ASTON VILLA v EVERTON, 1-1 Mon 2 Apr 2007

Gabriel Agbonlahor rescued a precious point for Aston Villa and dealt a blow to Everton's European hopes with a late equaliser against David Moyes' side.
The England Under-21 international scored from close range in the 83rd minute to cancel out Joleon Lescott’s first goal for the Toffees after 15 minutes.
Everton dominated the opening half but Villa were transformed after the break with John Carew twice missing good chances before Agbonlahor struck.
The visitors were the better side in all departments in the first half with Mikel Arteta impressive, although Villa did appear at times to lack inspiration and belief.
The midlanders also struggled to cope with the threat of Andy Johnson and James Vaughan but it was a different story in the second period.
Martin O’Neill’s substitutes Patrik Berger and Shaun Maloney made a big impression and it was Everton who were on the back foot for long periods with captain Gareth Barry inspiring the home side’s comeback.
But Everton looked set to hold on until Agbonlahor’s goal pushed Villa five points ahead of third-from-bottom Charlton Athletic.
Everton, beaten only once in their last eight matches, enjoyed the majority of the early possession from the first whistle.
Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen comfortably dealt with a dipping volley from Leon Osman and Wilfred Bouma blocked Vaughan’s drive after the ball had been turned into his path by Johnson.
Arteta was looking impressive on the left flank and he won and took the free-kick which led to Everton going ahead through Lescott’s first goal for the club.
He was chopped down by Gavin McCann and then got up to float a teasing ball into the Villa box. It took a deflection off Gary Cahill before finding its way to Lescott and the former Wolves player made no mistake with a far-post header.
Stiliyan Petrov produced Villa’s first decent attempt at goal, although Tim Howard was perfectly positioned to hold onto his 25-yard volley.
Ashley Young came with inches of forcing an equaliser against the run of play when he poked his first-time shot just wide after Carew had flicked on Bouma’s free-kick.
But Everton were soon back on the offensive and Joseph Yobo headed wide after Alan Stubbs had turned a corner from Arteta back across goal.
Vaughan was only just off target with a fizzing 25-yard drive and Johnson appealed in vain for a penalty after being challenged from behind by Petrov.
It was Phil Neville’s turn to be only just off target with a long-range attempt as Everton continued to boss the game.
Villa were forced into a substitution after 38 minutes when Young limped off to be replaced by Maloney - his first taste of action at Villa Park since his January move from Celtic.
McCann became the first player to be booked after hauling back Arteta and his 10th yellow card of the campaign will mean a two-game ban.
Leon Osman had a shot deflected past the post in injury-time before Villa left the pitch disappointed.
O’Neill made a tactical half-time substitution, taking off McCann and replacing him with the more attack-minded Berger.
Villa looked a transformed side as Carew took a cross from Phil Bardsley in his stride and saw Howard make a fine save to keep out his angled shot.
The Norway international was first to react to the rebound and this time Stubbs made the vital block.
Howard then denied Carew at point-blank range after Agbonlahor had headed a cross from Berger back across goal.
Carew had another opportunity from Bouma’s ball into the box but he failed to make full contact with his volley.
Arteta drilled a low drive just wide as Everton appeared to have weathered the storm and Sorensen was unable to cling on to Johnson’s fiercely-struck shot from 20 yards.
But with seven minutes left Agbonlahor levelled from close range after Carew’s initial attempt was blocked by Howard.

EURO 2008 Q : ENGLAND 3 - 0 ANDORRA

Steven Gerrard struck twice in the second half and debutant David Nugent added a late third to give England victory against Andorra in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying.
Blushes sparedIn a game played at the Estadio Olímpico de Montjuic in a rainy Barcelona, England were hoping to end a five-match winless run, including Saturday's 0-0 draw in Israel. But that scoreline looked like it might be repeated until Gerrard - with his first double for his country - and substitute Nugent saved England's blushes, securing a success that moves Steve McClaren's men level with Russia and Israel in Group E, two points behind leaders Croatia.
FrustrationFielding Stewart Downing for the injured Frank Lampard and two fresh full-backs in Micah Richards and Ashley Cole, England dominated against a team without a point in their previous 22 fixtures in this competition. But it was a frustrating first half for the visitors, even though Gerrard showed his intent in forcing Andorra goalkeeper Koldo Álvarez to make an 18th-minute save.
Gerrard strikesDowning volleyed wide shortly after the half-hour and Andrew Johnson made Koldo work with a strong shot, but for the first time in this campaign Andorra made it to the break without conceding. Nine minutes into the second period, however, Koldo was finally beaten after Wayne Rooney flicked the ball to Gerrard and he volleyed into the net. Shortly afterwards Richards was stretchered off holding his leg and was unable to continue.
Nugent joyKoldo then kept out Gerrard again, yet with 14 minutes left the midfielder made no mistake with a low shot following good work from substitute Jermain Defoe. The Tottenham Hotspur FC forward nearly had a goal of his own in stoppage time but his strike, parried by Koldo, was helped over the line by Nugent, the Preston North End FC player who had replaced Johnson for his first cap. England are next in action in Estonia on 6 June when they will be without Rooney, suspended after being booked.

THIS BLOG WILL CONTINUE

Sorry, after long break, I will continue to write in this Blog.

World Cup - Did you know ?

Indonesia, under the name Dutch East Indies, was the first Asian team to participate in the FIFA World Cup when they qualified in 1938. But a 6-0 loss in Reims to eventual finalists Hungary remains the country's only World Cup match. In 1958, the team tasted their first World Cup action as Indonesia in the qualifying rounds. They got past China in the first round, but subsequently refused to play their next opponents Israel.
Indonesia has yet to win the regional Tiger Cup, despite reaching the final in the last three editions of the tournament (2000, 2002, and 2004). Their only continental titles came in the 1987 and 1991 South East Asian Games. One win in group play in the 2004 Asian Cup tournament, their first ever in that competition, may signal a rise in the side's stature on the Asian football scene. Under the guidance of former Aston Villa and England striker Peter Withe, the Southeast Asia outfit looks set to continue their success in terms of football development and in the FIFA World Rankings

FIFA World Rankings - As of April 2006

Rank Team
1 Brazil
2 Czech Republic
3 Netherlands
4 United States
5 Spain
6 Mexico
7 France
8 Portugal Argentina
10 England
11 Denmark
12 Nigeria
13 Turkey
14 Italy
15 Cameroon
16 Sweden
17 Japan
18 Egypt
19 Greece Germany

Lampard : England can win without Rooney

England midfielder Frank Lampard believes there is enough quality in the England squad to cope without injured forward Wayne Rooney and says the players are still confident they can go all the way in Germany.
"We're all upset that we could potentially lose Wayne because he is one of the best players in the world. But we cannot use that as an excuse," Lampard said on Wednesday.
"We have got to look at our squad and think we have still got Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, John Terry, Joe Cole, and Rio Ferdinand at the back.
"I could go through every player because there is a great deal of Champions League experience and fantastic players throughout the whole team. We have now got to be sure what we are all about."
Lampard was speaking at a news conference after England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson had earlier said that Rooney, who has broken more than one bone in his foot, may need a miracle to play at the FIFA World Cup™ finals which start on 9 June.
"Of course, we are going to miss Wayne, but we have got great quality in this team and we can go and win the World Cup," added Lampard. "We will have other options in the way we play and for me there should be no pessimism."
The FA are set to hold another board meeting on Thursday where they are expected to name the next England manager.
England assistant coach Steve McClaren, who has led Middlesbrough to this year's UEFA Cup final, is the favourite to succeed Eriksson after the FIFA World Cup. Lampard feels he would be a popular choice among the players.
"Steve has been a great coach for England and what he has done for Middlesbrough this season has been fantastic," said Lampard. "People thought they might have struggled in the league but he has managed to get them to a UEFA Cup final.
"I know Steve from working with him and if he does get the job he will be a fantastic England manager.
"He is a great coach on the training pitch. When he speaks to you it makes sense straight away. You can always learn things from him and he has that personal touch with the players. That is a big step for a manager."

Red Devils secure runners-up spot

Manchester United marched purposefully into next season's Champions League group phase with a four-goal hammering of Charlton Athletic in the Barclays Premiership.
Even without Ruud van Nistelrooy, who club officials confirmed had 'gone home' three hours before kick-off, and injured Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men had more than enough to see off the Addicks, who were unable to mark Alan Curbishley’s last game in charge with a win.
Louis Saha began the rout, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding another before Jason Euell netted an own goal and Kieran Richardson rifled home a fourth just before the hour.
No official reason was given before kick-off for Van Nistelrooy's departure, but it paved the way for Giuseppe Rossi to partner Saha in his stead.
The 19-year-old Italy youth international brought extra verve to a United side who had picked up just five points from their last four games.
Rossi might not have got his name on the scoresheet during a mesmeric opening period, but his impact was telling nonetheless.
The teenager had already carved out a couple of half chances for himself when Richardson let fly with a brutal 30-yard shot which crashed down off the crossbar.
For one fleeting moment, it looked as though it had crossed the line but TV replays proved it had bounced right on the line and the officials had been correct to wave play on.
It was not long before Charlton goalkeeper Stephan Andersen was picking the ball out of his net, though, as Saha, the man who originally ousted Van Nistelrooy from the Red Devils’ starting line-up, rose to glance home a Ryan Giggs corner.
Ronaldo made it two midway through the half, with Giggs again supplying the assist.
After failing to make any contact with his first attempt to convert the Welshman’s low cross, Ronaldo was no doubt grateful for a kind rebound which offered him a second attempt to fire home his 12th goal of another mixed campaign.
There was also an element of good fortune about United’s third, although Ronaldo could argue it was his far-post run which harassed Euell into turning Saha’s low cross into his own net.
Had Andersen not shown admirable reflexes to push a flying Rossi header over, the young Italian would also have got his name on the scoresheet.
Instead, the hosts had to wait for their fourth until Richardson thundered home from 25 yards just before the hour.
The introduction of two old stagers, Paul Scholes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, either side of Richardson’s effort only reinforced the sense of a carnival, although this was hardly the kind of party Curbishley would have wished for after 15 years’ outstanding service in charge at Charlton.

Gunners claim the 4th spot, pipped Spurs...

Thierry Henry provided a fitting finale for Highbury as his hat-trick secured Arsenal a place in the Champions League next season, when Wigan Athletic were beaten 4-2 in the last match at the famous old stadium.
Knowing they had to better the result of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who were at West Ham United, to claim fourth spot in the Barclays Premiership, it was a composed display by Arsene Wenger’s emerging side against the Latics, who had done their best to spoil the party.
As news of the Hammers’ 2-1 win filtered through, the Highbury faithful were able to revel in their team’s achievements in what has been a season of transition.
Now, all that remains is the European Cup final showdown with Barcelona in Paris on May 17 and who would bet against Arsenal starting life in their new state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium as European champions in August?
Wigan have enjoyed a superb maiden season in the top flight, their Barclays Premiership status secure well before this afternoon.
Paul Jewell had masterminded a famous result here earlier in the campaign to book their place in the Carling Cup final - and the Latics again looked keen.
Arsenal, though, soon found their passing rhythm and were ahead on eight minutes.
Cesc Fabregas sent the ball over from the right, which Gilberto headed down.
Robert Pires’ initial shot was well saved by Mike Pollitt, but the Frenchman reacted quickly to stab the loose ball in from close range.
No sooner had the goal celebrations died down than news of West Ham taking the lead over Spurs reverberated around the ground.
Perhaps those cheers were premature, however, as Wigan snatched an equaliser on 10 minutes.
David Thompson’s free-kick from the left went through to Paul Scharner and the Austrian sidefooted past Jens Lehmann.
Wigan felt they should have been awarded a penalty on 15 minutes when Jason Roberts went down under Sol Campbell's sliding tackle.
Referee Uriah Rennie, however, was unimpressed - and booked Wigan defender Matt Jackson for his vehement protests.
At the other end, Fabregas slipped Pires in on the overlap, but this time the French midfielder was off target with an angled drive from 10 yards.
Wigan midfielder David Thompson then silenced Highbury when he smashed in a 35-yard free-kick on 33 minutes.
There seemed little danger when the winger, once on the fringes of the England team, took a long run-up, just to the left of centre.
He got some venom behind the strike - and the flight of the ball completely wrong-footed Lehmann, bouncing up past the despairing right-handed dive of the Germany international and in.
Normal service was resumed, however, with 10 minutes to go before half-time.
Henry beat the offside trap when he latched on to Pires’ pass, and made no mistake when slotting the ball under Pollitt for his 25th league goal of the season.
Thompson had another go with a free-kick from a similar position on 43 minutes, but this time Lehmann collected the ball well at his right-hand post.
It was a positive start to the second half by Wigan, with Roberts laying off a pass to Lee McCulloch from the edge of the area, but he fired over.
Henri Camara then tricked his way into the left side of the six-yard box, and sent an acrobatic scissors-kick just over the bar.
Henry made it 3-2 on 56 minutes.
A poor choice of pass back towards his own goal from Thompson was latched on to by the French striker and the Arsenal captain duly skipped past Pollitt before rolling the ball into an empty net.
With 27 minutes to go, Pires skipped down the left side of the area, before flicking the ball back from the touchline.
Fabregas sent a darting header goalwards, which was first palmed away by Pollitt from point-blank range and then hacked clear by Jackson.
No sooner had Freddie Ljungberg come on, for Pires in the final 20 minutes, than he won a penalty after being tugged back by Andreas Johansson - who was promptly sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity just moments after having been introduced as a substitute himself.
Henry sent Pollitt the wrong way - and dropped to his knees in front of the North Bank faithful to kiss the turf of the Gunners' historic home.
Veteran Dennis Bergkamp was given a hero’s welcome when he came on for Reyes with 12 minutes left - just as news of West Ham’s winning goal from Yossi Benayoun filtered through - and the celebrations could then begin.
For exclusive and free Barclays Premiership video clips, click here.

McClaren named new England boss

Steve McClaren will be the next England manager, the English Football Association (FA) confirmed on Thursday. The Middlesbrough manager will take over when Sven-Goran Eriksson steps down after the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.
McClaren's appointment comes six days after Luiz Felipe Scolari, the FA's first choice to succeed Eriksson, pulled out of the running because of media intrusion. McClaren celebrated his 45th birthday on Wednesday and is currently Eriksson's assistant.
"This is the biggest honour that any coach can have and is obviously the highlight of my career," said McClaren, who has signed a four-year contract from 1 August, taking him up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"It's a massive challenge and one that I welcome," he continued. "I have hugely enjoyed my time at Middlesbrough and am very grateful to the club. However, this was an opportunity I couldn't refuse."
Eriksson said: "I have worked closely with Steve ever since I came to England and know how good a coach he is. He is well-liked and well-respected by the players and staff. I have no doubt that he has all the credentials to be very successful in the job and wish him all the best."
McClaren secured the top job after seeing off the respective challenges of English coaches Sam Allardyce and Alan Curbishley, plus Irishman Martin O'Neill.
After an undistinguished playing career as a midfielder, McClaren began coaching in the early 1990s at Oxford United. He later moved on to Derby County, where he worked under experienced manager Jim Smith and helped the club win promotion to the Premier League in 1996.
Improving reputation McClaren, his reputation growing fast, was then lured to Manchester United as Alex Ferguson's deputy and helped the club win the treble of UEFA Champions League, English Premier League and FA Cup in 1999.
While at United, following Kevin Keegan's resignation as England manager in 2000, McClaren joined forces with Peter Taylor in temporary charge of the national team.
In March 2001, United refused to allow him to continue with England and later that year he was appointed Middlesbrough manager in succession to Bryan Robson.
"Steve has a knowledge of that (England) staff and of the players so I hope he does well because it's not an easy job," Fergsuson said just hours before McClaren's appointment.
"He's always been one who has had visions for developing things. When he was at Derby and I spoke to two or three people who had worked under him they said that he is a very progressive coach and that's what I found with him."
McClaren gave Boro a prolonged period of stability and in 2004 he enjoyed a double boost, returning to the England ranks to assist Eriksson and steering Middlesbrough to success in the League Cup, their first major trophy in 128 years.
McClaren's status was further enhanced when Middlesbrough finished seventh in the league last season, their best finish since 1951 and securing a second successive term in Europe.
This season has been a rollercoaster for McClaren. A host of injuries to key players and a 7-0 defeat at Arsenal in mid-January left him at rock bottom.
However, a 3-0 win over champions Chelsea sparked a spectacular revival in fortunes and the club reached the FA Cup semi-finals and the UEFA Cup final against Sevilla, which is to take place next week.
Boro looked dead and buried early in the second legs of both their quarter-final and semi-final in the UEFA Cup before McClaren substituted defenders with attackers and saw his side produce four-goal comebacks in both games to go throug

WORLD CUP FOCUS - ARGENTINA

How did they qualify - 2nd in group Argentina National Footbal Team came second in thier group, having the same amount of points as first place Brazil but missing out on that top spot due to goal difference. The Argentina squad won the most games from the 18 that every team had to play in the qualifiers round. Their 14th world cup entry was set after beating Brazil 3-1 in the qualifying rounds, the game was played in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Germany 2006 now beckonsSince the team formed and they first entered the world cup back in 1930 the team have only ever not qualified once in 1954. 1938 and 1950 saw the team withdraw from the competition due to confusion of where the tournament was to be held. Both Uruguay and Argentina pulled out of the 1938 world cup, both outraged.Argentina have always been a strong team in the world cup and so far have won the title twice however since their last win in 1986 the team are yet to make it past the quaterfinals.

The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Argentine Football Association.
Argentina is one of the most successful national football teams, having won two World Cups and one Olympic Title. Argentina and Uruguay hold the record for the most international matches played against two countries, there have been 161 matches played against each other since 1901. The first match against Uruguay was the first official international match to be played outside Britain. (Although Canada and the United States played two internationals in 1885 and 1886, neither match is considered official; Canada did not play an official international until 1904 and the USA did not play one until 1916.)
Argentina has appeared in four World Cup finals, including the first final in 1930, which they lost 4-2 to Uruguay. They won the final at their next attempt in 1978, beating the Netherlands 3-1 and also won in 1986 (led by Diego Maradona), a 3-2 victory over West Germany. Their last final was in 1990, which they lost 1-0 to West Germany.
Argentina have been very successful in Copa América, winning it eleven times and also winning the 'extra' South American Championships in 1941, 1945 and 1946.
Besides the 2004 Gold Medal at the Olympic Games, Argentina won the Silver Medal in 1928 and 1996.
It also won the Confederations Cup and the Kirin Cup, both in 1992.
Since the competition's creation in 1977, Argentina have won five titles in the World Youth Championship :
Japan, 1979 with Diego Maradona and Ramón Díaz
Qatar, 1995 with Juan Pablo Sorín
Malaysia, 1997 with Juan Román Riquelme, Esteban Cambiasso, and Pablo Aimar
Argentina, 2001 with Javier Saviola, and Andrés D'Alessandro
Netherlands, 2005 with Lionel Messi, and Sergio Agüero
Three of these titles were won by the current national coach Jose Pekerman (1995,1997 and 2001).
A pre-tournament favourite again at Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup, they were eliminated earlier than expected to the surprise of many, losing in a memorable game against England in the most hotly anticipated match of the entire opening stage.
On June 8, 2005, they qualified for their 14th World Cup Finals appearance by beating arch rivals Brazil 3-1 in Buenos Aires.

ARSENAL CLOSE THE GAP WITH SPURS

Arsenal kept alive their hopes of winning a Champions League place following a hard-earned victory at Manchester City.
The Gunners moved to within one point of fourth placed Tottenham with only one match remaining.
JOSE ANTONIO REYES
And it promises to be a nerve-jangling afternoon on Sunday with Arsenal at home to Wigan while Spurs travel to London neighbours West Ham.
Arsenal, playing their third game in six days, took the lead after half an hour and Fredrik Ljungberg could not have chosen a more timely moment to score his first goal of the season.
City were soon on level terms through a goal from defender David Sommeil, but Arsenal's class told late on when substitute Jose Antonio Reyes struck twice.
And there was also cheer for England coach Sven Goran Eriksson who was at Eastlands and witnessed Ashley Cole's first start for seven months and Sol Campbell continue to make excellent progress following his lengthy absence.
But it was another black night for City who, despite their impressive showing in parts, slumped to their eighth defeat in their last nine Premiership matches and a club record fifth successive home loss.
The Gunners, despite their gruelling run of games, fielded a strong side although Cesc Fabregas, Robert Pires and Reyes were all on the bench.
Arsenal made the breakthrough after half an hour when Thierry Henry made a run from the centre circle and released Ljungberg who breezed past defender Micah Richards to score with a low shot.
There was an element of fortune, however, as television replays revealed that Ljungberg was marginally offside before receiving the ball.
City were on level terms within eight minutes following dreadful defending from Arsenal as Trevor Sinclair's free header from Joey Barton's corner was fumbled by keeper Jens Lehmann enabling Sommeil to stab the ball home from a couple of yards.
The equaliser stung Arsenal into action and in the dying minutes of the opening period Campbell and Henry both went close to regaining the lead for the Gunners.
And the second half saw Arsenal continue where they had left off as Robin van Persie forced keeper David James to make a super save while Ljungberg's drive struck the upright.
Arsenal maintained their stranglehold as James denied van Persie and Aleksandr Hleb, but they were unable to find a way to goal.
And against the run of play City almost snatched the lead twice in as many minutes.
Lehmann came to their rescue making spectacular saves to keep out headers from Richard Dunne and Richards.
City also felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty following a challenge by Kolo Toure on Darius Vassell after he burst into the penalty area.
It was a measure of Arsenal's desperation to win that by the 72nd minute they had brought on Reyes, Fabregas and Pires.
And the changes reaped almost immediate reward when Reyes scored Arsenal's second within six minutes of making his entrance.
Pires released Emmanuel Eboue on the right and he cut the ball back for Reyes whose low shot squirmed under the body of James.
Arsenal sealed victory in the 84th minute when Henry set up Reyes who scored his second goal with a delightful effort which was curled into the top corner of the net.
Arsene Wenger believes Ashley Cole's return from injury is perfectly timed for England's bid for World Cup glory.
The Arsenal left-back made his first start in seven months in the Gunners' victory at Manchester City.
Wenger was delighted he came through a full 90 minutes unscathed adding he will need three games to regain his match sharpness.
"For England the timing is just right because it is the beginning of May and the World Cup starts on June 10. In five weeks it will be perfect for Ashley." he said.
Wenger added that Sol Campbell, who was playing his third comeback game, was back to his peak form.
He continued: "We needed to dig deep to win, but I always felt we were ready to fight till the last minute.
"When it was 1-1 the game could have gone either way as City had some good chances, but being able to bring on players who were fresh made the difference."
City manager Stuart Pearce was not too disheartened despite a club record fifth successive home defeat.
He said: "For certain periods we were dangerous from set plays and crosses flashing in.
"We put in a lot of effort but Arsenal are one of the best counter attacking teams in the country, Europe and the world.
"They're cutting edge up front was the difference between the teams and it is all credit to them."

Arsenal vs Spurs on 4th Spot

Arsenal might remain hostages to fortune in their quest to snatch fourth-place in the Premiership, but they have one more chance to put pressure on Tottenham Hotspur when they travel to Manchester City on Thursday. Spurs currently enjoy a four-point lead over their north London rivals as they seek Champions League football for the first time in their history, but Arsenal have proved that they are not yet ready to give up the chase.
Arsene Wenger's side dispatched Sunderland with embarrassing ease on Monday and are currently enjoying their most consistent form of the season, having lost just once in their last 14 matches.
There is also something about City which brings out the best in Arsenal: it is almost 15 years since they lost in east Manchester.
Now Wenger must decide whether his priority is still to try and catch Spurs - who must fail to beat West Ham on Sunday to stand any chance of being overhauled - or the Champions League final against Barcelona at the Stade de France on May 17.
Victory over the Catalans would bring automatic qualification for next season's tournament; defeat, together with a fifth-placed finish, would push the Gunners into the unloved and unrewarding Uefa Cup.
Wenger's decision may be shaped by events at the Stadium of Light earlier this week.
In the dying stages of Arsenal's 3-0 win, the midfielder Abou Diaby was stretchered off with a broken ankle which will rule him out of Paris. The French manager can ill afford any more absentees and he is likely to rest players for the journey to Eastlands.
However, Ashley Cole may not be one of them. The England left-back returned to first-team duty for the first time in three months on Wearside and Wenger has confirmed that he will start at least one match between now and the end of the season.
"Ashley certainly will play one of the two games remaining," he said. "We play on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon, and he will play in one of the two games.
"He's getting better and better. I think he's ready for 90 minutes because he has played two games in the reserves and came through them, so it shouldn't be a problem to play 90 minutes."
Arsenal will be in expectant mood regardless of their selection dilemma. City may have started the new year with realistic expectations of Europe but they have plummeted to 15th after losing seven of their last eight matches.
Stuart Pearce, the manager, would be forgiven for wishing that he was already on his summer holidays, but in public at least his enthusiasm is undaunted.
"This is one of those games where you don't have to motivate your team," he said.
"You know their strengths and with games against the likes of Arsenal you won't have to motivate your side because you are playing against a top side, and all the players are aware of that.
"They know they have to put in top performances to compete with the likes of Arsenal. In some ways that's not an issue for me, and I'm sure they will go out and put a show on for the last home match of the season."

England rivals fight out battling draw as 'Big Sam' admits defeat

LONDON (AFP) - Putative England national manager rivals Steve McClaren and Sam Allardyce saw their respective sides Middlesbrough and Bolton fight out a mediocre 1-1 Premiership draw. Goals from Adam Johnson, his first of the season for what was effectively a second string Middlesbrough side as they look towards next week's UEFA Cup, and then a leveller by Ricardo Vaz Te saw the teams perhaps finish level on terms.
However it is all but certain that McClaren will be named ahead of Allardyce as the successor to England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson on Thursday.
Allardyce, the 50-year-old former non-nonsense centre-half, admitted defeat in the run to be England manager afterwards, McClaren did not come out for interviews.
"I'm going to be disappointed," said Allardyce.
He was typically blunt when asked who would succeed Eriksson.
"Steve McClaren.
"I've had nothing (from the FA) but you get the sense and the feeling.
"The media have been going that way day-by-day and in the end you think that that is going to be the case.
"It isn't official yet but I'd expect that will probably be the selection tomorrow (Thursday)."
Allardyce added that losing out would be a horrible blow.
"Without any question of a doubt it will be one of the biggest disappointments of my life."
To add to Allardyce's woes Bolton's hopes of any sort of European football next term after their debut in the UEFA Cup this season hang in the balance as they trail Newcastle by two points for the spot in the Intertoto Cup with just five points from their last nine matches being their downfall.
Jay Jay Okokcha had a golden opportunity early on but one on one with 'keeper Ross Turnbull his tame effort was blocked by the young Aussie, standing in for the injured Mark Schwarzer.
The first half saw eight shots on target in all - four apiece - but it was Bolton's Kevin Davies who found Turnbull's legs up to the task to block his near goal effort.
Johnson, though, broke the deadlock as he cut in from the left in the 48th minute and unleashed a fine curling effort to beat Finnish international Jussi Jaaskelainen in at the far post.
However three minutes later Bolton equalised as Okocha put in a brilliant cross picking out Portuguese striker Vaz Te whose inch perfect header beat Turnbull.
'Boro had a superb opportunity to win it in the 71st minute when Jasskelainen failed to hold a tame free kick but Ugo Ehiogu completely fluffed the follow up with the goal at his mercy.

EUMCCI's World Cup Futsal Challenge 2006

Event information (all information to be reconfirmed):

Dates & Times: Saturday 10 June: Matches from 3.00pm – 7.00pm (round-robin format)
(Draft schedule) Dinner for all players at 7.30pm
Games, lucky draw & entertainment
9.00pm: watch England – Paraguay live
12.00mn: watch Sweden - Trinidad live

Sunday 11 June: Matches from 2.00pm – 7.00pm
(In Cup and Shield round-robin format)
Prize Ceremony
9.00pm: watch Holland – Serv/Montenegro live

Venue: SportsPlanet Ampang (Ampang Point) & Boraombak Restaurant
Format: Futsal, 5-a-side including goalkeeper

Organiser: European Union – Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (EUMCCI)
telephone 60-3-21626298, email futsal@eumcci.com

Endorsed by: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MGCC)

Event Manager: Marco Winter

Previous events: EUMCCI’s EURO FUTSAL fever 2004
EUMCCI – SportsUnite – FAM International Junior Futsal Friendship Cup 2005
The EURO Corporate Futsal Challenge 2005

Format & Itinerary:
This is a social futsal tournament. Fair play, networking and “enjoy the game” take precedence!
Teams are invited from all international communities in Malaysia (diplomatic and corporate world), especially from the 32 countries participating in the World Cup!
Other teams (mainly corporate sponsors and media) by invitation only.

Target number of teams: 64. This would mean 600 - 700 players.
All teams will play a minimum of 6 matches.

Entry fee: RM1,000 per team of 10 players, inclusive of goodies bags, drinks, t-shirts, prizes and dinner.
There will be no cash prizes, only in-kind prizes & trophies for the top teams in a Cup and Shield competition.
Free entry for the public to watch the tournament.

The organisers are sourcing for:
* Title/Presenting Sponsor
* Co-sponsors, and products/prize sponsors

"Zidane and Ronaldo are improving very quickly"

Physical trainer Lozano: "Zidane and Ronaldo are improving very quickly"
As had already happened yesterday, Ronaldo and Zidane exercised separately under the supervision of physical trainer Santiago Lozano. Both are progressing optimally according to the trainer himself. The combined jogging and weight lifting work on the field and in the gym respectively is improving the strengthening and restablishment processes of the injured muscles and joints of these two phenomenal footballers.
The playmaker is recovering from his right ankle sprain and as he has been doing all week long, he is combining gym work with field work The Brazilian star is improving quite fast from his mild fibrilar tear of his right leg hamstring. The Club's physical trainer Santiago Lozano confirmed it to Realmadrid.com stating, “Both players are meeting the forecasted deadlines. The work we are performing consists in adapting the recovery process to each individual injury.”
Zidane, who still has some “slight pain on the ankle and on the knee,” is following a “work plan that foresees a full recovery by Santander's game,” given that he is suspended for the Pamplona match anyway.
As the physical trainer confirms, Zidane continues progressing favourably, proof of which is the outstanding pace he sets during the exercises. Says Lozano, “Next Monday or Tuesday he could begin training with the rest of the squad.” But for now, Zidane will continue grinding his was through his recovery without the ball.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo is improving from his hamstring tear and is increasing his workload, but only “very slowly,” asserts Lozano. Although both players' exercises might be similar from time to time, Lozano specifies, “They are different approaches, and each player must set his pace and evolution.”
Yesterday, both players did continuous sprinting and endurance drills, followed by sprint series –at different paces. Today, Zidane has focused more on the endurance side combining continuous jogging on the field with gym work. The striker, who worked side by side with Lozano, has performed running drills, including the perimeter of the training field, diagonal sprinting, sideline running, etc., increasing the pace progressively.
This generic workout helps strengthen the battered muscles and joints of both Real Madrid stars; running and lifting weights at the gym are the foundation of both their recoveries. Lozano prompts, “Now we are doing running exercises and gym work, ligting weights. We alternate both these exercises and, slowly but surely –with the help of the medico-physiotherapeutic treatment- both players are improving satisfactorily.”

Fergie fears for Rooney

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he does not think Wayne Rooney will have recovered from his metatarsal injury in time to play for England in this summer's World Cup Finals.
The 20-year-old striker has been told that he faces six weeks out of action after picking up the injury in the closing stages of Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Chelsea.

Ferguson told United's official website: "When you see brave players staying down after a tackle you know it's genuine and he's in pain and that's what I felt with Wayne.
"At first we didn't think it was too bad, but when we sent him for the scan it identified the problem and we realised what a blow it was for the boy and for England.
"Fortunately for us we'll only be without him for two games, but without doubt it's a crippling blow for England.
"I spoke to Wayne on Saturday evening and he was obviously a bit down, but I told him these things happen. You never know but at the moment I doubt that he'll take part in the World Cup because of the recovery time.
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"We've spoken to the England doctor and I think it's important that I give as much information as I can to Sven to make sure he's absolutely clear on what road he can take.
"Wayne will be in plaster for the next few weeks and he'll be having regular scans to see how it's healing."

Hao shines as China U20s beat Japan

A classy performance by Hao Junmin helped Jia Xiuquan's 08 Olympics team to a 2-0 victory over Japan's U20s at the Helong Stadium in Changsha, Hunan province. The friendly international victory rounded off a successful day for Chinese football after Dalian Shide's win over Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League. Tianjin Teda starlet Hao ran rings around his opponents and set up China's opener on 21 minutes with a low cross from the left which Shandong Luneng striker Wang Yongpo struck home from the middle of the area. Wang added the second on 74 minutes when his long-range effort went in off an opponent. China U20: Wang Dalei; Liu Jianye, Yang Shanping, Zhao Ming, Wang Lin; Hao Junmin, Cui Peng, Zhao Mingjian (Zhang Wenzhao 30'; Dai Lin 51'), Huang Bowen (Wang Gang 70'); Yang Xu (Mao Biao 45'), Wang Yongpo

KELANTAN - RED HEAD NEVER DIE

BERITA LAMA :

Kelantan: Wang bukan segala-galanya
PERSEMBAHAN membanggakan barisan Piala FAM 2005, Kelantan yang berjaya menyaingi aksi juara Kumpulan A Liga Perdana, Selangor dalam suku akhir kedua Piala FA 2005, wajar memberi kesedaran bahawa wang bukan penentu mutlak kejayaan. Jika dibandingkan dua skuad itu, perbelanjaan mereka jelas berat sebelah dengan pasukan tuan rumah, Selangor cukup mewah dengan belanjawan lebih RM5 juta manakala Kelantan pula hanya membelanjakan RM1.5 juta. Namun, semangat dan azam tinggi pemain nyata menjadi kunci Kelantan apabila memberikan aksi membanggakan sebelum tewas perlawanan itu 4-5 untuk terkeluar daripada saingan dengan agregat 5-6. Jurulatih Kelantan, Kamaruddin Mohd Nor menyifatkan keupayaan mereka untuk mengheret Selangor ke masa tambahan sebagai sesuatu yang membanggakan. “Kami tidak memiliki kemampuan kewangan yang tinggi berbanding mereka, pemain kami adalah anak tempatan kecuali tiga pemain import kami (Haruna AlHasan, Sarif Sainui dan Suriya Domtaisong), namun kami berjaya menyaingi Selangor dalam segala aspek. “Pemain saya kepenatan pada masa tambahan selepas berhempas pulas pada masa perlawanan sebenar bagi mengikat kedudukan 3-3. Saya berbangga dengan semangat juang yang ditunjukkan oleh pemain saya,” katanya yang ditemui selepas berakhirnya perlawanan kelmarin. Aksi membanggakan itu seharusnya menjadi penyuntik semangat buat pasukan Cik Siti Wan Kembang itu untuk meneruskan perjuangan di pusingan suku akhir Piala FAM, bagi melayakkan diri ke Liga Perdana musim depan. Ini pastinya sesuatu yang dinantikan oleh pemain dan penyokong setianya yang rindukan aksi bersemangat dan bertenaga daripada pasukan yang pernah melahirkan penyerang, Hashim Mustapha.

Reo-Coker Seals Victory for the Hammers

Captain Nigel Reo-Coker fired West Ham United to victory at relegated West Bromwich Albion - but the win came at a price as striker Dean Ashton limped off with a hamstring strain that could rule him out of the FA Cup final.
The Hammers, who are already without the suspended Hayden Mullins for the final against Liverpool, lost 16-goal Ashton after just 22 minutes of the clash with Albion.

It was the second blow to hit United boss Alan Pardew at The Hawthorns as winger Matthew Etherington pulled out before the game after suffering a minor groin problem during the warm-up.
While Etherington should be fit for the final the doubt over Ashton has put 40-year-old Teddy Sheringham on alert to start at the Millennium Stadium.
Sheringham replaced Ashton against Albion and showed enough silky touches to show he remains a threat.
Reo-Coker sealed United's success three minutes before half-time to condemn Albion to their ninth defeat in 12 games - during which time they have collected just three points from a possible 36.
Albion had enough chances to win the game against a weakened United side only to be undone by what has been their major problem all season - a lack of goals.
They should have been well in control before Reo-Coker struck but ended up drawing a blank for the fifth time in six games.
Albion were determined to give their suffering fans something to cheer after their return to the Championship and opened brightly.
But Kanu fired over the bar in the seventh minute after collecting a misplaced pass from Christian Dailly before Nathan Ellington headed a Jonathan Greening cross wide two minutes later.
Albion should really have made their bright start pay dividends on the half-hour after Greening picked out Kanu who in turn fed the ball to Ellington only for the former Wigan marksman to drag his shot wide.
It proved to be a costly miss as West Ham finally came to life. Reo-Coker was inches away from breaking the deadlock in the 41st minute when his curling free-kick slipped just past the post.
But he only had to wait another 60 seconds to break the deadlock although his smartly taken strike owed everything to the power of Bobby Zamora.
Zamora powered past the challenge of central defender Steve Watson and cut into the area. He looked to have overrun the ball only to see the alert Reo-Coker steer home a neat finish from ten yards for his fifth goal of the season.
United were then content to sit back on their lead and that was the signal for Albion to lay siege to their goal in the second half but without seriously troubling goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
Ellington blazed over the bar after more good work by Kanu. Nigerian international Kanu, who had two penalty appeals turned down by referee Graham Poll, was then inches away from converting a Greening cross.
Nigel Quashie drilled a low shot wide and Curtis Davies saw his header deflected over the bar. Ellington then failed to hit the target from a pin-point cross by Greening as Albion endured a 90 minutes that perfectly summed up their season.

West Ham United boss Alan Pardew confirmed that striker Dean Ashton is a doubt for the FA Cup final after he limped off with a hamstring strain against West Brom.
Pardew, who is already without the suspended Hayden Mullins for the final against Liverpool, said: "For Dean to come off, knowing the kind of character he is, this is a problem we will have to monitor.
"He felt a twinge and when it is your hamstring it can be anything. I think that potentially he could be a doubt for the Cup Final.
"That would be a blow as we can't really afford to lose any of our big players and Dean falls into that category."
Pardew admitted his side can play a lot better than they did against Albion and added: "We didn't play very well and that's a concern as well. Our character and discipline got us three points.
"But it looks like we will finish in the top ten and that will be very pleasing as we have been there for most of the season."
Albion boss Bryan Robson revealed after the game that he would remain in charge next season despite his side being relegated.
He said: "The chairman has indicated he is happy for me to stay and I am happy to stay.
"I have won promotion twice before and I want to do that again and bounce straight back next season.
"If we can keep the majority of the squad together and get off to a good start I am sure we can have a good season."
As for the clash with West Ham, Robson hit out at referee Graham Poll for turning down two penalty appeals after Kanu was felled.
Robson added: "We must have had eight penalty appeals turned down in the last eight or ten games.
"This referee is going to the World Cup Finals and he could not see what were two blatant penalties. It makes you wonder what is going on. In the last three months referees have killed us."

Spot Kick Woe For United - Then have to beat Charlton for 2nd spot

MU 0 - 0 Boro

Manchester United will have to beat Charlton Athletic in their last game of the season if they are to make sure of runners-up spot in the Premiership following another poor performance in their goalless draw with Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
Without injured talisman Wayne Rooney, United looked almost toothless in attack for much of the game.

It was only after the introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo as a 56th minute substitute for Ji-Sung Park that United began to threaten the well-organised Boro defence.
But United spurned their chances - the worse miss coming in the 66th minute when Ruud van Nistelrooy missed a penalty.
Ryan Giggs swung in a corner from the left which seemed destined for Ronaldo's head until Boro's Lee Cattermole rose to touch the ball away with both hands.
Referee Chris Foy pointed to the penalty spot, only for van Nistelrooy to hit a poor right-foot kick to Brad Jones' right and the Boro goalkeeper guessed correctly to palm the ball away.
Boro had been the better side in a first half in which United failed to get a shot on target.
Fabio Rochemback's 19th minute pass down the left saw Massimo Maccarone get in on the blind side of Rio Ferdinand and he raced on into the United box before his shot was deflected across goal off the England defender.
United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar made a brilliant save in the 26th minute to tip away Rochemback's fierce 25-yard shot at full stretch.
From the resulting Stewart Downing corner, Boro skipper Chris Riggott headed narrowly over at the far post.
Ronaldo's introduction sparked some life from United and the Portuguese winger produced his side's first shot on target just after the hour.
Ronaldo raced down the right past Franck Queudrue before unleashing a tremendous 25-yard drive which was beaten away by Jones.
After van Nistelrooy's penalty miss, United continued to press Boro further and further back.
Van Nistelrooy almost made amends for the miss when he turned on a Giggs pass before shooting just over the bar from the edge of the Boro box.
John O'Shea blazed a shot across the Boro penalty area and Jones almost made a hash of taking Kieran Richardson's low cross from the left edge of the box.
But Boro deservedly hung on for a point and United's long drawn-out bid to clinch second spot in the table drags on to the bitter end when they face Charlton at Old Trafford on Sunday.

EPL WEEK 37 ROUND-UP

The 2005/06 season has been a dark one in the Midlands with Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom all struggling. But while Villa have been have only had to suffer through mediocrity and back-biting towards the manager, Birmingham and West Brom are now facing life in the Championship after their fates were decided at the JJB Stadium as Portsmouth's 2-1 victory over Wigan relegated both of the struggling sides.
As the table stood this morning, Pompey were three points clear of Birmingham and six clear of West Brom. With the Baggies not playing West Ham until Monday, just the one point would have been enough to send them back to The Championship, while a win would have kept Harry Redknapp's side three points clear of Birmingham with only one game left.

But just after the half hour mark at the JJB, the Midlands breathed a huge sigh of relief when confusion in the Pompey defence allowed David Thompson's cross to sneak through to Henri Camara who tucked it home past Dean Keily. It was all that Pompey deserved after being outplayed by a Latics side keen on ending a successful first season in the Premiership on a high.
But of late, Portsmouth have enjoyed that lethal combination of grit and luck and, with the backing of the 5,200 travelling fans who were packed into the North Stand, they were level just after the hour mark when Zimbabwean striker Benjani Mwaruwari finally ended his goal famine by blasting home from close range after Matthew Taylor's initial shot had thundered back off the post.
It was a huge sigh of relief for the fans, but they knew if results elsewhere went against them, they could still be in trouble. And so they continued to urge their team on, as they went close through Pedro Mendes and Andres D'Allessandro and finally got the breakthrough a great second half performance warranted when Mwaruwari headed the ball towards the goal only to find it's course into the net impeded by Gary Teale's flailing hand.
Teale was ordered off and, for the second week in a row, Pompey were faced with a crucial penalty. The crowd fell silent and just like last weekend against Sunderland, Matthew Taylor stepped up and coolly slotted home past Mike Pollitt to make it 2-1, win the match and leave Birmingham needing to beat Newcastle at St. Andrews' in order to stand any chance of staying up.
Michael Owen made an appearance for the Magpies in the second half, but wasn't really tested in a rather pedestrian goalless draw which sums up Birmingham's season. Unlike Pompey, when City needed to show character and guts, they let themselves down and never really looked like pulling themselves out of trouble in front of their increasingly desperate fans, despite Mikael Forssel almost winning it in the 90th minute.
After the match, a dejected Steve Bruce admitted: 'There is a huge job to be done here. There are seven or eight players out of contract. There are two loans and two or three players badly injured. There's a big rebuilding job to be done and I hope that I am given the opportunity to do it. But it is not the time to speak about things like that just yet. We have the nucleus of a squad to take the club straight back up.'
At the other end of the table, Chelsea claimed the title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United.
Despite needing to win to keep Jose Mourinho's men from winning the league for a second successive season, United looked limp from the outset and were a goal behind after just five minutes when William Gallas headed past Edwin van der Saar from a Frank Lampard corner.
It was a crushing blow for a United side who now needed to score twice to keep the title race alive, but didn't look like scoring even once. Wayne Rooney found some space 22 minutes in, but dragged his shot wide in the Red Devils' only real chance of the entire match.
The second half then went from bad to worse for United as Joe Cole danced through the defence on the hour mark to make it two before, thirteen minutes later, Ricardo Carvalho put the game and the title beyond all doubt with a well struck drive.

But then, in a moment which delivered a huge blow to England's World Cup chances, Rooney was caught by Paulo Ferreira, fell to ground and didn't get up. Eventually he was stretchered off with his boot off and foot bandaged, as both sets of fans and players looked on with bated breath.
"We don't know the extent of the injury at the moment," said Sir Alex Ferguson after the match. "We'll have to assess it. He's in the right medical hands and will go back to Manchester to keep an eye on it. He's a bit sore and I was concerned. But then again I'm always concerned when a player is stretchered off. We've had a few bad injuries this season."
Jose Mourinho, however, was a little more optimistic, saying: "I don't know the full extent of Wayne Rooney's injury but I was scared for Rooney. The World Cup needs Rooney, England needs Rooney. The worst type of injury in football is the one where there is no contact and when the foot or the knee ends up in a bad position. But somebody from United told me that Rooney would be 'no problem' for the World Cup."
It should be clear by the end of the weekend just how bad the injury is, but you can be sure Sven Goran Eriksson is crossing his fingers.
Back to the here and now, and United's defeat afforded Liverpool the chance to draw level with the Red Devils in second place - sadly, for Sir Alex Ferguson, Aston Villa didn't provide much opposition against Rafa's men.
Like Chelsea, the Reds took the lead early when Fernando Morientes latched onto a good through ball and fired home past Thomas Sorensen in the Villa goal. But, despite going close from then on, Liverpool got complacent and it was Villa who would get the next goal with Gareth Barry taking advantage of some good work from James Milner to equalise in the 56th minute.
It was a vital moment in the race for that second automatic Champions' League place and Liverpool needed an immediate replay. On the hour mark, they got just that after Steven Gerrard poked in a corner from six yards out, before making it three four minutes later with a scorching 25 yard drive which Sorensen could do nothing to stop. The Reds now need United to drop points in their final two games of the season against Charlton and Middlesbrough.
Speaking of the Houdinis of the footballing world, Boro - rather cruelly - took to the pitch again just two days after their UEFA Cup heroics with a greatly changed side against Everton. Unsurprisingly, the game was far less dramatic than Thursday night's epic battle with Bucharest, but, after a run-of-the-mill match, there was a last minute goal, this time for Everton with James McFadden taking advantage of a long ball to jink past the defenders and lob over the onrushing Bradley Jones.
There was late drama also at Eastlands where Fulham overturned a one goal deficit to beat Manchester City 2-1 thanks to goals in the last ten minutes from Stern John and Steed Malbranque, while there was a shock in store during the late kick-off between Charlton and Blackburn where Addicks chairman Richard Murray announced that boss Alan Curbishley would be leaving at the end of this season after 15 years in charge.
"Yesterday I sat down with Alan to discuss our plans for the future and Alan was as honest as he has always been throughout his time at Charlton and told me he would not be extending his current contract,' Murray told fans before kick-off. "We enjoy a fantastic relationship and Alan only wants to do his best for Charlton for whom he has a deep affection. We both agreed that it would therefore be in the interests of the club and Alan if we parted company at the end of the current season. We do so as the best of friends."
Whether he has left in order to take the England job is unclear, but it seemed to affect the team as Charlton put in a limp performance and fell to a 2-0 defeat thanks to Steven Reid's strike on the stroke of half-time and a second half Chris Powell own goal. Not a good way for Curbishley to exit The Valley...

CHELSEA EPL CHAMPIONS 2005/2006

Chelsea are Premiership champions again after clinically dismantling nearest challengers Manchester United 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
No-one can now be in any doubt that the squad assembled by Jose Mourinho deserved the back-to-back titles only achieved previously by United in the Premiership era.

Goals from William Gallas, Joe Cole and Ricardo Carvalho sent the 42,219 Chelsea fans into delirium.
Even before the final whistle, Mourinho and his staff were up off the bench and dancing down the touchline.
With just a point needed to clinch the title, Chelsea boss Mourinho restored wingers Cole and Arjen Robben to his side from the one which lost the FA Cup semi-final last Saturday to Liverpool.
The positive team selection reaped its just rewards within five minutes of the start.
A Frank Lampard corner was powerfully headed towards goal by Didier Drogba and up popped left-back Gallas at United's right post to nod home unchallenged from four yards.
United striker Wayne Rooney's clumsy challenge on John Terry's shin after nine minutes saw the England defender prone on the ground for three minutes.
Thankfully for him, and England, he recovered quickly with only cuts on his foot from Rooney's boot studs. But the Chelsea captain was at fault on 22 minutes when he allowed Rooney to skip past him and arrow towards goal.
Facing a one-on-one with Petr Cech, Rooney scuffed his shot wide of the Blues keeper and the goal.
Seconds later Robben found himself with the ball on the United by-line but his lofted cross just missed Drogba.
United's best effort of the half fell to Rooney on 42 minutes, but his right-footed daisy-cutter was well held by Cech.
John O'Shea produced a header right on the half-time whistle, but the ball went over the bar.
Cristiano Ronaldo fluffed a gilt-edged free-kick on 54 minutes and two minutes later Robben tried a speculative 25-yard effort that too sailed high and wide.
A minute later and the game was over as Cole delighted the Chelsea faithful with a sensational strike.
With his back to goal ten yards out, Cole back-heeled the ball, twisted around and raced towards goal. He then smashed a vicious right-footer past Edwin Van der Sar at his near post.
The third goal in the 73rd minute was a delight as Carvalho started a counter-attack and finished it himself in style.
Bringing the ball out of his own area the Portuguese defender fed Lampard. The midfielder passed the ball wide on the left to Carvalho who had continued his run. He took the ball inside the area and rammed home a powerful left-footed strike that left Van der Sar floundering.
Chelsea had won the title and United's misery was compounded ten minutes from time when Rooney was stretchered off with a foot injury and is now a doubt for England at this summer's World Cup.
After the win Blues boss Jose Mourinho said: "I have won four consecutive titles now (two with Porto), I should be the happiest manager in the world. But I am not, I am sick.
"I won nine consecutive matches this season and I was never manager of the month. In two years I have been manager of the month only twice.
"As a man I thought about closing the door and saying goodbye at the end of the season. But I can say now that I am very happy to stay.
"I have to say that with Roman (Abramovich) and Peter Kenyon, it's a pleasure to work with them and I am now preparing the team for next season.
"There are two markets in football now. One for Chelsea and one for the rest. I am not guilty if my team has to pay one zero more than anybody else.
"Only in this country do people see money, money, money. It is never enough just to win. This is probably the worst club in the country to manage because of this situation.
"When we were found guilty against West Bromwich Albion of surrounding the referee - we were fined (£10,000). But what had happened at Fulham was just the same but they were treated differently. Chelsea are treated in a negative way.
"As for the game, the game was difficult for us. We felt the danger of United all the time. We got off to a good start and United had some chances but in the end they had to gamble, I would have done the same.
"I don't know the full extent of Wayne Rooney's injury but I was scared for Rooney. The World Cup needs Rooney, England needs Rooney.
"The worst type of injury in football is the one where there is no contact and when the foot or the knee ends up in a bad position. But somebody from United told me that Rooney would be 'no problem' for the World Cup.
"It was difficult to win the title again this season. Last year people were unsure that we could do it. This season it was the complete opposite.
"Manchester United and Arsenal did not get a good start, and by November people were saying we were already Champions. As a result of that, we lost some quality. That includes me and the players.
"At the end of the game I threw my Portuguese scarf and my Championship medal into the crowd because I am Portuguese and I would never wear the scarf of another country, but I also want to show people who wait for me to make mistakes that I won't.
"I know what I mean to them, (the supporters), and I want them to feel proud as I feel proud. The last medal I threw into the crowd was my Champions League medal with Porto, I already have a Premiership medal.
"One of the reasons I did it, was to show my support for our incredible fans. They helped us at home this season where we drew only once. One lucky person will now have that medal and will give them a fantastic memory. Either that or they will be making a fortune on Ebay.
"I won't be leaving this club now unless they sack me."
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said of Wayne Rooney: "We don't know the extent of the injury at the moment.
"We will have to assess it. He's in the right medical hands and will go back to Manchester to keep an eye on it.
"He's a bit sore and I was concerned. But then again I'm always concerned when a player is stretchered off. We've had a few bad injuries this season.
"I think 3-0 was a bit harsh. But, if you give away goals like that, you have to take your medicine.
"If you look at the statistics over the season, Chelsea deserved to win the title."
Chelsea's Star Man: John Terry - Despite suffering ten stitches in his foot and shin after nine minutes, he epitomised the Chelsea spirit. He was limping throughout the match but still cajoled his side to greater efforts and ultimately to the points needed to win back-to-back titles.
Manchester United's Star Man: John O'Shea - United's unsung hero produced another composed and steady performance but it was not enough to stop his team sliding to their fifth defeat of the season.

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List of Football Club (England & Scotland)

ArsenalAston VillaBirmingham CityBlackburn RoversBolton WanderersCharlton AthleticChelseaEvertonFulhamLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedMiddlesbroughNewcastle UnitedPortsmouthSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Bromwich AlbionWest Ham UnitedWigan Athletic
Coca-Cola Championship
Brighton and Hove AlbionBurnleyCardiff CityCoventry CityCrewe AlexandraCrystal PalaceDerby CountyHull CityIpswich TownLeeds UnitedLeicester CityLuton TownMillwallNorwich CityPlymouth ArgylePreston North EndQueens Park RangersReadingSheffield UnitedSheffield WednesdaySouthamptonStoke CityWatfordWolverhampton Wanderers
Coca-Cola League One
BarnsleyBlackpoolBournemouthBradford CityBrentfordBristol CityChesterfieldColchester UnitedDoncaster RoversGillinghamHartlepool UnitedHuddersfield TownMilton Keynes DonsNottingham ForestOldham AthleticPort ValeRotherham UnitedScunthorpe UnitedSouthend UnitedSwansea CitySwindon TownTranmere RoversWalsallYeovil
Coca-Cola League Two
BarnetBoston UtdBristol RoversBuryCarlisle UnitedCheltenham TownChester CityDarlingtonGrimsby TownLeyton OrientLincoln CityMacclesfield TownMansfield TownNorthampton TownNotts CountyOxford UnitedPeterborough UnitedRochdaleRushden & D'mondsShrewsbury TownStockport CountyTorquay UnitedWrexhamWycombe Wanderers
Bank Of Scotland SPL
AberdeenCelticDundee UnitedDunfermlineFalkirkHeart of MidlothianHibernianInverness CTKilmarnockLivingstonMotherwellRangers

Magnificent Boro

Friday 28 Apr 2006

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren hailed his side's character as they produced another remarkable comeback on Thursday to reach the UEFA Cup Final.
Boro looked down and out when they conceded two early goals in the second half of their semi-final second leg against Steaua Bucharest at the Riverside Stadium to trail 3-0 on aggregate.
STEVE MCCLAREN
But, as in the quarter-final against FC Basel, they incredibly hit back to score four goals to reach an Eindhoven final against Sevilla.
The victory came just four days after a heartbreaking FA Cup semi-final defeat to West Ham United and McClaren said: "I thought lightning couldn't strike twice but it has here.

"Magnificent resilience, character, attitude, I said that against Basel and they have done it again.
"I just can't praise the players enough, the supporters, everyone at this football club.
"We deserve that. We're doing it the hard way but we've got to the final, let's go one step further and win it.
"I can't believe how they have come back from Sunday. It was a huge disappointment, and then going 2-0 down after 20 minutes, I can't believe how they have come back.
"It astounds all logic, but just shows what we have got in that dressing room.
"You don't get many nights in your career that are like that, a game like that that you come back and win, and we have had two in a month.
"How incredible, and what a set of players we have got.
"This was always going to be difficult and I said if we concede, it was going to be hard to score three goals. After conceding two, I thought it was almost impossible to score four.
"But this team surpasses anything that anybody has seen before in the two comebacks we have had.
"Getting into the final of the UEFA Cup is very, very difficult. It's 15 games, not to mention the 38 we had to play last season to get into Europe.
"So to reach the final is a phenomenal achievement for a small town in Europe. But now we want to win it."

Promote

http://sandy-sports.blogspot.com/

POMPEY...SAVE BY HARRY HOUDINI

PORTSMOUTH v MIDDLESBROUGH, 1-0 Sat 15 Apr 2006
Gary O'Neil's 54th-minute strike lifted Portsmouth out of the Barclays Premiership bottom three for the first time since November.
O'Neil's goal came from a pass by record signing Benjani Mwaruwari, who went through a 12th start without finding the target himself but was cheered when he was substituted in the 67th minute.
Only after that did opponents Middlesbrough, without several key players, look capable of denying Portsmouth a sixth successive unbeaten game - but Harry Redknapp's men hung on for another crucial victory in their battle against relegation.
The home side were without Lomana LuaLua, who failed a late fitness test on the ankle he damaged against Arsenal on Wednesday and was replaced by Svetoslav Todorov in the Portsmouth attack.
Middlesbrough, who face Steaua Bucharest in the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup on Thursday and then West Ham in the semi-finals of the FA Cup next Sunday, made wholesale changes.
Former Pompey striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu led their attack but goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and centre-back Gareth Southgate did not even make the squad after Wednesday's FA Cup replay win over Charlton Athletic.
Boro's 56th game of the season saw them without Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka, who had scored 35 goals between them in all competitions.
Yakubu was utilised as a lone striker, with England hopeful Stewart Downing lurking on the left flank.
Although minus the free-scoring LuaLua - who had netted four goals in his last four games - Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp stuck to his basic shape for a third game in eight days.
O'Neil had an early shot blocked by young defender Andrew Taylor, before Sean Davis let fly from distance from a Pedro Mendes pass and only marginally cleared the crossbar.
Todorov then had a shot deflected for a corner with Jones way out of his goal. The goalkeeper lost his footing as the flag-kick came over from Andres D'Alessandro but luckily had skipper Ugo Ehiogu on hand to clear the problem.
Todorov went down in the box after 24 minutes as he raced on to a pass from Davis under a challenge by Taylor, but claims for a penalty were waved away.
Middlesbrough's attrition under fire had to be admired as Portsmouth launched one attack after another. Ehiogu and Matthew Bates defended coolly and were well supported by their midfielders.
They even managed one or two counter-attacks. Doriva shot over from 30 yards and Downing worked his way into the box where his shot was deflected wide off Linvoy Primus.
Todorov had a header was cleared off the line although the whistle had already gone for some pushing.
Pompey were content to leave two central defenders at the back while both their full-backs joined in the attack, and there was always the danger it could leave Boro to break free with the quality of Yakubu and Downing plus Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback.
Just before the interval, Yakubu wriggled clear down the left and fired in a cross-shot which none of his team-mates were quick enough to convert as it sped across the goal.
Portsmouth sent on Wayne Routledge in place of Davis at the start of the second half but they needed to be sound in defence.
Primus expertly steered Yakubu away from a potential scoring position and made the save easy for goalkeeper Dean Kiely in the 48th minute.
Six minutes later Pompey had made the vital breakthrough.
Zimbabwe striker Benjani cut in from the left and laid on the perfect pass for midfielder O'Neil who drilled home his sixth goal of the season and his third in the last four matches.
Two minutes later it needed an outstanding save by Jones to prevent Routledge heading home a second goal from Matt Taylor's cross. Then Benjani went off to applause to be replaced by Azar Karadas and O'Neil was quickly shooting for goal again.
Jones went down to palm away his shot and Boro's defenders completed the clearance.
The Australian keeper appeared to injure himself in the process, but continued after having a strapping applied to his thumb.
Boro were enjoying more possession in the second half than in the first and Matt Taylor's mistake allowed them an opportunity for an equaliser.
James Morrison set up Malcolm Christie, the substitute playing his first game of the season after a broken leg, but Kiely was equal to the shot and smothered the effort.
Only in the last 15 minutes did Middlesbrough come alive and really test Portsmouth's resolve to keep their narrow lead.
During a hectic series of scrambles there were appeals for handball and several other offences as Pompey players flung themselves at the ball in a bid to keep it out of the net.
Christie, Yakubu and Rochemback all had shots charged down as Pompey hung on.

FOWLER STRIKE AGAIN

BLACKBURN ROVERS v LIVERPOOL, 0-1 Sun 16 Apr 2006

Robbie Fowler scored the winner for the second consecutive week as Liverpool recorded their sixth successive Barclays Premiership victory at the expense of Blackburn Rovers.
Fowler struck in the 29th minute after Fernando Morientes had broken clear down the left and pulled the ball back for the striker to stroke into a virtually empty net.
The Reds could have doubled their advantage in second-half injury time but Djibril Cisse hit a post when presented with an open goal.
Fowler, whose short-term deal following his January transfer window arrival from Manchester City expires in the summer, made it four in five matches as the Reds stretched their winning run.
It was also his third in successive outings - the first time he has achieved such a feat for the Anfield club since November 1997.
His strike virtually guaranteed Liverpool at least third place in the Barclays Premiership - putting pressure on Manchester United for second - and gave Rafael Benitez a 46th birthday present to savour.
It remains to be seen, though, whether Fowler’s scoring streak will be enough to land him the longer-term deal he would love to sign.
Remarkably the goal came after a chanceless opening 29 minutes that ebbed and flowed but did nothing to suggest what was to follow.
The game exploded following a long throw from John Arne Riise from just inside the Blackburn half that was chested on by Fowler.
An overlapping Morientes collected the pass and the Spain striker teed up Fowler for a simple sidefoot finish from 10 yards.
It proved the winner, extending Liverpool’s unbeaten run over Rovers to 15 matches in the Premiership and all but extinguishing Blackburn’s hopes of Champions League football for next season.
In fairness, it was another masterclass in defending from goalkeeper Jose Reina and his back line, with the Spain international beating Ray Clemence’s club record for goals conceded in the first half century of Reds matches.
Reina has let in just 29 goals in his 50 games, compared to the 32 of Clemence back in 1970-71.
Struggling to muster any kind of opportunity of their own, Blackburn were fortunate not to fall two goals behind on the stroke of half time.
Cisse timed a run to perfection in latching onto a ball over the top of the Blackburn defence from Fowler.
Racing into the area and with only Brad Friedel to beat, the France international drilled goalwards a drive the American blocked well, with the ball bouncing up and onto the top of the crossbar.
Even then that was not the end of the first-half action as further arguments followed on the touchline when Lucas Neill felled Cisse.
In the end Alan Wiley issued his fourth yellow card of the half to Neill as bookings for Rovers’ Robbie Savage and David Bentley, along with Liverpool’s Mohamed Sissoko, had preceded the Australian’s caution.
A fifth arrived in the 55th minute as Xabi Alonso mis-timed a tackle on Steven Reid, but at least at that stage Blackburn were creating chances and pressing for the equaliser.
Reina needed to be alert and was smartly off his line in collecting a low right-wing ball from Bentley into the six-yard box with Morten Gamst Pedersen waiting to tap home at the far post.
Then moments later a glancing header at the near post from Ryan Nelsen to an inswinging Pedersen corner flashed across the face of Reina’s goal.
Reina was then forced to tip over the bar a deep, penetrating left-wing cross from Paul Dickov before more routinely gathering a powerful 25-yard half-volley from Bentley.
In the end, it was Liverpool who should have won more comfortably, only for Morientes to glance inches wide a pin-point cross from 69th-minute substitute Harry Kewell.
Then in the first of the five minutes added for injury time, Cisse had another one-on-one chance against Friedel.
Again the Blackburn goalkeeper superbly saved the initial effort, but this time the ball ran loose for Cisse, who followed up on the rebound by prodding his second attempt against the post.
Fortunately for Benitez it was not costly, while for Blackburn, the damage had earlier been done.

GJe Mengungguli EPL Fantasy Football Sedunia

Please check this out

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/table.mc?id=14408

Kawe terjatuh ke tangga ke 3 gara-gara Henry tak berapa performed 2-3 game ni.......

Carling League Cup Result - 1st Semi Final

Wigan 1 - Arsenal 0
Blackburn 1 - MU 1

HENRI CAMARA - WIGAN

Henri Camara
Date of Birth: 1977-05-10
Place of Birth: Dakar, Senegal
Height: 5'10 ft
Weight: 10st 7lbs
Carreer Details
Club:Wigan (No 7)
Starts:13
Position:Forward
Sub On:3
Sub Off:6
Goals:6
Yellow Cards:0
Red Cards:0
Minutes On Pitch:1206
Profile: Camara is a fast footed striker that joined Wigan in August 2005, he has gained great experience playing for not only teams in the premiership but also in the world cup. A top goal scorer who made transfer at a record £3 million pound move.

Malaysian Idol

My favourite Manager.

MERRY X'MAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Merry X'Mas to Juanjo & Family, Diego Maradona, Riquelme and to all the people in Mendoza

BOCA JUNIORS

King Of South America
Boca is the winner of the South American Cup. The match ended in a 1-1 tie. Basile's team got the glory led by Roberto Abbondanzieri's heroic performance in the penalty shootout.

CARLING - League Cup Latest Result

Birmingham 1-3 Manchester Utd
74'Jarosik 45'Saha, 49'Park, 62'Saha

Wigan 2-0 Bolton
39',45'Roberts

Doncaster 2-2 Arsenal (Win 3-1 on Penalties)
3'McIndoe, 103'Green 62'Owusu-Abeyie, 120'Silva

Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn
89'Dickov

Gunners deserved it ! & MU try to keep one thropy at least..

Keane to take a bow

Fans heading to Celtic Park for the Boxing Day clash with Livingston are being invited to arrive early so as to give Roy Keane the warmest of welcomes into the Celtic family.Keane, it’s been confirmed, will be introduced to Hoops faithful prior to kick-off and, as he’s ineligible to play at his new home until the January 14 visit of Kilmarnock, this represents the perfect opportunity to give our new Bhoy the best possible reception. There’ll be pre-match entertainment, too, in the form of live music, so get along early to ‘Hail! Hail!’ the arrival at Celtic Park of one of game’s true greats

Amazing Ronaldinho - Video

Best player in the World !

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1483670761495213547&q=ronaldinho&pr=goog-sl

Week 17 - Team of the Week

Team of the Week Commentary

Eight Manchester United players earned places in the Actim Team of the Week after the Red Devils picked up six points last week. Newcastle United's Michael Owen is also included after his hat-trick, while Stelios Giannakopoulos' double for Bolton Wanderers and Joe Cole's crucial strike for Chelsea are all rewarded with places in the XI.

Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) Holland captain kept two clean sheets - his seventh and eighth of the campaign - with the Red Devils rarely troubled at home to Latics or at Villa Park.

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) Two solid displays by the England centre-back helped Sir Alex Ferguson's team to six points, with the former West Ham United defender rounding off his fine display against Wigan with his first goal in 140 games for the Old Trafford club.

Gary Neville (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) New United skipper has led his side to successive wins to go some way to easing the pain of finishing bottom of Champions League Group D and being dumped out of European competition.

John O'Shea (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) Republic of Ireland international has filled in competently at left-back in the continued absence of Gabriel Heinze.

Wes Brown (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) Defender turned in two more assured performances as United picked up six points in four days to head into Christmas in second spot.

Stelios Giannakopoulos (Everton 0-4 Bolton Wanderers) Greece winger notched two goals as the visitors stunned David Moyes' men at Goodison Park on Saturday, after having set the Trotters on their way by setting up Kevin Davies' opener.

Paul Scholes (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) Former England international looking like his old self around the box, posing a threat to opposing defences as United continued their winning run.

Darren Fletcher (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) Scotland midfielder set up Wayne Rooney's first goal against Wigan and provided the incisive through-ball for Ruud van Nistelrooy's opener at Villa Park three days later.

Joe Cole (Arsenal 0-2 Chelsea) England winger pounced when Lauren failed to control Frank Lampard's pass before weaving his way past Sol Campbell and picking his spot just inside the far post to seal three points for Jose Mourinho's champions at Highbury.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan Athletic; Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United) England striker hit neat double against Latics before securing the points at Villa Park with his ninth Barclays Premiership goal of the season.

Michael Owen (West Ham United 2-4 Newcastle United) Newcastle forward takes his place in the Actim Team of the Week after bagging a hat-trick and setting up the other goal for captain Alan Shearer in the Magpies' victory at Upton Park.

SMACH Football Team

Ni pasukan bolasepak SMACH, bekas pelajar2 Sekolah Menengah Sains Machang yang betanding dlm Liga Alumni, mereka ni power tapi kurang sokongan dari segi kewangan. Diharap mendapat sokongan dari bekas2 pelajar.

MY FIRST DAY AS PLAYER-MANAGER FOR ALIKE KETTERING TOWN

This was the first club I played before. Conference League. Similar to Kettering Town. But the manager was not "Gazza". We played 4-4-2 with three imported players, one Argentinian (Water Gimenez from Mendoza) and 2 players from West Nepal (Anil & Sures). Awie a professional player, played for Manjung FC is also Ketua Pemuda UMNO Manjung. With the sponsorship coming from River Plate, we sent all the players to Buenos Aires to watch Boca vs River in the Libertadores Final.

REPORTER TALK

Sesambil tengok bola, makan bola, tidur bola tu, boleh lah relax kan kepala view blog2 ni, dia orang ni semua minat utk uruskan pasukan bola tapi keadaan di Malaysia tidak mengizinkan cerdik pandai dlm bola menguruskan bola. Ia lebih kepada cerdik pandai dlm bidang lain menguruskan bola. Masih tertanya2 bila kita dapat tewaskan Thailand & Thai Farmers' achievments. Kalau diberi peluang, SKMK pun boleh jadi macam Chelsea. Kalau tak ada profit, tak kan Abramovich jual semua kepentingan dlm Oil & Gas Industry semata2 nak concertrate dlm bola.
(gempakstarz personality, Kuda Laut FC's Manager, etc)
http://www.fariz2k.blogspot.com/
http://www.romankodian.blogspot.com/
http://www.winpatch.blogspot.com/
http://transitus-fluvii.blogspot.com/

KELANTAN FAN TALK - Amazing Youth

Football Crazy Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad
It is simply amazing what football can do to you.When Manchester United's disastrous run coincided with Liverpool's unbelievingly good fortune at the top of the league, I was one of the happiest person on earth.Things have now changed.All change in my enthusiasm, simply because of a group of twenty-two men kicking a piece of bounded-together-leather-panels made by a Pakistani boy covered with blisters all over his hands. Sure, the nature of human beings, and especially today's homo sapiens whose life is increasingly becoming superficial, is that we are easily enslaved by many things. Some live for J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of The Rings, some to display that Swoosh sign on their backs, some for Tom Cruise. Nevertheless, it is futbol that inspires us more than anything else. Albert Camus was a goalkeeper. Pope John Paul II was also a footballer. Ask an Iranian, and while we all know the Great Satan (and Red Devil, relatives don't you think?) is still in control of the world, he will point out to their famous victory over the diabolical creatures in 1998 as a sign of the Iranian superiority over the US. I am a good example. Born hardly with legs or talent to play the world's number one past time, it seems weird that I should be a big fan of it. I think, the first time I was really crazy about football was way back in 1991 when Selangor met Johor in the final of the Malaysia Cup. Johor, at that time led by Ervin Boban demolished Karel Stromsik's Selangor 3-1. Having grown up in Selangor, I was naturally with the merah kuning and I cried my hearts out for that defeat. I kept wishing for a miracle, and it did not happen. But most of my school mates supported Selangor, so, being the person I was and still am, I decided to shift my allegiance to my hometown, the fanatical Kelantan. I was so in love with them that I did a website dedicated to following the exploits of the Kelantanese football team in the Malaysian League. That was three years ago.It was also the nature of me not to be like everyone else that I detested Manchester United. For years, I was supporting a handful of clubs that seemed to have at least some capability or tradition in challenging the domination of Sir Alex's troops. Eventually, I settled on Liverpool. In Serie A (which in my opinion, is the best league on the earth) I chose AC Milan.While I can justify my support for Kelantan by virtue of being the progeny of Kelantanese parents, I have tried tracing my family tree for some Merseyside or Lombardian ancestry but that has still eluded me. In today's age of globalisation, that is increasingly becoming true. It was best illustrated when Manchester came a-trotting to challenge (really? or make a fool of?) our beloved national team. Our own home grown was transformed into a sea of red, our of the 80 000 or so that attended the game (almost all Malaysians) you can count those who wore yellow - those who supported Malaysia. Is it not sad, to see Malaysians, who most of them probably do not even know what Lancashire smells like, have not experienced the roar of Old Trafford in real life, not to support their countrymen? I know a friend of mine, who is an ardent Man U fan, (thus securing regular arguments with me, the only other thing we disagree on are politics) decided to cheer for our national team because she was dissapointed that virtually everyone was cheering for the Red Devils. True, Man United are known to be a good football team (and alas, the same cannot be said for the Tiger squad, minus probably Akmal Rizal Rakhli) but they don't actually play really good football themselves (and yes, to the sounds of sarcasm, Liverpool probably plays worse). Ask an experienced football fan and he will point to Serie A for tactical mastery, Spain's Primera Liga for attractive attacking football and Latin America for beauty. It is this force football has on us that is attracting numerous corporations to enter the fray and exploit the beautiful game for their marketing purposes. In this age and day, football is becoming more and more about money. But still, it would be nice for Liverpool to win the League, and for Kelantan to win the Malaysia Cup!
NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD is a fan of Kelantan, Liverpool, AC Milan, Italy and, er, Malaysia. Read more of his works at his website.

Forum Kelab Bolasepak Kelantan

http://tazhar.proboards14.com/

http://www.asrolgroup.com/kdn/modules.php?name=Forums

EPL Fantasy Football

Kepada yang amat berminat sungguh utk jadi pengurus bola tu, cuba2 lah main EPL Fantasy Premiere League dulu, kalau dah bagus tu baru lah boleh manage team Kelantan FA. Cuba korang view kedudukan aku dlm liga Cheras. (Liga Gorgonz yang diuruskan oleh Sir Roms) - http://fantasy.premierleague.com/M/table.mc?id=31109

DOMESTIC LEAGUE - MALAYSIA PREMIER LEAGUE - Kelantan FA

Aku masih tak paham kenapa pasukan yang digelar Red Devil (Kelantan) kalah kepada Perak NPB, satu kelab yang mentah. Nak kata Wan Hashim jadi sebab dah ditukar kepada anak si Yamud tu, kalah juga macam tak cukup vitamin M. Aku rasa aku patut take over management Kelantan, dgn pengalaman aku mengurus kelab2 diluar negara, dan kewangan yang kukuh, aku akan pastikan pemain2 yang betaraf world class akan datang ke Negeri Cik Siti Wan Kembang. Tak dinafikan Kelantan cemerlang semasa diuruskan oleh Ringgit Kreatif dan M. Karathu. Kalau digabungkan kesemua tokoh korporat yang ada kat KL ni, berapa juta pun dapat dikutip oleh Kelantan FA (yg sepatutnya ditukar kepada Kelantan FC), mintak saja daripada Azman Yahya (Symphoni House), Nazmi (Nadi Corp), Saleh Sulong (DRB-Hicom), dan 100 orang lagi yang amat kaya yang memang berasal dari Kelantan. Buat satu stadium baru, increase sikit gate collection, promote merchandiser ke Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar dan Timor Leste. Improve kan "scout" dan suruh mereka pergi kat serata dunia cari pemain. Target, juara kelab Asia...dan kalah kan Al-Ittihad, Verdy Kawasaki ke, kan ok tu. Baru lah Nike ke Adidas nak sponsor.........

Week 17

Pemain yang paling aku hargai minggu ni ialah Camara (Wigan), Yakubu (Boro) dan Gaikonapolus (Bolton). Mereka2 ni membuat hidup ku minggu ni ceria, macam NTV7 tu. Harap2, mereka ni score 3 gol lagi lah dlm Week 18 nanti. Pasukan yg paling menghampakan aku ialah Charlton, awal2 nampak bagus tapi tengah jln nampak macam tak consisten shj. Nanti aku tanya Shebby pasal apa Curbishley ketandusan taktik, tak macam Jol, wp kena 3, dpt level balik tu kira ok ler, tapi si Jenas tu, action sikit. Gua tak suka dia. Tak lekat lah selection England nanti, sebab dah ramai midfield macam Gerrard, Lampard, Beckham, etc. Minggu ni aku nak tengok team2 macam Bolton, Chelsea, MU dan Liverpool menang besar, baru lah hidup ku ceria minggu depan.