The top shelf of men’s professional tennis can be a lonely place. This most individual of sports tosses aside those of weak mentality, demanding of its participants personal reserves of steely fortitude.
These athletes embark on solitary treks around the faceless courts of the ATP Tour – different cities, same white lines. It’s a way of life for the game’s elite, an unceasing struggle of body and mind in the chase for glory and financial reward.
So it only seems appropriate that being forced to wear one’s clothes inside-out at a restaurant be a key to success.
At least for Andy Murray.
At the start of a season that will go a long way toward deciding the future balance of power in the men’s game, the man with the most to gain is reinventing tennis as a team sport.
Murray is primed for an assault on the established order, the axis of dominance that Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have imposed upon the rest of the field for the last few years. And he is not doing it alone.
Some time ago Murray realized it would take something above and beyond normal means to move into that kind of rarefied company. Parting ways with Andre Agassi’s former coach Brad Gilbert in 2007, Murray went about gathering his own team of advisors – a revolutionary move and an impressive display of maturity from a young man regularly criticized for a demeanor that often comes across as surly.There is a coach. There are trainers. There is a doctor. All surrounding Murray.
The results have spoken for themselves.
Murray, coming off a tournament championship last week in Qatar which included victories over both Federer and Andy Roddick, emerged last year from a pack of players hovering inside the top 10, breaking clear of the likes of Roddick, James Blake and Nikolay Davydenko en route to a world No. 4 ranking.
Along with third-ranked Novak Djokovic, the 21-year-old Murray appears to be one of only two men with the game, and most importantly the belief, to break the monopoly at the top. Surely there are obstacles, as Federer’s superhuman brilliance has taken him to 13 Grand Slam titles, while Nadal’s march through 2008 became one of tennis’s greatest seasons.
But Murray showed much promise last season, with a run to the U.S. Open final – where he beat Nadal in the semis before losing to Federer – being the headliner of his year. There also were two Masters Series triumphs, with Murray winning five matches in six days in both Cincinnati and Madrid, evidencing his rapidly improving fitness levels.
Those reserves of strength have been honed by not one but two full-time physical trainers, Jez Green and Matt Little, as well as doctor Andy Ireland.
Then there is Miles Maclagan, a fellow Scot and former Davis Cup player who serves as Murray’s coach and tactical advisor.
The group, hand-picked by Murray, is close-knit and has developed a strong camaraderie, while never losing sight of the ultimate prizes: Grand Slam success and the No. 1 ranking.
The first words out of Murray’s mouth while accepting the trophy after winning his first ATP event of the year last week were to thank “my team.”
That followed success in an exhibition in Dubai a week earlier, where he beat Federer and Nadal. After the tournament Murray was forced to wear his clothes inside out at a Brazilian steakhouse after losing a game of “head tennis” to Maclagan during training – though he avoided the fate of Green, who was made to wear mascara and eyeliner.
Such pranks are a staple of Team Murray. Simplicity of life, not extravagant shows of wealth, is key; Murray did buy a Range Rover after a tournament victory last year, but he allows girlfriend Kim Sears to drive it as he is yet to pass his test.No, for Murray everything centers around tennis and the push for perfection. And the victory in Doha, Qatar, where he also won in 2008, marked a superb way to start the year. Murray now holds a 5-2 record against Federer in official events, with only Nadal able to boast a similarly strong record against the Swiss master.
But the first real chance for Murray to make his mark comes next week at the Australian Open, the first Slam of 2009. The Plexicushion surface should be to Murray’s liking, though his high hopes in Melbourne last year were dashed with a first-round loss to eventual finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
In any case, it is hard to envision the champion Down Under coming from outside the Big Four. As for the season, it could be down to a Big Three.
Pete Sampras feels Djokovic, with a mountain of ranking points to defend in Australia after winning there last year, may not have the requisite consistency and mental toughness to maintain the high level of play this season.
“There are the two big guys at the top,” said Sampras, winner of a record 14 Grand Slams. “I think Murray has the best chance of getting involved in that conversation.”
Murray clearly believes in his ability to beat Nadal, Federer and Djokovic, and is now as feared as those three among players at the next level down – and that’s to Murray’s credit.
“When I get on top I am managing to stay on top for longer and not giving my opponents a chance to get back into the match,” Murray said in Qatar. “Those things come with experience at this level. It has taken me a few years but I am starting to get better at it.
“If you can get ahead against players who have not as much experience as you in the bigger tournaments and keep the momentum going it is tough for them to get into the match.”
For Federer, 2009 is supposed to be the year he reasserts his dominance at the top and makes a run to regain the No. 1 ranking Nadal wrested away from him last year. But Federer also knows the battle extends beyond Nadal.
“If Andy carries on playing the way he is he will have his shot at No. 1,” Federer said. “I would hope, though, that if he were to become world No. 1 he would win a Grand Slam first. It took Rafa five Grand Slams before he got there.
“(Murray) has got a chance the next few years, and as the years go by I guess his chances increase because he is becoming a better player. But there are a few other guys out there who want their first Slam, not only him.”
And Murray clearly wants a Slam, but he’d “settle” for being top dog and claiming the No. 1 rank.
“I would like to win a Slam but I think anybody who gets to world No. 1 will have shown great consistency and deserves to be there,” Murray said. “If you reach the top at anything you do it is something to be proud of.”
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Safina, Serena Williams in Australian final
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—Serena Williams has been there before—three times in fact. The closest Dinara Safina has been was watching her brother celebrate his title.
On the line Saturday night at Rod Laver Arena will be the Australian Open championship—potentially Williams’ fourth here and 10th Grand Slam title. It would be the first for the 22-year-Safina after she lost the French Open final last year to Ana Ivanovic.
The No. 1 ranking will also be decided—the winner takes it along with the title.
While Williams has memories of hoisting the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup three times, Safina can only recall seeing her brother, Marat Safin, win the men’s title here in 2005.
“I watched my brother on TV winning this tournament and even if I was to watch it now I would have tears in my eyes,” said Safina, who beat fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 7-6 (4) Thursday. “It is great that I can follow in his footsteps because he was my idol, and he is still my idol. That I’m doing as well as him is just amazing.”
Williams, for her part, has never been satisfied with her sterling resume.
“Obviously, I want to win,” she said after beating Elena Dementieva 6-3, 6-4. “I’m excited that I’m playing really consistent.”
By advancing to the singles and doubles finals at the Australian Open, Williams broke the record for career prize money won by a female athlete. Her total of about $22.7 million surpasses golf great Annika Sorenstam by more than $150,000.
“I remember earning my first check of $240 at Quebec City in 1995, and while I knew I could have a great career in tennis, I could not have imagined or dreamed of all of this,” Williams said. “I’m very proud to have reached this milestone.”
Williams would seem to have an advantage over Safina in the Australian Open finals. She’s gotten the upper hand five of the six times they’ve met, including in the semifinals of last year’s U.S. Open in relatively easy fashion.
Safina’s only victory over Williams came last year on clay at Berlin, where the Russian needed a third-set tiebreaker to win. The last time they met, at the WTA Tour Championships in November, Williams won 6-4, 6-1.
Safina said she was “dead” at the tour championships—“not ready to play at all.”
“Also, at the U.S. Open, it came after winning two tournaments in a row, playing the final at Beijing,” said Safina, who lost the Olympic gold medal final to Dementieva.
“That took so much energy out of me. When I got there, I was just not ready to play. Now it’s different, the beginning of the season, another tournament.”
Safina has lost 15 pounds in the past seven months and her fitness has improved along with her ranking—from No. 15 at the end of 2007 to No. 3 at the end of last year.
Now she could get to No. 1, and Williams is wary.
“Safina’s playing well,” Williams said. “She seems to never die. She’s going to be a tough opponent. She’s playing amazing, and she wants to win a Grand Slam and go for the glory.”
Safina agreed on the glory part.
“It would be amazing to have the same trophy as my brother,” Safina said. “It’ll be a dream come true.”
On the line Saturday night at Rod Laver Arena will be the Australian Open championship—potentially Williams’ fourth here and 10th Grand Slam title. It would be the first for the 22-year-Safina after she lost the French Open final last year to Ana Ivanovic.
The No. 1 ranking will also be decided—the winner takes it along with the title.
While Williams has memories of hoisting the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup three times, Safina can only recall seeing her brother, Marat Safin, win the men’s title here in 2005.
“I watched my brother on TV winning this tournament and even if I was to watch it now I would have tears in my eyes,” said Safina, who beat fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 7-6 (4) Thursday. “It is great that I can follow in his footsteps because he was my idol, and he is still my idol. That I’m doing as well as him is just amazing.”
Williams, for her part, has never been satisfied with her sterling resume.
“Obviously, I want to win,” she said after beating Elena Dementieva 6-3, 6-4. “I’m excited that I’m playing really consistent.”
By advancing to the singles and doubles finals at the Australian Open, Williams broke the record for career prize money won by a female athlete. Her total of about $22.7 million surpasses golf great Annika Sorenstam by more than $150,000.
“I remember earning my first check of $240 at Quebec City in 1995, and while I knew I could have a great career in tennis, I could not have imagined or dreamed of all of this,” Williams said. “I’m very proud to have reached this milestone.”
Williams would seem to have an advantage over Safina in the Australian Open finals. She’s gotten the upper hand five of the six times they’ve met, including in the semifinals of last year’s U.S. Open in relatively easy fashion.
Safina’s only victory over Williams came last year on clay at Berlin, where the Russian needed a third-set tiebreaker to win. The last time they met, at the WTA Tour Championships in November, Williams won 6-4, 6-1.
Safina said she was “dead” at the tour championships—“not ready to play at all.”
“Also, at the U.S. Open, it came after winning two tournaments in a row, playing the final at Beijing,” said Safina, who lost the Olympic gold medal final to Dementieva.
“That took so much energy out of me. When I got there, I was just not ready to play. Now it’s different, the beginning of the season, another tournament.”
Safina has lost 15 pounds in the past seven months and her fitness has improved along with her ranking—from No. 15 at the end of 2007 to No. 3 at the end of last year.
Now she could get to No. 1, and Williams is wary.
“Safina’s playing well,” Williams said. “She seems to never die. She’s going to be a tough opponent. She’s playing amazing, and she wants to win a Grand Slam and go for the glory.”
Safina agreed on the glory part.
“It would be amazing to have the same trophy as my brother,” Safina said. “It’ll be a dream come true.”
Federer is closing in on Sampras’ record
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)—Andy Roddick was right there when Pete Sampras won his 14th Grand Slam title. And he was right there again when Roger Federer moved within one victory of matching Sampras’ record.
After a scorching day in which temperatures hit 111 degrees, Federer beat Roddick 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 in more manageable 91-degree heat Thursday night in the Australian Open semifinals.
The Swiss star will be playing in his 18th Grand Slam final but won’t know his opponent until Friday night, when Spanish left-handers Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco meet in the other semifinal.
Federer will be going for a fourth Australian title. Serena Williams will be doing likewise, and also going for a 10th Grand Slam singles title. She ended the 15-match winning streak of Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, winning 6-3, 6-4 to set up a final against Olympic silver medalist Dinara Safina.This was Federer’s seventh straight win over Roddick in a major and put his overall record in this matchup at 16-2. His loss to Roddick in Miami last year now seems like an aberration.
Roddick lost to Sampras in straight sets in the quarterfinals at the 2002 U.S. Open when he was a 20-year-old emerging talent. Sampras, then 31 and in his 52nd major, retired after beating Andre Agassi two matches later to win the U.S. Open.
Roddick won the next year at Flushing Meadows and held the No. 1 ranking in 2003. Federer was about to embark on an astonishing run.
“I think when Pete did it—I was a part of that one, too—everyone was saying how kind of lofty of an achievement it was,” Roddick said. “I don’t know if we thought we would see it any time soon. Little did we know (Federer) was going to start it the next year and go after it.”
Roddick is 26, just more than a year younger than Federer.
“It’s like my childhood was Pete, and now it’s kind of my grown life is Roger,” he said. “I guess Roger is a contemporary of mine, which didn’t lessen the affect. I see Pete and Andre and I still get a little jittery. It’s crazy to think it’s come full circle and the magnitude of the numbers (Federer’s) accomplished, it’s pretty scary if you sit down and go through what it takes to accomplish that.”
Roddick lost 15 pounds during the offseason and started retooling parts of game with new coach Larry Stefanki so he’d be more competitive against Federer. Yet every time he gave himself half a chance, Federer shut him down.
“He just came up with shots when he needed to,” Roddick said. “That’s what he does.”
Serena Williams had little problems in her singles semifinal, then combined with sister Venus to win a doubles semifinal. They will play for the title Friday against Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova and Japan’s Ai Sugiyama.
Safina defeated fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 7-6 (4) to move into contention for her first major and the No. 1 ranking—two things her older brother, Marat Safin, achieved.
Federer’s focus has been increasingly sharp since he was forced to come back from two sets down to beat Tomas Berdych in the fourth round. In his quarterfinal, he convincingly took down No. 8-ranked Juan Martin del Potro, then did the same against Roddick.
This was the hottest January day in Melbourne in 70 years. By the time Federer and Roddick were on court in the evening, temperatures had dropped and the retractable roof was open.
Federer broke twice in the first set. Adding to Roddick’s frustration was a call that went against him as Federer served at 4-1, sparking a running discourse with chair umpire Enric Molina.
A tiebreaker loomed in the second set with Roddick serving at 5-5. That was until Federer upped the ante and won the last 12 points. The pattern was repeated in the third.
At this stage last year, Federer was deconstructing his loss to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. He spoke of having “created a monster” with all his success.
Federer is over the mononucleosis that lingered at the start of last year and contributed to a season in which he lost the No. 1 ranking he held for 237 weeks. He said he’s in much better physical and mental shape, yet still surprised how any dip in form is interpreted.
“If I lose a set or two sets against Berdych, everybody is like, ‘Oh, my God, he’s not the same anymore,”’ he said. “And then you beat Del Potro and everything is back to normal. You don’t lose your edge that quickly. It’s just not possible.”
He responded to the close shave against Berdych in the best way he knew.
“Came up with two great victories now and usually that’s when I start playing my best: Toward the end of the tournament,” he said. “I think this is where you should judge a great player.”
No Spaniard has won the Australian title, but Nadal is clearly best qualified. He’s the only man to beat Federer in a Grand Slam final—three times at the French and the five-set epic last year at Wimbledon.
Federer said he’d have more of an advantage over Verdasco, who has never reached this stage of a major.
But “playing Rafa is obviously more exciting because of the history we have,” he said. “Him being the best player in the world at the moment, it would make it a very intriguing match.”
After a scorching day in which temperatures hit 111 degrees, Federer beat Roddick 6-2, 7-5, 7-5 in more manageable 91-degree heat Thursday night in the Australian Open semifinals.
The Swiss star will be playing in his 18th Grand Slam final but won’t know his opponent until Friday night, when Spanish left-handers Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco meet in the other semifinal.
Federer will be going for a fourth Australian title. Serena Williams will be doing likewise, and also going for a 10th Grand Slam singles title. She ended the 15-match winning streak of Olympic champion Elena Dementieva, winning 6-3, 6-4 to set up a final against Olympic silver medalist Dinara Safina.This was Federer’s seventh straight win over Roddick in a major and put his overall record in this matchup at 16-2. His loss to Roddick in Miami last year now seems like an aberration.
Roddick lost to Sampras in straight sets in the quarterfinals at the 2002 U.S. Open when he was a 20-year-old emerging talent. Sampras, then 31 and in his 52nd major, retired after beating Andre Agassi two matches later to win the U.S. Open.
Roddick won the next year at Flushing Meadows and held the No. 1 ranking in 2003. Federer was about to embark on an astonishing run.
“I think when Pete did it—I was a part of that one, too—everyone was saying how kind of lofty of an achievement it was,” Roddick said. “I don’t know if we thought we would see it any time soon. Little did we know (Federer) was going to start it the next year and go after it.”
Roddick is 26, just more than a year younger than Federer.
“It’s like my childhood was Pete, and now it’s kind of my grown life is Roger,” he said. “I guess Roger is a contemporary of mine, which didn’t lessen the affect. I see Pete and Andre and I still get a little jittery. It’s crazy to think it’s come full circle and the magnitude of the numbers (Federer’s) accomplished, it’s pretty scary if you sit down and go through what it takes to accomplish that.”
Roddick lost 15 pounds during the offseason and started retooling parts of game with new coach Larry Stefanki so he’d be more competitive against Federer. Yet every time he gave himself half a chance, Federer shut him down.
“He just came up with shots when he needed to,” Roddick said. “That’s what he does.”
Serena Williams had little problems in her singles semifinal, then combined with sister Venus to win a doubles semifinal. They will play for the title Friday against Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova and Japan’s Ai Sugiyama.
Safina defeated fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 7-6 (4) to move into contention for her first major and the No. 1 ranking—two things her older brother, Marat Safin, achieved.
Federer’s focus has been increasingly sharp since he was forced to come back from two sets down to beat Tomas Berdych in the fourth round. In his quarterfinal, he convincingly took down No. 8-ranked Juan Martin del Potro, then did the same against Roddick.
This was the hottest January day in Melbourne in 70 years. By the time Federer and Roddick were on court in the evening, temperatures had dropped and the retractable roof was open.
Federer broke twice in the first set. Adding to Roddick’s frustration was a call that went against him as Federer served at 4-1, sparking a running discourse with chair umpire Enric Molina.
A tiebreaker loomed in the second set with Roddick serving at 5-5. That was until Federer upped the ante and won the last 12 points. The pattern was repeated in the third.
At this stage last year, Federer was deconstructing his loss to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. He spoke of having “created a monster” with all his success.
Federer is over the mononucleosis that lingered at the start of last year and contributed to a season in which he lost the No. 1 ranking he held for 237 weeks. He said he’s in much better physical and mental shape, yet still surprised how any dip in form is interpreted.
“If I lose a set or two sets against Berdych, everybody is like, ‘Oh, my God, he’s not the same anymore,”’ he said. “And then you beat Del Potro and everything is back to normal. You don’t lose your edge that quickly. It’s just not possible.”
He responded to the close shave against Berdych in the best way he knew.
“Came up with two great victories now and usually that’s when I start playing my best: Toward the end of the tournament,” he said. “I think this is where you should judge a great player.”
No Spaniard has won the Australian title, but Nadal is clearly best qualified. He’s the only man to beat Federer in a Grand Slam final—three times at the French and the five-set epic last year at Wimbledon.
Federer said he’d have more of an advantage over Verdasco, who has never reached this stage of a major.
But “playing Rafa is obviously more exciting because of the history we have,” he said. “Him being the best player in the world at the moment, it would make it a very intriguing match.”
Maradona: ‘I Won’t Resign’
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)—Diego Maradona says he will not resign as the coach of Argentina’s national team if his former teammate Oscar Ruggeri is not accepted as his assistant.
“It cost me a lot to get here, so it’s one-time opportunity,” said Maradona at a press conference in Venezuela’s capital on Tuesday. “I want to have Oscar Ruggeri at my side as a coach, but if that’s not possible, I’m not going to resign.”
Argentine Football Association boss Julio Grondona has said he will not give in to Maradona’s push for Ruggeri as an assistant.
Ruggeri was Maradona’s teammate in Argentina’s triumph at the 1986 World Cup, and they also played together at the 1990 and 1994 World Cup finals.
Asked if he thought 21-year-old Lionel Messi is better than he was at the same age, Maradona replied: “Hopefully he can do much more than I did because that way all Argentines win.”
Messi’s strength on the ball, excellent balance and left-footed mastery of defenders have made for obvious parallels with Maradona, who has approved the comparison.
He joked about Grondona’s comment that Messi is better.
“When he’s with me, he tells me I’m better than Messi. And when he’s with Messi, he tells him he’s the best,” said Maradona, drawing laughter from journalists and adoring fans.
Maradona said he hopes to meet with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during his visit to the country.
“It cost me a lot to get here, so it’s one-time opportunity,” said Maradona at a press conference in Venezuela’s capital on Tuesday. “I want to have Oscar Ruggeri at my side as a coach, but if that’s not possible, I’m not going to resign.”
Argentine Football Association boss Julio Grondona has said he will not give in to Maradona’s push for Ruggeri as an assistant.
Ruggeri was Maradona’s teammate in Argentina’s triumph at the 1986 World Cup, and they also played together at the 1990 and 1994 World Cup finals.
Asked if he thought 21-year-old Lionel Messi is better than he was at the same age, Maradona replied: “Hopefully he can do much more than I did because that way all Argentines win.”
Messi’s strength on the ball, excellent balance and left-footed mastery of defenders have made for obvious parallels with Maradona, who has approved the comparison.
He joked about Grondona’s comment that Messi is better.
“When he’s with me, he tells me I’m better than Messi. And when he’s with Messi, he tells him he’s the best,” said Maradona, drawing laughter from journalists and adoring fans.
Maradona said he hopes to meet with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez during his visit to the country.
Owen out for 6-8 weeks with cracked ankle bone
MANCHESTER, England (AP)—Michael Owen cracked a bone in an ankle Wednesday night, and the Newcastle forward will be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.
His career repeatedly has been interrupted by injuries, Owen jumped to head the ball and jarred his foot on landing. He limped off in the 19th minute of the Magpies’ 2-1 loss at Manchester City.
The 29-year-old will miss England’s exhibition game at Spain on Feb. 11. Owen, 29, has made 89 appearances for England and has 40 goals, fourth on the English career list behind Bobby Charlton (49), Gary Lineker (48) and Jimmy Greaves (44).
Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear said midfielder Joey Barton had also cracked a bone in a foot and will be sidelined for 10 weeks.
His career repeatedly has been interrupted by injuries, Owen jumped to head the ball and jarred his foot on landing. He limped off in the 19th minute of the Magpies’ 2-1 loss at Manchester City.
The 29-year-old will miss England’s exhibition game at Spain on Feb. 11. Owen, 29, has made 89 appearances for England and has 40 goals, fourth on the English career list behind Bobby Charlton (49), Gary Lineker (48) and Jimmy Greaves (44).
Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear said midfielder Joey Barton had also cracked a bone in a foot and will be sidelined for 10 weeks.
Beckham scores in 2nd straight match for AC Milan
MILAN, Italy (AP)—David Beckham scored in his second straight match for AC Milan, connecting on a free kick in Wednesday night’s 1-1 tie against visiting Genoa.
A day after Beckham said he is considering staying with the Italian club rather than return to the Los Angeles Galaxy when his loan expires March 8, the 33-year-old midfielder scored on a curling shot in the 33rd minute. He had nearly scored in the first minute, but goalkeeper Fernando Rubinho pushed that attempt wide.
England coach Fabio Capello was at the match. Beckham hopes to play in England’s Feb. 11 exhibition game at Spain. He needs one appearance to tie defender Bobby Moore at 108 for the second-most international games in English history, trailing only goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s 125.
Apparently bothered by a muscle problem, Beckham was replaced by Mathieu Flamini in the 71st minute. Diego Milito tied the score with three minutes remaining.A victory would have put Milan (12-4-5) in a tie for second in Serie A with Juventus (13-4-4), which lost 2-1 to Udinese. Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale scored for Udinese.
Inter Milan (15-2-4), which leads Juventus by six points, won 2-0 at Catania on goals by Dejan Stankovic and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Inter played a man short after Sulley Muntari was ejected in the 32nd minute for tackling Giacomo Tedesco from behind.
England
LONDON (AP)—Liverpool’s Premier League chances continued to fade when it allowed Ahmed Mido to tie the score with an 83rd-minute penalty kick in a 1-1 tie at Wigan.
Yossi Benayoun scored on an angled shot in the 41st minute but Mido, in his first match since Middlesbrough loaned him out on Friday, scored after Lucas Leiva knocked down Jason Koumas in the penalty area.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez surprisingly took off forward Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard, his best players, saying they were tired.
Manchester United (15-2-5) leads the Premier League with 50 points, two ahead of Chelsea (14-3-6) and Liverpool (13-1-9), which meet Sunday at Anfield.
Chelsea moved ahead of Liverpool on goal difference by defeating visiting Middlesbrough 2-0 on goals by Salomon Kalou in the 58th and 81st minutes.
A day after being arrested over allegations of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman, Robinho helped Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-1 to lift the team to ninth in the standings. It was also the Brazilian’s first game since he left training last week without permission.
Robinho set up the first goal for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Craig Bellamy marked his first appearance with the second goal.
Michael Owen cracked a bone in an ankle during Newcastle’s 2-1 loss at Manchester City. Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear said midfielder Joey Barton cracked a bone in a foot and will be sidelined for 10 weeks.
Robin van Persie scored in the last minute to give Arsenal a 1-1 tie at Everton after Tim Cahill gave the home side the lead. Arsenal (12-5-5) is in fifth place, nine points behind Manchester United.
Spain
MADRID, Spain (AP)—Athletic Bilbao rallied to beat Sporting Gijon 2-1 to reach the Copa del Rey semifinals. David Lopez and Igor Gabilondo scored for Athletic, a 23-time cup champion, to advance 2-1 on aggregate.
Mallorca tied Real Betis and advanced on 1-0 aggregate.
Spanish league leader Barcelona hosts crosstown rival Espanyol on Thursday after a 0-0 first leg.
Germany
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—Claudio Pizarro’s late goal completed Werder Bremen’s comeback from a first-half deficit in a 2-1 victory at Borussia Dortmund.
Bremen, which reached the quarterfinals, is trying to win its fifth German Cup and first since 1999. And the game came almost exactly one year after Dortmund beat Bremen 2-1 in the third round.
Alexander Frei gave Dortmund the lead after just 11 minutes. Hugo Almeida equalized in the 62nd and Pizarro delivered the winner in the 80th.
Also, second-division Wehen Wiesbaden upset Bundesliga club Karlsruhe 1-0, Bayer Leverkusen beat Energie Cottbus 3-1, and Wolfsburg trounced second-division Hansa Rostock 5-1.
Scotland
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Celtic set up a Scottish League Cup final against traditional rival Rangers on March 15 by beating Dundee United 11-10 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie.
After every player, including the goalkeepers, took part in the shootout at Hampden Park, Dundee United’s Willo Flood missed his second kick. Scott McDonald then scored the winner.
A day after Beckham said he is considering staying with the Italian club rather than return to the Los Angeles Galaxy when his loan expires March 8, the 33-year-old midfielder scored on a curling shot in the 33rd minute. He had nearly scored in the first minute, but goalkeeper Fernando Rubinho pushed that attempt wide.
England coach Fabio Capello was at the match. Beckham hopes to play in England’s Feb. 11 exhibition game at Spain. He needs one appearance to tie defender Bobby Moore at 108 for the second-most international games in English history, trailing only goalkeeper Peter Shilton’s 125.
Apparently bothered by a muscle problem, Beckham was replaced by Mathieu Flamini in the 71st minute. Diego Milito tied the score with three minutes remaining.A victory would have put Milan (12-4-5) in a tie for second in Serie A with Juventus (13-4-4), which lost 2-1 to Udinese. Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale scored for Udinese.
Inter Milan (15-2-4), which leads Juventus by six points, won 2-0 at Catania on goals by Dejan Stankovic and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Inter played a man short after Sulley Muntari was ejected in the 32nd minute for tackling Giacomo Tedesco from behind.
England
LONDON (AP)—Liverpool’s Premier League chances continued to fade when it allowed Ahmed Mido to tie the score with an 83rd-minute penalty kick in a 1-1 tie at Wigan.
Yossi Benayoun scored on an angled shot in the 41st minute but Mido, in his first match since Middlesbrough loaned him out on Friday, scored after Lucas Leiva knocked down Jason Koumas in the penalty area.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez surprisingly took off forward Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard, his best players, saying they were tired.
Manchester United (15-2-5) leads the Premier League with 50 points, two ahead of Chelsea (14-3-6) and Liverpool (13-1-9), which meet Sunday at Anfield.
Chelsea moved ahead of Liverpool on goal difference by defeating visiting Middlesbrough 2-0 on goals by Salomon Kalou in the 58th and 81st minutes.
A day after being arrested over allegations of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman, Robinho helped Manchester City beat Newcastle 2-1 to lift the team to ninth in the standings. It was also the Brazilian’s first game since he left training last week without permission.
Robinho set up the first goal for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Craig Bellamy marked his first appearance with the second goal.
Michael Owen cracked a bone in an ankle during Newcastle’s 2-1 loss at Manchester City. Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear said midfielder Joey Barton cracked a bone in a foot and will be sidelined for 10 weeks.
Robin van Persie scored in the last minute to give Arsenal a 1-1 tie at Everton after Tim Cahill gave the home side the lead. Arsenal (12-5-5) is in fifth place, nine points behind Manchester United.
Spain
MADRID, Spain (AP)—Athletic Bilbao rallied to beat Sporting Gijon 2-1 to reach the Copa del Rey semifinals. David Lopez and Igor Gabilondo scored for Athletic, a 23-time cup champion, to advance 2-1 on aggregate.
Mallorca tied Real Betis and advanced on 1-0 aggregate.
Spanish league leader Barcelona hosts crosstown rival Espanyol on Thursday after a 0-0 first leg.
Germany
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—Claudio Pizarro’s late goal completed Werder Bremen’s comeback from a first-half deficit in a 2-1 victory at Borussia Dortmund.
Bremen, which reached the quarterfinals, is trying to win its fifth German Cup and first since 1999. And the game came almost exactly one year after Dortmund beat Bremen 2-1 in the third round.
Alexander Frei gave Dortmund the lead after just 11 minutes. Hugo Almeida equalized in the 62nd and Pizarro delivered the winner in the 80th.
Also, second-division Wehen Wiesbaden upset Bundesliga club Karlsruhe 1-0, Bayer Leverkusen beat Energie Cottbus 3-1, and Wolfsburg trounced second-division Hansa Rostock 5-1.
Scotland
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Celtic set up a Scottish League Cup final against traditional rival Rangers on March 15 by beating Dundee United 11-10 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie.
After every player, including the goalkeepers, took part in the shootout at Hampden Park, Dundee United’s Willo Flood missed his second kick. Scott McDonald then scored the winner.
Farnerud scores in Sweden’s win over Mexico
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Alexander Farnerud fired home an open 18-yard shot in the 57th minute to provide the difference in Sweden’s 1-0 victory over Mexico in an international friendly on Wednesday night.
Farnerud, a midfielder who assisted on both Swedish goals in a 3-2 loss to the U.S. on Saturday, scored by converting a long cross from Rasmus Elm, who was playing in his second match for Sweden.
Farnerud settled the high pass and fired with his left foot across the goalmouth to the left post. The ball bounced off the woodwork and into the net, leaving Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, a reserve who came on at halftime, no chance.
Mexico coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, a Sweden native, again failed to defeat his homeland in international play. Including four matches as coach of the English national team, Eriksson is 0-2-3 against Sweden.
Farnerud, a midfielder who assisted on both Swedish goals in a 3-2 loss to the U.S. on Saturday, scored by converting a long cross from Rasmus Elm, who was playing in his second match for Sweden.
Farnerud settled the high pass and fired with his left foot across the goalmouth to the left post. The ball bounced off the woodwork and into the net, leaving Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, a reserve who came on at halftime, no chance.
Mexico coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, a Sweden native, again failed to defeat his homeland in international play. Including four matches as coach of the English national team, Eriksson is 0-2-3 against Sweden.
England submits 2018 World Cup bid to FIFA
LONDON (AP)—England entered the race to host the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday by submitting its bid to FIFA.
Countries have until Feb. 2 to inform FIFA of their interest in bidding for the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.
“Our intentions have obviously been well known for some time but there’s a real sense of significance and excitement in the fact that we’re now acknowledged as an official bidding nation,” England bid team chief executive Andy Anson said. “We believe we have a very strong case to bring the tournament to England and the challenge now is to put together a compelling presentation to showcase to the world.”
England last hosted the World Cup in 1966, when it won its only title.
Other nations which have said they will bid to host the 2018 tournament are Australia, Qatar, the United States and Russia, plus joint bids from Spain and Portugal, and Belgium and the Netherlands.
Other bids are expected from China, Japan, Mexico and Canada.
FIFA has said it will undertake a two-year process to examine bids for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The hosts will be chosen by FIFA’s 24-man executive committee in December 2010.
Countries have until Feb. 2 to inform FIFA of their interest in bidding for the 2018 and 2022 editions of the tournament.
“Our intentions have obviously been well known for some time but there’s a real sense of significance and excitement in the fact that we’re now acknowledged as an official bidding nation,” England bid team chief executive Andy Anson said. “We believe we have a very strong case to bring the tournament to England and the challenge now is to put together a compelling presentation to showcase to the world.”
England last hosted the World Cup in 1966, when it won its only title.
Other nations which have said they will bid to host the 2018 tournament are Australia, Qatar, the United States and Russia, plus joint bids from Spain and Portugal, and Belgium and the Netherlands.
Other bids are expected from China, Japan, Mexico and Canada.
FIFA has said it will undertake a two-year process to examine bids for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The hosts will be chosen by FIFA’s 24-man executive committee in December 2010.
David Beckham considering staying with AC Milan
MILAN, Italy (AP)—David Beckham is enjoying his stay with AC Milan so much that he is considering remaining in Italy after his two-month loan expires.
“Playing here is the dream of every footballer,” Beckham said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. “But deciding isn’t easy. It’s a question that takes time.”
Beckham’s loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy expires March 8, after which he is due to return to Major League Soccer.
“I’m under contract and I have a lot of respect for the Galaxy. But the chance to play for Milan is something special,” Beckham said in the interview, which was published in Italian. “I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. But in terms of character, I’m a very respectful person.”
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said Tuesday the seven-time European champions were prepared to pay a fee to keep Beckham, and would meet with his representatives in the next few days.
“I find (Milan) very similar to Manchester United. It has that tradition that only the great clubs have,” Beckham said. “At Milan, like at United, it’s a very particular atmosphere wherever you go, from the training pitch to the stadium.”
The former United and Real Madrid player scored his first goal for Milan in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Bologna.
His second came on Wednesday from a free kick 33 minutes into a match against Genoa, with England coach Fabio Capello looking on. The sharp-angled shot taken from the left of Genoa’s area put Milan ahead 1-0.
Beckham started in Milan’s three previous matches, and the Rossoneri did not lose, drawing with AS Roma and beating Fiorentina and Bologna.
Beckham hopes to be called up by Capello for a friendly against Spain on Feb. 11 and equal Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England appearances for an outfield player.
His ultimate goal is to make England’s team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and moving back to Los Angeles may hinder that bid. Capello was the one who suggested that Milan sign Beckham.
“The Americans are doing everything they can to improve the level and reputation of their game. It’s a young league and I think it needs another 10 years to become successful,” said Beckham, whose contract with the Galaxy lasts through 2012.
“I have to admit that, having played in Europe, sometimes it was frustrating playing in certain games. But every now and then, moving from one state to another, I also enjoyed myself.”
“Playing here is the dream of every footballer,” Beckham said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. “But deciding isn’t easy. It’s a question that takes time.”
Beckham’s loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy expires March 8, after which he is due to return to Major League Soccer.
“I’m under contract and I have a lot of respect for the Galaxy. But the chance to play for Milan is something special,” Beckham said in the interview, which was published in Italian. “I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. But in terms of character, I’m a very respectful person.”
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said Tuesday the seven-time European champions were prepared to pay a fee to keep Beckham, and would meet with his representatives in the next few days.
“I find (Milan) very similar to Manchester United. It has that tradition that only the great clubs have,” Beckham said. “At Milan, like at United, it’s a very particular atmosphere wherever you go, from the training pitch to the stadium.”
The former United and Real Madrid player scored his first goal for Milan in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Bologna.
His second came on Wednesday from a free kick 33 minutes into a match against Genoa, with England coach Fabio Capello looking on. The sharp-angled shot taken from the left of Genoa’s area put Milan ahead 1-0.
Beckham started in Milan’s three previous matches, and the Rossoneri did not lose, drawing with AS Roma and beating Fiorentina and Bologna.
Beckham hopes to be called up by Capello for a friendly against Spain on Feb. 11 and equal Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England appearances for an outfield player.
His ultimate goal is to make England’s team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and moving back to Los Angeles may hinder that bid. Capello was the one who suggested that Milan sign Beckham.
“The Americans are doing everything they can to improve the level and reputation of their game. It’s a young league and I think it needs another 10 years to become successful,” said Beckham, whose contract with the Galaxy lasts through 2012.
“I have to admit that, having played in Europe, sometimes it was frustrating playing in certain games. But every now and then, moving from one state to another, I also enjoyed myself.”
United States to bid for 2018 and 2022 World Cups
CHICAGO (AP)—The United States plans to submit simultaneous bids to soccer’s governing body for the right to host the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said Thursday that USSF president Sunil Gulati will hold a telephone conference call on Monday to announce the group’s intentions to bid for the tournament in both years. The U.S. staged the World Cup in 1994, the highest-attended World Cup ever.
Monday is the deadline for submissions to FIFA, and four bids are expected from Europe: England, Spain/Portugal, Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg and Russia.
In Asia, Indonesia announced its candidacy on Wednesday, joining Australia and Qatar. China and Japan were expected to follow in the coming days.
FIFA intends to decide on the 2018 and 2022 sites in December 2010. Next year’s World Cup is in South Africa and the 2014 tournament is scheduled for Brazil.
Brazil’s government and FIFA say soccer’s governing body has agreed to the country’s request to have the 2014 World Cup played in 12 cities rather than 10.
“FIFA thinks that of the 12 cities, one will be in the Amazon and the other one in the Pantanal,” Sports Minister Orlando Silva said Thursday after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with FIFA president Sepp Blatter. “They are fundamental tourist destinations that deserve to be promoted.”
Seventeen cities are vying for the right to stage games, the first World Cup in South America since the 1978 tournament in Argentina. Silva said FIFA will announce the 12 cities on March 20.
Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Brasilia hope to host the opener, and Rio de Janeiro is the primary candidate for the final.
The U.S. Soccer Federation said Thursday that USSF president Sunil Gulati will hold a telephone conference call on Monday to announce the group’s intentions to bid for the tournament in both years. The U.S. staged the World Cup in 1994, the highest-attended World Cup ever.
Monday is the deadline for submissions to FIFA, and four bids are expected from Europe: England, Spain/Portugal, Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg and Russia.
In Asia, Indonesia announced its candidacy on Wednesday, joining Australia and Qatar. China and Japan were expected to follow in the coming days.
FIFA intends to decide on the 2018 and 2022 sites in December 2010. Next year’s World Cup is in South Africa and the 2014 tournament is scheduled for Brazil.
Brazil’s government and FIFA say soccer’s governing body has agreed to the country’s request to have the 2014 World Cup played in 12 cities rather than 10.
“FIFA thinks that of the 12 cities, one will be in the Amazon and the other one in the Pantanal,” Sports Minister Orlando Silva said Thursday after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with FIFA president Sepp Blatter. “They are fundamental tourist destinations that deserve to be promoted.”
Seventeen cities are vying for the right to stage games, the first World Cup in South America since the 1978 tournament in Argentina. Silva said FIFA will announce the 12 cities on March 20.
Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Brasilia hope to host the opener, and Rio de Janeiro is the primary candidate for the final.
Asia eyeing bid for 2018 World Cup
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)—At least three countries from Asia’s soccer group— Australia, Qatar and Indonesia—will bid for the 2018 World Cup.
Indonesia announced its candidacy Wednesday, and China and Japan were expected to follow in the coming days. All prospective hosts for both the 2018 and 2022 events must notify FIFA by Feb. 2, with the winners announced in December 2010.
The European bidders—England, Spain/Portugal, Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg and Russia—hold an advantage in a time of financial austerity. Existing stadiums would allow them to host a World Cup without much additional investment. The same can be said of the likely North American bidders: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 2010 World Cup is in South Africa and the 2014 tournament is in Brazil.
Indonesia announced its candidacy Wednesday, and China and Japan were expected to follow in the coming days. All prospective hosts for both the 2018 and 2022 events must notify FIFA by Feb. 2, with the winners announced in December 2010.
The European bidders—England, Spain/Portugal, Netherlands/Belgium/Luxembourg and Russia—hold an advantage in a time of financial austerity. Existing stadiums would allow them to host a World Cup without much additional investment. The same can be said of the likely North American bidders: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The 2010 World Cup is in South Africa and the 2014 tournament is in Brazil.
Robinho back for Man City after sex-assault arrest
LONDON (AP)—Manchester City star Robinho claimed in a telephone call to Brazil coach Dunga that the 18-year-old woman accusing him of sexual assault is an opportunist.
The 25-year-old forward was released on bail by police after being questioned late Tuesday in Leeds, where the crime was alleged to have taken place early on Jan. 14. Robinho then played and starred in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday night.
“I don’t have any reason to doubt Robinho’s word,” Dunga said. “He’s a player I always could count on when I needed him.”
Dunga assured Robinho that there was no threat to his place on Brazil’s roster for an exhibition game against Italy on Feb. 10 in London.
“Robinho told Dunga that he’s a victim of an opportunist and that he has done everything necessary in the legal sense to clarify the matter, in which he had no participation,” the Brazilian Football Federation said on its Web site.
Robinho set up Shaun Wright-Phillips for the opening goal against Newcastle.
“Mentally he was in the right place. He was concentrating on the job in hand, and it was never any real doubt for me that he should play,” Manchester City manager Mark Hughes said.
Robinho has scored 12 goals since joining City from Real Madrid in September for a British record transfer fee of $62 million.
“He strenuously denies any allegation of wrongdoing or criminality and is happy to cooperate with the police if required further,” Robinho spokesman Chris Nathaniel said.
The 25-year-old forward was released on bail by police after being questioned late Tuesday in Leeds, where the crime was alleged to have taken place early on Jan. 14. Robinho then played and starred in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday night.
“I don’t have any reason to doubt Robinho’s word,” Dunga said. “He’s a player I always could count on when I needed him.”
Dunga assured Robinho that there was no threat to his place on Brazil’s roster for an exhibition game against Italy on Feb. 10 in London.
“Robinho told Dunga that he’s a victim of an opportunist and that he has done everything necessary in the legal sense to clarify the matter, in which he had no participation,” the Brazilian Football Federation said on its Web site.
Robinho set up Shaun Wright-Phillips for the opening goal against Newcastle.
“Mentally he was in the right place. He was concentrating on the job in hand, and it was never any real doubt for me that he should play,” Manchester City manager Mark Hughes said.
Robinho has scored 12 goals since joining City from Real Madrid in September for a British record transfer fee of $62 million.
“He strenuously denies any allegation of wrongdoing or criminality and is happy to cooperate with the police if required further,” Robinho spokesman Chris Nathaniel said.
Wembley to host 2011 Champions League final
NYON, Switzerland (AP)—Wembley Stadium in London was picked Thursday to host the 2011 European Champions League final, and Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, will stage soccer’s most-watched club match in 2012.
It will be the sixth final of the tournament at Wembley, but the first since the new 90,000-seat stadium opened in 2007 on the site of its predecessor.
This year’s final is at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and the 2010 final will be at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, when the match shifts from its traditional Wednesday night slot to Saturday, May 22.
The Union of European Football Associations also announced Thursday that Lansdowne Road in Dublin, Ireland, will host the 2011 final of the rebranded UEFA Europa League. The National Stadium in Bucharest, Romania, will host the match in 2012, the first time that nation has staged a European club final.
It will be the sixth final of the tournament at Wembley, but the first since the new 90,000-seat stadium opened in 2007 on the site of its predecessor.
This year’s final is at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, and the 2010 final will be at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, when the match shifts from its traditional Wednesday night slot to Saturday, May 22.
The Union of European Football Associations also announced Thursday that Lansdowne Road in Dublin, Ireland, will host the 2011 final of the rebranded UEFA Europa League. The National Stadium in Bucharest, Romania, will host the match in 2012, the first time that nation has staged a European club final.
Eriksson’s Mexico continue poor run by losing to Sweden
OAKLAND, Calif, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Mexico continued their dismal run by losing 1-0 to the coach’s native Sweden in a friendly international on Wednesday.
Alexander Farnerud scored the only goal as Sweden pounced on a mistake by the Mexican defence in the 57th minute to leave Eriksson’s side with only one win in their last six outings.
Juan Carlos Valenzuela gave the ball away as Mexico tried to play out of defence, Rasmus Elm accepted the gift and found Farnerud who scored with a left-foot shot.
Mexico were close to opening the scoring when Matias Vuoso hit the post in the 17th minute while goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez prevented Sweden taking a halftime lead when he turned away Daniel Nannskog’s effort.
Carlos Ochoa had a header cleared off the line as Mexico pressed for an equaliser in the second half.
Mexico are away to the United States on Feb. 11 in their first match of the final stage of the CONCACAF region’s World Cup qualifiers.
Eriksson’s side were nearly eliminated in the previous stage, sneaking through on goal difference from Jamaica and finishing behind Honduras in their group after losing to both teams. They were also held to a draw by Canada.
Eriksson has also been heavily criticised for fielding too many foreign-born players, although the coach says he is only following the rules and does not understand what the fuss is about.
Mexico started with three naturalised players on Wednesday - Argentine-born Lucas Ayala and Matias Vuoso and Brazilian-born Leandro Augusto.
Ayala was replaced in the second half by Antonio Naelson, another player born in Brazil.
(Writing by Brian Homewood in Buenos Aires, editing by Justin Palmer)
Alexander Farnerud scored the only goal as Sweden pounced on a mistake by the Mexican defence in the 57th minute to leave Eriksson’s side with only one win in their last six outings.
Juan Carlos Valenzuela gave the ball away as Mexico tried to play out of defence, Rasmus Elm accepted the gift and found Farnerud who scored with a left-foot shot.
Mexico were close to opening the scoring when Matias Vuoso hit the post in the 17th minute while goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez prevented Sweden taking a halftime lead when he turned away Daniel Nannskog’s effort.
Carlos Ochoa had a header cleared off the line as Mexico pressed for an equaliser in the second half.
Mexico are away to the United States on Feb. 11 in their first match of the final stage of the CONCACAF region’s World Cup qualifiers.
Eriksson’s side were nearly eliminated in the previous stage, sneaking through on goal difference from Jamaica and finishing behind Honduras in their group after losing to both teams. They were also held to a draw by Canada.
Eriksson has also been heavily criticised for fielding too many foreign-born players, although the coach says he is only following the rules and does not understand what the fuss is about.
Mexico started with three naturalised players on Wednesday - Argentine-born Lucas Ayala and Matias Vuoso and Brazilian-born Leandro Augusto.
Ayala was replaced in the second half by Antonio Naelson, another player born in Brazil.
(Writing by Brian Homewood in Buenos Aires, editing by Justin Palmer)
Radio Shack won’t sponsor Mexican voodoo campaign
MEXICO CITY (AP)—RadioShack Corp. will not sponsor a Mexican newspaper’s promotional campaign inviting fans to prick voodoo dolls to boost the nation’s soccer team in a Feb. 11 World Cup qualifier against the United States at Columbus, Ohio.
The Forth Worth, Texas-based company said in a statement that it wishes “the very best of luck” to Mexico, the U.S. and all teams in the final round of regional qualifying for next year’s tournament.
An illustration showed a pair of scissors slicing off the leg of a doll in a U.S. jersey; the doll grimaced in pain with its arms covered in bruises, as stuffing leaked from its No. 10 jersey, stuck with pushpins.
Record said it hoped young people would gather around televisions for the match and “apply punishments to our rivals,” giving Mexico an edge to end a decade of winless play versus the Americans on U.S. soil.
“Help end the losing streak so Mexico advances,” the ad read.
But a day later, RadioShack reversed course.
“In their desire to support their national team in the soccer World Cup, our recently acquired operation in Mexico was interested in participating,” the company said in a statement. “Upon notification of our potential involvement, RadioShack Corp. has decided not to participate.”
Record marketing manager Daniel Paz confirmed that RadioShack notified the paper of its withdrawal Wednesday.
“It surprises us,” he told The Associated Press.
He reiterated that the campaign was always intended as a “novel and fun” fun way of elevating the profile of next month’s match.
“As things are, the promotion will continue,” he said, adding that the paper was in talks with several businesses interested in taking over.
“Once we as a company learned about the entire promotion, we decided not to participate,” Radio Shack spokesman Wendy Dominguez said.
Record said previously it had created 10,000 dolls and planned to expand the promotion to include effigies representing the other finalists in the North and Central American and Caribbean region: Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Tickets for the match at Columbus Crew Stadium, which holds 24,000, sold out in 90 minutes Wednesday.
The Forth Worth, Texas-based company said in a statement that it wishes “the very best of luck” to Mexico, the U.S. and all teams in the final round of regional qualifying for next year’s tournament.
An illustration showed a pair of scissors slicing off the leg of a doll in a U.S. jersey; the doll grimaced in pain with its arms covered in bruises, as stuffing leaked from its No. 10 jersey, stuck with pushpins.
Record said it hoped young people would gather around televisions for the match and “apply punishments to our rivals,” giving Mexico an edge to end a decade of winless play versus the Americans on U.S. soil.
“Help end the losing streak so Mexico advances,” the ad read.
But a day later, RadioShack reversed course.
“In their desire to support their national team in the soccer World Cup, our recently acquired operation in Mexico was interested in participating,” the company said in a statement. “Upon notification of our potential involvement, RadioShack Corp. has decided not to participate.”
Record marketing manager Daniel Paz confirmed that RadioShack notified the paper of its withdrawal Wednesday.
“It surprises us,” he told The Associated Press.
He reiterated that the campaign was always intended as a “novel and fun” fun way of elevating the profile of next month’s match.
“As things are, the promotion will continue,” he said, adding that the paper was in talks with several businesses interested in taking over.
“Once we as a company learned about the entire promotion, we decided not to participate,” Radio Shack spokesman Wendy Dominguez said.
Record said previously it had created 10,000 dolls and planned to expand the promotion to include effigies representing the other finalists in the North and Central American and Caribbean region: Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Tickets for the match at Columbus Crew Stadium, which holds 24,000, sold out in 90 minutes Wednesday.
Beckham awaits injury news
David Beckham hopes an abductor injury which cut short his most impressive performance so far for AC Milan on Wednesday does not turn out to be serious.
The England midfielder asked to be replaced in the 71st minute of his side’s 1-1 draw with Genoa after scoring the opener with a stunning free-kick in the first half, but is still confident of being fit to face Lazio on Sunday.
“It’s the abductor. We’ll have to see how it is tomorrow,” Beckham said. “I felt it before the game and then again just before halftime. I got to 20 minutes in the second half and I felt it a little bit more.
“It’s painful, but hopefully I will be fit for the game at the weekend.”
Under the watchful eye of England coach Fabio Capello, Beckham scored his second Milan goal with an angled free-kick in the 33rd minute, which endeared him even more to the Rossoneri fans.
That goal had looked destined to win the game for Milan, but Diego Milito’s late equalizer ensured Genoa took a share of the spoils.
However, he claimed the appearance of Capello at the San Siro had not influenced his performance.
“I haven’t spoken to him, but I know he was at the game because I read it in the papers,” he said. “I think I was more concentrating on playing the game and playing well for the team.
“The most important thing is that I concentrate on my game here and my fitness and then if I get into the England squad, then great. Everybody knows how much playing for my country means to me.”
The England midfielder asked to be replaced in the 71st minute of his side’s 1-1 draw with Genoa after scoring the opener with a stunning free-kick in the first half, but is still confident of being fit to face Lazio on Sunday.
“It’s the abductor. We’ll have to see how it is tomorrow,” Beckham said. “I felt it before the game and then again just before halftime. I got to 20 minutes in the second half and I felt it a little bit more.
“It’s painful, but hopefully I will be fit for the game at the weekend.”
Under the watchful eye of England coach Fabio Capello, Beckham scored his second Milan goal with an angled free-kick in the 33rd minute, which endeared him even more to the Rossoneri fans.
That goal had looked destined to win the game for Milan, but Diego Milito’s late equalizer ensured Genoa took a share of the spoils.
However, he claimed the appearance of Capello at the San Siro had not influenced his performance.
“I haven’t spoken to him, but I know he was at the game because I read it in the papers,” he said. “I think I was more concentrating on playing the game and playing well for the team.
“The most important thing is that I concentrate on my game here and my fitness and then if I get into the England squad, then great. Everybody knows how much playing for my country means to me.”
Milito spoils Beckham's day as Genoa earn Milan draw
ROME (AFP) - Diego Milito equalised three minutes from time to deny David Beckham a winning goal as AC Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Genoa at the San Siro on Wednesday.
Just three days after scoring his first goal for Milan, in the 4-1 win at Bologna, former England skipper Beckham netted his second from a free-kick but it wasn't enough to guide the Italian giants to victory.
The goal, however, will have done little to calm the developing Beckham drama in Milan where both club and player have admitted they wish to extend his proposed two-month loan stay in the Italian financial capital.
Milan coach Ancelotti was understandably disappointed after the game and gave short shrift to a question about Beckham staying.
"We haven't managed to win a match in which we played really well and which we deserved to win," he said.I'm disappointed that we've tripped up because the team was on the right path but the championship goes on."
On Beckham he added: "He is appreciated here and if he stays we'll be happy but he has to resolve the problem with his club."
When Beckham, under contract with LA Galaxy in the US, lined up wide on the left of the area just after the half hour it seemed more likely that a cross was coming.
But the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder stunned Genoa's Brazilian goalkeeper Rubinho by shooting into the top corner at the near post.
However, Serie A joint top scorer Milito poked home from close range late on to dampen the party atmosphere in the San Siro.
It means that third placed Milan fell to eight points behind leaders Inter Milan as the champions won 2-0 at Catania in Sicily despite playing for an hour with 10 men.
Coach Jose Mourinho sat out a one-match ban but star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said the team were not affected.
"Today the manager wasn't there but we were just as good with our boss in the stands and when he returns we'll be even better," he said.
"We played a great match with a man down and it wasn't easy but we showed our strength."
Inter were off to a stunning start when Dejan Stankovic gave them the lead after just five minutes.
Julio Cruz escaped down the right, turned inside his marker and crossed with his left foot as the Serbian stormed into the box to glance home a header.
Catania thought they had equalised on 13 minutes when Michele Paolucci fired a loose ball past Julio Cesar but Japanese forward Takayuki Morimoto was harshly penalised for a high foot on Argentine centre-back Nicolas Burdisso who had stooped to almost waist height to meet a cross with his head.
Catania then had a let off as Ibrahimovic, earlier booked for a dive in the box, crashed a shot against the bar.
However, any hard feelings Catania may have had for Paolucci's disallowed strike were eased as Ghana midfielder Muntari Sulley was shown a straight red card for a foul on Giacomo Tedesco on 31 minutes.
Tedesco's foot got caught under Sulley's leg as he slid in for what looked to be no more than a booking but the referee stunned the Inter players by pulling out the red card.
The same post that had saved Catania in the first half came to Inter's rescue on the hour as Guiseppe Mascara's cross deflected off Burdisso's head and left Julio Cesar helpless.
But 20 minutes from time Ibrahimovic settled the affair for the champions as he beat the offside trap, latched onto Stankovic's long ball forward, chipped the stranded goalkeeper Albano Bizarri and collected the ball before slotting home.
Inter's lead now stands at six points after Juventus lost 2-1 at Udinese, who won for the first time in 12 matches.
Fabio Quagliarella gave Udinese the lead on 20 minutes after a lightning break involving Antonio Di Natale and Kwadwo Assamoah.
Di Natale added a second 16 minutes from time but three minutes later Vincenzo Iaquinta pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to set up a nervy finale.
Just three days after scoring his first goal for Milan, in the 4-1 win at Bologna, former England skipper Beckham netted his second from a free-kick but it wasn't enough to guide the Italian giants to victory.
The goal, however, will have done little to calm the developing Beckham drama in Milan where both club and player have admitted they wish to extend his proposed two-month loan stay in the Italian financial capital.
Milan coach Ancelotti was understandably disappointed after the game and gave short shrift to a question about Beckham staying.
"We haven't managed to win a match in which we played really well and which we deserved to win," he said.I'm disappointed that we've tripped up because the team was on the right path but the championship goes on."
On Beckham he added: "He is appreciated here and if he stays we'll be happy but he has to resolve the problem with his club."
When Beckham, under contract with LA Galaxy in the US, lined up wide on the left of the area just after the half hour it seemed more likely that a cross was coming.
But the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder stunned Genoa's Brazilian goalkeeper Rubinho by shooting into the top corner at the near post.
However, Serie A joint top scorer Milito poked home from close range late on to dampen the party atmosphere in the San Siro.
It means that third placed Milan fell to eight points behind leaders Inter Milan as the champions won 2-0 at Catania in Sicily despite playing for an hour with 10 men.
Coach Jose Mourinho sat out a one-match ban but star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said the team were not affected.
"Today the manager wasn't there but we were just as good with our boss in the stands and when he returns we'll be even better," he said.
"We played a great match with a man down and it wasn't easy but we showed our strength."
Inter were off to a stunning start when Dejan Stankovic gave them the lead after just five minutes.
Julio Cruz escaped down the right, turned inside his marker and crossed with his left foot as the Serbian stormed into the box to glance home a header.
Catania thought they had equalised on 13 minutes when Michele Paolucci fired a loose ball past Julio Cesar but Japanese forward Takayuki Morimoto was harshly penalised for a high foot on Argentine centre-back Nicolas Burdisso who had stooped to almost waist height to meet a cross with his head.
Catania then had a let off as Ibrahimovic, earlier booked for a dive in the box, crashed a shot against the bar.
However, any hard feelings Catania may have had for Paolucci's disallowed strike were eased as Ghana midfielder Muntari Sulley was shown a straight red card for a foul on Giacomo Tedesco on 31 minutes.
Tedesco's foot got caught under Sulley's leg as he slid in for what looked to be no more than a booking but the referee stunned the Inter players by pulling out the red card.
The same post that had saved Catania in the first half came to Inter's rescue on the hour as Guiseppe Mascara's cross deflected off Burdisso's head and left Julio Cesar helpless.
But 20 minutes from time Ibrahimovic settled the affair for the champions as he beat the offside trap, latched onto Stankovic's long ball forward, chipped the stranded goalkeeper Albano Bizarri and collected the ball before slotting home.
Inter's lead now stands at six points after Juventus lost 2-1 at Udinese, who won for the first time in 12 matches.
Fabio Quagliarella gave Udinese the lead on 20 minutes after a lightning break involving Antonio Di Natale and Kwadwo Assamoah.
Di Natale added a second 16 minutes from time but three minutes later Vincenzo Iaquinta pulled a goal back from the penalty spot to set up a nervy finale.
Chelsea staring at own economic downturn
Let’s begin by stating the following: Chelsea is not looking for a buyer.
You’ve got to be careful these days about making claims of a team sale. Just last week, a British newspaper was issued with a libel action for daring to suggest that Roman Abramovich was seeking to sell his stake in the Stamford Bridge club.
So, if the Russian billionaire is sticking around, Chelsea has nothing to worry about, right?
Not so fast.
Abramovich’s activities in his business life are starting to cause genuine concerns in the blue corner of West London, where fans are deeply fearful of an end to the era of increased fortunes that started with his arrival in 2003.
Already, head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has had to work under restrictions in the transfer market, and for once it is another club – Manchester City – and not Chelsea that is the biggest player in the January window.
Reports in England suggest Abramovich was annoyed with comments from chief scout Frank Arnesen last year which indicated that strict cutbacks had been put into place. Then there is the sale, reported by the Observer newspaper, of just under $18 million worth of shares in Highland Gold, a gold-mining company, for a fraction of the price Abramovich paid 13 months ago. Talk in financial circles suggests Abramovich’s decision to offload the stocks for such a relatively small sum compared to his overall wealth means he may be having liquidity issues. Chelsea’s recent success, with English Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006 and the runner-up spot in last season’s Champions League, was funded by the oil-drenched ruble. Jose Mourinho built a team with it before he and the owner reached an impossible difference of opinion, but despite around $400 million of spending in 5½ years, Scolari’s squad is starting to look in need of fresh legs. Deco has been a disappointment since arriving last summer and Didier Drogba’s days as a Chelsea player look to be numbered.
A couple of years ago, Chelsea fans had none of these worries. If a position needed filling, Abramovich filled it. But if the bottomless pit of cash continues to dry up, then it will take all of Scolari’s know-how to keep the club near the summit of European soccer.
Weekend First XI
1. Get him an Advil
Brazilian superstar Ronaldo has been up to his old tricks after moving back to his homeland with Corinthians. The unfit and overweight 32-year-old has been handed a special training program aimed at getting him into condition to make a first-team appearance, yet he was spotted emerging from a nightclub at 6 a.m. last week. Incredibly, coach Mano Menezes defended the player, insisting he had not flouted any club regulations.
2. Get him a beer
David Beckham’s loan spell with AC Milan is going better than he could ever have imagined. The weekend brought a third consecutive start and a spectacular goal – Beckham’s first for the club. Previously, the Los Angeles Galaxy’s biggest fear was that Beckham would get injured while in Italy. Now the Major League Soccer side must be seriously concerned that he won’t want to come back at all.
3. Get him some earplugs
Oh, to be a fly on the wall of Mark Hughes’ office when Robinho reports for training at Manchester City this week. The Brazilian’s sudden departure from a team training camp infuriated Hughes, and a heated argument between the men is inevitable.
4. Four corners
• Does anyone deserve a new contract more than the evergreen Ryan Giggs?
• Surely Toronto FC will use Dwayne De Rosario as its chief playmaker after committing him to a four-year deal?
• Do you think Sir Alex Ferguson is happy that the Da Silva brothers will be making long trips to South America for internationals instead of the short hop to Portugal?
• Is Wilson Palacios’ Premier League rise one of CONCACAF’s biggest success stories?
5. Catch a flight to …
Poland and Ukraine. Sure, Euro 2012 is still three years away, but at least the co-hosts finally appear to be getting their act together. Much infrastructural work is still needed in preparation for the tournament. However, UEFA chiefs now seem satisfied the event will not need to be moved.
6. A round of applause for …
Lionel Messi. Two more superb goals from the Argentina sensation helped Barcelona to a 4-1 victory against Numancia and a 12-point lead at the top of La Liga.
7. Get them a Kleenex
Jose Mourinho. The Inter Milan boss was not happy despite his team’s 1-0 victory over Sampdoria. Mourinho was banished to the stands for complaining bitterly about the standard of refereeing and afterward insisted officials had favored his opponents.
8. Get ready to say hello to …
Michael Owen. According to the Sunday Mirror, the Los Angeles Galaxy are contemplating a move for the Newcastle United striker before the end of the January transfer window. We’ll believe it when we see it.
9. Get ready to say goodbye to …
Rafael Marquez. The Mexico captain could be out for his team’s crucial World Cup qualifier against the United States on Feb. 11. That’s a real blow to Mexican hopes of victory in Columbus.
10. Get excited about …
Rumors are growing that President Barack Obama is planning to attend D.C. United’s season opener against the Chicago Fire on March 28 in a nationally televised game.
11. Why it’s good to be a soccer player
Check out Giorgia Palmas, who is dating Bologna’s Davide Bombardini.
Martin Rogers is a soccer writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Martin a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
You’ve got to be careful these days about making claims of a team sale. Just last week, a British newspaper was issued with a libel action for daring to suggest that Roman Abramovich was seeking to sell his stake in the Stamford Bridge club.
So, if the Russian billionaire is sticking around, Chelsea has nothing to worry about, right?
Not so fast.
Abramovich’s activities in his business life are starting to cause genuine concerns in the blue corner of West London, where fans are deeply fearful of an end to the era of increased fortunes that started with his arrival in 2003.
Already, head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has had to work under restrictions in the transfer market, and for once it is another club – Manchester City – and not Chelsea that is the biggest player in the January window.
Reports in England suggest Abramovich was annoyed with comments from chief scout Frank Arnesen last year which indicated that strict cutbacks had been put into place. Then there is the sale, reported by the Observer newspaper, of just under $18 million worth of shares in Highland Gold, a gold-mining company, for a fraction of the price Abramovich paid 13 months ago. Talk in financial circles suggests Abramovich’s decision to offload the stocks for such a relatively small sum compared to his overall wealth means he may be having liquidity issues. Chelsea’s recent success, with English Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006 and the runner-up spot in last season’s Champions League, was funded by the oil-drenched ruble. Jose Mourinho built a team with it before he and the owner reached an impossible difference of opinion, but despite around $400 million of spending in 5½ years, Scolari’s squad is starting to look in need of fresh legs. Deco has been a disappointment since arriving last summer and Didier Drogba’s days as a Chelsea player look to be numbered.
A couple of years ago, Chelsea fans had none of these worries. If a position needed filling, Abramovich filled it. But if the bottomless pit of cash continues to dry up, then it will take all of Scolari’s know-how to keep the club near the summit of European soccer.
Weekend First XI
1. Get him an Advil
Brazilian superstar Ronaldo has been up to his old tricks after moving back to his homeland with Corinthians. The unfit and overweight 32-year-old has been handed a special training program aimed at getting him into condition to make a first-team appearance, yet he was spotted emerging from a nightclub at 6 a.m. last week. Incredibly, coach Mano Menezes defended the player, insisting he had not flouted any club regulations.
2. Get him a beer
David Beckham’s loan spell with AC Milan is going better than he could ever have imagined. The weekend brought a third consecutive start and a spectacular goal – Beckham’s first for the club. Previously, the Los Angeles Galaxy’s biggest fear was that Beckham would get injured while in Italy. Now the Major League Soccer side must be seriously concerned that he won’t want to come back at all.
3. Get him some earplugs
Oh, to be a fly on the wall of Mark Hughes’ office when Robinho reports for training at Manchester City this week. The Brazilian’s sudden departure from a team training camp infuriated Hughes, and a heated argument between the men is inevitable.
4. Four corners
• Does anyone deserve a new contract more than the evergreen Ryan Giggs?
• Surely Toronto FC will use Dwayne De Rosario as its chief playmaker after committing him to a four-year deal?
• Do you think Sir Alex Ferguson is happy that the Da Silva brothers will be making long trips to South America for internationals instead of the short hop to Portugal?
• Is Wilson Palacios’ Premier League rise one of CONCACAF’s biggest success stories?
5. Catch a flight to …
Poland and Ukraine. Sure, Euro 2012 is still three years away, but at least the co-hosts finally appear to be getting their act together. Much infrastructural work is still needed in preparation for the tournament. However, UEFA chiefs now seem satisfied the event will not need to be moved.
6. A round of applause for …
Lionel Messi. Two more superb goals from the Argentina sensation helped Barcelona to a 4-1 victory against Numancia and a 12-point lead at the top of La Liga.
7. Get them a Kleenex
Jose Mourinho. The Inter Milan boss was not happy despite his team’s 1-0 victory over Sampdoria. Mourinho was banished to the stands for complaining bitterly about the standard of refereeing and afterward insisted officials had favored his opponents.
8. Get ready to say hello to …
Michael Owen. According to the Sunday Mirror, the Los Angeles Galaxy are contemplating a move for the Newcastle United striker before the end of the January transfer window. We’ll believe it when we see it.
9. Get ready to say goodbye to …
Rafael Marquez. The Mexico captain could be out for his team’s crucial World Cup qualifier against the United States on Feb. 11. That’s a real blow to Mexican hopes of victory in Columbus.
10. Get excited about …
Rumors are growing that President Barack Obama is planning to attend D.C. United’s season opener against the Chicago Fire on March 28 in a nationally televised game.
11. Why it’s good to be a soccer player
Check out Giorgia Palmas, who is dating Bologna’s Davide Bombardini.
Martin Rogers is a soccer writer for Yahoo! Sports. Send Martin a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.
Galaxy’s best shot at keeping Beckham
The wheels of soccer politicking are turning at high speed as David Beckham seeks a permanent move to AC Milan.
Some of the biggest names in the sport – Beckham, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, England manager Fabio Capello and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi – are being whisked along in the slipstream as the saga reaches its most critical juncture.
However, as the end of the January transfer window and D-Day edges ever closer, there is one person who can not be overlooked in the whole process.
Victoria Beckham, the England midfielder’s wife of nearly 10 years and mother of his three children, could be the Los Angeles Galaxy’s best hope of holding on to their most famous player as the tides of his career flow increasingly tThe former member of the Spice Girls could have a crucial bearing on whether David returns to the Galaxy for the start of the Major League Soccer campaignoward a permanent rest in Italy.David Beckham wants to stay where he is now. On loan with Milan since the start of the year, he has had a taste of the elite soccer he turned his back on by leaving Real Madrid for Major League Soccer in 2007. And he likes it.
The noble mission to popularize soccer in the United States lost some of its luster thanks to the Galaxy’s internal strife and pathetic performances over the past two seasons.
“David is under contract to the Galaxy and … he loves it in L.A.,” Galaxy chief executive Tim Leiweke insisted to the Los Angeles Times. “He wants a better Galaxy team, we’re going to have a better team and David has no interest in going.”
Even though new coach Bruce Arena is determined to usher in a fresh era at the Home Depot Center, the prospect of a return to California can’t compare to the thrill of suiting up in Milan’s red-and-black colors each week in Serie A. Every time Beckham pulls on that fabled jersey and takes his place alongside Kaka, Ronaldinho, Paolo Maldini and rising star Alexandre Pato, it is justification for him, a reminder that he can still produce at this level, and a snub to his critics.
There has been little consideration for the Galaxy’s wishes in this entire process. Beckham’s comments that he wanted to go on loan because the MLS offseason was too long stretched the truth. He simply wanted to cling to his international career and this was the best way to attempt it.
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is prepared to splash out a transfer fee of up to $10 million if Beckham can secure a contractual release from the Galaxy.
“If he manages to free himself from his contract then we will be waiting for him with open arms,” Galliani said. “The player wants to stay with us, but he knows he has to return. We will buy him if he frees himself. Beckham will be happy as he has returned to play in a big club.”
Milan has found Beckham to be a pleasant bonus. Not only has his arrival sparked the expected marketing bonanza, but he has also filled a worrying gap in the club’s injury-stricken midfield.
He has fit in well in the locker room and the Milan players have come to regard him as something of a lucky omen, even touching his backside before games as a superstition. Beckham’s demeanor is different in Italy, too. A beaming smile is often spread across his face, replacing the taut and intense expression often seen in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham is still in the City of Angels with sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz. She has made many friends and has adapted well to the Beverly Hills lifestyle, even though her career failed to take off in the States.
With the children settled in school, she would be reluctant to head back to Europe, although she may be prepared to compromise by relocating to England. However, it is considered highly unlikely that she would be prepared to uproot the family to Italy if her husband was to pen an extended deal.
David’s stint with Real Madrid was reported to have created personal tension between the couple, with claims he had an affair with personal assistant Rebecca Loos making headlines around the world. Although Milan is a famed European fashion hot spot, there is little doubt that L.A. has fit Victoria’s personality well and has begun to feel like home to her.
Even though David is determined to break Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England appearances and compete in the World Cup in 2010, it would be tough for him to go against his wife’s wishes.
The matter will be cleared up within the next week. If no deal is clinched by the end of the transfer window, we can expect to see the 33-year-old suit up against D.C. United on March 22. Either way, it is hard to see him remaining with the Galaxy at the end of the 2009 MLS season, when he can decide to opt out of his contract.
In Milan, David Beckham has begun to feel like a player who matters again, not just a vehicle to sell shirts and shift tickets. He has a big decision to make and there is a flurry of activity going on behind the scenes. Before long there will be a big family discussion in a famous household, one that will shape the rest of Beckham’s career.
Some of the biggest names in the sport – Beckham, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, England manager Fabio Capello and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi – are being whisked along in the slipstream as the saga reaches its most critical juncture.
However, as the end of the January transfer window and D-Day edges ever closer, there is one person who can not be overlooked in the whole process.
Victoria Beckham, the England midfielder’s wife of nearly 10 years and mother of his three children, could be the Los Angeles Galaxy’s best hope of holding on to their most famous player as the tides of his career flow increasingly tThe former member of the Spice Girls could have a crucial bearing on whether David returns to the Galaxy for the start of the Major League Soccer campaignoward a permanent rest in Italy.David Beckham wants to stay where he is now. On loan with Milan since the start of the year, he has had a taste of the elite soccer he turned his back on by leaving Real Madrid for Major League Soccer in 2007. And he likes it.
The noble mission to popularize soccer in the United States lost some of its luster thanks to the Galaxy’s internal strife and pathetic performances over the past two seasons.
“David is under contract to the Galaxy and … he loves it in L.A.,” Galaxy chief executive Tim Leiweke insisted to the Los Angeles Times. “He wants a better Galaxy team, we’re going to have a better team and David has no interest in going.”
Even though new coach Bruce Arena is determined to usher in a fresh era at the Home Depot Center, the prospect of a return to California can’t compare to the thrill of suiting up in Milan’s red-and-black colors each week in Serie A. Every time Beckham pulls on that fabled jersey and takes his place alongside Kaka, Ronaldinho, Paolo Maldini and rising star Alexandre Pato, it is justification for him, a reminder that he can still produce at this level, and a snub to his critics.
There has been little consideration for the Galaxy’s wishes in this entire process. Beckham’s comments that he wanted to go on loan because the MLS offseason was too long stretched the truth. He simply wanted to cling to his international career and this was the best way to attempt it.
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani is prepared to splash out a transfer fee of up to $10 million if Beckham can secure a contractual release from the Galaxy.
“If he manages to free himself from his contract then we will be waiting for him with open arms,” Galliani said. “The player wants to stay with us, but he knows he has to return. We will buy him if he frees himself. Beckham will be happy as he has returned to play in a big club.”
Milan has found Beckham to be a pleasant bonus. Not only has his arrival sparked the expected marketing bonanza, but he has also filled a worrying gap in the club’s injury-stricken midfield.
He has fit in well in the locker room and the Milan players have come to regard him as something of a lucky omen, even touching his backside before games as a superstition. Beckham’s demeanor is different in Italy, too. A beaming smile is often spread across his face, replacing the taut and intense expression often seen in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham is still in the City of Angels with sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz. She has made many friends and has adapted well to the Beverly Hills lifestyle, even though her career failed to take off in the States.
With the children settled in school, she would be reluctant to head back to Europe, although she may be prepared to compromise by relocating to England. However, it is considered highly unlikely that she would be prepared to uproot the family to Italy if her husband was to pen an extended deal.
David’s stint with Real Madrid was reported to have created personal tension between the couple, with claims he had an affair with personal assistant Rebecca Loos making headlines around the world. Although Milan is a famed European fashion hot spot, there is little doubt that L.A. has fit Victoria’s personality well and has begun to feel like home to her.
Even though David is determined to break Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England appearances and compete in the World Cup in 2010, it would be tough for him to go against his wife’s wishes.
The matter will be cleared up within the next week. If no deal is clinched by the end of the transfer window, we can expect to see the 33-year-old suit up against D.C. United on March 22. Either way, it is hard to see him remaining with the Galaxy at the end of the 2009 MLS season, when he can decide to opt out of his contract.
In Milan, David Beckham has begun to feel like a player who matters again, not just a vehicle to sell shirts and shift tickets. He has a big decision to make and there is a flurry of activity going on behind the scenes. Before long there will be a big family discussion in a famous household, one that will shape the rest of Beckham’s career.
Rigg’s Replays: Golden Booted Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan made his official debut for Bayern Munich this week, coming on in the 66th minute in the German Cup versus Stuttgart. However, the American international is only on loan, and any future deal is dependent on the German giants striking a deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy. As such, it’s worth a look back on the season Donovan had with the Galaxy in 2008.
With a fully fit David Beckham supplying the service, it was a career year for Donovan. He notched 20 goals in Major League Soccer play. No player had ever scored 20 goals or more after his first season with the league.
The haul was enough to earn him the MLS golden boot award, and, later, the loan deal to Munich.
Donovan is expected to make his Bundesliga debut this weekend. Until then, enjoy watching highlights from his season last year:
With a fully fit David Beckham supplying the service, it was a career year for Donovan. He notched 20 goals in Major League Soccer play. No player had ever scored 20 goals or more after his first season with the league.
The haul was enough to earn him the MLS golden boot award, and, later, the loan deal to Munich.
Donovan is expected to make his Bundesliga debut this weekend. Until then, enjoy watching highlights from his season last year:
Bundesliga giants complete strong German Cup quarter-final line-up
BERLIN (AFP) - Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg booked their places in the quarter-finals of the German Cup on Wednesday, while second-tier Wehen Wiesbaden sprung a surprise with a 1-0 win at first-division Karlsruhe.
They join Hamburg, Schalke 04, second-division Mainz and reigning cup-holders Bayern Munich in the last eight, which will feature six of the current top 10 from the country's top division.
First-half goals from Patrick Helmes, Michal Kadlec and Renato Augusto secured Leverkusen a 3-1 win at home to Energie Cottbus, while second-half strikes by Hugo Almeida and Claudio Pizarro gave Werder Bremen a 2-1 comeback victory at Borussia Dortmund.
A second-half effort from forward Ronny Konig earned second-tier Wehen an unexpected 1-0 win over Bundesliga strugglers Karlsruhe, while Wolfsburg crushed Hansa Rostock 5-1.
Bayern showed few signs of rustiness as they roared to a thumping 5-1 win at Stuttgart on Tuesday, in their first fixture since the German winter break began at the end of December.
A fine opener from Bastian Schweinsteiger set them on their way, with Franck Ribery, Luca Toni, Ze Roberto and another Schweinsteiger strike establishing a crushing margin of victory.
France midfielder Ribery was even able to chip a soft 21st-minute penalty straight into the arms of Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after Arthur Boka had been penalised for hand-ball.
Germany international Mario Gomez tapped in a late consolation for the home side.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, a hat-trick from Croatian striker Ivica Olic gave Hamburg a 3-1 win at home to second-division 1860 Munich, while Schalke 04 saw off third-tier Carl Zeiss Jena by four goals to one.
Mainz secured their place as the second non-top-flight side in the last eight after winning 3-1 at fellow second division side Freiburg
They join Hamburg, Schalke 04, second-division Mainz and reigning cup-holders Bayern Munich in the last eight, which will feature six of the current top 10 from the country's top division.
First-half goals from Patrick Helmes, Michal Kadlec and Renato Augusto secured Leverkusen a 3-1 win at home to Energie Cottbus, while second-half strikes by Hugo Almeida and Claudio Pizarro gave Werder Bremen a 2-1 comeback victory at Borussia Dortmund.
A second-half effort from forward Ronny Konig earned second-tier Wehen an unexpected 1-0 win over Bundesliga strugglers Karlsruhe, while Wolfsburg crushed Hansa Rostock 5-1.
Bayern showed few signs of rustiness as they roared to a thumping 5-1 win at Stuttgart on Tuesday, in their first fixture since the German winter break began at the end of December.
A fine opener from Bastian Schweinsteiger set them on their way, with Franck Ribery, Luca Toni, Ze Roberto and another Schweinsteiger strike establishing a crushing margin of victory.
France midfielder Ribery was even able to chip a soft 21st-minute penalty straight into the arms of Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after Arthur Boka had been penalised for hand-ball.
Germany international Mario Gomez tapped in a late consolation for the home side.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, a hat-trick from Croatian striker Ivica Olic gave Hamburg a 3-1 win at home to second-division 1860 Munich, while Schalke 04 saw off third-tier Carl Zeiss Jena by four goals to one.
Mainz secured their place as the second non-top-flight side in the last eight after winning 3-1 at fellow second division side Freiburg
Canales Daily: Donovan Wish vs Galaxy Need
It’s now or never for American striker Landon Donovan to make such an impression at Bayern Munich that the club will consider making a serious offer for his services on a permanent basis.
His league debut for the German club is likely to come this Friday.
Donovan’s statements not only to the German media, but to American outlets before he left, have made clear his desire to continue his career at a notable club in Europe, which Bayern certainly qualifies as.
His friends had no doubts as to Donovan’s intentions.
“He’s desperate to prove it, I think not only to himself, but perhaps some of his critics as well, that he can make it in Europe,” said Galaxy teammate Eddie Lewis to Goal.com exclusively. “If it works out for him, I’d be pleased for him personally, and obviously disappointed to lose a great player. But I know those are his ambitions.”It was Lewis who provided the opportunity for Donovan’s early shining moment on the world stage, when he struck a perfect cross in a 2002 World Cup game that a young Donovan headed powerfully into the goal. Lewis had a reasonably successful career in England for many years before returning last year to Major League Soccer, where he first began to play professionally.
The Galaxy are in the midst of preseason training without their two top players, Landon Donovan and David Beckham.
“It’s a little awkward, knowing that David and Landon are both away at the moment and could possibly not return,” acknowledged Lewis. “Certainly that’s an issue with the team.”
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena agreed that ideally, the entire team would be training together.
“In a perfect world, it would suit our best interests that those players were here,” said Arena. “This is some of the baggage that goes on with those agreements. However, it is a long season and we have plenty of time to get those players in and adjusted to the team.”
Arena refused to speculate on the possibility of Beckham and Donovan not returning.
“Never say never, but as I’ve stated before, we’ve entered into loan agreements in a professional way and we’re going to continue that,” said Arena. “If either club has an interest in anything else with the player, they should go through formal channels and do that properly.”
At one point, back when he coached the U.S. national team, Arena seemed more disposed to Donovan playing for a club in Europe, saying “he should consider” the move.
“We need to get more of our younger, talented players in Europe,” Arena said in 2006. “We need them in a year-round soccer environment. We need them playing in more intense games to help develop them mentally as well as soccer-wise.”
Now, of course, Arena has a different set of priorities as Galaxy coach.
“We’re going to live up to our end of the loan agreement with Bayern Munich,” said Arena. “We’ve been very generous in support of Landon. We allowed him to go out on a loan for free. We’re going to hold ourselves to that loan agreement.”
Some Galaxy teammates were supportive of Donovan’s pursuit of a place with Bayern Munich.
“I hope that he goes,” said midfielder Chris Klein. “I think MLS owes him the opportunity to look at a deal that would be fair for both sides. They owe him that like they owe everyone else that.”
Arena, however, gave no indication that any negotiations were taking place with Bayern.
“We have a loan agreement that ends March 8,” Arena stated. “There’s no agreement between ourselves, the player and MLS that we’re going to entertain a transfer.”
One obvious problem that could arise is if MLS and the Galaxy price Donovan out of Bayern’s reach, forcing the midfielder’s return even if the German club is interested in keeping him. Would a disappointed Donovan be able to focus completely on turning the Galaxy’s recent poor results around? Or would he, as some have accused David Beckham of doing, merely conserve his efforts for national team performances in 2009? Would it be possible for Donovan not to begrudge whatever held him back from a European opportunity?
“There certainly would be an issue, if he’s desperate to stay and it doesn’t work out or it falls through,” Lewis observed. “If his heart is still abroad there might be that hangover. It would be something to keep an eye on. It would be silly to think that couldn’t possibly exist.”
To a certain extent, then, Donovan’s teammates might be rooting for the move.
“It would be great for Landon,” said Klein. “I think he would do very, very well there.”
His league debut for the German club is likely to come this Friday.
Donovan’s statements not only to the German media, but to American outlets before he left, have made clear his desire to continue his career at a notable club in Europe, which Bayern certainly qualifies as.
His friends had no doubts as to Donovan’s intentions.
“He’s desperate to prove it, I think not only to himself, but perhaps some of his critics as well, that he can make it in Europe,” said Galaxy teammate Eddie Lewis to Goal.com exclusively. “If it works out for him, I’d be pleased for him personally, and obviously disappointed to lose a great player. But I know those are his ambitions.”It was Lewis who provided the opportunity for Donovan’s early shining moment on the world stage, when he struck a perfect cross in a 2002 World Cup game that a young Donovan headed powerfully into the goal. Lewis had a reasonably successful career in England for many years before returning last year to Major League Soccer, where he first began to play professionally.
The Galaxy are in the midst of preseason training without their two top players, Landon Donovan and David Beckham.
“It’s a little awkward, knowing that David and Landon are both away at the moment and could possibly not return,” acknowledged Lewis. “Certainly that’s an issue with the team.”
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena agreed that ideally, the entire team would be training together.
“In a perfect world, it would suit our best interests that those players were here,” said Arena. “This is some of the baggage that goes on with those agreements. However, it is a long season and we have plenty of time to get those players in and adjusted to the team.”
Arena refused to speculate on the possibility of Beckham and Donovan not returning.
“Never say never, but as I’ve stated before, we’ve entered into loan agreements in a professional way and we’re going to continue that,” said Arena. “If either club has an interest in anything else with the player, they should go through formal channels and do that properly.”
At one point, back when he coached the U.S. national team, Arena seemed more disposed to Donovan playing for a club in Europe, saying “he should consider” the move.
“We need to get more of our younger, talented players in Europe,” Arena said in 2006. “We need them in a year-round soccer environment. We need them playing in more intense games to help develop them mentally as well as soccer-wise.”
Now, of course, Arena has a different set of priorities as Galaxy coach.
“We’re going to live up to our end of the loan agreement with Bayern Munich,” said Arena. “We’ve been very generous in support of Landon. We allowed him to go out on a loan for free. We’re going to hold ourselves to that loan agreement.”
Some Galaxy teammates were supportive of Donovan’s pursuit of a place with Bayern Munich.
“I hope that he goes,” said midfielder Chris Klein. “I think MLS owes him the opportunity to look at a deal that would be fair for both sides. They owe him that like they owe everyone else that.”
Arena, however, gave no indication that any negotiations were taking place with Bayern.
“We have a loan agreement that ends March 8,” Arena stated. “There’s no agreement between ourselves, the player and MLS that we’re going to entertain a transfer.”
One obvious problem that could arise is if MLS and the Galaxy price Donovan out of Bayern’s reach, forcing the midfielder’s return even if the German club is interested in keeping him. Would a disappointed Donovan be able to focus completely on turning the Galaxy’s recent poor results around? Or would he, as some have accused David Beckham of doing, merely conserve his efforts for national team performances in 2009? Would it be possible for Donovan not to begrudge whatever held him back from a European opportunity?
“There certainly would be an issue, if he’s desperate to stay and it doesn’t work out or it falls through,” Lewis observed. “If his heart is still abroad there might be that hangover. It would be something to keep an eye on. It would be silly to think that couldn’t possibly exist.”
To a certain extent, then, Donovan’s teammates might be rooting for the move.
“It would be great for Landon,” said Klein. “I think he would do very, very well there.”
Friday, January 23, 2009
Villa suffer Laursen hammer blow
LONDON (AFP) - Aston Villa's drive for a place in the Champions League suffered a serious setback on Friday when the club revealed that captain Martin Laursen will be out for two months.
The Danish defender has undergone surgery on an injured knee and will not be back in action for at least eight weeks, the club said.
Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League table, on track to claim one of England's qualifying places for the Champions League at the expense of Arsenal.
The Danish defender has undergone surgery on an injured knee and will not be back in action for at least eight weeks, the club said.
Villa are currently fourth in the Premier League table, on track to claim one of England's qualifying places for the Champions League at the expense of Arsenal.
Hull sign Bullard from Fulham
LONDON (AFP) - Hull have bolstered their squad by signing midfielder Jimmy Bullard from Fulham for a club record fee of five million pounds.
The 30-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at the KC Stadium on Friday after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
Bullard was expected to be presented to Hull supporters before the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Millwall on Saturday but will not play in that match.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said the west London club had no option but to sell Bullard in light of his demand for an extended contract on substantially increased wages.
"It's too easy for fans to say the club should have done more to keep Jimmy," Hodgson said. "People at the top of the club have to look at the wider picture every time there are wage demands or new contract demands."
"I was rather hoping there wouldn't be anyone else out there who would give Jimmy the package he was looking for but Hull came up with it. Now we have to prove we can be a good team without him."
Bullard joined Fulham from Wigan in a 2.5-million-pound deal in 2006 but suffered a serious knee injury in only his fourth match for the club.
He came back from a 16-month lay off and his all-action displays earned him an England call-up at the start of this season.
The capture of Bullard followed Hull's acquisition of Guinea defender Kamil Zayatte earlier in the day. Zayatte joined from Swiss club Young Boys of Berne.
Hull have also signed experienced midfielder Kevin Kilbane from Wigan and taken Angolan forward Manucho on loan from Manchester United in the current transfer window.
The 30-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at the KC Stadium on Friday after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
Bullard was expected to be presented to Hull supporters before the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Millwall on Saturday but will not play in that match.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said the west London club had no option but to sell Bullard in light of his demand for an extended contract on substantially increased wages.
"It's too easy for fans to say the club should have done more to keep Jimmy," Hodgson said. "People at the top of the club have to look at the wider picture every time there are wage demands or new contract demands."
"I was rather hoping there wouldn't be anyone else out there who would give Jimmy the package he was looking for but Hull came up with it. Now we have to prove we can be a good team without him."
Bullard joined Fulham from Wigan in a 2.5-million-pound deal in 2006 but suffered a serious knee injury in only his fourth match for the club.
He came back from a 16-month lay off and his all-action displays earned him an England call-up at the start of this season.
The capture of Bullard followed Hull's acquisition of Guinea defender Kamil Zayatte earlier in the day. Zayatte joined from Swiss club Young Boys of Berne.
Hull have also signed experienced midfielder Kevin Kilbane from Wigan and taken Angolan forward Manucho on loan from Manchester United in the current transfer window.
Man City owner 'has sights set on Chelsea'
PARIS (AFP) - Manchester City owner Sulaiman Al-Fahim is working in conjunction with a group of German investors to put together a bid to buy Premiership rivals Chelsea from Russian tycoon Roman Ambramovich, an Arabian business website reported on Friday.
The report claims the mega-rich Abu Dhabi businessman has met with five potential German partners from Swiss based company Falcon Equity in a bid to wrest the club from Ambramovich who is rumoured to have seen his interest in the club wane.
The Russian, who lost a large chunk of his fortune during the financial crisis, has been less in evidence in his seat at Stamford Bridge this season.
"We have looked before at some European clubs before to see if the numbers add up, and now we are doing the same with Chelsea. I can't go into more details at this stage," Falcon Equity boss Holger Heims told Arabianbusiness.com.
"I don't believe anything is ever not for sale if you come up with the right price. It's not about trying to buy a football team but about a business," he added.
Abramovich took over the club in 2003 and has since invested some 500 million pounds (532 million euros) as he turned the Londoners into a European force by first bringing in Jose Mourinho as manager as well as a string of world class players.
They won back to back Premiership titles in 2005 and 2006 and a string of domestic cups but have yet to win the Champions League trophy Abramovich craves, despite coming within a successful penalty kick of glory in the 2008 final against Manchester United in Moscow.
However the club has racked up massive debts and encountered a number of problems on and off the pitch which have fuelled rumours Abramovich is on the verge of pulling the plug.
The reclusive 42-year-old rarely gives interviews and these latest reports are unlikely to inspire the Russian to declare his intentions in public.
"Given that Roman Abamovich has invested over 500 million pounds into the club, it would not be cheap (to buy Chelsea), and with the current credit crunch, nobody wants to be over exposed on one deal. But through a number of investors, there is money available to put together a deal". said Heims.
The report was immediately denounced by Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins.
"It is no, no," said Wilkins. "Roman is very keen to continue his support of Chelsea and what Peter Kenyon said last week is the bottom line. It's not for sale."
The report claims the mega-rich Abu Dhabi businessman has met with five potential German partners from Swiss based company Falcon Equity in a bid to wrest the club from Ambramovich who is rumoured to have seen his interest in the club wane.
The Russian, who lost a large chunk of his fortune during the financial crisis, has been less in evidence in his seat at Stamford Bridge this season.
"We have looked before at some European clubs before to see if the numbers add up, and now we are doing the same with Chelsea. I can't go into more details at this stage," Falcon Equity boss Holger Heims told Arabianbusiness.com.
"I don't believe anything is ever not for sale if you come up with the right price. It's not about trying to buy a football team but about a business," he added.
Abramovich took over the club in 2003 and has since invested some 500 million pounds (532 million euros) as he turned the Londoners into a European force by first bringing in Jose Mourinho as manager as well as a string of world class players.
They won back to back Premiership titles in 2005 and 2006 and a string of domestic cups but have yet to win the Champions League trophy Abramovich craves, despite coming within a successful penalty kick of glory in the 2008 final against Manchester United in Moscow.
However the club has racked up massive debts and encountered a number of problems on and off the pitch which have fuelled rumours Abramovich is on the verge of pulling the plug.
The reclusive 42-year-old rarely gives interviews and these latest reports are unlikely to inspire the Russian to declare his intentions in public.
"Given that Roman Abamovich has invested over 500 million pounds into the club, it would not be cheap (to buy Chelsea), and with the current credit crunch, nobody wants to be over exposed on one deal. But through a number of investors, there is money available to put together a deal". said Heims.
The report was immediately denounced by Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins.
"It is no, no," said Wilkins. "Roman is very keen to continue his support of Chelsea and what Peter Kenyon said last week is the bottom line. It's not for sale."
Wigan snap up Mido as Heskey heads for Villa
LONDON (AFP) - Wigan on Friday sold Emile Heskey to Aston Villa for 3.5 million pounds and immediately snapped up Egypt striker Mido on loan from Middlesbrough as cover until the end of the season.
England forward Heskey's move to Villa was completed after he passed a medical and agreed personal terms while Mido was being lined up to form an Egyptian double act with compatriot Amr Zaki.
Heskey's move will reunite him with Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who was in charge of Leicester when they sold the forward to Liverpool for 11 million pounds in 2000.
Heskey, 31, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and O'Neill believes he will strengthen the club's drive for a place in the Champions League.
"We are in a decent position at the moment," O'Neill said. "We need to keep the momentum going. We don't have the biggest squad in the world, and currently John Carew is out and Ashley Young is suspended."Emile will bring something to us. Gabriel Agbonlahor has done fantastic up front on his own, and Emile will give us another option."
The former Celtic boss added: "I know him from my days at Leicester, and he was fantastic for us. He had plenty of natural talent, even though he was only a young kid.
"We were sad to see him leave. But he wanted to go to Liverpool and play with Michael Owen - and he has done exceptionally well in his career."
O'Neill confirmed that he is also hoping to sign a centreback before the transfer window closes at the start of next month.
That has become a greater priority after captain Martin Laursen was ruled out for two months following knee surgery.
Wigan boss Steve Bruce, who has now lost two of his best players after the sale of Wilson Palacios to Spurs, said he was confident Mido could plug the gap left by Heskey.
"Mido brings vast experience to the table," Bruce said. "He has a good Premier League pedigree having scored goals at Tottenham and Middlesbrough, and he has also played for some huge European clubs where he gained Champions League and UEFA Cup experience.
"He is still a relatively young man with potentially his best years ahead of him and hopefully he can produce a bit of magic for us during the rest of the season."
Mido began his career at Zamalek, the Egyptian club Zaki is on loan from.
The 25-year-old told Wigan's website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "Wigan are a club moving in the right direction who play great football and their league position is no fluke.
"I'm really looking forward to teaming up with some excellent players. When a man like Steve Bruce, who has achieved so much in the game, says he wants you, you have to take up opportunities like that.
"My focus now is entirely on making sure we reach safety and then progress as far as we can this season.
"I'm also really pleased to be teaming up with Zaki. He is a top player and a good friend and it always helps when there are familiar faces when you join a new club.
"Now I just want to show the Wigan public what I am all about and play football."
England forward Heskey's move to Villa was completed after he passed a medical and agreed personal terms while Mido was being lined up to form an Egyptian double act with compatriot Amr Zaki.
Heskey's move will reunite him with Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who was in charge of Leicester when they sold the forward to Liverpool for 11 million pounds in 2000.
Heskey, 31, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and O'Neill believes he will strengthen the club's drive for a place in the Champions League.
"We are in a decent position at the moment," O'Neill said. "We need to keep the momentum going. We don't have the biggest squad in the world, and currently John Carew is out and Ashley Young is suspended."Emile will bring something to us. Gabriel Agbonlahor has done fantastic up front on his own, and Emile will give us another option."
The former Celtic boss added: "I know him from my days at Leicester, and he was fantastic for us. He had plenty of natural talent, even though he was only a young kid.
"We were sad to see him leave. But he wanted to go to Liverpool and play with Michael Owen - and he has done exceptionally well in his career."
O'Neill confirmed that he is also hoping to sign a centreback before the transfer window closes at the start of next month.
That has become a greater priority after captain Martin Laursen was ruled out for two months following knee surgery.
Wigan boss Steve Bruce, who has now lost two of his best players after the sale of Wilson Palacios to Spurs, said he was confident Mido could plug the gap left by Heskey.
"Mido brings vast experience to the table," Bruce said. "He has a good Premier League pedigree having scored goals at Tottenham and Middlesbrough, and he has also played for some huge European clubs where he gained Champions League and UEFA Cup experience.
"He is still a relatively young man with potentially his best years ahead of him and hopefully he can produce a bit of magic for us during the rest of the season."
Mido began his career at Zamalek, the Egyptian club Zaki is on loan from.
The 25-year-old told Wigan's website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "Wigan are a club moving in the right direction who play great football and their league position is no fluke.
"I'm really looking forward to teaming up with some excellent players. When a man like Steve Bruce, who has achieved so much in the game, says he wants you, you have to take up opportunities like that.
"My focus now is entirely on making sure we reach safety and then progress as far as we can this season.
"I'm also really pleased to be teaming up with Zaki. He is a top player and a good friend and it always helps when there are familiar faces when you join a new club.
"Now I just want to show the Wigan public what I am all about and play football."
Gerrard denies nightclub assault
SOUTHPORT, England (AFP) - England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard said Friday he would plead not guilty to any involvement in a nightclub brawl.
Gerrard, 28, appeared before magistrates over his alleged part in a fight at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport, northwest England, last month following Liverpool's 5-1 defeat of Newcastle.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray along with two other men.
Company director Marcus McGee, 34, required hospital treatment after sustaining facial injuries in the incident.
Prosecution lawyer Nick Evans asked for the case to be heard next on April 3 after a 10-week break to prepare evidence.
But after submissions from the defence including Gerrard's lawyer, the magistrates adjourned the case and ordered the next hearing to take place at the court in Southport on March 20.
Gerrard, a father of two young daughters who is married to model Alex Curran, spoke only to confirm his name and address and say he intended to plead not guilty along with the other defendants.
The Liverpool captain, was driven to North Sefton Magistrates' court in Southport and jogged up the steps of the court dressed in a dark blue suit.
Dozens of photographers were kept back from the court entrance in a penned area.
Gerrard emerged from the half-hour hearing to thank photographers and a handful of supporters.
The timing of the next hearing allows Liverpool's most influential player to concentrate on spearheading the club's attempt to win their first Premiership title since 1990 as well as the Champions League last 16 clash against Real Madrid. The second leg of that tie takes place on March 10.
Gerrard will make his next appearance when Liverpool take on local rivals Everton in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, after manager Rafael Benitez dismissed any suggestion that the midfielder could be rested.
"Steven was working as normal in the training and he was scoring goals - and you could see the spirit was there that he always has," Benitez said.
"Steven is in the right frame of mind. I have watched him in training, and he is fine."
Benitez added: "He showed the other week (after he was charged) that he has a responsibility to the fans and the club. He is a very good professional and showed he can concentrate on the job - and he knows he has our full support."
Gerrard, 28, appeared before magistrates over his alleged part in a fight at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport, northwest England, last month following Liverpool's 5-1 defeat of Newcastle.
He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray along with two other men.
Company director Marcus McGee, 34, required hospital treatment after sustaining facial injuries in the incident.
Prosecution lawyer Nick Evans asked for the case to be heard next on April 3 after a 10-week break to prepare evidence.
But after submissions from the defence including Gerrard's lawyer, the magistrates adjourned the case and ordered the next hearing to take place at the court in Southport on March 20.
Gerrard, a father of two young daughters who is married to model Alex Curran, spoke only to confirm his name and address and say he intended to plead not guilty along with the other defendants.
The Liverpool captain, was driven to North Sefton Magistrates' court in Southport and jogged up the steps of the court dressed in a dark blue suit.
Dozens of photographers were kept back from the court entrance in a penned area.
Gerrard emerged from the half-hour hearing to thank photographers and a handful of supporters.
The timing of the next hearing allows Liverpool's most influential player to concentrate on spearheading the club's attempt to win their first Premiership title since 1990 as well as the Champions League last 16 clash against Real Madrid. The second leg of that tie takes place on March 10.
Gerrard will make his next appearance when Liverpool take on local rivals Everton in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, after manager Rafael Benitez dismissed any suggestion that the midfielder could be rested.
"Steven was working as normal in the training and he was scoring goals - and you could see the spirit was there that he always has," Benitez said.
"Steven is in the right frame of mind. I have watched him in training, and he is fine."
Benitez added: "He showed the other week (after he was charged) that he has a responsibility to the fans and the club. He is a very good professional and showed he can concentrate on the job - and he knows he has our full support."
Kuwaiti group denies Liverpool FC buyout plans
LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Liverpool's American owners have begun trying to sell the club and have held preliminary discussions with representatives of Kuwaiti tycoon Nasser Al-Kharafi, it emerged on Friday, though the group representing the Middle East businessman have issued a denial.
The owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, have run into serious financing problems and are now prepared to sell all or part of their stakes provided a buyer matches their valuation of the business at more than 500 million pounds.
Hicks and Gillett have until July to refinance debts of 350 million pounds linked to their 218-million pound acquisition of the five-times European Cup winners in 2007. Financial analysts have warned that they will struggle to do so in the current climate.
Sources close to the club confirmed that talks have taken place between aides to Al-Kharafi and representatives of Hicks, with the discussions understood to have initially focused on the tycoon only taking a partial stake.In recent days however the focus has switched to a total takeover which both co-owners, who have rarely seen eye to eye in their time in charge, are understood to be seriously considering.
Al-Kharafi reportedly has harboured a soft spot for Liverpool since he studied Business Administration at the city's College of Commerce, although that did not prevent him from considering a takeover of Newcastle last year.
However, later Friday the Al-Kharafi Group, the oil-rich Emirate's leading business group, denied reports of a possible buyout.
"We have not conducted any negotiations," to purchase the club, Jassem al-Kharafi, Kuwait's parliament speaker and elder brother of the Group's chairman Nasser al-Kharafi, said in a statement.
"The Group has no plans to buy any sports club."
Hicks and Gillett's Liverpool reign has been dogged by controversy.
The Americans have been widely criticised for shifting the debt they incurred to buy the club on to Liverpool's balance sheet and for failing to deliver on proposals for a 60,000-seat new stadium close to the current ground at Anfield.
The owners also alienated many Liverpool fans by holding what were supposed to be clandestine talks with former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann about possibly taking over from the Reds' hugely-popular manager, Rafael Benitez.
Plans for the new stadium, which would have cost over 400 million pounds to build, have been shelved indefinitely because there is no prospect of Hicks and Gillett raising the funds required.
Relations between the co-owners touched a low ebb last September when Gillett described their partnership as "completely unworkable," although they have since improved.
Gillett's outburst came after Hicks had blocked an attempt by Gillett to sell the club to Dubai Investment Capital (DIC). Hicks subsequently refused an offer for his stake from his partner.
Relations with other key figures at Liverpool are also strained.
Hicks has made no secret of his desire to see chief executive Rick Parry sacked and Benitez is currently refusing to sign a new contract because of a dispute over who controls transfer policy.
Benitez on Friday said he had learned of the talks with the Kuwaitis by reading about them in the newspapers.
"I knew nothing of this and I was surprised to see what is being said," the Spaniard said. "But I would prefer to train the team and concentrate on Sunday's game with Everton."
The Liverpool Echo newspaper meanwhile reported that a prominent European businessman had also expressed an interest in buying part or all of Liverpool.
The owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, have run into serious financing problems and are now prepared to sell all or part of their stakes provided a buyer matches their valuation of the business at more than 500 million pounds.
Hicks and Gillett have until July to refinance debts of 350 million pounds linked to their 218-million pound acquisition of the five-times European Cup winners in 2007. Financial analysts have warned that they will struggle to do so in the current climate.
Sources close to the club confirmed that talks have taken place between aides to Al-Kharafi and representatives of Hicks, with the discussions understood to have initially focused on the tycoon only taking a partial stake.In recent days however the focus has switched to a total takeover which both co-owners, who have rarely seen eye to eye in their time in charge, are understood to be seriously considering.
Al-Kharafi reportedly has harboured a soft spot for Liverpool since he studied Business Administration at the city's College of Commerce, although that did not prevent him from considering a takeover of Newcastle last year.
However, later Friday the Al-Kharafi Group, the oil-rich Emirate's leading business group, denied reports of a possible buyout.
"We have not conducted any negotiations," to purchase the club, Jassem al-Kharafi, Kuwait's parliament speaker and elder brother of the Group's chairman Nasser al-Kharafi, said in a statement.
"The Group has no plans to buy any sports club."
Hicks and Gillett's Liverpool reign has been dogged by controversy.
The Americans have been widely criticised for shifting the debt they incurred to buy the club on to Liverpool's balance sheet and for failing to deliver on proposals for a 60,000-seat new stadium close to the current ground at Anfield.
The owners also alienated many Liverpool fans by holding what were supposed to be clandestine talks with former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann about possibly taking over from the Reds' hugely-popular manager, Rafael Benitez.
Plans for the new stadium, which would have cost over 400 million pounds to build, have been shelved indefinitely because there is no prospect of Hicks and Gillett raising the funds required.
Relations between the co-owners touched a low ebb last September when Gillett described their partnership as "completely unworkable," although they have since improved.
Gillett's outburst came after Hicks had blocked an attempt by Gillett to sell the club to Dubai Investment Capital (DIC). Hicks subsequently refused an offer for his stake from his partner.
Relations with other key figures at Liverpool are also strained.
Hicks has made no secret of his desire to see chief executive Rick Parry sacked and Benitez is currently refusing to sign a new contract because of a dispute over who controls transfer policy.
Benitez on Friday said he had learned of the talks with the Kuwaitis by reading about them in the newspapers.
"I knew nothing of this and I was surprised to see what is being said," the Spaniard said. "But I would prefer to train the team and concentrate on Sunday's game with Everton."
The Liverpool Echo newspaper meanwhile reported that a prominent European businessman had also expressed an interest in buying part or all of Liverpool.
Al-Fahim Returns To Broker Chelsea Takeover Bid
Chelsea could yet change hands, despite Roman Abramovich and his lawyers’ insistence to the contrary, as a Swiss firm backed by German businessmen are considering a takeover bid for the Premier League club.
The negotiations, if they do eventually take place, will be handled by Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the very same man who brokered Abu Dhabi United Group’s purchase of Manchester City last year.
Speaking to The Guardian, Al Fahim said, “It’s not entirely clear if Chelsea is for sale, but regardless of that, we first need to see if we are in a position to buy it.
“Given that Roman Abramovich has invested over £500m into the club, it would not be cheap, and with the current credit crunch, nobody wants to be over-exposed on one deal.
“But through a number of investors, there is money available to put together a deal.”
Abramovich has already made it perfectly clear that he does not wish to sell the Blues, taking the publishers of The Sunday Times to court after they claimed he was looking to cash in on the club.
Nevertheless, a spokesperson for Falcon Equity - the aforementioned Swiss firm - told the Arabian Business website, “We have looked before at some European clubs to see if the numbers added up, and now we are doing the same with Chelsea.
“I don’t believe anything is ever not for sale if you come up with the right price. It’s not about trying to buy a football team but about a business.
“You don’t make money because 11 guys run around the pitch, you make money because of all the other commercial aspects that go with a football club, particularly real estate and television rights.”
Chelsea aren’t the only English giants facing a potential takeover, as Liverpool recently entered talks with Kuwaiti billionaire Nasser Al-Khafari.
The negotiations, if they do eventually take place, will be handled by Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the very same man who brokered Abu Dhabi United Group’s purchase of Manchester City last year.
Speaking to The Guardian, Al Fahim said, “It’s not entirely clear if Chelsea is for sale, but regardless of that, we first need to see if we are in a position to buy it.
“Given that Roman Abramovich has invested over £500m into the club, it would not be cheap, and with the current credit crunch, nobody wants to be over-exposed on one deal.
“But through a number of investors, there is money available to put together a deal.”
Abramovich has already made it perfectly clear that he does not wish to sell the Blues, taking the publishers of The Sunday Times to court after they claimed he was looking to cash in on the club.
Nevertheless, a spokesperson for Falcon Equity - the aforementioned Swiss firm - told the Arabian Business website, “We have looked before at some European clubs to see if the numbers added up, and now we are doing the same with Chelsea.
“I don’t believe anything is ever not for sale if you come up with the right price. It’s not about trying to buy a football team but about a business.
“You don’t make money because 11 guys run around the pitch, you make money because of all the other commercial aspects that go with a football club, particularly real estate and television rights.”
Chelsea aren’t the only English giants facing a potential takeover, as Liverpool recently entered talks with Kuwaiti billionaire Nasser Al-Khafari.
Man United gains League Cup final
MANCHESTER, England (AP)—Manchester United reached the League Cup final, beating Derby County 4-2 Tuesday behind a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Man United advanced 4-3 on total goals over its struggling League Championship opponent. On Wednesday, Tottenham will try to protect a 4-1 advantage over Burnley to assure itself a spot in the March 1 League Cup final.
Nani took 16 minutes to wipe out Derby’s 1-0 first-leg advantage. Goals from John O’Shea and Carlos Tevez seemed to have put the game out of reach. But Derby substitute Giles Barnes scored twice in the final 10 minutes around Ronaldo’s penalty kick to threaten extra time.
Having already won the Club World Cup in December, the English champions remain the only club in contention for all three domestic trophies and the Champions League.
But the club will be playing with a banged-up roster.
Nani hobbled off with an undisclosed injury, while Anderson, who had been limping badly, was carried off after the final and went to hospital for an X-ray on his ankle. His status was not known.
Injuries to defenders Jonny Evans (ankle) and Rafael da Silva (hamstring) and a knock to Gary Neville could severely hamper manager Alex Ferguson’s options at the back, with Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown already sidelined.
Ferguson fears Rafael will be out for a “few weeks” with hamstring trouble, but Evans could return for next Tuesday’s match at West Bromwich Albion after missing Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Tottenham.
In the FA Cup, Doncaster beat Cheltenham 3-0 in a third-round replay and will face Aston Villa in Saturday’s fourth round.
Man United advanced 4-3 on total goals over its struggling League Championship opponent. On Wednesday, Tottenham will try to protect a 4-1 advantage over Burnley to assure itself a spot in the March 1 League Cup final.
Nani took 16 minutes to wipe out Derby’s 1-0 first-leg advantage. Goals from John O’Shea and Carlos Tevez seemed to have put the game out of reach. But Derby substitute Giles Barnes scored twice in the final 10 minutes around Ronaldo’s penalty kick to threaten extra time.
Having already won the Club World Cup in December, the English champions remain the only club in contention for all three domestic trophies and the Champions League.
But the club will be playing with a banged-up roster.
Nani hobbled off with an undisclosed injury, while Anderson, who had been limping badly, was carried off after the final and went to hospital for an X-ray on his ankle. His status was not known.
Injuries to defenders Jonny Evans (ankle) and Rafael da Silva (hamstring) and a knock to Gary Neville could severely hamper manager Alex Ferguson’s options at the back, with Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown already sidelined.
Ferguson fears Rafael will be out for a “few weeks” with hamstring trouble, but Evans could return for next Tuesday’s match at West Bromwich Albion after missing Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash with Tottenham.
In the FA Cup, Doncaster beat Cheltenham 3-0 in a third-round replay and will face Aston Villa in Saturday’s fourth round.
Money can’t buy love for Manchester
So Manchester City’s money can’t buy it love. Its world-record $147 million bid for Kaka couldn’t make the Brazilian midfielder part with his conscience, or AC Milan.
Even in Manchester, on the side of town that wears City blue and not United red, fans should be breathing a sigh of relief.
With the global economy going down the tubes and unemployment growing, spending so lavishly would have been nothing short of outrageous, likely to make some followers of the game simply turn off.
In the end, explained the 26-year-old star of this month’s biggest footballing saga, his heart spoke louder than his already fat wallet.
In UNICEF’s hands, the wad that City was offering for Kaka’s sublime football skills would fund 20 million family sized mosquito nets for sub-Saharan Africans, who lose 800,000 children under age 5 to malaria each year.Or buy roughly 588 million meals for the World Food Program. As one of its Ambassadors Against Hunger, Kaka lends his fame to the WFP’s battle against the more than 10 million deaths from causes related to malnutrition each year.
That’s reality, while City’s designs to bankroll its way to Premier League domination with the Abu Dhabi oil wealth of owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan smack of fantasy football. After all, can it really be argued that Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, aka Kaka, is so much better than Zinedine Zidane was? Of course not, yet City’s offer was more than double the world record fee that Real Madrid paid Juventus for the hotheaded French genius in 2001.
“It’s madness,” said Mohamed Al-Fayed, owner of Premier League rival Fulham FC, with a populist view of City’s mega-offer that was undoubtedly shared in pubs across the land.
Less emotionally, Gordon Taylor, who heads the English players’ union, noted: “It’s not a time for any industry to be spending in a cavalier fashion. There’s a serious problem with the world and finance, perfectly illustrated by the banks that were doing well until suddenly there was cavalier spending. It’s brought a lot of problems for ordinary people and we don’t want that to happen in football.”
But behind the Kaka-phony of hand-wringing and disapproval, there’s little evidence of a solid appetite for much tighter controls on how clubs spend and manage their money, even as some of them struggle with debts that look unsustainable in the cold light of the global financial meltdown.
Caps on the amount that clubs can spend on players and their salaries—as Al-Fayed and others have suggested—seem a nonstarter.
Europe isn’t a homogeneous market like North America, where the National Hockey League, National Football League, Major League Soccer and the National Basketball Association have salary caps.
Capping one European league but not another could simply see players gravitate to higher-paying leagues and impoverish the skills in others. Varying tax regimes and costs of living across Europe, as well as currency fluctuations between, for instance, the Premier League’s British pound and continental leagues’ euros would make attempts to level the financial playing field extremely, perhaps inextricably, complex.
“It’s not impossible,” says Dan Jones of Deloitte, the audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory firm. “But I’ve spoken about it for at least 10 years in European football and still not seen a workable solution.”
The Premier League is strongly opposed to wage capping. One idea that’s been floated would be to link salaries to team revenues, stopping them from spending more than 60 percent of their income on wages. But 60 percent of Manchester United’s hundreds of millions in turnover is obviously going to give it a lot more money to lavish on players than smaller Wigan, with its tens of millions. So that suggestion hardly seems fair and feasible, either.
These issues aren’t going to go away with the collapse of the Kaka deal. City’s almost limitless checkbook will be back and others won’t turn a deaf ear to its siren call.
But this once, even in these tough times, the ‘old-school’ virtues of loyalty to a club seemingly trumped money.
“At the end what counted was my history, where my ties are and where my heart really lies,” Kaka said.
John Leicester is an international sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jleicester@ap.org
Even in Manchester, on the side of town that wears City blue and not United red, fans should be breathing a sigh of relief.
With the global economy going down the tubes and unemployment growing, spending so lavishly would have been nothing short of outrageous, likely to make some followers of the game simply turn off.
In the end, explained the 26-year-old star of this month’s biggest footballing saga, his heart spoke louder than his already fat wallet.
In UNICEF’s hands, the wad that City was offering for Kaka’s sublime football skills would fund 20 million family sized mosquito nets for sub-Saharan Africans, who lose 800,000 children under age 5 to malaria each year.Or buy roughly 588 million meals for the World Food Program. As one of its Ambassadors Against Hunger, Kaka lends his fame to the WFP’s battle against the more than 10 million deaths from causes related to malnutrition each year.
That’s reality, while City’s designs to bankroll its way to Premier League domination with the Abu Dhabi oil wealth of owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan smack of fantasy football. After all, can it really be argued that Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, aka Kaka, is so much better than Zinedine Zidane was? Of course not, yet City’s offer was more than double the world record fee that Real Madrid paid Juventus for the hotheaded French genius in 2001.
“It’s madness,” said Mohamed Al-Fayed, owner of Premier League rival Fulham FC, with a populist view of City’s mega-offer that was undoubtedly shared in pubs across the land.
Less emotionally, Gordon Taylor, who heads the English players’ union, noted: “It’s not a time for any industry to be spending in a cavalier fashion. There’s a serious problem with the world and finance, perfectly illustrated by the banks that were doing well until suddenly there was cavalier spending. It’s brought a lot of problems for ordinary people and we don’t want that to happen in football.”
But behind the Kaka-phony of hand-wringing and disapproval, there’s little evidence of a solid appetite for much tighter controls on how clubs spend and manage their money, even as some of them struggle with debts that look unsustainable in the cold light of the global financial meltdown.
Caps on the amount that clubs can spend on players and their salaries—as Al-Fayed and others have suggested—seem a nonstarter.
Europe isn’t a homogeneous market like North America, where the National Hockey League, National Football League, Major League Soccer and the National Basketball Association have salary caps.
Capping one European league but not another could simply see players gravitate to higher-paying leagues and impoverish the skills in others. Varying tax regimes and costs of living across Europe, as well as currency fluctuations between, for instance, the Premier League’s British pound and continental leagues’ euros would make attempts to level the financial playing field extremely, perhaps inextricably, complex.
“It’s not impossible,” says Dan Jones of Deloitte, the audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory firm. “But I’ve spoken about it for at least 10 years in European football and still not seen a workable solution.”
The Premier League is strongly opposed to wage capping. One idea that’s been floated would be to link salaries to team revenues, stopping them from spending more than 60 percent of their income on wages. But 60 percent of Manchester United’s hundreds of millions in turnover is obviously going to give it a lot more money to lavish on players than smaller Wigan, with its tens of millions. So that suggestion hardly seems fair and feasible, either.
These issues aren’t going to go away with the collapse of the Kaka deal. City’s almost limitless checkbook will be back and others won’t turn a deaf ear to its siren call.
But this once, even in these tough times, the ‘old-school’ virtues of loyalty to a club seemingly trumped money.
“At the end what counted was my history, where my ties are and where my heart really lies,” Kaka said.
John Leicester is an international sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jleicester@ap.org
Lazio into Italian Cup semifinals
ROME (AP)—Lazio advanced to the Italian Cup semifinals, rallying for a 3-1 victory over Torino on Thursday night.
Cesare Natali scored for Torino in the 28th minute, but Lazio came back on goals by Goran Pandev (48th minute), Stefano Mauri (55th) and Tommaso Rocchi (90th). it 3-1 in injury time, shooting low from the edge of the penalty area after being set up by Pandev.
Lazio plays the winner of the Napoli-Juventus quarterfinal on Feb. 4. Internazionale of Milan meets Sampdoria in the other semifinal.
BILBAO, Spain (AP)—Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente missed a penalty kick in the 28th minute of a 0-0 tie against Sporting Gijon in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
In another match, Alhassane Keita scored in the 65th minute as Mallorca defeated visiting Real Betis 1-0.
Cesare Natali scored for Torino in the 28th minute, but Lazio came back on goals by Goran Pandev (48th minute), Stefano Mauri (55th) and Tommaso Rocchi (90th). it 3-1 in injury time, shooting low from the edge of the penalty area after being set up by Pandev.
Lazio plays the winner of the Napoli-Juventus quarterfinal on Feb. 4. Internazionale of Milan meets Sampdoria in the other semifinal.
BILBAO, Spain (AP)—Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente missed a penalty kick in the 28th minute of a 0-0 tie against Sporting Gijon in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.
In another match, Alhassane Keita scored in the 65th minute as Mallorca defeated visiting Real Betis 1-0.
Man City accuses Milan of reneging on Kaka deal
MANCHESTER, England (AP)—Manchester City accused AC Milan of reneging on an agreement to sell Kaka to the Premier League club and blamed the Brazil star’s father for being greedy.
City executive chairman Garry Cook sharply criticized the Serie A club, a day after leading the team’s delegation to Milan hoping to complete a transfer thought to be worth a record $147 million. Kaka and Milan announced Monday night that the 26-year-old midfielder, FIFA’s 2007 player of the year, will remain in Italy.
“Milan bottled it—they lost their nerve,” Cook said in an interview with two reporters. “They had agreed to sell their prize possession and we had agreed to buy him. We had decided to build a business model around it which was a little sophisticated for them to understand.”
Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan led a takeover of City in September, and team hopes to become one of the world’s top clubs. Manchester City hasn’t won a major trophy since the 1976 League Cup.
Cook met Monday with Kaka’s father and chief adviser, Bosco Leite, and presented a vision that City thought would appeal to Kaka’s deeply religious side.
In this Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 … AP - Jan 14, 6:16 am EST
“We really believed and we do believe Kaka has the capability to be the next “We really believed and we do believe Kaka has the capability to be the next global ambassador for the game,” Cook said. “We wanted to help develop that through a foundation. He is truly a humanitarian of the highest order and we truly respect him not only for his capabilities for this, but also his approach to humanity, and we wanted to work on it.
With Kaka backed by 20 personal sponsorship deals linked to him remaining at Milan, City was presented with a complex scenario.
“If each one of those sponsors decides if the player goes to Manchester City they are pulling out, there is a consequence for the player,” Cook said. “There is a long-term impact, both financial and on his image.”
Cook said City still plans to turn City into a global football force, noting Monday’s signing of Craig Bellamy, a 29-year-old forward who appeared in only 24 league matches and scored seven goals in 18 months at West Ham.
“If we don’t get Kaka it is not the end of the world, we got Craig Bellamy,” Cook said.
City executive chairman Garry Cook sharply criticized the Serie A club, a day after leading the team’s delegation to Milan hoping to complete a transfer thought to be worth a record $147 million. Kaka and Milan announced Monday night that the 26-year-old midfielder, FIFA’s 2007 player of the year, will remain in Italy.
“Milan bottled it—they lost their nerve,” Cook said in an interview with two reporters. “They had agreed to sell their prize possession and we had agreed to buy him. We had decided to build a business model around it which was a little sophisticated for them to understand.”
Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan led a takeover of City in September, and team hopes to become one of the world’s top clubs. Manchester City hasn’t won a major trophy since the 1976 League Cup.
Cook met Monday with Kaka’s father and chief adviser, Bosco Leite, and presented a vision that City thought would appeal to Kaka’s deeply religious side.
In this Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 … AP - Jan 14, 6:16 am EST
“We really believed and we do believe Kaka has the capability to be the next “We really believed and we do believe Kaka has the capability to be the next global ambassador for the game,” Cook said. “We wanted to help develop that through a foundation. He is truly a humanitarian of the highest order and we truly respect him not only for his capabilities for this, but also his approach to humanity, and we wanted to work on it.
With Kaka backed by 20 personal sponsorship deals linked to him remaining at Milan, City was presented with a complex scenario.
“If each one of those sponsors decides if the player goes to Manchester City they are pulling out, there is a consequence for the player,” Cook said. “There is a long-term impact, both financial and on his image.”
Cook said City still plans to turn City into a global football force, noting Monday’s signing of Craig Bellamy, a 29-year-old forward who appeared in only 24 league matches and scored seven goals in 18 months at West Ham.
“If we don’t get Kaka it is not the end of the world, we got Craig Bellamy,” Cook said.
AIG confirms it won’t renew United sponsorship
LONDON (AP)—AIG has confirmed it will not be renewing its shirt sponsorship of Manchester United when the deal expires in 2010.
American International Group Inc. is in the process of restructuring its business and shedding assets to raise funds after receiving a $150 billion bailout last year from the U.S. government.
The company has already ended its decade-long sponsorship of the U.S. Davis Cup team.
The Manchester United deal is worth a reported $27 million annually.
“The shirt sponsorship runs to May 2010,” AIG said in a statement given to The Associated Press on Thursday. “There are no plans to renew the deal.”
United has already started looking for a new sponsor and has already approached Sahara, a leading Indian business conglomerate.
“We are in dialogue with a select number of companies worldwide,” United spokesman Phil Townsend said earlier this week.
American International Group Inc. is in the process of restructuring its business and shedding assets to raise funds after receiving a $150 billion bailout last year from the U.S. government.
The company has already ended its decade-long sponsorship of the U.S. Davis Cup team.
The Manchester United deal is worth a reported $27 million annually.
“The shirt sponsorship runs to May 2010,” AIG said in a statement given to The Associated Press on Thursday. “There are no plans to renew the deal.”
United has already started looking for a new sponsor and has already approached Sahara, a leading Indian business conglomerate.
“We are in dialogue with a select number of companies worldwide,” United spokesman Phil Townsend said earlier this week.
De Rosario signs new four-year deal with Toronto
TORONTO (AP)—Two-time MLS Cup MVP Dwayne De Rosario signed a four-year contract with FC Toronto on Wednesday.
The attacking midfielder, who arrived in a trade from Houston last month, has 51 goals and 42 assists in eight MLS seasons. The deal sent young defender Julius James and allocation money to the Dynamo.
De Rosario’s new contract, which replaces a two-year deal he had with the club, was announced at a news conference Thursday that belatedly introduced the new acquisition.
“We are absolutely delighted to get this deal done,” said Mo Johnston, Toronto’s director of soccer. “We worked long and hard with all parties involved in coming to an agreement with Dwayne. This new deal means he’s going to be wearing a Toronto FC shirt for many years to come, and we couldn’t be happier.”
De Rosario, who has won four MLS Cups, made $325,000 last season with Houston, which moved him in a bid to free salary cap room.
The 30-year-old also has 15 goals in 53 career appearances for Canada.
The attacking midfielder, who arrived in a trade from Houston last month, has 51 goals and 42 assists in eight MLS seasons. The deal sent young defender Julius James and allocation money to the Dynamo.
De Rosario’s new contract, which replaces a two-year deal he had with the club, was announced at a news conference Thursday that belatedly introduced the new acquisition.
“We are absolutely delighted to get this deal done,” said Mo Johnston, Toronto’s director of soccer. “We worked long and hard with all parties involved in coming to an agreement with Dwayne. This new deal means he’s going to be wearing a Toronto FC shirt for many years to come, and we couldn’t be happier.”
De Rosario, who has won four MLS Cups, made $325,000 last season with Houston, which moved him in a bid to free salary cap room.
The 30-year-old also has 15 goals in 53 career appearances for Canada.
Mom pleads for Tottenham player’s abducted brother
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP)—The mother of Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios implored kidnappers to free her younger son more than a year after he was abducted.
Orfilia Suazo sobbed during an interview with local Channel 5 television as asked the kidnappers to “release my little Edwin Rene.”
There has been no trace of Edwin Rene Palacios since armed assailants abducted him from his home in October 2007. He was 16 at the time.
Police say the family paid a ransom of $500,000, but the teenager was not released.
Tottenham reached a deal with Wigan on Wednesday to sign 24-year-old Wilson Palacios
Orfilia Suazo sobbed during an interview with local Channel 5 television as asked the kidnappers to “release my little Edwin Rene.”
There has been no trace of Edwin Rene Palacios since armed assailants abducted him from his home in October 2007. He was 16 at the time.
Police say the family paid a ransom of $500,000, but the teenager was not released.
Tottenham reached a deal with Wigan on Wednesday to sign 24-year-old Wilson Palacios
Report: City Offering Drogba Big Bucks And Mourinho
UK tabloid The Sun claims that Manchester City have offered Didier Drogba a host of incentives, fiscal and otherwise, to leave Chelsea this month.
It is thought that the Sky Blues are prepared to hand the Ivorian striker, who currently earns £90,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, a four-and-a-half-year contract and double his wages.
Such promises would prove tempting to a 30-year-old whose future with the Blues has become increasingly uncertain over the past few weeks.
But that’s not all, as it is believed Drogba is contemplating the switch because he is confident that Jose Mourinho, his former mentor at Chelsea, will take charge at Eastlands in the summer.
Mourinho, currently the coach of Inter Milan, has stated in the past that he would consider a return to England, and the richest club in the world seems the most likely destination.
The City owners have continually come out in support of Mark Hughes, but the embattled manager will have to turn things around fast if he wishes to remain in the Citizens hot-seat.
Roberto Mancini, the ex-Inter boss, has also been linked with the post.
It is thought that the Sky Blues are prepared to hand the Ivorian striker, who currently earns £90,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, a four-and-a-half-year contract and double his wages.
Such promises would prove tempting to a 30-year-old whose future with the Blues has become increasingly uncertain over the past few weeks.
But that’s not all, as it is believed Drogba is contemplating the switch because he is confident that Jose Mourinho, his former mentor at Chelsea, will take charge at Eastlands in the summer.
Mourinho, currently the coach of Inter Milan, has stated in the past that he would consider a return to England, and the richest club in the world seems the most likely destination.
The City owners have continually come out in support of Mark Hughes, but the embattled manager will have to turn things around fast if he wishes to remain in the Citizens hot-seat.
Roberto Mancini, the ex-Inter boss, has also been linked with the post.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Cole out for rest of the season
LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea winger Joe Cole will miss the rest of the season after surgery on a ruptured cruciate knee ligament on Saturday.
Cole suffered the injury in Wednesday's FA Cup third round replay win at Southend and was initially expected to be out for at least eight weeks.
But the England star underwent reconstructive surgery on Saturday and has no chance of recovering before the end of the season.
Cole's absence is another blow for Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose squad has been ravaged by injury problems this season.
"I am very sad for Joe to have suffered this injury and I am disappointed to have lost a very important player for me and the club at such a vital moment in the competition," Scolari told Chelsea's website.
"However, I believe that with his spirit, Joe will come back to Chelsea even better than before."
Cole's injury also rules him out of England's friendlies against Spain and Slovakia, as well as their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley in April and the June qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Andorra.
Chelsea and England captain John Terry added: "We're all behind Coley to get fit as soon as possible. He's going to be a big miss for us and I keep on saying he's the one who really opens things up in tight moments.
"He did it again on Wednesday against Southend. What a pass he produced for Salomon Kalou's goal.
"We're all gutted for him and we know how much it means to him to be playing.
"No-one will be more hurt at missing games through injury. But one thing we all know is that he'll work just as hard off the pitch to get fit as he does on it."
Cole suffered the injury in Wednesday's FA Cup third round replay win at Southend and was initially expected to be out for at least eight weeks.
But the England star underwent reconstructive surgery on Saturday and has no chance of recovering before the end of the season.
Cole's absence is another blow for Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose squad has been ravaged by injury problems this season.
"I am very sad for Joe to have suffered this injury and I am disappointed to have lost a very important player for me and the club at such a vital moment in the competition," Scolari told Chelsea's website.
"However, I believe that with his spirit, Joe will come back to Chelsea even better than before."
Cole's injury also rules him out of England's friendlies against Spain and Slovakia, as well as their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley in April and the June qualifiers with Kazakhstan and Andorra.
Chelsea and England captain John Terry added: "We're all behind Coley to get fit as soon as possible. He's going to be a big miss for us and I keep on saying he's the one who really opens things up in tight moments.
"He did it again on Wednesday against Southend. What a pass he produced for Salomon Kalou's goal.
"We're all gutted for him and we know how much it means to him to be playing.
"No-one will be more hurt at missing games through injury. But one thing we all know is that he'll work just as hard off the pitch to get fit as he does on it."
Report: Kaka To Join Manchester City Next Week
It is being reported in the English tabloid press that Kaka is now expected to join Manchester City next week - though more through pressure than preference.
Early editions of Saturday’s Daily Mirror claim that Kaka has been “railroaded into accepting the £108 million move.”
According to Mirror Sport, the Milan and Brazil playmaker bid an emotional farewell to club coach Carlo Ancelotti when he left training on Friday, and is unlikely to figure in the Rossoneri’s Serie A clash with Fiorentina at the San Siro on Saturday night.
It remains to be seen how accurate this report is, but the paper, on its online version, says Kaka’s love affair with the Milan club is over, adding that the blow will be softened by a £10m signing-on fee and a £15m-a-year salary. It also says that Kaka’s father and chief adviser, Bosco Leite, will hold talks with City officials in Milan on Monday, but reports claims from the Middle East that Kaka has already agreed to the transfer with Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi-based owners.
Despite the astronomical amounts of money being offered, former World Player of the Year Kaka, 26, is said by Mirror Sport’s sources to be unhappy about the move, feeling that he is being pressurised into leaving a team he helped win the Champions League in 2007 for one embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation. City’s last major trophy was the 1976 League Cup.
Earlier this week Kaka revealed that he hoped to “grow old” with Milan, to whom he is contracted until 2013.
Early editions of Saturday’s Daily Mirror claim that Kaka has been “railroaded into accepting the £108 million move.”
According to Mirror Sport, the Milan and Brazil playmaker bid an emotional farewell to club coach Carlo Ancelotti when he left training on Friday, and is unlikely to figure in the Rossoneri’s Serie A clash with Fiorentina at the San Siro on Saturday night.
It remains to be seen how accurate this report is, but the paper, on its online version, says Kaka’s love affair with the Milan club is over, adding that the blow will be softened by a £10m signing-on fee and a £15m-a-year salary. It also says that Kaka’s father and chief adviser, Bosco Leite, will hold talks with City officials in Milan on Monday, but reports claims from the Middle East that Kaka has already agreed to the transfer with Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi-based owners.
Despite the astronomical amounts of money being offered, former World Player of the Year Kaka, 26, is said by Mirror Sport’s sources to be unhappy about the move, feeling that he is being pressurised into leaving a team he helped win the Champions League in 2007 for one embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation. City’s last major trophy was the 1976 League Cup.
Earlier this week Kaka revealed that he hoped to “grow old” with Milan, to whom he is contracted until 2013.
Mourinho drops Balotelli, Quaresma and Mancini
ROME (AFP) - Misfiring forwards Mario Balotelli, Ricardo Quaresma and Mancini have all been dropped from Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan squad to face Atalanta on Sunday.
Teenage star Balotelli has recently fallen foul of strict disciplinarian Mourinho's standards and earlier this week the former Chelsea boss said the 18-year-old would have to wait until February before fighting his way back into the first team picture.
Wide men Quaresma and Mancini were Mourinho's two major summer signings as the Portuguese coach looked to bring in players that would suit his favoured 4-3-3 formation.
But both his compatriot Quaresma and Brazilian Mancini have flattered to deceive and Mourinho was even forced to change his formation to 4-4-2 due to their poor form, a switch that has seen both face limited playing time.
And despite injury to midfielder Patrick Vieira and a suspension to Sulley Muntari, none of the three have been able to force their way into the squad for the trip to Bergamo.
Balotelli had been pushing for a move out on loan in search of more regular football but Mourinho refused his request and said he needed to stay and learn how to train properly.
The Italian has at least shown a marked improvement in his training and attitude, two things Mourinho previously criticised.
"Right now I'm satisfied with what Balotelli has done over the last few days, he told me he wants to stay and that's an important step for him.
"But it seems only right to stay faithful to the team that played so well against Genoa, in particular (forwards) Adriano, (Hernan) Crespo and (Victor) Obinna.
"I'm sorry for Mario and also Mancini and Quaresma but the life of a coach isn't easy. You have to make decisions, sometimes because you don't have enough players and sometimes because you have too many."
Teenage star Balotelli has recently fallen foul of strict disciplinarian Mourinho's standards and earlier this week the former Chelsea boss said the 18-year-old would have to wait until February before fighting his way back into the first team picture.
Wide men Quaresma and Mancini were Mourinho's two major summer signings as the Portuguese coach looked to bring in players that would suit his favoured 4-3-3 formation.
But both his compatriot Quaresma and Brazilian Mancini have flattered to deceive and Mourinho was even forced to change his formation to 4-4-2 due to their poor form, a switch that has seen both face limited playing time.
And despite injury to midfielder Patrick Vieira and a suspension to Sulley Muntari, none of the three have been able to force their way into the squad for the trip to Bergamo.
Balotelli had been pushing for a move out on loan in search of more regular football but Mourinho refused his request and said he needed to stay and learn how to train properly.
The Italian has at least shown a marked improvement in his training and attitude, two things Mourinho previously criticised.
"Right now I'm satisfied with what Balotelli has done over the last few days, he told me he wants to stay and that's an important step for him.
"But it seems only right to stay faithful to the team that played so well against Genoa, in particular (forwards) Adriano, (Hernan) Crespo and (Victor) Obinna.
"I'm sorry for Mario and also Mancini and Quaresma but the life of a coach isn't easy. You have to make decisions, sometimes because you don't have enough players and sometimes because you have too many."
Gunners take revenge on Hull
HULL (AFP) - Late goals from Samir Nasri and substitute Nicklas Bendtner kept Arsenal's recent revival going with a 3-1 win over Hull here on Saturday.
Daniel Cousin looked to have denied Arsenal victory with an equaliser on 65 minutes to cancel out Emmanuel Adebayor's opening goal before half time.
But Wenger's men came good at the death with two goals in the final eight minutes to increase the gloom for fast-sliding Hull.
Adebayor, who has been strongly linked with a move to AC Milan or Barcelona in the transfer window, had notched his 12th goal of the season in the 30th minute with a clinical header.
The latest defeat for Hull has left supportPhil Brown's men appear to be in terminal decline following just one victory in their last 13 games and they now look increasingly like they could be heading for a relegation battle.
Brown made six changes from the side that beat Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round in midweek, the most notable being a debut to new signing Kevin Kilbane following his arrival from Wigan.
Manchester United striker Manucho had to settle for a place on the bench after joining on-loan until the end of the season.
Opposite number Wenger named an unchanged side, resisting the temptation to promote Bendtner despite his winning goal against Bolton last weekend.
The Gunners were still without William Gallas and Cesc Fabregas, yet remained determined to gain revenge for their humbling at the hands of the same opponents at the Emirates back in September, one of the lowest moments of Wenger's time in charge.
It was Hull who made the brightest start, however. Geovanni's corner flashed across Manuel Almunia's goal in the first minute before Nathan Doyle shot straight at the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Geovanni almost caught Almunia unawares with a curling free kick in the 19th minute but when Wenger's side began to get a grip on proceedings the signs looked ominous for Hull.
Robin Van Persie's deflected free kick shaved the Hull upright before the Dutchman went even closer in the 28th minute, demanding a world class save from Boaz Myhill with a blistering free kick which the Hull goalkeeper somehow managed to tip onto the crossbar.
Two minutes later the breakthrough eventually came when Adebayor rose high above Michael Turner to head Van Persie's corner back across goal and into the open net.
His 12th goal of the season was harsh on the home team yet rewarded Arsenal's growing dominance of a game they simply had to win to keep on the coat-tails of those above them.
That didn't look likely when Cousin levelled matters with 25 minutes remaining.
But Wenger's men found an extra gear when they needed one most.
First Nasri collected a pass from Van Persie in the inside left channel and beat Myhill with a superb left-foot finish into the opposite corner.
Then substitute Bendtner combined with the Dutchman before finishing from close range to kill the contest and ensure Arsenal remain three points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.ers wondering where their side's next win
Daniel Cousin looked to have denied Arsenal victory with an equaliser on 65 minutes to cancel out Emmanuel Adebayor's opening goal before half time.
But Wenger's men came good at the death with two goals in the final eight minutes to increase the gloom for fast-sliding Hull.
Adebayor, who has been strongly linked with a move to AC Milan or Barcelona in the transfer window, had notched his 12th goal of the season in the 30th minute with a clinical header.
The latest defeat for Hull has left supportPhil Brown's men appear to be in terminal decline following just one victory in their last 13 games and they now look increasingly like they could be heading for a relegation battle.
Brown made six changes from the side that beat Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round in midweek, the most notable being a debut to new signing Kevin Kilbane following his arrival from Wigan.
Manchester United striker Manucho had to settle for a place on the bench after joining on-loan until the end of the season.
Opposite number Wenger named an unchanged side, resisting the temptation to promote Bendtner despite his winning goal against Bolton last weekend.
The Gunners were still without William Gallas and Cesc Fabregas, yet remained determined to gain revenge for their humbling at the hands of the same opponents at the Emirates back in September, one of the lowest moments of Wenger's time in charge.
It was Hull who made the brightest start, however. Geovanni's corner flashed across Manuel Almunia's goal in the first minute before Nathan Doyle shot straight at the Arsenal goalkeeper.
Geovanni almost caught Almunia unawares with a curling free kick in the 19th minute but when Wenger's side began to get a grip on proceedings the signs looked ominous for Hull.
Robin Van Persie's deflected free kick shaved the Hull upright before the Dutchman went even closer in the 28th minute, demanding a world class save from Boaz Myhill with a blistering free kick which the Hull goalkeeper somehow managed to tip onto the crossbar.
Two minutes later the breakthrough eventually came when Adebayor rose high above Michael Turner to head Van Persie's corner back across goal and into the open net.
His 12th goal of the season was harsh on the home team yet rewarded Arsenal's growing dominance of a game they simply had to win to keep on the coat-tails of those above them.
That didn't look likely when Cousin levelled matters with 25 minutes remaining.
But Wenger's men found an extra gear when they needed one most.
First Nasri collected a pass from Van Persie in the inside left channel and beat Myhill with a superb left-foot finish into the opposite corner.
Then substitute Bendtner combined with the Dutchman before finishing from close range to kill the contest and ensure Arsenal remain three points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.ers wondering where their side's next win
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