USA 3-0 Egypt
by danang on Jun.22, 2009, under Others
In an incredible turn around the USA go through to the Semi-Finals on goal difference thanks to a 3-0 victory over Egypt.
Egypt came into the game with a real chance of going through to the Semi-Finals after beating Italy 1-0 on Thursday night.
One of the key protagonists from that game, Mohamed Zidan, was missing with a calf problem.
USA started the game well, playing at a slow pace, keeping hold of the ball.
They had the first chance of the game after 14 minutes when Clint Dempsey put Michael Bradley through.
El-Hadary came to meet him, though and parried his shot.
The USA gradually grew in confidence and Landon Donovan found himself through on goal two minutes later.
He decided to pass rather than shoot, though, and the chance was gone. (continue reading…)
CR 7 : It’s my fault
by danang on Jun.21, 2009, under La Liga
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the blame for the furore that has surrounded his proposed transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
The Portugal international has already conceded that he had his heart set on a switch to the Spanish giants at the end of the 2008/09 season.
Last summer’s transfer window was dominated by rumours that Ronaldo was seeking a switch to Real, but United held firm over the winger’s future.
However, Real appear set to finally secure their long-term target after they had an £80million bid accepted by United earlier this month.
The Fifa World Player of the Year has now voiced his regret for the controversy that marred the lead up to the agreement.
He told the News of the World: “Anything that has not been right with the move is my fault and nothing to do with Real Madrid or Manchester United. (continue reading…)
CR 7 : Of course I did not move for money
by danang on Jun.21, 2009, under La Liga
In his first full interview since agreeing to move from Manchester United to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo has explained the reasoning behind his transfer.
Speaking to the News Of The World, Ronaldo admitted that he had been contemplating a switch to the Bernabeu for some time.
He said, “After we won the European Cup [Champions League], I began to think that there was nothing left for me to achieve in Manchester.
“I realised that when you achieve everything, it is time to seek a new challenge. I stayed another year and enjoyed it, but my dream was to play for Real Madrid.”
Many cynics have suggested that Ronaldo’s main incentive to move to Madrid was a monetary one, but the Portuguese star dismissed such suggestions.
He continued, “Of course I did not move for money. (continue reading…)
Spain 2 - 0 South Africa
by danang on Jun.21, 2009, under Others
It proved to be an historic evening for Spain and South Africa in Bloemfontein. Despite going down to defeat to the European champions, the FIFA Confederations Cup hosts held on to second place in Group A, thus securing a place in the final phase of a FIFA tournament for the first time ever.
Spain were also celebrating as the vuvuzelas blared out at Free State Stadium, and not without good reason. The 2-0 victory was their 15th win in a row, a new record, and also took their unbeaten run to 35 games, equalling the mark set by Brazil in the mid-1990s. All that remains to be seen now is whether La Roja can make it 36 in the semi-finals, where A Seleçao could well be their opponents.
In the other game in the section, Iraq and New Zealand played out a goalless draw and bade farewell to the tournament without having scored a single goal in their three games, just as Canada and Greece did in 2001 and 2005 respectively. On the bright side for the All Whites, they did at least avoid defeat for the first time in a FIFA Confederations Cup match, having lost all eight of their previous games in the competition. (continue reading…)
Barcelona get ready to bid Mascherano for €41.5 million
by danang on Jun.20, 2009, under Premier League
According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail, Primera Division giants Barcelona are readying an offer for Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano.
It is claimed the combative midfielder has decided to leave the Merseyside outfit because his wife is keen to leave England having failed to settle.
It is thought that manager Rafael Benitez understands the 48-time capped Argentina international’s predicament and is ready to grant him a transfer, provided his valuation is met.
Apparently, the Reds boss is holding out for at least €41.5 million (£35m) in exchange for the 25-year-old’s services.
Although La Blaugrana are expected to meet Liverpool’s demands, (continue reading…)
Madrid : Next galacticos will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic
by danang on Jun.20, 2009, under Serie A
Real Madrid have turned their attention back to Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after Valencia revealed they would not be selling David Villa this summer.
Spanish newspaper Marca understands that Real are preparing a bid in the region of £76m for the Sweden international striker.
“Madrid negotiate for Ibra,” read the headline on Marca’s front page this morning.
Earlier today, Il Corriere dello Sport carried a story suggesting Jose Mourinho wants Ibrahimovic to make a decision on his future by July 12.
By doing so, Inter would give themselves enough time to find a replacement for Ibrahimovic should he leave for Spain. (continue reading…)
Carlos Teves leave United
by danang on Jun.20, 2009, under Premier League
Manchester United have confirmed that Carlos Tevez has decided to leave Old Trafford, despite being offering a deal which would have made him one of the highest paid players at Old Trafford.
United chief executive David Gill had been in discussions with Tevez’s advisor Kia Joorabchian, with the aim of keeping the popular Argentina star.
But, despite the offer of a lucrative five-year contract, the South American has decided to move on.
”Following contact received from Carlos Tevez’s advisors last night, in advance of the deadline the club set for concluding negotiations, Manchester United announces that Carlos will not be signing a new contract with the club,” said a statement released by United on Saturday morning.
”The club agreed to pay the option price of £25.5m and offered Carlos a five year contract which would have made him one of its highest paid players. (continue reading…)
Carletto want Mexes
by danang on Jun.20, 2009, under Premier League, Serie A
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti would like Roma defender Philippe Mexes to replace Ricardo Carvalho if he leaves for Inter this summer.
Marco Branca, the Inter director of sport, is said to be in London at the moment, negotiating a fee for Carvalho and his teammate Deco.
Ancelotti has long admired Mexes, who has consistently been one of the best centre-backs in Serie A since joining Roma in 2004.
He tried to sign him while at Milan, but was rebuffed on several occasions, both by the club and the player, who is tied to Roma.
However, according to the Sun, Ancelotti feels Mexes might feel differently about a lucrative move to Chelsea.
The Blues are reportedly lining up a £12m bid for the 27-year-old Frenchman, which could tempt financially straitened Roma. (continue reading…)
Ray Wilkins : Chealsea Still Stronger Than Real Madrid
by danang on Jun.20, 2009, under Premier League
Chelsea, who have been acting like a sleeping giant thus far in the transfer market compared to their domestic and continental rivals, can still brag a “stronger” squad than the recently reinforced Real Madrid, according to assistant manager Ray Wilkins.
Carlo Ancelotti’s right-hand man will likely act as a confidante to the Italian as the former AC Milan manager becomes accustomed to life in the Premier League, and also at Chelsea, and he revealed today that the Blues will not adopt an aggressive policy in the summer transfer market, but will likely recruit the “one or two” top class signings that they are currently short of.
Wilkins was speaking at an event that marked the publication of the 2009-10 Premier League fixtures, and said, “What Real Madrid have done to the market does seem strange, particularly in these financial times. (continue reading…)



