(Soccer365.com) Captain John Terry helped England produce their most impressive performance of the Fabio Capello era with the opening goal in a 2-0 win against the United States at Wembley.

The Chelsea defender had something to smile about after his Champions League final penalty shoot-out agony when he headed Fabio Capello's side into a 38th-minute lead.

Steven Gerrard made sure of victory 14 minutes into the second half when he converted a slide-rule pass from substitute Gareth Barry.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) Fulham captain Brian McBride is set to return to America after deciding to bring to an end his four-and-a-half-year spell at Craven Cottage.

The veteran striker met with Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson at the club's training ground to discuss his future and has decided the time is right to move on.

McBride's final season at the club looked likely to be ruined by injury, only for the forward to return to play a crucial role in Fulham's remarkable escape from relegation from the Premier League.

The former USA international forward, 35, told the club's official website: "After much consideration with my family, we have decided to leave Fulham after four and a half fantastic years.

"I have always stated my intention to return to America at some stage and this seems like the right moment in my career to move on.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the club, the chairman, the staff and wonderful fans for all their support, on and off the pitch, during my time at Fulham.

"I take great pride in the fact that my last appearance for Fulham saw the club maintain their Premier League status.

"I leave with some wonderful memories from my time at Fulham and the club will always be in my heart.

"I would like to wish the club, Roy Hodgson and my team-mates every success for the future."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Cuauhtémoc Blanco was voted Major League Soccer’s Player of the Week for Week 9 of the 2008 season.

Blanco led Chicago’s dominant effort by notching a goal and three assists in a 5-1 road victory versus the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, May 25. This is the first Player of the Week award for Blanco, who joined the Fire in July, 2007 as the team’s first Designated Player.

He was a finalist for the Honda Most Valuable Player last season, and this season has been among the best through the first two months, leading the Fire to the top of the Eastern Conference.

His four goals are tied for third most in the League and five assists are tied for second. Blanco and the Fire have a week off of League play and next face D.C. United at home on June 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Liverpool have told Premier League rivals Chelsea to forget about making a summer move for star striker Fernando Torres.

Reports in Spain and England have suggested the Blues are weighing up a £50million move for the Spaniard after his superb first season in the top flight.

The 24-year-old scored 33 goals in his debut campaign after arriving from Atletico Madrid last summer.

Reports have suggested Liverpool could be willing to cash in on Torres, but a spokesman for Reds co-owner Tom Hicks has rubbished the rumors.

"It is simply beyond comprehension. There is no circumstance in which Torres will be sold," Hicks' spokesman told The Mirror.

"Why would the owners invest so much money in supporting the manager, to then undermine that support? It is ludicrous."

And Hicks himself insisted the Reds would never contemplate selling Torres. He told the Daily Telegraph: "We would never consider it."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Captain John Terry says he will be "haunted forever" by his Moscow penalty miss that cost Chelsea the chance of winning the Champions League.

In an open letter to fans on the club's official website published soon after the club terminated the contract of manager Avram Grant, Terry reveals how he has hardly slept since the end of the game and still hopes his penalty miss was a bad dream.

Terry, currently with the England squad, slipped as he went to take what would have been the winning penalty and when Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka, Chelsea's dreams were shattered.

Addressing the club's fans, players and employees, Terry wrote: "I am so sorry for missing the penalty and denying you the fans, my team-mates, family and friends the chance to become European champions.

"Many people have told me I don't need to say that but I feel I need to, that's just me. I have relived that moment every minute since it happened. I have only slept a few hours and wake up every time hoping its all been a bad dream.

"I have had some amazing support from fans, current and ex-players, family and friends and I need to thank everyone for that. But I am a big man and I take responsibility for us not winning.

"I am and always will be Chelsea through and through. I will give my all on and off the pitch to win this trophy as a player and one day as a manager. And I am sure we will win it.

"That night in Moscow will haunt me forever and I feel I have let everybody down and this hurts me more than anything. I am not ashamed about crying.

"This is a trophy I have tried so hard year after year to win and it was just an uncontrollable reaction, I wear my heart on my sleeve, everybody knows that.

"The road to Rome starts here, we have to try and turn this experience to our advantage. I am very proud of how far we have come this season with everything that has gone on. Thank you for all your support for the season."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Thierry Henry was reportedly on the verge of a move to Manchester United two weeks ago - but changed his mind after talks with Pep Guardiola.

The France striker had a disappointing first season at the Nou Camp following his £16million switch to Barcelona from Arsenal last summer.

The main reason for his poor form was being asked to play in an unfamiliar left-wing role by Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, who has since left the club after failing to win any domestic or European silverware.

Guardiola has taken the reins at the Catalan giants, and is believed to have talked Henry out of a £10million switch to Old Trafford.

The Sunday Mirror quotes a source as saying: "Thierry was told by the new coach he didn't want him to leave, that he was going to be a big player for Barca next season and would have an important role to play for them.

"That reassured Thierry - but United were ready to buy him."

Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho are widely expected to leave Barca this summer, meaning 30-year-old Henry could become their first-choice striker.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he felt "drained" after his side's Champions League final victory over Chelsea.

The 66-year-old followed up his 1999 triumph over Bayern Munich with a 6-5 victory over Chelsea on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.

The win in Moscow provided United's third triumph in the competition and left them six titles behind Real Madrid, four behind AC Milan's haul of seven, two behind Liverpool's set of five and one behind Bayern Munich and Ajax.

"It does drain you. We've played two hours of football which was very open and the penalty kicks as well, and with everything before the game as well it does take it out of you," Ferguson said.

"It is worth it though because to get success you have to get through the pain in a game like that and it is part of being the manager of this club.

"I'm proud of winning it because, as I've said many times, we should have won it more times.

"We have made one step forward towards getting a respectable figure in terms of Champions League wins and we want to add more and get up there alongside the Liverpools, Bayern Munichs and Ajaxs.

"And then you never know what ambition can do to you. Real Madrid have nine wins and it is a target you take for granted - perhaps not in my lifetime, but is is worth chasing."

Ferguson also hailed Ryan Giggs who scored a decisive penalty, before goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka to clinch the victory, and overtook Sir Bobby Charlton's United appearance record.

"He [Giggs] has had a fantastic career and he, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have conducted themselves as real professionals," Ferguson told MUTV.

"You have to proud of that and that they have done it on my watch is fantastic. To achieve what they have achieved - I'm proud of them.

"I think you can call this a great team and I think we can better with the young players coming through - I hope we can go on and defend it now."

Ferguson also paid tribute to the club's supporters who traveled from far and wide to attend the final in the Russian capital.

"They were fantastic and there were some unbelievable scenes at the end. When you walk around it makes you realize how much it means to some of these people," he added.

"Some of them came from Riga - I mean it's five days away or something like that. Some have made their way via St Petersburg and Helsinki - they are true supporters."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A dramatic night in Moscow ended with an emotional penalty kick shootout. The match stood at 1-1 after 120 minutes on first half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard. Chelsea captain John Terry had a chance to crown his Blues as Europe champs from the spot, but his shot hit the post. The teams then traded penalties before Edwin Van der Sar stopped Nicolas Anelka for the victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo headed home his 42nd goal of the season on 26 minutes to give the Red Devils the lead - but Chelsea fought back and equalised through Frank Lampard from close range on the stroke of half-time.

Didier Drogba had the best second-half chance, hitting the upright with a curling shot from 20 yards on 78 minutes - but it was 1-1 at full-time, meaning the Moscow showpiece went into extra-time.

Lampard hit the crossbar with a left-footed strike on 94, while John Terry headed sub Ryan Giggs' goalbound shot over the bar on 100 minutes.

In the second period of extra-time, Drogba saw red on 116 after slapping Nemanja Vidic in the face following a huge flare-up between the players which also saw Carlos Tevez and Michael Ballack booked by referee Lubos Michel, who blew the whistle after 120 minutes of pulsating action for penalties.

In the shoot-out, Ronaldo's effort was saved by Petr Cech to give John Terry the chance for a winning spot-kick, but he slipped as he struck the ball and hit the upright.

Ryan Giggs then converted to pile the pressure on Nicolas Anelka at 6-5, and the French striker's penalty kick was superbly saved by Edwin van der Sar to spark United's celebrations.

The win saw United complete a glorious double at the Luzhniki Stadium after their Premier League success - and they lifted the trophy for the third time following their triumphs in 1999 and 1968.

After a cagey opening 15 minutes, the game sparked into life when Ronaldo skipped past Michael Essien. The United winger delivered a cross into the area but it was marginally too high for anyone to take advantage - but it was a warning shot to Chelsea about the danger Ronaldo could pose to them.

Paul Scholes then needed treatment for a cut on his head following an aerial challenge with Claude Makelele, which provoked a brief scuffle between the sides and bookings for the two players involved.

Scholes was then involved in the opening goal on 26 minutes, combining well on the right flank with Wes Brown, who whipped in a left-footed cross which was superbly headed home by goal machine Ronaldo, who gave Cech no chance with a clinical finish at the far post.

The goal blew the game wide open, and both teams nearly scored in a frantic two-minute spell just after the half-hour mark.

First Lampard's raking cross found Drogba in the 18-yard box, and after he headed the ball into the danger zone, Ballack forced Rio Ferdinand to head goalwards only for van der Sar to pull off an instinctive save to stop an own goal.

Then United lauched a swift counter-attack on 35 minutes, with Wayne Rooney's stunning long pass finding Ronaldo on the left, who crossed for Tevez whose close-range header was brilliantly saved by Cech. Michael Carrick's follow-up shot from 16 yards was goalbound - but Cech once again proved a one-man wall, palming his fierce drive to safety.

On 42 Rooney's right-wing cross only just evaded Tevez's lunge in the box, and at the other end Ferdinand saw yellow after obstructing Lampard on the edge of United's 18-yard box.

Ballack lifted the free-kick over the crossbar - but Chelsea were level on 45 when Essien's 25-yard drive deflected off Ferdinand's back and wrongfooted van der Sar, who saw Lampard coolly sidefoot home a left-footed finish.

Ricardo Carvalho also went into the book in a fiery end to the first half for a reckless lunge on Ronaldo, and the teams went into the break tied at 1-1.

After the interval, it was the men in blue who had the edge and they won a string or corners as they set up camp inside the United half.

Vidic was heroic in defence, though, bravely clearing two Lampard corners and snuffing out an Ashley Cole cross from the left.

Essien went on a powerful run on 54 and lifted a rising drive over the bar from 18 yards, while Ballack powered a 20-yard piledriver inches wide of the upright on 58.

The Blues' relentless pressure continued, with Carrick lunging to clear Malouda's free-kick into the box before Lampard's 20-yard strike was deflected by Vidic for a 66th-minute corner, which Terry headed over from close range.

The balance of power then swung the way of the Reds, with United pushing forward and seeing Carrick's 20-yard drive deflect wide for a corner.

Ronaldo then went on a jinking run down the left flank which was ended by Joe Cole conceding a corner, which came to nothing as Owen Hargreaves overhit his delivery from the left.

As the game entered the final stages of normal it was end to end, and Malouda had a penalty appeal turned down by Michel after going down under close attention from Ferdinand.

Drogba nearly grabbed a killer goal on 78 but his brilliant curling shot from 20 yards beat the diving van der Sar but smacked against the upright.

Tevez was the next to go close, whistling an angled 25-yard drive inches wide of the target as Giggs and Anderson warmed up on the touchline.

Giggs then came on for Scholes with three minutes remaining, breaking United's appearance record as he made his 759th run-out for the Red Devils.

Following the restart for extra-time, Malouda made way for Salomon Kalou, and Chelsea were denied by the woodwork again on 94, when Lampard swivelled brilliantly in the box and steered a left-footed shot against the bar from 12 yards out.

Anelka came on for Joe Cole and Nani replaced Rooney, but it was Giggs who was denied a goal by Terry on 100 minutes. Evra charged into the box and cut the ball back to Giggs, whose goalbound first-time effort was brilliantly headed over the crossbar by the England centre-back.

Carvalho headed a corner agonisingly wide on 105 minutes, and the first period of extra-time ended goalless, with the score still locked at 1-1 and a penalty shoot-out looming.

The second period of extra-time saw players dropping like flies all over the pitch with cramp, and tiredness led to a huge bust-up on 115 minutes, which saw Tevez and Ballack booked, and Drogba sent for an early bath.

Michel then blew for penalties after Juliano Belletti and Anderson were sent on from the bench for the shoot-out, which United won 6-5 to complete an amazing Double of domestic and European glory.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

(Soccer365.com) Carlos Tevez believes Manchester United have the psychological edge ahead of the UEFA Champions League final.

United came out on top in the Premier League title race and Tevez has warned Chelsea that they will once again have to settle for second place in Moscow on Wednesday.

Tevez thinks that United will play with confidence having already won a trophy this season, while Chelsea will feel the pressure.

The Argentine striker insists United's preparation for the game has been perfect, and that there is nothing to fear from Chelsea.

"We are a better side than Chelsea and that is a psychological problem for them," Tevez told The Sun.

"They may say that the Premier League is another story but we are convinced it will have an impact on what happens.

"We are favourites and everyone knows it. We are not worried by Chelsea.

"We are concentrated and focused. But for them it is different, this is more than a final for them.

"Their whole season rests on this game and I am convinced they could have some problems.

"They need to win to avoid a season without a trophy so the pressure on them will be huge. We have no extra pressure."

Chelsea kept their title hopes alive with a home victory over United last month but Tevez is confident there will be a different outcome in the first all-English Champions League final.

He urged: "Chelsea beat us in London and showed how good they can be. It left a bad taste and now is time to avenge that defeat."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has been jailed for six months after being found guilty of assault and affray at Liverpool Crown Court.

The former Manchester City player had admitted his part in a street attack in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of December 27 last year.

Judge Henry Globe QC told him it was a "violent and cowardly act".

Newcastle issued a brief statement on Tuesday afternoon that gave little away as to their response.

The statement said: "Newcastle United notes the sentence passed to Joey Barton at Liverpool Crown Court today.

"The club is considering the verdict and will be making no further comment at this moment.''

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Luca Toni bagged a final-day hat-trick to cap a debut season with Bayern Munich that he admitted had left him "totally satisfied".

The 30-year-old Italy striker has enjoyed a season like no other in his career.

Indeed, his return of 39 goals in 46 games is unprecedented in the history of the proud Bavarian club - no other player has scored as many goals in their first season with Bayern.

Toni, who left Fiorentina last summer, finished as the Bundesliga's top scorer with 24 goals while he was joint top scorer in the UEFA Cup alongside Zenit St Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak on 10 goals.

The Italy World Cup winner also claimed the first domestic silverware of his career as Bayern lifted the Bundesliga title as well as the German Cup and League Cup.

And following Bayern's final day 4-1 win against Hertha Berlin, Toni was presented with the cannon-shaped trophy awarded to the Bundesliga's top marksman.

"It's been a fantastic season, better than I expected. I'm totally satisfied," said Toni after receiving the award.

Toni also cemented his reputation as a goal poacher with only one of his goals scored from outside the area - in the second-round German Cup match against Borussia Monchengladbach.

And the striker contributed much of his success this season to winger Franck Ribery, who also arrived at the Alliance Arena last summer.

Toni said he thought the friendship the pair had struck off the pitch had aided their on-field performance.

"I have to talk about Ribery because goals are always the product of a team effort," Toni told Bild.

"I knew that Franck was a great player, but I didn't imagine that we could get on so well in our professional and personal lives."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Major League Soccer today announced it has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most popular and celebrated professional soccer clubs.

The new, five-year partnership between MLS and FC Barcelona – the first-ever European club to establish a long-term agreement with MLS and SUM in the United States – includes the organization of a minimum of six international matches throughout the term. The management of all commercial and sponsorship sales on behalf of the club, as well as marketing and PR in the United States, will be managed by Major League Soccer’s marketing arm, Soccer United Marketing.

As part of the agreement, FC Barcelona and its heralded roster of international superstars including Carles Puyol, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto’o, will play games this summer. Details for the tour will be announced in the near future.

“FCB is a world-renowned brand for its great history of special players, entertaining play and success. In addition, FCB has proven itself to be more than just a club as witnessed by its commitment to worthy causes around the world,” said MLS Commissioner, Don Garber. “MLS is excited to help expand the story of FCB and its efforts by showcasing its breathtaking soccer and further developing its brand in North America.”

Philanthropy is an important focus of Barcelona. Through its slogan “Som més que un club” - “More Than a Club” – FCB embodies the value set that characterize their institution. On the field, and in efforts to present its attractive style of play, sportsmanship and social aspects -- focusing on those disadvantaged – FCB is giving back to the community, as the community has given to the club. To achieve this, the club counts on their FC Barcelona Foundation. Among its initiatives is the five-year partnership with Unicef, signed in 2006, in which, aside from wearing the logo on the front of the jersey, they donate almost $2.5 million dollars per year to Unicef.

The Spanish giant has to its name 18 La Liga trophies, a record-setting 24 Copa del Rey championships and two UEFA Champions League titles, the latter of which was captured in 2006 just before their record-setting tour of the United States organized by SUM.

“After a successful tour in 2006, we at FC Barcelona are excited to embrace a long-term strategy for our brand in the U.S. market,” said FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta. “This represents a true North American expansion for FC Barcelona. We are sure that, with the cooperation of MLS and SUM, Barcelona will become more recognizable among the North American public, as well as continue the growth of soccer in the United States.”

In 2006, the FC Barcelona USA Tour, managed by SUM, registered the highest average attendance for any club tour in U.S. history, averaging 80,734 in three matches, and is the only one among those tours featuring three or more games to sell out every stadium. FC Barcelona played in front of three sold-out crowds: at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (vs. CD Guadalajara, 1-1 on Aug. 6 in front of 92,650), at Reliant Stadium in Houston (vs. Club America, 3-3 on Aug. 9, with a crowd of 70,550) and at Giants Stadium in E. Rutherford, NJ (vs. NY Red Bulls, 4-1 on Aug. 12, in front of 79,002).

from MLSnet.com

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) Zenit St Petersburg won the UEFA Cup in Manchester with a 2-0 victory over Rangers.

The Gers battled bravely but were unable to find an answer to second-half strikes from Igor Denisov and Konstantin Zurianov.

A tight first-half saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Zenit dominating possession without managing to break down a resolute Rangers defense.

Andrei Arshavin provided the cutting edge for the Russians and looked dangerous in sporadic breaks forward, while Rangers were content to try and hit their opponents on the counter on the rare occasions they ventured into the final third.

Walter Smith's side were able to establish more of a foothold on proceedings after the break and almost took the lead when Barry Ferguson saw a stabbed effort cleared off the line by a desperate Zenit defense.

However, on 73 minutes a slick move involving Denisov and Arshavin resulted in the former slotting a low effort into the bottom corner past a helpless Alexander.

Rangers did all they could to muster an equaliser, throwing on three attacking substitutes in a desperate bid to find a breakthrough.

The best of their opportunities fell to Nacho Novo, but the striker could only fire high into the stands when presented with a late chance 10-yards out.

Deep into injury-time Zenit then added a second when Fatih Tekke beat the Gers' offside trap to square for Zurianov to tap into an unguarded net.

The masses of Rangers supporters who had descended on Manchester were ultimately left despondent but can be proud of their side after a remarkable European adventure.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Barcelona star Lionel Messi has confirmed he has been given the go-ahead to play for Argentina at the Beijing Olympics this summer.

The 20-year-old would miss the end of Barca's pre-season preparations as the Olympic competition runs August 7-23 and Fifa does not require club teams to release players but the Spanish giants have approved Messi's participation.

Messi is now set to return to South America for World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Brazil in June before traveling to China, where Argentina will be looking to defend the gold medal they won at Athens in 2004.

"I have everything arranged for playing in the Olympic Games," he told Radio La Red. "I want to travel to Argentina and start to work with the team.

"Argentina is capable of beating any team. Brazil have the best players in the world but I think that we can beat them in the South American qualifiers.

"I would like to have that chance so I can celebrate what I couldn't celebrate with Barcelona."

Barca will finish the season empty-handed for the second year running, which has led to the departure of Frank Rijkaard, with former Barca captain Josep Guardiola to replace him as coach.

Rijkaard was given a warm reception for his final home game in charge against Real Mallorca on Sunday after winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League in his five-year stint at Camp Nou.

And although it was another disappointing day for Barca as they lost their penultimate game of the season 3-2, Messi defended the outgoing coach.

"It hasn't been a good year for Barcelona," said Messi. "Our objective was to win everything but unfortunately we didn't win anything. It has been two years without winning a title and we feel that.

"I am very thankful to Rijkaard. Although we couldn't win a title, I think he has done his job correctly.

"I don't think he was the fault for what happened. The supporters know that and that's why they let him go in the way he deserved."

Messi has been linked with a move to England with Champions League finalists Chelsea but he insists he has no plans to leave Spain just yet.

"I am fine at Barcelona and if it's true what is being said about Chelsea, the only thing it makes me feel is pride," he added. "It's an honor for me that such an important team is interested."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admits he has rejected offers from around 10 clubs since being out of work as they were not "big enough".

Mourinho, who parted company with the Blues in September, recently said he was ready to return to management after eight months out of the game.

Mourinho has been linked with jobs at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Barcelona, but all three clubs now seem to have coaches in place for next season.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini looks set to stay at the club after backing down on his threat to quit, while Madrid president Ramon Calderon has said coach Bernd Schuster will stay on and Barca have appointed Josep Guardiola to replace Frank Rijkaard.

With three of the biggest vacancies in world football seemingly filled for the foreseeable future, Mourinho insists he is prepared to play the waiting game.

He told Portuguese newspaper A Bola: "Take Marcello Lippi as an example. He was world champion with Italy, now he's not working, so he's waiting for a club that's big enough for him.

"As I'm not prepared to take a step back and become a mid-level coach, I'll either work for a big club or I won't work. Full stop.

"That's why in these past few months I've turned down - I don't know - eight, nine or 10 clubs, because I wasn't prepared to take a step backwards."

Despite failing to attract offers from top-level clubs in Spain and Italy, the Portuguese reiterated his desire to coach in one of those leagues.

He said: "Right now I have one priority: I would like to coach in either the Spanish or Italian championship, as these are the strongest in the world."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Steven Gerrard is unhappy to have ended the season without a trophy - and wants Liverpool to spend big this summer to challenge for the title.

Gerrard says he has the belief that Rafael Benitez can deliver the championship to Liverpool for the first time since 1990.

But the Reds skipper maintains that Benitez must have help from the board in the transfer market to make Liverpool stronger.

Gerrard has just witnessed Manchester United win their 10th Premier League crown and take their overall title haul to 17, just one short of Liverpool's all-time record.

Liverpool finished 11 points adrift of United, and have just completed their second successive trophyless season under Benitez.

Gerrard told the club's website: "Other teams are going to strengthen and become better sides, so it is important we do the same.

"There is a lot of money in the league - teams and squads will become stronger in the summer. It's important we do not fall away, we want to stay up there with the best.

"To keep doing well in the league and Europe we need to strengthen the squad, there is no doubt about that."

Liverpool were forced last week to dismiss as "fantasy" that there had been a bid from Inter Milan for their captain, and likewise on Tuesday have dismissed out of hand claims from a Spanish radio station that Chelsea had tried to sign Fernando Torres for £40million.

Gerrard is more concerned with Benitez's transfer market activity, saying: "I don't know much about Rafa's transfer plans. He doesn't call me in and tell me names.

"But he does assure me and the other players that if anyone becomes available who would strengthen the side, then he will go out and buy them. It's important Rafa gets the right backing above him as well.

"Obviously I have to be careful that I don't send expectations through the roof again, but for me I am desperate for it (a title challenge). I believe in this team and this manager, and believe we can make it happen.

"We need help and new players, and the manager needs help from the board to make these signings happen and make us stronger. I do expect us to be involved next season."

He added: "This is a tough league to win. We are strengthening all the time, working as hard as any other team.

"But sometimes you have to realise there are other sides that are as good as us who are strengthening and working hard as well. They want it just as much as us.

"But it has been a long time for this club (since winning the league), so we all maybe need to give that extra five or 10 per cent.

"It's difficult to say how many world-class players we need. You look at the points difference and over the last few years we have made it smaller.

"Playing against the Arsenals and Chelsea, it has been close. We are giving them good games which are tight and get decided on small details.

"If we can make the team a little bit stronger, have a few more options and match-winners, and make the team a tiny bit better defensively, we can do it."

And Gerrard has revealed his bitter disappointment that Liverpool fell away in the title race in the recently completed season.

He said: "Silly results against teams we should be beating cost us. Look at Reading away, where we were beaten 3-1. There were a couple of silly draws at home against sides you need to perform perfectly against and take maximum points from.

"You can be involved in the title race and even win it without beating the top three home and away. You don't have to take maximum points from them as long as you perform perfectly against the others, but we haven't done that. We dropped stupid points.

"We know we are capable of going on consistent runs and beating anyone. We started off that way, expectations were high. We thought this season we were going to be a lot closer, so now we need to learn from our mistakes.

"I thought we would have been involved in a title race come March or April but unfortunately we were out of it."

On his own future, Gerrard said: "I'm happy here and enjoying my football. Obviously I am not happy ending the season without a trophy because I am a winner and that is what I play the game for.

"I like finishing the season having a trophy or cup final to look back on and seeing I've achieved something.

"The experiences I've had at this club in Istanbul, Cardiff and so on - I want these again because I've enjoyed them so much."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Japanese side JEF United Chiba have refused to rule out the possibility of making a shock move for England and Newcastle striker Michael Owen.

The struggling J-League side were said to be considering an approach for the 28-year-old striker, according to a report in Japanese daily Nikkan Sports.

Former Liverpool first-team coach Alex Miller was recently unveiled as JEF United's new manager and is keen to add to his squad when the transfer window opens.

JEF United are currently bottom of the J-League with just one victory and Owen, who has yet to agree a new contract extension with Newcastle, was reported as being the ideal solution to their goalscoring problems.

JEF United have admitted Owen would be a great signing but stressed no approach has been made.

"We are considering adding players to our squad when the transfer windows open this summer," said JEF United spokesman Kentaro Shiga.

"However, we haven't come to the point where we can name the possible candidates, including Owen.

"It would be great if we can have a player like Owen with us as that will increase the attention in our club.

"But we have just started under our new manager and are still working to put things together in the new administration."

Newcastle declined to comment on the speculation.

Meanwhile, Toon boss Kevin Keegan is confident winger James Milner will be fit for the start of next season.

The 22-year-old had been due to return to the Magpies' side against Everton on Sunday after two months out with a foot injury but suffered a slight setback in training.

"He got right back to being ready to play but when he was shooting last week he felt a slight twinge," Keegan told Newcastle's website.

"There is a slight problem with his ankle and he's had an injection. He missed the Everton game because of that but that was only so we can have another good look.

"We will assess it before he goes off on holiday so that he does not come back for pre-season with the same problem.

"We have to look at the long-term picture with people like James."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has set his sights on winning the Eredivisie with the Amsterdam outfit and insists the only reason he would leave the club would be for "a new sporting challenge".

The 24-year-old's goals helped Ajax finish second in the league to PSV Eindhoven, with their hopes of reaching next season's Champions League now resting on Sunday's play-off final against FC Twente.

Holland coach Marco van Basten will be at the helm next term with Dennis Bergkamp among his backroom staff at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Huntelaar is keen to work with the pair, but their arrival is not the only thing keeping him at the club.

"I would love to become champions of Holland with Ajax," Huntelaar told Ajax Life, the supporters' magazine.

"I have a great time here. I am very well settled."

The Eredivisie top scorer has attracted the interest of several clubs, however, and his future remains a subject for debate ahead of Euro 2008.

But the former Heerenveen frontman would not consider leaving Ajax for a club not in the Champions League.

"A new sporting challenge is the only reason for me to leave Ajax," he said. "There are clubs who have more money to have more success.

"If there was a really big club that wanted to have me as their number one striker, I would be open for them. I want to play Champions League next season, so I will never go to a club that will not play Champions League."

Huntelaar does not expect anything to be tied up in the immediate future, but admits there is uncertainty over whether he will still be at the club next term.

"I will wait and first want to achieve in the play-offs and after that at Euro 2008," he said.

"Maybe you will hear something in the meantime, or maybe after that. Everyone wants to hear if I will stay or go, I know that. But that is out of my hands at the moment."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Los Angeles goal monster Landon Donovan has sounded a warning to the league, explaining that he and David Beckham are starting to build a no-look chemistry.

The U.S. star has hooked up for goals with his England counterpart several times already on the young season and foresees more damage to league nets ahead.

"We understand the game the same way," Donovan told the National Post. "Having time to train together has made it even easier - now I know exactly where and how he wants the ball, and he knows where and how I want it."

"If he puts it in a good area, I have a chance to get to it."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United's 2-0 win at Wigan confirmed a 10th Premier League title for the Reds, while Fulham won to send Reading and Birmingham down.

Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty and a late goal from Ryan Giggs gave United a 2-0 victory over Latics at the JJB Stadium as they retained the Premier League title.

The Portugal winger collected his 31st league goal to help Sir Alex Ferguson's side lift their 17th league title which left them just one behind Liverpool's haul of 18.

United were handed an opportunity to break the deadlock after Emmerson Boyce brought down Wayne Rooney in the penalty area and referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot.

Ronaldo stepped up to take the 33rd-minute spot-kick and calmly side footed the ball past goalkeeper Chris Kirkland who dived the wrong way.

Giggs, on as a substitute to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances for the club, added a second for United in the 80th minute although the result mattered little after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Bolton at Stamford Bridge.

Andriy Shevchenko scrambled the ball home in the 62nd minute to give the Blues the lead but Matt Taylor equalised two minutes into injury time to leave them two points behind United.

Manager Avram Grant's problems were compounded by the loss of captain John Terry who was withdrawn with a fractured elbow following a collision with goalkeeper Petr Cech which could make him a doubt for the Champions League final.

Fulham kept their Premier League status on goal difference after they claimed a 1-0 win over FA Cup finalists Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

A header from Danny Murphy from a Jimmy Bullard free-kick in the 76th minute was enough to give them victory over Harry Redknapp's side.

Reading finished their campaign with a 4-0 win over Derby at Pride Park but it was not quite enough as they were relegated to the Championship.

James Harper opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Dave Kitson, Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita also scored for the Royals while Birmingham were also relegated despite a 4-1 home win over Blackburn.

Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel fumbled David Murphy's 31st-minute strike from 30 yards out which gave Birmingham the lead.

Morten Gamst Pedersen equalised three minutes after the break before Cameron Jerome (73, 89) and an injury-time header from Fabrice Muamba.

Everton secured a fifth-placed finish and place in next season's UEFA Cup after they recorded a 3-1 win over Newcastle.

Ayegbeni Yakubu opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Michael Owen levelled from the penalty spot in the 47th minute after Joseph Yobo brought down Charles N'Zogbia.

But Joleon Lescott (70) and an 82nd-minute penalty from Yakubu ensured European football will return to Goodison Park next season.

Aston Villa finished five points behind David Moyes' side after a 2-2 draw with West Ham at Upton Park.

Nolberto Solano gave West Ham an eighth-minute lead with a superb free-kick but the lead lasted only six minutes as Ashley Young equalised.

Gareth Barry (58) put Martin O'Neill's side ahead but Dean Ashton equalised two minutes from time.

Manchester City were reduced to 10-men as they thrashed 8-1 by Middlesbrough on a miserable afternoon in what could be Sven Goran-Eriksson's last game in charge.

City defender Richard Dunne was sent off for a foul on Tuncay Sanli inside the penalty area in the 15th minute and Stewart Downing converted the resulting spot-kick a minute later.

Downing grabbed a second in the 58th minute while a hat-trick from Afonso Alves (37, 60, 90) along with goals from Adam Johnson (70), Fabio Rochemback (80) and Jeremie Aliadiere (85) completed the scoring while Elano netted an 87th-minute consolation for City.

Theo Walcott's 24th-minute winner helped Arsenal to a 1-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light while Andriy Voronin (69) and Fernando Torres (74) both found the net as Liverpool cruised to a 2-0 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 08:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Newly-crowned champions Real Madrid enjoyed a title party to remember at the Bernabeu on Wednesday as they crushed arch-rivals Barcelona 4-1 in a hugely one-sided El Clasico.

Goals from Raul and Arjen Robben sent Bernd Schuster's men on their way to victory, before substitutes Gonzalo Higuain and Ruud van Nistelrooy completed the rout against a Barca side who managed a late consolation through Thierry Henry, but little else.

After Barca's players had formed the traditional guard of honour to welcome the champions onto the pitch, it was down to business with the Catalan giants determined to ensure that initial tribute was the only deference their arch-rivals would be getting.

If that was Barca's plan though, it was soon ripped to pieces by a dominant Madrid.

Robben signalled Madrid's intent in the first minute with a shot straight at Victor Valdes before the home side's next chance produced the game's opening goal, with Raul netting after 13 minutes.

A promising Madrid move looked to have broken down on the edge of the Barca area, but Raul showed predatory instincts to latch onto the loose ball and curl a shot in off the inside of Valdes' right-hand post.

That was just the start Madrid would have been hoping for and exactly what Barca, who were without the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Andres Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Gabriel Milito and Deco through a mixture of suspension and injury, would have been desperate to avoid.

And worse was to follow for Frank Rijkaard's men as Madrid doubled their lead seven minutes later through Robben.

Just days after the Dutchman had headed home a crucial late equaliser that helped Madrid clinch the title at Osasuna on Sunday, Robben repeated the feat by getting his head to Guti's superb free-kick and diverting the ball past the helpless Valdes.

Shell-shocked Barca tried to amount an immediate response but Bojan Krkic and Henry both failed to hit the target from good positions, much to the delight of the home fans.

It was all Madrid at the start and Rijkaard tried to force a tide change by replacing Eidur Gudjohnsen with Giovani dos Santos after only 23 minutes, with the Icelander not appearing to be injured.

That switch proved only cosmetic though as rampant Real continued to dominate in the pouring rain, with Valdes needing to pull out top-drawer saves to deny Guti and Robben before the latter blazed another good chance over.

Barca president Joan Laporta had revealed earlier in the day that he had bet a friend his side would win 5-0, but at half-time it was looking like the team in white who would be celebrating such a scoreline.

The direction of the game could have been changed right at the start of the second half when Bojan looked set to head home from close range, but that effort was deflected behind for a corner and Madrid never looked back.

Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra, a player with no league goals this season, had three efforts in quick succession, with one cleared off the line, one saved by Valdes and one well wide.

Diarra then turned creator to set up Madrid's third goal from Higuain, Madrid's match and title-winner from Sunday who had only just replaced Robben.

Diarra powered his way down the right far too easily before laying the ball off to Higuain, who showed tremendous composure to slot home past Valdes.

After that it was damage limitation for beaten Barca, but although Valdes did superbly to keep out Marcelo's blockbuster the visiting keeper had no chance as Van Nistelrooy made it 4-0 from the penalty spot with 13 minutes to go.

It was a controversial decision to award the penalty, with Robinho's cross-shot striking Carles Puyol, but Van Nistelrooy made no mistake with only his second touch since replacing Raul moments previously.

That goal sent the Bernabeu into delirium, but one of the biggest cheers of the night was reserved for goalkeeper Iker Casillas soon after as he brilliantly tipped Lionel Messi's curling shot behind.

Messi had two further efforts for Barca in the closing stages, before he sent Henry through on goal and the Frenchman slotted home a precision finish to complete the scoring.

A bad night for Barca was still to get worse though as midfielder Xavi was sent-off in injury-time, capping a miserable evening all round for the visitors.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the dominance of English clubs in the Champions League proves a quota system on foreign players is needed.

For the last two seasons, there have been three Premier League sides in the last-four of Europe's elite club competition and Blatter fears a monopolisation of football, with the richest clubs buying up the best players from all over the world at the expense of domestic talent.

He is to seek a mandate from the FIFA Congress later this month to begin talks with the European Union and football's authorities over implementing a 'six-plus-five', rule where a maximum of five players in a starting XI can be foreign.

FIFA will also look to extend the residency period to five years before a player can represent another country - in some countries the period is currently as short as two years.

Blatter told a conference call: "Shall we let the rich become richer and say nothing?

"The big money is coming out of the Champions League - it's the biggest league in the world and practically 80% of the income goes to the directly to the 32 participating clubs.

"This season, there were four English teams in the last eight, three in the semi-finals and two in the final.

"The Champions League has been very successful financially but it has also favoured national inequality. That's why, being in charge of football, I have to bring this item to the attention of the Congress.

"This is the sporting situation but let us start with our idea of the six-plus-five rule and then we will see what the difference will be in the future.

"This rule will be fighting against the monopolies of clubs and leagues.

"But we are not fighting the problem of money but for the identity of national teams."

Blatter claimed his plan for the six-plus-five rule would not contravene EU labour law because it did not limit the number of foreign players a club could take on - just the number that start a match. Both the EU and UEFA dispute that however.

The FIFA president said he would aim to have a minimum of four domestic players by 2010, five by 2011 and up to six in 2012.

In terms of the residency period, Blatter has become alarmed by the number of players - especially from Brazil - taking on foreign citizenship and then appearing for their new countries.

Arsenal striker Eduardo, who plays for Croatia, is one example.

Blatter added: "After only a two-year period, a player can receive nationality from another country and there is a danger that in 2014 half the players in the World Cup could come from Brazil!

"That's why the executive committee will propose to the Congress that only after five years being resident that a player can become a 'football citizen'."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Chelsea won 2-0 at Newcastle on Monday to ensure they head into the Premier League's final day level on points with leaders Manchester United.

Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda were the men on target in the second half at St James' Park.

The Blues host Bolton on Sunday, while United - who have a far superior goal difference - are away to Wigan.

Chelsea's first goal came on 61 minutes after Newcastle's Abdoulaye Faye had been booked for a foul on Malouda on the right flank.

Didier Drogba dinked the resulting set-piece into the danger zone and Ballack rose highest to glance a header past Steve Harper and into the net.

On 82 minutes, Chelsea doubled their lead with Malouda netting from a pass from substitute Frank Lampard.

Avram Grant had surprisingly chosen to leave Lampard and Joe Cole on the bench as his side went in search of a first league win on Tyneside since 2001.

The first half began at a slow pace, with Michael Owen lifting a first-time shot high over the bar while Wayne Bridge wasted a good opportunity when he blasted a 19th-minute free-kick straight into the wall after Joey Barton had fouled Michael Essien.

Newcastle came agonisingly close to taking the lead on 29 minutes after Obafemi Martins caused havoc in the Chelsea box.

The Nigerian's chest control allowed Mark Viduka to stab in a shot which Petr Cech blocked, and Owen seemed certain to convert the rebound - but was denied by a superb goal-line clearance from John Terry.

The Chelsea skipper was booked soon afterwards for a foul on Owen.

Ballack should then have given the visitors the lead when Essien's pass left the German in acres of space inside the Newcastle box, but he sliced his left-foot shot from a narrowing angle wide.

Viduka failed to reappear for the second half after suffering an Achilles injury so Alan Smith was brought on in his place.

But it was Chelsea who continued to press and after Ricardo Carvalho failed to hit the target from a Malouda corner, another flag-kick from the Frenchman saw Terry connect with a thunderous header which came back off the crossbar.

Finally the pressure told, with Ballack arriving to meet Drogba's well-executed free-kick for his ninth goal of the season.

Lampard replaced Nicolas Anelka midway through the second half and the England midfielder helped seal victory eight minutes from time.

Newcastle had twice gone close to an equaliser through Martins and Owen but when Lampard finished off a neat passing move by threading the ball through to Malouda, the Frenchman slid the ball past the onrushing Harper for his first league goal since the opening day.

Essien almost netted a third for Chelsea in stoppage time, only to be denied by the Magpies stopper.

Grant's men will now look to beat Bolton and hope Steve Bruce's Latics can do them a massive favour if they are to wrestle the silverware away from United.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Real Madrid came from behind with two goals in the last three minutes at Osasuna to retain the Primera Liga title in dramatic fashion.

After Villarreal's win against Getafe, Madrid needed three points in Pamplona to claim the title on Sunday, but that looked unlikely when Francisco Punal put Osasuna ahead from the spot as late as the 83rd minute.

But former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben levelled things after 88 minutes and Gonzalo Higuain completed the turnaround a minute later with a fierce drive.

The victory was all the more remarkable as Madrid were forced to play the second half with 10 men after defender Fabio Cannavaro was dismissed within a minute of the restart.

It was the 31st league title for Madrid and makes up for their disappointing Champions League exit against Roma in the last 16.

Earlier Villarreal took another big step towards securing second spot thanks to a 2-0 victory over Getafe.

Third-placed Barcelona ended their recent goal drought with a stunning 6-0 rout of Valencia.

Lionel Messi, Xavi and Thierry Henry all netted early on as the Catalans raced into a three-goal lead within 14 minutes.

Henry then added a fourth after the break and substitute Bojan Krkic bagged a brace late on as Frank Rijkaard's side bounced back from the Champions League exit at the hands of Manchester United.

Racing Santander turned a two-goal deficit into a 3-2 victory and relegated nine-man Real Murcia at the Estadio El Sardinero.

Dirnei Renato struck twice in the first half to earn Sevilla a 2-0 win over

relegation-threatened Real Valladolid.

Real Betis passed up the chance to pull themselves out of the relegation battle after being held to a 1-1 draw in Almeria.

Dani Guiza scored twice to keep Real Mallorca's slim European hopes alive with a 2-1 win at Athletic Bilbao.

Espanyol's fading European hopes look all but dead after the Catalan side drew 1-1 away to relegated Levante.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 12:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Bayern Munich sealed their 21st Bundesliga title on Sunday with a 0-0 draw at Wolfsburg which puts them 10 points clear of Werder Bremen.

Ottmar Hitzfeld's men went into the game knowing a point would be enough to wrap up the title.

And that was exactly what they got, recovering from their 4-0 UEFA Cup thrashing by Zenit St Petersburg with a more solid performance at the Volkswagen Arena.

They will celebrate the title in front of their own fans when they entertain Arminia Bielefeld.

Bayern needed a point after Werder Bremen claimed a 2-0 win over Energie Cottbus on Saturday.

Substitute Markus Rosenberg opened the scoring after 68 minutes and Hugo Almeida sealed the victory 11 minutes from time.

Second-placed Bremen and Schalke, in third, started the weekend needing a mathematical miracle to snatch the Bundesliga crown from Bayern's grasp.

Not only did they have to win their remaining matches and hope Bayern lost all of theirs, both clubs also had huge goal differences to make up.

And while Bremen recorded a hard-fought win, the Royal Blues could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Hannover, a result which left them 11 points off the top with only nine to play for.

Arnold Bruggink opened the scoring for the visitors after only eight minutes, and even though Halil Altintop pulled one back for Schalke five minutes before the break, they could not find a winner in the second half.

In Sunday's other game, Blagoy Georgiev claimed a last-minute winner to lift Duisburg off the bottom with a 3-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Duisburg twice took the lead through Manaseh Ishiaku and twice surrendered it, courtesy of goals from Lukas Sinkiewicz and Tranquillo Barnetta, before Georgiev's decisive strike.

Rudi Bommer's men are now third from bottom, three points from safety with three matches to go.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Nacho Novo and Neil Alexander were the heroes as Rangers booked a place in the UEFA Cup final with 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Fiorentina.

Novo kept his cool to convert the decisive spot-kick after Alexander had saved from Fabio Liverani and Christian Vieri had missed in a tense penalty shoot-out.

The full 210 minutes of football failed to separate the two clubs as the tie finished goalless.

But Rangers will now feature in their first European final since lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup back in 1972, when they face former Light Blues boss Dick Advocaat's Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester on May 14.

Rangers were handed a massive boost ahead of kick-off with the news that David Weir had passed a late fitness test after initially being ruled out with a groin injury sustained in Sunday's Old Firm derby.

His quick recovery allowed Walter Smith to name his preferred central defensive pairing of Weir and Carlos Cuellar for the first time since the midweek defeat to Celtic on April 16, as a result of suspensions for both players since then.

Jean-Claude Darcheville started as the lone striker ahead of Daniel Cousin, with Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson both included after missing the first leg through suspension.

Rangers found themselves under pressure early on when Steven Whittaker's foul on Martin Jorgensen provided Fiorentina with a free-kick in a dangerous area.

Fabio Liverani presided over the set-piece 25 yards out but failed to trouble Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander, who gathered comfortably at the far post.

A scuffed shot from Adrian Mutu - the club's top scorer in Europe this season with six goals - was also collected by the goalkeeper, before Riccardo Montolivo blasted well over.

Thomson, back in action after serving a European ban, added to his collection of yellow cards when he picked up the first booking of the game with 28 minutes gone for dissent after fouling Mario Santana.

Good play between Ferguson and Darcheville allowed Rangers to push into the box shortly before the break, their only real attack at that stage, but the offside flag was raised before Ferguson could unleash a shot.

Marco Donadel - suspended for the first leg - hobbled out of the action four minutes before the interval and was replaced by Zdravko Kuzmanovic, as the Italians reverted to the starting 11 from Glasgow.

Mutu attempted to spark the tie into life after the restart when he collected a long ball from Santana only to screw wide under pressure from Kirk Broadfoot.

The former Chelsea striker then turned provider when he whipped a teasing cross to the feet of Giampaolo Pazzini who stabbed inches wide of the near upright.

A blocked shot from Liverani broke to Fiorentina skipper Tomas Ujfalusi who unleashed a ferocious shot that dipped just over the crossbar as the home side cranked up the pressure another notch.

With 25 minutes remaining, Rangers made their first change when Darcheville was replaced by Cousin.

Only the heroics of Alexander kept the scoreline level when Liverani tapped a free-kick to Mutu and the goalkeeper did well to block a thunderous 30-yard shot from the Romanian.

Alexander failed to hold the ball but managed to smother just in time as Pazzini bore down on goal for the rebound.

Weir and Cousin both went in the referee's book before Steven Davis saw his flick held by Sebastien Frey after the Viola goalkeeper's defence had failed to clear the danger.

Vieri was thrown into the action with 10 minutes to go and he immediately squandered a great opportunity, stumbling over the ball in front of goal and allowing Alexander to come to the rescue again.

With the clock running down, Davis made way for Nacho Novo but it was Whittaker who drew an excellent save from Frey with a curling left-footed shot as the 90 minutes ended goalless and extra-time beckoned.

Vieri saw a shot fizz across the face of goal in the first minute of extra-time, before Cousin's header was held by the goalkeeper and a shot from the Rangers striker was deflected over.

With this epic tie destined to be decided by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out, Rangers were dealt a blow when Cousin saw red after picking up his second booking of the night for clashing with Liverani after 109 minutes.

Penalties soon arrived as Rangers, with 10 men, held off the Serie A giants, riding their luck at times.

Ferguson took the first penalty and saw his kick saved to hand the advantage to the Italians.

But Alexander blocked from Liverani and Vieri blasted over, allowing Novo to keep his cool and Rangers into the final.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Barcelona could be set for a major summer overhaul in the wake of their second successive trophy-less season, according to the Spanish media.

Marca believe at least eight players could be moved on at the end of the campaign, including Ronaldinho, Deco, Lilian Thuram, Gianluca Zambrotta and Eidur Gudjohnsen, while there are question marks against the likes of Thierry Henry, Rafael Marquez and Giovani dos Santos.

Coach Frank Rijkaard is also believed to be heading for the exit door, with reserve-team coach Josep Guardiola favourite to replace him.

Barca are under pressure to make improvements following another disappointing campaign, which will end with no silverware after they lost to Manchester United in the Champions League semi-finals this week.

The speculation about who will remain at the Nou Camp next season comes a day after Barca technical secretary Txiki Begiristain admitted certain changes had already been decided.

"The lack of performances obliges us to make changes. Now is the moment of analysis, we will take the decisions at the end of the season," said Begiristain, who admitted the alterations would have been implemented whether or not Barca had reached the Champions League final.

"Being in Moscow would have changed practically nothing about what is decided. We do not improvise, not before, nor now. Everything is prepared and needs its time.

"At the start of the season nobody doubted the quality of the team, but it is true that things have not gone well.

"The ones to blame are the players, the coaches and the technical secretary," Begiristain told Barca TV.

"Not winning any titles has been a disappointment considering the names that we have, although the poster is one thing and it is another the performances that are given by the players who are on it."

With regards to Rijkaard, who has won two Primera Liga titles and the Champions League since taking over at the Catalan giants in 2003, Begiristain added: "Rijkaard has done an extraordinary job, he is an honest man and a club man.

"He has to find a way to make a dignified end to the season. It is the time to convey intensity and unity in the four remaining games."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Chelsea will meet Manchester United in the first all-English Champions League final after beating Liverpool 3-2 following extra time in London.

United beat Barcelona on Tuesday night to ensure their place in the Moscow showpiece on May 21, and a Didier Drogba double plus a penalty from Frank Lampard - in the side for the first time since the death of his mother - ensured Avram Grant's side join them.

Fernando Torres cancelled out Drogba's opener in the second half to send the tie into extra time but Lampard put the Blues back ahead on 98 and Drogba added a third seven minutes later to render Ryan Babel's late strike a consolation.

Chelsea started the better of the two sides at Stamford Bridge with Drogba testing Jose Reina from 20 yards and Michael Essien firing narrowly over from just outside the box.

Liverpool, with Yossi Benayoun surprisingly included ahead of Babel in midfield, were sluggish, but they created the best opportunity of the game in the 10th minute when Torres broke into the box and had a shot saved by Petr Cech from a narrow angle.

Drogba then missed an even better chance at the other end when he slid an effort just wide of the far post after being sent clean through by Lampard.

Chelsea were well on top, though, and they made their dominance pay in the 33rd minute. Reina pulled off a decent save to palm away Soloman Kalou's 15-yard effort but the ball fell only as far as Drogba, who superbly lashed home at the near post from a tight angle to give the hosts a half-time lead.

Liverpool improved at the start of the second period with Dirk Kuyt's header forcing Cech into a good save, but Chelsea looked dangerous going forward themselves and Reina was fortunate to see Lampard drive straight at him from the edge of the box.

But then almost from nowhere, in the 64th minute, Benayoun set off on a jinking run from the right, slipping past two defenders before playing in Torres, who calmly slotted past Cech from just inside the box to score the Reds first goal at Stamford Bridge in nine games under Rafa Benitez.

Liverpool sensed another European final was within their grasp again and they upped the tempo after Torres' strike. Chelsea on the other hand began to look nervous but still managed to create the better openings, with Essien's close-range shot into the sidenetting in the 76th minute the nearest either side came to a winning goal in normal time.

Sami Hyypia headed a Steven Gerrard corner narrowly wide a couple of minutes into extra time before a crazy couple of minutes at the other end eventually saw Chelsea go back ahead.

Drogba was denied by a superb last-ditch Jamie Carragher challenge after breaking into the box and the resulting corner saw mass panic in the visiting ranks.

Nicolas Anelka's effort was blocked by a sea of Red bodies but it sat up perfectly on the edge of the box for Essien to superbly rifle past Reina. The goal initially appeared to be a perfectly good one but the linesman correctly flagged for the three offside Blue shirts standing in front of the goalkeeper.

Then, just three minutes later on 98, Hyypia clumsily brought Ballack down just inside the box and Lampard showed nerves of steel to step up and send Reina the wrong way to the jubilation of the home crowd.

Benitez surprisingly withdrew Torres for Babel in the aftermath of the goal and if that made the Reds' task a tough one, Drogba's second goal on the stroke of the interval made it a near-impossible one.

Nicolas Anelka cut the ball back from the byeline and the Ivorian made no mistake from close range as he edged Chelsea tantalisingly close to Moscow.

But Liverpool do not know when they are beaten in Europe and they predictably set up a frantic final few minutes when Babel fired into the top corner from all of 30 yards in the 117th minute.

However, there was to be no fairytale finish this time and Chelsea hung on to keep their double dream alive.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)