Barca back on top after ending Real's winning streak

Barcelona ended Real Madrid's 15-match winning run to snatch back top spot in Spain's La Liga with a 3-1 "El Clasico" victory in the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Jose Mourinho's team had been seeking to break the Real record set in 1960-61 and go six points clear, but surrendered the lead on goal difference despite scoring after 23 seconds. However, Barcelona have played one more match and Madrid will catch that up next weekend.

The 163rd Clasico clash had been billed as a showdown between superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but neither FIFA Ballon D'Or award candidate could add to their league-leading tally of 17 goals on a rainy night in Madrid.

Instead it was Karim Benzema who gave Real the perfect start when he pounced to volley home from close range after Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes gave the ball away, and Mesut Ozil's shot deflected into the France forward's path.

That boosted Mourinho's hopes of a first league win over the European champions, but Alexis Sanchez -- starting ahead of David Villa -- equalized on the half-hour with a fierce low shot after Messi burst through the middle.

Josep Guardiola's team took the lead eight minutes after halftime when a shot by midfielder Xavi, making his 600th senior appearance for Barca, took a cruel deflection off Real defender Marcelo and wrongfooted goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Mourinho responded by replacing Ozil with Kaka, and Real should have leveled in the 65th minute when an unmarked Ronaldo headed wide from Xabi Alonso's perfect cross.

The home side immediately paid for that, as Cesc Fabregas fired in a superb far-post header from Dani Alves' teasing right-wing cross.

Rivalries renewed: Clasico preview in pictures

It was the former Arsenal midfielder's 10th goal in 13 starts this season, and gave Barca an advantage that Real could not reduce despite Kaka going close.

Barca had won just 16 of the 81 previous Clasicos played in the Spanish capital, but have not lost there in the league since 2008.

Third-placed Valencia failed to make ground on the leaders after conceding two late goals in a 2-1 defeat by Real Betis.

Ruben Castro netted twice in time added on after teammate Jose Dorado put through his own net in the 66th minute.

The defeat left Valencia seven points off the pace, while Betis moved away from the relegation zone and up to 13th.

Fourth-placed Levante closed to within a point of local rivals Valencia with a 1-0 win at home to Sevilla.

Defender Nano Rivas put his side five points clear of fifth-placed Sevilla with a 57th-minute winner after Sergio Ballesteros' effort was blocked on the line.

CNN

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Germany thrashes England to reach World Cup quarterfinals

A rampant Germany thrashed arch rivals England 4-1 in Bloemfontein to reach the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup.

Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski took advantage of sloppy defending to give Germany a 2-0 lead before Matthew Upson headed in for England.

Frank Lampard was denied an equalizing goal for England when the officials failed to spot that the ball had clearly crossed the line.

But despite England coach Fabio Capello's claim that the controversy was the turning point, a far superior Germany ran away with the match in the second half, with Thomas Mueller scoring twice on the break to inflict England's biggest ever World Cup defeat.

"I think we played well but then I was disappointed by the mistakes and they counter-attacked well," Capello told BBC Sport.

"Germany is a big team and they played well - we made mistakes, but the referee made a bigger one. This is football."

It was the first World Cup meeting between two of football's oldest foes since 1990, when West Germany beat England on penalties after a 1-1 draw. England's only previous victory had come in the 1966 final -- a 4-2 triumph at London's Wembley.
Video: Blatter favors 'accurate' technology

Germany carved the game's first opening inside five minutes when a pass over England's defense found Mesut Ozil, whose shot was saved by the legs of David James.

The same direct approach brought the opening goal after 20 minutes when a long punt downfield from Manuel Neuer sent Klose racing clear.

The striker showed strength to hold off Upson and flick the ball past James with an outstretched right foot to post his 50th international goal and his 12th at World Cup finals.

England's defenders were caught out of position again for Germany's second goal as Muller shifted the ball to Podolski, who slashed a left-footed shot into the far corner.

Five minutes later, England got back in the game when Gerrard's cross was headed home by Upson.

Then came the controversial moment when Lampard's strike from the edge of the penalty area struck the underside of the bar and bounced down about two feet over the goal-line, only for Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda and his assistants to fail to award a goal.

Germany may feel the decision atones for 1966, when England were famously awarded a third goal even though Geoff Hurst's shot appeared to bounce down on the line.

England looked the stronger side in early stages of the second half and Lampard rattled the bar with a free-kick.

But then the German onslaught began as England's hopes were buried by two fine counter-attacking goals in three minutes.

First Bastian Schweinsteiger teed up Mueller to smash the third past James at his near post, and then Mesut Ozil crossed for the Bayern Munich winger to compound England's misery.

Germany, who have now reached at least the quarterfinals at every World Cup since 1954, will face either Argentina in the last eight on Saturday, July 3.source:CNN

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Suarez double puts Uruguay into last eight as South Korea crash out

Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay qualified for the quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years with a 2-1 victory over South Korea in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Striker Luis Suarez scored both goals as the South Americans set up a clash with Ghana, who beat the United States 2-1 in extra-time in Saturday's late game.

Uruguay won the first World Cup at home in 1930 and then again in Brazil in 1950.

Coach Oscar Tabarez's team were the last to qualify for this year's tournament after winning a playoff against Costa Rica, but are now the first nation to move past the second-round stage.

"We are a country of only three million people, we have been a long time looking forward to something like this and now it's happened -- we are one of the eight best teams in the world," Tabarez told AFP.

Ghana's extra-time win ends U.S. dream

"This Korea side played a great match. This confirms how balanced football has become around the world. "

South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo was proud of his players, having qualifed for the last 16 as the second-placed team in Group B behind Argentina.

"My players never gave up, they were tenacious and rose to the challenge, they showed they were true Koreans," he said.

"We wanted to go into the quarterfinals, we had lots of chances. Uruguay were lucky enough to score -- we lost because we weren't able to match them."

Suarez benefited from poor defending to score the opening goal in the eighth minute, but his team conceded for the first time in the South African tournament after a similarly lax effort at the back allowed Lee Chung Yong to level on 68.

Uruguay qualify top of Group A

Having sat back after the opening goal, that spurred the Uruguayans onto attack again and the winning goal came with 10 minutes to play as Suarez curled a superb right-foot effort off the left-hand post and into the net.

South Korea, seeking to emulate 2002's semifinal achievement after an early exit in Germany four years ago, started strongest but gifted Suarez his second goal of the tournament.

South Africa's World Cup dream halted by Uruguay

The 23-year-old, who was in prolific scoring form for Dutch club Ajax last season, had the easiest of chances after the Korean defense allowed his strike partner Diego Forlan put send over a cross which bobbled past hapless goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong.

Uruguay then seemed happy to allow South Korea to push forward in search of an equalizer, which finally came with 22 minutes to play when Mauricio Victorino's defensive header looped backwards and Lee Chung Yong stole in ahead of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to head the ball into the unguarded net.

France and Uruguay goalless in Cape Town

With the rain lashing down in the Eastern Cape city, Uruguay suddenly stormed back into contention as both Suarez and Forlan missed chances.

Suarez made no mistake in the 80th minute after the Koreans failed to clear a corner, with his shot from the left side of the penalty area giving Jung no chance.

South Korea had a chance to level when Lee Dong Gook was set up by a fine through-pass from Park Chu-Young, but the striker's weak shot squirmed under the body of Muslera and the danger was cleared by captain Diego Lugano.Source:CNN

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Milan agree $21M fee for Real's Huntelaar

AC Milan are poised to complete the signing of striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Real Madrid after both clubs agreed an undisclosed fee on Thursday.
The Netherlands international is due to have a medical with the Italian club on Friday, Milan announced on its official Web site.

The 25-year-old has agreed a contract that will tie him to the Rossoneri until the summer of 2013, the club said.

Spanish giants Real, seeking to balance the books after a summer of massive spending, also confirmed the agreement on their official Web site.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport had earlier reported that the transfer fee would be $21.5 million, with Huntelaar to earn $4.3 million per year.

Milan lost their star forward Kaka to Madrid earlier this summer, and hope to add Huntelaar to an attacking pool of Brazilians Ronaldinho and Pato plus veteran Italian Filippo Inzaghi and Marco Borriello.
Huntelaar, who turns 26 on August 12, had seemed set to move to German club Stuttgart earlier this summer but the deal fell through.

He had also been linked with English club Tottenham after failing to make a big impact following his $29 million move from Dutch side Ajax in January 2009.

Huntelaar had been the Eredivisie's top scorer in the 2007-08 season, but netted only eight goals in 19 appearances for Real after being brought in when fellow Dutch forward Ruud van Nistelrooy was ruled out with a long-term injury.

Source:CNN

Tags: Milan, real Madrid

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Alonso set to complete Real Madrid transfer

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is expected to sign for Primera Liga giants Real Madrid on Wednesday after the two clubs agreed a fee believed to be in the region of $50 million for the Spanish international.
The end of a summer-long saga over the 27-year-old's future ended on Tuesday when Liverpool issued a short statement effectively bringing to a close his spell on Merseyside.

The statement read: "Liverpool Football Club this evening confirm they have reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical. The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed."

Although Liverpool will not reveal the details of the deal, privately sources are maintaining that manager Rafael Benitez had finally got his way over the transfer fee. Latest transfer gossip and rumors

It is believed that Madrid made another attempt to end the deadlock on Tuesday with an offer of $50m that will rise to $57.5m depending on Alonso's success over the first two years of what is believed to be a five-year contract.

Real Madrid issued a statement of their own, confirming he will have a medical on Wednesday.

Assuming all goes well, Alonso will join his former Liverpool team-mates Alvaro Arbeloa -- who moved last week for $6 million -- and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek at the Bernabeu.
With the Alonso deal, Real president Florentino Perez will have spent around $375 in two months on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Raul Albiol, Esteban Granero, Arbeloa, Alvaro Negredo and Karim Benzema.

Alonso joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad in August 2004 for $17.5 million and scored 19 goals in 210 games, including a goal in Liverpool's memorable Champions League final victory over AC Milan in 2005.

Liverpool will now be looking for an immediate replacement, with Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani and Juventus star Christian Poulsen both high on their list of targets.

Meanwhile, as Alonso prepares to arrive, Madrid are continuing to prune their inflated squad, as they look to get it down to the 25-player Spanish Primera Liga limit.

Last week, Madrid sold Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze to Marseille and on Tuesday another full-back, veteran Michel Salgado, left the club after 10 years at the Bernabeu.

The 33-year-old right-back, who joined Madrid from Celta Vigo in 1999, has been released by mutual consent despite having one year remaining on his current deal.

"Real Madrid would like to thank Michel for his commitment and behavior during 10 consecutive years of exemplary service with the club," said a statement on Madrid's official Web site.

Salgado enjoyed a great deal of success during his decade with Real, winning four Primera Liga and two Champions League titles among other trophies.

Source:CNN

Tags: Alonso, Real Madrid

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Transfer gossip: July 3

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Just when you thought transfer speculation could not get any more far-fetched, news circulates today that Michael Owen – man of many injuries, relegated from the English Premier League with Newcastle United and now out of contract, is having a medical with domestic champions Manchester United.
It seems the brochure Owen produced to garner interest from top-flight clubs has been a hit with Old Trafford supremo Alex Ferguson, who is keen to bring in a striker after losing out on both Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema.

The rumor has been reported widely by the British press. Do you think it is a good move for Manchester United? Add your comment below.

The Guardian call the potential move “astonishing” adding that Owen, who had recently been linked with Stoke City and Hull City had been “written off in many quarters as a has-been” but could complete one of the most “unexpected transfers” of the close season.

The Daily Telegraph confirms the rumor saying that despite his strong links with arch-rivals Liverpool, the 29-year-old would “welcome a move to United” because it would give him the chance to prove himself at Champions League level and also bolster his chances of regaining his place in England head coach Fabio Capello’s plans for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Elsewhere, The Times rams home the unexpected nature of the move by pointing out that Owen, who joined the ranks of the unemployed on Wednesday, when his contract at Newcastle expired, had been very concerned about a lack of interest in his signature after his former club Liverpool showed no desire to sign him, and Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce had said Owen was too injury prone.

Meanwhile, The Sun calls the move the “biggest gamble of Ferguson’s career.” The paper adds that the manager who “likes a flutter” considered signing the veteran striker in the January transfer window but has now thought again. Can he resurrect Owen’s career as he did with Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, Teddy Sheringham and Henrik Larsson? If Owen does sign it will be for a 50 percent pay cut according to the paper.

It looks like Fergie is keen to tie up another deal as well to ensure goals continue to flow next season. Sevilla’s 28-year-old Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano is on the shopping list for a fee of $26m, though the Red Devils will have to fight off competition from AC Milan who are keen to replace Kaka.
Daily Mirror

The rumors around Franck Ribery’s departure from Bayern Munich continue to do the rounds. After reporting the French winger’s intentions to leave the Bundesliga to join Real Madrid on Thursday L’Equipe have followed this today with news that Ribery left early from training with his teammates yesterday. Divorce seems likely the newspaper suggests and who are we to argue?

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Source:CNN

Tags: michael owen, manchester united, world cup

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Brazil survive U.S. scare to win Confed Cup

Five-time world champions Brazil needed to come from two goals down to beat underdogs the United States 3-2 in the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa on Sunday night.

Captain Lucio headed an 84th-minute winner to end the hopes of the plucky Americans, who scored twice in the first half-hour in Johannesburg.

Clint Dempsey, who netted in the shock 2-0 win against European champions Spain in the semi-finals, put the U.S. ahead in the 10th minute.

A massive upset seemed to be on the cards when captain Landon Donovan doubled the lead in the 27th minute, but Brazil reduced the deficit just 41 seconds after the half-time break through Luis Fabiano.

The striker then leveled with his fifth goal of the tournament in the 74th minute before Lucio rose highest to ensure that Brazil retained the title.

Brazil went into the game seeking a massive improvement on their dismal showing in laboring to beat hosts South Africa 1-0 in the semi-finals.

But Bob Bradley's U.S. team, beaten 3-0 by Brazil in the group stage, took a shock lead when Dempsey found space in the penalty area to guide home Jonathan Spector's fierce right-wing cross for his third goal of the tournament.
Goalkeeper Tim Howard continued his fine form to keep the Brazilians at bay, then Donovan finished off a superb counter-attack that the South Americans would have been proud of.

The veteran, who earlier in the tournament said his worst footballing memory was a 7-0 drubbing by Brazil when playing for the U.S. under-23 side, set the speedy Charlie Davies free down the left. He then controlled the return pass to cut inside Ramires and slot past Julio Cesar -- extending his national goalscoring record to 41.

Howard then saved a low angled shot from Fabiano, then the Sevilla forward headed over the bar 10 minutes before the interval.

But Fabiano struck a killer blow soon after the restart when otherwise-impressive U.S. defender Jay DeMerit allowed him to collect Kaka's pass inside the penalty area and swivel to fire past a helpless Howard.

Brazil surged forward in search of an equalizer, and Real Madrid's new signing Kaka thought he'd scored it when Howard beat out his downward header via the underside of the crossbar while the Everton keeper appeared to be behind the line.

However, the referee ruled otherwise to the Brazilian's disgust, which seemed to be justified by television replays.

Howard denied Fabiano when clear through on goal in the 70th minute, but soon after the forward was on hand to poach the leveler. Kaka beat full-back Spector down the left and his low cross was deflected into the path of Robinho, who prodded the ball against the underside of the bar -- and Fabiano headed home the rebound.

With the Americans visibly tiring, it was no surprise when Brazil claimed the winner.

Lucio found space in the box to powerfully head a corner from second-half substitute Elano into the net off the left-hand upright, with the U.S. defense having crucially left the post unguarded.

It was Brazil's third Confederations Cup triumph, having also won in 1997, and represented a 14th victory in the last 15 meetings with the U.S.

Coach Dunga has now presided over seven wins in 20 days, with five at the Confederations Cup and two in World Cup qualifiers.

Source:CNN

Tags: Brazil, survive, U.S, Confed Cup, world cup

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Ronaldo agrees six-year deal with Real

Cristiano Ronaldo will be unveiled as a Real Madrid player on July 6, having finally agreed terms over his world-record $130 million transfer from Manchester United.

Spanish giants Real had been in talks with the 24-year-old World Player of the Year's representatives for the past two weeks after agreeing the fee with English champions United.

The Portugal winger will be tied to the Bernabeu until 2015, with Spanish media reporting that he will be paid €13 million ($18 million) each season.

Madrid announced on the club's official Web site read: "Real Madrid and Manchester United have signed a final agreement for the transfer of the rights of Cristiano Ronaldo from July 1.

"The player will be tied to Real Madrid for the next six seasons and will be presented on July 6 at the Santiago Bernabeu."

United also confirmed the deal on their Web site, stating: "Cristiano Ronaldo's departure is all but done and dusted after Real Madrid and Manchester United finalized the agreement for his transfer on Friday evening.
The Portuguese winger was the subject of a world-record £80 million offer from the Spanish club on Thursday 11 June. He has since been on holiday but a return to work with new employers now beckons, with the sale set to be completed on Wednesday July 1."

When the deal is completed next week, it will be the fourth time Real have broken the world record for transfers.

President Florentino Perez smashed previous highest marks to bring Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane to the Bernabeu in his first stint in charge, then made AC Milan's Brazilian superstar Kaka his first 'Galactico' capture of his second reign at the start of this month.

Perez is trying to rebuild a squad which fell well behind bitter rivals Barcelona last season, with the Catalans completing an unprecedented treble of titles culminating with victory in the Champions League final against United in May.

Ronaldo has reportedly admitted that he had already decided to join Real following United's capture of European football's premier prize with victory against English rivals Chelsea a year ago.

He will be the third new addition to the squad, with Valencia defender Raul Albiol due to sign a five-year deal next week after returning from Confederations Cup duty with Spain.

Real have been linked with a host of other players, including Albiol's club and international team-mate David Villa.

Source:CNN

Tags: Cristiano Ronaldo, champions league, real madrid, manchester united, florintino, ac milan, barcelona

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Fabregas confirms commitment to Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas has reacted to speculation over his future by insisting he is "wholeheartedly committed to Arsenal".

The Spain midfielder has been linked with moves to former club Barcelona and big-spending Real Madrid in recent days, and was quoted in a report on Thursday berating his team-mates' "impotence" in their attempts to win silverware.

However, Fabregas has hit back at suggestions he could be ready to quit the Emirates Stadium and told www.arsenal.com: "I'm not sure how many times I need to talk directly about my commitment to Arsenal as I continue to say the same thing over and over again, but it appears that every time I have spoken to the Spanish media recently, my words have bounced back to England, leaving question marks about my future.

Check out the world's 20 most wanted players

"So, for anyone who is unclear or may have misunderstood what my position is, let me make myself absolutely crystal clear. I am wholeheartedly committed to Arsenal and my future lies with this great club."

In this morning's report, Fabregas revealed his frustration at the Gunners' trophy drought which stretches back to the FA Cup final of 2005.

Comparing his situation to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is poised to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid after a glorious spell at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old was quoted as saying: "The absence of titles at Arsenal is what angers me the most.
"Cristiano said he's leaving Manchester United because he had nothing else to win. For me right now it is the exact opposite, seeing the impotence.

"This year we wanted it, we were giving everything -- but we couldn't reach the level that everyone expected of Arsenal."

In Thursday afternoon's statement, Fabregas did not attempt to downplay his anger. However, he insists that is a motivation to improve the club's fortunes, rather than a reason to throw in the towel and head for his homeland.

"It is a fact that we have not won a trophy for four years and yes, I am angry about that, but that anger stems from the deep deep desire I have to win things with Arsenal," he said.

"I care about this club and believe in this team. I am proud to captain this team and proud to wear the shirt. It really upsets me when people express my thoughts otherwise.

"The spirit in this squad is fantastic and we have the ability and mentality to compete on all fronts for silverware. Make no mistake, we are focussed and determined to show that we are capable of achieving great things together."

Source:CNN

Tags: Fabregas, arsenal, real madrid, win, barcelona, team, england, spanish, Manchester united, cristiano

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Egypt protest over Brazil Confed Cup winner

Egypt said they would file a protest to FIFA after Brazi'ls controversial injury time winner in their Confederations Cup opener in Bloemfontein on Monday night.

Egypt had come back from 3-1 down to be tied at 3-3 as the match headed into injury time, but were beaten by Kaka's last-gasp penalty.

English referee Howard Webb had initially appeared to award a corner after Lucio's goalbound effort was blocked by Ahmed al-Muhamadi on the line.

While Al Muhamadi rolled around on the ground apparently injured, fourth official Matthew Breeze spoke with Webb, reportedly after seeing television replays.

Webb then signaled to the penalty spot and showed Al Muhamadi the red card.

"Since when do the regulations say it is a penalty based on the monitors or on the television?" asked Egypt's deputy coach Shawki Gharib.

"Egypt is going to file a complaint against the penalty."

Are Egypt right to feel hard done by over Brazil's penalty ?

Brazil coach Dunga saw nothing wrong with the decision. "It was a clear case of a penalty," he said, adding that his team let a two-goal lead slip because they were tired.

"We had two tough (World Cup) qualifiers, 23 hours of travel and the time difference. The players have not been sleeping well so obviously we are quite happy with the win."

It was a sour end to a superb match between the African Nations winners and reigning Confederations Cup champions Brazil.

Brazil were leading 3-1 at halftime with first-half strikes from Real's Madrid's new $92 million signing Kaka on five minutes with Luis Fabiano (12) and Juan (37).
Mohamed Zidan had initially equalized by heading home Wael Gomaa's cross on nine minutes.

But two goals inside two minutes in the second half saw Egypt draw level again.

The first came when Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from the left to Mohamed Shawky, who blasted a superb strike beyond Julio Cesar, with the dangerous Zidan adding the third seconds later.

Dunga took off Manchester City pair Robinho and Elano soon after and replaced them with Benfica midfielder Ramires and Milan striker Alexandre Pato.

The changes did the trick as Kaka scored his second from the spot, but FIFA will now await an official Egypt protest.

Brazil next face CONCACAF Gold Cup winners United States on Thursday before facing world champions Italy on June 21.

In an earlier match on Monday, world champions Italy came from a goal down to beat the United States 3-1.
(Source:CNN.COM)

Tags: Egypt, Brazil, Cup, Winner, FIFA, al-muhamadi, shawki gharib, players, strike, luis Fabiono, juan, mohamed zidan, ramires, alexandre pato

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Gerrard: English is not frivolous Andorra

Full English national team, Steven Gerrard, said that his team will play for the serious respect of Andorra. He wants "The Three Lions" print goal quickly to secure the number three. Klasemen British occupied top Group 6 European zone World Cup 2010 qualifying with 18 points. To pass to the final round to South Africa, "St George Cross" need only six more points. If England win over Andorra and Croatia Series opponent, world champion in 1966 that automatically passes to Afsel.
Face Andorra, the UK is very likely to get full points. On paper, the class of Andorra is located far below the UK, let alone take their basic Klasemen Group 6 with zero points. Nevertheless, Gerrard did not see any reason for the UK to Andorra menyepelekan. According to him, the team champion bermental should respect the opponents, whoever they are. Gerrard determined to bring his team to immediately pass the final lap. That is, they must achieve victory in the match to the front two.

"Before the match, everyone expects you to wipe out and beat them with five or six (goals)," said Gerrard to Sport.co.uk. "However, the most important thing for us is to respect them, print the first goal, and continue to strive after it," he added. England cup versus Andorra akan held at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday june 10,2009. English threatened without spectators due to transportation routes and facilities to the stadium subject to strike action by employees of transportation companies Rail Maritime and Transport union Union.
(source:Kompas.com)

Tags: Gerrard, English, Inggris, Andorra, Qualifying, stadium, Victory

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Berlusconi appealed Kaka Not Moving

AC Milan owner, Silvio Berlusconi, he stressed that the force does not move for Kaka. He would ask to keep Kaka in the San Siro next season. Issues removals continue scrolling Kaka bid following a big Real Madrid and Chelsea. Vice President General Manager as well as Milan, Adriano Galliani, stressed that the decision to sell Kaka not because the club is no longer love the Brazilian players. Milan need to get a feel for the additional funds membenahi team. Milan management plan is obtained directly from the suporter protest. They threaten akan Berlusconi demanded back from Milan. However, Berlusconi stressed that the government never forced Kaka move. "I Rossoneri" would ask that Kaka still defend "Il Diavolo" because he has become the icon of the club. "I ask him to stay in Milan," said Berlusconi to Milan Channel. "I do so many months ago and Kaka, despite already ditawar euro 105 million, still live."
Berlusconi admitted that indeed there is discussion concerning the possibility to sell Kaka. However, everything depends on the willingness Kaka, if you want to stay in the San Siro club or move. Club will not clog Kaka go if he really wanted it, same as when Andriy Shevchenko moved to Chelsea two years ago. "Galliani and I met Monday june 1.2009 ago. I request to meet Kaka, but he had to go to Brazil so I agree with Galliani to talk with Kaka by phone Monday night june 8.2009 or Sunday june 7, 2009, 'he added.' If he shows the same situation with Andriy Shevchenko, we will get the same reaction from the club, giving freedom to the players and their families to make decisions according to the best of them, 'go that Italian Prime Minister.

Berlusconi promised, if so moved Kaka, it will redeem it by building a stronger team. Money transfer 65 million euro sales Kaka akan he traded players who will make the new team more competitive next season.

Tags: Sepak bola, kaka, milan, brazil, Chelsea, real madrid

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2 - 0 Untuk Barca

Samuel Eto'o dan Lionel Messi mengantar Barcelona menjuarai Liga Champions 2009. Sumbangan gol keduanya membawa "El Barca" menang 2-0 atas MU pada babak final,diStadion Olimpico.

Dengan itu, Barcelona berhasil mencatatkan rekor baru sebagai tim Spanyol pertama yang meraih treble dalam semusim. Keberhasilan ini juga seakan membuktikan bahwa kesetiaan kepada filosofi sepak bola menyerang lebih ampuh daripada sepak bola taktis.

Sepanjang pertandingan final, Barcelona konsisten memainkan sepak bola menyerang. Bahkan, setelah hampir tiga kali kebobolan pada sembilan menit pertama, mereka juga terus menyerang.

Akhirnya, ketika mendapat kesempatan menyerang pada menit kesepuluh, mereka berhasil unggul lebih dulu melalui Samuel Eto'o.

Gol bermula dari umpan Andres Iniesta kepada Samuel Eto'o di tengah kotak penalti. Eto'o kemudian mengecoh Nemanja Vidic sebelum melepas tendangan keras ke sudut kiri gawang Edwin van der Sar.

Berhasil mencetak gol di momen krusial, Eto'o tak bisa menahan emosi. Usai mencetak gol, ia berlari ke pinggir lapangan, menerima pelukan rekan-rekannya dengan mata berkaca-kaca.

Emosi gol itu betul-betul membangkitkan semangat juang pasukan Pep Guardiola. Mereka lepas dari tekanan juara bertahan dan berbalik menguasai bola.

Bermodal kelincahan kecakapan menggocek bola dari para pemainnya, Barca melakukan penetrasi dan mengancam gawang lawan. Sayang, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, dan Van der Sar berhasil mematahkan usaha tersebut.

MU sendiri bukannya tanpa peluang. Namun, karena sulit melepaskan diri dari kawalan Carles Puyol dan Gerard Pique, Wayne Rooney dkk hanya mengandalkan tendangan jarak jauh. Ini tak terlalu membahayakan bagi kiper Victor Valdes.

Tiga menit setelah babak kedua bergulir, Barcelona hampir mencetak gol kedua. Ia berhasil melewati Ferdinand di sektor kiri, tapi tendangan jarak dekatnya membentur badan Van der Sar.

Pada menit ke-52, pasukan Pep Guardiola itu lagi-lagi nyaris membuat gol. Kali ini tendangan bebas Xavi Hernandez mengarah ke kanan. Van der Sar tak kuasa menahan bola, namun si kulit bulat membentur tiang dan kembali ke lapangan permainan.

Kerja keras dan loyalitas Barcelona akhirnya membuahkan gol kedua pada menit ke-70 melalui Messi. Menerima umpan silang Xavi, Messi berhasil menanduk bola masuk ke sudut kanan atas gawang MU.

Semakin jauh meninggalkan lawan, Barcelona mulai berpikir mengamankan trofi. Guardiola pun memutuskan menarik Henry dan memasukkan Seydou Keita. Keputusan itu tepat mengingat MU sudah lebih dulu menambah daya gempur dengan memasukkan Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov, dan Paul Scholes.

Permainan kemudian berlangsung ketat di tengah. Beberapa kali MU berhasil mendapatkan peluang melalui Tevez dan Berbatov. Namun, usaha mereka tak kunjung menyusahkan Valdes.

Skor 2-0 untuk Barcelona bertahan hingga akhir laga. Barcelona menciptakan rekor baru, sekaligus mematahkan ambisi MU mempertahankan gelar juara.
(Source:kompas.com)

Tags: Barcalona, Mancester United, Olimpico, Sepak Bola, Liga Champion

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Ferguson Relakan Tevez Pergi,untuk Pertahankan Ronaldo.

Pelatih Manchester United Alex Ferguson, akan berupaya keras agar bisa mempertahankan Cristiano Ronaldo di Old Trafford. Namun, ia tidak akan menahan Carloz Tevez jika striker Argentina itu ingin pergi.

Menurut Ferguson, MU memiliki sesuatu yang diinginkan Ronaldo dan sulit didapat di tempat lain, yaitu gelar juara. Musim ini, "Red devil" sudah meraih tiga tropi, yaitu Piala Dunia Antarklub, Piala Carling, dan Premier League. Selangkah lagi, mereka akan mewujudkan quadruple bila berhasil mengalahkan Barcelona di final Liga Champions.

"Yang bisa saya katakan adalah bahwa ia tidak memberikan indikasi bahwa ia ingin pergi. Ia gembira dan nyaman, dan saya juga," ujar Ferguson seperti dikutip Daily Mail.

Mengenai Tevez, Ferguson mengatakan bahwa klub sedang berusaha menyelesaikan polemik pembelian pemain tersebut. Namun, Ferguson juga tidak terlalu ingin mempertahankan Tevez apalagi jika agen Tevez meminta uang transfer dalam jumlah besar.

"Ini adalah situasi sulit yang kami coba pilah. Tak banyak yang bisa kami lakukan bila ia berniat pergi. Ini bergantung kepada klub mana yang bisa menawarkan kesepakatan yang dicari perwakilannya," paparnya.

Klub mana pun yang menginginkan Tevez harus membayar 25 juta poundsterling atau sekitar Rp 400 miliar kepada Kia Joorabchian. MU sendiri keberatan membayar harga tersebut karena terlalu mahal.
(kompas.com)

Tags: Ferguson, Teves, Cristian Ronaldo, MU, Barcelona

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Hasil Semi Final Liga Champion Barcelona Vs Chelsea

Barcelona Vs Chelsea

Hasil Semi Final Liga Champion Eropa terbaru Barcelona vs Chelsea

adalah 0-0. Hasil semi final Liga Champion Barcelona vs Chelsea tidak sama dengan prediksi hasil Barcelona vs Chelsea saya. Hasil Barcelona vs Chelsea ini di bawah harapan saya.

Padahal menurut saya pribadi, Barcelona musim ini sangat spektakuler dibandingkan Chelsea, tapi apa boleh buat itulah Sepak Bola… tidak bisa diprediksi sebelumnya, kadang tepat kadang juga meleset.

Saya berharap adanya pesta gol di pertandingan tersebut, tapi mungkin karena pertandingan ini adalah pertandingan semi final Liga Champions leg pertama, jadi Barcelona dan Chelsea bermain hati-hati dan permainan Chelsea pun cenderung bertahan, ketimbang Barcelona yang terus MENGGEMPUR barisan pertahanan Chelsea, yang habis-habisan bertahan demi tidak kebobolan 1 GOL.

Dengan hasil Semi Final Liga Champion Barcelona melawan Chelsea ini, maka Barcelona pun harus meraih minimal hasil seri 1-1, atau bahkan menang di Stamford Bridge, dan Chelsea pun harus menang di pertandingan semi final Liga Champions leg 2 kalau ingin mengulang suksesnya di musim lalu, dimana Chelsea berhasil untuk pertama kalinya menembus Final Liga Champion dalam sejarah Club tersebut.

Tapi, secara pribadi.. terus terang saya mendukung Barcelona untuk menjadi juara musim ini, karena memang kita melihat penampilan anak asuh dari Joseph Guardiola ini, sangat mengagumkan.. di kancah DOMESTIK atau di kancah LIGA CHAMPIONS.

Di perempat Final Liga Champions aja Barcelona menghajar habis-habisan Raksasa Jerman Bayern Munich dengan agregat 5-1, untuk itu harapan saya Barcelona bisa mengulangi suksesnya di tahun 2006 dimana Club tersebut berhasil Menjuarai Liga Champions Eropa untuk kedua kalinya dalam sejarah Club tersebut.

(bendeddy.wordpress.com)

Tags: Liga Champion, Barcelona, Chelsea, semi final, Joseph Guardiola

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