Roma vs Manchester United
Schalke vs Barcelona
Wednesday, 2 April 2008 (19:45 UK Time)
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Fenerbahce vs Chelsea
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Monday, March 31, 2008
Midweek Hottest games
Tuesday, 1 April 2008 (19:45 UK Time)
Roma vs Manchester United
Schalke vs Barcelona
Wednesday, 2 April 2008 (19:45 UK Time)
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Fenerbahce vs Chelsea
Roma vs Manchester United
Schalke vs Barcelona
Wednesday, 2 April 2008 (19:45 UK Time)
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Fenerbahce vs Chelsea
EPL Result
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Chelsea 1 0 Middlesbrough
Tottenham 1 4 Newcastle
Liverpool 2 0 Everton
Chelsea 1 0 Middlesbrough
Tottenham 1 4 Newcastle
Liverpool 2 0 Everton
Newcastle thump Spurs
Foto from eurosport.com"Newcastle United lifted themselves clear of the relegation battle with an emphatic 4-1 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Operating in a 4-3-3 formation, Tottenham took the lead thanks to a Darren Bent header midway through the first half, though gaps were appearing in the midfield and defence, and Nicky Butt pulled Newcastle level on the stroke of half-time.
Geremi put Newcastle ahead early on in the second half, before Michael Owen marched unaccompanied through the middle to effectively put the game to bed. Obafemi Martins rounded things off ten minutes from time on the counter-attack to see Newcastle move into 12th position, nine points clear of the drop zone. Spurs boss Juande Ramos repaid Bent and Jamie O'Hara for their goals last week by naming them in his starting eleven, and switching to a 4-3-3 formation with Aaron Lennon dropping to the bench. The tactical move, together with Newcastle's usual unsteadiness in defence made for a fraught opening 15 minutes.
Habib Beye stunned the home supporters into silence after just five minutes when he seized upon a poor touch from Jonathon Woodgate and rattled the crossbar with a vicious rising shot. The visitors were on the attack again moments later as the ball fell to the unmarked Joey Barton on the edge of the area, though Robinson was this time equal to the shot. Spurs were stung into action, and may have hurt Newcastle on the counter-attack had Bent opted to play in the onrushing Dimitar Berbatov through the centre, though instead he opted to cut inside and shoot from distance, leaving Kevin Harper with a comfortable save.nThree minutes late Woodgate saw a header cleared off the line, from a fine O'Hara corner.
The Newcastle 'keeper could do nothing about Bent's opener soon after though. The former Charlton man rose high above Abdoulaye Faye in the centre of the area and glanced Steed Malbranque's cross inside the far post. Three minutes later Bent's power was causing the Newcastle defence problems again as he skipped past Steven Taylor in the penalty area, only to run the ball wide and allow Beye to close him down. Beye's clearance fell to Berbatov on the edge of the area, though he lashed over with an ambitious first-time shot.
Spurs' adventurous formation frequently left them a man short when defending, and this eventually cost them just as the game seemed to be ebbing along quietly until half-time. Woodgate missed a simple clearance, Geremi fed Butt from the right, and the midfielder struck a low shot across Robinson and in at the far post. Newcastle began the second half much in the same way as the first, though they made their forward ventures count. After Barton had set alarm bells ringing round White Hart Lane by grazing the post with a low drive from outside the area, Geremi put the Magpies ahead.
Dawson shoved Martins needlessly in an aerial tussle, and Geremi curled his free-kick past Robinson. Having set his wall to cover the near post, as is the norm, only Robinson will know why he failed to cover the other side. Ramos responded by belatedly switching back to 4-4-2 and replacing Robbie Keane and Malbranque with Adel Taarabt and Lennon. Spurs began to rain crosses in on the Newcastle area, but with their side in the lead, Steven Taylor and Faye began to grow in confidence, and win the aerial contest with Bent. The Spurs 'keeper partially atoned for his earlier error with a fine stop from a Mark Viduka effort from the edge of the area, though the game was effectively over as a contest moments later. The excellent Martins bustled his way past O'Hara on the right flank, and Viduka let the Nigerian's pass roll through to the onrushing Owen, who finished with aplomb.
At the other end, Taarabt struggled to provide the incision Spurs needed, while Lennon once again failed to display any of the magic he produced frequently when breaking into the Spurs team two seasons ago. With the hosts sending everyone apart from substitute Teemu Tainio forward for set pieces, there was always the chance for Newcastle to hurt them on the break, and so it happened in the closing stages, when Butt robbed Lennon of possession on the left flank and immediately fed Martins. The Nigerian skipped comfortably past Tainio, and kept his composure to finish clinically past Robinson and trigger general hysteria amongst the travelling support.
The Spurs fans let their displeasure be known while heading for the exits before the final whistle, though any strong criticism of Ramos for employing a different system of play would be harsh. With European football guaranteed and nothing to play for in the League, now is the perfect time for the Spaniard to experiment. As for Kevin Keegan, this is unquestionably his finest moment since returning to the club in January. While not yet mathematically safe from relegation, the presence of five sides between them and the drop zone means they are all but safe. "
Michael FitzGerald / Eurosport
Sunday, March 30, 2008
United overwhelm sorry Villa
"A breathtaking attacking performance saw Manchester United re-establish their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
Wayne Rooney's brace and goals from Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo did not tell the full story as United obliterated an Aston Villa side already low on confidence and without a win in the whole month of March.
The manner of the victory stood out as much as the scoreline, United hitting Villa in waves, mesmerising spectators and opposition players alike with constant one-touch passing and expressions of flair that formed a direct response to ten-man Arsenal's last-gasp 3-2 win at Bolton earlier in the day.
Oddly, Villa had the first decent opportunity of the match when Ashley Young volleyed from just inside the box, Wes Brown blocking behind for a corner, but the hosts soon stamped their authority, Rooney seeing a sweet half-volley blocked, Ronaldo forcing a good save from Scott Carson with a low drive after neat interplay from Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick, and Brown heading just over from the subsequent corner.
United then took a 17th-minute lead, Ronaldo adding weight to the argument that he is currently the best player in the world with an exquisitely improvised backheel after Villa failed to clear a corner. It was his 35th goal for his club this season, and arguably the most spectacular, the quickness of thought and fleetness of foot required to execute the finish aligned with the power and balance needed to force it through Martin Laursen's legs and past the unsighted Carson.
The inevitable mismatch of quality and form - United had previously won six Premier League matches on the trot while Villa have not won in March - was compounded by Martin O'Neill's injury problems, Nigel Reo-Coker forced to play at right back for the first time in his professional career and John Carew taken off in the first half with an apparent groin strain.
A central midfielder by trade, Reo-Coker was doing a decent job getting forward and putting crosses in to support Gabriel Agbonlahor on the wing, but he was repeatedly finding himself caught out defensively. Veteran winger Giggs was giving him a torrid time with the ball at his feet, also turning him inside out by constantly swapping flanks with Ronaldo, while the former England Under-21 international's positioning left Villa short at the back and was a direct cause for United's second goal on 33 minutes, Tevez ghosting in at the far post to head in Ronaldo's cross after he had himself initiated the flowing move in midfield.
Villa came out after half-time with a touch more initiative, almost forcing United into a succession of errors with some good pressure, including one incident where the referee decided that Harewood fouled Scholes in dispossessing him on the edge of the Reds' area before Scholes took him down.
United should have scored immediately afterwards, Rooney sent clean through by Tevez but somehow firing wide, Shaun Maloney doing exactly the same when a long ball was missed by Nemanja Vidic to release the Scotland forward.
And, just after seeing a Ronaldo volley hit the bar via the leg of Wilfred Bouma, the hosts got their third through a very similar move, Giggs playing the ball inside to Ronaldo, who deftly backheeled the ball for Rooney to make no mistake the second time of asking, rounding Carson and rolling the ball into the empty net.
The Midlanders were not about to roll over and die though, continuing to put pressure on United and hitting the woodwork through Maloney, whose shot was well-saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.
Mindful of the midweek Champions League quarter final grudge match at Roma, Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes on the hour mark, taking off Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Carrick and introducing Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and John O'Shea. It made very little difference to United's attacking impetus though, Hargreaves immediately laying on a gilt-edged opportunity for Tevez, the Argentina striker only able to head wide when found unmarked. Villa had their moments too, Maloney and Young going close in quick succession but denied by last-gasp blocks.
But United were on fire, Rooney shaving the outside of the post with a first-time effort after more champagne football from Giggs, Tevez and Ronaldo and the England striker getting his second and his side's fourth with a confident finish into the bottom left following more one-touch play by the aforementioned trio after Olof Mellberg gave the ball away 30 yards out.
Rooney had the ball in the back of the net one more time, although he was correctly called offside when finishing Hargreaves's excellent cross, United cooling off to declare at four and in fine form ahead of Tuesday's big match in Rome, although there is a fitness concern over Giggs, who walked off early with a look of slight discomfort to leave his side down to ten men for the remaining five minutes.
Manchester United now lead the league by six points from Arsenal, while Villa lie eighth, still eight goals ahead of Manchester City, who are level on points."
Reda Maher / Eurosport
Wayne Rooney's brace and goals from Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo did not tell the full story as United obliterated an Aston Villa side already low on confidence and without a win in the whole month of March.
The manner of the victory stood out as much as the scoreline, United hitting Villa in waves, mesmerising spectators and opposition players alike with constant one-touch passing and expressions of flair that formed a direct response to ten-man Arsenal's last-gasp 3-2 win at Bolton earlier in the day.
Oddly, Villa had the first decent opportunity of the match when Ashley Young volleyed from just inside the box, Wes Brown blocking behind for a corner, but the hosts soon stamped their authority, Rooney seeing a sweet half-volley blocked, Ronaldo forcing a good save from Scott Carson with a low drive after neat interplay from Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick, and Brown heading just over from the subsequent corner.
United then took a 17th-minute lead, Ronaldo adding weight to the argument that he is currently the best player in the world with an exquisitely improvised backheel after Villa failed to clear a corner. It was his 35th goal for his club this season, and arguably the most spectacular, the quickness of thought and fleetness of foot required to execute the finish aligned with the power and balance needed to force it through Martin Laursen's legs and past the unsighted Carson.
The inevitable mismatch of quality and form - United had previously won six Premier League matches on the trot while Villa have not won in March - was compounded by Martin O'Neill's injury problems, Nigel Reo-Coker forced to play at right back for the first time in his professional career and John Carew taken off in the first half with an apparent groin strain.
A central midfielder by trade, Reo-Coker was doing a decent job getting forward and putting crosses in to support Gabriel Agbonlahor on the wing, but he was repeatedly finding himself caught out defensively. Veteran winger Giggs was giving him a torrid time with the ball at his feet, also turning him inside out by constantly swapping flanks with Ronaldo, while the former England Under-21 international's positioning left Villa short at the back and was a direct cause for United's second goal on 33 minutes, Tevez ghosting in at the far post to head in Ronaldo's cross after he had himself initiated the flowing move in midfield.
Villa came out after half-time with a touch more initiative, almost forcing United into a succession of errors with some good pressure, including one incident where the referee decided that Harewood fouled Scholes in dispossessing him on the edge of the Reds' area before Scholes took him down.
United should have scored immediately afterwards, Rooney sent clean through by Tevez but somehow firing wide, Shaun Maloney doing exactly the same when a long ball was missed by Nemanja Vidic to release the Scotland forward.
And, just after seeing a Ronaldo volley hit the bar via the leg of Wilfred Bouma, the hosts got their third through a very similar move, Giggs playing the ball inside to Ronaldo, who deftly backheeled the ball for Rooney to make no mistake the second time of asking, rounding Carson and rolling the ball into the empty net.
The Midlanders were not about to roll over and die though, continuing to put pressure on United and hitting the woodwork through Maloney, whose shot was well-saved by Tomasz Kuszczak.
Mindful of the midweek Champions League quarter final grudge match at Roma, Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes on the hour mark, taking off Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Carrick and introducing Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and John O'Shea. It made very little difference to United's attacking impetus though, Hargreaves immediately laying on a gilt-edged opportunity for Tevez, the Argentina striker only able to head wide when found unmarked. Villa had their moments too, Maloney and Young going close in quick succession but denied by last-gasp blocks.
But United were on fire, Rooney shaving the outside of the post with a first-time effort after more champagne football from Giggs, Tevez and Ronaldo and the England striker getting his second and his side's fourth with a confident finish into the bottom left following more one-touch play by the aforementioned trio after Olof Mellberg gave the ball away 30 yards out.
Rooney had the ball in the back of the net one more time, although he was correctly called offside when finishing Hargreaves's excellent cross, United cooling off to declare at four and in fine form ahead of Tuesday's big match in Rome, although there is a fitness concern over Giggs, who walked off early with a look of slight discomfort to leave his side down to ten men for the remaining five minutes.
Manchester United now lead the league by six points from Arsenal, while Villa lie eighth, still eight goals ahead of Manchester City, who are level on points."
Reda Maher / Eurosport
Result EPL
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Birmingham 3 1 Manchester City
Bolton 2 3 Arsenal
Derby Country 2 2 Fulham
Portsmouth 2 0 Wigan
Reading 0 0 Blackburn
Sunderland 2 1 West Ham
Manchester United 4 0 Aston Villa
Birmingham 3 1 Manchester City
Bolton 2 3 Arsenal
Derby Country 2 2 Fulham
Portsmouth 2 0 Wigan
Reading 0 0 Blackburn
Sunderland 2 1 West Ham
Manchester United 4 0 Aston Villa
Breaking News - Arsenal seal stunning Bolton comeback
"Arsenal came back from two goals down with 10 men to beat Bolton 3-2 on a soaking wet Reebok Stadium pitch and remain in touch with the top two in the Premier League.
Matthew Taylor scored twice in the first half before goals from William Gallas, Robin van Persie (penalty) and a last-minute Jlloyd Samuel own-goal gave the Gunners three points.
After Taylor stunned the Gunners with a header to open the scoring in Bolton's first threatening attack of the match on 14 minutes, Abou Diaby produced a disgraceful challenge on the standing leg of Gretar Steinsson to earn a straight red card.
Two minutes before half-time Taylor completed his brace when Mathieu Flamini lost possession and Diouf set him up on the edge of the box. His first-time strike found the bottom corner via a deflection.
After the break Bolton looked likely to grab a third goal as they peppered Manuel Almunia with crosses, but the comeback was on after William Gallas arrived late to finish a corner at the back post in the 62nd minute.
It continued when Alexander Hleb was brought down in the box by Gary Cahill as he danced across the penalty area five minutes later, allowing Van Persie to slam home the penalty.
Bolton sought to hold on as the Gunners streamed forward in the last quarter of the game, the physical substitute Emmanuel Adebayor causing problems after he was dropped in favour of Nicklas Bendtner.
In the 90th minute Hleb pulled back on the left and Cesc Fabregas attacked the ball, scoring past the stranded Ali Al Habsi via a deflection off Samuel.
The result puts the stuttering Gunners - who had drawn four and lost one of their previous five league matches - back second, three points behind Manchester United."
Jonathan Symcox/eurosport
Matthew Taylor scored twice in the first half before goals from William Gallas, Robin van Persie (penalty) and a last-minute Jlloyd Samuel own-goal gave the Gunners three points.
After Taylor stunned the Gunners with a header to open the scoring in Bolton's first threatening attack of the match on 14 minutes, Abou Diaby produced a disgraceful challenge on the standing leg of Gretar Steinsson to earn a straight red card.
Two minutes before half-time Taylor completed his brace when Mathieu Flamini lost possession and Diouf set him up on the edge of the box. His first-time strike found the bottom corner via a deflection.
After the break Bolton looked likely to grab a third goal as they peppered Manuel Almunia with crosses, but the comeback was on after William Gallas arrived late to finish a corner at the back post in the 62nd minute.
It continued when Alexander Hleb was brought down in the box by Gary Cahill as he danced across the penalty area five minutes later, allowing Van Persie to slam home the penalty.
Bolton sought to hold on as the Gunners streamed forward in the last quarter of the game, the physical substitute Emmanuel Adebayor causing problems after he was dropped in favour of Nicklas Bendtner.
In the 90th minute Hleb pulled back on the left and Cesc Fabregas attacked the ball, scoring past the stranded Ali Al Habsi via a deflection off Samuel.
The result puts the stuttering Gunners - who had drawn four and lost one of their previous five league matches - back second, three points behind Manchester United."
Jonathan Symcox/eurosport
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Qualifying rules changed for Bahrain
"Formula One qualifying will be modified to prevent the danger of drivers suddenly slowing to save fuel after their final quick laps while others are still at full speed. A spokesman for the International Automobile Federation confirmed the change was likely to be enforced before next week's third round of the season in Bahrain.
"Our clarification to the teams and drivers will be that cars returning to the pits having completed their flying lap or laps will be required to do so within a time that we will set," he said. "This could be approximately 120 percent of the normal time as we do to prevent drivers going very slowly to the grid (on the pre-race formation lap) to save fuel."
Teams and drivers called on the governing body to act after last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix threw up an obvious danger in the third and final qualifying phase. McLaren's Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen were penalised five places on the starting grid for impeding rivals but the safety implications caused more concern than the sanction.
The rules have changed this season, preventing the 10 drivers who take part in the final session from refuelling between the end of Saturday's qualifying and the race on Sunday. The revised format has raised safety concerns with drivers slowing to save fuel immediately they finish while others are still at full speed.
"I clearly don't like the dangers implicit in this situation," said BMW Sauber team boss Mario Theissen at the weekend. "The speed differentials are so great that this is a problem which we need urgently to resolve, hopefully by the next race in Bahrain.""
Reuters
Friday, March 28, 2008
Star-studded Chelsea’s date in KL is set for July 29
"Malaysian football fans will get to watch a star-studded Chelsea first team live in action in Kuala Lumpur. Chelsea, who will be in Asia for pre-season tour, are scheduled to play against Malaysia on July 29 after a match in China on July 23.
ProEvents are the promoters of the Chelsea tour and their CEO, Julian Kam, said yesterday: “I am sure that many football fans not only in Malaysia but also those from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and even those in Australia, will welcome this great opportunity to see The Blues in action. Chelsea are one the big four clubs in England who are still in the running for double honours this season – the English Premier League and Champions League titles.
“We wish Chelsea all the best in the final stages of the EPL and Champions League and hope that they will come to Asia as champions of both tournaments,'' said Julian. The chief executive of Chelsea, Peter Kenyon, said that besides the match in Malaysia, they would also host Malaysian national coach B. Sathiananthan for about 10 days at Stamford Bridge in early August.
“I believe this will benefit both parties and may pave the way for other such programmes in future between Malaysia and Chelsea. “This also underlines Chelsea's commitment to develop football in Asia,'' he said. The FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president, Khairy Jamaluddin, said that national team will feature in the match against Chelsea. “It will be a good experience for the national players in preparation for the Merdeka Tournament in September,'' he said.”
By AFTAR SINGH – The Star Malaysia
ProEvents are the promoters of the Chelsea tour and their CEO, Julian Kam, said yesterday: “I am sure that many football fans not only in Malaysia but also those from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and even those in Australia, will welcome this great opportunity to see The Blues in action. Chelsea are one the big four clubs in England who are still in the running for double honours this season – the English Premier League and Champions League titles.
“We wish Chelsea all the best in the final stages of the EPL and Champions League and hope that they will come to Asia as champions of both tournaments,'' said Julian. The chief executive of Chelsea, Peter Kenyon, said that besides the match in Malaysia, they would also host Malaysian national coach B. Sathiananthan for about 10 days at Stamford Bridge in early August.
“I believe this will benefit both parties and may pave the way for other such programmes in future between Malaysia and Chelsea. “This also underlines Chelsea's commitment to develop football in Asia,'' he said. The FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president, Khairy Jamaluddin, said that national team will feature in the match against Chelsea. “It will be a good experience for the national players in preparation for the Merdeka Tournament in September,'' he said.”
By AFTAR SINGH – The Star Malaysia
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Coulthard’s Red Bull auctioned online
A lucky enthusiast has bought themselves a slice of Formula One history after snapping up the Red Bull driven by David Coulthard at the 2007 British Grand Prix on website eBay for €210,050. The online auction was held by the team on Sunday night in aid of the Wings for Life charity, a foundation set up to fund research into spinal injuries.
The RB3 went under the hammer with its special ‘Faces for Charity’ livery, which the team ran during last year's Silverstone event. More than 50,000 Formula One fans donated money in exchange for their photographs becoming part of a huge collage which covered the car’s bodywork. The car’s new owner has chosen to remain anonymous.
source from formula1.com
The RB3 went under the hammer with its special ‘Faces for Charity’ livery, which the team ran during last year's Silverstone event. More than 50,000 Formula One fans donated money in exchange for their photographs becoming part of a huge collage which covered the car’s bodywork. The car’s new owner has chosen to remain anonymous.
source from formula1.com
Second Season CYC Kicks Off In August
"The second edition of the Under- 19 Champions Youth Cup (CYC) will kick off on August 2, with 16 clubs and national teams vying for the title.
Ten out of the sixteen teams are prominent European-based clubs, led by defending champions Manchester United that narrowly beat Juventus of Italy 1-0 in last year's final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The teams participating include Chelsea (England), Juventus (Italy), AC Milan (Italy), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Ajax (Holland), PSV Eindhoven (Holland), Olympique Lyonnais (France) and FC Porto (Portugal).
The other teams are two South American clubs, Flamengo (Brazil) and River Plate (Argentina) and the national squads of four Asian countries -- Qatar, India, Malaysia and Japan, which has yet to confirm its participation.
Gifted Group chairman Jonathan Price said the 16 teams would be divided into four groups and only two top teams in each group would qualify for the quarter-finals.
All group and quarter-final matches will be held at several state stadiums, while the semi-final and final matches will be played in Kuala Lumpur.
Price said Gifted Group, in cooperation with the Youth and Sports Ministry, Education Ministry and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), would hold 28 coaching clinics, providing 200 youngsters the opportunity to train and learn from selected professional players plying their trade with the world's biggest clubs.
Besides that, Price said Ajax's youth academy, a world-renowned football training centre for turning talented young players into top footballers, would work closely with FAM, the National Sports Council and Education Ministry to draw up a special football curriculum and operational infrastructure for state football schools for under-17 and under-14 players.
"The Ajax academy will also conduct two-week training camps for Malaysian under-16 and under-14 talents as well as coaching of coaches and goalkeepers," he said, adding that two Malaysian footballers, Bunyamin Omar and Badrul Baktiar, would have a two-week stint with Chelsea next month.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Wee Jeck Seng said his ministry fully supported the CYC as it created grassroot football development programmes."
-- BERNAMA
Ten out of the sixteen teams are prominent European-based clubs, led by defending champions Manchester United that narrowly beat Juventus of Italy 1-0 in last year's final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The teams participating include Chelsea (England), Juventus (Italy), AC Milan (Italy), Bayern Munich (Germany), Barcelona (Spain), Ajax (Holland), PSV Eindhoven (Holland), Olympique Lyonnais (France) and FC Porto (Portugal).
The other teams are two South American clubs, Flamengo (Brazil) and River Plate (Argentina) and the national squads of four Asian countries -- Qatar, India, Malaysia and Japan, which has yet to confirm its participation.
Gifted Group chairman Jonathan Price said the 16 teams would be divided into four groups and only two top teams in each group would qualify for the quarter-finals.
All group and quarter-final matches will be held at several state stadiums, while the semi-final and final matches will be played in Kuala Lumpur.
Price said Gifted Group, in cooperation with the Youth and Sports Ministry, Education Ministry and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), would hold 28 coaching clinics, providing 200 youngsters the opportunity to train and learn from selected professional players plying their trade with the world's biggest clubs.
Besides that, Price said Ajax's youth academy, a world-renowned football training centre for turning talented young players into top footballers, would work closely with FAM, the National Sports Council and Education Ministry to draw up a special football curriculum and operational infrastructure for state football schools for under-17 and under-14 players.
"The Ajax academy will also conduct two-week training camps for Malaysian under-16 and under-14 talents as well as coaching of coaches and goalkeepers," he said, adding that two Malaysian footballers, Bunyamin Omar and Badrul Baktiar, would have a two-week stint with Chelsea next month.
Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Wee Jeck Seng said his ministry fully supported the CYC as it created grassroot football development programmes."
-- BERNAMA
Fixtures - EPL
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Birmingham vs Manchester City
Bolton vs Arsenal
Derby Country vs Fulham
Portsmouth vs Wigan
Reading vs Blackburn
Sunderland vs West Ham
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough
Tottenham vs Newcastle
Liverpool vs Everton
Birmingham vs Manchester City
Bolton vs Arsenal
Derby Country vs Fulham
Portsmouth vs Wigan
Reading vs Blackburn
Sunderland vs West Ham
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Chelsea vs Middlesbrough
Tottenham vs Newcastle
Liverpool vs Everton
Riise may quit Liverpool
"John Arne Riise has admitted to becoming frustrated by a lack of first-team football at Liverpool. The Norwegian defender has been a regular for the Reds since his switch from Monaco in 2001, but has found his opportunities restricted during the current campaign.
He has made just 26 starts in all competitions this season and has fallen behind fellow full-back Fabio Aurelio in the pecking order of late. He is due for showdown talks with manager Rafa Benitez in the near future, but is prepared to leave the club at the end of the season if he does not get the guarantees he requires.
"I am not happy with the situation," he told the Norwegian media. "I am used to playing in 80 per cent of all the games, but if I don't get to play as much as I want to I have to make a choice this summer as to whether I should stay or not. "I just have to wait and see what will happen."Maybe he (Benitez) will offer me a new contract, maybe not. "It's frustrating not knowing if you are going to play the next game or not."
SportingLife / Eurosport
He has made just 26 starts in all competitions this season and has fallen behind fellow full-back Fabio Aurelio in the pecking order of late. He is due for showdown talks with manager Rafa Benitez in the near future, but is prepared to leave the club at the end of the season if he does not get the guarantees he requires.
"I am not happy with the situation," he told the Norwegian media. "I am used to playing in 80 per cent of all the games, but if I don't get to play as much as I want to I have to make a choice this summer as to whether I should stay or not. "I just have to wait and see what will happen."Maybe he (Benitez) will offer me a new contract, maybe not. "It's frustrating not knowing if you are going to play the next game or not."
SportingLife / Eurosport
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
International Friendly
26 March 2008
Romania 3 0 Russia
Belarus 2 2 Turkey
Luxembourg 0 2 Wales
Denmark 1 1 Czech Rep
Austria 3 4 Netherlands
Poland 0 3 USA
Brazil 1 0 Sweden
Switzerland 0 4 Germany
Northern Ireland 4 1 Georgia
Portugal 1 2 Greece
Scotland 1 1 Croatia
France 1 0 England
Spain 1 0 Italy
Romania 3 0 Russia
Belarus 2 2 Turkey
Luxembourg 0 2 Wales
Denmark 1 1 Czech Rep
Austria 3 4 Netherlands
Poland 0 3 USA
Brazil 1 0 Sweden
Switzerland 0 4 Germany
Northern Ireland 4 1 Georgia
Portugal 1 2 Greece
Scotland 1 1 Croatia
France 1 0 England
Spain 1 0 Italy
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Champions League - European Power Rankings
With no European action over the past seven days, it is no surprise to see Manchester United retaining their place at the summit of our Power Rankings. We take into account both domestic and European performances, plus the relative difficulty of each team's league, to find out who is the best team in Europe.Alex Ferguson's side scored two domestic victories last week to help them edge towards the successful retention of their Premier League crown and, perhaps more importantly, the inaugural European Power Rankings gong.
United currently lead second-placed Barcelona by just under two points - a hefty defecit in Power Rankings terms - after Arsenal's defeat to Chelsea saw them slip into third. That win for Chelsea, coupled with a disastrous week for Internazionale which saw them pick up just a point from two games, means the Blues leapfrog the Nerazzurri into fifth.
Elsewhere, Bayern and Real Madrid swap positions down in 12th and 13th respectively while Lyon's win over Paris St Germain bumps them up to 17th.
EUROPEAN POWER RANKINGS
1 (1) Manchester United - 24.27
2 (3) Barcelona - 22.50
3 (2) Arsenal - 22.31
4 (4) Roma - 21.29
5 (6) Chelsea - 20.97
6 (5) Internazionale - 20.71
7 (7) Liverpool - 20.52
8 (9) Porto - 19.90
9 (8) Sevilla - 19.76
10 (10) Everton - 19.19
11 (11) Fenerbahce - 18.89
12 (13) Bayern - 17.94
13 (12) Real Madrid - 17.56
14 (14) Hamburg - 17.48
15 (15) Milan - 16.92
16 (16) Olympiacos - 16.88
17 (18) Lyon - 16.48
18 (17) Fiorentina - 16.43
19 (19) Werder Bremen - 16.17
20 (20) Rangers - 16.08
HOW IT WORKS
Scores are based on points per game in domestic league and European games.
Domestic points per game are multiplied by the league coefficient - either 4, 4.5 or 5 - with teams in stronger leagues getting more credit. Champions League (or Super Cup) victories are counted from the third qualifying round onward as three points for a win and multiplied by a coefficient of 5.
UEFA Cup victories are counted from the first round as three points for a win and multiplied by a coefficient of 4. Domestic and European totals are then added together. If a side has played in both Champions League and UEFA Cup, its European total is an average of the two scores.
League coefficients:
England, Spain, Italy = 5
Germany, Portugal, France = 4.5
Others = 4
Example: Manchester United
73 points from 31 Premier League games = 2.35 points per game.
Multiplied by league coefficient of five - 2.35 x 5 = 11.77
20 points from 8 Champions League games (including qualifying) = 2.50 points per game.
Multiplied by Champions League coefficient of five - 12.50
Total score = 11.77 + 12.50 = 24.27
Eurosport
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Raikkonen storms to victory in Malaysia
source from formula1.com23 March 2008, By formula1.com
If Australia was a nightmare for Ferrari, Malaysia was a dream. Kimi Raikkonen toyed initially with polesitting team mate Felipe Massa, took the lead after their first pit stops, and sauntered into the distance to a victory that puts him back into contention for a second world title.
Massa blotted his copybook by spinning out of an easy second place on the 31st lap, leaving Robert Kubica to take an excellent runner-up result for BMW Sauber. In the closing laps, though 22 seconds adrift, the Pole set a similar pace to Raikkonen.
Heikki Kovalainen was McLaren’s leading runner in a distant third place, a similar distance in arrears.
For Lewis Hamilton, it was a race spent playing catch-up. He made a great start to jump from ninth up to fifth place behind the Ferraris, Kubica and similarly fast-starting Mark Webber in the Red Bull. But then a problem with the right-front wheel during his first pit stop dropped him down to 11th place, and he lost time hand over fist in the traffic.
That enabled Jarno Trulli to come through to a good fourth place for Toyota, with Hamilton dogging his wheel tracks after a great recovery drive. The truth, however, was that this time out Ferrari were stronger, and the pace of BMW Sauber will have both top teams keeping a close eye on the white and blue cars.
Nick Heidfeld set fastest lap in the closing stages as he thirsted after Hamilton, while Webber was able to hold off a challenging Fernando Alonso in the Renault as they wrapped up the final points.
David Coulthard had a relatively quiet race to ninth in the second Red Bull ahead of fellow Briton, Jenson Button, who survived a late off-track moment in his Honda to lead home Renault’s Nelson Piquet, the Brazilian rookie recording his first Grand Prix finish.
Giancarlo Fisichella was 12th for Force India, a lap down, taking the place after Honda’s Rubens Barrichello had to serve a drive-through penalty for pit lane speeding.
The final finishers were Nico Rosberg, who had a most unhappy time in his Williams, the Super Aguris of Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato, and Kazuki Nakajima who, like Rosberg, could not generate decent tyre temperatures in his Williams FW30.
Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Bourdais was the first retirement, falling off on the opening lap. Rosberg clobbered Timo Glock then, too, necessitating a pit stop for a new nose cone. The Williams continued, the Toyota was through for the day. Adrian Sutil suffered a mechanical problem that stopped his Force India out on the track, while Sebastian Vettel suffered either engine or transmission failure that brought him to a smoky halt.
The result leaves Hamilton still leading the world championship for drivers with 14 points, ahead of Raikkonen and Heidfeld on 11 apiece. In the constructors’ chase, McLaren lead with 24, ahead of BMW Sauber on 19 and Ferrari on 11."
If Australia was a nightmare for Ferrari, Malaysia was a dream. Kimi Raikkonen toyed initially with polesitting team mate Felipe Massa, took the lead after their first pit stops, and sauntered into the distance to a victory that puts him back into contention for a second world title.
Massa blotted his copybook by spinning out of an easy second place on the 31st lap, leaving Robert Kubica to take an excellent runner-up result for BMW Sauber. In the closing laps, though 22 seconds adrift, the Pole set a similar pace to Raikkonen.
Heikki Kovalainen was McLaren’s leading runner in a distant third place, a similar distance in arrears.
For Lewis Hamilton, it was a race spent playing catch-up. He made a great start to jump from ninth up to fifth place behind the Ferraris, Kubica and similarly fast-starting Mark Webber in the Red Bull. But then a problem with the right-front wheel during his first pit stop dropped him down to 11th place, and he lost time hand over fist in the traffic.
That enabled Jarno Trulli to come through to a good fourth place for Toyota, with Hamilton dogging his wheel tracks after a great recovery drive. The truth, however, was that this time out Ferrari were stronger, and the pace of BMW Sauber will have both top teams keeping a close eye on the white and blue cars.
Nick Heidfeld set fastest lap in the closing stages as he thirsted after Hamilton, while Webber was able to hold off a challenging Fernando Alonso in the Renault as they wrapped up the final points.
David Coulthard had a relatively quiet race to ninth in the second Red Bull ahead of fellow Briton, Jenson Button, who survived a late off-track moment in his Honda to lead home Renault’s Nelson Piquet, the Brazilian rookie recording his first Grand Prix finish.
Giancarlo Fisichella was 12th for Force India, a lap down, taking the place after Honda’s Rubens Barrichello had to serve a drive-through penalty for pit lane speeding.
The final finishers were Nico Rosberg, who had a most unhappy time in his Williams, the Super Aguris of Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato, and Kazuki Nakajima who, like Rosberg, could not generate decent tyre temperatures in his Williams FW30.
Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Bourdais was the first retirement, falling off on the opening lap. Rosberg clobbered Timo Glock then, too, necessitating a pit stop for a new nose cone. The Williams continued, the Toyota was through for the day. Adrian Sutil suffered a mechanical problem that stopped his Force India out on the track, while Sebastian Vettel suffered either engine or transmission failure that brought him to a smoky halt.
The result leaves Hamilton still leading the world championship for drivers with 14 points, ahead of Raikkonen and Heidfeld on 11 apiece. In the constructors’ chase, McLaren lead with 24, ahead of BMW Sauber on 19 and Ferrari on 11."
Newcastle finally get their first victory under Keegan
"LONDON: Goals from Mark Viduka and Michael Owen ended Newcastle United's wretched run of 13 Premier League games without a win as they beat struggling Fulham 2-0 at St James' Park yesterday.
The result, Newcastle's first win in Kevin Keegan's second spell as their manager after nine games without a victory since the former England coach's return, eased the Magpies fears of being drawn into the relegation battle. But defeat left Fulham second-bottom and facing a fight to maintain their top-flight status.
Elsewhere, Newcastle's arch-rivals Sunderland moved further away from the drop zone with a 1-0 win away to Aston Villa, their first league win on their travels this season, thanks to Michael Chopra's 83rd minute goal.
Middlesbrough completed a good day for the north-east with a 1-0 victory over doomed basement club Derby County.
Meanwhile, Birmingham were drawn nearer the bottom three after Reading, also on the fringes of the relegation zone, won 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium. Bolton remained in the bottom three after a goalless draw at home to Manchester City.
Blackburn Rovers beat Wigan 3-1 as the Latics suffered a setback in a match where both sides finised with 10 men.
In the day's early Premier League match, Tottenham beat Portsmouth 2-0 to dent Pompey's hopes of a top-five finish.
Everton, scrapping with city rivals Liverpool for fourth place, will look to boost their campaign for a Champions League spot next season against West Ham in yesterday's late kick-off.
All the top four are in action today with leaders Manchester United facing fourth-placed Liverpool and Chelsea (third) taking on second-placed Arsenal in a London derby.
Not since Keegan's first spell at Newcastle have the Magpies entertained thoughts of winning the title.
Australia international Viduka did his best to settle early nerves on Tyneside by scoring in the sixth minute.
But the home fans had to endure a nervous wait until England forward Owen wrapped up the points seven minutes from time.
At Ewood Park, Roque Santa Cruz made it five goals in two games against Wigan as he struck twice.
The Paraguay forward opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Marlon King pulled Wigan level five minutes later from the penalty-spot with his first goal for the club after Christopher Samba was sent-off for a foul on ex-England striker Emile Heskey.
Jason Roberts restored Rovers' lead on the stroke of half-time and then Santa Cruz made it 3-1 in the 63rd minute.
Wigan were dealt a further blow when Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios was sent-off for a second bookable offence.
Andre Bikey was Reading's hero, the Cameroon midfielder scoring twice. He put the Royals ahead in the 31st minute and Steve Coppell's side held that lead until the 64th minute when Argentinian Mauro Zarate levelled.
But Bikey's header 11 minutes from time secured Reading's ninth league win of the season." – AFP
from the star malaysia
The result, Newcastle's first win in Kevin Keegan's second spell as their manager after nine games without a victory since the former England coach's return, eased the Magpies fears of being drawn into the relegation battle. But defeat left Fulham second-bottom and facing a fight to maintain their top-flight status.
Elsewhere, Newcastle's arch-rivals Sunderland moved further away from the drop zone with a 1-0 win away to Aston Villa, their first league win on their travels this season, thanks to Michael Chopra's 83rd minute goal.
Middlesbrough completed a good day for the north-east with a 1-0 victory over doomed basement club Derby County.
Meanwhile, Birmingham were drawn nearer the bottom three after Reading, also on the fringes of the relegation zone, won 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium. Bolton remained in the bottom three after a goalless draw at home to Manchester City.
Blackburn Rovers beat Wigan 3-1 as the Latics suffered a setback in a match where both sides finised with 10 men.
In the day's early Premier League match, Tottenham beat Portsmouth 2-0 to dent Pompey's hopes of a top-five finish.
Everton, scrapping with city rivals Liverpool for fourth place, will look to boost their campaign for a Champions League spot next season against West Ham in yesterday's late kick-off.
All the top four are in action today with leaders Manchester United facing fourth-placed Liverpool and Chelsea (third) taking on second-placed Arsenal in a London derby.
Not since Keegan's first spell at Newcastle have the Magpies entertained thoughts of winning the title.
Australia international Viduka did his best to settle early nerves on Tyneside by scoring in the sixth minute.
But the home fans had to endure a nervous wait until England forward Owen wrapped up the points seven minutes from time.
At Ewood Park, Roque Santa Cruz made it five goals in two games against Wigan as he struck twice.
The Paraguay forward opened the scoring in the 12th minute before Marlon King pulled Wigan level five minutes later from the penalty-spot with his first goal for the club after Christopher Samba was sent-off for a foul on ex-England striker Emile Heskey.
Jason Roberts restored Rovers' lead on the stroke of half-time and then Santa Cruz made it 3-1 in the 63rd minute.
Wigan were dealt a further blow when Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios was sent-off for a second bookable offence.
Andre Bikey was Reading's hero, the Cameroon midfielder scoring twice. He put the Royals ahead in the 31st minute and Steve Coppell's side held that lead until the 64th minute when Argentinian Mauro Zarate levelled.
But Bikey's header 11 minutes from time secured Reading's ninth league win of the season." – AFP
from the star malaysia
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Kovalainen, Hamilton to lose five grid places
"McLaren drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton will each drop five places on the grid for Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix after stewards decided they had blocked rival drivers in the closing stages in qualifying. They will now start the race eighth and ninth respectively.
Kovalainen and Hamilton were called before the stewards after suggestions that BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld and Renault’s Fernando Alonso were impeded during their final Q3 runs, when the McLaren drivers were conserving fuel on slowing-down laps, both having completed their final runs.
"The first corners of my last lap went smoothly, but then there were several cars driving very slowly on their in-laps,” said Heidfeld, who qualified seventh, but will now start fifth. “Apparently they had no information that the qualifying was still going on. Before Turn Four I lost a lot of time because both McLarens were cruising on the racing line.
“I think this has cost me about two tenths of a second, which would have meant being third instead of seventh. I just couldn't drive on the line I wanted and, even more importantly, could not brake were I wanted.”
McLaren are not expected to appeal the decision, which means row two on the grid will now be formed by the Toyota of Jarno Trulli and BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica. Red Bull’s Mark Webber moves up to P6 to join Heidfeld on the third row, while Alonso moves up from P9 to P7."
from formula1.com
Kovalainen and Hamilton were called before the stewards after suggestions that BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld and Renault’s Fernando Alonso were impeded during their final Q3 runs, when the McLaren drivers were conserving fuel on slowing-down laps, both having completed their final runs.
"The first corners of my last lap went smoothly, but then there were several cars driving very slowly on their in-laps,” said Heidfeld, who qualified seventh, but will now start fifth. “Apparently they had no information that the qualifying was still going on. Before Turn Four I lost a lot of time because both McLarens were cruising on the racing line.
“I think this has cost me about two tenths of a second, which would have meant being third instead of seventh. I just couldn't drive on the line I wanted and, even more importantly, could not brake were I wanted.”
McLaren are not expected to appeal the decision, which means row two on the grid will now be formed by the Toyota of Jarno Trulli and BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica. Red Bull’s Mark Webber moves up to P6 to join Heidfeld on the third row, while Alonso moves up from P9 to P7."
from formula1.com
Mighty Massa heads Ferrari front row at Sepang
Source from formula1.com22 March 2008, By formula1.com
Ferrari’s Felipe Massa will start from pole position for the Malaysian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year, after lapping the Sepang circuit in 1m 35.748s in the final session of qualifying.
The fact that the Brazilian was half a second faster than team mate Kimi Raikkonen suggests that he was running less fuel, but either way the two of them seemed happy enough as McLaren’s best runner was Heikki Kovalainen in third.
Raikkonen posted 1m 36.230s, Kovalainen 1m 36.613s. Lewis Hamilton was fourth, on 1m 36.709s, which was just enough to beat Toyota’s Jarno Trulli, and the BMW Saubers of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, who were all closely matched on 1m 36.711s, 1m 36.727s and 1m 36.753s. You can bet that there are some fuel load discrepancies in there somewhere.
Mark Webber will start alongside Heidfeld on the fourth row, with 1m 37.009s, the stewards having agreed to let Red Bull’s cars run after Friday’s problems, while Fernando Alonso and Timo Glock share row five for Renault and Toyota respectively with 1m 38.450s and 1m 39.656s.
Q2 weeded out Jenson Button, who was nevertheless reasonably pleased with 11th fastest time for Honda of 1m 35.208s; Red Bull’s David Coulthard on 1m 35.408s; Nelson Piquet on 1m 35.562s for Renault; Rubens Barrichello in the second Honda on 1m 35.622s; Sebastian Vettel with 1m 35.648s for Toro Rosso; and Nico Rosberg for Williams on 1m 35.670s.
The leading Q1 faller was Giancarlo Fisichella, who took his Force India round in 1m 36.240s. Kazuki Nakajima hoped for better than 1m 36.388s which left him 18th (but he loses 10 places on the grid for his incident with Robert Kubica under the final safety car in Australia).
Thus Sebastien Bourdais gets 18th place on the grid in the second Toro Rosso (1m 36.677s), having spoiled his chances of getting into Q2 by sliding off the road in Turn Four on his final run. The Super Aguris of Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson were separated by Adrian Sutil’s Force India. Sato lapped in 1m 37.087s, Sutil in 1m 37.101s and Davidson 1m 37.481s; they will start 19th, 20th and 21st respectively.
Altogether, it was an interesting session, with the indication that Ferrari have an edge, and that McLaren will be relying on the start again to stage a repeat of last year’s success.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Hamilton sets the Friday pace at Sepang
21 March 2008, By formula1.com
His gear selection problems from this morning rectified, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton grabbed the fastest time of the day from Ferrari with 10 minutes left of this afternoon’s Malaysian Grand Prix practice session.
Running the softer Bridgestone compound, the Briton lapped his MP4-23 in 1m 35.055s to duck beneath Felipe Massa’s 1m 35.206s, which had been the benchmark up to that point. The Brazilian tried hard but was unable to match him thereafter. Kimi Raikkonen’s 1m 35.428s lap was sufficient to leave him third in the order in the second F2008.
Right at the end Jenson Button supplanted Sebastian Vettel, the young German having run in the top four for much of the session after lapping his Toro Rosso in 1m 36.474s. That was a fillip for the team, which lost Sebastien Bourdais early on to what appeared to be a transmission problem as he left the pits. Button’s lap of 1m 36.037s was encouraging for Honda, but like several others in the upper echelons, probably owed much to a light fuel load.
Jarno Trulli’s Toyota was sixth on 1m 36.493s, ahead of Heikki Kovalainen in the second McLaren on 1m 36.512s, Robert Kubica’s BMW Sauber on 1m 36.671s, Giancarlo Fisichella’s Force India on 1m 36.756s, and Kazuki Nakajima’s Williams on 1m 36.838s.
That completed the top 10, but Rubens Barrichello also took the second Honda round below 1m 37s with 1m 36.879s and Nico Rosberg, who was quick initially, was 12th on 1m 36.908s ahead of Nick Heidfeld (1m 37.106s), the Renaults of Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet (1m 328s and 1m 37.331s), Red Bull’s Mark Webber (1m 37.346s) and Toyota’s Timo Glock (1m 37.512s). At the back, Force India’s Adrian Sutil was 18th on 1m 38.614s from Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson in the Super Aguris (1m 39.021s and 1m 39.361s respectively).
David Coulthard did not participate in the session after his morning accident, as the Red Bull team preferred to analyse its cause and to prepare the car fully for Saturday morning.
His gear selection problems from this morning rectified, McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton grabbed the fastest time of the day from Ferrari with 10 minutes left of this afternoon’s Malaysian Grand Prix practice session.
Running the softer Bridgestone compound, the Briton lapped his MP4-23 in 1m 35.055s to duck beneath Felipe Massa’s 1m 35.206s, which had been the benchmark up to that point. The Brazilian tried hard but was unable to match him thereafter. Kimi Raikkonen’s 1m 35.428s lap was sufficient to leave him third in the order in the second F2008.
Right at the end Jenson Button supplanted Sebastian Vettel, the young German having run in the top four for much of the session after lapping his Toro Rosso in 1m 36.474s. That was a fillip for the team, which lost Sebastien Bourdais early on to what appeared to be a transmission problem as he left the pits. Button’s lap of 1m 36.037s was encouraging for Honda, but like several others in the upper echelons, probably owed much to a light fuel load.
Jarno Trulli’s Toyota was sixth on 1m 36.493s, ahead of Heikki Kovalainen in the second McLaren on 1m 36.512s, Robert Kubica’s BMW Sauber on 1m 36.671s, Giancarlo Fisichella’s Force India on 1m 36.756s, and Kazuki Nakajima’s Williams on 1m 36.838s.
That completed the top 10, but Rubens Barrichello also took the second Honda round below 1m 37s with 1m 36.879s and Nico Rosberg, who was quick initially, was 12th on 1m 36.908s ahead of Nick Heidfeld (1m 37.106s), the Renaults of Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet (1m 328s and 1m 37.331s), Red Bull’s Mark Webber (1m 37.346s) and Toyota’s Timo Glock (1m 37.512s). At the back, Force India’s Adrian Sutil was 18th on 1m 38.614s from Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson in the Super Aguris (1m 39.021s and 1m 39.361s respectively).
David Coulthard did not participate in the session after his morning accident, as the Red Bull team preferred to analyse its cause and to prepare the car fully for Saturday morning.
Fixtures - EPL
Saturday 22 March 2008
Tottenham vs Portsmouth
Blackburn Rovers vs Wigan
Bolton vs Manchester City
Middlesbrough vs Derby
Newcastle vs Fulham
Reading vs Birmingham
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
Everton vs West Ham
Sunday 23 March 2008
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Chelsea vs Arsenal
Tottenham vs Portsmouth
Blackburn Rovers vs Wigan
Bolton vs Manchester City
Middlesbrough vs Derby
Newcastle vs Fulham
Reading vs Birmingham
Aston Villa vs Sunderland
Everton vs West Ham
Sunday 23 March 2008
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Chelsea vs Arsenal
Thursday, March 20, 2008
New rules, unpredictable weather promise plenty of surprises
"The weatherman is predicting a wet affair for the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix at Sepang F1 Circuit this weekend. With the ban on traction control and the mandatory use of a standard electronics control unit on all cars in place this season, that is where the fun starts.
Sepang International Circuit (SIC) press officer Azhar Ghazali said the weather forecast released by the Meterological Department yesterday is for fair weather in the morning but thunderstorms in the late afternoon from Friday until race day.
This will not be the first time that the hot conditions will give way to stormy weather in the Malaysian GP. The 2001 edition saw plenty of drama when the skies opened up just three laps into the race, sending cars spinning off the track.
Renault said the absence of traction control, which prevents wheelspin and helps drivers to cope with the wet and slippery conditions, would cost each team about 0.4 seconds per lap.
The electronics control unit, which gathers data from more than 100 sensors on each car, will be used to monitor the use of driver aid systems like traction control.
While the objective is to put more emphasis on individual driving skills, there have been concerns raised about the safety of driving without traction control in the wet. It will be fun to watch how the drivers control the cars without traction control. The teams will have to prepare both wet and dry set-ups,” said Azhar.
“The teams will have to determine the best race strategy and, with the new regulation we have this year, there’s always a chance of surprises.”
BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica will be hoping for a good outing to hand the hosts a superb 10th anniversary present in Sepang. But with the new regulations in place and threats of a wet race looming in the horizon, the Polish driver said they would have to tread carefully. “We will have to be a bit more gentle on the throttle. I am sure there will be more drivers making mistakes and going off the track as a result, especially if it rains.
“In these conditions, we will most likely have to adopt a different approach,” said Kubica, who gave BMW Sauber their best-ever qualifying result when he started the season-opening race in Melbourne last week behind McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.
However, Kubica also pointed out that the onus would be on them to get accustomed to driving without traction control. “We should all adapt quite easily as this is our job and the one quickest to adapt will win. I think all the speculation now will be a bit like the fuss over the change in tyres, which we saw in the previous season,” he said.
Nico Rosberg, who drove to an impressive third for Williams in Melbourne last Sunday, agreed with Kubica. “With the driver aids gone, it makes it even more difficult for us. There is the heat out there and it’s always going to be difficult to concentrate. “Technically, it’s also tough for the cars as well,” said Rosberg after the race in Melbourne, which was the German’s first podium win in his F1 career. "
from The Star - malaysia
Sepang International Circuit (SIC) press officer Azhar Ghazali said the weather forecast released by the Meterological Department yesterday is for fair weather in the morning but thunderstorms in the late afternoon from Friday until race day.
This will not be the first time that the hot conditions will give way to stormy weather in the Malaysian GP. The 2001 edition saw plenty of drama when the skies opened up just three laps into the race, sending cars spinning off the track.
Renault said the absence of traction control, which prevents wheelspin and helps drivers to cope with the wet and slippery conditions, would cost each team about 0.4 seconds per lap.
The electronics control unit, which gathers data from more than 100 sensors on each car, will be used to monitor the use of driver aid systems like traction control.
While the objective is to put more emphasis on individual driving skills, there have been concerns raised about the safety of driving without traction control in the wet. It will be fun to watch how the drivers control the cars without traction control. The teams will have to prepare both wet and dry set-ups,” said Azhar.
“The teams will have to determine the best race strategy and, with the new regulation we have this year, there’s always a chance of surprises.”
BMW Sauber driver Robert Kubica will be hoping for a good outing to hand the hosts a superb 10th anniversary present in Sepang. But with the new regulations in place and threats of a wet race looming in the horizon, the Polish driver said they would have to tread carefully. “We will have to be a bit more gentle on the throttle. I am sure there will be more drivers making mistakes and going off the track as a result, especially if it rains.
“In these conditions, we will most likely have to adopt a different approach,” said Kubica, who gave BMW Sauber their best-ever qualifying result when he started the season-opening race in Melbourne last week behind McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton.
However, Kubica also pointed out that the onus would be on them to get accustomed to driving without traction control. “We should all adapt quite easily as this is our job and the one quickest to adapt will win. I think all the speculation now will be a bit like the fuss over the change in tyres, which we saw in the previous season,” he said.
Nico Rosberg, who drove to an impressive third for Williams in Melbourne last Sunday, agreed with Kubica. “With the driver aids gone, it makes it even more difficult for us. There is the heat out there and it’s always going to be difficult to concentrate. “Technically, it’s also tough for the cars as well,” said Rosberg after the race in Melbourne, which was the German’s first podium win in his F1 career. "
from The Star - malaysia
United move three points clear
"Manchester United claimed sole control of the top spot in the Premiership standings with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bolton at home. Cristiano Ronaldo added another two goals to his tally, his 10th brace in United colours, as the defending champions secured a three point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table, and a further two points clear of Chelsea.
United showed their intent right from the whistle with the returning Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez combining on the edge of the area with the Ricardo Gardner being called into action to turn the ball away for a corner.
Just one minute later though and United had the lead they had been threatening as Nani's corner whipped into the area was poorly dealt with by the Bolton back four allowing the ball to fall kindly for Ronaldo. The Portugal midfielder needed no second invitation and fired his volley home from eight yards out. Bolton, comfortably outplayed for the first 45 minutes, had their best chance of the half shortly after as Kevin Davies connected with a Danny Guthrie cross to force a brilliant save from Tomasz Kuszczak at the far post.
United hit back immediately though with Ronaldo hitting yet another outstanding free kick into the top right hand corner of the net from 25 yards out after he was brought down by Abdoulaye Meite. Nemanja Vidic almost added a third for the hosts 10 minutes before the interval as he got a head to Nani's corner before seeing it turned away at the right hand post but a loitering Guthrie.
United appeared to have picked up exactly where they left off at the re-start with Nani forcing a brilliant save at the bottom right hand corner of the net from a free kick on the edge of the area. But Bolton seemed to find a second gear after enjoyed a period of dominance where they were unlucky not to get themselves on the scoredboard.
El-Hadji Diouf looked to have got Bolton right back into the match when he curled his free kick past a flailing Kuszczak but the referee had not blown his whistle and the goal was disallowed. A poor second attempt from Diouf, in exactly the same place as the first, was easily read by the keeper but it revitalised Bolton, who proceeded to dominate for the next 20 minutes.
Subsitute Nicky Hunt tried his luck from 35 yards out forcing an outstanding save from Kuszczak, who tipped the ball just over his cross bar, while Gavin McCann also saw his long-range shot turned behind by the brilliant Pole.
Ronaldo came close to securing his hat-trick on a number of occasions, with his shot in the 67th minute forcing a great reaction save from Ali Al Habsi. Nani also enjoyed a number of chances late in the second half but Al Habsi managed to protect his goal with a series of commendable saves to keep the scoreline respectable for Bolton. Nevertheless, the title is now surely United's to lose as they entertain both Liverpool and Arsenal at home, while travelling away only to Chelsea. "
Pippa Davis / Eurosport
United showed their intent right from the whistle with the returning Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez combining on the edge of the area with the Ricardo Gardner being called into action to turn the ball away for a corner.
Just one minute later though and United had the lead they had been threatening as Nani's corner whipped into the area was poorly dealt with by the Bolton back four allowing the ball to fall kindly for Ronaldo. The Portugal midfielder needed no second invitation and fired his volley home from eight yards out. Bolton, comfortably outplayed for the first 45 minutes, had their best chance of the half shortly after as Kevin Davies connected with a Danny Guthrie cross to force a brilliant save from Tomasz Kuszczak at the far post.
United hit back immediately though with Ronaldo hitting yet another outstanding free kick into the top right hand corner of the net from 25 yards out after he was brought down by Abdoulaye Meite. Nemanja Vidic almost added a third for the hosts 10 minutes before the interval as he got a head to Nani's corner before seeing it turned away at the right hand post but a loitering Guthrie.
United appeared to have picked up exactly where they left off at the re-start with Nani forcing a brilliant save at the bottom right hand corner of the net from a free kick on the edge of the area. But Bolton seemed to find a second gear after enjoyed a period of dominance where they were unlucky not to get themselves on the scoredboard.
El-Hadji Diouf looked to have got Bolton right back into the match when he curled his free kick past a flailing Kuszczak but the referee had not blown his whistle and the goal was disallowed. A poor second attempt from Diouf, in exactly the same place as the first, was easily read by the keeper but it revitalised Bolton, who proceeded to dominate for the next 20 minutes.
Subsitute Nicky Hunt tried his luck from 35 yards out forcing an outstanding save from Kuszczak, who tipped the ball just over his cross bar, while Gavin McCann also saw his long-range shot turned behind by the brilliant Pole.
Ronaldo came close to securing his hat-trick on a number of occasions, with his shot in the 67th minute forcing a great reaction save from Ali Al Habsi. Nani also enjoyed a number of chances late in the second half but Al Habsi managed to protect his goal with a series of commendable saves to keep the scoreline respectable for Bolton. Nevertheless, the title is now surely United's to lose as they entertain both Liverpool and Arsenal at home, while travelling away only to Chelsea. "
Pippa Davis / Eurosport
Monday, March 17, 2008
Petronas Malaysia F1 GP - 21, 22 & 23 March 2008
The F1 fever is coming again in Malaysia. As a 2nd round host, Malaysia has ready to burn the track. All F1 die hard fan from all over the world will give their focus to Sepang this weekend. Can Hamilton continue his performance in Melbourne and winning for the second time or maybe World Champions - Raikkonen will give his fight to deny hamilton?
As the hottest track in the world, Sepang circuit demands all the teams' tough challenges to maintain their performance. But now in Malaysia, weather cannot be expected.... maybe this year all drivers will race in wet track.
So wait and see, the excitement!!!!!.
Lets come to Sepang, we can watch extreme event live.
Great Super Sunday
On this coming Sunday 23 March 2008, there will be two great matches waiting to kick-off. These great matches are between all top 4 teams in English Premier League.
Manchester United -as a leader will play against Liverpool(4th place) at Old Trafford. During the last clash at Anfield, United beat The Reds; 1 - 0 scored by Carlos Teves.
Now it is time for Liverpool to redeem their lost but it is too difficult for them to make it since Man Utd not willing to loose their point especially when playing at their home ground.
Another big match is between Chelsea and Arsenal. This game will be a tough one. Chelsea want to pay their lost 0 - 1 to Arsenal last December. Chelsea can take their chance since Arsenal recently are not playing well and not consistent.
But anything can happen.... So watch out.... !!!
Manchester United -as a leader will play against Liverpool(4th place) at Old Trafford. During the last clash at Anfield, United beat The Reds; 1 - 0 scored by Carlos Teves.
Now it is time for Liverpool to redeem their lost but it is too difficult for them to make it since Man Utd not willing to loose their point especially when playing at their home ground.
Another big match is between Chelsea and Arsenal. This game will be a tough one. Chelsea want to pay their lost 0 - 1 to Arsenal last December. Chelsea can take their chance since Arsenal recently are not playing well and not consistent.
But anything can happen.... So watch out.... !!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
MSL - Match review
"Selangor staged a spectacular comeback to beat mid-table Pahang 4-3 at the Shah Alam Stadium last night.
The hard-earned win allowed the Red Giants to remain two points behind leaders Kedah, who registered a 2-0 victory over UPB-MyTeam at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya. The Red Giants had to claw back from two goals down after going behind to strikes by Hairuddin Omar and Rosdi Talib late in the first-half.
Just when the drab first period seemed likely to end goalless, former national striker Hairuddin pounced on an Azizul Kamaluddin pass to put the Elephants ahead in the 43rd minute. But Dollah Salleh’s men bounced back strongly in the second period, with strikers Safee Sali (60th), Frank Seator (70th, 79th) and Akmal Rizal Rakhli (88th) finding the target to turn around Selangor’s fortunes. Hairuddin got Pahang’s third goal deep into injury time, but it was too late to save his team.
Kedah continued their march towards the defence of the Super League title after youngster Mohd Fazly Baharom and the league’s leading scorer Marlon James scored in either half to clinch the three points.
At the Perak Stadium in Ipoh, the home side heaped more misery on bottom-placed Penang with a 3-1 victory. The Panthers had started the game with the ‘number two’ coach Moey Yoke Ham and not chief coach Mohamed Bakar taking charge on the bench.
But the change failed to inspire the islanders, who were outclassed in all departments on the pitch. Carlos Caceres was Perak’s hero of the night, notching a first-half hat-trick. He set Perak on the right path with a glancing header into the bottom corner after just four minutes of play. The Chilean doubled the lead in the 33rd minute when he played a one-two with strike partner Khalid Jamlus before beating Penang goalkeeper Mohd Faizal Yusof with a cool finish.
Caceres completed his hat-trick in first-half injury time after latching onto a Danial Fadzly through pass. M. Prakash scored Penang’s consolation goal from a free-kick 12 minutes from the end. The triple strike allowed Caceres, who now has 15 league goals to his name, to replace Khalid (on 13 goals) as Perak’s top goal-getter in the Super League.
Meanwhile, Terengganu and Negri Sembilan took advantage of Johor FC’s rest day to leapfrog over the southerners into fourth and fifth positions respectively on 33 points.
Terengganu defeated Police 2-0 in Kuala Terengganu while the Deer trounced lowly Sarawak 4-0 in Paroi.
Kedah lead the standings on 41 points and they also have a match in hand over both Selangor (39 points) and Perak (37)."
the star
The hard-earned win allowed the Red Giants to remain two points behind leaders Kedah, who registered a 2-0 victory over UPB-MyTeam at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya. The Red Giants had to claw back from two goals down after going behind to strikes by Hairuddin Omar and Rosdi Talib late in the first-half.
Just when the drab first period seemed likely to end goalless, former national striker Hairuddin pounced on an Azizul Kamaluddin pass to put the Elephants ahead in the 43rd minute. But Dollah Salleh’s men bounced back strongly in the second period, with strikers Safee Sali (60th), Frank Seator (70th, 79th) and Akmal Rizal Rakhli (88th) finding the target to turn around Selangor’s fortunes. Hairuddin got Pahang’s third goal deep into injury time, but it was too late to save his team.
Kedah continued their march towards the defence of the Super League title after youngster Mohd Fazly Baharom and the league’s leading scorer Marlon James scored in either half to clinch the three points.
At the Perak Stadium in Ipoh, the home side heaped more misery on bottom-placed Penang with a 3-1 victory. The Panthers had started the game with the ‘number two’ coach Moey Yoke Ham and not chief coach Mohamed Bakar taking charge on the bench.
But the change failed to inspire the islanders, who were outclassed in all departments on the pitch. Carlos Caceres was Perak’s hero of the night, notching a first-half hat-trick. He set Perak on the right path with a glancing header into the bottom corner after just four minutes of play. The Chilean doubled the lead in the 33rd minute when he played a one-two with strike partner Khalid Jamlus before beating Penang goalkeeper Mohd Faizal Yusof with a cool finish.
Caceres completed his hat-trick in first-half injury time after latching onto a Danial Fadzly through pass. M. Prakash scored Penang’s consolation goal from a free-kick 12 minutes from the end. The triple strike allowed Caceres, who now has 15 league goals to his name, to replace Khalid (on 13 goals) as Perak’s top goal-getter in the Super League.
Meanwhile, Terengganu and Negri Sembilan took advantage of Johor FC’s rest day to leapfrog over the southerners into fourth and fifth positions respectively on 33 points.
Terengganu defeated Police 2-0 in Kuala Terengganu while the Deer trounced lowly Sarawak 4-0 in Paroi.
Kedah lead the standings on 41 points and they also have a match in hand over both Selangor (39 points) and Perak (37)."
the star
RESULT - EPL
15 March 2008
West Ham 2 1 Blackburn Rovers
Sunderland 0 1 Chelsea
Portsmouth 2 0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 2 1 Reading
Derby Country 0 1 Manchester United
Arsenal 1 1 Middlesbrough
West Ham 2 1 Blackburn Rovers
Sunderland 0 1 Chelsea
Portsmouth 2 0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 2 1 Reading
Derby Country 0 1 Manchester United
Arsenal 1 1 Middlesbrough
Malaysia Super League - Result
Date : 15 March 2008
Perak 3 1 Penang
Selangor 4 3 Pahang
N. Sembilan 4 0 Sarawak
UPB MyTeam 0 2 Kedah
DPMM Brunei 0 0 Perlis
Terengganu 2 0 Polis
Perak 3 1 Penang
Selangor 4 3 Pahang
N. Sembilan 4 0 Sarawak
UPB MyTeam 0 2 Kedah
DPMM Brunei 0 0 Perlis
Terengganu 2 0 Polis
Friday, March 14, 2008
Champions League - What the clubs thought
A brief look at how the remaining eight clubs in this season's Champions League reacted to the quarter-final draw.
Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman: "I think we'd have preferred European competition. Liverpool are a great team and are fantastic in this competition and, with three games against them in a week, I'm sure the tactics in each tie will be under close scrutiny. It should make for compelling viewing and, after the way we played against AC Milan, we must have a lot of belief that we can go all the way."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry (pictured): "We'd hoped to avoid an English team but an all-English tie was bound to happen and it's happened to us. At least we've avoided a trip to Turkey. We're also playing Arsenal in the league in between the quarter-final legs so that will be interesting. I don't think there will be any surprises for either side in those games. Of course, we've noticed we might also face another English side (Chelsea) in the last four as well."
Roma v Manchester United
Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni: "We want revenge. The trip to Old Trafford last season was a nightmare. But this year we are different, we have more experience, we are much improved. In the past month we have won a lot of games, including the two ties against Madrid. We have more confidence, more experience and we are mentally stronger."
Manchester United club secretary Ken Ramsden: "It's a good draw for us, I think. I'm happy we're playing continental opposition and we have a good record against them. I'm sure the manager will also be happy that we're playing at home in the second leg so we're content with that."
Chelsea v Fenerbahce
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon: "I'm delighted. There are no easy draws at this stage but we wanted to avoid an English side and we've done that. Despite a couple of disappointing results of late, we've complete confidence in the team and coaching staff to ensure we have a good end to the season."
Fenerbahce vice-president Neset Yalcin: "We know Chelsea haven't been doing well in the Champions League in recent years so I think it's an interesting match-up. Chelsea are a very good defensive team. We have to score in Istanbul, that's the key thing."
Barcelona v Schalke
Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain: "I am happy that we get to play the second leg at home, as that is the most important thing. However, we have a lot of respect for Schalke, who defeated a very good team in Porto."
Schalke coach Mirko Slomka: "This is a brillant draw for the whole club. It is a competitive draw and our fans will be eager to see this match. Every single player of Barcelona is a superstar. I believe that we can be a tough opponent when playing at home and that we can get a good result in Barcelona."
Eurosport
Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman: "I think we'd have preferred European competition. Liverpool are a great team and are fantastic in this competition and, with three games against them in a week, I'm sure the tactics in each tie will be under close scrutiny. It should make for compelling viewing and, after the way we played against AC Milan, we must have a lot of belief that we can go all the way."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry (pictured): "We'd hoped to avoid an English team but an all-English tie was bound to happen and it's happened to us. At least we've avoided a trip to Turkey. We're also playing Arsenal in the league in between the quarter-final legs so that will be interesting. I don't think there will be any surprises for either side in those games. Of course, we've noticed we might also face another English side (Chelsea) in the last four as well."
Roma v Manchester United
Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni: "We want revenge. The trip to Old Trafford last season was a nightmare. But this year we are different, we have more experience, we are much improved. In the past month we have won a lot of games, including the two ties against Madrid. We have more confidence, more experience and we are mentally stronger."
Manchester United club secretary Ken Ramsden: "It's a good draw for us, I think. I'm happy we're playing continental opposition and we have a good record against them. I'm sure the manager will also be happy that we're playing at home in the second leg so we're content with that."
Chelsea v Fenerbahce
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon: "I'm delighted. There are no easy draws at this stage but we wanted to avoid an English side and we've done that. Despite a couple of disappointing results of late, we've complete confidence in the team and coaching staff to ensure we have a good end to the season."
Fenerbahce vice-president Neset Yalcin: "We know Chelsea haven't been doing well in the Champions League in recent years so I think it's an interesting match-up. Chelsea are a very good defensive team. We have to score in Istanbul, that's the key thing."
Barcelona v Schalke
Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain: "I am happy that we get to play the second leg at home, as that is the most important thing. However, we have a lot of respect for Schalke, who defeated a very good team in Porto."
Schalke coach Mirko Slomka: "This is a brillant draw for the whole club. It is a competitive draw and our fans will be eager to see this match. Every single player of Barcelona is a superstar. I believe that we can be a tough opponent when playing at home and that we can get a good result in Barcelona."
Eurosport
UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Draw
Arsenal vs Liverpool
AS Roma vs Manchester United
Date : 1 April & 9 April
Schalke vs Barcelona
Fenerbahce vs Chelsea
Date : 2 April & 8 April
AS Roma vs Manchester United
Date : 1 April & 9 April
Schalke vs Barcelona
Fenerbahce vs Chelsea
Date : 2 April & 8 April
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Premier League - Lampard scores four in Derby romp
"Frank Lampard scored four as Chelsea bounced back from their embarrassing FA Cup defeat at Barnsley by destroying bottom side Derby County 6-1 at Stamford Bridge.Salomon Kalou and the superb Joe Cole also got on the scoresheet for Chelsea before David Jones got a late consolation for Paul Jewell's hopelessly outclassed strugglers.
The victory moves Chelsea to within five points of league leaders Arsenal and the Blues also have a game in hand over their London neighbours. Chelsea dominated possession throughout and nearly went in front as early as the third minute when Lampard swept a shot off the post when he should have scored.
Michael Ballack also blasted the ball into the net from the edge of the area in the 18th minute but he was just offside. However, Chelsea finally took the lead from the spot in the 28th, when Dean Leacock, who came on for the injured Alan Stubbs early on, needlessly tripped Lampard in the box when the midfielder was moving away from the goal.
The England man dusted himself off and calmly sent Roy Carroll the wrong way to give the Blues that crucial opening goal. The one-way traffic continued and it was no surprise when Chelsea got a second just before half-time with Kalou placing the ball into an empty net first time from 40 yards out after Carroll had made a mess of trying to clear a through ball from Lampard.
Derby looked reasonably secure for a spell after the break but then Lampard opened the floodgates with the first of four Chelsea goals in the space of 15 minutes in the 57th minute. His second was one of the easiest he will ever score as he tapped a low cross from Cole home after Nicolas Anelka, who again started ahead of Didier Drogba, had set up the move down the right.
Cole then helped himself to a deserved goal five minutes later as he was on hand to roll home into an empty net after Carroll had come out to save an initial effort from Anelka. Lampard then completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute as he swept home a trademark low strike from outside the box after Derby inexplicably backed off him. Woefully lethargic defending then allowed him to get his fourth as he spun into the box with a nice turn before placing home after again being set up by Cole.
Moments after going 6-0 down Jones got one back for Derby but they must have feared that the scoreline would get more painful as there was still over 15 minutes to go at that stage. However, despite bringing on Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko, Chelsea took their foot off the gas before the end, and just played out the remaining minutes. The win puts them back into the title race, but serious question marks have to be asked about Derby who looked ill-equipped at the moment for not just the Premier League but for life in the Championship too. "
Seán Fay / Eurosport
The victory moves Chelsea to within five points of league leaders Arsenal and the Blues also have a game in hand over their London neighbours. Chelsea dominated possession throughout and nearly went in front as early as the third minute when Lampard swept a shot off the post when he should have scored.
Michael Ballack also blasted the ball into the net from the edge of the area in the 18th minute but he was just offside. However, Chelsea finally took the lead from the spot in the 28th, when Dean Leacock, who came on for the injured Alan Stubbs early on, needlessly tripped Lampard in the box when the midfielder was moving away from the goal.
The England man dusted himself off and calmly sent Roy Carroll the wrong way to give the Blues that crucial opening goal. The one-way traffic continued and it was no surprise when Chelsea got a second just before half-time with Kalou placing the ball into an empty net first time from 40 yards out after Carroll had made a mess of trying to clear a through ball from Lampard.
Derby looked reasonably secure for a spell after the break but then Lampard opened the floodgates with the first of four Chelsea goals in the space of 15 minutes in the 57th minute. His second was one of the easiest he will ever score as he tapped a low cross from Cole home after Nicolas Anelka, who again started ahead of Didier Drogba, had set up the move down the right.
Cole then helped himself to a deserved goal five minutes later as he was on hand to roll home into an empty net after Carroll had come out to save an initial effort from Anelka. Lampard then completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute as he swept home a trademark low strike from outside the box after Derby inexplicably backed off him. Woefully lethargic defending then allowed him to get his fourth as he spun into the box with a nice turn before placing home after again being set up by Cole.
Moments after going 6-0 down Jones got one back for Derby but they must have feared that the scoreline would get more painful as there was still over 15 minutes to go at that stage. However, despite bringing on Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko, Chelsea took their foot off the gas before the end, and just played out the remaining minutes. The win puts them back into the title race, but serious question marks have to be asked about Derby who looked ill-equipped at the moment for not just the Premier League but for life in the Championship too. "
Seán Fay / Eurosport
EPL - Mid Week Result
WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2008
Aston Villa 1 1 Middlesbrough
Portsmouth 4 2 Birmingham City
Chelsea 6 1 Derby Country
Aston Villa 1 1 Middlesbrough
Portsmouth 4 2 Birmingham City
Chelsea 6 1 Derby Country
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
RESULT - UEFA Champions League
INTER MILAN 0 1 LIVERPOOL (agg 3 0 liverpool win)
"Fernando Torres struck in the second half to give Liverpool a 1-0 (3-0 on aggregate) win over 10-man Internazionale and book the Reds' place in the Champions League quarter- final. The Spaniard's 26th goal of the season put an end to any remaining hopes Inter harboured of turning round a two-goal deficit from the first leg - a job that had been made even more difficult after they had defender Nicolas Burdisso sent off for a second bookable offence on 50 minutes.
The result means Friday's draw will now boast all of England's 'big four' - the first time four clubs from the same country have made it to that stage of the competition. And a final third appearance in four years for Liverpool remains a very real possibility, despite the turmoil that has enveloped Anfield this season.
Liverpool went to the Giuseppe Meazza in the San Siro district of Milan knowing a solid defensive performance would be enough to see them through to the last eight - and with the score goalless at half-time, Reds boss Rafael Benitez could not have asked for more.
The Nerazzurri, as was expected of them, enjoyed the better possession during the opening 45 minutes and Liverpool were limited to just one real goalscoring opportunity. Unsurprisingly, it came from the red-hot Torres, but the Spaniard took the ball too wide to really trouble Julio Cesar in the Inter goal following a slip by Esteban Cambiasso.
But it was Inter - who currently lead Serie A by six points - who looked the more likely to break the deadlock, and the hosts should have taken the lead on the half hour mark when Julio Cruz was played in by a cute Zlatan Ibrahinovic pass. Dejan Stankovic was all alone in the centre, but Cruz opted to go for goal himself, firing past Jose Reina's upright.
Reina had already been called into action to repel Cruz's low drive in the eighth minute and just before the half-time whistle he was again tested, this time by the Argentine striker's backheel from close range. Liverpool stood firm, but with Inter needing just a goal to completely change the complex of the tie, they remained wary. But in the end it was not a goal that proved to be the decisive factor in the game, it was the dismissal of Burdisso.
The Argentine defender had already been booked for a first-half trip on Dirk Kuyt when he challenged for a high ball with Lucas Leiva just after the break. Both players appeared to have their eyes on the ball, but referee Tom Obrevbo adjudged Burdisso to have committed a foul and brandished a second yellow, swiftly followed by a red. Inter had felt aggrieved about the dismissal of Marco Materazzi - suspended for this game - in the first leg at Anfield and coach Roberto Mancini could be forgiven if the same feelings returned three weeks after the game at Anfield.
With Inter down to 10 men, the game was effectively over even before Torres proved his class with a super finish in the 63rd minute. Having received the ball on the edge of the Inter penalty area, the Reds' summer signing controlled, turned and fired a low shot into the bottom left hand corner.
Prior to the goal, Liverpool had just begun to make their man advantage tell, Steven Gerrard forcing Julio Cesar to tip his free-kick over the bar and Lucas mis-cueing a header when he should have done better. The nearest Inter came to pulling one back came when the highly disappointing Ibrahimovic was played through on goal, but he could only fire wide of the target when, once again, a pass into the middle - this time to Cruz - would have been the better option.
The Sweden international's night was summed up with 10 minutes remaining as he blazed over the bar - Inter fans were unimpressed and as Ibrahimovic was hauled off, they also began to take their leave. "
Mike Hytner / Eurosport
"Fernando Torres struck in the second half to give Liverpool a 1-0 (3-0 on aggregate) win over 10-man Internazionale and book the Reds' place in the Champions League quarter- final. The Spaniard's 26th goal of the season put an end to any remaining hopes Inter harboured of turning round a two-goal deficit from the first leg - a job that had been made even more difficult after they had defender Nicolas Burdisso sent off for a second bookable offence on 50 minutes.
The result means Friday's draw will now boast all of England's 'big four' - the first time four clubs from the same country have made it to that stage of the competition. And a final third appearance in four years for Liverpool remains a very real possibility, despite the turmoil that has enveloped Anfield this season.
Liverpool went to the Giuseppe Meazza in the San Siro district of Milan knowing a solid defensive performance would be enough to see them through to the last eight - and with the score goalless at half-time, Reds boss Rafael Benitez could not have asked for more.
The Nerazzurri, as was expected of them, enjoyed the better possession during the opening 45 minutes and Liverpool were limited to just one real goalscoring opportunity. Unsurprisingly, it came from the red-hot Torres, but the Spaniard took the ball too wide to really trouble Julio Cesar in the Inter goal following a slip by Esteban Cambiasso.
But it was Inter - who currently lead Serie A by six points - who looked the more likely to break the deadlock, and the hosts should have taken the lead on the half hour mark when Julio Cruz was played in by a cute Zlatan Ibrahinovic pass. Dejan Stankovic was all alone in the centre, but Cruz opted to go for goal himself, firing past Jose Reina's upright.
Reina had already been called into action to repel Cruz's low drive in the eighth minute and just before the half-time whistle he was again tested, this time by the Argentine striker's backheel from close range. Liverpool stood firm, but with Inter needing just a goal to completely change the complex of the tie, they remained wary. But in the end it was not a goal that proved to be the decisive factor in the game, it was the dismissal of Burdisso.
The Argentine defender had already been booked for a first-half trip on Dirk Kuyt when he challenged for a high ball with Lucas Leiva just after the break. Both players appeared to have their eyes on the ball, but referee Tom Obrevbo adjudged Burdisso to have committed a foul and brandished a second yellow, swiftly followed by a red. Inter had felt aggrieved about the dismissal of Marco Materazzi - suspended for this game - in the first leg at Anfield and coach Roberto Mancini could be forgiven if the same feelings returned three weeks after the game at Anfield.
With Inter down to 10 men, the game was effectively over even before Torres proved his class with a super finish in the 63rd minute. Having received the ball on the edge of the Inter penalty area, the Reds' summer signing controlled, turned and fired a low shot into the bottom left hand corner.
Prior to the goal, Liverpool had just begun to make their man advantage tell, Steven Gerrard forcing Julio Cesar to tip his free-kick over the bar and Lucas mis-cueing a header when he should have done better. The nearest Inter came to pulling one back came when the highly disappointing Ibrahimovic was played through on goal, but he could only fire wide of the target when, once again, a pass into the middle - this time to Cruz - would have been the better option.
The Sweden international's night was summed up with 10 minutes remaining as he blazed over the bar - Inter fans were unimpressed and as Ibrahimovic was hauled off, they also began to take their leave. "
Mike Hytner / Eurosport
Monday, March 10, 2008
Post Matches Review - La Liga
Sunday, 9 March 2008
BARCELONA 1-2 VILLARREAL
Marcos Senna put the Yellow Submarines ahead from the penalty spot after Guille Franco was brought down by Barca keeper Victor Valdes on the half hour mark. Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o missed a number of chances for a Barca side who had more of the possession but looked lacking in inspiration against a well-organised and committed Villarreal side.
Xavi equalised on 66 minutes when he finished from just inside the box following excellent work on the left by Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta, but despite bossing possession they could not force a second and it was the visitors who snatched a win when substitute Jon-Dahl Tomasson tapped in from close range to finish off a quick counter attack.
Ronaldinho hit the bar late on with a free kick, while in injury-time Senna scored his second goal of the night but had it incorrectly ruled out for offside, but the score remained 2-1 to the visitors, who close the gap on second-placed Barca to four points with Real Madrid now firmly in the driving seat for a second consecutive Liga title.
ATHLETIC BILBAO 2-0 VALLADOLID
Bilbao midfielder Igor Gabilondo headed in at the back post after six minutes but it was their goalkeeper Armando who took centre stage until Valladolid had defender Pedro Lopez sent off in the 55th. Gabilondo put away a fumble from the goalkeeper in the 69th to help haul Bilbao further away from the relegation places.
OSASUNA 2-1 ALMERIA
Midfielder Kike Sola broke clear and rounded the goalkeeper to put Osasuna in front after six minutes but Almeria midfielder Corona equalised with a free header in the 20th. Defender Cesar Cruchaga headed Osasuna back in front from a free kick in the 29th for their fourth consecutive home win, though Almeria rattled the crossbar at the end.
RACING SANTANDER 3-0 REAL BETIS
The Copa Del Rey semi-finalists stayed in the hunt for a top four finish punishing a Betis side who had defender Melli sent of in the 48th minute. Argentine midfielder Aldo Duscher scored when the keeper spilled a free kick in the 50th, and compatriot Ezequiel Garay netted at another free kick in the 58th. Striker Mohamed Tchite sprinted clear to make it three, two minutes from time.
MALLORCA 7-1 RECREATIVO HUELVA
Mallorca extended their unbeaten run to nine in a game Recre's defence will not want to remember too quickly.
Venezuela forward Juan Arango tapped in from close range in the 18th minute, Spain striker Daniel Guiza hooked in at a corner in the 22nd and the finished off a swift break in the 32nd, before midfielder Borja Valero put away Ariel Ibagaza's cross in the 37th. Argentine striker Marco Ruben headed one back for Recre in the 39th but Valero popped up to make it five for Mallorca in the 41st. Arango broke away twice in quick succession to complete the rout in the 47th and 50th minutes.
MURCIA 0-3 GETAFE
New coach Javier Clemente was unable to inspire struggling Murcia as they made it five defeats in a row without scoring. Copa Del Rey semi-finalists Getafe opened the scoring with a low shot from Pablo Hernandez in the 55th minute, Uruguayan midfielder Juan Albin broke away to double the lead in the 84th and Francisco Casquero made it three in the 87th.
SEVILLA 2-1 LEVANTE
Sevilla's Champions League exit hung heavy as bottom club Levante stunned them after four minutes when Riga caught Andres Palop off his line from 35 metres out. A diving header from Mali midfielder Seydou Keita levelled the scores in the 27th, and Brazilian top scorer Luis Fabiano took his tally to 20 with a shot from Enzo Maresca's cross in the 47th.
VALENCIA 2-2 DEPORTIVO
Valencia stormed into a two-goal lead with a far post shot from forward Juan Mata in the 17th minute, and a header from the same spot by Spain striker David Villa in the 24th. But Depor midfielder Sergio lashed in a long-range effort in the 37th, and a minute before the break midfielder Angel Lafita netted from close range to level, as Valencia disappointed at the Mestalla once again.
Reda Maher / Reuters
BARCELONA 1-2 VILLARREAL
Marcos Senna put the Yellow Submarines ahead from the penalty spot after Guille Franco was brought down by Barca keeper Victor Valdes on the half hour mark. Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o missed a number of chances for a Barca side who had more of the possession but looked lacking in inspiration against a well-organised and committed Villarreal side.
Xavi equalised on 66 minutes when he finished from just inside the box following excellent work on the left by Ronaldinho and Andres Iniesta, but despite bossing possession they could not force a second and it was the visitors who snatched a win when substitute Jon-Dahl Tomasson tapped in from close range to finish off a quick counter attack.
Ronaldinho hit the bar late on with a free kick, while in injury-time Senna scored his second goal of the night but had it incorrectly ruled out for offside, but the score remained 2-1 to the visitors, who close the gap on second-placed Barca to four points with Real Madrid now firmly in the driving seat for a second consecutive Liga title.
ATHLETIC BILBAO 2-0 VALLADOLID
Bilbao midfielder Igor Gabilondo headed in at the back post after six minutes but it was their goalkeeper Armando who took centre stage until Valladolid had defender Pedro Lopez sent off in the 55th. Gabilondo put away a fumble from the goalkeeper in the 69th to help haul Bilbao further away from the relegation places.
OSASUNA 2-1 ALMERIA
Midfielder Kike Sola broke clear and rounded the goalkeeper to put Osasuna in front after six minutes but Almeria midfielder Corona equalised with a free header in the 20th. Defender Cesar Cruchaga headed Osasuna back in front from a free kick in the 29th for their fourth consecutive home win, though Almeria rattled the crossbar at the end.
RACING SANTANDER 3-0 REAL BETIS
The Copa Del Rey semi-finalists stayed in the hunt for a top four finish punishing a Betis side who had defender Melli sent of in the 48th minute. Argentine midfielder Aldo Duscher scored when the keeper spilled a free kick in the 50th, and compatriot Ezequiel Garay netted at another free kick in the 58th. Striker Mohamed Tchite sprinted clear to make it three, two minutes from time.
MALLORCA 7-1 RECREATIVO HUELVA
Mallorca extended their unbeaten run to nine in a game Recre's defence will not want to remember too quickly.
Venezuela forward Juan Arango tapped in from close range in the 18th minute, Spain striker Daniel Guiza hooked in at a corner in the 22nd and the finished off a swift break in the 32nd, before midfielder Borja Valero put away Ariel Ibagaza's cross in the 37th. Argentine striker Marco Ruben headed one back for Recre in the 39th but Valero popped up to make it five for Mallorca in the 41st. Arango broke away twice in quick succession to complete the rout in the 47th and 50th minutes.
MURCIA 0-3 GETAFE
New coach Javier Clemente was unable to inspire struggling Murcia as they made it five defeats in a row without scoring. Copa Del Rey semi-finalists Getafe opened the scoring with a low shot from Pablo Hernandez in the 55th minute, Uruguayan midfielder Juan Albin broke away to double the lead in the 84th and Francisco Casquero made it three in the 87th.
SEVILLA 2-1 LEVANTE
Sevilla's Champions League exit hung heavy as bottom club Levante stunned them after four minutes when Riga caught Andres Palop off his line from 35 metres out. A diving header from Mali midfielder Seydou Keita levelled the scores in the 27th, and Brazilian top scorer Luis Fabiano took his tally to 20 with a shot from Enzo Maresca's cross in the 47th.
VALENCIA 2-2 DEPORTIVO
Valencia stormed into a two-goal lead with a far post shot from forward Juan Mata in the 17th minute, and a header from the same spot by Spain striker David Villa in the 24th. But Depor midfielder Sergio lashed in a long-range effort in the 37th, and a minute before the break midfielder Angel Lafita netted from close range to level, as Valencia disappointed at the Mestalla once again.
Reda Maher / Reuters
FIXTURES - EPL MIDWEEK
WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2008
Aston Villa vs Middlesbrough
Portsmouth vs Birmingham City
Chelsea vs Derby Country
Aston Villa vs Middlesbrough
Portsmouth vs Birmingham City
Chelsea vs Derby Country
ENGLISH FA CUP SEMI FINAL DRAW
Saturday. 5 April 2008
Barnsley vs Cardiff City
West Bromwich vs Portsmouth
“Barnsley have been drawn against fellow Championship side Cardiff City in the FA Cup semi-finals.Portsmouth, the last Premier League side in the competition, will play promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion.Both semi-finals will be played at Wembley on the weekend of the 5th and 6th of April.
Yorkshire side Barnsley, currently 18th in the Championship, are one match away from the final after beating Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield and Chelsea 1-0 at Oakwell in the fifth round and quarter-final respectively.
Their opponents Cardiff City also beat top flight opposition at the weekend, defeating Middlesbrough 2-0.The two sides drew 1-1 when they met in the league earlier in the season at Oakwell, and the reverse fixture is the last match of the regular season for both sides.
Portsmouth, whose manager Harry Redknapp has never managed a side in a match at Wembley before, defeated last years beaten finalists Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford to book their date with high-flying West Brom, who won 5-1 at Bristol Rovers to reach this stage. The last time these two asides met was during West Brom's last Premier League campaign in the 2005/06 season, with both sides winning their home league fixture against the other. West Brom are genrally viewed as the strongest side out of the Championship trio, raising the distinct possibility of an all-second tier final.”
Tony Mabert / Eurosport
Barnsley vs Cardiff City
West Bromwich vs Portsmouth
“Barnsley have been drawn against fellow Championship side Cardiff City in the FA Cup semi-finals.Portsmouth, the last Premier League side in the competition, will play promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion.Both semi-finals will be played at Wembley on the weekend of the 5th and 6th of April.
Yorkshire side Barnsley, currently 18th in the Championship, are one match away from the final after beating Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield and Chelsea 1-0 at Oakwell in the fifth round and quarter-final respectively.
Their opponents Cardiff City also beat top flight opposition at the weekend, defeating Middlesbrough 2-0.The two sides drew 1-1 when they met in the league earlier in the season at Oakwell, and the reverse fixture is the last match of the regular season for both sides.
Portsmouth, whose manager Harry Redknapp has never managed a side in a match at Wembley before, defeated last years beaten finalists Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford to book their date with high-flying West Brom, who won 5-1 at Bristol Rovers to reach this stage. The last time these two asides met was during West Brom's last Premier League campaign in the 2005/06 season, with both sides winning their home league fixture against the other. West Brom are genrally viewed as the strongest side out of the Championship trio, raising the distinct possibility of an all-second tier final.”
Tony Mabert / Eurosport
RESULT - ENGLISH FA CUP QUARTER FINAL
Sunday March 9
Middlesbrough 0 2 Cardiff
Bristol Rovers 1 5 West Bromwich
Middlesbrough 0 2 Cardiff
Bristol Rovers 1 5 West Bromwich
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Result - EPL
Saturday. 8 March 2008
Blackburn 1 1 Fulham
Liverpool 3 0 Newcastle
Reading 2 0 Manchester City
Blackburn 1 1 Fulham
Liverpool 3 0 Newcastle
Reading 2 0 Manchester City
Friday, March 7, 2008
Result -UEFA Cup
6 March 2008
Anderlecht 0 5 Bayern Munich
Fiorentina 2 0 Everton
Marseille 3 1 Zenit St Petersburg
Bolton Wanderers 1 1 Sporting Lisbon
Rangers 2 0 Bremen
Tottenham 0 1 PSV Eindhoven
Benfica 1 2 Getafe
Leverkusen 1 0 Hamburg
Anderlecht 0 5 Bayern Munich
Fiorentina 2 0 Everton
Marseille 3 1 Zenit St Petersburg
Bolton Wanderers 1 1 Sporting Lisbon
Rangers 2 0 Bremen
Tottenham 0 1 PSV Eindhoven
Benfica 1 2 Getafe
Leverkusen 1 0 Hamburg
Thursday, March 6, 2008
FIXTURES - FA CUP
Saturday March 8
Manchester United vs Portsmouth
Barnsley vs Chelsea
Sunday March 9
Middlesbrough vs Cardiff
Bristol Rovers vs West Bromwich
Manchester United vs Portsmouth
Barnsley vs Chelsea
Sunday March 9
Middlesbrough vs Cardiff
Bristol Rovers vs West Bromwich
FIXTURES - EPL
Saturday. 8 March 2008
Blackburn vs Fulham
Liverpool vs Newcastle
Reading vs Manchester City
Sunday, 9 March 2008
Sunderland vs Everton
Tottenham vs West Ham
Wigan vs Arsenal
Fixtures -UEFA Cup
Thursday, 6 March 2008
Anderlecht vs Bayern Munich
Fiorentina vs Everton
Marseille vs Zenit St Petersburg
Bolton Wanderers vx Sporting Lisbon
Rangers vs Bremen
Tottenham vs PSV Eindhoven
Benfica vs Getafe
Anderlecht vs Bayern Munich
Fiorentina vs Everton
Marseille vs Zenit St Petersburg
Bolton Wanderers vx Sporting Lisbon
Rangers vs Bremen
Tottenham vs PSV Eindhoven
Benfica vs Getafe
Result - 5 March 2008
Champions League
Chelsea 3 0 Olympiacos (agg 3 – 0)
Real Madrid 1 2 Roma (agg 2 – 4)
Porto 1 0 Schalke (agg 1 – 1, Schalke win penalty 4 - 1)
English Premier League
Liverpool 4 0 West Ham
Chelsea 3 0 Olympiacos (agg 3 – 0)
Real Madrid 1 2 Roma (agg 2 – 4)
Porto 1 0 Schalke (agg 1 – 1, Schalke win penalty 4 - 1)
English Premier League
Liverpool 4 0 West Ham
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
RESULT - UEFA Champions League 4 march 2008
Two for English club, one to spanish and another to upset team from turkey. Here is the final result for four matches last night.
Manchester United 1 0 Lyon (agg 2 - 1)
Sevilla 3 2 Fenerbahce (agg 5 - 5, fenerbahce win penalty 3-2)
Milan 0 2 Arsenal (agg 0 – 2)
Barcelona 1 0 Celtic (agg 4 – 2)
Manchester United 1 0 Lyon (agg 2 - 1)
Sevilla 3 2 Fenerbahce (agg 5 - 5, fenerbahce win penalty 3-2)
Milan 0 2 Arsenal (agg 0 – 2)
Barcelona 1 0 Celtic (agg 4 – 2)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Fixtures - UEFA Champions League
Tuesday, 4 March
Manchester United vs Lyon (1 - 1)
Sevilla vs Fenerbahce (2 – 3)
Milan vs Arsenal (0 – 0)
Barcelona vs Celtic (3 – 2)
Wednesday, 5 March
Chelsea vs Olympiacos (0 – 0)
Real Madrid vs Roma (1 – 2)
Porto vs Schalke (0 – 1)
Tuesday, 11 March
Inter vs Liverpool (0 – 2)
Manchester United vs Lyon (1 - 1)
Sevilla vs Fenerbahce (2 – 3)
Milan vs Arsenal (0 – 0)
Barcelona vs Celtic (3 – 2)
Wednesday, 5 March
Chelsea vs Olympiacos (0 – 0)
Real Madrid vs Roma (1 – 2)
Porto vs Schalke (0 – 1)
Tuesday, 11 March
Inter vs Liverpool (0 – 2)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Real - Five Point Clear
Real Madrid restored their five-point lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga by winning 3-2 at Recreativo Huelva while the Catalans lost 4-2 at Atletico Madrid.
Real, who had lost three of their last four league games, fell behind at Recreativo when Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres steered the ball in at the far post following a free kick. The visitors equalised against the run of play on 28 minutes when Raul headed over Stefano Sorrentino as the Recreativo keeper tried to punch the ball clear.
There was a flurry of red cards early in the second half, Recreativo having defenders Beto and Quique Alvarez dismissed either side of Real fullback Sergio Ramos's sending off. It was the appearance of Robinho 17 minutes from time that proved decisive. The Brazilian put Real in front with his first touch, firing home after he had snapped up a loose ball on the edge of the area. Robinho then made it 3-1 with a delightful chip before Recreativo pulled a goal back in added time as midfielder Carlos Martins curled in a free kick.
Eurosport
Real, who had lost three of their last four league games, fell behind at Recreativo when Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres steered the ball in at the far post following a free kick. The visitors equalised against the run of play on 28 minutes when Raul headed over Stefano Sorrentino as the Recreativo keeper tried to punch the ball clear.
There was a flurry of red cards early in the second half, Recreativo having defenders Beto and Quique Alvarez dismissed either side of Real fullback Sergio Ramos's sending off. It was the appearance of Robinho 17 minutes from time that proved decisive. The Brazilian put Real in front with his first touch, firing home after he had snapped up a loose ball on the edge of the area. Robinho then made it 3-1 with a delightful chip before Recreativo pulled a goal back in added time as midfielder Carlos Martins curled in a free kick.
Eurosport
Result - La Liga
Saturday March 1, 08
Espanyol 2 0 Valencia
Deportivo 2 1 Sevilla
Recreativo 2 3 Real Madrid
Ateltico Madrid 4 2 Barcelona
Espanyol 2 0 Valencia
Deportivo 2 1 Sevilla
Recreativo 2 3 Real Madrid
Ateltico Madrid 4 2 Barcelona
Davies out for six months
Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies will be out for six months after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Saturday's draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 22-year-old, who was named in Fabio Capello's first England squad, had surgery on Saturday night.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill told the club's official website: "Curtis has ruptured his Achilles tendon and he's going to have an operation. We're really disappointed for him.
"He's been doing really well and that's a sickener. But he'll be back. He misses the rest of the season and it's really cruel because he's been doing splendidly. It would have been nice to have won the game for him."
Davies is on loan from West Bromwich Albion but the injury is unlikely to affect the £9 million permanent transfer that has been arranged.
Eurosport
The 22-year-old, who was named in Fabio Capello's first England squad, had surgery on Saturday night.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill told the club's official website: "Curtis has ruptured his Achilles tendon and he's going to have an operation. We're really disappointed for him.
"He's been doing really well and that's a sickener. But he'll be back. He misses the rest of the season and it's really cruel because he's been doing splendidly. It would have been nice to have won the game for him."
Davies is on loan from West Bromwich Albion but the injury is unlikely to affect the £9 million permanent transfer that has been arranged.
Eurosport
RESULT - EPL
Saturday, 01 March 2008
Arsenal 1 1 Aston Villa
Birmingham 4 1 Tottenham
Derby County 0 0 Sunderland
Fulham 0 3 Manchester United
Middlesbrough 0 1 Reading
Newcastle 0 1 Blackburn
West Ham 0 4 Chelsea
Mancehster City 0 0 Wigan
Arsenal 1 1 Aston Villa
Birmingham 4 1 Tottenham
Derby County 0 0 Sunderland
Fulham 0 3 Manchester United
Middlesbrough 0 1 Reading
Newcastle 0 1 Blackburn
West Ham 0 4 Chelsea
Mancehster City 0 0 Wigan
Result Malaysia Super League
Saturday, 1 March 2008
N. Sembilan 1 1 Kedah
Perak 2 0 Perlis
UPB-Myteam 0 2 Pahang
DPMM FC 2 2 Polis
Johor FC 4 0 Pulau Pinang
Selangor 0 0 Terengganu
N. Sembilan 1 1 Kedah
Perak 2 0 Perlis
UPB-Myteam 0 2 Pahang
DPMM FC 2 2 Polis
Johor FC 4 0 Pulau Pinang
Selangor 0 0 Terengganu
Saturday, March 1, 2008
PREVIEW - EPL
Saturday
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Denmark international Bendtner is expected to line up alongside Emmanuel Adebayor as the Gunners attempt to put memories of Eduardo's horrific break behind them. Abou Diaby is fit again after shaking off a calf knock but Kolo Toure is out with an injured knee and Emmanuel Eboue is suspended. Olof Mellberg has returned to training for Villa after an ankle problem and Patrick Berger (hamstring) could feature on the bench.
Fulham v Manchester United
Striker Jari Litmanen is back in full training following a heart scare that saw him return to Finland last week, but he will not be involved against the champions. Leon Andreassen is suspended but Hameur Bouazza returns to contention from a shoulder injury. For United, Ryan Giggs is a major doubt with a calf strain and will not be risked with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League outing against Lyon. Nemanja Vidic (calf) and Patrice Evra (virus) are both fit and are likely to play some part at Craven Cottage.
West Ham v Chelsea
Bobby Zamora is a doubt for the Hammers with a knee injury while Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington (both groin) are still out. Henri Camara is a contender to start and may get the nod to start alongside Dean Ashton up front, although it is too early for Scott Parker (knee) to return to action. Chelsea have no new injury worries as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat in the Carling Cup final.
Newcastle v Blackburn
Obafemi Martins has been passed fit following an ankle injury and is in the squad, although Emre (calf) and Mark Viduka (calf and hamstring) are both out. Shay Given (groin) and Stephen Carr (hamstring) are also sidelined. Blackburn midfielder David Dunn (calf) is a doubt ahead of the trip to St James' Park while Ryan Nelsen remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Dutchman Andre Ooijer could return though to bolster Rovers' back line.
Birmingham v Tottenham
Martin Taylor begins a ban for his red card against Arsenal last weekend so Radhi Jaidi is set to take his place at the back. Olivier Kapo is definitely out with a hamstring problem, with Gary McSheffrey expected to replace him, while Cameron Jerome is facing a late fitness test. Spurs have problems in defence with Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King both doubtful and Michael Dawson definitely out with a hamstring injury.
Derby v Sunderland
Rams midfielder Giles Barnes has been ruled out with a knee injury he sustained in training while Claude Davis, Tyrone Mears and Dean Leacock are also out injured. Robbie Savage could lose his place in midfield after a poor performance last week. Sunderland boss Roy Keane will be without the suspended Danny Collins, who likely to be replaced by Danny Higginbotham. Liam Miller could feature despite being transfer listed but Kieran Richardson is 50-50 and unlikely to be risked. Carlos Edwards (broken leg) and Ross Wallace (knee) remain sidelined.
Middlesbrough v Reading
Boro welcome back David Wheater from suspension, but there are doubts over Afonso Alves (head) and Fabio Rochemback (calf). Mohamed Shawky (hamstring), Lee Cattermole and Matthew Bates (knee) and Andrew Taylor all remain on the treatment table. Reading manager Steve Coppell has promised changes, so Khalifa Cisse and Ibrahima Sonko could be replaced by Ivar Ingimarsson and Andre Bikey at the back. Jimmy Kebe is in line to make his first start but Michael Duberry (knee), Brynjar Gunnarsson (groin) and Glen Little (heel) are all out.
Manchester City v Wigan (17:15)
In the late kick-off, Vedran Corluka and Elano are poised for returns as Micah Richards (knee) is injured and Martin Petrov is suspended. Wigan has a near full strength squad to choose from with Ryan Taylor the only absentee with a rib injury.
Sunday
Bolton v Liverpool (1330)
Bolton boss Gary Megson has a nearly fully squad to pick from. Danny Guthrie is his only absentee as the on-loan midfielder is unable to play against his parent club. Jamie Carragher is set to return to the Liverpool line-up following a ban to make his 350th league appearance for the club. Dan Agger has recovered from a metatarsal problem but is unlikely to be risked and Andriy Voronin finds himself in a similar situation after having shaken off an ankle injury.
Everton v Portsmouth (1600)
Mikel Arteta is likely to sit out Portsmouth's visit to Goodison Park. The Spaniard has a groin problem. But fellow midfielder Lee Carsley is available as his upcoming suspension does not start until Monday. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has a wealth of attacking options to choose from with Jermain Defoe, Nwankwo Kanu, Milan Baros and winger John Utaka all available. But David Nugent - who was placed on the transfer list earlier in the week - is still out with a groin injury. Midfielder Pedro Mendes is still out after a minor foot operation.
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Denmark international Bendtner is expected to line up alongside Emmanuel Adebayor as the Gunners attempt to put memories of Eduardo's horrific break behind them. Abou Diaby is fit again after shaking off a calf knock but Kolo Toure is out with an injured knee and Emmanuel Eboue is suspended. Olof Mellberg has returned to training for Villa after an ankle problem and Patrick Berger (hamstring) could feature on the bench.
Fulham v Manchester United
Striker Jari Litmanen is back in full training following a heart scare that saw him return to Finland last week, but he will not be involved against the champions. Leon Andreassen is suspended but Hameur Bouazza returns to contention from a shoulder injury. For United, Ryan Giggs is a major doubt with a calf strain and will not be risked with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League outing against Lyon. Nemanja Vidic (calf) and Patrice Evra (virus) are both fit and are likely to play some part at Craven Cottage.
West Ham v Chelsea
Bobby Zamora is a doubt for the Hammers with a knee injury while Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington (both groin) are still out. Henri Camara is a contender to start and may get the nod to start alongside Dean Ashton up front, although it is too early for Scott Parker (knee) to return to action. Chelsea have no new injury worries as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat in the Carling Cup final.
Newcastle v Blackburn
Obafemi Martins has been passed fit following an ankle injury and is in the squad, although Emre (calf) and Mark Viduka (calf and hamstring) are both out. Shay Given (groin) and Stephen Carr (hamstring) are also sidelined. Blackburn midfielder David Dunn (calf) is a doubt ahead of the trip to St James' Park while Ryan Nelsen remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Dutchman Andre Ooijer could return though to bolster Rovers' back line.
Birmingham v Tottenham
Martin Taylor begins a ban for his red card against Arsenal last weekend so Radhi Jaidi is set to take his place at the back. Olivier Kapo is definitely out with a hamstring problem, with Gary McSheffrey expected to replace him, while Cameron Jerome is facing a late fitness test. Spurs have problems in defence with Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King both doubtful and Michael Dawson definitely out with a hamstring injury.
Derby v Sunderland
Rams midfielder Giles Barnes has been ruled out with a knee injury he sustained in training while Claude Davis, Tyrone Mears and Dean Leacock are also out injured. Robbie Savage could lose his place in midfield after a poor performance last week. Sunderland boss Roy Keane will be without the suspended Danny Collins, who likely to be replaced by Danny Higginbotham. Liam Miller could feature despite being transfer listed but Kieran Richardson is 50-50 and unlikely to be risked. Carlos Edwards (broken leg) and Ross Wallace (knee) remain sidelined.
Middlesbrough v Reading
Boro welcome back David Wheater from suspension, but there are doubts over Afonso Alves (head) and Fabio Rochemback (calf). Mohamed Shawky (hamstring), Lee Cattermole and Matthew Bates (knee) and Andrew Taylor all remain on the treatment table. Reading manager Steve Coppell has promised changes, so Khalifa Cisse and Ibrahima Sonko could be replaced by Ivar Ingimarsson and Andre Bikey at the back. Jimmy Kebe is in line to make his first start but Michael Duberry (knee), Brynjar Gunnarsson (groin) and Glen Little (heel) are all out.
Manchester City v Wigan (17:15)
In the late kick-off, Vedran Corluka and Elano are poised for returns as Micah Richards (knee) is injured and Martin Petrov is suspended. Wigan has a near full strength squad to choose from with Ryan Taylor the only absentee with a rib injury.
Sunday
Bolton v Liverpool (1330)
Bolton boss Gary Megson has a nearly fully squad to pick from. Danny Guthrie is his only absentee as the on-loan midfielder is unable to play against his parent club. Jamie Carragher is set to return to the Liverpool line-up following a ban to make his 350th league appearance for the club. Dan Agger has recovered from a metatarsal problem but is unlikely to be risked and Andriy Voronin finds himself in a similar situation after having shaken off an ankle injury.
Everton v Portsmouth (1600)
Mikel Arteta is likely to sit out Portsmouth's visit to Goodison Park. The Spaniard has a groin problem. But fellow midfielder Lee Carsley is available as his upcoming suspension does not start until Monday. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has a wealth of attacking options to choose from with Jermain Defoe, Nwankwo Kanu, Milan Baros and winger John Utaka all available. But David Nugent - who was placed on the transfer list earlier in the week - is still out with a groin injury. Midfielder Pedro Mendes is still out after a minor foot operation.
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