MATCH of the week

[Teeque]

Lets talk sports here.

Many of us here do walk and talk sports here whether they be in EPL, UCL, NBA, NFL, golf, tennis, squash, cricket etc. Furthermore, its World Cup (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/) year this season and plenty to talk about. Not to mention the sleep disorders, panda eyes and the ire of the missus (or gal mate). Its not only the games but also the sports personality involved or just the game in general. Discuss your opinions, speculations, your favorite teams or sportspersons, the darkhorses, fantalk, or just plain ardent support of any game, team or personality. Feature a match/game each week and here we go....
Just bear in mind the basic netiquette and stay off the F's - no filth and no flames - then you should be fine.

http://images.skysports.com/images/leagues/135/8new.gif http://www.espnstar.com/chl/images/chamleague_header.gif http://www.soccernet.com/design05/DJ/prem135x75.jpg

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/06/en/mast3_h.jpg

[Teeque]

http://home.skysports.com/images/badges/17x17/3.gif vs http://home.skysports.com/images/badges/17x17/128.gif

Patrick Vieira, the former captain and midfield enforcer, returns to Highbury as Juventus visit Arsenal in the quarter final first leg. It will be his first visit since joining Juventus last season. And this will be a huge match for these two great teams.

Arsenal has just disposed of Real Madrid 2 weeks ago and have been going great guns in both the Premiership and the Champions League recently. Although they are still placed fifth in the Premiership, behind Tottenham Hotspurs and traditional derby rival, they will be looking to continue that great run of form with a very young team whose average age is 23. Again, the unmistakable genius and, some say, the greatest goal poacher in the world now, Thierry Henry is the man to watch.

Juventus is also coming off a run of good form and with former Highbury man, Patrick Vieira visiting, emotions on both sides will be on a high. But Patrick has said he will not be unfazed and Juventus is the team he now plays for, there will be no favors. Juve is currently on top in Serie A and is now tipped to go on to the Finals in this Champions League edition, along with Barca. Man to watch - Patrick Vieira. Will their challenge fizzle out to a team of impressionable youngsters tonite? Or will they go in with guns ablazing that even the Gunners will be blown apart?

Tonite's MOTW, I'm sure, will be a pulsating one.

[Teeque]

Will Arsenal do a Liverpool like last season and go on to the CL Finals and win it?

[Teeque]

A great European nite at Highbury. The Gunners won the first leg 2 - 0 with Juve having 2 players sent off in Camoranesi and Zebina, 2 stalwarts in the Italian team. Adding insult to injury, Vieira will also miss the return leg in Turin when he collected his 5th yellow card in the competition. The goals were scored by Fabregas, the young star which Wenger touted as replacement for Vieira, and as always, Henry. Arsenal were in control of the match throughout and the 'replacement' outshone Vieira in the midfiled. Without a doubt, Fabregas was the man of the match as he scored the first goal and created the second for Henry. The Gunners are now heavily odds on to go thru to the semis with a 2 goal advantage going to Turin in a week's time and Juve has 3 first team players out of the tie. Now, could Vieira follow in the footsteps of Owen to miss out on European glory when he switched teams in search of European honors?

In the other quarterfinal match between Benfica and Barcelona, the match ended in a goalless draw despite Barca having chances to score but could not capitalise. Benfica was reduced to taking potshots at Barca's goal but did not make any headway. Finally, Benfica's defence held out and proved their wins over the 2 English Premiership giants, Liverpool and Manchester United, were no fluke.

[chsum]

err....Teeque u should be talking about Liverpool derby win over Everton were Stevie got send off :eek: and yet still manage to beat them :D

err.. since Liverpool is out of CL, which team u want to win the cup ah?
Benfica or Arse anal.

[cherry]

I wonder if you guys know where to find the book that covers those countries and in depth information on the players who would be playing in the world cup... I got the previous world cup (2002) edition and I forgot where I put it :confused: I prefer it to be a printed copy so that I could read it anywhere especially before going to sleep :D

[jasonbhlee]

Teeque....should run a football pool here........esp when the world cup is round the corner.....

[JayChou]

ok im in the pool.. I take Argentina.. and of course, everyone else second team:- England

[Teeque]

World Cup publications will be on sale in bookstores soon, earliest end of April. If not mistaken, Dunhill will produce limited editions for distribution to its consumers. ;)

Folks...betting pool? No lah, chang wont allow that here. Besides difficult to control, must bring in the professional bookies but then we'll be in trouble with the law. Unless your bookies wanna offer his services for charity lah... ;) :cool:

OK. Merseyside derby review coming up... :p

[cherry]

I heard Klang have lot of bookies but I still prefer to use makan treat among friends as a reward rather than money... :p I think I learned a valueble lesson during the EuroCup 2004 when I tipped to one of my customers for the quarter final match between Czech Republic against Greece and my customer lost RM5K :p

Thank Tee, I'm really happy to hear that I'll surely want to get a copy of that book (Dunhill) and there is still ample time for me to save money... :D

[Teeque]

... since Liverpool is out of CL, which team u want to win the cup ah?
Benfica or Arse anal.

Neither. The 'bum' side threw every bookies' form book out the window with their win last nite and shld get thru the semis. Its anybody's game then in the semis. But I'm tipping a Barca-Milan (AC or Inter) final now and Barca the overwhelming winners, unless the bucktooth wizard is injured or suspended. By then, Messi will be back after injury and these 2 players will be key to their title challenge.

So, who are your winning picks for the Champions League? Naahh, i dun think its the 'Bums', do you??? :p

[Teeque]

OK. Another sizzling hot topic here:

Who do you think will succeed Sven 'who cant keep his pants up' Eriksson as the England Manager next year? British or foreigner? And why? Who are the favorites?

OK, your call guys.... :cool:

[Teeque]

Oh cherry....lotsa people got burnt at Euro 2004. The betting houses (and bookies) made a killing in that competition and laughed their way silly to the bank. Unofficial estimates of that killing: 3bil Euro worldwide. :eek:

[lord]

But I'm tipping a Barca-Milan (AC or Inter) final now and Barca the overwhelming winners,

my guess the same. Barca looks very formidable this season, despite their draws once in a while. And Milan will make the finals all too interesting to watch.

Ass-enal is just farting around the country side given their performance in EPL. Though their young team of players look promising, I personally don't see any silver-ware in their closets in the next 3 years before their players 'mature'. I could also be wrong should Wenger get a good feeder for Henry in the mean time.

[cherry]

I guess I'm not the only one... :D Well, I hope people learned their lesson not to under estimate the underdogs(that includes Australia too... :D ) especially this coming world cup.

Its the last world cup for Sven as the controversial England Manager and I heard the current favourites are Martin O'Neill(Celtic ???), Alan Curbishly(Charlton - inexperince in the international tournament) and Guus Hiddink(Korea-World Cup 2002 - I kinda like this Dutch guy) . Gee, I'm bit clueless when it comes the the manager... :o

[orchipalar]

Err...heard that Jose Mourinho could be fired real soon...

[lord]

My bet is on the samba-dancers to keep the cup. These guys are really showing their talents and I can't wait to watch their opening game, whoever their opponent is.

The young dancers, Adriano and Rubinho are going to complement well with the rest of their team and this will be a real bonus for these guys with a retainer of 70% of the old team. The coconut-scrapping-teeth fellow is also in form so far and hope he maintains his form in time for the cup.

As for the EPL crazed fans betting on England, I guess Sven is going to give one last 'screw' and 'screw' the English, as they aptly put it, ROYALLY!! I know some foolish blokes who bet on England the last world cup when they played against a very strong Brazillian team and lost thousands!!

Viva! Viva! Viva Las Vegas!!!!!!!!

[lord]

Err...heard that Jose Mourinho could be fired real soon...

whether the Portugese Chicken Backside leaves or not, it makes no difference to the kind of perception people have on him. The same goes for the fans of Chelsea who suddenly appeared out of no where in the past 2 years.

[chsum]

In CL, my money is on Barca or AC Milan.

In WC, my money is on Germany(home ground advantage) or England(it's about time they win something).

[Teeque]

....the Portugese Chicken Backside.....

Portugese Man o' war I heard but THIS is the new one I hv ever heard regarding this fellow...hahaha. :D

I tell u, even Chelski fans cant even remember when they last won the league title. :rolleyes:

[Timo]

Does anyone here watch any other sports BESIDES football? Golf doesn't count (Don't get me started...).

[Teeque]

For the World Cup, I sensed that the Argentinians this time may tip the balance in their favor. If u noticed, for the past few years, the Argies had assembled a team to neutralise the flair play of the samba kings. The Copa America gave us some indication on the success of that strategy and to a certain degree, it did so. But they still lack a prolific goalscorer and Crespo, imo, does not exactly fit the bill. We'll see, in June. Strong favorites along with Brazil, with England as the pretenders to the title. The dark horse? Ahhh, this one, it has always been Ruud and co. :p

[Teeque]

Does anyone here watch any other sports BESIDES football? Golf doesn't count (Don't get me started...).

Tennis timo? Wats ur fancy?

[Teeque]

I'd say the next England manager would remain status quo for the time being with McLaren taking over and probably Curbs as his understudy for a year or so before he takes over fully. The FA sees Curbs as the likely candidate but his inexperience is witholding him frm a straight walk into the job.

[Teeque]

Hah. This 203rd Merseyside derby tie is one of the hottest local derby contested in the EPL every season.

And sure enuf, the fireworks flew when the whistle blew for 'Go'. The Red fans were intimidating and vociferous. Tackles were vicious, fast and furious. And the ref's hands were kept busy and whistle happy all nite long. Gerrard was the first one to go 18 min into the game when he was yellow carded a second time for a 2-footed challenge. The Reds still dominated the game after that with 3 goals scored, quite surprisingly with 10 man. Phil Neville gifted an own goal before the break, Garcia added another soon after the break before Cahill pulled one back for the visitors. And when Kewell scored a scorcher of a goal, that all but killed the game for Everton. Van de Merde got a straight red just 5 min after coming on as a sub. All in all, 10 yellows and 2 reds were handed out by ref Phil Dowd, known as a card happy ref in the EPL.

With the quality that the Reds coach, Rafa Benitez, has in his team, it was difficult for Everton to match them on the pitch. Even when Everton was hitting some form lately, it was clear that they were outplayed that nite by the Reds. And it also proved to their detractors that the Reds is not a one man team centred ard their talismanic captain, Steven Gerrard. Still, the team is work in progress for Benitez to assemble and whip a solid team up to challenge for local and European honors in years to come. But for now, the red part of the city holds the bragging rights. :)

http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/images/domr/stevengerrardoff_ms_g.jpg
Gerrard's sending off

[SunwayKid]

Does anyone here watch any other sports BESIDES football? Golf doesn't count (Don't get me started...).

I watch Beach Volleyball (females), Female Mud wrestling and occasionally, the uncensored clothes ripping TV wrestling if you can associate them as Sports. Forget about the Olympics belakang mari type of wrestling - very obsence and might teach our youngsters wrong values. :D Who do you think will be the new WCW champion?

American football (haven't a clue how the points are counted) and Ice Hockey...........not from the sports angle but for all the violence that we don't get to see on national TVs anymore. :)

[alexhay]

Does anyone here watch any other sports BESIDES football? Golf doesn't count (Don't get me started...).

cycling...mountain biking...F1...trialathon...Women Diving, Women WWE,

[Teeque]

Ahhh...the women factor in sports. Always an attraction. :)

Well, catch some hot action frm the WTA action this weekend. The Russian siren will be in action...

Also dun forget the F1 circus will resume business again during the weekend in Melbourne.

[idolfan]

Err...heard that Jose Mourinho could be fired real soon...

its been rumoured he is taking eligibilty tests for malaysian residency.. could be MPSJ FC .. ;)

[Jose Mourinho]

Jokes aside. I believe Jose Mourinho is on his way out. Chelsea wants a more wholesome and kinder image which would apply to a much wider market and the manager has not been too famous in that direction. However, it does not take away the fact that he is a good football manager.

[alexhay]

Jokes aside. I believe Jose Mourinho is on his way out. Chelsea wants a more wholesome and kinder image which would apply to a much wider market and the manager has not been too famous in that direction. However, it does not take away the fact that he is a good football manager.

Yes..he is a good manager...look what he did for porto...and now for chelsea...

[kwchang]

Good, with Jose out, ManU will have it easier next year.

[SunwayKid]

its been rumoured he is taking eligibilty tests for malaysian residency.. could be MPSJ FC .. ;)

Heard the same rumour that he failed. He was coached in Bahasa to answer 3 questions, on age, years in Malaysia and whether he love his own country or Malaysia more which the immigration interviewer always folllow. Not knowing the language, the rote answer which he learned was 50, 40 and same. On the day of the interview, the sequence of questions changed. This was how the interview went -

Immigration Interviewer - Berapa tahun tinggal di Malaysia
JM - 50

Immigration Interviewer - Berapa umur kamu
JM - 40

Immigration Interviewer - You gila atau saya gila
JM - Sama sama

He was sent back on the next boat to wherever he came from.

:)

[alexhay]

Good, with Jose out, ManU will have it easier next year.

Not forgetting Arsenal !!!!!

[Jose Mourinho]

Good, with Jose out, ManU will have it easier next year.

It may not be. It is all about Abramovich's money. He is going to buy Ballack. I believe Chelsea is beginning to realise that it was a mistake buying Essien. Jose Mourinho's big mistake was the purchase of Essien and Wright-Phillips and news from the stand was that Abramovich wasn't too happy with the splashing around of his money - even though he has lots of it.

[SunwayKid]

Steve McClaren choice as the new England manager took a beating yesterday when his team lost to Basel. There are not many Englishman who are qualified for the post and I don't see Sam Allardyce name mentioned anywhere. Anyone of you support Bolton?

Other than the match against Steve team last weekend which he lost, he has always come out on top of the other contenders like Steve Bruce and Alan. The last time they stick with an Englishman, Kevin Keegan, look what happened to the team!

Maybe they should go Portugese.

[Jose Mourinho]

The conspiracy theory gossip is that Jose Mourinho will be out of Chelsea and into the England job. And thus your comment may be more real than you think.

[Jose Mourinho]

There are not many Englishman who are qualified for the post and I don't see Sam Allardyce name mentioned anywhere. Anyone of you support Bolton?

Allardyce has tried to sell himself and he went public to indicate that it should be an Englishman for the post - that would wipe out the majority of the candidates, including Martin O'Neil. Personally I do not think Big Sam is suitable for the post. He is a British bulldog and he talks tough and acts tough. He would not have a chance against those multi-millionaire pretty boys. If he starts yelling and shoving Beckham, Rooney and Ferdinand around - he might just get shoved back. My personal choice is Alex Ferguson. He will make a great manager but then he is not an Englishman - as Allardyce took pain to point out.

[Rocky19]

Time Jose took some advice from his former boss (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/4799066.stm).

[Jose Mourinho]

It has been reported in a number of Britain's dailies that Sven Goran Eriksson is set to begin talks with Real Madrid on Saturday about taking over as manager next season. Apart from his incredible emission of pheromones which attract beautiful women to jump into the sack with him, I really don't see much in him as a football manager.

[Teeque]

In English football, the most controversial managers almost always win titles with successful teams. Look at Paisley, Shankly, Ferguson, George Graham and now Mourinho. Allardyce is in that mould too. They are great football minds with ruthless attitude to match. And these win matches. The PR is another matter altogether and most club chairmens hv downed countless aspirins and whiskies over them. Remember the case with the Celtic chairman's misrouted mobile message abt the behaviour of his 'prized' manager, O'Neill?

With all said, me thinks England needs a 'Controversial One'. I hv one in mind and he is not even European. But tell me yours first....

:)

[jialat]

hi, i live in usj 2/ 4r during the weekend and my semester break. i love to watch MAN UNITED matches but no astro here in my place. i usually join my friends in sunway mamak stalls but now my car was stolen and my friends have no car to fetch me. :(

so, is there any MU fans who pity me to let me join him/her to watch M.U. match during weekend? :p

thanx

[Jose Mourinho]

With all said, me thinks England needs a 'Controversial One'. I hv one in mind and he is not even European. But tell me yours first.... :)

Selby Singh

[Teeque]

Selby Singh

Shebby Singh u mean? :D :D hehe...mebbe MPSJ FC more appropriate for him... :D :D

[Jose Mourinho]

Ya. Shebby Singh.

I like how he begins almost every sentence with "Honestly speaking.....". I mean, did he doubt that the viewers may think that he is not being honest to begin with?

[idolfan]

lol.. and all along I thought the espn guys were calling him shabby.

wonder how his and KJ's MyTeam will do against the national team..

[Jose Mourinho]

Honestly speaking, Shebby Singh is not that bad. Honestly speaking, more than I can say for that bunch of imbeciles and morons in the Football Crazy programmes where their attempts at antics of apes and amphibians would induce mass suicides during a Sunday church service. Honestly speaking, that is.

[Teeque]

My choice of England coach - CAP (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060331/1/6f08.html).

And his 'Sex is good for his team' (http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/3/31/sports/13828646) training methods does suit England's highly virile football prima donnas very aptly. Especially to Mr. Rooney. :D

[Teeque]

Folks, check out the El Clasico (http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2006/4/1/sports/13838368) between the Banditos and the Galacticos later in the early hours of Sunday morning. Needless to say, its a title winning match, the decider of the La Liga champion. Will the marauding Banditos rule Spanish football now that the fading Galacticos are not able to muster the legs for the challenge? Or will they clear out the Galactico's shelves of the products past their expiry date come summer? :cool:

Previews here (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=188597&cc=4716).

[Jose Mourinho]

Please share your views on which eleven would you field for England in the World Cup. Thanks.

[jasonbhlee]

Paul Robinson
Owen
Rooney
Beckham
Gerard
Joe Cole
Lampard
Ledley King
Neville
Shearer
Ashley Cole

[Jose Mourinho]

Aiseh. You are short of 1 defender and have 3 strikers. That is how you propose England should play? With 3 strikers up front and 3 defenders at the back?

:)

[JayChou]

Robinson
Ashlee Cole
John Terry
Sol Campbell
Joe Cole (right back)
Beckham
Lampard
Gerrard
Rooney
Ledley King (midfield)

4-5-1 formation

[Jose Mourinho]

Very interesting and you share one common view as I. Owen should not play as he would not be match fit. Ashely Cole will not be match fit either and thus England needs a very good utility defender to cover for him. My choice would be:

Robinson (goal)
Neville (right back)
Ferdinand (central back)
Terry (central back)
Callagher (left back)
Beckham (right mid)
Gerrard (central mid)
Lampard (central mid)
Cole J (left mid)
Rooney (striker)
??? (striker)

England is short of a reliable and consistent striker.

[KelvC]

How about coaxing Shearer back to the fold?

English consistent striker.....rare bred. Maybe the midfield will save England's game

[jasonbhlee]

Aiseh. You are short of 1 defender and have 3 strikers. That is how you propose England should play? With 3 strikers up front and 3 defenders at the back?

:)

Think we need to think out of the box a little....
Playing 4 at the back is plain boring. Should try 3-5-2
England has wealth of attckers with good defensive midfielders.....let's not go back to those boring defensive stuff.

[Jose Mourinho]

England has wealth of attckers with good defensive midfielders.....let's not go back to those boring defensive stuff.

On the contrary, England is starved of good strikers.

[JayChou]

Match of the Week- April 1st week

9th April 2006

Man Utd - Arsenal

both also on-form, my guesstimate:- boring draw

[Jose Mourinho]

Arsenal v MU match would determine the Championship.

[JayChou]

Just to let u guys know:-

I'm Official AFCSM member number 68... one of the first batch of members when they held their meet up in bangsar.

go Gunners go!!

[Jose Mourinho]

go Gunners go!!

Jay. There is a huge favour I need from you. Beat MU and it would probably save my job. My boss is going to have my head on a platter if I do not win the Championship for him. You know that it is not a joke to cross an angry Russian.

[JayChou]

ok will do...

man utd has always been public enemy number .1 for arsenal...

[chsum]

Benitez will love u 2, not ezy to beat MU at home thou ;)

[lord]

Arsenal is not a real threat to MU, especially with their new batch of first eleven's. But agreed that Henry can be a wee bit dangerous.

But anyway, Benitez and Wenger should not be fretting as Chelsea has be known to be the common enemy!! ;)

[Teeque]

jason, the 3-5-2 is a variation of the 5-3-2 so it is actually a defensive formation.

attacking shld be 4-3-3 or 3-1-3-3....

1st eleven for England 3-4-1-1 formation:

Robinson (gk)
Neville (rb)
Terry (cb)
Carragher (lb)
King (dm)
Joe Cole (lm)
Lampard (cm)
Gerrard (cm)
Beckham (rm)
Rooney (am)
Defoe/Bent/Owen (cf) in that order of availability

[jasonbhlee]

Jay. There is a huge favour I need from you. Beat MU and it would probably save my job. My boss is going to have my head on a platter if I do not win the Championship for him. You know that it is not a joke to cross an angry Russian.


Jose, you need to win the championship on your own managerial capability and not ask favours from Arsene.......
You got all your tactics wrong the past few games...buck up babe.....your job is surely on the line..

[Jose Mourinho]

Jose, you need to win the championship on your own managerial capability and not ask favours from Arsene.......
You got all your tactics wrong the past few games...buck up babe.....your job is surely on the line..

You are absolutely right. I seemed to have lost my mind. I should have played Drogba as goalkeeper.

[Teeque]

ok will do...

man utd has always been public enemy number .1 for arsenal...

MU and Gunners matches hv always been the 'Battle of Britain' for years and this one shld not be any different. These 2 will go at each others throats right frm the first whistle to the last. Also, the 2 will be fighting on their own fronts where MU wants to maintain second spot and Gunners aiming to dislodge their other 'public enemy' frm 4th spot. But the Gunner's task is the more intensified and important. It would be disastrous if they lost that spot and would face the 'Steven Gerrard' situation with their prized player, Henry. No Champions League next season, Henry will definitely leave.

Watch this space guys. The Gunners will be up in arms over the Devils....

[Teeque]

jason, the 3-5-2 is a variation of the 5-3-2 so it is actually a defensive formation.

attacking shld be 4-3-3 or 3-1-3-3....

1st eleven for England 3-4-1-1 formation:

Sorry, shld be 3-1-4-1. :)

[chsum]

Jose, u should let Drogba be the manager, u should play as striker n show them how to use ur hand without the referee or camera seeing instead of sticking it to ur mouth :D


1st eleven for England 4-4-2 formation:

Robinson (gk)
Neville (rb)
Terry (cb)
Rio Ferdinand(cb)
Carragher (lb)
Joe Cole (lm)
Lampard (cm)
Gerrard (cm)
Beckhem (rm)
Rooney (rf)
Crouch (lf)

[Jose Mourinho]

Hey. You have the same ten as me with the exception that you went for Crouch for striker and I was at a loss who to fill in for that position. Ya. You are right but then Drogba cannot understand English too well to be Manager. He could not even understand when reporters asked him whether he dived or not and he affirmed it. He thought the reporters were asking him whether he drives or not.

[Teeque]

Pls lah...not the CROUCH-ing giraffe lah....I oso shy to hv him in my team as team mate.

[chsum]

Teeque, u call ur self a Liverpool supporter ah, no one seems to see the advantage to play bean pole Crouch up front with a energetic Rooney running all over the place, ask all defender in the world, they will tell u it's impossible to defend against, all it needs is a long ball up, a small touch header down to the legs of Rooney and he will do the rest then they are 1 nil up.
Impossible to defend on corners, u know why lah.
he will draw a few defender off Rooney n give him a chance to score.

[Jose Mourinho]

Chsum. You have your points. But to me, I don't think teams at that level would fall for such a simplistic game-plan utilizing Crouch's neck. They will run all around and over him and he would be a lone giraffe lost in the grasslands of Tanzania.

[chsum]

Ah... Jose not all tall guy can play football like Crouch or else all forward will be at least 7ft like in basketball.
Honestly speaking, If it's a 50-50 ball up in the air, I will put my money on Crouch to beat any in defender in the world.
That precisely what I like about him, he's a lone giraffe in Tanzania, definately not lost but the king in the air :D

[Jose Mourinho]

Ya. I give you that. Crouch can play good football with his feet as well. I still prefer a low gravity charging buffalo to a giraffe. What do you think of playing Shebby Singh as the lone striker with Rooney backing him up?

[chsum]

Good idea Jose, err.. u mean for u club right? first u have to pay billions to pry Rooney from mu, if for England, since when Shebby bcome england? :confused:

[Teeque]

Aiseh...I rather play Hyppia upfront if i need a long neck striker than that giraffe. At least Hyppia can head the ball, at goal or to someone else to score. Crouch cant even head into a simple, gaping goalmouth man. Look at all the matches he played in and count how many successful, on target headers he got. Tell me when u hv the number/s...

[Teeque]

Ok folks. The dust just settled in Europe and the draw:

Barca v AC Milan

Arsenal v Villareal

Will it be another Istanbul again? Yea, Gunners fans are just gripping their seats nervously. Place your bets pls....

[jasonbhlee]

All the guys here only 'cakap-cakap' bola. Can play or not?? What abt a veteran (I mean for semy senior citizens) social futsal game??? Or just remain on the bench giving 'expert' advise?

[Teeque]

OK, its well known that the Reds and the Devils do not get along well. So, I'm gunning for the Gunners tonite to get the better of their top nemesis. With a patched up midfield and Sir Alex having two minds with his top striker, the Gunners will hope to add another scalp to their European adventure, and claw their way into fourth spot in the Premiership. At least, Wenger knows who his top marksman is and hope his mercurial striker delivers the goods tonite. And plenty of it.

So, let the Battle (of the buffet?) (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=1971258) begin tonite.... and pls keep the food on the dinner table. :p

[Teeque]

All the guys here only 'cakap-cakap' bola. Can play or not?? What abt a veteran (I mean for semy senior citizens) social futsal game??? Or just remain on the bench giving 'expert' advise?

jason, y dun u take the lead on this and form our 1st usj dot com social futsal/football team. i'm sure there are players here...

[bugbear]

Sorry lah Teeque, :p . The red devil reign supreme. Looks like the pool just have to settle for third. At this form, we will be a serious contender next season if not winning it this year. Hopefully, the Blues will slip up next match. :D

[Teeque]

Ahhh...what do i know? am not even an arsenal fan...lol. I was just waiting for the fireworks and ermm...buffet spread, at the end but no, nothing. zip. Perhaps with the 2 ol firebrands gone, nothing is the same these days with these 2 old time rivals. :D

[bugbear]

Ahhh...what do i know? am not even an arsenal fan...lol. I was just waiting for the fireworks and ermm...buffet spread, at the end but no, nothing. zip. Perhaps with the 2 ol firebrands gone, nothing is the same these days with these 2 old time rivals. :D

At least the game is more keenly watch then say...the anfield one. :D Nobody give a hoot to the third team you know. :D

[Jose Mourinho]

At least the game is more keenly watch then say...the anfield one. :D Nobody give a hoot to the third team you know. :D

I believe Teeque did say right in the beginning that he hoped this would be a channel to share news and to get the excitement generated from matches and not a place for mud-slinging. Although I would not classify "nobody give a hoot to the third team you know" as mud-slinging but it can develop into that if it is not checked early. Can we have fun with Match of the Day without resorting to football hooliganism? Thanks.

[pcyeoh]

I believe Teeque did say right in the beginning that he hoped this would be a channel to share news and to get the excitement generated from matches and not a place for mud-slinging. Although I would not classify "nobody give a hoot to the third team you know" as mud-slinging but it can develop into that if it is not checked early. Can we have fun with Match of the Day without resorting to football hooliganism? Thanks.
My wife sometimes does not understand why I get up in the middle of the night and robbed myself of my beauty sleep to watch football when my vocabulary of football team is only confined to ten names. She said "Football is a game where you see 20 men chasing after a ball all in the name of scoring goals." She then added, "If only all of them help each other to score goals, then they would have met their objectives throughout the 90 minutes."

[Jose Mourinho]

Hey. You gonna be up watching the World Cup in June? Gee. This is chatting and I sure can get into trouble but then Teeque has requested for this thread to be moved to Chatterbox and thus I guess it is okay. This is only temporal squatting only.

:)

[Teeque]

OK folks. Sports fans, and in this case, soccer fans, are hugely tribal in nature in their undivided loyalty to a team and/or player. Fans share an emotional attachement to the growth and development of the team/player they support and in their loyalty, are rewarded with the joy, success and negative experience of the team's/player's endeavors. And most of the time, this loyalty and attachement cannot be broken and the most delirious of fans will literally 'live by and die with their team'.
So, with the birth of this sports and soccer thread, I'm very well aware of the vocal and emotional support most of you may hv of your teams/players. But I also believe that we here are all mature forummers/fans who are able to share and show the dedication and loyalty to your teams without going to the extreme of inciting and flaming those who do not share your support. There may be some ribbing and things mentioned in jest but so far, up til this day, this thread has not seen anything close to the flames yet imho. I hv seen and participated in worst 'fan wars' than this in certain soccer forums. Some amount of ribbing and jesting is understandable and acceptable and thankfully, we hv all been very civilised here. Hopefully, we can continue to keep it that way and keep the bananaman (or the Eye, as some refer to him) happy. We dont want this thread to downgrade and subject the forum into ill repute, would we?

Cheers to your continued participation and keep the good natured fun flowing here!

[Teeque]

At least the game is more keenly watch then say...the anfield one. :D Nobody give a hoot to the third team you know. :D

No harm in this one folks. ;) Relax...

bugbear, keenly watch? Define that for me will ya? Is it because Old Trafford now hv the second biggest soccer stadium in UK with a seating of 70,000+ spectators? Well, do not underestimate the other top clubs in the 'keenly watch' realm. Matches at Anfield hv always been at full house every week and EVERY game there is keenly watched, in UK or around the world. As with all the other big EPL clubs, there hv been attendances every other week at Anfield by supporters clubs all over the world. Did you know that the HK chapter of the Liverpool Supporters Club sends its club representatives and members (abt 100-200 fans) every week to Anfield, without fail? The Merseyside derby, besides being keenly watched, is and has always been historically the penultimate derby match in EPL soccer. 900 million ard the world watched the Merseyside derby 'live' compared to the almost 650 million Manchester derby audience. And, 73,000+ Liverpool fans at the stadium (100k seater) and abt 1.3 billion ard the world 'keenly' watched the Istanbul conquest 'live'.

Arsenal, Chelsea games not keenly watched?
C'mon, who doesnt wanna watch Thierry Henry run rings ard and tear up defences of other teams, especially the big 4. He's the maestro of EPL now and he's not even British. Ruud? I'm sorry, but he's passed his shelf life. And we are still waiting for Rooney, star in the making, to grow up.
Chelsea - who doesnt wanna watch Chelsea? And that loud mouth of a manager! (Sorry Jose, but the real one :p ) I know that Fergie is. He's watching very very closely now, in case they slip up. :) And the rest of the world are keeping their 'knives and armoury' sharpened and waiting, just in case Chelsea DO slip up.

And this team, if they are not keenly watched, then I dunno what u soccer fans are watching. They do not hv a big stadium but has been full house since for 2 seasons. Only abt 25,000 seating, pathetic by EPL standards. Liverpool and MU are their closest neighboring rivals. Their entire club's players wages are only a fraction of Chelsea's first eleven. Only just promoted, they hv claimed the scalps of a few of EPL's stronger teams, been to one Cup final, and still contenders for a spot in Europe's UEFA Championship. Yeah, its Wigan Football and Athletic Club I'm talking abt. Lets face it. How many of us here hv heard of this obscure club until they were promoted this season? Unless you watched English Rugby, because they are more known for their rugby team than the soccer team. So, I take my hats off to Wigan, applaud their manager, Paul Jewell, and commend their club owner, Dave Whelan, for doing a good job with a 'rookie' club in EPL and transform the team into a hard working and organized one with limited resources and a strong penchant for success with the ability to challenge the stronger EPL teams and take the game to them. Now, who doesnt wanna watch a team like that? ;)

[Teeque]

This is very interesting... hehe...

Group B

England
Paraguay
Trinidad and Tobago
Sweden

Which 2 teams do you think will qualify frm Grp B at Germany WC 2006? :D

[Jose Mourinho]

England and Sweden.

[chsum]

wah.. teeque, u sure know ur football ah, have u been to any epl matches?
yes, i admire wigan & west ham 2, as the 2 newcomer did very well, cant say much for sunderland thou.

group b
top - Paraguay(out second round)
2nd - England (they will go on to reach semis)

[Teeque]

As a matter of fact, I hv never been to any epl matches but I would love to. I'm planning on going to Anfield and watch my team play in the near future. The LSC (Liverpool supporters club) here do organise trips yearly but so far, the timing hasnt been right for me. A group of them did manage to get last minute tickets to Istanbul last year and they came back to regale us with their fantastic adventure and tales for 3 days straight and with booze as the instigator and accompaniment...haha.

Well, do you know that West Ham has a brilliant football academy that has spawned a lot of top players for a few clubs? Players such as Lampard, Keane, Beattie, Bullard, Sherringham etc graduated or went thru the West Ham set up before moving on to big clubs.

Oh, and abt Grp B, an English team with a Swedish coach, anything can happen. Who knows, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago may just slip past them... :D

[Teeque]

With the MU goalless draw with Sunderland tonite, a win by Chelsea against Bolton tomoro nite will almost guarantee the Blues the Premiership title. MU were confident of getting 3 points tonite and hoping Bolton to beat Chelski tomoro to keep thier title fight alive. But the Sunderland keeper produced a man of the match performance to keep MU at bay and broke their hearts at the final whistle. But even with the keeper's heroics, Sunderland still could not keep themselves frm relegation into the Championship next season. The Premiership battle front this weekend now shifts to the fight for 4th placing for Tottenham and Arsenal; 5th and 6th placing UEFA Cup places for Bolton, Wigan and Blackburn; and the relegation dogfight between West Brom, Portsmouth and Birmingham. Hold on to your seats for hot battles over the Easter weekend holiday fixtures!

[Teeque]

http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20060415/cfc_g.jpg

To add salt to injury, Chelsea will seal up the title when they play MU in their next game at their Stamford Bridge lair in 2 weeks time. Chelsea and MU do not hv any games next week. A draw in this title winning match will just abt do it for the Blues, and the MU players and fans will dread to be either at the stadium or watching it on tv when Mourinho and his charges lift the Premiership trophy in their faces. So, a word of warning to all Red Devils fans - you can turn off your TV on the 29th April and refrain frm watching any EPL matches on that day. :p


p.s ermm...like my new sigs folks? ;) :)

[chsum]

I love it better when they lost to chelski and liverpool pip them to 2nd place on the last game :D

nice sig

[idolfan]

I love it better when they lost to chelski and liverpool pip them to 2nd place on the last game :D

nice sig

Dream on !!!

MU will win so that they don't have to form the guard of honor for them to receive the trophy. Not that MU will be able to overhaul the goal difference but at least the trophy won't be given out that evening.

But then again, should by some crap luck Chelsea draw or Utd lose, the ManUtd players will put on their smiles for they know that next year or year after they will eventually get the trophy back !! unlike Liverpool who may have to wait longer. !!

[Jose Mourinho]

But then again, should by some crap luck Chelsea draw or Utd lose, the ManUtd players will put on their smiles for they know that next year or year after they will eventually get the trophy back !! unlike Liverpool who may have to wait longer. !!

Seriously. Do give some credit where it is due. If Chelsea beats MU, it will not be by some crap luck. You are looking at a team which has hammered West Ham 4-1, Bolton 2-0 and Everton 3-0 in its last three games. MU will always be a good team and their form has been terrific. The match will be between two great teams and the team which plays better on that day will win the game.

:)

[Jose Mourinho]

Anybody forecasting the score line of the Liverpool v Chelsea Semi-Final FA Cup match?

I am a coward and I play safe. If Gerrard is not playing (the last I heard was that he was injured), then it would be Chelsea 2 Liverpool 0.

:)

[peterkkchong]

I predict with current form from Liverpool

Liverpool 3 Chelsea 0

Cheers :)

[Teeque]

I love it better when they lost to chelski and liverpool pip them to 2nd place on the last game :D ...

The Reds will pounce when those two screw up... :p

Meanwhile I will reserve my FA Cup forecast til I hv more injury news in the coming days and assess the situation with my coaching and medical staff. ;)

And no, we hv not made an approach for Raul yet as rumoured. The club's management will review financial tie-ups and proposals with some prospective consortiums who we see as a perfect partnership in line with the visions of this football club. Then, the club will review and propose the sum intended which we can use to finance player purchases in the close season to strenghthen the club and enable us to continue challenging for top honours next season. :rolleyes:

[Jose Mourinho]

I predict with current form from Liverpool. Liverpool 3 Chelsea 0. Cheers :)

When was the last time Chelsea lost by 3 goals in a game? However, I know there is always a first time.

:)

[peterkkchong]

When was the last time Chelsea lost by 3 goals in a game? However, I know there is always a first time.

:)

Actually there was once :o against Middleborough 2nd leg match on 11th Feb, Chelsea lossed 0-3. Anyway it is just a prediction! :)

[Teeque]

http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/images/PH/ShearerG_G.jpg

Newcastle are anxiously waiting to discover whether or not Alan Shearer's playing career is over. The 35-year-old suffered suspected knee ligament damage during his side's come-from-behind victory over derby rivals Sunderland. Shearer said: 'It doesn't look good. They think there might be a tear in the medial ligament, and if that is the case then that will be it for me.'

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is pessimistic over Alan Shearer's chances of resuming his career after the 35-year-old suffered suspected knee ligament damage.

Shearer will undergo a scan on Thursday to discover whether he will be fit for the Magpies' last three games of his final season as they bid to scrape a place in the UEFA Cup.

Shepherd admitted: 'It is not very hopeful but you can never say never with Alan Shearer. He is going to have a scan in a couple of days when the swelling goes down and we will take it from there.'

Shearer, who extended his record Newcastle goalscoring mark to 206 with a 61st-minute penalty against Sunderland on Easter Monday, is desperate to sign off by securing Glenn Roeder's men a place in Europe. But Shepherd insisted whatever the outcome of Thursday's test, Shearer has done enough for the club and is expected to stay on in some capacity when his playing career does come to an end.

Shepherd told BBC Radio Five Live: 'He has done his duty for Newcastle and nobody can deny that. He is certainly the best buy Newcastle has made in its history and that has been proved many times. I think he will continue to be associated with the club in some way whether as a turnstile operator or an ambassador or whatever. He is not going to cut connections with Newcastle and will be involved in some way.'

Caretaker boss Glenn Roeder admits there are real fears over Shearer's participation again before the end of his final season. Roeder, however, has not entirely given up hope, although he admits if the derby victory proves to be his final appearance, he will at least have gone out on a high.

'We are not at that stage yet,' he said. 'You can talk about that maybe in a week's time or four or five days' time if it turns out that is the case. But I will remain positive there is a chance we will still get him back on the pitch, maybe in the very last game of the season. If we don't, I suppose his memory of scoring then what would be his last goal would be a very, very happy one for different reasons.'

[Teeque]

Actually there was once :o against Middleborough 2nd leg match on 11th Feb, Chelsea lossed 0-3. Anyway it is just a prediction! :)

Excellent memory peter!

And your prediction will be twice the blues for them, I reckon. Could you maybe name the scorers as well? :D

[Teeque]

http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/i/clubhouse/badges/103.gif AC Milan 0 - 1 Barcelona http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/i/clubhouse/badges/83.gif

Expectedly, Barca produced a performance just a notch above Milan to pull thru this Champions League game with a valuable away goal. Gilardino missed a clear, and the best, opportunity in the first half to score an opening goal for Milan which would put them in control of the match, by hitting the upright with his shot. Schevchenko did no better later by heading the ball directly at Valdez, the Barca keeper, and the deflected ball rolled out of play. After that, he just drifted out of the match and never really stamp his mark in the remaining game. Kaka was inconspicously 'missing' too as he was expected to flash his brilliance equal to his countryman and, in this match, his bogeyman - Ronaldinho. But in the second half, it was this 'Magician' Ronaldinho who showed who was the master with brilliant skills and flair play. A speculative punt forward into Dida's six yard box after some foot trickery to evade his marker put Giuly clear and he lashed a left-footed shot past the hapless Dida, who is said to be out of form recently. Even with this crucial away goal, Barca still went forward in search of one more goal to actually kill off Milan's hopes. Again, the 'Magician' came close and in a counter attack, Ronaldinho surged forward, received a pass frm Giuly and then shot...the ball struck the post. It would hv been a fitting finish for him had he scored, for all his efforts tonite. He made all the difference in Barca, Kaka did not with Milan. So, the 2 sides meet again in the return leg at Nou Camp and Barca hv a crucial away goal which they do not intend to surrender at their homeground. Another master class performance by Barca next week will surely put them into the Champions League Finals and in the driving seat with either Arsenal or Villareal.

[Jose Mourinho]

Actually there was once :o against Middleborough 2nd leg match on 11th Feb, Chelsea lossed 0-3. Anyway it is just a prediction! :)

Peter. You are quite right. Long gone were the days I could just sit back and watch weekend matches on TV in a relaxed mood, knowing that Chelsea would thrash almost every team they meet. Now it is biting my nails as the invincibility has gone. During the West Ham match when Chelsea was 1 down with 10 men, I almost switched off and went to the garden to catch grasshoppers - which I would find more interesting.

:)

[Teeque]

Well Jose, actually, the excitement of winning and losing is part of why the EPL is the most watched league in the world. Otherwise, it would be plain boring if one team just wins all the time wouldnt it? Take for example, Arsenal's 'invisible' season where they couldnt be beaten. By the end of the season, no one takes notice of their games anymore, except its own fans. Or in F1's case, Schummi's 'untouchable' season where it just gets too plain predictable that viewership figures just plunged and no one watches anymore. And the sport's administrators had to change the rules the next season to prevent another clean sweep by the Prancing Stallion.

Anyway, nothing is infinite these days where human efforts is involved. But of course, you definitely want to win all the time so you can stay in your job, and also bring in the roubles for your boss. If this is the case, its not abt the sport anymore but all abt the business of the sport, isnt it? This doesnt bode well for the game as a whole too. In the end, it shld be more exciting earning the success rather than buying it. Unless you are too old for excitement? And, I heard this frm somewhere, infinity cannot be bought.

:)

[Teeque]

Arsenal 1 - 0 Villareal

Not a comfortable win to take into the away leg for Arsenal isnt it. Even Henry said so but he reckons the team is confident they can prevent Villareal frm scoring in their home match next week. Brave words indeed for the skipper but we all know, its a little too close for comfort. Villareal are no pushovers either at their home ground and they will look to steal something out of the game next week. With all said, Arsenal werent exactly convincing in their fluid attacking play tonite except for the build up to the only goal scored by Toure, a central defender. I mean, what in the world is a central defender doing up there, attacking and scoring a goal? Where are the strikers then? Gilberto had his chances but, ultimately, he aint a striker. OK OK...a goal, in any other name, is still a goal. But dont say you, Arsenal fans, are not forewarned - one single goal may not be enough to go to Spain. I can even see the headlines now - ARS: The Pain in Spain.... :p

[chsum]

for Chelski vs Liverpool FA cup semi, predict 3-3 at full time & Liverpool win by penalty. :D

[Teeque]

3-3 and penalties like Istanbul again?? Nahhh...it will be short, sweet and painless....for Chelski.
1-0 to Pool. Scorer: Luis Garcia :cool:

[chsum]

well they always like a dramatic end ;)

[idolfan]

Who would the bystanders ( Ars n ManU fans ) want to see win ?

Being the spoiled sport ManU fan that I am , I'd rather Liverpool win the semifinal and then West Ham win the cup . :-)

[Teeque]

See, we would happily concede to the best team of the day who realli outplayed the opposition in terms of team strategy, tactics and players giving an outstanding performance. Not to cheats and match officials manipulation.... ;)

[Teeque]

Erm folks...I hv a dilemma here maybe u fellas can help. Are my sigs a problem to your viewing here? Too overbearing? Should I tone it down? Need your humble opinions....or your brickbats. TQ.

[Teeque]

Match(es) of the Week for this weekend:

EPL: The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is this weekend's biggest fight, all for the last ticket to next season's European Champions League. These two neighbors do hv a history between them and matches are not short of flares either. But this one is simple. Arsenal win this one, they shld go thru. Tottenham wins this, it will be their first ever appearance in the Champions League. If it is a drawn game, they will hv to wait til their last matches of the season to know their fates. But Arsenal hv a slightly easier run in but will hv to play more matches within the next two weeks. It will be a durability test for the Gunners... :)

FA Cup Semi: Its Liverpool and Chelsea once more and another match which will be nothing short of fireworks too. The Reds are on song at the moment and so are the Blues. Steven Gerrard returns to the squad after being rested for slight hamstring problems and so does Kewell. But Chelski have injury worries to Essien and Gudjohnsen and posed some selection problems for Mourinho in his midfield. The Reds will be eager to add a piece of silverware to their season after failing in the Champions League. So does Chelsea and although they are a whisker's breath away frm claiming their second successive league title, Mourinho will be hard pressed to grab another cup as his boss demands so. Its just a matter of who is the hungrier of the two.

F1 will also feature notably in this weekend's sporting calender as the racing circus resumes their battle in Europe starting with the San Marino GP at Imola. It is considered to be Ferrari's homeground and Schumi will be hoping to kickstart his challenge again after sputtering to some false starts in Asia. But Friday's Practice sessions still favored the flying Renault of Alonso and he blazed ahead of the competition in the sessions. All the top guns will be hoping to score better in Europe as the season really starts here for the big European teams. Tyre performance will again be crucial for all the teams' challenges. The Qualifying round tomorrow will give a better indication but all signs are pointing to Renault and their flying Spanish at the moment.

[chsum]

err.. to be honest, dump the world cup sig until epl ends :D

[hmckl]

Erm folks...I hv a dilemma here maybe u fellas can help. Are my sigs a problem to your viewing here? Too overbearing? Should I tone it down? Need your humble opinions....or your brickbats. TQ.

definitely, at least drop the 'world cup' first :)

[Teeque]

Thx for the pointers, fellas. Am working on it...

After the weekend action, things are not looking up for a few teams, aint it?

Chelski got dumped out of the FA Cup, Hammers qualified for a Final appearance against the odds and the Gunners are in serious trouble arent they? :)

The league game between the Hammers and the Reds tomorrow nite will be the curtain raiser to the FA Cup Final of sorts, but the Reds will be missing a few key players due to injury. Gerrard and Kewell are doubtful for tomoro's match. Boro's Australian World Cup keeper, Schwarzer, suffered a broken cheekbone on Sunday's FA Semi's match and could be out of Australia's World Cup team. Poor chap, and Australia.

But the team that really needs no sympathies and would maybe find themselves without their star player and out of the Champions League next season will be the Gunners. Wenger took a chance with a makeshift side and drew against their nemesis and traditional rivals in the fight for that last Champions League spot. The Gunners cannot lose any league games now or they may just loose that last spot to Spurs. And not many are giving them a chance against Barca in the CL Finals, if they do qualify for it. And if they really do not qualify for CL next season, it is inevitable that Henry may just go for greener pastures and CL football. And with the new Emirates Stadium up next season, the Gunners would be hard pressed to find extra funds to finance and purchase a good quality striker. Troubled times ahead indeed for Arsenal fans...

[hmckl]

But the team that really needs no sympathies and would maybe find themselves without their star player and out of the Champions League next season will be the Gunners. Wenger took a chance with a makeshift side and drew against their nemesis and traditional rivals in the fight for that last Champions League spot. The Gunners cannot lose any league games now or they may just loose that last spot to Spurs. And not many are giving them a chance against Barca in the CL Finals, if they do qualify for it. And if they really do not qualify for CL next season, it is inevitable that Henry may just go for greener pastures and CL football. And with the new Emirates Stadium up next season, the Gunners would be hard pressed to find extra funds to finance and purchase a good quality striker. Troubled times ahead indeed for Arsenal fans...

First supported Liverpool since 1970s when they won european cup
glory days in 80s esp early 80s ......
suffered thorughout 90s (despite one treble season)
Never like Arsenal but hated manchester united (and now chelsea)
I think Henry will go as I do not see any reason for him to stay because
a) the delay in signing
b) he has openly proclaimed he does not owe anyone esp Arsenal fans
c) difficult to see Arsenal winning CL

Liverpool will probably play for a draw against West Ham .... there is no incentive as looks like stuck in 3rd place. More exciting to see if Spurs keep the 4th place.

[chsum]

no way liverpool will play for a draw, they will hammer the hammers for as many goals as possible & hope MU loss 2 games in a row and get the 2nd spot with goal difference :D

I predict Robbie will score his first hat-trick for liverpool since coming back :rolleyes:

I would love to see Arse-anal win the CL as it shows PL is the best in europe ;)

[hmckl]

[QUOTE=chsum]no way liverpool will play for a draw, they will hammer the hammers for as many goals as possible & hope MU loss 2 games in a row and get the 2nd spot with goal difference :D

I predict Robbie will score his first hat-trick for liverpool since coming back :rolleyes:
QUOTE]

You are probably one of those guys that always see the cup being half full :)
If all your predictons come true, i will buy 'The God's team shirt for you
(though they probably do not sell the number 9 anymore) :D

[Teeque]

Well, you fellas are probably rite abt certain things but I'm not sure abt the hattrick thingy tho. hahaha.

OK, the Reds will certainly rest some key players because of injuries so they can be fresh for FA Cup final and then the World Cup. Benitez has assured Gerrard that he can hv some rest before the end of the season. But the Reds wont just play for draws as that is 'suicide' in EPL. They will field a weakened team but we are no losers. The same can be said of the Hammers and they might rest players for the final as well, so all is even. Abt that second placing, it all depends on MU's matches and its not something the Reds can control. So lets not sweat over that and concentrate on the FA Cup. At the end of the day, we are still in the CL and that matters a lot.

But the situation at Arsenal will definitely make them sweat more than a little. To qualify for CL and keep Henry, either they hv to win their remaining EPL matches and hope Spurs draws one of their matches, or they HAVE to win the CL Finals against Barca. No bones abt it and that is a precarious position for the Gunners. At the time of writing, the Gunners are in the Finals and barring a catastrophic loss by Barca, they both will meet in the CL Finals.

[hmckl]

When Arsenal was playing the fluent and attractive football (in that unbeaten season in PL), they got 'murdered' in CL. And this season, it is ugly, dour and
'resilient' stuff in CL.... they are in the final .
The record of not conceding a goal in 10 CL matches speaks for itself.
No wonder we are getting more and more boring CL matches .......... :mad:
sorry to say, but I do hope Barcelona will win in the final
besides scoring plenty of goals
(Remember Liverpool's UEFA Cup Win ?)

[Teeque]

Well, thats the Champions League for you. In a knockout game, the team that concedes less goals normally make it all the way. So, its a defensive game and does not suit attacking and fluid play. Thats where UEFA is trying to rectify and change in knockout competitions such as these.

But, the Gunners were so, so, so lucky last nite.... :)

[JayChou]

I heard Klang have lot of bookies but I still prefer to use makan treat among friends as a reward rather than money... :p I think I learned a valueble lesson during the EuroCup 2004 when I tipped to one of my customers for the quarter final match between Czech Republic against Greece and my customer lost RM5K :p

Thank Tee, I'm really happy to hear that I'll surely want to get a copy of that book (Dunhill) and there is still ample time for me to save money... :D


Now of days, bookie has gone online. No more tele - confrencing.

The best part is it's convinient. the bad part is you're putting a casino at home or office.. if you can't control yourself, be prepared to lose a car!!

[chsum]

aiya, lost out on the god's t shirt from hmckl :( , hey wait a minute, I say I predict robbie to score a hattrick but did not say which game, so there r 2 more epl game to go, so hmckl can give chance ah!! :o

[hmckl]

aiya, lost out on the god's t shirt from hmckl :( , hey wait a minute, I say I predict robbie to score a hattrick but did not say which game, so there r 2 more epl game to go, so hmckl can give chance ah!! :o

sure can :)
I will concede that Arsenal may win CL (45% chance lah)
but Liverpool netting second ? (still a long shot) :p
and Fowler scoring a hattrick this season ? :rolleyes:

[chsum]

who gave liverpool any chance at the last final? ;)

3 more points only, then goal difference. :)

well they need a few hattrick to reduce the goal difference, why not robbie. :D

[Teeque]

Wah chsum, u sure put alot of faith in this oldie huh?

But i sure would like to put faith on this other Red exile (http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20060123/owen65.jpg) to return and score the hattrick in any rival teams better than anyone else... hehe.

[chsum]

OMG not that guy, I do not like him much, he put himself above the club. :eek:

[hmckl]

OMG not that guy, I do not like him much, he put himself above the club. :eek:

I think that is an unfair comment. He was pushed out to Real Madrid (by Benitez ---- in exchange of a hugely uneffective Morientes) ..... and when it is time for his return, Benitez again refused to take him back. :mad:

Remember Ian Rush ...... went to Juventus (to quote himself, 'just cannot refuse the money'), fooled around for one season and was welcomed back to Liverpool ...... and continued his merry goal-scoring feats.

I can see the little fellow doing the same thing. ;)

[chsum]

Unfair?? when robbie left, he's the defecto forward, as if he don't play, liverpool will not win n always threaten to leave as liverpool do not win this or that cup. He was exchanged for Antonio Nunez at a discount price of 8 mil as he have 1 yr contract left & he refuse to extand the contract, so liverpool have no choice but sell him at a discount since he wanted to leave (if he wanted to stay he would have signed the extention contract).
When he want to come back, liverpool sensibly will not offer a higher price then when he was sold, so they offer 10mil to buy him back, he was told to hold his nerve n reject newcastle(15mil) offer outright as Benitez know that RM have to sell him to get other striker, as dateline nears his nerve broke n signed for NC, the rest is history.
so u think i m unfair?

[Teeque]

OK. Both of you were right in the acrimonious circumstances of Owen's departure frm the club and return to the EPL fold. Benitez is a shrewd manager who doesnt believe in paying prices above than what he perceives as that player's marketable value. But players nowadays themselves also demands a price on their services to reflect on what they perceive as suitable and fair. And the two monetary standards normally do not tally up in the cutthroat professional football world of today. Even Steven Gerrard did openly pressed his demands after last year's CL to enable him to stay on as a Red. He would be a fool if he didnt and it was up to Liverpool to match what Chelsea would hv given him, which was in the region of 130k a week. The club caved in at the 11th hour to up their offer frm 100k to 120k and Benitez was forced to accept the club's decision, eventhough he didnt like it and that cut into his player purchasing funds. Remember, he was targeting Dirk Kuyt at that time and he would hv bought him if the funds were available but due to the Gerrard deal, he had to cut back. And, even til this day, the player and manager have an uneasy alliance but Benitez knows and recognizes Gerrards value to the club and its success.

Suffice to say, when Owen wanted to return to EPL, his market price at that time hovered ard 12 mil pounds. But Benitez knew of his poor injury records due to insider medical advice of Owen's problematic hamstring problem which still plagues him today so he wasnt prepared to pay above 10mil. And Owen was not exactly playing first team football at Real. Agreed by most, it was madness of Newcastle to hv offered a staggering 17mil pounds for an injury prone player and now, see what it has done to them - languishing at the bottom half of the table. And also currently without any finances to buy players now that Shearer has retired and first choice Owen has been absent for the best part of the season. It remains to be seen if he can even perform at the world stage at the WC next mth. Now, lets say, he wants to return to Liverpool after the WC and Newcastle are willing to let him go. I believe Benitez would still not offer more than 10mil for Owen and Newcastle would hv to sell him at a firesale price because of him being injury prone, which is now openly evident to all. No sane or ultra rich club would now offer him anywhere between 12-15 mil if demanded by his present club. For Benitez, he could still do without him and better off spending his money on quality players.

But if Owen were to return to Liverpool at a cut price and, probably wage cut, he would hv to settle his injury problems first and the club's medical ppl were prepared to mend him, even before he left. Then he has to get into Benitez's good books. If the manager do not acquire another world class striker, Owen will hv it easy to break back into the squad. Otherwise, like Fowler, he has to compete with other better forwards and the competition for places will be stiff. I hear of an alliance between the club and a Euro-American consortium and if that happens, there will be funds available for player purchases. There were a few targetted but without funding, the manager has not made any moves yet. We'll just hv to watch and wait as the coming months unfold for any good news forthcoming.

[Teeque]

Title clincher or title pinchers?

Well, this is the big Match of the week folks. But deep down, Fergie knows he has little chance to override Chelski's title claims this season. If not at Stamford Bridge, the Blues will likely seal it at their next match at Blackburn. So, its all abt MU's pride in not losing to the champions-elect in the EPL this season. But Mourinho will be prejudiced to think that he has the title all sealed up because of their excellent home record and their desire to clinch it at the expense of their great rivals in front of their fans. We'll hv to see who will hv the better of the other tonite then. :cool:

[chsum]

wow teeque, it seems that u have the insider version of owengate, u good friend of benitez ah?? ;)

I would love to see mu win as to break the invincibility of Stamfordbridge, but i will loss my god's t shirt :(

[hmckl]

wow teeque, it seems that u have the insider version of owengate, u good friend of benitez ah?? ;)

I would love to see mu win as to break the invincibility of Stamfordbridge, but i will loss my god's t shirt :(

Talking about Fowler, the 'rumour' is he is 60% certain to sign for one more season ...but I think he will continue to play as a support role. Who can you see as the next 'Ian Rush' that Liverpool will try to buy ? This red team surely
enjoy hitting the ball to his supporters/oppositions (in the stand) than in the net :mad:

[chsum]

I hope Fowler stays, the striker I see going out should be Morientes as he do not seems to fit into english style very well, he seems lost.

If u look at Benitez style of play, he rotates the striker very often even when they r winning(not so much for back 4) hence u don't get 20 goals striker in Liverpool now, even when u score 2 goals u get sub n deny a hattrick, most top scorer hates it that is why liverpool have problem scoring more goals, the striker don't get into the scoring rythem then they got sub, even if they do they get sub. :o

[Teeque]

That is why Benitez is fretting at his attacking options or the lack of it. Because of this deficiency, most of the Reds formations are centred ard Gerrard and the back four. If you noticed in most of the Reds matches, its almost always a 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 with that lone striker, either Crouch or Morientes, upfront. Depending on fit players available, Gerrard will be played either just behind that lone striker or on the right because the Reds lack a right winger. Garcia and Cisse are certainly not wingers as they are being played there as plug gap measures. If either the lone striker or Gerrard is unavailable, Benitez has to switch his options, and strikers, around to plug those gaps. Therefore, its no surprise that we see him always rotating his striking options. If we see Benitez fielding 2 strikers upfront, normally Crouch and Morientes as favorite choice, then we know he is confident of winning that match (most likely against a weaker opponent) and also mainly because, Gerrard and Alonso are playing in the middle with Riise on their left and Garcia on their right. This is his prefered formation if all players are available.

Then, why Crouch and Morientes, and not Cisse and Fowler upfront, you might ask? Simple. Look at the team and tell me who are most of the goal scorers in the list? Its Gerrard, Garcia, Riise and sometimes Alonso. Crouch's and Morientes' roles are not a goal scoring role but a 'target man' role. Both of them are not goalscorers extraordinaire and Benitez is using them as target men roles to knock on balls for the midfielders to score. Cisse was the only traditional out and out striker but he wasnt on form at the time so Benitez has to change his strategy. Fowler is in the same role as Cisse but he is playing a more supporting role now because of his age and lack of fitness.

So, naturally, Benitez would like to hv more options in his attacking line up with better qualified personnel but funding has been his problem. A world class striker cost a lot and unfortunately, by Benitez's standards, Cisse is not up to par.

Erm...no, I'm not related to Benitez or am friends with him. :) I'm just able to analyse his game plans better with the inside knowledge that I hv frm the club and the game. Benefits of membership and friendship with ardent supporters and members of the Liverpool Supporters Club here. In line with the theme of our club sponsor, we are 'Part of the game'. :D

[Teeque]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/splash/images/replay86_03.jpg
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/replay86/images/replay86_05.gif (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/replay86/)

There will be a replay of a Special Merseyside derby of the '86 FA Cup (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/replay86/) match between these 2 clubs on Monday. In 1986, King Kenny was the player/manager, the Reds made history with their first League and FA Cup double and Everton was a footballing force then. OK, we know who was the striking predator for the Reds at that time but tell me, who was the very big name striker playing for Everton at that time?

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/images4/86t_270406_team_400.jpg
Recognise who these greats are?

This was certainly a historic match between these two teams and it is now being replayed for a good cause - the Marina Dalglish Appeal and organised by Kenny Dalglish himself. The ex-players will be there with the likes of Rush, Steve Nicol, Grobbellaar, Whelan, Hansen, Molby, Craig Johnston etc. No doubt these players are past their prime but still, it will be exciting to relive the memories and watch these great players in action, whether they still hv 'it' in them. Unfortunately, the match will not be shown on Malaysian TV but fans can watch the match 'live' (http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/splash/replay86.htm) at the Liverpool website with a paid subscription. If not, just follow the commentary and match reports on the site.

[hmckl]

hopefully people are not complaining we talked too much about the reds :)
among all liverpool favourties sons, I like Dalglish most .... it was tragic to see him left years ago

there is a big differene between how present and past liverpool ... the old liverpool always have a 'target man' to put balls into net (think keegan, johnson, rush, fowler or owen ...... or 'lesser known' like aldrige, wash etc) and the new one has a 'target man' to hold the ball don't know about you, it is just not the same for me. I saw valencia played (when they were under benitez) ... it was more eye pleasing than the current liverpool team :(

[Teeque]

Yes, the Dalglish days were the best period of football for Liverpool. The current team is still very much works-in-progress and hopefully when more funds are available, the other pieces of the jigsaw will be put in place. We are still lacking personnel in certain deparments and the critical one is the 'target man'. :)

[Teeque]

So, the title is all but sealed by Chelsea and there were three top draw, quality goals that sank MU. It was clear that MU's midfield was not working and they depended on a young Rooney to make something out of the game. And to think that England's WC challenge also depends on that same shoulders of one so young. Yes, he is a very talented player no doubt but to pin a nation's hopes on this young boy to spearhead the attack is just asking too much. Look at what happened today. He was man marked and being kicked ard as if to rile him up to get at his negative side. And, he was injured, serious enough to provoke apprehension all round the stadium and audiences alike as to his and England's WC aspirations. As if that wasnt enough, we saw how Terry hobbled on grimly for the best part of the game and Mourinho didnt seem to want to take him off, even if they were leading by 2-0. That, imo, is very questionable of Mourinho's tactics and agenda. But, the game was all won in midfield and play centred ard another such sparkling England playmaking talent, Joe Cole. He scored one and created another to add to Gallas' early goal to wrap up the Premiership for the champions. If Cole can maintain this form in the WC, he could be the man to watch for in addition to Gerrard, Lampard and Beckham in the engine room of England's midfield. The worries would now be on a toothless attack of an unfit Owen and the injury status of Rooney.

The other stories were the relegation battles being fought out by Portsmouth and Birmingham. At the end of it all, Portsmouth survived with an away win and Birmingham relegated by not getting a result at home. It was a tale of Harry and his 'Houdini act' in getting Portsmouth off the bottom 3 and this time, survived the relegation battles again. Birmingham just didnt cut it when they did not even score enough goals this season and left the manager to wonder abt his 'impotent' strikeforce. With a donkey in Heskey, what does he expect? :D

Blackburn still hung on to their 6th placing in their hunt for European participation by snatching an away win at Charlton. But Bolton is still closely snapping on Blackburn's heels for that 6th place and both clubs hv still 2 matches more to play. However, Blackburn has to entertain the Premiership champions next on Tuesday nite and Bolton hv the easier fixtures, first at Spurs tomoro nite and then entertain Boro at home on Wed. IMO, I think Blackburn will now intensify their push for that European spot as they are a good five points ahead of Bolton and they need just a draw frm the Chelsea match. Evidently frm tonite's excellent performance and the Bellamy threat, Blackburn's revival is on the cards.

Sadly, for the Addicks, Curbishley had tendered his resignation as their manager and will no longer be their boss next season. What do you think? Would this be an indication of the English FA's confirmation of a candidate for the post of England's manager? Or could it be that he has decided he has taken his beloved club as far as he can and feels he should make way for fresh blood and leadership to take the club to new heights? Whats your take?

Boro fell frm the heights of qualification for a UEFA Cup Final to a thud on the EPL turf with their home loss to last season's miracle team, Everton. What is it with them? Good enough to beat the second best of Europe but not up to it in English premier league? Liverpool won comfortably at Anfield with Villa and the team's midfield lynchpin capped his season with his usual captain's performance. This top class performance will definitely sound his intentions at the FA Cup Final in 2 weeks time and in the WC next mth. I believe tonite's game will be the same formation Benitez will use for the FA Cup Final match, barring injuries. Minimise the defensive lapses and the Cup will be the Reds for the taking. :)

Some analysis for the FA Cup and Champions League Final to come next week.

[Teeque]

Latest Rooney injury news (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=366280&cc=4716). He will be out for 6 weeks! :eek:
England gone case lar like this???

[hmckl]

[QUOTE= With a donkey in Heskey, what does he expect? :D

Sadly, for the Addicks, Curbishley had tendered his resignation as their manager and will no longer be their boss next season. [/QUOTE]

That 'donkey' used to be playing for liverpool ....... he was scoringly freely in Leicester days, however was transforning to holding role for Liverpool (and at times playing in the wing) to provide for Owen ...... since then, seems to be losing his scoring touch. I like Heskey, honest hardworker ---- just did not get the 'break' he so desperately needed.

Alan, I think just have enough of the Addicks ..... He is the third/fourth in line for England job and will get it if everyone else in front of the queue reject the job :D

Sad to see robbo and bruce lost in the battle; but happy for harry of course ... the team I like to see relegated most is villa; o'leary is losing the plot

[Jose Mourinho]

Teequee. Thank you for the good write-up in Post #666. However if I may make a slight correction or add-on to your report:

John Terry

The BBC News quoted him as saying:

Skipper John Terry, who appeared to play most of the match with a leg injury, was equally jubilant afterwards, saying: "All season we've proved how good we are. "At times we've had to dig in and graft, but we can do that as well as play. To win the league two years on the trot is a special achievement. The crowd have been unbelievable and this is for them." On his injury, the defender added: "There was no way I was going off, not a chance. I've just got a bit of blood on it I think, but I was desperate to stay on and enjoy the moment."

Thus it was not Jose Mourinho not wanting to take him off. At 3-0, there was no reason to sacrifice their skipper which could possibly led to serious injury that may affect their preparation for next season. Normally an injured player would signal to the bench to be taken off. John Terry wanted to play. On another note, Wayne Rooney's late challenge on him could actually see him out of England for the World Cup and at the end of the match, the commentator did say that John Terry was indeed a big man to be concerned about Wayne Rooney when the latter could - very rashly - put him out of the World Cup.

Wayne Rooney

I absolutely agree with you that it is ridiculous a great footballing country could and is going to put all their hopes on the shoulders of a young man (and in my view, a football genuis). Wayne Rooney still has demons riding on both shoulders and his temper was a suspect towards the later part of the game. You can see the petulance in his facial expressions coming in as the match progressed. The poor lad has too much to do and he has been running around without an well-oiled midfield machinery to support him. Louis Saha was so effectively played out of the game that he hardly touched the ball and he looked very lost up front. Rudd van Nistelrooy touched the ball about five times when he came on. He was played out of the game as well. All the UK newspapers reported the injury but all of them said that Paulo Ferreira's challenge on him was a fair one.

When the game started, I was convinced that MU was going to win. Even after William Gallas' early goal, MU looked very dangerous. MU looked dangerous because of one man, Wayne Rooney. The rest looked pretty awed by the occasion and looked very lost. It was only after Joe Cole's goal - which made Rio Ferdinand looked like a clown as he practically swerved past him - was the match (almost) won.

Thank you.

[Jose Mourinho]

Teeque. My take is that the game is won in the midfield nowadays. MU is building its midfield engine but it will be some time before it has the strength and ability of their Beckham-Keane-Scholes-Giggs era. And that is why despite having one of the best midfield engine-room in the league, Roman Abramovich is forking out money to get yet another midfielder, Michael Ballack. We shall see what Jose Mourinho is going to do next season and it woudl be awesome to see the Ballack-Essien-Lampard-Cole-Makele combination.

:)

[Teeque]

With regards to John Terry, I know he has a reputation to play thru the pain. Granted, yesterday's Premiership winning match was a moment to savour and not to be missed, by him or any other player for that matter. But, for him to play on despite the pain and hobbling abt because he, in his own words, "was desperate to stay on and enjoy the moment" is a very stupid and selfish act for a player of his stature. Even if he goes off when they were leading by two goals, he would still be the rightful captain of the club, be the one to receive the Premiership trophy in any case and celebrate the win with his mates and fans alike. Nobody can and will deny him that moment. We could all see how he endured the painful agony and, at one stage, even shook his head to signify the difficulty in continuing. By continuing in the game, he would put himself at a great risk for the injury to be aggravated further or for someone to put in a challenge and 'put him out of his misery'. If that happens, he then would be following in Rooney's footsteps and risk himself out of the WC. I guess all this would raise the issue of the club over country arguments again and that players, if chosen to represent the country and with the world's showcase footballing tournament weeks away in mind, hv to weigh their critical playing decisions and their availability for an equally important mission and assignment for the country as well.

As for Rooney, well, the club statement reporting his return in six weeks is a wee bit too optimistic according to medical opinions reported in the English press. Some medical experts are of the opinion that an injury to the metatarsal in the foot do take at least 2-3 mths to heal completely. I would say the 2-3 mths absence is the more ideal diagnosis of his injury situation. Unless there is a super drug in the market that heals a broken bone in a shorter time than 2 mths, which I do not think there is. And yes, I agree with you, Jose, that it was a fair challenge. It was just unlucky of him, that he was the centre of attention for opposing teams' defenders and that he is the only player in a 'great' MU team that would pose a threat to rival teams.

Coupled with the injury scare frm Owen yesterday, soccer pundits in England hv now drastically demoted England's WC chances to a minimal. Sir Bobby Robson even believes that England's chances hv gone frm 'possible winners to rank outsiders now. (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/30042006/4/robson-england-outsiders.html). These are indeed dismal and pessimistic views coming frm the English now.

And yes, Jose, you are quite right abt that, that the midfield are where pitch battles are fought out. They are the first line of defense and also the offense. Excellent midfield players these days must be able to spearhead an attack to achieve a result as well as provide an important first line cover for the defense. A team's success does critically depend on this advantage. It is the reason also why many hv viewed Gerrard (and Vieira as well) as the complete midfielder in the world. His ability to attack frm midfield and scores crucial goals as well as defend his defense with gusto are the qualities that many managers envy and are looking to prise him frm Anfield. :)

[Teeque]

hmckl, for me I never like the 'donkey' even with his positive playing attitude in his Liverpool days. He just was a misfit in the whole setup. He came with promise and left without fulfilling that prophecy. He was just...promising, never established himself there. :)

[Jose Mourinho]

Teeque. I may be wrong but I do get the distinctive feeling that many of the multi-millionaires are really not that concerned about playing for their countries. It is their clubs which put bread and butter (among other things) on the table.

[Teeque]

Yep Jose, and this was FIFA and the world's FAs' fears for the game, the good of the game that is. But its the World Cup, for crying out loud. A WC medal added to a player's resume could add further millions into their pay rise and/or negotiations. The clubs all over the world do not hv any games for that whole mth. The filthy rich players picked for England duty are paid abt 3mil pounds and match bonuses for games won amounting to abt a million pounds, for playing in the WC. And then an extra million pounds if they win the Cup. Heck, possibly another cool 5 mil just for a months work (if not minimum 3 mil), which may be more than what their clubs are paying them annually! The only England player who got that concept and reap many more millions frm it is David Beckham, thanks to his management ppl. Appearance in a WC in a high profile England jersey can secure him better and juicier contracts and sponsorship deals, equating to riches for him and his current club who also takes a 40% sponsorship cut and higher ROI on a player they signed for alot of money. Now, Rooney's management is the same ppl managing Beckham, and you can almost imagine how they are counting their losses now. But the bottomline is this: The FA is saying that it isnt actually a bad idea to play for the country, at prestigious tournaments such as the European Championship and the World Cup.

[Jose Mourinho]

Please read an interview with Wayne Rooney after he broke a bone in his foot in Guardian Unlimited: http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1764725,00.html

:)

[Jose Mourinho]

As published in some UK papers today:

STEVE McCLAREN is expected to get the nod for the England job TODAY.

[hmckl]

As published in some UK papers today:

STEVE McCLAREN is expected to get the nod for the England job TODAY.

Sad but expected ..... i think it is sad for england team.
For someone who was asked ' how did your team win?' to answer 'i don't have a clue'; and now he is the england manager :eek:

[Jose Mourinho]

Sad but expected ..... i think it is sad for england team.
For someone who was asked ' how did your team win?' to answer 'i don't have a clue'; and now he is the england manager :eek:

I suppose the FA wants continuity. I don't see McClaren making a lot of changes and David Beckham would remain as captain. Personally, I would prefer Gus Hiddinck to be the new manager.

[Teeque]

Yea, no brainer abt McLaren, for the moment. I supposed its also to deflect public attention frm England's injury crisis.

[Jose Mourinho]

Will England play this midfield engine? Beckham - Lampard - Gerrard - Cole? What do you think? In an ideal situation and all players being fit, I think this would be the formation:

Owen & Rooney
Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard & J Cole
Neville, Ferdinand, Terry & A Cole
Robinson

Any other views?

:)

[Teeque]

That was the ideal formation IF all players are fit.

Currently, opinions coming frm England in many forums seems to harp on this current 4-1-4-1 formation for now:

Owen(if fit) or Crouch or D. Bent(either one)

J. Cole - Lampard - Gerrard - Beckham

Carrick/Nolan

Bridge - Ferdinand - Terry/Carragher - Neville


The midfield will be the key engine to the England strategy and game plan. The high number of goals scored in the Premiership by England midfielders are key indications that the goals would now come frm that dept. As usual, for Beckham, he is the dead ball specialist and a good crosser of the ball. As for Darren Bent's case, he did not impress in England's friendlies and qualifiers but he could be a great pick if he wont be awed by the occasion and perform to his potential. Here, I list below in parentheses the goals scored in league games by key England players to give you an idea. Midfielders are in bold.

Owen (7), Crouch (5), Defoe (8), Bent(18), (Rooney (16), Lampard (16), Gerrard (10), Cole (9), Beckham (1), Nolan (9), Carrick (3).

[Jose Mourinho]

Blues give injured Terry time off

John Terry will sit out the rest of Chelsea's season but manager Jose Mourinho insists the defender will be fit for England's World Cup campaign.

Terry, 25, needed stitches in a leg wound during the win over Manchester United and is carrying an ankle knock.

Mourinho said: "He's improving every day and will be ready physically to join the national team.

"I think mentally he can forget Chelsea now for a couple of months and start to concentrate on England."

Skipper Terry left Stamford Bridge on crutches after the 3-0 win against Manchester United and Chelsea club doctor Bryan English revealed the player will have a scan on a sprained ankle.

English said: "We put two stitches in at half-time, then took them out at the end and replaced them with three.

"In the second half he also twisted his ankle a little as well, so he actually had two injuries.

"He will have a scan on Tuesday, but I am not concerned about anything and expect him to be fully fit for England."

Mourinho has also offered to help England's World Cup campaign by resting Frank Lampard and Joe Cole from the last two Premiership games of the season against Blackburn on Tuesday and Newcastle on Sunday.

Mourinho said: "I'm ready to let them finish for the season now, to have one more week to rest or maybe have a holiday or go to some paradise."

Shaun Wright-Phillips is also expected to make England's 23-man squad for this summer's tournament but he needs more games not less after being in and out of the Chelsea team this season.

Terry has led the Blues to two Premiership titles and the Chelsea manager believes it is time for people to recognise him as a great player.

Mourinho said: "For me, he is the best central defender in the world, the best. It is difficult to be a better player. All he can do is keep that standard.

"The only point where he can improve is in European football, for the referees to look at him with the same eyes they look at other big players in the world.

"For example, when Benfica played Barcelona, there was a free-kick and Ronaldinho went to measure the 10 yards for the wall.

"If another player did that, yellow card, goodbye, disappear. Ronaldinho, a walk, a smile, a laugh and it's done.

"The next jump for JT is for people to look at him as the big player he really is."

[chsum]

I used to compare Heskey with John Barnes, they are great target men & provider of goals, they win the ball easily on the air & ground due to their size & height, hardworking but not prolific goalscorer. I think it's a insult to call him donkey, he has a simillar strike rate as John while John gets chosen twice as PFA footballer of the yr & a MBE what Heskey got "Donkey"?
Thats the problem with ppl, they like goldscorer but ignore the goal provider as they do not see their value & work done for the team. Sisoko & Crouch are also like them.

Err. Jose, why ah u throw ur medal into the crowd, give it to me lah if u don't want :D

[Jose Mourinho]

Err. Jose, why ah u throw ur medal into the crowd, give it to me lah if u don't want :D

Temporary insanity. I actually threw two medals into the crowd. Later when my boss Roman Abramovich asked me to show him what the medal looked like, I have to borrow from Drogba. Very embarrassing.

:o

[Teeque]

Oooppss. I apologise if someone has taken an issue to Heskey being called a donkey. But, I would like to alert you all that it was also the affectionate name that the Reds fans and England fans had given him. No offense, just an affectionate name reference for him. And yea, I do not rate Crouch highly too. And ppl in England has also given him these affectionate reference - Crouch-ing Girrafe, Big Bird etc etc.

Apologies if ur offended.... :) cheers.

[Teeque]

Just a note for Jose. You can bid for the medal back frm ebay as the fan that got it has put it up there for sale. :D

[Teeque]

Firstly, Van Nistelrooy couldnt make good on his chances to come back into the main Utd fold with the penalty miss. It also does not bode well for his WC chances. He must be wondering what he must do to appease the football Gods for the current bad luck and spell he is in.

A Rooney-less Man Utd wasnt exciting to watch either. Even with the introduction of wide men in Ronaldo and Richardson couldnt lift Utd's gloom and further emphasised the weaknesses of a weakened Utd side. So, when Fergie sounded his title challenge for next season (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=366413&cc=4716) after the emphatic loss to Chelsea 2 days ago, it sounded really hollow. A word of caution to the old man. Next season will be a cardiac arrest inducing season for him, if not for the bosses since one of them has succumbed to it. :rolleyes:

The English press today werent very kind to the FA and McLaren with regards to the appointment of the Boro boss as the successor to the England manager job. A couple of weeks ago, the media was questioning the FA on the need to look elsewhere but in England for the much maligned top job. This week, especially after the FA bungled on the search with a hopeful headhunt for the Portugese current manager and subsequent concession to McLaren, the media are now aiming their knives and arrows in Steve's and the FA's direction on the about turn of events. But with the positive result at Old Trafford last night, it didnt diminish McLaren's chances at all with the prospective England job. If anything, it just cemented his position as the overwhelming favorite to take over Mr. Eriksson and provided him an opportunity to dispel his critics and doubters.

[peterkkchong]

What do think about chances of Liverpool taking over the 2nd spot and Arsenal taking over the 4th position of premier league by the end of season?

I think Liverpool chances are there but Arsenal chances will be slim.

Cheers

[Teeque]

It all boils down to the last match of the season next week. But Liverpool's prospects do look brighter than Arsenal's. As I mentioned before, Liverpool getting second will depend on MU not getting anything in their last matches. The Reds, against Portsmouth away, will field a team who will take part in the FA Cup Final a week later to give the players match fitness and practice. So, Liverpool shld hv no problems overcoming Portsmouth, who can begin to go easy since surviving the drop. MU takes on Charlton and this one could be tricky. MU could rest some World Cuppers and the team may be further weakened with some players absent. But Charlton may want to try to notch a win at Old Trafford to give their dear departing manager a fitting send off for his last game in charge. AND, if this guy has an agenda in his mind, Darren Bent shld give a rousing performance for a last gasp shot at cementing his place in England's WC squad and go in place of Rooney, who is injured and chances of his return are slim for now.

Arsenal are in two minds. There were suggestions that Wenger would be resting top players, including Henry, prior to the CL Final. Since Arsenal has 3 games within 7 days this week, Wenger will surely be rotating his squad but must achieve all wins in these matches for a slim chance and hope Spurs to lose. Sunderland was a mediocre opposition but Man City, with a revival on form recently, is not so the Gunners shld expect a tougher match on Fri. And after all that, in the last of the season matches on Sunday, Arsenal go against a resilient Wigan at home while Spurs are away at Upton Park for the game against a depleted West Ham side. In any case, a Spurs win or even a draw will be enough to condemn Arsenal to 5th spot. Unless the Gunners go on and win the CL Finals in a fairytale finale like Liverpool last season.

[Teeque]

FYI, an explanation of metatarsal injuries (http://www.physioroom.com/injuries/ankle_and_foot/metatarsal_fracture_full.php) and Rooney's injury situation (http://www.physioroom.com/news/news_story.php?id=709).

[Jose Mourinho]

A Rooney-less Man Utd wasnt exciting to watch either. Even with the introduction of wide men in Ronaldo and Richardson couldnt lift Utd's gloom and further emphasised the weaknesses of a weakened Utd side. So, when Fergie sounded his title challenge for next season (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=366413&cc=4716) after the emphatic loss to Chelsea 2 days ago, it sounded really hollow. A word of caution to the old man. Next season will be a cardiac arrest inducing season for him, if not for the bosses since one of them has succumbed to it. :rolleyes:

Many football critics and experts have always condemned teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea for using their financial muscle to buy players instead of going through their youth academy. Present day football doesn't allow for that any more and the manager who always talks unfavourably of Chelsea's weath, Arsne Wenger, himself, has paid a fortune to get the young Theo Walcott from Southampton (he was in Southampton's Academy).

Alex Ferguson may sound his war cry but it is going to be difficult when Chelsea continues to build its squad. The latest is that Jose Mourinho is going for Andrei Shevchenko, Michael Ballack (he is already a certain) and Ashley Cole. With these three, the team looks pretty complete. Imagine having a striker such as Hernan Crespo third in the pecking order - although he would probably leave.

:cool:

[Teeque]

I dont deny that deep pocketed giants of the game excels in their leagues and the game due to their ability to secure top coaching and playing personnel with their good financial might. MU and Arsenal did it in the 90s and won titles but now it seems that a major part of their finances are going into other areas of the club to boost their earnings - stadium upgrades and global marketing. With this kind of money, they do hold an unfair advantage over the minnows but this direction where the business is overwhelming the game is deemed unhealthy by the game's administrators. Rightly so, when the G14 can exert their hold and influences on the game, even threatening with an alternate European championship where certain demands of theirs are not met ie. more league money, bigger winning purse, larger share of TV and marketing revenues, more say in the game's decision making etc. So much so, UEFA and FIFA are changing the rules of the game frm 2007 onwards. Their main thrust of these changes is the need for more homegrown players in Europe's top clubs and leagues and thereby, channeling more resources to and improving their club academies to produce top talents for both club and country. The ruling for at least 4 homegrown players in their club ranks will be enforced frm the 2007/08 onwards and thereafter increased by 2 every season after that, until it reaches 12 (this number is still being debated). In light of this development, the club giants were all advised to invest in and upgrade their club academies to be a talent producing force for their clubs, regions and countries. In short, no more shortcuts to success by buying talents but by breeding and producing them within the clubs.

Follow this link for UEFA's plans for homegrown talents in their Vision Europe. (http://www.uefa.com/uefa/Keytopics/kind=65536/newsId=297230.html)

[Teeque]

Follow this link for UEFA's plans for homegrown talents in their Vision Europe. (http://www.uefa.com/uefa/Keytopics/kind=65536/newsId=297230.html)

What are your views regarding this new UEFA Vision Europe homegrown talent development initiative? Would the clubs now focus on producing young talents frm their own academies or just go out and buy these talents frm other academies and 'hoard' them til they come of age?

Looking at the Theo Walcott situation, young talents like him will not come cheap nowadays even if they are unproven or an 'unfinished' product. Lionel Messi, an Argentinian, has been sold to Barca at a young age of 15 and came thru its academy and played in the junior leagues. At 18 now, he's a 'homegrown' player with a Spanish PR but still turns out for Argentina in the WC. The pricetag on him now is upwards of 50 mil Euros, nothing less. In the Spanish league, he has homegrown status but he's still considered a foreign player. And, fortunately, he turned out to be a very well 'finished' product. But otherwise, how many more of these can big clubs hope to produce in future and get lucky when the likes of him, Rooney, Fabregas, Robinho or Reo-Coker does not get produced on a regular and volume basis each season.

[Jose Mourinho]

What are your views regarding this new UEFA Vision Europe homegrown talent development initiative? Would the clubs now focus on producing young talents frm their own academies or just go out and buy these talents frm other academies and 'hoard' them til they come of age?

In principle it sounds very noble, practicial and probably is good for football as a whole in the long run. But football as a commodity has evolved and the clubs will have a lot to say in this - and not just the big clubs. Southampton may have made a song and dance about it for public consumption and gave excuses why thery are (still) in the lower division but the club was laughing all the way to the bank. FIFA's President is playing a huge political gambit in all this. The position has always been a political position and not a football position and thus I normally do not listen to him - as a president or as a man (for the latter I think he is his own puppet on a string).

On another topic. After the draw of Bolton - Middlesborough at 1 each, BBC Sports quoted Sam Allardyce as saying that he expects his rival for the England job Steve McClaren to be confirmed as the new national team coach today. In my view, I think Sam Allardyce is a pompous fool. Instead of concentrating on what matters - and that is football - he has been mouthing off his ambition for months. On the other hand, Steve McClaren has dug in his heels and managed his ailing club. Now if you look at the positions of the two clubs in the league table - Bolton at 53 points and Middlesborough at 45 points, there really isn't much of a difference, is there? Bolton was on its way to Europe next season and now it is 8th position - behind Blackburn and Newcastle, teams which were languishing at the bottom of the table before. And Middlesborough has crawled from relegation zone to 13th position. Sam Allardyce has just put his big foot into his equally big mouth.

:)

[chsum]

sob, sob, there goes my t shirt, maybe next season, time to hybernate for a few months so that not to endure the torture of no EPL on the weekend or day. :D

[lord]

Subject: World Cup Rules.

Extremely important advice and recommendations to be passed on to
wives, girlfriends, fiance, mothers, sisters, daughters, etc. (to all women
in general) These rules are to be communicated prior to the World Cup in
June/July this year...


LIST OF RULES

1. From 9 June to 9 July 2006, you should read the sports
section of the newspaper so that you are aware of what is going on
regarding the World Cup, and that way you will be able to join in the
conversations. If you fail to do this, then you will be looked at in a
bad way, or you will be totally ignored. DO NOT complain about not
receiving any attention.


2. During the World Cup, the television is mine, at all
times, without any exceptions. If you even take a glimpse of the remote
control, you will lose it (your eye).


3. If you have to pass by in front of the TV during a game, I
don't mind, as long as you do it crawling on the floor and without
distracting me. If you decide to stand nude in front of the TV, make
sure you put clothes on right after because if you catch a cold, I wont
have time to take you to the doctor or look after you during the World
Cup month.


4. During the games I will be blind, deaf and mute, unless I
require a refill of my drink or something to eat. You are out of your
mind if you expect me to listen to you, open the door, answer the
telephone, or pick up the baby....it wont happen.


5. It would be a good idea for you to keep at least 2 six
packs in the fridge at all times, as well as plenty of things to nibble on,
and please do not make any funny faces to my friends when they come
over to watch the games. In return, you will be allowed to use the TV
between 1 0pm and 6am, unless they replay a good game that I missed
during the day.


6. Please, please, please!! if you see me upset because one
of my teams is losing, DO NOT say "get over it, its only a game", or
"don't worry, they'll win next time". If you say these things, you will only
make me angrier and I will love you less. Remember, you will never
ever know more about football than me and your so called "words of
encouragement" will only lead to a break up or divorce.


7. You are welcome to sit with me to watch one game and you
can talk to me during halftime but only when the commercials are on, and
only if the halftime score is pleasing me. In addition, please note I
am saying "one" game, hence do not use the World Cup as a nice cheesy
excuse to "spend time together".


8. The replays of the goals are very important. I don't care
if I have seen them or I haven't seen them, I want to see them again.
Many times.


9. Tell your friends NOT to have any dinner parties, or any
other gatherings that requires my attendance because:
a) I will not go,
b) I will not go, and
c) I will not go.


10. But, if a friend of mine invites us to his house on a
Sunday to watch a game, we will be there in a flash.


11. The daily World Cup highlights show on TV every night is
just as important as the games themselves. Do not even think about
saying "but you have already seen this...why don't you change the
channel to something we can all watch??", the reply will be: "Refer to
Rule #2 of this list".


12. And finally, please save your expressions such as "Thank
God the World Cup is only every 4 years". I am immune to these words,
because after this comes the Champions League, Italian League, Spanish
League, Premier League, etc etc.


Thank you for your cooperation.

[Teeque]

Alrite folks, the EPL season just ended at the weekend but not without some drama and a conspiracy to boot. Arsenal took 4th spot and a place in next season's CL qualifying rounds, pipping their city rivals, Spurs. No matter the result this coming May 17, they will be there competing again. It wouldnt be fair to say that Spurs had no chances at all if they were not floored by the food poisoning affair. The conspiracy theorists had their field day but, in this age of high stakes, big money Premier League, many wouldnt be wrong if there were some foul play in the offing. Well, we could see why when the England World Cup entourage also consists of their own dieticians, nutritionists and their own handpicked caterers to prevent incidences like this derailing their own WC campaign. Not to say that EPL teams should start this trend but that the Premier League, the holders and administrators of the game, should be a little more mindful and humane in these situations and allow a special dispensation for 'unforeseen circumstances', like the one faced by Spurs, to play a day later. Because in the end, the game wasnt lost on a sporting failure but on an entire team's severe medical emergency. Because the fans and TV audience were cheated of a fair sporting affair and saw a farce played out when one team isnt even fit to contest a match of any kind.

The end of the season could also see the end of the distinguished EPL careers of two of the league's leading goalgetters. Arsenal's Henry and Van Nistelrooy of MU scored 27 and 21 league goals respectively and the two of them had bagged the lion's share of the Golden Boots in recent years and lighted up the Premiership with their predatory skills in front of an opposition's goalmouth. So, it wouldnt be a surprise if the money men wouldnt come calling and prise them away with lucrative offers. In Henry's case, it is no secret that Real Madrid, Juventus and recently Barcelona had come a-calling and it is also no secret that these soccer giants spills money obscenely for players of exceptional extraordinaire like him. So obscenely that loyalties and conscience can be eroded in one fell swoop at this one in a helluva lot of millions chance. Unless Arsenal can bend their capped players' wages policy and also win the CL trophy, it would be very difficult to keep him at the club. Or that another high rolling petro-entrepreneur comes in and be able to splurge in the club with investment dollars. For Van Nistelrooy, the decision could be easier to resolve since falling out with his boss and could be out sooner than expected. And Fergie, having been in this situation with so many of his star players before, can wield his unkindly ironfist at a player in a flash when one cross swords with him. Who will come for him depends on how the Henry episode played out. If Henry signs for one of the giants, the losers will come for him. Or maybe another EPL team gunning for newfound European glory or looking to achieve an elevated status in the league.

It was also a chance for England WC hopefuls to shine but some of them failed miserably to stake any claims to be pick by the England manager. Darren Bent and Shaun Wright Phillips had perhaps their best chances to go in place of an injured Rooney but blew it with their indifferent performances. Jermaine Defoe had a look but just couldnt make the difference when his team was decimated under a medical crisis. But (I'd never imagine I would say this) Crouch did shone like a beacon when it mattered most when he scored a goal and made another in the Reds crushing of Portsmouth. But the England manager has done it again with his shocking England team gambles (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=367408&cc=4716) and picks a player he has never saw in play or even played in the Premiership at the highest level. So, the provisional England 23 man squad is as below and the forwards department looks very much 'toothless' and rival WC teams can be forgiven if they are laughing at this team list and thinking that England will be failing to score past them.

Provisional England squad:

• Goalkeepers: Robinson (Tottenham), James (Manchester City), Green (Norwich)

• Defenders: G Neville (Manchester United), R Ferdinand (Manchester United), Terry (Chelsea), A Cole (Arsenal), Campbell (Arsenal), Carragher (Liverpool), Bridge (Chelsea)

• Midfielders: Beckham (Real Madrid), Carrick (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Jenas (Totenham), Downing (Middlesbrough), J Cole (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham)

• Forwards: Rooney (Manchester United), Owen (Newcastle), Crouch (Liverpool), Walcott (Arsenal).

• Standby players: Scott Carson, Luke Young, Nigel Reo-Coker, Jermain Defoe, Andy Johnson.

[miketee]

Hahhahaha Lord - loved the WC rules!!!!!

[hmckl]

sob, sob, there goes my t shirt, maybe next season, time to hybernate for a few months so that not to endure the torture of no EPL on the weekend or day. :D

sorry my friend .... better luck next time. try predicting owen scoring a hattrick in world cup final instead :)

[chsum]

U joking Ah, a half recovered Owen scoring a hattrick in WC final :eek:
I think i have better chance predicting youngster Walcott scoring a hattrick in WC final.
WTF is sven doing, bring injured Rooney, Owen to the final, thats half the strike force injured, backing down to popular demand?

Wake me up from hybernation the WC start. :D

[Teeque]

Aiya guys, u must bear in mind this strange trend of England managers lah. Sven believes very much in miracles. And the odd gamble. Remember Hoddle believed in a faith healer to determine England's fortunes when he was in charge? hehe...

But I'm more likely to believe Gerrard will get the hattrick more than the others if he plays the attacking role behind the strikers. :)

[Teeque]

And speaking of Gerrard, there's this final business of the FA Cup finale to the English season to close the chapter. The last time these two met, two weeks ago, the match went in Liverpool's favor with Ciise shipping 2 goals past the Hammers with Mullins and Garcia getting sent off and got a 3 match ban, and getting themselves missing out on the Final. Alonso is also doubtful after ankle injury suffered at Pompey last week and Fowler is cup-tied. Hammer's star striker Dean Ashton may hv yet recovered fully frm his injury yet but manager Pardew is willing to risk him for a final glory to a very successful season. But I suspect the Reds will likely hv more quality in depth to edge out the Hammers. Sissoko, Crouch and Ciise gave sterling performances last week while Kewell has been rested well to compete again. And the captain has stated he wants to win a silverware so his beloved Reds will not be emptyhanded this season. As for the Hammers, Benayoun, Reo-Coker, Newton, Ferdinand and Zamorra all gave good accounts last week and Pardew expects to see his team's good form to carry over to the Cup final. Captain Reo-Coker will hv added motivation to give a good display and probably look to score again to elevate his chances of getting into Sven's England equation.

My prediction would see Liverpool winning this one 1 - 0 and Cisse, with his goalscoring form of late, will hv the last say in the proceedings.

[chsum]

Liv will hammer the hammers 4 to 1, all striker scoring a goal each. Hammer's consolation goal come at the end :D

[peterkkchong]

Liv will hammer the hammers 4 to 1, all striker scoring a goal each. Hammer's consolation goal come at the end :D


Yup, My prediction will be Liv 3 W.Ham 0 with Gerrard, Garcia & Risse as scorer.

Cheers

[Teeque]

peter...erm...garcia is suspended leh... :)

[peterkkchong]

peter...erm...garcia is suspended leh... :)


:rolleyes: Huh? Yalah! Then Peter Crouch-lah! He better brush up more to be able to perform in the WC. I usualy has little confidence in him scoring.

[hmckl]

Liv will hammer the hammers 4 to 1, all striker scoring a goal each. Hammer's consolation goal come at the end :D

you are not predicting morientes scoring a hattrick this time :eek: ?

i cannot see this as high scoring game ;though the hammers play a relatively attacking football ..... the same cannot be said about Liverpool. The hammers will find it hard to crack the defense ; and the reds have no creativity to score more than 1 goal (in a charged final)
Good news is Alonso is desperate to play :)

[Teeque]

Agree with hmckl! Ur absolutely right and it is a Cup Final folks. So dont expect high scoring gamelah. At most 2 goals would be a huge bonus. hehe...

[chsum]

err.. tell it to Middlesbrough & Sevilla UEFA cup final, they don't seems to read ur script :p

I don't mind Morientes scoring a hattrick as long as Liv wins :D

[hmckl]

err.. tell it to Middlesbrough & Sevilla UEFA cup final, they don't seems to read ur script :p

I don't mind Morientes scoring a hattrick as long as Liv wins :D

less than 24 hours to go before the cup final ..... apparently there will be a big screen in 1U for the match; and almost all the pubs are showing the match.

Apparently Cisse will play instead of Morientes .... so if anything Cisse and not morientes will be more likely to score a hattrick :( Never like cisse,
will this be his last game for the reds?

[Teeque]

err.. tell it to Middlesbrough & Sevilla UEFA cup final, they don't seems to read ur script :p ... :D

Aisay, Boro not in Liverpool's class mah...lol. In fact, if we do not need a right wing so badly, Stewart Downing is a player Rafa is looking at to add to the squad. But his form has been indifferent since coming back frm injury. I would say he's still a good buy if we dont already hv Kewell n Zenden there. Since Boro lost the UEFA Cup, his market value might not hv appreciated much so Rafa can still consider him if he chooses.

Cisse too has lost the vigor since returning frm injury and I dont quite like his workrate also. I hope Rafa does sell him and buy a proven world class striker instead. If Cisse does do well in the WC, we might get a good value frm selling him. :p

[chsum]

Apparently Cisse will play instead of Morientes

There is a possiblility Morientes will play with Crouch up front with Cisse on the wing.

[Jose Mourinho]

Cisse too has lost the vigor since returning frm injury and I dont quite like his workrate also. I hope Rafa does sell him and buy a proven world class striker instead. If Cisse does do well in the WC, we might get a good value frm selling him. :p

Liverpool can always consider Rudd van Nistelrooy. He is for sale for 11 million sterling pounds and that is quite a reasonable price since he is still scoring regularly and certainly not somebody who is unrealiable or down the hill. I just don't know whom Chelsea is going to get for a striker since Andre Shevchenko is very adamant about not wanting Stamford Bridge.

[Jose Mourinho]

AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has revealed he is considering leaving the club this summer for family reasons.
The 29-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, read a statement confirming reports he may leave the San Siro after seven years.

"It's pointless trying to hide things from the fans," he said.

"I'm thinking of leaving because of my family. I spoke to the president and we discussed the possibility. No definite decision has been made."
The Ukraine international said he would call another press conference when he had decided where his future lies.

But the striker wanted to clarify that he had not fallen out with his team-mates or coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"This has nothing to do with my relationship with Milan, there has always been a great deal of affection, as with my team mates and coaches," added Shevchencko.

"I want to say another thing to the fans who have always been and will be very important to me. It is not about financial matters either, that would be absurd."

Earlier on Friday, Milan president Silvio Berlusconi appeared to drop a hint as to Shevchenko's destination.

Speaking to a group of students in front of the prime minister's office, the former Italy president is reported by the website of Gazzetta dello Sport to have said: "Do you know that Shevchenko wants to leave? He wants to go to England."

Shevchenko, a former European Footballer of the Year, joined Milan from Dynamo Kiev in 1999 and has scored 19 Serie A goals this season.

He will captain Ukraine at the World Cup this summer in Germany.

Source: BBC Sports Online (13.5.2006)

[Jose Mourinho]

Germany captain Michael Ballack has confirmed he will leave Bayern this summer and said he had "no doubt" he would be moving to Chelsea.
The 29-year-old midfielder, who is out of contract in the summer, told German Pay-TV channel Premiere: "The time has come for me to make this move.

"When I came to Bayern in 2002, general manager Uli Hoeness told me 'when you're 29, you can still move abroad'.

"I rejected a very attractive offer from Real Madrid at the time."

Ballack is preparing for his last match for Bayern against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday and will enjoy the title celebrations afterwards, even if the crowd continue to jeer him.

"The whistles are welcome because they prove I have performed well here and have been an important player," he added.

"The contract offer they made me proves that too."

Ballack has said will name the club he intends to join before the World Cup finals, which start on 9 June.

He has reportedly held talks with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho regarding a move to the Premiership champions.

He has played in Germany for all of his career but is keen on a move abroad.

In April, the Germany captain spoke on the subject of a possible transfer to Chelsea and stated: "There have been serious talks. Nothing has been signed yet but I know what I want.

"I always wanted to play abroad at some stage. This is the last chance for me to do this."

It has been reported that Ballack asked Mourinho for a guaranteed place in the first team but the Chelsea boss has refused, causing the potential transfer to stall.


Source: BBC Sports Online (13.5.2006)

[chsum]

Teeque
if we do not need a right wing so badly, Stewart Downing is a player Rafa is looking at to add to the squad.

I think Rafa will buy a right winger & a striker this summer, Shevchenko or Rudd maybe an option but I just hope Jose do not poke his nose into it then he will cause the price to go sky high :eek:

[hmckl]

. I just don't know whom Chelsea is going to get for a striker since Andre Shevchenko is very adamant about not wanting Stamford Bridge.

My dear friend, you 'corrected' your statement really fast :)
Most people will agree Ballack probably will be in the Bridge (95%), Shevchenko will go to London (as what his wife wants) (70%)
Crespo will be leaving for Italy (not wanted in Chelsea) (60%)
Ruud's chances of joining Jose is slim (20%)
And Stevie joining Frank lampard ........................... 0%

my wife has been the strong supporter of your team since 3 years ago ....
and sad to say she has the bragging rights most of the time (except the odd occasions like european CL and FA cups) hopefully things are looking up next year .... but real worry re all the additions Chelski is getting :(

[Jose Mourinho]

My dear friend, you 'corrected' your statement really fast :)
Most people will agree Ballack probably will be in the Bridge (95%), Shevchenko will go to London (as what his wife wants) (70%)
Crespo will be leaving for Italy (not wanted in Chelsea) (60%)
Ruud's chances of joining Jose is slim (20%)
And Stevie joining Frank lampard ........................... 0%

Actually I have not corrected my statement about Andre Schevchenko. I still think he would be staying in Italy. However I saw that piece of news on BBC Sports Online and I thought I would share with you all. As a matter of interest, why would you think that Rudd van Nistelrooy's chance of joining Chelsea is slim?

[Jose Mourinho]

Teeque. I think Rafa will buy a right winger & a striker this summer, Shevchenko or Rudd maybe an option but I just hope Jose do not poke his nose into it then he will cause the price to go sky high :eek:

To be fair, Andre Shevchenko has been on the shopping list of Jose Mourinho for quite some time and thus it would not be poking his nose into it - so to speak. However, he has never indicated any interest in Rudd van Nistelrooy.

:)

[chsum]

Well, Liverpool won FA cup, who have predicted another CL final replay? :D

[hmckl]

why would you think that Rudd van Nistelrooy's chance of joining Chelsea is slim?

Since he is getting the Ukraine chap, why does he need a 'sulking' Dutch man?
Recent publicity (albeit bias and probably 'fed' by Sir Alex) showed Ruud as not a team man ..... and unfortunately there is forever going to be one star in Chelski ............. as long as the special one is in charge :p

The news also indicating that Del Horno is out of favour .... and a replacement from Roma is being targeted. It is sad to see players like SWP, Bridge, Geremi, Gudjohnsen and Joe Cole warming up the bench.

[hmckl]

Well, Liverpool won FA cup, who have predicted another CL final replay? :D

It was Istanbul revisited :)
I cannot believ how poor the defence was for the Reds, including the keeper.
Thank god there is always Stevie G. Wifey was starting to sing 'Liverpool is going home empty handed' and then that thunderbolt in the last minute;
wish he would do more of that in world cup ......
England should depend on him and Lampard; and not a limping Rooney

[KelvC]

Stevie is Liverpool's Captain Marvel, scoring the equalizer for 2-2 and 3-3.

Truely, if there are two man-of-the-match, it would be both Stevie and Reina. Reina redeemed himself, for letting in one of the scrappy goals in goal 2 (1st goal was an own goal by Carragher, 3rd was a superb goal by Konchesky) in the penalty shootout by saving 3 penalties from the Hammers.

When i saw Stevie limping around the field, i was thinking "OMG, not another!" Hopefully it is just cramps and nothing serious.

Overall, the game was a true thriller, it is indeed Istanbul revisited.

[Jose Mourinho]

Gerrard was magnificent last night. He is in form right now. If Gerrard, Lampard, J Cole and Beckham are in form when the World Cup starts, Rooney may not be missed so much by England as the midfield powerhouse would just be enough to power in the goals needed.

:)

[Teeque]

The scoreline was Istanbul like. But the Reds gameplay, however, were utterly disappointing except for Captain Fantastic, again. However, this time his equalizing goal didnt even spark the team into action. And it was also a cracker of a third goal by Stevie G. But still, it was a lifeless and unresponsive play frm the Reds throughout. If they were playing against Chelski, MU or Arsenal, they would hv got their a$$e$ whacked with a 4-1 scoreline against. This time, fortunately, it was only the Hammers and no offense intended, they managed to lift their game up a notch until extra time. Perhaps the fatigue of the long season has set in or perhaps many Reds players involved in the World Cup are saving themselves for the showpiece event next mth. Liverpool played a total of 62 matches this season. That's like a season and a half in a regular EPL calender, very long season. And so were the other top 3 of EPL who were involved in Europe as well. And we could all see the effects frm last 2 weeks - Terry crocked, then Rooney, Paul Robinson has a slight back problem, Carrick crocked, Gerrard and Sissoko cramps, Kewell and Cisse hamstring problems, etc. Is it good for the players or the game? I dunno, cos I dont play in the EPL. :D But I'm sure the results are no good tho and mebbe the FA or UEFA shld address this issue.

Yep, agree with you Jose that England are now depending on their midfielders to strike goals (or gold) for them. They are even desperate to the point of hoping that Crouch can perform in Rooney's role. And Sven gambling on untested Walcott? Is Sven trying to sabotage England for terminating him or what?? geezzz.... :confused:

[Teeque]

Highlights of the FA Cup Final 2006 match and goals. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/avdb/sport_web/video/9012da680041ba0/nb/09012da680041d10_16x9_nb.ram)

*need Realplayer to view


Or view this virtual replay feature of the goals frm BBC. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/virtualreplay/premiership/index.shtml?476674) This is so cool... :p

[Jose Mourinho]

Yep, agree with you Jose that England are now depending on their midfielders to strike goals (or gold) for them. They are even desperate to the point of hoping that Crouch can perform in Rooney's role. And Sven gambling on untested Walcott? Is Sven trying to sabotage England for terminating him or what?? geezzz.... :confused:

If England must play the 'traditional' way with 2 strikers up front, then Joe Cole can fill into one of the roles. Joe Cole is an ego-maniac and a clown but when on form, he is unstoppable. I cannot see how Theo Walcott and Peter Crouch are going to get the goals. With Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney out, England must play a formation with the midfielders to score goals. How many quality goals have the trio, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole scored this season in the Premier League?

[Jose Mourinho]

Chelsea are expected to announce the signing of Germany captain Michael Ballack at a news conference at 1230 BST on Monday.
Midfielder Ballack, 29, is out of contract at Bayern Munich and has been lured by Chelsea on a free transfer.

"It's fantastic for the club," said Chelsea winger Joe Cole.

"He is a world-class player, the more world-class players we have, the more games we will win and the more titles we will win."

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said: "I'm happy and very proud. I'm happy with the conversation I had with Michael and that is the reason he decided to come here."

Chelsea, who have also been linked with forwards Andriy Shevchenko and Samuel Eto'o, have said they want to sign three new players this summer.

Source: BBC Sports Online (15.5.2006)

[Jose Mourinho]

When England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson sat down to watch the FA Cup final, much of his focus would have been on the performance of Peter Crouch.

As things stand, Crouch is the only striker in his 23-man squad who fulfils two key requirements ahead of a World Cup finals.

One, he is not injured, and two, he has some experience of Premiership football. Which makes him more likely to spearhead England's bid than the walking-wounded pair of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney and rookie Theo Walcott.

Worryingly for the England boss, Crouch had a quiet game - he was taken off in the second half, with the 6ft 7in hit-man struggling to acclimatise to the ferocious pace of a thrill-a-minute encounter.

However, the inspiring performance of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard may have given Eriksson food for thought.

The 25-year-old put in a performance of such breath-taking gusto it will be talked about for years, scoring two more truly magical goals to bring his tally to 23 for the season.

When Rooney suffered his metatarsal injury, the country's collective thoughts turned to just how Eriksson will cope without the 20-year-old Manchester United star.

Would Crouch get the nod to partner Owen up front? Could Walcott partner Crouch?

Or perhaps Eriksson could consider playing Gerrard in a more advanced role?

On Saturday's evidence at the Millennium Stadium, the Swede could do far worse than choose the latter.

With Liverpool 2-0 down and looking like a shadow of the side who had thrilled on their way to the final, Gerrard grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck like few players in world football can.

His first moment of inspiration was to clip an inch-perfect ball into the path of Djibril Cisse for the Frenchman to volley home.

Soon after half-time he got on the score sheet himself, with a goal that owed everything to his wonderful technique as he shaped his body brilliantly to slam a bouncing ball into the top corner.

He left his best until Liverpool really needed it, 3-2 down in injury time - Gerrard, 30 yards out, pulled back that lethal right and with the truest strike of all sent the game into extra time.

It defied belief, and Gerrard kept his composure in the shoot-out too as he saw his team home once again.

Since Rooney's injury, much has been made of the fact that you cannot win a World Cup without hot-shot strikers.

Yet in Gerrard and Frank Lampard, England have arguably the finest two central midfielders in the world at the moment and they have 43 goals between them this season.

France started the 1998 World Cup with Stephane Guiv'arch leading the line and they still managed to prevail - that shows it can be done without Rooney, and even Owen, if it comes to it.

On Saturday, in front of over 70,000 spectators and millions more on television, Gerrard proved he has the courage, the fight and the class to win a pressure-cooker game on his own.

Maybe the added responsibility he will be given when he links up with England, minus a fit Rooney, will drive Gerrard on to even greater feats.

He has proved he must be given greater licence to roam instead of playing as a box-to-box central midfielder.

Gerrard is at his best when he does not have to worry about last-ditch tackling and covering his back four - at Liverpool he leaves that to Xabi Alonso and the workaholic Mohamed Sissoko.

The Liverpool dynamo is at his peak and with a wave of that magic right wand has the ability to destroy a team in a flash.

Eriksson must now give him carte blanche to wreak havoc in Germany just like he did so majestically in Cardiff.

Source: BBC Sports Online (15.5.2006)

[Jose Mourinho]

Chelsea unveiled Michael Ballack on Monday as the Germany captain became their first signing of the summer.
The 29-year-old midfielder has joined on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Bayern Munich.

Ballack, who helped the German club to three league titles during his four years at the club, has signed a three-year deal with the Blues.

The club have also been linked with AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko in trying to bolster their attack.

Ballack rejected the offer of a new deal to stay with Bayern and was jeered by fans in his final appearance for the club against Borussia Dortmund.

His arrival will increase the competition in central midfield at Chelsea where Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele and Michael Essien have been regulars this season.

Lampard has reiterated his desire to stay at Chelsea despite apparent interest from Barcelona and, with Makelele employed in a holding role by manager Jose Mourinho, Essien may be most under threat.

Ballack began his career with Chemnitz and has had spells at Kaiserslautern and Bayer Leverkusen before moving a Bayern munich.

He was been crowned German footballer of the year in 2002, 2003 and 2005.

Source: BBC Sports Online (15.5.2006)

I thought Michael Essien has played reasonably well for Chelsea this season. He was the man Jose Mourinho insisted he wanted in order to make the team complete and Michael Essien has been touted as one of the best midfielders in the world. Anybody would like to venture any comments? I am a bit lost here. Unless Chelsea want to have all the great midfielders in football and leave all other teams short of them.

[Teeque]

Essien is a powerful and hard running midfielder who plays frm box to box, just like Gerrard. In fact, because Mourinho couldnt lure Gerrard away frm Liverpool, Essien was his next best target. He was also a cover for Makalele when the latter was unavailable. At Lyon, because of his industriousness, he found himself in plenty of attacking situations and scored goals as well. Because of the many attacking options available at Chelsea, Essien was mostly played in the space just behind Lampard, an attacking midfielder, supporting the attacks frm the back and the wings. Ballack also plays the same role as Essien does so there is a legitimate cause of concern for him. But I understand he is also being groomed to take over Makalele's holding role when he retires soon and next season, he should be getting more playing time than Makalele does. And yes, Essien, Ballack and Lampard will be a formidable midfield next season. If Shevchenko does come, then that will be the final piece of Mourinho's attacking football puzzle. His concerns now would be to find able and expensive replacements for Del Horno and Carvalho to shore up his defense as the two are out of favor with the boss.

[Teeque]

This article (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/15052006/4/reds-gunning-chelsea-s-crown.html) gave an indication to Liverpool's and Benitez's possible summer additions. In order to compete for the Premiership crown next season, the Reds must sort out their striker problems. There was also talk of a possible signing of David Villa frm Valencia but the asking price was too high. With Morientes on his way out, Darren Bent could be a possibility now with his pace and aerial ability. He just needs the service frm midfield to perform, which he is getting little at Charlton. Even then, he IS the top 3 scorer in the league with 18 goals, just behind the prolific front two of Henry and Van Nilstelrooy. So, it is a wonder then that Sven couldnt find a place for him in the England team when Bent can hv a world class midfield to provide him with the service he needs and get the goals. Instead, he made a real baffling choice of including an untried and untested Theo Walcott into the England set up.

[Teeque]

No shocks as Sven confirms squad
Mon 15 May

Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed his 23-man England party to FIFA for the World Cup, with no changes from last week's provisional squad.It is a list of the same names Eriksson unveiled last week, with the first 11 numbers going to what is recognised as his first-choice team.

This includes Wayne Rooney, who will wear the number nine shirt even though he is currently out with a broken foot and battling to be fit for the tournament.

Eriksson can still replace injured players up to 24 hours before England's first Group B game against Paraguay, in Frankfurt, on June 10.

Surprise selection Theo Walcott has been handed the number 23 shirt.

Walcott, who is only 17 and yet to play a Premiership game, joined his new international team-mates for the first time on Monday.

Eriksson and his players met to fly from Luton Airport to Portugal where they will spend five days at a training camp.

There were five players missing from the party.

Arsenal duo Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole have stayed with the Gunners because of the Champions League final against Barcelona on Wednesday.

Walcott has been left out of the Arsenal squad by boss Arsene Wenger, who reached an agreement with Eriksson.

Wenger decided the teenager was unlikely to play in the Stade de France because strikers Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Jose Reyes and Robin van Persie were all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Steven Gerrard was also given permission to miss the training camp in the Algarve.

Gerrard suffered bad cramp in Saturday's FA Cup final after a long hard season which started last July for Liverpool in the Champions League first qualifying round.

The midfielder has been given the week off to rest and spend some time with his new daughter.

Skipper David Beckham will join his England team-mates on Wednesday after Real Madrid's final game of the season.

Rooney has stayed in England for intensive treatment on his foot injury with the Manchester United team doctors.

Eriksson does not expect the United striker to join the squad until he is ready to train with a football.

England's World Cup squad and the five stand-by players will train together for the first time on Tuesday.

England squad with numbers:

1 Paul Robinson

2 Gary Neville

3 Ashley Cole

4 Steven Gerrard

5 Rio Ferdinand

6 John Terry

7 David Beckham (captain)

8 Frank Lampard

9 Wayne Rooney

10 Michael Owen

11 Joe Cole

12 Sol Campbell

13 David James

14 Wayne Bridge

15 Jamie Carragher

16 Owen Hargreaves

17 Jermaine Jenas

18 Michael Carrick

19 Aaron Lennon

20 Stewart Downing

21 Peter Crouch

22 Robert Green

23 Theo Walcott

Standby: Scott Carson, Luke Young, Nigel Reo-Coker, Jermain Defoe, Andrew Johnson

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/060515/1/jlpn.html

[Teeque]

Squad:

G: Dida, Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo);

D: Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Cicinho (both Real Madrid), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Juan (Bayer Leverkusen), Cris (Lyon), Luisao (Benfica);

M: Emerson (Juventus), Ze Roberto (Bayern Munich), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal), Juninho Pernambucano (Lyon), Kaka, Ronaldinho, Edmilson (both Barcelona), Ricardinho (Corinthians);

F: Ronaldo, Robinho (both Real Madrid), Adriano (Inter Milan), Fred (Lyon).

[Teeque]

The Spain squad for the 2006 World Cup is:

G: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Santiago Canizares (Valencia), Jose Reina (Liverpool);

D: Michel Salgado, Sergio Ramos (both Real Madrid), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Juanito (Real Betis), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Asier del Horno (Chelsea);

M: David Albelda (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Joaquin (Real Betis), Luis Garcia (Liverpool);

F: Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Raul (Real Madrid), David Villa (Valencia).

[Teeque]

Italy's World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio), Marco Amelia (Livorno)

Defenders: Massimo Oddo (Lazio), Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus), Fabio Grosso (Palermo)

Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Simone Barone (Palermo), Francesco Totti (Roma)

Forwards: Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan), Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese)

*****************

Watch out for Luca Toni and Vincenzo Iaquinta. One of these two may shine at the WC.

[Teeque]

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has sprung a Theo Walcott-style selection surprise by naming uncapped Borussia Dortmund striker David Odonkor in his squad for this summer's World Cup.

The 22-year-old has been called up to the hosts' set-up for the very first time, although Klinsmann revealed he had been part of his plans for a while now.

"I guess it will come as a surprise that David Odonkor is in the squad, but he has been part of our thoughts for a long time," explained Klinsmann.

"We have left him out up to now intentionally as we thought it may be too much for him at a young age to have all the pressure."

The Germany squad for the 2006 World Cup:

G: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal), Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich), Timo Hildebrand (Stuttgart);

D: Robert Huth (Chelsea), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Marcell Jansen (Borussia Monchengladbach), Per Mertesacker (Hannover), Christoph Metzelder (Borussia Dortmund), Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich);

M: Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Thorsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen), Thomas Hitzlsperger (Stuttgart), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen), Sebastian Kehl (Borussia Dortmund);

F: Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Gerald Asamoah (Schalke), Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen), Mike Hanke (Wolfsburg), Oliver Neuville (Borussia Monchengladbach), David Odonkor (Borussia Dortmund).

[Teeque]

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the top-scorer in Holland's Eredivisie this season, has been left out of the Dutch squad for the World Cup.The free-scoring forward, who has netted more than 50 goals in all competitions for Heerenveen and Ajax this season, did not make Marco van Basten's 23-man squad for the summer tournament in Germany.

Recent comments from van Basten had suggested that Huntelaar might get the nod despite being an international novice - but in the end the coach decided against it.

The move can be seen as a vote of confidence for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is now out of favour with Manchester United.

Van Basten's squad is notable also for the inclusion of Barcelona midfielder Mark van Bommel despite a mediocre club season, although the omission of Edgar Davids was more expected.

The inclusion of Ajax defender John Heitinga is also something of a surprise as is the decision to pick Jan Kromkamp, who has also not been in the best of form.

It was expected that Roy Makaay of Bayern Munich would not feature.

Holland squad:

G: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Henk Timmer (AZ Alkmaar);

D: Khalid Boulahrouz(Hamburg), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Johnny Heitinga (Ajax), Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Jan Kromkamp (Liverpool), Joris Mathijsen (AZ Alkmaar), Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven);

M: Mark van Bommel (Barcelona), Phillip Cocu (PSV Eindhoven), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar), Hedwiges Maduro, Wesley Sneijder (both Ajax), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg);

F: Ryan Babel(Ajax), Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Chelsea), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (PSV Eindhoven).

******************

No Roy Makaay? Stunning...

[Teeque]

Portugal squad for 2006 World Cup:

G: Bruno Vale (Estrela Amadora), Quim (Benfica), Ricardo (Sporting Lisbon);

D: Fernando Meira (Stuttgart), Miguel (Valencia), Marco Caneira (Sporting Lisbon), Nuno Valente (Everton), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Ricardo Costa (Porto);

M: Deco (Barcelona), Petit (Benfica), Costinha (Dinamo Moscow), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Hugo Viana (Valencia), Maniche (Chelsea), Tiago (Lyon), Simao Sabrosa (Benfica);

F: Helder Postiga (St Etienne), Luis Boa Morte (Fulham), Luis Figo (Internazionale), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Pedro Pauleta (Paris St Germain).

[Teeque]

No World Cup Place For Anelka

Nicolas Anelka has missed the World Cup cut for a third time as France coach Raymond Domenech named his 23-man squad for this summer's tournament in Germany.

In a list notable for the inclusion of uncapped pair Pascal Chimbonda of Wigan and Marseille's Franck Ribery, Domenech once more omitted Anelka.

Louis Saha, Ribery, Djibril Cisse and Sylvain Wiltord instead will give Domenech attacking options to consider with Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet expected to start.

Anelka, a key part of Arsenal's double-winning season in 1997-98, was one of the unlucky men when Aime Jacquet trimmed his 28-man squad to 22 for the successful 1998 World Cup campaign.

In 2002 he was surprisingly overlooked by Roger Lemerre, who instead called up Cisse. Now Anelka has an unwanted World Cup hat-trick.

Domenech also confirmed that Fabien Barthez and not Gregory Coupet will be the starting goalkeeper. Domenech admitted that he had agonised over his choice.

He told a press conference at the national training base at Clairefontaine: "It was a hard task to come up with that list, It did not happen with a magic wand.

"It involved a lot of sleepless nights and since I have been appointed it has been my number one concern.

"This list might not please anyone but I made it because of a few elements - firstly talent, second their experience in big competitions like the World Cup, thirdly their fitness and fourth their ability to get on together and finally their personality."

Domenech made it clear that he had prioritised players with a team spirit: "They have to renounce personal pride and put themselves at the team's disposal.

"I am convinced those 23 men can lead the French team to the final.

"It's now confirmed that Barthez will be number one, Coupet number two and (Mickael) Landreau (three)."

Manchester United duo Mikael Silvestre and Louis Saha, Chelsea's William Gallas and Claude Makelele are joined by Jean-Alain Boumsong (Newcastle), Thierry Henry (Arsenal) and Djbril Cisse (Liverpool).

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Fabien Barthez, Gregory Coupet, Mickael Landreau.

Defenders: Eric Abidal, Jean-Alain Boumsong, Pascal Chimbonda, William Gallas, Gael Givet, Willy Sagnol, Mikael Silvestre, Lilian Thuram.

Midfielders: Vikash Dhorasoo, Alou Diarra, Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda, Patrick Vieira, Zinedine Zidane.

Forwards: Djibril Cisse, Thierry Henry, Franck Ribery, Louis Saha, David Trezeguet, Sylvain Wiltord.

***********************

'Butterfingers' Barthez first choice?? hmmm...with Silvestre and Boumsong in defense? They'll be out of the WC in a flash again. *shaking my head at the poor French*

[Teeque]

Jerzy Dudek was the surprise omission from Poland's World Cup squad when national team coach Pawel Janas unveiled his 23-man list.Wolves striker Tomasz Frankowski was similarly unlucky but it is Dudek, who just a year ago helped Liverpool win the Champions League final, who will be the most notable absentee.

He has lost his place in his club side since the arrival of Jose Reina at Anfield.

Poland have been drawn with Ecuador, hosts Germany and Costa Rica in the World Cup.

Poland squad for World Cup:

G: Artur Boruc (Celtic), Lukasz Fabianski (Legia Warsaw), Tomasz Kuszczak (West Brom);

D: Marcin Baszczynski (Wisla Krakow), Jacek Bak (Al-Rayyan), Dariusz Dudka (Wisla Krakow), Mariusz Jop, Seweryn Gancarczyk (Metalist Kharkiv), Mariusz Lewandowski (Shakhtar Donetsk), Michal Zewlakow (Anderlecht);

M: Piotr Giza (Krakow), Damian Gorawski, Kamil Kosowski (Southampton), Jacek Krzynowek (Bayer Leverkusen), Sebastian Mila (Austria Vienna), Arkadiusz Radomski (Austria Vienna), Radoslaw Sobolewski (Wisla Krakow);

F: Ebi Smolarek (Borussia Dortmund), Miroslaw Szymkowiak (Trabzonspor), Pawel Brozek (Wisla Krakow), Ireneusz Jelen (Wisla Plock), Grzegorz Rasiak (Southampton), Maciej Zurawski (Celtic)

**********************

Sympathies to Dudek...

[Teeque]

Former captain Javier Zanetti was left out of Argentina's World Cup squad on Monday while Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze, who has been out all season with a knee injury, was included.

Coach Jose Pekerman also selected Valencia playmaker Pablo Aimar, who recently suffered an ankle sprain followed by a bout of viral meningitis, and forward Javier Saviola, who has re-discovered his best form with Sevilla this season after two years of uncertainty.

Teenager Oscar Ustari, 19, was included as the third-choice goalkeeper but there was no place for his club mate, 17-year-old forward Sergio Aguero, regarded as one of Argentina's most exciting prospects.

Argentina, who fell at the first hurdle four years ago, face Ivory Coast, Netherlands and Serbia & Montenegro in their first round group.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Roberto Abbondanzieri (Boca Juniors), Leonardo Franco (Atletico Madrid), Oscar Ustari (Independiente)

Defenders: Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo Coruna), Roberto Ayala (Valencia), Gabriel Heinze (Manchester United), Juan Pablo Sorin (Villarreal), Gabriel Milito (Real Zaragoza), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Leandro Cufre (AS Roma)

Midfielders: Lionel Scaloni (West Ham United), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan), Javier Mascherano (Corinthians), Luis Gonzalez (Porto), Pablo Aimar (Valencia), Juan Roman Riquelme (Villarreal), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid)

Forwards: Carlos Tevez (Corinthians), Hernan Crespo (Chelsea), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Rodrigo Palacio (Boca Juniors), Javier Saviola (Sevilla), Julio Cruz (Inter Milan)

******************

Players to watch out for: Tevez and Messi...likely Young players of the year for the World Cup. This squad is an all round team with good players in every dept. Could turn out to be winners in the tournament.

[Jose Mourinho]

By signing Michael Ballack, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has acquired one of the finest goalscoring midfielders in world football.

The only problem is he already possesses such a player in Frank Lampard and the England international must have been more than a little concerned when he first heard of Ballack's impending arrival at Stamford Bridge.

But Mourinho offered emphatic reassurance to Lampard when Ballack was unveiled at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

"My intention is to play both together and try to extract the best they can give to the team," Mourinho said in answer to one of three questions he had pre-prepared for himself at the news conference.

Unfortunately, he did not talk about exactly how the duo can fit into the same team or allow any questions from the floor.

So it is left to the rest of us to try to work out how Chelsea will line up next season.

Mourinho has played 4-3-3 for most of his two seasons at the club, with two wingers supporting lone striker Didier Drogba, and Claude Makelele anchoring Frank Lampard and Michael Essien (Eidur Gudjohnsen in 2004/5) in midfield.

But there were signs he was unhappy with his wingers - Damien Duff, Arjen Robben, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips - toward the end of last season and he did not start with any of them in the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Liverpool.

"This kind of player is very individual in their game," he explained.

"If they're good they can win matches for you. If they're not good they lose possession of the ball and the team loses balance and compactness."

Instead, he started experimenting with the diamond system that had served him so well when he was at Porto.

It did not work in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool, but things would surely be very different with Ballack introduced into Chelsea's midfield and the predatory Andriy Shevchenko partnering Drogba in attack, if the Ukrainian can be prised away from AC Milan.

Ballack has the talent and versatility to play anywhere in midfield in such a formation.

His agent, Michael Becker, told BBC Sport: "Michael has played in all the midfield positions for Bayern.

"He is one of the world's best attacking midfielders, but is also genuinely two-footed and can play on the right or left. He can also anchor if he needs to."

Ballack said he would be happy to play anywhere he was asked to.

"I am quite flexible - I can play at the back, the front of midfield, and that flexibility is in the side as well," he said.

But the player, who has scored 14 goals for Bayern this season - and not one of them a penalty - added tellingly: "Jose knows my strengths and the goals I score from midfield positions."

Makelele, who was again outstanding last season, is likely to continue to anchor the midfield, with Lampard at the tip of the diamond.

That could leave Ballack tucked in on the left, with Essien on the right.

Others, including BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin, have suggested Mourinho could copy the 4-2-2-2 formation often used by the Brazilian national team, with Makele and Essien in front of the back four and Lampard and Ballack behind the strikers.

Some fans have been disappointed with Essien's input following his £26m move from Lyon last season, but Mourinho remains a big fan of the Ghanaian's athleticism and physicality.

The club is likely to be fighting on several fronts for much of next season and Mourinho will need to fully utilise his massive squad.

But this could be the formula he uses to bring the Champions League trophy to Chelsea for the first time.

And it may yet mean one, or more, of those wingers being sacrificed as part of the revolving door at Stamford Bridge.

Source: BBC Sports Online (16.5.2006)

[Jose Mourinho]

I just read this from the Daily Mail (UK) : Jose Mourinho's agent has held talks with Roberto Carlos with a view to sealing a move to Chelsea for the Brazilian defender. That would certainly shore up the defence.

[hmckl]

Essien is a powerful and hard running midfielder who plays frm box to box, just like Gerrard. .

i think Jose ideal Chelsea team is to have two genuine contenders for every position in the team ......... thus quite agree with essien as a cover for makelele ; of course a lot of chelski players that can be guranteed first team chance in other premier league teams are being forced to warm up the bench.
Just look at SWP ... from a probable england first team player to a no name
subsitute now :(
That is why I do not Chelski :mad:
Rumour is The Ukraine is joining them also (up to 80% now)

[hmckl]

[QUOTE=Teeque]This article (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/15052006/4/reds-gunning-chelsea-s-crown.html) gave an indication to Liverpool's and Benitez's possible summer additions. QUOTE]

Though it sounds plausible, can you see the beanpole playing along a pacy Bent? I would think if Benitez persists with his favourite 'Crouch', he would look for a striker that can take the second ball from a holding Crouch.
And the 'news' is that he will keep Cisse next season; making Bent a surplus.
:)

[chsum]

If Benitez can play his cards right, he might be able to pry SWP from Chelski, as all of us know right wing is the archilles heels of Liverpool and we can't rely on Harry too much on the left(a good team will close him down with man mark). :(

Pacy Bent will be a wellcome addition, with Couch at holding position, SWP & Harry at left & right and Stevie wonder, Alonso, Garcia, Riise or Sissoko waiting at the back of Couch ready to fire in the goals (did u notice how many goals Liv got from knock down by Crouch?), a pacy bent, crafty Robbie or cisse running all over the place will give nightmare to any defence. :D

[Teeque]

I just read this from the Daily Mail (UK) : Jose Mourinho's agent has held talks with Roberto Carlos with a view to sealing a move to Chelsea for the Brazilian defender. That would certainly shore up the defence.

Hehe...grandfather Carlos?? In Spanish league, he is considered a grandfather at his age. He wont last the fast pace of EPL.

[Teeque]

If Bent comes in, he will be replacement for Morientes as he is likely to be the first to go. Whether Cisse is going or not does not matter much to Benitez as he is still playing the support role and not main striker. Bent, in addition to his pace, also offers aerial ability which is a quality that Benitez rates highly. Crouch is only used as a targetman to knock down balls for others to score. So if a quality main striker is found, then that player will replace Crouch and link up with Bent as his striking partner. Chilean striker Mark Gonzalez will join up with the Reds next season and I hear Benitez is also targetting another South American young striker. Nothing concrete yet so will hv to wait on this news.

[Teeque]

http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/i/clubhouse/badges/83.gif Barca v Gunners http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/i/clubhouse/badges/359.gif

The French Connection

I was to give a review on The Pain in Spain 3 weeks ago but the Gunners miraculously had a pair of safe hands to deny a Villareal penalty and saved themselves the agony of missing out on this much sought after Holy Grail of European football honors, the European Champions League Final. As things stand now, this was a final most had hoped for between two entertaining and attacking football clubs, to be held this time in Paris. And the feeling is that the French players (and manager) of the Gunners may think they hv a slight 'homeground' advantage over their Spanish rivals in this tie. Wenger, Henry, Pires, Toure, Eboue are the French connections who will be familiar with playing at the Stade de France.

The Gunners have a full squad to choose frm except for long term injury absentees Lauren and Cygan. Senderos has returned to training frm injury but will feature as a substitute. Campbell and Toure remained as current stoppers but this top notch defense pairing were still breached by Villareal in the semis only to be thwarted by an in-form Lehmann. Despite the best defensive record in this CL, this pair will certainly hv to raise their game to keep the marauding Barca attackers at bay and it wont be easy. As usual, all eyes will be on their key player and star striker, Henry, who has been heavily rumoured to hv agreed a deal with Barca to join them next season so questions of allegiance may arise. But the key man for the Gunners, I think, would be Fabregas, interestingly a former Barca man. If he is on form and plays to his true ability, he can dominate the midfield battle with Gilberto on any day.

Barca need no introductions as they hv the World's Best Player Ronaldinho 'The Magician' and his running mate Eto'o 'The Black Panther' in attack, supported ably in midfield by Deco, Xavi and Giuly, with a reliable defense in Puyol and Edmilson. Keeper Valdes is normally a safe hand but can lose concentration at times. But Barca is built on the flowing attacking football around Ronaldinho, Deco, and Eto'o and, when allowed to play, they can destroy any team in Europe. The key piece of Barca's puzzle is the availability of Lionel Messi, the 'future Maradona', who may prove to be an inspired substitution to unlock the Gunners defense with his playmaking creativity. Undoubtedly, when they met, Chelsea was troubled by this young prodigy and he was the one who threw the spanner in the works for Chelsea's defeat.

Both these teams play creative attacking and flowing football and the team who has the strongest resistance in defense tonite will win the outcome of this match, imo. In this regard, the Gunners hv a slight edge over their rivals but only slightly. It is then up to the creative players on both sides to turn on their flair and show who are the best in attacking football. In any case, expect a cracking finale to the European season frm both teams tonite.

[Teeque]

Welcome boost as Owen comes through England training

Michael Owen pulled on an England shirt for the first time in seven months to give Sven-Goran Eriksson a World Cup boost.

The Newcastle United striker came through a full training session with his international team-mates with no apparent ill effects at their training camp in Portugal.

Owen has been sidelined since breaking a metatarsal in a collision with Tottenham and England keeper Paul Robinson at White Hart Lane on New Year's Eve.

His last involvement with England was when scoring twice in the thrilling 3-2 win over Argentina in Geneva in early November.

Owen has been restricted to just 29 minutes' action as a substitute against Birmingham at St Andrews last month since suffering the setback.

But he is pencilled in to play in the B international with Belarus at Reading on May 25 ahead of the warm-up internationals with Hungary and Jamaica at Old Trafford.

Five of Eriksson's 23-man squad - confirmed yesterday - were not present with strike partner Wayne Rooney continuing to receive treatment Manchester United for his broken metatarsal.

Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell will be in Champions League final action for Arsenal against Barcelona tomorrow, Steven Gerrard has been given a week's break after his exertions for Liverpool while captain David Beckham finishes his commitments with Real Madrid tonight.

Jamie Carragher, Nigel Reo-Coker, Peter Crouch and Owen Hargreaves were rested after their weekend exertions with Liverpool, West Ham and Bayern Munich respectively.

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas and Charlton defender Luke Young - one of five players on stand-by - only participated in some light work after recent shin and ankle injuries respectively.

But there was a first training session with England for surprise selection 17-year-old Theo Walcott, who was not required by Arsene Wenger for the battle in Paris.

From Soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=368195&cc=4716)

[Teeque]

Drogba wants quick exit to Italy

From The Guardian (http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1776417,00.html?gusrc=rss)


Didier Drogba is determined to leave Chelsea this summer. The striker is disillusioned with life at the Premiership champions and is unlikely to change his mind. The club could demand that he honour his contract but is more likely to decide that the services of a disaffected player are not worth keeping. Assuming Drogba departs, major reconstruction of the forward line will be needed.

It is already thought that Hernán Crespo will go back to Milan, where he was on loan two seasons ago; and, with Drogba also preferring a move to that same destination or another Serie A club, Jose Mourinho may be in the market for a pair of new attackers. His interest in Milan's Andriy Shevchenko is well known and he could also have to pursue the Corinthians forward Carlos Tevez, whom he flew to watch in Brazil this month, or Samuel Eto'o of Barcelona.

Drogba is no longer prepared to tolerate the role he is given in Mourinho's highly pragmatic system. He no longer enjoys being used as a battering ram or being expected to track back and harry.

[Teeque]

Geez...this CL is another edge of the seat thriller again.
Lehmann is red-carded, and a 10 man Gunners scores a goal in the first half...second half to go. But I cannot see how Barca will lose this one now with a man extra. The Gunners almost cracked in the last 10 min of the first half. Surely they will crack in the next 45...

[Teeque]

The Gunners finally cracked! Barca 1-1 Arsenal

[Teeque]

Gunners dunked again! 2-1 to Barca!

[Teeque]

Barca are European Champions!

Sorri for Arsenal dudes...Lehmann frm hero to zero.

[expat1609]

Barca are European Champions!

Sorri for Arsenal dudes...Lehmann frm hero to zero.

lehmann is a zero :D

but in germany he's the no. 1 , so germany will be out after first round and then the championships can begin !!! :p :p :p :cool:

[Teeque]

haha...but German's defenses are strong so dont bet on it. But its a good idea... :D.

Hey, the Swiss aint too bad. How do u see them?

[Jose Mourinho]

For those who support England. On Astro Supersport Ch 83:

10 June Saturday
England v Paraguay 2100 hrs.

16 June Friday
England v Trinidad & Tobago 0000 hrs.

21 June Wednesday
Sweden v England 0300 hrs.

[expat1609]

haha...but German's defenses are strong so dont bet on it. But its a good idea... :D.

Hey, the Swiss aint too bad. How do u see them?

they are the big surprise those last few years allready, uefa cup / champs league included, remember FC Basel :eek:
...and they are neutral, nobody "hates" them like the germans :D :p

btw. "hate" must be interpreted in the sporty way, as rivals do, nothing serious at all ;) (as neighbours do malaysia-indonesia, malaysia-singapore, austria-germany.....)

[expat1609]

For those who support England. On Astro Supersport Ch 83:

10 June Saturday
England v Paraguay 2100 hrs.

16 June Friday
England v Trinidad & Tobago 0000 hrs.

21 June Wednesday
Sweden v England 0300 hrs.

u got the full program on astro? where to download ?? hope there are some games repeated at normal hours as well ?

[Jose Mourinho]

u got the full program on astro? where to download ?? hope there are some games repeated at normal hours as well ?

All the matches are listed in the new Astroguide which you should have (or about to receive). Mine came last night with a picture of Frank Lampard on the cover.

[JayChou]

yesterday i saw CELCOM adverstisement featuring Owen, Gerrard, Giggs and Rooney..

wow, they must have spend alot of money on it!!!

[expat1609]

All the matches are listed in the new Astroguide which you should have (or about to receive). Mine came last night with a picture of Frank Lampard on the cover.

ohoh. astro guide, allready forgot what is that :D comes very unregular, max. every 3 months (thats why they minus the 3.80 from the bill without checking :p )

[Jose Mourinho]

Your alternative is to log onto http://www.astro.com.my but I am afraid they only list down the programmes on a weekly basis. PM me which matches you are interested in and I can get them to you.

[hmckl]

'condolence' to all Arsenal fans ...... but as a neutral, I cannot say Barcelona
is not the deserving champion. After all the heroics of a certain German No 1 recently, he tried to be too 'heroic' again last night and turned to villain ........ and got sent off! It was a struggle after that
But Henry was right, 'Jar jar bink' and etoo were relatively quite last night :)

[Jose Mourinho]

Okay. All over. Now onto the World Cup beginning on 10 June with first game at midnight when Germany plays Costa Rica. Teeque - do you have the full chart of the teams and perhaps all of us who are interested can predict who would move on to the 2nd round and so on?

[expat1609]

Okay. All over. Now onto the World Cup beginning on 10 June with first game at midnight when Germany plays Costa Rica. Teeque - do you have the full chart of the teams and perhaps all of us who are interested can predict who would move on to the 2nd round and so on?

just googled a bit and found yahoo :D

try this page, looks pretty good to me, hopefully maintained and updated well during the tournament then:

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/schedule.html

the pdf-scedule there looks o.k. too, download the 2-page version, the 1-page looks a bit crowded and messy.

btw.: since austria did not qualify for ages to any euro or world-cup i do not support any team. just like the no-names/small countries fooling the big ones.
....and: euro 2008 will be in austria and switzerland - so austria is "qualified" allready :p :D ;) :cool:

[Teeque]

yesterday i saw CELCOM adverstisement featuring Owen, Gerrard, Giggs and Rooney..

wow, they must have spend alot of money on it!!!

Frm what I heard, its Graphic Effects, not real person shots. Probably paid a small royalty fee for using TV shots.

And its Owen, Gerrard, Giggs AND Pires, not Rooney...hehe. Their shirts' numbers are also corresponds to their club jersey numbers eg. 10, 8, 7, 6.

[Teeque]

Yes, I do hv a Scheduler but in Excel format, which I cant upload here. For those who wants it will hv to PM me your email and I'll send it to you.

[Jose Mourinho]

btw.: since austria did not qualify for ages to any euro or world-cup i do not support any team. just like the no-names/small countries fooling the big ones.....and: euro 2008 will be in austria and switzerland - so austria is "qualified" allready :p :D ;) :cool:

Yes. Austria has a very good team and still has. Austria has qualified for seven World Cups, most recently in 1998.

The country has not yet qualified for a European Championship; it will play in the tournament for the first time in 2008 when it co-hosts the event with Switzerland.

[Teeque]

Austria's World Cup aspirations may hv just been given a boost with this piece of great news. (http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/060520/1/jpjl.html) Not surprisingly, Red Bull has been involved in other fronts to propel its name and the sport involved to greater and world heights eg. F1, powerboat racing etc. Lets see if they can produce a squad to challenge the top teams in the Euro2008 then.