Roberts Hot & Bothered With Trade Talks?

Brian Roberts bothered by trade talks? Wow, you don't say?

I think this has been pretty obvious for, um, since week as he talked with USA Today.

In article in the Baltimore Sun, Roberts confirmed the obvious --- he's bothered by the talks --- thus, in my opinion, I would not blame him one bit.

Granted, I should not have sympathy for a guy making $8 million per year: however, he's a human being and certainly not a machine without thought.

"At some point in your career, your name is going t! o be thrown out there in trades and it's going to create some uncertainty," Roberts said before the Orioles' 7-4 loss today to the St. Louis Cardinals. "But, no, I didn't expect this to go all the way through spring training. It's not something that I'd want to go through every year, that's for sure."

As well...

"When you're talking about your life circumstances, yeah, it's tough not to think about it," said Roberts, who went 0-for-4 today and hit into two double plays, his spring average dropping to .293. "I'm trying to block it out the best I can. But that's tough when everybody wants to talk about it. It's frustrating at times. And times, you say, 'It's out of my control.' Most of the time, that's how I look at it. I'm here for a reason right now and I'll make the best of every day, but there comes a time where you'd like to know what's going on."

Look, we all know that baseball is a business -- a! huge on that generated revenue to the tune of $6 billion; how! ever, yo u do have to feel for Roberts.

He's more valuable now as a pawn and a commodity rather than a member of the Orioles.

With about eight days remaining before the 2008 season, it is looking more and more likely that he'll be an Oriole. I was almost sure that he'd be a goner by week'd end, but again, it looks like there's a snag -- after three or four months of talking.

In my eyes, this deal needs to be done for the sake of the future of the Baltimore franchise.

Roberts has the chance to play for a contender with one of the amazing franchises in sports, and the Orioles simply need to improve and get as much talent as they can for the future.

MacPhail's hand should not be forced; however, something needs to happen sooner or later.

About Last Night: O's Lose to Twins, Draft, Adam Loewen

The seemingly upward climb of Daniel Cabrera hit a little bump in the road as Baltimore lost to Minnesota, 7-5, last night in Minneapolis. Despite leading for much of the first half of the game, the Daniel of old returned in the fifth and sixth inning as the Twins scored four runs combined and the Orioles were left to lick their wounds. Daniel Cabrera (5-2) took the loss for the O's, allowing six runs on eight hits over six frames.

Baltimore's offense was able to knock out Kevin Slowey, the Minnesota starter, out of the game; however, they could not capitalize on a multitude of scoring opportunities. Joe Mauer homered and drove in three runs, helping Boof Bonser get a win out of the bullpen on Wednesday night.

Kevin Millar and Melvin Mora each hit solo home runs for the Orioles, who have dropped five of their last seven contests. Brian Roberts went 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored, while Nick Markakis had two hits and one RBI.

Millar

Kevin Millar has been a mainstay of the Baltimore Orioles for the past several years, and every once in a while, he posts a blog on the MLB Orioles site chronicling his life in the majors.

In perhaps his final entry on the site (a very long one), he talks about his time in Baltimore and how he still wants to be part of the organization despite the rebuilding.

Here's an excerpt:

From the orioles.com: It's just one of those things, but this team is not as far away as some people think. We just have to find a way to get some more starting pitching, and that's not easy. It's the ! organization's plan to add some arms, and they'll move from there. But aside from finishing last in the standings, you have to see some bright spots. You look at George Sherrill and Adam Jones and what they meant to us, and you look at Dennis Sarfate and Luke Scott, the guys they got back in some of the trades from last winter. Aside from the record, there were a lot of bright spots for whomever is willing to look for them.

Personally, my situation is the same. I've made it known that I'd like to come back here. I've made it known that I enjoy bringing energy to this clubhouse and I've enjoyed the three years that I've played here. It's been phenomenal. Hopefully, they know who I am, but I'm angry at myself and I'm almost embarrassed at the way I finished. I did not swing the bat well the last six weeks, and the reality is that you've got to hit in this league. I scuffled, but they know I fight tooth and nail every day. I know it's general manager Andy MacPhail's job! to go out and test the market, but if things work out, I'd lo! ve to be the first baseman here. I have a lot of work to do this offseason to prove something and to personally swing the bat the way I'm capable of.

For anyone who had watched the team for the last couple of seasons, it's obvious that Kevin brought some fun, mentoring, and well-needed leadership at times to the Baltimore Orioles.

At this point, though — does he even deserve to be on the 2008 roster?

Well, he was a good soldier; however, at this point, it's time for the Orioles to move on and perhaps find a younger, power bat — can we say, Mark Teixiera — or have Huff at first. But as a fan, I enjoyed having him around and maybe if there's a fit, he should come back. Sadly, at this point, we have to look at the road ahead and get some new blood in.

The organization has enough men already on the wrong side of thirty, and the team may not need another one.

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Rumors & All,Teixeira Not Guest of Peter Angelos at Yesterday's Game

I had gone to a tailgate before the Ravens-Steelers game yesterday and of course as you could guess the big talk amongst my friends was not about the crucial game, but about Mark Teixeira.

Wow, chatting about Orioles baseball in December - who would have thought that?

As posted yesterday, there was a rumor posted on the Orioles Hangout site by Roy Firestone that a few media outlets picked up that free agent slugger Mark Teixeira was to be the guest of Peter Angelos during last night's game at M&T Bank Stadium.

The rumor was immediately shot down by MASN's Roch Kubatko, Baltimore Sun's Peter Schmuck, and WNST; soon thereafter there were subsequent posts by both men on their respective blogs that indeed he was not with Peter Angelos in his suite.

Well, in the interim, both men -- unfairly, to say -- have taken their lumps for simply checking out sources and doing some investigation before posting their reports. I guess fans were hoping for the best case scenario, whether it was fact or not.

Teixeira may or may not have been at the game, as a few comments were left on their blogs and the Orioles Hangout noting that he and his wife were at the Hilton across the street from Camden Yards for lunch.

I guess if he did attend the game, he went as a fan -- not as a guest of Angelos.

Softening My Stance On Brian Roberts; Quick Hits

It's so lovely to see snow outside for a change, and to have a Norman Rockwell painting outside my office window; however, in just a few weeks, pitchers and catchers will be reporting to sunny Florida to usher in the start of baseball season.

However, for many Orioles fans, the biggest issue on their mind besides the pitching rotation is of the status of Brian Roberts. A while ago, I felt that the team should trade him if needed, but now the more I think of it -- they might want to give him what he wants.

Who's in the pipeline? Who could replace his production? I have no clue. At this point, I'd say keep him, give him his extra year and flip him if needed.

>>> Read More

Brandon Snyder Impresses in Camp

Although it looks like most of the bench spots may be taken up with the new signings, prospect Brandon Snyder may be giving some some healthy competition. It's not likely that Synder will make the team; however, he's impressing those in the camp who have the power to determine one's fate.

In light of it all, Dave Trembley is giving a lot of players a good look and a fair shot at camp.

>> > Read More

Orioles Q&A with Chris Ray Tuesday, April 28 at the ESPN Zone in Baltimore's Inner Harbor...

The ESPN Zone and the Baltimore Orioles will kick off their annual Orioles Q&A series at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28. At the free event, Orioles relief pitcher Chris Ray will field questions from fans.

Ray, who has made a strong return to the mound after an injury sidelined him last season, will share stories from the clubhouse and talk about his healthy return to Camden Yards. He'll answer questions about all things baseball, talk about the Orioles' hot start to the season, the pressures of playing from the bullpen and news from around the league.

>>> Read More

Photos from Friday Night -- Felix Pie Hits for the Cycle..

Oriole outfielder Felix Pie gets shelled with a nice shaving cream pie...

Pie gets another shaving cream pie helping from Robert Andino

Rangers 4 - Boston 3; Video Highlights

NHL's Double Standard

Is there a double standard in the NHL? Well, it's always talked about by the fans and the NHL is always quick to shoot it down and say how ridiculous that is. But, with video evidence like this, it's hard to understand what their reasoning behind some of their calls (or lack of) are. It's one thing if you make a call or don't make a call during a live game, because everything happens so fast. But, in this day and age with all of the video technology out there, the NHL watches these plays hundreds of times in frame by frame, slowed down speed. That is why I have a problem with some of the discrepancies between suspending a player or not suspending a player when they commit the exact same offense. I will never be able to understand how Daniel Carcillo of the Flyers got a one game suspension earlier in the first round for doing this:



But, no punishment for Mike Cammalleri for doing this?


Can someone please explain to me how the NHL! can suspend one player for doing pretty much the exact same p! lay that another guy goes unpunished for?

Niedermayer Returning Next Season To Ducks

Per TSN's NHL Draft Day Blog, Scott Niedermayer has informed the Ducks that he will be returning to play at least one more season.

Could this mean that Chris Pronger is going to be traded tonight, or the coming weeks?

In other news, according to Bob McKenzie, the possible trade between the Bruins and Leafs for Kaberle could be dead.

Update 6/27 12:15PM: According to Kevin Allen of USA Today, Teemu Selanne has informed the Ducks that he'll be back next season

Latest NHL Trade/UFA Rumors

Check out the latest rumors from around the NHL - including Mats Sundin getting interest from several teams, Patrick Marleau reportedly refusing to waive his "No Trade Clause" and a team that's rumored to be close to signing UFA defenseman Mathieu Schneider [Link]

More later - not much hockey news the past few days

Question of the day.

Baltimore tunes in for Phelps.

Upsets draw big ratings on ESPN.

Week 11 prime time ratings.

Idle notes.

Bowl numbers game.

Weekend ratings predictions.

Week in review.

NCAA Tournament numbers game.

Week in review.

Red Sox/Yankees puts up big numbers on ESPN.

Nike: No deal with Vick

Video(s) of the day

Info Sepakbola | Juara Ligue 1 2009

Tidak seperti di Liga Inggris ataupun Liga Itali yang sudah mengunci juara sebelum kompetisi berakhir. Dengan selisih poin hanya 3 poin, Ligue 1 Perancis harus ditentukan hingga pekan terakhir. Kemenangan telak 4 - 0 MARSIELLE sebagai peringkat kedu! a atas RENNES menjadi sia-sia ketika BORDEAUX menang tipis 1 - 0 atas CAEN. Akhirnya BORDEAUX menjadi juara Ligue 1 pada musim 2009.

Perjalanan BORDEAUX menuju gelar juara sempat.... terseok-seok saat tim asuhan Laurent Blanc ini harus terlempar ke posisi lima, setelah selama lima pekan menjadi pemuncak klasemen pada pertenganhan musim. Belum lagi cidera beberapa pemain andalan mereka seperti Marine et Balnc, Jussie, Wendel, dan Fernando Cavenaghi.

Namun semua itu seolah menjadi motifasi bagi BORDEAUX. Berawal dari kemenangan 2 - 1 saat melawan Nice pada pekan ke-28. Gourcuff cs. selalu meraih kemenangan. Bahkan r! aihan 11 kemenangan secara beruntun hingga pekan terakhir menj! adi reko r baru Ligue 1. Selain itu BORDEAUX tercatat sebagai tim pencetak gol terbanyak kedua setelah MARSEULLE, dan beberapa kali membalikkan kekalahan menjadi kemenangan.

Raihan gelar juara ini menjadi yang keenam bagi BORDEAUX setalah terakhir kali mereka raih pada tahun 1999. Sekaligus memutus dominasi LYON sebagai pemenang Ligue 1 dalam tujuh tahun terakhir.

Liga Italia 2009/2010 | Canna Lepas Dari Tudingan Doping

Fabio Cannavaro lega posisinya terkait kasus doping sudah diperjelas. Namun, dia masih kecewa karena tak habis pikir mengapa peristiwa itu jadi ramai.

Seperti dikabarkan sebelumnya, Cannavaro tak lolos uji doping. Ini rupanya disebabkan oleh pengobatan terhadap sengatan lebah yang dia t! erima sebelumnya tidak terdokumentasi dengan baik dalam rekam medisnya.

Pada prosesnya, petugas anti doping Komite Olimpiade Italia (CONI) menilai bahwa tindakan bek Juventus dan Italia itu memang tidak bersalah. Hal ini pun disambut riang Cannavaro.

"Saya senang pihak berwenang sudah menjelaskan posisi saya, memahami sikap profesional dan niat baik saya," katanya di Football Italia.

"Saya tak ragu keputusan ini akan lahir dan saya hanya kecewa karena masalah konyol seperti ini sudah melahirkan banyak kontroversi," sesal dia.

AUGURISSIMI A PIERO!!!!!!

Volevo fare gli augurissimi a Piero per il suo compleanno!!!!
Ecco poi qualche piccolo omaggio per il presidente Rockerduck PPP, sperando che non mangi troppi cappelli. Smile :)

1: La foto della COPPIA DEL GOL BIANCONERA AMAURI-IAQUINTA


2: La foto del NUOVO PORTIERE DELL'ARMATA CONSIGLI (in prestito):


3: La foto di una nuova SCOMMESSA A CENTROCAMPO (in prestito):


4: Il presidente dell'Armata infatti annuncia una nuova operazione andata in porto tra le società amiche Armata e Dinamo dopo numerosi fax e sms: l'Armata cede a titolo definitivo il giocatore OSVALDO (ingaggio 1k) e la somma di 6 CREDITI per i prestiti di CONSIGLI e ABATE. Un saluto affettuoso ad Osvaldo, ceduto non per mancanza di stima ma! per eccessiva concorrenza nel ruolo.

MILAN JOVANOVIC - THE NEXT REAL MADRID SIGNNING?

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JAVI GARCIA SIGNS FOR ATLETICO DE MADRID FOR NEXT SEASON

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF SEVILLA FC - STEAUA

ATLETICO DE MADRID IN THE USA

SPANISH FOOTBALL TALK

SPANISH FOOTBALL - ROUND 34/07 SUNDAY RESULTS IN "LA LIGA"

ATLETICO DE MADRID NEWS. DIEGO FORLAN & RIQUELME CLOSE TO SIGNNING.

LASSANA DIARRA RETURNS EQUILIBRIUM TO REAL MADRID

FORMULA 1 MALAYSIAN GP 2009: RACE SUSPEND & ALONSO 11TH

SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/09 - ROUND 36 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

REAL MADRID: FRANCK RIBERY AGREES

SHAMROCK ROVERS 0 - REAL MADRID 1: REAL LOOK GOOD

MOTO GP: SAN MARINO 2009 - ROSSI KING AT HOME, SPANIARDS HAPPY

Guille Franco Eager To Make Comeback

Aragonés Muses Over Cesc Comeback

Mallorca Target Juanfran

Scolari: No Robinho? No Problem

Citizen Garrido Targets City Starts

Goal.com Worldview: World's Biggest Local Derby Part Two

Miguel: Valencia Have Only Themselves To Blame For Real Madrid Loss

Cristiano Ronaldo: I Feel At Home With Manchester United

Inters Obinna Loaned To Real Betis

Platini's U18 plan agreed

Diarra - Title race still on

Barca confirm Fabregas fancy

Jankovic, Kuznetsova advance at Porsche GP

Eidur eyes English return

Ibra only had eyes for Barca

Primera Liga round-up

Iker Casillas in Real Madrid FC

Iker Casillas in Real Madrid FC

Davenport Surplus To requirements

By Jaymes Payten - Marsh

Calum Davenport may be moved on this summer.

The tall defender joined Tottenham from Coventry in a 1 million pound deal, that could rise another 2 million due to various clauses in the transfer.

Spurs already have King, Dawson, Gardner, Huddlestone, and Naybet, but to name a few, fighting for two central defensive roles. With King a certain starter, that only leaves one other position available.

Davenport was loaned out to West Ham & then to Southampton last season, making only one appearance for Tottenham.

Jol will now listen to offers for the young center-back.

Some Reasons Why Davids Has Yet To Sign

By Percy

For THBN

Here are some reasons why I think Davids has yet to sign. The reasons I have given are from what I have perceived, and not from any source THBN have given me.

THBN do not endorse these reasons, but have allowed me to write this article.

Our chairman, Daniel Levy has been in the Bahamas with his business partner, the multi-billionaire ENIC King Joe Lewis.

I am 99.9% sure that the Davids deal hasn't gone through because Lev! y wasn't here to sanction the pre-contract turning into a proper contract.

Here are also some other reasons:

1. Davids wanted more money, either as signing-on fee's, bonuses, or a higher weekly wage, and so a new contract was drafted, but the chairman of a PLC (Daniel Levy) is the only board member that can sanction an outlay of that magnitude.

2. Levy wants to personally unveil Davids to the press, showing that he is the chairman that can finally bring back the glory glory days to Spurs.

3. There is another signing on the cards, but as option 1 states, Levy has to sanction it.

4. We are going to sign Mark Wotte as our new Sporting Director, and again, Levy has to sanction the deal.

Eit! her way, Davids is a Spurs player.

Regarding the L.S.E.C.C (London Stock Exchange Code of Conduct), ruling 189.2a states:

"A PLC (Public Limited Company) is not authorised under any circumstance/s to make a claim either within the public eye, or to the L.S.E. (London Stock Exchange) directly that will increase/decrease the share's or stock values of the PLC in question unless the claim has a 100% credibility attached either in writing authorised by the PLC board in question or by a third-party that has the full backing from of the B.R.L.S.E (Board of Registrars of the London Stock Exchange)."

When Spurs announced the Davids deal last Tuesday, shares in our club rose as the signing of a worldclass player does improve our chances of a greater turnover. If the claim was unfounded, Levy & co would face severe penalties. Make no m! istake, the Davids deal was done and dusted when Spurs published it on their site.

Another point in which we have to look closely at is that NO player takes a medical and THEN agrees terms.

As regards us signing Andy van der Meyde, well, I am not sure that we will. THBN informed us that we had a bid accepted in the region of £4.8 million with a further £1 million if we reach the Champion's League within the first year of his contract, but we are unsure if personal terms were agreed.

I personally wouldn't want him to join. He sulks too much.

Heskey looks set to sign

A lot of reports are claiming that England target man, Emile Heskey, is close to completing a £5.5 million moved from Wigan Athletic to Tottenham Hotspur.

How true are all these media reports? Who knows? If he's in a Spurs shirt by the 12am deadline, then I'll personally be extremely happy with this bit of business.

I may be in the minority, but I feel that signing a player like Heskey will prove a master-stroke for the club.

The target man has never been known in a positive manner for his games to goal ratio. What he has been known for though, are his other qualities. He's perfect at bringing in his team-mates into play. His ability to hold up the ball may be just what our team needs, especially if Bent and/or Pavlyuchenko are playing off him.

Before I get completely slated for my comments, please remember all that he has done when he's played with out-! and-out strikers.

COYS!!!

Championship Player, £12 Million

Good morning fellas.

Is it me, or does it look an awful lot like Downing's agent is trying to fob him off on us practically every second of his life?

Yesterday I read that Downing is progressing well and could be fit by September.

Today I've read that Boro are open to selling Downing, but for no less than £12 million. That's £12 million Sterling by the way, not Turkish Lira.

I've ranted and raved about us not signing Downing for the past 3 years, but it looks as though our previous 4 managers have had a different view.

That's right, all this started with Santini (remember him) and it looks like it will end with Harry.

I can see us signing him. Let's just hope he's not another player we sign and then sell at a 50% loss 12 months later.

48 Jam Lagi, Milan Bersikap soal Dzeko

MILAN - Meski klub pemilik Wolfsburg sudah menegaskan tidak akan menjual Edin Dzeko, AC Milan masih setia menanti. Namun bila dalam 48 jam ke depan tak ada perkembangan, Milan siap melupakan Dzeko.
Sejauh ini Milan masih terus melakukan pendekatan kepada Wolfsburg, selaku klub pemilik Dzeko saat ini. Namun, pihak Rossoneri masih menemui jalan buntu lantaran Die Woelfe tak ingin melepas striker andalannya itu. "Edin memiliki kontrak hingga 2011 dan keputusan soal masa depannya berada di tangan Wolfsburg.
Klub J! erman tersebut terus mengatakan bahwa mereka tak akan menjual Edin, namun saya akan menunggu sebelum akhirnya menentukan alternatif lain," ujar wakil presiden Milan Adriano Galliani seperti dilansir dari Skysports. "Dalam pasar, kesabaran memiliki nilai tersendiri.
Mulai hari ini (Senin), kami akan menunggu hingga 48 jam ke depan," tambah Galliani. Selain Dzeko, Il Diavolo Rosso juga tengah mengincar striker lain yakni Emmanuel Adebayor . "Kami akan menentukan sikap pada hari Kamis," lanjut Galliani.
"Kami paham, sangat sulit untuk deal dengan pemain yang sangat ingin untuk bergabung, namun tidak dilepas oleh klubnya. Yang jelas, kami bukan tipikal klub yang suka merebut pemain," tutupnya.

Milan Bersiap Tarik Hernanes

MILAN - Pergerakan AC Milan di bursa transfer sangat lambat, bahkan wakil presiden klub Adriano Galliani mengatakan hanya akan mendatangkan satu pemain lagi. Sayangnya, sebagian kalangan masih belum yakin dengan pernyataan tersebut.
Disebut-sebut Rossoneri akan menjadikan Luis Fabiano sebagai proyek transfer terakhir mereka. Namun, kabar yang berhembus belum meyakini hal itu. Selain Fabiano, pelatih anyar Il Diavolo digembar-gemborkan tengah menjajaki kemungkinan mendapatkan gelandang Sao Pao! lo Hernanes.
Rencananya, dia akan diplot sebagai pengganti Ricardo Kaka yang hijrah ke Real Madrid dan Andrea Pirlo yang kini dalam bidikan Chelsea. Seperti dilansir Channel4, Senin (13/7/2009) tidak sekedar main-main, kubu Milan bahkan sudah mengutus direktur umum mereka Ariedo Braida terbang ke Sao Paolo guna melayangkan tawaran sebesar 18 juta euro.
Jika menilik kemampuan, rasanya cukup bijak jika pemain 24 tahun tersebut dihargai sebesar itu. Pasalnya dia adalah pemain terbaik Liga Brasil saat ini dan menjadi harapan baru bagi masa depan tim Samba.

Emerson: Bye-Bye Milan

SANTOS - Klub Brasil Santos mengklaim, Emerson ada di tangan mereka. Ketidakpuasan pemain AC Milan, yang bersinar di era 2001-an itu, menjadi satu-satunya senjata Santos mendapatkan mantan gelandang AS Roma tersebut. Kekecewaan pemain 33 tahun itu tak pernah terobati sejak bergabung dengan Rossoneri 2007 lalu.
Meninggalkan Real Madrid, The Puma hanya tampil sebanyak 27 kali dalam skuad besutan Carlo Ancelotti. Sebaliknya, Santos memang sangat tertarik memakai jasa Emerson. Apalagi manajer baru! Vanderlei Luxemburgo tidak segan turun tangan demi mendapatkannya. "Banyak klub lain yang menarik hatinya, tapi Emerson memilih Santos demi proyek jangka panjang.
Ia juga akan mendapat posisi utama dalam skuad," janji direktur olahraga Santos Adilson Durante seperti dilansir Il Corriere dello Sport, Selasa (28/7/2009). Diketahui, karier Emerson terbilang sangat sukses sebelum "mati kutu" bersama Milan. Ia meraih Scudetto bersama Roma, 2001 silam, dan Juventus pada 2005. Sayang, gelar itu dicabut akibat skandal Calciopoli.

Scudetto Milan Ditentukan di Pekan Kedua

MOSCOW - AC Milan akan menghadapi Derby Della Madonnina di pekan kedua Seri A. Peluang Rossoneri untuk menjaga kans meraih scudetto sudah akan ditentukan dalam laga tersebut.
Demikian diungkapkan Kaka mengomentarai jadwal berat yang akan dihadapi Milan di pekan-pekan awal kompetisi. Setelah membuka musim dengan bertandang ke Siena, anak didik Leonardo akan menjadi tuan rumah saat menjamu juara musim lalu, Inter Milan.
Pertemuan dengan Inter di pekan kedua dianggap bakal merugikan Milan mengingat mereka belum men! emukan permainan terbaiknya. Di laga pra musim, lebih banyak kekalahan diderita Genaro Gattuso dkk. Meski akan menjadi pertandingan yang berat, namun Kaka justru melihat pertandingan tersebut sebagai peluang Milan untuk bisa merebut Scudetto.
Tiga poin dari pertandingan tersebut akan menghapus keraguan akan kemampuan Milan bersaing di papan atas. "Teman-teman lama saya itu harus memenangi derby. Dengan kemenangan, semua rasa takut dan kekhawatiran akan terhapus dalam waktu yang singkat dan Milan akan kembali ke persaingan Scudetto," ungkap Kaka seperti diberitakan Football Italia. Milan disebut-sebut tak punya lagi motor serangan sepeninggal gelandang Brasil itu, apalagi Ronaldinho juga belum mampu menunjukkan kapasitas sebagai suksesor Kaka.
Namun mantan pemain terbaik dunia milik Real Madri itu percaya kalau Milan tak akan kehabisan kreasi lantaran masih punya Andrea Pirlo. "Andrea Pirlo akan menjadi pemain yang punya peran besar untuk waktu yang panjang di Mila! n. Dia pesepakbola jenius," pungkas Kaka.

Liga Champions 2009/2010 : Duo Milan Umumkan Skuad

MILAN - Dua klub asal kota Milan, Inter dan Milan, mengumumkan skuad mereka untuk berlaga di Liga Champions musim ini. Nerazzuri membawa 25 pemain, sementara Rossoneri hanya mendaftarkan 24 orang saja. Menurut peraturan UEFA, setiap tim yang bermain di Liga Champions maksimal hanya bisa membawa 25 pemain selama semusim.
Pada pertengahan musim sekitar bulan Februari, setiap tim berhak melakukan pergantian sebanyak tiga pemain terkait usainya paruh kedua bursa transfer. Inter yang musim ini punya misi untuk! merebut gelar Liga Champions yang terakhir direbut pada tahun 1965 membawa tim terkuatnya.
Nama-nama baru seperti Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito, Thiago Motta, Lucio dan Wesley Sneijder ikut. Di samping mereka, ada dua pemain yang pada musim panas digosipkan bakal berganti klub namun akhirnya bertahan, yaitu Amantio Mancini dan Ricardo Quaresma serta lima pemain tim primavera-nya. Dua stranieri (pemain asing) muda La Beneamata tidak diikut sertakan oleh Jose Mourinho adalah Kerlon dan Marko Arnautovic.
Nama pertama sedang dalam masa peminjaman di Ajax Amsterdam, sedang untuk Arnautovic ia dipinggirkan karena baru sembuh dari cedera engkel yang dideritanya Inter bergabung di Grup F bersama juara bertahan Barcelona, Dynamo Kiev (Ukraina) dan Rubin Kazan (Rusia).
Untuk Milan sendiri, yang musim ini kembali berlaga di Liga Champions, Leonardo cuma membawa 24 pemain saja, dari maksimal 25. Ini sehubungan Milan sudah menutup perburuan pemain barunya kali ini. Tiga mu! ka baru turut diikutsertakan, yakni Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Thiag! o Silva dan Oguchi Onyewu.
Sementara itu, dua pemain yang masuk daftar jual Milan, kiper Nelson Dida dan bek Massimo Oddo, masih jadi bagian Il Diavolo Rosso dalam mengarungi ketatnya Grup C bareng Real Madrid, Marseille dan FC Zurich.

Berikut susunan skuad Inter dan Milan :

Inter : 1.Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 21 Paolo Orlandoni; 2 Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Lucio, 13 Maicon, 23 Marco Materazzi, 25 Walter Samuel, 26 Cristian Chivu, 39 Davide Santon; 5 Dejan Stankovic, 7 Ricardo Quaresma, 8 Thiago Motta, 10 Wesley Sneijder, 11 Sulley Muntari 14 Patrick Vieira, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 20 Joel Chukwuma Obi 30 Amantino Mancini, 52 Antonio Esposito; 9 Samuel Etòo, 18 David Suazo, 22 Diego Milito, 45 Mario Balotelli.

Inter B : 51 Vid Belec, 15 Renè Krhin, 49 Mattia Destro, 46 Luca Caldirola, 53 Luca Tremolada.
Milan : Dida, Abbiati, Storari, Roma; Kaladze, Onyewu, Nesta, Zambrotta, Jankulovski, Thiago Silva, Oddo, Antonini; Gattuso, Seedorf, Flamini, Abate, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Pato, Inzaghi, Huntelaar, Borriello, Di Gennaro, Ronaldinho.

Jelang AC Milan Vs Bologna : Inzaghi Bikin Merinding Bologna

BOLOGNA - Defender Bologna, Daniele Portanova, mengaku takut menghadapi ketajaman striker AC Milan, Filippo Inzaghi. Portanova mengibaratkan Inzaghi sebagai nyamuk dengan sengatan mematikan.
"Ada salah satu penyerang Milan yang kutakuti, seseorang yang di Liga Champions menunjukkan sekali lagi betapa baik dirinya dan dia mencetak gol spektakuler. Setiap musim, nyamuk yang selalu menyengat itu adalah Filippo Inzaghi," akunya.
Nama "Super Pippo", julukan bagi Inzaghi, ramai diperbincangkan pekan ini. Di usianya yang ke-36, striker ters! ebut masih menunjukkan ketajaman di kandang lawan. Saat "I Rossoneri" bertandang ke Olympique Marseille, Selasa (15/9), Pippo menciptakan dua gol sekaligus mempermalukan tuan rumah dengan skor 2-1.
Faktor itulah yang membuat Portonova gentar apalagi Bologna berstatus tim tamu di San Siro pada giornata keempat, akhir pekan ini. Selain itu, partai ini juga menjadi ajang balas dendam bagi Milan. Pada partai pembuka musim lalu, Bologna berhasil mengalahkan Milan dengan 2-1. Portonova sendiri menjanjikan perlawanan sengit di laga tersebut.
Ia berharap dapat mempermalukan "Il Diavollo" di hadapan pendukungnya sendiri, seperti dilakukan Inter Milan pada giornata kedua. "Ketika Anda bertemu tim-tim besar, Anda harus memberikan perlawanan 110 persen dan berharap lawanmu, dalam hal ini Milan, tidak melakukan hal serupa sebab kadang kemenangan saja tidak cukup," pungkasnya.

sumber : kompas.com

Milan Bisa Lebih Cepat Dapatkan Beckham

Los Angeles - Kabar baik bagi AC Milan. LA Galaxy yang merasa keberadaan David Beckham hanya akan menggangu fokus tim, siap melepas sang pemain lebih cepat dari waktu yang telah disepakati semula.
Seperti telah dikabarkan sebelumnya, pihak Milan dan Galaxy konon telah menyepakati deal unik soal Beckham. Teknisnya, di LA Galaxy Beckham akan bermain kira-kira sebanyak 11 pertandingan hingga Oktober 2009. Sebulan kemudian, eks pemain Manchester United dan Real Madrid itu akan kembali ke Milan dan membela Rossoneri! hingga akhir musim 2009-10.
Namun Milan tampaknya tidak perlu menunggu sampai hitungan bulan. Hal itu disebabkan Galaxy siap melepas sang pemain dalam dua minggu ke depan. Tim asal Amerika Serikat itu rupanya tidak mau lebih lama lagi menggunakan jasa Beckham karena sang pemain dinilai sudah tidak fokus dalam membela tim dan dikhawatirkan akan merusak konsentrasi tim yang tengah bersiap melakoni partai final pada 22 November mendatang.
"Kami ingin menyelesaikannya. Untuknya, untuk kami dan saya tidak ingin ada kesimpangsiuran," tukas pemilik Galaxy, Tim Leiweke, di Sky Sport. "Kami ingin membuat semuanya jelas dalam dua pekan ke depan karena kami ingin tim ini fokus. Namun kami tetap memiliki apresiasi yang besar pada apa yang telah dilakukannya selama ini," sambungnya.

sumber :detik .com

Grayson hails proud Leeds

Leeds went out to a David Ngog strike on the hour after having a controversial goal disallowed early on.

Jermaine Beckford had put the ball into the back of the net inside 15 minutes but the flag went up for offside.

Luciano Becchio was closest to goal and deemed to interfere with the ball as it crossed the line.

"The referee thought Becchio interfered with play - I haven't had a chance to see it yet," said Grayson when asked his reaction to the official's decision.

"It's one of those things, the decision can either go for you or against you and tonight it went against us.

"It was a big turning point in the game. I thought we were excellent, we created some really good chances but sometimes you just don't get the breaks."

Challenge
Javier Mascherano had a hand in Liverpool's goal after his earlier challenge on Jermaine Beckford which went un-noticed by the referee.

Grayson shrugged off any sugg! estions he should have been penalised, saying: "Tackles are there to be made. He's that type of player.

"Again, sometimes you get yellow cards, sometimes you get red cards, we won't complain about that.

"What I will say is that our players put in a fantastic performance against a top team.

"We gave them a real test tonight and the players can be proud of what they've done, as the fans can be proud of their achievements.

"Unfortunately, we just didn't get the win that we could have had."

Asked if Tuesday's performance was encouraging for his side's League One promotion hopes, he said: "We want to be out of this division, tonight just shows what we can do."

Rosicky Siap Merumput Lagi

Tomas Rosicky dikabarkan siap merumput lagi bersama pasukan Arsene Wenger setelah sembuh dari cedera lama sejak Januari 2008.

Gelandang asal Ceko sudah mulai bermain saat laga melawan Barnet di pertandingan uji coba pertengahan Juli lalu setelah sembuh dari cedera tendon hamstring.!

Sekarang Rosicky telah 100% siap merumput untuk membela the Gunners saat perebutan piala Emirates.

Begitu juga rekan setimnya, Gael Clichy juga akan memulai debut pertamanya di pertandingan pra musim kali ini. Namun Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs dan Abou Diaby dipastikan akan absen.

"Gael Clichy dan Tomas Rosicky akan bermain namun Abou Diaby akan absen." kata Wenger pada konfrensi pers jumat lalu. "Dia seharusnya bermain namun dia memiliki sedikit masalah di lututnya."

"Theo Walcott dan Kieran Gibbs absen karena mereka baru menjalankan latihan selama 4 hari."

INTER AD UN PASSO DALLO SCUDETTO

Allo Stadio Olimpico di Torino l'Inter batte il Toro 1-0(Cruz). Partita in salita per i campioni d'italia:infatti i giocatori del neo De Biasi fanno paura con Stellone e Rosina. Però come spesso avviene nel calcio gli errori si pagano:calcio d'angolo dell'Inter battuto da Balotelli(che verrà dopo sostituito da Cesar)e incornata sul primo palo di Cruz. Il primo tempo finisce con un Toro sconsolato e con i campioni d'italia che mantengono agevolmente il risultato. Nel secondo tempo il Toro soffre la stanchezza del grande primo tempo disputato,ma nell'ultima mezz'ora con un pizzico d'orgoglio mette alle corde gli uomini di Mancini. Nell'ultimo quarto d'ora spazio a Suazo,che ha una sola occasione e negli ultimi minuti c'è da registrare un clamoroso errore sotto porta del brasiliano Cesar. Arriva alcuni minuti dopo il sospirato fischio finale:vittoria sofferta per i nerazzurri,che adesso hanno 6 punti di vantaggio sulla Roma e che già domenica prossima potrebbero festeggiare i! l 16°tricolore.

IL VIDEO DI TORINO-INTER

Romania-Francia 0-0

UNDER 19, AZZURRIN IN SEMIFINALE ALL'EUROPEO

Grinta, carattere e quattro gol, uno in più della Repubblica Ceca: così gli Azzurrini di Francesco Rocca hanno conquistato la semifinale del Campionato Europeo davanti a circa 5000 spettatori che fino all'ultimo hanno fatto sentire il loro tifo per i padroni di casa. 4-3 il risultato finale al termine di una partita combattuta, che metteva in palio anche un altro traguardo importante: la qualificazione ai Mondiali 2009 Under 20, che si giocheranno in Egitto. E la squadra di Rocca, dunque, ha centrato semifinale e un posto ai mondiali lottando su ogni pallone. A passare per primi in vantaggio sono stati proprio gli Azzurrini con Poli (che firmerà una doppietta) al 21' de! l primo tempo; ma dopo due minuti è arrivato il pareggio dei ceki; all'11' della ripresa il 2-1 dell'Italia con Bonaventura, a cui risponde al 15' la Repubblica Ceca. Poi al 26' il gol di Paloschi e al 35' la seconda rete di Poli; il 4-3 dei ceki è arrivato al 41'- Gli Azzurrini, che hanno vinto il titolo nel 2003, non erano più arrivati in semifinale in questa competizione: mercoledì incontreranno l'Ungheria

fonte: http://www.figc.it/

TIAGO-EVERTON,FINALMENTE CI SIAMO

Forse, ci siamo. Dopo innumerevoli tentativi, la Juve ha trovato una squadra per Tiago. Nelle prossime ore, infatti, dovrebbe diventare ufficiale la cessione del portoghese all'Everton. In prestito, ovviamente. Un milione di euro è quanto la Juve incasserà dal secondo club di Liverpool, 5 (considerando il 'lordo') quelli che risparmierà per l'ingaggio del giocatore che in Inghilterra guadagnerà 2 milioni netti per 12 mesi.

In casa Juve, quindi, possono "quasi" festeggiare. Tiago, d'altronde, era ormai considerato un peso all'interno dello spogliatoio bianconero. Giocatore di indiscutibile talento, il portoghese non si è mai integrato nel gioc! o di Ranieri che da tempo lo aveva messo ai margini della squadra.
I soldi risparmiati con il portoghese, poi, consentono alla società di corso Galileo Ferraris di poter guardare con ottimismo agli ultimi giorni di mercato Il ko di Chiellini si è rivelato meno grave del previsto ma non è da escludere il possibile acquisto di un difensore centrale per rinforzare il reparto.
A centrocampo, poi, continuano a circolare i nomi di Stankovic e Ledesma, mentre sembra ormai definitivamente tramontato il sogno Aquilani: il centrocampista giallorosso resterà a Roma. Tra 12 mesi se ne riparlerà.

GILA GOL E LA FIORENTINA VA! JUVE FERMATA AL MARASSI

Nel secondo anticipo della quinta giornata di Serie A la Fiorentina supera per 1-0 il Genoa al Franchi. Il gol del successo viola porta la firma, ancora una volta, di Gilardino, che al 61' sblocca il risultato del match con una splendida girata che sorprende Rubinho. Qualche minuto prima Frey era stato strepitoso su una conclusione di Milito, mandato in campo nella ripresa, e il portiere rossoblù aveva deviato sul palo una conclusione di Donadel.

Non c'è Bizzarri, non c'è Gilardino, non c'è Giovinco. La Juventus questa volta si prende il punto senza lamentele spars! e nel dopogara. Poco ha fatto la squadra di Ranieri per avventurarsi nella foresta doriana alla ricerca del bottino pieno. E tutto sommato, se qualcuno vorrebbe timidamente avanzare un credito, quello è proprio Mazzarri. Non tanto per le occasioni terse costruite, quanto per l'intensità con le quali salta sul carro dell'agonismo. Giovinco che resta in panchina anche nel finale è un segnale. Rinunciare alla freschezza del ragazzo in nome di una strategia impuntata tutto sulla granitica volontà di aprire e chiudere in fretta la parentesi ligure senza correre rischi di sbilanciamento (semmai ve ne fossero stati) sul campo e fuori. La Champions League sembra già avere un peso specifico sulla rotta di Ranieri.

SAMPDORIA-JUVENTUS



FIORENTINA-GENOA

MARADONA, L'EMOZIONE DELL'ESORDIO

Emozionato, ma sicuro della sua Argentina: alla vigilia del debutto sulla panchina della Seleccion Diego Maradona dispensa pochi sorrisi. Quando un giornalista inglese gli ricorda il gol di mano ai Tre Leoni e le dichiarazioni di Terry Butcher che non intende perdonarlo, Maradona ritrova il piglio dialettico di un tempo. "Non mi interessa dare la mano a Butcher, dormirò ugualmente anche senza la sua stretta di mano".


Corsi e ricorsi della vita: come già nel 1979 quando segnò proprio a Hampden Park il suo primo gol con la maglia dell'Albiceleste, è ancora Glasgow a tenere a battesimo il Maradona-bis, la sua nuova avventura da commissario tecnico. Subentrato ad Alfio Basile d! opo una striscia di otto gare con una sola vittoria, Maradona è atteso da un compito tutt'altro che semplice, soprattutto per un debuttante: rilanciare le ambizioni mondiali dell'Argentina. In Sudafrica, se si qualificherà (attualmente è terza a pari punti con il Cile nel girone sudamericano), la Seleccion è chiamata a centrare almeno le semifinali dopo quattro tentativi a vuoto. Questo almeno l'obiettivo della federcalcio presieduta da sempre da Julio Grondona.

Traguardo che però non sembra bastare a Maradona. "Il nostro unico obiettivo è vincere la Coppa del Mondo, non mi interessa arrivare tra le prime quattro - le parole dell'ex Pibe de Oro -. Ci sono molti cambiamenti da fare, non solo a livello tattico o di giocatori. E' soprattutto l'approccio alla nazionale che voglio sia diverso. Voglio che i giocatori tornino a esere felici di indossare la maglia dell'Argentina e di fare parte di questa squadra. Voglio riportare l'orgoglio che è mancato ultimamente". La! sua nomina, pochi giorni prima del suo 48° compleanno, ha des! tato più di una perplessità, sia per il suo passato turbolento sia per la sua limitata (eufemismo) esperienza da allenatore.

"Ma io sono tranquillissimo e questa notte dormirò senza problemi - la replica orgogliosa di Diego -. Non sento assolutamente nessuna pressione. Se non avessi accettato questa sfida sarei stato un codardo. So che il cammino sarà duro, ma l'Argentina in questo momento ha bisogno di una guida. E voglio mettere a disposizione la mia esperienza". Di anticipazioni tecnico-tattiche non ne concede ("Prima voglio parlare con la squadra"), ma fa un'eccezione per Lionel Messi, che - come d'altronde Juan Roman Riquelme - sarà assente contro la Scozia.

"Voglio che in campo Lionel si senta libero di inventare. E' un grande giocatore, conosciamo le sue qualità di realizzatore ma mi aspetto che costruisca di più per la squadra". Una conferenza stampa all'insegna della pacatezza, durante la quale non raccoglie la provocazione di chi gli chiede conto dell! a sua tossicodipendenza ("Mi sveglo tutte le mattine, mi basta questo") e addirittura arriva a promettere la fine di ogni polemica con il presidente della Fifa, il suo grande nemico Joseph Blatter ("Ricopro un ruolo adesso e preferisco pensare solo all'Argentina"). Un nuovo Maradona, pieno di entusiasmo ("Il primo allenamento è stato fantastico"), impaziente di cominciare. Solo il tempo, e il campo, potranno rispondere all'ultima domanda rimasta in sospeso: il più grande calciatore di sempre saprà tradurre in panchina il suo genio calcistico?

MUNTARI:"LO UNITED CI TEME"

Prima c'è il campionato. Che va onorato, battendo il Cagliari e consolidando il primo posto. Ma nessuno riesce a nascondere l'attesa per la doppia sfida al Manchester United, in programma il 24 febbraio e il 10 marzo. Sulley Muntari esprime il concetto che molti tifosi nerazzurri vorrebbero concretamente applicato. "Anche noi siamo forti, anche loro! hanno paura di noi, non siamo una squadra facile da battere e abbiamo imparato dagli errori commessi nella prima fase. Di sicuro giocheremo due grandi partite". 

BUON AFFARE - Sulley, che proprio i Red Devils avevano corteggiato ai tempi di Udine, è uno dei tre acquisti dell'Inter targata Mourinho, gli altri due, Quaresma e Mancini, finora non hanno convinto. "Anche loro due non hanno deluso, solo che non hanno giocato tanto - spiega Muntari -. Do sicuro arriverà il momento giusto anche per loro. Io ho avuto la fortuna di giocare più partite, a parte quelle in cui ero squalificato, e poi ho avuto la fortuna di aver segnato 2-3 gol. Se fai tutte le cose bene, con questa squadra è molto facile inserirsi e fare bene, perché tutti sono forti. Mi ha aiutato conoscere il campionato italiano, però non avevo mai avuto a che fare con lo spogliatoio di una grande squadra", spiega il giocatore che non sarebbe mai arrivato se l'Inter fosse riuscita a prendere Lampard. "Quan! do ero in Inghilterra, il mister mi ha chiamato e mi ha detto:! la prim a scelta è Lampard, se non viene, vieni tu - racconta Muntari -. Io ho risposto: va bene mister, io sono pronto, se mi dici di venire, io vengo. Così ho accettato subito". 

MOU - Con l'allenatore ha un gran feeling, lo considera il tecnico più completo che ha avuto. "Di lui mi piace tutto. Sa gestire bene i suoi giocatori, li difende in qualunque modo, ogni giorno cambia modo di allenare - spiega -. Non mi ricordo la seduta che ho fatto il primo giorno, perché ogni volta si cambia. Ti mette nelle condizioni ideali per fare bene, ti insegna tutto nei minimi dettagli. A me basta guardarlo, anche se lui non dice niente. Quando entro nello spogliatoio prima della partita, basta guardarlo in faccia per caricarti, anche se non apre bocca". 

IL LIMITE - Il 2008 dei nerazzurri è stato straordinario, nel 2009 Muntari vuole "crescere di più, se gli altri mie compagni crescono ancora diventano dei mostri, perché sono già forti. La mia speranza in questo 2009 è far! e molto bene, segnare tanto, fare bene per l'Inter e vincere tanti trofei". Il limite di Muntari è l'eccessiva foga in campo, un problema che gli costa cartellini gialli e rossi, anche perché ha la fama di essere un giocatore duro. "Io non vado in campo per fare male a qualcuno, ma per vincere. Se sono in ritardo e non riesco a frenarmi... Però, piano piano, sto imparando". 

MR X VUOLE IL TORO

"Mister X" toglie la maschera. Oggi i suoi avvocati riveleranno l'identità del misterioso imprenditore che vuole acquistare il Torino. Un segreto custodito gelosamente per mesi e attorno al quale sono circolate le leggende più disparate. L'appuntamento è per le 15.30 nel prestigioso hotel Golden Palace, a due passi dalla sede della club granata. Ma Urbano Cairo ha già fatto sapere che non sembra intenzionato a passare la mano.

"Nel corso della conferenza stampa verrà resa nota l'identità del potenziale acquirente", hanno scritto gli avvocati Grazia Porta, Massimo Durante, e Anna Pasquinelli. Verranno esposte, inoltre "le linee programmatiche per la gestione societaria e sportiva".

A breve, insomma, verrà messo un punto fermo alle indiscrezioni circolate negli ultimi mesi sul nome di "Mister X". Miroglio? Ferrero? L'elenco delle indiscrezioni è lungo e l'ultima porta ad un imprenditore di origini meridionali in attesa di un'eredità milionaria da 600 mili! oni di euro.

Voci che nel pomeriggio lasceranno spazio, finalmente, alla verità.

CHELSEA-LIVERPOOL & BAYERN-BARCA

Non ci saranno semifinali tutte inglesi in questa edizione della Champions League. Lo ha deciso l'urna di Nyon, da dove sono usciti gli accoppiamenti per i quarti di finale, in programma il 7/8 e 14/15 aprile. Sorteggio benevolo per i campioni in carica del Manchester Utd, che dovranno affrontare il Porto, e per l'Arsenal, che se la vedrà col Villarreal. Sarà derby, invece, tra Liverpool e Chelsea. Sfida stellare tra Barcellona e Bayern Monaco. Nei sorteggi di Uefa sfortuna per l'Udinese, che pesca l'avversario forse può ostico, i ted! eschi del Werder Brema.

A far festa sono soprattutto i "Red Devils", che hanno avuto in sorte quella che forse è la squadra più debole delle otto ancora in corsa. Non sta peggio l'Arsenal, anche se contro il Villarreal qualche rischio in più lo corre, in particolare per il clima bollente che troverà in Spagna.

Il vero spettacolo, insomma, lo regaleranno le altre due partite. Da una parte la sfida fratricida tra Liverpool e Chelsea, dall'altra quella ad alto tasso tecnico tra Barcellona e Bayern.

Il tutto mentre l'Italia si deve accontentare di fare il tifo per Toni, Rossi e Dossena.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Quarti di finale (7/8 aprile - 14/15 aprile)
1 Villarreal - Arsenal
2 Manchester United - Porto
3 Liverpool - Chelsea
4 Barcellona - Bayern Monaco
(La prima squadra in casa all'andata)

Semifinali (28/29 aprile - 5/6 maggio)
Vincente di incontro 2 - Vincente di incontro 1
Vincente! di incontro 4 - Vincente di incontro 3
(La prima squadra! in casa all'andata)

Finale a Roma il 27 maggio

COPPA UEFA
Quarti di finale (9 aprile - 16 aprile)
1 Amburgo - Manchester City
2 Paris Saint Germain - Dinamo Kiev
3 Shakhtar Donetsk - Marsiglia
4 Werder Brema - Udinese

Semifinali (30 aprile - 7 maggio)
1 vincente 4 - vincente 1
2 vincente 2 - vincente 3

Euro Citizen.

City. Londra, gli opposti si toccano.

Que sera...sera...

"Whenever will be...will be...we follow the boys inthe blue...que sera...sera", così canta la curva Nord laziale nei momenti di maggiori difficoltà.

E forse questo coro non è tra i più adatti in questo momento, visto l'entusiasmo suscitato dal bellissimo inizio di campionato.

La vittoria sulla Fiorentina, a coronamento di una prestazione fanstastica, ha dato all'ambiente biancoceleste la consapevolezza di avere un gruppo unito e compatto, capace di qualunque cosa.

La Lazio è attualmente al secondo posto in classifica, ma non! sono queste le posizioni che le competono. La squadra di Delio Rossi deve restare con i piedi per terra, perchè è così che si vincono le battaglie.

Qualcuno in settimana si è lasciato scappare sogni di gloria, champions, lotta scudetto, non scherziamo ragazzi, questa squadra è stata costruita per poter competere alla pari con tutti ma certamente non sulla lunga distanza dove ci sono rose ben più attrezzate come quelle dell'Inter, Juventus, Roma e Milan.

Ma questo lo sanno anche i calciatori e sono sicuro che le loro dichiarazioni sono state strumentalizzate ad arte dalla stampa per vendere qualche copia in più e non è la prima volta.

Oggi la compagine biancoceleleste andrà a fare visita al Torino cercando di portare a casa i tre punti, impresa tutt'altro che facile.

La squadra torinese non è da sottovalutare, potendo contare su uomini di spessore come Rosina, gli ex Bianchi e Sereni, Corini e Barone e sicurame! nte farà di tutto per complicare il cammino a Delio Rossi, il ! quale ri proporrà lo stesso undici presentato contro i viola, sperando in un'ennesima prova positiva della sua formazione.

Vincere oggi significherebbe mettere altro fieno in cascina per questo campionato che si preannuncia molto estenuante.

Certo nessuno farebbe drammi se si tornasse da Torino con un punticino, per ovvie ragioni.

Nessuno sa dove può arrivare questa squadra, forse ci saranno momenti più bui e più infelici o forse no, chissà.

Quel che è certo è que...sera...sera...la Lazio ha ritrovato la sua gente...

Pubblicato da Mariano Ciaraldi - CAPOREDATTORE SEZIONE S.S. LAZIO

Toni,ultimatum al Bayer

Monaco,7 Ottobre 2009-<>.Ha esordito cosi quest'oggi Luca Toni,in un intervista del quotidiano tedesco Bild.Il forte centravanti italiano ha espresso tutta la sua rabbia per l'attuale situazione:un infortunio lungo al tandine d'achille,dal quale lui è convinto di essere perfettamente guarito.Non è dello stesso avviso il tecnico olandese Van Gaal che ritiene ancora precarie le condizioni fisiche di Toni.Le parole di Van Gaal sanno molto di scelta tecnica e Luca lo sa,per questo ultimamente sono cresciuti i malumori del bomber nostrano che si sente trascurato e quasi umiliato da una società che lo costringe a giocare con la seconda squadra in serie C
tedesca.A Monaco solo i tifosi sembrano ricordarsi del luca nazionale che vinceva Bundesliga e Coppa di Germania segnando 39 reti in 46 match disputati.A intristire ancor di più la forte punta modenese c è anche il pensiero verso la nazionale e la preoccupazione che una scarsa visibilità possa minare la sua partecipazione ! al mondiale in SudAfrica.Alla fine dell'intervista Toni ribadisce comunque la sua passione per il club tedesco e annuncia che vorrebbe rispettare il contratto con scadenza nel 2011,ma solo a patto della sua permanenza fissa nella formazione titolare.La sensazione è pero che a Gennaio rivedremo Toni con la maglia di una squadra italiana.Si parla già di Milan,Roma e dell'interesse anche della Lazio.

20 called-up for the Champions League. Del Piero, Grygera and Diego are out. Zebina is back.

Ciro Ferrara called-up 20 players for the debut match in the Champions League against Bordeaux tomorrow night.

Del Piero and Grygera will not make it and after having missed the away match against Lazio, they will also be forced to miss the one against the French side. Diego who was injured during the match against the biancocelesti will also be absent.

The other unavailable players are the injured Sissoko and Salihamidzic as well as the suspended (for one match) Chiellini! .

To compensate Ferrara will have Zebina back who returns after the problems to his tendon. Below is the complete list of players called-up:

1 Buffon
2 Caceres
4 Felipe Melo
5 Cannavaro
6 Grosso
8 Marchisio
9 Iaquinta
11 Amauri
12 Chimenti
13 Manninger
15 Zebina
16 Camoranesi
17 Trezeguet
18 Poulsen
19 Molinaro
20 Giovinco
23 Ariaudo

http://www.juventus.com/site/eng/NEWS_newsseriea_BC21288B32A64FDDA64E71570ABD00DE.asp

Hicks optimistic about new stadium

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks says too much money has already been spent for the team's proposed new stadium not to be eventually built.

Hicks believes replacing the outdated Anfield due to its 45,000 limited capacity and restricted commercial possibilities is central to cementing the Reds' status as one of the world's top football clubs.

Construction on the new site was frozen in August 2008 just before the world sank into a deep economic depression, and Hicks acknowledg! es he doesn't know when the stadium will be completed.

'When we get to the point where the global market settles down and we bring pieces together to finance the stadium (then we can again start building),' Hicks said.

'It's certainly not anything we have changed our mind on. I don't know about the dates because of the global financial markets, but I know the markets will settle down and get better.

'I'm an optimist. I've been through lots of cycles, although none as severe as this in my lifetime. It's a dynamic world.'

Hicks is believed to have had financiers scouring the world for minority investors to help fund the stadium for the past year.

After buying Liverpool in 2007 with George Gillett Jr., Hicks wrote off 10 million pounds by ditching existing plans to replace the crumbling Anfield so architects from his native Texas could design a more spectacular stadium in the adjacent Stanley Park.

The subsequen! t economic downturn forced the new vision to be scaled down bu! t it wil l still hold 15,000 more seats than Anfield, which has few amenities to generate extra revenue.

'We have spent a lot of money and we have a fully designed stadium,' Hicks said. 'We have every permit in place, all the city councils' approvals, the judicial reviews on a national basis - everything is done. That's a great asset to have just to wait for the markets to open up and be able to do anything. Certainly it will happen.'

Liverpool's financial situation was boosted this week by a new primary sponsorship deal with British bank Standard Chartered that will start before next season. Hicks expects that deal, along with a new one with Carlsberg, to generate 26 million pounds a year.

Hicks says the new stadium will attract global interest in naming rights and help the Reds in their rivalry with Manchester United, which beat them to the Premier League title by four points last year to match their record haul of 18 English championships.
'We think that the stadium is one of the biggest opportunities for Liverpool to be truly one of the top clubs in the world,' Hicks said.

'Liverpool was a famous club around many parts of the world before Manchester United became strong in the last 20 years, and that's a heritage we want to build on and try to get to be as strong as possible. The club's in the best shape in many, many years.

'(Manager) Rafa (Benitez) has put together an outstanding group of players over the last two or three years. We can always have more, but I think we're doing very well and I think we will have great success on the pitch this year.

'Transactions like this week's new sponsorship agreement can only help to give us the resources to compete right there with the other big guys in the world.'

Fifa - Blues can't recall stars

The Blues were suspended from signing players for the next two transfer windows by Fifa earlier this month after they breached rules to sign Lens youngster Gael Kakuta.

Chelsea are appealing, but they had hoped they could minimise any damage by recalling the likes of Michael Mancienne and Scott Sinclair, who are on loan at Wolves and Wigan respectively.

But Fifa has told them that they definitely cannot have Sinclair back, while they will need to rule on Mancienne as Chelsea have an emergency-recall clause inserted in his agreement.

Another loanee Franco Di Santo - who is at Blackburn - could return to Stamford Bridge as he only moved on a half-season deal.

"If it's a season-long loan, it cannot be terminated in order to bring players

back," said a Fifa spokesman.

Chelsea are yet to get Fifa's full ruling on their transfer ban but that should arrive before the end of the month, after which point they will have! 21-days to respond.

Definitive break between Low and Kuranyi

Juve can with the Roma

Chelsea and Roma, pending the final game

Milan longs for continuity of Beckham

Maradona Honey Month End

Murray can win US Open - Henman

US OPEN
Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Date: 31 August - 13 September
BBC coverage: Live text commentaries on the website from 1600 BST each day, regular updates on 5 live, full commentary on 5 live sports extra in week two, both finals on 5 live, tennis special on 5 live (3 September, 2000-2100 BST)

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Murray relishing New York return

Andy Murray has been backed to go one better and win this year's US Open by former British number one Tim Henman.

Murray, 22, was beaten by Roger Federer in his first Grand Slam final last year at Flushing Meadows and begins his quest against Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

"Federer is the favourite," Henman told BBC's Sportsweek ahead of the year's final Grand Slam starting on Monday.

"But Murray's number two now - I think he can get back to the final and go one stage further."

Henman, who reached the semi-finals at the US Open in 2004, believes Murray needs to show he can dictate matters on court against the top-ranked players in order to realise his dream.

"I think the more pro-active he is, the better he plays," added the 34-year-old.

"Because he's so solid and moves well, sometimes I feel he thinks he just needs to keep the ball in play, move and hit his strokes to beat these guys.

McEnroe tips Murray for US Open

"But if he can be mo! re aggressive against the best - Federer and Rafael Nadal - th! en he ca n dominate and make his opponent do the running. He has the technique to do that."

Since reaching last year's final, Murray has won seven tournaments, taking his career tally to 13, and climbed from number six to number two in the world.

He has also matched his best performance at the Australian Open in reaching the fourth round and improved on his previous bests at the French Open and Wimbledon, where he made the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.

"One of the few things that I want to do now in tennis is to win a Slam," said the Scot.

"It's something that's incredibly difficult to do but something I believe is possible.

"I think a lot of players say when they win their first Slam it's sort of a relief because it's so much hard work that you put into it. I'm hoping I can do it here."

The presence of Federer, who is chasing a record-equalling sixth successive US Open title, and Nadal - who Murray beat in the semi-finals last year and is seeded to meet at the same stage again - means Murray assesses success in the Slams differently.

29th Dec

Tottenham 6 -4 Reading

Tottenham:
Robinson, Chimbonda, Kaboul, King (Defoe 61), Lee, Lennon (Boateng 67), Jenas, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane (Tainio 80).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Taarabt.

Goals: Berbatov 7, 63, 73, Malbranque 76, Defoe 79, Berbatov 83.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty (De la Cruz 71), Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Hunt, Cisse, Harper, Convey (Long 84), Doyle, Kitson.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Lita, Bikey.

Booked: Cisse, Shorey, Long.

Goals: Cisse 16, Ingimarsson 53, Kitson 69, 74.

Att: 36,178

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).
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Birmingham 1 - Fulham 1

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Kelly, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Queudrue, McSheffrey, Muamba, Johnson (Nafti 45), Larsson (De Ridder 73), Forssell (O'Connor 77), Jerome.
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Sadler.

Goals: ! Larsson 55.

Fulham: Niemi, Omozusi, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy (Smertin 70), Davis, Bouazza, Dempsey, Healy (Kuqi 74).
Subs Not Used: Warner, Kamara Leijer.

Booked: Bouazza, Konchesky, Davies.

Sent off: Bouazza 79.

Goals: Bocanegra 8.

Att: 28,923

Ref: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)
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Chelsea 2 - Newcastle 1

Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Bridge, Essien, Obi, Ballack (Sinclair 76), Wright-Phillips (Sidwell 90), Joe Cole (Pizarro 65), Kalou.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Ferreira.

Booked: Alex.

Goals: Essien 29, Kalou 87.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor, Cacapa, N'Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Faye, Smith (Rozehnal 70), Duff (Viduka 89), Martins (Owen 74).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Emre.

Booked: Faye, Given.

Goals: ! Butt 56.

Att: 41,751

Ref: Mike Riley (Yo! rkshire) .
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Everton 1 - Arsenal 4

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Johnson 71), Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Arteta, Carsley, Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Yakubu.
Subs Not Used: Wessels, Vaughan, Nuno Valente, Anichebe.

Sent Off: Arteta (84).

Goals: Cahill 19.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb (Diarra 82), Fabregas (Rosicky 88), Flamini, Diaby, Bendtner, Eduardo (Adebayor 74).
Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Senderos.

Sent Off: Bendtner (74).

Booked: Bendtner, Eduardo, Clichy, Fabregas, Flamini.

Goals: Eduardo 47, 58, Adebayor 78, Rosicky 90.

Att: 39,443

Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).
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Portsmouth 0 - 1 Middlesbrough

Portsmouth: James, Lauren, Campbell, Distin, Hre! idarsson (Taylor 46), Utaka (Nugent 62), Diop, Hughes (Muntari 72), Kranjcar, Mwaruwari, Kanu.
Subs Not Used: Begovic, Traore.

Booked: Taylor.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Woodgate, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil (Johnson 86), Shawky, Arca, Downing, Sanli, Lee (Hutchinson 75).
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Riggott, Grounds.

Booked: O'Neil, Woodgate, Young, Arca.

Goals: Sanli 20.

Att: 20,089

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
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Sunderland 3 - 1 Bolton

Sunderland: Gordon, Whitehead, McShane, Higginbotham, Collins, Miller, Richardson (O'Donovan 70), Etuhu, Chopra (Leadbitter 46), Cole (Murphy 57), Jones.
Subs Not Used: Ward, Waghorn.

Booked: Richardson.

Goals: Richardson 13, Jones 32, Murphy 90.

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Samuel (Guthrie 56), Meite, Andrew O'Brien, Gardn! er, Joey O'Brien, McCann, Nolan (Campo 87), Diouf, Anelka, Dav! ies (Gia nnakopoulos 73).

Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Michalik.

Booked: Davies, Diouf.

Goals: Diouf 41.

Att: 42,058

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
_____________________________________________________________________________________

West Ham 2 - 1 Man Utd 1

West Ham: Green, Neill, Spector, Upson, McCartney, Solano (Pantsil 49), Parker (Ferdinand 55), Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg (Ashton 70), Cole.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Camara.

Booked: Pantsil, Mullins.

Goals: Ferdinand 77, Upson 82.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Brown (O'Shea 89), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Nani 80), Fletcher, Giggs, Saha, Tevez (Anderson 64).
Subs Not Used: Heaton, Pique.

Goals: Ronaldo 14.

Att: 34,966

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
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Wigan 1 - 2 Aston Villa

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Kilbane, Valencia, Landzaat (Olembe 80), Brown, Taylor, Sibierski (Aghahowa 63), Bent.
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Granqvist, Skoko.

Booked: Bramble.

Goals: Bramble 28.

Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Maloney (Gardner 60), Reo-Coker, Barry, Young (Petrov 90), Carew (Moore 11), Agbonlahor.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Harewood.

Booked: Agbonlahor.

Goals: Davies 55, Agbonlahor 70.

Att: 18,806

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Premier League Results for 29th Oct 2008

Arsenal	4-4 (HT 1-1)	Tottenham
Silvestre 37 Gallas 46 Adebayor 64 Van Persie 68		Bentley 13 Bent 67 Jenas 89 Lennon 90+4
Bookings: Diaby 90+2		Bookings: Assou-Ekotto 54 Bentley 57 Huddlestone 59 Jenas 85

Spurs may be at the bottom even after a brilli! ant performance at the Emirates but the celebrated like they where at the top of the table and its that confidence that will get them up the table they've got the fire in the belly and will be no push over for no one, Harry has turned things around big time.

Aaron Lennon's injury-time equaliser capped a stunning fightback from Harry Redknapp's Tottenham against Arsenal.

David Bentley's brilliant early strike put Spurs ahead, but Mikael Silvestre headed Arsenal level before half-time.

William Gallas put Arsenal in front seconds after the re-start and Emmanuel Adebayor bundled home their third.

Darren Bent pulled one back before Robin van Persie added Arsenal's fourth - but Jermaine Jenas's 89th-minute goal and Lennon's tap-in earned a point.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Silvestre, Gallas, Clichy, Walcott (Eboue 75), Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri (Song Billong 88), Van Persie (Diaby 81), Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, T! oure, Vela, Bendtner.

Booked: Diaby.

G! oals: Silvestre 37, Gallas 46, Adebayor 64, Van Persie 68.

Tottenham: Gomes, Hutton (Gunter 79), Corluka, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto, Bentley, Modric, Jenas, Huddlestone, Bale (Lennon 55), Pavlyuchenko (Bent 65).
Subs Not Used: Cesar, Zokora, Campbell, O'Hara.

Booked: Assou-Ekotto, Bentley, Huddlestone, Jenas.

Goals: Bentley 13, Bent 67, Jenas 89, Lennon 90.

Att: 60,043

Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

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!

Aston Villa	3-2 (HT 1-1)	Blackburn
Young 45+1 Barry 65 Agbonlahor 87		Warnock 30 Emerton 90+4
		Bookings: Samba 78

Second-half goals from Gareth Barry and Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Aston Villa victory over unlucky Rovers.

Blackburn drew first blood when Stephen Warnock exchanged passes with Benni McCarthy and fired home.

But Luke Young bundled in an equaliser from Nicky Shorey's cross and James Milner pulled the ball back for Barry to put Villa into the lead.

Agbonlahor raced onto Ashley Young's pass to make it 3-1 before Brett Emerton's injury-time free-kick.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Shorey, Laursen, Cuellar, Barry, Milner, Petrov (Carew 46), Reo! -Coker (Sidwell 83), Ashley Young, Agbonlahor (Harewood 90).Subs Not Used: Guzan, Davies, Knight, Gardner.

Goals: Luke Young 45, Barry 65, Agbonlahor 87.

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock (Kerimoglu 68), Emerton, Andrews, Simpson, Pedersen (Olsson 79), Villanueva, McCarthy (Derbyshire 79).
Subs Not Used: Brown, Mokoena, Fowler, Roberts.

Booked: Samba.

Goals: Warnock 30, Emerton 90.

Att: 35,985

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

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Bolton	0-1 (HT 0-0)	Everton
		Fellaini 90
Bookings: Samuel 41		Bookings: Lescott 20 Fellaini 90+1

Marouane Fellaini's close-range header from Stephen Pienaar's cross sealed Everton's first win in nine games.

After a dismal first half, Bolton had the better of the second, much of it thanks to Gretar Steinsson, but his strikers failed to match his industry.

Joseph Yobo did well to deny Kevin Davies late on, and the game looked to be drifting to a goalless draw.

But at the death Pienaar found Fellaini, whose header hit the inside of the left-hand post before going in.
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Fulham	2-0 (HT 1-0)	Wigan
Johnson 11 Johnson 60
		Bookings: Kilbane 35 Cattermole 76

Andrew Johnson hit a double as Fulham earned their first win in six games against fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic at Craven Cottage.

Johnson slotted home his first goal for the club in the 10th minute from close range from Paul Konchesky's cross.

Wigan revived briefly, and P! aul Scharner should have levelled for the Latics with a simple two-yard header.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies, Bullard (Baird 88), Murphy, Gera (Dempsey 72), Johnson (Nevland 90), Zamora.

Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Gray, Stoor, Andreasen.

Goals: Johnson 11, 60.

Wigan: Kirkland, Boyce, Scharner, Figueroa (Koumas 62), Palacios (Camara 80), Cattermole (De Ridder 80), Kilbane, Melchiot, Valencia, Heskey, Zaki.

Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Taylor, Brown, Bramble.

Booked: Kilbane, Cattermole.

Att: 22,500

Ref: Howard Webb

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Hull	0-3 (HT 0-1) !	Chelsea
		Lampard 3 Anelka 50 Malouda 75
		Bookings: J Cole 11 Deco 58

Chelsea bounced back from their home defeat to Liverpool and ended Hull's sequence of four straight wins with a deserved victory at the KC Stadium.

Frank Lampard's brilliant early lob put Chelsea ahead but Daniel Cousin almost equalised with a low strike from 20 yards that hit the post.

Suicidal hesitation in the Hull defence allowed Nicolas Anelka to steel in and smash home Chelsea's decisive second.

Florent Malouda then converted Ricardo Carvalho's cros! s from six yards.

Hull: Myhill, McShane, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Marney (Garcia 71), Ashbee, Boateng (Halmosi 62), Geovanni, King (Windass 84), Cousin.
Subs Not Used: Duke, Hughes, Mendy, Ricketts.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa (Ivanovic 86), Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Deco (Kalou 78), Mikel, Lampard, Joe Cole (Belletti 54), Anelka, Malouda.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Di Santo, Bridge, Alex.

Booked: Joe Cole, Deco.

Goals: Lampard 3, Anelka 50, Malouda 75.

Att: 24,906

Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).

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Liverpool	1-0 (HT 0-0)	Portsmouth
Gerrard (pen) 76
		Bookings: Diarra 49 Diop 77

Steven Gerrard slotted in a 76th minute penalty to earn Premier League leaders Liverpool a win over Portsmouth.

Gerrard scored after Papa Bouba Diop undid his side's resolute performance by handling a corner in Pompey boss Tony Adams' first game in charge.

Until then, Dirk Kuyt's shot being parried against the post was the closest Liverpool had come to a goal.

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Man Utd	2-0 (HT 2-0)	West Ham
Ronaldo 14 Ronaldo 30
Bookings: Evra 23		Bookings: Collison 65 Collins 81

Cristiano Ronaldo's first-half brace saw Manchester United cruise to victory over a poor West Ham at Old Trafford.

Displaying flashes of real style, United raced into a 13th-minute lead after the superb Nani cut the ball back for Ronaldo to slot into the corner.

! Dimitar Berbatov's sublime skill saw him skip past James Coll! ins, all owing him to square for Ronaldo to tap in.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva (Neville 81), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher (Carrick 69), Anderson, Nani (Rooney 70), Tevez, Berbatov.
Subs Not Used: Foster, Giggs, Park, O'Shea.

Booked: Evra.

Goals: Ronaldo 14, 30.

West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Boa Morte 44), Bowyer (Sears 69), Mullins, Etherington (Collison 46), Di Michele, Bellamy.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Reid.

Booked: Collison, Collins.

Att: 75,397

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

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!

Middlesbrough	2-0 (HT 0-0)	Man City
Alves (pen) 53 O'Neil 90+4
Bookings: O'Neil 74		Bookings: Kompany 31 Ireland 44 Robinho 84

Afonso Alves' disputed penalty set Middlesbrough on their way to a hard-fought victory over Manchester City.

Boro keeper Ross Turnbull kept out shots by Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips as City threatened.

But the home side took the lead when Daniel Sturridge tangled with David Wheater and referee Lee Mason awarded a spot-kick tha! t Alves converted.

City poured forward in search of an equ! aliser b ut Gary O'Neil's breakaway goal in injury time sealed Boro's win.

Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater, Riggott, Pogatetz, Taylor, Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard (Arca 75), Downing (Adam Johnson 83), Sanli, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, John Johnson, Grounds, Walker.

Booked: O'Neil.

Goals: Alves 53 pen, O'Neil 90.

Man City: Hart, Ben-Haim, Richards, Dunne, Onuoha, Kompany, Wright-Phillips, Ireland, Elano (Fernandes 67), Robinho, Sturridge (Evans 77).
Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Jo, Garrido, Hamann, Berti.

Booked: Kompany, Ireland, Robinho.

Att: 25,731

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

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Stoke	1-0 (HT 0-0)	Sunderland
Fuller 73
Bookings: Ab Faye 29 Griffin 51		Bookings: Malbranque 71

A Ricardo Fuller header ensured Stoke beat a below-par Sunderland to move out of the Premier League relegation zone.

Fuller came close to giving Stoke a first-half lead, but Anton Ferdinand cleared from near his goal-line.

The lively Jamaican got the winner when he leapt above Sunderland's defence to head home Rory Delap's throw-in from six yards after 76 m! inutes.

And Fuller could easily gave doubled the score, bu! t the st riker hit the post when put through by Michael Tonge.

Stoke: Sorensen, Griffin, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham, Soares (Tonge 69), Olofinjana (Amdy Faye 87), Diao, Delap, Sidibe, Fuller (Kitson 90).
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Pericard, Wilkinson, Sonko.

Booked: Abdoulaye Faye, Griffin.

Goals: Fuller 73.

Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Malbranque (Reid 75), Whitehead, Yorke (Jones 46), Richardson, Diouf, Cisse (Chopra 62).
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Tainio, Nosworthy, Leadbitter.

Booked: Malbranque.

Att: 26,731

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).