LOS ANGELES - Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is trying to quell the escalating debate over who should pick up the estimated $1.4 million tab for police, traffic control and other services related to Michael Jackson's memorial service.
Villaraigosa, who was vacationing in South Africa a week ago when more than 17,000 fans flocked to downtown Los Angeles to watch the public memorial, asserted Monday that the city will pay. He said he will not ask the Jackson family or AEG Live, the owner of the Staples Center where the event was held, to help the city recoup its expenses, and he lambasted a city Web site set up to request donations.
"This is a world-class city, and we provide fire and police protection, period," Villaraigosa said during his first public appearance since returning from his weeklong trip. "The idea that we would charge the family for a funeral is nonsensical."
Despite his comments, the City Council was expected to take up the issue Tuesday when City Attorney Carmen Trutanich reports on the costs of the event. Trutanich launched an investigation into laws to force third parties to pay the municipal costs associated with unexpected events such as the Jackson memorial.
Villaraigosa told reporters that major events such as the memorial occur frequently in Los Angeles and other big cities. New York and Chicago do not ask others to cough up cash, he said.
The mayor called the city's donation Web site, which raised $35,000, "ridiculous." The site stopped operating Friday afternoon. It was unclear whether the money would be returned to donors.
Villaraigosa's comments was in contrast to a statement attributed to him in a news release distributed by his office last week. In it, he encouraged Jackson fans to memorialize the pop star by donating to the city.
The release quoted Villaraigosa as saying: "Michael Jackson's music touched millions of fans across the globe. Donations will help the City of Angels provide the extraordinary public safety resources required to give Michael the safe, orderly and respectful memorial he deserves."
Matt Szabo, the mayor's spokesman, said the idea to seek donations came from Councilwoman Jan Perry, who served as acting mayor while Villaraigosa and City Council President Eric Garcetti were out of the country.
"Her office asked for donations to be mailed in," Szabo said. "The bottom line is our office then moved to support that effort with an online contribution form."
Perry could not immediately be reached for comment.
The issue took on political overtones last week when several council members asked who was going to foot the bill at a time when the city faces a $530 million budget shortfall and layoffs. One of the most vocal critics was Councilman Dennis Zine, who said taxpayers don't typically pay for motorcade escorts for funerals.
Zine said he agreed with Villaraigosa that the city should not solicit donations, but asserted that the Jackson family and AEG Live should pay.
"AEG and the Jackson family turned this memorial into a worldwide event. The taxpayers should not be responsible for what they did," Zine said Monday.
Zine introduced a motion calling for a review of city policies governing expenditures on such events and a detailed report of the costs related to Jackson's death, as well as who approved the expenditures.
Councilwoman Janice Hahn, meanwhile, introduced a motion asking for a full accounting of tourism-related revenue that flowed into the city after the singer died June 25.
Both motions are on the council's agenda for July 21.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Vaidisova loses in 1st round of Prague Open
PRAGUE (AP) -- Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia eliminated Nicole Vaidisova from the first round of the Prague Open on Tuesday, beating the Czech player 7-5, 6-2.
Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland also advanced, beating sixth-seeded Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-2, 7-6 (5), while seventh-seeded Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic defeated Ksenia Pervak of Russia 6-3, 6-2 and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic beat Anna Lapuschenkova of Russia 6-1, 6-0.
In the second round, Kudryavtseva will play second-seeded Sybille Bammer of Austria.
Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland also advanced, beating sixth-seeded Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-2, 7-6 (5), while seventh-seeded Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic defeated Ksenia Pervak of Russia 6-3, 6-2 and Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic beat Anna Lapuschenkova of Russia 6-1, 6-0.
In the second round, Kudryavtseva will play second-seeded Sybille Bammer of Austria.
Kiefer upsets Berdych to reach 2nd round
STUTTGART, Germany (AP)—Nicolas Kiefer of Germany has upset third-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-3 to move into the second round of the Mercedes Cup.
Kiefer beat Berdych for the first time in five matches. Berdych had been hoping for his second clay-court title in Germany this year, after winning in Munich. Berdych also helped the Czech Republic reach the Davis Cup semifinals by beating Argentina last weekend.
Top-seeded Gilles Simon of France advanced by defeating Philipp Petzschner of Germany 6-3, 6-4.
Another German, fifth-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber, eased into the second round Tuesday by beating Diego Junqueira of Argentina 6-3, 6-2.
Fabio Fognini of Italy rallied to beat seventh-seeded Fabrice Santoro of France 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-1.
Kiefer beat Berdych for the first time in five matches. Berdych had been hoping for his second clay-court title in Germany this year, after winning in Munich. Berdych also helped the Czech Republic reach the Davis Cup semifinals by beating Argentina last weekend.
Top-seeded Gilles Simon of France advanced by defeating Philipp Petzschner of Germany 6-3, 6-4.
Another German, fifth-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber, eased into the second round Tuesday by beating Diego Junqueira of Argentina 6-3, 6-2.
Fabio Fognini of Italy rallied to beat seventh-seeded Fabrice Santoro of France 5-7, 7-6 (3), 6-1.
WTA makes Allaster new CEO
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Stacey Allaster has been promoted to chairman and CEO of the WTA Tour.
Allaster had been president of the women’s professional tennis circuit since 2006.
The 46-year-old Allaster succeeds Larry Scott, who left the WTA to become the commissioner of the Pac-10 conference.
“I am honored to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, which since its founding by Billie Jean King 36 years ago has continued to break barriers and grow into a premier global sporting league,” Allaster said in a release Monday. “The Tour and our sport have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past years, and we are poised for even greater heights in the years to come.”
Scott announced his departure in March after six years as CEO. The WTA said under Scott, revenue increased 250 percent and prize money increased 40 percent.
Allaster joined the WTA three years ago in the newly created role as president. She was responsible for the Tour’s operations, business development, television, new media and tournament and player relations
She previously served as vice president and tournament director at Tennis Canada.
“Women’s tennis and the Tour have never been stronger as a business, and Stacey has been at the center of this business success over the past years,” Venus Williams said in the release. “Stacey has helped to lead the development of a stronger Tour product through the passage of a healthier and streamlined circuit structure.
“I believe that Stacey will be a great leader for the Tour, understands how players can help drive our business, and has all the tools to take our sport to even greater heights.”
King founded the WTA in 1973.
“Stacey is the right person with the right ideas to continue to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour,” King said. “She has the full support of the players, sponsors and tournament owners.”
Allaster had been president of the women’s professional tennis circuit since 2006.
The 46-year-old Allaster succeeds Larry Scott, who left the WTA to become the commissioner of the Pac-10 conference.
“I am honored to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, which since its founding by Billie Jean King 36 years ago has continued to break barriers and grow into a premier global sporting league,” Allaster said in a release Monday. “The Tour and our sport have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past years, and we are poised for even greater heights in the years to come.”
Scott announced his departure in March after six years as CEO. The WTA said under Scott, revenue increased 250 percent and prize money increased 40 percent.
Allaster joined the WTA three years ago in the newly created role as president. She was responsible for the Tour’s operations, business development, television, new media and tournament and player relations
She previously served as vice president and tournament director at Tennis Canada.
“Women’s tennis and the Tour have never been stronger as a business, and Stacey has been at the center of this business success over the past years,” Venus Williams said in the release. “Stacey has helped to lead the development of a stronger Tour product through the passage of a healthier and streamlined circuit structure.
“I believe that Stacey will be a great leader for the Tour, understands how players can help drive our business, and has all the tools to take our sport to even greater heights.”
King founded the WTA in 1973.
“Stacey is the right person with the right ideas to continue to lead the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour,” King said. “She has the full support of the players, sponsors and tournament owners.”
New WTA chairman Allaster defends rankings system
LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - New WTA Tour chairman Stacey Allaster defended the controversial women’s rankings system following her appointment on Monday.
Russian Dinara Safina has risen to world number one despite not winning a grand slam title and American Serena Williams criticised the rankings after claiming her 11th major crown at Wimbledon this month.
“It’s a 52-week ruling average and it’s a combination of the grand slams and tour events. Without question, based on the ranking system, with consistent performance at the slams and at the tours, Dinara Safina is the number one player,” Allaster told Reuters.
World number two Williams said she “didn’t even care anymore” about the rankings.
“I think this ranking debate is not new, it has gone on for several years,” Allaster said.
“Every fan has their own (ranking) measure, what we know is that we have a system… (Safina) has had a great season and she will win a grand slam I have no doubt in my mind.”
The former WTA president has identified the digital expansion of tennis as a key goal.
“We just re-launched our new website, our China version will follow in the next six to eight weeks, by year-end we’ll have our Spanish website up and running, so as an organisation we have been investing in digital and I see it as a strategic priority going forward,” she said.
The 46-year-old said she was also supremely confident about the strength of women’s tennis.
“We have great depth, we have Venus and Serena, who are still playing and dominating extremely well at this stage in their careers,” she said.
“We’ve got Maria Sharapova, a champion who is on her way back, and we’ve got Elena Dementieva and some young new bright stars coming. The depth is there.”
(Editing by Ed Osmond; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Russian Dinara Safina has risen to world number one despite not winning a grand slam title and American Serena Williams criticised the rankings after claiming her 11th major crown at Wimbledon this month.
“It’s a 52-week ruling average and it’s a combination of the grand slams and tour events. Without question, based on the ranking system, with consistent performance at the slams and at the tours, Dinara Safina is the number one player,” Allaster told Reuters.
World number two Williams said she “didn’t even care anymore” about the rankings.
“I think this ranking debate is not new, it has gone on for several years,” Allaster said.
“Every fan has their own (ranking) measure, what we know is that we have a system… (Safina) has had a great season and she will win a grand slam I have no doubt in my mind.”
The former WTA president has identified the digital expansion of tennis as a key goal.
“We just re-launched our new website, our China version will follow in the next six to eight weeks, by year-end we’ll have our Spanish website up and running, so as an organisation we have been investing in digital and I see it as a strategic priority going forward,” she said.
The 46-year-old said she was also supremely confident about the strength of women’s tennis.
“We have great depth, we have Venus and Serena, who are still playing and dominating extremely well at this stage in their careers,” she said.
“We’ve got Maria Sharapova, a champion who is on her way back, and we’ve got Elena Dementieva and some young new bright stars coming. The depth is there.”
(Editing by Ed Osmond; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Nadal to return to tour at Montreal next month
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)—Rafael Nadal plans to be back at practice next week and back on tour next month.
Nadal’s publicist, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, said Tuesday that the six-time Grand Slam title winner is in Barcelona for tests on his sore knees.
Perez-Barbadillo says Nadal is “slowly recovering from his injury.”
He says Nadal will return to practice Monday and will play in the hard-court tournament at Montreal that begins Aug. 10.
Nadal has not played a match since being upset in the fourth round at the French Open in May. He did not defend his Wimbledon title and slipped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the rankings.
Nadal’s publicist, Benito Perez-Barbadillo, said Tuesday that the six-time Grand Slam title winner is in Barcelona for tests on his sore knees.
Perez-Barbadillo says Nadal is “slowly recovering from his injury.”
He says Nadal will return to practice Monday and will play in the hard-court tournament at Montreal that begins Aug. 10.
Nadal has not played a match since being upset in the fourth round at the French Open in May. He did not defend his Wimbledon title and slipped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the rankings.
US set to meet Panama in Gold Cup quarterfinals
PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Two years ago, the United States defeated Panama in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup en route to its fourth title. If the U.S. hopes to defend its championship, it will have to beat Panama again.
“Our preparation is the same and we have great respect for Panama,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said Tuesday. “Many of their players are the same. We will take the same approach as we do with the national team in preparation for Saturday’s game.”
The U.S. plays Panama in the quarterfinal round Saturday at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. Canada and Honduras will meet in the first quarterfinal matchup at 5 p.m.
The U.S. was 2-0-1 in Group B play through the first round and tied Haiti 2-2 last Saturday in Foxboro, Mass. The Americans, looking for their third consecutive title in the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean, finished first in Group B.
The Americans are 23-0-2 in Gold Cup group play. Stuart Holden, a midfielder for MLS’ Houston Dynamo, preserved the unbeaten record with a 25-foot shot past Haiti goalkeeper Jean Dominque Zephirin in the first minute of second-half injury time to force the tie.
“I don’t think there is added pressure on us,” Bradley said. “Our preparation and focus is always the same. We take the same approach. It’s exciting to be defending champions. With that, comes pressure at game time. I think its a good way to go about our work.”Panama earned a spot in the quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over short-handed Nicaragua in a Group C match last Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Substitute Luis Tejada scored a pair of goals while Blas Perez and Gabriel Gomez added one goal each for Panama. Nicaragua played the second half with 10 men after Franklin Lopez was ejected for kicking Gomez in the second minute of injury time.
In addition to the 2007 loss, Panama lost to the U.S. on penalty kicks in the championship game of the 2005 Gold Cup.
Panama coach Gary Stempel said his club is very confident as these two familiar opponents prepare to play once again.
“We’ve got the base of a very strong squad,” Stempel said. “Two previous losses to the United States is somewhat of a motivation for us to change the result.”
In the other quarterfinals, Mexico meets Haiti and Guadeloupe meets Costa Rica Sunday in Dallas.
The semifinals will be held July 23 in Chicago with the championship game set for Sunday, July 26 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
“Our preparation is the same and we have great respect for Panama,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said Tuesday. “Many of their players are the same. We will take the same approach as we do with the national team in preparation for Saturday’s game.”
The U.S. plays Panama in the quarterfinal round Saturday at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. Canada and Honduras will meet in the first quarterfinal matchup at 5 p.m.
The U.S. was 2-0-1 in Group B play through the first round and tied Haiti 2-2 last Saturday in Foxboro, Mass. The Americans, looking for their third consecutive title in the championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean, finished first in Group B.
The Americans are 23-0-2 in Gold Cup group play. Stuart Holden, a midfielder for MLS’ Houston Dynamo, preserved the unbeaten record with a 25-foot shot past Haiti goalkeeper Jean Dominque Zephirin in the first minute of second-half injury time to force the tie.
“I don’t think there is added pressure on us,” Bradley said. “Our preparation and focus is always the same. We take the same approach. It’s exciting to be defending champions. With that, comes pressure at game time. I think its a good way to go about our work.”Panama earned a spot in the quarterfinals with a 4-0 victory over short-handed Nicaragua in a Group C match last Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Substitute Luis Tejada scored a pair of goals while Blas Perez and Gabriel Gomez added one goal each for Panama. Nicaragua played the second half with 10 men after Franklin Lopez was ejected for kicking Gomez in the second minute of injury time.
In addition to the 2007 loss, Panama lost to the U.S. on penalty kicks in the championship game of the 2005 Gold Cup.
Panama coach Gary Stempel said his club is very confident as these two familiar opponents prepare to play once again.
“We’ve got the base of a very strong squad,” Stempel said. “Two previous losses to the United States is somewhat of a motivation for us to change the result.”
In the other quarterfinals, Mexico meets Haiti and Guadeloupe meets Costa Rica Sunday in Dallas.
The semifinals will be held July 23 in Chicago with the championship game set for Sunday, July 26 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
PREVIEW-Soccer-Estudiantes look to end Brazil bogey for title
BUENOS AIRES, July 14 (Reuters) - Estudiantes will be up against the superior ball skills of Cruzeiro and the weight of their poor results in Brazil when the sides meet in the second leg of the Libertadores Cup final (0050 GMT Thursday).
Cruzeiro, whose goalkeeper and captain Fabio was outstanding, came away from La Plata with a 0-0 draw in the first leg last week that makes them favourites to win the trophy for the third time.
Estudiantes, in their first final since 1971 and looking to add to the titles they won from 1968 to 1970, have lost on all five previous visits to Brazil in the Libertadores Cup including the 1968 final, when they needed a playoff in neutral Montevideo to overcome Palmeiras.
Two almost inexplicable misses by forwards Kleber and Wellington at the end of last week’s match denied Cruzeiro a first-leg lead but it is hard to imagine them making similar mistakes at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
“We’re going to create options to win the match. The players are well aware of the importance of winning the match and taking the title,” Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista told reporters in Belo Horizonte.
FLOWING ATTACKS
Estudiantes, traditionally good at set pieces, failed to profit from at least 15 corners or free kicks and will have fewer opportunities on Wednesday when they can expect to be pinned back by the flowing attacks of Cruzeiro, who beat them 3-0 at home in the group stage.
“The idea was to go for the near post but they defended very well,” said Rolando Schiavi, whose centre back partner Leandro Desabato had one good header on target only for Fabio to dive to his right to make a save.
Estudiantes will hope that Schiavi’s experience of winning the tournament with Boca Juniors in 2003, when they beat Brazil’s Santos at home and away, will rub off.
“Better if they think they have an advantage with the draw because they will be over-confident,” the 36-year-old defender, on loan from Newell’s Old Boys for the last two rounds of the tournament due to injuries, told reporters.
Also playing his last match for Estudiantes is Catania-bound Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, who has conceded only one goal in 10 matches since midway through the group stage in March.
“We came come back with the title. The draw (in La Plata) suited both (sides) and we have to realise that finals are decided in the second leg,” he told reporters. (Editing by Sonia Oxley; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Cruzeiro, whose goalkeeper and captain Fabio was outstanding, came away from La Plata with a 0-0 draw in the first leg last week that makes them favourites to win the trophy for the third time.
Estudiantes, in their first final since 1971 and looking to add to the titles they won from 1968 to 1970, have lost on all five previous visits to Brazil in the Libertadores Cup including the 1968 final, when they needed a playoff in neutral Montevideo to overcome Palmeiras.
Two almost inexplicable misses by forwards Kleber and Wellington at the end of last week’s match denied Cruzeiro a first-leg lead but it is hard to imagine them making similar mistakes at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
“We’re going to create options to win the match. The players are well aware of the importance of winning the match and taking the title,” Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista told reporters in Belo Horizonte.
FLOWING ATTACKS
Estudiantes, traditionally good at set pieces, failed to profit from at least 15 corners or free kicks and will have fewer opportunities on Wednesday when they can expect to be pinned back by the flowing attacks of Cruzeiro, who beat them 3-0 at home in the group stage.
“The idea was to go for the near post but they defended very well,” said Rolando Schiavi, whose centre back partner Leandro Desabato had one good header on target only for Fabio to dive to his right to make a save.
Estudiantes will hope that Schiavi’s experience of winning the tournament with Boca Juniors in 2003, when they beat Brazil’s Santos at home and away, will rub off.
“Better if they think they have an advantage with the draw because they will be over-confident,” the 36-year-old defender, on loan from Newell’s Old Boys for the last two rounds of the tournament due to injuries, told reporters.
Also playing his last match for Estudiantes is Catania-bound Argentina goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, who has conceded only one goal in 10 matches since midway through the group stage in March.
“We came come back with the title. The draw (in La Plata) suited both (sides) and we have to realise that finals are decided in the second leg,” he told reporters. (Editing by Sonia Oxley; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Family double in Verons’ sights
BUENOS AIRES, July 14 (Reuters) - The Champions League was a title that eluded Juan Sebastian Veron in Europe but South America’s Libertadores Cup is within his grasp.
Veron will lead Argentine club Estudiantes when they face Cruzeiro of Brazil in the decisive away leg of the final in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw in the first leg in La Plata last week.
The trophy is closely linked to Estudiantes and the Veron family, father Juan Ramon having won it three years in a row with the club from 1968 to 1970.
“Sebastian completed a stage (in his career) when he played in England and of course that European experience helps him now,” Juan Ramon Veron said.
“He returned to do something and he’s succeeding. He won a title in Argentina, played in the Copa Sudamericana final and that’s what’s most important,” added the 65-year-old in an interview with Reuters while he watched an Estudiantes practice.
The younger Veron, who won the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1999 but reached only the Champions League semi-finals with Manchester United in 2002, returned to his first club in 2006.
The 34-year-old led them to the domestic Apertura title in December 2006 and last year’s Copa Sudamericana final, equivalent to the Europa League, which they lost to Internacional of Brazil.
“I hope he and his team mates can repeat the history we achieved many years ago,” said Veron senior, who played in four finals including defeat by Nacional of Uruguay in 1971.
Looking back to the 0-0 draw in last week’s first leg, he added: “We were all confident of getting the win that didn’t come, but we’re still hopeful of winning there.
“It’s going to be a difficult, hard match against a complicated Cruzeiro team but no one’s had the last word yet and it could be a match that goes to extra time.”
Estudiantes have lost all five of their previous Libertadores Cup matches in Brazil, including the second leg of the 1968 final. They won the trophy in a playoff in Montevideo.
As he prepared for a shot at reversing the trend, the younger Veron told reporters: “I would give everything I’ve won to be Libertadores Cup champion. That is the ultimate because I grew up here.” (Writing by Rex Gowar; Editing by Sonia Oxley; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Veron will lead Argentine club Estudiantes when they face Cruzeiro of Brazil in the decisive away leg of the final in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday after a 0-0 draw in the first leg in La Plata last week.
The trophy is closely linked to Estudiantes and the Veron family, father Juan Ramon having won it three years in a row with the club from 1968 to 1970.
“Sebastian completed a stage (in his career) when he played in England and of course that European experience helps him now,” Juan Ramon Veron said.
“He returned to do something and he’s succeeding. He won a title in Argentina, played in the Copa Sudamericana final and that’s what’s most important,” added the 65-year-old in an interview with Reuters while he watched an Estudiantes practice.
The younger Veron, who won the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1999 but reached only the Champions League semi-finals with Manchester United in 2002, returned to his first club in 2006.
The 34-year-old led them to the domestic Apertura title in December 2006 and last year’s Copa Sudamericana final, equivalent to the Europa League, which they lost to Internacional of Brazil.
“I hope he and his team mates can repeat the history we achieved many years ago,” said Veron senior, who played in four finals including defeat by Nacional of Uruguay in 1971.
Looking back to the 0-0 draw in last week’s first leg, he added: “We were all confident of getting the win that didn’t come, but we’re still hopeful of winning there.
“It’s going to be a difficult, hard match against a complicated Cruzeiro team but no one’s had the last word yet and it could be a match that goes to extra time.”
Estudiantes have lost all five of their previous Libertadores Cup matches in Brazil, including the second leg of the 1968 final. They won the trophy in a playoff in Montevideo.
As he prepared for a shot at reversing the trend, the younger Veron told reporters: “I would give everything I’ve won to be Libertadores Cup champion. That is the ultimate because I grew up here.” (Writing by Rex Gowar; Editing by Sonia Oxley; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Beckham: Issues with Donovan squashed
CARSON, Calif (AP)—David Beckham has resolved his issues with Landon Donovan, saying he recently had a good conversation with his Los Angeles Galaxy teammate.
Beckham practiced with the Galaxy on Monday for the first time since returning from a five-month loan to Italian club AC Milan. Since his arrival back in Southern California, he has been peppered with questions about Donovan calling him a bad captain and portraying the English star as stingy in an upcoming book.
Beckham said details of their meeting will remain private but it went very well.
“I’m not going to talk about what was said,” Beckham said. “That was between me, Landon and the manager (Bruce Arena). I said the other day everything that was needed to say.”
On Saturday at an MLS event, Beckham called Donovan’s behavior “unprofessional.”
Beckham will play his first game of the season with the Galaxy when they face the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium on Thursday. The Galaxy host AC Milan on Sunday.
“We’re getting past it, we’re moving on,” Donovan said. “There’s a lot of things I regret. I regret the way that I went about this process and I also regret some of the things I said.”
Donovan said he knew what he was getting into when he talked to Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl, the author of “The Beckham Experiment.”
“There were no surprises,” he said. “I’m generally a pretty honest person, but that doesn’t mean I need to share things with everybody.”
The Galaxy has won three straight to improve to 5-3-9 heading into the matchup with the Red Bulls, and they’re hoping Beckham’s return will help them continue their strong run.
Midfielder Chris Klein said Beckham and Donovan interacted just fine at practice.
“I don’t know if it’s buried or not, but for them to carry any of that is silly,” he said.
Beckham said his discussions with Milan on returning to the team in 2010 will be resolved in the next couple of months.
“Obviously Milan expressed that they want me to go back so I don’t see any reason why that would change,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see. I hope to be going back there.”
So what about that Sunday matchup?
“It’s going to be strange, funny and exciting,” Beckham said. “It’s good when teams like that of that class and the players that they have come over. It’s about preparing yourself and it’s about also the excitement of having such great players here.”
Beckham practiced with the Galaxy on Monday for the first time since returning from a five-month loan to Italian club AC Milan. Since his arrival back in Southern California, he has been peppered with questions about Donovan calling him a bad captain and portraying the English star as stingy in an upcoming book.
Beckham said details of their meeting will remain private but it went very well.
“I’m not going to talk about what was said,” Beckham said. “That was between me, Landon and the manager (Bruce Arena). I said the other day everything that was needed to say.”
On Saturday at an MLS event, Beckham called Donovan’s behavior “unprofessional.”
Beckham will play his first game of the season with the Galaxy when they face the Red Bulls at Giants Stadium on Thursday. The Galaxy host AC Milan on Sunday.
“We’re getting past it, we’re moving on,” Donovan said. “There’s a lot of things I regret. I regret the way that I went about this process and I also regret some of the things I said.”
Donovan said he knew what he was getting into when he talked to Sports Illustrated senior writer Grant Wahl, the author of “The Beckham Experiment.”
“There were no surprises,” he said. “I’m generally a pretty honest person, but that doesn’t mean I need to share things with everybody.”
The Galaxy has won three straight to improve to 5-3-9 heading into the matchup with the Red Bulls, and they’re hoping Beckham’s return will help them continue their strong run.
Midfielder Chris Klein said Beckham and Donovan interacted just fine at practice.
“I don’t know if it’s buried or not, but for them to carry any of that is silly,” he said.
Beckham said his discussions with Milan on returning to the team in 2010 will be resolved in the next couple of months.
“Obviously Milan expressed that they want me to go back so I don’t see any reason why that would change,” he said. “We’ll have to wait and see. I hope to be going back there.”
So what about that Sunday matchup?
“It’s going to be strange, funny and exciting,” Beckham said. “It’s good when teams like that of that class and the players that they have come over. It’s about preparing yourself and it’s about also the excitement of having such great players here.”
Report: Arsenal Boss Wenger Happy To Sell Adebayor To Man City
As speculation continues to mount regarding the immediate future of Arsenal's Togolese targetman Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsene Wenger remains publicly coy on the matter. However, according to the Daily Mail, the Frenchman is more than willing to allow the £22 million-rated striker to join Mark Hughes' continued revolution at Manchester City.
Adebayor became one of the most in-demand strikers in world football following his 30-goal haul in the 2007-08 season, with Barcelona and AC Milan allegedly readying £30 million bids. Each advance was quashed by the Gunners, though, who were keen on keeping the 25-year-old.
However, his failure last season to reproduce the form that propelled him into the short-lists of Europe's elite seems to have made Adebayor's exit from the Emirates Stadium more likely this summer. Arsenal are more receptive to the idea of selling him, and Mark Hughes at City clearly desires the targetman's services - despite having already acquired Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.
The Daily Mail speculates that it is Adebayor's fractious nature in the dressing room that has caused his downfall, or at least persuaded Wenger he can do without the African star.
Adebayor's on-pitch falling out with Nicklas Bendtner during a cup game with Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 seemed to embody the temperamental aspect of the former African Footballer of the Year's personality, while regular quotes attributed to him (whether substantiated or not), suggesting that he remains amenable to a move, have squandered much goodwill he once enjoyed among Arsenal fans.
The price-tag could appeal to Wenger too, if he is considering bringing in new recruits.
Adebayor became one of the most in-demand strikers in world football following his 30-goal haul in the 2007-08 season, with Barcelona and AC Milan allegedly readying £30 million bids. Each advance was quashed by the Gunners, though, who were keen on keeping the 25-year-old.
However, his failure last season to reproduce the form that propelled him into the short-lists of Europe's elite seems to have made Adebayor's exit from the Emirates Stadium more likely this summer. Arsenal are more receptive to the idea of selling him, and Mark Hughes at City clearly desires the targetman's services - despite having already acquired Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.
The Daily Mail speculates that it is Adebayor's fractious nature in the dressing room that has caused his downfall, or at least persuaded Wenger he can do without the African star.
Adebayor's on-pitch falling out with Nicklas Bendtner during a cup game with Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 seemed to embody the temperamental aspect of the former African Footballer of the Year's personality, while regular quotes attributed to him (whether substantiated or not), suggesting that he remains amenable to a move, have squandered much goodwill he once enjoyed among Arsenal fans.
The price-tag could appeal to Wenger too, if he is considering bringing in new recruits.
Tevez aims to be one of the best players in England
BUENOS AIRES, July 14 (Reuters) - Carlos Tevez has surprised himself with his success in English football, Manchester City’s new signing said on Tuesday.
“The truth is that when I signed for West Ham I wanted to leave after ten days,” the Argentina striker said.
“I never thought I’d achieve all the good things I’ve done in this country,” the 25-year-old added in an interview with Radio del Plata.
“At this stage of my life I only think of continuing to grow and progress. I want to be one of the best players in England,” said Tevez, who had a season at West Ham United, helping them avoid relegation in 2006 before moving to Manchester United.“England is a high quality country, my wife is very happy and my daughter, who is four, too. This year she starts school here. I signed a contract for five years and I’m relaxed.”
Tevez, who said he was off to South Africa with City for the pre-season, added: “This season will be very important with very big challenges with the club and the (Argentine) national team.
“So it will be essential to have good preparation this month for the whole year.”
City are trying to buy themselves into the Premier League elite while Argentina have struggled lately in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
‘GOOD BUSINESS’
Iranian-born entrepreneur Kia Joorabchian, who sold Tevez’s transfer rights to City after he placed the player on loan at West Ham and then United, said he had done very good business.
He paid Boca Juniors 19.5 million dollars for Tevez in 2004 and City spent a reported 25.5 million pounds ($41.48 million) on the player’s transfer.
“I did very good business…I paid cheaply for Carlitos,” Joorabchian told the Argentine sports daily Ole in an interview published on Tuesday.
“When we bought him for $20 million everyone said that was too expensive. But he’s worth much more.
“As a person he’s incredible… For me, Carlitos has no price, not 50 nor 60 million.
“It’s an incredible story… He started playing football in a very poor area. He came out of Fort Apache,” said Joorabchian referring to the dangerous shanty in which Tevez grew up.
“We began (our liaison) with a title at Corinthians (in Brazil), he saved West Ham (from relegation) and won six titles (trophies) with United.
“This is the start of a new project, starting from nothing, because City has nothing today, but Carlitos is a winner.”
Tevez’s transfer fee was the second highest for an Argentine player after former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, who joined Lazio from Parma for 35 million pounds in 2000.
(Editing by Ken Ferris; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
“The truth is that when I signed for West Ham I wanted to leave after ten days,” the Argentina striker said.
“I never thought I’d achieve all the good things I’ve done in this country,” the 25-year-old added in an interview with Radio del Plata.
“At this stage of my life I only think of continuing to grow and progress. I want to be one of the best players in England,” said Tevez, who had a season at West Ham United, helping them avoid relegation in 2006 before moving to Manchester United.“England is a high quality country, my wife is very happy and my daughter, who is four, too. This year she starts school here. I signed a contract for five years and I’m relaxed.”
Tevez, who said he was off to South Africa with City for the pre-season, added: “This season will be very important with very big challenges with the club and the (Argentine) national team.
“So it will be essential to have good preparation this month for the whole year.”
City are trying to buy themselves into the Premier League elite while Argentina have struggled lately in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
‘GOOD BUSINESS’
Iranian-born entrepreneur Kia Joorabchian, who sold Tevez’s transfer rights to City after he placed the player on loan at West Ham and then United, said he had done very good business.
He paid Boca Juniors 19.5 million dollars for Tevez in 2004 and City spent a reported 25.5 million pounds ($41.48 million) on the player’s transfer.
“I did very good business…I paid cheaply for Carlitos,” Joorabchian told the Argentine sports daily Ole in an interview published on Tuesday.
“When we bought him for $20 million everyone said that was too expensive. But he’s worth much more.
“As a person he’s incredible… For me, Carlitos has no price, not 50 nor 60 million.
“It’s an incredible story… He started playing football in a very poor area. He came out of Fort Apache,” said Joorabchian referring to the dangerous shanty in which Tevez grew up.
“We began (our liaison) with a title at Corinthians (in Brazil), he saved West Ham (from relegation) and won six titles (trophies) with United.
“This is the start of a new project, starting from nothing, because City has nothing today, but Carlitos is a winner.”
Tevez’s transfer fee was the second highest for an Argentine player after former Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo, who joined Lazio from Parma for 35 million pounds in 2000.
(Editing by Ken Ferris; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Ferguson did not try to keep me, claims Tevez
MANCHESTER (AFP) - Manchester City's new signing Carlos Tevez denied on Tuesday that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson did his best to keep him at Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old Argentinian international striker has signed for United's city rivals in a 25.5million pounds five-year contract after his two-year deal at United ran out at the end of last season.
As United headed towards their 18th league title at the end of last term, speculation about whether United would extend Tevez's contract grew ever more debated before Ferguson decided not to keep the Argentinian.
However, Ferguson suggested on Monday that he had in fact wanted to retain Tevez's services and said that he had tried to contact him in January regarding his future - only to be ignored by his player.
Those claims were comprehensively refuted by Tevez at his unveiling at the City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday as he insisted that Ferguson had never once been in touch."The fact I didn't stay at United was not about the fans it was because David Gill (chief executive) and Ferguson did not do enough to keep me there," Tevez said.
"I was there for two years and Sir Alex never called or sent any text messages in that time.
"The only time he talked to me was after a match against Roma to discuss a situation about going to play for Argentina.
"It doesn't seem that this is the way to treat a player in two years at the club."
Manchester City have not won English football's top- flight title since 1968 - in stark contrast to United's seemingly endless run of trophies over the last 15 years - but Tevez insists he is not concerned about the past and will use City's lack of silverware as a major motivation.
"The ambition I have here is to help Manchester City recover the status that the club once had as one of the best clubs in England," Tevez added.
"I am here to try and win titles and trophies - that is my main ambition."
City manager Mark Hughes has the biggest available funds of any boss in the Premier League and the club continues to be linked with Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Officials from City and Arsenal have been locked in discussions for the last 24 hours regarding Adebayor's future and a deal is looking increasingly more likely.
Although the same cannot be said of Terry as Hughes admitted that it will be difficult to draw the England captain away from Stamford Bridge, despite offering weekly wages in excess of 250,000 pounds a week.
"There have been discussions between us and Arsenal (regarding Adebayor) but it is my usual response to players we haven't signed - it is not the right time or place to be discussing that," Hughes added.
"There's been contact and there is a deal to be done possibly but it's not been concluded as we speak here.
"I also have fantastic respect for John Terry ever since I saw him when I was at Chelsea as a player myself.
"I think any manager would covet a player like John Terry but at this moment in time he is a Chelsea player and we have to respect that."
The 25-year-old Argentinian international striker has signed for United's city rivals in a 25.5million pounds five-year contract after his two-year deal at United ran out at the end of last season.
As United headed towards their 18th league title at the end of last term, speculation about whether United would extend Tevez's contract grew ever more debated before Ferguson decided not to keep the Argentinian.
However, Ferguson suggested on Monday that he had in fact wanted to retain Tevez's services and said that he had tried to contact him in January regarding his future - only to be ignored by his player.
Those claims were comprehensively refuted by Tevez at his unveiling at the City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday as he insisted that Ferguson had never once been in touch."The fact I didn't stay at United was not about the fans it was because David Gill (chief executive) and Ferguson did not do enough to keep me there," Tevez said.
"I was there for two years and Sir Alex never called or sent any text messages in that time.
"The only time he talked to me was after a match against Roma to discuss a situation about going to play for Argentina.
"It doesn't seem that this is the way to treat a player in two years at the club."
Manchester City have not won English football's top- flight title since 1968 - in stark contrast to United's seemingly endless run of trophies over the last 15 years - but Tevez insists he is not concerned about the past and will use City's lack of silverware as a major motivation.
"The ambition I have here is to help Manchester City recover the status that the club once had as one of the best clubs in England," Tevez added.
"I am here to try and win titles and trophies - that is my main ambition."
City manager Mark Hughes has the biggest available funds of any boss in the Premier League and the club continues to be linked with Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Chelsea captain John Terry.
Officials from City and Arsenal have been locked in discussions for the last 24 hours regarding Adebayor's future and a deal is looking increasingly more likely.
Although the same cannot be said of Terry as Hughes admitted that it will be difficult to draw the England captain away from Stamford Bridge, despite offering weekly wages in excess of 250,000 pounds a week.
"There have been discussions between us and Arsenal (regarding Adebayor) but it is my usual response to players we haven't signed - it is not the right time or place to be discussing that," Hughes added.
"There's been contact and there is a deal to be done possibly but it's not been concluded as we speak here.
"I also have fantastic respect for John Terry ever since I saw him when I was at Chelsea as a player myself.
"I think any manager would covet a player like John Terry but at this moment in time he is a Chelsea player and we have to respect that."
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Robinho fires City to rare away win
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Robinho fired Manchester City to only their second away win in the league this season with a 2-1 victory as Everton showed the effects of their recent efforts against Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Brazilian striker scored City's opener and then set up Stephen Ireland for their second as the visitors claimed their first win at Goodison Park since 1992.
Substitute Dan Gosling claimed an injury-time consolation for Everton but City were always in control against the FA Cup finalists.
A reported training ground bust-up with manager Mark Hughes did not prevent England defender Micah Richards from being included in the City starting XI as a replacement for the injured Pablo Zabaleta.
Everton made four changes from the midweek goalless draw at Chelsea. Defenders Tony Hibbert and Phil Jagielka came in for Lars Jacobsen and Joleon Lescott, Marouane Fellaini replaced Tim Cahill and Louis Saha came in up front for the on-loan Jo, who was ineligible to play against his parent club.
Robinho has been criticised for some lacklustre performances in the club's away fixtures but City's Brazilian forward appeared in the mood as he mesmerised Hibbert with multiple stepovers before tumbling in the box.
The referee was unimpressed and it was Everton who registered the first shot on target although Saha's effort scarcely troubled Shay Given.
At the other end, Tim Howard had to pull off a full-stretch save to keep out Robinho's strike after Elano's shot had been blocked by Leighton Baines.
Left-back Baines came to Everton's rescue once more, snuffing out the danger when Ireland was sent through the middle by Felipe Caicedo.
But the defender was powerless to prevent City from taking the lead in the 35th minute.
Hibbert's forward punt was headed down by Nedum Onuoha and Elano's brilliant first-time pass sent Robinho racing down the left and he left Jagielka trailing before slotting his finish through Howard's legs.
Everton might have equalised just before half-time but Saha's header from Hibbert's inviting cross sailed over the bar.
The home side continued to press after the break only to be floored by a rapid counterattack from City nine minutes after the restart.
From wide on the left, Robinho picked out Ireland's run and the midfielder finished smoothly.
It took another good save from Howard to deny Robinho a second goal and Everton's afternoon took another turn for the worse when Jagielka was carried off on a stretcher with what appeared to be an injury to his left knee.
Seven minutes of injury time gave Gosling the time to claim his consolation effort but Moyes never looked like he would be able to enjoy his 46th birthday.
The Brazilian striker scored City's opener and then set up Stephen Ireland for their second as the visitors claimed their first win at Goodison Park since 1992.
Substitute Dan Gosling claimed an injury-time consolation for Everton but City were always in control against the FA Cup finalists.
A reported training ground bust-up with manager Mark Hughes did not prevent England defender Micah Richards from being included in the City starting XI as a replacement for the injured Pablo Zabaleta.
Everton made four changes from the midweek goalless draw at Chelsea. Defenders Tony Hibbert and Phil Jagielka came in for Lars Jacobsen and Joleon Lescott, Marouane Fellaini replaced Tim Cahill and Louis Saha came in up front for the on-loan Jo, who was ineligible to play against his parent club.
Robinho has been criticised for some lacklustre performances in the club's away fixtures but City's Brazilian forward appeared in the mood as he mesmerised Hibbert with multiple stepovers before tumbling in the box.
The referee was unimpressed and it was Everton who registered the first shot on target although Saha's effort scarcely troubled Shay Given.
At the other end, Tim Howard had to pull off a full-stretch save to keep out Robinho's strike after Elano's shot had been blocked by Leighton Baines.
Left-back Baines came to Everton's rescue once more, snuffing out the danger when Ireland was sent through the middle by Felipe Caicedo.
But the defender was powerless to prevent City from taking the lead in the 35th minute.
Hibbert's forward punt was headed down by Nedum Onuoha and Elano's brilliant first-time pass sent Robinho racing down the left and he left Jagielka trailing before slotting his finish through Howard's legs.
Everton might have equalised just before half-time but Saha's header from Hibbert's inviting cross sailed over the bar.
The home side continued to press after the break only to be floored by a rapid counterattack from City nine minutes after the restart.
From wide on the left, Robinho picked out Ireland's run and the midfielder finished smoothly.
It took another good save from Howard to deny Robinho a second goal and Everton's afternoon took another turn for the worse when Jagielka was carried off on a stretcher with what appeared to be an injury to his left knee.
Seven minutes of injury time gave Gosling the time to claim his consolation effort but Moyes never looked like he would be able to enjoy his 46th birthday.
Kalou sends Chelsea to Barcelona on a high
LONDON (AFP) - Salomon Kalou ensured Chelsea will travel to Barcelona for next week's Champions League semi-final in buoyant mood after sealing their 1-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Ivory Coast international made the most of a rare start under Guus Hiddink by plundering the only goal of a scrappy game early in the second half.
He turned in Frank Lampard's cross from close range, and victory was assured when Petr Cech saved Mark Noble's 70th-minute penalty.
Three points have little relevance to Chelsea on the domestic front, their English Premier League title ambitions having died against Everton last Wednesday, but it will pep their confidence ahead of the daunting encounter with Barca.Indeed, the Dutch interim manager might consider the fact his squad departed east London without any major injury scares as his most satisfying achievement, although he had done his best to minimise the risks.
As expected, Jose Bosingwa was deployed as a makeshift left-back to ready him for the Nou Camp, where first choice Ashley Cole will be suspended, although whether containing the limp Luis Boa Morte will prepare him for confronting Lionel Messi is another matter.
Hiddink will be just pleased that Michael Essien and Michael Ballack were only employed briefly as second-half substitutes, while Didier Drogba and Alex were not needed at all.
Chelsea's satisfaction was in stark contrast to West Ham, for whom defeat represented a grievous blow to their hopes of sealing the seventh-placed finish which should guarantee Europa League football next season. With Fulham and Tottenham, their major rivals, in ominous form, Gianfranco Zola's side must rebuild their confidence quickly.
Zola will have been dismayed at his team's paltry effort here against a Chelsea side which, perhaps inevitably given the changes, never threatened to reach top gear.
The first half was dismal and, aside from a long-range effort from Lampard and a low shot Nicolas Anelka pulled just wide of the left-hand post, West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green was largely reduced to sun-bathing duties.
The hosts, for their part, were inexplicably slack, although they still created the most inviting chances. In the 20th minute, a delightful turn from Diego Tristan allowed the Uruguayan to slide a perfectly weighted pass to Kieron Dyer between John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic.
Dyer, returning from the latest in a long line of injuries, had only Petr Cech to beat but never looked assured and his weak shot was little better than a back-pass.
Tristan had his own chance shortly before half-time, when Matthew Upson headed down Noble's corner. Tristan flicked towards goal from five yards but his limp effort was cleared off the line by John Mikel Obi.
West Ham were to rue those misses. Chelsea emerged after the break in a more purposeful mood and forged ahead in the 54th minute. Lampard drove to the by-line and, after Green failed to cut out his chipped cross, Kalou poked high into the net.
The goal punctured the hosts. Chelsea gradually took control, pinging passes around at their leisure and leaving West Ham grasping at thin air.
Two beautifully constructed moves deserved goals: the first, in the 67th minute, saw a rat-a-tat exchange end with Belletti setting Anelka clear, only for Green to save bravely at his feet; the second, moments later, had Malouda tee up Ashley Cole, on for Bosingwa. The England defender's angled, rising drive clipped the crossbar.
Chelsea were by now so completely in control that complacency became the biggest threat to their lead. That was the only explanation for Kalou's brainless challenge on Herita Ilunga, who had forged into the penalty area but well away from goal.
Mike Dean duly pointed to the spot but Cech spared Kalou some awkward questions by brilliantly saving Noble's penalty to his left. The game was as good as over.
The Ivory Coast international made the most of a rare start under Guus Hiddink by plundering the only goal of a scrappy game early in the second half.
He turned in Frank Lampard's cross from close range, and victory was assured when Petr Cech saved Mark Noble's 70th-minute penalty.
Three points have little relevance to Chelsea on the domestic front, their English Premier League title ambitions having died against Everton last Wednesday, but it will pep their confidence ahead of the daunting encounter with Barca.Indeed, the Dutch interim manager might consider the fact his squad departed east London without any major injury scares as his most satisfying achievement, although he had done his best to minimise the risks.
As expected, Jose Bosingwa was deployed as a makeshift left-back to ready him for the Nou Camp, where first choice Ashley Cole will be suspended, although whether containing the limp Luis Boa Morte will prepare him for confronting Lionel Messi is another matter.
Hiddink will be just pleased that Michael Essien and Michael Ballack were only employed briefly as second-half substitutes, while Didier Drogba and Alex were not needed at all.
Chelsea's satisfaction was in stark contrast to West Ham, for whom defeat represented a grievous blow to their hopes of sealing the seventh-placed finish which should guarantee Europa League football next season. With Fulham and Tottenham, their major rivals, in ominous form, Gianfranco Zola's side must rebuild their confidence quickly.
Zola will have been dismayed at his team's paltry effort here against a Chelsea side which, perhaps inevitably given the changes, never threatened to reach top gear.
The first half was dismal and, aside from a long-range effort from Lampard and a low shot Nicolas Anelka pulled just wide of the left-hand post, West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green was largely reduced to sun-bathing duties.
The hosts, for their part, were inexplicably slack, although they still created the most inviting chances. In the 20th minute, a delightful turn from Diego Tristan allowed the Uruguayan to slide a perfectly weighted pass to Kieron Dyer between John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic.
Dyer, returning from the latest in a long line of injuries, had only Petr Cech to beat but never looked assured and his weak shot was little better than a back-pass.
Tristan had his own chance shortly before half-time, when Matthew Upson headed down Noble's corner. Tristan flicked towards goal from five yards but his limp effort was cleared off the line by John Mikel Obi.
West Ham were to rue those misses. Chelsea emerged after the break in a more purposeful mood and forged ahead in the 54th minute. Lampard drove to the by-line and, after Green failed to cut out his chipped cross, Kalou poked high into the net.
The goal punctured the hosts. Chelsea gradually took control, pinging passes around at their leisure and leaving West Ham grasping at thin air.
Two beautifully constructed moves deserved goals: the first, in the 67th minute, saw a rat-a-tat exchange end with Belletti setting Anelka clear, only for Green to save bravely at his feet; the second, moments later, had Malouda tee up Ashley Cole, on for Bosingwa. The England defender's angled, rising drive clipped the crossbar.
Chelsea were by now so completely in control that complacency became the biggest threat to their lead. That was the only explanation for Kalou's brainless challenge on Herita Ilunga, who had forged into the penalty area but well away from goal.
Mike Dean duly pointed to the spot but Cech spared Kalou some awkward questions by brilliantly saving Noble's penalty to his left. The game was as good as over.
Alonso and Kuyt keep Reds rolling on
HULL, England (AFP) - Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt inspired Liverpool to a crucial 3-1 victory at Hull to help Rafael Benitez's side maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.
Alonso struck in the 45th minute with a dipping volley to notch his fourth goal of the season before Kuyt helped himself to a second-half brace as Hull's relegation fears showed no signs of easing.
Geovanni pulled a goal back for the home side on 73 minutes but it was never going to be enough as Kuyt made it 3-1 in the final minute.
Hull's misery was complete when Caleb Folan was shown a straight red card on the hour mark for kicking out at Martin Skrtel and he will now face an automatic three match suspension.
Benitez had demanded a perfect end to the season from his side in order to keep their title hopes alive and they responded, despite struggling to to find their peak form for large spells against a Hull side which has now won just two of the last 25 league games.Home manager Phil Brown sprang a surprise before kick off by recalling Folan to his starting line-up.
Folan has struggled to make an impact this season but was handed just his second Premier League start of the campaign and the chance to solve Hull's chronic shortage of goals.
Benitez, meanwhile, was still without captain Steven Gerrard (groin) and left out Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera from his starting line-up as Liverpool went in search of a much-needed win to maintain the pressure on leaders United.
Liverpool made a bright start in an attempt to dampen the home crowd.
Yossi Benayoun was at the heart of his side's main threats and could have opened the scoring inside seven minutes.
He was allowed to weave his way towards goal with a clever run only to see his shot blocked by Michael Turner. Fernando Torres reacted first to the loose ball but his blazing strike was superbly tipped over by Bo Myhill.
Benayoun curled a shot onto the roof of the net moments later and Hull looked in danger of being swamped.
But having ridden the early storm Brown's men began to grow in confidence and threaten themselves.
Jose Reina had to be alert to intercept a dangerous cross from Craig Fagan while Dean Marney shot tamely wide before Geovanni flashed a powerful 25-yard volley just off target.
Liverpool were struggling to break down Hull's stubborn defence, in which Michael Turner was outstanding. Benitez's frustration was beginning to show on the touchline as he became increasingly concerned at his side's lack of potency in attack and ability to build on their early promise.
Such frustrations disappeared on the stroke of half-time, however, when Liverpool finally broke the deadlock.
Alonso's first free-kick struck the Hull wall but the ball rebounded straight to him and he duly made the most of his second chance by burying a low volley past the stranded Myhill and into the bottom corner for only his third league goal of the season.
Folan's moment of madness on 60 minutes made life difficult for the home side but the challenge became almost impossible just three minutes later when Kuyt headed home Skrtel's deflected pass to leave Brown's team with no way back, despite Geovanni pulling a goal back with 17 minutes remaining to set up a frantic finish before Kuyt had the final say.
Alonso struck in the 45th minute with a dipping volley to notch his fourth goal of the season before Kuyt helped himself to a second-half brace as Hull's relegation fears showed no signs of easing.
Geovanni pulled a goal back for the home side on 73 minutes but it was never going to be enough as Kuyt made it 3-1 in the final minute.
Hull's misery was complete when Caleb Folan was shown a straight red card on the hour mark for kicking out at Martin Skrtel and he will now face an automatic three match suspension.
Benitez had demanded a perfect end to the season from his side in order to keep their title hopes alive and they responded, despite struggling to to find their peak form for large spells against a Hull side which has now won just two of the last 25 league games.Home manager Phil Brown sprang a surprise before kick off by recalling Folan to his starting line-up.
Folan has struggled to make an impact this season but was handed just his second Premier League start of the campaign and the chance to solve Hull's chronic shortage of goals.
Benitez, meanwhile, was still without captain Steven Gerrard (groin) and left out Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera from his starting line-up as Liverpool went in search of a much-needed win to maintain the pressure on leaders United.
Liverpool made a bright start in an attempt to dampen the home crowd.
Yossi Benayoun was at the heart of his side's main threats and could have opened the scoring inside seven minutes.
He was allowed to weave his way towards goal with a clever run only to see his shot blocked by Michael Turner. Fernando Torres reacted first to the loose ball but his blazing strike was superbly tipped over by Bo Myhill.
Benayoun curled a shot onto the roof of the net moments later and Hull looked in danger of being swamped.
But having ridden the early storm Brown's men began to grow in confidence and threaten themselves.
Jose Reina had to be alert to intercept a dangerous cross from Craig Fagan while Dean Marney shot tamely wide before Geovanni flashed a powerful 25-yard volley just off target.
Liverpool were struggling to break down Hull's stubborn defence, in which Michael Turner was outstanding. Benitez's frustration was beginning to show on the touchline as he became increasingly concerned at his side's lack of potency in attack and ability to build on their early promise.
Such frustrations disappeared on the stroke of half-time, however, when Liverpool finally broke the deadlock.
Alonso's first free-kick struck the Hull wall but the ball rebounded straight to him and he duly made the most of his second chance by burying a low volley past the stranded Myhill and into the bottom corner for only his third league goal of the season.
Folan's moment of madness on 60 minutes made life difficult for the home side but the challenge became almost impossible just three minutes later when Kuyt headed home Skrtel's deflected pass to leave Brown's team with no way back, despite Geovanni pulling a goal back with 17 minutes remaining to set up a frantic finish before Kuyt had the final say.
United thrash Spurs to retain pole position
MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Manchester United moved a step closer to the Premier League title after coming from two goals behind to beat Tottenham 5-2 in a superlative second-half performance at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side, having seen Liverpool move top of the table on goal difference with victory at Hull earlier in the day, put a lacklustre first-half display behind them in a stunning 15-minute spell that brought them their first four goals - two each for Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
But it was the half-time introduction of substitute Carlos Tevez, the Argentine international who was quoted this week in his homeland bemoaning his lack of first-team opportunities, which was the catalyst for the crucial victory.
And the win was not without its controversy, as referee Howard Webb seemed to err when he awarded United a 56th-minute penalty for a foul by gTen minutes later, former Spurs striker Berbatov started a move which ended with Tevez finding Rooney inexplicably unmarked at the far post, the England forward?s shot helped into the net by the palm of Gomes.
Tottenham, so disciplined in the first half, were in complete disarray and the 68th minute saw Rooney's cross converted by Ronaldo's diving header, the noise generated by 75,458 inside Old Trafford now reaching a crescendo.
The deluge was not over. Just three minutes on and United counter-attacked effectively, Berbatov springing Ronaldo clear for the winger to pick out Rooney whose strike was blocked by Jonathan Woodgate only for the officials to judge that it had crossed the line.
At 4-2, the contest was finished although United were not. In the 78th minute, Rooney's left-wing cross picked out the head of Berbatov with Gomes initially saving the attempt before the United striker forced the ball home to make it five goals in 22 minutes.
There had been little hint of the drama to come in the opening half hour as United seemed to take control of affairs.
But the game shifted unpredictably just before the half-hour mark when Darren Bent and Luka Modric both benefited from Aaron Lennon's dominance down the right wing.
First, Lennon's short pass opened up the angle for Vedran Corluka to cross into the area where Rio Ferdinand was slow to detect Bent's presence.
Having failed to connect with one header, Bent still had time to gather the loose ball and drive it past Edwin van der Sar.
Just three minutes later, Patrice Evra again failed miserably to deal with the threat of Lennon and the England winger's cross was missed by the entire United defence, allowing Modric the time and space to take a touch and finish emphatically.
Finally provoked into life, United responded with Gomes saving well from Rafael Da Silva's running shot and then the keeper producing a quite stunning, one-handed save to keep out a Ronaldo half-volley, attempted after the United man's initial free-kick had struck the Tottenham wall.
But Ferguson acknowledged the dire situation by bringing on Tevez as a half-time substitute for the ineffective Nani.
The switch paid off almost immediately with the Argentinian picking out Rooney in a crowded area, only for the former Everton star to try and place his shot into the far corner, succeeding only in putting the ball behind.
Tevez himself raced clear on goal and was denied by a brave Gomes save, but United's strong opening to the second half was a mere prelude to the devastating blitz that was to come.oalkeeper Heurelho Gomes on Michael Carrick, Ronaldo converting the kick impressively.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side, having seen Liverpool move top of the table on goal difference with victory at Hull earlier in the day, put a lacklustre first-half display behind them in a stunning 15-minute spell that brought them their first four goals - two each for Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
But it was the half-time introduction of substitute Carlos Tevez, the Argentine international who was quoted this week in his homeland bemoaning his lack of first-team opportunities, which was the catalyst for the crucial victory.
And the win was not without its controversy, as referee Howard Webb seemed to err when he awarded United a 56th-minute penalty for a foul by gTen minutes later, former Spurs striker Berbatov started a move which ended with Tevez finding Rooney inexplicably unmarked at the far post, the England forward?s shot helped into the net by the palm of Gomes.
Tottenham, so disciplined in the first half, were in complete disarray and the 68th minute saw Rooney's cross converted by Ronaldo's diving header, the noise generated by 75,458 inside Old Trafford now reaching a crescendo.
The deluge was not over. Just three minutes on and United counter-attacked effectively, Berbatov springing Ronaldo clear for the winger to pick out Rooney whose strike was blocked by Jonathan Woodgate only for the officials to judge that it had crossed the line.
At 4-2, the contest was finished although United were not. In the 78th minute, Rooney's left-wing cross picked out the head of Berbatov with Gomes initially saving the attempt before the United striker forced the ball home to make it five goals in 22 minutes.
There had been little hint of the drama to come in the opening half hour as United seemed to take control of affairs.
But the game shifted unpredictably just before the half-hour mark when Darren Bent and Luka Modric both benefited from Aaron Lennon's dominance down the right wing.
First, Lennon's short pass opened up the angle for Vedran Corluka to cross into the area where Rio Ferdinand was slow to detect Bent's presence.
Having failed to connect with one header, Bent still had time to gather the loose ball and drive it past Edwin van der Sar.
Just three minutes later, Patrice Evra again failed miserably to deal with the threat of Lennon and the England winger's cross was missed by the entire United defence, allowing Modric the time and space to take a touch and finish emphatically.
Finally provoked into life, United responded with Gomes saving well from Rafael Da Silva's running shot and then the keeper producing a quite stunning, one-handed save to keep out a Ronaldo half-volley, attempted after the United man's initial free-kick had struck the Tottenham wall.
But Ferguson acknowledged the dire situation by bringing on Tevez as a half-time substitute for the ineffective Nani.
The switch paid off almost immediately with the Argentinian picking out Rooney in a crowded area, only for the former Everton star to try and place his shot into the far corner, succeeding only in putting the ball behind.
Tevez himself raced clear on goal and was denied by a brave Gomes save, but United's strong opening to the second half was a mere prelude to the devastating blitz that was to come.oalkeeper Heurelho Gomes on Michael Carrick, Ronaldo converting the kick impressively.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Goal.com MLS Rankings: Chivas USA Consolidate
Chivas USA – Imagine the Goats when everyone gets healthy and Sacha Kljestan starts off his 2009 campaign. (1)
2. New England – Another well-earned point in D.C. reminds us once again Revs can churn out results on the road. It will be even more difficult in Salt Lake City next weekend. (2)
3. Chicago – This isn't the same lock-down defense that the Fire boasted last season. Can it return to that level of excellence once the personnel changes die down? (5)
4. Seattle – I wonder if Freddie Ljungberg threw off Seattle's equilibrium in the attacking third. (4)
5. Real Salt Lake – Better starts are required. Better finishing, too. (3)
6. Kansas City – Deserved one point less than they gathered at Toyota Park. (6)
7. D.C. United – Christian Gomez hasn't played that well over 60 minutes for quite some time. United will hope that hamstring tweak isn't serious. (8)
8. Colorado – Almost another point stolen on the road by Conor Casey and the Rapids. Another difficult team to break down away from home. (7)
9. Toronto FC – Rohan Ricketts is deep in John Carver's doghouse, it seems. This game cried out for his intervention and the inconsistent Englishman remain stapled to the bench. (9)
10. Houston – Stuart Holden deserves a decent run in the side to see if he can find his attacking midfield mojo. The clock has started ticking, however. (12)
11. San Jose – Get well soon, Jason Hernandez. (10)
12. New York – Important for the Red Bulls to kick on from here and piece together two or three results in a row. (15)
13. FC Dallas – Maybe it's time to experiment with David Ferreira in a deeper playmaking role. He could find even more of the ball if given some room to roam in midfield. (14)
14. Columbus – The Crew are one of two winless teams left in the league… (11)
15. Los Angeles – …but the Galaxy will keep them off the bottom, at least for this week. (13)
2. New England – Another well-earned point in D.C. reminds us once again Revs can churn out results on the road. It will be even more difficult in Salt Lake City next weekend. (2)
3. Chicago – This isn't the same lock-down defense that the Fire boasted last season. Can it return to that level of excellence once the personnel changes die down? (5)
4. Seattle – I wonder if Freddie Ljungberg threw off Seattle's equilibrium in the attacking third. (4)
5. Real Salt Lake – Better starts are required. Better finishing, too. (3)
6. Kansas City – Deserved one point less than they gathered at Toyota Park. (6)
7. D.C. United – Christian Gomez hasn't played that well over 60 minutes for quite some time. United will hope that hamstring tweak isn't serious. (8)
8. Colorado – Almost another point stolen on the road by Conor Casey and the Rapids. Another difficult team to break down away from home. (7)
9. Toronto FC – Rohan Ricketts is deep in John Carver's doghouse, it seems. This game cried out for his intervention and the inconsistent Englishman remain stapled to the bench. (9)
10. Houston – Stuart Holden deserves a decent run in the side to see if he can find his attacking midfield mojo. The clock has started ticking, however. (12)
11. San Jose – Get well soon, Jason Hernandez. (10)
12. New York – Important for the Red Bulls to kick on from here and piece together two or three results in a row. (15)
13. FC Dallas – Maybe it's time to experiment with David Ferreira in a deeper playmaking role. He could find even more of the ball if given some room to roam in midfield. (14)
14. Columbus – The Crew are one of two winless teams left in the league… (11)
15. Los Angeles – …but the Galaxy will keep them off the bottom, at least for this week. (13)
MLS Team Of The Week: Round 5
Goalkeeper:
Pat Onstad (Houston Dynamo): Despite being 41 and getting kicked in the face by Omar Cummings, Onstad saved a penalty on the way to a magnificent clean sheet over the Colorado Rapids to earn his side its first win of the season.
Defense:
Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA): Forced an own goal for Chivas USA's opener against Seattle Sounders FC. More performances like that and Bob Bradley will have to stop tinkering around with Health Pearce and DaMarcus Beasley on the national team.
Kevin Goldthwaite (New York Red Bulls): So often the joke of the New York backline, no Real Salt Lake fans were laughing as he helped his side keep a cAlfredo Pacheco (New York Red Bulls): Quite a lively debut. His distribution from the back promises to transform how New York play.
Midfield:
Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo): It has been Davies rather than Stuart Holden who has stepped up in the wake of Dwayne De Rosario's departure. A game-winning assist was the result of one of many dangerous crosses.
Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution): Steve Nicol is counting on Joseph to increase his offensive production with a series of attackers out injured, and the midfielder did just that against D.C. United, scoring the opener.
Ben Olsen (D.C. United): United only got a point because of Olsen's tenacious display, willingness to get carded to inspire teammates, and, oh yeah, he scored the equalizer in injury time.
Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards): Pushed further up the pitch as Kansas chased the game, Wolff rolled back the years to score a poacher's brace and earn a point away against the Chicago Fire.
Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA): As his hair grows out, his performances improve. In an open midfield against the Sounders, Kljestan dominated, and played the telling through ball in the buildup to the first goal.
Attack:
Brian McBride (Chicago Fire): He's still got it. Two sublime finishes, one a long range one-time half-volley and the other a huge leap to head home a Cuauhtemoc Blanco free kick, rewarded Chicago with a two goal lead for a good early display.
Macoumba Kandji (New York Red Bulls): The Red Bull attack has been misfiring all season, but Kandji has continued to improve. His pace and power on the ball unnerve defenses, and against RSL he finally added a goal to this season's good displays.
OnstadBornstein - Goldthwaite - PachecoKljestan - Wolff - Olsen - Shalrie - DaviesMcbride - Kandjilean sheet against potent attackers.
Pat Onstad (Houston Dynamo): Despite being 41 and getting kicked in the face by Omar Cummings, Onstad saved a penalty on the way to a magnificent clean sheet over the Colorado Rapids to earn his side its first win of the season.
Defense:
Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA): Forced an own goal for Chivas USA's opener against Seattle Sounders FC. More performances like that and Bob Bradley will have to stop tinkering around with Health Pearce and DaMarcus Beasley on the national team.
Kevin Goldthwaite (New York Red Bulls): So often the joke of the New York backline, no Real Salt Lake fans were laughing as he helped his side keep a cAlfredo Pacheco (New York Red Bulls): Quite a lively debut. His distribution from the back promises to transform how New York play.
Midfield:
Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo): It has been Davies rather than Stuart Holden who has stepped up in the wake of Dwayne De Rosario's departure. A game-winning assist was the result of one of many dangerous crosses.
Shalrie Joseph (New England Revolution): Steve Nicol is counting on Joseph to increase his offensive production with a series of attackers out injured, and the midfielder did just that against D.C. United, scoring the opener.
Ben Olsen (D.C. United): United only got a point because of Olsen's tenacious display, willingness to get carded to inspire teammates, and, oh yeah, he scored the equalizer in injury time.
Josh Wolff (Kansas City Wizards): Pushed further up the pitch as Kansas chased the game, Wolff rolled back the years to score a poacher's brace and earn a point away against the Chicago Fire.
Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA): As his hair grows out, his performances improve. In an open midfield against the Sounders, Kljestan dominated, and played the telling through ball in the buildup to the first goal.
Attack:
Brian McBride (Chicago Fire): He's still got it. Two sublime finishes, one a long range one-time half-volley and the other a huge leap to head home a Cuauhtemoc Blanco free kick, rewarded Chicago with a two goal lead for a good early display.
Macoumba Kandji (New York Red Bulls): The Red Bull attack has been misfiring all season, but Kandji has continued to improve. His pace and power on the ball unnerve defenses, and against RSL he finally added a goal to this season's good displays.
OnstadBornstein - Goldthwaite - PachecoKljestan - Wolff - Olsen - Shalrie - DaviesMcbride - Kandjilean sheet against potent attackers.
Ranieri keen on signing Cannavaro
ROME (AFP) - Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri admitted on Tuesday that he is hoping to sign Real Madrid centre-back Fabio Cannavaro for next season.
Cannavaro has made it clear he wishes to leave Real at the end of the season and previously stated he wanted to return to Napoli, his first club.
But with Napoli ruling themselves out of the bidding, Juve have become frontrunners for the 36-year-old's signature with Cannavaro's agent admitting on Monday that talks had begun.
And despite his age, Ranieri is keen for Cannavaro to link up alongside Italian international team-mate Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of the Juve defence.
"We also asked questions about his age but we couldn't afford to miss out on the possibility of signing an international player who could reform the Italy partnership with Chiellini," said Ranieri.
"For that reason I gave it (the transfer) the ok."
No deal has been agreed yet but Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli confirmed negotiations are taking place.
"It will possibly happen but we still have to see about some details," he said. "I'm happy to see that even Ranieri has expressed himself positively about Cannavaro."
Cannavaro has made it clear he wishes to leave Real at the end of the season and previously stated he wanted to return to Napoli, his first club.
But with Napoli ruling themselves out of the bidding, Juve have become frontrunners for the 36-year-old's signature with Cannavaro's agent admitting on Monday that talks had begun.
And despite his age, Ranieri is keen for Cannavaro to link up alongside Italian international team-mate Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of the Juve defence.
"We also asked questions about his age but we couldn't afford to miss out on the possibility of signing an international player who could reform the Italy partnership with Chiellini," said Ranieri.
"For that reason I gave it (the transfer) the ok."
No deal has been agreed yet but Juve president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli confirmed negotiations are taking place.
"It will possibly happen but we still have to see about some details," he said. "I'm happy to see that even Ranieri has expressed himself positively about Cannavaro."
Spanish Inquisition: The Central Role Of Madrid's Central Defenders
On Sunday, Madrid sports daily Marca broke the news that Fabio Cannavaro’s time at Real Madrid would be coming to an end—the 2006 Ballon D’or winner would be returning to Turin to once again anchor the Juventus back line after coming to terms with the Italian giants.
It is a bittersweet exit for the 35-year-old Italian who, upon arriving to the Bernabéu, was billed as the best defender in the world. Like many centre-backs who join Real Madrid, Cannavaro, despite being a seasoned veteran and the linchpin of the Italian national side, had a difficult time adapting to the attack-minded style dictated by the Madrid faithful.
He was brought on by then-coach Fabio Capello, to shore up a back line that had been porous since the departure of Fernando Hierro. But despite the impressive pedigree, Cannavaro never quite regained the form that earned him the highest honour a footballer can receive at the World Cup.That is not to say he was not immensely valuable in his time as a Merengue though. Capello emphasized a commitment to defence and it was this stalwart defending that eventually won Real Madrid La Liga that year. Although Cannavaro wasn’t flying around making the jaw-dropping tackles that won him such praise in Italy, he was a critical contributor to the organization of Madrid’s back line, bringing his savvy and discipline to a defence that was far too quick to give up chances before his arrival.
Cannavaro has by no means been the perfect player. In the last two years especially, the Italian has lost much of his pace and has begun to look less and less comfortable on the ball. But the centre-back has done a superb job of complementing fellow defender, Pepe who is much more of a risk-taker in the back line. While Pepe uses his long stride to snuff out counters or streaks forward in an impressive demonstration of offensive play, Cannavaro is back to cover, constantly communicating with Iker Casillas as to how far he should push up and from where the imminent threat is coming. Sure, the Italian has been caught with his pants down a few times—in the Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield, Cannavaro was ridiculed time and again by Stephen Gerrard—but the Italian does bring value and calm to the back line with his leadership. So much so, that Madrid will have a difficult time replacing him.
Real Madrid have a habit of chewing up and spitting out central defenders, some with impressive pedigrees. In fact for a central defender, playing at Real Madrid can be an absolute nightmare for confidence and career. Madridistas will quickly remember how the disastrous Jonathan Woodgate was to become the new rock at the back only to show, when he wasn’t in the medical ward with serious injuries, that he might better be suited to tackling rocks. In fact, in July 2007, Woodgate was voted the worst signing of the 21st century by Marca readers. Ironically though, once departing from Real Madrid, after spending a good while piecing together his confidence, the Englishman would again find his form with Middlesbrough, be crowned North East Player of the Year by the Prince's Trust charity, and earn an international cap with the English national side.
Central defenders Iván Helguera, Alvaro MejÃa, and Francisco Pavon would suffer similar failures with Los Blancos, being unable to stifle opposing offences and leaving Iker Casillas with it all to do. In fact, it is a testament as to just how talented a goalkeeper Casillas is that he has been able to win with the play of his back line in recent years. In some of those games, Casillas was single-handedly (pun somewhat intended) winning Madrid their matches.
Before the arrival of Juande Ramos, Christoph Metzelder—a fixture in the very impressive German national side’s defence—looked to be on the same path to anonymity and, although he has enjoyed something of a resurgence, in struggle to find form, he still has not been able to play assured defence consistently.
Playing at Real Madrid is pressure enough for many players. Every decision is scrutinized, every inaccurate pass is mercilessly whistled, and every goal against Los Blancos is attributed to bad defending rather than good offence.
But playing central defence at Madrid is a particularly tall task because of the style of football that Real Madrid are obligated to play. Football is not just a sport at a club like Real Madrid, it is a spectacle; the Bernabéu is where football fans come from all over the world to watch athletics take on an art form with smooth passing, delightful flicks, and a plethora of goals. And the entertainment of goals is only achieved through relentless attack.
At Real Madrid, the right-back and left-back positions are forced to push so high in support of the offence, that the central defenders are stretched thin, being forced to cover a larger area than would otherwise be comfortable. Much is asked of these men, but Cannavaro did a good job of not forgetting that his principle task was to defend and he took this task very seriously. In fact, when he is out of the line-up, Madrid tend to look a little less confident closing down opposing teams—much in the same way Barcelona seem a little more shaky when Puyol is not directing his back line. Players like Cannavaro and Puyol make the players around them better as Fabio has taught Marcelo the tenants of sound defending and Carles has Piqué playing like a seasoned veteran.
But it seems as if Cannavaro’s days at Madrid are numbered and Madrid will need to find a sure-minded substitute for the Italian. After spending another season at Racing Santander, Ezequiel Garay is set to come to the Bernabéu to try his hand at keeping the back line stable alongside Pepe. While regular football at Racing has done Garay a world of good in his development, it is tempting to say that he may have learned more valuable lessons playing alongside Cannavaro or Pepe this season so that he would have been able to slowly adapt to the style of defending at Madrid rather than just being thrown into the fray.
Garay is still young and should he have some growing pains, Madrid could be in a difficult spot. Sergio Ramos is superb in either the centre-back position or the right-back position and with Maicon being a possible summer signing, the Sevillan could potentially make the early switch to the centre—thus becoming Madrid’s Paolo Maldini. But Ramos still has many years left at the right-back spot and is a fixture at the position in the Spanish national side.
Thus, to take the place of Cannavaro, it might be best for Madrid to consider allowing another veteran defender to step in—one used to the pressures of playing with an attack-minded team, with the touch and dexterity to distribute the ball effectively, and able to shoulder the burden that comes along with the Madrid back line.
Porto’s Bruno Alves, Bayern’s Lucio, and Villarreal’s Godin are a few players that speculation brings to mind.
It is a bittersweet exit for the 35-year-old Italian who, upon arriving to the Bernabéu, was billed as the best defender in the world. Like many centre-backs who join Real Madrid, Cannavaro, despite being a seasoned veteran and the linchpin of the Italian national side, had a difficult time adapting to the attack-minded style dictated by the Madrid faithful.
He was brought on by then-coach Fabio Capello, to shore up a back line that had been porous since the departure of Fernando Hierro. But despite the impressive pedigree, Cannavaro never quite regained the form that earned him the highest honour a footballer can receive at the World Cup.That is not to say he was not immensely valuable in his time as a Merengue though. Capello emphasized a commitment to defence and it was this stalwart defending that eventually won Real Madrid La Liga that year. Although Cannavaro wasn’t flying around making the jaw-dropping tackles that won him such praise in Italy, he was a critical contributor to the organization of Madrid’s back line, bringing his savvy and discipline to a defence that was far too quick to give up chances before his arrival.
Cannavaro has by no means been the perfect player. In the last two years especially, the Italian has lost much of his pace and has begun to look less and less comfortable on the ball. But the centre-back has done a superb job of complementing fellow defender, Pepe who is much more of a risk-taker in the back line. While Pepe uses his long stride to snuff out counters or streaks forward in an impressive demonstration of offensive play, Cannavaro is back to cover, constantly communicating with Iker Casillas as to how far he should push up and from where the imminent threat is coming. Sure, the Italian has been caught with his pants down a few times—in the Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield, Cannavaro was ridiculed time and again by Stephen Gerrard—but the Italian does bring value and calm to the back line with his leadership. So much so, that Madrid will have a difficult time replacing him.
Real Madrid have a habit of chewing up and spitting out central defenders, some with impressive pedigrees. In fact for a central defender, playing at Real Madrid can be an absolute nightmare for confidence and career. Madridistas will quickly remember how the disastrous Jonathan Woodgate was to become the new rock at the back only to show, when he wasn’t in the medical ward with serious injuries, that he might better be suited to tackling rocks. In fact, in July 2007, Woodgate was voted the worst signing of the 21st century by Marca readers. Ironically though, once departing from Real Madrid, after spending a good while piecing together his confidence, the Englishman would again find his form with Middlesbrough, be crowned North East Player of the Year by the Prince's Trust charity, and earn an international cap with the English national side.
Central defenders Iván Helguera, Alvaro MejÃa, and Francisco Pavon would suffer similar failures with Los Blancos, being unable to stifle opposing offences and leaving Iker Casillas with it all to do. In fact, it is a testament as to just how talented a goalkeeper Casillas is that he has been able to win with the play of his back line in recent years. In some of those games, Casillas was single-handedly (pun somewhat intended) winning Madrid their matches.
Before the arrival of Juande Ramos, Christoph Metzelder—a fixture in the very impressive German national side’s defence—looked to be on the same path to anonymity and, although he has enjoyed something of a resurgence, in struggle to find form, he still has not been able to play assured defence consistently.
Playing at Real Madrid is pressure enough for many players. Every decision is scrutinized, every inaccurate pass is mercilessly whistled, and every goal against Los Blancos is attributed to bad defending rather than good offence.
But playing central defence at Madrid is a particularly tall task because of the style of football that Real Madrid are obligated to play. Football is not just a sport at a club like Real Madrid, it is a spectacle; the Bernabéu is where football fans come from all over the world to watch athletics take on an art form with smooth passing, delightful flicks, and a plethora of goals. And the entertainment of goals is only achieved through relentless attack.
At Real Madrid, the right-back and left-back positions are forced to push so high in support of the offence, that the central defenders are stretched thin, being forced to cover a larger area than would otherwise be comfortable. Much is asked of these men, but Cannavaro did a good job of not forgetting that his principle task was to defend and he took this task very seriously. In fact, when he is out of the line-up, Madrid tend to look a little less confident closing down opposing teams—much in the same way Barcelona seem a little more shaky when Puyol is not directing his back line. Players like Cannavaro and Puyol make the players around them better as Fabio has taught Marcelo the tenants of sound defending and Carles has Piqué playing like a seasoned veteran.
But it seems as if Cannavaro’s days at Madrid are numbered and Madrid will need to find a sure-minded substitute for the Italian. After spending another season at Racing Santander, Ezequiel Garay is set to come to the Bernabéu to try his hand at keeping the back line stable alongside Pepe. While regular football at Racing has done Garay a world of good in his development, it is tempting to say that he may have learned more valuable lessons playing alongside Cannavaro or Pepe this season so that he would have been able to slowly adapt to the style of defending at Madrid rather than just being thrown into the fray.
Garay is still young and should he have some growing pains, Madrid could be in a difficult spot. Sergio Ramos is superb in either the centre-back position or the right-back position and with Maicon being a possible summer signing, the Sevillan could potentially make the early switch to the centre—thus becoming Madrid’s Paolo Maldini. But Ramos still has many years left at the right-back spot and is a fixture at the position in the Spanish national side.
Thus, to take the place of Cannavaro, it might be best for Madrid to consider allowing another veteran defender to step in—one used to the pressures of playing with an attack-minded team, with the touch and dexterity to distribute the ball effectively, and able to shoulder the burden that comes along with the Madrid back line.
Porto’s Bruno Alves, Bayern’s Lucio, and Villarreal’s Godin are a few players that speculation brings to mind.
Americans in the UK: FA Cup Glory
Everton were clearly not the favorites going into Sunday’s semifinal against league leaders Manchester United. However, Alex Ferguson opted to go with some of his younger and inexperienced players and the Toffees were able to weather the storm through injury and extra time until a penalty shootout became the final decider.
After Tim Cahill missed the opening kick for Everton by blasting his shot over the bar, Tim Howard came up huge by saving a weak shot from Dimitar Berbatov using only his legs. Leighton Baines then gave the Toffees a 1-0 advantage before Rio Ferdinand stepped up looking to even the score. However, the American stopper was well up to the task, blocking a strong shot from the world class defender. Phil Neville and James Vaughn added two more while Nemanja Vidic and Anderson tallied for United. It all came down to England International Phil Jagielka and the defender did not hesitate, blasting the winning strike past Ben Foster to send the Merseyside club into the FA Cup finals for the first time in 14 years.
Howard’s clutch saves cannot be touted enough. He thoroughly outplayed his counterpart and certainly stung Manchester United fans who remember him making key saves for them just four years ago. His outstanding performance gives him the opportunity to win another FA Cup winners medal. The 'keeper became the first American to accomplish such a feat when he started in goal for the 2004 Everton last won the FA Cup in 1995 when they toppled United 1-0. They’ll face Chelsea at Wembley next month.Premiership:
Tim Howard, Evertonvs. Manchester United (FA Cup), 0-0 (4-2 on Penalties) 90 minutes, 0 goals conceded in open play, 5 saves.
(See Above)Up Next: Wednesday, away to Chelsea and Saturday, home to Manchester City.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa.vs. West Ham United, 1-1, 90 minutes, 1 goal conceded, 5 saves.
The Champions League hopes that looked so promising just two months ago now look bleak for Villa, who dropped two crucial points at home to West Ham on Saturday. After Emile Heskey gave the hosts an early lead, the Villains held strong, fighting off several attacks from the visitors. Friedel was sharp late when he made a great stop of a Luis Boa Morte shot but the breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute. With just five minutes remaining, Diego Tristan headed in the equalizing goal by steering in a Kieron Dyer shot that was always going wide of the net. Villa now sit seven points behind Arsenal for fourth place and don’t look like the European threat that everyone was buzzing about back around the New Year.Up next: Saturday, away to Bolton.Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
Guzan backed up Friedel on Saturday while Lichaj remained idle as the Villa Reserves don’t resume play until later this month.Clint Dempsey, Fulhamvs. Middlesbrough, 0-0, 90 minutes.
On a day when the Fulham attack remained stagnate at times, 'keeper Mark Schwarzer came up huge, stopping key shots down the stretch to give the Cottagers a respectable draw on the road. Dempsey had a chance to steal a late victory but his 83rd minute effort went just wide.Up next: Saturday, home to Stoke.
Jonathan Spector, West Hamvs. Aston Villa, 1-1, DNP
Spector, still recovering from that scary concussion two weeks ago, did not suit up for the Hammers on Saturday. With five matches remaining and seven points back of sixth place Everton, the London club has a chance at Europe but they’ll need a major slip up from the Toffees in order to secure that spot.Up next: Saturday, home to Chelsea.Championship Round-Up:
Marcus Hahnemann, Reading
Reading continued their winless streak last week, grabbing two draws. First, on Monday, after staking a 0-2 lead over Blackpool, Hahnemann could not stop Keith Southern or Dudley Campbell as they fought back to split the points at home. Then, on Saturday, Hahnemann made eight stop but the Royals once again could not get on the score sheet as they drew 0-0 with Barnsley. The Royals have not won since March 17th when they defeated Doncaster Rovers 0-1. They are in danger of losing a playoff spot as they sit just three points ahead of seventh place Swansea City.Eddie Johnson, Cardiff
Johnson was a late substitute in both games last week, coming on for Jay Bothroyd in both contests. The Bluebirds won 3-1 on Monday when they hosted Burnley but were shockingly pummeled on Saturday, losing 6-0 at Preston North End. And the answer to “were there any red cards” is no. This was an old fashioned beat down. Johnson did not score or contribute too much in either contest.
Jay DeMerit, Watford
The Hornets dropped six points this week, losing both games to Norwich City and Birmingham. An early own goal paralyzed Watford on Monday as they lost all confidence and ultimately fell 2-0 at Norwich. On Saturday, it was Cameron Jerome who broke the Hornets hearts with a 73rd minute winner.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek was not dressed for Monday’s 3-2 loss at QPR but was on the bench for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Southampton. The defender did not come on and this season is surely one that Simek would like to forget as he has played is just six contests all year.Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangersvs. Hibernian, 2-3, Edu played 90 minutes, 1 goal. Beasley DNP.
A week after opening his Scottish scoring account for Rangers, Edu doubled his season total by putting away Hibernian on Sunday. The Glasgow outfit had staked a 1-2 lead in the second half but in the 73rd minute they sealed the victory when Edu pounced on Kenny Miller’s blocked effort and slotted home Rangers third strike of the day. John Rankin made it interesting when he halved the deficit six minutes from time but Rangers confidently held on for the win. With the Scottish Cup semifinals coming up this weekend it will be interesting to see whether the confident American continues to start on such a big stage.Up next: Saturday, home to St. Mirren (Scottish Cup)
Pub Talk:
** As many MLS fans must already know, Southampton defender Kyle Davies transferred to Real Salt Lake last week. The American wasn’t really given any first team action and his play on the Reserves squad had been limited lately as well.
** American winger Ryan Guy played well for St. Pat’s FC on Friday as his club defeated Drogheda United 2-1. St. Pat’s now sit in sixth place, five points back of Eircom League leaders Bohemians. St. Pat’s have finished second the last two years and aren’t off to the best start as it’s been feast or famine with four wins and four losses from their first eight.
** Glen Cove, New York native Mike Grella continues to play well off the bench for Leeds United. The League One club signed the striker in January. Grella has scored five goals for the Reserves including one hat-trick against Barnsley and provided a few assists as well. The 2008 All-American from Duke University, who has appeared in nine first team games this campaign, is signed with the club until the end of the next season.
** Millwall’s Zak Whitbread continues to impress. The League One outfit sits in fourth position and with automatic promotion virtually out of the question; they’ll be playing in the playoffs next month to move back up to the Championship. Whitbread has started 36 contests this campaign, scoring one goal while holding a huge presence in the back line. Millwall has allowed the fifth fewest goals in League One this year but rank just 10th in scoring, making Whitbread’s play that much more vital.
After Tim Cahill missed the opening kick for Everton by blasting his shot over the bar, Tim Howard came up huge by saving a weak shot from Dimitar Berbatov using only his legs. Leighton Baines then gave the Toffees a 1-0 advantage before Rio Ferdinand stepped up looking to even the score. However, the American stopper was well up to the task, blocking a strong shot from the world class defender. Phil Neville and James Vaughn added two more while Nemanja Vidic and Anderson tallied for United. It all came down to England International Phil Jagielka and the defender did not hesitate, blasting the winning strike past Ben Foster to send the Merseyside club into the FA Cup finals for the first time in 14 years.
Howard’s clutch saves cannot be touted enough. He thoroughly outplayed his counterpart and certainly stung Manchester United fans who remember him making key saves for them just four years ago. His outstanding performance gives him the opportunity to win another FA Cup winners medal. The 'keeper became the first American to accomplish such a feat when he started in goal for the 2004 Everton last won the FA Cup in 1995 when they toppled United 1-0. They’ll face Chelsea at Wembley next month.Premiership:
Tim Howard, Evertonvs. Manchester United (FA Cup), 0-0 (4-2 on Penalties) 90 minutes, 0 goals conceded in open play, 5 saves.
(See Above)Up Next: Wednesday, away to Chelsea and Saturday, home to Manchester City.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa.vs. West Ham United, 1-1, 90 minutes, 1 goal conceded, 5 saves.
The Champions League hopes that looked so promising just two months ago now look bleak for Villa, who dropped two crucial points at home to West Ham on Saturday. After Emile Heskey gave the hosts an early lead, the Villains held strong, fighting off several attacks from the visitors. Friedel was sharp late when he made a great stop of a Luis Boa Morte shot but the breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute. With just five minutes remaining, Diego Tristan headed in the equalizing goal by steering in a Kieron Dyer shot that was always going wide of the net. Villa now sit seven points behind Arsenal for fourth place and don’t look like the European threat that everyone was buzzing about back around the New Year.Up next: Saturday, away to Bolton.Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
Guzan backed up Friedel on Saturday while Lichaj remained idle as the Villa Reserves don’t resume play until later this month.Clint Dempsey, Fulhamvs. Middlesbrough, 0-0, 90 minutes.
On a day when the Fulham attack remained stagnate at times, 'keeper Mark Schwarzer came up huge, stopping key shots down the stretch to give the Cottagers a respectable draw on the road. Dempsey had a chance to steal a late victory but his 83rd minute effort went just wide.Up next: Saturday, home to Stoke.
Jonathan Spector, West Hamvs. Aston Villa, 1-1, DNP
Spector, still recovering from that scary concussion two weeks ago, did not suit up for the Hammers on Saturday. With five matches remaining and seven points back of sixth place Everton, the London club has a chance at Europe but they’ll need a major slip up from the Toffees in order to secure that spot.Up next: Saturday, home to Chelsea.Championship Round-Up:
Marcus Hahnemann, Reading
Reading continued their winless streak last week, grabbing two draws. First, on Monday, after staking a 0-2 lead over Blackpool, Hahnemann could not stop Keith Southern or Dudley Campbell as they fought back to split the points at home. Then, on Saturday, Hahnemann made eight stop but the Royals once again could not get on the score sheet as they drew 0-0 with Barnsley. The Royals have not won since March 17th when they defeated Doncaster Rovers 0-1. They are in danger of losing a playoff spot as they sit just three points ahead of seventh place Swansea City.Eddie Johnson, Cardiff
Johnson was a late substitute in both games last week, coming on for Jay Bothroyd in both contests. The Bluebirds won 3-1 on Monday when they hosted Burnley but were shockingly pummeled on Saturday, losing 6-0 at Preston North End. And the answer to “were there any red cards” is no. This was an old fashioned beat down. Johnson did not score or contribute too much in either contest.
Jay DeMerit, Watford
The Hornets dropped six points this week, losing both games to Norwich City and Birmingham. An early own goal paralyzed Watford on Monday as they lost all confidence and ultimately fell 2-0 at Norwich. On Saturday, it was Cameron Jerome who broke the Hornets hearts with a 73rd minute winner.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek was not dressed for Monday’s 3-2 loss at QPR but was on the bench for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Southampton. The defender did not come on and this season is surely one that Simek would like to forget as he has played is just six contests all year.Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangersvs. Hibernian, 2-3, Edu played 90 minutes, 1 goal. Beasley DNP.
A week after opening his Scottish scoring account for Rangers, Edu doubled his season total by putting away Hibernian on Sunday. The Glasgow outfit had staked a 1-2 lead in the second half but in the 73rd minute they sealed the victory when Edu pounced on Kenny Miller’s blocked effort and slotted home Rangers third strike of the day. John Rankin made it interesting when he halved the deficit six minutes from time but Rangers confidently held on for the win. With the Scottish Cup semifinals coming up this weekend it will be interesting to see whether the confident American continues to start on such a big stage.Up next: Saturday, home to St. Mirren (Scottish Cup)
Pub Talk:
** As many MLS fans must already know, Southampton defender Kyle Davies transferred to Real Salt Lake last week. The American wasn’t really given any first team action and his play on the Reserves squad had been limited lately as well.
** American winger Ryan Guy played well for St. Pat’s FC on Friday as his club defeated Drogheda United 2-1. St. Pat’s now sit in sixth place, five points back of Eircom League leaders Bohemians. St. Pat’s have finished second the last two years and aren’t off to the best start as it’s been feast or famine with four wins and four losses from their first eight.
** Glen Cove, New York native Mike Grella continues to play well off the bench for Leeds United. The League One club signed the striker in January. Grella has scored five goals for the Reserves including one hat-trick against Barnsley and provided a few assists as well. The 2008 All-American from Duke University, who has appeared in nine first team games this campaign, is signed with the club until the end of the next season.
** Millwall’s Zak Whitbread continues to impress. The League One outfit sits in fourth position and with automatic promotion virtually out of the question; they’ll be playing in the playoffs next month to move back up to the Championship. Whitbread has started 36 contests this campaign, scoring one goal while holding a huge presence in the back line. Millwall has allowed the fifth fewest goals in League One this year but rank just 10th in scoring, making Whitbread’s play that much more vital.
The No. 1 that got away?
Sir Alex Ferguson is not a man who second-guesses his decisions. To the winners go the spoils, and the Manchester United manager’s career is plated with the silverware of domestic and international success.
We will never know, but as he contemplated the end of his opportunity to win a historic five trophies this season, Ferguson might have wondered if he got it wrong with American goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Howard’s penalty-saving heroics earned Everton a shootout victory in Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal at Wembley Stadium and knocked at least one pot out of his former employer’s trophy cabinet.
When Ferguson gave up on Howard in 2006 and was happy to ship him off to Everton, first on loan and then permanently, it seemed like a sound decision. Howard was inconsistent during his spell at Old Trafford and United had just acquired a proven goalkeeping star in Edwin van der Sar.
But since his departure, Howard has blossomed into one of the finest keepers in the English Premier League. Now a goalie of world-class ability, he is arguably the best player on the U.S. national team, so when USA coach Bob Bradley tries to figure out how to compete with the best at the World Cup next year, between the posts is one area he need not be concerned with.
Howard’s improvement may be the result of added experience or sheer hard work, but the feeling within the Everton camp is that manager David Moyes has instilled in the New Jersey native a sense of confidence that Ferguson never could.Van der Sar has been a stellar performer for United, but the Dutchman is now 38 and nearing the end of his career. Howard is nine years younger, and his best days could be ahead of him. With a little more patience and a little more faith, Howard could still be helping United win trophies rather than snatching them from its grasp.
Weekend First XI
1. Get him an Advil
Referee Gonzalez Vazquez was surely left nursing a headache after officiating one of the season’s most ill-tempered matches, as Valencia beat Sevilla 3-1 in La Liga action on Sunday. Vazquez handed out 15 yellow cards and also sent off Sevilla defender Adriano as the contest degenerated into a farcical free-for-all.
2. Get him a beer
It takes a lot to match a visit by President Barack Obama for publicity, but Javier Aguirre managed it with his official unveiling as Mexico head coach last week. Aguirre is a wildly popular choice following the doomed reign of Sven-Goran Eriksson, but he has a huge task ahead of him to lift the spirits of a dejected and disorganized squad that has struggled in World Cup qualifying.
3. Get him some earplugs
The first thing any new Liverpool player learns is that the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 of the club’s fans were crushed to death 20 years ago, is a tragedy that will never be forgotten and never lose its significance.
The ignorance of Liverpool backup goalkeeper Charles Itandje, who was last week seen nudging a teammate with an amused look on his face during a memorial service, is both sickening and astounding. Itandje’s days at the club are numbered and he would be wise not to show his face in the city between now and his impending departure.
4. Four corners
• Will Barcelona’s season be remembered as one where history was made, or of unfulfilled promise?
• Why couldn’t Marcelo Gallardo do more of this for D.C. United?
• Can the dominance of Marta help WPS gain a small foothold in the North American sports market?
• Just how slow must the defender have been who was “outpaced” by the still brilliant but not-so-speedy Ronaldo?
5. Catch a flight to …
Sweden. The European under-21 championships this summer will feature some of the most talented young players on the continent and is likely to produce plenty of impressive matchups. Keep an eye out for the teams from Finland and Belarus – not traditional soccer powers but currently blessed with an outstanding crop of emerging stars.
6. A round of applause for …
David Beckham. His wife Victoria was celebrating her birthday in Hollywood, but the England midfielder doesn’t seem to be pining for Tinseltown too much. Beckham is thoroughly enjoying life in Italy, and he set up two goals for Filippo Inzaghi as AC Milan moved into second place in Serie A with a 5-1 win over Torino. Los Angeles must seem like a world, or even a Galaxy, away.
7. Get them a Kleenex
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were both left complaining about the state of the Wembley Stadium pitch after their teams were dumped out of the FA Cup. Wenger’s Arsenal found Chelsea too strong, while Ferguson’s dreams of a five-trophy season collapsed as his under-strength side turned in a miserable performance in losing to Everton on penalty kicks. The complaints were not without foundation, as the field conditions were poor. But the comments were merely an attempt to deflect attention from a sub-standard effort by both Premiership powers.
8. Get ready to say hello to …
Kyle Davies. The United States under-20 defender will join Real Salt Lake after spending two years with English Championship side Southampton.
9. Get ready to say goodbye to …
Simon Eliott. The San Jose Earthquakes’ veteran midfielder is being targeted for a return to his native New Zealand by Wellington Phoenix, which plays in the Australian A-League.
10. Get excited about …
Grafite. He is 30 years old and has passed under the radar for most of his career, but the Brazilian striker is among the most in-form players in the world right now. His 22 goals this season have helped Wolfsburg to the top of the German Bundesliga and given the South American some long-awaited recognition across Europe.
11. Why it’s good to be a soccer player
Take a look at AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf’s stunning wife Luviana.
We will never know, but as he contemplated the end of his opportunity to win a historic five trophies this season, Ferguson might have wondered if he got it wrong with American goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Howard’s penalty-saving heroics earned Everton a shootout victory in Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal at Wembley Stadium and knocked at least one pot out of his former employer’s trophy cabinet.
When Ferguson gave up on Howard in 2006 and was happy to ship him off to Everton, first on loan and then permanently, it seemed like a sound decision. Howard was inconsistent during his spell at Old Trafford and United had just acquired a proven goalkeeping star in Edwin van der Sar.
But since his departure, Howard has blossomed into one of the finest keepers in the English Premier League. Now a goalie of world-class ability, he is arguably the best player on the U.S. national team, so when USA coach Bob Bradley tries to figure out how to compete with the best at the World Cup next year, between the posts is one area he need not be concerned with.
Howard’s improvement may be the result of added experience or sheer hard work, but the feeling within the Everton camp is that manager David Moyes has instilled in the New Jersey native a sense of confidence that Ferguson never could.Van der Sar has been a stellar performer for United, but the Dutchman is now 38 and nearing the end of his career. Howard is nine years younger, and his best days could be ahead of him. With a little more patience and a little more faith, Howard could still be helping United win trophies rather than snatching them from its grasp.
Weekend First XI
1. Get him an Advil
Referee Gonzalez Vazquez was surely left nursing a headache after officiating one of the season’s most ill-tempered matches, as Valencia beat Sevilla 3-1 in La Liga action on Sunday. Vazquez handed out 15 yellow cards and also sent off Sevilla defender Adriano as the contest degenerated into a farcical free-for-all.
2. Get him a beer
It takes a lot to match a visit by President Barack Obama for publicity, but Javier Aguirre managed it with his official unveiling as Mexico head coach last week. Aguirre is a wildly popular choice following the doomed reign of Sven-Goran Eriksson, but he has a huge task ahead of him to lift the spirits of a dejected and disorganized squad that has struggled in World Cup qualifying.
3. Get him some earplugs
The first thing any new Liverpool player learns is that the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 of the club’s fans were crushed to death 20 years ago, is a tragedy that will never be forgotten and never lose its significance.
The ignorance of Liverpool backup goalkeeper Charles Itandje, who was last week seen nudging a teammate with an amused look on his face during a memorial service, is both sickening and astounding. Itandje’s days at the club are numbered and he would be wise not to show his face in the city between now and his impending departure.
4. Four corners
• Will Barcelona’s season be remembered as one where history was made, or of unfulfilled promise?
• Why couldn’t Marcelo Gallardo do more of this for D.C. United?
• Can the dominance of Marta help WPS gain a small foothold in the North American sports market?
• Just how slow must the defender have been who was “outpaced” by the still brilliant but not-so-speedy Ronaldo?
5. Catch a flight to …
Sweden. The European under-21 championships this summer will feature some of the most talented young players on the continent and is likely to produce plenty of impressive matchups. Keep an eye out for the teams from Finland and Belarus – not traditional soccer powers but currently blessed with an outstanding crop of emerging stars.
6. A round of applause for …
David Beckham. His wife Victoria was celebrating her birthday in Hollywood, but the England midfielder doesn’t seem to be pining for Tinseltown too much. Beckham is thoroughly enjoying life in Italy, and he set up two goals for Filippo Inzaghi as AC Milan moved into second place in Serie A with a 5-1 win over Torino. Los Angeles must seem like a world, or even a Galaxy, away.
7. Get them a Kleenex
Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were both left complaining about the state of the Wembley Stadium pitch after their teams were dumped out of the FA Cup. Wenger’s Arsenal found Chelsea too strong, while Ferguson’s dreams of a five-trophy season collapsed as his under-strength side turned in a miserable performance in losing to Everton on penalty kicks. The complaints were not without foundation, as the field conditions were poor. But the comments were merely an attempt to deflect attention from a sub-standard effort by both Premiership powers.
8. Get ready to say hello to …
Kyle Davies. The United States under-20 defender will join Real Salt Lake after spending two years with English Championship side Southampton.
9. Get ready to say goodbye to …
Simon Eliott. The San Jose Earthquakes’ veteran midfielder is being targeted for a return to his native New Zealand by Wellington Phoenix, which plays in the Australian A-League.
10. Get excited about …
Grafite. He is 30 years old and has passed under the radar for most of his career, but the Brazilian striker is among the most in-form players in the world right now. His 22 goals this season have helped Wolfsburg to the top of the German Bundesliga and given the South American some long-awaited recognition across Europe.
11. Why it’s good to be a soccer player
Take a look at AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf’s stunning wife Luviana.
Liverpool owners Gillett, Hicks together at match
LIVERPOOL, England (AP)—Liverpool’s bickering American co-owners sat together for the first time this season as their English football team hosted Arsenal in the Premier League.
Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. have been at odds over the direction of the club for much of the last two seasons. The visit Tuesday came as a July deadline approaches to refinance the loan that funded their takeover of Liverpool two years ago.
Hicks and Gillett have been assessing their personal financial situations amid the global economic crisis.
Gillett has appointed financial advisers to explore a recapitalization of his assets, which could include the sale of the Montreal Canadiens. And Hicks’ company, which owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, has defaulted on about $525 million in loans.
Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. have been at odds over the direction of the club for much of the last two seasons. The visit Tuesday came as a July deadline approaches to refinance the loan that funded their takeover of Liverpool two years ago.
Hicks and Gillett have been assessing their personal financial situations amid the global economic crisis.
Gillett has appointed financial advisers to explore a recapitalization of his assets, which could include the sale of the Montreal Canadiens. And Hicks’ company, which owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, has defaulted on about $525 million in loans.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Messi strikes to give Barcelona 1-0 win at Getafe
MADRID, April 18 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi gave Barcelona a 1-0 win at Getafe on Saturday to stretch their lead in the Primera Liga to nine points over second-placed Real Madrid.
Champions Real can trim the gap back to six points with seven matches remaining by winning at relegation-threatened Recreativo Huelva later on Saturday. They host Barca in the “Clasico” in two weeks’ time at the Bernabeu.
Messi got his 20th league goal this season after 19 minutes in a dominant Barca display at the Coliseum stadium to seal the Champions League semi-finalists’ sixth straight Liga win.
The Argentina forward picked up Xavi’s pass in the area, skipped around a group of defenders and struck a deflected shot that had enough power to beat goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic.
Atletico Madrid won 3-0 at home to struggling Numancia and moved up to fourth place, above Valencia on goal difference, thanks to second-half strikes from midfielder Ever Banega, striker Diego Forlan and winger Simao Sabrosa.
Atletico and Valencia have 49 points although Unai Emery’s side have a chance to cut the eight-point gap to third-placed Sevilla when they host the Andalucians on Sunday.
Malaga stay seventh on 47 after a 1-1 draw with visiting Real Mallorca. Villarreal, sixth on 48, visit Real Valladolid on Sunday.
(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Ken Ferris; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Champions Real can trim the gap back to six points with seven matches remaining by winning at relegation-threatened Recreativo Huelva later on Saturday. They host Barca in the “Clasico” in two weeks’ time at the Bernabeu.
Messi got his 20th league goal this season after 19 minutes in a dominant Barca display at the Coliseum stadium to seal the Champions League semi-finalists’ sixth straight Liga win.
The Argentina forward picked up Xavi’s pass in the area, skipped around a group of defenders and struck a deflected shot that had enough power to beat goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic.
Atletico Madrid won 3-0 at home to struggling Numancia and moved up to fourth place, above Valencia on goal difference, thanks to second-half strikes from midfielder Ever Banega, striker Diego Forlan and winger Simao Sabrosa.
Atletico and Valencia have 49 points although Unai Emery’s side have a chance to cut the eight-point gap to third-placed Sevilla when they host the Andalucians on Sunday.
Malaga stay seventh on 47 after a 1-1 draw with visiting Real Mallorca. Villarreal, sixth on 48, visit Real Valladolid on Sunday.
(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Ken Ferris; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Ferguson warns Manchester United about ‘hungry’ Everton
MANCHESTER, England, April 17 (Reuters) - Alex Ferguson’s quest for a sixth FA Cup success with Manchester United faces a stern test against a “hungry” Everton side on Sunday.
United face their Premier League rivals in the semi-final of the competition at Wembley and a win will ensure Ferguson’s team a place in the final for the fourth time in six years.
“My problem on Sunday is that we are facing a hungry team,” Ferguson told a news conference on Friday.
“They want to win a trophy but we have got to make sure we are on top of our game.”
Everton have not won a major trophy for 14 years, whereas United are course for five this season with the Premier League leaders having already won the League Cup and FIFA Club World Championship.
Holders United also face a two-leg semi-final date with Arsenal in the Champions League.
“I’m not getting into all that,” Ferguson said, playing down the prospect of finishing the season with five trophies
“All I’m thinking about is our next game which is Everton on Sunday. Then we play Portsmouth in the league next Wednesday.
“I’m not looking at anything further.”
Wes Brown returned to training on Friday after a lengthy knee injury although the tie comes too soon for the defender.
However, Ferguson will make changes to the side which defeated Porto in midweek to advance to the last four stage of the Champions League.
“Wednesday was a very high tempo game,” said Ferguson.
“There’s a loss of energy in parts of the team and I have to recognise that. I will be making changes.”
(Editing by Alison Wildey
To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
United face their Premier League rivals in the semi-final of the competition at Wembley and a win will ensure Ferguson’s team a place in the final for the fourth time in six years.
“My problem on Sunday is that we are facing a hungry team,” Ferguson told a news conference on Friday.
“They want to win a trophy but we have got to make sure we are on top of our game.”
Everton have not won a major trophy for 14 years, whereas United are course for five this season with the Premier League leaders having already won the League Cup and FIFA Club World Championship.
Holders United also face a two-leg semi-final date with Arsenal in the Champions League.
“I’m not getting into all that,” Ferguson said, playing down the prospect of finishing the season with five trophies
“All I’m thinking about is our next game which is Everton on Sunday. Then we play Portsmouth in the league next Wednesday.
“I’m not looking at anything further.”
Wes Brown returned to training on Friday after a lengthy knee injury although the tie comes too soon for the defender.
However, Ferguson will make changes to the side which defeated Porto in midweek to advance to the last four stage of the Champions League.
“Wednesday was a very high tempo game,” said Ferguson.
“There’s a loss of energy in parts of the team and I have to recognise that. I will be making changes.”
(Editing by Alison Wildey
To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Late Drogba strike puts Chelsea in FA Cup final
* Drogba goal gives Chelsea 2-1 win over Arsenal
* First FA Cup success over their rivals since 1947
* Chelsea face Manchester United or Everton in final
(adds quotes, background)
By Martyn Herman
LONDON, April 18 (Reuters) - Chelsea’s Didier Drogba was a thorn in Arsenal’s side again on Saturday when he struck late to clinch a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
The Ivory Coast striker pounced on Frank Lampard’s lofted pass with six minutes remaining to give Chelsea their first FA Cup success over Arsenal since 1947.They will face the winners of Sunday’s semi-final between Manchester United and Everton, which is also at Wembley.
Drogba has now scored eight goals against Arsenal since joining Chelsea from Olympique Marseille, including a late winner in the League Cup final in 2007.
Neither side were at their best following midweek triumphs in the Champions League and Chelsea had to dig deep after Theo Walcott volleyed Arsenal ahead in the 18th minute.
Chelsea’s equaliser came from the unlikely source of winger Florent Malouda before the break.
Arsenal had the better second-half chances before some hesitation by second-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski let in Drogba who slotted home from a tight angle.
Interim manager Guus Hiddink can now sign off his short reign at Chelsea with an FA Cup final showdown on May 30.
“This is a huge step to be in the FA Cup final because it’s so respected worldwide,” said Hiddink.
The Dutchman’s only other appearance at the new Wembley ended in defeat when his Russia side lost 3-0 to England in a Euro 2008 qualifier. “I think we deserved it today. We adapted well after they scored and we started to control and dominate. The sloppy start was down to a tactical reason,” said Hiddink.
“I’m very proud of these players, they always deliver, they always react to a setback.”
Hiddink’s Chelsea side appeared to be suffering from the physical effects of their epic 4-4 draw with Liverpool on Tuesday as Arsenal began brightly on Wembley’s lush turf.
Apart from one moment early on when Drogba’s header was cleared off the line by Arsenal right back Kieran Gibbs, it was the north London side who looked brighter.
QUALITY MOVE
The first move of real quality put Arsenal in front. Gibbs, deputising at left back for the injured Gael Clichy, combined well with Emmanuel Adebayor and his cut back was met on the volley by Arsenal’s other young Englishman Walcott.
His strike was not convincing but a brush off the hand of Chelsea defender Ashley Cole meant it bounced awkwardly and evaded the diving Petr Cech.
Chelsea were level after 33 minutes with the hard-working Lampard, their best player, delivering an inch-perfect diagonal pass to the foot of Malouda.
The big-money signing from Olympique Lyon beat Emmanuel Eboue with embarrassing ease and sent a low shot skidding inside Fabianski’s right-hand post.
The goal fired up Chelsea and they dominated until the break with Nicolas Anelka launching one effort against the post.
Arsenal recovered their poise after halftime, with Adebayor having a couple of half chances and Robin Van Persie and Abou Diaby agonisingly close to converting Walcott crosses.
The match was drifting towards extra time when Lampard volleyed a high ball over the top and Fabianski opted to sprint out of his area to try and deal with the danger.
He was always struggling to reach it before Drogba, who nudged the ball around the stranded Pole before sliding it home in front of Chelsea’s delirious fans.
(Editing by Ken Ferris and Alison Wildey. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
* First FA Cup success over their rivals since 1947
* Chelsea face Manchester United or Everton in final
(adds quotes, background)
By Martyn Herman
LONDON, April 18 (Reuters) - Chelsea’s Didier Drogba was a thorn in Arsenal’s side again on Saturday when he struck late to clinch a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
The Ivory Coast striker pounced on Frank Lampard’s lofted pass with six minutes remaining to give Chelsea their first FA Cup success over Arsenal since 1947.They will face the winners of Sunday’s semi-final between Manchester United and Everton, which is also at Wembley.
Drogba has now scored eight goals against Arsenal since joining Chelsea from Olympique Marseille, including a late winner in the League Cup final in 2007.
Neither side were at their best following midweek triumphs in the Champions League and Chelsea had to dig deep after Theo Walcott volleyed Arsenal ahead in the 18th minute.
Chelsea’s equaliser came from the unlikely source of winger Florent Malouda before the break.
Arsenal had the better second-half chances before some hesitation by second-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski let in Drogba who slotted home from a tight angle.
Interim manager Guus Hiddink can now sign off his short reign at Chelsea with an FA Cup final showdown on May 30.
“This is a huge step to be in the FA Cup final because it’s so respected worldwide,” said Hiddink.
The Dutchman’s only other appearance at the new Wembley ended in defeat when his Russia side lost 3-0 to England in a Euro 2008 qualifier. “I think we deserved it today. We adapted well after they scored and we started to control and dominate. The sloppy start was down to a tactical reason,” said Hiddink.
“I’m very proud of these players, they always deliver, they always react to a setback.”
Hiddink’s Chelsea side appeared to be suffering from the physical effects of their epic 4-4 draw with Liverpool on Tuesday as Arsenal began brightly on Wembley’s lush turf.
Apart from one moment early on when Drogba’s header was cleared off the line by Arsenal right back Kieran Gibbs, it was the north London side who looked brighter.
QUALITY MOVE
The first move of real quality put Arsenal in front. Gibbs, deputising at left back for the injured Gael Clichy, combined well with Emmanuel Adebayor and his cut back was met on the volley by Arsenal’s other young Englishman Walcott.
His strike was not convincing but a brush off the hand of Chelsea defender Ashley Cole meant it bounced awkwardly and evaded the diving Petr Cech.
Chelsea were level after 33 minutes with the hard-working Lampard, their best player, delivering an inch-perfect diagonal pass to the foot of Malouda.
The big-money signing from Olympique Lyon beat Emmanuel Eboue with embarrassing ease and sent a low shot skidding inside Fabianski’s right-hand post.
The goal fired up Chelsea and they dominated until the break with Nicolas Anelka launching one effort against the post.
Arsenal recovered their poise after halftime, with Adebayor having a couple of half chances and Robin Van Persie and Abou Diaby agonisingly close to converting Walcott crosses.
The match was drifting towards extra time when Lampard volleyed a high ball over the top and Fabianski opted to sprint out of his area to try and deal with the danger.
He was always struggling to reach it before Drogba, who nudged the ball around the stranded Pole before sliding it home in front of Chelsea’s delirious fans.
(Editing by Ken Ferris and Alison Wildey. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Messi nets twice as Barcelona hammer Bayern 4-0
BARCELONA, March 8 (Reuters) - Barcelona produced a stunning display of attacking football to overwhelm Bayern Munich 4-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi netted twice and Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry once each, with all the goals coming in the first half, as the Primera Liga leaders took firm control of the tie ahead of the second leg on Tuesday.
Bayern had no answer to Barca’s pace and slick passing and the Catalans took the lead in the ninth minute when Eto’o slipped the ball through to Messi and he clipped a precise, low shot past Hans Joerg Butt.
Messi released Eto’o on the right of the area four minutes later to fire between Butt’s legs and the Argentina international scored his second in the 38th minute before Henry side-footed home two minutes before the break. (Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Rex Gowar; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Lionel Messi netted twice and Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry once each, with all the goals coming in the first half, as the Primera Liga leaders took firm control of the tie ahead of the second leg on Tuesday.
Bayern had no answer to Barca’s pace and slick passing and the Catalans took the lead in the ninth minute when Eto’o slipped the ball through to Messi and he clipped a precise, low shot past Hans Joerg Butt.
Messi released Eto’o on the right of the area four minutes later to fire between Butt’s legs and the Argentina international scored his second in the 38th minute before Henry side-footed home two minutes before the break. (Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Rex Gowar; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Chelsea sweep aside Liverpool with Ivanovic double
LONDON, April 8 (Reuters) - Defender Branislav Ivanovic headed two goals from corners and Didier Droga added the third to give Chelsea a 3-1 away win over Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. Striker Fernando Torres opened the scoring at Anfield after six minutes, firing a right foot shot past Petr Cech after a low cross from full back Alvaro Arbeloa.
Chelsea’s deserved equaliser came when stand-in right back Ivanovic rose above Martin Skrtel to head home Florent Malouda’s corner six minutes before halftime.
Ivanovic headed in a Frank Lampard corner just past the hour to put Chelsea ahead and striker Drogba turned in Malouda’s left-wing cross in the 67th minute. (Editing by Justin Palmer;
To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Chelsea’s deserved equaliser came when stand-in right back Ivanovic rose above Martin Skrtel to head home Florent Malouda’s corner six minutes before halftime.
Ivanovic headed in a Frank Lampard corner just past the hour to put Chelsea ahead and striker Drogba turned in Malouda’s left-wing cross in the 67th minute. (Editing by Justin Palmer;
To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Massa: Ferrari need new tactics
Ferrari's Felipe Massa paid the penalty for a massive error of judgement in qualifying which left the Brazilian trailing in 16th place on the Malaysian GMassa seized pole position at the Sepang circuit a year ago but any hopes of a repeat ahead of Sunday's race were dashed when the driver and his team set a time they felt was fast enough to keep them in the top 15 and advance to the second session of qualifying.
The complacency proved fatal and Massa was left to rue the mistake and look on from the pitlane as Brawn GP's Jenson Button went on to grab a second consecutive pole position of the season.
"I went out on a new set of soft tyres and after an improved second lap, the team and myself thought the time was quick enough to be in the top 15," said last year's world championship runner-up.
"When I got back to the pits I was fourth... stayed seventh for a while. Then when I started to drop it was impossible to go out again as there was no time to do another lap."
Massa said Ferrari must now change their tactics in qualifying since the field is far more competitive than in recent seasons, where an early fast time would have been enough to secure a safe passage into the next round.
"Maybe the past is still very much in our minds," he added. "Then it was easy to go out and set a fast time on the hard tyres and stay in the top 10. Now we need to use all our tyres in qualifying as its the only way to reach the next session."
The Brazilian also noted that the mistake acted as a wake-up call for the team in terms of understanding exactly where they stood in this year's pecking order.
"After the first race (neither Ferrari finished in Melbourne a week ago) and this qualifying we understand even more that we are not as competitive as we thought we were," he added.
"Other teams are a little bit ahead of us and we don't have the downforce to warm up the tyres very quickly. So we may have to change our strategy in the future.
"This morning, I thought my car was good enough for a top-five position but now I believe I would be lucky to be in the top seven."
Looking to Sunday's race, Massa is hoping for wet weather in order to improve his chances of earning points.
"The rain could be a lottery so maybe it is our best hope of getting into the points," he said.
"I just hope to have a good race. The car has good pace and if I drive well, we have an opportunity to pick up some points... that is my aim now."Reuters rand Prix grid.
The complacency proved fatal and Massa was left to rue the mistake and look on from the pitlane as Brawn GP's Jenson Button went on to grab a second consecutive pole position of the season.
"I went out on a new set of soft tyres and after an improved second lap, the team and myself thought the time was quick enough to be in the top 15," said last year's world championship runner-up.
"When I got back to the pits I was fourth... stayed seventh for a while. Then when I started to drop it was impossible to go out again as there was no time to do another lap."
Massa said Ferrari must now change their tactics in qualifying since the field is far more competitive than in recent seasons, where an early fast time would have been enough to secure a safe passage into the next round.
"Maybe the past is still very much in our minds," he added. "Then it was easy to go out and set a fast time on the hard tyres and stay in the top 10. Now we need to use all our tyres in qualifying as its the only way to reach the next session."
The Brazilian also noted that the mistake acted as a wake-up call for the team in terms of understanding exactly where they stood in this year's pecking order.
"After the first race (neither Ferrari finished in Melbourne a week ago) and this qualifying we understand even more that we are not as competitive as we thought we were," he added.
"Other teams are a little bit ahead of us and we don't have the downforce to warm up the tyres very quickly. So we may have to change our strategy in the future.
"This morning, I thought my car was good enough for a top-five position but now I believe I would be lucky to be in the top seven."
Looking to Sunday's race, Massa is hoping for wet weather in order to improve his chances of earning points.
"The rain could be a lottery so maybe it is our best hope of getting into the points," he said.
"I just hope to have a good race. The car has good pace and if I drive well, we have an opportunity to pick up some points... that is my aim now."Reuters rand Prix grid.
Malaysian GP - Drivers: Button ponders weather
Pole-sitter Jenson Button revealed that Brawn GP are yet to run their 2009 car in wet conditions, plus other rea1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren): "We qualified about where we expected to. We don't yet have the pace to get into Q3 but the balance doesn't feel too bad - we're just unable to carry enough speed through the corners. We expect to see some improvements over the next two or three races. For tomorrow, I'm just going to race my heart out, do the best I can and try and score some points."
2. Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren): "We knew that getting into the top 10 would be tough, so my result was more or less what I expected. The gap to the cars in front is smaller than it was in Melbourne, so I'm confident that we're headed in the right direction, but we haven't yet found that extra bit of speed we need. The balance today wasn't completelyction following qualifying in Malaysia.to my liking, but I did my best and I'm looking forward to an enjoyable battle in the race tomorrow."
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari): "Honestly, the main problem is that, at the moment, we are not quick enough to fight for the top places. The car is not lacking in any particular area, but we do not have enough grip to be as quick as those who finished ahead of us today. Tomorrow's race will be very tough. We will try to make the most of the start. In Australia, it was very good but there was nowhere to go, whereas here, the straight is long and the track is wide. Furthermore, as we saw yesterday, our pace is competitive."
4. Felipe Massa (Ferrari): "I am very disappointed. If I had ended up sixteenth because of a lack of performance, then I could have accepted the result, but like this it hurts even more. The track improved so much with each passing lap and my first run was not perfect and nor was it enough. We did not react in time and lost the chance to have another go. No one person is to blame: we are a team and we lose or win all together. We have to change our approach and tackle qualifying in a different way to the past. There is no room for error and we have to give it our all, right from the first session. Nevertheless, I am very motivated. It won't be the first time I will have to tackle a race starting way down the order and I know I can count on having a strong pace. We will have to try and exploit every opportunity to make up places."
5. Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber): "I'm satisfied with what I was able to achieve today. Although we didn't make any major changes after free practice the car was bottoming quite a lot, which made it unstable and therefore not easy to drive. I did what I could in the corners, but the straights are long here and give the drivers who are using a KERS a major advantage. I have to start on the dirty side of the track plus I have some cars with a KERS behind me, which will make the start very interesting."
6. Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber): "Of course I'm very disappointed. I looked fairly safe in Q2 when I was seventh, but on my second quick run I had traffic on the out lap. Two cars in front of me and one behind meant that I couldn't go at the pace needed to heat the tyres up, and then the important lap wasn't good enough. After we did the comparison yesterday I was using the KERS today and it helped, especially in sector one where I was the fastest car for most of the time."
7. Fernando Alonso (Renault): "I had no temperature this morning so I was in better condition to drive the car. Our result today is a bit disappointing because I expected to be fifth or sixth in qualifying, but overall the car is better than in Australia, although we're not fast enough and need to improve. We will also have to see what role KERS will play in the race tomorrow."
8. Nelson Piquet Jr (Renault): "This morning we knew that it might be a difficult qualifying session. However it could have worked out better for me this afternoon, but on my final lap I pushed a bit too hard at the end of the lap and lost three or four tenths, which proved costly. I'm obviously disappointed that I couldn't get the most from qualifying, but I have to put this behind me and think about the race tomorrow."
9. Jarno Trulli (Toyota): "The car is good but I didn't expect to be where I am. The team have done a great job and got everything spot on. It is more comfortable in the car with the later start but it is still a physically demanding circuit. I'm confident though Tomorrow is going to be a strange race probably because we are all expecting bad weather, and that can mix up a lot the results. We have a car to fight for the podium and then our aim eventually will be to win a race during the season. It doesn't matter if it is me or Timo."
16. Nico Rosberg (Williams): "Our general pace in the first two qualifying sessions wasn't quite where we wanted to be, but it gave us enough to work with... From that start position (fourth) as well as with a good car and a good strategy, we can be optimistic and say we have a good chance to aim for a podium. One consideration is of course the start and I will have to check who will be using KERS around me."
17. Kazuki Nakajima (Williams): "The car was good, I had a good feeling in the cockpit and everything went okay today, but I just needed to find another tenth to get into Q3. Despite this, I now have the freedom to fuel the car for the optimum strategy, and with this benefit and a good long run pace, a good finish is possible if I keep my head down during the race."
18. Jenson Button (Brawn GP): "It's not easy to get one pole and now I've got two so it's unbelievable. It shows that the car works in all conditions. On Saturday we struggled a bit with the balance of the car and it was difficult but we made changes overnight and it improved a lot. I feel very comfortable in the car and I'm excited about Sunday.... We've got a lot of thinking overnight to put a plan together if it is wet. We haven't run this car yet in the wet so it's going to be interesting."
19. Rubens Barrichello (Brawn GP): "It was a good qualifying session for the team today and well done to Jenson once again as he had the pace to put the car on pole. Unfortunately on my side of the garage, the car developed understeer in qualifying and we were not able to resolve the problem. However we know the performance of the car in race conditions is strong and I will be aiming to score as many points as possible tomorrow before I can start chasing for my own pole position and wins."
20. Adrian Sutil (Force India): "We did a good job today, we had no problems and this was our pace - we couldn't really have done better. We just need to find some downforce. For tomorrow, I want to have a good race and to get to the finish. We are very quick down the straights and there is some potential for overtaking so let's see - we had an exciting race in Melbourne and anything can happen. I am still positive."
21. Giancarlo Fisichella (Force India): "I had a problem with the throttle pedal on the first run so we changed it and I lost the chance to do three runs, which was very important. The lap I did was clean and the car is well balanced. Again the field is very mixed and with the chance of some rain we should look to keep up with the field and take any chance we can."Eurosport
2. Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren): "We knew that getting into the top 10 would be tough, so my result was more or less what I expected. The gap to the cars in front is smaller than it was in Melbourne, so I'm confident that we're headed in the right direction, but we haven't yet found that extra bit of speed we need. The balance today wasn't completelyction following qualifying in Malaysia.to my liking, but I did my best and I'm looking forward to an enjoyable battle in the race tomorrow."
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari): "Honestly, the main problem is that, at the moment, we are not quick enough to fight for the top places. The car is not lacking in any particular area, but we do not have enough grip to be as quick as those who finished ahead of us today. Tomorrow's race will be very tough. We will try to make the most of the start. In Australia, it was very good but there was nowhere to go, whereas here, the straight is long and the track is wide. Furthermore, as we saw yesterday, our pace is competitive."
4. Felipe Massa (Ferrari): "I am very disappointed. If I had ended up sixteenth because of a lack of performance, then I could have accepted the result, but like this it hurts even more. The track improved so much with each passing lap and my first run was not perfect and nor was it enough. We did not react in time and lost the chance to have another go. No one person is to blame: we are a team and we lose or win all together. We have to change our approach and tackle qualifying in a different way to the past. There is no room for error and we have to give it our all, right from the first session. Nevertheless, I am very motivated. It won't be the first time I will have to tackle a race starting way down the order and I know I can count on having a strong pace. We will have to try and exploit every opportunity to make up places."
5. Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber): "I'm satisfied with what I was able to achieve today. Although we didn't make any major changes after free practice the car was bottoming quite a lot, which made it unstable and therefore not easy to drive. I did what I could in the corners, but the straights are long here and give the drivers who are using a KERS a major advantage. I have to start on the dirty side of the track plus I have some cars with a KERS behind me, which will make the start very interesting."
6. Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber): "Of course I'm very disappointed. I looked fairly safe in Q2 when I was seventh, but on my second quick run I had traffic on the out lap. Two cars in front of me and one behind meant that I couldn't go at the pace needed to heat the tyres up, and then the important lap wasn't good enough. After we did the comparison yesterday I was using the KERS today and it helped, especially in sector one where I was the fastest car for most of the time."
7. Fernando Alonso (Renault): "I had no temperature this morning so I was in better condition to drive the car. Our result today is a bit disappointing because I expected to be fifth or sixth in qualifying, but overall the car is better than in Australia, although we're not fast enough and need to improve. We will also have to see what role KERS will play in the race tomorrow."
8. Nelson Piquet Jr (Renault): "This morning we knew that it might be a difficult qualifying session. However it could have worked out better for me this afternoon, but on my final lap I pushed a bit too hard at the end of the lap and lost three or four tenths, which proved costly. I'm obviously disappointed that I couldn't get the most from qualifying, but I have to put this behind me and think about the race tomorrow."
9. Jarno Trulli (Toyota): "The car is good but I didn't expect to be where I am. The team have done a great job and got everything spot on. It is more comfortable in the car with the later start but it is still a physically demanding circuit. I'm confident though Tomorrow is going to be a strange race probably because we are all expecting bad weather, and that can mix up a lot the results. We have a car to fight for the podium and then our aim eventually will be to win a race during the season. It doesn't matter if it is me or Timo."
16. Nico Rosberg (Williams): "Our general pace in the first two qualifying sessions wasn't quite where we wanted to be, but it gave us enough to work with... From that start position (fourth) as well as with a good car and a good strategy, we can be optimistic and say we have a good chance to aim for a podium. One consideration is of course the start and I will have to check who will be using KERS around me."
17. Kazuki Nakajima (Williams): "The car was good, I had a good feeling in the cockpit and everything went okay today, but I just needed to find another tenth to get into Q3. Despite this, I now have the freedom to fuel the car for the optimum strategy, and with this benefit and a good long run pace, a good finish is possible if I keep my head down during the race."
18. Jenson Button (Brawn GP): "It's not easy to get one pole and now I've got two so it's unbelievable. It shows that the car works in all conditions. On Saturday we struggled a bit with the balance of the car and it was difficult but we made changes overnight and it improved a lot. I feel very comfortable in the car and I'm excited about Sunday.... We've got a lot of thinking overnight to put a plan together if it is wet. We haven't run this car yet in the wet so it's going to be interesting."
19. Rubens Barrichello (Brawn GP): "It was a good qualifying session for the team today and well done to Jenson once again as he had the pace to put the car on pole. Unfortunately on my side of the garage, the car developed understeer in qualifying and we were not able to resolve the problem. However we know the performance of the car in race conditions is strong and I will be aiming to score as many points as possible tomorrow before I can start chasing for my own pole position and wins."
20. Adrian Sutil (Force India): "We did a good job today, we had no problems and this was our pace - we couldn't really have done better. We just need to find some downforce. For tomorrow, I want to have a good race and to get to the finish. We are very quick down the straights and there is some potential for overtaking so let's see - we had an exciting race in Melbourne and anything can happen. I am still positive."
21. Giancarlo Fisichella (Force India): "I had a problem with the throttle pedal on the first run so we changed it and I lost the chance to do three runs, which was very important. The lap I did was clean and the car is well balanced. Again the field is very mixed and with the chance of some rain we should look to keep up with the field and take any chance we can."Eurosport
Djokovic needs no lessons in Murray’s improvement
By Simon Evans
MIAMI, April 3 (Reuters) - Britain’s Andy Murray takes on Novak Djokovic in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open on Sunday and the Serb is the perfect witness to how much Murray has improved in the past 12 months.
After losing his first four matches against Djokovic, Murray beat the world number three at Cincinnati and Toronto last year.
“I loved the last two times against Andy, they were close matches,” Djokovic told reporters.
“All our matches have been pretty close but he has drastically improved in the last year or so.
“I think many things have combined for him. Physically he’s much stronger and has a lot of endurance out on the court.
“Even though he doesn’t look like he’s all boosted up when he is playing, because he doesn’t have that body language, he’s strong and has bigger muscles and runs all over the court.
“I get the feeling he can run a lot,” said Djokovic after his win over Roger Federer in Friday’s semi-final.
What will be of more concern for Djokovic is how well Murray is mixing up his shots.
“He changes the pace of the ball a lot. He is a smart, smart player. He doesn’t have any huge weapons, but is very solid with all the strokes,” Djokovic said.
Murray showed all those qualities in his three set semi-final win over Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro and, in his own modest manner, he is clearly happy with his form.
“I think each time you get to the final of a big tournament you’re going to be feeling pretty good about your game,” he said.
“I think if both of us play well, it’ll be a great match. I’m sure he feels the same way. I know I’ll have to play well if I want to beat him.
“The last couple of times I played him I sort of figured out a way to play against him; whereas before I struggled a little bit.
“I feel confident, and I’ve had a really good run so far this year. I am not going to put any extra pressure on myself for the match on Sunday though.
“I’m feeling good and I’m hitting the ball well, and I’ll try and do the same thing in the final.”
(Editing by Greg Stutchbury; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
MIAMI, April 3 (Reuters) - Britain’s Andy Murray takes on Novak Djokovic in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open on Sunday and the Serb is the perfect witness to how much Murray has improved in the past 12 months.
After losing his first four matches against Djokovic, Murray beat the world number three at Cincinnati and Toronto last year.
“I loved the last two times against Andy, they were close matches,” Djokovic told reporters.
“All our matches have been pretty close but he has drastically improved in the last year or so.
“I think many things have combined for him. Physically he’s much stronger and has a lot of endurance out on the court.
“Even though he doesn’t look like he’s all boosted up when he is playing, because he doesn’t have that body language, he’s strong and has bigger muscles and runs all over the court.
“I get the feeling he can run a lot,” said Djokovic after his win over Roger Federer in Friday’s semi-final.
What will be of more concern for Djokovic is how well Murray is mixing up his shots.
“He changes the pace of the ball a lot. He is a smart, smart player. He doesn’t have any huge weapons, but is very solid with all the strokes,” Djokovic said.
Murray showed all those qualities in his three set semi-final win over Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro and, in his own modest manner, he is clearly happy with his form.
“I think each time you get to the final of a big tournament you’re going to be feeling pretty good about your game,” he said.
“I think if both of us play well, it’ll be a great match. I’m sure he feels the same way. I know I’ll have to play well if I want to beat him.
“The last couple of times I played him I sort of figured out a way to play against him; whereas before I struggled a little bit.
“I feel confident, and I’ve had a really good run so far this year. I am not going to put any extra pressure on myself for the match on Sunday though.
“I’m feeling good and I’m hitting the ball well, and I’ll try and do the same thing in the final.”
(Editing by Greg Stutchbury; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
Serena Williams upset in Key Biscayne final
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP)—Rising from her chair following the final changeover, Serena Williams glanced at her skirt and brushed away some lint, trying to look good in defeat.
It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.
Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.
“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.
With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”
The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.
“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.
Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.
Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.
Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.
“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”
Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.
“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”
Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.
Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.
“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”
For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.
Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.
“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.
Williams dropped serve five times and committed unforced errors on 34 of the 64 points she lost. Despite reaching the final, she was erratic throughout the tournament: She lost five games in a row a staggering five times.
Despite the defeat, she’ll retain the No. 1 ranking for a 10th consecutive week.
Azarenka, who won her first tour title three months ago at Brisbane, improved to 23-2 this year. She grew up in Minsk and befriended NHL goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who invited her to the United States to train. She moved to Scottsdale and has lived there with Khabibulin and his wife since 2005.
Azarenka said her title would be big news in Belarus, where the most famous tennis player has been men’s doubles specialist Max Mirnyi, who teamed with Andy Ram to win the doubles title Saturday. She was expecting a congratulatory phone call from President Alexander Lukashenko, whom she met when she was in grade school.
“He came to one of the tennis tournaments, and I was presenting flowers to him,” she said.
Azarenka won $700,000, more than the men’s first prize of $605,500. The two tours offer the same total prize money but distribute it differently.
“I can spend it in one day,” Azarenka said. “I’m not allowed to drink in the States yet, but I’ll definitely go celebrate somewhere.”
It wasn’t easy. A sore leg and erratic strokes were too much to overcome, and the top-ranked Williams was upset 6-3, 6-1 Saturday by 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.
Williams said her left thigh began bothering her in the quarterfinals, and she also was bothered by a sprained ankle.
“It was a little difficult moving to the left and a little bit to the right,” she said.
With a chuckle, she added, “A little forward was also difficult.”
The loss ended Williams’ reign on Key Biscayne. She was bidding for a record sixth women’s title and her third in a row. Instead, she fell to 38-2 in the tournament since 2001, with the only other loss to her sister Venus.
“I’m not that bummed, because I feel like there’s next year,” Williams said. “And then there’s the year after and the year after.”The result heralded the emergence of Azarenka of Belarus, who trains in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will improve to a career-high No. 8 next week.
Novak Djokovic will bid for his second Key Biscayne men’s title Sunday against Andy Murray, the tournament’s first British finalist.
Williams played with her thigh taped, and even when she wasn’t on the move, her strokes lacked consistency. She served poorly and had trouble putting Azarenka’s 90 mph serves into play.
Williams limped at times and said she considered pulling out before the match.
“I don’t like to not play,” she said. “I gave the effort that I could give today. That’s all I could give.”
Azarenka quickly realized Williams wasn’t 100 percent and took advantage with pinpoint strokes to the corners.
“You could see the leg tape right away,” Azarenka said. “But I wasn’t really paying attention too much, because I had to play my game, and I had to keep her moving as much as I could.”
Williams led 3-2 before Azarenka won five consecutive games to take control. The teenager also won the final five games and closed out the biggest win of her career when Williams sailed a backhand long. Azarenka tossed away her racket, covered her face and hopped to the net.
Her voice shook during the trophy ceremony.
“I’m sorry. I think I forget my English right now,” she told the crowd. “It was such an honor for me to play Serena. She’s the greatest player for me. I was so happy to be able to play her and win.”
For Azarenka, it was a big improvement on their match in the fourth round at the Australian Open in January, when she became sick to her stomach beforehand and lost.
Azarenka said she battled nerves Saturday, but they betrayed her only with an occasional double-fault. She was so poised serving in the final game that when she challenged a call and was advised the replay system had malfunctioned, she smiled and won the next point.
“She has really, really improved,” Williams said. “I actually look forward to playing her again so I can play a little better, and obviously do better. She’s going to be a really good player.”Azarenka was the steadier player in rallies, often punctuating her shots with a two-tone shriek worthy of Maria Sharapova. A subdued Williams remained impassive throughout, even as the match slipped away, in contrast with Roger Federer’s racket-breaking outburst that stunned the stadium Friday.
Williams dropped serve five times and committed unforced errors on 34 of the 64 points she lost. Despite reaching the final, she was erratic throughout the tournament: She lost five games in a row a staggering five times.
Despite the defeat, she’ll retain the No. 1 ranking for a 10th consecutive week.
Azarenka, who won her first tour title three months ago at Brisbane, improved to 23-2 this year. She grew up in Minsk and befriended NHL goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who invited her to the United States to train. She moved to Scottsdale and has lived there with Khabibulin and his wife since 2005.
Azarenka said her title would be big news in Belarus, where the most famous tennis player has been men’s doubles specialist Max Mirnyi, who teamed with Andy Ram to win the doubles title Saturday. She was expecting a congratulatory phone call from President Alexander Lukashenko, whom she met when she was in grade school.
“He came to one of the tennis tournaments, and I was presenting flowers to him,” she said.
Azarenka won $700,000, more than the men’s first prize of $605,500. The two tours offer the same total prize money but distribute it differently.
“I can spend it in one day,” Azarenka said. “I’m not allowed to drink in the States yet, but I’ll definitely go celebrate somewhere.”
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