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Club Brugge v Hannover preview

admin — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:21:38 +0000

Club Brugge general manager Vincent Mannaert is sure Christoph Daum will go for the win in Thursday’s Europa League clash against Hannover.

Last Updated: 22/02/12 at 21:56 Club Brugge 6/4 Hannover 96 9/5 Draw 9/4

Daum: Indicated league focus

Mannaert is convinced Daum will put out his strongest side, despite the Brugge coach suggesting he was ready to focus on the league.

The Belgians trail 2-1 going into the second leg, and in a press conference on Sunday, Daum seemed to indicate he was more concerned about trying to close the seven-point gap to Anderlecht at the top of the Jupiler League standings.

Daum was speaking after a 2-1 victory over Kortrijk was overshadowed by a serious injury to Fredrik Stenman, adding to a lengthy list of casualties.

And Mannaert believes emotions got the better of Daum, who will now come out fighting after a few days of reflection.

“You have to put his remark in context,” Mannaert told the club’s website.

“Emotions run high after a difficult week. That’s understandable. He wanted to indicate that his squad, with all these injuries, has its limitations. But I know our coach, he’s a true winner.

“And the players will also want to go for it against Hannover. It is better to be sure about it. Quite a challenge lies ahead for everyone, but I’m not worried.”

With the margin only one goal, and Brugge having an away goal to their credit, Hannover boss Mirko Slomka is aware that his side still have plenty to do to secure progression to the last 16.

“I still think our chances are 50-50,” he told uefa.com.

“We’ve shown that we can beat Brugge, so perhaps that means our chances have increased slightly, but we’ll definitely need at least one away goal to progress to the next round. Brugge are a different proposition at home and are sure to raise their game.”

Leading scorer Mohammed Abdellaoue is doubtful with a foot injury, which could see 21-year-old Artur Sobiech start.

“Artur scored his first goal as a substitute last week and got another very important one for us [in the first leg],” said Slomka.

“He had a difficult start to life at Hannover due to various niggling injuries but he’s an incredible fighter.”

Club Brugge 6/4 Hannover 96 9/5 Draw 9/4

Football365 | Europa League

Inter beaten by late Ayew header

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:38:35 +0000

Andre Ayew headed home in stoppage time as Marseille won 1-0 at home to Inter Milan in Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first-leg tie.

Last Updated: 22/02/12 at 22:05 Champions League. Click here to bet.

Andre Ayew (r): Celebrates goal

Ayew scored with the last touch of the game to inflict a fourth straight defeat on the Italian side and pile the pressure on coach Claudio Ranieri.

Inter were improved from the side that went down 3-0 to Bologna on Friday for their third straight home defeat, but still looked sluggish at times and there were clear signs of anxiety as their woeful run continued.

Ayew headed in from a corner he had won in the third minute of injury time to make it six defeats out of seven for the Italian giants.

Although a 1-0 scoreline by no means eliminates Inter as they head back to the San Siro for the second leg, Ranieri must wait to see if his paymasters allow him to stay in charge for that match.

There were early chances for Marseille as Inter began nervously.

Benoit Cheyrou saw an early effort deflected narrowly wide for a corner before sending a free-kick from a good position straight into the wall after Mauro Zarate conceded a soft foul on the edge of the area.

The Italians began to find some attacking purpose, though, and Steve Mandanda made an excellent save to push Diego Forlan’s close-range volley over the bar and the goalkeeper was on his toes again to beat Zarate to the ball at the near post from Javier Zanetti’s low cross, timing his intervention to perfection.

Wesley Sneijder’s free-kick struck the wall but Inter quickly gathered the loose ball and Zanetti’s pass struck Esteban Cambiasso, spinning inches wide, although the assistant had wrongly signalled offside.

Marseille could and perhaps should have scored moments later when Mathieu Valbuena sent a curling free-kick into the area only for Brandao and Souleymane Diawara to get in each other’s way and send it wide with the goal gaping.

Inter countered with their best move of the match as Schneider sent a defence-splitting pass through to Cambiasso. He pulled it back for Zarate, but the striker could get no power on his shot from a good position.

Marseille came out of the dressing room for the second half looking like the better side, but Diawara’s long volley went wide while Julio Cesar made a comfortable enough save from Cesar Azpilicueta drilled effort from the edge of the area.

A handball from Diawara gave Inter a set-piece to work with, but Dejan Stankovic fired wide from Schneider’s lay-off. They tried a similar move moments later, but this time Stankovic’s shot found Mandanda.

Jordan Ayew had a shot charged down by Cambiasso before his brother Andre set off on a one-man mission to win it for Marseille late on.

He headed Rod Fanni’s cross over the bar but got better contact on another from Morgan Amalfitano, only to send the ball into the arms of Julio Cesar when placing it either side would have made for a certain goal.

It was the elder Ayew again in injury time, cutting in from the left wing and then trying a curling shot off the outside of his boot which Julio Cesar could only palm aside for a corner.

Valbuena swung it in, and Ayew was on hand to nod it into the far corner with Cristian Chivu pawing helplessly at his shirt.

Champions League. Click here to bet.

Football365 | Champions League

Queen of the South

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:47:07 +0000

Check out these St Johnstone Soccer images:

Queen of the South

Image by Two up, two down
vs. St. Johnstone, Palmerston Park, 2007.

Mancini set for Tevez reunion

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:53:40 +0000

Tevez and Mancini: Will be reunited on Thursday

The Argentinian striker said in a statement released by City on Tuesday night that he was “sincerely and unreservedly” sorry for his actions in taking an unauthorised three-month leave of absence from the club.

A comeback now looks on the cards for Tevez and that could be confirmed within the next 24 hours, subject to his meeting with City’s Italian boss.

Speaking ahead of their Europa League clash with Porto, Mancini confirmed he would be speaking with his controversial striker.

He told ESPN: “Tomorrow (on Thursday) I will meet Carlos and talk with him.”

Players’ chief Gordon Taylor had earlier admitted he was relieved Tevez is patching up his relationship with City.

“I’m very glad, having dealt with him and represented him,” Taylor said.

“Sorry has been said; sometimes it’s the hardest word. Sometimes if you can grasp that nettle early on it makes like so much better for all parties, that’s what we’re about in football: respect.”

Taylor told Sky Sports News: “I hate seeing such top quality players in trouble with their clubs and in trouble with the game.

“This has gone on for too long and it’s a real positive step for football, for Carlos Tevez and Manchester City.”

Carlos Tevez to stay/leave Manchester City by the end of the Summer 2012 Transfer Window. Click here to bet.

Football365 | Premier League News

table football on night shift

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:46:43 +0000

Check out these Aberdeen football images:

table football on night shift

Image by roger g1

Fergie keen on all-Manc final

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:21:47 +0000

Cleverley: Praised by Ferguson

The United boss freely accepts he did not expect to be in the Europa League this season.

However, he feels exactly the same sentiment about United’s title rivals and current Premier League leaders City, who also finished third in their Champions League group.

Rather than turn his nose up at a competition that has been derided by so many, Ferguson has decided to embrace it.

And whilst he is aware there are plenty of hidden obstacles in the way of a final in Bucharest on May 9, the Red Devils chief knows if both Manchester clubs make it, the occasion would be one to savour, no matter what the competition.

“Ourselves and City didn’t expect to be where we are today,” he said.

“Both of us will be trying to win it and it would be a great final that.”

Although their passage into the last 16 is virtually secure already thanks to the 2-0 first-leg defeat of Ajax in Amsterdam last week, confirmation at Old Trafford on Thursday would merely set up another stiff test.

The examination would come in the form of either a draining trip to Moscow to face Lokomotiv, or a nasty one to Bilbao and a meeting with an Athletic outfit that have reached the Spanish cup final already this term and are hunting down a top-four finish in La Liga.

“I expect them to win the tie,” Ferguson said of Atletico’s encounter with Lokomotiv tomorrow, when they will start 2-1 down.

“That would be a difficult task for us. You have to recognise there are a lot of teams at a very good standard.”

Ajax must be disposed of first of course and Tom Cleverley looks certain to be handed a central role after making his comeback from major foot and ankle problems in the opening game.

The 22-year-old has a lot to live up to, having been praised so highly by Ferguson in his absence.

However, Cleverley is trying to take everything in his stride, including a possible England call-up from Stuart Pearce on Thursday.

“I don’t really listen to what people are saying,” said the Bradford-raised youngster, who was twice picked for senior squads by Fabio Capello but is yet to make his debut.

“I just go out and play my football.

“If I can find some good form from now until the end of the season, I would be more than happy to be involved in the European Championships.

“I am not sure whether it is a good time though.

“I know Stuart Pearce quite well from my time with the Under-21s. He is a good manager. Hopefully I will be involved.”

Ferguson is more effusive about Cleverley’s talents.

The United boss felt much of his side’s brilliant early season form was due to the injection of pace Cleverley brought to their ranks, which is why he was so happy to speak of him previously.

And, even though the pair were sat alongside each other this afternoon, Ferguson did not hold back.

“Tom is a very clever footballer,” said the Scot.

“He has a quick brain in terms of his appreciation of passing.

“An hour was fantastic for him last week after his long spell out. Hopefully he will play a full game tomorrow.

“It is good to have him back.”

Ferguson also confirmed striker Michael Owen was now back in training after a recent thigh problem but would not be considered for another two weeks.

Europa League Winner 11/12 Win Outright: Manchester Utd 7/2

Football365 | Europa League

Cahill low after Napoli defeat

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:38:17 +0000

Cahill: ‘Ridiculously disappointed’ after Napoli loss

January signing Cahill once again found himself thrown in at the deep end after John Terry failed to recover from injury and he was once again found wanting in Tuesday night’s 3-1 last-16 first-leg defeat at Napoli.

But Cahill was by no means the worst culprit in what was another defensive horror show from Andre Villas-Boas’ struggling Blues, leaving them in real danger of crashing out of the competition.

Cahill said: “I’m ridiculously disappointed. Disappointed with the result, the night, the Champions League debut.

“So it was a pretty low night for myself, actually.”

As on Cahill’s Chelsea debut against Manchester United, his new side threw away a lead on Tuesday after Juan Mata netted what could still prove a crucial away goal.

Basic mistake after basic mistake followed and Napoli were more than worthy of their two-goal cushion.

“It started off brilliantly,” Cahill said.

“We were frustrating them early doors, they made a mistake and we got the goal.

“For some reason, it seemed really open after that instead of really solid.

“We should have shut the door, made everything really compact and gone in at half-time 1-0 up, but it wasn’t to be. I think we were too easily cut open.”

Cahill claimed a soaking pitch saw players “slipping all over the place”.

“But it’s no excuse for simple, basic things,” he added.

“The goals came for a lot of long balls, which is bread and butter for people like myself. If we were getting caught open it might be different, but it was bread and butter things that went wrong.

“They had good players all around the pitch, but I think we made their job a little bit easier.

“We are still in it.

“To score two goals at Stamford Bridge is by no means beyond the realms of possibility.

“The third goal killed us a little bit, but we need to pull our finger out in the next leg and put in a better performance.”

Chelsea have now gone five matches without a win and it is hard to see them turning the tie around unless they can stop the rot before the second leg in two weeks’ time.

Cahill said: “It’s a sticky situation at the minute. I have come in right in the middle of it.

“As soon as we get results, I think it will turn the corner, but it’s difficult times.”

Next up is Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash with the Bolton side Cahill left just over a month ago.

“It has come round pretty quickly,” he said.

“It is going to be a weird situation knowing the lads and knowing how they play.

“But, if selected, we need to get a result and put in a better performance in that game, for sure.”

The last thing Chelsea need is an injury to another key player and will hope Mata is able to play through the pain of what he feared was a broken finger.

The winger said: “We have to check it. Maybe it is broken.”

Champions League. Click here to bet.

Football365 | Champions League

MOURINHO CONTENT DESPITE CSKA EQUALISER

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:35:32 +0000

Jose Mourinho: Hopeful of home advantage in second leg

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho feels having the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against CSKA Moscow at home could prove a key factor after Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw in Russia.

The Spanish side looked poised to take a 1-0 advantage back to the Bernabeu thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half strike but Pontus Wernbloom levelled in stoppage time to ensure the tie remained finely balanced.

Mourinho said: “Their goal was frustrating, but we earned a good result I’d be happy to have in every knockout tie in which we play the return leg at home.

“Their strike made them very happy and we were frustrated by it because we played for more and had chances to score more.

“Our opponents made things very difficult for us, but they did little to score or draw the match. They played a serious and tough game. They worked very hard.”

Another blow for Madrid was the early departure of Karim Benzema with an injury, but on the artificial surface and in freezing temperatures Mourinho was pleased it was not worse.

“I actually thought that if we were to sustain injuries we could have sustained up to three, but in the end only Benzema was injured,” he said.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso claimed CSKA’s equaliser should not have stood.

“We all saw Ronaldo was fouled before their equaliser, but we shouldn’t dwell on it,” he told www.realmadrid.com. “Our opponents also did a good job and [we] practically had no trouble until they scored. We are confident to win the tie in the return leg.

“We clearly expected a better result seeing how the game unfolded. The draw isn’t a bad result, but it could have been better.”

Champions League. Click here to bet.

Football365 | Spain

Defensive boost for Gunners

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:53:45 +0000

Jenkinson: Hasn’t played since November

Jenkinson has not played for the Gunners since November 5 after suffering a stress fracture in his back.

The 20-year-old, who has made 11 appearances since signing from Charlton last summer, made a successful 45-minute comeback in Arsenal’s reserve win over Norwich on Tuesday night and could come in to consideration for Sunday’s game at the Emirates Stadium.

Reserve team coach Neil Banfield said Jenkinson’s return was “nice to see”.

While the versatile defender would not be assured of a place in Arsene Wenger’s starting XI, his availability would be welcomed given that the under-fire Gunners boss has a number of injury concerns at the back.

Per Mertesacker is out with a long-term ankle injury, Laurent Koscielny missed last weekend’s defeat at Sunderland, while Sebastien Squillaci and Francis Coquelin both hobbled off at the Stadium of Light and will miss Sunday’s game.

Wenger only has two other fit centre-halves – Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou.

Another player forced off on Wearside, Aaron Ramsey, is also doubtful for the game against the club’s bitter rivals, who sit 10 points ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League.

Andrei Arshavin, Yossi Benayoun and Ju Young Park both pressed their claims for a starting place against Tottenham by scoring in the 5-0 reserve win in Norfolk.

Barclays Premier League. Click here to bet.

Football365 | Premier League News

Parkes NSW

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:47:05 +0000

A few nice Coventry City Soccer images I found:

Parkes NSW

Image by amandabhslater
Sister City…
We were so excited that Coventry UK was on the sign!

The Parkes/Coventry Sister City link is the longest surviving of the 470 relationships enjoyed by Australian towns and cities. Established in 1939 through a simple but significant exchange of national flags, the link continues to flourish. The link is indeed tangible, having prospered on the firm foundation of Sir Henry Parkes’ birth on the outskirts of Coventry in 1815. With the then NS W Premier visiting the town on three occasions, the name change from Bushmans to Parkes was gazetted in 1873. From that key date the following significant developments ensued:
1939 – Parkes/Coventry Sister City link founded as the first such affiliation enjoyed by an Australian town or city;
1945 – Coventry City Council unashamedly moved to develop links around the world with 24 other sister cities. While Parkes is the smallest centre with which Coventry (population 300,000) is twinned, clearly it is the one from which the most international goodwill and cultural enrichment is derived.
1983 – Coventry Lord Mayor visits Parkes for Local Government Centenary celebrations.
1988 – Coventry Lord Mayor visits Parkes for Bicentennial celebrations.
1989 – Parkes Shire Council delegation visits Coventry.
2000 – Parkes Shire Council delegation visits Coventry
2001 – Visit to Parkes by 16 person delegation from Coventry City Council and local soccer team for Australia Day and Centenary of Federation Celebrations.