).
Out: Jeremie Aliadiere (Middlesbrough, £2m), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham, undisclosed), Mart Poom (Watford, free), Arturo Lupoli (Fiorentina, free).
Gossip: Thierry Henry to Barcelona on a daily basis. Arsenal "interested" in winger Ryan Babel (Ajax), and in competition with Chelsea for Valencia defender Miguel. Off the pitch, the Gunners are said to be lining up their one-time goalkeeper Nicky Hammond as director of football. Other reports reckon ex-Gunners defender Gilles Grimandi is close to accepting Arsene Wenger's offer to take over David Dein's role.
ASTON VILLA
In:
Out: Gavin McCann (Bolton, £1m), Jlloyd Samuel (Bolton, free), Juan Pablo Angel (New York Red Bulls, free), Stephen Henderson (Bristol City, free).
Gossip: Sheffield United among several clubs said to be poised to open talks with unwanted Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie. Hull have slapped a £3m valuation on goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, said to be a Villa target.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
Ins: Stuart Parnaby (Middlesbrough, free), Fabrice Muamba (Arsenal, undisclosed).
Outs: Bruno N'Gotty (Leicester, free). [Nicklas Bendtner back to Arsenal after completing a season-long loan]
Gossip: Gary O'Connor is on the way from Lokomotiv Moscow. Failed bids for Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara (West Brom), as well as for West Ham's Marlon Harewood, have left Steve Bruce frustrated. The Blues have dropped their interest in Fulham's Zat Knight, in order to chase Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege. They also want Cardiff winger Joe Ledley. On the selling front, Nottingham Forest apparent want Birmingham midfielder Neil Danns for £500,000.
BLACKBURN ROVERS
In:
Out:
Gossip: Morten Gamst Pedersen is coveted by the Big Four. Rovers must pay £1.4m to Roma for striker Shabani Nonda, who was on loan at Ewood Park last season.
Champions League Seedings
Seeding Club Coefficient
1 AC Milan 133.808
2 Barcelona 119.374
3 Liverpool 112.618
4 Inter Milan 107.808
5 Arsenal 104.618
6 Real Madrid 104.374
7 Manchester United 99.618
= Chelsea 99.618
What these seedings mean is that they will be separated in the group stages. They will not be able to be drawn into the same group. As u can see, Chelsea finally made it into the top 8. No more Liverpool-Chelsea group. Bayern's failure to qualify is the main reason for them to get into the top 8. Valencia missed out on the top 8 with 99.374. Other top teams missing out on the top 8 are Lyon and Roma. The top 8 will look to avoid been drawn with them.
1 AC Milan 133.808
2 Barcelona 119.374
3 Liverpool 112.618
4 Inter Milan 107.808
5 Arsenal 104.618
6 Real Madrid 104.374
7 Manchester United 99.618
= Chelsea 99.618
What these seedings mean is that they will be separated in the group stages. They will not be able to be drawn into the same group. As u can see, Chelsea finally made it into the top 8. No more Liverpool-Chelsea group. Bayern's failure to qualify is the main reason for them to get into the top 8. Valencia missed out on the top 8 with 99.374. Other top teams missing out on the top 8 are Lyon and Roma. The top 8 will look to avoid been drawn with them.
Sunday 17 June 2007
Brazil to Invest in India?
Giants of Brailian football, Cruzeiro has held talks on the possibility of setting up an academy in the India. They are eager to reinforce their link with Indian football and want to assist in helping nurture the youth development in the country.
Malaysia Boleh! (Malaysia Can Do It!)
Malaysia U17 international striker Nazrin Baharuddin is courting interest from English clubs.
Baharuddin has already spent time at Wigan Athletic and Manchester City in the last two years and his personal coach, former City star Ken Barnes, believes the youngster will land a Premiership contract later this year.
"He is gifted with great talent and skills, his physique is also big enough to compete with any other player especially from Europe," said Barnes.
Baharuddin has already spent time at Wigan Athletic and Manchester City in the last two years and his personal coach, former City star Ken Barnes, believes the youngster will land a Premiership contract later this year.
"He is gifted with great talent and skills, his physique is also big enough to compete with any other player especially from Europe," said Barnes.
La Liga Preview: Real Madrid - Real Mallorca
Everyone will be paying attention to the crunch match in Madrid tonight as Real Madrid look to win thier first trophy in four years. To get that trophy, they must overcome Real Mallorca in the Santiago Bernabeu.
The four year trophy drought is amazingly, the worst run in the club's history. As such, it is great for Real as thier destiny lies in their own hands and not have to depend on the results of others. A win will guarantee them the title. Anything less than a win, and the advantage will shift to Barca who has a relatively easy last game. 90 minutes separate Real from one of the most memorable title comeback and run of events in the club's history.
The game will also have some emotional goodbyes at the end of it. The reborned Beckham will bid goodbye to Spain after the game as he ply his trade in the US in the coming season. An even more emotional goodbye for the fans would be seeing their long serving Brazilian, ROberto Carlos. The left back has played for more than a decade for Real Madrid. He will join Fenerbahce for the next season.
The game was not excused of any controversies as a club vs country row loomed over the fixture. Brazilian forward Robinho and Malian captain Mahamadou Diarra have been caught in a tug of war between club and country duties. FIFA had to stepped in and surprisingly ruled that the pair are cleared to play for their club. Club over country? Does not sound right to me. It could trigger an avalanche of similar claims by players. (Bentley, Agbonlahor)
Adding more spice to the fixture, Real president Ramón Calderón was criticised for his supposed lap of honour after Los Merengues snatched a nail-biting 2-2 draw at Zaragoza last week. Calderón however, insisted that his actions were misunderstood, and that he simply went down to the Romadera pitch to thank the travelling supporters. Yeah right.
Enough about Real, how about Mallorca? They may not have anything left to play for this season but the prospect of denying Real Madrid a league title at the Santiago Bernabéu should be enough motivation for the players to step up for the match.
If ever there were doubts, numerous Malloraca players have already made public that their allegiance lies with either Barcelona or Sevilla, and they will gladly beat the capital giants so that the title will head elsewhere.
Mallorca's season may be over, but manager Manzano has set a target of a top ten finish. They will be able to achieve that if they win and the two teams above them, Espanyol and Racing Santander, lose or draw. Yes hopeful.
Real Mallorca are sort of a bogey team for Real Madrid. From 2000 to 2004, Real had failed to beat Mallorca on home turf in four consecutive seasons, losing three times and one draw.
Historically, a good omen for Real is that 19 of their 29 league championships have been won infront of the Bernabeu. Tonight they look to make it 20 out of 30.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid
Real six match winning sequence came to an end last week with the draw at Zaragoza, but achieving nine wins out of their last 11 so far is an impressive run. The last five matches, with the exception of the win over Deportivo, have all been close calls with either a comeback or a last minute goal needed to salvage the game and their title dreams.
LAST FIVE:
Jun 09: Zaragoza vs Real Madrid 2-2
May 26: Real Madrid vs Deportivo La Coruña 3-1
May 20: Recreativo Huelva vs Real Madrid 2-3
May 12: Real Madrid vs Espanyol 4-3
May 06: Real Madrid vs Sevilla 3-2
Real Mallorca
Mallorca were enjoying a run of four consecutive wins and one defeat in eight games before slipping in the last three matches, losing twice. They are miserly at the back, conceding just five goals in their last 11 games. And the last time they conceded more than a goal in a game was 12 matchdays ago.
LAST FIVE:
Jun 09: Mallorca vs Sevilla 0-0
May 27: Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca 1-0
May 19: Mallorca vs Valencia 0-1
May 13: Racing Santander vs Mallorca 0-2
May 06: Mallorca vs Osasuna 3-1
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid
Both Robinho and Diarra have been made eligible to play for Real. Ivan Helguera is suspended and fullback Miguel Torres is doubtful. The Italian coach has been experimenting with Michel Salgado and Cicinho to occupy the right back position.
David Beckham and Fernando Gago trained separately from the team for most of the week to recover from niggles, but both are expected to be fully fit for tonight. Cassano, Raul Bravo and Mejia remain the long term injury casualties.
PROBABLE STARTING XI: Casillas - Salgado/Cicinho, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, R. Carlos - Diarra, Emerson/Gago - Beckham, Raul, Robinho - van Nistelrooy
Real Mallorca
Argentine midfielder Ariel Ibagaza is suspended for 10 yellow cards accumulation last week. Serbian Bosko Jankovic, who is the club's joint top scorer, is away representing his country in the U-21 European Championships.
Greek Angelos Basinas will thus deputize to form the defensive midfield with Guillermo Pereyra.
Upfront, Victor should get the nod ahead of Maxi Lopez to play as the lone striker eventhough the Argentine, on loan from Barcelona, is desperate to help his wage-paying employers win the title with a goal or two against Madrid.
PROBABLE STARTING XI: Moya - Hector, Ballesteros, Nunes, Navarro - Varela, Pereyra, Basinas, Arango, Jonas - Victor
KEY PLAYERS
Real Madrid: Ruud van Nistelrooy
The Dutchman's two goals against Zaragoza last week has put him in pole position to sew up the top scorer award. In addition, he's now also chasing Europe's Golden Boot. Another goal will tie his personal best if he makes it eight in a row.
Keep an eye on departing heroes David Beckham and Roberto Carlos as they strut their stuff one final time for Spanish audiences.
Real Mallorca: Juan Arango
The Venezuelan attacking midfielder will be the player to unlock and exploit Madrid's backline. The 27 year old playmaker, aside from having tremendous pace and passing skills, has a keen eye for goal.
Barcelona-backed defenders Sergio Ballesteros and Fernando Navarro will be the other two players acting as the thorn in Madrid's side as they look to blunt and frustrate Real's attackers.
The four year trophy drought is amazingly, the worst run in the club's history. As such, it is great for Real as thier destiny lies in their own hands and not have to depend on the results of others. A win will guarantee them the title. Anything less than a win, and the advantage will shift to Barca who has a relatively easy last game. 90 minutes separate Real from one of the most memorable title comeback and run of events in the club's history.
The game will also have some emotional goodbyes at the end of it. The reborned Beckham will bid goodbye to Spain after the game as he ply his trade in the US in the coming season. An even more emotional goodbye for the fans would be seeing their long serving Brazilian, ROberto Carlos. The left back has played for more than a decade for Real Madrid. He will join Fenerbahce for the next season.
The game was not excused of any controversies as a club vs country row loomed over the fixture. Brazilian forward Robinho and Malian captain Mahamadou Diarra have been caught in a tug of war between club and country duties. FIFA had to stepped in and surprisingly ruled that the pair are cleared to play for their club. Club over country? Does not sound right to me. It could trigger an avalanche of similar claims by players. (Bentley, Agbonlahor)
Adding more spice to the fixture, Real president Ramón Calderón was criticised for his supposed lap of honour after Los Merengues snatched a nail-biting 2-2 draw at Zaragoza last week. Calderón however, insisted that his actions were misunderstood, and that he simply went down to the Romadera pitch to thank the travelling supporters. Yeah right.
Enough about Real, how about Mallorca? They may not have anything left to play for this season but the prospect of denying Real Madrid a league title at the Santiago Bernabéu should be enough motivation for the players to step up for the match.
If ever there were doubts, numerous Malloraca players have already made public that their allegiance lies with either Barcelona or Sevilla, and they will gladly beat the capital giants so that the title will head elsewhere.
Mallorca's season may be over, but manager Manzano has set a target of a top ten finish. They will be able to achieve that if they win and the two teams above them, Espanyol and Racing Santander, lose or draw. Yes hopeful.
Real Mallorca are sort of a bogey team for Real Madrid. From 2000 to 2004, Real had failed to beat Mallorca on home turf in four consecutive seasons, losing three times and one draw.
Historically, a good omen for Real is that 19 of their 29 league championships have been won infront of the Bernabeu. Tonight they look to make it 20 out of 30.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid
Real six match winning sequence came to an end last week with the draw at Zaragoza, but achieving nine wins out of their last 11 so far is an impressive run. The last five matches, with the exception of the win over Deportivo, have all been close calls with either a comeback or a last minute goal needed to salvage the game and their title dreams.
LAST FIVE:
Jun 09: Zaragoza vs Real Madrid 2-2
May 26: Real Madrid vs Deportivo La Coruña 3-1
May 20: Recreativo Huelva vs Real Madrid 2-3
May 12: Real Madrid vs Espanyol 4-3
May 06: Real Madrid vs Sevilla 3-2
Real Mallorca
Mallorca were enjoying a run of four consecutive wins and one defeat in eight games before slipping in the last three matches, losing twice. They are miserly at the back, conceding just five goals in their last 11 games. And the last time they conceded more than a goal in a game was 12 matchdays ago.
LAST FIVE:
Jun 09: Mallorca vs Sevilla 0-0
May 27: Athletic Bilbao vs Mallorca 1-0
May 19: Mallorca vs Valencia 0-1
May 13: Racing Santander vs Mallorca 0-2
May 06: Mallorca vs Osasuna 3-1
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid
Both Robinho and Diarra have been made eligible to play for Real. Ivan Helguera is suspended and fullback Miguel Torres is doubtful. The Italian coach has been experimenting with Michel Salgado and Cicinho to occupy the right back position.
David Beckham and Fernando Gago trained separately from the team for most of the week to recover from niggles, but both are expected to be fully fit for tonight. Cassano, Raul Bravo and Mejia remain the long term injury casualties.
PROBABLE STARTING XI: Casillas - Salgado/Cicinho, Cannavaro, Sergio Ramos, R. Carlos - Diarra, Emerson/Gago - Beckham, Raul, Robinho - van Nistelrooy
Real Mallorca
Argentine midfielder Ariel Ibagaza is suspended for 10 yellow cards accumulation last week. Serbian Bosko Jankovic, who is the club's joint top scorer, is away representing his country in the U-21 European Championships.
Greek Angelos Basinas will thus deputize to form the defensive midfield with Guillermo Pereyra.
Upfront, Victor should get the nod ahead of Maxi Lopez to play as the lone striker eventhough the Argentine, on loan from Barcelona, is desperate to help his wage-paying employers win the title with a goal or two against Madrid.
PROBABLE STARTING XI: Moya - Hector, Ballesteros, Nunes, Navarro - Varela, Pereyra, Basinas, Arango, Jonas - Victor
KEY PLAYERS
Real Madrid: Ruud van Nistelrooy
The Dutchman's two goals against Zaragoza last week has put him in pole position to sew up the top scorer award. In addition, he's now also chasing Europe's Golden Boot. Another goal will tie his personal best if he makes it eight in a row.
Keep an eye on departing heroes David Beckham and Roberto Carlos as they strut their stuff one final time for Spanish audiences.
Real Mallorca: Juan Arango
The Venezuelan attacking midfielder will be the player to unlock and exploit Madrid's backline. The 27 year old playmaker, aside from having tremendous pace and passing skills, has a keen eye for goal.
Barcelona-backed defenders Sergio Ballesteros and Fernando Navarro will be the other two players acting as the thorn in Madrid's side as they look to blunt and frustrate Real's attackers.
Euro 2007 Under 21 Championships Group A Finale
Portugal vs Israel
Belgium vs Netherlands
still searching for video...but the final scoreline was 2-2.
Despite the mauling of Israel, Portugal did not qualify for the semi finals because they needed Belgium to lose. Belgium and Netherlands go through.
Teams Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Netherlands 3 2 1 0 5 3 7
Belgium 3 1 2 0 3 2 5
Portugal 3 1 1 1 5 2 4
Israel 3 0 0 3 0 6 0
Belgium vs Netherlands
still searching for video...but the final scoreline was 2-2.
Despite the mauling of Israel, Portugal did not qualify for the semi finals because they needed Belgium to lose. Belgium and Netherlands go through.
Teams Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Netherlands 3 2 1 0 5 3 7
Belgium 3 1 2 0 3 2 5
Portugal 3 1 1 1 5 2 4
Israel 3 0 0 3 0 6 0
Gold Cup Quarter Finals
USA vs Panama
Canada vs Guatemala
As such, the 1st semifinal will see USA play against Canada on 21.06.2007.
Canada vs Guatemala
As such, the 1st semifinal will see USA play against Canada on 21.06.2007.
How to Improve Weaker Foot
Repetition and visualization are the two main methods which could improve your weak foot. If you are willing to go out yourself and do drills, that's great. Get as many repetitions as you can (don't worry about placement) of these three basic kicks: instep drive, push pass and inside curve. Remember that the left foot is also used for dribbling and ball control.
If you don't have the desire or chance to work on technique individually, I would recommend that you incorporate your weak foot as much as you can during practice. As you get more and more comfortable, you will eventually be able to employ it at games and important situations.
Visualization is a far less known method of developing your weak foot that can literally be done without lifting a finger. Whenever you find yourself daydreaming, think about the particular technique you want to improve. Try to recreate it in slow motion and break it down into steps. If you would like for example to improve your left instep drive, envision yourself slowly approaching the ball, retrieving your foot, striking through the ball and following through. For some reason visualization is often ignored.
from expertfootball.com
If you don't have the desire or chance to work on technique individually, I would recommend that you incorporate your weak foot as much as you can during practice. As you get more and more comfortable, you will eventually be able to employ it at games and important situations.
Visualization is a far less known method of developing your weak foot that can literally be done without lifting a finger. Whenever you find yourself daydreaming, think about the particular technique you want to improve. Try to recreate it in slow motion and break it down into steps. If you would like for example to improve your left instep drive, envision yourself slowly approaching the ball, retrieving your foot, striking through the ball and following through. For some reason visualization is often ignored.
from expertfootball.com
The Throw In
Sunday soccer on the field. Your team gets a throw in. You picked up the ball and throw it to your midfiPPPRRRREEEETTTTTT!!!!!!!. The referee blew for a foul throw and you go...what?.....well heres the rulebook on taking proper throw ins.
During the action of the throw.
1. the player must face the field of play.
2. player must have a part of each foot either on the touchline or area outside the touchline.
3. both hands must be used during the act of throwing.
4. the ball must move from behind and over the head.
Hope that clears any doubts. But check this out anyways.
During the action of the throw.
1. the player must face the field of play.
2. player must have a part of each foot either on the touchline or area outside the touchline.
3. both hands must be used during the act of throwing.
4. the ball must move from behind and over the head.
Hope that clears any doubts. But check this out anyways.
Weekend Wonderkids
Introducing Jean Carlos Chera. He is a 12 year old Brazilian and currently is playing for Santos. It was reported that Santos edged out Man Utd for his services.
Wenger - Eto'o meeting?
It has been revealed that Wenger had flown to Africa two weeks ago to hold talks with Eto'o. To make things more exciting, Eto'o was excited to have the opportunity to play for Arsenal in England.
An over the moon Wenger went back home and informed his board. then SMACK!!! He was told Arsenal couldnt afford the Cameroonian striker.
This was because Barca will not part with Eto'o, 26, unless they receive an offer in the region of £25million.
An over the moon Wenger went back home and informed his board. then SMACK!!! He was told Arsenal couldnt afford the Cameroonian striker.
This was because Barca will not part with Eto'o, 26, unless they receive an offer in the region of £25million.
Arsenal News
Arsenal have agreed on a £2 million fee with Haugesund for 16 year old defender Havard Nordtviedt.
The Times says Arsenal have offered about £6million for Auxerre defender Bakari Sagna. He was named the players' player of the year in his position in France last season.
Arsenal have made their former striker Danny Karbassiyoon the club's chief scout for North America.
Wigan Athletic are interested in Arsenal defender Joe O'Cearuill.
Ajax winger Ryan Babel has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal. "If I get the chance one day to train with Arsene Wenger it would be a dream. From when I was young I supported Arsenal. I liked the style, the ambience, how they show themselves on the field - everything."
The Times says Arsenal have offered about £6million for Auxerre defender Bakari Sagna. He was named the players' player of the year in his position in France last season.
Arsenal have made their former striker Danny Karbassiyoon the club's chief scout for North America.
Wigan Athletic are interested in Arsenal defender Joe O'Cearuill.
Ajax winger Ryan Babel has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal. "If I get the chance one day to train with Arsene Wenger it would be a dream. From when I was young I supported Arsenal. I liked the style, the ambience, how they show themselves on the field - everything."
Liverpool News
West Ham United are expected to move for Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy after failing in their bid to sign Darren Bent.
Real Betis, Real Madrid and Benfica are all interested in Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.
Liverpool target Yossi Benayoun has handed in a transfer request at West Ham United.
Roy Keane of Sunderland is tracking Scott Carson of Liverpool.
Liverpool young defender Danny O Donnell has signed for Crewe on a 3 year deal.
Liverpool and Spurs are back in for Darren Bent after he rejected West Ham.
Marseille wants to save Cisse from Liverpool for a fee of around 6 million pounds.
Mohammad Sissoko is being watched by Fiorentina.
Liverpool is set to sign Ben Robinson, a 14 year old goalkeeper from Stockport.
Real Betis, Real Madrid and Benfica are all interested in Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.
Liverpool target Yossi Benayoun has handed in a transfer request at West Ham United.
Roy Keane of Sunderland is tracking Scott Carson of Liverpool.
Liverpool young defender Danny O Donnell has signed for Crewe on a 3 year deal.
Liverpool and Spurs are back in for Darren Bent after he rejected West Ham.
Marseille wants to save Cisse from Liverpool for a fee of around 6 million pounds.
Mohammad Sissoko is being watched by Fiorentina.
Liverpool is set to sign Ben Robinson, a 14 year old goalkeeper from Stockport.
Chelsea News
New Chelsea signing Talal Ben Haim has said, "It is a dream come true as Chelsea are the biggest club in the world. It was hard to turn down Newcastle because Sam Allardyce helped me take my first steps in English football, which I will never forget."
Inter is the latest to come swooping in for Frank Lampard. This comes after Juve has been put off by the 17 million pounds price tag on Lampard. Moratti, Inter's president wants to pair up Lampard and Vieira in the middle of his midfield.
Another president, Silvio Berlusconi of AC Milan has come and said...."I like Eto'o, he is young, but I am a romantic and I prefer Shevchenko. The last time I spoke to Galliani(vice president of AC), which was a couple of days ago, the probability of Shevchenko returning to Milan was 80%. Had that percentage gone down, I'm sure Galliani would have told me."
"Sheva has a great desire to return. There are no obstacles linked to his salary because he would be winning a similar fee as that of our top players. We will have to negotiate his transfer with Chelsea, each club looks at their own interests.
"I really believe Shevchenko would be an ideal player to complete our attacking line. I consider Sheva as my son. I have experienced important moments with his family, such as his father's heart operation and the birth of his son, who I'm a godfather to. Andriy is still young, he's got so many years of his career ahead of him."
Chelsea will send their Serbian youngster Slobodan Rajkovic on-loan at Dutch sister club PSV Eindhoven next season. Chelsea signed the 18 year-old from OFK Belgrade two years ago and have sent him out on loan at his former club.
Manchester United and Chelsea are expected to battle it out for Barcelona 16 year old Israeli whizkid Gay Assulin.
West Ham United are planning a £12 million bid for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reiteratas that his relationship with club owner Roman Abramovich is okay. Mourinho, speaking during a charity tour in Ghana, "We work together on the same mission and on the same course. I have to respect him, he's the boss." Asked by local journalists if he would phone Abramovich to see how his day was going, Jose added: "Would you phone the president of Ghana?"
Charlton Athletic are interested in Chelsea striker Ben Sahar.
Inter is the latest to come swooping in for Frank Lampard. This comes after Juve has been put off by the 17 million pounds price tag on Lampard. Moratti, Inter's president wants to pair up Lampard and Vieira in the middle of his midfield.
Another president, Silvio Berlusconi of AC Milan has come and said...."I like Eto'o, he is young, but I am a romantic and I prefer Shevchenko. The last time I spoke to Galliani(vice president of AC), which was a couple of days ago, the probability of Shevchenko returning to Milan was 80%. Had that percentage gone down, I'm sure Galliani would have told me."
"Sheva has a great desire to return. There are no obstacles linked to his salary because he would be winning a similar fee as that of our top players. We will have to negotiate his transfer with Chelsea, each club looks at their own interests.
"I really believe Shevchenko would be an ideal player to complete our attacking line. I consider Sheva as my son. I have experienced important moments with his family, such as his father's heart operation and the birth of his son, who I'm a godfather to. Andriy is still young, he's got so many years of his career ahead of him."
Chelsea will send their Serbian youngster Slobodan Rajkovic on-loan at Dutch sister club PSV Eindhoven next season. Chelsea signed the 18 year-old from OFK Belgrade two years ago and have sent him out on loan at his former club.
Manchester United and Chelsea are expected to battle it out for Barcelona 16 year old Israeli whizkid Gay Assulin.
West Ham United are planning a £12 million bid for Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho reiteratas that his relationship with club owner Roman Abramovich is okay. Mourinho, speaking during a charity tour in Ghana, "We work together on the same mission and on the same course. I have to respect him, he's the boss." Asked by local journalists if he would phone Abramovich to see how his day was going, Jose added: "Would you phone the president of Ghana?"
Charlton Athletic are interested in Chelsea striker Ben Sahar.
Man Utd News
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is keeping tabs on Alan Smith's situation at Manchester United.
Fabio Quagliarella's agent has revealed Manchester United made an offer for the Sampdoria striker last season. "One month ago, Manchester United made a £10million offer," claimed Quagliarella's agent, Silvio Pagliari.
Spanish club Real Zaragoza is set to offer 7 million pounds for Man Ut'd promising central defender Gerard Pique.
Nani and Anderson are set to go trhough what Cristiano Ronaldo went through under fitness coach Walter Di Salvo. The duo is set to be prepared for the physical nature of the Premiership and will need to build their frames up. The duo will undergo intensive routines in the gym and pool. This is in addition to preseason training with the suas. Psychologists has also been assigned to them to help them adapt to life in England.
Fabio Quagliarella's agent has revealed Manchester United made an offer for the Sampdoria striker last season. "One month ago, Manchester United made a £10million offer," claimed Quagliarella's agent, Silvio Pagliari.
Spanish club Real Zaragoza is set to offer 7 million pounds for Man Ut'd promising central defender Gerard Pique.
Nani and Anderson are set to go trhough what Cristiano Ronaldo went through under fitness coach Walter Di Salvo. The duo is set to be prepared for the physical nature of the Premiership and will need to build their frames up. The duo will undergo intensive routines in the gym and pool. This is in addition to preseason training with the suas. Psychologists has also been assigned to them to help them adapt to life in England.
Thursday 14 June 2007
Copa Libertadores First Leg: Boca Juniors vs Gremio
The return leg will be played on 20 june in Brazil.
Gold Cup Quarter Finals are set
The group stage of the 2007 Gold Cup completed play on Wednesday. In Group C, Honduras thumped Cuba 5-0, while Mexico battled to earn a 1-0 win over Panama.
The quarter finals:
Saturday
Canada v. Guatemala
USA v. Panama
Sunday
Mexico v. Costa Rica
Honduras v. Guadeloupe
The semifinals are scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 21.
The final is on Sunday, June 24.
The quarter finals:
Saturday
Canada v. Guatemala
USA v. Panama
Sunday
Mexico v. Costa Rica
Honduras v. Guadeloupe
The semifinals are scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 21.
The final is on Sunday, June 24.
Asian Champions League Quarter Final Draw
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors(S.Korea) vs Urawa Reds(Japan)
Seongnam Ilwha Chunma(S.Korea) vs Al Karam(Syria)
Sepahan(Iran) vs Kawasaki Frontale(Japan)
Al Wahda(UAE) vs Al Hilal(Saudi)
The games are two-legged affairs and will take place on September 19 and 26.
Seongnam Ilwha Chunma(S.Korea) vs Al Karam(Syria)
Sepahan(Iran) vs Kawasaki Frontale(Japan)
Al Wahda(UAE) vs Al Hilal(Saudi)
The games are two-legged affairs and will take place on September 19 and 26.
European Under 21 Championships: Netherlands vs Portugal
We managed to watch the match through the internet. After the Dutch got their lead through Ryan Babel's penalty in the first half, they changed their tactic to a more counter attacking approach. Portugal got more possession as the hosts sat back. But despite their majority of possession, the Portuguese did not use it effectively. Credit to be given to the Dutch defence as the Portuguese where restricted to ambitious long range attempts - none went close by the way.
In the 75th minute, the Dutch got their 2nd goal through a counter attack. Babel laid the ball back to the impressive Drenthe who showed a burst of pace to get to the byline and cross from the left for Rigters to slot in from close range. Poor and static defending by the Portuguese as Rigters was unmarked when he received the ball to slot home.
Portugal did make it an interesting last 10 mins when Miguel Veloso gets them right back in the match with a stunning free-kick, curled over the wall from over 20 metres into the top-corner of Vermeer's net. Unfortunately, the Dutch defence was not under immense pressure from the Portugal attack in the last minutes. Netherlands held on with ease and booked their place into the semi finals.
Royston Drenthe
He was easily the best player on the park yesterday night. The winger was a constant threat for the Portuguese fullbacks. His change of speed and quick change of directions allowed him to get past the defenders on many occasions. He plays his football for Feyernoord.
Ryan Babel
He is seen as the leader of this Dutch pack. Unfortunately in this game, he was quite isolated at the front. Nonetheless, he showed his ability to hold up the ball and also to get past players. Some Arsenal fans say he could be next Henry. From what we saw, he got a long way to go. He is an Ajax player....for now.
Joao Moutinho
The creative midfielder was subdued by the Dutch. He did show his positional awareness and does a lot of movement on the pitch. He currently plays for Sporting Lisbon.
Nani
All eyes were on him. At least ours was. He played on the right wing and to be honest, we were rather disappointed. One thing for sure, at the age, Cristiano Ronaldo was a much better and effective player. Nani does not possess the pace of Ronaldo and we did not see any impressive skills on the ball. One thing that stood out from the game is his ability to cross the ball. When he whipped the ball in, it looked very dangerous and more often than not, finds his target. So that's a consolation from the game. He was very consistent though....at disputing every referees decision made against him.
European Under 21 Championships: Israel vs Belgium
With that win, Belgium goes to 2nd in the group with 4 points. Israel are out of the running for the semi finals after not picking up any points so in their first two matches.
Fifa World Rankings - June 2007
Ranking...Team.....Pts ....+/- Ranking
..................Jun 07.....May 07
1...Italy.....1653...0
2...France.....1585...2
3...Brazil.....1484...-1
4...Germany.....1467...1
5...Argentina.....1373...-2
6...Portugal.....1323...1
7...Spain.....1273...2
8...England.....1240...0
9...Netherlands.....1220...-3
10...Czech Republic.....1096...0
11...Croatia.....1080...1
12...Romania.....1068...3
13...Ukraine.....1044...-2
14...Cameroon.....1019...-1
15...Greece.....1011...1
16...USA.....978...13
17...Sweden.....957...5
18...Poland.....933...0
19...Ghana.....917...9
20...Ivory Coast.....906...5
AFC
Ranking Zonal Ranking Team
40 1 Japan
47 2 Iran
48 3 Australia
51 4 Korea Republic
58 5 Uzbekistan
62 6 Saudi Arabia
74 7 Oman
76 8 China PR
84 9 Iraq
85 10 Qatar
87 11 Jordan
93 12 Kuwait
94 13 United Arab Emirates
100 14 Bahrain
114 15 Syria
115 16 Hong Kong
122 17 Thailand
131 18 Singapore
135 19 Lebanon
136 20 Korea DPR
..................Jun 07.....May 07
1...Italy.....1653...0
2...France.....1585...2
3...Brazil.....1484...-1
4...Germany.....1467...1
5...Argentina.....1373...-2
6...Portugal.....1323...1
7...Spain.....1273...2
8...England.....1240...0
9...Netherlands.....1220...-3
10...Czech Republic.....1096...0
11...Croatia.....1080...1
12...Romania.....1068...3
13...Ukraine.....1044...-2
14...Cameroon.....1019...-1
15...Greece.....1011...1
16...USA.....978...13
17...Sweden.....957...5
18...Poland.....933...0
19...Ghana.....917...9
20...Ivory Coast.....906...5
AFC
Ranking Zonal Ranking Team
40 1 Japan
47 2 Iran
48 3 Australia
51 4 Korea Republic
58 5 Uzbekistan
62 6 Saudi Arabia
74 7 Oman
76 8 China PR
84 9 Iraq
85 10 Qatar
87 11 Jordan
93 12 Kuwait
94 13 United Arab Emirates
100 14 Bahrain
114 15 Syria
115 16 Hong Kong
122 17 Thailand
131 18 Singapore
135 19 Lebanon
136 20 Korea DPR
Copa Libertadores Final First Leg Preview: Boca Juniors - Gremio
Wednesday, 13th of June 2007
Venue: La Bombonera Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)
BOCA JUNIORS
Boca’s squad is the envy of every single team that has participated in the Copa Libertadores. Their overall depth is outstanding at least, particularly because they can call on any of their substitutes to get the job done. Gremio should take them very seriously, particularly at the Bombonera, a stadium that Boca rarely lose at.
When you take into consideration that they count on attacking players of the caliber of Martin Palermo, Rodrigo Palacio, and Juan Roman Riquelme you can be sure that Boca will give a headache to any defense.
Boca come into this vital clash after a 1-0 victory over Belgrano de Cordoba on the weekend, playing with practically a reserve side. After San Lorenzo’s Clausura coronation on Sunday Boca know that the Copa Libertadores is their only chance.
HOME RECORD
Boca are one of the most difficult sides to play against when at home, and they are undefeated in Argentina in the Copa Libertadores this year. They have defeated Cienciano, Toluca, Bolivar, Velez Sarsfield, and Toluca, and drew with Libertad before clinching the series with a 2-0 victory in Asuncion. Gremio have been poor on the road, but proved they can score away from home after taking the lead in the semi final second leg at Santos.
LAST FIVE
Semi Finals: Cucuta Deportivo 3-0
Semi Finals: Cucuta Deportivo 1-3
Quarter Finals: Libertad 2-0
Quarter Finals: Libertad 1-1
Round of Sixteen: Velez Sarsfield 1-3
PROBABLE STARTING XL
BOCA JUNIORS: Mauricio Caranta, Hugo Ibarra, Claudio Morel, Clemente Rodriguez, Pablo Ledesma, Ever Banega, Nery Cardozo, Juan Roman Riquelme, Rodrigo Palacio and Martin Palermo. Manager: Miguel Angel Russo.
KEY PLAYER
Juan Roman Riquelme
Boca’s creative genius has been in outstanding form in the Copa Libertadores, and put Boca ahead against Cucuta with a sensational swerving free-kick. He has been the key ingredient of a Boca team that has grown immensely throughout the competition. If Boca wins the competition, there’s no way anyone will be able to beat Riquelme to the MVP award.
GREMIO
Gremio might not have the popularity of a team like Boca, but over the years they have proven why they are so well respected in Brazil. With two Copa Libertadores’ to their name (1983 & 1995) Gremio have shown that football in Porto Alegre is as good as anywhere in Brazil, even though they tend to use different styles of play when compared to the traditional Brazilian conventions. Their most famous superstar was Ronaldinho, and you can be sure he will be cheering on his former club on Wednesday night.
POOR AWAY RECORD
Gremio have proven that they are a tough nut to crack, but this isn’t the case when you take their away record into consideration. Since their 1-0 victory over Cerro Porteno in February they have lost all their away matches, with five losses in total.
To be a Copa Libertadores finalist this is a startling statistic, but what should be taken into account is their fine home record, with five victories from six matches, eight goals in favour and none against! Meaning Boca must make the most of their home leg, because it could get tight in Porto Alegre.
KEY PLAYER
Tcheco
The experienced midfielder is seen as Gremio’s main inspiration, and he has proven that although he lacks pace he makes up for this with superb skill and intelligence. Gremio’s strikers Tuta and Carlos Eduardo rely on his assists for their goal-scoring opportunities, and they have really come to understand each other in this Copa Libertadores. Tcheco will definitely be Gremio’s key distributer in the midfield at the Bombonera, and is likely to be closely marked by Ever Banega, a player that doesn’t like to be outwitted by classy playmakers.
LAST FIVE
Semi Finals: Santos 1-3
Semi Finals: Santos 2-0
Quarter Finals: Defensor 2-0 (won 4-2 on penalty kicks)
Quarter Finals: Defensor 0-2
Round of Sixteen: Sao Paulo 2-0
PROBABLE STARTING XL
Sebastian Saja, William, Teco, Patricio, Lucio, Sandro, Diego Gavilan, Diego Souza, Tcheco, Tuta, Carlos Eduardo. Manager: Mano Menezes.
From goal.com
Venue: La Bombonera Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)
BOCA JUNIORS
Boca’s squad is the envy of every single team that has participated in the Copa Libertadores. Their overall depth is outstanding at least, particularly because they can call on any of their substitutes to get the job done. Gremio should take them very seriously, particularly at the Bombonera, a stadium that Boca rarely lose at.
When you take into consideration that they count on attacking players of the caliber of Martin Palermo, Rodrigo Palacio, and Juan Roman Riquelme you can be sure that Boca will give a headache to any defense.
Boca come into this vital clash after a 1-0 victory over Belgrano de Cordoba on the weekend, playing with practically a reserve side. After San Lorenzo’s Clausura coronation on Sunday Boca know that the Copa Libertadores is their only chance.
HOME RECORD
Boca are one of the most difficult sides to play against when at home, and they are undefeated in Argentina in the Copa Libertadores this year. They have defeated Cienciano, Toluca, Bolivar, Velez Sarsfield, and Toluca, and drew with Libertad before clinching the series with a 2-0 victory in Asuncion. Gremio have been poor on the road, but proved they can score away from home after taking the lead in the semi final second leg at Santos.
LAST FIVE
Semi Finals: Cucuta Deportivo 3-0
Semi Finals: Cucuta Deportivo 1-3
Quarter Finals: Libertad 2-0
Quarter Finals: Libertad 1-1
Round of Sixteen: Velez Sarsfield 1-3
PROBABLE STARTING XL
BOCA JUNIORS: Mauricio Caranta, Hugo Ibarra, Claudio Morel, Clemente Rodriguez, Pablo Ledesma, Ever Banega, Nery Cardozo, Juan Roman Riquelme, Rodrigo Palacio and Martin Palermo. Manager: Miguel Angel Russo.
KEY PLAYER
Juan Roman Riquelme
Boca’s creative genius has been in outstanding form in the Copa Libertadores, and put Boca ahead against Cucuta with a sensational swerving free-kick. He has been the key ingredient of a Boca team that has grown immensely throughout the competition. If Boca wins the competition, there’s no way anyone will be able to beat Riquelme to the MVP award.
GREMIO
Gremio might not have the popularity of a team like Boca, but over the years they have proven why they are so well respected in Brazil. With two Copa Libertadores’ to their name (1983 & 1995) Gremio have shown that football in Porto Alegre is as good as anywhere in Brazil, even though they tend to use different styles of play when compared to the traditional Brazilian conventions. Their most famous superstar was Ronaldinho, and you can be sure he will be cheering on his former club on Wednesday night.
POOR AWAY RECORD
Gremio have proven that they are a tough nut to crack, but this isn’t the case when you take their away record into consideration. Since their 1-0 victory over Cerro Porteno in February they have lost all their away matches, with five losses in total.
To be a Copa Libertadores finalist this is a startling statistic, but what should be taken into account is their fine home record, with five victories from six matches, eight goals in favour and none against! Meaning Boca must make the most of their home leg, because it could get tight in Porto Alegre.
KEY PLAYER
Tcheco
The experienced midfielder is seen as Gremio’s main inspiration, and he has proven that although he lacks pace he makes up for this with superb skill and intelligence. Gremio’s strikers Tuta and Carlos Eduardo rely on his assists for their goal-scoring opportunities, and they have really come to understand each other in this Copa Libertadores. Tcheco will definitely be Gremio’s key distributer in the midfield at the Bombonera, and is likely to be closely marked by Ever Banega, a player that doesn’t like to be outwitted by classy playmakers.
LAST FIVE
Semi Finals: Santos 1-3
Semi Finals: Santos 2-0
Quarter Finals: Defensor 2-0 (won 4-2 on penalty kicks)
Quarter Finals: Defensor 0-2
Round of Sixteen: Sao Paulo 2-0
PROBABLE STARTING XL
Sebastian Saja, William, Teco, Patricio, Lucio, Sandro, Diego Gavilan, Diego Souza, Tcheco, Tuta, Carlos Eduardo. Manager: Mano Menezes.
From goal.com
Asian Watch: Mahdavikia moves to Frankfurt
Iranian Mehdi Mahdavikia has signed for German club Eintracht Frankfurt on a Bosman.
The former Hamburg winger was out of contract and has agreed terms on a three-year deal with Eintracht Frankfurt. The German club has already signed another Asian star, Japan's Junichi Inamoto, in the past week. Mahdavikia chose to remain in the Bundesliga despite interest from Spain's Real Mallorca and Deportivo La Coruna.
Personal information
Full name: Mehdi Mahdavikia
Date of birth: 24-07-1977 (age 29)
Place of birth: Tehran, Iran
Height: 1.72 m
Playing position: Right Wing Midfielder
Club information
Youth clubs
1991...Bank Melli F.C.
Senior clubs
Years Club App (Gls)*
1991-1995...Bank Melli F.C.
1995-1998...Persepolis F.C.
1998-1999...VfL Bochum...12 (3)
1999-2007...Hamburger SV...211 (26)
2007- Eintracht Frankfurt
National team
1996-...Iran...97 (12)
Hamburg Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004 by the fans and also top assister of goals in the Bundesliga in 2004.
Mehdi Mahdavikia's strongest points are his vision, passing skills, fast paced runs, and set-pieces such as corners, spotkicks and free kicks.
His nickname in Hamburg is The Carpet for his ability to "magically glide past" his opponents like the popular Iranian tapestry.
He was awarded Asian Young Footballer of the Year in 1997.
Mehdi Mahdavikia was considered Iran's best player in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and was named in the list from which the team of the tournament was chosen.
In 2003, he was awarded Asian Player of the Year.
He was also the top assister in the 2004 Asian Cup.
Awards and Honours
Individual
HSV Player of the Year, 2002/03 and 2003/04
Asian Footballer of the Year, 2003
Won the Golden Boot award with Bank Melli F.C, 1995
Chosen as the best offensive winger of the Bundesliga in the 2002/03 season by Kicker
Team
With the Iran national football team
FIFA World Cup
Appearances and Goals: 1998 (1), 2006
AFC Asian Cup Appearances: 2000 (Quarter Finals) , 2004 (Third Place)
With Hamburger SV
German League Cup: 2003
UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2005
With Persepolis F.C.
Iranian Premier League champion: 1995/1996, 1996/1997,1998/1999
Personal life
Mahdavikia is married to Sepideh and has a daughter, Asal.
In April 2006, Mahdavikia caused a stir when it came out he married a second wife named Samira while being in his native Iran, thus practising bigamy. He himself has stated that he made a "big mistake", was "lured into a trap" and ended the affair after a short while. As of May 2006, Mahdavikia plans to prosecute Samira for slander.
Mahdavikia's brother, Hadi currently plays for Saipa F.C. and his nephew, Mostafa plays for Fajr Sepasi both in Iran's Premier Football League.
Famous matches
Mehdi's most prolific club match was Hamburger SV's match against Juventus in the Champions League. He was the impetus that rallied Hamburg back after being down 3-1 by scoring once, assisting one and winning a penalty for Hamburg that saw Hamburg take a 4-3 lead; Juve managed to equalise with an Inzaghi penalty. Mehdi's greatest national team match, arguably, was against South Korea in the 2004 Asia Cup where he assisted three goals in Iran's 4-3 win. Many also point to his dynamic game against the United States in World Cup 1998 that saw him score Iran's second and winning goal, as his best ever.
Mehdi Mahdavikia is a candidate for the greatest Iranian player of all time because of his impressive longevity while playing top-flight football, and regular contributions to both his club and national team.
Wednesday 13 June 2007
29 Signs That It Is The Summer
1) Thierry Henry is off to Barcelona.
2) You keep checking the internet to see if you've signed someone. You just did it now.
3) And again.
4) Thierry Henry is off to Real Madrid now.
5) ManYoo release a new kit.
6) Football pundits find themselves shoehorned into covering other sports.
7) As do football journalists. Quick, look busy.
8) Someone English is cheered all the way to the fourth round of Wimbledon
9) You end up knowing the names of half the footballers' agents in the Premier League.
10) Old pros are forced to play football as satellite TV desperately scrabbles around for material.
1) Spurs target a top-four finish.
12) Golf seems interesting.
13) Everyone gets excited waiting for the fixture list.
14) Everyone gets excited waiting for the fixture list. Ooh, we play every team twice! Once home and once away! I can't wait!
15) You try to convince yourself that the awful player linked with your club has just been misunderstood in the past.
16) And as for those players you've never heard of, well, best check their stats on Football Manager. That'll work.
17) Fernando Torres is linked with a move to the Premiership. (Note: In previous years, this role was regularly filled by Benni McCarthy).
18) You tell yourself staying up all night to watch the Copa America and MLS is normal.
19) It's Liverpool's year.
20) You suddenly realise you've got a wife and kids and that you haven't spoken to them for nine months. And they hate you.
21) You contemplate seeing if you can find your old Subbuteo set in the loft.
22) You persuade your family this year's holiday should be in Norway just so you can watch live football. Brann are top, you know, and Odd Grenland have only won once. Fascinating.
23) You persuade yourself the Intertoto Cup is really great.
24) You find yourself travelling 100 miles on a bus to watch the youth team's reserves playing a pre-season friendly.
25) You realise it's 3pm on a Saturday afternoon and you're holding your missus' bags in Top Shop. And even though she's trying to talk to you, all you're thinking is 'Ooh, I remember when Top Man used to sponsor Leeds'.
26) You love being top four or hate being in the relegation zone. Even though the league is entirely alphabetical.
27) You breathe a sigh of relief when you realise pre-season friendlies start in the first week of July. Because watching your out-of-shape side play Stevenage is just great, isn't it?
28) Newcastle sign 15 players. Only one of them is a defender.
29) You start to work out how many players it would take for your side to break into the Big Four. Then you think how great it would be if you somehow won your first ten games and managed to stay ahead of the rest and be in with a shout of the league.
from football365.com
2) You keep checking the internet to see if you've signed someone. You just did it now.
3) And again.
4) Thierry Henry is off to Real Madrid now.
5) ManYoo release a new kit.
6) Football pundits find themselves shoehorned into covering other sports.
7) As do football journalists. Quick, look busy.
8) Someone English is cheered all the way to the fourth round of Wimbledon
9) You end up knowing the names of half the footballers' agents in the Premier League.
10) Old pros are forced to play football as satellite TV desperately scrabbles around for material.
1) Spurs target a top-four finish.
12) Golf seems interesting.
13) Everyone gets excited waiting for the fixture list.
14) Everyone gets excited waiting for the fixture list. Ooh, we play every team twice! Once home and once away! I can't wait!
15) You try to convince yourself that the awful player linked with your club has just been misunderstood in the past.
16) And as for those players you've never heard of, well, best check their stats on Football Manager. That'll work.
17) Fernando Torres is linked with a move to the Premiership. (Note: In previous years, this role was regularly filled by Benni McCarthy).
18) You tell yourself staying up all night to watch the Copa America and MLS is normal.
19) It's Liverpool's year.
20) You suddenly realise you've got a wife and kids and that you haven't spoken to them for nine months. And they hate you.
21) You contemplate seeing if you can find your old Subbuteo set in the loft.
22) You persuade your family this year's holiday should be in Norway just so you can watch live football. Brann are top, you know, and Odd Grenland have only won once. Fascinating.
23) You persuade yourself the Intertoto Cup is really great.
24) You find yourself travelling 100 miles on a bus to watch the youth team's reserves playing a pre-season friendly.
25) You realise it's 3pm on a Saturday afternoon and you're holding your missus' bags in Top Shop. And even though she's trying to talk to you, all you're thinking is 'Ooh, I remember when Top Man used to sponsor Leeds'.
26) You love being top four or hate being in the relegation zone. Even though the league is entirely alphabetical.
27) You breathe a sigh of relief when you realise pre-season friendlies start in the first week of July. Because watching your out-of-shape side play Stevenage is just great, isn't it?
28) Newcastle sign 15 players. Only one of them is a defender.
29) You start to work out how many players it would take for your side to break into the Big Four. Then you think how great it would be if you somehow won your first ten games and managed to stay ahead of the rest and be in with a shout of the league.
from football365.com
Liverpool agree a co operation with MTK Hungaria...who???
Following the footsteps of Man Utd who has a co operation with Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool has done the same. But, they had struck with a deal with a much lower-standard club. Liverpool has agreed on a partnership with MTK Hungaria academy. Of course, from that name, it is a Hungarian club.
The Reds recently signed youngsters Andras Simon and Krisztian Nemeth from the HUngarian side, and a more formal association between the two clubs has now been announced.
Revealing the co-operation on Tuesday, MTK general director Laszlo Domonyai hailed the link-up with Liverpool as a historic moment for Hungarian football.
"This is a milestone not only for MTK but for the whole of Hungarian football because Hungarian talents will get such an opportunity from this agreement that they could only dream about before in an academy like Agard's."
MTk also revealed that many European clubs were keen on linking up with the (seriously?), but the vision of Reds boss Rafa Benitiez helped to sway the deal in Liverpool's favour.
Academy director Zsolt Tamasi added, "I can't express in words what an honour it is for us that Rafael Benitez and his team found us worthy for this co-operation. I think from now on all the members of the academy can be more proud of themselves."
Partner with Sporting u get Nani and Ronaldo. Partner with MTK Hungaria, u get...........
The Reds recently signed youngsters Andras Simon and Krisztian Nemeth from the HUngarian side, and a more formal association between the two clubs has now been announced.
Revealing the co-operation on Tuesday, MTK general director Laszlo Domonyai hailed the link-up with Liverpool as a historic moment for Hungarian football.
"This is a milestone not only for MTK but for the whole of Hungarian football because Hungarian talents will get such an opportunity from this agreement that they could only dream about before in an academy like Agard's."
MTk also revealed that many European clubs were keen on linking up with the (seriously?), but the vision of Reds boss Rafa Benitiez helped to sway the deal in Liverpool's favour.
Academy director Zsolt Tamasi added, "I can't express in words what an honour it is for us that Rafael Benitez and his team found us worthy for this co-operation. I think from now on all the members of the academy can be more proud of themselves."
Partner with Sporting u get Nani and Ronaldo. Partner with MTK Hungaria, u get...........
Liverpool News....all talk no buys again...
After all the incoming rumors, here's one outgoing one. Liverpool youngster Dean Guthrie is set to move to Southampton after spending some time on loan there last season. He is rated at 1 million pounds.
Mark Gonzalez is set to move back to Liverpool. Confused? Gonzalez has come out and said that if Betis gets relegated on the last weekend of the Spanish season, he will not move there. Betis are only a point above the dropzone going into the final week of the Spanish Liga season.
After seemingly lost out on Torres and Eto' o, Rafa has gone to turn his attentions to B grade strikers once again. This time, he has shifted his attention to Villareal's Diego Forlan and Zaragoza's Diego Milito. Forlan has a release clause of 16 million pounds.
Liverpool are chasing Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas. Crosas is also attracting interest from Real Madrid. The youngster has been a regular with Barca B this season.
Liverpool are set for a clear path at Benfica's Simao Sabrosa. Olympique Lyon and PSG have made contact with Simao's representatives but Simao has mentioned that he did not want to go to France. If he must leave Benfica, Simao would only consider a move to England.
Newcastle United remain keen on Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia.
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher reckons the days of one-club players will soon be history. Last week, Carragher and Steven Gerrard signed four-year deals and both have insisted on finishing their careers on Merseyside.
Carragher, 29, said: "The way football is now it's going to get harder to stay at one club your whole career.It's been easier for me and Stevie because we're at a big club, playing on a big stage every week and competing for trophies. Now scouts look for the best players in countries which 10 or so years ago, wouldn't have had anyone in the Premiership."
Mark Gonzalez is set to move back to Liverpool. Confused? Gonzalez has come out and said that if Betis gets relegated on the last weekend of the Spanish season, he will not move there. Betis are only a point above the dropzone going into the final week of the Spanish Liga season.
After seemingly lost out on Torres and Eto' o, Rafa has gone to turn his attentions to B grade strikers once again. This time, he has shifted his attention to Villareal's Diego Forlan and Zaragoza's Diego Milito. Forlan has a release clause of 16 million pounds.
Liverpool are chasing Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas. Crosas is also attracting interest from Real Madrid. The youngster has been a regular with Barca B this season.
Liverpool are set for a clear path at Benfica's Simao Sabrosa. Olympique Lyon and PSG have made contact with Simao's representatives but Simao has mentioned that he did not want to go to France. If he must leave Benfica, Simao would only consider a move to England.
Newcastle United remain keen on Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia.
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher reckons the days of one-club players will soon be history. Last week, Carragher and Steven Gerrard signed four-year deals and both have insisted on finishing their careers on Merseyside.
Carragher, 29, said: "The way football is now it's going to get harder to stay at one club your whole career.It's been easier for me and Stevie because we're at a big club, playing on a big stage every week and competing for trophies. Now scouts look for the best players in countries which 10 or so years ago, wouldn't have had anyone in the Premiership."
Chelsea News
Chelsea is set to sign another British youngster. This time around they are planning to table a 1.5 million pounds bid for Leeds left back Ben Gordon.
Claude Makelele has held talks with Fenerbahce yesterday. He has also attracted French outfit, Paris Saint Germain (PSG). The aging midfielder is in his last year of contract and will be facing increased competition in the midfield next season.
Chelsea's favourite Gianfranco Zola has come out and said that he reckons Chelsea are very close to winning the Champions League. He said, "The Champions League shouldn't become a mental problem. They've got a master in handling mental situations in Mourinho. They've been very unlucky to be drawn twice against Liverpool because they are the only team who can create problems for Chelsea as they are very similar. I don't think it will be a problem next year and they will learn."
Drogba is not going anywhere. Drogba's statement in a recent interview this week that he would like one day to play in Italy or Spain has alerted AC Milan. However, the Ivory Coast international has told friends he would turn down all offers to leave Chelsea this summer.
Drogba is also in the news by admitting that Chelsea need more flair for next season. he has been quoted saying, "It would be good to be a little more flamboyant and daring. We were too careful, too sensible last season. This team needs to be a bit wilder. I have had Mourinho on the phone several times since the end of the Premiership and he is all psyched up. That is when he is at his best, when he has the feeling the whole world is against him. He is a winner who adores difficulty. It stimulates him."
Claude Makelele has held talks with Fenerbahce yesterday. He has also attracted French outfit, Paris Saint Germain (PSG). The aging midfielder is in his last year of contract and will be facing increased competition in the midfield next season.
Chelsea's favourite Gianfranco Zola has come out and said that he reckons Chelsea are very close to winning the Champions League. He said, "The Champions League shouldn't become a mental problem. They've got a master in handling mental situations in Mourinho. They've been very unlucky to be drawn twice against Liverpool because they are the only team who can create problems for Chelsea as they are very similar. I don't think it will be a problem next year and they will learn."
Drogba is not going anywhere. Drogba's statement in a recent interview this week that he would like one day to play in Italy or Spain has alerted AC Milan. However, the Ivory Coast international has told friends he would turn down all offers to leave Chelsea this summer.
Drogba is also in the news by admitting that Chelsea need more flair for next season. he has been quoted saying, "It would be good to be a little more flamboyant and daring. We were too careful, too sensible last season. This team needs to be a bit wilder. I have had Mourinho on the phone several times since the end of the Premiership and he is all psyched up. That is when he is at his best, when he has the feeling the whole world is against him. He is a winner who adores difficulty. It stimulates him."
Man Utd News
David Trezeguet's agent has admitted that Man Utd and Arsenal are in the frame to secure the Frenchman's signature.
Football Manager fans will be familiar with this name. Oscar Ustari. The Independiente goalkeeper has attracted the Red Devils. It has been reported that officials form Man Utd had flown to Argentina to hold talks.
Ryan Giggs wants to win number 10 with Man Utd. "I am already looking forward to playing in a season where everyone refers to us as champions. I want to go on and win it again. The satisfaction of winning this one was really high because the standard required to win the league is so much higher now than in previous years." Giggs will start the new season on 715 appearances for United, 44 short of Sir Bobby Charlton's record. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I have always just gone out looking to do well in each competition, trying to win every trophy available.And when I have won one, I focus on trying to win another one."
Football Manager fans will be familiar with this name. Oscar Ustari. The Independiente goalkeeper has attracted the Red Devils. It has been reported that officials form Man Utd had flown to Argentina to hold talks.
Ryan Giggs wants to win number 10 with Man Utd. "I am already looking forward to playing in a season where everyone refers to us as champions. I want to go on and win it again. The satisfaction of winning this one was really high because the standard required to win the league is so much higher now than in previous years." Giggs will start the new season on 715 appearances for United, 44 short of Sir Bobby Charlton's record. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I have always just gone out looking to do well in each competition, trying to win every trophy available.And when I have won one, I focus on trying to win another one."
Arsenal News
Ljunberg is being tracked by West Ham and Pompey.
This is lkely to happen if Arsenal manages to get 6 million rated Ajax winger Ryan Babel.
The Gunners are also in the market for Zaragoza's Alberto Zapater. The 7 million pound rated midfielder has also attracted attention from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Wenger is also looking at the possibility of signing David Trezeguet from Juventus. This possible move could be a maneuovre to keep Henry at Arsenal. It could be used to show the Arsenal captain of the club's ambitions. Trezeguet did make his Monaco debut when Wenger was the manager.
Another player linked with Arsenal is 16 year old prospect Havard Nordveit. It has been reported that Arsenal has tabled a 1.8m pound bid for the defender.
This is lkely to happen if Arsenal manages to get 6 million rated Ajax winger Ryan Babel.
The Gunners are also in the market for Zaragoza's Alberto Zapater. The 7 million pound rated midfielder has also attracted attention from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Wenger is also looking at the possibility of signing David Trezeguet from Juventus. This possible move could be a maneuovre to keep Henry at Arsenal. It could be used to show the Arsenal captain of the club's ambitions. Trezeguet did make his Monaco debut when Wenger was the manager.
Another player linked with Arsenal is 16 year old prospect Havard Nordveit. It has been reported that Arsenal has tabled a 1.8m pound bid for the defender.
I need help understanding this one.....
News out of Arsenal is that they now have a player trading facility.? In fact it has been said that is a £40m 'player trading facility'.
Arsenal chief Keith Edelman has come out and announced it and has also added that the club is ready to go into debt to boost Arsene Wenger's squad this summer.
He told the Daily Star, "A football club should not borrow to buy players. However, if you are building a fixed asset - such as our stadium - which produces a positive return after you have paid back the debt, then this a sensible approach. The reason we have a trading facility was because we would be disadvantaged without it if we wanted to sign players.
"We were concerned that with our debt, clubs would not take our credit. This facility allows us to cover the fact we may have to give a letter of credit to back up second and third year payments to guarantee payment."
I am no business major so if anyone can provide me a simple man-on-the-street explantion, it will be much appreciated.
Arsenal chief Keith Edelman has come out and announced it and has also added that the club is ready to go into debt to boost Arsene Wenger's squad this summer.
He told the Daily Star, "A football club should not borrow to buy players. However, if you are building a fixed asset - such as our stadium - which produces a positive return after you have paid back the debt, then this a sensible approach. The reason we have a trading facility was because we would be disadvantaged without it if we wanted to sign players.
"We were concerned that with our debt, clubs would not take our credit. This facility allows us to cover the fact we may have to give a letter of credit to back up second and third year payments to guarantee payment."
I am no business major so if anyone can provide me a simple man-on-the-street explantion, it will be much appreciated.
Reaction to Crazy Spanish weekend
It's widely believed that foul language is a clear indication of a lack of intelligence, imagination and wit from its potty-mouthed purveyor. Quite right. But holy sh*tting f**k, Saturday night's Primera prize-fight was good.
It was a ninety-minute footballing enema which cleaned the pipes after a tedious two weeks of international inertia. It was a night to leave you giggling and clapping your hands in glee like Wayne Rooney in Disneyland. It was a night to restore your faith in truth, justice and the American Way.
With eight matches kicking off at the same time, Saturday was a......
For the full article by Tim Stannard.....
http://www.football365.com/spanish_thing/0,17033,9405_2199746,00.html
It was a ninety-minute footballing enema which cleaned the pipes after a tedious two weeks of international inertia. It was a night to leave you giggling and clapping your hands in glee like Wayne Rooney in Disneyland. It was a night to restore your faith in truth, justice and the American Way.
With eight matches kicking off at the same time, Saturday was a......
For the full article by Tim Stannard.....
http://www.football365.com/spanish_thing/0,17033,9405_2199746,00.html
Saha out....again
Manchester United’s Louis Saha has been ruled out of the opening months of the season after undergoing a knee surgery in the USA.
The injury-addict is expected to be out until November. Interestinglu enough, his agent Ranko Stojic took the opportunity to reiterate that his man is not on his way out of Old Trafford.
"Louis has had surgery in America and he won't be on the field now for a few months. There is no question that he will be changing clubs. He's been unlucky and it is very important now that he gets back to 100 per cent fitness. I don't know when he will be able to start training again, but he is looking at being back around November or December. But it is going to be a while." said his agent.
With that in mind, expect Sir Alex to dive into the transfer market for a new striker. The Red Devils have been linked with West Ham’s Carlos Tevez and Ajax front-man Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
The injury-addict is expected to be out until November. Interestinglu enough, his agent Ranko Stojic took the opportunity to reiterate that his man is not on his way out of Old Trafford.
"Louis has had surgery in America and he won't be on the field now for a few months. There is no question that he will be changing clubs. He's been unlucky and it is very important now that he gets back to 100 per cent fitness. I don't know when he will be able to start training again, but he is looking at being back around November or December. But it is going to be a while." said his agent.
With that in mind, expect Sir Alex to dive into the transfer market for a new striker. The Red Devils have been linked with West Ham’s Carlos Tevez and Ajax front-man Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
European Under 21 Championships
Group A
Teams Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Netherlands 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Belgium 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Portugal 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Israel 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Netherlands 1 - 0 Israel
(Maduro)
Portugal 0 - 0 Belgium
13/06/07 Israel Belgium
13/06/07 Netherlands Portugal
16/06/07 Belgium Netherlands
16/06/07 Israel Portugal
Group B
Teams Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Serbia 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
England 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Czech Republic 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Italy 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Czech Republic 0 - 0 England
Serbia 1 - 0 Italy
(Milovanovic)
14/06/07 Czech Republic Serbia
14/06/07 England Italy
17/06/07 Italy Czech Republic
17/06/07 England Serbia
Teams Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Netherlands 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Belgium 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Portugal 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Israel 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Netherlands 1 - 0 Israel
(Maduro)
Portugal 0 - 0 Belgium
13/06/07 Israel Belgium
13/06/07 Netherlands Portugal
16/06/07 Belgium Netherlands
16/06/07 Israel Portugal
Group B
Teams Pld W D L GF GA Pts
Serbia 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
England 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Czech Republic 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Italy 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Czech Republic 0 - 0 England
Serbia 1 - 0 Italy
(Milovanovic)
14/06/07 Czech Republic Serbia
14/06/07 England Italy
17/06/07 Italy Czech Republic
17/06/07 England Serbia
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