Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Liverpool enter Tuesday's Champions League semifinal return leg at Anfield trailing Chelsea 1-0. However, you will not find a Liverpool player who has any doubts that the Reds will come out on top on their home soil and play in their second Champions League final in three years.

Much of this optimism can be traced back to Liverpool's 2005 win at Anfield against Chelsea under very similar circumstances. In their 2005 Champions League semifinal, the two teams played to a 0-0 first leg at Stamford Bridge before returning to Anfield where a Luis Garcia goal in the opening minutes allowed Liverpool to advance on to the final, where they would take out AC Milan.

This year, the Reds come home after a 1-0 defeat in London thanks to a goal by Chelsea's Joe Cole. The Reds are fortunate to be behind by just the lone goal as Chelsea dominated play for long stretches and should be carrying a bigger advantage into Anfield than the one-goal lead they have.

That result has given Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez hope and he feels that the tremendous home-field advantage that Liverpool own at Anfield will be enough to carry his club through.

"We didn't play well in the first game, but we lost only 1-0 which means there is not a lot of difference between the teams," Benitez told the club's website. "If you can play below your level and only lose by a goal, it means if you raise your level you must have a really good chance. We can use the memories of two years ago to our advantage because we know what the players and fans can do working together."

While the home supporters will provide a big boost to Liverpool, they must also find a way to change things tactically as well. The Reds were very passive in the first leg against Chelsea, and allowed the Blues to bring the game to them. The Liverpool midfield in particular did a poor job of containing Frank Lampard, who was allowed to roam free and generate a number of good scoring chances.

Didier Drogba also gave the Liverpool back line a tough time, and the Reds know that one Chelsea goal on Tuesday will give them a massive hill to climb.

Liverpool has no choice but to take chances offensively, something they failed to do in London. They seemed to have no interest in grabbing a crucial away goal, and now they must play a great two-way game if they are to have a chance at booking a spot in Athens.

After such a poor performance in the first leg, Liverpool are fortunate to be behind by just one goal, but Benitez was able to rest most of his regulars over the weekend and should come out in attack mode.

Chelsea, meanwhile has to overcome a disappointing weekend in Premiership play if they are to reach the final. A 2-2 draw at home against Bolton dropped the Blues five points behind league-leaders Manchester United, and put their hopes of a third-straight Premiership title in serious doubt.

Manager Jose Mourinho will have a few lineup decisions to make, as he will be without star midfielder Michael Ballack, who is likely out for the remainder of the season after undergoing ankle surgery. Mourinho will have the services of midfielder Michael Essien, but he is likely to fill in along the back line to help an injury-riddled defense. Should Chelsea fall behind, Mourinho will have a number of dangerous weapons offensively to call upon, as Arjen Robben is back from injury, and both Shaun Wright-Phillips and Salomon Kalou will be available.

In Wednesday's Champions League semifinal, AC Milan returns home to the San Siro looking a bit of home cooking themselves. The Rossoneri have to be disappointed after dropping an entertaining 3-2 contest at Old Trafford in the opening leg.

Kaka created havoc among the United back line as he scored two first-half goals to give Milan a huge edge at halftime. However, the Italian side sat back for much of the second half and allowed Wayne Rooney to score twice, including a last-minute goal, to give the Red Devils the lead heading back to Italy.

Milan does have two away-goals to its credit, and needs just a 1-0 result to move on to the final. They will once again have the benefit of playing against a weakened United back line, and should be able to take advantage. Playing without central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, United was clearly vulnerable in the middle, and Kaka will once again look to exploit that area. Patrice Evra will not take part in the match because of an accumulation of yellow cards, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson will likely have regular outside back Gary Neville in the fold once again.

This contest will come down to how well Milan's defense can stop Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. With a weak back line, expect United to attack from the opening whistle, and with Rooney in top form, they will be tough to stop. United is capable of keeping up with any team offensively, but the question is whether or not that back line can hold out long enough to give them a chance at making the Athens final an all-England affair.

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(Soccer365.com) - Everton manager David Moyes admitted it was a shame that the club weren’t able to field Manchester United loan item Tim Howard against the Red Devils this weekend.

The American Abroad was not available because he technically remains property of United until summer, when his full transfer to the Toffees will take effect.

Sir Alex Ferguson stipulated in the loan deal that Howard could not be used against him, and the Premiership leaders stormed back from two down to win 4-2.

Though not wanting to discourage young stand-in Iain Turner after a couple of misplays, the Everton coach did rue the lack of his #1.

“I’ve known for a while what the situation was with Tim Howard,” Moyes told the Liverpool Echo.

“But it just shows that when you get to the big games you need your big players.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Rafael Benitez has fuelled his feud with Jose Mourinho by claiming that tinkering with his Chelsea team at the weekend "cost him the league title".

Liverpool boss Benitez has had to listen to Mourinho's suggestion that the Anfield men have been playing "testimonials" for weeks because they have only one trophy to play for.

The Chelsea manager has also been critical of Benitez's decisions to rest players ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clashes.

But now Benitez, ahead of tomorrow's decisive semi-final second leg at Anfield, claims that by trying to do the same in the 2-2 draw against Bolton on Saturday, Mourinho lost Chelsea their Barclays Premiership crown.

"It has cost him the league title," Benitez said.

And that, believes Benitez, will make the pressure-cooker atmosphere at Stamford Bridge even more difficult for Mourinho to handle.

Benitez even took a sly dig at Mourinho's 'Special One' tag, saying: "We have our special ones here, they are our fans, who always play with their hearts."

He added of Chelsea: "They know the pressure they have, but everyone has their own problems. We want to win this game, we want to finish third and, as for them, I do not need to put them under more pressure because they know full well what pressure they are under to win things.

"They try to win everything - that is enough pressure without me saying anything.

"They know the pressures they are under, you only have to ask Mr Abramovich what he wants, the Champions League or the Premier League. They know.

"It is clear they will be under pressure because they were talking about trophies, trophies, trophies. Maybe they have one less to win now and that makes the Champions League their priority."

Mourinho has also been critical of Liverpool's fans over the past week, but Benitez hit back by saying that, unlike Chelsea, Liverpool do not need to hand out free flags to get their fans in the right mood.

He added: "At Stamford Bridge, we showed that our supporters won their battle, even though Chelsea had their fans all with flags to wave. But our supporters were there with their hearts.

"We do not need to give away flags for our fans to wave - our supporters are always there with their hearts and that is all we need.

"I aim to be concentrating on one competition after the semi-final, and I do not worry whether Chelsea have one or two to think about.

"They will know that Anfield is a difficult place for them. I know they can say it is not a problem and they have experienced it before, but we know it will be a problem for them.

"Our supporters, they are the special ones, that is clear. Chelsea know why."

Two years ago, the Anfield hordes roared their team into the Istanbul final on a memorable night against Chelsea, and Benitez believes they can do it again, with the Merseysiders 1-0 down from the first-leg.

He said: "We can use the memories of two years ago to our advantage because we know what the players and fans can do working together.

"I remember before the game in 2005, the Chelsea players spoke a lot about being ready for the Anfield atmosphere, but when the game was played they could not handle it. It's very difficult for any opposing team to prepare to play against 12 men.

"Our fans cannot give red cards or award penalties, but they can score goals. I like this about our supporters because we know they will show they are in the best in the world again tomorrow night.

"The players can also use these positive memories. We will go into the game with a lot of confidence, but we know Chelsea are a very good team and we cannot afford to make mistakes.

"They are a team which has been built with a lot of money to win major trophies. They spent a lot of money on [Andriy] Shevchenko and [Michael] Ballack last year because their priority is the Champions League. Now they have more difficulties in the Premiership, it's clear if they're going to win a major trophy, this is the one they want to win."

And Benitez reveals he has spent time working on the mistakes made in the first leg last week at Stamford Bridge.

He said: "We are trying to learn from our mistakes in the first leg, they are very good, but I have confidence because playing with 12 men is a great advantage for us.

"It is no secret we will try to play with a high tempo from the beginning, something we didn't do in the first-leg. If we can keep a high tempo going for 90 minutes, that will be perfect.

"We did not play to our best level in the first leg, that is the key for me.

"If we play to our best, we will win."

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(Soccer365.com) - MLS champs Houston certainly haven’t been stingy with the trigger through the first four games of the season, but they sure have managed to be goal shy.

After their 1-0 loss to Chicago on Sunday night, the Texans were forced to rue a pair of shots off the woodwork and an ignored penalty shout.

The Dynamo have scored but once in four games, but defender Eddie Robinson assured it wasn’t for a lack of trying.

"I don't know that we could've done anything else but score a goal," he told the Houston Chronicle.

"It's pretty frustrating when you play well for, I'd say, 75 or 80 minutes and lose 1-0 - it kills you."

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(Goal.com) - Milan midfielder Kaka admits that they were frightened of Manchester United's onslaught during the second half, and paid for it dearly. The Brazilian called for a repeat of the first half display instead.

"The game at Old Trafford was a real spectacle and I'm convinced the second leg will be another amazing game, perhaps even more amazing than the first match," Kaka wrote on uefa.com.

"We left Old Trafford a little bit disappointed on Tuesday night but not with our heads down at all. I only say we were sad because of the late goal we conceded."

He was quick to commend Rooney's goal, though: "I don't want to take anything away from the quality of United's play, and Rooney's goal, though. It was an incredibly good finish.

"If the match had finished 2-2, I still feel we would have a mountain to climb, although those away goals are very important."

He also called for a repeat of the first half, as opposed to what he believes was a "frightened" second half display.

"We can beat Manchester United if we play like we did in the first half at the Old Trafford, with character, personality and confidence," he said.

"It’s too bad that we were lacking this in the second half. We were a bit frightened and that hurt us.

"But losing the first leg is not the end of the world and I believe we stand a great chance of turning the tie around at the San Siro."

The Brazilian playmaker also stressed on the impact the fans could have on the match, just like they did at Old Trafford last week.

"I was hugely impressed by the atmosphere inside Old Trafford," he admitted. "Even at half-time when they were losing 2-1 the United fans were still singing and getting behind their team.

"I'm sure our fans will show the same kind of spirit. We haven't enjoyed a great season but the fans have been brilliant and have been by our side throughout.

"It will be difficult, but we can do it."

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(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has warned his players not to expect any easy matches from now until the end of the season as the Catalan giants chase a third successive Primera Liga title.

Rijkaard was speaking after watching his side edge past relegation-threatened Levante 1-0 at the Nou Camp on Sunday, with Samuel Eto'o netting the only goal in the 28th minute.

Barca found it difficult to finish off stubborn Levante, who are fighting for their Primera Liga lives, and Rijkaard believes that could be a sign of things to come in the last weeks of the campaign

"In the final stages of a competition, all teams have to meet their objectives and therefore, there are no easy games," said the Dutchman, whose side now have six matches remaining.

"To win at these times is great and I'm happy. (Levante's) defence was solid and they were very physical."

Although he was pleased with the three points, Rijkaard, whose side are away to second-bottom Real Sociedad next weekend, admits he would have liked a more convincing winning margin in front of Barca's fans.

"When we play at home, we want more, we're used to a high level. We have to keep working in order to give a good impression in every game," he said.

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(Soccer365.com) - With the team set for a schedule breather, Toronto FC boss Mo Johnston now hopes to have wing threat Ronnie O’Brien healthy by the time they face the Fire on March 12th.

The erstwhile FC Dallas star is in the final stages of recovering from a knee strain.

The expansion side are still looking for their first goal, and O’Brien will be seen as a welcome attack addition.

"We have almost two weeks now before our next game, so it should give Ronnie plenty of time to get back into game shape," Johnston told the Globe & Mail.

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(Goal.com) - However the former Italian national team coach will not be returning to Turin to coach the Bianconeri as has been widely speculated in recent months.

Marcello Lippi has no intention of responding anymore to questions related to him being linked to Juventus as he believes that he has already answered that question too many times.

"It's a question which I don't want to respond to, also because now Juve has a coach who is doing well. I don't want to get involved in such matters; I have great respect for all of my colleagues.

"In Turin I was surely well, but it was the same for wherever I went to work, and still today I have a great rapport with the Juve fans."

Another possible destination for the World Cup winning coach is Valencia.

"It is an interesting club, but there was no contact with Amadeo Carboni (Director of Sports), with whom I have a very deep friendship."

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(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness cannot wait to write this season off and focus on preventing a repeat in future.

The defending German champions need a miracle if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season after a 2-1 home defeat to Hamburg which saw even the club's own fans lose their patience.

Hoeness has promised to clamp down on his team of losers and "never see such a team again".

He said: "We will put all of our efforts into getting a team on the field which has nothing to do with this one and can challenge for the title from the off.

"Many players have had their chance, but have clearly not taken it.

"Therefore, they have not deserved a second one."

With three games of the season remaining, Bayern are seven points behind third-placed Werder Bremen while the title is out of reach.

All of the management's efforts will now go into reconstructing the team in time for the start of next season.

"I am looking to July 1 and not back," admitted Hoeness. "We have qualified for the UEFA Cup and this season is over.

"Now the players can concentrate on what they will be doing next year."

Bayern are close to clinching the 18-million euro signing (£12.3million) of Luca Toni from Fiorentina, and they may fund that with the sale of Owen Hargreaves to Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Claudio Pizarro is set to move when his contract expires with several clubs in Italy, including Juventus, keen on the Peruvian striker, while Roque Santa Cruz also falls into the category of players who will not be given a second chance.

After a disappointing first season with Bayern, Daniel van Buyten is also a candidate to move on while Ali Karimi is surplus to requirements and Mehmet Scholl will retire this summer.

Signing new players, despite not having the Champions League to offer them, should not be a problem either, according to Hoeness.

"I can say we have been very busy and in four to six weeks, we will have some new players to unveil," he said.

"We are good buyers, but also people with a vision. We have enough money and will buy top class players."

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(Goal.com) - Barcelona whiz Lionle Messi has thanked Inter patron Massimo Moratti for his interest and admiration, but refused to move to Serie A, at least for some time yet.

"I know that he adores me and I am thankful for that," said Messi, when asked about Moratti's admiration. "But I will not leave Barcelona.

"I won't play in Italy. At least, not at the moment. I am happy at Barcelona and want to stay here for a long time.

"I have already said many times that I feel very wanted and loved here, and am thankful for all that the club have done for me."

He then went on to suggest that it would also be best if Ronaldinho stayed put in La Liga.

"I believe that Serie A is a very competitve league, and a competition very different from La Liga," he opined.

"However, I think the best thing for us is that both of us remained here next year, to be able to do some great things over the next few seasons."

He also spoke about Berlusconi's alleged willingness to pay 100 million euros for Ronaldinho: "We are speaking of the best player of the world, so I think if someone had that money to spend, it is normal that they would want to spend on such a player."

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Rotterdam, Holland (Sports Network) - AZ Alkmaar had a chance to win its first Eredivisie title since the 1980-81 season with a win against relegation- battling Excelsior, but was stunned 3-2 by the home side on the season's final day, allowing PSV to jump up from the third spot and grab its third consecutive league title with a 5-1 win against Vitesse.

Three teams entered Sunday level on points at the top of the table, as AZ, Ajax and PSV came in on even terms. However, AZ had a superior goal differential and needed just three points against lowly Excelsior to walk away as champions.

Things could not have started off worse for AZ, as keeper Boy Waterman was sent off just 20 minutes into the match for taking down Excelsior's Andwele Slory inside the area. Luigi Bruins made him pay as he placed his spot kick past replacement keeper Khalid Sinouh for a 1-0 lead.

Down a goal and down a man AZ responded like champions just four minutes later to equalize. Simon Cziommer curled a beautiful free kick into the left corner of the net, giving Excelsior keeper Ronald Graafland no chance.

Henrico Drost then put AZ's title hopes in serious jeopardy as his long-range effort found its way into the back of net after kissing the post, putting the home side back on top 15 minutes after the restart.

AZ's top sniper, Danny Koevermans, then gave his team life as he took advantage of a defensive miscue inside the area by the Excelsior defense to tally his 22nd goal of the season and put AZ in position to snatch the win.

Rene van Dieren then made things easier for AZ as he received his second yellow card with 15 minutes to play, putting the team's back on level terms.

Koevermans nearly took immediate advantage of the opportunity as he rang a shot off the post, but AZ's fate would end in a cruel way on this day as Daniel Guijo-Velasco would knock home the game-winner from close range in stoppage time to crush the Alkmaar club's title dreams.

Meanwhile, it came down to Ajax and PSV with AZ out of the way. Ajax had a one-goal advantage in goal differential entering the day, but they were only able to record a 2-0 win over bottom-half club Willem II. Urby Emanuelson and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar found the net for the Amsterdam club, who were in position to claim the title if PSV won by two goals or less.

However, the Eredivisie crown will reside in Eindhoven for the third consecutive year as PSV put together a strong performance to snatch the unlikely title. After limping towards the finish line in the season's final month, PSV found one last surge and put together a resounding 5-1 win against Vitesse. With a 2-1 lead at halftime at Philipsstadion, PSV rallied for three second-half goals, and when all the results were in, a raucous celebration was kicked off to celebrate yet another league title.

In other results on Holland's final day, Heerenveen got four goals from the league's leading scorer, Afonso Alves, to claim a 5-1 win over Feyenoord and give the team the last Champions League qualifying spot. Utrecht blanked Groningen 2-0, NEC leaped over NAC for the final UEFA Cup qualifying spot with a 3-2 win over relegation side Den Haag, while NAC dropped a 2-1 decision to Twente. Roda slammed Heracles 7-0 and Sparta clipped RKC Waalwijk 1-0.

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London, England (Sports Network) - A dramatic Saturday in England saw Manchester United take a five-point lead on Chelsea in the Premiership standings with three matches to play, putting the Blues' hopes of a third consecutive EPL crown in serious doubt.

United pulled off an improbable 4-2 comeback win at Goodison Park against Everton, while Chelsea was held on home soil 2-2 by Bolton.

Early on it looked as though the day would belong to Chelsea as the Blues built a 2-1 advantage at halftime while United fell behind 1-0 at the break. Lubomir Michalik scored his first EPL goal of the season for Bolton, but Chelsea quickly canceled out the advantage as Salomon Kalou scored three minutes later to level the match, and a Jussi Jaaskelainen own-goal in the 34th minute handed the home side the lead.

Chelsea supporters were in a celebratory mood early in the second half as word circulated that United had gone behind by two goals as Everton's Manuel Fernandes gave the Toffees a two-goal lead with 40 minutes to play.

It looked as though this would be the day that Chelsea finally caught United and made it an even race over the final three games. However, that joy quickly turned to nervousness as Kevin Davies headed home a free kick from Idan Tal in the 54th minute to level the match.

Meanwhile, bad went to worse for the London club as United began its furious second-half rally in the 61st as John O'Shea poked home a rebound from close range and a Phil Neville own-goal just seven minutes later allowed United to pull level.

Back at Stamford Bridge, the pressure was mounting but Chelsea supporters still held out hope that their team would snatch another late winner as they have so many times throughout this season.

Chelsea threatened on a pair of occasions with 25 minutes remaining. Didier Drogba sent a free kick from 20-yards out menacingly close as his shot blazed just over the cross bar, and Michael Essien drove a free kick through the face of goal that came within inches of connecting with a Chelsea foot.

Bolton seemed content to play for a draw and allowed Chelsea to bring the game to them over the final 15 minutes.

While the Blues were desperately searching for a winner, United had no such trouble finding the net. Wayne Rooney continued his stellar run of play with the go-ahead goal against his former club in the 79th minute as an O'Shea cross found the young Englishman and he finished off the play by slotting his shot into the lower left corner.

Looks of shock were all around Stamford Bridge when news of Rooney's strike reached the Chelsea supporters and no matter how much they encouraged their team, a late winner was not in the cards.

Chris Eagles added an insurance tally in the 90th minute for United, and the Red Devils now look to be in position to claim their first EPL title since the 2002-03 campaign.

In other EPL action on Saturday, Blackburn thrashed Charlton 4-1 behind two goals from Jason Roberts, Aston Villa blanked Manchester City 2-0, Robbie Keane scored twice to lead Tottenham to a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough, while Portsmouth got past Liverpool 2-1. Sheffield United earned a big 1-0 win over Watford to move three points clear of the relegation zone and West Ham pounded Wigan 3-0 to move within one point of safety.

Sunday's lone contest features another relegation-battling team as Fulham faces a tough task in meeting Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The weekend rounds out on Monday as Reading hosts Newcastle.

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(Soccer365.com) - Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko believes AC Milan's Kaka is the best player in the world ahead of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Shevchenko played with 25-year-old Kaka at Milan before joining the Premiership champions last summer.

When asked, in an interview in La Gazzetta dello Sport, to choose between Brazil international Kaka and Portugal's Ronaldo, Shevchenko did not hesitate.

"Kaka is the strongest player in the world," said the 30-year-old Ukrainian.

"He deserves the Ballon D'Or (European player of the year award) and I'm certain he will get it, if not this time maybe in the not-too-distant future."

Shevchenko believes his former team still have the upper hand in the race to reach the Champions League final despite losing 3-2 at Old Trafford in Tuesday's semi-final first-leg against United.

"At Manchester, Milan played exceptional football in the first half and were hindered with the injuries to Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini," he said.

"Milan are a likeable team because they always play beautiful games.

"They play open football and in the Champions League they have played better. There is a respect for their top players and for the club.

"Milan have what it takes to progress to the final."

Shevchenko admits that meeting Milan in the final in Athens would be in some ways an ordeal for him.

"I still don't want to think about it," he said. "There are still games to play before the final.

"Of course, for me it would be a thrilling evening and complicated, because Milan is not my former team but a family, a part of my life."

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from claiming their second CONCACAF Champions Cup title of the decade with a 7-6 spot kicks win over CD Guadalajara, Mexican power Pachuca have set their sights on FIFA World Club Cup glory.

The tourney, which brings continental champions from across the globe to Japan, will be fought out in January.

"A world's club championship is one of the most beautiful competitions after the World Cup, and we want to win," declared striker Damian Alvarez.

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(Goal.com) - Theirry Henry has pledged to stay at Arsenal, but only as long as Arsene Wenger does.

Henry's future as well as that of Wenger has been in the air in recent weeks as the Gunners reach the conclusion on their most disappointing season for a number of years.

Much of the speculation concerning their manager has centred around the recent departure of vice-chairman David Dein, who worked very closely with Wenger.

Dein's shock departure came as boardroom tensions over a foreign takeover boiled over.

However, Arsenal now have more than one reason to keep hold of Wenger as if they lose him they also look set to lose Henry, who they have missed terribly due to injury this season.

The 29-year-old told Sport magazine: "At the end of last season I signed a new contract.

"I believe in the boss and what he is trying to do here. As long as he is here then I will be here - it's just as simple as that."

Arsene Wenger’s side have now failed to win a trophy in two seasons and have been accused of letting teams off the hook by missing a succession of chances.

"I think perhaps we lose our concentration," Henry continued. "We don't do this on purpose. We have ended up losing so many points against teams we should have beaten.

"The talent is there but you need to put the ball in the back of the net, and I wasn't fresh enough, or there enough, to do that for the team this season.

"It was the same with Robin van Persie, who has been injured, and William Gallas, who was out for more than three months.

"I'm not complaining about these things, but it is a fact and it does make a difference. We have a lot of amazing youngsters at the club, but you need experience too.

"We'd be in a much better position if we had taken our chances. We do have something to build on, but we need to kill teams off. That's all that let us down this year."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Salt Lake playmaker Freddy Adu has warned fellow teen phenom Josmer Altidore not to get caught up in his press clippings.

The U.S. Under-20 captain says the New York striker could possibly avoid some of the troubles he’s had.

"Expectations can be hard, especially since Jozy is doing so well right now," Adu told the Chicago Tribune. "He needs to learn not to get caught up in it."

"Honestly, when I first came into the league, I read every article written about me and I bought into the hype - that was the worst thing I could do for myself."

"Jozy just needs to keep working hard and listen to the closest people around him."

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(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, the club announced on Thursday.

The Germany international has been struggling with a calf problem believed to have its origins in a back injury, but following an MRI scan on Wednesday it was discovered that the 21-year-old has serious cartilage damage to his left knee.

Podolski, who has scored just seven goals in all competitions this season, is now set for a three-month spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on Thursday.

Bayern head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said: "He's almost certainly had the problem for a while.

"He could have continued playing, but there was always the danger the problem would have worsened."

The news is a further setback to a Bayern side who find themselves nine points behind Bundesliga leaders Schalke with just four games left to play in the season.

They already have injury concerns over Oliver Kahn, Owen Hargreaves and Mark van Bommel ahead of Saturday's crucial home encounter against Hamburg.

Bayern also revealed on Thursday that French centre-half Valerien Ismael will miss the rest of the campaign after the player suffered a reaction to the double leg break he suffered last year.

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(Goal.com) - AS Roma skipper Francesco Totti has admitted that there’s more chance of him watching this weekend’s upcoming derby than taking part in it.

“The chances of me playing against Lazio are about 20 per cent,” explained the Giallorossi fan favourite, apparently resigned to not being able to play the classic Roman derby.

Totti couldn’t travel to Bergamo last round due to nagging sciatica pain and a bruised lower back. After missing training on both Wednesday and Thursday he himself knows it’ll be tough.

“I’m not a man who surrenders easily, but I really am in pain. I suffered a lot from sciatica pain against Sampdoria and Inter,” explained the Roma captain.

“My leg hurts as soon as I stretch it.”

“The haematoma in my back is still there although it has decreased in size, but walking is nevertheless a real effort for me right now.

"Today I’ll try to run and we’ll see after I talk to Luciano Spalletti and decide the best thing to do.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Columbus midfield ace Ned Grabavoy says he can’t wait to see star catch Guillermo Barros Schelotto start suiting up for the club.

The youngster was able to say hello to the Boca Juniors hero at the team hotel did his best to make the veteran feel welcome.

“I just expressed to him that I was excited to play with and I was glad that he’s here,” Grabavoy told the Washington Examiner.

“We’re excited to have a player with that experience, who’s played in some real big games to come to our team.”

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has insisted that Jose Mourinho's barrage of comments and criticism were not affectign his focus on the task at hand.

Mourinho had spoken out against Rafa's record and Liverpool's inability to challenge for multiple titles before the game, and then attacked the referee over a non-existent penalty after it.

Asked if it was difficult for him to concentrate amid all this, Benitez said: "No, because we know him. I have some friends in Portugal and they also know him."

Asked about the hits below the belt, he said: "When he has a very good team, and some of the best players in the world, he still has to do all this. That is the way he is."

Looking ahead to the second leg, he admitted he would be willing to risk third place in the Premiership in return for a spot in the Champions League final.

That could mean resting a few players against Portsmouth, who are fighting for a Uefa Cup berth..

"I will use my squad for this game and mix it up with some experienced and young players," he revealed.

"We want to win this game and to finish third would be better for us. It's clear it's not easy to turn our focus away from the Chelsea game but we will try to beat Portsmouth.

"If you asked me whether we want to reach a final or finish third then I would say reach a final, but we will go to Portsmouth with the idea of winning the match."

Almost simultaneously, Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at Mouinho, and asked why he has not been punished yet for riling clubs, referees, players, coaches and even associations.

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(Soccer365.com) - Vasco da Gama strike legend Romário says that struggling Mexican giants Necaxa are barking up the wrong tree with their hot interest.

The former Brazil superstar insisted on Wednesday that he has no intention of leaving his beloved Vasco for any of a number of shock suitors.

"I know about the interest that Necaxa has in me, but I have a contract at Vasco da Gama until December," Romário told Radio Tupi. "I gave my word to president Eurico Miranda that I am going to stay with this team until I score my 1,000th goal."

"To tell the truth, I am surprised about all the proposals that I have received - It's not common to receive proposals at the age of 41."

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(Soccer365.com) - Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose has been seen meeting with Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness and coach Ottmar Hitzfeld in a Hanover hotel, according to reports.

The Germany international has made no comment on his future amid speculation he is set to leave the Bundesliga title challengers this summer, despite being under contract until 2008.

It is believed Bremen are not going to block his exit since they could lose him on a Bosman free transfer next summer.

Furthermore, his form has slumped since his future became the focus of intense media interest with clubs in Spain showing an interest as well as Bayern.

He has scored just one goal in the last two-and-a-half months.

And reports in Germany claim Klose met with Bayern representatives at Hanover airport's hotel on Tuesday to discuss a possible move south.

"It would be no sensation if Miro decides to leave," admitted Bremen director of sport Klaus Allofs.

"I cannot imagine him going to a Bundesliga rival, though."

Bayern's chances of signing the 28-year-old appear particularly slim if they fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 11 years this season.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from recording his all-time league best 63rd clean sheet in Wednesday’s win over Toronto FC, Kansas City netminder Kevin Hartman conceded that it was a special night for him personally.

The longtime Galaxy man, brought over by the Wizards in an offseason deal, surpassed MLS icon Tony Meola to top the career shutout list.

"Out of all the goalkeepers, whether it is Zach Thornton or Tony Meola, they are all goalies I respect," Hartman told MLSNet. "Just to be mentioned with those guys is a compliment to me."

"It speaks to consistency, longevity, and playing at a high level, so for me that has always been my goal as a professional."

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(Goal.com) - Frank Lampard believes that Chelsea should have wo by more than the single goal that has given them the advantage in the Champions League semi final against Liverpool.

The Blues take a 1-0 lead to Anfield after Joe Cole netted in opening leg on Wednesday evening and are now slight favourites to qualify for the final in Athens.

But Lampard admitted that he was slightly disappointed that his side could not have virtually wrapped the tie up by putting away one or more of their other opportunities.

"It could have been more but that's they way it is," he said, before reflecting on a period of pressure before the goal was scored.

"That was the moment for us and normally we take our chances in situations like that. But it's good to keep a clean sheet as well - we defended well when we had to."

Looking ahead to the second game, Lampard recognised that Rafa Benítez's side will be confident in front of their own supporters, but he believes the Blues will be capable of snatching an away goal.

"Liverpool are a strong team and they can make chances," he explained. "I'm sure at Anfield they'll be confident of making even more chances but we're also a team confident we can go there and score goals."

As for the favourites tag that Chelsea have been given, Lampard is unsure and remained philosophical about making any rash predictions.

It's very close and it's difficult to know whether it's advantage us at this moment," he stated. "It's only half-time and we'll have to wait until the end of the second leg."

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(Goal.com) - FC Barcelona have targetted Miroslav Klose as one their main summer signings and have already made tentative enquireies regarding the striker's availability.

Werder Bremen are in the Catalan city for the UEFA Cup encounter with Espanyol on Thursday and the Bundesliga club's president, Juren Ludger Born admitted he knew the Blaugrana were monitoring the situation.

"There has been no official contact, but we are conscious of the interest," the German outfit's supremo said on Catalunya Ràdio.

"Economically we have no need to sell him because the club is on a very sound footing."

Txiki Begiristain, Barça's technical secretary, is repsonsible for helping coach Frank Rijkaard bring in new players and he is a big fan of Klose.

After losing Henrik Larsson last summer, Eidur Gudjohnsen was seen as the Swede's replacement, but the former Chelsea forward has failed to impress at Camp Nou.

A move last summer appeared on the cards for Klose before his value rose as he finished as the top goalscorer in the World Cup Finals.

German newspaper Bild have linked Klose to a summer move to Bayern Munich, but Werder have made it clear that they would not be keen on losing him to a direct rival.

The 28-year-old goalscorer has a contract at the Weserstadion until 2008, but could well be tempted to move to a giant of world football like Barça.

Next season Samuel Eto'o is set to miss around a month of domestic action as he represents Cameroon in the Afican Cup of Nations and the club want adequate cover.

Klose would undoubtedly recognise that any role at Barça would see him as a back-up, but with Javier Saviola set to leave he would see a fair amount of action.

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic admits he made "a mistake" by failing to secure David Beckham's long-term future at the Bernabeu.

The former England captain will head to Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season after failing to agree a contract extension with the Spanish club.

And former Madrid striker Mijatovic admits media comments during negotiations "confused" all parties.

"When the season started we wanted David to stay, although we couldn't arrive at an agreement," he told The Sun.

"Looking back I realise that it was a mistake not to talk things through clearly.

"The comments in the press from me, the president and his agent confused the player and us and because of that mistakes were made."

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(Goal.com) - Mourinho seems to have turned his attentions towards compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting that the winger was "lying" about refereeing decisions not going Manchester United's way.

It began when Ronaldo dismissed suggestions from Mourinho that Manchester United had benefitted from refereeing.

"I really don't want to be dragged into Mourinho's complaints over referees - everybody knows how he is," Ronaldo said.

"He always has to say something because he can't admit his failures.

"We have to think about the game in Milan. We have a good squad and I think we are on course."

Mourinho handed in his response speaking to RTP TV: "If he says it's a lie Manchester United have conceded some penalties this season which have not been awarded against them he's lying.

"Ronaldo is a great player, perhaps the best in the world. But he needs to be mature enough to accept you cannot argue against facts.

"And if you lie then you may never reach the level which he aspires to as a footballer."

Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Quieroz - another Portuguese - also got himself into the act, suggesting that the Chelsea coach was up to his usual tricks.

"Mourinho has his own style, he always tries to divert everyone's attention to the points which are convenient for him," he said. "These are his tactics and that's the way he is."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

London, England (Sports Network) - Joe Cole's 29th-minute goal was enough to propel Chelsea past Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the team's Champions League semifinal matchup.

Cole was set up on the play by some nice work from Didier Drogba, who gave the Liverpool back line all it could handle on Wednesday. Frank Lampard also played a strong match in the midfield for Chelsea, who were always the more dangerous team on this night and will now take a well-deserved lead into the return leg.

Chelsea opened the contest as the more aggressive team, taking the game to Liverpool and enjoying the majority of the possession. The first good chance of the match fell to Lampard, who slammed a half-volley from the penalty spot on target. However, the shot was right at Liverpool keeper Jose Reina, and he got enough of the ball to turn it aside.

Lampard threatened the Liverpool net again in the 23rd minute with a blistering free kick. The Chelsea midfielder drove a low shot past the wall that took a slight deflection off of Liverpool defender John Arne Riise and nearly found the lower left corner of the net.

The Chelsea pressure was beginning to mount and the Blues took advantage of a nice counter-attack chance in the 29th minute to go ahead.

Ricardo Carvalho took possession of the ball inside his own end and dribbled towards midfield before sliding a nice pass down the right flank to Drogba. The Ivory Coast international galloped down the wing and cut the ball back inside of defender Daniel Agger. He then threaded a pass to Cole eight yards from goal and the Englishman beat Reina with a lunging left-footed effort.

Liverpool did not test Chelsea keeper Petr Cech in the first half, but the Reds did show some signs of life in the final 10 minutes of the half as Dirk Kuyt found the head of Steven Gerrard inside the Chelsea area, but the Liverpool skipper's header went well wide of the target.

The visitors continued their positive play after the restart with Riise crossing from the left for Kuyt, who headed the ball just over the cross bar. Gerrard then forced a great save from Cech in the 53rd minute when he struck a left-footed volley from the top of the box that Cech punched to safety with a diving stop to his left.

Chelsea seemed content with its one-goal lead and began to let the Liverpool midfield dictate play. The Reds were unable to take advantage of their opportunities, however, and Chelsea nearly extended its lead in the final 12 minutes.

A dangerous free kick from Lampard almost provided the second goal as his chip was met by the head of Drogba inside the area. Drogba outjumped Liverpool's Jamie Carragher but his header went inches wide of the left post.

Drogba and Lampard teamed up once again three minutes later to give the home side another great scoring chance. Drogba took a long ball from the back and laid it off for Lampard, who ran onto it and drilled a hard volley towards the upper right corner. Only a fantastic save from Reina kept the ball out as the keeper got his left hand to the shot to knock it over the net.

Chelsea had one final opportunity to extend its advantage as a stoppage-time corner kick allowed Drogba to get his head to the cross, but the ball sailed wide of the far post and Chelsea will now take that one-goal lead to Anfield next Tuesday in an effort to keep its hopes alive for the quadruple.

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(Soccer365.com) - Reading attacker Bobby Convey claims an important lesson learned from manager Steve Coppell has helped him grow as a player: avoid emotional peaks and valleys.

The U.S. ace, out for the season with a knee injury, spent nearly a year playing for the second team before becoming a key member of the Royals during their promotion season.

Convey struggled again in adapting to the Premiership, but says this too shall pass.

"I guess the main thing I learned from Coppell is that soccer is just a game and that you always need to keep a level head," he told ESPN. "Whether you succeed or fail, tomorrow is another day."

"He is very level-headed and understands that players have lives and he realizes there is a lot of pressure to perform well every week."

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(Soccer365.com) - Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston is ruing the fact that his young players and foreign recruits can’t catch MLS matches on Canadian television, which he believes slows their introduction to the league.

The expansion team have lost their first two games by a combined 6-0 tally and the boss is concerned that his boys must work harder to keep tabs on the opposition – such as Kansas City, who the club play twice this week.

"I'm a great believer that you have to be able to know your opposition inside and out," he told the Toronto Star. "We have guys who don't even know who Eddie Johnston is, but it's not their fault."

"It's vital that we have every game available, not only for one week, but for the upcoming weeks."

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(Goal.com) - Samuel Eto'o has insisted that there is nothing to the rumours of a continuing rift between him and Ronaldinho, or to suggestions that he might be on the way out at the end of the season.

"Ronaldinho plays for Barça, like I do, why do you want a war?" asked Eto'o rhetorically.

"Those that try throw such s**t are morones, and I can say this to their faces."

The duo combinied beautifully last night against Al Ahly; sublime passes from the Brazilian setting up both of the Cameroon international's goals.

Eto'o also dismissed rumours that Barça may be open to offers, allegedly because Rijkaard believes he is destabilizing the dressing room.

"If I want to go, I will tell the club. This is all rubbish, because every week some try to send me out," he said.

"It bothers them that I score goals and help my teammates, so they try to use the name of Rijkaard and Laporta to throw me out.

"In my heart I have three fans - firstly those of Cameroon, secondly those of Mallorca, and thirdly Barça.

"I can only thank all the Barcelona fans, and the day they think I am unable to give them what they expect, I will leave.

"If some believe that I cannot give what they expect of me, I am happy to listen to the partners [of the club], who pay me and are the ones who must tell me what they think."

Tabloids have linked him with Arsenal and Liverpool recently. While that might be a case of smoke without fire at the moment, there will be no dearth of takers if he does decide to leave.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from arriving in New York, Red Bulls strike catch Juan Pablo Angel says he can’t wait to get his visa paperwork cleared up so he can train and play with his new teammates.

"I'm desperate to start playing," the former Aston Villa man told MLSNet. "There is a togetherness among the lads, I'm just excited to be part of it."

The Colombia international is optimistic over joining the squad Bruce Arena has put together.

"I'm just very impressed with everything in the time I've been here," said Angel. "I know that first of all we're a very good team - we're well balanced with good young players."

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(Goal.com) - Luciano Moggi has claimed that Gianluigi Buffon is on his way to the red and black half of Milan.

There has been much speculation over Buffon's future, with nobody knowing where he will be come next season.

Luciano Moggi offered his insight on the subject, and in particular Juventus' transfer plans, speaking to an Italian radio station.

"Buffon will go to Milan, not Inter," he said. "They are sure that [Christian] Abbiati will return to Juve, and that Dida will go abroad."

Abbiati is currently on loan at Torino after spending last season in Turin, and it is believed that Milan will be happy to offer him along with some cash in order to seal Buffon's deal.

Livorno's young keeper Amelia has also been on Juve's radar, ever since Buffon himself admitted that he will contemplate departure.

"Juventus are a great club, founded 109 years ago, and many great champions have come and gone during those years," said Buffon," the Azzurri number one had told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"If I decide Juventus can exist without me, I will leave, else I will stay. But I am sure they would remain strong even if I were to leave.

"I want to play the last five years of my career at the highest levels, that will make the difference in the next decisions I make. In the end, what I miss most is the chance to play in the Champions League.

"I will only discuss my future with my agent and the club's management after we secure promotion. After we talk and agree to a decision, I will let you all know."

Milan and Inter both have him as one of their primary summer objectives.

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(Soccer365.com) - AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has defended Nelson Dida after the goalkeeper came under fire for his performance in Tuesday's Champions League defeat against Manchester United.

Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport rated the Brazilian as the worst player in Milan's line-up following their 3-2 loss at Old Trafford.

However, Ancelotti has come out in support of his first-choice custodian.

"Dida made some great saves," he said. "The first goal wasn't an easy save because Cristiano Ronaldo was in front of him.

"Perhaps he should have covered the near post in Manchester's third goal."

Dida received a mark of 4.5 out of 10 by Gazzetta and was considered the main reason why the Rossoneri lost their semi-final first-leg clash.

"He was uncertain from start to finish. He opened the way to Manchester's first goal and made it easier for the Red Devils to score the third of the evening," read Gazzetta's evaluation of Dida.

The 33-year-old has been inconsistent in the past two seasons but the club are still hoping he can rediscover the form that earned him the best goalkeeper award in the 2003-04 Serie A campaign.

Dida, who last month signed a contract extension with the Rossoneri until 2010, only returned to play on Tuesday after two weeks on the sideline with a shoulder injury.

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(Goal.com) - David Beckham has spoken of the respect he has for Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello.

The Italian tactician froze Beckham out of the squad after he revealed that he would be joining LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

But the former Manchester United star is now back in Capello’s plans after proving his commitment to the cause with some full-blooded displays.

"I was really surprised," Beckham said of his initial omission. "He (Capello) has always been pretty fair with me.

"He's been really respectful of me as a person and a player and that's why it was such a surprise.

"But he's shown what sort of a person and man - and manager - he is now.

"I'm thankful (to Capello). I would never come out publicly and criticise him. He's too respected in the game and I respect him.

"(I reacted) the same way I've always come back from things, like whenever people say I'm not up to the job."

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Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Wayne Rooney scored his second goal seconds into extra time as Manchester United rallied for a 3-2 win over AC Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals at rainy Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Rooney scored both goals in the second half - he has four goals in his last three Champions League games - equalizing a pair of first-half goals from Kaka that gave AC Milan a 2-1 edge at halftime.

Manchester United got on the board first in the 5th minute on a goal initially credited to Cristiano Ronaldo, changed to an own goal by AC Milan goalie Dida and later rightfully given back to Ronaldo.

Off a corner, Ronaldo headed the ball on goal and it deflected off Dida's shoulder. The ball bounced into the air and was headed just under the crossbar when Dida dove to try and deflect it. Instead, with Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze and an AC Milan defender also trying to make a play on the ball, Dida pushed the ball into his own net. Even if Dida didn't get a touch on the ball, it would have gone in the goal.

Manchester United nearly pushed its advantage to two goals in the 15th minute when Ryan Giggs found Michael Carrick in the box and his one-hopper eyed the corner of the net. Dida was able to deny Carrick by closing the space quickly and diving to knock the ball away with his left hand.

AC Milan equalized in the 22nd minute when Clarence Seedorf threaded a pass through three Manchester United defenders to Kaka. The Brazilian star touched the ball into the box, then used his left foot to beat Manchester United goalie Edwin Van der Sar to the far post.

Although AC Milan kept possession more than Manchester United in the first half, the home side created more solid scoring chances. In the 35th minute, Ronaldo created space just outside the box and unleashed a knuckling blast toward the left side of the net that fooled Dida. However, the AC Milan goalie was able to reach back to his left while running right to knock the ball away.

In the 37th minute, Manchester United's defense - without a few starters - made a mistake to allow Kaka's second goal. Manchester United defenders Heinze and Patrice Evra collided just outside the box, knocking each other to the ground as Kaka got a soft touch on the ball with his head to play the ball into space. With only Van der Sar to beat, Kaka easily placed the ball into the right side of the net.

Kaka, who has an amazing nine goals in the Champions League this season, scared Manchester United again less than a minute after his second goal. He took a shot from well outside the box and Van der Sar was barely able to dive and knock the ball away for a corner.

Carrick missed a golden opportunity to tie the game early in the second half when he one-touched a shot wide off a corner with only Dida to beat.

Kaka broke free again in the 56th minute, but he put a low shot well wide of the far post. Less than a minute later, Kaka missed another opportunity for a hat trick when he put a shot over the crossbar.

Rooney tied game in 59th minutes off a beautiful assist from Paul Scholes. He scooped the ball off the pitch with his right foot and lofted a little pass into the box to Rooney. Rooney chested the ball down to his fee, touched ball just under Dida and watched it slowly roll into the goal as he raced away to celebrate.

Darren Fletcher had a great chance to put Manchester United ahead minutes later on a shot set up by Rooney, but Dida made another brilliant save on a ball headed inside the left post.

Both teams had injury scares in the 78th minute when Ronaldo and AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta slid off the wet pitch and into the advertising boards down a slight slope at the end of the field. Both players remained down for about a minute but neither had to leave the game.

Ronaldo fooled the the home fans and his teammates late in the match when he ripped a shot into the left outer netting.

Just seconds into extra time Ryan Giggs made a run down the middle of the field and passed to Rooney on the right side. Rooney quickly unleashed a shot that bent into the bottom right corner, out of reach of a diving Dida.

Rooney's second goal capped an exciting second half controlled by Manchester United. The Red Devils created one chance after another, finally earning the key win in the closing seconds.

Manchester United is in good shape headed into the second leg of the series Wednesday, May 2 in Italy. But the Red Devils, who were without all- Premiership defenders Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic because of injuries Tuesday, won't have the services of a Evra, a fourth Premiership all- star defender. He received a yellow card in the first half and has to sit out the game for accumulated cards.

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(Soccer365.com) - U.S. Women’s National Team coach Greg Ryan claims one of the scariest aspects of being drawn in to the 2007 World Cup group of death is figuring out a way to slow down a silky smooth Sweden attack.

The Lady ‘Nats have also been pooled with Nigeria and North Korea, but it is the Scandinavians that are on top form at the moment.

“They have two of the best strikers in the world,” said Ryan. “They have a great combination with (Victoria) Svensson, who is quick and good off the dribble, has great vision and is a great all-around player, and (Hanna) Ljungberg, who is just a great player running in behind defenses and finishing goals.”

“Now you’ve added a young player, Lotta Schelin, who can take players down the flank - they are just a very dynamic team.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has reiterated his faith in coach Fabio Capello and denied claims he has held talks with possible successors to the Italian.

Madrid have endured a troubled season, but it may still have a positive outcome with the club just two points behind Primera Liga leaders Barcelona with seven games to go.

And although the Madridista remain unconvinced that Capello is the man to take them forward, Calderon has no doubts.

He told Cadena Ser radio station: "Capello has a contract and is a great coach in my eyes. He was the man we needed."

A host of coaches have been linked with the Bernabeu post, including Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho and Bernd Schuster, but Calderon insists he has not discussed the position with any of them.

"I promise I haven't talked to anyone," he added. "That also applies to those (at the club) who are responsible for sporting matters as well.

"We are standing by our coach and we'll decide what's convenient for everyone in June."

Madrid have improved of late, although their title challenge has been helped by the inconsistent form of rivals Barca and Sevilla.

And Calderon insists his club are now well placed to land their first Primera Liga crown since 2003.

"The team is better than ever and very united," he said.

"We're right there when everyone had written us off two months ago.

"Things will be looking great if we win in Bilbao and then defeat Sevilla here at home.

"We're two points off the lead, and we've had some bad luck. But complaining doesn't help and we have to look ahead.

"We're doing well and can be at the top at any moment. The team is in good spirits and the players will give it their all."

Calderon also spoke in glowing terms about captain Raul, whose future remains uncertain.

He said: "Raul is a symbol of this club and has embodied the values of Real Madrid over his years here.

"He should decide what to do: stay here or go out on top, because that's what he deserves, and much more.

"But I think he wants to continue here and I would be thrilled if he decided to retire while wearing the Real Madrid shirt.

"He's is an exemplary player and it would be great to have him here with us."

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(Goal.com) - Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Didier Drogba ahead of tomorrow's clash at Stamford Bridge, though he admitted that he did not vote for him last week.

The Liverpool centre-half will have to contend with the Ivorian for at least 180 minutes, and admitted that it has always been some fight against him.

"Yeah, he's brilliant. He just missed out on my Player Of The Year vote. That went to Ronaldo," Carragher told Zoo magazine.

"With someone that size, you've got to be up for a proper fight. He's as good as any striker in the world at the moment, so we know how hard it'll be.

"But don't forget we also know we have to look after Andrei Shevchenko as well."

Banal Banter

He also expressed his amusement with all the mind games and the pre-match banter, ever since this date was set two weeks ago.

"It did [amuse me]," he said. "We read the papers - they're lying around the training ground - so we see everything being said.

"It's entertaining, all good for a laugh. But it makes no difference whatsoever. As the tie takes shape, I'm sure it won't be just the managers having their say. It'll be players too."

Rafa Enjoying It

Carragher also suggested that despite his dismissiveness, coach Rafa Benitez was actually enjoying the exchange with Mourinho.

"It's such a big game, though, that no matter what he says, it'll be spun to make a headline," he continued. "Having said that, I think that he [Benitez] quite enjoys it too. It's all a bit of fun and has no bearing on the match itself.

"Those of us who played will never forget how good a night that was two years ago. That can spur us on to repeat it. Nights like that stay with you for the rest of your life."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Salt Lake playmaker Andy Williams has been forced to the shelf for 4-6 weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain during their defeat at Chivas USA this weekend.

Though Williams was injured by a rough Sacha Kljestan challenge, RSL boss John Ellinger was not angry at the U.S. international.

"It was one of those things you don't expect to see," he told the Salt Lake Tribune.

"Sacha's not a malicious type of guy, it was a poor decision."

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(Goal.com) - Juventus coach Didier Deschamps has dismissed suggestions that the turin giants will be challenging for the Scudetto in ther first season upon return to Serie A.

With a return to Serie A almost secured, the attention is shifting rapidly towards rebuilding the team for the rigours of Serie A.

Top players are set to be brought in, big bucks to be spent, all of which will only put the pressure on the coach to deliver immediate success.

However, Deschamps has moved to reduce the pressure.

"I am very fine with the new Juve," Deschamps told L'Equipe Magazine. "The club were in trouble when I came, and maybe I like trouble.

"I have to be realistic. I know if we return to Serie A, Juve will not be able to compete for the title.

"And I don't say that to protect myself."

There are doubts over Deschamps' future itself, with certain reports linking Marcelo Lippi with a return to Turin.

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(Soccer365.com) - Wayne Rooney claims ManYoo are a much better side than the one that lost to AC Milan two years ago.

That was the last time United lost a European tie at Old Trafford - going down 1-0 in both legs - but Rooney says he and United have since improved.

"Since those games I've learnt a lot from playing with good players around me," he told United Review. "But it also helps just playing Champions League football regularly.

"Back then it was my first year at United and I was finding my feet in a lot of ways. But now I am settled and playing much better football. I just hope I can help us do well and help the team get through.

"We're a better team than two years ago. Then we missed too many chances, but I'm confident we'll take our chances tonight."

As they prepare for their semi-final first leg, United are certainly stronger in attack than two years ago, but the well-documented problems lie in defence, with Sir Alex Ferguson's whole first-choice backline missing.

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(Goal.com) - Johan Cruyff believes that Lionel Messi has to become a team player if he is to be considered a true great and has passed on some of his expert knowledge.

The Dutchman, who is still connected to FC Barcelona, has been impressed by the Argentinian's ability, but wants him to mature more in order to become even better.

As Messi has drawn many plaudits recently, Cruyff spoke out to warn him that he must keep on improving and working hard to help himself and his team-mates.

"For all the natural talent that he has, he still has to learn certain things that he does not yet have. Experience and his development as a person.

"As good as Messi may appear now, he still has to grow as a player and as a human being," he explained. "His aim must be to better than he is.

"To be better does mean scoring another incredible goal, it means helping those around you more."

During Cruyff's time as coach of Barça he oversaw many blossoming careers, but the beginning of one particular player sticks in his memory.

"In a certain sense, Messi reminds me of what happened with Iván De la Peña," he continued.

"Everyone wanted him to make the final pass, the killer pass to create goal, and I was obsessed that he could do that.

"For every ten balls you receive, play nine of them easily and keep one for yourself, maybe two at the most.

"It should never be the other way around or you lose that element of surprise."

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(Sports Network) - Manchester United enters the first leg of its Champions League semifinal with AC Milan at Old Trafford on Tuesday missing a number of key defenders and forcing manager Sir Alex Ferguson to rely on an unfamiliar back line to stop the Milan attack.

With Rio Ferdinand (groin), Gary Neville (ankle), Nemanja Vidic (collar bone) and Mikael Silvestre (shoulder) all out with injuries, Ferguson will likely pair Wes Brown and Gabriel Heinze in the center with John O'Shea and midfielder Darren Fletcher manning the outside. Patrice Evra may be available to Ferguson in a bench role, but the United boss is not worried about his starting back line.

"We'll have important players available for the game, so the one problem I have is perhaps having an adequate bench," Ferguson told the club's website. "But we're happy with the squad available. You do miss players like Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Louis Saha in big matches, but the spirit of the team is good."

With such an inexperienced group playing in front of him, United keeper Edwin van der Sar will be called upon to put forth a big effort if United is keep Milan's attack under wraps.

"Since Edwin has joined us, he has brought with him personality and experience," Ferguson said. "Particularly when we were changing the team, that was very important to us. He's proved that again this season, where his form has been outstanding. He has been in the Champions League and been in this position before. For the ones in the dressing room who haven't, that is important to them. I think he is one of the best in the world."

United's defense will need to be in top form if they want to deny Milan any precious away goals. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti will have a full team at his disposal with the return to the lineup of striker Alberto Gilardino, who was suspended. The Red Devils will also have their hands full with Brazilian midfielder Kaka, who has scored seven goals in the Champions League this season, tops in the competition.

Away goals will be a big part of United's focus on Tuesday, but if they do concede one or two, they certainly have the firepower to make them up. An in- form Wayne Rooney is difficult for any defense to handle, and with Cristiano Ronaldo's trickery, United is a threat to explode in any match, as evidenced by their 7-1 win over Roma at Old Trafford in the second leg of their quarterfinal matchup.

The week's other semifinal pairing is an all-England affair, with familiar foes Liverpool and Chelsea meeting up at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in the opening leg.

Liverpool bounced Chelsea from the competition two years ago at the same spot, and after knocking the Blues out of last season's FA Cup in the semifinal round, some might think that Liverpool has Chelsea's number when it comes to cup competitions.

The Champions League is the only hardware missing from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's trophy case at Chelsea, although he does have one from his days at FC Porto.

This matchup is expected to be a tight one once again, with little goals but plenty of drama. Two years ago, it was a controversial goal by Liverpool's Luis Garcia that provided the lone tally over two legs, and this year doesn't figure to be much different, especially on Wednesday.

The two teams are very familiar with one another, and a cautious contest is likely to break out at Stamford Bridge. Expect Chelsea to play a defensive style in hopes of preventing an away goal, while Liverpool is likely to press forward a little more, but at the same time, be careful not to get caught by a Chelsea counter attack.

You will more than likely see a tactical battle in the first leg, and everything decided at Anfield in the second.

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(Soccer365.com) - Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered Cristiano Ronaldo to cut back on his practice to prevent the PFA Player of the Year burning himself out.

Ronaldo, who became the first man in 30 years to win both the main prize and the young player award from his peers on Sunday, is a key figure in Manchester United's treble bid.

With so many defenders injured, and both Park Ji-sung and Louis Saha sidelined as well, there will be even more pressure on the 22-year-old to deliver over the final weeks of the campaign.

And Ferguson is anxious the winger does not extend himself too much on the training ground.

"You have to drag Cristiano off the training pitch sometimes because he likes to practice so much," said Ferguson.

"It is part of his make-up but maybe he overdid it a little last week.

"We are trying to preserve his energies for the important games, so we are going to have to cut back on his practice.

"He really has been carrying the banner for us for a long time now but we are really down on players now so there is a big onus on the boy."

Although Ronaldo has been below par in United's last two games by his own high standards, his confidence should be be boosted by the two goals he scored in the seven-goal rout of Roma in the last round.

His performance that night in particular drew comparisons with legends such as Pele and Diego Maradona from team-mate Patrice Evra.

At the time, Ferguson did little to dissuade anyone from the view he could reach that standard, although the Scot now admits it is slightly over the top.

"Cristiano has this new publicity comparing him with Pele and Maradona. Of course it is ridiculous because he is only 22," said Ferguson.

"He has a lot to go before he can be considered at that level. He has to play consistently in European games and also World Cup games before you can judge how great he is.

"But that is all in front of him.

"At this moment he is the best player in the world and I don't say that lightly because there are so many fantastic players around.

"His season has been incredible, 21 goals from a winger is exceptional. His position in the game at this moment is very high."

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(Soccer365.com) - Mexico boss Hugo Sanchez has called on his charges to bring home the CONCACAF Gold Cup crown and excel at Copa América.

The manager will be without backline general Rafa Márquez in the continental championship, but this fact did not dampen his expectations.

"We have to win the Gold Cup and finish in the top four at the Copa América," declared Sanchez.

Márquez will be unavailable because Barcelona have reached the Spanish Cup final, which conflicts with Gold Cup preparations.

"We know they will reach the final of the Copa del Rey and this means he can't play in the Gold Cup," sighed Sanchez.

The United States will host the Gold Cup, beginning on June 6th.

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(Soccer365.com) - Though certainly pleased with a sharp Josmer Altidore goal on the turn to beat Houston this weekend, New York coach Bruce Arena says the sky is the limit for the teen phenom.

The boss was impressed with his touch-and-fire that lifted the 10-man Red Bulls over the reigning champs, but didn’t want to make it seem like big deal.

"I'm sure he's a pretty confident kid anyway," Arena cracked to MLSNet. "Obviously, anytime forwards score goals they have confidence."

"He has a long way to go," he insisted. "He's not yet established as a player."

"There are a lot of areas that he needs to get better, he knows that."

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is keen to experience a Champions League final, more so after hearing his teammates recount their experiences from two years ago.

"Most of the lads here have all played in a European Cup final and know what it feels like to lift the trophy, and I would love the chance to do that," Crouch told the club's magazine.

"It is something I have missed, and so have a few more recent signings, and I would love to experience it myself.

"I am really enjoying the competition, I've scored a few goals and I am on a bit of a run in Europe, so I hope that continues all the way to the final."

"The two matches are going to be tight, but we have proved against Chelsea that we can beat them.

"We have won three of the last four meetings between the sides and beaten them in the league at Anfield in February.

"But we know we are going to have to be at our very best to beat them, but if we play the way we can we can beat anyone."

It is unclear whether Crouch will start at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, particularly if Craig Bellamy is fully fit.

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(Soccer365.com) - Chivas USA striker star Ante Razov was delighted to crack the century mark in MLS goals with one in their weekend rout of Real Salt Lake.

The former Fire man nodded home a far post cross from Francisco Mendoza for #100.

"I feel good, but the most important thing is that we won tonight," Razov told MLSNet. "I'm excited for my family and me, because we celebrate this together."

"I'm also happy because the owner - Antonio Cue - as well as the fans, recognized me and that makes me feel like I'm part of this Chivas family."

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(Goal.com) - David Beckham insists that the passion he feels for Real Madrid will make him give his very best until his final game with Los Merengues.

Beckham found himself on the outside of Capello's plans after signing a contract with Los Angeles Galaxy in January, but continued to battle with determination.

He eventually made a very popular return in February, only to pick up ligament damage. He has since returned in style, setting up Madrid's winner against Valencia with a superb free-kick.

"I love this Club and I'm going to do my best until the day I leave," Beckham told Sky Sports.

"The best thing that can happen to a football player is to play at the Bernabéu.

"I will miss playing for these fans."

"People wondered how you could be committed to a team when you had signed for another team.

"I had to prove I am committed. It doesn`t mean I don`t give 110 per cent or don`t fly into tackles and try to win things with this team.

"I still want to give my best. I still want to win something here."

Capello himself was full of praise for the former England skipper's impact after the 2-1 win over Valencia.

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(Goal.com) - It has just been confirmed that Palermo have sacked coach Francesco Guidolin.

Club president Mourizio Zamparini had earlier given the coach a lease of life after the 3-4 defeat to Parma, suggesting: "I considered sacking him 10 games ago, but instead I listened to others who were telling me to keep him.

"Now, I will not make any coaching changes. We will continue like this until the end of the season."

However, it seems that the pressure of yet another defeat, one that has all but extinguished any hopes of playing in the Champions League despite a superb start to the season, has told.

Having failed to win for 11 games, Palermo now lie 6th, 7 points behing 4th placed Milan.

Another defeat could see even their Uefa Cup berth come under serious threat, which Fiorentina and Udinese lurking over their shoulders.

Of course, a big reason for their downfall has been talisman Amauri's injury, but the president was left with little choice after the latest defeat saw even Guidolin's strongest backers give in.

It is not yet clear who will replace him, ahead of their clash against Livorno.

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Wuhan, China (Sports Network) - The top-ranked United States women's national team got a draw Sunday for the World Cup coach Greg Ryan described as "the worst odds they could possibly throw at us."

The United States was placed in Group B and will play Sweden, North Korea and Nigeria. Sweden was second at the 2003 World Cup and is ranked fourth by FIFA. North Korea is ranked fifth in the world.

"It presents an incredible challenge to this team," Ryan said. "... I think it’s here where you say, ‘OK, look, everything that you could have go against you in this draw did, so you will have to play every game like an elimination game, even the first game. If you lose the first one, you are in trouble to get through the group.’ So it’s an incredible challenge to this team. Let’s take that challenge and go out and prove to the rest of the world that we can get this done."

The United States also played Sweden, North Korea and Nigeria in the group stage in 2003. The U.S. plays its first game of the 2007 World Cup on Sept. 11 against North Korea. The Americans then play Sweden on Sept. 14 and Nigeria on Sept 18.

"(The draw) is certainly going to give us added focus once we get to the World Cup," Ryan said. "There won't be any easy games. Every game is going to require great focus and intensity to get the results we want."

The United States won the World Cup in 1991 and 1999 and finished third in 1995 and 2003. The Americans lost to eventual champions Norway and Germany in the semifinals 1995 and 2003, respectively.

Germany is in Group A with Japan, England and Argentina. Norway is in Group C with Ghana, Australia and Canada. Host China, New Zealand, Brazil and Denmark are in Group D.

The Americans can advance by finishing first or second in Group B. Should the U.S. advance, it will face a team from Group A in the first round of the knockout stage.

The tournament takes place in China from Sept. 10-30.

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Siena, Italy (Sports Network) - Marco Materazzi scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner in the 60th minute, to give Inter Milan its first Serie A title on the field since the 1988-89 season as the Nerazzuri recorded a 2-1 win over Siena at Artemio Franchi on Sunday.

Inter was awarded the league crown last season because both Juventus and AC Milan were penalized for match fixing, but they have dominated the league this season and were able to celebrate after second-placed Roma suffered a 2-1 defeat to Atalanta, sealing the title.

The day was especially sweet for Materazzi, who helped Italy capture the World Cup title last summer, and now has a Serie A crown to put in his trophy case after scoring both goals on Sunday.

The opener came after 18 minutes as Materazzi scored a scrappy goal off of a corner kick. The ball was lobbed into the box but neither side was able to gain control of it. After a brief scramble in front of the Siena net, Materazzi pounced on the ball and poked it home from close range.

The home side had a quick answer, however, and Paulo Negro evened things up just three minutes later. Daniele Galloppa created space for a cross and his pass was met by the head of Negro, who gave Inter keeper Julio Cesar no chance with his effort from close range.

Julio Cruz then created the second goal for Materazzi when he was tripped up inside the box by Siena keeper Alex Manninger. The big defender stepped up to the spot and made no mistake with the kick, easily beating Manninger to put Inter in front.

Siena tried to respond once more, but the club's best chance the rest of the match came when Daniele Corvia headed a free kick from Enrico Chiesa wide of the net. Inter closed things down from there, and once they learned that Roma had lost, the celebration was on.

In other Serie A play on Sunday, fifth-placed Empoli was held to a 0-0 draw by Torino, Chievo recorded a big 2-1 win over Livorno and third-placed Lazio continued to struggle as Adrian Mutu scored the lone goal of the match in Fiorentina's 1-0 win. Reggina played to a 1-1 draw against Udinese and Parma climbed out of the relegation zone with a 4-3 win over Palermo.

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Newcastle, England (Sports Network) - Just one day after Manchester United handed Chelsea a chance to move to within one point of the Premiership lead, the Blues returned the favor as they were held to a 0-0 draw against Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday.

The result leaves Chelsea three points back of the Red Devils with four games to play, including a massive showdown at Stamford Bridge in May with United.

The game was always going to be a tough one for Chelsea, who did not expect Newcastle to just lay down for them. However, it would have been difficult for anyone to predict how well the Magpies slowed down the Chelsea attack, holding the Blues to just four shots on target.

The opening 45 minutes were rough for Chelsea as they watched midfielder Michael Ballack leave the game with an injury after 18 minutes. The Blues also had little space to create any kind of attack with the Newcastle players flying around and making life difficult.

The home side was the more dangerous in the first half as Antoine Sibierski managed to get a header on net in the second minute and Obafemi Martins drilled a 25-yard effort just inches wide of the post.

Things opened up a bit after the restart and Chelsea began to find a little more room. Frank Lampard had the first real chance for Chelsea, but his shot flew over the cross bar.

Kieron Dyer then got the benefit of the doubt in an offsides decision and carried the ball in on Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, who made a big save on Dyer to keep the game goalless.

Chelsea became the aggressors over the final 15 minutes but Newcastle held out for the point. Didier Drogba managed to get a header on goal, but keeper Steve Harper made a comfortable stop.

Second-half substitute Joe Cole had a great chance to grab the win in the dying seconds of the game when he got on the other end of Paulo Ferreira's cross but his shot slid just inches past the far post and both teams were left with one point.

Sunday's other contest also ended without a goal as Aston Villa and Portsmouth were left with a share of the spoils.

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Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Garcia Sergio Ramos scored in the 73rd minute to give Read Madrid a 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday in a battle of two of the top four teams in the Spanish La Liga.

Ruud van Nistelrooy also scored for Real Madrid, which started the day in third and climbed into second, just two points behind Barcelona.

Nistelrooy's 16th goal of the season, a beautiful curling volley from the top of the box in the 18th minute, put Real up 1-0. Valencia's Fernando Morientes tied the game in the 52nd minute.

Valencia also could have moved into second with a victory but its hold on the fourth spot is secure for at least another week.

In Saturday's other game, Darko Kovacevic and Bortolini Savio scored as Real Sociedad upset Atletico Madrid, 2-0. Even with the win, Real Sociedad is still next to last in the standings. Atletico Madrid remained tied for fifth.

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Milan, Italy (Sports Network) - Ronaldo continued to torture Serie A opposition on Saturday at the San Siro as he scored two more goals in AC Milan's 3-1 win over Cagliari, which gives the Rossoneri a seven-point cushion over fifth-placed Palermo in the race for the final Champions League spot.

The Brazilian striker opened the scoring in the 14th minute, and added his second goal of the match in the 69th. David Suazo's penalty kick in the 74th minute gave the visitors hope, but Andrea Pirlo's second goal of the season six minutes later ensured that the points would stay in Milan.

Clarence Seedorf created the first goal with a nice slashing run through the midfield. He then slid a pass to Cafu on the right wing, and the Brazilian found his countryman inside the six-yard box with a cross, making things easy for Ronaldo.

That duo hooked up once again in the 69th minute, as Cafu found Ronaldo with a pass near the penalty spot. Ronaldo then got free for a shot that beat keeper Antonio Chimenti to double the score line.

Cagliari midfielder Andrea Capone then handed his team a chance to get back into the game as he drew a foul inside the Milan area. Kakha Kaladze was the guilty party, and Suazo made him pay by driving a shot into the bottom-left corner to cut the deficit in half.

Just when it looked like a tense final 10 minutes was in order, Pirlo's insurance marker took away the suspense with a fine free-kick effort that found the upper-left corner of the goal and left the keeper standing.

In Saturday's other Serie A contest, Sampdoria got the better of Messina 3-1, keeping Messina in grave danger of being sent down.

On Sunday, second-placed Roma tries to hold off Inter Milan's title clincher a little longer with a win against Atalanta, cellar-dwellers Ascoli visit Catania Calcio, Chievo sit on the edge of relegation and are in desperate need of points against Livorno and sixth-placed Empoli host Torino. Third-placed Lazio meets Fiorentina, Reggina is one point clear of relegation and takes on Udinese, Inter Milan tries to bounce back from its first loss of the season against Siena and Palermo hosts Parma in an effort to stay in the race for the final Champions League spot.

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Rennes, France (Sports Network) - Lyon clinched its sixth-straight Ligue 1 title on Saturday without even stepping on the pitch. That is because second- placed Toulouse was handed a 3-2 loss by Rennes at Stade dele Route de Lorient, eliminating any chance the club had at catching the league-leaders.

Achille Emana gave Toulouse a 1-0 lead at halftime with his goal in the 30th minute, but the home side rallied in the second half to snatch all three points.

Jimmy Briand got the scoring started in the 63rd minute when Toulouse's Walid Cherfa was whistled for handling the ball inside his own box. Briand stepped up and converted the spot kick by placing it in the lower-left corner.

Second-half substitute Sylvain Marveaux put the home side in front in the 75th minute as he bent a brilliant free-kick around the wall and into the top corner of the net, giving Toulouse keeper Nicolas Douchez no chance.

However, an own-goal conceded by Briand leveled the match just two minutes later, and it looked as though the team's would be left with a share of the points.

Bruno Cheyrou made sure that his club secured all three points, however, as he broke the tie for good in the 87th minute. A cross from Romain Danze set up an easy finish for Cheyrou as he got free from his marker and got on the other end of Danze's cross, knocking the ball home from the top of the six-yard box with his right foot.

The loss drops Toulouse into third place in the league standings, and they are now just three points ahead of Marseille for the third and final Champions League spot.

In other Ligue 1 action on Saturday, PSG got two goals from Pauleta en route to a 4-0 drubbing of Nantes, Lens moved into second place with a 2-0 defeat of Le Mans, Nancy handled Valenciennes 1-0 on a penalty kick by Benjamin Gavanon and Marseille earned a 2-1 win over Troyes as Modeste M'Bami scored in the 86th minute. Monaco downed Lille 3-1, and both Sedan and Nice and Sochaux and Lorient ended in 1-1 draws.

On Sunday, Lyon takes its victory lap with a visit to Auxerre and Bordeaux tries to move into the top three with a win at St Etienne.

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Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United's hopes of winning its first Premiership title in four seasons took a big hit on Saturday as the Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

Things could not have started better for United when Kieran Richardson got the home side on the board in just the third minute, but Mark Viduka got Middlesbrough back level just before halftime, and United was fortunate to hold on for the draw.

The result gives United just a four-point advantage over Chelsea, who can trim that lead to one point with a win against Newcastle on Sunday. With away matches still to play against Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea, United may look back at this contest as the one that got away.

Paul Scholes' long clearance allowed Wayne Rooney to beat the offsides trap near midfield and run underneath the ball in the third minute. He gathered it in and maneuvered past keeper Mark Schwarzer, allowing Richardson to tap the ball into the empty net for an early 1-0 lead.

Instead of keeping control of the match and cruising to victory from there, United let off the gas pedal and allowed Middlesbrough to play them very evenly over the rest of the opening half. The visitor's efforts were rewarded just before halftime when Stewart Downing's curling cross from the left was met by Viduka's head inside the six-yard box, giving keeper Edwin Van der Sar no chance and bringing the teams level. United defender Rio Ferdinand was a step slow on the play, and he was seen holding his injured groin even before the goal was scored. Ferdinand did not appear in the second half and it is unlikely he will be available for United's Champions League clash with AC Milan on Tuesday.

Viduka nearly put Boro ahead after halftime when he shook free from Wes Brown inside the area but his shot from close range was turned away by a charging Van der Sar.

Rooney also had a chance to break the deadlock and he almost did inside of the game's final 15 minutes. The young Englishman sent a half-volley from inside the box just inches wide of the right post with the keeper at his mercy, and Michael Carrick also was unsuccessful with his effort.

The hosts were fortunate not to give away a penalty in stoppage time as John O'Shea brought down Middlesbrough's Dong Gook Lee inside his own area, but the foul went unpunished by the referee.

In other EPL action on Saturday, Arsenal was held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham, allowing Liverpool to move four points clear of the Gunners in third place with a 2-0 win over Wigan behind two goals from Dirk Kuyt. Watford will be sent down next season after the Hornets played to a 1-1 draw with Manchester City, Reading scored three times in the final six minutes to beat Bolton 3-1, relegation-battling sides Sheffield United and Charlton split the points in 1-1 fashion as did Fulham and Blackburn while West Ham kept its hopes of avoiding relegation alive as they stunned Everton 1-0 on a goal from Bobby Zamora.

On Sunday, Chelsea faces a tough test with a trip to St James' Park to meet Newcastle, but the Blues know that they can cut their deficit to just one point with a win. Sunday's other contest features Portsmouth traveling to Aston Villa.

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Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United holds a three-point lead over Chelsea with five games to play in the Premiership season, and the Red Devils welcome Middlesbrough to Old Trafford on Saturday for the fourth meeting between the two sides this season.

The teams have played three heated contests, with Cristiano Ronaldo as the centerpiece for the bad feelings. Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has already labeled the Portuguese winger a cheat after he felt Ronaldo took a dive to earn penalty kicks in both the team's first Premiership meeting and United's FA Cup replay win.

United needs four wins in their last five games to lock up the Premiership crown but manager Sir Alex Ferguson feels that his players have not had a problem dealing with the pressure.

"Over the years, it doesn't matter which team has won the league, there have always been moments of nervousness, but they seem to be enjoying it," Ferguson told the club's website.

United also must keep focused on domestic play in addition to keeping its nerve, as the club is facing the first leg of its Champions League semifinal against AC Milan on Tuesday.

United is in a good position to make a run at three major trophies this season, with a date already set for the Red Devils to meet Chelsea in the FA Cup final, but Ferguson knows that it will take plenty of luck just to take one piece of hardware home.

"You start the season hoping to win a major trophy," he said. "We could win one of them, with an immense amount of luck we could win three. But if we win the league I'd be quite happy with that. Any time I've done well, we've always had a bit of luck. The luck we need now is to keep this group fit for the rest of the season, if we do that we have a real big chance."

Ferguson has already been given a small dose of luck for this weekend's game, as defenders Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and John O'Shea have all shaken off injuries in time for the match. Nemanja Vidic, Park Ji-Sung and Louis Saha are still unavailable, but having some healthy bodies in the back will be enough to satisfy Ferguson.

Southgate's side was dealt a blow when it was determined that midfielder Julio Arca would not make the trip to Old Trafford because he has not yet recovered from a groin tear, while Abel Xavier status is in question due to a back problem. However, Southgate will have the services of Robert Huth and striker Mark Viduka at his disposal.

In other action on Saturday, Tottenham tries to stay in contention for a UEFA Cup spot when Spurs visit Arsenal, Bolton tries to hang on to its European berth when Reading comes calling, Charlton and Sheffield United hook up at The Valley in a big relegation contest and Blackburn travel to Fulham. Liverpool looks to hold on to third place when Wigan comes to Anfield, last-placed Watford entertains Manchester City and West Ham continues its fight to avoid relegation with a home contest against Everton.

On Sunday, Chelsea faces a tough test at St James' Park when the Blues take on Newcastle and Portsmouth invades Aston Villa.

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Auxerre, France (Sports Network) - Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Rennes all but locked up Lyon's sixth-straight Ligue 1 title, but the French giants can make it official on Sunday with just one point against Auxerre at Stade Abbe Deschamps.

Scoring goals has been an issue recently for Lyon, as they have managed just one in their last three games, but the defense has held up nicely and has recorded four consecutive clean sheets. A fifth clean sheet will hand Lyon the Ligue 1 title, no matter how poor the attack is, and that is all that matters.

Gregory Coupet has been outstanding in goal for Lyon all season, and with defenders Eric Abidal, Sebastien Squillaci, Anthony Reveillere and Florent Malouda playing in front of him, Coupet's goal has been a tough nut to crack this season.

The tandem of Fred and Juninho has combined for 18 goals this year, but it has been the steady play of the Lyon back line that has allowed the club to cruise towards another title.

Auxerre will be looking to hold off the celebration for another week and also attempt to move into the top half of the standings in a crowded middle of the table.

After dropping a 2-0 decision to second-placed Toulouse last time out, Auxerre dropped to 12th in the standings, but is still just six points out of the fourth spot, currently occupied by Bordeaux.

The club does not have the strongest attack in Ligue 1, and has scored just 34 goals in its 32 games this season. The home side has also failed to get on the scoreboard in its last two league contests, a formula that adds up to another title celebration for Lyon.

In action on Saturday, Toulouse must win at Rennes to keep the league title alive, last-placed Nantes travels to PSG, Valenciennes and Nancy meet in a bottom-half clash and third-placed Lens hosts Le Mans. Marseille will be looking to jump into the top five with a win against Troyes, Monaco and Lille meet up at Stade Louis II, Sedan entertains Nice in a game filled with relegation implications for both sides and fifth-placed Sochaux hosts Lorient.

Sunday's other contest features fourth-placed Bordeaux trying to hold on to a spot in Europe when they invade St Etienne.

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(Soccer365.com) - New England boss Steve Nicol isn’t naming any names, but say the club remain in the chase for multiple foreign players.

One possible target is a Brazlian playing with Deportivo Alavés, according to the Boston Globe.

"We're looking, but it's always the same - it's never done until it's done," Nicol told the daily. "They are either signed or they are not signed, but are we actively trying to sign someone? Yes - in fact, more than one."

"We would like to make something happen, but there is no sense of urgency."

"If something happens, fine," asserted Nicol. "If not, we are more than content with what we have."

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(Soccer365.com) - Ajax plan to retire the number 14 shirt in honour of former player and coach Johan Cruyff.

The tribute is planned as Holland legend Cruyff approaches his 60th birthday.

"Johan Cruyff was of immense worth to Ajax and gave the club a worldwide name and fame," said chairman John Jaakke.

"Whoever thinks of the number 14 thinks of Johan Cruyff. That is why we will freeze his number as a homage to a unique football player - Johan 60, 14 forever."

The number 14 shirt will be framed and put on display at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Cruyff, who turns 60 on April 25, laughed off the tribute, saying: "That is no honour, is it? You must let your best player play with number 14!"

The tradition comes from America, where star players in baseball, basketball, ice hockey and American football have been honoured in this way.

FC Utrecht decided in December 2005 to never again use the number four jersey in memory of defender David Di Tomasso, who died last season.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from a goal and two assists in their season opening victory over D.C. United, Kansas City striker Eddie Johnson has revealed that he is working with a sports psychologist to regain top form.

"He's a mental and conditioning coach," the U.S. international told the Chicago Tribune. "A lot of athletes get on cloud nine one minute and then face adversity the next - I hit adversity."

"He put together highlights of me for me to realize what I can do and how I've done it. - it's supposed to motivate me, but it all comes down to me."

"The team is looking for me to do big things," noted Johnson. "The only person who can stop me is me."

The weekend goal snapped a personal drought that had dragged on since last May, including both MLS and USMNT contests.

"It helped my confidence," said Johnson. " I want to prove I can still score."

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(Goal.com) - Pele believes that one good season is not enough for Cristiano Ronaldo to be labelled as the best player in the world.

There has been much talk of the young Portuguese winger having become the best in the world through his much improved form this season, but Pele believes it is still a few years too early.

"Cristiano Ronaldo, today, is one of the good players, he plays very good in England," Pele told Sky Sports News.

"But to mention him as the best player in the world, I thnk it is very soon.

"You have Kaka, who plays very well and I think he is the same level.

"Some years ago - four or five years ago - we had Ronaldinho in good shape.

"I think to compare Cristiano with the great players is too soon.

"We have to wait a little bit. Let's see in one or two years more if he can keep the same level."

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(Soccer365.com) - Columbus general manager Mark McCullers can take a deep breath after closing the tricky deal to sign Boca Juniors hero Guillermo Barros Schelotto.

The Bombonera favorite finally inked his MLS contract after appearing in one last Argentine derby deluxe with River Plate last Sunday.

"Business is just done a little bit differently in other parts of the world than we are accustomed to," McCullers told the Columbus Dispatch. "You roll with the punches."

Crew boss Sigi Schmid admitted the acquisition was one that had to be eased through.

"With his situation and his adoration amongst the fans, it was complicated for Boca trying to find the way through the minefield," he offered. "It's not like he is a player who the club was desperate to offload."

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(Goal.com) - Fabio Cannavaro, among the leading Madrid players to let go at the referee on Saturday evening, has now completed his proverbial U-turn, insisting that it is important to support to officials.

"The referees are normal people and, of course, can make mistakes," he told the press on Wednesday evening.

"I'm not thinking about the referee slipping up when I'm on the pitch. Everything is over when the final whistle is blown."

Asked how these comments compared with those made after Saturday's game, he insisted: "I didn't say anything harsh. After a game, we must analyse everything that happened.

"We only have to think it was a difficult game. The referee may make a mistake, but we have to keep focused and not think that the referees are against us."

He was also asked about the disciplinary action likely to be taken against sporting director Pedja Mijatovic.

"I think it's normal for a person of standing within a club to speak his mind after the game," said the Golden Ball winner.

"I think everything he does is done for the club's benefit. He is a very experienced man and he knows what he must do."

Finally, he refused to speculare on Real Madrid's public apology: "They must have had their reasons to do so. We only think about playing football.

"I don't think referees are against us or that they favour other teams. Referees must remain calm on the pitch."

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(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has warned his side not to get too far ahead of themselves as they chase a spot in the Copa del Rey final.

Barca are firm favourites to progress to the showpiece event after establishing a 5-2 first leg lead over semi-final opponents Getafe, but Rijkaard is preaching caution.

"The tie is not finished yet but we have the advantage of three goals," he said. "Now we have to prepare for the return encounter."

Barca raced into a 3-0 lead by half-time at the Nou Camp on Wednesday, but were pegged back by two goals in as many minutes by Getafe just before the hour mark.

If the scoreline had stayed that way then Getafe, who have lost just once in the league at home this season and conceded only six goals, would have fancied their chances of advancing in the second leg.

But goals from Barca strikers Eidur Gudjohnsen and Samuel Eto'o put the home side back in control and they will travel to the Coliseum Alfonso Perez next month with a three-goal advantage.

"Getafe did get back into it and that gave us a shock. But the team did well for the game to end with this scoreline," Rijkaard added.

"I have to congratulate them because they did a great job."

One of the big talking points to come out of the match was Barca's second goal, which was scored by Leo Messi in the 28th minute.

Picking the ball up inside his own half, Messi beat four opposing players as he raced towards the Getafe penalty area, before rounding visiting goalkeeper Luis Garcia and rolling the ball into the net.

The goal has been immediately likened to Diego Maradona's wonder strike against England in the 1986 World Cup, and Rijkaard called Messi's effort "a work of art".

"They (the two goals) are very similar, I think that Messi accelerated a little more," the Dutchman added on his club's website.

"Messi is a player with much talent and we cannot hide the comparisons with Maradona. But Messi is only interested in getting on the pitch and playing his matches."

Messi said: "I am happy for what happened, but I am calm. It was very lovely and I thank God for it, but we need to continue forward."

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(Goal.com) - Frank Lampard has revealed that former Chelsea team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen cannot stop waxing lyrical about life in Barcelona.

The Icelandic star made the switch to Camp Nou last summer but still keeps in contact with Lampard.

"He speaks wonders of Barcelona," the England international was quoted as saying by Sport.

"I have spoken with him and he is enchanted with the life and lifestyle in Barcelona.

"He has explained to me that every movement is analysed by the fans and press - I believe it would be a great experience for a footballer to play in a club like that."

Lampard also spoke about the different approaches to training at Chelsea and Barcelona.

"There is also a lot of difference between the training," he said.

"At Chelsea we look at the physical aspect a lot, but at Barcelona it is more technique based and he [Gudjohnsen] enjoys that because he is a quality player."

Lampard has always insisted that he is happy to stay at Chelsea.

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Milan, Italy (Sports Network) - Inter Milan had a chance to clinch the Serie A title on Wednesday at the San Siro, but the Nerazzuri will have to wait a little longer as they suffered their first defeat of the season in league play, a 3-1 decision to Roma.

After Simone Perrotta gave the visitors a one-goal lead before halftime, Marco Materazzi converted a controversial penalty kick to level the match after 51 minutes. Francesco Totti then sunk Inter with his league-leading 19th goal of the campaign in the 89th minute, and Marco Cassetti added a stoppage-time goal for good measure, handing Inter its first defeat on home soil this season spanning all competitions.

After a cautious opening, Roma seized the initiative and nearly went in front after 20 minutes. Totti drove a low shot from the right towards goal that keeper Julio Cesar got down to stop. However, Cesar spilled a rebound that handed Perrotta a golden opportunity, but his shot on goal was blocked away by an Inter defender.

Perrotta continued to threaten the Inter net, and nearly opened his account nine minutes later. After taking a pass from Philippe Mexes, Perrotta fired a shot from the top of the box that missed the upper-right corner of the net by inches.

Two minutes later, a dangerous free-kick effort from Cristian Chivu blazed just inches over the cross bar, but Inter finally responded with an offensive surge of its own. Dejan Stankovic took possession of the ball 30 yards from goal, and after taking a touch, thrashed a dipping shot on net that beat keeper Alexander Doni but came back off the cross bar.

Alessandro Mancini then forced a nice save from Cesar in the 40th minute to keep the game goalless. Totti carried the ball towards the Inter goal and dropped off a pass for Mancini, who struck it first-time with his right foot on goal. The ball was dipping towards the top corner but Cesar just got a hand to it, tipping it off the cross bar and over the net.

Four minutes later, Perrotta got Roma on the board. Daniele De Rossi slid a pass to Chivu on the left wing, and the Roma defender then drove a cross through the face of goal that Perrotta got to and pushed across the line from two-yards out. It was a well-deserved goal for a Roma side that dominated the opening half.

The match turned in the 51st minute when Roma's Doni was whistled for a questionable foul inside his area. Zlatan Ibrahimovic threaded a nice pass through the Roma back line for Adriano, who arrived at the ball the same time as Doni. Adriano then fell to the pitch after getting a touch on the ball, although replays indicated that there was no contact between the keeper and the striker. Materazzi then stepped up and buried the spot kick, sending Doni the wrong way by blasting a left-footed shot to the keeper's left.

The goal energized Inter, and they knew that one more would probably lock up the league crown. Adriano almost found that goal in the 58th minute, as he got a head to the cross of Sisenando Maicon and put the ball on target. The header was on its way into the lower-right corner, but Doni reached back and tipped the ball off the right post, keeping it out.

Inter was the more dangerous team over the next 30 minutes, but Doni and the Roma back line held strong. They were rewarded in the 89th minute when Inter's Esteban Cambiasso was called for bringing down De Rossi outside the box. Totti was on the ball and he drove a shot that clipped the edge of the Inter wall and found its way inside the left post, giving Cesar no chance to stop it.

Cassetti then added the insurance tally with just seconds to play, and the San Siro faithful were sent home without a title to celebrate.

In other Serie A play on Wednesday, AC Milan got a pair of goals from both Kaka and Alberto Gilardino to get past Ascoli 5-2, Empoli kept itself in the race for European competition next season with a 2-0 win over Atalanta, third- placed Lazio was held to a 0-0 draw by Chievo and Dario Knezevic's 67th-minute tally handed Livorno a 2-1 victory against Cagliari. Reggina got two second- half goals from Nicola Amoruso to down Messina 3-1, Vincenzo Iaquinta's penalty kick was enough to give Udinese a 1-0 win over Sampdoria, Parma beat Fiorentina 2-0 behind two goals from Giuseppe Rossi and Siena did enough to get past Sampdoria 1-0.

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(Soccer365.com) - Injured Borussia Mönchengladbach netminder Kasey Keller is hoping to beat the clock by a few weeks in order to return to action before the Bundesliga season ends.

The Foals, fighting a losing survival battle even with the American, have five games remaining.

Keller, however, is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after suffering a thigh muscle tear during Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Hamburg.

"I usually heal quickly, so I hope that it won't be longer than four weeks," he told the club website.

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(Soccer365.com) - Poland and Ukraine have won the race to host the European Championship in 2012 after beating off bids from Italy and Croatia/Hungary.

UEFA overlooked favourites Italy, whose bid was overshadowed by last season's referee corruption scandal and their on-going problems with football-related crowd trouble.

The decision was taken by 12 members of UEFA's executive committee meeting in Cardiff.

Poland and Ukraine had staged an impressive presentation with Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, Liverpool 'keeper Jerzy Dudek, former world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, former pole vault Olympic champion Sergei Bubka and Ukraine president Victor Yushchenko all making appearances.

The victory for Poland and Ukraine signifies the first step in new UEFA president Michel Platini's plan to spread the benefits of football throughout Europe and not just the big nations.

It is even more surprising as there has been a match-fixing scandal in Poland, whose government was also warned by FIFA and UEFA about political interference in the Polish FA.

Four Ukrainian cities and six Polish venues have been lined up as host cities for 2012.

The four Ukrainian venues are Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kiev and Lviv while Gdansk, Krakow, Poznan, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Chorzow have been earmarked for games in Poland.

Poland and Ukraine won in the first round of voting with eight of the 12 votes while four went to Italy and none to Croatia and Hungary, according to UEFA sources.

Bubka, now a member of the International Olympic Committee, said: "I'm very proud and happy and it will have a huge positive impact on the countries.

"There will not be a problem with the stadia, work on some new ones are already under way - one will be ready later this year and another next year.

"Everything will be done in time and the governments have promised the funding will be made available. This will accelerate the development of infrastructure in our countries."

Poland's Dutch head coach Leo Beenhakker said the decision was hugely important for the game in the winning countries.

Beenhakker said: "Eastern Europe has a great history in sport and in football and they still have great players but what they have been missing has been good infrastructure, stadiums and training facilities.

"Now the governments and the football federations are obliged to realise all their promises within the next five years and make these improvements.

"This is fundamental for football in Poland and Ukraine."

(reopens)

Platini said: "Poland/Ukraine has been chosen by the UEFA executive committee to host Euro 2012 and they are surely a worthy winner.

"However there are no losers, rather only bids that have not won this time around.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the effort that has been made, and the passion for football we have seen in all three bids."

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(Soccer365.com) - Los Angeles general manager Alexi Lalas claims he will back Frank Yallop if the coach decides not to start summer catch David Beckham every game.

The executive didn’t flinch when asked if the former England captain was passed over due to an unchanged winning lineup.

“Frank is notorious for not caring about the name on the back of the jersey, how much money they make or who they’re sleeping with,” Lalas told The Times Online. “He wants a team that’s going to win.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Without giving too much away, the Los Angeles Galaxy have admitted that they are attempting to talk former France hero Zinedine Zidane out of retirement for one last season.

Zidane was also by courted unsuccessfully by the Chicago Fire, who eventually handed their playmaking reins to Mexico ace Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

"We have contacted his entourage about coming to play for us this year," club vice president Tim Leiweke told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He knows our door will always be open, his contract won't be a problem."

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(Soccer365.com) - Spanish champions Barcelona have denied a report that Ronaldinho has glandular fever.

The Brazilian has been suffering from tonsillitis, and was forced to sit out Sunday's 1-0 Primera Liga win over Real Mallorca with coach Frank Rijkaard describing him as "feeling very weak".

Ronaldinho has now been given an individual training schedule to help aid his recovery.

A statement on the club's official website read: "He is one of the players in our squad who has played the most games this season.

"This, combined with his recent tonsillitis, has led the technical staff and the trainers to set up a programme which requires morning and evening sessions in the gym and on the Nou Camp pitch."

Radio Barcelona had earlier suggested the 27-year-old had contracted glandular fever, also known as mononucleosis.

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(Goal.com) - The Juve coach is angry about the penalty not awarded to the Bianconeri towards the end of the first half in a match which ended 0-0.

Didier Deschamps was pleased with the way his side played in the goalless draw against Rimini of Tuesday night, but pointed out at a second penalty in a row which was not awarded to the Old Lady.

"My players played a great game, despite playing with ten men for the entire second half.

“The team is fine; it's a pity to have remained with ten, and not finding the goal in the first half, which was also due to the fact that the opposing goalkeeper was very good."

Balzaretti got sent off at half-time in the tunnels leading to the dressing room, apparently over-protesting the penalty not awarded to the Bianconeri minutes earlier.

"There was a bit of nervousness, but not only for that episode.

"The accumulation of episodes from the start of the season, like that fact that even at Lecce there was a clear penalty in our favour, makes us lose our cool.

"We have been under stress for the past eight months, now we are launching towards the final sprint, and when these episodes occur one after another against, they can lead to nervousness."

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(Soccer365.com) - Bundesliga strugglers Borussia Dortmund will attempt to lure Ze Roberto back to Germany to boost their squad for next season.

The former Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich winger has been with Brazilian side FC Santos for the past year, but would be available on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign.

Dortmund, who are still fighting against relegation with five games of the season remaining, are looking to improve their side for next season and the Brazil international is one of their top targets.

"We have enquired about whether and with what conditions a transfer for Ze Roberto would become possible," said Borussia president Reinhard Rauball.

The 32-year-old enjoyed four successful years with Bayern after rising to prominence in a Leverkusen side that finished as runners-up in the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League in 2002.

And earlier this year he admitted he would like to try his luck in the Bundesliga again before ending his career.

"I would happily return to Germany," he said.

But Dortmund would face competition for his services, and Rauball told Sport Bild magazine the club's chances of signing Ze Roberto are "not so high".

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(Soccer365.com) - Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce says he will continue to deliberate until the end of the season over whether to sign U.S. star DaMarcus Beasley on a permanent deal.

The PSV Eindhoven loan item is coming off of a cool finish for the Citizens’ only goal in a 3-1 Tuesday night loss to Arsenal.

"I will probably decide on DaMarcus in the last week of the season," Pearce told reporters. "I would have liked him to have played more games, but the odd injury before Christmas has stopped him from doing that.

"But there is a lot of football to be played between now and the summer."

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(Goal.com) - Fabio Cannavaro insists he is happy for his "friends" at Inter Milan as the Nerazzurri prepare to win the Scudetto against Roma tonight.

Inter And Juventus

"I would be happy because I have many friends at Inter," he told the press this afternoon, when asked about the possibility of the Scudetto being decided today.

Asked about comments from Buffon published in the Italian press, accusing him and Emerson of abandoning ship, he said: "I don't believe it. Buffon has my cell number, and he would call me if he had something to say to me.

Ronaldo And Ronaldinho

The focus shifted to Milan, and Berlusconi's desire to sign Ronaldinho at any cost, and Ronaldo's performances in the red and black shirt.

"I don't know," he responded, when asked if he thought Ronaldinho was worth 100 million euros. "Berlusconi likes players with a drive to win.

"Ronaldinho is a No.1 player, the player with the greatest quality in the world, and I think he could do well in the Italian League."

As for Ronaldo, he said: "I'm very happy for him because I like him very much as a player. I will congratulate him if he scores any goals."

Failed Euro 2012 Bid

The Azzurri skipper also spoke of Italy failing to land the rights to host the 2012 European Championships: "It's a shame for Italy because it would have been nice to host the competition after winning the World Cup.

"But there was a lot of trouble last year."

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London, England (Sports Network) - Francesc Fabregas scored in the 73rd minute to spark Arsenal to a 3-1 win over Manchester City in the English Premiership on Tuesday.

With the game tied at 1, Fabregas settled a loose ball just outside the box with a soft touch of his right foot to set up the goal. In one smooth motion, he blasted a shot between two Manchester City defenders that curved into the upper right corner of the net. Goalie Andreas Isaksson made a diving attempt, but the ball was out of his reach.

Fabregas' goal, his second game-winner in as many games, helped Arsenal move ahead of Liverpool into third place in the standings and all but secure a spot in the Champions League.

Arsenal dominated early, maintaining possession throughout much of the first half. But Manchester City's DeMarcus Beasley, a U.S. national team player, equalized Tomas Rosicky's first-half goal just before the break.

Arsenal struggled to regain the lead until Fabregas found the back of the net with 17 minutes remaining. He scored less than a minute into the second half in Saturday's 2-1 win over Bolton.

Beasley nearly had another equalizer in the 75th minute when he broke away and chipped a well-placed shot off the fingertips of Arsenal goalie Jens Lehmann but was called offsides.

Arsenal substitute Julio Baptista scored in the 80th minute to clinch the victory. Baptista replaced injured Vassiriki Diaby in the 30th minute.

In the 84th minute, Fabregas left to a standing ovation from the fans at Emirates Stadium.

Manchester City had its five-game unbeaten streak snapped. It had allowed just one goal since a 1-0 loss to Chelsea more than a month ago.

In Tuesday's other contest, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney scored as Manchester United defeated Sheffield United, 2-0, to secure its lead atop the Premiership. Manchester United leads Chelsea, which plays West Ham Wednesday, by six points. Sheffield remains in danger of relegation just two points out of the bottom three.

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East Rutherford, NJ (Sports Network) - Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls signed former Aston Villa and Colombian national team striker Juan Pablo Angel on Tuesday.

"I am thrilled ..." New York head coach Bruce Arena said. "It is no secret that we have been searching for a striker since the end of the 2006 season, and Juan Pablo has been at the top of my list since Day One."

Angel, 31, joined Aston Villa in 2001 following a 9.5 million pound transfer from Argentina's River Plate. He scored 62 goals in 205 games for Aston Villa. Angel had four goals in 23 English Premiership games last year, and added three goals in League Cup contests. His best season with Aston Villa was in 2003 when he scored 23 goals in 38 games.

"I am delighted to be joining the New York Red Bulls," said Angel, who has four goals in 18 appearances for the Colombian national team. "I cannot wait to start this new exciting challenge. I believe Major League Soccer is growing fast and I am very keen to be a part of this."

Before joining Aston Villa, Angel scored 45 goals in 91 games for River Plate from 1997-2001, helping the team win four Primera Division championships in five seasons. He started his career in his native Colombia with hometown team Nacional Medellin, scoring nine goals from 1993-97.

The 6-foot-1 Angel is the second designated player added by New York - Claudio Reyna is the other - and is the team's fourth senior international. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Juan Pablo has both the physical attributes and the intellect of a world class striker that will certainly help us become a better team," Red Bulls technical director Jeff Agoos said. "He is a natural leader up front with the ability to finish plays off, which is something we have been looking for since the end of last season. We are extremely excited to bring a player of his caliber to the New York Red Bulls."

New York is unbeaten in two games this season. The Red Bulls opened the year with a scoreless draw at Columbus and defeated FC Dallas, 3-0, on Sunday. The Red Bulls host defending MLS champion Houston on Saturday.

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(Soccer365.com) - Houston attack ace Dwayne De Rosario has turned down a new contract offer, claiming the game has changed with the advent of MLS’ Designated Player rule.

The Canada international bristles at the thought of remaining underpaid, what with the arrival of big money signings like David Beckham and Cuauhtémoc Blanco; last season, De Rosario was only the 46th highest paid player in the league.

"It wasn't good enough," De Rosario told the Houston Chronicle of the Dynamo’s latest offer. "It's very frustrating."

"At the end of the day, the only thing I haven't accomplished is being MVP of the league, and I'm going to try to win it this year to get more leverage - but can I get any more leverage? Two times I was runner-up for the MVP, and we came out champions last year."

The veteran also made allusion to the big dollars paid to young stars such as Freddy Adu.

Concluded De Rosario: "It's definitely frustrating when you look at certain guys who haven't accomplished what I've accomplished or half of what I've accomplished, but are getting top dollars,"

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel has hit out at Holland coach Marco van Basten for selecting certain players regardless of how well they are playing.

Van Bommel announced last year that he would no longer play for Holland as long as van Basten was in charge.

The former Barcelona man was last called up to the national team ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Bulgaria on October 7, but withdrew along with Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy, with both claiming van Basten favoured certain players.

Van Bommel told Voetbal International magazine: "I have never said that I will not play for the Oranje, but I refuse to play for a team where he [van Basten] is the coach.

"You can say over and over again that you select players solely because of their footballing ability, but that isn't what he is doing.

"Because if he did that the players from the top leagues would all be selected. Why is it that one player needs to have match sharpness and another player not?

"Why can one player be out of shape [and selected] and the other not? When it comes to technical arguments, it can't be possible not to select me."

Van Bommel also denied claims by the national team coach that discussions have been held between the two over the form of the combative midfielder.

"Van Basten constantly comes out with arguments that don't fit," he added.

"And I am sick and tired about his remarks about all sorts of discussions that he has had with me about me not doing my job properly. That's just not true."

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(Soccer365.com) - Having taken over for the departed Emerson Leao, new Corinthians coach Paulo Cesar Carpegiani has opened the return door for West Ham loan item Carlos Tevéz.

The Argentina star has stated that he would consider going back to the Brazilian club if Leap was fired, but also seems to growing more comfortable in London by the day.

"It would be great, but I haven't asked the board about him," Carpegiani told TV Bandeirantes.

"We haven't had time to talk about signings, but every great player will always be welcomed."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he once wanted to sign Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba.

The Chelsea striker has been one of the Premiership’s best players this season, after initially failing to justify the £24 million the Blues paid Marseille for his services in 2004.

"We were interested in him when he played in the French Second Division with Le Mans, before he went to Guingamp," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"We went to watch him when he played in Le Mans a couple of times.

"But it did not happen at the time."

He added: "He has done extremely well because he is a player who has come out very late and that means his motivation had been tested before and he kept going in the lower leagues.

"That is a good education because when you come up there [the top league], you do not give up any more and you know that to be in there is a change you have to enjoy and that you have to give everything because he knows what it is like to be down there."

Drogba is one of the favourites to land the PFA Player of the Year award, but Wenger believes the prize should go to Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba would be my one and two,” he said.

"You do not expect Ronaldo to score so many goals and he can provide too.

"But as well I have huge respect for what Drogba has done.

"He has scored in some very big matches also he has played in nearly all the games.

"It is very difficult to separate them really."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Troubled traditional Mexican power Necaxa have initiated talks with Brazil strike legend Romário, who is currently chasing his 1000th goal with Vasco da Gama.

The Lightning Bolts are eager to sign the 40-year old goal monster, provided they top Peruvian opposition Alianza Lima to make the knockout phase of Copa Libertadores.

"He could be one of the options," Necaxa president Javier Perez Teuffer told Ovaciones. "We're trying to talk to him about wages and everything else he needs."

"It would be great if he scored his 1,000th goal in Aguascalientes."

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(Goal.com) - Former Real Madrid skipper Fernando Hierro has hit out at the club's decision to launch an attack on the referees, and believes that too much of the attention is focused on the officials in Spain.

Hierro has urged Real Madrid to look at themselves, insisting that the best team has always been winning the League at the end of the season.

"Over 38 games the referee is not decisive, even though in 90 minutes he can be," he said.

"After 38 games, the champion will always be the best team. The referees are human and also they make mistakes."

"From my experience in England, the names of referees did not appear in the press like this," he continued, speaking about certain Madrid based dailies declaring war on Turienzo Alvarez.

"Here we give too much importance to them, as much for the good things as for the bad things."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Arsenal captain Gilberto believes PFA players' player of the year candidate Cesc Fabregas can go on to become an all-time great - if he continues to learn from those around him.

The 19-year-old Spain midfielder has been shortlisted for both the main accolade and also the PFA young player award, which will be announced following a gala dinner in London on Sunday night.

Fabregas has been a consistent performer in a disappointing season for the Gunners, who reached the Carling Cup final, but then crashed out of the FA Cup and Champions League.

Having played some part in each of Arsenal's 33 Barclays Premiership matches this season, Fabregas finally got himself on the scoresheet to seal the 2-1 win over Bolton on Saturday.

Brazilian Gilberto, 30, has been alongside the youngster for most of the campaign and believes Fabregas has the attributes to take his game to another level through more hard work.

"Cesc can be one of the best in his position. It is just down to him to continue the way he is playing and try to learn more," said Gilberto, who is set to skipper the side again tomorrow against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.

"Sometimes you need to play more with your brain than with your power, to read the game all of the time.

"But if he can learn that, quickly, then he can be one of the best."

The Brazilian, who won the World Cup in 2002, added: "I speak to him, especially on the pitch when we play together.

"I try to position him in the right place. When you are young, you want to run more than position yourself in the right place.

"Cesc is learning. He is young, it takes time. Next season he can develop himself more than he has done."

Fabregas is not the only Arsenal youngster to have earned themselves an extended run in the first team.

Manager Arsene Wenger remains convinced this squad have the potential to again challenge for the Premiership crown and further European glory.

It has, however, been a steep learning curve for his young Gunners.

Gilberto said: "For the past two seasons a lot of young players have come through, and they need time to grow in themselves, to develop.

"However, when you play for a big team like Arsenal, you do not have time - especially if you are the first option of the manager. But they have done very well.

"What we expect next season is that they will be stronger and they will get a lot more experience from the painful time we are having together."

Arsenal's victory over Bolton tightened their grip on fourth place in the Premiership following a four-match winless run.

With a five-point gap on the sides below them, beating City should all but secure another crack at elite level European club football again next season.

However, Gilberto - stand-in captain for injured Thierry Henry - knows the team must remain focused, having gone behind to Bolton, an all-too-familiar story at the Emirates.

He said: "Sometimes you need to relax in front of goal. We have to keep going because we have another important game now against Manchester City."

Gilberto added: "For me it is unacceptable if we do not get in the Champions League next year.

"This season has been so hard for us, so painful, especially the last few weeks.

"But we do not have time to complain about what we did not do at certain times.

"We have to look forward and do our best - the quality of our game and our passing, I do not see that in other teams."

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(Soccer365.com) - Recent catch Mauro Rosales fired home a deflected shot early in the second half to earn River Plate a 1-1 away Superclasico share with arch nemesis Boca Juniors.

Bocas fell to two points behind San Lorenzo, who topped Gimnasia-La Plata 1-0.

The hosts got the Bombonera faithful going in the first minute when Juan Román Riquelme picked out Pablo Ledesma for a quick opener.

Martin Palermo squandered numerous chances to build the lead, but it was recent Ajax transplant Rosales that was able to drive a lefty effort into the Bocas net shortly after the break.

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(Goal.com) - Rafa Benitez is looking towards more investment in youth facilities with the hope of finding the next generation of Carraghers and Gerrards to lead Liverpool's quest for Premiership glory.

Finding yourself short of money during the transfer season - yes even 40 million can disappear quickly sometimes - can be a real downer, especially when you have the hopes of millions of Anfield hopefuls pinned onto your shoulders; those hoping that the Premiership drought will finally end.

This is when the adage of self sufficiency really comes to the fore, and that is exactly what Rafa Benitez has in mind for the future.

Speaking ahead of the FA Youth Cup final, between Liverpool and Manchester United, he stressed upon the need to hand those promising young players a chance; on the need to have a good youth system instead of just spending big.

"I have known senior squads at Madrid with 40 players, and of that maybe 14 were from the academy. That is success that is what means an academy is successful,” said Benitez.

"But one each year would be fine. Maybe one Jamie Carragher each year, maybe one Steven Gerrard. It could take five years, but you have a diamond to work with.

"You can then do something if you have the talent, you can see it grow.

"But if I could find one Carra every year, and then you will see in five years maybe five Carras. Think of the money you would save with a team of Carraghers."

Rafa admitted, however, that it would be tough initially for the youngsters to break into the first team squads of the clubs.

"It is normal at top clubs for it to be more difficult for youngsters to get through because of the players that are bought for the senior squad," said Benitez.

"It was the same when I was at Real Madrid, it is the same with the big clubs in England."

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings has confirmed he will be meeting with representatives of Juventus in the coming days to discuss a move to the Serie B leaders.

The Turin club have made no secret of their desire to sign the Germany international this summer as they prepare for a return to Serie A.

They have already raided the Bundesliga to sign Hasan Salihamidzic from Bayern Munich and are reportedly also tracking Bayern striker Claudio Pizarro as well as Frings' Bremen team-mate Miroslav Klose.

While Klose was remaining tight-lipped over the speculation on Sunday, Frings revealed he would be flying to Turin this week to see how it suits him.

"I have an appointment in Turin in the next few days and I will travel there and take it all in before deciding," he told Arena television.

"I don't want to put myself under any pressure right now, but make an educated decision over where I will play next season."

Frings spoke after his side defeated his former club Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on Sunday to keep up the pressure on Bundesliga leaders Schalke.

He still has over a year left on his contract, but is tempted by the chance to play in Italy, although both Juventus and Bremen appear to be miles apart in their valuation of the 30-year-old.

The German side want 12 million euros (£8.2million) for the player while Juve appear set to offer only half as much.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - When asked if the goal and assist show in their Sunday win over FC Dallas might grant Clint Mathis a bit more self assurance, New York coach Bruce Arena wondered whether that was ever an issue.

The former U.S. international returned to the Big Apple with a bang after less than triumphant spells with Colorado and Real Salt Lake.

“I don't think Clint has ever lacked in confidence,” Arena told MLSNet. “Clint can play in this league, he knows that.”

“I think he had a good day today, especially with the loss of Claudio.”

“We needed a little more leadership and creativity in the midfield and a guy that can hold the ball a little bit better, and he did that for large parts of the game,” added the boss. “And obviously the second goal was a big goal in the game.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Belgian kings Anderlecht have pulled out of a deal to sign Caracas right back Roberto Rosales after complaining that they could not come to terms on the transfer fee.

The 18-year old Venezuela international appeared all set to ink a four-year contract with the club, but will now remain with the Copa Libertadores darlings.

The Mauves had hoped to install Rosales behind current starter Anthony van den Borre, who is drawing widespread interest on the continent.

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Posted by soccer365 at 01:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Deco believes that FC Barcelona may have wrapped up their third consecutive title already, had it not been for the constant off-field distractions surrounding the club this term.

The Portuguese midfielder reflected on the Blaugrana's season after they extended their lead at the top of the table on Sunday by beating Mallorca in last minute at Camp Nou.

With the championship now firmly in their hands, Deco revealed that forging ahead has been made difficult by the media stories about the club that have meant the players having to talk constantly to defend themselves.

"This season has been longer because we are having to go through it continuously putting fires out," he said.

Former Barça defender Fernando Navarro was helpless as he scored an own goal in the final minute to give the home team victory over Mallorca, but Deco thinks that the three points were warranted.

"The team showed character, so we cannot be accused of not wanting to win," he explained.

"It was very important, especially after Madrid lost.

"We had chances and it is vital that we won, so the rest is irrelevant."

Leo Messi admitted that Frank Rijkaard's side may be considered fortunate to win the game in such a manner, but he too believed that Barça had done enough to win.

"It appeared that both teams were ready to accept the draw, but then we scored," the Argentinian stated.

"Scoring the last minute may have been a bit lucky though, but we deserved it. We did what we had to do.

"It was hard, but we never gave up. If either deserved to take all the points then it was us.

"Without playing at our best, we continued to look for that goal."

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Tarragona , Spain (Sports Network) - Real Zaragoza has been the surprise team of the season in La Liga to this point, but the club's title hopes took a fatal blow on Sunday at Nou Estadi as last-placed Gimnastic grabbed three huge points in a 1-0 upset of Zaragoza.

Javier Portillo scored the lone goal of the match in the 82nd minute, giving Gimnastic a ray of hope in climbing out of the drop zone. Gimnastic is still six points from safety, but with eight games to play, a few good breaks could allow Gimnastic a chance to remain in Spain's top-tier league.

Diego Milito has been in great form for Zaragoza in recent weeks and he nearly put his side ahead after five minutes, but he failed to put away Andres D'Alessandro's cross from just outside the six-yard box.

After the early scare, Gimnastic turned up the pressure on their guests, but Zaragoza keeper Cesar made sure that the teams would enter halftime on level terms.

Ruben Castro's effort from 20-yards out forced another nice save from Cesar in the 70th minute, but Gimnastic almost found itself behind minutes later.

Juanfran chipped a ball into the area for Milito, who turned a shot towards goal only to be denied by a fine save from keeper Albano Bizarri.

Eight minutes from time, the home side finally found the opener, with Ruben Castro swinging in a corner kick that Portillo picked up at the back post and slammed into the back of the net for the game winner.

In other action in Spain on Sunday, Barcelona survived a scare from Mallorca as an own-goal from Fernando Navarro gave the Catalan side a 1-0 win, keeping them on top of the La Liga standings. Athletic Bilbao recorded a 2-1 win over Espanyol thanks to a pair of goals from Ismael Urzaiz, Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres scored in the 60th minute to give his team a 1-0 win over Levante, Celta also won by a single goal as Fernando Baiano tallied in the 61st minute for a 1-0 Celta win over Deportivo and Getafe handled Villarreal 3-0. Osasuna and Recreativo played to a 1-1 draw at Estadio El Sadar and Valencia used a double from David Villa to beat Sevilla 2-0.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 07:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Messina, Italy (Sports Network) - AC Milan's hopes of grabbing a Champions League spot greatly improved on Sunday as Milan secured a 3-1 win over Messina at Stadio G. Celeste to move into fourth place in the Serie A standings.

Milan's slow start to the season coupled with an eight-point deduction at the opening of the campaign made things difficult for the Rossoneri, but they now control their own destiny and a have a one point lead over fifth-placed Palermo after the club blew a two-goal lead against Inter Milan and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Kaka got his side on the board after 14 minutes, and Giuseppe Favalli doubled the lead with 15 minutes to play in opening half. Ronaldo took any remaining suspense out of the game with a nice strike in the 86th minute before Salvatore Masiello helped Messina avoid the shutout in the 90th minute.

After Dida was forced to make a nice save in the game's first 10 minutes, Milan took over from there and got things started with a 14th-minute goal from Kaka. The Brazilian midfielder seemed to surprise keeper Gabriele Paoletti with his shot from long distance, and the keeper did not react in time to prevent the ball from settling into the lower-right corner of the net.

A nice build up led to Milan's second goal, as Johann Gourcuff took a pass with his back to the goal at the penalty spot and slid the ball to the left for Favalli, whose left-footed blast from close range gave the keeper no chance.

Paoletti then made a couple of big stops before halftime to keep it a two-goal game, but the hosts were never in the match and Milan extended their lead to three goals with four minutes to play.

Ronaldo gained possession of the ball 30 yards from the Messina goal. He took a touch and fired a right-footed rocket towards the upper-right corner that a diving Paoletti had no prayer of stopping. Masiello pulled a goal back for the hosts in stoppage time, but it was little consolation for Messina, who is now three points from safety and in danger of dropping out of Serie A.

In other action in Italy on Sunday, third-placed Lazio was held to a 2-2 draw by bottom-feeders Ascoli, Adrian Mutu scored the lone goal in Fiorentina's 1-0 win against Siena, Reggina and Livorno played to a 1-1 draw, as did Parma and Catania Calcio. Roma pounded Sampdoria 4-0 behind two goals from Francesco Totti and Atalanta slipped past Torino 2-1.

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Merseyside, England (Sports Network) - James McFadden scored deep into stoppage time to rescue three points for Everton, who moved into the top five in the Premiership standings with a 2-1 win over Charlton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

After a slow start, the match sprung to life in the game's final 10 minutes. Joleon Lescott gave Everton a 1-0 lead in the 81st minute, but when Charlton's Darren Bent equalized in the 89th minute, it looked as though Charlton would grab a much-needed point from the Toffees. However, McFadden's second goal of the campaign now puts Everton in a good position to grab a UEFA Cup spot for next season.

After 80 minutes that saw Charlton get the better chances but fail to convert, Everton seized the advantage through a corner kick in the 81st minute. Mikel Arteta's cross was headed out to McFadden, who threw a shot towards goal that was deflected by striker Andrew Johnson. Charlton keeper Scott Carson made a nice stop from close range, but the rebound fell for Lescott, who slammed it home for the opener.

Everton's defense helped to hand Bent the equalizer minutes from time, thanks to a poor clearing effort. The ball came back into the box for Bent and he took it wide past two defenders before drilling a shot past Tim Howard into the far corner.

Everton was not content with a draw, however, and the Toffees took their final chance and made the most of it. McFadden pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box and blasted his shot past a helpless Carson to send the Goodison Park faithful home happy.

The loss is a painful one for Charlton, who had a enjoyed a nice run of play, but now sits two points from safety.

In Sunday's other contest, Wigan and Tottenham played to an entertaining 3-3 draw at The JJB Stadium.

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Foxborough, MA (Sports Network) - The U.S. Women’s National Team (WNT) opened its 2007 domestic schedule with style, defeating Mexico, 5-0, on a chilly Saturday night at Gillette Stadium as Boston resident Kristine Lilly scored twice in front of her hometown crowd while Abby Wambach, Lindsay Tarpley and Lauren Cheney added single goals.

The win upped the USA’s record in 2007 to 6-0-2 and stretched the team’s unbeaten streak to 40 games, 39 of those under head coach Greg Ryan.

The match was just the sixth-ever for the U.S. women on artificial surface and while the turf was a bit slick, the Americans used the pace to their advantage, getting around the outside of the Mexican defense frequently to pile up a 35-7 shot margin.

The teams last met on Nov. 22, 2006, a 2-0 U.S. victory in the semifinal of the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup that sent the USA to the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but this match would not be as tight.

The USA started the match in a 3-4-3 formation with Lilly, Wambach and Tarpley deployed on the forward line showing great chemistry while putting intense pressure on the Mexican backs. Defender Cat Whitehill swept behind marking backs Heather Mitts and Christie Rampone as the U.S. defense kept the Mexican attack from getting anything significant started.

"We tried to throw a lot of numbers forward," head coach Greg Ryan, who remained undefeated at the helm of the U.S. Women’s National Team, said. "We played a system (3-4-3) that we don't normally play, but one we want to be able to play as an alternative. The goal is to win the ball, pressure and get it forward and attack as relentlessly as we could. Over the course of the game it went well. We organized our defending a little bit better which gave us more opportunities to get forward.

"I thought Abby, Lilly and Tarpley played some of the best soccer off of one another that I have seen in a while; in terms of understanding where each player was. I was really pleased to see that kind of chemistry. I'm very, very pleased with this team," Ryan added.

The USA’s first goal came in 10th minute as Tarpley leapt in the air while bringing down a long ball that she touched to Wambach down the left flank. The U.S. forward toasted Mexican defender Elizabeth Gomez to the outside, cut back inside to lose Rubi Sandoval and drilled her right-footed shot into the right corner side netting for her 69th career goal in just 89 games.

Tarpley added the second in the 33rd minute, her 14th career goal, but it was created by Lilly who blazed down the right side before bending a cross into the middle on the ground. Tarpley’s first-time shot was kick-saved by Mexican goalkeeper Sophia Perez, but she dug out the rebound from two Mexican defenders and knocked her second shot in from three yards out to make it 2-0 going into halftime.

The USA added a third goal, and effectively sealed the match, just five minutes into the second half as Lilly scored her first goal, delighting the boisterous crowd. The goal came from the middle of the field as she ran onto a bouncing ball that seemed to take forever to settle on the artificial surface, then blasted a half-volley with her trademark left foot that soared over Mexican goalkeeper Sophia Perez and just under the crossbar from 32 yards away.

Lilly added her second goal of the game, and 121st of her legendary career in the 70th minute as Abby Wambach did the heavy lifting, plowing into the left side of the penalty area before rolling a cross to the penalty spot. Lilly eluded a defender, squared up on Perez and calmly slotted the ball into the left corner.

The USA added a final goal just two minutes from time and it was a memorable one for the 19-year-old Cheney, who was playing in just her second career match for the full National Team. Ryan inserted the former U-20 international into the game with eight minutes left, and six minutes after that, she had her first international score.

Substitute Heather O’Reilly got the assist, streaking down the left flank before crossing to Cheney, who scored from 17 yards out, drilling her shot into the left corner from straight away in front of the net.

The U.S. women, who are currently involved in a four-month Residency Training Camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., return to the field on May 12 in Frisco, Texas with a match against Canada. The WNT will then embark on a six-game 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup Send-Off Series, starting against China on June 16 in Cleveland and continuing against Brazil on June 23 in East Rutherford, N.J. in a re-match of the 2004 Olympic gold medal game.

The USA will then travel to East Hartford, Connecticut, and Rentschler Field to play Norway on July 14 as Lilly makes a triumphant return to her home state. After facing Norway, the USA will play three more soon-to-be announced domestic games over July and August before leaving for the Women’s World Cup.

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Santander, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Madrid had a chance to claim the top spot in La Liga on Saturday, but a 2-1 loss to Racing at Estadio El Sardinero has put a dent in Madrid's title hopes.

Santander, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Madrid had a chance to claim the top spot in La Liga on Saturday, but a 2-1 loss to Racing at Estadio El Sardinero has put a dent in Madrid's title hopes.

After Raul put Madrid on top 1-0 in the 33rd minute, Ezequiel Garay converted a pair of penalty kicks, including the match-winner in the 90th minute, to stun the Spanish giants and keep them stuck in the third spot in the La Liga standings, two points behind league-leaders Barcelona. The Catalan side will have a chance to extend that advantage on Sunday with a home contest against Mallorca, while second-placed Sevilla, who owns a one-point edge on Madrid, visits Valencia.

The two teams played a pretty even first half, with both generating chances but neither being able to convert. In the 33rd minute, a bad giveaway by Garay handed Madrid the opener.

The defender was under pressure inside his own area from Raul, and he tried to find a teammate near the sidelines with a pass. However, Gonzalo Higuain stepped in between the two and intercepted the pass. He then slid a short pass to Raul inside the penalty area, and the skipper drove a low left-footed shot towards goal that slid underneath keeper Tono and into the back of the net.

Racing came out strong in the second half, and were unfortunate to not find the net. However, a controversial penalty-kick call handed Garay a chance for redemption. Mahamadou Diarra made a sliding challenge from behind on Lionel Scaloni inside the box, and although he appeared to get the ball, a penalty kick was awarded. Garay made no mistake with the kick, slotting it low and inside the right post to level the match.

The game seemed destined to end in a draw, but Nikola Zigic drew a foul inside the area in the 90th minute when he was pulled down by Madrid's Fabio Cannavaro. Once again, Garay kept his nerve and struck his kick to the left of keeper Iker Casillas, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

In Saturday's other contest, Real Sociedad topped Real Betis 1-0 to gain three much needed points in its battle to get out of the relegation zone.

On Sunday, Athletic Bilbao plays host to Espanyol, Levante visits Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo, two points from safety, host Deportivo La Coruna. Getafe and Villarreal are separated by just one point in the middle of the table and hook up at Coliseum Alfonso Perez, fourth-placed Real Zaragoza visits bottom-feeders Gimnastic while UEFA Cup semifinalist Osasuna tries to get back on track in league play with a home game against Recreativo. League-leaders Barcelona entertain Mallorca and Sevilla and Valencia square off in a battle of top-five teams at Estadio Mestalla.

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London, England (Sports Network) - Arsenal took a big step towards securing a Champions League spot next season as the Gunners earned a 2-1 win against fifth-placed Bolton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Nicolas Anelka put Wanderers ahead after just 11 minutes, but the home side rallied with a 31st-minute goal from Tomas Rosicky and a goal just one minute after the restart courtesy of Francesc Fabregas. Ivan Campo was then sent off in the 82nd minute for Bolton for receiving his second yellow card, and Arsenal held off the visitors for all three points.

Arsene Wenger's team, which had gone winless in its last four Premiership contests, now holds a five-point edge over Bolton for the fourth and final Champions League spot.

A Nicky Hunt free-kick set up the opener for Bolton, as the defender lofted the ball deep and to the left of the Arsenal penalty area. Kevin Davies was able to get his head to the ball and drop it off for Kevin Nolan, who headed the ball towards goal. Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann got his hand to the ball, but it fell into the path of Anelka, and the former Arsenal man smacked a shot past defender William Gallas, who tried to keep it out.

The goal opened things up for both teams, but Arsenal looked to be the more dangerous side. They made their efforts pay off in the 31st minute when Emmanuel Adebayor created the chance with a cross from the right. Hunt was waiting for the cross at the back post, ready to clear it, but Rosicky snuck in and poked the ball past keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to level the match.

The Gunners were now playing the free-flowing style that many fans associate with Arsenal, and they moved in front less than one minute after the restart. Gilberto slipped a pass to Fabregas, who beat defender Abdoulaye Meite and struck a fine shot from 15-yards out that beat Jaaskelainen for his first Premiership goal of the season.

Arsenal kept up the pressure, and did not allow Bolton to threaten their goal. Campo was sent off eight minutes from time after he picked up his second yellow card for a late challenge on Rosicky, and Bolton was unable to mount a late rally and left London without a point.

In other Premiership action on Saturday, third-placed Liverpool was held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester City, Aston Villa moved into the top half of the standings with a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough, Portsmouth downed Newcastle 2-1, Stephen Hunt scored the lone goal in Reading's 1-0 win over Fulham and Sheffield United climbed out of the relegation zone with a resounding 3-0 victory over West Ham.

On Sunday, Charlton tries to move back ahead of Sheffield United when they travel to Everton and Wigan looks to stay clear of the drop zone when Tottenham visits The JJB Stadium.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - After a successful preseason, New England Revolution’s Adam Cristman will hope to continue his form in league action. The rookie took a moment to speak with Soccer365's Don Cuddy about his style of play, players he looks up to and more…

By Don Cuddy

Adam Cristman, the new Revs #7, hails from the nation’s capital and earned his reputation as a four-year starter for UVA where he banged in 34 goals. The Revs were looking to add youth, pace and goal scoring ability to the squad and in Cristman they may have found their answer. Soccer365’s Don Cuddy had a chance to find out more about the rookie when they met up at Gillette stadium recently.

365: You’re a goal scorer right?
Cristman; Yeah, I’ve always been a forward.

365: Scored at all levels?
Cristman; Yes and I’ve had a couple here now too so that feels good.

365: What kind of a player are you? Are you a poacher like Taylor Twellman?
Cristman: I’ve been trying to develop my game. As a forward I used to be just a runner and try to get behind teams, going for the long balls or through balls. Through college I really learned how to hold the ball up better and become more of a connecting forward as well. In the box I try to poach, sneak in behind defenders. I am just trying now to do each thing well.

365: Can you score with your head?
Cristman: Yeah, I’m pretty good in the air

365: Both feet?
Cristman: Yeah.

365: Was it your dream to be a professional soccer player?
Cristman: In youth soccer you would see these guys and you want to play. When I was younger I had a chance to go to a DC United practice once and to meet all the players.

365: Jaime Moreno, Etcheverrey?
Cristman: Yep, all those guys were there. It was something I really wanted to do since I was little. Going through college it became my main focus so I set up my studies so I could finish in three and a half years, have a degree, and then be able to go to the league. So it’s been a focus and I’m glad it’s worked out so far.

365: You went to UVA. What’s your degree?
Cristman: I got a Bachelor of Science in Education studying in sports medicine.

365: How did you feel when you found out that the Revs had come in for you?
Cristman: I was real excited. I knew that there were great forwards here. Obviously I was hoping that I would get to play but there is also what you can learn from these guys. But just from talking to people after getting drafted they had nothing but good things to say about Steve (Nicol) and Paul (Mariner).

365: You’re right. They don’t look down on people here but you have to earn your spot. Have you been forming a partnership with Taylor so far?
Cristman: Trying to. He’s been gone with the national team but when we were down in Cancun we had a chance to play a bit and that was good. Learning how to play together takes time. It’s just anticipating what he’s going to do and vice versa.

365: Who do you hang out with on the team?

For the complete Cristman interview, CLICK HERE

Posted by soccer365 at 03:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to use his five-year contract with Manchester United to prove he should be bracketed alongside the all-time legends of the game.

Despite constant speculation about a world-record move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Ronaldo has opted to remain with the Old Trafford outfit, extending his stay until 2012.

While the deal had been largely anticipated, and will rocket Ronaldo into the Red Devils' top earnings bracket, it has provided the perfect backdrop to United's assault on the Treble, which continues with an FA Cup semi-final against Watford at Villa Park on Saturday.

Three points clear in the Premiership and a two-legged encounter with AC Milan away from a Champions League final, Ronaldo has been a major factor behind United's success this term.

The Portugal winger took his goals tally to 20 with a double in the midweek rout of AS Roma and such has been the consistency of his game this season, many pundits now believe he is currently the best player on the planet.

Team-mate Patrice Evra went even further this week, claiming Ronaldo had the ability to make the same impact as Pele and Maradona, widely accepted to be the best two players ever to grace the game.

Rather than shy away from the comparisons, Ferguson embraced them and does not necessarily feel the 22-year-old, who is about to complete his fourth season at Old Trafford, will fail to match them.

"At 22, he has the same skill factor as Maradona and Pele," said Ferguson.

"He is one of the best signings I have ever made. The measurement of his improvement this year is astronomical.

"In terms of top-flight football, where do you find a winger who has scored 20 goals. It is incredible.

"Without question, Cristiano is getting to the level of best player in the world.

"Thereafter, it is up to others to decide whether he is as good as Maradona and Pele. That is the challenge in front of him now."

Given stellar talents such as Zinedine Zidane, Johann Cruyff and George Best did not quite manage to climb into bracket reserved for the very elite, Ronaldo's task to do so is enormous.

As Ferguson pointed out, Pele's three World Cup final wins and 1300 career goals overshadows everyone, while Maradona's brilliance was the decisive factor in Argentina conquering the world in 1986.

Yet superlatives are starting to run out for Ronaldo, who began the campaign under such a cloud after the adverse publicity he received following his part in England's World Cup demise, Ferguson felt it necessary to have a chat with the youngster about his future.

"We had dinner with him in Portugal and stressed this had happened before to David Beckham," revealed the Scot.

"It is a seven-day wonder really.

"There is nothing wrong with booing. We get booed at most places. But he had the nerve to handle it. He still gets a bit of it but that is only because he is a great player."

Admitting his irritation with the presidential electioneering at Real and Barcelona which gave way to fears there may be substance in the rumours swirling out of Spain that Ronaldo was indeed bound for a better climate than Manchester has to offer, Ferguson also expressed supreme confidence Ronaldo has made a wise decision to stay where he is.

"He is happy here," he said.

"He can see his career has risen here. He is playing in front of 76,000 people every home game. These are important factors.

"There was no reason for him to think about leaving, other than the fact people perceive Real Madrid as a club for galacticos, or whatever they call them.

"They have this notion about themselves and Barcelona are a fantastic club too but I can't say they are miles in front of Manchester United.

"Most people recognise we are one of the biggest clubs in the world and we believe Cristiano is in the right place."

Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd is the next man to try to find a way of stopping Ronaldo, who is bound to figure in a United side which will be bolstered by the return of Paul Scholes from suspension.

Given Scholes is being introduced to a side which hammered seven past Roma in midweek, it is hardly a surprise the Hornets are being totally written off.

Ferguson is too canny to take anything for granted. However, having won all seven of his previous FA Cup semi-finals, it would rank among the tournaments biggest upsets if the run came to an end this weekend.

"We respect Watford," he said.

"They have a good manager, an honest bunch of players and a bit of pace up front.

"But I have never lost a semi-final and hopefully that statistic still holds on Saturday night."

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Soccer365.com) - Boca Juniors strike ace Rodrigo Palacio says he won’t go near the thought of publicly calling this weekend’s super-derby with arch rivals River Plate.

The forward helped his side into first place this week with two goals in a 3-1 defeat of Velez Sarsfeld.

“There is no obvious candidate to win this match,” Palacio told the club website. “River is a great team, even when it’s not at its best.”

“What kind of a game do I imagine? Above all, an even one.”

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - David Beckham has not been included in Real Madrid's squad for Saturday's Primera Liga match against Racing Santander.

The former England captain has been out of the first-team picture since damaging the internal lateral ligament in his right knee against Getafe on March 4 when he ran into the advertising hoardings behind the goal at the Bernabeu after attempting a cross.

Beckham, 31, has missed four league matches since then, plus the return leg of Madrid's Champions League last-16 encounter with Bayern Munich in Germany.

The injury also ruled Beckham out of a possible recall to the England set-up for their European Championship qualifying double-header against Israel and Andorra.

Having spent most of his time recovering in the gym, Beckham finally returned to squad training last Saturday, although he was unable to finish the session and was not included in Fabio Capello's squad for last Sunday's home match with Osasuna.

Beckham has continued his bid to prove his fitness this week, but did not take part in Friday morning's final training session ahead of the team's trip to the north coast.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

(Goal.com) - The Frenchman believes that the Giallorossi must react in order to defend the second place in the standings and win the Coppa Italia.

Philippe Mexes wants to put behind him the terrible night that Roma had at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, and look forward to the final part of the season, which might still hold a lot of satisfaction for the Giallorossi.

"For first thing, we must say sorry to our fans, who despite the terrible result of Manchester, continue to follow us.

"Now we must just continue working.

"Mister Spalletti asked us not to give up now, we must react and defend the second place.

"And then there's the Coppa Italia which we must win."

Mexes also hinted out that he has no intention of leaving Roma any time soon since his contract expires in 2008.

"My contract renewal? I'm fine here," concluded the French defender.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has again dismissed speculation coach Gerard Houllier could leave the club in the summer.

Even though Les Gones are set to wrap up a record sixth consecutive French title in the next few days, Houllier's future at the Stade Gerland continues to spark debate.

But rumours of dressing-room problems with star players have been labelled "unsubstantiated allegations" by Aulas, who insists Houllier will remain as Lyon coach.

"He will still be at the club next season. He is staying," he said. "What I am saying is the reality. He has a contract."

And Aulas claims the two have already began planning their recruitment policy for the 2007/08 campaign.

"We have already spoken about next season with him," he added in L'Equipe. "We know who is going to go; we know who is going to come.

"Some are going to go not because we are not happy with them, but because it is the strategy of the club to let some players go when their form and their fame is at its height.

"Also, the crowd love a team that is rebuilding."

Centre-half Claudio Cacapa has already confirmed he will be leaving in the summer, while France international left-back Eric Abidal on Thursday revealed his desire to try his luck at another European club.

There has also been speculation over the future of goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and midfield players Juninho and Alou Diarra at the Stade Gerland.

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - After a long search for an attack midfield presence, Kansas City coach Curt Onalfo was glad to finally land former Boca Juniors and Middlesbrough man Carlos Marinelli ahead of the MLS deadline.

The 25-year old impressed on a two-week trial and has signed, but probably won’t be available for their weekend season opener against D.C. United.

“He’s the type of player we’ve been looking for,” Onalfo told the Kansas City Star. “He’s technically good, a great passer.”

For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365

Posted by soccer365 at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

London, England (Sports Network) - Defending champions Sevilla moved on to the UEFA Cup semifinals with a 2-2 draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Thursday, giving them a 4-3 advantage on aggregate.

A horrendous own-goal by Tottenham's Steed Malbranque put the club behind in the opening three minutes, and Frederic Kanoute doubled the lead just five minutes later. Tottenham rallied in the second half to pull level, as Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon scored two minutes apart, but Spurs would get no more and their comeback effort fell short.

Despite a 2-1 lead on aggregate, Sevilla came out looking like the more desperate team, and they took the game to Tottenham in the opening minutes. Christian Poulsen got free for a header inside the box in the third minute and headed a corner kick past keeper Paul Robinson. Malbranque was positioned on the post, and looked as though he would clear the ball off the line. However, the midfielder made a mess of the clearance, slicing the ball off of the outside of his foot and into his own net.

The home side would never recover from that terrible error, and went down two goals just five minutes later. Kanoute took possession from a throw in and worked a nice one-two with Alexander Kerzhakov inside the penalty area. The former Tottenham striker then took the return pass and maneuvered past Robinson for a neat finish and a 2-0 Sevilla advantage.

The goal gave the Spanish side a 4-1 lead on aggregate, and left Tottenham needing four goals to advance. Spurs tried to put a dent in their deficit in the final five minutes of the half, as they were able to control the play but came away empty.

Dimitar Berbatov got a good look at goal in the 41st minute when Didier Zokora made a run through the midfield and dropped the ball off for him. Unfortunately, the Bulgarian striker's shot went inches wide of the far post.

Berbatov had another chance before the halftime whistle, but was denied by the post. He brought down a bouncing ball inside the box and made a nice turn with it before drilling a low shot towards the left post. The shot had keeper David Cobeno beaten, but it came back off the post and Tottenham was still without a goal.

The play was better from Tottenham in the second half, and Spurs sprung to life in the 66th minute. Jermaine Jenas lobbed a free-kick into the box and Robbie Keane was able to get a hold of it and throw a shot towards goal. Defoe was positioned at the top of the six-yard box and turned the shot into the back of the net just seconds after coming on as a substitute, giving Tottenham life.

The hosts then leveled the match just one minute later, with Berbatov providing a cross from the right wing that produced a dangerous loose ball inside the box. Lennon was the first one to pounce on it and he arrived just in time to poke the ball past Cobeno and inside the right post.

Tottenham still needed two goals to go through, but Sevilla was able to keep them off the board the rest of the way, despite a few close calls.

Berbatov got free for a shot from the edge of the area that took a slight deflection off of a Sevilla defender and narrowly missed the upper-right corner. One minute later, Michael Dawson had a great chance at a volley eight yards from goal, but he didn't catch it clean and the shot dribbled wide.

Sevilla will now move on to face fellow Spanish side Osasuna, who downed Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 on Thursday for an easy 4-0 win on aggregate.

In other action on Thursday, Espanyol made it three La Liga clubs in the semifinals as they held Benfica to a 0-0 draw, moving on with a 3-2 aggregate score. They will take on the only non-Spanish side left in the competition, German club Werder Bremen, who secured a 4-1 win over AZ Alkmaar thanks to a pair of goals from Miroslav Klose.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - After missing the playoffs for the first time in 2006, the Los Angeles Galaxy have made some big off season moves and hope to reverse their fortunes in ’07. Team general manager, Alexi Lalas, took a moment to speak with Soccer365 about the Beckham signing, goals for the season, possible acquisitions and more…

By Andrew Rogers

Cool and assured like his playing days, Alexi Lalas is amazingly calm despite the pressures of running Major League Soccer’s most glamorous franchise, the Los Angeles Galaxy and the small matter of making good on the largest player trade in league history.

Despite his hectic schedule, the man who did the business in Serie A, was keen to talk to Soccer 365 and let the readers know how football life was shaping up both on and off the field at the Galaxy, and typically the big man refused to shirk the big questions our readers demanded answers to.

It was massive game on Sunday against the defending champs?

We watched Houston last week in the CONCACAF Cup, it was a great game but unfortunately for Houston and MLS it didn’t happen. It would have been nice to have had a Mexico/MLS final.

Houston put up a valiant effort and got some solid preparation in, so to draw against them is creditable. We were playing the defending champions, and they were in their stadium. All the games will be difficult for us, that’s the level of competition that now exists.

Last time you admitted to our readers that you were disappointed with how last season went. Surely the target must be to compete this season?

When I look at the end of last season and look at Frank Yallop’s time with the team, we really had some more consistent performances which was great. But we need to put that together for the entire year.

We are not going to win every game, but we will be in every single game. That is important in this league and is important for this team. It’s a competitive league and all the teams are good. We really concentrated in the off season, on making sure we had a level on consistency that ultimately must translate into success.

What are the components of creating that consistency?

One of these is for Frank to be able to go through an off season, and a pre season with his team, which he did not get last year. He is a really interesting coach and person, in the way he goes about motivating the team and getting them to buy into his philosophy. It doesn’t happen over night so he needs time. I'm real excited to have seen this team go through a pre season with Frank Yallop.

What players should we be looking out for?

Well there’s the signing of Joe Canon and Nate Jaqua and the re signing of Santino Quaranta and a couple of surprises that our fans are really going to enjoying seeing whether its, defender Ty Hartman or Kyle Martino who has had an incredible pre season.

Ian Russell who has been out of the league and we are so happy to have him back, because you know exactly what you are going to get which is 100 % and a tremendous work ethic.

All these little pieces of the puzzle will hopefully come together to create a much clearer, healthier and brighter picture.

But the Copa America and the resultant loss of players could cloud this picture?

It’s no secret that we are a better team when Landon is with us, the stress upon our team is we have to find ways of competing and winning without Landon.

He is a great player and anyone with him on the side will be a stronger side. We respect that so much so, that if you’re the national team coach you want him on the side as much as possible. It increases your chances of winning dramatically.

You can’t blame the national team coach for wanting him to enter both major tournaments this summer. At the end of the day it’s up to Landon and what he feels is appropriate. It’s wonderful some of the statements he has made about his commitment and excitement about being with the Galaxy this year.

It is going to be an incredibly exciting year for this organization and the players are excited, whether it be the arrival David Beckham, the world series of football, with games against Chelsea or the Super Liga with some of the biggest names from Mexico.

All these things are exciting and what being part of the Galaxy is all about. Having said that we recognize how important the national team is, and we wouldn’t want to stand in the way of that and the players representing their country. So it remains to be seen how things shape up.

With regards to Beckham, is the team going to be simply wait for him to turn up?

For the complete Lalas interview CLICK HERE

Posted by soccer365 at 02:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bring Hernan Crespo back to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Despite incessant speculation that Chelsea have already started a search for his successor, Mourinho has urged the club to bring the Argentine striker back to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan in order to offset the loss of Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou during next year's African Nations Cup.

Crespo moved to Italy last season on a two-year loan deal which included an option to recall him after a year after failing to adapt to life in London.

"I understand the human side of Crespo's story - but business is business," Mourinho commented. "It's up to Abramovich and Peter Kenyon now. I have told them my plans. Crespo is ours and I need a striker.

"I'm sure I will lose Drogba and Kalou, who will go to play in the African Cup of Nations, so I need a striker like Crespo to be at Chelsea."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - New York catch Clint Mathis believes his late preseason trade from Colorado was probably in his best interest and says he is fitting in well on his Big Apple return.

The former MetroStars ace was set to be a back-up in Denver and figures joining a team full of familiar faces –including World Cup 2002 coach Bruce Arena and former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna - was the top option.

"I talked to Fernando (Clavijo, Colorado coach) - we've always had a good relationship - and thought it might be a better situation for me to try to get out," Mathis ESPN Soccernet. "He asked me which teams I would be interested in and New York was one of them."

"To be back with a group of guys, like Bruce, that I've worked with for many years and also played with these other guys... it was a situation where I was comfortable (with)… I thought that these guys would bring out the best in me."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid have been told by José Mourinho's agent that he would be willing to negotiate with them about taking over as coach in the summer, according to a report in Spain.

The Chelsea boss shares the same agent as Cristiano Ronaldo and it has now come to light that during the now well-publicised meeting in London last week, the manager's future was also discussed, sports daily AS claim.

Jorge Mendes represents both Mourinho and Ronaldo and brought up the subject of who would replace Fabio Capello when talking with Predrag Mijatovic' right-hand man, Franco Baldini.

The pair held talks before the first leg of the Blues' Champions League quarter final against Valencia last week with the first reports indicating that the talks were solely about the Manchester United forward.

Now it appears that Mendes was keen to sound out Baldini about the chances of Mourinho moving to the club too.

AS states that Mendes beleives Mourinho's main ambition is return to Spanish football as a proven coach and is prepared to leave Chelsea, despite his public recognition of his current contract.

The breakdown in the relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has left the former Porto trainer wanting a move and Madrid would be the perfect destination.

Mourinho is desperate to prove himself in la Primera, as his last role there was as a translator at FC Barcelona - a job that he is still taunted about when he returns to Camp Nou.

Baldini explained to Mendes that Madrid the idea was to install Bernd Schuster as coach, after a verbal agreement was reached for him to take over on July 1.

But Mendes believes that the Spanish giants could lure both Ronaldo and Mourinho as a package and is hopeful he will be able to hold more talks on the matter in the coming weeks.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Columbus general manager Mark McCullers admits they are in a race to sign Boca Juniors stalwart Guillermo Barros Schelotto, but no one in the club wants to talk much about it until a deal is signed.

The Crew have until Sunday night to complete the transaction, but the midfielder still has at least one Superclasico with River Plate left earlier the same day.

"(Barros Schelotto) is going to play in a game this weekend," McCullers told the Columbus Dispatch. "He is under contract with Boca at least through this weekend and we'll have no official comment until that changes."

"We have to make sure all of our t's are crossed, all of our i's dotted," he added. "There is a potential for things to go way wrong for us."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - According to his agent, Atlético MG netminder Diego is currently receiving the hard sell from Italian giants Juventus.

The Bianconeri have Italy #1 Gianluigi Buffon on the books, but believe he may move abroad in the near future and feel the Brazilian would make a wonderful apprentice.

"I have received several enquiries from Italian teams, especially from Juventus, who would loan Diego to Treviso," Fernando Benadine told reporters. "A month ago a scout from Juventus came to Brazil to watch Diego in action and he was impressed with his performance."

"At the moment they have one of the best keepers in the world, but they want to go on planning to have a substitute in case he leaves," he added.

"Diego holds an European Union passport, so that would make the negotiations easier."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - Bayern Munich skipper and goal-keeper Oliver Kahn believes his team had little luck last night, but admitted that Milan could only be praised for what they did.

Milan The Best

"Milan are the best team in Europe," gushed Kahn. "They are solid in defence, very fast, very professional and play at the highest technical level.

"They must be favourites to win the competition."

Blunt Bayern

"In a way, it might have been better if we had lost the first leg, as we did against Real Madrid [CF in the last 16]," he continued, speaking about his team's rather blunt display.

"If that had happened then we would have played with a bit more intensity, showed more aggression from the kick-off.

"We might have had a chance."

Postitives Too

"We have a good young team with players like Philipp Lahm, Andreas Ottl, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Christian Lell," said the veteran, who has won the trophy with the Bavarians, six years ago.

"They are the future and in four or five years Bayern could be a real force."

The Bavarians still have work to do to secure a Champions League berth for the next season. They are currently fourth behind Schalke, Werder Bremen and Stuttgart.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Goal.com) - Juliano Belletti has reacted angrily to Eusebio Sacristan's call for a tougher stance to be taken with Barça's players and revealed that Ronaldinho is looking unhappy.

The Brazilian full-back spoke in a tense press conference as the tension begins to mount at Camp Nou in the final weeks of the campaign.

Eusebio spoke out at what he perceived to be a lack of effort on the part of the Blaugrana stars and said that the coaching staff use a harder line to pull them into line.

His words have not gone down well with Belletti though, who was annoyed that the club's former midfield player and current member of the coaching staff had spoken to the media.

"Eusebio has never said of this to us," the former Villarreal defender said. "Not even when we were just chatting.

"If he has something like this to say, then I think it is better that he says it in the changing room and not use the media as his way of putting a message across."

Belletti then reflected on Ronaldinho's recent character change as the pressure to maintain his form looks to finally be beginning to tell.

The Barça number ten has been critcised this season for looking unfit and overweight and his training schedule is now being tracked daily by the Madrid-based newspapers.

"He looks unhappy," Belletti stated. "Ronnie is usually always smiling and now he really does appear serious."

Now on a role, Belletti did not hold back when asked about his reaction to Real Madrid's Guti claiming that Barça are becoming nervous about losing the title.

"How does Guti know whether we are nervous or not?" the 30-year-old continued. "It really does not matter to me what people in Madrid say.

"We are first in the league and they should be worried because they are the ones that are below us."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

AC Milan shut down Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena to set up a semifinal against Manchester United. Elsewhere, Liverpool finished off PSV Eindhoven to become the third English team to advance to the European final four.

AC Milan arrived in Munich needing away goals, after a 2-2 draw last week in Italy. Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi answered that call midway through the first half.

After weathering a Bayern storm in the opening moments, Seedorf scored from the edge of the box in the 27th minute. Only four minutes later, the Dutchman provided a nifty through ball to Inzaghi who slotted a goal past Munich keeper Oliver Kahn.

From that point on, Milan were in control. Munich managed a few chances in the second half, but none found the net.

Meanwhile, Liverpool headed into their second leg match against PSV with a commanding 3-0 lead and the Reds were able to avoid any slip-ups at home in Anfield.

The Liverpool defense claimed an aggregate clean sheet, while Peter Crouch added a close range finish on the attack.

The only downside for manager Rafael Benitez was an injury to Craig Bellamy in the first half. Otherwise, Benitez had the luxury of comfortably resting his core group of Steven Gerrard, Steve Finnan, and Jamie Carragher.

The rest will be needed for a semifinal tie with league rival Chelsea looming.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Manchester United greeted Roma with a historic goal blitz on Tuesday afternoon, scoring four goals in the first half and adding three in the second for a gaudy 7-1 crush of AS Roma. Meanwhile, Chelsea rode through to the semifinals on a 90th minute goal from Michael Essien.

Within 20 minutes of play at Old Trafford, it was apparent this was not the same United side that fell at Portsmouth on Saturday. Michael Carrick, Alex Smith, and Wayne Rooney all found the back of net in an eight minute span to completely knock the air out of Roma. Cristiano Ronaldo added another just before the half to put an end to any doubts of the outcome.

But United were not done yet. Ronaldo added another clinical finish at the start of the second. Carrick got his brace in 60th minute and Roma found themselves down six goals after an hour of play.

De Rossi got one back, but it was little consolation as Patrick Evra made it 7-1 before the match ended.

Ryan Giggs served up an amazing four assists before being subbed out in the 61st minute.

In Spain, Chelsea made it two English Premiership teams in the semis on Essien's angled winner from the right edge of the box.

Valencia fell at home despite jumping out to a 1-0 lead. Fernando Morientes smashed home a cross from Luis Miguel in the 32nd minute. Chelsea's Andriy Shevchenko equalized early in the second half after Frank Lampard's free kick.

Chelsea is now slated to face the winner of the Liverpool/PSV Eindhoven tie, which wraps up tomorrow in Liverpool. The Reds hold a commanding 3-0 lead.

Manchester United await the survivor of Bayern Munich/AC Milan, which stands at 2-2 before tomorrow's match in Germany. It will be ManU's first European semifinal since 2002.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)

(Soccer365.com) - Real Salt Lake playmaker Freddy Adu has sounded the trumpets in honor of teammate Jeff Cunningham, who he feels does not get his proper due.

Cunningham netted twice on opening day to help the visitors claim a 2-2 draw with FC Dallas.

"He's great," Adu told the Deseret News. "He finds ways to score goals, he's just a great player."

"It hurts me to know that he doesn't get the respect, really, that he deserves."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - Liverpool will be without the suspended Dirk Kuyt for their Champions League quarter-final second leg at home to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Mohamed Sissoko, banned for the first leg, returns to the squad while Xabi Alonso - who missed Saturday's win at Reading with a calf injury - also returns.

Manager Rafael Benitez has the problem of whether to use Jermaine Pennant in this match, with the winger one booking away from being banned for a potential semi-final tie.

Teams:

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Mascherano, Gonzalez, Zenden, Bellamy, Crouch, Fowler, Dudek.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - New York Red Bulls midfield general Claudio Reyna admitted that he wasn’t in top form during their season opening draw with Columbus.

The longtime European star suffered an early thigh knock in a collision with teammate Dane Richards.

"As soon as that happened, it threw me off," Reyna told the New York Daily News. "I had to sit back a little more and help the team defensively."

"It definitely affected me a little bit, it's disappointing."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Roberto Ayala insists he is ready to take on the dangerous Didier Drogba at the Mestalla this evening.

Drogba Challenge

"Drogba is a dangerous striker, the other day he profited from an opening to score a goal," said Ayala, speaking to skysports.com. "That is his quality and I am prepared for the battle in the Mestalla on Tuesday.

"I am not a friend of statistics, but I desire to have another success against Drogba.

"This will be the fourth meeting in club and national games, but it is never easy to stop the African. Today he is one of the best strikers in Europe.

"Drogba is a big striker but I do not fear him. During my career I have played and beaten better strikers than the Ivorian.

"In football it is men against men and I have never been afraid on the field. An Argentinian player is ready for anything."

Far From Decided

"This elimination is not decided," he continued. "For Valencia it will be a fatal error to believe that after the tie in London we have qualified for the next round.

"Now I expect a hard match in Valencia with more complications than at Stamford Bridge.

"In the second round, Inter were the favourites and now the situation is similar. People expect Chelsea to reach the semi-finals but after 90 minutes the ball is in our court.

"Valencia will exploit this and play with intelligence. That is our main advantage."

Defensive? Never!

"A defensive match at home to maintain the 1-1? Impossible, that will be madness," said the Argentine veteran, leaving no doubts as to how Los Che would be going about the match.

"Valencia are offensive and do not know the word fear.

"Sincerely I have never ruled out beating Chelsea because this season I have viewed some games and The Blues are not the same power as last year.

"This is my last season at Valencia and I desire to play in a Champions League final and avenge the two [final] defeats in my career."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Ancelotti is trusting in the veteran striker to score the vital goals for the Rossoneri to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League when they face Bayern Munich tomorrow at the Allianz Arena.

Milan need to win in Munich in order to advance in the Champions League and to do so, Carlo Ancelotti will be relying on Pippo Inzaghi's goals to help them go through.

Despite not finding much space in the past weeks, Superpippo might yet again become decisive for Milan as he spearheads the Rossoneri's attack in a 4-3-2-1 formation, even though the Milan coach might opt for a 4-3-1-2 formation at the last moment, to field Oliveira alongside Inzaghi.

In 2002/03, Inzaghi scored a brace to help Milan beat Bayern 2-0, and that's what the Milan fans will be hoping for in tomorrow night's clash as the Italian team will be targeting a place in the last four.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - Celta Vigo are looking for a true motivator to turn around the fortunes of the struggling team following the sacking of coach Fernando Vazquez.

Vazquez was shown the door on Monday following a dismal run of results that has seen Celta slump into the relegation zone after winning just one of their last 18 league matches.

The final straw for the Celta board was Sunday's 4-2 defeat at Recreativo Huelva, a result that left the club in 18th spot, two points adrift of safety.

Vazquez was given a vote of confidence by the board in February, but since then Celta have only picked up one victory in eight league matches.

The club were also knocked out of Europe in that time after losing 3-0 on aggregate to Werder Bremen in the last-16 of the UEFA Cup.

Director general Xavier Martinez Cobas said: "The mathematics say we have played eight games and taken only five points, and away from the mathematics we have noticed a certain deterioration.

"We granted him authority but after eight games in the league the situation is totally different."

With only nine games remaining, the quest for the Celta board is now to find someone who can turn the team around.

This weekend Celta host local rivals Deportivo La Coruna at the Balaidos, where they will look to improve on only one home win all season - the worst record in the division.

The club have already started their search for Vazquez's replacement, but director of sport Felix Carnero admits it may not be straightforward to get the right man.

"The market for coaches is not very large, we are looking for someone who can come here," he said.

"They can be someone with more experience or a new person with a fresh outlook, but it is essential they can motivate the players.

"Celta do not have any agreement finalised with any coach," he added.

Vazquez, 52, took charge of Celta in 2004 and led them to promotion from the Segunda Division in his first season.

Then last season he guided them to a sixth-placed finish in La Liga, and a spot in this year's UEFA Cup.

Before taking over at Celta, the La Coruna-born Vazquez had been in charge of numerous Spanish clubs, including Real Mallorca, Real Oviedo, Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, La Palmas and Real Valladolid.

Vazquez becomes the sixth managerial casualty of the Primera Liga season, following Jose Mari Bakero (Real Sociedad), Luis Cesar (Gimnastic Tarragona), Felix Sarriugarte (Athletic Bilbao), Javier Irureta (Real Betis) and Juan Ramon Lopez Caro (Levante).

Those six clubs are the ones currently occupying the bottom six places in La Liga.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - In the aftermath of a franchise kickoff loss to Chivas USA, Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston conceded that he had to peel a little paint in the clubhouse.

The MLS newbies dropped a 2-0 decision and were outshot 17-5.

"The biggest key (was) that we gave the ball away too much," he told the Globe & Mail. "There were five or six players who underachieved."

"I don't have to name them," insisted Johnson. "They know who they are, they've been told."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid midfielder Guti believes that the events over the weekend must have left Barcelona looking nervously over their shoulders.

Nervous Barcelona

It was a weekend that belonged to Real Madrid, as they won to close up to within two points of Barcelona, who were found wanting in Zaragoza.

"Barcelona are a great team and still favourites to win the League," began Guti.

"But surely they must be nervous, not only because of their displays and results, not only because of us, but also because even Sevilla are still fighitng for the title."

"We [Madrid] have a great chance, but need to be calm," he continued. "We are not first, so we don't have any advantage yet, but it is certain that we can win.

"The key for us is to win all out home games, and then try to get some points on the road, in order to have a good chance of winning the League."

Sending Off Unfair

"I am always on the limit on the pitch," he said, speaking about his sending off against Celta Vigo ten days ago. "However, the expulsion was unjust because I did not say anything to him [the referee]."

The midfielder was keen to make a return to the first team, but happy to stay on the bench if the team continued to win.

"If he [Capello] does not play me because the team continues to win, great, because it is not the player who is important, but the team.

"When I do play, I will give my best for the benefit of the team."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Sports Network) - The last week has not been kind to Manchester United, as the Red Devils dropped their first-leg Champions League quarterfinal game with Roma 2-1 on Wednesday, and followed that up with a 2-1 loss at Portsmouth on Saturday in league play to reduce their lead in the Premiership to just three points.

United now turns its attention back to European play, and Sir Alex Ferguson's team will have plenty to do at Old Trafford on Tuesday if they are to continue their quest for the treble.

On paper the draw seemed to be a good one for United, who avoided Premiership clubs Chelsea and Liverpool, and also would not match them up with traditional European powers Bayern Munich or AC Milan. Roma had not advanced to the quarterfinals of this tournament since it changed names from the European Cup to the Champions League, but the Italian outfit played like they were seasoned veterans of the competition.

They attacked United from the opening whistle, and after Paul Scholes was sent off in the 34th minute for picking up his second booking, Roma took advantage and grabbed the lead before halftime thanks to a goal from Rodrigo Taddei. The one positive that United can take from the game is that Wayne Rooney broke his 17-match goalless streak in Champions League play and temporarily leveled the contest in the second half. Mirko Vucinic wiped out Rooney's tally just six minutes later, and Roma was always going to be the side that came out on top.

Despite the win, Roma have to be somewhat disappointed that they conceded a precious away goal, and that they only bring a one-goal edge into Tuesday's contest. The Italians created many more scoring chances and should have added a few more goals to make the second leg less suspenseful.

United should feel pretty good about its chances despite the deficit, as a 1-0 win in the second leg would be enough to put them through to the semifinals based on away goals. They will not have the services of Scholes, who will miss the game due to suspension, but should have a healthy Louis Saha back in the fold.

The two-match losing skid that the Manchester club is on should not continue. United is returning to the comfort of Old Trafford, and they will no doubt come out playing with more urgency then they showed in Rome last week.

Roma is a very aggressive team that is highly skilled and capable of beating United on its home soil. However, it will be interesting to see how they approach the game, whether they continue to attack as they did in the first leg, or try to defend the one-goal lead that they have. Either way, you can be sure that they are kicking themselves for not finishing off the Red Devils last week when they had the chance.

Tuesday's other contest features Chelsea traveling to Valencia with the two teams on level terms. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is looking to guide the Blues to the semifinals for the second time in three years, but Chelsea will have its hands full against a Valencia team that played them to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg.

David Silva gave the Spanish side the lead after 30 minutes, but Didier Drogba made sure that Chelsea would come away from the game with no less than a draw as he scored in the 53rd minute to level the match for good.

The two teams played a very evenly matched game in the first leg, and the return leg promises to be just as tight. Valencia's away goal could prove to be big, however, as they produced a similar result in their Round of 16 upset of Inter Milan. They were able to come away with a 2-2 draw against Inter in the first leg, and then locked down the Italian club in the second leg at home, producing a 0-0 draw but moving on because of away goals. Valencia is capable of playing another defensive masterpiece, putting the shackles on the Chelsea attack and playing for a goalless draw. It is a risky tactic that could backfire, but it is not out of the question.

Chelsea should be the more aggressive team offensively, but that could also allow the home side to counter-attack and put the visitors even further in a hole. Chelsea is hoping that midfielder Michael Essien can shake off a knee injury and take part in the game, otherwise there could be a big hole in the center of the Chelsea midfield.

On Wednesday, AC Milan and Bayern Munich enter their return leg on even terms, as the two teams played to an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first leg at the San Siro. After Andrea Pirlo put Milan ahead after 40 minutes, a frantic final 12 minutes saw the teams combine for three goals, including two from Bayern's Daniel van Buyten. With Milan holding a 2-1 lead in the game's final moments, Van Buyten knocked his second goal past Dida to give the German side two big away goals, and a slight edge heading into the return leg at Allianz Arena.

Bayern is a team that is certainly capable of scoring goals, but they have often had a problem keeping them out in this competition. Milan is the more interesting team, one that is capable of playing tight defense, but also a team that can score goals when needed. Kaka has proved to be one of the most dangerous offensive players in the Champions League this season, and Milan will once again lean on its Brazilian playmaker for goals.

Bayern has a number of weapons offensively that can hurt you, but they must be careful not to leave themselves too open in the back.

Wednesday's other fixture seems to be nothing more than a formality as Liverpool returns home to Anfield with a 3-0 lead over a struggling PSV side. The Reds dominated the first leg from start to finish in Holland, with Steven Gerrard scoring the opener midway through the first half, and John Arne Riise and Peter Crouch adding second-half strikes.

PSV showed little in the attack area, and was lost in the back without central defender Alex, who is out with an injury, leaving a number of openings for Liverpool to exploit.

Barring a monumental collapse, Liverpool will go on to the semifinals to meet the winner of the Chelsea and Valencia quarterfinal, and looks to be a good bet to reach the finals for the second time in three years.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Soccer365.com) - Wayne Rooney has hailed Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as "by far the best player in the world".

At the World Cup last summer, the young duo famously clashed during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Many pundits, and some senior figures among Rooney's international colleagues, were unhappy at Ronaldo's part in his club-mate's dismissal in Gelsenkirchen.

Although he admitted afterwards he was disappointed with Ronaldo's conduct, Rooney was quick to forgive the winger and happy to put the past to one side in a combined effort to bring glory to Old Trafford.

Yet Rooney can hardly have expected to be shunted into the shade quite as much as he has been by Ronaldo this term.

The £27million forward may have broken a 17-game Champions League drought with his goal in Rome last week. But, as injury-hit United look to overturn Roma's 2-1 advantage in Tuesday night's quarter-final decider at Old Trafford, there is no doubt who the home supporters will be pinning most of their hopes on.

"At the minute, Cristiano is by far the best player in the world," said Rooney.

"He performances have been unbelievable. He is winning games on his own this season. He has been unbelievable.

"Hopefully he can work some of his magic and get us into the semi-finals."

Rooney's praise is confirmation, if it were needed, of Ronaldo's remarkable reaction to the adverse publicity he received on the back of England's exit in Germany, which looked certain at one stage to drive him out of Old Trafford for good.

Amazingly though, he is yet to score at all for United on the biggest club stage of all.

His talent is not in question, given the regularity with which he appears on the scoresheet for both club and country, but how United could do with the 22-year-old adding to his 16 Premiership goals against Roma given the difficulty of the task awaiting them.

Five times in Champions League history United have attempted to overturn a first-leg deficit in knockout combat, and five times they have failed.

The latest occasion came against AC Milan three years ago, when Rooney and Ronaldo were both involved, but too raw and inexperienced to have any kind of influence on the overall outcome.

"We were still young and trying to learn the game," said Rooney.

"Playing against the likes of (Paolo) Maldini and (Alessandro) Nesta gives you a good platform to learn from. I feel we have both improved as players since then, and matured a lot."

With Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Park Ji-sung and Louis Saha missing through injury, and Paul Scholes suspended following his needless red card in the Stadio Olimpico, Rooney and Ronaldo will certainly need to rise to the occasion if United are to book a semi-final meeting with either Milan or Bayern Munich.

Rooney's goal at least gives United heart, especially after producing such a battling performance during a game when they were down to 10 men for almost an hour.

"There has been a lot of talk about the fact I have not scored for a while in the Champions League," said Rooney.

"Hopefully now the talking will stop and I can concentrate on trying to get more goals.

"I don't know why I had not scored. I have had chances. Maybe I should have scored on some occasions, on others the keeper has made good saves. But obviously, it is a relief to finally get the goal."

The fatigue lingering from that effort in Italy was shown at Fratton Park on Saturday, when the Red Devils crashed to a defeat which raised major question marks over their ability to hold off Chelsea on the six-game Barclays Premiership title run-in.

United's current lengthy injury list hardly helps dispel those fears.

Rooney, though, believes there is more than enough talent within the Old Trafford dressing room to ensure a positive and forceful response to the end of an unbeaten run stretching back to the loss at Arsenal in the middle of January.

"It is important the reaction from the weekend is a positive one," he said.

"We are disappointed with the weekend result but this is a different tournament.

"We have played well all season and we don't want to let ourselves down now."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh from a scoreless draw with MLS champs Houston, Los Angeles netminder Joe Cannon took time to salute the efforts of the men in front of him.

"I thought the whole team had a good effort and played great defensively," the new Galaxy #1 told MLSNet. "Houston's a tough team to play, especially in Houston."

"I don't think we gave them much to look at tonight," judged Cannon. "My performance was pretty easy. I just had to clean up some things."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea's red-hot front man Didier Drogba - arguably the best striker in Europe this season - has showered praise on Roberto Ayala ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League decider.

Ayala had Drogba on a short leash throughout last week's clash, though the Ivorian did score the equalizer - albeit with some help from a poorly placed Canizarees - after shrugging off the Argentine.

The two also faced off during the World Cup in Ivory Coast's clash with Argentina, and the Chelsea striker seems to rate the Valencia defender very highly.

"Ayala is the best defender I have faced in my life, and among the best in the World, along with the likes of Gallas, Terry, Carvalho," said the Ivorian.

"He is incredible, as much during aerial plays as on the ground.

"He is always right where the ball is, and does not give you a yard. And what surprises me the most is that he never seems to be at the limit."

Speaking about the trip to the Mestalla, he remained confident despite Valencia's draw at Stamford Bridge.

"We always have been more comfortable playing away," he said. "We have shown it several times in the Champions League. I am sure Barcelona still remember our performance."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Soccer365.com) - Toronto FC have seen a loan stint for Celtic defender John Kennedy blocked by the Scottish leaders due to their artifical playing surface.

Hoops boss Gordon Strachan was concerned over the idea of an oft-injured 23-year old trying to regain full fitness on the fake stuff.

"We would have been giving him the opportunity to continue his recovery at a very high level," Johnston told the Scottish Daily Express. "I spoke with Gordon and John's agent and everyone was up for it until we mentioned our stadium has a plastic pitch."

"They took advice from the specialist and the word then came back that he could not be risked on that surface at this stage of his career."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello is refusing to get carried away despite seeing his side move to within two points of the Primera Liga leadership on Sunday.

With top two Barcelona and Sevilla each dropping points this weekend, Madrid were able to trim the gap to both clubs with a 2-0 home win over Osasuna.

That has set up what promises to be an enthralling climax to the Spanish season, but with nine games still to be played, Capello is determined Madrid do not get ahead of themselves.

"We're still behind, but we made up ground and played with great spirit. We're improving with each game that passes, which is crucial in these decisive matches," Capello said.

"We're going to take each game as it comes, and each turns out to be a final."

Madrid's hopes of winning a first major trophy since 2003 could come down to how well they perform in the next four games.

In those matches they face tricky away trips to Racing Santander and Athletic Bilbao, while also hosting title rivals Valencia and Sevilla at the Bernabeu.

"Our upcoming games are very difficult, but we can't slip up. We'll go day by day and not get ahead of ourselves," Capello re-iterated.

"We're convinced that we can win each game. We don't know if we will be champions, but we're going to try our best.

"We're in with a chance because we earned it. When things weren't going well, that was also our fault.

"You go through patches during a season and it happens with every team, not just us."

Madrid took the lead against Osasuna through captain Raul in the 24th minute but, despite creating a host of chances, they were unable to add a second goal until nine minute from time when Robinho slotted home.

Despite their profligacy in front of goal, Capello was pleased with his side's performance overall.

"I think we played a great match against a very hard opponent. The keepers played very important roles, with great saves at both ends," he said.

"We could have had many more goals had we been a little more accurate.

"But we're beginning to find ourselves, and you can tell. Psychology also plays an important part. The players are full of confidence."

Goalscorer Robinho, who received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was substituted late on following a fine performance, said: "I hope to continue playing like that, the same as the rest of my team-mates, who have had a sensational game.

"We are playing better every time and we hope to be league champions at the end of the season."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Soccer365.com) - Hearts striker Mauricio Pinilla has revealed that he will soon embark on a loan stint with homeland side Universidad de Chile.

The forward was formerly part-property of Hearts, Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon, but the Portuguese club have sold their share.

"An agreement has been arranged and everything is ready," Pinilla told reporters. "I am going to sign the contracts as soon as possible so the transfer is sent to Chile.

"I have cancelled my contract with Sporting Lisbon and I will continue to be tied to Hearts," he added.

"I must thank Hearts that they accepted to let me play on loan in Chile until June."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Mirko Vučinić believes that Roma can take inspiration from their away day performance in the last round as they head for Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

The Montenegrin striker netted the winner in the first leg against the Red Devils last week and is confident that the Italians can complete the job in the second game.

With United needing score at least one goal, Vučinić is well aware that Roma's hosts will look to press forward from the very start of the game.

"In the second leg against Lyon we showed we have character and a winning mentality. We won 2-0 and I don't see why we can't do the same against United," he said.

"It will be tough game for us at Old Trafford, but we have the advantage and Manchester will have to go on the attack from the first minute.

"We are very dangerous on the counterattack, so I believe that we can score at least one goal."

Vučinić, 23, is spending the season on loan at Roma from Serie B outfit Lecce and knows that he may not feature for long in the game against Manchester United, despite his efforts in the previous game.

"I have not played much in the last few games, just five or ten minutes, so I was surprised when the coach gave me the last 30 minutes against United," he continued.

"However, from my first touch of the ball I could tell that I could do something big.

"I know Spalletti can count on me. I will do my best whether I play for five minutes or 90."

With Paul Scholes suspended and Nemanja Vidić out injured, Vučinić believes that Roma have a better chance of knocking out United.

"Vidić is one of the best defenders in the world," he said. "I am sorry he is injured and I wish him a speedy recovery but his absence gives us a better chance of scoring at Old Trafford. Scholes is a very experienced midfielder and he will be hard to replace."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Louis Saha has been ruled out of Manchester United's Champions League quarter-final decider against AS Roma with a hamstring injury.

The Frenchman has not featured for the Red Devils in over a month but had been expected to make his comeback at Portsmouth last weekend.

Instead, Saha was forced to return to Manchester for further treatment after suffering a recurrence of the problem in training on Friday.

And, while Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the former Fulham star will be fit for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final with Watford at Villa Park, Tuesday's Old Trafford clash comes too soon.

"We have to err on the side of caution," said United boss Ferguson.

"There is no point bringing someone back who is not 100% fit and risk further injury."

United will also be without suspended midfielder Paul Scholes, plus Gary Neville (ankle), Nemanja Vidic (collarbone) and Mikael Silvestre (shoulder).

In addition, Park Ji-sung is also ruled out for at least a fortnight after suffering a knee injury in the win over Blackburn on March 31.

"We are still assessing Ji-sung to see what we do next with him," said Ferguson.

"Hopefully the news will be good and he will only be out for a couple of weeks."

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Cathcart, Heinze, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Eagles, Giggs, Richardson, Solskjaer, Smith, Rooney, Dong.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

(Goal.com) - "Here at Milan it's not easy to earn a first team place, because there are great champions. In my position there is a certain Seedorf, so it's normal that in the coach's order he comes first."

Ahead of the important Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich, in the return leg of the quarter-finals, Milan's talented young Frenchman Yoann Gourcuff presented himself on the press conference.

The midfielder said he is very confident his side are capable of playing a great match in Munich and qualify for the semi-finals, even though the 2-2 result obtained in the first leg in Milan is a very difficult one to overturn.

"It will of course be a very difficult match - Gourcuff said - It will be important to attack out opponents from the start and possibly get a goal in the early part of the match. This way it would be easier for us to control the match and play with more serenity. In any case we will have to play with confidence and calmness. In the first leg we played well and showed we are superior to them in every department."

"My season with Milan? In the beginning it wasn't easy - the played continued - When I don't play much I tend to be more anxious, to lose confidence in my abilities, then there was also the injury. Then when I came back I played six games in three weeks and I wasn't able to find any continuity.

"Physically I feel better now and things are also going better on the pitch. Certainly it's not easy to earn a starting place at this club, because there are many great champions. In my position there is a certain Seedorf, a great player and also a great person, it's normal that in the coach's hierarchy I'm behind him.

"My objective is to improve all the time as much as possible. I'm not worried about the future but I live by the day, and now I'm happy to have found a certain continuity. Obviously my ambition is to play more, but in any case right now it's OK like this, I know what I'm worth and I know that when the coach calls me I can give my contribution to the team. That's why I am serene."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Toronto FC opened its inaugural season with a 2-0 loss at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., against CD Chivas USA on Saturday night thanks to goals from Ante Razov and Sacha Kljestan.

Chivas goaltender Brad Guzan made several outstanding saves, including four spectacular ones in the first half to give his team a chance before Razov took a feed from Maykel Galindo to score the 99th goal of his MLS career in the 35th minute.

Kljestan added an insurance goal late in the second half as he drove at the Toronto defense before unleashing a fierce shot far post past goalkeeper Greg Sutton to make the score 2-0. It was Kljestan's first goal in his MLS career.

Chivas held on early thanks to Guzan before turning it on in the game. The home team struck 17 shots in the game, including 12 on goal to Toronto's five.

It doesn't get any easier for Toronto as it faces Eastern power New England - who were 1-0 losers at Chicago on Saturday - next week in Foxborough.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Portsmouth, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United's lead over Chelsea slipped to only three points on Saturday as the Red Devils suffered a 2-1 loss to Portsmouth at Fratton Park, and Chelsea escaped with a 1-0 win over Tottenham.

The loss caps a forgettable week for Sir Alex Ferguson's team, which dropped a 2-1 loss to Roma in the first leg of its Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The game was played at a very quick pace throughout, but much of the credit for the Portsmouth win goes to keeper David James, who made a number of quality stops to keep his team in the lead. Matthew Taylor got Pompey on the board in the 30th minute, and a costly own goal by United's Rio Ferdinand all but put the game away in the 89th. However, United didn't go quietly as John O'Shea pulled a goal back one minute later, and United spent most of stoppage time inside the Portsmouth half of the field. Only the heroics of James allowed Portsmouth to capture all three points, and turn the Premiership title race on its head.

A good start for Portsmouth led to the club's opening tally in the 30th minute. United's Kieran Richardson was stripped of the ball in his own end by Benjani Mwaruwari, who fired a shot from the top of the box. Keeper Edwin Van der Sar made the save but the ball rebounded right to Taylor, whose sliding shot easily beat the Dutch keeper for a 1-0 Portsmouth lead.

Michael Carrick nearly tied things up minutes after the goal, but his shot slid inches past the post.

United turned up the pressure in the second half, as Ryan Giggs replaced Richardson and almost rewarded his manager with a goal. A nice one-touch pass from Wayne Rooney set up Giggs for a shot from just inside the box. The Welshman drove the ball on net with his left foot, but James made a fine diving stop to push the ball over the cross bar.

Another nice effort from Giggs was thwarted by James once again, and Portsmouth nearly went ahead by two goals on a fine shot by Sean Davis, but Van der Sar came up big with a quality diving stop to push the ball to safety.

In the game's final minutes, Portsmouth tried to spring a counter-attack with Taylor sending a long pass forward for Lomana Lualua. The pass was too long and Ferdinand got to it first, but as he went to play the ball back to Van der Sar, the keeper came off his line and Ferdinand slid his pass into the empty net, seemingly sealing United's fate.

O'Shea got a goal back for United one minute later when James made a mess of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's shot, leaving a rebound for O'Shea to easily tap in.

The final few minutes were anxious for Portsmouth with United throwing everything forward and creating a few openings for shots. In the game's dying moments, Alan Smith found room for a shot from inside the area that looked to be headed towards the lower corner of the net. However, James flashed to his right to make the diving save, securing the win.

In other EPL action on Saturday, Ricardo Carvalho's long-range strike gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Tottenham, West Ham shocked Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium with a 1-0 win on a goal from Bobby Zamora and Aston Villa took home a 2-1 win at Blackburn. Middlesbrough got two goals from Mark Viduka as they thumped Watford 4-1, Dirk Kuyt got the winner for Liverpool in the 86th minute as the Reds slipped past Reading 2-1, Sheffield United fell into the drop zone after dropping a 2-1 decision to Newcastle and Bolton got two second-half goals from Andranik Teymourian to beat Wigan 3-1.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

Aragon, Spain (Sports Network) - Barcelona's pursuit of a third consecutive La Liga title took a hit on Saturday as the Catalan side fell 1-0 to Real Zaragoza at Estadio La Romareda.

Diego Milito scored the lone goal in the 57th minute, but Zaragoza could have made the decision even more lopsided if they had done a little better in the finishing department. The loss allows Sevilla to move ahead of Barcelona with a win against Racing on Sunday.

Andres D'Alessandro threatened the Barca net with a pair of free kicks, but his shot in the 25th minute sailed over the top and his 27th-minute effort was stopped well by keeper Victor Valdes.

The home side continued to pressure, and Sergio Garcia sent a low shot just past the right post, before a nice ball from Carlos Diogo gave Garcia another opportunity, but he could not keep his shot down.

Despite being outplayed in the opening 45 minutes, Barca were on even terms, and began the second half with a good spell of play. Ronaldinho set up winger Ludovic Giuly for a shot that was blocked, and the Frenchman pounced on the rebound and let loose another effort that was stopped by keeper Sanchez Cesar.

Cesar was called upon just minutes later when a strong shot from Deco needed to be turned aside for a corner.

After the brief bright spot, however, Barca fell behind in the 57th minute. D'Alessandro took the ball to the end-line and then chipped a cross towards the near post for Milito. He got the slightest of touches on the ball and did enough to poke it past a sprawling Valdes, putting Zaragoza in front.

Eidur Gudjohnsen was brought on with 25 minutes to play, and he should have been able to grab the equalizer in the 73rd. Leo Messi's shot from inside the penalty area was cleared off the line, but it fell to Gudjohnsen, who was positioned just five yards from goal. The Iceland international would bury the rebound on most days, but he pulled it wide, squandering Barca's best chance of the match.

In Saturday's other contest, Athletic Bilbao surprised Valencia with 1-0 decision to help Athletic climb out of the relegation zone.

On Sunday, Deportivo hosts last-placed Gimnastic while second-to-the-bottom Real Sociedad visits Espanyol. Bottom-half clubs Levante and Real Betis meet up at Ciudad de Valencia, Getafe tries to stay in the top half with a win against struggling Mallorca, Recreativo tries to keep its hopes alive for a spot in Europe when Celta Vigo comes to town, third-placed Real Madrid hosts Osasuna and Villarreal tries to move out of the middle of the table with a win on home soil against Atletico Madrid.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - UEFA announced they will launch an investigation into the shocking scenes of crowd trouble during Manchester United's Champions League match in Rome.

Baton-wielding riot police laid into United fans in the Stadio Olimpico after trouble broke out during the match.

UEFA communications director William Gaillard, who was actually in the stadium, said: "I only saw glimpses of what went on, I saw some missiles flying and the police charging.

"We will be waiting for the delegate's report and the control and disciplinary body will be looking at the television images to see the dynamics of what actually happened."

Roma could face action if they are judged to have failed in their security arrangements.

But if United fans are found to have a played a significant role in provoking the police's reaction, they could be in trouble - especially as only last month they were fined for the misbehaviour of some supporters in Lens during the Lille game.

Gaillard said the police's response would be studied by UEFA.

He added: "In Italy, the police are in charge of security in the stadium, stewards have nothing to do with it.

"We will also have to see what role Manchester United fans had in the incidents because they had some problems in Lens earlier this year."

UEFA are not expected to make a decision on disciplinary action until after the Easter weekend.

Trouble flared after rival fans surged towards a barrier separating them and missiles were thrown.

Riot police responded with some savagery and officers were seen repeatedly striking United supporters, including at least two as they lay on the floor.

The Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association later said they are compiling a dossier to submit to UEFA.

A statement on the IMUSA's website, www.imusa.org, read: "Can anyone who was in Rome tonight please send their eye-witness statements to comms@imusa.org as a matter of urgency.

"IMUSA will once again put a dossier together to submit to UEFA.

"The club issued warnings to our fans making it clear that they thought that there was danger of attack from the Roma fans.

"The Italian police were stationed on our side of the fence, in attack formation against United fans, in a way that only made sense if they were trying to protect the Roma fans from us.

"There is something very wrong here and IMUSA aims to get to the bottom of it.

"Can all fans who were in Rome tonight get in touch with us to let us know what you saw.

"If you have pictures or video of these incidents, so much the better."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)

(Soccer365.com) - New Chicago Fire signing Cuauhtémoc Blanco admits he will need some time to become accustomed to his adopted hometown, but can name at least one exciting benefit to living in the Windy City – easy access to NBA basketball.

“It's like everything in life,” the Mexico star told the Chicago Tribune. “It'll be tough - the food will be different, I need to learn the language.”

“It's also hard leaving your family and the people who have always been behind you.”

Blanco is eager to move at the end of his Club América contract in July, so he can finally see Chicago’s most famous roundballers in the flesh.

“I like basketball a lot,” he stated. “My teammates and I have watched some of the Bulls' old tapes - I'm looking forward to seeing (them) play.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - Arsenal's link to America has been strengthened by US billionaire Stan Kroenke acquiring a 9.9% stake in the club.

His company, Kroenke Sports Enterprise (KSE), have bought the shareholding interest from ITV and could also purchase 50% of Arsenal Broadband Limited, with the combined total costing £65million if completed.

Kroenke owns Major League Soccer team Colorado Rapids, who recently announced a partnership with the Gunners that will see the Premiership club send coaches across the Atlantic and promising American players sent to train in London.

The partnership was not seen as the first step towards another American takeover of a English club, although the move to buy ITV's stake has come less than a month after KSE stated they had "no interest or intention" of buying into Arsenal.

A statement to the stock exchange read: "ITV plc today announced that it had unconditionally sold its 9.99% shareholding interest in Arsenal Holdings plc to KSE UK INC, a vehicle controlled by Stan Kroenke, and has also entered into conditional arrangements with KSE UK INC in relation to the sale of its 50% shareholding in Arsenal Broadband Limited."

Premiership clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa have been targeted by American investors as business prospects which will eventually generate huge profits.

Despite their huge debts, Arsenal are still seen as a club with huge potential because of the long-term benefits of the new 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium.

A potential takeover, though, would appear unlikely as major stakeholders - which include vice-chairman David Dein and director Danny Fiszman - have stated they have no intention of selling up.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Ronaldinho has again pledged to stay at FC Barcelona as he finally puts an end to the continuous rumours surrounding his future.

The Brazilian superstar had been linked with a move to Serie A in the summer, but he states that he has not intention of leaving Camp Nou.

Speculation had continued throughout a season that saw him criticised for lack of form and being overweight, but an upturn in form in recent weeks has changed everything again.

"I am very happy at Barcelona and want to stay here for many years," Ronaldinho said.

"I have always spoken about my future with calmness. I am happy here and all I want it to enjoy playing for Barça.

"What I like most is working hard on the pitch and to entertain people."

One factor that influenced the Barça number ten to make his announcement was the support shown to him by the club's supporters, who he thanked at a social event in Lloret de Mar.

"People are pleased with the way things are going, I see that every day and it is great that they show me their support," he said.

Reflecting on his absence from training earlier in the week, Ronaldinho explained that he is following a different regime from the first team after missing out on pre-season last summer.

Over 7,000 fans turned up to watch Frank Rijkaard's side be put through their paces at the Mini Estadi and many were disappointed that the former PSG ace stayed in the gymnasium.

"I am following a personalised programme and cannot be everywhere at once," he explained. "I am on my own and I cannot do any more."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) - New York coach Bruce Arena says that teen strike phenom Josmer Altidore is rounding into form after a slow start to the preseason.

The 17-year old scored three times in seven MLS contests last season and is looking forward to a big year.

"He came into the preseason I think in poor form and that's surprising because he came out of the (U.S.) Under-20 camp," Arena told MLSNet.

"He didn't look sharp and it's taken him a while to get his feet on the ground, but he's doing fine now and I've been pretty pleased with him over the last couple of weeks."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite holding a 2-0 first leg advantage, Houston coach Dominic Kinnear has cautioned that CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal foe Pachuca are capable of a home rally.

"We're confident, but we know they're a good team," he told the Houston Chronicle. "A two-goal advantage is better than a one-goal advantage, but we still have 90 minutes to play."

The MLS champs are not planning to simply protect the lead, a tactic they feel would not be helpful against the Mexican power.

"We're definitely coming here to play and not sit back," forward Brian Ching added. "We might need to score a goal to get out of here."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Retired referee Anders Frisk - at the Stadio Olimpico last night - gave his thoughts on what happened in the stands.

"We witnessed something that was not good for football," Frisk told Sky Sports News.

"When I arrived at the Stadio Olimico, I saw a very good atmosphere. The Roma fans were singing, the Manchester United fans were singing. It is very unfortunate [how it all ended]."

Asked where he thought the problem was, he was unequivocal: "I think the approach from the Italian police.

"My feeling was that from the start they were very close to the Manchester United fans.

"The Italian police reacted very aggressively to some something being thrown, one or two incidents."

Frisk also blamed the security personnel at the stadium for not searching the fans at the entrance.

"I cannot say who started it, but when I went through the gates, I was not searched at all," he said. "Of course, when you are not searched, people could carry bottles, and things to throw."

Speaking of his own memories, he said: "I have some very good memories because I have had some very good games.

"But I remember two matches. A Roma – Galatasaray match which left people being beaten up, objects being thrown on the pitch, and also resulted in a diplomatic crisis between Italy and Turkey for a while.

"Then there was the Roma – Dynamo Kiev in which I was hit on the head, and it was not possible to continue."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Soccer365.com) - England midfielder Joe Cole finally returned to first team football after an eight-month injury nightmare and insisted this could turn out to be his best season ever.

Cole has been sidelined with knee and foot injuries this term which he has admitted would have been difficult for him to overcome had he sustained them when he was younger.

Cole returned to action as a second-half substitute against Valencia in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg draw at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and now wants to make up for lost time.

Cole's injury has kept him out of England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign but with Chelsea chasing success in the Barclays Premiership, the FA Cup and the Champions League, the midfielder could not have timed his return much better.

The dark days of working out in gym until six o'clock in the evening have been replaced by a hunger to help Jose Mourinho's side add more silverware to the Carling Cup they collected in February.

Cole declared: "It's a been a long time and a difficult season. I've missed more or less the whole campaign with two big injuries.

"But I am back now and feeling my way into it. I am sure I will have something to say this year once I get my fitness and sharpness back 100%. I will be able to make a bigger impact and it is great to have all the big games to do it in.

"I had two major injuries really - three months out with a knee injury and then four months with my foot. I've never had anything like it in my career. It was a challenge mentally as well as physically. But I've come through it and want to put it behind me by playing football again.

"We have a great set-up here and you just have to get on with it. Maybe if I had suffered these injuries when I was 20 or 21, I wouldn't have come through it because it was tough mentally.

"But I have grown up a lot in the last few years, I've got a good family behind me and I've just got my head down and worked hard every day. I'm through it now and hopefully there will no recurrence.

"It is a tough slog in the gym when you are injured but I've still got to get back to being match fit. The manager will be watching me closely in training and in games when I come off the bench, so he will know when I am ready to start."

Cole is hoping to continue his return against Tottenham in the Premiership on Saturday and the return leg against Valencia in Spain on Tuesday.

The tie is delicately poised at 1-1 after Didier Drogba cancelled out David Silva's first-half thunderbolt but Cole believes they can finish the job in Spain.

Cole added: "I am fit and available for selection for the second leg and for the game against Spurs on Saturday. It is up to the manager. All games at this level are tough games. Valencia have been one of the best sides in Spain for the last 10 years and they have a proven pedigree in this competition.

"We felt we should have won the game but it wasn't to be. We need a solid performance next week, we need to score goals and go there to win the game.

"We dominated the first game and should have won it but it is only half-time, we need to go to Spain and put in one of our best performances.

"But it could go from being my worst season to my best now if we win some trophies. We are fighting on all three fronts for that. We have had lots of injuries to key players and it has really stretched the squad. It's been a credit to the lads. People have criticised for not being as good as we have been but we are still there. It is a great accolade for the boys.

"We were disappointed to have conceded the away goal in the first leg but we are more than capable of winning over there. Every game for us is like a cup final now and we are thriving on it, we are rolling.

"We have too many experienced players to be intimidated. It will be a hostile atmosphere but we are used to that."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - The Barcelona midfielder admitted that Real Madrid could not be counted out of the title race just yet.

"We’re surprised but the truth is Madrid are only five points behind us," Deco told the press, speaking about Real Madrid still being in the reckoning despite being in some very forgettable form this season.

"There may be people saying that they aren’t playing the best of football, but they have as a good a chance the other contenders.

"Madrid have history and good players, and there is a chance they could win the league, and they’ll try. But we are the only team that has our destiny in our own hands."

Speaking of the difficult away game against Real Zaragoza on Saturday, he said: "We have always played well against Zaragoza. They are a great team, but we have already won there [2-1 in the Copa del Rey].

"Not many people expected us to come from behind and qualify for the next round of the Cup. However, Saturday's game is going to a difficult one again.

"Zaragoza have some top quality players up front and defend very well. They are a very complete team. There are thirty points left to play for and every game is like a final."

He was also asked about the experience of watching the Champions League on TV.

"Being out and having to watch the other teams knowing we could be there is tough," revealed the two-time Champions League winner.

"But it's also good to feel like that. All the players have been watching the matches, and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. It means we are more ambitious than ever to fight for the Champions League next season."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Red Bulls winter catch Claudio Reyna has revealed that he will be used in more of a playmaking role than he had with Manchester City.

By opening day, the former U.S. captain will have played under New York boss Bruce Arena on three different teams.

“With different teams I've played different roles - it was a little more defensive at Man City,” Reyna told Sports Illustrated. “Here, I'll still be playing central midfield, but my role is a little more attacking now.”

“I'll be able to enjoy getting more around the goal and be important as far as our attacking plays, but every game is different,” he stated. “Sometimes you have to defend, and that's just part of the central midfield.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite impressing against AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday night, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Michael Rensing remains second choice at the Allianz Arena.

The 22-year-old excelled while standing in for the suspended Oliver Kahn, making two superb point-blank saves in the first half.

But his 37-year-old mentor will be back between the posts against Hannover in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

"We all know that Kahn is our number one, but I am delighted for Rensing that he fulfilled our expectations," said coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

"It is good to know that whenever Kahn is unavailable we have him - and his chance will come soon."

Kahn's contract expires in 2008, but until then former Germany Under-21 international Rensing will have to play second fiddle.

Rather than facing Hannover on Saturday, Rensing will travel with Bayern's second team to play against Karlsruhe's reserves.

"We all know what the situation is at the club and that won't change after one game," he added.

"But I have showed I can be relied on in an important game and obviously I am happy my performance has been recognised.

"However, I make no secret of the fact that I want to play regularly."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite being a certainty for Mexico’s Copa America roster, Barcelona defender Rafa Márquez says he may have to arrive to camp late due to the La Liga title scrap.

The Catalans are in first place, but can look down at three rabid cashers within six points.

The CONMEBOL championship, to which El Tri are a special guest, begins only nine days after the Spanish season ends.

"I have told the coach and said that I want to put Barcelona first," declared Márquez.

"I would be delighted to play in all the games and this is my plan."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - The Brazilian ace has no doubt that Milan can qualify to the semi-finals of the Champions League following last night's 2-2 result against Bayern Munich.

Despite the negative result, Kaka is confident that the Rossoneri will succeed in going through to the next round of the Champions League.

"We're sorry for the goals we conceded, however we're used to such pressures," declared the Brazilian player at the end of the match. "In the second leg it will be an encounter to remain in the history."

Kaka scored a penalty which raised many doubts especially following the television replays which seemed to indicate that there was no foul in the penalty area.

"I don't talk much about what the referee, but maybe there was a penalty in the first half," concluded Kaka.

The Rossoneri will now need the Brazilian’s magic in order to beat Bayern Munich in the second leg and book themselves a place with the last four.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

(Soccer365.com) - Chicago Fire stalwart Chris Armas has extended an open hand to new signing Cuauhtémoc Blanco, despite battling the attacker several times in the United States – Mexico border battle over the years.

The Mexico star won’t join the team until later in the 2007 season, but Armas is looking forward to the added Fire power.

“We had wars against Mexico, and I always knew he was a fierce competitor,” he told the Chicago Sun Times. “It always helps to have a guy like that on your side.”

“We're clearly better with him,” stated Armas. “He's a good player and a winner.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Arsene Wenger would welcome Arsenal fielding a reserve side in the Football League.

The Gunners Under-18s team reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup before losing earlier this week on aggregate to Manchester United, while Wenger opted to field many of his fringe players in their run to the Carling Cup final this season.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho have shown support for the idea of a second XI competing in the lower leagues, a system which is already in place in Spain.

Wenger has loaned out the likes of emerging talent Nicklas Bendtner, Alex Song, Fabrice Muamba and Matthew Connolly to help them get regular first-team action.

The Arsenal manager would have no problems with that instead being for a Gunners reserve side.

Wenger said: "I would love it.

"What used to happen is that you had a Reserve League and an Under-18s League, which was very important.

"What has happened now is the Under-18s League has transferred to the Reserve League while the Under-18s has lost a little.

"When you look at it these days, 90% of the reserve games are played with Under-18s players so one may have to be cut off."

Wenger said: "We have many players who play on Saturday [for the Under-18s] and on Monday for the reserves. That means they play too many games and cannot practice."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Steven Gerrard insists Liverpool must remain professional and not assume they are already in the semi-finals of the Champions League despite their 3-0 win against PSV Eindhoven in the first leg last night.

Gerrard explained: "It is a fantastic result. We have one foot in the semi-final but as a footballer you have to be professional and it's not over until it's over. We will try and perform in the same way in the second leg.

"I don't know what their game plan is going to be at Anfield. We have to make sure we don't concede a goal and then we are in the last four."

The England star scored the first goal in the easy win at the Philips Stadion and he became Liverpool's leading scorer in the competition as a result, but the midfielder played down the importance of the individual honour.

"It's nice, but it's not important," he told SkySports. "What's important is that we get to the European Cup final.

"It is nice to score goals along the way, but the most important thing is the team and we get into the last four."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Rafael Benitez maintains his current Liverpool side is better than the 2005 vintage that won the Champions League.

By the time the club's flight returned to John Lennon airport around 4am on Wednesday, few of the weary VIPs on the plane would have argued with that assessment.

They even applauded their heroes as they landed, knowing that only an Istanbul-style comeback from 3-0 down will see PSV Eindhoven upset the odds in next week's quarter-final second leg at Anfield.

And as the club coach glided away into the darkness, nobody doubted that it was carrying the Champions League semi-finalists - that in itself ano