Monday, August 27, 2012
What AC Milan must do before August 31 to prevent a disastrous season
The Diavolo got off to a dismal start as they lost their opening
Serie A fixture to Sampdoria at San Siro, and the realisation of their
woes must spark action before trading closes.
Nobody expected miracles, but neither did
they think it would be this bad. AC Milan’s season to dread started
horrendously against Sampdoria on Sunday as it was beaten 1-0 at San
Siro, and the humiliatingly poor performance has immediately cast a
spotlight on the club’s final five days of business in the summer
transfer window.
Even before Andrea Costa netted the only goal of the game just before the hour mark, Milanisti
were already making their feelings known, and it would only get worse
as they had to rely on a header from center back Mario Yepes and a
deflected long-range pot shot from Kevin-Prince Boateng for their best
hopes of a goal, with the woodwork denying them on both occasions.
But how can it get any better? Sure, this wasn’t their first-choice
side, with Philippe Mexes, Alexandre Pato, Ignazio Abate, Massimo
Ambrosini and Sulley Muntari all missing from the 21-man squad, but the Rossoneri’s
issues go so deep that they need more than just the return of that
quintet. Milan fans held up a banner at one point proclaiming: "We will
wait with trust until August 31", but some of that faith and patience
may well have seeped away as the game developed.
Somehow, in the space of just five days, they need to fill in the
huge gaps that were evident at San Siro with what we are told are very
limited resources. But how is that even possible? They were a calamity
at the back, had absolutely no width, were overrun in midfield by a
competent but unspectacular Samp trio, and had no goal threat up top.
Cristian Zapata should arguably have
started, with Yepes and particularly Daniele Bonera looking very
unsteady defensively. Still, even with the former Udinese man and Mexes
brought in, reinforcements are necessary. Francesco Acerbi has done
little during his career to suggest he will be anything more than a
Yepes-like stop-gap when called upon, meaning they could do with extra
resources at center back, with Montpellier’s Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa a target,
but there are more important areas to strengthen.
The left back spot is one which has proven a problem position for a
number of years, with nobody truly excelling over a period of time since
the days of Paolo Maldini. Luca Antonini has never been the answer, and
he is no more what they need today than he has ever been. He very
rarely got forward to stretch Sampdoria on Sunday, and the one time he
got into a great crossing position with the ball at his feet, he cut in
onto his favored right and was squeezed out. Milan could look to
somebody like Lazio’s Stefan Radu or even Juventus’ Reto Ziegler for a
reasonably low cost fee as a short-term option to add the width and
defensive stature they are currently missing.
Moving up into the midfield, there was not
one player who excelled in the new-look central trio. Mathieu Flamini
worked hard, but looked like the same man that has been overlooked for
much of his four years in Italy (albeit one of them wiped out by
injury), and while Antonio Nocerino last year appeared to be a fabulous
addition to a well-structured setup, he did not ever look comfortable
doing a 75-minute performance in which he was suddenly looked upon to be
the main driving force in the middle.
Between those two, Riccardo Montolivo had a ridiculously unflattering
debut. While the match stats would tell you that he completed more
passes than any other Rossonero, he also lost possession in key
areas at least three times, gave away so many silly fouls even Milan
fans were wondering how he’d not been booked, played countless straight
balls in the channel without a single one causing any trouble, and
generally looked like a square peg in a round hole. The Italy
international may have got away with the odd sparkling performance when
wearing a Fiorentina shirt, but at Milan you need to be at a whole new
level, and the early signs are not positive.
What the Diavolo appear to need in the center of the park is a more robust kind of midfielder who can aid the transition between defense and attack, as too often they were left completely bypassing the central axis in a bid to get at Sampdoria. Somebody in the shape of Lassana Diarra could well fit that role, with the club likely to be able to afford him at a stretch should they wish to add somebody of his quality.
Up top, there was absolutely nothing on show. Without Zlatan
Ibrahimovic there was no focal point, even after the introduction of
Giampaolo Pazzini in the second half, but still there was an occasional
tendency to look long for the now departed big man.
Pazzini likes to live off a complementary second striker, which Kevin-Prince Boateng really is not, and the player who has best provided what he needs during his career is the same man the Rossoneri sent across the city in exchange for him. Robinho and Stephan El Shaarawy are both creative types rather than poachers, and so Massimiliano Allegri either needs a better version of Pazzini, or somebody to go alongside him ... or a 100 percent fit Pato.
While the hierarchy at Via Turati seem to have their sights set on the likes of Kaka and Caen's M'Baye Niang, perhaps somebody such as the currently injured Giuseppe Rossi would be of more use in their present position. With Villarreal not being in a position to barter this could be Milan’s time to get him relatively cheap - or at least cheaper than Kaka would be.
With such signings, the new season may not turn out to be quite the disaster it is so far shaping up to be, and they could even reach the Champions League. That third spot, in all truth, is the very best Milanisti could have hoped for before Sunday, and is a million miles away from reality this morning.
Pique: It's surprising that Real Madrid has only one point
The international defender is surprised that the champion has yet to
win this season, but has played down any suggestions that the lack of
form is significant.
Gerard Pique has spoken about Real Madrid's uncharacteristic start to the La Liga campaign, but has pointed to the league being 38 games in length.
The side from the capital lost it matchday
two fixture, a shock 2-1 defeat to Getafe, as Barcelona came from behind
to beat Osasuna by the same score.
Still, Pique says that it will be a long battle to reclaim the title.
"It's
surprising that Madrid has only one point right now, but they could
easily go the next 30 games without a loss," Pique explained at a
Barcelona press conference. "I was very motivated for this season. It
couldn't have started better, but La Liga is about 38 games, not about
two."
Meanwhile, Carlos Puyol is a doubt for Barca's vital
Spanish Supercopa fixture against Madrid after the 34-year-old suffered a
suspected fractured cheekbone in the win over Osasuna, following a
collision with Roland Lamah.
"Knowing him, I wouldn't yet say he
won't play on Wednesday," joked Pique, who remains optimistic about the
fixture. "We want to win the Super Cup, it would be the fourth in a row.
We will go to Madrid trying to win the game."
Enrique: Liverpool is aiming to emulate Barcelona
The left back was amazed at how quickly the Spanish outfit won the
ball back against Real Madrid, and stressed that all they need is time
in order to adjust to their new tactics.
Liverpool defender Jose Enrique believes the team can look replicate the style of play of Spanish giants Barcelona under new manager Brendan Rodgers.
The Reds' boss received plaudits for leading
Swansea to an impressive 11th position in the Premier League table last
season while staying true to his passing football philosophy, before
switching Wales for Merseyside.
The Northern-Irishman's former
club even earned the nickname 'Swansealona' due to their fluid attacking
style, and now the left back thinks the Catalan outfit are a great
example for his new side to follow.
"The best team in the world is the best example: Barcelona," the 26-year-old told ESPN.
"You could see against Real Madrid a few days ago, how when they have
the ball it is amazing and when they lose it, within three or four
seconds they have it back.
"This is the way we try to play. We
can't compare with Barcelona they are different, but we are trying to
play like this. We are starting to learn but we are learning well."
Liverpool has yet to really hit top form under the 39-year-old
this season, losing 3-0 to West Brom in its opening game before
struggling to overcome Hearts in a Europa League playoff.
However,
the Reds were unlucky not to gain all three points at home to reigning
champions Manchester City on Sunday, with an individual error from
Martin Skrtel handing Carlos Tevez an equalizer.
Enrique insisted
that the players need to keep faith in the new system, indicating after
time they will successfully adapt into the sort of side that Rodgers is
trying to mold.
"I think this is the way we have to play this
year," he explained. "Because there is a new manager, we need time, but
if we can play like this I think we will get many points. It is like the
manager wants.
"He wants the team, when we have the ball, to try
to keep it but when we don’t have the ball, to do better than when we
have it, press and try to take the ball."
Manchester City needs to shrug off 'bad habit' of falling behind, says De Jong
The midfielder believes this season will provide a sterner test than
last term as 'everyone wants to beat the champions', while also
praising Carlos Tevez's early season form.
Nigel de Jong has warned his Manchester City team-mates they must reverse their recent trend of going behind in matches.
"We picked that up from the last game of the
season against QPR and have continued that in these first two games of
the new season.
"We have to improve and show that we are up for the test wherever we go, away or at home.
The
reigning champions took the lead in their opening fixture with
Southampton, but then allowed the newly-promoted side to score twice at
the Etihad Stadium, risking an embarrassing start to the campaign.
Roberto
Mancini's men did manage to bag two goals in the last 20 minutes to
defeat the Saints, but they again found themselves trailing when they
travelled to Liverpool on Sunday.
Carlos Tevez was gifted a late
equaliser when Martin Skrtel got a back-pass horribly wrong, but the
Dutch midfielder insisted that chasing games is not something they
should be doing, suggesting this season will be harder than last as they
are now the team to beat.
"We have a lot of qualities in the
squad but we just have to improve," De Jong explained. "It is not going
to be an easy season. Wherever you go everyone wants to beat the
champions. We have to stand tall with each other and improve."
City
was outplayed by the Reds for large periods of the game at Anfield, and
was fortunate that Skrtel's error handed them a point.
The
Holland international insisted that a draw was a good result after they
fell behind twice, acknowledging that an away clash with Liverpool is
never an easy affair.
"We played some decent football at times, not all the game but at least we tried a lot of times," he continued.
"It
was a pity we let the goals in but on the other hand we showed the
determination to come back twice and get away with a point.
"It is not always easy to play football at Anfield. We knew that from the last couple of times."
Tevez
scored his 100th goal in English football at Anfield, and his third of
the season after netting against Saints in the league and Chelsea in the
Community Shield.
De Jong praised the Argentine for his
sharpness at the start of this season, after a number of well-documented
bust-ups last term, stating he expects the striker to be lethal this
campaign.
"He looks quite slim," the midfielder added. "He always
had a little belly but that is gone now at the moment! All credit to
him.
"I am just glad he is still part of this City team and if he continues like this he will score a lot of goals this season."
Baup: M'Bia could switch Marseille for Premier League soon
The 26-year-old has expressed a desire to leave the French outfit
and any dealings are set to progress this week, according to the club's
manager Elie Baup
Marseille boss Elie Baup has revealed Stephane M'Bia's proposed move to the Premier League could progress during the coming week.
The French outfit's president, Vincent Labrune, told Canal+
on Sunday that the defender has played his last game for the club,
adding that the English top-flight is his likely destination.
The
club's manager has re-enforced those claims, stating that the player no
longer wants to play for Les Phoceens, while also suggesting a move
could be closer by the end of the week.
"Things could progress during the week for M'bia." The Marseille boss told RMC. "It's clear for me and for him: he's shown his desire to leave.
"He
is still available all the same because he had a good game at
Montpellier. As long as he's here, he needs to do his best. But we need
to find the best solution for the club."
The Cameroon
international has been linked with QPR this summer, with Mark Hughes
already having brought in a number of new faces as he aims to turn the
London club's fortunes around after they narrowly avoided relegation
last term.
Speculation also remains over Rangers' midfielder
Joey Barton's potential loan move to the Ligue 1 side, which may be part
of any transfer.
If any deal was to be done, M'Bia would be the
second high-profile defender to leave the club for the Premier League
this summer, with Cesar Azpilicueta's move to Chelsea being officially
confirmed on Friday.
Modric completes Real Madrid move from Tottenham
The Croatian moves to Spain for a fee of 33.2 million pounds after a
lengthy transfer saga, signing a five-year contract at Santiago
Bernabeu and being handed the No.19 shirt.
Real Madrid has completed the signing of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric for a fee of 33.2 million pounds, the Spanish club has confirmed.
Modric arrives on a five-year deal, and will
wear the No. 19 shirt at Santiago Bernabeu, as the No. 14 he wore at
Spurs is already taken by Xabi Alonso.
The Croatian
international played no part in the north Londoners' Premier League
campaign this year as the two clubs finalized negotiations for the deal,
which also includes a long-term 'footballing partnership'.
"I'm
very happy," he told reporters. "It's an honor to be at the biggest
club in the world. I want to start training and playing for Real Madrid.
I look forward to playing with the team. This is my biggest challenge
as a footballer and I am sure that I will accomplish my objectives."
Modric
is hoping to get on the field as soon as possible for Real Madrid,
which beat out rival Barcelona to win La Liga last season.
"My
challenge is to earn a place in the team, and for that you must work
hard. It's going to be difficult, but I'm ready. My challenge is to win
titles and trophies with Real Madrid," Modric said.
"I have
trained, I have worked hard and I have played 25 minutes with Croatia. I
hope that I only need a couple of games to be fit and to reach the
highest level. I have everything that I want. Now i just want to enjoy my football, improve my qualities and help the team win everything."
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Chelsea midfielder Oscar feels 'huge disappointment' after Brazil defeat
The Chelsea midfielder rued the chance he missed after Hulk had
pulled a goal back for Mano Menezes' team and felt that his country
should have scored earlier in the match
Chelsea midfielder Oscar has admitted that he feels hugely disappointed not to have won a gold medal at the Olympic Games with Brazil.
Mano
Menezes' team was the heavy favorite going into the final of the
tournament against Mexico at Wembley but Oribe Peralta's double sent the
underdogs on their way to a 2-1 victory.
The Blues' new signing
was made to settle for silver and rued missing the chance that could
have dramatically pulled the Selecao level after Hulk had grabbed a goal
in injury time.
Oscar failed to hit the target with a close
range header but also felt that Brazil had enough chances to level the
score after Peralta's opener.
"It was a big chance at the end,"
Oscar told reporters. "It was not just the header, we had several other
chances when the score was 1-0.
"I feel huge disappointment. I am
very proud to have reached the final but we are so sad to not have
achieved winning the gold medal.
Getafe 2-1 Real Madrid: Barrada strikes to stun champions
Goal from the Moroccan and Juan Valera cancel out Gonzalo Higuain's first half strike to heap misery on Los Blancos
Real Madrid has handed a five-point lead to
Barcelona at the top of the Spanish Primera Division after succumbing to
a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on
Sunday evening.
Los Blancos took the lead halfway through the
first half, but a two-goal salvo in the second period and a plucky
performance from the hosts left Jose Mourinho's men without a win in
their opening two games of the campaign.
Madrid cames within
inches of opening the scoring 15 minutes into the match when Mesut Ozil
and Cristiano Ronaldo exchanged a couple of neat one-two's inside the
Getafe box. The ball came back to the German six yards out and with the
goal gaping he smashed a shot against the crossbar.
Ronaldo had
the opportunity to take center stage five minutes later with a couple of
free kick attempts towards Miguel Angel Moya. The Getafe goalkeeper had
to be at his best for the second as it bounced wickedly a few yards
from goal, but the 28-year-old kept concentration to palm the ball to
safety.
Jose Mourinho's men eventually took the lead through a
well-worked goal just before the 30-minute mark. Angel Di Maria dropped
into a pocket of space just in front of the Getafe defense and slid a
pass through to Gonzalo Higuain, who showed intelligence to ride the
challenge of Alexis and take the ball past Moya before smashing home
from a tight angle.
The battle between Moya and Ronaldo
continued, and once again the Getafe goalkeeper came out on top just
before the break. The Portguese had cut inside from the left-hand side
and lashed a shot at goal from the edge of the box, only to be denied by
a solid save.
The hosts came out of the blocks quickly in the
second half, and with an added impetus in their play, managed to level
the game in the 53nd minute. Abdel Barrada was the provider as he
whipped in a cross from the right flank for Juan Valera at the back
post, who powered a header past the rooted Iker Casillas.
Ronaldo
tested Moya yet again in the 70th minute when he drifted into a central
area and flicked up the ball on the edge of the box, but his snatched
volley bobbled into the hands of the Getafe goalkeeper, with the Real
Madrid man cutting a frustrated figure.
Jose Mourinho looked to
be going for broke, with the introduction of Karim Benzema in place of
Diarra, but the added space in dangerous areas for Getafe lead to the
hosts taking the lead fifteen minutes from time. Substitute Adrian
Colunga left Albiol for dead down the left and drove forward before
sliding a pass inside to Barrada who took a touch then smashed the ball
past Casillas.
This result leaves Real Madrid 14th in the league
with just one point taken from the opening two matches. Getafe has
earned its first win of the season and move on to three points in the
Spanish Primera Division.
Roberto Carlos: It is time Real Madrid won the Champions League again
The Brazilian defender believes the the Blancos' next objective must be to win Europe's premier club tournament after being crowned Spanish champions in 2011-12
Roberto Carlos says it is about time Real Madrid won the Champions League again, fresh from securing the Primera Division title.
The Spanish giants are Europe's most successful club, having been crowned champions of the continent a record nine times.
However, with its last triumph coming a decade ago, the Brazilian feels his former club need to set its sights on ruling Europe supreme once more.
“It is time for Jose Mourinho and the team to win the Champions League,” the legendary full-back admitted to AS. “Champions League glory will come when they have more luck. It is difficult to win three in a row like we did, and the team need a little more experience.
“They have to keep winning titles and they should not be in a hurry or get pressured. Madrid are always great, they always makes the best signings. In the near future this group can soon win the tenth and eleventh crown for the club.”
The Blancos were eliminated from the competition in 2011-12 at the semi-final stage by eventual runners-up Bayern Munich.
Rooney 'out for a month' after being hospitalized with horror thigh gash
The striker was brought on as a second-half substitute as Sir Alex Ferguson's side secured a 3-2 win but was withdrawn in the closing stages with a nasty-looking cut
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney faces the possibility of four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a deep gash on his thigh and knee in Saturday's victory over Fulham.Coming off the substitutes bench with just over 20 minutes remaining, a clash with Hugo Rodallega in injury time forced the England international to be stretchered from the pitch.Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed after the game that Rooney has since been sent to hospital and could face a month in rehabilitation."It's a very bad gash. He's been sent to hospital and I think he'll be out for four weeks," Sir Alex told Sky Sports."Rodellaga followed through after his shot. Obviously it was an accident."Focusing on the game itself, Fulham took the lead after just three minutes when Damien Duff latched onto Bryan Ruiz's free kick.United responded strongly with three first-half goals from Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael - the former two with their first for the club.A mix-up in between David de Gea and the defense led to Nemanja Vidic knocking the ball into his own net with 25 minutes still on the clock, but the west London outfit could not find the all-important equalizer.
Chelsea is not superior to Atletico Madrid, says Simeone
The Argentine trainer is looking forward to the Monaco showpiece
versus the Premier League giants, and is hopeful of causing an upset.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is eagerly anticipating Friday's European Super Cup faceoff with Chelsea, and is confident that his side can trouble the Champions League holders.
The Blues have strengthened their squad with
players such as Oscar, Eden Hazard, Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses
this summer, but Simeone feels they are by no means better than
Atletico.
"People may think Chelsea are superior because they won
the Champions League, but when there is only one match to play we all
know that everything becomes more difficult," he told the official UEFA
website.
"We don't have anything to prove. It is a match between
two teams that have won two different cups – and we are very proud of
the cup we won.
"We know the Super Cup match is beautiful, but
we focus on every single match. We know how important it is. After
having won the Europa League, and now facing the Champions League
winners, we are in a nice place. I hope we can enjoy it."
Official: Chelsea confirms Moses signing
The Blues have finally captured the 21-year-old Wigan attacker after
a summer-long pursuit of the player, with the Latics accepting a bid
believed to be in the region of £10m
Chelsea has competed the signing of Victor Moses from Wigan , bringing to an end the club's summer-long pursuit of the 21-year-old winger.
The Latics are believed to have accepted a
bid in the region of 10 million pounds for the Nigerian international,
with Roberto Di Matteo showing no let-up in spending during the current
transfer window.
The Blues also confirmed the signing of
Marseille fullback Cesar Azpilicueta earlier on Friday, and he joins
Eden Hazard, Oscar, Marko Marin and Thorgan Hazard amongst this summer's
new recruits at Stamford Bridge.
While Moses' switch to west
London had stuttered due to Latics chairman Dave Whelan playing hardball
in negotiations, the 75-year-old eventually relented to allow the
Nigerian striker a move away from the DW Stadium.
Moses was snapped up by Wigan in January 2010 after he had established himself in the Championship with Crystal Palace.
Liverpool boss Rodgers: I almost joined Manchester City's backroom staff
The Ulsterman flew to Milan to discuss a possible move to join the backroom setup at the Etihad Stadium following his dismissal as Reading boss three years ago.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed he almost joined Roberto Mancini’s coaching staff at Manchester City before becoming Swansea City manager in 2009.
When the Ulsterman was dismissed from his managerial role with Reading after just six months in charge at the Championship outfit, he held talks with City administrator Brian Marwood and even flew to Milan in order to discuss with a possible move with Mancini.
“I was grateful because it was good for my confidence at the time because I’d left Reading having had a long career in coaching and all of a sudden I was on the outside looking in,” Rodgers told The Telegraph. “I went up at the end of the season, took a couple of days looking around the project and everything and I flew to Milan to meet Roberto out there.
“They were excited about what was happening there and I didn’t really think I was going to get a manager’s job so the next best thing was at least working with top players.”
Talks with the Manchester club fell through when Rodgers closed in on a move to Swansea, which had just seen manager Paulo Sousa walk out the doors of the Liberty Stadium. Rodgers led the Welsh side to promotion in his first season in charge, with the Swans enjoying memorable home wins over Arsenal, Liverpool and City in their debut top-flight campaign.
“Then all of a sudden I got the opportunity to go to Swansea so to be the No.1,” Rodgers continued. “Irrespective of money and whatever contract, at a great club like Swansea was always going to be too good to turn down. I hadn’t had anything in writing from Man City but I probably would have [earned more money].
“In the first game [against Swansea] they brought [Sergio] Aguero on, and he cost more than our stadium. Over the two games, for three quarters of both games we were the better team.
“They have quality players, and once you’ve won the league it gives you greater confidence. But if we’re going to do anything this year we need to ensure that Anfield is a real cauldron of a place to come to.”
Vilanova retains full faith in Valdes ahead of Osasuna clash
The Blaugrana boss is refusing to be drawn in on the shot stopper's
mistake against Real Madrid, and also spoke about Alexis Sanchez's
early-season form.
Tito Vilanova offered his backing to under-fire goalkeeper Victor Valdes, as the Barcelona coach looked forward to Sunday's Liga meeting with Osasuna.
The Catalan giant goes into the encounter
following the 3-2 first-leg win of its Supercopa Espana tie against Real
Madrid, but its task of lifting the first domestic silverware of the
season has been made more difficult due to the custodian's error, which
gifted the capital side a late second goal.
However, speaking in a
press conference, Vilanova insisted Valdes' error has been blown out of
proportion and reminded critics of the goalkeeper's role in helping the
side to three successive Liga crowns between 2009 and 2011.
"It
surprises me that Victor is being doubted, even though we have won three
Liga titles thanks to him," said the Barca boss. "I have seen him play
very well so far this season; he is very strong mentally."
Vilanova
also leaped to the defense of winger Alexis Sanchez, who struggled to
exert much influence on proceedings at Camp Nou last Thursday.
"I
agree that he did not play well the other day, but he did the things
that we asked of him and really helped us," he added. "Perhaps he lacked
a ruthless edge, but I'm sure he will do very well this season."
Regarding
Sunday's trip to Pamplona, Vilanova acknowledged the pitfalls that face
his side, as he cast his mind back to last season's 3-2 defeat at the
Reyno de Navarra, when he was assistant to former coach Pep Guardiola
"It
is a complicated match because they are a closely-knit team," he said.
"My players have been warned of the dangers Osasuna pose and they know
that last year we threw away the league at this venue."
Vilanova
could hand a debut to Alex Song in Sunday's encounter, but he warned the
former Arsenal man may need some extra time to build his sharpness
before turning out for his side, which started its league campaign with
victory over Real Sociedad last weekend.
Juventus hits the ground running, but controversy reigns once more
The Bianconeri got off to a winning start but it was the first big call by one of the new goal-line officials that had everyone talking at Juventus Stadium.
Laurel and Hardy, Mills and Boon, Fred and Ginger, Serie A and controversy. Some couples just belong together. On Saturday night, without the slightest bit of surprise to any seasoned Italian soccer connoisseur, the new campaign was greeted by an immediate dose of conjecture, with Andrea Pirlo awarded a highly questionable goal as Juventus got its title defense underway with a 2-0 win at home to Parma.
This summer’s introduction of goal-line
officials was passed after the now-infamous Sulley Muntari ghost goal in
the clash between AC Milan and Juve in February, which remains the
subject of some rancor to this day. But anyone who believed that the
addition of two extra referees would put the entire issue to bed was
proven wrong on the very first day of the new trial.
With Juve a goal up thanks to Stephan Lichtsteiner’s side-foot finish
from Kwadwo Asamoah’s left-wing cross, it was then awarded a
58th-minute free-kick. Up stepped Pirlo, but Antonio Mirante appeared to
keep his effort from crossing the line as he slid on the sodden
Juventus Stadium surface. As the Bianconeri players appealed for a goal,
there was a sudden realization that referee Andrea Romeo had indeed
pointed to the halfway line after consulting with his newly-appointed
additional assistant, Maurizio Ciampi.
In truth, even after a great number of TV replays, it still looked a
close call, and a tough one for Parma to take. As difficult as it is for
an official to make any decision in a split second, there appeared to
be far too little conclusive proof for Ciampi to award a goal in this
instance. With both the post and Mirante’s arm obscuring his view, he
can in no way have been certain that Pirlo’s shot had cleared the line,
and as such there should have been no second goal for Juventus. To award
a goal on what was little more than a guess sets a very dangerous
precedent for other officials in his position to follow.
Juventus would undoubtedly have won the game anyway, such was its
superiority. In chalking up its 40th Serie A fixture without defeat, it
has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the league. It still have
questions to answer, especially up front as it was as wasteful in front
of goal as it often was last term, but it is once again a questionable
call that will take away from what was a very convincing display by the
Scudetto holder.
San Jose Earthquakes 4-1 Colorado Rapids: Double braces for Earthquakes
The Earthquakes used a pair of braces to produce another impressive win.
A combination of San Jose braces gives the Earthquakes a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
Following
kickoff, it looked as if it would be a close match. The momentum
changed in the 11th minute when San Jose’s Alan Gordon passed to Simon
Dawkins who pulled the trigger and scored the first goal of the night.
Matt Pickens was on high alert as he had to make continual saves against Earthquakes' shots on goal.
San
Jose doubled the lead in the 43rd when Rafael Baca crossed it into
Gordon. The 30-year old enjoyed his 10th goal of the season, creating a
2-0 halftime score.
A crucial sub was made after the half, as
Rapids replaced Hunter Freeman with Tyrone Marshall. This changed proved
invaluable in the 54th when Martin Rivero deliveed a pass to Marshall,
who headed in the Rapids only goal of the night.
This 2-1 score teased the visiting team with hope, but reality sank in at the 68th as Dawkins scored his second goal.
Gordon,
not wanting to be left out, finished his brace in the 75th, giving San
Jose a 4-1 win and three more points to add to its impressive Western
Conference lead.
Portland Timbers 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps: Portland takes Cascadia win
The Timbers took a 2-1 win over Cascadia rival Vancouver on Saturday night.
Goals from Darlington Nagbe and Franck
Songo'o earned Portland Timbers' interim head coach Gavin Wilkinson his
first win and earned the club a 2-1 Cascadia rivalry victory over
Vancouver on Saturday night.
Nagbe opened the scoring in the 41st after Jewsbury’s through ball put him in a great position to put his shot home.
Kenny Miller pulled the game level in the 46th after being picked out by Jay DeMerit.
It didn't take long for Portland to go back in front. Songo'o put home a free kick in the 55th to give his side a win and three points to pull the team out of the Western Conference basement.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Manchester United coach hails Buttner potential
Rene Meulensteen has praised the Dutch defender following his arrival from Vitesse but has backed Patrice Evra to put up a fight in order to keep his spot at left back
Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has hailed the club's latest acquisition Alexander Buttner.
"We see him as an aggressive player who knows himself. He looks always at the future," he told Voetbal International.
The 23-year-old full-back signed a five-year deal with the Old Trafford club on Tuesday, after completing his move from Eredivisie side Vitesse.
And Meulensteen believes the Dutchman's potential will see him prove to be a shrewd buy for the Red Devils.
"We brought him in because of his potential. It's not without reason that he is on the brink of playing in the Dutch squad," Meulensteen said.
He added, "That's why I said: Buttner, that's not a bad player, when Ferguson asked me about him. United is three, four or five steps higher then Vitesse. On the training ground we will see quickly if he can cope with a higher level."
Despite waxing lyrical about the former Netherlands Under-21 international, the Dutch coach admitted that Patrice Evra will prove tough to budge from the first team.
"Patrice Evra is a very experienced left back. [Evra] will not let him play in the first team very soon," he insisted.
United is still without defenders Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans for their game against Fulham on August 25.
Heynckes hints at Bayern exit
The veteran coach has admitted that he could end his third stint in charge of the Bavarians at the end of this season, when his existing deal expires.
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has hinted that he could leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.The 67-year-old took over the reins at the Allianz Arena in 2011 after Louis van Gaal's exit, and led the club to a Champions League final in May, only to see his side lose to Chelsea.
However, he has now admitted that his age means that he will most likely leave the club in 2013, with the board set to look for a younger option.
"Let's be honest, I have a two-year contract which ends on June 30 2012," he explained to Suddeutsche Zeitung. "And then another stage of life comes to an end. I am no longer 37 years old.
"Ultimately, it's also whether they want a young or an old coach here. At Bayern one thing is important: success."
Several names have been linked with the job, and it was revealed in June that the Bavarians had already made an approach for former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola.
Lucien Favre, who led Borussia Monchengladbach to a fourth-placed Bundesliga finish last season, has reportedly been a long-term target for the club, but signed a new contract with his current employers in July.
Meanwhile, Bayern legend Franz Beckenbauer has admitted that he expects his former side to make a move for 38-year-old coach Thomas Tuchel.
"I imagine that [president Uli] Hoeness would consider him," he commented to Sport1.
Heynckes, who has had two previous stints with Bayern has also coached the likes of Real Madrid, Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach.
Xavi believes Barcelona is in a strong position to overcome Real Madrid in Super Copa return
The Blaugrana overcame Mourinho's side 3-2, recovering from a goal down at Camp Nou, leaving the Catalan giants favourites to win the first trophy of the season.
Xavi's strike against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Super Copa ensured Barcelona a one goal advantage heading into the return match at the Bernabeu, and the Spanish midfielder is optimistic about Tito Vilanova securing his first trophy.
The Blaugrana had to recover from falling behind to Cristiano Ronaldo's header, and Xavi praised Barcelona's ability to get back into the match. Speaking to the press, he said: "We started the game well, but showed character to get back into the match.
"We had a great game, and to win was significant as it means we know what we have to do at the Bernabeu. If we play the same in Madrid [as we did at Camp Nou] then we will win the title."
Xavi also had words of encouragement for Victor Valdes, whose blunder late in the game at Camp Nou gifted Angel Di Maria the simplest of goals to leave the match in the balance at 3-2 in Barcelona's favor.
"Victor [Valdes] is a professional and the best goalkeeper that we could ask for," added Xavi.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona return to Liga action at the weekend, before the two rivals commence battle at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Philadelphia Union 0-0 Real Salt Lake: A drab affair at PPL Park as neither side shows up
The Philadelphia Union and Real Salt Lake played out a stereotypical bore draw at PPL Park on Friday night with the teams failing to score a goal over the course of 90 minutes. Few chances were had as a busy RSL side didn't bring its A-game to the East Coast.
The teams were able to create very little in the first half as they each traded periods of extended time in each other's half. Philadelphia arguably had the better of the quality possession but no real scoring chances were created at either end until late in the period.
Forcing a turnover outside the Salt Lake box, Michael Farfan was able
to evade Kwame Watson-Siriboe with a nice bit of skill and worked his
way into the area. He then slid the ball along the floor to an onrushing
Danny Cruz at the penalty spot who proceeded to sky his first-time
effort over Rimando's goal.
Little changed in the second half
as the teams battled hard for the first 20 minutes with not only no
goals to show for it, but no real chances either. The only action of
note was a little scuffle after Michael Farfan went in hard on Chris
Wingert.
As the match pushed on towards the closing stages, still
neither team was able to work even a dangerous shot on goal. With RSL
having playing three matches in the last seven days, playing for the
draw seemed like the gameplan, while Philadelphia didn't have its best
attacking shoes on, even with Freddy Adu being brought into the mix late
on.
The match came to an end a dozen minutes after Adu's introduction with the teams stuck at zeros.
Jaguares 2-1 Querétaro: Primera victoria felina
Querétaro se queda en el fondo de la tabla, por lo que la
permanencia de Carlos de los Cobos al frente del club se pone en
entredicho.
Los Jaguares de Chiapas consiguieron un
valioso triunfo en casa, luego de imponerse 2-1 a los Gallos Blancos del
Querétaro, en duelo de desesperados por mantenerse en la Primera
División.
SIn lugar a dudas, un taque de oxígeno para los
dirigidos por José Guadalupe Cruz no sólo porque sumaron su primer
victoria, también porque la misma fue ante un rival directo por la lucha
por el no descenso.
El revés pone en duda la permanencia de
Carlos de los Cobos al frente de los emplumados. Y es que, después de
seis jornadas disputadas, apenas cosecha un punto, una mala racha que
los tiene en los últimos lugares de la tabla general.
El partido
no fue sencillo para los locales, de hecho, tuvieron que venir de atrás
porque estaban abajo en el marcador, tras un grave error de la defensiva
chiapaneca.
La primera anotación fue a los 62 minutos de acción.
Leonardo Bedolla intentó despejar pero peinó la esférica, Édgar
Hernández salió precipitado y el balón se le pasó, lo que aprovechó
Michel Oviedo para mandar al fondo.
En el 77', Jaguares igualó
los cartones. Luis Gabriel Rey controló la esférica en la frontera del
área, mandó un escopetazo al ángulo derecho, imposible para Juan
Castillo.
Y en el 89', llegó el 2-1 definitivo. Faustino Arizala
mandó un tiro-centro que alcanzó a desviar Efraín Cortés a propio marco,
para vencer al arquero que no pudo hacer nada para detener la
trayectoría del balón.
Los últimos minutos, Querétaro jugó con 10 hombres por la expulsión de Cortés que le dio un codazo a Arizala.
Friday, August 24, 2012
West Ham boss Allardyce retains interest in Liverpool striker Carroll
The 57-year-old manager believes that any move for the England international before the transfer window closes would only be on a loan deal with funds tight at Upton Park.
Sam Allardyce has stated that West Ham has not yet given up in its pursuit of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.
With
the club on the brink of clinching the signature of Wolves winger Matt
Jarvis for a fee believed to be in the region of 11 million pounds,
Allardyce believes that he would have little left in his budget for a
permanent move for Carroll, but that he'd still happily take the player
on loan before the close of the transfer window.
"Many
things in the final week of the transfer window emerge and should it be
the case that we would be able to do something then I think it would
probably only be a loan," Allardyce told reporters."We
would see if we could pursue it and clinch it, but if we only finish
with Matt and nobody else I would be happy with the squad I've got.
"While it is not quite as big as I'd like it to be, I think it has
got a lot of quality. My problem is there may not be funds available for
Andy now. If Andy became available or anybody became available and they
wanted to join West Ham, I would ask the owners.
"At the moment that is not the case and we just have to wait and see if and when that situation arises."
Allardyce admitted his concern at few of his strikers having Premier
League experience, with only Carlton Cole having previously featured
regularly in the English top flight.
"If we play Carlton Cole, Nicky Maynard, Ricardo Vaz Te, [Modibo] Maiga - they are all players that play in the front three wide positions," he said. "What isn't there is a proven Premier League goalscorer, apart from Carlton Cole who can get 10 or 11 goals a season.
"Nicky,
Ricardo and Maiga are not proven so you hope it will be all right, but
you cannot tell until you get eight or 10 games in."
AC Milan's Pato to miss start of Serie A season due to fresh injury
The Rossoneri striker has picked up another knock and could be out
for up to three weeks, and will most likely not feature in his team's
Serie A opener this weekend
AC Milan attacker Alexandre Pato
has been dealt a cruel blow in his quest to regain full fitness as he
has suffered another injury mere days before the restart of the Italian
championship.The
Brazilian picked up a knock on his left abductor during a training
session on Wednesday, which coincided with the arrival of Giampaolo
Pazzini in a swap deal involving Antonio Cassano.
The 22-year-old will undergo a scan in the coming days to determined the extent of the damage.
"AC
Milan announces that during a game held in today's workout, Alexandre
Pato has reported a problem with his left adductor," the team said in a
statement. "In the coming days further medical examinations will be made
to determine the extent of the damage."
Pato was restricted to just 11 Serie A appearances last season, due to persistent injury problems.
Tijuana goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo: U.S. Soccer has been in touch with my agent
The Mexican-born player specified that while he is not yet an
American citizen, he would "analyze" the possibility should it become a
reality in the future.
TIJUANA, Mexico -- Despite having Premier
League goalkeepers Tim Howard and Brad Guzan at the top of the depth
chart, along with talented youngsters Bill Hamid and Sean Johnson
waiting in the wings, Tijuana shot-stopper Cirilo Saucedo says the U.S.
Soccer Federation has reached out to him.
Saucedo confirmed to
Goal.com that the U.S. national team had been in contact with his
father, who is also his agent, about the possibility of the Mexican-born
player playing for the USA in the future. The 30-year-old, whose mother
is a U.S. citizen, is not an American citizen.
"My father is my
agent, and I'm aware that he has been in contact with someone [at the
U.S. Soccer Federation]. That's the truth," Saucedo told Goal.com
following Wednesday's practice. It is unclear exactly who his father
spoke to at U.S. Soccer.
U.S. Soccer would not comment on the issue.
The
possibility of Saucedo suiting up for the Americans stemmed from
reports out of Mexico earlier in the week that indicated that the Xolos
goalkeeper was lobbying for a spot on the U.S. team, while leaving the
issue of his eligibility via citizenship in the air. The process of
becoming a citizen would take at least five years, meaning he'd be
nearly 36 by the time he'd be able to suit up for the U.S.
"First,
I'd like to clear up that an article was published recently by a
newspaper that put words in my mouth that I never said. I'm going to
analyze the situation when it becomes a possibility. My mother's
American, I don't have [citizenship] yet," Saucedo said.
Saucedo
also stressed that his comments were not intended to be a warning for
the Mexican national team, which has not called him up despite his
sparkling form that has landed him on the shortlist for the best
goalkeeper award in the Liga MX.
"We're talking about a
hypothetical. I have the chance to play for the United States if I'm a
citizen, not if the Mexican national team doesn't call me up. It's a
complicated issue," the former Tigres and Indios player noted. "I don't
know if it's going to happen yet. I would want to do it because of my
family, for my child's education. For that to happen my mother and I
have to undergo the process."
Although he is three years younger
than the United States' current first-choice goalkeeper, Howard, a
mindful Saucedo said he was aware that the legal process behind becoming
eligible might take several years.
"It's not a process that
takes a day. That's the reality," he continued. "We've looked at ways
for us to do this. There are legal questions that need to be answered."
Even then, Saucedo would not completely dismiss the chance of suiting up for Mexico's biggest rival.
"If,
in the future, there is a possibility to play for the United States,
we'll analyze that. I mean, would I love to play in a World Cup? Yes,
definitely. But right now, I'm focused on my club," he said.
Friday MLS Forecast: Week 23 - Heralding the return of a fabulous mullet
The Forecast ponders the implications of Juan Toja's return to MLS and sorts through the weekend slate.
1. Juan Toja makes his triumphant return to MLS...:
Perhaps those words overstate how the 27-year-old sealed his second
move to America on a free transfer yesterday after stops in Romania and
Greece, but the former FC Dallas midfielder still represents a good
addition for the league. In his best form, Toja influences games down
the left or through the middle with his considerable skill, his
impeccable timing and relentless work rate. Whether MLS will receive
that type of player straight away or whether Toja will need some time to
locate his fitness and his sharpness remains an open question at this
point.
2. ...and New England holds the key to his future:
Toja will find out his destination through the allocation process over
the next few days because FCD sold his rights to Romanian side Steaua
Bucharest in 2008. New England currently sits atop the allocation order
and will use that spot to select Toja. That decision does not
necessarily rule out a trade, though Toja won't make his way elsewhere
for a song. In fact, the situation gives the Revolution leverage to seek
a market-value deal if the club chooses to do so. Also worth noting:
Toja's potential arrival in New England could also prompt offers for
Benny Feilhaber – last seen coming off the bench for the Revs at Toyota
Park – if opposing clubs believe they can get the U.S. international
midfielder at a discount.
3. Sporting Kansas City hosts New York in yet another top-of-the-table clash:
Hans Backe's side labored through its expected reprieve against
Portland last weekend before securing the points, but the Red Bulls will
enjoy no such luxury at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park on Sunday night. Backe
will have to stop tinkering in midfield – Tim Cahill as the attacking
midfielder and Dax McCarty as the holding player works just fine – and
trust Kenny Cooper to partner Thierry Henry up top to avoid the problems
encountered at Red Bull Arena. Even if the Red Bulls sort out their own
selection issues, they face a particularly difficult task to cope with
in-form Sporting. The prize for yet another formidable home performance
by Sporting: a victory would push Peter Vermes' side five points clear
at the top of the Eastern Conference.
4. CONCACAF Champions League and domestic demands could lead to squad rotation this weekend:
Two teams to monitor in particular: Houston and Los Angeles. Most of
the Dynamo's regulars watched Wednesday's straightforward 3-1 victory at
C.D. FAS (El Salvador) on Wednesday, but Dominic Kinnear must still
figure how to employ to parcel out the minutes with a home date against
Toronto FC on Saturday and a potentially decisive visit to Olimpia
(Honduras) looming on Thursday. Bruce Arena used his starting XI in
Thursday night's wacky 5-2 home victory over Isidro Metapán (El
Salvador), but he must weigh how many of those players he can bring back
on relatively short rest to face the usually energetic FC Dallas.
Seattle (at Caledonia AIA on Thursday after a visit to Chivas USA on
Saturday) and Toronto FC (versus Santos Laguna on Tuesday after a visit
to Houston on Saturday) also face some CCL-related fixture congestion
issues, while Columbus and D.C. United must wrangle with particularly
hectic domestic slates (last
Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday).
5. Suspensions will further muddy the selection waters:
Montréal (Hassoun Camara and Nelson Rivas) and San Jose (Victor
Bernárdez, Jason Hernandez and Steven Lenhart) will face significant
difficulties in defense. Portland (Diego Chará), Philadelphia (Sheanon
Williams) and Vancouver (Gershon Koffie) must also accommodate for the
absence of critical regulars. In all five cases, the opposing sides
could see a potential avenue to exploit given the enforced omission of
important contributors.
Last week: 4/9 (44%)
This season: 80/191 (42%)
Friday
Real Salt Lake @ Philadelphia (7:30p.m., NBC Sports Network) –
Overview:
Call this one a gut feeling: RSL doesn't play on national television
often and may enter this match against the freewheeling Union with a
touch of additional motivation. Between the extra bit of vigor and the
tempting gaps left by the Union, the visitors may just snatch a road
victory.
Prediction: Real Salt Lake win.
Saturday
D.C. United @ Montréal (4:00p.m., TSN 2/RDS) –
Overview:
Go ahead and try to figure out how this one will unfold with one team
riding high after a midweek win over Chicago and the other team
scrambling to field a viable back four. United looks more than capable
of snatching the points here, but the Impact tends to find a way to
churn out results at Stade Saputo regardless of the circumstances.
Prediction: Montréal win.
New England @ Columbus (7:30p.m.) –Overview:
Remember how Chris Rolfe exposed the Revs time and again with his
movement last weekend? That experience doesn't bode well for the
visitors as they prepare to face Jairo Arrieta, Federico Higuaín and the
resurgent Crew.
Prediction: Columbus win.
Toronto FC @ Houston (8:30p.m., TSN 2) –
Overview: Paul Mariner probably would have preferred to see a few more Dynamo regulars take the field in Central America.
Prediction: Houston win.
Colorado @ San Jose (10:30p.m.) –
Overview:
One of the rather underrated aspects of this Earthquakes side: its
depth. It isn't an ideal situation to play without both starting center
backs, but Frank Yallop can cope if Ramiro Corrales and Ike Opara
produce decent performances as part of the revamped rearguard. One other
tidbit to watch: Hendry Thomas could make his debut for the Rapids if
Oscar Pareja believes the Honduran international is fit enough to
feature at some stage.
Prediction: San Jose win.
Vancouver @ Portland (10:30p.m.) –
Overview:
Gavin Wilkinson said this week that the Timbers have looked better over
the past few games. His point isn't poorly taken, but it may not hold
up when the Whitecaps come to visit. Vancouver isn't in good form at the
moment, but the Whitecaps still should overcome Koffie's suspension
(particularly with Chará also banned) to retain their shape and slip
through the Timbers' rearguard frequently enough with their movement and
their work rate.
Prediction: Vancouver win.
Seattle @ Chivas USA (10:30p.m.) –
Overview: The crux in this particular debate: mobility. Seattle has a surplus of it, while Chivas USA struggles to control it.
Prediction: Seattle win.
Sunday
FC Dallas @ Los Angeles (7:00p.m., NBC Sports Network/TSN 2) –
Overview:
Tempo stands out as the key to this particular fixture. FCD has enjoyed
success against the Galaxy in the past by relying on its significant
speed advantage to spring quick counterattacks. If the Galaxy can find a
way to limit those forays (as they have also done occasionally), then
the balance tips a bit toward the home side.
Prediction: Los Angeles win.
New York @ Sporting Kansas City (9:00p.m., ESPN2/ESPN Deportes/GOL TV Canada/RDS 2) –
Overview:
The most pressing issue in this affair comes on the left side of the
Red Bulls' defense. Roy Miller's poor form places Hans Backe in a
significant bind. Should he stick by his left back (as he did to the
press earlier this week) to ensure his central defensive pairing is
settled? Should he make a change to address the issue and potentially
cope more adequately with the spaces Graham Zusi will expose in that
area of the field? If so, what sort of shifts are involved (perhaps
Connor Lade to the left, Jan Gunnar Solli on the right, Sébastien Le
Toux into midfield and Kenny Cooper up top)? There isn't one perfect
answer, though Zusi (if selected on the right wing again), one might
suspect, has his own take on the issue that likely involves the status
quo.
Prediction: Sporting Kansas City win.
Mancini: Javi Martinez costs too much for Manchester City
The Italian coach believes the Basque club is asking for too big a sum for its Spain international, but hinted at winger Scott Sinclair being brought in from Swansea City
Roberto Mancini has confessed that Athletic Bilbao's high valuation of Javi Martinez has priced Manchester City out of signing the midfielder.
The Spain international appears to be on the verge of a much-anticipated 40 million euro move to Bayern Munich, and, as Goal.com exclusively revealed earlier this week, City failed to convince Daniele De Rossi to leave Roma for the Etihad Stadium and could have considered Javi Martinez as an alternative.
However, it seems City has been put off bidding for the 23-year-old Basque because Mancini believes the Spanish club value their asset too highly.
When asked by reporters on Friday morning if a deal could be done, the coach said it would be "difficult". He added: "The cost is too high for me."
Goal.com exclusively reported in early August that Mancini want to bring Swansea City winger Scott Sinclair into the Premier League champion’s squad.
The Italian coach hinted that a potential deal could still by replying “maybe, maybe,” when asked if the former Chelsea youngster would be joining the club this summer.
The Premier League champion has had a quiet transfer window by its usually hectic standards, but the former Inter boss revealed work is going on behind the scenes to bring new faces in with just seven days until deadline day.
"I'm sure we can do what we want in the one week of the [transfer window]," Mancini added. "We are working, working.
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