Barcelona have been crowned world champions for the first time ever after 120 truly scintillating minutes of epic football. After going a goal behind, Pedro equalised with just a minute to go, and Messi scored the title-winning goal in extra time.
If there is one team that deserved this, then that team was FC Barcelona. Once again they had to come from behind, once again they did that by playing consistent, patient and frankly outstanding football. They were vastly superior to the gritty Argentinian outfit and also had to deal with some bizarre refereeing decisions. For Estudiantes, it was a matter of taking the lead through Boselli and then hanging onto their lead at whatever cost.
And they almost got what they wanted. But then in the 89th minute Pedro did what the injured Iniesta did against Chelsea and equalised just when it looked like the dream could be over. The tension was unbearable as the game went into extra time, but Barça looked as solid as ever and stayed faithful to the football that has achieved so much this year. The Argentinians were tiring more and more, and finally it was their compatriot Leo Messi who grabbed the winner, with his chest! And that was it. Barça have finally won their first ever Clubs World Cup, and an unrepeatable 2009 is over in which the club has won all six of the titles in play. It is impossible to have asked for more!
Balanced opening
The game started with both sides testing each other. The first chance fell to Estudiantes, the second to Barça, and then Xavi squandered a chance when he was through on the keeper. From then on, it was an evenly matched affair, and that was all thanks to the permissiveness of the referee, who seemed far readier to penalise Barça’s free kicks, and following a series of tough challenges on Leo Messi, even had the audacity to book him for diving.
Referee and Boselli
This was the game Estudiantes wanted. It was a stop-start affair, and Barça couldn’t get things flowing the way they like. It was a hard-hitting encounter, and Estudiantes clearly weren’t in Abu Dhabi to play beautiful football. With the game-plan based almost entirely on counter attacks, their three centre backs certainly managed to thwart most of Barcelona’s plans. And to typify the way things were going, a delightful Barça move ended with Albil clearly bringing down Xavi. A red card and a penalty seemed the obvious solution, but the referee preferred to award a goal kick.
Five minutes later, Estudiantes went on a rare break, and a cross from the left from Díaz was met by Boselli, who beat both Puyol and Abidal to the ball. The leading goalscorer in the Copa Libertadores may have been a few inches offside, but there was nothing Valdés could do about his header.
Danger down the left
Like in the semi final against Atlante, there was plenty of time to react. Guardiola maintained the calm, but did send on Pedro in place of Keita to gain some movement down the wings and take some of the physicality out of midfield. There was already enough of that thanks to the Argentinians, while Barça needed to get the game flowing the way they like. The improvements came. Henry and Ibrahimovic constantly found themselves in dangerous positions, but the goal just didn’t want to come.
Pedro seals the miracle
It was a non-stop onslaught on the ‘Pincharrata’ goal. Guardiola even moved Piqué into an attacking position, thus providing an alternative to Ibrahimovic, who just wasn’t having his day. And it was the centre back who managed to get his head onto the ball to send it towards Perdo, who never fails from that position. Just when it had looked like Barcelona were going to suffer a cruel and undeserved defeat, Pedro was there to take the game into extra time.
Jeffren makes ground
Touré and Jeffren had already come on for Busquets and Henry when the goal was scored, and both contributed to the continuation of a game in which Barça dominated possession in extraordinary fashion. Meanwhile, Estudiantes were clearly demoralised, but more importantly, physically exhausted. The way Jeffren had Clemente beaten for pace was creating chance after chance, but after 105 minutes, it was still 1-1.
The best team wins
The Argentinians were clearly hoping to run down the clock and chance their luck in a penalty shoot-out. Barça don’t play football that way. They only like to win by showing that they are the better team. And they did, and all thanks to the best player in the world. Alves crossed from the right, and there was Messi to send the ball goalward with his chest, or perhaps better put, with his heart, the ball striking him just where the crest of his beloved club appears on the famous Barça shirt. It was one of the most beautiful moments in the entire history of this incredible club. The crowning moment for a team that has rewritten the history books.
Author: Barcelona Offical site, Roger Bogunya
Barcelona FC have been crowned "King Of The World"
Change of manager at City: Roberto Mancini has taken over with Brian Kidd as his Assistant Coach
“Prior to the current season beginning, with significant investment in players and infrastructure in place, the consensus between the Board and coaching staff was that appropriate agreed targets should be set for the 2009/2010 season", said Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.
“The targets were agreed as a result of the player acquisition strategy of the club being radically accelerated in the summer as a result of very favourable conditions for any buying club. It was also based on the fact that the infrastructure of the club had been overhauled completely at great cost in order to create the best possible environment for the team.
“A return of two wins in 11 Premier League games is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed and set. Sheikh Mansour and the Board felt that there was no evidence that the situation would fundamentally change. This is a particularly difficult announcement given the personal investment over the past 15 months on all sides and we would like to put on record our respect for and thanks to Mark Hughes and we wish him the best in his future career.”
Manchester City Football Club can confirm the appointment, with immediate effect on a permanent contract, of Roberto Mancini and are also pleased to announce that Brian Kidd will join Roberto as assistant manager.
Commenting on the appointment, Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “Roberto is a hugely experienced manager with a proven track record of winning trophies and championships. His experience and track record speak for themselves. What is absolutely clear is that Roberto believes in Manchester City’s potential to achieve at the highest level and importantly in his own ability to make this happen. My hope is that our incredible fans will join us in welcoming Roberto to the football club.”
Mark Bowen, Eddie Niedzwiecki, Kevin Hitchcock and Glyn Hodges have also left the Club and further appointments will be announced in due course.
Author: Man City Offical site, Chris Bailey
World Club Championship 2009 FINAL HIGHLIGHTS
Barcelona vs Estudiantes 2-1
Dec 19, 2009 5:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Referee: Armando Archundia (México)
Score: (Barcelona) 87' Pedro, 109' Messi L (Estudiantes) 37' Boselli M.
Man of the match: Messi L. (Barcelona)
Barcelona to meet Estudiantes at World Club Championship Final 2009
King Of The World
The Blaugrana meet Estudiantes in a bid not only to complete the best year ever contested by a club side, but also to become Europe's third consecutive winners, following in the footsteps of AC Milan and Manchester United.
Barca last competed in this contest in 2006 when they fell against Internacional of Brazil. That was a bitter disappointment, and perhaps the beginning of the end of the Frank Rijkaard era. Fans will hope that things will change under Pep Guardiola.
For Estudiantes, this tournament is old hat, at least in its former incarnation. The Intercontinental Cup saw the La Plata side win against Manchester United in the notorious 1968 final, before losing the two subsequent finals.
All in all, it's a fitting end to what has been so far an intriguing tournament - the first to be hosted in the UAE. Here's hoping that the final is suitably exciting.
FORM GUIDE
Barcelona
WON 3-1 (n) Atlante (Club World Cup, Dec 16)
WON 1-0 (h) Espanyol (Liga, Dec 12)
WON 2-1 (a) Dynamo Kyiv (Champions League, Dec 9)
WON 3-1 (a) Deportivo (Liga, Dec 5)
WON 2-0 (a) Xerez (Liga, Dec 2)
Estudiantes
WON 2-1 (n) Pohang Steelers (Club World Cup, Dec 15)
DREW 0-0 (h) Chacarita Juniors (Apertura, Dec 3)
DREW 1-1 (a) River Plate (Apertura, Nov 28)
LOST 1-0 (h) Colon (Apertura, Nov 25)
WON 3-1 (h) Tigre (Apertura, Nov 20)
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
Andres Iniesta is out of the final after sustaining an injury against Atlante in the semi-final. Yaya Toure may enter the lineup in his stead, alongside Sergio Busquets. Xavi will provide the invention to Messi, 'Ibra' and Pedro - or perhaps Henry - further forward.
Probable Starting XI: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Puyol, Abidal; Toure Yaya, Sergio Busquets, Xavi; Messi, Ibrahimovic, Pedro.
Estudiantes
Marcelo Carrusca is a long-term absentee up front, while Nunez may drop to the bench as Estudiantes look to shore up the wide areas.
Probable Starting XI: Albil; Rodriguez, Cellay, Desabato, Diaz, Re; Brana; Veron, Benitez, Perez; Boselli.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Barcelona
Lionel Messi. A hero to Argentines as much as he is to Barca fans, there will still be no love lost between Estudiantes and the little forward. Fresh from winning the Ballon d'Or, he has a great chance to cement his place in history.
Estudiantes
Juan Sebastian Veron is the most recognisable player to non-Argentine spectators, and there's a good reason for that. The former Manchester United man still has it despite his advanced age, and will be key to unlocking the Barca defence.
PREDICTION
As in the semi-final, Barca may start slowly, but will eventually lift their sixth trophy of the year, despite spirited opposition from the 'rat stabbers'.
Barcelona 3-1 Estudiantes
Author: Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com
Team first for Niko
The Croatian playmaker lit up the Lane again with a two-goal display including a fine solo effort in injury time to clinch the 3-0 victory.
Jermain Defoe added the second goal as we improved our fifth position in the Barclays Premier League - we're now just two points behind Arsenal and Villa as we prepare for the trip to Blackburn on Saturday.
"It was a great feeling to score the goals but it's easier to score goals and play well when you are in a team of great footballers," said Niko.
"The team performance means individuals will play well and one day it will be me, another day it will be someone else.
"It's just important that, as a team, we continue to play well and to prove we really do have that quality to break into that top four."
Niko said it was vital to bounce back from Saturday's defeat against Wolves. "Yes, and just as important to win the games against the teams contending for the top four," he said.
"We've played some great football throughout the season and although the last two away results were disappointing, the performances were good and we believe we deserved to win those games.
"Against Wolves, it was one of those days. We needed a reaction and got that.
"It was a massive win, great to get back to winning ways and hopefully we can continue this form from here."
Author: Tottenham FC Offical site
Fiorentina favour defence and counter-attack
Fiorentina and Bayern contrived to avoid each other in Europe for decades, but the clubs will now meet for the second time in two years. In the 2008-9 Champions League group double-header, Munich won 3-0 at home and drew 1-1 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The clubs have were paired again on Friday, this time in the first knockout round of this season’s competition.
The key men for Luca Toni’s former club are strikers Adrian Mutu and Alberto Gilardino, although the pair have not played together all that often this term. Coach Cesare Prandelli favours a 4-5-1 formation with Gilardino as a lone striker, backed by an attacking line of three featuring Mutu, Italy international Marco Marchionni, and Peruvian Juan Vargas.
In characteristic Italian style, Fiorentina are happy to play on the break off a solid defensive platform. Of all the teams through to the last sixteen, the men from Florence had the lowest figure for possession of the ball (46 percent). However, Prandelli’s side scored 14 goals in their six matches, a total beaten only by Real Madrid (15). Fiorentina beat Liverpool twice (2-0 at home and 2-1 away) in winning Group E from Lyon, Liverpool and Debrecen.
“It’s a well-assembled young team with star strikers. We mustn’t underestimate them,“ warned Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. However, Fiorentina lie a disappointing ninth in Serie A after 16 games. A defensive record of just 15 goals conceded is one of the best in the section, but Gilardino, Mutu & Co have mustered a mere 18 goals between them so far, while leaders Inter have struck nearly twice as often (35).
Coach Prandelli’s job looks secure - he has guided his side to three fourth-place finishes and one fifth spot in the last four seasons – but President Andrea Della Valle, who took over when the club were compulsorily relegated to the third tier seven years ago, bore the brunt of fan and media anger early in the season. Caught in a hail of criticism for selling Felipe Melo to Juventus, Della Valle quit in September. Vice-president Mario Cognini currently heads the club in an acting capacity.
Despite their problems in domestic competition, Fiorentina have blazed a trail in the Champions League, qualifying for the last sixteen for the second time in their history. The club’s greatest successes are the European Cup Winners’ Cup (1961), two league titles (1956, 1969), and six cup triumphs (most recently in 2001).
The Italians will be utterly determined to progress to the last eight at Bayern’s expense. Bayern must be sure not to underestimate the Tuscan outfit, as Louis van Gaal warned: “Last season’s results against Fiorentina count for nothing any more.“
Author: Bayern Munich Offical site
"My Zola Mistake" - Chelsea Bos
It is easy for a Chelsea supporter to recognise how selling Gianfranco Zola at his peak might be a mistake, and today Carlo Ancelotti admitted his error as Parma manager.
The pair will be in opposing dugouts at Upton Park on Sunday, but back in 1996, Ancelotti was Zola's manager at Parma, the club he left to come to Stamford Bridge.
'I did a mistake with him because I wanted to play 4-4-2 and I put him on the right, and he would like to stay in the centre like a striker,' Ancelotti recalled. 'In that period there was this discussion, Chelsea arrived to offer him a good contract and he decided to come.
'I think it was a mistake because it was my first experience in Serie A and I was not able to change the system, I preferred to maintain the system I knew well, and for this Gianfranco had a different decision. But a lot of time has gone and now we have a good relationship. I think he had a fantastic experience at Chelsea and all the fans remember his performance.'
Zola is currently having a tough time at West Ham, with the club entrenched in the relegation zone, yet Ancelotti believes the Blues legend has what it takes to drag them clear.
'I think that Gianfranco is not living a good moment but he has a quality to improve, West Ham have a lot of problems with injuries but we have to pay attention on this game because it is a derby and they will put very good spirit in this game, we have to pay attention,' the manager warned.
'When you play teams at the bottom you have to because they will do their best to win. We saw against Portsmouth that they created a lot of difficulties for us, and we have to pay attention to West Ham.
'We have to respect every team - every team has character and quality and determination, not just the teams in the top but also the teams that don't want to go down to the second division.'
Author: Chelsea Offical site
THREE RETURN FOR WEST HAM
Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho will all return to the starting line-up against West Ham on Sunday, says manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian is able to welcome his top scorer back after Drogba sat out Wednesday's 2-1 win against Portsmouth, while Cole and Carvalho are back in after being rested in midweek.
'I don't want to change a lot of things about the next game, Carvalho returns to play and I have to take a decision on midfield,' Ancelotti said. 'Mikel or Ballack I want to do recovery and Joe Cole will return to play.
'Drogba is good, he trained yesterday and today is fit and he will be ready for Sunday. Alex didn't train today but will train tomorrow and the other players stay well. For Sunday we also have Sturridge, who is doing a very good job, two fantastic weeks in training, and will be ready to play.'
Missing however is Michael Essien, whose hamstring injury looks likely to rule him out of Chelsea action until as late as the end of January, owing to the African Cup of Nations which begins on January 10, with the Ghanaian likely to be called away by his country before the end of the year.
In other news, Ancelotti dismissed media speculation linking us with Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero.
'It is not true because we don't sign a contract with any players, at this moment we do not think to buy Aguero,' said the 50-year-old.
Author: Chelsea offical site
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS Manchester City vs Sunderland
Manchester City vs Sunderland HIGHLIGHTS 4-3 Dec 19, 2009 3:00 PM GMT Stadium: City Stadium Scorer: (Manchester City) 4' Santa Cruz R., 12' Tevez C., 36' Bellamy C., 69' Santa Cruz R. (Sunderland) 16' Mensah J., 24' Henderson J., 62' Jones K. Top of the match: Bellamy C. (Man City)
"Get back to way we were" - Hughes
Since that performance City have been held at Bolton and soundly beaten at Tottenham, allowing their close rivals for the vital fourth place to leapfrog and leave the Blues eighth going into tomorrow's game with Sunderland.
City's manager declared: "We’re back at home after two difficult fixtures away - and we’ve got to get back to the level we produced against Chelsea. We’re more than capable of doing that.
"We’ve just come through a period in which we’ve beaten Arsenal and Chelsea, and also shown great spirit and courage in difficult circumstances against Bolton to come back three times.
"Whether that had a negative impact on what we were able to produce at Tottenham, who knows? We’ve picked the bones out, but sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say: 'We weren’t good enough on the night.'
"The games where that’s been the case have been few and far between this season. We’ve been pleased with what we’ve produced in the vast majority of the games.
"We were missing a number of key personnel but we don’t want to sound as if we’re making excuses. We’ll get more people back at the weekend, and see if we can improve on what we produced."
Hughes, who lost Joleon Lescott before the Spurs game, added: "We had a setback with Joleon we hadn't anticipated. We’re going to have to look at what we’ve got at the back in terms of cover.
"But you’re going to get injuries and you’re going to get suspensions at certain times in the season. It’s how you deal with them. You don’t use them as an excuse for losing."
Author: Peter Ferguson
"I think when we play against Milan they will be amazing and exciting games" - Patrice Evra
It’s not an easy draw because Milan have a lot of experience in the competition. We just need to remember what happened three years ago and make sure we use that experience to win the two games. I think we are ready to play against AC Milan.
I remember it was a very frustrating tie. We won 3-2 at home but we didn’t play very well. In the second game I was suspended and watched it on TV. It was very difficult to see my team lose 3-0 in that way. After that game we had more experience and we won the year after. We want to do the same again by using our experience. Now we are ready for that type of game.
I am happy for Beckham because he did a lot for Manchester United and I know he wanted to play again at Old Trafford. I will say welcome home to him but I will make sure he doesn’t have an easy game! I like him because I have met him and he is a good person, a real gentleman. He’s a professional and that is why Milan wanted him. I like that type of player and he has one of the best right feet in the world. However, I will make sure he has a bad game!
I’m sure all his old team-mates who are still here are looking forward to welcoming him back, but I’m looking forward more to playing against Milan rather than just David Beckham, because Milan are more than just one man. When we played Barcelona everyone was talking to me about Messi, but I was just thinking about their whole team. I’m happy for him but I will concentrate on winning the game.
We are confident that we can reach our third final in a row. Our aim is to win it every year. I remember my target was to win the Champions League at least three times in my career. I’ve already won it once but I’ve also lost two finals. I’m still upset at losing those finals, especially last year. I will try to use my anger to make sure we get there again, but this time go one better and come back with the trophy.
Author: M Nichols, G Thompson
Iniesta ruled out for two weeks
FC Barcelona’s medical team released a statement in Abu Dhabi that read: “The tests carried out this afternoon confirm that the player has suffered a muscle tear in his left leg.”
The midfielder suffered the blow in the game against Atlante in midweek and had to be substituted for Bojan Krkic. At the end of the game it was felt that he may have a chance of recovering in time to appear in the final, but that has now been ruled out.
With the timeframe for Iniesta’s return being set at around two weeks, he now faces a challenge to be back in action for the first game of the New Year, which takes place on Saturday, January 2 against Villarreal in Camp Nou at 20:00.
Despite being unable to play in the game against Estudiantes, Iniesta will be able to attend the FIFA World Player of the Year gala in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday. He is one of the five nominations for the award.
Author: www.fcbarcelona.cat
Ruud van Nistelrooy is close to agreeing a six-month loan move to Liverpool
The Real Madrid and Holland international is out of favour at the Bernabeu and with Rafa Benitez seeking cover for Fernando Torres up-front, van Nistelrooy has been heavily linked with a return to the Premier League.
The 33 year old is keen to get regular football ahead of next summer's World Cup.
Van Nistelrooy made his debut for the Mancs against Liverpool in 2001 and went on to score 150 goals in just 219 appearances for Ferguson's team. He joined Real Madrid in summer 2006 where he has an equally impressive scoring record, with 46 goals in 68 appearances.
A move to Anfield would represent an uncanny resemblance to United's signing of former Liverpool forward Michael Owen in the summer. In 2002/03 both players finished as top scorers for their respective clubs, 6 years later they could be playing at opposite ends of the old East Lancs Road.
Author: This is Anfield
Arsenal to face Porto in Champions League
VS
Arsenal will take on Porto in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Porto were runners up to Chelsea in Group D of this season's Group Stage after picking up four wins and just two defeats, both against the Stamford Bridge side.
Arsenal met Porto in last season's Champions League Group Stage and defeated the Portuguese champions 4-0 at Emirates Stadium but with qualification already assured they lost 2-0 at the Estádio do Dragão.
The first leg of the tie will take place in Portugal on February 16, 17, 23 or 24. The second leg at Emirates Stadium will take place on March 9, 10, 16 or 17.
Arsenal.com will bring you further details of the game once the dates have been confirmed.
Author: Arsenal offical website
Full Champions League Last 16 Draw
Stuttgart (Germany) vs Barcelona (Spain)
Olympiacos (Greece) vs Bordeaux (France)
Inter (Italy) vs Chelsea (England)
Bayern Munich (Germany) vs Fiorentina (Italy)
CSKA Moscow (Russia) vs Sevilla (Spain)
Lyon (France) vs Real Madrid (Spain)
Porto (Portugal) vs Arsenal (England)
Milan (Italy) vs Manchester United (England)
World Club Championship 2009 HIGHLIGHTS Atlante vs Barcelona
Dec 16, 2009 5:00 PM CET Stadium: Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi Referee: Carlos Eugenio Simon (BRA) Scorer: (Atlante) 4' Rojas G. (Barcelona)35' Busquets, 55' Messi L., 66' Pedro
goal Rojas G. 4' (1-0)
goal Busquets 35' (1-1)
goal Messi L 55' (1-2)
goal Pedro 66' (1-3)
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS Manchester United vs Wolves
Manchester United vs Wolves HIGHLIGHTS 3-0
Dec 15, 2009 9:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Referee: Steve Bennett
Scorer: (Manchester United) 30' Rooney W., 43' Vidic N., 66' Valencia L.
Top of the match: Rooney W. (Manchester United)
I am open minded about transfers: Arsenal Bos
Arsène Wenger will not promise what he can't deliver in the January transfer window.
The Arsenal manager told Arsenal TV Online a few weeks ago that he would enter the market next month to find a replacement for Robin Van Persie after the Dutchman was ruled out for most of the season with ankle ligament damage.
Inevitably, Wenger has been linked with a string of big-name strikers ever since. The Frenchman has rejected every transfer rumour so far and continued to play down his intentions when he faced the media on Tuesday afternoon.
Wenger is not ruling out some transfer activity at Emirates Stadium but he is keen to keep expectations at a realistic level.
"Robin Van Persie is a very, very long-term injury and we are open-minded on the transfer market," said the Arsenal manager.
"But I don't want to promise things that I don't really know I will do at the moment.
"Mainly I am expecting our players to come back [from injury]."
(Author, Chris Harris)
Carragher prays for salvation
The Reds let a golden opportunity to make up some lost ground on their Champions League rivals slip yesterday, as they were beaten 2-1 at Anfield by Arsenal.
That only tells a fraction of the story, though, as Liverpool looked in complete control when Dirk Kuyt put them ahead in the first half but were unrecognisable after the break.
Arsenal left with three points thanks to Glen Johnson's own goal and a superb Andrey Arshavin strike but Carragher accepts Liverpool only had themselves to blame.
It leaves Liverpool embroiled in a dreadful run of form but Carragher feels the time has come to end the mounting criticism in style - starting on Wednesday against Wigan.
"We started off well in the first half and should have had a penalty but you have to give credit to Arsenal, they're a top side," said the Reds' vice-captain.
"The manner of the goals we conceded were unfortunate but other than them scoring, I can't remember them having too much else, which is why it is so hard to take.
"We've just got to dust ourselves down now and move to Wednesday. For the quality of the players and the stature of the club, we should be doing better.
"Statistics (like three wins in 15 games) can change quickly and we have got to do that. It's tough at the moment but part of playing for Liverpool is having big character.
"That's what we need now. Between now and May it is going to be a grind at times but we have got to stick together, get through it and, as I'm doing, pray to God that at the end of the season there will be something worthwhile for what we've gone through."
There is no disputing injuries have wreaked havoc on Liverpool's season and yesterday was the first time in more than two months that Rafa Benitez was able to name his strongest team.
But he still saw Glen Johnson and Javier Mascherano pick up knocks to make them doubts for the meeting with Wigan but Carragher refused to use blame the situation on fitness problems.
He, simply, believes the rebuilding process needs to be taken a step at a time and says it is imperative form improves.
"We can't look for excuses," said Carragher. "That's the way it is at top level football - we know that any little thing can get pounced up and that's happening at the moment.
"Wigan is a massive game for us. I've tried too many times down the years trying to work things out, so there's no point looking further ahead than that.
"We'll just try and get three points on Wednesday and then move on to Portsmouth. We've got to look at ourselves and realise that we've got to do much better.
"There's still some lads who aren't 100 per cent fit yet, so there'll be improvement to come but we need to get this team playing regular."
Author: Liverpool Echo
Ligue 1 HIGHLIGHTS Olympique Lyon vs Bordeaux
Olympique Lyon vs Bordeaux HIGHLIGHTS 0-1
Dec 13, 2009 9:00 PM CET
Stadium: Stade de Gerland
Referee: S. Lannoy
Scorer: (Bordeaux) 85' Chamakh M.
Top of the match: Gourcuff Y. (Bordeaux)
The Gunners grab three points at Anfield, Rafa Benitez's miseries continue
The result means the Reds have slipped five points behind the current occupants of the final Champions League berth, Aston Villa, but the boss is adamant his side will bounce back, beginning with Wigan at home on Wednesday.
"The target is still the same," he told his post match press conference. "Look at the next game and aim for the top four. It is the same situation. We have to keep going, try to improve and win our games. If we play at the same level that we did in the first-half, I am sure we will win more games."
Liverpool had looked on course to take all three points against the Gunners after Dirk Kuyt capped an impressive first-half team performance with the opener.
However, the visitors produced a second-half fightback to claim a 2-1 victory, leaving Benitez to rue a Glen Johnson own goal that sparked the turnaround.
"It is difficult to explain when you play so well in first half," he said. "We were on top of them. We had the chance for Torres, the goal and the penalty that was not given.
"Then we started the second half with an own goal and then a second goal went in and everything changed. You could see that the confidence went down. We gave the ball away in the second half which was the opposite to the first when we were controlling things.
"We've had too many problems this year and when you have another one, like the own goal, sometimes it is hard to keep the confidence high. We have to be ready and start training tomorrow. We need to show character and play at the same level we played at in the first half, against Wigan.
"The fans and the players are disappointed. We have to start working with the players and do things in the right way. Some players are coming back and they need to improve their match fitness. The positive is the first-half, the negative is the lack of confidence we showed in the second half."
During a one-sided first 45 the Reds were denied what appeared to be a clear-cut penalty when Steven Gerrard was brought down by William Gallas. Benitez felt the referee's decision had a big impact on the outcome of the game and that Liverpool had missed a chance to gain ground on the top four after some favourable results on Saturday.
"It was a penalty. 100 per cent," he said. " A foul is a foul, so it is a penalty. These decisions can make a massive difference."
He added: "We were talking before and we knew that the only way to reduce the gap was to win our games. If you cannot do that you cannot get closer to the other teams."
Asked if the result meant Liverpool's hopes of winning the title were over, the boss said: "You always ask me the same, but for me it is just one game at a time. I cannot say anything because you never know what can happen in football. But to be realistic, it is Wigan and nothing else.
"Today, after the first-half everyone was convinced it was a different team and one with a winning mentality. Maybe we need to score the second goal and have this advantage for some games, then we will see the confidence go higher.
"There was clearly a loss of confidence in the second half .After the own goal, everything was different. We had no confidence passing the ball. It's not a question of quality, just confidence."
The clash with the Gunners also marked the return to the starting line-up of Fernando Torres, and Benitez felt the striker gave a good account of himself.
"It was a difficult game at the end because we were not playing good passes for him," he said. "He had a chance first-half and he was a threat. We need to play better to provide the strikers with chances and it will be easier for them."
Quizzed about the fitness of Javier Mascherano, after the Argentina skipper was seen nursing his knee prior to his substitution, the boss added: "He is okay. He got a knock on his knee. He was limping a bit and he also had a yellow card so I replaced him. I think he will be okay for Wednesday."
Author: Paul Hassall at Anfield
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS Liverpool vs Arsenal
Liverpool vs Arsenal HIGHLIGHTS 1-2
Dec 13, 2009 4:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Anfield
Referee: Howard Webb
Scorer: (Liverpool) 41' Kuyt D. (Arsenal) 50' Johnson G., 58’ Arshavin A.
Top of the match: Arshavin A. (Arsenal)
Serie A 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS Milan vs Palermo
Milan vs Palermo HIGHLIGHTS 0-2
Dec 13, 2009 3:00 PM CET
Stadium: Stadio San Siro - Milano
Referee: Bergonzi
Scorer: (Palermo) 49' Miccoli F., 62' Bresciano M.
Top of the match: Miccoli F (Palermo)
Serie A 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS Atalanta vs Inter Milan
Atalanta vs Inter Milan HIGHLIGHTS 1-1
Dec 13, 2009 3:00 PM CET
Stadium: Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia - Bergamo
Referee: Rizzoli
Scorer: (Atalanta) 81' Tiribocchi S. (Inter Milan) 15’ Milito D.
Top of the match: Milito D. (Inter Milan)
Wenger blocks Catalonia call-up for Cesc
Arsène Wenger will not allow Cesc Fabregas to play in a friendly game for Catalonia on December 22.
Manager Johan Cryuff has selected the midfielder for the international against Argentina at the Nou Camp but his Arsenal manager has refused to let him go.
However the message has not got through yet because Wenger has been unable to make contact with his opposite number.
"We don't allow the players to play in friendlies because we have too many games," said the Frenchman.
"You know what happens here in England, we play football through the Christmas period. But in all the other countries they stop and play friendlies and charity games.
"There is a demand for Cesc but there is a demand for five or six other players. We play on December 27 and I didn't rest the players against Olympiacos [to then] let them play a friendly.
"I tried to call [Cryuff] back [to tell him but] I couldn't get in touch with him. I don't know if he doesn't use a mobile or I tried to call him in the mountains somewhere but I haven't heard back."
WE PLAYED WITH INTENSITY – Chelsea Bos
Despite drawing against Everton, Carlo Ancelotti said he was satisfied with his side's performance today but disappointed with the result.
The Italian was pleased with Chelsea's intensity and concentration against Everton and felt the team were unlucky not to win the fixture.
'I am happy because Chelsea played very well for 90 minutes but I am unhappy with the result, we didn't win,' explained Ancelotti.
'When you play like Chelsea played today you deserve to win. We didn't win, we made mistakes on the set plays and if I have to look at the team we played very well for 90 minutes. We created a lot of chances to score and we were unlucky today.'
The Blues conceded from set plays as both the first and final Everton goal arrived following fouls 35 yards out, with Chelsea sitting very deep in defence for each freekick.
'We didn't deal with the set plays well,' insisted Ancelotti.
'We were down very close to the goal and it was necessary to stay a little bit up.
'Now we have to work on the set plays and we have to improve.'
However, our manager was keen to stress the goals arrived from a failure to deal with the situations as a team, not any single player.
'It is not an individual mistake. We kept 10 players in the box and we conceded a goal, it is a collective mistake.'
But regardless of whether the goals arrived through failure to deal with set pieces, Everton manager David Moyes felt the draw was the best result his side has produced this season.
'It was a great draw for us,' said Moyes.
'I would certainly have taken a draw before the game; we were really worried about how it would end up.
'But in the end we showed great resilience, endeavour and we played well, great credit to the boys who played today.'
With a point secured we now sit three clear at the top of the table, but with a late kick off between Aston Villa and Manchester United there's a chance the Red Devils could be even with us before the day is out.
'Maybe Manchester United can arrive at the same position as us and maintain the top of the league but there will be a lot of games before the end of the season,' explained Ancelotti.
The worry now for many fans could be the departure of Didier Drogba to the African Cup of Nations for a large majority of those remaining games. But despite losing four members of his first team to the competition, Ancelotti reiterated he was sure there would be no new arrivals in January.
'In January I would like to say for the last time we won't try for anybody, of this I am 100 per cent sure,' added Ancelotti, insisting he had full confidence in his current squad.
'I don't lose any trust in my players and in my team.
'I am more than happy that we have a point rather than see a team without intensity or without concentration.
'I don't have to say anything of my players because they did the maximum today.'
This evening everything went wrong. I have nothing to blame the team for everything - Ciro Ferrara
Three days after the match on Tuesday, Ciro Ferrara is forced to comment another defeat. Even though between the matches against Bayern and Bari there are no similarities. At the San Nicola, Juve played a good match and this does nothing but make the situation even more bitter.
The Juventus coach analyzed the match starting from this aspect. Today everything went wrong for us and for this reason I cannot blame the team for anything. Tonight we could have played for a much longer time and the ball would not have entered the net. They made three attempts and scored them all. It was not easy to prepare the match after what happened during the week. We came here to play with humility against a good Bari. Diego? Penalties unfortunately can also be missed and he was very sorry. At this moment we must be close to him and not make him feel too much responsibility.
La Liga 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Valencia vs Real Madrid HIGHLIGHTS 2-3
Dec 12, 2009 10:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Mestalla
Referee: Teixeira Vitienes
Scorer: (Valencia) 59' David Villa, 79' Joaquín (Real Madrid) 53' Higuaín, 65' Higuaín, 83' Garay
Top of the match: Higuaín G. (Real Madrid)
La Liga 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Barcelona vs Espanyol HIGHLIGHTS 1-0
Dec 12, 2009 8:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Camp Nou
Referee: Iturralde González
Scorer: (Barcelona) 40' Ibrahimovic Z.
Top of the match: Henry T. (Barcelona)
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Manchester United vs Aston Villa HIGHLIGHTS 0-1
Dec 12, 2009 6:30 PM GMT
Stadium: Old Traford
Scorer: (Aston Villa) 21' Agbonlahor G.
Top of the match: Park J. (Manchester United)
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS Bolton vs Man City
Bolton vs Man City HIGHLIGHTS 3-3
Dec 12, 2009 4:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Reebok Stadium
Scorer: (Bolton) 11' Klasnic I., 43' Cahill G., 53' Klasnic I. (Manchester City) 28' Tevez C., 45+2' Richards M., 77' Tevez C.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Top of the match: Teves (Manchester City)
Serie A 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Bari vs Juventus HIGHLIGHTS 3-1
Dec 12, 2009 8:45 PM CET
Stadium: Stadio San Nicola - Bari
Scorer: (Bari) 7' Meggiorini R., 44' Barreto, 81' Almiron S. (Juventus) 24' Trezeguet D.
Referee: Tagliavento di Terni
Top of the match: Almiron S. (Bari)
Champions League 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Olympiacos vs Arsenal HIGHLIGHTS 1-0
Dec 9, 2009 8:45 PM CET
Scorer: (Olympiacos) 47' Leonardo
Top of the match: Fabianski L. (Arsenal)
Champions League 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Inter Milan vs Rubin HIGHLIGHTS 2-0
Dec 9, 2009 8:45 PM CET
Stadium: Stadio Meazza - Milano
Scorer: (Inter Milan) 31' Eto'o, 64' Balotelli M.
Referee: Pieter Vink (NED)
Top of the match: Balotelli M. (Inter Milan)
La Liga 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Roma vs Lazio HIGHLIGHTS 1-0
Dec 6, 2009 8:45 PM CET
Stadium: Stadio Olimpico (Roma)
Scorer: (Roma) 78' Cassetti M
Referee: Rizzoli
Top of the match: Cassetti M (Roma)
La Liga 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia HIGHLIGHTS 1-2
Dec 6, 2009 9:00 PM GMT
Stadium: San Mamés (Athletic Bilbao)
Scorer: (Athletic Bilbao) 60' Muniain (Valencia) 62' David Villa, 81' Mathieu J.
Referee: Rubinos Pérez
Top of the match: David Villa (Valencia)
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Arsenal vs West Ham HIGHLIGHTS 2-0
Dec 5, 2009 4:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Scorer: (Arsenal) 26' Arshavin A., 79' Ramsey A.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Top of the match: Ramsey A. (Arsenal)
Arsenal 2 VS. Stoke City in the Preimer League 09\10 - For more funny movies, click here
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
West Ham vs Manchester United HIGHLIGHTS 1-4
Dec 5, 2009 4:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Upton Park
Scorer: (Manchester United) 45+1' Scholes P., 61' Gibson D., 71' Valencia L., 72' Rooney W.
Top of the match: Valencia L. (Man Utd)
West Ham Vs Manchester United 0 4 Goals & Highlights 5 12 09 - Click here for this week’s top video clips
EPL 2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Manchester City vs Chelsea HIGHLIGHTS 2-1
Dec 5, 2009 6:30 PM GMT
Stadium: The City of Manchester
Scorer: (Manchester City) 37' Adebayor S., 56' Tevez C. (Chelsea) 8' Adebayor
Referee: Rocchi di Firenze
Top of the match: Given S. (Man City)
Fernando Gago wants to leave Real Madrid
Argentine international defender Fernando Gago wants to leave Real Madrid because he has been little used this season but the Spanish giants do not want to let him go, sports daily Marca reported Friday.
The 23-year-old, who joined Real at the end of 2006 from Argentine side Boca Juniors, needs more time on the pitch to be be considered for Argentina’s 2010 World Cup squad and has asked his agent to negotiate his move to another club in the winter transfer window, it said.
But Real is counting on the player to make up for the absence of its midfielder and Mali captain Mahamadou Diarra who is scheduled to play for his national team during the 2010 African Cup of Nations between January 10-31.
Gago started for Real during all but two of the club’s 26 Spanish league matches in the 2008-09 season but his time on the pitch has been sharply reduced since Chile’s Manuel Pellegrini took over as coach in July 2009.
Italy’s AC Milan and Fiorentina have reportedly shown interest in signing the midfielder, who joined Real for 21 million euros (31.7 million dollars).
Argentina’s national coach Diego Maradona has described Gago as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and said that “he should never be left off an Argentina squad list”.
Why Beckham Needs Milan..??
David Beckham will rejoin AC Milan in the January transfer window. It will of course be his second loan spell at the San Siro.
Good move for Beckham
His return to Europe is in aid of him making it into Fabio Capello’s England squad for next years World Cup in South Africa.
You can understand the logic in Beckham’s mind. Its a good move for the 34 year-old. Not only is he moving back to Europe, hes moving to a club that Fabio Capello will always have one eye on, having played for and managed the Rossoneri twice.
Still useful
The England midfielder is still a useful player with his vision and his ability to produce fantastic crosses. He is also a good leader and a good personality to have in the dressing room. He still has a quick thinking football brain, even if the legs are getting older. He is also incredibly fit for a player of his age.
American dream turned sour
Beckham’s move to America has turned a bit sour in recent months as the fans don’t seem to have forgiven him for joining Milan the first time around. Even one of his teammates at LA Galaxy Landon Donovan has had a pop at the former Madrid and United star, accusing Beckham of being unprofessional and not really caring about the Galaxy. Beckham has shrugged off the abuse and unhappiness of the Galaxy fans and has helped the franchise to the MLS Cup play-offs.
Fourth World Cup appearance?
Beckham has already been to three World Cups with England and will be hoping to be on the plane to South Africa next year. Its not a certainty that he will make it to his fourth World Cup with lots of competition for places on the right side of the England midfield. The likes of Aaron Lennon, Ashley Young, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Theo Walcott are all able to play that role and have youth on their side.
Advantage
However the former United star has the advantage of great experience both at international level and club level. He also has another advantage over the young wingers. He has the ability to produce the end product. His crossing ability is far superior to any of the aforementioned midfielders. Lennon’s crossing ability has slightly improved in recent months but all too often his crosses go astray.
If Lennon could perfect his crossing ability I think he would be undisputed first choice but at the moment its still up for debate. Beckham is a really good player to have on the bench to come on for Lennon with 15 or 20 minutes to go and create a goal.
Should he go to the World Cup?
This has been discussed and discussed in the English press and also by nearly every football fan in England. However there’s only one man who can decide if he goes or not and that’s England boss Fabio Capello. If he has a good few months in Milan and stays injury free I think he will go to South Africa.
Capello likes Beckham and hes a good player to have in your squad. I would take Beckham just because of his will to win for his country and his vital experience. If England are to win next years competition then we will need to use every asset we have at our disposal and Beckham to me is a good asset to have.
Even better start than treble winners
The win against Jerez marked Barca's best ever start to a league campaign. The team have taken 33 points, one more than last season's title wining treble winners.
As Pep Guardiola warned at the start of the season it 's going to be difficult to better last year's historic achievements, but the team have made a great start and won more points in the first 13 games than they managed last year.
The team had already equalled the record for the longest winning start to a season and they have maintained their great form in the last few games to break the record for the most points after 13 games, maintaining their unbeaten record by wining 10 games and drawing 3.
It's the first time Barca have gone 13 games undefeated at the start of a season since Bobby Robson's 1996/97 team, although they could only boast 9 wins, having drawn 4 times.
Sagna fit for Stoke test but Walcott injured – Arsenal Bos
Arsène Wenger had mixed injury news to report when he spoke to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon.
Bacary Sagna has recovered from his ankle injury and should be fit for the visit of Stoke on Saturday. However, Theo Walcott has a collected a short-term hamstring problem and will miss out.
Alex Song is suspended after receiving his fifth booking of the season on Wednesday at Manchester City. But, on the upside, the manager revealed that Robin Van Persie (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (foot) are both recovering well from recent surgery.
"We had Sagna out injured [before] but, normally, he will be available," said Wenger.
"However, Theo Walcott will not be available. He has a hamstring injury.
"As for the other players we had injured, the long-term ones I do not even speak about. But the players who looked to be shorter - like Clichy, Diaby and Bendtner - will not be available. And, of course, Song is suspended for the weekend."
Gibbs and Van Persie are in the longer-term bracket but thankfully both are on the mend after surgery.
"Kieran is doing very well," said Wenger. "I had him on the phone and it looked to be completely fine. I have not talked to Robin yet but there again the news I got from the surgery was it went very, very well. There was a lot of disturbance on our side recently [about his injury] but the surgery went well."
United, Villa through to League Cup semis
Darron Gibson fired holders Manchester United through to the last four of the English League Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford that ended Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of a third successive final. United, who beat Spurs on penalties in last season’s Wembley final, were joined in the semi-finals by Aston Villa after the five-time winners beat Premier League stragglers Portsmouth 4-2 at Fratton Park.
Big-spending Manchester City welcomed Arsenal while league leaders Chelsea travelled to Blackburn Rovers for yesterday’s quarter-finals.
With the rain sweeping down, young Irish midfielder Gibson opened the scoring for United against the run of play in the 16th minute and doubled his tally 22 minutes later with a powerful shot to the top corner from 18 metres.
The scoreline flattered United’s youthful-looking team, however, with Tottenham playing the better football for much of the first half as they sought their first win at Old Trafford in 20 years.
“We’ve scored against the run of play, Tottenham were I thought dominating the first 30 minutes of the match anyway,” United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told Sky Sports television. “They could have been in front by two or three opportunities.
“The second half, in fairness, we were much better. We are two games away from Wembley, so that’s good…we will enjoy the semi-final and these lads will play again.”
Jermain Defoe tested United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak in the seventh minute and had a great chance in the 21st when he found space at the back post only to be denied by the rock-steady Nemanja Vidic in defence.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was stunned by his side’s lack of passion.
“We were never going to get a better opportunity than we had tonight,” he said. “The first half really, they (United) had two shots on goal and scored twice. There was no atmosphere, it was like a practice match.
“It was played at a lethargic pace, we didn’t make a tackle in the first half. I’ve never been to Old Trafford and sensed there was no atmosphere. The thing never really got going, there was nothing happening.”
Villa made a woeful start at Portsmouth, going behind in the 10th minute when Stilian Petrov tried to clear at the near post but sliced the ball into his own net.
Portsmouth, who lost 4-1 to United at the weekend, had little time to enjoy their lead with Emile Heskey equalising two minutes later. Villa made it 2-1 in the 27th through James Milner and went 3-1 ahead in the 74th when England winger Stewart Downing headed in at the far post to score on his first start for the club.
Kanu pulled a goal back with a low shot in the 87th but Ashley Young restored Villa’s lead two minutes later with a deflected shot high into the net.
“It was the sort of start that we didn’t want,” said Villa manager Martin O’Neill.
"We were hoping that we could come out strongly and conceding an early goal was not part of the plan. But, if anything, it got us going.”
Van Persie sidelined for four months after surgery
Arsenal ace striker Robin van Persie has had successful surgery to the ankle injury, however, that will keep him off the fields for a minimum of four months, confirms coach Arsene Wenger.
Van Persie suffered the injury while on international duty during a friendly with Italy and his absence has proved a major setback for the Gunners, with two back to back defeats with no goal in the Premier league clash against Chelsea and League Cup clash against Manchester City.
Wenger was furious with the Dutch FA after discovering that the Van Persie who was injured in a friendly international with Italy, had suffered more extensive damage than first diagnosed.
Van Persie was initially sent for controversial horse placenta treatment in Serbia after the misdiagnosis, which the North London club said they would have managed differently had they known the full extent of the injury.
However, the Wenger annonced on the club’s official website that the surgery was a complete success and said; “I have not talked to Robin yet but there again the news I got from the surgery was it went very, very well.
“There was a lot of disturbance on our side recently (about his injury) but the surgery went well.”
I would love to score against Manchester United. It's a big game - Zavon Hines
The Hammers youngster will get his chance on Saturday due to the injury of fellow front man Carlton Cole who faces a number of weeks on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.
Cole suffered the knee problem in last weekend's 5-3 win over Burnley but fortunately he will not require surgery.
It will give Cole's understudy an opportunity to show his worth to manager Gianfranco Zola and the England U21 star cannot wait.
"I would love to score against Manchester United," he said. "It's a big game, when Arsenal came here we were all up for it. Every time I come on I feel happy to be honest because not a lot of people are in my position. Obviously I work hard and work on being more confident and trying to play my best for the team."
The 20-year-old has played 14 times in his breakthrough season with West Ham, scoring a winning goal against Aston Villa, and is always looking to improve his game.
"It's good learning from Carlton and Mark Noble, obviously they're different in a lot of ways but they're both good at what they do," he said. "Learning more from them obviously helps my game and helps me get better."
We are an improvement even from that first year here under Mourinho - Ricardo Carvalho
Chelsea have a five-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table and are favourites to claim the crown.
Their impressive start has seen Carlo Ancelotti's men lose just two matches, conceding eight goals from their first 14 fixtures.
Jose Mourinho led the Blues to the title in 2005 with a side that lost just once in 38 outings and conceded only 15 goals.
But Carvalho, who was signed by Mourinho in 2004 and has gone on to make 196 appearances, thinks the present team has more quality.
"In this moment we are an improvement even from that first year here under Mourinho," said the 31-year-old defender, whose national side Portugal have qualified for the World Cup.
"Of course then we were compact and everyone was fighting, but now I think we have more quality in the squad maybe. Or at least different players, playing in a different system and style.
"We are playing well and not conceding goals, we are top, and also we have qualified for the World Cup, so everyone in my life is happy."
Chelsea face a tricky test when they visit Eastlands to play seventh-placed Manchester City on Saturday.
Carvalho added: "We are in a good moment, we have had some difficult games away, but if we can get the points on Saturday it will be good and then we are at home.
"We have had four games away, Porto, Arsenal, Blackburn and Man City and they are all hard games, with different styles, but what is important is to win. We have to be always a little worried because one bad result and things can change completely. Okay we are in a good moment now but we have to make sure we carry on with it."
Beckham's grandfather dies
LONDON: David Beckham's grandfather died on Wednesday, his agent said, but the England midfielder is expected to stay in South Africa where he is helping sell England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.
"His grandfather passed away this morning, but we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy at this time," his spokesman Simon Oliveira said.
Joseph West, 83, who died after battling a serious illness, was very close to Beckham and is credited with having had a formative influence on the star player's early career, reports said.
A friend of the player said that unless the funeral takes place in the next couple of days, Beckham is expected to continue his schedule in South Africa.
"His grandfather would have wanted him to continue to fulfil his duty to his country," the friend said.
Beckham is the key in selling England's struggling bid for the 2018 World Cup, Fifa president Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday.
Blatter met Beckham in Cape Town ahead of England's presentation this week of its bid credentials to the world's media and football's powerbrokers.
Beckham, who hopes to be in Fabio Capello's squad for the 2010 World Cup, has taken on the role of official ambassador for England's bid in an attempt to convince Fifa executives to award them a first World Cup since 1966.
Beckham, one of the few players to score in three World Cups, will take part in today's draw for next year's competition.
“Our main target is to get back into the top four”- Steven Gerrard
The Reds, who take on Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, have slipped 13 points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea after an indifferent run of results over the past two months.
They are out of the Champions League and must end up in the first four places if they want to play in Europe's elite competition again.
Victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby at the weekend will have boosted morale and that has moved Rafael Benitez's outfit to just two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.
Reds skipper Gerrard said: "I think we have to be realistic. At the moment we're out of the title race, but we will keep trying to get back in it.
"There is still a lot of football to be played and it is possible to turn it around, but I think Chelsea are looking really strong at the moment.
"But our main target is to get back into the top four. We're coming off the back of a fantastic win at Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn and try and go on a run of games where we can get closer to the teams above us."
Liverpool's Rafael Benitez Explains Alberto Aquilani Problem
But Reds' boss adamant Italian is nearing first team action...Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been explaining his decisions regarding the lack of first team action that Alberto Aquilani has seen since his £20 million switch from Roma.
The midfielder joined the Reds in the summer already carrying an injury and has been striving for match fitness and a first team place ever since.
Benitez has so far reluctantly used Aquilani, and has been heavily criticised for failing to hand the Italian regular first team action although the Spaniard has hit back at his critics, claiming there have been unforeseen problems.
"He [Aquilani] has been out for longer than we expected and, because he has been injured during the summer, he couldn't train properly," he told the Liverpool Echo.
"Now it is much better and it is a case of improving his match fitness. We want to play him and we thought we might have been able to do that with the reserves at Wigan."
"That was called off, but we had some games at Melwood and he played 45 minutes against our reserves last week. We are trying to improve him as quickly as we can."
Many Liverpool fans have been left frustrated at Benitez’s cautious approach, particularly after seeing Aquilani impress during the 15 minute appearance he made in a League Cup tie against Arsenal.
The former Valencia coach seemingly shares those frustrations but believes his handling of the situation will pay dividends.
"It has not been easy to not play him, but we are giving him more encouragement in training sessions and he is getting much, much better," he added.
"We know he is a top-class player and we want to do the best for him and the team."
“We will be out on the market that is for sure”- Wanger
The Gunners confirmed last week that they will be without their main creative attacking threat until April after the Holland forward suffered ankle ligament damage while on international duty.
Asked if Van Persie's absence would now influence his thoughts for January, the Arsenal manager replied: "It has to."
Van Persie, who has scored eight goals this season, was missed on Sunday as Arsenal suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League as Arsenal needed some creativity up front.
And whoever Wenger lands in the transfer market, the 60-year-old is determined only to bring players in on the right terms.
He said: "I did not feel we were in need to buy anybody but we will be out on the market that is for sure - however, we will only make a decision if it suits us."
Arsenal face Stoke City at home on Saturday, and Wenger will have a selection headache with striker Nicklas Bendtner also ruled out until the end of the month.
We must find consistency in play: Cannavaro
Upon exiting the dressing rooms at the stadium in Cagliari, Fabio Cannavaro commented the performance of the team in this manner: “In the first half we played badly but in the second we pressed a lot and we would have deserved a draw”.
It is inevitable to try and understand what is not working: “It is not a formation problem, the problem is that we are not consistent and I am not speaking of results but of play. Unfortunately at the moment we are not managing to have this” stated Cannavaro.
Carling Cup 2010 HIGHLIGHTS Blackburn vs Chelsea 3-3
Dec 2, 2009 8:00 PM GMT
Stadium: Ewood Park, England
Attendance: 18,136
Referee: A Wiley
Score:
Blackburn
9' Kalinic N.
64' Emerton B.
93' McCarthy B.
0+121' McCarthy B.
0+123' Emerton B.
0+125' Grella V.
0+129' Hoilett D.
Chelsea
48' Drogba D.
52' Kalou S.
120' Ferreira P.
0+124' Drogba D.
0+126' Malouda F.
0+128' Zhirkov Y.
Top of the Match: Emerton B.
Blackburn vs Chelsea 3-3: Blackburn upsets Chelsea in Penalty Shootout
Blackburn had keeper Paul Robinson to thank for two penalty saves that sent them into the Carling Cup semi-finals at Chelsea's expense. Youngster Gael Kakuta was the unfortunate Chelsea player who's penalty miss finally gifted Blackburn the victory.
In normal time, Blackburn had taken an early lead through Kalinic but Chelsea hit back after the break, with quick-fire goals from Drogba and Salomon Kalou, before Emerton's cross deceived keeper Henrique Hilario.
Carlo Ancelotti went from hero to zero as his gamble to use all three substitutes at half-time first suceeded, then backfired. The Italian's changes made an instant impact as they came back from a goal down to lead 2-1, but a late injury in normal time to Soloman Kalou left the Blues with ten men, handing the momentum to Blackburn. Which they duly took, as Benni McCarthy thought he had won it in extra time from the penalty spot, but Chelsea incredibly struck level in the 120th minute to take the game to penalties through Paulo Ferreira.
Chelsea made the expected wholesale changes for this quarter-final, taking perhaps too much of a risk by resting seven players from the side that won at Arsenal on Saturday.
Ancelotti, who rested seven top players including John Terry and Frank Lampard, said: "We had priorities this week with league games against Arsenal and Chelsea. I felt we fielded a strong team. But in the first half they did not play well. That is why I used all three substitutes, it is not something I usually do.
"Then we were unlucky to have Salomon Kalou injured in the second half, and that meant we were left with 10 men. It was just unfortunate, but we still played well with 10 against 11.
"As for using Kakuta for that last penalty, it was my decision. I have seen him take good penalties during training, and I felt he could handle it.''
Blackburn assistant boss Neil McDonald, standing in for Sam Allardyce following the Ewood Park manager's heart surgery, was critical of Ancelotti's decisions.
He said: "I hope they regret making so many changes and not fielding a stronger team. Maybe they should have looked at our home record and realised that we are a decent side here.
"They should have played a stronger side. But I have to praise Paul Robinson for his shoot-out save after making a mistake to give them their equaliser.
"I have spoken to Sam and he is very pleased. He just told us to enjoy the moment and to get ourselves ready for Liverpool on Saturday.''
Manchester City down Young Arsenal 3-0: Citizen secure semi-final spot
Manchester City reached their first cup semi-final since 1981 and maintained the dream of ending their 33-year trophy drought by beating Arsenal 3-0 at Eastlands. Carlos Tevez, man-of-the-match Shaun Wright-Phillips and youngster Vladimir Weiss did the damage, sending the Blues over the moon and into Carling Cup orbit, with genuine hopes of emulating their Wembley triumph in this competition under Tony Book in 1976.
Manchester City included former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, while Craig Bellamy came in for Robinho and Gareth Barry returned in placr of Nigel de Jong. Arsenal unsurprisingly field a youthful team, which included six players twenty years old or below, but had Tomas Rosicky, Emmanuel Eboue and Mikael Silvestre providing the experience.
It was the home side who had the first attempt at goal just five minutes in. A Gareth Barry corner was swung into the penalty box and with Arsenal lacking in height Emmanuel Adebayor rose highest, but his header was well held by Lukasz Fabianski in the Arsenal goal.
City continued to boss the game and Craig Bellamy missed a glorious opportunity to put the in front. Shaun Wright-Phillips hassled Silvestre out on the ball on the corner of the box and picked out Bellamy with yards of space just inside the box. Unfortunately the Welshman could only drag his shot wide of the left-hand post from 12 yards out.
Arsenal then threatened themselves for the first real time in the game. Jack Wilshere played a cracking pass with the outside of his foot into the path of Carlos Vela and, under pressure from Joleon Lescott, the Mexican striker could only put a left-foot drive over Shay Given's bar. Minutes later Carlos Tevez forced another good save out of Fabianski with a fierce shot at the near post.
Things started to heat-up before half-time, with City still pressing Armond Traoure brings down Wright-Phillips on the right flank and is booked. He is quickly followed into the book by Craig Eastmond who’s shown a yellow for unsporting behaviour. Arsene Wenger and Mark Hughes who have cross swords in the past also started to have some disagreements in their technical areas, but the two sides went into the break goalless.
Five minutes into the second half and Man City took the lead. Tomas Rosicky was robbed of possession by the touchline and Carlos Tevez picked up the ball, powered into the box, and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner, giving Fabianksi no chance.
Arsenal responded to the goal well and tested the City defence when Aaron Ramsey was put through by Carlos Vela. But Ramsey blasted his shot high an wide. Up the other end Bellamy fired a ball across the box with Adebayor waiting, but Fabianski did enough to put the striker off and his touch went over.
Arsenal seemed to be pressing to get back into the game, but with twenty-two minutes remaining Man City all but sealed their semi-final place. Shaun Wright-Phillips drifted in off the right.
Wenger said: "The League Cup is a competition that is not one of our priorities, but we go to Manchester City to win a game. We'll play our young players and some of them will play in the Champions League as well because we are already qualified.
“But losing to Chelsea was a massive disappointment. We have to deal with it and respond by trying to win our next game. It is as simple as that”.
Wenger's comments were echoed by Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky. "It will be very tough to win the title now, we know that, but to let the season fall apart now would be the biggest mistake we can make."
Inter Are Better Than Juventus, But Scudetto Race Is Still Open: Marco Tardelli
Marco Tardelli believes Inter are far stronger than Juventus, but is well aware that the Turin-based powerhouse are still in with a shout of Scudetto glory.
Juve welcome Jose Mourinho's men on Saturday night. Maximum points are vital for Ciro Ferrara's charges following their loss to Cagliari last week.
Anything less could see hopes of glory dampened. Inter come to town with the aim of scuppering chances of success at Vinovo, but Tardelli has offered his old side a source of hope.
"Jose Mourinho has the more complete and competitive squad, but the fight is still very open," Tardelli told Tuttosport.
"Juventus also have a team of champions and they can add value to the team. I am expecting a nice game on Saturday."
Noise surrounding the Mario Balotelli saga has been resonant this week, with fears the match could be abandoned should fans spark controversy by booing the Inter man. Tardelli believes the players should not worry.
"I think the teams should be calm. They most not make polemic statements or suggest things that will make the atmosphere even more tense," he concluded.
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