By Simon Cambers
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 18 (Reuters) - Fourth seed Vera Zvonareva became the first woman to reach the semi-finals of the WTA event in Indian Wells on Wednesday, beating ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark 6-4 6-2.
Zvonareva, who reached the last four at the Australian Open in January, won a tight first set and then eased through the second.
The Russian will now play either top seed and compatriot Dinara Safina or eighth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
(Editing by Alison Wildey)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Van der Sar turns down international offer
THE HAGUE (AFP) - Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar turned down a request to return to international football it was revealed by national coach Bert van Marwijk on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper - capped 130 times - retired from international football after The Netherlands went out of Euro 2008 but did accept to return for two World Cup qualifiers last year in which he didn't concede a goal.
Van Marwijk faces a goalkeeping crisis ahead of the next two World Cup qualifiers against Scotland on March 28 and Macedonia on April 1.
"I called him (van der Sar)," said van Marwijk.
"I find that normal given the alarming situation regarding goalkeepers in the Netherlands.
"I was pretty sure what his answer would be, but I tried anyway."
Van der Sar's replacement as number one Maarten Stekelenburg recently lost his place in the Ajax first team to young hope Kenneth Vermeer while Dutch number two Henk Timmer is often injured.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper - capped 130 times - retired from international football after The Netherlands went out of Euro 2008 but did accept to return for two World Cup qualifiers last year in which he didn't concede a goal.
Van Marwijk faces a goalkeeping crisis ahead of the next two World Cup qualifiers against Scotland on March 28 and Macedonia on April 1.
"I called him (van der Sar)," said van Marwijk.
"I find that normal given the alarming situation regarding goalkeepers in the Netherlands.
"I was pretty sure what his answer would be, but I tried anyway."
Van der Sar's replacement as number one Maarten Stekelenburg recently lost his place in the Ajax first team to young hope Kenneth Vermeer while Dutch number two Henk Timmer is often injured.
Benitez signs new contract at Liverpool until 2014
LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez ended speculation about his future by signing a contract extension on Wednesday that will keep him at the Premier League club until at least 2014.
“My heart is with Liverpool so I’m delighted to sign this new deal,” the Spaniard told the club’s website (www.liverpoolfc.tv).
“I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying.
“I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.”
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)
“My heart is with Liverpool so I’m delighted to sign this new deal,” the Spaniard told the club’s website (www.liverpoolfc.tv).
“I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying.
“I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.”
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)
Bellamy hopes of Aalborg return dashed
MANCHESTER (AFP) - Craig Bellamy's hopes of making an early return to action in Manchester City's UEFA Cup meeting with Aalborg on Thursday have been dashed after manager Mark Hughes ruled the striker out of the trip to Denmark.
City are strong favourites to proceed to the last eight of the competition after a 2-0 first leg win and Bellamy had been optimistic about the chances of featuring in his first game since suffering a knee injury at the start of this month.
Hughes said Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland would be a more realistic target for the Wales striker, who has been an instant hit with the City fans since his January move from West Ham.
Hughes is hoping Belgian midfielder Vincent Kompany will come through a late fitness test on a toe injury.
"It is a lot better than it has been, although he is still having a little bit of pain," the City boss reported. "He had a run out for the first time yesterday and we will make a late decision on him.
"Hopefully we will have the option because he will give us that little bit of strength in the middle of the park we maybe lacked (in a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea) at the weekend."
Hughes believes City have got a great chance of lifting the trophy this season but insisted that Aalborg's prospects of overturning the first-leg deficit would not be under-estimated.
"They are a good side," he said. "People shouldn't under-estimate the task that is ahead of us.
"They have caused good teams problems in the past and people shouldn't be distracted by how well we played in the first leg.
"They didn't play as well as people expected because of the manner of our performance.
"If they get ahead they are likely to cause you problems. We have to make sure we are in control of the tie."
A successful run in the competition could yield City's first trophy since 1976. "It'd be great for the team and the club," Hughes added. "It is important to progress in European competitions. We have enjoyed it so far and hope it can continue."
City are strong favourites to proceed to the last eight of the competition after a 2-0 first leg win and Bellamy had been optimistic about the chances of featuring in his first game since suffering a knee injury at the start of this month.
Hughes said Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland would be a more realistic target for the Wales striker, who has been an instant hit with the City fans since his January move from West Ham.
Hughes is hoping Belgian midfielder Vincent Kompany will come through a late fitness test on a toe injury.
"It is a lot better than it has been, although he is still having a little bit of pain," the City boss reported. "He had a run out for the first time yesterday and we will make a late decision on him.
"Hopefully we will have the option because he will give us that little bit of strength in the middle of the park we maybe lacked (in a 1-0 defeat at Chelsea) at the weekend."
Hughes believes City have got a great chance of lifting the trophy this season but insisted that Aalborg's prospects of overturning the first-leg deficit would not be under-estimated.
"They are a good side," he said. "People shouldn't under-estimate the task that is ahead of us.
"They have caused good teams problems in the past and people shouldn't be distracted by how well we played in the first leg.
"They didn't play as well as people expected because of the manner of our performance.
"If they get ahead they are likely to cause you problems. We have to make sure we are in control of the tie."
A successful run in the competition could yield City's first trophy since 1976. "It'd be great for the team and the club," Hughes added. "It is important to progress in European competitions. We have enjoyed it so far and hope it can continue."
Playing the MLS guessing game
Major League Soccer is upon us again and the most fraught prediction game in the sport can begin once more.
Trying to guess the outcome of one the world’s most evenly matched leagues is a fast track to madness, but that doesn’t stop us from having a go year after year.
The 2008 guessing game was far from a success, with Yahoo! Sports – like most observers – backing the Columbus Crew to finish outside the playoffs. Several months later, and with both the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup safely stashed in Ohio, the resounding champion was able to snub its nose at all the doubters, us included.
Once again, the East looks to be the stronger conference, with the Crew and the Chicago Fire likely to be among the frontrunners. Here we take a look at each conference and risk ridicule by predicting the finish for each team in MLS.Eastern Conference predictions
1. Chicago Fire (first overall) – Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride are the attacking headhunters, but this team is built around its rock-solid defense.
2. Columbus Crew (second) – Head coach Sigi Schmid left for Seattle after winning the title, but the core of the team remains together. And it’s structured around the brilliance of Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
3. Toronto FC (sixth) – Sooner or later, the most passionately supported team in MLS is going to put a winning season together. Dwayne De Rosario’s arrival adds some creative spark.
4. New England Revolution (seventh) – The defensive stability of previous years could be affected by Michael Parkhurst’s departure, and there might not be enough firepower at the other end.
5. New York Red Bulls (ninth) – Dave van den Bergh could be sorely missed while Juan Pablo Angel may lack sufficient support as he leads the front line.
6. Kansas City Wizards (10th) – The Wizards are certainly capable of matching the best teams in MLS, yet they could struggle to find the consistency to clinch a playoff berth.
7. D.C. United (11th) – How the mighty have fallen. The experiment on a core of South Americans failed dramatically last season and this campaign represents a rebuilding period.Western Conference predictions
1. Real Salt Lake (third overall) – Javier Morales remains one of MLS’s most underrated players and his dynamic influence could further lift this fast-improving team.
2. Houston Dynamo (fourth) – Houston’s experienced backbone of senior players know how to get it done and will be keen to put up a strong challenge after last season’s early playoff exit.
3. Chivas USA (fifth) – Retaining the services of Sacha Kljestan was a huge plus, although there is still a danger he could leave in the summer. With him, Chivas can contend.
4. Colorado Rapids (eighth) – A lack of genuine star power shouldn’t stop the Rapids from putting together a strong campaign. They will be tough to stop at home.
5. Los Angeles Galaxy (12th) – Better without David Beckham? We’ll see. Becks will return for a brief cameo and then be gone for good, while Bruce Arena tries to rebuild a disjointed and fractured club.
6. San Jose Earthquakes (13th) – Year 2 in Frank Yallop’s Bay Area master plan begins with high hopes. Bobby Convey has returned from England and could be effective in a central midfield role.
7. FC Dallas (14th) – The arrival of van den Bergh can’t disguise the defensive doubts about this unproven squad. Head coach Schelles Hyndman needs to show he can adapt from the college ranks to the pros.
8. Seattle Sounders FC (15th) – This exciting new franchise has high-profile ownership and passionate support. However, life for any expansion team is desperately tough and hard lessons await.
MLS Cup playoff predictions
First round – East: Chicago Fire beat New England Revolution, Toronto FC beat Columbus Crew … West: Real Salt Lake beat Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo beat Chivas USA
Conference finals – East: Chicago Fire beat Toronto FC … West: Houston Dynamo beat Real Salt Lake
MLS Cup – Chicago Fire beat Houston Dynamo
So there you have it, a title for Blanco and the Fire, a near-miss for Houston – and more problems for the Galaxy. We look forward to being proven wrong, again.
Trying to guess the outcome of one the world’s most evenly matched leagues is a fast track to madness, but that doesn’t stop us from having a go year after year.
The 2008 guessing game was far from a success, with Yahoo! Sports – like most observers – backing the Columbus Crew to finish outside the playoffs. Several months later, and with both the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup safely stashed in Ohio, the resounding champion was able to snub its nose at all the doubters, us included.
Once again, the East looks to be the stronger conference, with the Crew and the Chicago Fire likely to be among the frontrunners. Here we take a look at each conference and risk ridicule by predicting the finish for each team in MLS.Eastern Conference predictions
1. Chicago Fire (first overall) – Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride are the attacking headhunters, but this team is built around its rock-solid defense.
2. Columbus Crew (second) – Head coach Sigi Schmid left for Seattle after winning the title, but the core of the team remains together. And it’s structured around the brilliance of Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
3. Toronto FC (sixth) – Sooner or later, the most passionately supported team in MLS is going to put a winning season together. Dwayne De Rosario’s arrival adds some creative spark.
4. New England Revolution (seventh) – The defensive stability of previous years could be affected by Michael Parkhurst’s departure, and there might not be enough firepower at the other end.
5. New York Red Bulls (ninth) – Dave van den Bergh could be sorely missed while Juan Pablo Angel may lack sufficient support as he leads the front line.
6. Kansas City Wizards (10th) – The Wizards are certainly capable of matching the best teams in MLS, yet they could struggle to find the consistency to clinch a playoff berth.
7. D.C. United (11th) – How the mighty have fallen. The experiment on a core of South Americans failed dramatically last season and this campaign represents a rebuilding period.Western Conference predictions
1. Real Salt Lake (third overall) – Javier Morales remains one of MLS’s most underrated players and his dynamic influence could further lift this fast-improving team.
2. Houston Dynamo (fourth) – Houston’s experienced backbone of senior players know how to get it done and will be keen to put up a strong challenge after last season’s early playoff exit.
3. Chivas USA (fifth) – Retaining the services of Sacha Kljestan was a huge plus, although there is still a danger he could leave in the summer. With him, Chivas can contend.
4. Colorado Rapids (eighth) – A lack of genuine star power shouldn’t stop the Rapids from putting together a strong campaign. They will be tough to stop at home.
5. Los Angeles Galaxy (12th) – Better without David Beckham? We’ll see. Becks will return for a brief cameo and then be gone for good, while Bruce Arena tries to rebuild a disjointed and fractured club.
6. San Jose Earthquakes (13th) – Year 2 in Frank Yallop’s Bay Area master plan begins with high hopes. Bobby Convey has returned from England and could be effective in a central midfield role.
7. FC Dallas (14th) – The arrival of van den Bergh can’t disguise the defensive doubts about this unproven squad. Head coach Schelles Hyndman needs to show he can adapt from the college ranks to the pros.
8. Seattle Sounders FC (15th) – This exciting new franchise has high-profile ownership and passionate support. However, life for any expansion team is desperately tough and hard lessons await.
MLS Cup playoff predictions
First round – East: Chicago Fire beat New England Revolution, Toronto FC beat Columbus Crew … West: Real Salt Lake beat Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo beat Chivas USA
Conference finals – East: Chicago Fire beat Toronto FC … West: Houston Dynamo beat Real Salt Lake
MLS Cup – Chicago Fire beat Houston Dynamo
So there you have it, a title for Blanco and the Fire, a near-miss for Houston – and more problems for the Galaxy. We look forward to being proven wrong, again.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Holder Ivanovic advances at Indian Wells
* Ivanovic into fourth round
* French Open champion sets up Pennetta clash (Adds quotes)
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 16 (Reuters) - Defending champion Ana Ivanovic beat Argentina’s Gisela Dulko 6-3, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of the WTA event in Indian Wells on Monday.
The Serbian fifth seed was not totally convincing but did enough to set up a clash with Italian 12th seed Flavia Pennetta.
“When it was very close on both sets I stepped up a little bit more and I just went for my shots and followed my instincts. I played really well,” Ivanovic told reporters.
With Ivanovic making too many errors early on, 31st seed Dulko broke to lead 3-2 in the opening set.
Ivanovic quickly pulled her game together, however, reeling off four straight games for the set before easing through the second to clinch victory.
Since winning the French Open last summer, Ivanovic has been struggling for confidence, winning just one tournament, at the end of last year.
But the 21-year-old said her new coach, Craig Kardon, who signed up with her last month, had helped restore her belief in her ability.
“I had lots of doubts about my game in the past six months,” Ivanovic said. “So finally I feel like I have strategy and also a plan in place again. It gives me a lot of security and confidence.”
Pennetta beat American qualifier Angela Haynes 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 while seventh seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Hungary’s 22nd seed Agnes Szavay also advanced to the last 16.
(Writing by Simon Cambers; Editing by Alastair Himmer)
* French Open champion sets up Pennetta clash (Adds quotes)
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 16 (Reuters) - Defending champion Ana Ivanovic beat Argentina’s Gisela Dulko 6-3, 6-3 to reach the fourth round of the WTA event in Indian Wells on Monday.
The Serbian fifth seed was not totally convincing but did enough to set up a clash with Italian 12th seed Flavia Pennetta.
“When it was very close on both sets I stepped up a little bit more and I just went for my shots and followed my instincts. I played really well,” Ivanovic told reporters.
With Ivanovic making too many errors early on, 31st seed Dulko broke to lead 3-2 in the opening set.
Ivanovic quickly pulled her game together, however, reeling off four straight games for the set before easing through the second to clinch victory.
Since winning the French Open last summer, Ivanovic has been struggling for confidence, winning just one tournament, at the end of last year.
But the 21-year-old said her new coach, Craig Kardon, who signed up with her last month, had helped restore her belief in her ability.
“I had lots of doubts about my game in the past six months,” Ivanovic said. “So finally I feel like I have strategy and also a plan in place again. It gives me a lot of security and confidence.”
Pennetta beat American qualifier Angela Haynes 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 while seventh seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland and Hungary’s 22nd seed Agnes Szavay also advanced to the last 16.
(Writing by Simon Cambers; Editing by Alastair Himmer)
Federer downs Karlovic at Indian Wells
* Federer fells Karlovic, faces Gonzalez in last 16
* Murray, Verdasco also advance but Tsonga out
By Simon Cambers
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 16 (Reuters) - Roger Federer felled big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic 7-6 6-3 on Monday to reach the fourth round of the ATP event in Indian Wells.
Fourth seed Andy Murray and number 10 Fernando Verdasco also moved into the last 16 but there were shock defeats for Frenchmen Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon.
Swiss world number two Federer, aiming to win the title for the fourth time, snatched the first set on a tiebreak and broke once in the second to clinch victory.
Federer will now play 17th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile for a place in the quarter-finals.
“It’s always a bit of a success story to get his serve back,” Federer told reporters.
“Ivo has really improved a lot over the past few years so it’s always nice to get through a tough match like this.”
Though Federer led their head-to-head battles 6-1, the 6ft 10in (2.08 metres) Karlovic had won their most recent encounter, in Cincinnati last year.
Karlovic kept Federer off balance in the first set with a barrage of booming serves to take it to a tiebreak. He then forged a 3-1 lead but Federer won six of the next seven points to take the set.
The second looked to be heading the same way until Federer finally broke the Karlovic serve in the sixth game, before going on to seal the win.
Gonzalez will be his next opponent after the Chilean ousted American James Blake 7-5 6-1.
Fourth seed Murray cruised into the fourth round with a 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu.
The fourth-seeded Briton stepped up a gear from his first match, the Scot hitting six aces to set up a clash with either Spain’s Tommy Robredo or Marin Cilic of Croatia.
“I hit the ball a lot better,” said the Scot.
“I served big when I needed to and moved very well again. Bar a couple of games where I lost my concentration a little bit it was a very solid match.”
Tsonga was outgunned 7-5 6-4 by Russian 22nd seed Igor Andreev, while Simon was upended 6-3 7-6 by another Croatian, Ivan Ljubicic.
Tenth seed Verdasco had no trouble in seeing off 23rd seed Richard Gasquet of France 6-3 6-2. (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
* Murray, Verdasco also advance but Tsonga out
By Simon Cambers
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 16 (Reuters) - Roger Federer felled big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic 7-6 6-3 on Monday to reach the fourth round of the ATP event in Indian Wells.
Fourth seed Andy Murray and number 10 Fernando Verdasco also moved into the last 16 but there were shock defeats for Frenchmen Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon.
Swiss world number two Federer, aiming to win the title for the fourth time, snatched the first set on a tiebreak and broke once in the second to clinch victory.
Federer will now play 17th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile for a place in the quarter-finals.
“It’s always a bit of a success story to get his serve back,” Federer told reporters.
“Ivo has really improved a lot over the past few years so it’s always nice to get through a tough match like this.”
Though Federer led their head-to-head battles 6-1, the 6ft 10in (2.08 metres) Karlovic had won their most recent encounter, in Cincinnati last year.
Karlovic kept Federer off balance in the first set with a barrage of booming serves to take it to a tiebreak. He then forged a 3-1 lead but Federer won six of the next seven points to take the set.
The second looked to be heading the same way until Federer finally broke the Karlovic serve in the sixth game, before going on to seal the win.
Gonzalez will be his next opponent after the Chilean ousted American James Blake 7-5 6-1.
Fourth seed Murray cruised into the fourth round with a 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu.
The fourth-seeded Briton stepped up a gear from his first match, the Scot hitting six aces to set up a clash with either Spain’s Tommy Robredo or Marin Cilic of Croatia.
“I hit the ball a lot better,” said the Scot.
“I served big when I needed to and moved very well again. Bar a couple of games where I lost my concentration a little bit it was a very solid match.”
Tsonga was outgunned 7-5 6-4 by Russian 22nd seed Igor Andreev, while Simon was upended 6-3 7-6 by another Croatian, Ivan Ljubicic.
Tenth seed Verdasco had no trouble in seeing off 23rd seed Richard Gasquet of France 6-3 6-2. (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Chelsea 4 points off Man U after 1-0 over Man City
LONDON (AP)—Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0 to move within four points of Manchester United in the Premier League standings on Sunday, and Tottenham beat Aston Villa 2-1 to climb into 11th place, its highest of the season.
Michael Essien scored Chelsea’s 18th minute winner at Stamford Bridge with his second goal in two games as the Blues made it four league victories in a row since temporary coach Guus Hiddink replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Manchester United’s surprise 4-1 loss at home to Liverpool on Saturday has given the chasing teams hope of catching the Red Devils. Both Chelsea and Liverpool are four points behind the defending champion, which has a game in hand.
“The door is a little bit open,” Hiddink said. “It gives them a blow and now all depends on their calmness. Let’s see how they react in the coming games, but they have a lot of experience. We have to keep winning.”
Jermaine Jenas and Darren Bent fired goals past Brad Friedel, Villa’s American goalkeeper. John Carew replied in the 85th, but Spurs hung on for the victory, giving it 33 points from 21 games since Harry Redknapp replaced the fired Juande Ramos. Back then Tottenham was last with two points and now is up to halfway, six points above the relegation zone.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Hamburger SV beat Energie Cottbus 2-0 to remain four points behind Bundesliga leader Hertha Berlin.
Goals by Ivica Olic and Piotr Trochowski in the first half gives Hamburg 45 points, the same as defending champion Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg.
In Sunday’s other game, Werder Bremen defeated Stuttgart 4-0 after two goals by Markus Rosenberg to notch its first victory in the second half of the season.
Hertha stayed four points clear with a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Darren O’Dea and Aiden McGeady scored extra time goals to guide Celtic to a 2-0 victory over traditional rival Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final.
After 90 minutes of goalless football at Hampden Park, O’Dea gave Celtic the lead in the first minute of extra time. McGeady added the second from the penalty spot in the 120th minute after he had been tripped by Kirk Broadfoot, who was ejected.
It was the first time in 20 years that Celtic had beaten Rangers in a final, the last time being in the more prestigious Scottish Cup in 1989. Celtic now has 14 League Cup titles to Rangers’ record 25.
AMSTERDAM (AP)—Maarten Martens netted the only goal and AZ Alkmaar beat FC Utrecht 1-0 to set a club record of 25th straight games without defeat and maintain an 11-point lead over FC Twente.
Third-place Ajax, which is 14 points behind, beat De Graafschap 3-0, Luis Suarez scoring twice including a penalty.
Michael Essien scored Chelsea’s 18th minute winner at Stamford Bridge with his second goal in two games as the Blues made it four league victories in a row since temporary coach Guus Hiddink replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Manchester United’s surprise 4-1 loss at home to Liverpool on Saturday has given the chasing teams hope of catching the Red Devils. Both Chelsea and Liverpool are four points behind the defending champion, which has a game in hand.
“The door is a little bit open,” Hiddink said. “It gives them a blow and now all depends on their calmness. Let’s see how they react in the coming games, but they have a lot of experience. We have to keep winning.”
Jermaine Jenas and Darren Bent fired goals past Brad Friedel, Villa’s American goalkeeper. John Carew replied in the 85th, but Spurs hung on for the victory, giving it 33 points from 21 games since Harry Redknapp replaced the fired Juande Ramos. Back then Tottenham was last with two points and now is up to halfway, six points above the relegation zone.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Hamburger SV beat Energie Cottbus 2-0 to remain four points behind Bundesliga leader Hertha Berlin.
Goals by Ivica Olic and Piotr Trochowski in the first half gives Hamburg 45 points, the same as defending champion Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg.
In Sunday’s other game, Werder Bremen defeated Stuttgart 4-0 after two goals by Markus Rosenberg to notch its first victory in the second half of the season.
Hertha stayed four points clear with a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Darren O’Dea and Aiden McGeady scored extra time goals to guide Celtic to a 2-0 victory over traditional rival Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final.
After 90 minutes of goalless football at Hampden Park, O’Dea gave Celtic the lead in the first minute of extra time. McGeady added the second from the penalty spot in the 120th minute after he had been tripped by Kirk Broadfoot, who was ejected.
It was the first time in 20 years that Celtic had beaten Rangers in a final, the last time being in the more prestigious Scottish Cup in 1989. Celtic now has 14 League Cup titles to Rangers’ record 25.
AMSTERDAM (AP)—Maarten Martens netted the only goal and AZ Alkmaar beat FC Utrecht 1-0 to set a club record of 25th straight games without defeat and maintain an 11-point lead over FC Twente.
Third-place Ajax, which is 14 points behind, beat De Graafschap 3-0, Luis Suarez scoring twice including a penalty.
La Liga Team Of The Week: Round 27
Formation: 3-4-3
GOALKEEPER
Diego Lopez (Villarreal)
He might well have conceded three goals in the end but there is no doubt that without Lopez's heroics Villarreal might well have let in seven or eight. Not only did he make a great save to deny Forlan from the spot early on but he then went on to make a series of brilliant saves to keep out most of the Atletico team who tried their luck.
DEFENDERS
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)The Brazilian defender was at his attacking best on Sunday evening as he helped Barcelona tear Almeria apart on numerous occasions. Linked up very well with the front men in and around the box and also got back to defend when he was needed.
Jesus Gamez (Malaga)
Sevilla might have grabbed a late draw against Malaga but for most of the game it looked as though they would be undone by the defensive strength of the home side. Gamez was one of the best at the back with his power and speed not giving the front men much time to play as they desired.
Juanito (Real Betis)
The Spaniard was a rock at the back for Betis on Sunday and ensured that Osasuna had few opportunities to test Ricardo. If only the Verdiblanco forwards could have done better then Betis would have almost certainly won this match.MIDFIELDERS
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
When Iniesta plays well it is usually no coincidence that Barcelona play well and the game against Almeria was a case in point. The Spaniard dictated play from all over the pitch, moving and creating space and allowing the rest of the team to play around him, which they do so well.Raul Garcia (Atletico Madrid)Has not been at his best this season but against Villarreal he was key for Atletico and his performance in the centre of the pitch helped them to an impressive win. Not only did he prevent the visitors from attacking on most occasions but he also looked comfortable and linked up well with the front men all game.
Ivan de la Pena (Espanyol)
The midfielder has been missing for much of this season and perhaps that is why Espanyol are in such dire straights. Against Mallorca he was the catalyst behind their stunning comeback that secured a precious point and kept their survival hopes alive.Oscar Serrano (Racing Santander)
An all round brilliant display from the midfielder who ripped Numancia to shreds in the opening 45 minutes. Scored the first goal with a clinical strike, set up the second for Zigic and then added the fifth of the match just before half-time to wrap up an emphatic win for Racing.
FORWARDS
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid never looked totally comfortable against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening but Huntelaar gave the score line a one-sided feel with his two goals. The first of them was probably the more impressive as it came from nowhere but the second illustrated just why Madrid signed him as he coolly lifted the ball over the on-rushing Gorka to score.Bojan Krkic (Barcelona)
Has been far from a central figure at Barcelona this season but Bojan stole the limelight against Almeria by scoring twice. The youngster was given the job of grabbing the goals for the Catalans and he did it well by pouncing on a rebound to tap in and being in the right place at the right time to finish off a move, with the aid of a deflection.Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander)
If Racing survive this season, and possibly even make Europe again, they will owe a lot to Nikola Zigic. Not only has the big striker added a new dimension to the team but he has got them goals, and plenty of them. His brace against Numancia were his seventh and eight goals since returning and in ten games that is not a bad strike rate.
SUBSRoberto (Osasuna)
Oriol (Racing Santander)
Xavi (Barcelona)
Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid)
Salva (Malaga)
GOALKEEPER
Diego Lopez (Villarreal)
He might well have conceded three goals in the end but there is no doubt that without Lopez's heroics Villarreal might well have let in seven or eight. Not only did he make a great save to deny Forlan from the spot early on but he then went on to make a series of brilliant saves to keep out most of the Atletico team who tried their luck.
DEFENDERS
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)The Brazilian defender was at his attacking best on Sunday evening as he helped Barcelona tear Almeria apart on numerous occasions. Linked up very well with the front men in and around the box and also got back to defend when he was needed.
Jesus Gamez (Malaga)
Sevilla might have grabbed a late draw against Malaga but for most of the game it looked as though they would be undone by the defensive strength of the home side. Gamez was one of the best at the back with his power and speed not giving the front men much time to play as they desired.
Juanito (Real Betis)
The Spaniard was a rock at the back for Betis on Sunday and ensured that Osasuna had few opportunities to test Ricardo. If only the Verdiblanco forwards could have done better then Betis would have almost certainly won this match.MIDFIELDERS
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
When Iniesta plays well it is usually no coincidence that Barcelona play well and the game against Almeria was a case in point. The Spaniard dictated play from all over the pitch, moving and creating space and allowing the rest of the team to play around him, which they do so well.Raul Garcia (Atletico Madrid)Has not been at his best this season but against Villarreal he was key for Atletico and his performance in the centre of the pitch helped them to an impressive win. Not only did he prevent the visitors from attacking on most occasions but he also looked comfortable and linked up well with the front men all game.
Ivan de la Pena (Espanyol)
The midfielder has been missing for much of this season and perhaps that is why Espanyol are in such dire straights. Against Mallorca he was the catalyst behind their stunning comeback that secured a precious point and kept their survival hopes alive.Oscar Serrano (Racing Santander)
An all round brilliant display from the midfielder who ripped Numancia to shreds in the opening 45 minutes. Scored the first goal with a clinical strike, set up the second for Zigic and then added the fifth of the match just before half-time to wrap up an emphatic win for Racing.
FORWARDS
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid never looked totally comfortable against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening but Huntelaar gave the score line a one-sided feel with his two goals. The first of them was probably the more impressive as it came from nowhere but the second illustrated just why Madrid signed him as he coolly lifted the ball over the on-rushing Gorka to score.Bojan Krkic (Barcelona)
Has been far from a central figure at Barcelona this season but Bojan stole the limelight against Almeria by scoring twice. The youngster was given the job of grabbing the goals for the Catalans and he did it well by pouncing on a rebound to tap in and being in the right place at the right time to finish off a move, with the aid of a deflection.Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander)
If Racing survive this season, and possibly even make Europe again, they will owe a lot to Nikola Zigic. Not only has the big striker added a new dimension to the team but he has got them goals, and plenty of them. His brace against Numancia were his seventh and eight goals since returning and in ten games that is not a bad strike rate.
SUBSRoberto (Osasuna)
Oriol (Racing Santander)
Xavi (Barcelona)
Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid)
Salva (Malaga)
Is Premiership headed for big finish?
If last weekend proves to be a vital step in breathing life back into an English Premier League race that appeared to be drifting to a predictable and anticlimactic conclusion, it will have everything to do with the personality traits of the primary combatants.
For the first time this season, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all in territory that is friendly and familiar as the final weeks of an intriguing campaign approach.
United, despite its embarrassing 4-1 thumping at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday (its heaviest home defeat in 17 years), loves nothing more than to be at the head of the pack. The seven-point lead that seemed to wrap up the title is now down to four, yet Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is one of soccer’s finest frontrunners and will still feel mightily optimistic about the chances of a third straight EPL crown.However, Liverpool – finally – is approaching a comfort zone of its own. Rafa Benitez and his players seemed ill at ease during their stint at the top of the table and all the talk of a league triumph nearly 20 years in waiting added a heavy burden of pressure. Now that they feel they are the hunter, not the hunted, the Reds have little to lose and can operate with greater freedom.Now, though, the Blues are reinvigorated under Guus Hiddink, who has put his team back into a position of comfort. Hiddink, the mercurial player’s coach, understands the egos and personalities in the Stamford Bridge locker room far better than Scolari ever did, and the turnaround in results has been striking.
Just a few weeks ago, Chelsea looked to be written off. Now it remains in strong contention both at home and in Europe.
The race for honors is well and truly back on, and the kind of thrilling crescendo to the season that fans have waited so long for could finally be upon us.
Weekend First XI
1. Get him an Advil
Major League Soccer heads into its 14th and potentially most difficult season this week – and commissioner Don Garber has a few headaches with which to deal. The protracted David Beckham saga has done nothing to enhance the credibility of the league and Garber must find a way to boost interest and television ratings in an increasingly volatile economic climate.
2. Get him a beer
It takes someone special to be selected ahead of Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry at the age of 18. But Bojan Krkic repaid the faith of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola by scoring both goals as the Spanish La Liga leaders breezed past Almeria 2-0 on Sunday.
3. Get him some earplugs
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor had another day to forget as Villa lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham and dented its hopes of reaching next season’s Champions League. Agbonlahor looked set to emerge as one of the EPL’s brightest stars when he struck nine goals in the early part of the campaign, but he has scored only twice since mid-December and was booed by his own fans when he came on as substitute on Sunday.
4. Four corners
• Can you believe this guy was playing pro soccer in 1982?
• Does Franck Ribery need to leave Bayern Munich to revitalize his career?
• Is Didier Drogba clever, or a cheat – or both?
• What is the point of Indonesia applying to host the World Cup?
5. Catch a flight to … Amsterdam. Check out the coffee shops (for the coffee, of course) and catch Ajax’s UEFA Cup second leg against Marseille on Wednesday night. The Dutch side is 2-1 down from the first leg but must be favored to reach the quarterfinals.
6. A round of applause for …
Filippo Inzaghi. The Italian striker reached yet another milestone as his two goals in AC Milan’s 5-1 trouncing of Siena took him past 300 for his career.
7. Get them a Kleenex
Glasgow Rangers. They lost to hated rivals Glasgow Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final, 2-0 in extra time.
8. Get ready to say hello to …
Michael Orozco. The United States Olympic team defender is rumored to be keen to leave Mexican Primera Division side San Luis and sign with Major League Soccer.
9. Get ready to say goodbye to …
Javier Morales. The Argentinean playmaker has signed a long-term deal with Real Salt Lake, but more than one club in his homeland is keen to see him return to South America.
10. Get excited about …
Nordin Amrabat. The 21-year-old Dutch winger is making waves at PSV Eindhoven and is catching the attention of some of Europe’s leading clubs.
11. Why it’s good to be a soccer player
Take a look at Consuelo Matos, the stunning wife of Fiorentina and Romania striker Adrian Mutu.
The Anfield club’s response over the past week has been spectacular. Preceding Saturday’s dominant display at Old Trafford was a 4-0 hammering of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Don’t forget about Chelsea, either. For so long this season, the West London club was gripped by a paralyzing crisis of confidence under Luiz Felipe Scolari, leading to a series of inept displays that cost the Brazilian coach his job.
For the first time this season, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all in territory that is friendly and familiar as the final weeks of an intriguing campaign approach.
United, despite its embarrassing 4-1 thumping at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday (its heaviest home defeat in 17 years), loves nothing more than to be at the head of the pack. The seven-point lead that seemed to wrap up the title is now down to four, yet Sir Alex Ferguson’s side is one of soccer’s finest frontrunners and will still feel mightily optimistic about the chances of a third straight EPL crown.However, Liverpool – finally – is approaching a comfort zone of its own. Rafa Benitez and his players seemed ill at ease during their stint at the top of the table and all the talk of a league triumph nearly 20 years in waiting added a heavy burden of pressure. Now that they feel they are the hunter, not the hunted, the Reds have little to lose and can operate with greater freedom.Now, though, the Blues are reinvigorated under Guus Hiddink, who has put his team back into a position of comfort. Hiddink, the mercurial player’s coach, understands the egos and personalities in the Stamford Bridge locker room far better than Scolari ever did, and the turnaround in results has been striking.
Just a few weeks ago, Chelsea looked to be written off. Now it remains in strong contention both at home and in Europe.
The race for honors is well and truly back on, and the kind of thrilling crescendo to the season that fans have waited so long for could finally be upon us.
Weekend First XI
1. Get him an Advil
Major League Soccer heads into its 14th and potentially most difficult season this week – and commissioner Don Garber has a few headaches with which to deal. The protracted David Beckham saga has done nothing to enhance the credibility of the league and Garber must find a way to boost interest and television ratings in an increasingly volatile economic climate.
2. Get him a beer
It takes someone special to be selected ahead of Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry at the age of 18. But Bojan Krkic repaid the faith of Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola by scoring both goals as the Spanish La Liga leaders breezed past Almeria 2-0 on Sunday.
3. Get him some earplugs
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor had another day to forget as Villa lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham and dented its hopes of reaching next season’s Champions League. Agbonlahor looked set to emerge as one of the EPL’s brightest stars when he struck nine goals in the early part of the campaign, but he has scored only twice since mid-December and was booed by his own fans when he came on as substitute on Sunday.
4. Four corners
• Can you believe this guy was playing pro soccer in 1982?
• Does Franck Ribery need to leave Bayern Munich to revitalize his career?
• Is Didier Drogba clever, or a cheat – or both?
• What is the point of Indonesia applying to host the World Cup?
5. Catch a flight to … Amsterdam. Check out the coffee shops (for the coffee, of course) and catch Ajax’s UEFA Cup second leg against Marseille on Wednesday night. The Dutch side is 2-1 down from the first leg but must be favored to reach the quarterfinals.
6. A round of applause for …
Filippo Inzaghi. The Italian striker reached yet another milestone as his two goals in AC Milan’s 5-1 trouncing of Siena took him past 300 for his career.
7. Get them a Kleenex
Glasgow Rangers. They lost to hated rivals Glasgow Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final, 2-0 in extra time.
8. Get ready to say hello to …
Michael Orozco. The United States Olympic team defender is rumored to be keen to leave Mexican Primera Division side San Luis and sign with Major League Soccer.
9. Get ready to say goodbye to …
Javier Morales. The Argentinean playmaker has signed a long-term deal with Real Salt Lake, but more than one club in his homeland is keen to see him return to South America.
10. Get excited about …
Nordin Amrabat. The 21-year-old Dutch winger is making waves at PSV Eindhoven and is catching the attention of some of Europe’s leading clubs.
11. Why it’s good to be a soccer player
Take a look at Consuelo Matos, the stunning wife of Fiorentina and Romania striker Adrian Mutu.
The Anfield club’s response over the past week has been spectacular. Preceding Saturday’s dominant display at Old Trafford was a 4-0 hammering of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Don’t forget about Chelsea, either. For so long this season, the West London club was gripped by a paralyzing crisis of confidence under Luiz Felipe Scolari, leading to a series of inept displays that cost the Brazilian coach his job.
Baggies endure West Ham stalemate
LONDON (AFP) - West Bromwich Albion were left four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League after an uninspiring goalless draw away to West Ham at Upton Park here on Monday.
The visitors had the best chances of the match. Shelton Martis hit the bar while ex-Manchester United midfielder Jonathan Greening shot over the top from six yards out and James Morrison saw his effort saved by West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green.
West Ham, who remained seventh in the table, rarely threatened to score against Tony Mowbray's basement club in a low-grade contest that seemingly did little for the Baggies' hopes of top-flight survival.
"I think I probably should have put my chance away and got us all three points," Greening told Setanta Sports.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult game, Gianfranco Zola has got them playing well, but I thought we did all right tonight.
"We've been working hard all season. It's difficult coming up from the Championship but the boys have worked hard and we'll give it a good go until the end of the season."
Mowbray said that there had been no difference in their level of performance from recent matches.
"I don't think it was an improved performance - the defence was better but the performance was what we get most weeks.
"We missed some chances and it's a very disappointed changing room there. But it's something to build on."
There was a worrying moment for the already injury-hit Hammers when centre-back Matthew Upson went off in the first-half with a leg problem.
But the good news for manager Gianfranco Zola was that Upson was later seen walking freely after being carried off on a stretcher.
The visitors had the best chances of the match. Shelton Martis hit the bar while ex-Manchester United midfielder Jonathan Greening shot over the top from six yards out and James Morrison saw his effort saved by West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green.
West Ham, who remained seventh in the table, rarely threatened to score against Tony Mowbray's basement club in a low-grade contest that seemingly did little for the Baggies' hopes of top-flight survival.
"I think I probably should have put my chance away and got us all three points," Greening told Setanta Sports.
"We knew it was going to be a difficult game, Gianfranco Zola has got them playing well, but I thought we did all right tonight.
"We've been working hard all season. It's difficult coming up from the Championship but the boys have worked hard and we'll give it a good go until the end of the season."
Mowbray said that there had been no difference in their level of performance from recent matches.
"I don't think it was an improved performance - the defence was better but the performance was what we get most weeks.
"We missed some chances and it's a very disappointed changing room there. But it's something to build on."
There was a worrying moment for the already injury-hit Hammers when centre-back Matthew Upson went off in the first-half with a leg problem.
But the good news for manager Gianfranco Zola was that Upson was later seen walking freely after being carried off on a stretcher.
Arsenal hit back late to earn semi-final with Chelsea
LONDON, March 17 (Reuters) - Arsenal hit back with late goals from Robin van Persie and William Gallas to beat Hull City 2-1 in their FA Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.
Arsenal trailed to Nicky Barmby’s early strike and were not posing much threat until Dutchman Van Persie rammed in an equaliser from inside the penalty area with 16 minutes left.
Gallas then headed in from close range to seal a semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley, although the French defender appeared to be in an offside position.
The other semi-final will be between Manchester United and Everton.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Justin Palmer)
Arsenal trailed to Nicky Barmby’s early strike and were not posing much threat until Dutchman Van Persie rammed in an equaliser from inside the penalty area with 16 minutes left.
Gallas then headed in from close range to seal a semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley, although the French defender appeared to be in an offside position.
The other semi-final will be between Manchester United and Everton.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Justin Palmer)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Clijsters to join WTT this summer in St. Louis
NEW YORK (AP)—Kim Clijsters will return to the courts this summer to play two matches for the St. Louis Aces in the World Team Tennis league.
Clijsters will make her WTT debut July 21 in St. Louis and play in Philadelphia on July 22.
The former No. 1 player retired from the WTA Tour in May 2007. She gave birth to a daughter last year.
Andre Agassi, Venus and Serena Williams and John McEnroe are among the players who will compete in the league, which runs from July 2-26 in 10 cities.
Clijsters will make her WTT debut July 21 in St. Louis and play in Philadelphia on July 22.
The former No. 1 player retired from the WTA Tour in May 2007. She gave birth to a daughter last year.
Andre Agassi, Venus and Serena Williams and John McEnroe are among the players who will compete in the league, which runs from July 2-26 in 10 cities.
Nadal plays down grand slam chances, targets U.S. Open
By Simon Cambers
INDIAN WELLS, California (March 13) - Rafa Nadal has played down his chances of completing a grand slam of major titles this year despite the Spanish world number one’s utter domination of the men’s game over the last 12 months.
Rod Laver was the last man to win the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in a calendar year in 1969 and although Nadal won the Melbourne title in January, he said winning the other three would be an almost impossible task.
“My chances are really small,” Nadal told reporters at Indian Wells, where he is the top seed for the ATP event.
“What Rod Laver did was amazing. But at the same time it was a little bit easier in that moment than right now, because in that moment I think they only had two different surfaces (grass and clay).
“Now we have three and Australia and the U.S. Open are not exactly the same.”
Nadal will be the overwhelming favourite to win the French Open, where he has won the title in each of the past four years, and then will defend his Wimbledon crown in June.
“The U.S. Open is a big goal right now,” he said. “I would love to have that, the fourth. But I know how tough everything is and I’m happy with my results.
“I am going to continue working, but to win every tournament, it’s very tough. And if you are talking about the grand slam, even more.”
Nadal added that he was attempting to develop all parts of his game.
“I’m trying to play a little bit more aggressive, serve a little bit better, be a more complete player. If you can slice, you have another option. If you can go to the net, it’s another option.
“In the end, when you have more options, you have more resources. When you have tough matches, that’s really important.” (Editing by John O’Brien)
INDIAN WELLS, California (March 13) - Rafa Nadal has played down his chances of completing a grand slam of major titles this year despite the Spanish world number one’s utter domination of the men’s game over the last 12 months.
Rod Laver was the last man to win the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in a calendar year in 1969 and although Nadal won the Melbourne title in January, he said winning the other three would be an almost impossible task.
“My chances are really small,” Nadal told reporters at Indian Wells, where he is the top seed for the ATP event.
“What Rod Laver did was amazing. But at the same time it was a little bit easier in that moment than right now, because in that moment I think they only had two different surfaces (grass and clay).
“Now we have three and Australia and the U.S. Open are not exactly the same.”
Nadal will be the overwhelming favourite to win the French Open, where he has won the title in each of the past four years, and then will defend his Wimbledon crown in June.
“The U.S. Open is a big goal right now,” he said. “I would love to have that, the fourth. But I know how tough everything is and I’m happy with my results.
“I am going to continue working, but to win every tournament, it’s very tough. And if you are talking about the grand slam, even more.”
Nadal added that he was attempting to develop all parts of his game.
“I’m trying to play a little bit more aggressive, serve a little bit better, be a more complete player. If you can slice, you have another option. If you can go to the net, it’s another option.
“In the end, when you have more options, you have more resources. When you have tough matches, that’s really important.” (Editing by John O’Brien)
Safina, Mauresmo advance to third round
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP)—Top-seeded Dinara Safina fought off three set points in a first-set tiebreaker and beat Tina Pironkova of Bulgaria, 7-6 (8), 6-2 in a second-round match at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday night.
Safina, the younger sister of 2000 U.S. Open champion and former men’s No. 1 Marat Safin, can replace Serena Williams atop the WTA Tour rankings by reaching the final of this 12-day event. Williams, who beat Safina in the Australian Open final six weeks ago, is not playing here.
“I’m just going to focus on myself at this tournament,” she said, “but that (No. 2) is the reward for the success that I’ve had this year. I’ve played in three tournament and been in two finals.There is only one person in front of me and this is something big.”
Safina, who has lost in the third round here the past two years, will face No. 28 seed Shuai Peng of China in the third round and is positioned for a potential semifinal match against No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva, a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Yung-Jan Chan of Taipei.
In a late match, Urszula Radwanska of Poland upset No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.Radwanska, ranked No. 107, twisted her right ankle and fell trying to return a Kuznetsova forehand on the second match point and required medical attention. The 18-year-old was limping noticeably when she returned to the court but won the final two points when Kuznetsova hit a forehand volley into the net and another forehand long.
Amelie Mauresmo, coming back from yet another of the injuries that have plagued her in recent years, advanced to the third round with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Anna-Lena Groenefeld.
Mauresmo, No. 1 on the WTA Tour for a total of 39 weeks but out of the top 20 last season for the first time in 10 years, got her first tournament victory in two years by beating No. 3 Jelena Jankovic and No. 4 Elena Dementieva at the Paris Indoors. Her match against Groenefeld, of Germany, was her first since then.
The Frenchwoman, the No. 17 seed here, said the Paris win had an “unbelievable” effect on her confidence, even though it wasn’t reflected in Friday’s match, because “I was doubting my play, mostly physically, because I was really feeling either injured or not being able to really move the way I wanted.”
In 2007 Mauresmo missed four months of the season due to an emergency appendectomy and a right abductor strain and last year she was bothered by injuries to both thighs and her right rib cage.
Asked why she kept pushing herself at this stage of her career, she laughed and said “I probably didn’t find the answer to this question. I found the answer to the other question, which was do I want to stop, which was no. It was already quite a challenge when it happened in the summer of 2007, where I really asked myself whether I want to keep going or not. I didn’t find the answer quickly. It took me a few months to really feel that for some reason, I don’t have enough.”
The seeded players in the women’s field began play after first-round byes. Also advancing were No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka and No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki. But No. 10 Marion Bartoli of France lost to Shahar Peer of Israel, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5, and No. 13 Patty Schnyder of Switzerland bowed to Na Li of China, 7-5, 6-2.
In men’s second-round action, American Sam Querrey was a 7-6 (2), 6-2 winner over Guillermo Canas of Argentina; Tommy Haas of Germany beat Oscar Hernandez of Spain, 6-3, 6-3; Taylor Dent of the U.S. overcame Diego Junqueira of Argentina, 6-1, 7-6 (3); Michael Russell of the U.S. topped Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain, 7-5, 6-2; American Bobby Reynolds outlasted Fabio Fognini of Italy, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2; and Robert Kendrick of the U.S. beat Bjorn Phau of Germany, 7-5, 6-2.
Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, the No. 5 seed, withdrew due to a left heel injury.
Safina, the younger sister of 2000 U.S. Open champion and former men’s No. 1 Marat Safin, can replace Serena Williams atop the WTA Tour rankings by reaching the final of this 12-day event. Williams, who beat Safina in the Australian Open final six weeks ago, is not playing here.
“I’m just going to focus on myself at this tournament,” she said, “but that (No. 2) is the reward for the success that I’ve had this year. I’ve played in three tournament and been in two finals.There is only one person in front of me and this is something big.”
Safina, who has lost in the third round here the past two years, will face No. 28 seed Shuai Peng of China in the third round and is positioned for a potential semifinal match against No. 4 seed Vera Zvonareva, a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Yung-Jan Chan of Taipei.
In a late match, Urszula Radwanska of Poland upset No. 6 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.Radwanska, ranked No. 107, twisted her right ankle and fell trying to return a Kuznetsova forehand on the second match point and required medical attention. The 18-year-old was limping noticeably when she returned to the court but won the final two points when Kuznetsova hit a forehand volley into the net and another forehand long.
Amelie Mauresmo, coming back from yet another of the injuries that have plagued her in recent years, advanced to the third round with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Anna-Lena Groenefeld.
Mauresmo, No. 1 on the WTA Tour for a total of 39 weeks but out of the top 20 last season for the first time in 10 years, got her first tournament victory in two years by beating No. 3 Jelena Jankovic and No. 4 Elena Dementieva at the Paris Indoors. Her match against Groenefeld, of Germany, was her first since then.
The Frenchwoman, the No. 17 seed here, said the Paris win had an “unbelievable” effect on her confidence, even though it wasn’t reflected in Friday’s match, because “I was doubting my play, mostly physically, because I was really feeling either injured or not being able to really move the way I wanted.”
In 2007 Mauresmo missed four months of the season due to an emergency appendectomy and a right abductor strain and last year she was bothered by injuries to both thighs and her right rib cage.
Asked why she kept pushing herself at this stage of her career, she laughed and said “I probably didn’t find the answer to this question. I found the answer to the other question, which was do I want to stop, which was no. It was already quite a challenge when it happened in the summer of 2007, where I really asked myself whether I want to keep going or not. I didn’t find the answer quickly. It took me a few months to really feel that for some reason, I don’t have enough.”
The seeded players in the women’s field began play after first-round byes. Also advancing were No. 8 seed Victoria Azarenka and No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki. But No. 10 Marion Bartoli of France lost to Shahar Peer of Israel, 1-6, 6-4, 7-5, and No. 13 Patty Schnyder of Switzerland bowed to Na Li of China, 7-5, 6-2.
In men’s second-round action, American Sam Querrey was a 7-6 (2), 6-2 winner over Guillermo Canas of Argentina; Tommy Haas of Germany beat Oscar Hernandez of Spain, 6-3, 6-3; Taylor Dent of the U.S. overcame Diego Junqueira of Argentina, 6-1, 7-6 (3); Michael Russell of the U.S. topped Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain, 7-5, 6-2; American Bobby Reynolds outlasted Fabio Fognini of Italy, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2; and Robert Kendrick of the U.S. beat Bjorn Phau of Germany, 7-5, 6-2.
Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, the No. 5 seed, withdrew due to a left heel injury.
Liverpool grabs 1st win at Man United in 5 years
MANCHESTER, England (AP)—Liverpool routed Premier League leader Manchester United 4-1 on Saturday, coming from behind to revive its faltering title chase with its biggest win at Old Trafford in 73 years.
Captain Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool the lead for good just before halftime after Fernando Torres tied the score following Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty kick for United.
“It was magnificent, a great team performance,” Gerrard said.
The Reds’ first win at United in five years—and manager Rafa Benitez’s first—was put beyond doubt in the last 15 minutes, with goals by Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena as the defending champions were humiliated by their fiercest rival.
This was United’s worst home defeat since a loss by the same score in 1992 against Queens Park Rangers. The club’s miserable afternoon was compounded when defender Nemanja Vidic was ejected for the second time this season against Liverpool.
United is still four points ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand. Third-place Chelsea hosts Manchester City on Sunday, hoping to move within four of the leader.
Arsenal jumped into fourth place with a 4-0 victory over Blackburn, with Andrei Arshavin scoring his first goal for the club since he move from Zenit St. Petersburg. The Russian also had a second-minute shot deflect off Blackburn defender Andre Oijer for an own-goal. When his shot in the 87th was blocked by goalkeeper Paul Robinson, Emmanuel Eboue collected the ball to add the third goal.
In other games, sixth-place Everton beat Stoke 3-1; Fulham won 3-1 at Bolton; and Hull and Newcastle tied 1-1. Next-to-last Middlesbrough scored a last minute equalizer to tie Portsmouth 1-1, and Wigan won 2-1 at Sunderland.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Hertha Berlin held its four-point lead in the Bundesliga by beating Bayer Leverkusen 1-0, with Andriy Voronin scoring his eighth goal in six games.
That gave him a total of 11 for the season and his team 49 points in the quest to win its first German championship in 78 years.
Defending champion Bayern Munich won 3-0 at 10-man Bochum to move into second place with 45 points. Wolfsburg, which beat Schalke 4-3 on Friday for its sixth straight victory, also has 45 but is behind on goal difference.
Hoffenheim, the surprise leader at halfway through its first season in the top tier, remained without a win in its six last games after a 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt. It is in fourth place with 43 points. Hamburger SV, which plays Energie Cottbus on Sunday, can join Bayern and Wolfsburg on points.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Steven Fletcher lifted Hibernian to a 1-0 victory over neighbor Hearts in the Scottish Premier League. Both teams played the second half with 10 men after two red cards in first-half injury time.
Fletcher headed home a cross by Alan O’Brien in the 14th minute.
Seven minutes of injury time were played at the end of the first half, and Hearts goalkeeper Janos Balogh was sent off for racing out of his area and bringing down Fletcher. Then, Souleymane Bamba of Hibernian was sent off for a foul on Christian Nade.
The biggest game of the weekend is Sunday’s League Cup final at Hampden Park between Celtic and Rangers, the top two in the league. Celtic leads Rangers by three points in the league.
Captain Steven Gerrard gave Liverpool the lead for good just before halftime after Fernando Torres tied the score following Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty kick for United.
“It was magnificent, a great team performance,” Gerrard said.
The Reds’ first win at United in five years—and manager Rafa Benitez’s first—was put beyond doubt in the last 15 minutes, with goals by Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena as the defending champions were humiliated by their fiercest rival.
This was United’s worst home defeat since a loss by the same score in 1992 against Queens Park Rangers. The club’s miserable afternoon was compounded when defender Nemanja Vidic was ejected for the second time this season against Liverpool.
United is still four points ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand. Third-place Chelsea hosts Manchester City on Sunday, hoping to move within four of the leader.
Arsenal jumped into fourth place with a 4-0 victory over Blackburn, with Andrei Arshavin scoring his first goal for the club since he move from Zenit St. Petersburg. The Russian also had a second-minute shot deflect off Blackburn defender Andre Oijer for an own-goal. When his shot in the 87th was blocked by goalkeeper Paul Robinson, Emmanuel Eboue collected the ball to add the third goal.
In other games, sixth-place Everton beat Stoke 3-1; Fulham won 3-1 at Bolton; and Hull and Newcastle tied 1-1. Next-to-last Middlesbrough scored a last minute equalizer to tie Portsmouth 1-1, and Wigan won 2-1 at Sunderland.
FRANKFURT (AP)—Hertha Berlin held its four-point lead in the Bundesliga by beating Bayer Leverkusen 1-0, with Andriy Voronin scoring his eighth goal in six games.
That gave him a total of 11 for the season and his team 49 points in the quest to win its first German championship in 78 years.
Defending champion Bayern Munich won 3-0 at 10-man Bochum to move into second place with 45 points. Wolfsburg, which beat Schalke 4-3 on Friday for its sixth straight victory, also has 45 but is behind on goal difference.
Hoffenheim, the surprise leader at halfway through its first season in the top tier, remained without a win in its six last games after a 1-1 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt. It is in fourth place with 43 points. Hamburger SV, which plays Energie Cottbus on Sunday, can join Bayern and Wolfsburg on points.
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP)—Steven Fletcher lifted Hibernian to a 1-0 victory over neighbor Hearts in the Scottish Premier League. Both teams played the second half with 10 men after two red cards in first-half injury time.
Fletcher headed home a cross by Alan O’Brien in the 14th minute.
Seven minutes of injury time were played at the end of the first half, and Hearts goalkeeper Janos Balogh was sent off for racing out of his area and bringing down Fletcher. Then, Souleymane Bamba of Hibernian was sent off for a foul on Christian Nade.
The biggest game of the weekend is Sunday’s League Cup final at Hampden Park between Celtic and Rangers, the top two in the league. Celtic leads Rangers by three points in the league.
Mourinho refuses comment over punch allegation
* Mourinho says his name “sells a lot”
* Inter coach plays down speculation over future, transfers
(adds further quotes)
MILAN, March 14 (Reuters) - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho refused to comment on allegations he hit a fan after his side’s Champions League elimination by Manchester United in midweek.
“I am not talking about it,” the Portuguese told a news conference on Saturday.
“Mourinho sells a lot, you know it,” he added, in reference to his name constantly being in the newspapers.
British police said on Thursday they were investigating allegations that Mourinho had committed “a very minor assault”.
A United fan said he was punched in the face outside Old Trafford following Wednesday’s last 16 second leg match.
Italian champions Inter, who previously denied the accusations, lost 2-0 to holders United and went out 2-0 on aggregate.
Mourinho reaffirmed his belief that Inter had been unlucky to be eliminated, saying his Porto side which beat United on their way to winning the Champions League in 2004 had played much worse at Old Trafford.
He said the fact United coach Alex Ferguson had said his side were slightly fortunate supported Mourinho’s own view.
The former Chelsea boss also reacted to Italian media speculation about how long he will stay with Inter and which players he wanted to make the Serie A leaders a European force.
“It is impossible that everything you can read in the newspapers has come out of my head, because I work alone, absolutely alone,” he said in an unusually reserved tone.
“I’ll prepare myself, I write, I study, I’ll do my valuations for the future of the club. We don’t want a project Mourinho… we want a project Inter.
“I’m very, very satisfied with the strength of my players, with their professionalism, with their dedication. But in general, we need something more.”
(Reporting by Mark Meadows, Editing by Padraic Halpin)
* Inter coach plays down speculation over future, transfers
(adds further quotes)
MILAN, March 14 (Reuters) - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho refused to comment on allegations he hit a fan after his side’s Champions League elimination by Manchester United in midweek.
“I am not talking about it,” the Portuguese told a news conference on Saturday.
“Mourinho sells a lot, you know it,” he added, in reference to his name constantly being in the newspapers.
British police said on Thursday they were investigating allegations that Mourinho had committed “a very minor assault”.
A United fan said he was punched in the face outside Old Trafford following Wednesday’s last 16 second leg match.
Italian champions Inter, who previously denied the accusations, lost 2-0 to holders United and went out 2-0 on aggregate.
Mourinho reaffirmed his belief that Inter had been unlucky to be eliminated, saying his Porto side which beat United on their way to winning the Champions League in 2004 had played much worse at Old Trafford.
He said the fact United coach Alex Ferguson had said his side were slightly fortunate supported Mourinho’s own view.
The former Chelsea boss also reacted to Italian media speculation about how long he will stay with Inter and which players he wanted to make the Serie A leaders a European force.
“It is impossible that everything you can read in the newspapers has come out of my head, because I work alone, absolutely alone,” he said in an unusually reserved tone.
“I’ll prepare myself, I write, I study, I’ll do my valuations for the future of the club. We don’t want a project Mourinho… we want a project Inter.
“I’m very, very satisfied with the strength of my players, with their professionalism, with their dedication. But in general, we need something more.”
(Reporting by Mark Meadows, Editing by Padraic Halpin)
Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool
Manchester United
Van der Sar 5.5 - His net took a beating, but to be honest his defenders didn't do him any favours. Perhaps now that the clean sheet record has gone, the floodgates have opened. The veteran could have perhaps made some attempt to save Aurelio's free-kick – the third goal.
O'Shea 6.5 - Was perhaps the least culpable of a United back-four which crumbled today. Stood up well to Riera and then Dossena, at least until the substitute put the icing on the cake.
Ferdinand 5.5 - Rio started well enough, mopping up behind the more beleaguered Vidic. His afternoon would soon become a disaster too, though. He was booked for a challenge on Kuyt and failed to deal with the long ball which played in Dossena.Vidic 4.5 - The Serb had the strength to marshal Gerrard early on, but then things went completely wrong. He was out-muscled by Torres after dithering, leading to the leveller. The Spaniard well and truly won the battle between the two, although it was the pace of Gerrard which led to him being sent off for hauling down the midfielder.
Evra 5 - The left-back's deliveries weren't forthcoming and then, on the defensive end, he was done by Gerrard for pace. Only he can explain why he chose to dive in, gifting the Reds' skipper the spot-kick chance which he duly concerted.
Ronaldo 5.5 - CR7 wasn't at his best during the first half, despite opening the scoring with a powerful penalty. On many occasions he chose not to shoot from promising free-kick situations – although this could have been instigated by the coaches. He was a passenger during the second half, wandering around with his head down and failing to produce anything worthwhile.
Carrick 5.5 - Had a decent battle with Lucas, which he initially looked to be winning, although his opponent grew into the game. Otherwise, his deliveries were unpredictable, leading to his substitution.
Anderson 5.5 - The Brazilian was in for his energy, but didn't really justify his selection. Had one superb moment, turning swiftly before playing in Park, but was eventually hooked for Scholes.
Park 6.5 - One of the players who gets pass marks, Park's energy was crucial at times. He scampered through to win United's penalty and was busy early in the second half, before United capitulated.
Rooney 7.5 - United's best player by a country mile. He was always chasing lost causes and turning lemons into lemonade, hacking countless wayward crosses back into the danger area. Wherever he was asked to play, and it really did vary, he looked dangerous. He should be more than a utility man, though.
Tevez 7 - Another who worked hard, he played the telling pass which led to United's opener. The Argentine was involved in numerous near things, but the ball wouldn't really fall for him.
Berbatov, Giggs and Scholes came on in a triple change, but 'Pool scored the fourth almost immediately. It was too little, too late.
Liverpool
Reina 5.5 - The 'keeper shouldn't have come off his line to challenge Park and was duly punished for bringing down the wide-man. He guessed the right way, but Ronaldo's power was his undoing. He was also lucky not to gift Tevez a poacher's goal, initially fumbling a Ronaldo free-kick. Thereafter, his team took the pressure off his goal with a masterclass performance.
Carragher 6 - Was forced to play at right-back to accommodate Hyypia and started well, bravely blocking Park's early blast. However, his lack of pace was exposed on more than one occasion and he was eventually booked for a foul on Tevez. Like Reina, would have been relieved to see the rest of the team take the Red Devils by the horns.
Skrtel 7 - It was his ridiculously long ball from his own area which released Torres, assisting Liverpool's equaliser. Although he was booked, it was nevertheless a solid display.
Hyypia 6.5 - A late inclusion to the starting XI after Arbeloa pulled up with a hamstring problem during the warm-up. He did what he had to do, always seeming to be in the right areas and using all his experience.
Aurelio 7 - Covered for his centre-backs well, but his afternoon was set alight by his glorious free-kick, which put the game beyond doubt.
Mascherano 6.5 - The midfielder was booked for persistent fouling after a typically grimy game in the engine room. Perhaps not at his best, but he put himself about well.
Lucas 7 - He let Carrick get away, gifting the England international a good shooting opportunity. However, he was generally assured and eventually came out on top in terms of his battle with Carrick. Scrapped well late on to keep the Reds in pole position.
Kuyt 5.5 - It was a quiet game for the Dutchman, who somehow managed to let a 4-1 win over United at Old Trafford pass him by!
Gerrard 8.5 - Picked up where he left off in midweek. His positive runs were always a problem and they paid dividends when Evra brought him down before half-time, allowing him to dust himself off and convert to put the Reds in front. He was through on goal, forcing Vidic to haul him down and receive his marching orders.
Riera 4.5 - The Reds looked to him early on, but he couldn't make a telling contribution and was hooked.
Torres 8 - Playing without a painkilling injection, unlike in midweek, Torres was again superb. He out-powered the dithering Vidic to tie things up and, although his lack of fitness started to tell, he was always dangerous until Rafa took him off.
Dossena 7 - came on to score with a great chip, making it two off the bench in a week. Babel and El Zhar also looked lively in limited minutes.
Van der Sar 5.5 - His net took a beating, but to be honest his defenders didn't do him any favours. Perhaps now that the clean sheet record has gone, the floodgates have opened. The veteran could have perhaps made some attempt to save Aurelio's free-kick – the third goal.
O'Shea 6.5 - Was perhaps the least culpable of a United back-four which crumbled today. Stood up well to Riera and then Dossena, at least until the substitute put the icing on the cake.
Ferdinand 5.5 - Rio started well enough, mopping up behind the more beleaguered Vidic. His afternoon would soon become a disaster too, though. He was booked for a challenge on Kuyt and failed to deal with the long ball which played in Dossena.Vidic 4.5 - The Serb had the strength to marshal Gerrard early on, but then things went completely wrong. He was out-muscled by Torres after dithering, leading to the leveller. The Spaniard well and truly won the battle between the two, although it was the pace of Gerrard which led to him being sent off for hauling down the midfielder.
Evra 5 - The left-back's deliveries weren't forthcoming and then, on the defensive end, he was done by Gerrard for pace. Only he can explain why he chose to dive in, gifting the Reds' skipper the spot-kick chance which he duly concerted.
Ronaldo 5.5 - CR7 wasn't at his best during the first half, despite opening the scoring with a powerful penalty. On many occasions he chose not to shoot from promising free-kick situations – although this could have been instigated by the coaches. He was a passenger during the second half, wandering around with his head down and failing to produce anything worthwhile.
Carrick 5.5 - Had a decent battle with Lucas, which he initially looked to be winning, although his opponent grew into the game. Otherwise, his deliveries were unpredictable, leading to his substitution.
Anderson 5.5 - The Brazilian was in for his energy, but didn't really justify his selection. Had one superb moment, turning swiftly before playing in Park, but was eventually hooked for Scholes.
Park 6.5 - One of the players who gets pass marks, Park's energy was crucial at times. He scampered through to win United's penalty and was busy early in the second half, before United capitulated.
Rooney 7.5 - United's best player by a country mile. He was always chasing lost causes and turning lemons into lemonade, hacking countless wayward crosses back into the danger area. Wherever he was asked to play, and it really did vary, he looked dangerous. He should be more than a utility man, though.
Tevez 7 - Another who worked hard, he played the telling pass which led to United's opener. The Argentine was involved in numerous near things, but the ball wouldn't really fall for him.
Berbatov, Giggs and Scholes came on in a triple change, but 'Pool scored the fourth almost immediately. It was too little, too late.
Liverpool
Reina 5.5 - The 'keeper shouldn't have come off his line to challenge Park and was duly punished for bringing down the wide-man. He guessed the right way, but Ronaldo's power was his undoing. He was also lucky not to gift Tevez a poacher's goal, initially fumbling a Ronaldo free-kick. Thereafter, his team took the pressure off his goal with a masterclass performance.
Carragher 6 - Was forced to play at right-back to accommodate Hyypia and started well, bravely blocking Park's early blast. However, his lack of pace was exposed on more than one occasion and he was eventually booked for a foul on Tevez. Like Reina, would have been relieved to see the rest of the team take the Red Devils by the horns.
Skrtel 7 - It was his ridiculously long ball from his own area which released Torres, assisting Liverpool's equaliser. Although he was booked, it was nevertheless a solid display.
Hyypia 6.5 - A late inclusion to the starting XI after Arbeloa pulled up with a hamstring problem during the warm-up. He did what he had to do, always seeming to be in the right areas and using all his experience.
Aurelio 7 - Covered for his centre-backs well, but his afternoon was set alight by his glorious free-kick, which put the game beyond doubt.
Mascherano 6.5 - The midfielder was booked for persistent fouling after a typically grimy game in the engine room. Perhaps not at his best, but he put himself about well.
Lucas 7 - He let Carrick get away, gifting the England international a good shooting opportunity. However, he was generally assured and eventually came out on top in terms of his battle with Carrick. Scrapped well late on to keep the Reds in pole position.
Kuyt 5.5 - It was a quiet game for the Dutchman, who somehow managed to let a 4-1 win over United at Old Trafford pass him by!
Gerrard 8.5 - Picked up where he left off in midweek. His positive runs were always a problem and they paid dividends when Evra brought him down before half-time, allowing him to dust himself off and convert to put the Reds in front. He was through on goal, forcing Vidic to haul him down and receive his marching orders.
Riera 4.5 - The Reds looked to him early on, but he couldn't make a telling contribution and was hooked.
Torres 8 - Playing without a painkilling injection, unlike in midweek, Torres was again superb. He out-powered the dithering Vidic to tie things up and, although his lack of fitness started to tell, he was always dangerous until Rafa took him off.
Dossena 7 - came on to score with a great chip, making it two off the bench in a week. Babel and El Zhar also looked lively in limited minutes.
Liverpool stun United 4-1 to revive title race
* Liverpool beat Manchester United 4-1
* United defender Vidic sent off
* United still four points clear at top (Updates after later matches)
By Martyn Herman
LONDON, March 14 (Reuters) - Liverpool rekindled the Premier League title race on Saturday with a 4-1 mauling of leaders and bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
After their midweek thrashing of Real Madrid in the Champions League, Liverpool responded to falling behind to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty with another sensational display to seal a league double over the championsFernando Torres and a Steven Gerrard spot kick edged Liverpool in front by halftime. Fabio Aurelio then curled in a 77th minute free kick to make it 3-1 after United defender Nemanja Vidic had been sent off.
Substitute Andrea Dossena lobbed a fourth in stoppage time to make it a humiliating afternoon for United who had been on an 11-match league winning streak and were unbeaten in 16.
United lead the table by four points from Liverpool with a game in hand but their poor performance will give renewed heart to Liverpool and Chelsea who face Manchester City on Sunday.
“It was a great team performance from back to front,” Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports. “It was a magnificent win. It’s not very often you see Man United get beaten 4-1 at home.
“The important thing is the gap is smaller. We still need a bit of luck along the way but it may give the teams who still have to play United a bit of belief.”
Arsenal are out of contention for the title but edged back into the top four when record signing Andrei Arshavin grabbed his first two goals for the club in a 4-0 home thrashing of Blackburn Rovers to move above Aston Villa who play on Sunday.
Middlesbrough remained second from bottom after a 1-1 home draw with fellow strugglers Portsmouth, Hull City drew 1-1 with Newcastle United while Bolton Wanderers went down 3-1 at home to Fulham. Wigan Athletic beat Sunderland 2-1 away and Cup semi-finalists Everton sent Stoke City back into the drop zone with a 3-1 victory at Goodison Park.
DREADFUL ERROR
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had lost all four of his previous league games at United and a fifth, which would have ended his side’s title hopes, looked on the cards until the game swung on a defensive howler by Nemanja Vidic.
With United in control after Ronaldo’s penalty, awarded when Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina brought down Park Ji-sung, an aimless punt upfield appeared to be comfortable for Vidic.
The Serb, a rock at the heart of United’s hitherto miserly defence this season, got caught in two minds and as he dithered, Torres stole in to place a low finish past Edwin van der Sar.
Liverpool began playing fluently and they went ahead just before the break when Patrice Evra was caught by the pace of Gerrard’s burst into the area and clipped the England midfielder’s ankles as he tried to recover. Gerrard got up to beat Van der Sar low to his left from the spot.
United manager Alex Ferguson sent on Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov, all rested after Wednesday’s defeat of Inter Milan, with around 15 minutes to go but the home side’s hopes of a fightback were ruined when the hapless Vidic bundled over the goalbound Gerrard and was red-carded.
Aurelio curled the free kick past a motionless Van der Sar and Liverpool’s fans were euphoric when Dossena latched on to a huge Reina clearance to calmly lob into an empty net.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Alan Baldwin)
* United defender Vidic sent off
* United still four points clear at top (Updates after later matches)
By Martyn Herman
LONDON, March 14 (Reuters) - Liverpool rekindled the Premier League title race on Saturday with a 4-1 mauling of leaders and bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
After their midweek thrashing of Real Madrid in the Champions League, Liverpool responded to falling behind to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty with another sensational display to seal a league double over the championsFernando Torres and a Steven Gerrard spot kick edged Liverpool in front by halftime. Fabio Aurelio then curled in a 77th minute free kick to make it 3-1 after United defender Nemanja Vidic had been sent off.
Substitute Andrea Dossena lobbed a fourth in stoppage time to make it a humiliating afternoon for United who had been on an 11-match league winning streak and were unbeaten in 16.
United lead the table by four points from Liverpool with a game in hand but their poor performance will give renewed heart to Liverpool and Chelsea who face Manchester City on Sunday.
“It was a great team performance from back to front,” Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard told Sky Sports. “It was a magnificent win. It’s not very often you see Man United get beaten 4-1 at home.
“The important thing is the gap is smaller. We still need a bit of luck along the way but it may give the teams who still have to play United a bit of belief.”
Arsenal are out of contention for the title but edged back into the top four when record signing Andrei Arshavin grabbed his first two goals for the club in a 4-0 home thrashing of Blackburn Rovers to move above Aston Villa who play on Sunday.
Middlesbrough remained second from bottom after a 1-1 home draw with fellow strugglers Portsmouth, Hull City drew 1-1 with Newcastle United while Bolton Wanderers went down 3-1 at home to Fulham. Wigan Athletic beat Sunderland 2-1 away and Cup semi-finalists Everton sent Stoke City back into the drop zone with a 3-1 victory at Goodison Park.
DREADFUL ERROR
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had lost all four of his previous league games at United and a fifth, which would have ended his side’s title hopes, looked on the cards until the game swung on a defensive howler by Nemanja Vidic.
With United in control after Ronaldo’s penalty, awarded when Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina brought down Park Ji-sung, an aimless punt upfield appeared to be comfortable for Vidic.
The Serb, a rock at the heart of United’s hitherto miserly defence this season, got caught in two minds and as he dithered, Torres stole in to place a low finish past Edwin van der Sar.
Liverpool began playing fluently and they went ahead just before the break when Patrice Evra was caught by the pace of Gerrard’s burst into the area and clipped the England midfielder’s ankles as he tried to recover. Gerrard got up to beat Van der Sar low to his left from the spot.
United manager Alex Ferguson sent on Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov, all rested after Wednesday’s defeat of Inter Milan, with around 15 minutes to go but the home side’s hopes of a fightback were ruined when the hapless Vidic bundled over the goalbound Gerrard and was red-carded.
Aurelio curled the free kick past a motionless Van der Sar and Liverpool’s fans were euphoric when Dossena latched on to a huge Reina clearance to calmly lob into an empty net.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Alan Baldwin)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Hewitt battles into second round at Indian Wells
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 12 (Reuters) - Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt battled his way to a 7-6 6-3 victory over Czech Jan Hernych in the first round of the ATP event at Indian Wells on Thursday.
The Australian, still trying to get back to full fitness after hip surgery in August of last year, has slumped to 77th in the rankings, 14 places below Hernych.
Hewitt, who will meet 17th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in the second round, said he still believed he was capable of getting back towards the top.
“When I decided to have the operation, I knew that it would take around nine to 12 months to be fully fit again,” he said.
“(At) the French Open and Wimbledon last year I probably couldn’t have hit the ball any better, even though I lost to (David) Ferrer (in Paris) and Roger (Federer).
“So I didn’t feel too far away. You’ve got to be able to do that week in week out, and then if you get the draw that opens up, anything can happen. The ranking doesn’t bother me.”
In Thursday’s other action, Frenchman Marc Gicquel beat Italian Simone Bolelli 7-5 6-3 to set up a meeting with second seed Federer.
Latvian Ernests Gulbis, Michael Llodra of France and German Philipp Kohlschreiber also advanced to round two.
Top seed Rafael Nadal meets the winner of Friday’s match between South African Kevin Anderson and Germany’s Michael Berrer.
(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)
The Australian, still trying to get back to full fitness after hip surgery in August of last year, has slumped to 77th in the rankings, 14 places below Hernych.
Hewitt, who will meet 17th seed Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in the second round, said he still believed he was capable of getting back towards the top.
“When I decided to have the operation, I knew that it would take around nine to 12 months to be fully fit again,” he said.
“(At) the French Open and Wimbledon last year I probably couldn’t have hit the ball any better, even though I lost to (David) Ferrer (in Paris) and Roger (Federer).
“So I didn’t feel too far away. You’ve got to be able to do that week in week out, and then if you get the draw that opens up, anything can happen. The ranking doesn’t bother me.”
In Thursday’s other action, Frenchman Marc Gicquel beat Italian Simone Bolelli 7-5 6-3 to set up a meeting with second seed Federer.
Latvian Ernests Gulbis, Michael Llodra of France and German Philipp Kohlschreiber also advanced to round two.
Top seed Rafael Nadal meets the winner of Friday’s match between South African Kevin Anderson and Germany’s Michael Berrer.
(Editing by Nick Mulvenney)
Davydenko withdraws from Indian Wells through injury
By Simon Cambers
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 13 (Reuters) - Russian Nikolay Davydenko withdrew from the ATP event in Indian Wells on Friday because of a left heel injury.
The fifth seed was due to play Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in his second-round match.
Davydenko’s place in the draw will be taken by Frenchman Olivier Patience.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 13 (Reuters) - Russian Nikolay Davydenko withdrew from the ATP event in Indian Wells on Friday because of a left heel injury.
The fifth seed was due to play Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany in his second-round match.
Davydenko’s place in the draw will be taken by Frenchman Olivier Patience.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
Top-seeded Safina opens play at Indian Wells
INDIAN WELLS, California (Ticker)—Dinara Safina has the No. 1 ranking in her sights.
The top-seeded Russian will see her first action at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday when she faces Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round.
Safina is the only player at this $4.5 million hardcourt event with a chance to unseat Serena Williams atop the WTA rankings.
The 22-year-old, who was thumped by Williams in the Australian Open final in January, will become the new No. 1 if she can reach the final here.
Williams and sister Venus are not competing in this high-profile tournament, continuing their boycott of the event.
The siblings have not played here since 2001, when they alleged that fans verbally abused their father - Richard Williams - after Venus pulled out of a semifinal with her sister due to injury.
Safina has a slightly easier road ahead with Serena and Venus out of the mix, but there is no shortage of contenders.
Among them is sixth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova, who was runner-up to Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic here last season.
The Russian will begin her quest to return to the final when she meets Polish wild card Urszula Radwanska in second-round action Friday.
Other potential threats to Safina in this half of the draw are No. 4 Vera Zvonareva, eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka and No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki, all in action today.
First prize is $700,000.
The top-seeded Russian will see her first action at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday when she faces Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round.
Safina is the only player at this $4.5 million hardcourt event with a chance to unseat Serena Williams atop the WTA rankings.
The 22-year-old, who was thumped by Williams in the Australian Open final in January, will become the new No. 1 if she can reach the final here.
Williams and sister Venus are not competing in this high-profile tournament, continuing their boycott of the event.
The siblings have not played here since 2001, when they alleged that fans verbally abused their father - Richard Williams - after Venus pulled out of a semifinal with her sister due to injury.
Safina has a slightly easier road ahead with Serena and Venus out of the mix, but there is no shortage of contenders.
Among them is sixth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova, who was runner-up to Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic here last season.
The Russian will begin her quest to return to the final when she meets Polish wild card Urszula Radwanska in second-round action Friday.
Other potential threats to Safina in this half of the draw are No. 4 Vera Zvonareva, eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka and No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki, all in action today.
First prize is $700,000.
Champions League Team Of The Week - Round Of 16, Second Leg
The dust has settled, the final eight have been chosen, and now we wait with baited breath for the draw for the Champions League quarter-finals.
But which individuals earned their place in the sub after the second leg encounters this Tuesday and Wednesday?
This was one of the most difficult Teams of the Week in recent memory, with so many players performing to top standards. Narrowing it down to a squad of 21 was difficult; pruning that into a line-up of eleven was near enough impossible. Nonetheless, here is the Goal.com Champions League Team of the Week in a 4-4-2 formation.
GOALKEEPER
Manuel Almunia (Arsenal) – Arsenal were trailing 1-0 to Roma when Almunia kept his side in the tie with two key saves from Marco Motta and Rodrigo Taddei. Also denied Mirko Vucinic in the shootout as The Gunners sneaked through on penalties.DEFENDERS
Phillip Lahm (Bayern Munich) – Yes, yes, he's really a left-back, but Lahm covered so much ground and got so involved everywhere that he deserves a place out on the right for a dynamic showing.
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) – United's very own wall of steel. The Serbian defender is just getting better and better. Inter barely had a sniff against him.Martin Skrtel (Liverpool) – The Slovakian put in a tremendous shift against Liverpool at both ends of the pitch and must be commended for keeping his cool in the early stages.
John Arne Riise (Roma) – A true gladiator during Roma’s glorious exit. Moved into an unusual centre-back position after half-an-hour following Juan’s injury, and had his best-ever game in a Roma shirt. Won everything in the air and on the floor, not giving van Persie a kick.
MIDFIELDERS
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) – Along with team-mates Xavi and Yaya Toure, he dominated Lyon with swift passing, great movement, and tenacious closing down. The consummate midfield showing.
Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich) – Has had his detractors this season, but he was utterly majestic against Sporting and was a key member of the team that will be forever remembered as scoring seven in a Champions League knockout game.
Abou Diaby (Arsenal) – The only Arsenal outfield player to really perform up to standard in Rome. Diaby single-handedly held the midfield together, and was a tower of strength. Has the potential to be a world-class player in the future.
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) – Used all of his experience to put Inter to the sword. The entire sport, not just United, will be the poorer when he opts to retire. For now, though, he's a potent European force.
FORWARDS
Thierry Henry (Barcelona) – When presented with golden opportunities, he took them. An evergreen performance from a player desperate to keep his critics quiet.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool) – Anyone who dared call him a one season wonder in England will surely recognise his class after a rampant showing against Real Madrid.
But which individuals earned their place in the sub after the second leg encounters this Tuesday and Wednesday?
This was one of the most difficult Teams of the Week in recent memory, with so many players performing to top standards. Narrowing it down to a squad of 21 was difficult; pruning that into a line-up of eleven was near enough impossible. Nonetheless, here is the Goal.com Champions League Team of the Week in a 4-4-2 formation.
GOALKEEPER
Manuel Almunia (Arsenal) – Arsenal were trailing 1-0 to Roma when Almunia kept his side in the tie with two key saves from Marco Motta and Rodrigo Taddei. Also denied Mirko Vucinic in the shootout as The Gunners sneaked through on penalties.DEFENDERS
Phillip Lahm (Bayern Munich) – Yes, yes, he's really a left-back, but Lahm covered so much ground and got so involved everywhere that he deserves a place out on the right for a dynamic showing.
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) – United's very own wall of steel. The Serbian defender is just getting better and better. Inter barely had a sniff against him.Martin Skrtel (Liverpool) – The Slovakian put in a tremendous shift against Liverpool at both ends of the pitch and must be commended for keeping his cool in the early stages.
John Arne Riise (Roma) – A true gladiator during Roma’s glorious exit. Moved into an unusual centre-back position after half-an-hour following Juan’s injury, and had his best-ever game in a Roma shirt. Won everything in the air and on the floor, not giving van Persie a kick.
MIDFIELDERS
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) – Along with team-mates Xavi and Yaya Toure, he dominated Lyon with swift passing, great movement, and tenacious closing down. The consummate midfield showing.
Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich) – Has had his detractors this season, but he was utterly majestic against Sporting and was a key member of the team that will be forever remembered as scoring seven in a Champions League knockout game.
Abou Diaby (Arsenal) – The only Arsenal outfield player to really perform up to standard in Rome. Diaby single-handedly held the midfield together, and was a tower of strength. Has the potential to be a world-class player in the future.
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) – Used all of his experience to put Inter to the sword. The entire sport, not just United, will be the poorer when he opts to retire. For now, though, he's a potent European force.
FORWARDS
Thierry Henry (Barcelona) – When presented with golden opportunities, he took them. An evergreen performance from a player desperate to keep his critics quiet.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool) – Anyone who dared call him a one season wonder in England will surely recognise his class after a rampant showing against Real Madrid.
England’s Big Four dominate Europe again
It takes something special to make the Special One hold his hands up and admit that his team was just not good enough.
Excuses and bluster are a regular part of Jose Mourinho’s regime on the rare occasion he is defeated, yet after his Inter Milan side was dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Manchester United, he had nothing left to give.
“They are just better than us,” Mourinho said. “We played to our potentiality, but it was not enough.”
For Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos and Juventus’ Claudio Ranieri, it was a similar story, as three of the world’s biggest clubs failed to find an answer for the English onslaught on soccer’s toughest club tournament.Arsenal’s tense penalty shootout win at Roma on Wednesday made it four out of four for the English Premier League’s representatives, who will make up half the quarterfinal field. The EPL clubs have a vast sense of superiority against their continental rivals now, with an aura that was reinforced dramatically this week.It will take something special to stop Liverpool, United, Chelsea and Arsenal from continuing England’s stranglehold on the competition. And if the Special One couldn’t do it, who can?
Here we take a look at Yahoo! Sports’ latest Champions League rankings.
1. Liverpool. Rafa Benitez’s side is dominant and destructive and packed with confidence, and this is the tournament that he has hinged his season upon.
2. Manchester United. The defending champion always finds a way to get the job done and remains on course to clinch an unprecedented five trophies this season.
3. Barcelona. Lyon was brushed aside with little fuss, but bigger challenges await a team that is trying to keep its dream season on track.
4. Bayern Munich. A magnificent 12-goal display over two legs against Sporting Lisbon was a strong signal of intent. The Germans are the best-placed team to break the EPL/La Liga monopoly.
5. Chelsea. Guus Hiddink has sprinkled some magic and is turning around what looked to be a doomed campaign. Owner Roman Abramovich might get the trophy he craves more than any other, after all.
6. Arsenal. The London club survived a scare in Rome and is a genuine contender, especially once Cesc Fabregas returns from injury.
7. Villarreal. Despite uncertain times domestically, Villarreal keeps on firing in Europe. No team will relish a trip to the Mestalla.
8. Porto. An outstanding run has ignited dreams of a repeat of the 2004 Champions League title success, but further progress will be a huge task.
Man of the matches
Thierry Henry. The Barcelona striker scored the opening two goals and set up another for Samuel Eto’o as the Catalans cruised past Lyon.
Shock of the week
No major upsets this week, with the biggest surprise being that the leaky defenses of Porto and Atletico Madrid managed to play out a 0-0 draw. Porto went through on aggregate.
Milestone
Manchester United reached yet another Champions League quarterfinal, its 10th in the last 13 seasons. With their 2-0 win over Inter Milan, the Red Devils also extended their unbeaten streak in European competitions to a record 21 games.
We’re happy
Arsenal. The Gunners held their nerve in the Stadio Olimpico to squeeze out a 7-6 victory over Roma on penalty kicks. Arsene Wenger’s youth movement keeps on rolling.
We’re not
Real Madrid. The Spanish giant and its players have endured a storm of abuse from furious fans and media following its humiliation against Liverpool, with one newspaper insisting the club has “fallen off a cliff, institutionally and professionally.”
Excuses and bluster are a regular part of Jose Mourinho’s regime on the rare occasion he is defeated, yet after his Inter Milan side was dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Manchester United, he had nothing left to give.
“They are just better than us,” Mourinho said. “We played to our potentiality, but it was not enough.”
For Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos and Juventus’ Claudio Ranieri, it was a similar story, as three of the world’s biggest clubs failed to find an answer for the English onslaught on soccer’s toughest club tournament.Arsenal’s tense penalty shootout win at Roma on Wednesday made it four out of four for the English Premier League’s representatives, who will make up half the quarterfinal field. The EPL clubs have a vast sense of superiority against their continental rivals now, with an aura that was reinforced dramatically this week.It will take something special to stop Liverpool, United, Chelsea and Arsenal from continuing England’s stranglehold on the competition. And if the Special One couldn’t do it, who can?
Here we take a look at Yahoo! Sports’ latest Champions League rankings.
1. Liverpool. Rafa Benitez’s side is dominant and destructive and packed with confidence, and this is the tournament that he has hinged his season upon.
2. Manchester United. The defending champion always finds a way to get the job done and remains on course to clinch an unprecedented five trophies this season.
3. Barcelona. Lyon was brushed aside with little fuss, but bigger challenges await a team that is trying to keep its dream season on track.
4. Bayern Munich. A magnificent 12-goal display over two legs against Sporting Lisbon was a strong signal of intent. The Germans are the best-placed team to break the EPL/La Liga monopoly.
5. Chelsea. Guus Hiddink has sprinkled some magic and is turning around what looked to be a doomed campaign. Owner Roman Abramovich might get the trophy he craves more than any other, after all.
6. Arsenal. The London club survived a scare in Rome and is a genuine contender, especially once Cesc Fabregas returns from injury.
7. Villarreal. Despite uncertain times domestically, Villarreal keeps on firing in Europe. No team will relish a trip to the Mestalla.
8. Porto. An outstanding run has ignited dreams of a repeat of the 2004 Champions League title success, but further progress will be a huge task.
Man of the matches
Thierry Henry. The Barcelona striker scored the opening two goals and set up another for Samuel Eto’o as the Catalans cruised past Lyon.
Shock of the week
No major upsets this week, with the biggest surprise being that the leaky defenses of Porto and Atletico Madrid managed to play out a 0-0 draw. Porto went through on aggregate.
Milestone
Manchester United reached yet another Champions League quarterfinal, its 10th in the last 13 seasons. With their 2-0 win over Inter Milan, the Red Devils also extended their unbeaten streak in European competitions to a record 21 games.
We’re happy
Arsenal. The Gunners held their nerve in the Stadio Olimpico to squeeze out a 7-6 victory over Roma on penalty kicks. Arsene Wenger’s youth movement keeps on rolling.
We’re not
Real Madrid. The Spanish giant and its players have endured a storm of abuse from furious fans and media following its humiliation against Liverpool, with one newspaper insisting the club has “fallen off a cliff, institutionally and professionally.”
Canales Daily: WPS Inspires Young Players
Basketball star Kobe Bryant was wondering how to turn his young child on to soccer. It was easy for him to fall in love with the game when he was little himself. He lived in Italy, and despite the fact that his father was there to play basketball, the love for soccer, or "calcio", as the Italians called it, was entrenched in the local neighborhoods. When kid Kobe ventured out to play with the locals, they usually played soccer together, not basketball. Unlike many AYSO children who only kick a ball on the big green fields of local parks, youngsters in Italy play soccer everywhere, learning how to try to control the ball in tight spaces and to find creative ways around obstacles. Being surrounded by a soccer-loving culture, one in which fans march in the streets and entire cities shut down for important games also helps to increase both motivation and interest in the sport at an early age. Short of suddenly moving to Italy again, Bryant couldn't really hope to replicate that environment of his childhood. Instead, he did what so many in today's age do in times of need. He turned to YouTube. "I went on YouTube to show my daughter clips of Marta doing her thing, so she could see how cool it is and get excited about soccer," Bryant explained, revealing himself as a fan of the women's soccer star.Bryant's eldest, Natalia Diamante, is now six years old, just the age that her father was when he first moved to Italy and started playing soccer. "She was excited to see all the moves Marta can do," Bryant said. Though he obviously is well-paid to participate in another sport, Bryant remains enamored of soccer. He hopped in a helicopter after a Los Angeles Lakers practice last week to make it to the Los Angeles Sol's introduction of Marta as their newest player. Bryant has brought his two daughters out to watch soccer at LA Galaxy games before, but he noted that it would be a slightly different experience for them to come to Women's Professional Soccer games. There the Bryant sisters could see top-level female athletes perform and realize, perhaps, that Marta and her teammates started in the sport as little girls once, too.
The Sol will kick off the WPS season on Sunday, March 28, playing the Washington Freedom at the Home Depot Center. "I'm here to work hard for my team," said Marta, who has won FIFA's Female Player of the Year Award multiple times. "People know that women's soccer isn't yet on the same level as that of the men. It's special in its own way."
The Sol will kick off the WPS season on Sunday, March 28, playing the Washington Freedom at the Home Depot Center. "I'm here to work hard for my team," said Marta, who has won FIFA's Female Player of the Year Award multiple times. "People know that women's soccer isn't yet on the same level as that of the men. It's special in its own way."
Seattle Sounders FC creating a buzz in Northwest
SEATTLE (AP)—If this happened in London or Stockholm, maybe Freddie Ljungberg wouldn’t remember the exchange. It would be just another part of his day as one of the most recognizable soccer players in the world not named “Beckham.”
But in America? In Seattle?
“I just went to buy some groceries and people came up to shake hands,” Ljungberg recalled.
Simply suggesting there is mere “interest” around these parts for the return of professional soccer is grossly understating the amount of fascination for the Seattle Sounders FC, the newest franchise in Major League Soccer.
Season-ticket sales have surpassed that of the Seattle Mariners across the street—more than 20,000 have been sold, higher than the league’s average attendance last season—and were capped at 22,000 to give fans a chance to buy single-game tickets. Seats at QWest Field normally covered with tarps will be used for the home opener, where more than 32,000 are expected.Before the first official shot, save or goal in franchise history, Seattle has already been awarded the 2009 MLS Cup.
The franchise appears to hold all the pieces needed to establish a stronghold not only in the local market but league-wide: strong ownership led by Hollywood producer Joe Roth; a marketing partnership with the Seattle Seahawks; an established home in Qwest Field; and recognizable name players like Ljungberg and former U.S. national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller—a Pacific Northwest native.
There will even be a band at every home game and a fan support group with the power to vote out general manager Adrian Hanauer—part of the conditions placed by minority owner Drew Carey before the comedian agreed to invest with Roth, Hanauer and Paul Allen’s Vulcan corporation, to bring the MLS to Seattle.
Put simply, Seattle is like no other expansion team the MLS has welcomed within its ranks.
“I’m just trying to get the best people in. Trying to get the best general manager and the best coaching staff, the best head coach, the best partners. I think if you just keep with the same standard, it will filter down,” Roth said. “It doesn’t look like an expansion team. In this first season, I would expect us to be a competitive team and have a program for the fans that is at least entertaining as any in the league.”
Added new midfielder Brad Evans as he gazed around his home field after practice recently, “It certainly doesn’t look like an expansion franchise.”
Fielding a competitive and entertaining team is the responsibility of Sigi Schmid, the highly successful coach lured to Seattle after he led Columbus to its first MLS Cup title last season. Schmid is implementing an aggressive, attacking system at the behest of Roth, Carey and Hanauer, who all admire European and South American club teams with such styles. Schmid’s additional challenge was melding a group of players that never stepped on a field together before training camp opened.
“If there is ever a coach to bring guys together it’s him,” said Evans, who was with Schmid a year ago in Columbus.
Schmid pulled in players he knew. Midfielder Peter Vagenas and defender Tyrone Marshall played for him in Los Angeles. Then there’s Keller, who might be the squad’s lynchpin.
“From our most seasoned player, if I can use that term with Kasey, all the way down to our youngest player, has an immense amount of respect for him,” Vagenas said of Schmid. “I cannot stress that enough. That’s very important.”
The respect for Schmid may help the Sounders meld together away from the pitch, but there are significant questions once the squad takes the field:
— Can Ljungberg, recovering from left hip surgery in December, regain the form that made him one of the top offensive midfielders in the English Premier League a few years ago with Arsenal? Seattle is paying Ljungberg $1.3 million per season to control the midfield and create opportunities for forwards Nate Jaqua and rising young Colombian international Fredy Montero.
— Will Seattle be able to stop anyone on defense? Having Marshall, acquired in a trade with Toronto, along the back line provides a veteran presence, but the majority of Seattle’s defenders are either young or lack MLS experience.
— Does the 39-year-old Keller still have the speed and quickness in net to handle what will likely be a heavy load in his return home?
“I’m feeling great where I’m at physically, but I also know I’m near the end of my career,” Keller said. “I’m at a great time to be able to come home and to give back. … I feel like I can still compete and if I couldn’t I wouldn’t be out on the field.”
Roth’s expectation is that Seattle will be a winning organization from the start and contend for the playoffs in its first season. Schmid doesn’t run from those expectations.
“To me it’s not pressure, it’s exciting, it’s an opportunity,” Schmid said. “It’s why you coach, it’s why you play this game. Inside we all want to perform and to know there is going to be a lot of people here to watch us perform that just makes the whole thing great.”
AP Sports Writer Gregg Bell contributed to this story.
But in America? In Seattle?
“I just went to buy some groceries and people came up to shake hands,” Ljungberg recalled.
Simply suggesting there is mere “interest” around these parts for the return of professional soccer is grossly understating the amount of fascination for the Seattle Sounders FC, the newest franchise in Major League Soccer.
Season-ticket sales have surpassed that of the Seattle Mariners across the street—more than 20,000 have been sold, higher than the league’s average attendance last season—and were capped at 22,000 to give fans a chance to buy single-game tickets. Seats at QWest Field normally covered with tarps will be used for the home opener, where more than 32,000 are expected.Before the first official shot, save or goal in franchise history, Seattle has already been awarded the 2009 MLS Cup.
The franchise appears to hold all the pieces needed to establish a stronghold not only in the local market but league-wide: strong ownership led by Hollywood producer Joe Roth; a marketing partnership with the Seattle Seahawks; an established home in Qwest Field; and recognizable name players like Ljungberg and former U.S. national team goalkeeper Kasey Keller—a Pacific Northwest native.
There will even be a band at every home game and a fan support group with the power to vote out general manager Adrian Hanauer—part of the conditions placed by minority owner Drew Carey before the comedian agreed to invest with Roth, Hanauer and Paul Allen’s Vulcan corporation, to bring the MLS to Seattle.
Put simply, Seattle is like no other expansion team the MLS has welcomed within its ranks.
“I’m just trying to get the best people in. Trying to get the best general manager and the best coaching staff, the best head coach, the best partners. I think if you just keep with the same standard, it will filter down,” Roth said. “It doesn’t look like an expansion team. In this first season, I would expect us to be a competitive team and have a program for the fans that is at least entertaining as any in the league.”
Added new midfielder Brad Evans as he gazed around his home field after practice recently, “It certainly doesn’t look like an expansion franchise.”
Fielding a competitive and entertaining team is the responsibility of Sigi Schmid, the highly successful coach lured to Seattle after he led Columbus to its first MLS Cup title last season. Schmid is implementing an aggressive, attacking system at the behest of Roth, Carey and Hanauer, who all admire European and South American club teams with such styles. Schmid’s additional challenge was melding a group of players that never stepped on a field together before training camp opened.
“If there is ever a coach to bring guys together it’s him,” said Evans, who was with Schmid a year ago in Columbus.
Schmid pulled in players he knew. Midfielder Peter Vagenas and defender Tyrone Marshall played for him in Los Angeles. Then there’s Keller, who might be the squad’s lynchpin.
“From our most seasoned player, if I can use that term with Kasey, all the way down to our youngest player, has an immense amount of respect for him,” Vagenas said of Schmid. “I cannot stress that enough. That’s very important.”
The respect for Schmid may help the Sounders meld together away from the pitch, but there are significant questions once the squad takes the field:
— Can Ljungberg, recovering from left hip surgery in December, regain the form that made him one of the top offensive midfielders in the English Premier League a few years ago with Arsenal? Seattle is paying Ljungberg $1.3 million per season to control the midfield and create opportunities for forwards Nate Jaqua and rising young Colombian international Fredy Montero.
— Will Seattle be able to stop anyone on defense? Having Marshall, acquired in a trade with Toronto, along the back line provides a veteran presence, but the majority of Seattle’s defenders are either young or lack MLS experience.
— Does the 39-year-old Keller still have the speed and quickness in net to handle what will likely be a heavy load in his return home?
“I’m feeling great where I’m at physically, but I also know I’m near the end of my career,” Keller said. “I’m at a great time to be able to come home and to give back. … I feel like I can still compete and if I couldn’t I wouldn’t be out on the field.”
Roth’s expectation is that Seattle will be a winning organization from the start and contend for the playoffs in its first season. Schmid doesn’t run from those expectations.
“To me it’s not pressure, it’s exciting, it’s an opportunity,” Schmid said. “It’s why you coach, it’s why you play this game. Inside we all want to perform and to know there is going to be a lot of people here to watch us perform that just makes the whole thing great.”
AP Sports Writer Gregg Bell contributed to this story.
Kasey Keller back home in Seattle to finish career
SEATTLE (AP)—After nearly two decades proving that an American goalkeeper can have a productive, successful career in Europe, Kasey Keller thought about retiring to his home in Idaho and spending his days learning to snowboard in the winter and golf in the summer.
But then Keller realized that would be a disservice.
“I felt like I maybe wouldn’t be doing the game a service if having gained all the experience I have in Europe and then coming home and closing up shop,” Keller said. “Having the platform in Seattle and actually coming home, because if I’m doing this in Chicago or doing this in Salt Lake, I’m not home. I might as well be doing this in Europe. So having the opportunity to come back to Seattle and do it here made all the difference in the world.”
The skinny kid who grew up on an egg farm 60 miles from Seattle and later became the most capped goalkeeper in U.S. national team history is back home with the expansion Seattle Sounders FC to help Major League Soccer get off the ground in the Pacific Northwest.After trolling around the top leagues in Europe—the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain and living in a castle while playing in Germany’s Bundesliga—the 39-year-old doesn’t argue with the idea that this stop in Seattle is the final chapter of his playing career.
Keller spent the 2007-08 season playing with Fulham in the EPL, but found himself mostly in a reserve role. By the time his season at Fulham ended, Seattle had already been awarded an expansion franchise and was in the beginning stages of building the framework of its roster.
A marriage with Keller seemed almost too perfect.
“I’m absolutely confident that now that Kasey is going to be donning a Sounders FC jersey that that pride will be even more defined; that a player who is from the Northwest coming back to the Northwest will be unbelievably proud to wear the Sounders FC jersey,” general manager Adrian Hanauer said the day Keller’s signing was announced. “That’s a really important part of what we’re building here.”
What Hanauer described—the connection with a region that has long been a youth soccer hotbed—might be best personified by Chris Eylander, Seattle’s backup goalkeeper. Eylander grew up in nearby Auburn, Wash. He was 15 the year Keller was named U.S. player of the year for a second time.
Now Eylander is sharing time in the net with one of his childhood idols.
“On the field it’s great to train with him. He’s really good at what he does. He has a lot of the fine details, he’s got those all hammered out,” Eylander said. “It’s cool to be in the goal watching what he does and learning from him at the same time.”
Keller will likely get plenty of opportunity to prove there’s a little bit left in his 39-year-old body. The Sounders are loaded with offensive talent and shouldn’t have any problems scoring goals. But with an inexperienced defense, Keller is likely to see a lot of shots.
“I feel like I can still compete and if I couldn’t I wouldn’t be out on the field. I’d be having a coaching coat on instead of a players jersey,” Keller said.
This opportunity with the Sounders is also a test to see if Keller wants to move into the coaching ranks. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid has already taken notice of Keller’s willingness to be a magnet in the locker room for younger players trying to soak up some of his experience.
“Sometimes players will listen to a coach, but sometimes a coach will become like a father and they won’t listen to them and they’ll listen to a friend,” Schmid said. “Kasey’s got those experiences. His ability on the field is still an important aspect for us, but it’s what he contributes away from the field that’s also very important.”
But then Keller realized that would be a disservice.
“I felt like I maybe wouldn’t be doing the game a service if having gained all the experience I have in Europe and then coming home and closing up shop,” Keller said. “Having the platform in Seattle and actually coming home, because if I’m doing this in Chicago or doing this in Salt Lake, I’m not home. I might as well be doing this in Europe. So having the opportunity to come back to Seattle and do it here made all the difference in the world.”
The skinny kid who grew up on an egg farm 60 miles from Seattle and later became the most capped goalkeeper in U.S. national team history is back home with the expansion Seattle Sounders FC to help Major League Soccer get off the ground in the Pacific Northwest.After trolling around the top leagues in Europe—the English Premier League, La Liga in Spain and living in a castle while playing in Germany’s Bundesliga—the 39-year-old doesn’t argue with the idea that this stop in Seattle is the final chapter of his playing career.
Keller spent the 2007-08 season playing with Fulham in the EPL, but found himself mostly in a reserve role. By the time his season at Fulham ended, Seattle had already been awarded an expansion franchise and was in the beginning stages of building the framework of its roster.
A marriage with Keller seemed almost too perfect.
“I’m absolutely confident that now that Kasey is going to be donning a Sounders FC jersey that that pride will be even more defined; that a player who is from the Northwest coming back to the Northwest will be unbelievably proud to wear the Sounders FC jersey,” general manager Adrian Hanauer said the day Keller’s signing was announced. “That’s a really important part of what we’re building here.”
What Hanauer described—the connection with a region that has long been a youth soccer hotbed—might be best personified by Chris Eylander, Seattle’s backup goalkeeper. Eylander grew up in nearby Auburn, Wash. He was 15 the year Keller was named U.S. player of the year for a second time.
Now Eylander is sharing time in the net with one of his childhood idols.
“On the field it’s great to train with him. He’s really good at what he does. He has a lot of the fine details, he’s got those all hammered out,” Eylander said. “It’s cool to be in the goal watching what he does and learning from him at the same time.”
Keller will likely get plenty of opportunity to prove there’s a little bit left in his 39-year-old body. The Sounders are loaded with offensive talent and shouldn’t have any problems scoring goals. But with an inexperienced defense, Keller is likely to see a lot of shots.
“I feel like I can still compete and if I couldn’t I wouldn’t be out on the field. I’d be having a coaching coat on instead of a players jersey,” Keller said.
This opportunity with the Sounders is also a test to see if Keller wants to move into the coaching ranks. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid has already taken notice of Keller’s willingness to be a magnet in the locker room for younger players trying to soak up some of his experience.
“Sometimes players will listen to a coach, but sometimes a coach will become like a father and they won’t listen to them and they’ll listen to a friend,” Schmid said. “Kasey’s got those experiences. His ability on the field is still an important aspect for us, but it’s what he contributes away from the field that’s also very important.”
Ferguson backs Rooney in Liverpool 'hate' row
MANCHESTER (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson has sprung to the defence of Wayne Rooney in the row over the Manchester United striker's admission that he "hates" Liverpool.
Rooney, who was born in Liverpool and grew up as an Everton supporter, has spiced up Saturday's Old Trafford clash between United and Liverpool by claiming that he "grew up hating Liverpool and that hasn't changed."
Rooney has been a long-standing target of abuse from Liverpool supporters during encounters between the two clubs since his 30-million-pound move from Everton to Old Trafford in August 2004.
And United boss Ferguson admits that Rooney's Everton connections and subsequent transfer to United have coloured his feelings towards the Anfield outfit.Ferguson said: "Wayne has had plenty of stick over the years when we has played against Liverpool, so it is understandable because he also had loyalties to Everton as a kid.
"As (Everton manager) David Moyes has pointed out, the rivalry between Everton and Liverpool is now ferocious.
"And now that Wayne has come to Manchester United, he obviously wants us to win, so I don't think it was anything out of the ordinary.
"The word wasn't used the right way. Everyone uses the word 'hatred' because it's easy to say. Nobody uses the word 'dislike.'
"Hate is an easy word to use, but it doesn't mean a lot really."
Rooney made his comments on Wednesday in the aftermath of United's Champions League win over Inter Milan.
They appeared on the club's website on Thursday but were quickly pulled down because of fears they could inflame the atmosphere surrounding Saturday's match. "The comments are open to wilful mis-reporting and neither the club, nor Wayne wanted that to happen," a club spokesman explained.
United can stretch their lead over Liverpool to ten points with a game in hand by beating Rafa Benitez's men in Saturday's lunchtime clash. But despite United's commanding lead at the top of the Premier League, Ferguson continues to insist that his team are unlikely to end the season with a clean sweep of trophies from the five competitions they entered.
He said: "We never talk about the quintuple here and I personally don't think that it can be done. All we are doing is taking each game as it comes and at least our form is encouraging.
"Our performance at Fulham last Saturday was as good as we have performed for a while, so we are looking strong. Liverpool is always our biggest game, though, and I won't be holding anybody back tomorrow, that's for sure.
"It will be fierce and competitive with a wonderful atmosphere and I expect it to be a good game."
United face Liverpool without any fresh injury concerns following Wednesday's Champions League win against Inter Milan at Old Trafford.
But with his team having just two-and-half days to prepare for the game, Ferguson admits that he is preparing to rotate his squad against Rafael Benitez's men.
Ferguson said: "It's a big game for us, but the difficult thing for me is to pick the right team.
"Liverpool have had an extra day of rest having played Real Madrid on Tuesday night, so I have to bear that in mind.
"I will freshen up where I need to, but so far this season, we have handled that well."
Changes are most likely to come in midfield, where Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs all performed below their best in the midweek win over Inter Milan. Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung are standing by to come in and Carlos Tevez.
Dimitar Berbatov also had a poor game against the Italians but Ferguson has tended to stick by the Bulgarian striker for United's biggest games, to the frustration of Carlos Tevez.
Rooney, who was born in Liverpool and grew up as an Everton supporter, has spiced up Saturday's Old Trafford clash between United and Liverpool by claiming that he "grew up hating Liverpool and that hasn't changed."
Rooney has been a long-standing target of abuse from Liverpool supporters during encounters between the two clubs since his 30-million-pound move from Everton to Old Trafford in August 2004.
And United boss Ferguson admits that Rooney's Everton connections and subsequent transfer to United have coloured his feelings towards the Anfield outfit.Ferguson said: "Wayne has had plenty of stick over the years when we has played against Liverpool, so it is understandable because he also had loyalties to Everton as a kid.
"As (Everton manager) David Moyes has pointed out, the rivalry between Everton and Liverpool is now ferocious.
"And now that Wayne has come to Manchester United, he obviously wants us to win, so I don't think it was anything out of the ordinary.
"The word wasn't used the right way. Everyone uses the word 'hatred' because it's easy to say. Nobody uses the word 'dislike.'
"Hate is an easy word to use, but it doesn't mean a lot really."
Rooney made his comments on Wednesday in the aftermath of United's Champions League win over Inter Milan.
They appeared on the club's website on Thursday but were quickly pulled down because of fears they could inflame the atmosphere surrounding Saturday's match. "The comments are open to wilful mis-reporting and neither the club, nor Wayne wanted that to happen," a club spokesman explained.
United can stretch their lead over Liverpool to ten points with a game in hand by beating Rafa Benitez's men in Saturday's lunchtime clash. But despite United's commanding lead at the top of the Premier League, Ferguson continues to insist that his team are unlikely to end the season with a clean sweep of trophies from the five competitions they entered.
He said: "We never talk about the quintuple here and I personally don't think that it can be done. All we are doing is taking each game as it comes and at least our form is encouraging.
"Our performance at Fulham last Saturday was as good as we have performed for a while, so we are looking strong. Liverpool is always our biggest game, though, and I won't be holding anybody back tomorrow, that's for sure.
"It will be fierce and competitive with a wonderful atmosphere and I expect it to be a good game."
United face Liverpool without any fresh injury concerns following Wednesday's Champions League win against Inter Milan at Old Trafford.
But with his team having just two-and-half days to prepare for the game, Ferguson admits that he is preparing to rotate his squad against Rafael Benitez's men.
Ferguson said: "It's a big game for us, but the difficult thing for me is to pick the right team.
"Liverpool have had an extra day of rest having played Real Madrid on Tuesday night, so I have to bear that in mind.
"I will freshen up where I need to, but so far this season, we have handled that well."
Changes are most likely to come in midfield, where Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs all performed below their best in the midweek win over Inter Milan. Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung are standing by to come in and Carlos Tevez.
Dimitar Berbatov also had a poor game against the Italians but Ferguson has tended to stick by the Bulgarian striker for United's biggest games, to the frustration of Carlos Tevez.
The Full English - Make Or Break
So here we are. The final countdown has begun. D-Day nears. It all comes down to this. What this weekend offers, on more than one level, is sure to leave quite an impression on quite a few people around the globe.
Not only does this Goal.com-obsessed editor have the weekend off, which he will spending in the Pocoano mountains with 15 of his closest friends, but Manchester United play Liverpool, in a match that will surely make or break the Reds' title aspirations.
Many might think Liverpool have already been broken, and I for one agree with that sentiment, but if you happened to watch the bludgeoning they gave Real Madrid in the week, your opinion might change a bit. That win fired them up. To a great extent. They’ve been outspoken on this matter since it happened. Conceivably, it could drive them to a great finish to the season.
Having said that, Liverpool will travel to Old Trafford for a date with the team that just made three-time defending Italian Champions Inter Milan look like Stoke, on the biggest of stages, I might add. If United win, Liverpool is done and will need to focus on Europe, officially making it a two-horse race.Except the leading filly is a furlong in front.
It’s not impossible for Chelsea to catch United, but I find it extremely unlikely. They have been playing great under Guus Hiddink, but like I’ve mentioned before, it’s a just a bit too late.
…they make the final turn and the finish line is in sight!The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Manchester United v. Liverpool (Old Trafford, March 14th, 8:40 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
When you looked at this match, say a month-and-a-half ago, it was way more intriguing. Liverpool were right up there with United and were a serious threat to take the title to Anfield. Following United’s unprecedented form and the numerous slip ups by the Reds, Liverpool is nothing more than a moderate threat.
With a win in this clash, however, things could change. But as I have eluded to previously, it may be a lot to ask, not because Liverpool don’t have the talent or the big-game ability, it’s just that Manchester United are simply too good.
At Old Trafford, United are undefeated, having won 12 matches and drawn one. 25 of their plus-36 goal differential is owed to the Theater of Dreams. I won’t say it’s impossible, because nothing is impossible. People actually read what I write, for example. Tell me that three years ago, I’d have laughed in your face.
Can they win? Sure, but they’ll have to play an almost flawless game. Will it realistically happen? I don’t think so.
TFE Prediction: I like ManU in this one. They are doing all the right things at the moment and the depth of their squad is stunning. 2-1 to the Red Devils.
Chelsea v. Manchester City (Stamford Bridge, March 15th, 9:30 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
I’ll preface this by my internal declaration that I have officially given up trying to predict Manchester City. It’s utterly hopeless. I don’t know how anyone could look at their fixture list and determine any kind of pattern or reasonable argument for how crappy or impressive their season has gone.
With that said, I won’t ever pick them to win again. Ever. Thankfully for me, in my first week of this new decree, they are playing Chelsea. The Blues of London are a team that should surely beat the Blues of Manchester, on any given day, regardless of who is playing for Mark Hughes’ side. I expect that to hold true on Sunday.
Similar to how Liverpool fare in their fixture against Manchester United, if Chelsea don’t take three points from this match, they can start turning their attention to Europe and who they’ll face in the Champions League quarterfinals.
The EPL race could be officially over by Sunday night. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I might as well take the rest of the season off. Oh, I joke…I’d never do that to you!
Anyway, Chelsea are too strong. They had better be too strong, for their own good and mine.
TFE Prediction: Chelsea keep up the fight, even if it is a losing one, by beating the Citizens neatly, 2-0.
Aston Villa v. Tottenham (Villa Park, March 15th, 12:00 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
If there is one team in the league that I could compare to Manchester City, it’s uber-talented, yet acrimoniously-frustrating Tottenham Hotspur. I do not get how you can have so many star players, who are worth so much money, yet you are stuck in a fight to avoid relegation.
Currently in 12th, only four points out of the drop zone, Spurs need results. A few weeks ago, Harry Redknapp said he’d need his team to win four matches and they’d be set. Well, they beat a hapless Middlesbrough team 4-0, then almost got beat by Sunderland a week ago, but scraped out a 1-1 draw.
This week is a lot different. Aston Villa are a tremendous squad. Not only that, but the Villains themselves are in a spot of bother and desperately need to take the full three in this one if they want to continue fighting off Arsenal for that coveted fourth Champions League spot.
Things have been a bit hairy for Martin O’Neil lately, as his boys haven’t won a match in their last three attempts. A home fixture against a team like Tottenham should buck that trend. Emphasis on should.
TFE Prediction: I’m taking a moral stand on this one, and picking the teams to end it all square. I know if I pick Spurs they’ll lose, and vice versa. So I’m sticking it to them both and predicting a draw…ha! It’ll end 2-2 by the way.The Toast (as in Of The EPL): Manchester Musings Edition
Robinho, Manchester City: The mercurial forward finally did something positive off the field for his team. However, long it was since he jetted back to Brazil I can’t remember, but recently Robinho came out and spoke very highly of the English fans. He said something along the line of English fans are like Brazilian fans in that they come to the matches to cheer and make noise, whereas in Spain they wait for good things to happen. Well, I don’t need Robinho to tell me how great we are, but thanks.
David Villa, Valencia: This diminutive forward may be the next player to feel what Robinho is talking about if his prospective move to Manchester City comes to fruition. Could you imagine that link-up? Get Craig Bellamy on a bus back to any one of the teams he abandoned before and put Villa in front of Robbo…great things will happen. Lovely, super, splendiferous things will happen. €40 million will secure his signature, and the big boys at Eastlands have the cash to splash. Yeah, what credit crunch?!
Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan: Angling for a chance to manage Manchester United once Sir Alex hangs it up is one thing, saying it right before your current team meets them in the Champions League then proceeding to punch out a Red Devils fan after the match is another. Don’t get me wrong, ‘the Special One’ is one of my favorite football characters, he just seems a bit mixed up sometimes. I’m not sure if this punching nonsense is true or not, but the reports seem pretty accurate. He’s not going to win any hearts that way. Forgive and forget, I say…he’s the best candidate out there to take Ferguson’s job.
Leicester Update:
Well, it had to happen sometime, didn’t it? Leicester City’s amazing 23-match unbeaten streak officially came to an end on Wednesday when they were beaten by Tranmere Rovers 2-0. Do I care? Not in the slightest. We are still far and away the best team in League One, and not to count my chickens before they're hatched or anything, but the trophy is all but ours. Nine matches are left in the season, one against second place Peterborough. We take that one, it’s over. Consider it taken.
And Finally…the Black Pudding of the Week:
Fernando Torres, Liverpool: I have always loved Fernando Torres. Since his days with Atletico Madrid, I have been captivated by his ability with a ball at his feet. On Wednesday against Real, I think he was playing half as a Liverpool player, and half as a member of Atletico. Some of the moves he put on the likes of Cannavaro and Pepe blew my mind. His first touch on many occasions was nothing short of exquisite. He just did everything right. Whether he can replicate it against arguably the two best center halves in the world on Saturday remains to be seen, but no matter, I’d pay to see him play wherever he is.
Not only does this Goal.com-obsessed editor have the weekend off, which he will spending in the Pocoano mountains with 15 of his closest friends, but Manchester United play Liverpool, in a match that will surely make or break the Reds' title aspirations.
Many might think Liverpool have already been broken, and I for one agree with that sentiment, but if you happened to watch the bludgeoning they gave Real Madrid in the week, your opinion might change a bit. That win fired them up. To a great extent. They’ve been outspoken on this matter since it happened. Conceivably, it could drive them to a great finish to the season.
Having said that, Liverpool will travel to Old Trafford for a date with the team that just made three-time defending Italian Champions Inter Milan look like Stoke, on the biggest of stages, I might add. If United win, Liverpool is done and will need to focus on Europe, officially making it a two-horse race.Except the leading filly is a furlong in front.
It’s not impossible for Chelsea to catch United, but I find it extremely unlikely. They have been playing great under Guus Hiddink, but like I’ve mentioned before, it’s a just a bit too late.
…they make the final turn and the finish line is in sight!The Bacon (as in Bringing It Home)
Manchester United v. Liverpool (Old Trafford, March 14th, 8:40 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
When you looked at this match, say a month-and-a-half ago, it was way more intriguing. Liverpool were right up there with United and were a serious threat to take the title to Anfield. Following United’s unprecedented form and the numerous slip ups by the Reds, Liverpool is nothing more than a moderate threat.
With a win in this clash, however, things could change. But as I have eluded to previously, it may be a lot to ask, not because Liverpool don’t have the talent or the big-game ability, it’s just that Manchester United are simply too good.
At Old Trafford, United are undefeated, having won 12 matches and drawn one. 25 of their plus-36 goal differential is owed to the Theater of Dreams. I won’t say it’s impossible, because nothing is impossible. People actually read what I write, for example. Tell me that three years ago, I’d have laughed in your face.
Can they win? Sure, but they’ll have to play an almost flawless game. Will it realistically happen? I don’t think so.
TFE Prediction: I like ManU in this one. They are doing all the right things at the moment and the depth of their squad is stunning. 2-1 to the Red Devils.
Chelsea v. Manchester City (Stamford Bridge, March 15th, 9:30 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
I’ll preface this by my internal declaration that I have officially given up trying to predict Manchester City. It’s utterly hopeless. I don’t know how anyone could look at their fixture list and determine any kind of pattern or reasonable argument for how crappy or impressive their season has gone.
With that said, I won’t ever pick them to win again. Ever. Thankfully for me, in my first week of this new decree, they are playing Chelsea. The Blues of London are a team that should surely beat the Blues of Manchester, on any given day, regardless of who is playing for Mark Hughes’ side. I expect that to hold true on Sunday.
Similar to how Liverpool fare in their fixture against Manchester United, if Chelsea don’t take three points from this match, they can start turning their attention to Europe and who they’ll face in the Champions League quarterfinals.
The EPL race could be officially over by Sunday night. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I might as well take the rest of the season off. Oh, I joke…I’d never do that to you!
Anyway, Chelsea are too strong. They had better be too strong, for their own good and mine.
TFE Prediction: Chelsea keep up the fight, even if it is a losing one, by beating the Citizens neatly, 2-0.
Aston Villa v. Tottenham (Villa Park, March 15th, 12:00 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
If there is one team in the league that I could compare to Manchester City, it’s uber-talented, yet acrimoniously-frustrating Tottenham Hotspur. I do not get how you can have so many star players, who are worth so much money, yet you are stuck in a fight to avoid relegation.
Currently in 12th, only four points out of the drop zone, Spurs need results. A few weeks ago, Harry Redknapp said he’d need his team to win four matches and they’d be set. Well, they beat a hapless Middlesbrough team 4-0, then almost got beat by Sunderland a week ago, but scraped out a 1-1 draw.
This week is a lot different. Aston Villa are a tremendous squad. Not only that, but the Villains themselves are in a spot of bother and desperately need to take the full three in this one if they want to continue fighting off Arsenal for that coveted fourth Champions League spot.
Things have been a bit hairy for Martin O’Neil lately, as his boys haven’t won a match in their last three attempts. A home fixture against a team like Tottenham should buck that trend. Emphasis on should.
TFE Prediction: I’m taking a moral stand on this one, and picking the teams to end it all square. I know if I pick Spurs they’ll lose, and vice versa. So I’m sticking it to them both and predicting a draw…ha! It’ll end 2-2 by the way.The Toast (as in Of The EPL): Manchester Musings Edition
Robinho, Manchester City: The mercurial forward finally did something positive off the field for his team. However, long it was since he jetted back to Brazil I can’t remember, but recently Robinho came out and spoke very highly of the English fans. He said something along the line of English fans are like Brazilian fans in that they come to the matches to cheer and make noise, whereas in Spain they wait for good things to happen. Well, I don’t need Robinho to tell me how great we are, but thanks.
David Villa, Valencia: This diminutive forward may be the next player to feel what Robinho is talking about if his prospective move to Manchester City comes to fruition. Could you imagine that link-up? Get Craig Bellamy on a bus back to any one of the teams he abandoned before and put Villa in front of Robbo…great things will happen. Lovely, super, splendiferous things will happen. €40 million will secure his signature, and the big boys at Eastlands have the cash to splash. Yeah, what credit crunch?!
Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan: Angling for a chance to manage Manchester United once Sir Alex hangs it up is one thing, saying it right before your current team meets them in the Champions League then proceeding to punch out a Red Devils fan after the match is another. Don’t get me wrong, ‘the Special One’ is one of my favorite football characters, he just seems a bit mixed up sometimes. I’m not sure if this punching nonsense is true or not, but the reports seem pretty accurate. He’s not going to win any hearts that way. Forgive and forget, I say…he’s the best candidate out there to take Ferguson’s job.
Leicester Update:
Well, it had to happen sometime, didn’t it? Leicester City’s amazing 23-match unbeaten streak officially came to an end on Wednesday when they were beaten by Tranmere Rovers 2-0. Do I care? Not in the slightest. We are still far and away the best team in League One, and not to count my chickens before they're hatched or anything, but the trophy is all but ours. Nine matches are left in the season, one against second place Peterborough. We take that one, it’s over. Consider it taken.
And Finally…the Black Pudding of the Week:
Fernando Torres, Liverpool: I have always loved Fernando Torres. Since his days with Atletico Madrid, I have been captivated by his ability with a ball at his feet. On Wednesday against Real, I think he was playing half as a Liverpool player, and half as a member of Atletico. Some of the moves he put on the likes of Cannavaro and Pepe blew my mind. His first touch on many occasions was nothing short of exquisite. He just did everything right. Whether he can replicate it against arguably the two best center halves in the world on Saturday remains to be seen, but no matter, I’d pay to see him play wherever he is.
Tickets for Wimbledon test matches sell out
WIMBLEDON, England (AP)—Tickets for the exhibition matches under Wimbledon’s new Centre Court roof have sold out in five minutes.
The May 17 event features former Wimbledon champions Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, as well as Kim Clijsters and Tim Henman. There will be men’s and women’s singles matches and a mixed doubles match.
The event is dubbed “A Centre Court Celebration” and is designed to test the new roof and ventilation system with live matches in front of a capacity crowd.
This year’s Wimbledon will be held June 22-July 5.
The May 17 event features former Wimbledon champions Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, as well as Kim Clijsters and Tim Henman. There will be men’s and women’s singles matches and a mixed doubles match.
The event is dubbed “A Centre Court Celebration” and is designed to test the new roof and ventilation system with live matches in front of a capacity crowd.
This year’s Wimbledon will be held June 22-July 5.
Roger Federer says girlfriend is pregnant
BASEL, Switzerland (AP)—Roger Federer is going to be a father.
The Swiss tennis star said in a message on his Web site Thursday that girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec is pregnant with the couple’s first child. The baby is due in the summer.
“This is a dream come true for us,” the 27-year-old Federer said. “We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well.”
Federer met Vavrinec at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“We are so happy to be starting a family together,” he said.
Federer, a 13-time Grand Slam champion who is ranked No 2, is in Indian Wells, Calif., for a tournament that starts Thursday.
Federer lost to Rafael Nadal in five sets in the Australian Open final. He pulled out of Switzerland’s Davis Cup series against the United States and withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championships because of an injured back.
“I arrived in Indian Wells earlier this week and I am eager to get back out on court,” Federer said. “My back is feeling much better and I am ready to go.”
Federer is seeded second behind Nadal at Indian Wells, a tournament he won from 2004-06. He will open against Marc Gicquel or Simone Bolelli.
The Swiss tennis star said in a message on his Web site Thursday that girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec is pregnant with the couple’s first child. The baby is due in the summer.
“This is a dream come true for us,” the 27-year-old Federer said. “We love children and we are looking forward to being parents for the first time. Mirka is feeling great and everything is going well.”
Federer met Vavrinec at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“We are so happy to be starting a family together,” he said.
Federer, a 13-time Grand Slam champion who is ranked No 2, is in Indian Wells, Calif., for a tournament that starts Thursday.
Federer lost to Rafael Nadal in five sets in the Australian Open final. He pulled out of Switzerland’s Davis Cup series against the United States and withdrew from the Dubai Tennis Championships because of an injured back.
“I arrived in Indian Wells earlier this week and I am eager to get back out on court,” Federer said. “My back is feeling much better and I am ready to go.”
Federer is seeded second behind Nadal at Indian Wells, a tournament he won from 2004-06. He will open against Marc Gicquel or Simone Bolelli.
Federer returns to action, coach-less as usual
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP)—Roger Federer is returning to the ATP Tour after a six-week absence due to back problems, and as has been his habit in recent years, he’ll do so without a full-time coach.
Federer, a 13-time Grand Slam champion, hasn’t played on tour since his five-set loss to top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final Feb. 1.
He had been scheduled to play in a tournament in Dubai and in the opening round of Davis Cup before arriving in California for the BNP Paribas Open. Instead, he took that time off to rest and give Darren Cahill of Australia an audition for the job of full-time coach.
“After I decided not to play those two events I thought it would be a good time for a test,” said Federer, a three-time champion of this event at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. “He (Cahill) came over to Dubai and we worked a bit and we decided we’re not going to do it, so we’re moving on.
“It was a test. We said let’s see how it goes first and go back and think about it. He thought it was tough for him to do the traveling with his kids and everything. It never really got to the point where I had to think too far and make a decision on my own. I never really had to go there. He took the decision for me.”
Federer, who began having serious back problems late last year but kept playing, did have to make a decision on whether to play Dubai and the Davis Cup first round against the U.S.
He said the debate there was “am I going to keep on playing with a little bit of pain and maybe make it really worse, or have a rest and be sure I’m able to play the next six months without a problem?
“It was a tough decision. It’s a priority for me to look at the long-term. It’s my goal to play for many more years. It was a tough decision. I know I let some people down. I felt after the U.S. Open and the Olympics that the schedule was good enough that I could play Davis Cup so I announced it, then the back problem occurred.”
Federer, 27, is the No. 2 seed in this 96-player event and Nadal is No. 1, so the possibility exists for yet another final round meeting between the two men whose rivalry has produced some scintillating matches.
Federer said in the most recent meeting in Australia he thought he “played a great match for four and a half sets” before fading.
Nadal also had beaten Federer in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2008 and the Spanish left-hander holds a 13-6 edge over the Swiss star. But Federer is eager to try again.
“I’ve got the motivation,” he said. “I don’t know how much better he can play or how much better I can play, but I’m right there and he’s playing the tennis of his life. I think for me that’s a good sign. He’s the greatest challenge I’ve ever had.”
Federer, a 13-time Grand Slam champion, hasn’t played on tour since his five-set loss to top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final Feb. 1.
He had been scheduled to play in a tournament in Dubai and in the opening round of Davis Cup before arriving in California for the BNP Paribas Open. Instead, he took that time off to rest and give Darren Cahill of Australia an audition for the job of full-time coach.
“After I decided not to play those two events I thought it would be a good time for a test,” said Federer, a three-time champion of this event at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. “He (Cahill) came over to Dubai and we worked a bit and we decided we’re not going to do it, so we’re moving on.
“It was a test. We said let’s see how it goes first and go back and think about it. He thought it was tough for him to do the traveling with his kids and everything. It never really got to the point where I had to think too far and make a decision on my own. I never really had to go there. He took the decision for me.”
Federer, who began having serious back problems late last year but kept playing, did have to make a decision on whether to play Dubai and the Davis Cup first round against the U.S.
He said the debate there was “am I going to keep on playing with a little bit of pain and maybe make it really worse, or have a rest and be sure I’m able to play the next six months without a problem?
“It was a tough decision. It’s a priority for me to look at the long-term. It’s my goal to play for many more years. It was a tough decision. I know I let some people down. I felt after the U.S. Open and the Olympics that the schedule was good enough that I could play Davis Cup so I announced it, then the back problem occurred.”
Federer, 27, is the No. 2 seed in this 96-player event and Nadal is No. 1, so the possibility exists for yet another final round meeting between the two men whose rivalry has produced some scintillating matches.
Federer said in the most recent meeting in Australia he thought he “played a great match for four and a half sets” before fading.
Nadal also had beaten Federer in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon in 2008 and the Spanish left-hander holds a 13-6 edge over the Swiss star. But Federer is eager to try again.
“I’ve got the motivation,” he said. “I don’t know how much better he can play or how much better I can play, but I’m right there and he’s playing the tennis of his life. I think for me that’s a good sign. He’s the greatest challenge I’ve ever had.”
Briton Murray plays down expectations after illness
INDIAN WELLS, California, March 12 (Reuters) - Briton Andy Murray does not expect to be at his best when he returns from illness to play at Indian Wells this weekend.
The world number four has won two titles this year but has not played since contracting a virus in Dubai last month.
The Scot begins his campaign against Spaniard Albert Montanes on Saturday and while he has beaten world number one Rafael Nadal and number two Roger Federer this year, he was quick to play down expectations.
“I am not putting too much pressure on myself to play well this week because I took 10 full days off,” Murray told a news conference on Thursday.
“Obviously, because of that I lost a little bit of fitness and (I am) not hitting the ball as well as I was before I was sick, but hopefully if I can get through a couple of matches I can start to work myself into the tournament.”
Murray, who lost in the fourth round last year, could close the gap on world number three Novak Djokovic with a good performance at Indian Wells and the 21-year-old said experience was helping him cope with any illness or injury setbacks.
“There’s no point in me coming in here and saying I’m feeling perfect and I’ve had the best preparation possible,” said Murray, who went out in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
“Like before Australia, I felt really good going in there. In Rotterdam, I didn’t feel my best going in but I found a way to win the tournament and I played better as week went on.
“But as you get older, you start to understand that you’re not going to feel perfect every week and you try and find a way to get through the first couple of matches.” (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
The world number four has won two titles this year but has not played since contracting a virus in Dubai last month.
The Scot begins his campaign against Spaniard Albert Montanes on Saturday and while he has beaten world number one Rafael Nadal and number two Roger Federer this year, he was quick to play down expectations.
“I am not putting too much pressure on myself to play well this week because I took 10 full days off,” Murray told a news conference on Thursday.
“Obviously, because of that I lost a little bit of fitness and (I am) not hitting the ball as well as I was before I was sick, but hopefully if I can get through a couple of matches I can start to work myself into the tournament.”
Murray, who lost in the fourth round last year, could close the gap on world number three Novak Djokovic with a good performance at Indian Wells and the 21-year-old said experience was helping him cope with any illness or injury setbacks.
“There’s no point in me coming in here and saying I’m feeling perfect and I’ve had the best preparation possible,” said Murray, who went out in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
“Like before Australia, I felt really good going in there. In Rotterdam, I didn’t feel my best going in but I found a way to win the tournament and I played better as week went on.
“But as you get older, you start to understand that you’re not going to feel perfect every week and you try and find a way to get through the first couple of matches.” (Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Sharapova returns to WTA Tour in doubles loss
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP)—Maria Sharapova made a tentative return from shoulder surgery Thursday, teaming with Elena Vesnina in a 6-2, 4-6, 10-7 loss to Ekaterina Makarova and Tatiana Poutchek in doubles play at the BNP Paribas Open.
It was the first match in seven months for Sharapova, who was forced off the WTA Tour last August by a torn rotator cuff and underwent surgery on her right shoulder two months later.
“It feels very good to be back,” the 24-year-old Russian said. “I just wanted to test (the shoulder) out. I started training a couple of months ago. I just wanted to … test it out in a match situation and get a little different scenery than the practice court and play in front of the crowd, so that was exciting. The main goal for here was just to get out there and be in that atmosphere again.
“The hump I’ve got to get through right now is to put together two weeks of coming out to the court and playing two or three sets every day, and doing that for seven or eight days in a row. … Right now I’m able to do maybe three days or four days and then I have to take it easy on the fifth.
Sharapova was unsure where or when she would play again.“I’m done with setting a timetable for myself. Those days are over,” she said.
Earlier in the day, two-time tournament champion Lleyton Hewitt continued his own comeback from hip surger by beating Jan Hernych 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the first round of the men’s draw.
Also, Bethanie Mattek-Sands beat Tathiana Garbin 6-4, 6-4, and Ivan Ljubicic topped Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3 in the first night matches.
Hewitt, once the top-ranked ATP Tour player in the world, won this event in 2002 and 2003 and lost to Roger Federer in the 2005 final. This year, however, the 28-year-old Australian is ranked No. 77 and still trying to regain his physical fitness after having surgery on his left hip last Aug. 16.
“The ranking doesn’t bother me at all,” said Hewitt, who last year saw his streak of title-winning seasons end at 10 and finished out of the top 25 for the first time since his rookie season of 1998.
“There’s been a lot of travel the last few months and it hasn’t been easy on the body,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect out there (against Hernych). I knew when I decided to have it done that it was going to take quite some time to get as close as I’m going to get to 100 percent.”
Hewitt advanced to a second-round meeting with 17th-seeded Fernando Gonzalez, who beat him in the opening round of this year’s Australian Open.
In other first round men’s matches, Igor Kunitsyn beat Amercian Vince Spadea in straight sets and Marc Gicquel ousted Simone Bolelli to set up a match with No. 2 seed Roger Federer.
In women’s first round play, Sania Mirza rallied from a first-set loss to beat Mariya Koryttseva, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, and 17-year-old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova beat Marta Domachowska, 6-1, 6-3, to earn a second-round match against No. 2 seed Jelana Jankovic.
It was the first match in seven months for Sharapova, who was forced off the WTA Tour last August by a torn rotator cuff and underwent surgery on her right shoulder two months later.
“It feels very good to be back,” the 24-year-old Russian said. “I just wanted to test (the shoulder) out. I started training a couple of months ago. I just wanted to … test it out in a match situation and get a little different scenery than the practice court and play in front of the crowd, so that was exciting. The main goal for here was just to get out there and be in that atmosphere again.
“The hump I’ve got to get through right now is to put together two weeks of coming out to the court and playing two or three sets every day, and doing that for seven or eight days in a row. … Right now I’m able to do maybe three days or four days and then I have to take it easy on the fifth.
Sharapova was unsure where or when she would play again.“I’m done with setting a timetable for myself. Those days are over,” she said.
Earlier in the day, two-time tournament champion Lleyton Hewitt continued his own comeback from hip surger by beating Jan Hernych 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the first round of the men’s draw.
Also, Bethanie Mattek-Sands beat Tathiana Garbin 6-4, 6-4, and Ivan Ljubicic topped Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3 in the first night matches.
Hewitt, once the top-ranked ATP Tour player in the world, won this event in 2002 and 2003 and lost to Roger Federer in the 2005 final. This year, however, the 28-year-old Australian is ranked No. 77 and still trying to regain his physical fitness after having surgery on his left hip last Aug. 16.
“The ranking doesn’t bother me at all,” said Hewitt, who last year saw his streak of title-winning seasons end at 10 and finished out of the top 25 for the first time since his rookie season of 1998.
“There’s been a lot of travel the last few months and it hasn’t been easy on the body,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect out there (against Hernych). I knew when I decided to have it done that it was going to take quite some time to get as close as I’m going to get to 100 percent.”
Hewitt advanced to a second-round meeting with 17th-seeded Fernando Gonzalez, who beat him in the opening round of this year’s Australian Open.
In other first round men’s matches, Igor Kunitsyn beat Amercian Vince Spadea in straight sets and Marc Gicquel ousted Simone Bolelli to set up a match with No. 2 seed Roger Federer.
In women’s first round play, Sania Mirza rallied from a first-set loss to beat Mariya Koryttseva, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, and 17-year-old Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova beat Marta Domachowska, 6-1, 6-3, to earn a second-round match against No. 2 seed Jelana Jankovic.
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