There will be some mouth watering ties in the Champions league. The ties will be played in the last week of February and second week of March. But as a fan it is really hard to wait for so long. Some of the matches will be real cracker. It is very difficult to say who will win in these ties.
Chelsea will have to improve their home form against Juventus if they want to progress to the quarterfinal. Juventus won both their match against Real Madrid. Chelsea on the other hand had struggled to qualify. But it will be a superb match to watch. But I believe Chelsea can make it last eight.
The most interesting match will be Manchester United against Inter Milan. This match is popularly known as Mourhinho versus Ferguson. Mourhinho wanted an English club before the draw. So he may have something on his mind. It will be very difficult to predict the winner for this match. Inter is going great guns in Seria A way ahead of its rival Juventus and AC Milan. On the other hand Manchester United is having an average season so far. They are lying third in the EPL. Inter Milan is favorite in this match for me.
Arsenal will have a difficult time against Roma. It will be a tricky match. Though Arsenal played some superb matches especially against bigger opponents but they lacked consistency. Arsenal has to play brilliantly to win this tie. Roma who started the season disastrously has made an excellent recovery. Roma will start as favorite for this match.
Liverpool will start as favorite against Real Madrid. Ramos will eager to proof that his failure with Spurs is just one off incident in his career. Rafa Benitez should guide his team to last eight of the Champions league.
The above four matches have taken so much attention that people will hardly notice there are four more matches to be played. For me the tournament favorite Barcelona will cruise easily to the last eight. Lyon may not able to put any real challenge to them. Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Villarreal should win their respective ties against FC Porto, Sporting Lisbon, and Panathinaikos respectively.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Liverpool Leads ...
Big guns in EPL win this week to create a gap with the other teams. All the big guns struggled to script a victory. Liverpool win 3-1 against Blackburn to ease the nerve of the fans. They drew 0-0 in their last two home matches. Arsenal recorded 1-0 win over Wigan but they played very poorly in the second half. Arsenal time and again showing their inconsistency in the field. They played superbly against Chelsea last week.
Manchester United dominated the match against Sunderland but could score only in the 91st minute. Chelsea survived the storm of Bolton in the second half to win 2-0. Hull city continues to impress and recorded 2-1 win over Middlesbrough. All the goals were scored in the last quarter of the match.
Newcastle squandered their winning changes by surrendering their 2-0 advantage against Stroke city. Owen scored both the goals in the first half for Newcastle. Ab Faye scored in the injury time to give Stroke a point. Manchester United drew 1-1 draw with Fulham and they are very much in the relegation fight. They are just 3 points away from the relegation zone.
In Spain, Barcelona is breaking free from others. Their emphatic 4-0 win at home to third-place Valencia. Henry scored a hattrick. Barcelona has opened up a 6 points lead over second place Villarreal who drew 3-3 with Getafe.
In Germany, Bayern Munich registered a 2-1 win over league leaders TSG Hoffenheim. Bayern now are level in points with TSG Hoffenheim who has a better goal difference. The two teams are 3 points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen who registered an emphatic 3-1 victory over Borussia M'gladbach.
In Italy, Inter Milan is racing away towards the title. They defeated Lazio 3-0 to open a 9 point lead over Juventus and AC Milan. Both Juventus and AC Milan have a match in hand. Roma continues to fight back with a 1-0 win over bottom placed Chievo.
Manchester United dominated the match against Sunderland but could score only in the 91st minute. Chelsea survived the storm of Bolton in the second half to win 2-0. Hull city continues to impress and recorded 2-1 win over Middlesbrough. All the goals were scored in the last quarter of the match.
Newcastle squandered their winning changes by surrendering their 2-0 advantage against Stroke city. Owen scored both the goals in the first half for Newcastle. Ab Faye scored in the injury time to give Stroke a point. Manchester United drew 1-1 draw with Fulham and they are very much in the relegation fight. They are just 3 points away from the relegation zone.
In Spain, Barcelona is breaking free from others. Their emphatic 4-0 win at home to third-place Valencia. Henry scored a hattrick. Barcelona has opened up a 6 points lead over second place Villarreal who drew 3-3 with Getafe.
In Germany, Bayern Munich registered a 2-1 win over league leaders TSG Hoffenheim. Bayern now are level in points with TSG Hoffenheim who has a better goal difference. The two teams are 3 points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen who registered an emphatic 3-1 victory over Borussia M'gladbach.
In Italy, Inter Milan is racing away towards the title. They defeated Lazio 3-0 to open a 9 point lead over Juventus and AC Milan. Both Juventus and AC Milan have a match in hand. Roma continues to fight back with a 1-0 win over bottom placed Chievo.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Fustration for Liverpool
Frustration continues for Liverpool. Liverpool fans booed their team off the ground. I can understand their disappointment. This is their team second successive 0-0 draw. Against Fulham and West Ham they are supposed to win at home if they want to win the Premier League after 20 years. Torres is out so it is tough time for Liverpool ahead. They must win against Blackburn to regain their confidence. They started the season with a bang. Suddenly, their fighting spirit is seems vanishing. They are missing Torres very much. Keane I am not sure whether he alone can make a team champion. Liverpool needs to pull their socks up quickly to regain their confidence otherwise we may see another triumph by Chelsea or Manchester United.
Scolari are u there? What happened to your team? Just 1 point in their last two home matches. But still they have the ammunition to hold on their current position. Manchester United is coming strong now. They are just 6 points behind Liverpool with 1 match ion hand. Arsenal bumpy performance continues. But their win over Chelsea will do lot of good to their confidence. They have beaten Manchester United earlier. The young Arsenal guys have to show consistency if they want to end their trophy drought.
I can see the frustration of Robinho in Manchester City. He should have thought that before joining them. I am not sure how long he will survive their. He has to understand that money always do not bring success. Will Kaka join him? I have a doubt…
Scolari are u there? What happened to your team? Just 1 point in their last two home matches. But still they have the ammunition to hold on their current position. Manchester United is coming strong now. They are just 6 points behind Liverpool with 1 match ion hand. Arsenal bumpy performance continues. But their win over Chelsea will do lot of good to their confidence. They have beaten Manchester United earlier. The young Arsenal guys have to show consistency if they want to end their trophy drought.
I can see the frustration of Robinho in Manchester City. He should have thought that before joining them. I am not sure how long he will survive their. He has to understand that money always do not bring success. Will Kaka join him? I have a doubt…
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
13 out 16 spots sealed
Most of the favorites have reached the last 16. The teams ensured their qualification are Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, Lyon, Manchester United, FC Porto, Real Madrid, Sporting Lisbon, and Villarreal. Three spots are still vacant. Chelsea is one of the big names yet to ensure qualification.
In Group A, Chelsea played a 1-1 draw with spirited Bordeaux. Lampard was sent off. Roma is now leading the group with a facile 3-1 win over CFR Cluj-Napoca. Chelsea fustrating season continues as they were held 0-0 by Newcastle in the premier league last Saturday. AS Roma, Chelsea and Bordeaux all have chance to qualify for the next round.
In Group B, Anorthosis Famagusta continues to surprise us. They are only themselves to blame after drawing 2-2 with Werder Bremen. Anorthosis Famagusta were leading 2-0 at one point of time. In another match Panathinaikos defeated Inter Milan 1-0 to keep their hope alive. Anorthosis Famagusta also has a chance to make to the next round.
In Group C, Shakhtar Donetsk blanked Basle 5-0 and Barcelona crushed Sporting Lisbon 5-2. Shakhtar Donetsk will surely qualify to the UEFA cup.
In Group D, Gerrard gave Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Marseille and helped them to qualify for the next round. Atletico Madrid also qualified after 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven.
In Group E, AaB Aalborg defeated Celtic 2-1 to join Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA cup. The two qualifiers Manchester United and Villarreal played a 0-0 draw.
In Group F, Klose scored twice to give Bayern Munich a 3-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest. Toni scored the other. Lyin defeated Fiorentina 2-1 to qualify for the next round along with Bayern Munich.
In Group G, Arsenal put behind their dismal show in the premier league where they lost 0-3 to Manchester City, to defeat Dynamo Kiev 1-0. FC Porto defeated Fenerbahce 2-1. Both arsenal and FC Porto qualified for the next round.
In Group H, Raul led Real Madrid to 1-0 win over BATE Borisov whereas Juventus played a 0-0 draw with Zenit St Petersburg. Real Madrid joined Juventus for the next round.
In Group A, Chelsea played a 1-1 draw with spirited Bordeaux. Lampard was sent off. Roma is now leading the group with a facile 3-1 win over CFR Cluj-Napoca. Chelsea fustrating season continues as they were held 0-0 by Newcastle in the premier league last Saturday. AS Roma, Chelsea and Bordeaux all have chance to qualify for the next round.
In Group B, Anorthosis Famagusta continues to surprise us. They are only themselves to blame after drawing 2-2 with Werder Bremen. Anorthosis Famagusta were leading 2-0 at one point of time. In another match Panathinaikos defeated Inter Milan 1-0 to keep their hope alive. Anorthosis Famagusta also has a chance to make to the next round.
In Group C, Shakhtar Donetsk blanked Basle 5-0 and Barcelona crushed Sporting Lisbon 5-2. Shakhtar Donetsk will surely qualify to the UEFA cup.
In Group D, Gerrard gave Liverpool a 1-0 victory over Marseille and helped them to qualify for the next round. Atletico Madrid also qualified after 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven.
In Group E, AaB Aalborg defeated Celtic 2-1 to join Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA cup. The two qualifiers Manchester United and Villarreal played a 0-0 draw.
In Group F, Klose scored twice to give Bayern Munich a 3-0 victory over Steaua Bucharest. Toni scored the other. Lyin defeated Fiorentina 2-1 to qualify for the next round along with Bayern Munich.
In Group G, Arsenal put behind their dismal show in the premier league where they lost 0-3 to Manchester City, to defeat Dynamo Kiev 1-0. FC Porto defeated Fenerbahce 2-1. Both arsenal and FC Porto qualified for the next round.
In Group H, Raul led Real Madrid to 1-0 win over BATE Borisov whereas Juventus played a 0-0 draw with Zenit St Petersburg. Real Madrid joined Juventus for the next round.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Arsenal and Tottenham brought down to earth
Tottenham’s golden run under Redknapp was ended by Fulham. They lost the match by 1-2. It all started with an awful error by Heurelho Gomes. He is very inconsistent. If he makes ten saves then he makes two awful mistakes. Though Tottenham played badly compared to their earlier matches under Redknapp and slipped back to relegation zone but it is temporary, they will finish between 8-12th place.
Arsenal is so unpredictable this season. They played superbly against Manchester United in the previous week to win 2-1 but played just the opposite against Villa this week. Villa won 2-0 though they missed a penalty. Aston Villa is lying in the fifth position with 23 points same as Arsenal who slipped to fourth position.
Manchester United thrashed Stroke City 5-0 to move in the third place with 24 points and one match in hand. Stroke defended awfully to gift goals to Manchester United. Ronaldo scored two goals both from free kicks. Chelsea and Liverpool played clinically to remain on the top. Chelsea and Liverpool defeated West Brom by 3-0 and Bolton by 2-0 respectively. Anelka scored twice and he has scored seven goals in last four premier league matches. Kuyt and Gerrard scored goals from header.
Newcastle missed a golden opportunity to win against 10 men Wigan. Bramble scored a dramatic equalizer in the last minute to deny victory to Newcastle. The match ended in 2-2 draw. Cisse scored the winner for Sunderland against Blackburn. Sunderland won 2-1. With this loss Blackburn moved into the relegation zone. Paul Ince now will be under tremendous pressure to give results. West Ham played a 0-0 draw with Portsmouth.
In Spain Valencia was surprised Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid was surprised by Valladolid. Sporting Gijon won the match by 3-2. Luis Moran, Barral and Diego Castro scored for Sporting Gijon whereas Villa and Mata scored for Valencia. Canobbio scored the winner for Valladolid. These results will help Barcelona and Villarreal who will play today.
In Italy Inter Milan defeated Palermo 2-0 to remain in the top.
Arsenal is so unpredictable this season. They played superbly against Manchester United in the previous week to win 2-1 but played just the opposite against Villa this week. Villa won 2-0 though they missed a penalty. Aston Villa is lying in the fifth position with 23 points same as Arsenal who slipped to fourth position.
Manchester United thrashed Stroke City 5-0 to move in the third place with 24 points and one match in hand. Stroke defended awfully to gift goals to Manchester United. Ronaldo scored two goals both from free kicks. Chelsea and Liverpool played clinically to remain on the top. Chelsea and Liverpool defeated West Brom by 3-0 and Bolton by 2-0 respectively. Anelka scored twice and he has scored seven goals in last four premier league matches. Kuyt and Gerrard scored goals from header.
Newcastle missed a golden opportunity to win against 10 men Wigan. Bramble scored a dramatic equalizer in the last minute to deny victory to Newcastle. The match ended in 2-2 draw. Cisse scored the winner for Sunderland against Blackburn. Sunderland won 2-1. With this loss Blackburn moved into the relegation zone. Paul Ince now will be under tremendous pressure to give results. West Ham played a 0-0 draw with Portsmouth.
In Spain Valencia was surprised Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid was surprised by Valladolid. Sporting Gijon won the match by 3-2. Luis Moran, Barral and Diego Castro scored for Sporting Gijon whereas Villa and Mata scored for Valencia. Canobbio scored the winner for Valladolid. These results will help Barcelona and Villarreal who will play today.
In Italy Inter Milan defeated Palermo 2-0 to remain in the top.
First FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup
Korea DPR wrote their name into football history today by becoming the first-ever winners of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, coming from behind to beat USA 2-1. Germany took their place on the New Zealand 2008 podium with a comfortable 3-0 victory over England in a one-sided third-place play-off.
The Asians added the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup title to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup crown they claimed in Russia in 2006, thus breaking a tradition that had seen beaten finalists USA win the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup, FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and Women's Olympic Football Tournament.
Mana Iwabuchi of Japan won the adidas Golden Ball and Dzsenifer Marozsan of Germany won the adidas Golden Shoe.
Courtesy: www.fifa.com
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Del Piero: Old is Gold
Del Piero again showed his class. This time he scored twice against Real Madrid. He is showing his class. He already scored 4 goals out of 7 that Juventus scored. Juventus is almost through to the second round. Real has to wait for the next round. They lost twice to Juventus. Zenit St Petersburg defeated BATE Borisov 2-0 in group H to keep their hope alive.
All English teams struggled this time. Liverpool is lucky to survive against Atletico Madrid. Gerrard scored in the 95th minute penalty to salvage 1 point. Both the teams are in 8 points and most likely to qualify for the next round from group D. Marseille defeated PSV Eindhoven 3-0 after losing to them 0-2 in the previous match.
Roma surprised many by defeating Chelsea 3-1. In another group A match Bordeaux defeated CFR Cluj-Napoca 2-1. Chelsea is leading the group by 7 points following by Roma and Bordeaux with 6 points. CFR Cluj-Napoca has 4 points and also has a chance to qualify.
Arsenal played a tame 0-0 draw with Fenerbahce in group G match. In another match Dynamo Kiev lost to FC Porto 1-2. Arsenal is leading the group with 8 points followed by FC Porto with 6 points and Dynamo Kiev with 5 points. Fenerbahce has only 2 points.
Manchester United was held to a 1-1 draw by brave Celtic. Celtic dominated the proceedings but failed to win. AaB Aalborg held Villarreal 2-2 in another match in group E. Manchester United and Villarreal are leading the group with 8 points followed by Celtic and AaB Aalborg with 2 points each.
Barcelona sealed their place in the 2nd round after drawing with Basle 1-1. Sporting Lisbon also qualified from group C after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0. Shakhtar Donetsk will fight it out with Basle to qualify for the UEFA Cup slot.
Anorthosis Famagusta continues their good run. They held Italy champions Inter Milan 3-3 in group B match. In another match of group B Panathinaikos shocked Werder Bremen 3-0. Inter leading the group with 8 points followed by Anorthosis Famagusta with 5 points. Panathinaikos with 4 points and Werder Bremen with 3 points can also qualify from this group.
In group A Lyon defeating Steaua Bucharest 2-0 to share the top slot with Bayern Munich who drew with Fiorentina 1-1 in group F. Both Lyon and Bayern Munich have 8 points. Fiorentina have 3 and Steaua Bucharest have 1 point.
All English teams struggled this time. Liverpool is lucky to survive against Atletico Madrid. Gerrard scored in the 95th minute penalty to salvage 1 point. Both the teams are in 8 points and most likely to qualify for the next round from group D. Marseille defeated PSV Eindhoven 3-0 after losing to them 0-2 in the previous match.
Roma surprised many by defeating Chelsea 3-1. In another group A match Bordeaux defeated CFR Cluj-Napoca 2-1. Chelsea is leading the group by 7 points following by Roma and Bordeaux with 6 points. CFR Cluj-Napoca has 4 points and also has a chance to qualify.
Arsenal played a tame 0-0 draw with Fenerbahce in group G match. In another match Dynamo Kiev lost to FC Porto 1-2. Arsenal is leading the group with 8 points followed by FC Porto with 6 points and Dynamo Kiev with 5 points. Fenerbahce has only 2 points.
Manchester United was held to a 1-1 draw by brave Celtic. Celtic dominated the proceedings but failed to win. AaB Aalborg held Villarreal 2-2 in another match in group E. Manchester United and Villarreal are leading the group with 8 points followed by Celtic and AaB Aalborg with 2 points each.
Barcelona sealed their place in the 2nd round after drawing with Basle 1-1. Sporting Lisbon also qualified from group C after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0. Shakhtar Donetsk will fight it out with Basle to qualify for the UEFA Cup slot.
Anorthosis Famagusta continues their good run. They held Italy champions Inter Milan 3-3 in group B match. In another match of group B Panathinaikos shocked Werder Bremen 3-0. Inter leading the group with 8 points followed by Anorthosis Famagusta with 5 points. Panathinaikos with 4 points and Werder Bremen with 3 points can also qualify from this group.
In group A Lyon defeating Steaua Bucharest 2-0 to share the top slot with Bayern Munich who drew with Fiorentina 1-1 in group F. Both Lyon and Bayern Munich have 8 points. Fiorentina have 3 and Steaua Bucharest have 1 point.
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