Saturday, November 28, 2009
Olson Lit Up: O's Lose 6-3
For the Orioles, the first inning last night was nothing short of ugly. Garrett Olson, who has looked nothing but a pitcher that belongs in the major leagues got roughed up badly by the Red Sox offense, especially at the hands of Jason Varitek who hit a three run homer that mad! e the difference.
Baltimore lost 6-3 last night, and are now back at .500 with a record of 32-32. The good news is that Luke Scott homered, his 10th of the season; however, it looks like rotund Bartolo Colon is back as he stifled the Orioles for six innings. It looked like Baltimore might surge and start yet another comeback in the ninth inning, but Terry Francona brought in Jonathan Papelbon, and the game ended just as suddenly.
Phillies Make The Rays Uncomfortable, Take 2-1 Lead in World Series
It looks like no one in America is really watching this World Series; however, if you're missing it – you're missing some interesting baseball. The Phillies are now up 2-1 in the 2008 World Series as they beat the Rays, 5-4, thanks to a weak infield single – a dribbler along third bases – with the bases loaded by Carlos Ruiz that plated Eric Bruntlett.The frame started as J.P. Howell hit Bruntlett, and then he was relieved of by Grant Balfour. Only a minute l! ater, Balfour would throw a wild pitch and Bruntlett advanced to second. After two intentional walks to both Shane Victorino and Greg Dobbs, the game would end a few minutes later.
With the score tied at four, Evan Longoria tried in vain to scoop the ball and throw it home; but the ball sailed over Dioner Navarro's head and Bruntlett tapped home plate.
The matchup on Saturday featured the sometimes overly emotional 24-year old Matt Garza versus Jamie Moyer, who should at 45 years old be considered a living legend. The matchup did not look good on paper – in fact, I thought the Rays would take advantage of Moyer – however, the elder fellow showed why he was 16-7 and still effective in the big leagues.
If you counter Moyer with Matt Garza, who looked fidgety and never comfortable on the mound on Saturday – it's even more remarkable what he did. He went 6 1/3 innings and gave up five runs on three hits; meanwhile, Garza went six innings and gav! e up four runs – three of them solo home runs to Carlos Ruiz (! second i nning), Chase Utley (sixth), Ryan Howard (sixth) – but, J.P. Howell took the loss as he and the Rays just fell apart in the ninth inning.
Philadelphia took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning as Chase Utley plated Jimmy Rollins with a groundout; thereafter, in the next frame, Carl Crawford -- who'd gotten on base via a double, and then stole third – scored off a Gabe Gross sacrifice fly to tie things at one.
The Phillies took a 4-1 lead into the seventh inning, but the train came off the tracks thanks to bizzare a play – a missed call – that open things ups for Tampa. Carl Crawford reached a on a bunt single; however, it looked like he was out as Jamie Moyer mad an acrobatic throw from the dirt and it seemed the Ryan Howard caught the ball – with his bare hand! – before Crawford hit the bag, but umpire Tom Hallion called him safe.
The next batter, Dioner Navarro doubled; thereafter, Gross would plate Crawford with a groundout and the! n Navarro would be plated by Jason Bartlett.
Tampa tied the game at four in the eighth inning thanks to some aggressive base running by B.J. Upton. The Tampa center fielder reached on a infield single, and then promptly stole second and third. Upon stealing third, the ball thrown by the Phillies' Ruiz hit Upton in the back, and careened away from third base allowing him to score.
Last night's game showed why Tampa may lose – as it is not for a lack of talent – but because of their inexperience. Like I said prior, Garza looked uncomfortable and at times the team looked real shaky in the field.
Philadelphia has not been good, but lucky and if Tampa keeps giving them opportunities like they had in game three, they will win the World Series.
One more thing, boy did the Philadelphia fans go out of their way to make the Rays uncomfortable – from the silly song that they had the Tampa team run out in the pre-game celebrations to the fans! calling Evan Longoria "Eva" – last night America got to see w! hy they are the most infamous, crude, but passionate fans anywhere.
Teixeira To Make A Decision Supposedly Today...
Could the plot be thickening, or is this bizarre drama almost over? There's a special tip of the hat to Ian from Sox and Dawgs for this, as Mark Teixeira is supposedly going to make a decision today. I guess this is going to be a big event since the slugger and Scott Boras HAD TO TELL the world of this.A major league baseball source has told The Washington Times' Thom Loverro that there will be an announcement today rega! rding the future of free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira.Whether this is the end of the saga remains to be seen; however, I love again how the source is once again "unnamed" -- I mean how many "unnamed" sources have there been so far in the saga.
While the source declined to discuss specifics, there are strong indications that the Red Sox will announce that they have landed the highly-coveted slugger, who has been courted this off-season by several major league clubs, including the Angels, Orioles and Nationals.
Either way, wherever he comes to Baltimore, or goes to Washington, or New York, Boston or stays in sunny California, I'm indifferent to the slugger now. He's made himself to be someone who cares only for the bottom line and I will think of him as nothing more than your typical, greedy, self-centered athlete.
There's been so little news leaked on this whole thing aside from speculation from the media that I can expe! ct anything to happen assuming a decision is made today.
Your Super Bowl Champions: The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Cardinals came back from an 11-point deficit to take the lead in the 4th quarter; however, Roethlisberger engineered yet another drive to win the game for Steeler nation.
Arizona fought valiantly after being down at halftime as Warner was excellent, and Larry Fitzgerald suddenly became a factor; alas, the playmaking of Roethlisberger was too much for them to overcome. Both teams fought -- and I mean hard -- on Sunday evening, and I'm sure this game is destined to be a classic.The championship for Pittsburgh is their sixth in NFL history -- a record.
And y! es, did Bruce Springsteen put on a show, or what?>>> Read More
Manny Ramirez is Either Greedy, Stupid or Delusional...
Ok, Manny Ramirez is crazy. At this point, the Dodgers should just drop him and move on. Do they need him -- yes -- however, do they want to deal with his demands and petulant nature? No.
I hope he enjoys forced retirement because there's no way in hell a team is going to give him what he wants.>>> Read More
Rich Hill Comes Back; Jones Speaks...
We need all the pitching help we can get, and if Hill can be good in Kansas City as he's been in the minors, the Orioles would have done well.
Most fans know we are in a rebuilding process, and one member of the team gave his thoughts -- Adam Jones. The center fielder spoke to ESPN's Buster Olney not only on the rebuilding, but also his injury, and the state of the team.
Orioles Take Two of Three From Rangers
The Orioles bats came through on Sunday, and Jeremy Guthrie delivered on the mound throwing seven shutout innings to defeat the Rangers, 7-0. With the 'B' team on the field in yesterday's game, Chad Moeller came through with a 2-for-4 say with two RBIs, and Ty Wigginton had three hits. Recent callup Jeff Fiorentino had two RBIs as well as Brian Roberts.
Guthrie earned his 10th win on the year and struck out six while allowing six hits. Matt Albers and Kam Mickolio helped complete the combined shutout. The Baltimore Orioles are 56-81 and avoided clinching their 12th losing season -- at least for a day.
The Orioles head up to Boston, and then onto New York for the weekend for a tough five game stretch.
Click Here for the Picture Set: Link
Tampa Makes Another Minor Deal
According to the ticker on TSN, the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired rights to Olaf Kolzig, Jamie Heward and a 4th rounder from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Richard Petiot.
TSN is analyzing that this is basically a way for Tampa to dump $500k in salary for the rest of the year and in ! return they receive a 4th round pick. Since the NHL doesn't allow cash swapping anymore, this is essentially a way to trade cash for a pick.
NHL Western Conference Playoff Predictions
San Jose (1) vs Anaheim (8)
From the very beginning of the season San Jose have been my Stanley Cup pick and I think that their 1st round matchup against the Ducks may be their biggest hurdle. Both teams are built fairly similar with a big group of forwards, some really skilled scorers and good goalies. The Ducks made a lot of moves at the deadline that made them look like sellers, but here they are in the first round with a legit shot at pulling what many would call an upset. But, I think that the Sharks are too strong all around to not win this series. They have the better goalie in Nabokov and their offense is just as if not more potent than the Ducks. The one area were the Ducks probably have an advantage is on the blue line where they have Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer, but Dan Boyle & Rob Blake aren't too shabby either. Prediction: Sharks in 6 (maybe 7).
Detroit (2) vs Columbus (7)
I don't think that Columbus will be favored by any of the experts and it's obvious why - it's their first ever playoff appearance and they have the luck of playing the defending Stanley Cup Champions in the first round. Don't forget that Blue Jackets were 2-3-1 vs. Detroit this season. Detroit are clearly superior offensively, but the Blue Jackets are one of the best defensive teams in the NHL. If rookie goaltender Steve Mason can continue to play the way he has all season for Columbus then the Blue Jackets have a clear advantage there over Detorit who haven't gotten consistent goaltending all season. In the end, I think that the team with Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Hossa & Lidstrom will prevail. Prediction: Detroit in 6
Vancouver (3) vs. St.Louis (6)
St.Louis battled hard to f! inish the season and many thought that they weren't even going! to make the playoffs, nevermind climb to 6th in the West. The teams split the season series two games a piece. However, the Canucks are one of the better teams in the West and I just can't see the Blues beating Vancouver - especially if Roberto Luongo is on his game. Neither team has much silverware on their roster, not one Canuck has a Stanley Cup ring, while only two players on the Blues roster do (Hinote, McDonald). Prediction: Canucks in 6
Chicago (4) vs. Calgary (5)
This is the one series in the West that in my opinion could easily go either way (depiste the fact that Chicago won all four games this season) and could be determined by who gets the better goaltending. Kiprusoff has started a ton of games, while Khabibulin has been really hot down the stretch. Calgray added some weapons at the deadline but I still fancy the Blackhawks in this one - they have the talent up front and be! tween the pipes to take the series. Despite the fact that this one could eaisly go either way, I think that this will be the quickest series in the West, either way. The one player in the series besides the goaltenders who could really steal the show is the Flames' Jarome Iginla. Prediction: Chicago in 5
Official: Leetch In Hockey Hall of Fame
According to the Rangers website, as expected:
It's official. Rangers great Brian Leetch is in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In a conference call on Tuesday afternoon, the Hall of Fame Selection Committee announced that Leetch would be part of the 2009 Hall induction class, along with Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille and Steve Yzerman, who were all inducted in the Players' category.
Also entering the Hall is New Jersey Devils President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello, who was added in the Builders' Category.
Leetch, who grew up in Cheshire, Conn., becomes the only Rangers draft pick other than Brad Park to earn hockey's highest honor. He is also the first U.S.-bor! n defenseman in the Hall and only the second with American citizenship, following Rod Langway.
Leetch, who took part in the selection announcement conference call on Tuesday afternoon, said he was "humbled" by the honor of entering the Hall.
Leetch, whose No. 2 was retired by the Rangers organization on Jan. 24, 2008, is now a member of both the Hockey Hall of Fame and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, which he entered last year. He is the 45th former Rangers player to be selected to the Hall, while Robitaille, who spent two years as Leetch's teammate in the mid-1990s, brings the total to 46.
The 2009 Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Nov. 9 at the Hall's home in Toronto.
Congrats to Leetch, one of my favorite players to watch while growing up and he definitely deserves to be in the Hall. Not many could carry the puck from end to end like Leetch, one of the best defensemen ever to lace up the skate! s.
Also Congratulations to Lamoriello, Hull, Yzerma! n & Robitaille who all had great NHL careers.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Update on Francis Bouillon Rumor
Update: 1:45pm ET
According to Jeff, who we already mentioned before, a new article, which once again is inconveniently in French, states that the teams still interested in Bouillon are the Rangers, Penguins and Chicago.
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According to this French speaking website it looks like once again there could be an erroneous report floating around.
It's strange that this rumor was circulated on Monday, then it went away until Wednesday afternoon. Both times the rumor was that a French Canadian radio station had confirmed that Bouillon was a NYR.
Jeff (a member of the PuckCentral Forums), noticed that the Google translation which I originally had posted below had an error. So Jeff has roughly translated the first paragraph as saying:
"Francis Bouillon is not only discussing his future with the New York Rangers. The former defenceman of the Canadiens, who's still whitout a contract one month away from the beginning of training camps, confessed he's been in contact with 5 or 6 teams."
The rest of the article translated via Google, says:
Bouillon is back on his return to the game too early in the second match of the series against the Boston Bruins.
"It was a rash decision, but it was mine," he said, outside the golf tournament Maxim Lapierre! .
Bouillon had not played for two months because of! injurie s to the abdomen and groin. DG Bob Gainey has called to ask him to take part in the warm, Bouillon then made the mistake of agreeing to return to the game
On April 18 against the Bruins, Bouillon has jumped on the ice four times, before aggravating his disease.
Since then, the Montreal Canadiens did not offer. Moreover, Bouillon is on the market with independent label player "injured". He describes his state of health must be scary to the Directors-General and this probably explains why this is so long.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Info Sepakbola | Heading Ball (Sundulan)
Heading adalah menanduk/menendang bola degan kepala atau dalam bahasa inggris disebut heading ball. Dalam permainan sepak bola, sundulan yang terarah sangat bermanfaat untuk mengawali serangan efektif, atau bahkan bisa menghasilkan gol. Latihan heading bisa dilakukan dengan banyak variasi, salah satunya adalah penguasaan bola dengan kepala. Tentu cara ini agak sulit, karena harus terus..... mempertahankan bola di udara. Namun, hal ini bukan mustahil untuk dilakukan. Jika sudah biasa dilakukan, latihan seperti ini akan menyempurnakan kemampuan heading. Contoh yang bisa dilakukan adalah kita membuata area latihan yang kira-kira cukup untuk bermain 2 tim, masing-masing tim terdiri dari 6 orang. Bola diawali dari lemparan pemain netral ke salah satu tim. Kemudian, tim itu harus berusaha menguasai dengan baik, jangan sampai terebut pemain lawan.
Hasil Pertandingan | Kualifikasi Pilala Dunia 2009/2 010 | Tim Dinamit Meledak Lagi
Absen di Piala Dunia 2006, Denmark akhirnya "meledak" lagi. 'Tim Dinamit' memastikan satu tiket di Piala Dunia 2010 usai menjuarai Grup 1 tanpa pernah kalah satu kali pun.
Padahal bisa dibilang lawan yang dihadapi oleh Denmark tak mudah. Tim arahan Morten Olsen ini tergabung bersama Portugal dan Swedia! yang notabene selalu menjadi kuda hitam dalam turnamen besar dalam beberapa tahun terakhir.
Namun yang terjadi, justru Portugal dan Swedia yang mereka buat megap-megap. Kedua tim tersebut bahkan harus menunggu sampai laga terakhir hanya untuk memperebutkan tiket ke play-off.
Portugal tak pernah menang melawan mereka. Dua kali bertemu, Cristiano Ronaldo cs. ditahan 1-1 dan ditaklukkan 3-2. Sementara Swedia pada pertemuan pertama lalu diimbangi 0-0.
Sementara Denmark sendiri justru sudah memastikan lolos hari ini, Minggu (11/10/2009) dinihari WIB, usai menyelesaikan pertandingan kesembilannya di Grup 1. Bertanding melawan Swedia di kandang sendiri, Stadion Parken, mereka menang dengan skor 1-0.
Gol tunggal Nicklas Bendtner cs. diciptakan oleh Jacob Poulsen pada menit 78. Tendangannya dari jarak sekitar 23 meter, usai memanfaatkan bola sodoran Bendtner, sukses mengoyak jala Andreas Isaksson.
Denmark pun lolos dengan catatan enam kemenangan da! n tiga h asil seri dari sembilan pertandingan. Mereka mengoleksi poin 21, unggul lima poin atas Portugal yang menjadi saingan terdekat.
Patut dinantikan aksi mereka di Afrika Selatan tahun depan.
Portiere di notte...
Ormai ho perso il conto delle volte che ho sbagliato il portiere da schierare; anche se, a ben pensarci, "sbagliato" non è proprio il termine più adatto. A meno che voi non siate capaci di prevedere che Coppola (fino a ieri ottimo rendimento casalingo) decida di ubriacarsi pochi minuti prima dell'inizio di Atalanta-Bologna; oppure che Carrizo prenda 4 gol in casa contro il Cagliari (quello di oggi, non quello di Riva...). Questi sono solo gli esempi delle ultime due giornate, ma ce ne sarebbero tanti altri. Certo, il massimo del ridicolo (almeno fino ad ora) l'ho raggiunto ieri. A parte la pessima prestazione del portiere nerazzurro, c'è stata anche la beffa: Muslera che para un rigore a Bellucci! Secondo me, se avessi potuto scommettere un euro su tale evento, adesso sarei milionario...
Comunque sia, come spesso accade in questi casi, il portiere "sbagliato" mi ha fatto perdere la partita. Fortunatamente giocavo contro la Tofa e, se proprio devo scegliere qualcuno a cui regalare punti, direi che Felix (vista l'ingiusta posizione in classifica) è quello più indicato. Per quanto mi riguarda, invece, continuerò a lottare per salvarmi, ma credo che siano necessarie due cose per riuscire nel mio intento:
1) che David Trezeguet torni a pieno regime;
2) che la sfiga distolga lo sguardo dai miei portieri...
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
fifa confederations cup 2009: brazil is the champions
brazil is the trully champions
Brazil again and again get the victory in FIFA confederations cup for the third time. in this year Brazil get the victory after beating USA in final match, 3-2 for brazil. goals were scored by Luis Fabiano (two goals) and Lucio, the captain. with that goals fabiano becomes top scorer in FIFA confederations cup 2009 with 6 goals all over the matches. Congratulations Brazil!
Tottenham End Interest
By Jaymes Payten-Marsh
For THBN
Middlesbrough's chief executive Keith Lamb read out a statement at a press conference today. He said: "Tottenham have told us they have no further interest in Stewart.
"We want to make it absolutely clear that Stewart is not for sale as he is a major part of Steve McClaren's plans as we look to build on our second successive UEFA Cup qualification."
Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, was going to make the bid of £6.3 million on Monday, but decided to make the offer earlier today as he saw that Downing was becoming increasingly unhappy with the lack of understanding between the club and himself over a new deal.
As things look now, Spurs head coach Martin Jol may have to look at other options if he is to fill the position on the left wing.
Figo's name has again been banded about as a possible signing, but as yet, no official talks have taken ! place between the club and his representatives.
So what do you think? Should Levy make another higher bid for Downing? Do we need really need him?
And what of Figo? Reports from Newcastle say that they couldn't afford his massive wages and so pulled out of the deal. His name just won't go away. Can Jol really be interested in him?
Why is Defoe "baffled" by Spurs?
Article submitted to THBN by Jaymes Marsh
Our ex-striker, Jermain Defoe, has been quoted by a host of media sources stating that he is baffled by the way Spurs are cashing in on their biggest assets.
"I feel sorry for the fans because I can't understand why a club will get rid of their best players." - said Defoe when interviewed at a charity event yesterday.
Hold on just a minute Mr. Defoe! What's wrong with this picture? Let's go back to January 2008, and ask ourselves;
"Jermain, why did Tottenham Hotspur sell you?"
Did not Tottenham do everything in their power to keep you at the club? Did they not have! a new contract on the proverbial negotiating table that was awaiting your signature? And if I'm not mistaken, did the contract offer included a 15% pay increase, taking your monthly gross income from £128,000.00 per month to £147,200.00 per month (not including add-on bonuses)?
Instead of signing it, you decided to go to Portsmouth, a humble club, that offered you a guaranteed starting place.
Did Tottenham "get rid of" you? Or did you rid yourself of Tottenham Hotspur?
Are Tottenham Hotspur ridding themselves of their best players, namely Robbie Keane, and most probably Dimitar Berbatov? Or was it Robbie Keane that rid himself of Tottenham Hotspur? If Dimitar Berbatov is to leave, will it be because Spurs want rid of him too? I thin! k not.
If indeed you did make the above comments, and they were not subsequently taken from a Scandinavian fan site, I hope you can think long and hard about why some players choose to leave their respective clubs.
Spurs Lose Direction
When I heard that Tottenham had signed an ageing goalkeeper with a large amount of Premier League experience, I assumed we would be unveiling Kasey Keller, or maybe Neil Sullivan. Anyone really, who had previously stood between the sticks at the Lane, as our current transfer policy is based upon re-signing players previous managers had got rid of.
There is nothing like going backwards to prove that a club isn't going forward. Never has Tottenham's notoriously hit-and-miss transfer policy been exposed as under-managed.
We have effectively spent £6m to get Jermain Defoe to sign a new contract and re-signed the disruptive Pascal Chimbonda without making any profit. It is instructive that we are now recruiting players who helped us achieve fifth-placed league finishes a year and half after such achievements were considered insufficient.
That is not to say that I believe Defoe and Chimbonda to be bad signings. Both served! the club with relative amounts of distinction (with relative amounts of crowd popularity!) in their first spell at the club and can be expected to immediately settle in as Spurs start the relegation battle run-in.
The prospective immediacy of their impact is the key factor in their acquisition. Harry Redknapp knows he cannot plan for the long-term yet, so Chimbonda's purchase became a necessity, despite Alan Hutton and Vedran Corluka's presence on the staff. Hutton's injury might otherwise have been coped with. We all know that no one at the club really wanted to lose Defoe in the first place.
Redknapp identifies Wilson Palacios as his most significant January signing and the Honduran will undoubtedly add much-needed energy and bite to our often lethargic midfield.
However, the signing of Carlo Cudicini, the sole representation of Redknapp's famous 'wheeler-dealer' transfer market reputation, might prove to be his most astute piece of bu! siness.
The 35-year old Italian has excellent pedig! ree and will be a calm presence in a dressing room unaccustomed to relegation trouble. He is proven as a perfect deputy if forced to sit on the bench, but there must be a suspicion that he is now the first choice goalkeeper. Another example of short-term thinking being forced onto the manager.
The re-signing of former players is not a bad thing in its own right, but it is hoped that Daniel Levy and co. realise that it proves how the club has lost direction over the last two seasons.
There is nothing like going backwards to prove that a club isn't going forward. Never has Tottenham's notoriously hit-and-miss transfer policy been exposed as under-managed.
We have effectively spent £6m to get Jermain Defoe to sign a new contract and re-signed the disruptive Pascal Chimbonda without making any profit. It is instructive that we are now recruiting players who helped us achieve fifth-placed league finishes a year and half after such achievements were considered insufficient.
That is not to say that I believe Defoe and Chimbonda to be bad signings. Both served! the club with relative amounts of distinction (with relative amounts of crowd popularity!) in their first spell at the club and can be expected to immediately settle in as Spurs start the relegation battle run-in.
The prospective immediacy of their impact is the key factor in their acquisition. Harry Redknapp knows he cannot plan for the long-term yet, so Chimbonda's purchase became a necessity, despite Alan Hutton and Vedran Corluka's presence on the staff. Hutton's injury might otherwise have been coped with. We all know that no one at the club really wanted to lose Defoe in the first place.
Redknapp identifies Wilson Palacios as his most significant January signing and the Honduran will undoubtedly add much-needed energy and bite to our often lethargic midfield.
However, the signing of Carlo Cudicini, the sole representation of Redknapp's famous 'wheeler-dealer' transfer market reputation, might prove to be his most astute piece of bu! siness.
The 35-year old Italian has excellent pedig! ree and will be a calm presence in a dressing room unaccustomed to relegation trouble. He is proven as a perfect deputy if forced to sit on the bench, but there must be a suspicion that he is now the first choice goalkeeper. Another example of short-term thinking being forced onto the manager.
The re-signing of former players is not a bad thing in its own right, but it is hoped that Daniel Levy and co. realise that it proves how the club has lost direction over the last two seasons.
Written by Philip Oliver, a Tottenham Hotspur supporter and professional sports writer who blogs about football betting.
Galliani: Tawaran untuk Pirlo Nihil
MILAN - Chelsea diklaim berbagai media massa paling berhasrat meminang gelandang AC Milan Andrea Pirlo. Beberapa klub Eropa juga menyatakan ketertarikannya.Anehnya, Milan menegaskan tidak satu pun klub yang mengajukan penewaran untuk meminang Pirlo. Hal tersebut disampaikan wakil presiden Rossoneri Adriano Galliani seperti dilansir reuters, Selasa (23/6/2009). Galliani menjelaskan rumor masa depan Pirlo terkait dengan keputusan Carlo Ancelotti yang memilih membesut The Blues musim depan.
"Kami belum menerima berbagai macam penawaran untuk Pirlo dari Chelsea ataupun klub lainnya di muka bumi ini," kata Galliani. Galliani juga membantah rumour tentang Milan yang tertarik dengan gelandang Real Madrid Fernando Gago sebagai pengganti Pirlo. "Pirlo adalah pemain Milan. Oleh karena itu, Gago bukan target kami.
Bila Pirlo hengkang, maka kami akan mempertimbangkanya," tegas Galliani. Sejauh ini, Pirlo sendiri belum menentukan keputusan apakah beratahan di Milan atau mengikuti jejak Ancelotti ke Stamford Bridge.
Milan Kurang Rp85,9 M untuk Dapatkan Fabiano
RIO DE JANEIRO - Sevilla memberi isyarat akan melepaskan penyerang mereka, Luis Fabiano, ke AC Milan. Menurut agen Fabiano, Jose Fuenteereka, Milan hanya butuh membayar 20 juta euro (sekitar Rp286,3 miliar). Namun, Milan masih kurang 6 juta euro (sekitar Rp85,9 miliar). Milan baru mengajukan tawaran perdana senilai 14 juta euro atau hampir Rp200,4 miliar. Tawaran ini ditolak Sevilla karena masih kurang dari jumlah yang diharapkan Sevilla. Meski begitu, Sevilla bersedia melanjutkan negosiasi.
Mereka menghargai keinginan Fabiano yang ! sangat ingin merumput di San Siro. "Betul bahwa Sevilla menolak proposal pertama. Namun, mereka juga mengindikasikan keinginan untuk bernegosiasi," kata Fuentes. "Saya pikir, tawaran sebesar 20 juta euro (sekitar Rp286,3 miliar) akan membuat klub itu mencapai kesepakatan. Posisinya tidak terlalu jauh. Ini baru permulaan negosiasi," lanjutnya.
Leonardo: Milan Butuh Banyak Perbaikan
MILAN - Milan hanya bisa menuai hasil seri 2-2 saat menghadapi Los Angeles Galaxy kemarin. Di laga ujicoba sebelumnya, Milan meraih kemenangan. Dengan performa yang masih belum stabil ini, Leonardo menilai Milan masih butuh banyak perbaikan dan evaluasi."Saya melihat banyak hal yang bagus, meski masih banyak yang harus ditingkatkan," ujar Leonardo dikutip Football Italia. Yang saya sesali adalah kebobolan lewat proses bola mati, tapi hal ini membuat kami tahu apa yang harus dibenahi dan lebih fokus pada faktor tersebut.
Ada situasi yang harusnya tak terjadi, tapi ! tetap terjadi," simpulnya. Ada pun dua gol Milan dicetak oleh Thiago Silva dan Filippo Inzaghi pada pertandingan ujicoba tersebut. Galaxy baru bisa membalas lewat Bryan Jordan dengan David Beckham sebagai motor serangan.
Milan Incar Dua Pemain "Buangan" Lazio
MILAN - Lazio sepertinya tidak lagi menginginkan Goran Pandev, Cristian Ledesma, dan Lorenzo di Silvestri karena meninggalkan mereka jelang final Piala Super Italia di Beijing akhir pekan ini. Situasi ini ternyata dipantau AC Milan dan Rossoneri bersiap mengajukan penawaran kepada dua nama terakhir untuk memperkuat tim musim ini. Menurut Corriere dello Sport, pelatih Leonardo memerlukan full-back yang cepat dan seorang gelandang untuk menggantikan Andrea Pirlo, yang akan hengkang ke Chelsea. Harga untuk kedua pemain itu yang diminta Lazio diduga sebesar €18 juta.
! Sebelumnya presiden Claudio Lotito mematok harga €15 juta untuk Ledesma dan €8 juta untuk Di Silvestri. Milan juga bisa menyertakan Ignacio Abate, yang diminati Lazio, dalam kesepakatan. Berdasarkan hubungan baik antara Adriano Galliani dan Lotito, kesepakatan segera dicapai. Namun, sepertinya pergerakan ini harus menanti kesepakatan Pirlo dengan Chelsea karena Milan baru akan merekrut pemain jika transfer itu sudah rampung.
Derby Jadi Debut Huntelaar
MILAN - Striker AC Milan Klaas-Jan Huntelaar langsung menghadapi ujian berat saat melakukan debut di kompetisi Serie A Italia. Setelah absen di laga pembukaan melawan Siena karena masih menjalani larangan bermain, Huntelaar bakal diturunkan saat menghadapi Inter Milan derby di Serie A, Sabtu mendatang.Huntelaar tampaknya sudah tidak sabar menunggu duel prestise yang penuh emosi karena mempertemukan dua tim dari satu kota. Penyerang yang direkrut dari Real Madrid ini bahkan ingin segera membuktikan kemampuannya di! Serie A.
"Ini akan menjadi pertandingan yang menarik dalam debut saya. Pasalnya, ini adalah pertandingan derby. Pertandingan tersebut bakal ketat dan tentu sangat menyenangkan karena ini akan menjadi debut saya," kata Huntelaar. Ditambahkannya, "Saya mulai tahu tentang Inter. Mereka bermain imbang di pertandingan perdana.
Menurut saya, mereka tim yang bagus dan kuat. Meski demikian, saya berharap menang. Semoga kami beruntung dan berusaha menunjukkan permainan terbaik." Huntelaar direkrut Milan setelah bergabung dengan Madrid pada Januari lalu.
Meski belum satu tahun bergabung, namun striker berusia 26 asal Belanda ini terpaksa dibuang Madrid yang kelebihan pemain.
Huntelaar Minta Jadi Starter
MILAN - Tidak ada seorang pemain pun yang ingin menjadi cadangan. Perasaan serupa juga diungkapkan striker AC Milan Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Pemain asal Belanda tersebut meminta pelatih Rossoneri Leonardo menurunkannya sebagai starter saat menghadapi Livorno, akhir pekan ini. Hingga kini, mantan pemain Real Madrid itu belum pernah menjadi starter untuk Milan di Serie A. Huntelaar hanya menjadi pemain pengganti kala Rossoneri dicukur habis Inter Milan 4-0. Akhir pekan ini, Huntelaar memiliki kesem! patan besar menjadi starter. Huntelaar berjanji akan mengerahkan semua sihir yang dimilikinya. "Saya sekarang berharap banyak ruang untuk bergerak, dan mudah-mudahan menjadi starter," kata Huntelaar kepada Sport.it, Kamis (10/9/2009).
"Namun, untuk melakukan hal ini, saya harus bekerja keras. Satu-satunya cara agar saya dapat melakukan hal ini adalah bermain," tegasnya. Huntelaar tampaknya harus berjuang keras untuk mendapat tempat di tim inti.
Sederet pemain yang harus dikalahkan adalah Marco Borriello, Alexandre Pato dan Ronaldinho. Mereka memendam hasrat bermain untuk tim Merah-Hitam.
Milan Kalah, Zurich Cetak Sejarah
MILAN - Pelatih FC Zurich, Bernard Challandes mengaku tak menyangka bisa menang di kandang AC Milan, meski hanya dengan skor 1-0 saat duel lanjutan penyisihan grup Liga Champions, Rabu (30/9).Ia senang bisa menorehkan sejarah baru bagi Zurich, menumbangkan peraih tujuh gelar Liga Champions. Meski begitu, Challandes tetap menginjak bumi. Ia tetap tak berani memandang jauh sampai ke trofi. Ia hanya berharap, kemenangan ini memotivasi, meningkatkan mental tanding, dan kepercayaan diri anak-anak didiknya untuk berusaha sebaik mungkin, terut! ama ketika menghadapi tim besar.
Menang di Milan menciptakan sepenggal sejarah bagi kami. Kami hanyalah tim kecil dan kami telah mengalahkan Milan di rumahnya. Ini penting. Ini juga membantu kami untuk laga berikut karena ini memberi kami kesempatan (untuk lolos)," ungkapnya. Kemenangan itu membuat Zurich berada di peringkat kedua dengan tiga poin.
Meski meraih poin sama dengan Milan, Zurich unggul head-to-head dengan Milan. Milan akan menghadapi Real Madrid di laga berikut. Zurich bisa berharap, Milan akan kembali kalah. Keadaan ini membuat Zurich bisa mempertahankan posisi mereka sekaligus memperbesar peluang lolos dari fase grup. Tentu saja, bila bisa mengatasi Olympique Marseille.
sumber : kompas.com
Benitez - Torres will get better
A pulsating game in East London was decided by the Spaniard's second half header with just fifteen minutes left on the clock.
Torres opened the scoring in the 20th minute before West Ham's Alessandro Diamanti was fortunate to level from the penalty spot after slipping as he struck the ball.
Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool back in front four minutes before the break only for Carlton Cole to equalise for a second time on the stroke of half-time.
It was, though, Torres who had the final say and at the end of the game Benitez had nothing but praise for his compatriot.
"If he continues to play like he did today, he can be one of the best," said Benitez. "When you talk about the Premier League you talk about a lot of players with quality so it is not easy to pick just one, but he is among the best.
Improving
"He is a very good player and it is easy to see his qualities. If he is keen to learn, he will improve.
"He is a! very good player and hopefully he will be better in the future.
"I was really pleased with him in the Champions League game in midweek. He didn't score but he created chances and space for his team-mates and worked very hard.
"Today he was a threat and that means the rest of the team can work in a different way.
"He is now fit and we are working hard with him to prevent injuries. If he cannot play one or two games, we have Kuyt or Ryan Babel who can score goals.
"Hopefully he won't be injured and he can score a lot of goals for us but we have different options.
"We were in control of the game and the reaction of the team was very positive. I could see that Kuyt was tired and Ryan was really good. His pace was crucial for us and the key at the end."
Friday, November 13, 2009
Gattuso Berharap Kado dari Berlusconi
Gelandang AC Milan Gennaro Gattuso berharap pemilik klubnya Silvio Berlusconi akan mendatangkan pemain berkelas sebelum jendela transfer musim panas ditutup.
Rossoneri tampak tenang pada bursa transfer walaupun telah mendapatkan dana dari penjualan Kaka ke Real Madrid sebesar 65 juta euro.
Mereka gagal mendatangkan sejumlah nama besar seperti Luis Fabiano dari Sevilla, si Nyonya Besar yang tidak mau menjual David Trezeguet ke klub rival Serie A.
Gattuso mendorong Berlusconi untuk mendatangkan seseorang yang dapat membakar semangat mereka untuk meraih kemenangan berikutnya.
"Sampai 31 Agustus kami berharap sebuah "kado" dari presiden kami." Tutrnya di Sky italia.
"Squad yang dimiliki sekarang cukup kompetitif namun kita semua tahu bahwa ada yang kurang."
"Mari kita berharap presiden memberikan kita kejutan."
"Sesuatu yang hilang pada bagian penyerang dan pemain sayap. Kami dapat melakukannya dengan baik bila ada seseorang yang didatangkan."
Milan juga sedang sibuk berkonsentrasi menjaga pemain pilarnya Andrea Pirlo dari godaan Carlo Ancelotti untuk bermain di Stamford Bridge.
Spekulasi mengenai kepergian Gattuso juga berhembus kencang. Namun gelandang timnas Italia berusia 31 tahun yang telah memasuki tahun ke 10 di Milan masih! merasa betah dan gembira dengan kedatangan pelatih baru yakni! Leonard o dan ingin menghabiskan seluruh karirnya di San Siro.
"Semangat ini sudah lama tidak terlihat." Tambah Gattuso "Kami akan melaluinya bersama Leonardo."
"Kami membuka lembaran baru setelah kepergian Ancelotti yang telah menyumbangkan rapor bagus untuk tim ini."
"Saya berharap mengakhiri karir di sini. Jika saya tidak pergi tahun lalu maka saya yakin saya tidak akan pergi seterusnya."
"Saya berharap Pirlo menetap. Kami telah melewati pengalaman bersama selama beberapa tahun dan memenangkan banyak pertandingan, dia (Pirlo) adalah pemain yang sangat penting."
Kubica Resmi Gabung Renault di 2010
Setelah sempat beberapa waktu menjadi desas-desus, Robert Kubica akhirnya resmi bergabung dengan Renault untuk musim depan. Pembalap yang kini masih di tim BMW Sauber itu akan mengisi tempat Fernando Alonso yang dipastikan hijrah ke Ferrari.....
Sebelumnya wacana tentang perekrutan Kubica oleh Renault sudah merebak luas di media massa Prancis. Hal itu bisa jadi dipicu oleh pernyataan Alonso sebelumnya yang merekomendasikan pembalap berusia 24 tahun itu sebagai penggantinya.
Dan wacana tersebut kini terealisasi. Renault telah mengumumkan bahwa Kubic! a di tahun 2010 akan menjadi driver utama tim asal Prancis itu. Ada pun soal durasi kontrak belum diketahui secara pasti karena situs remi Renault belum menjabarkannya.
Bos Renault, Bob Bell mengatakan bahwa pihaknya telah tertarik dengan Kubica sejak beberapa tahun terakhir. Dia pun berharap Kubica dapat mengangkat peforma timnya di tahun depan.
"Renault memiliki ambisi yang tinggi dan memiliki harapan yang besar dan kami merasa bahwa Robert (Kubica) adalah orang yang dapat memerankan peran besar itu," tuturnya di situs resmi tim.
"Sejak Robert telah melakukan debutnya di tahun 2006, dia telah berada di radar kami. Berdasar penampilannya itu, sangat menyenangkan dapat melihat ia mengemudikan mobil kami di tahun depan," sambungnya.
ADDIO MILAN,GILA ALLA FIORENTINA
Addio Milan. Per sempre. Gilardino riparte dalla Fiorentina. E dal suo più grande estimatore, Cesare Prandelli. Manca l'annuncio ufficiale ma l'accordo è già stato raggiunto. Sia fra i due club, sia fra il giocatore e la società toscana. "Restano solo alcuni dettagli: è praticamente fatta, il giocatore ha fatto uno sforzo importante sull'ingaggio...", ha dichiarato il ds viola Corvino.
In cambio del cartellino del bomber, al Milan andranno 15 milioni di euro. A Firenze, Gilardino guadagnerà 1,5 milioni a stagione per cinque anni: fanno 7,5 totali. Rinuncia così ai 6,2 milioni che avrebbe percepito ! negli ultimi due anni del suo contratto con il club di via Turati.
Oltre al "fisso", la Fiorentina ha garantito all'ex punta del Parma una serie di premi legati a presenze e gol segnati. Non solo: gli ha anche assicurato una serie di sponsorizzazioni con il gruppo Della Valle. In questo modo Gilardino arriverà a due milioni di guadagno netto a stagione: il miglior trattamento possibile per il nuovo Toni della squadra viola. A inizio settimana prossima l'annuncio ufficiale.
ORE DECISIVE PER IL FUTURO DI RONALDINHO
Si avvicina il giorno cruciale per il futuro del Barcellona, a cui è naturalmente legato quello del Milan che insegue Ronaldinho. Nelle prossime ore i circa 120 mila abbonati blaugrana sono chiamati a votare la mozione di censura al presidente Laporta presentata dal socio Giralt, dopo aver raccolto 9500 firme. Perché la mozione di sfiducia abbia valore è necessario che si presentino alle votazioni almeno il 10% degli abbonati, per sfiduciare Laporta poi ci vorranno il 70% di voti contrari alla sua presidenza. Se passerà la mozione di sfiducia il popolo blaugrana entro 3 mesi sarà chiamato a eleggere un ! nuovo presidente e tutti gli indizi portano a Sandro Rosell, il grande rivale di Laporta.
L'ex vicepresidente è considerato il padre sportivo del Barcellona che conquistò il doble, Liga-Champions nel 2005-2006. Dopo il suo addio per contrasti con Laporta il club catalano ha avuto una caduta verticale. Rosell è anche stato presidente di Nike Brasile e vice-Presidente di Nike ed è, quindi, grande amico di Ronaldinho, che aveva portato a Barcellona. Proprio per questo ha dichiarato che il pilastro fondamentale della sua campagna elettorale sarà recuperare il brasiliano, non tanto per trattenerlo (visto che Guardiola non lo vuole) ma per rivalutare un patrimonio che solo 2 anni fa valeva 80 milioni.
In caso di sfiducia a Laporta, quindi, ci potrebbero essere dei problemi per il Milan. In via Turati sono in costante collegamento con il capoluogo della Catalogna. Adriano Galliani è pronto a partire e fa naturalmente il tifo per Laporta che, secondo un'ultima voce spagno! la, potrebbe anche cedergli in prestito per un anno - con risc! atto da concordare - il fantasista con i dentoni.
Il club di via Turati, poi, nelle ultime ore ha fatto un sondaggio anche per Quagliarella. L'attaccante dell'Udinese non si sente adeguatamente tenuto in considerazione (soprattutto dal punto di vista contrattuale) dal suo club e gradirebbe molto provare l'avventura rossonera. Da sempre un pallino di Ancelotti, potrebbe quindi essere proprio Quagliarella il nome nuovo del Milan 2008/09.
L'ex vicepresidente è considerato il padre sportivo del Barcellona che conquistò il doble, Liga-Champions nel 2005-2006. Dopo il suo addio per contrasti con Laporta il club catalano ha avuto una caduta verticale. Rosell è anche stato presidente di Nike Brasile e vice-Presidente di Nike ed è, quindi, grande amico di Ronaldinho, che aveva portato a Barcellona. Proprio per questo ha dichiarato che il pilastro fondamentale della sua campagna elettorale sarà recuperare il brasiliano, non tanto per trattenerlo (visto che Guardiola non lo vuole) ma per rivalutare un patrimonio che solo 2 anni fa valeva 80 milioni.
In caso di sfiducia a Laporta, quindi, ci potrebbero essere dei problemi per il Milan. In via Turati sono in costante collegamento con il capoluogo della Catalogna. Adriano Galliani è pronto a partire e fa naturalmente il tifo per Laporta che, secondo un'ultima voce spagno! la, potrebbe anche cedergli in prestito per un anno - con risc! atto da concordare - il fantasista con i dentoni.
Il club di via Turati, poi, nelle ultime ore ha fatto un sondaggio anche per Quagliarella. L'attaccante dell'Udinese non si sente adeguatamente tenuto in considerazione (soprattutto dal punto di vista contrattuale) dal suo club e gradirebbe molto provare l'avventura rossonera. Da sempre un pallino di Ancelotti, potrebbe quindi essere proprio Quagliarella il nome nuovo del Milan 2008/09.
LECCE, COLPO CASTILLO
Dopo una trattativa andata avanti per circa un mese, l'attaccante argentino Inacio Castillo, 33 anni, passa dal Pisa al Lecce. L'accordo è stato raggiunto dopo un incontro tra i direttori sportivi Oreste Cinquini e Guido Angelozzi. Castillo, 21 gol lo scorso anno in serie B, ha firmato un contatto triennale di 500mila euro l'anno. I giallorossi per il suo cartellino avrebbero pagato una cifra intorno a 1 milione e 600mila euro.
AZZURRi, DATECI SPETTACOLO...PRIMA DI VASCO
fonte foto: www.gazzetta.itUDINE, 9 settembre 2008 - Partiamo da una certezza. Antonio Di Natale stasera contro la Georgia ci sarà. Dal 1'! . Parola di Lippi (sul centravanti invece è ballottaggio Toni-Gilardino). L'attaccante dell'Udinese gongola: "Il Friuli è lo stadio in cui gioco da 5 anni, mi fa piacere avere questa opportunità. Il mio ruolo in questa squadra? Quello lo decide il campo. Io cercherò di fare ancora bene".
BUFFON - Un'altra certezza è Buffon. E ci mancherebbe alto. Il portiere azzurro almeno per 45' si troverà il palco del concerto di Vasco Rossi dietro la sua porta: "Se sarà come stare sul palco di Vasco? Peccato che non canti. A m! e è sempre piaciuto. Giocare con il palco dietro sarà una sens! azione s trana, e a livello visivo un po' brutta, ma per lui questo e altro".
AQUILANI - Lui potrebbe, anzi sembrerebbe, essere una della novità (3-4) annunciate da Lippi in mattinata. Il romanista, reduce da un acciacco, individua la ricetta giusta per incamerare i tre punti: puntare sulla qualità. Una sorta di autoinvestitura. "Adesso sto bene, anche se un pizzico di dolore ancora lo sento. Ma sono a disposizione del c.t. La qualità fa la differenza. I nostri giocatori importanti anche se non stanno benissimo con qualche ! giocata possono decidere la gara con la Georgia".
IAQUINTA - Di Natale e Dossena saranno titolari. Della colonia legata all'Udinese lui è quello che non ha ancora certezze, ma resta una possibile alternativa come esterno d'attacco nel tridente offensivo. Intanto si gode il ritorno a "casa" in azzurro: "Tornare con la Nazionale ad Udine, dove ho giocato 7 anni, è una soddisfazione. Il palco pensavamo fosse più lontano (sono comunque garantiti i 6 metri dalla linea di fondondr), ma non c'è problema".
i(www.gazzetta.it)
RANIERI:"LA ROMA NON E' IN CRISI"
"Non credo alla crisi della Roma, le gira male come girava male a noi, ma tornerà protagonista". Il tecnico della Juventus Claudio Ranieri non si fida dei giallorossi, avversari dei bianconeri sabato sera nell'anticipo di Serie A a Torino. "La Roma ha già fatto la ricostruzione che vogliamo fare anche noi. In questi tre anni Spalletti ha fatto un capolavoro". Juve fuori dal periodo buio? "Per noi sono le due di notte, non vediamo ancora la luce".
"Stiamo facendo bene e vogliamo continuare così per essere a marzo-aprile con il gruppo di quelle che se la giocano" prosegue il t! ecnico juventino. "Vogliamo stare lassù e finche non ci staremo sappiamo quello che dobbiamo fare. Giochiamo per migliorare la nostra classifica". In questo periodo i 'senatori' sono risultati determinanti: "Giocatori come Del Piero e Nedved sono importantissimi. Hanno dato una fetta importante della loro carriera per questa maglia e quando parlano lo fanno con un peso specifico importante. Mi piace quando parlano da leader, da capitani. Sono giocatori carismatici che devono sentirsi compartecipi della nostra ricostruzione, sono contenti di essere loro le fondamenta di questa nuova Juventus".
Tornando alla gara con la Roma, Ranieri chiude con una battuta. "Spalletti non è mai stato messo in discussione? Forse a Tuttosport non interessa la Roma".
CAMBIASSO IMPAZIENTE:"RONALDO?NON VEDO L'ORA"
Come un anno fa l'Inter va in vacanza dopo una vittoria. Nel 2007, esattamente dodici mesi fa, la bottiglia di champagne era stata stappata con il sapore del derby vinto sul Milan. Oggi si ragiona su una squadra sempre prima in Italia alla luce della vittoria di Siena, e del + 6 sulla Juve. Esteban Cambiasso, che in quella partita con il Milan segnò il gol della vittoria con la collaborazione di Dida, affida le sue riflessioni al suo sito ufficiale: "È stata sicuramente una buona partita, abbiamo ottenuto l'ottava vittoria consecutiva e a! ndiamo in vacanza in testa alla classifica. Abbiamo conquistato tre punti molto importanti, giocando come sempre per vincere e siamo riusciti nel nostro intento".
COMPLIMENTI - José Mourinho, nel dopo gara di Siena, ha parlato di Cambiasso come miglior nerazzurro in campo: "Il tecnico ha speso parole di elogio molto belle nei mie confronti al termine della gara - risposto el cuchu -. Da parte mia posso dire che un calciatore cerca di fare il meglio di se stesso per dare il proprio apporto alla squadra, di certo un tale riconoscimento da parte dell'allenatore è molto gratificante". Poi un bilancio di questa prima parte della stagione: "Credo che stiamo continuando a crescere - risponde l'argentino - e stiamo sicuramente aumentando il nostro livello migliorando sempre più nel nostro gioco. Un buon esempio di questo è che abbiamo otto vittorie consecutive in campionato nell'ultimo periodo.
LA SFIDA - Prima di arrivare a febbraio l'Inter avà tanti altri impegni ma un ! pensiero all'ottavo di Champions League contro il Manchester U! nited è inveitabile: "Senza dubbio sarà una grande sfida che tutti noi desideriamo giocare, ma prima di arrivarci dobbiamo disputare tante gare di campionato e abbiamo anche la Coppa Italia".
SCELTA JUVE:QUAGLIARELLA O FLOCCARI?
Lenti in inverno, rock d'estate: il carnet di ballo della Juventus sulla pista del calciomercato prevede un repentino cambio di ritmo. A cominciare dalla scelta del nuovo attaccante, primo punto della campagna di rafforzamento insieme a quello relativo al cosiddetto "centrocampista" di qualità. L'obiettivo principale è Fabio Quagliarella, ma, a causa dell'alto prezzo (14 milioni), rimane aperta anche la strada che porta a Sergio Floccari.
SERIE A GALLERY 27a GIORNATA
Milan-Atalanta 3-0
Napoli-Lazio 0-2
Fiorentina-Palermo 0-2
Catania-Siena 0-3
Bologna-Sampdoria 3-0
Lecce-Reggina 0-0
Chievo-Cagliari 1-1
Milan, si continua a sognare Andre Santos
MILANO - La speranza è l'ultima a morire dice il proverbio. Nonostante il passaggio di Andre Santos, esterno sinistro brasiliano, al Lione è ormai concluso, Adriano Galliani spera di riuscire a convincere il giocatore, paragonato in patria a Serginho, a scegliere la maglia rossonera.
Simone Pizzi
Julio Cesar hits the big three-o
From everyone at Inter and all the fans, many happy returns to Julio Cesar. Our Brazilian goalkeeper, born in Rio de Janeiro on 3 September 1979, celebrates his 30th birthday today.
http://inter.it/aas/news/reader?N=32085&L=en
Liverpool thrash Stoke City
Liverpool put the misery of their opening day defeat at Tottenham firmly behind them with a convincing 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield.
Last season Tony Pulis' men grabbed a 0-0 draw in this corresponding fixture, one of the results boss Rafael Benitez maintains cost Liverpool the title.
This time around there was no mistake. Steven Gerrard created two of the goals and new boy Glen Johns! on had an outstanding game surging down the right at will.
Benitez bought Johnson, he claimed, to provided that extra adventure in difficult home games. And the England defender underlined just what his new manager meant.
He scored a close range goal on half-time on his home debut, to add to Fernando Torres' fourth-minute opener, and aided Gerrard's advance to set up the third for Dirk Kuyt.
Johnson's run and cross in injury-time presented substitute David Ngog with the fourth to cap an outstanding home debut for the new full-back.
Spanish youngster Daniel Ayala made his full Liverpool debut, with Martin Skrtel failing to recover from a damaged jaw sustained in Saturday's defeat at Spurs.
Ayala, 18, came on as a substitute at White Hart Lane for the injured Skrtel for his first senior appearance for Liverpool.
Yossi Benayoun replaced Ryan Babel, while Stoke made two changes from the sid! e that beat Burnley - Glenn Whelan and Richard Cresswell repla! cing Lia m Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller as Pulis reverted to a more defensive system.
Liverpool fans' group, the Spirit of Shankly, organised a mass distribution of red cards ahead of the game to be waved by supporters protesting at the George Gillett-Tom Hicks ownership of the club.
Resentment runs deep at Anfield at the financial mess the club are in and Benitez's limited transfer budget.
But it was his record signing, Torres, who struck quickly to give the Reds the lead.
Lucas Leiva had seen a skidding 20-yarder held by Thomas Sorensen before Liverpool were ahead after just four minutes.
Gerrard burst through on the right to pull the ball back for his Spanish side-kick to drill past a helpless Sorensen.
Dean Whitehead was booked for an ugly 12th-minute foul on Javier Mascherano and Liverpool should have been two goals up when they broke at pace from their own box.
Torres racing away on the right to fire ov! er a cross that full-back Emiliano Insua sidefooted inches wide having made the same high-speed run down the other flank.
But Stoke maintained their determination and organisation, with Liverpool trying to hit them on the break. Much of the hosts' adventure was coming through Johnson.
Kuyt and Torres had shots saved and from a 44th minute corner they struck again. Kuyt's low header was blocked by Sorensen on the line and the ball fell for £17million signing Johnson to hook home from six yards.
Stoke came out after the break determined to get back into the game. A string of dangerous corners resulted in Jose Reina making an outstanding save to his right to keep out a fierce Delap drive.
Johnson then had to clear on the far post as a James Beattie cross-shot fizzed across the area.
But Liverpool increased the tempo of their game and were running at Stoke from all angles.
Gerrard fired in a 20-yard effort which ! Sorensen blocked, with Johnson now attacking down the right at! every o pportunity.
The Reds threatened to run away with things as Torres saw a lofted shot saved and Johnson cut into the box again to force Sorensen into a low save.
The third goal arrived after 78 minutes, with Johnson sending Gerrard into the box with a clever pass. The Liverpool captain powered on to drill in a low cross which Kuyt slid past Sorensen from close range.
Liverpool sent on Andriy Voronin and Albert Riera for Gerrard and Kuyt with nine minutes left, then three minutes later Ngog replaced Torres.
And it was Ngog who headed home from under the bar after another fine run and cross from Johnson had deflected into his path in injury-time.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Fergie offers Fletcher backing
Arsene Wenger recently expressed his displeasure that the Scotland international failed to receive a booking for persistent infringement in United's win over Arsenal.
Wenger claims Fletcher committed "20 fouls without being booked" as the Red Devils battled back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 success over the Gunners.
Ferguson has leapt to the defence of the 25-year-old midfielder, claiming his primary job is to unsettle the opposition and that he is good at his job.
Honest
"Darren Fletcher, as we know, is one of the most honest and fairest players in the game," explained Ferguson.
"He does it fairly. For some, maybe, that's probably annoyed them. That's his job. That's what he's good at.
"He's good at pressing the ball. His energy is incredible."
United travel to high-flying Spurs following the international break and Ferguson is backing Harry Redknapp's Spurs to crack the 'big four'.
! Challengers
Spurs have spent big in recent times under Redknapp and the veteran Scottish tactician believes the North Londoners have a squad capable of upsetting the established order.
"I think they are equipped to challenge," Ferguson added on Spurs' top four chances. "I think that first of all getting a good start is important for a team that is rising.
"Harry's a new manager. He went there last season. He's brought in a few of his own types of players. Players who he is familiar with. Like Crouch, Defoe and he's now brought in Kranjcar."
Real agree fee for Reds star Alonso
Big-spending La Liga giants Real Madrid have agreed a fee, believed to be £30million, with Liverpool to sign Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso.
 Alonso: Finally on his way to Real |
The end of a summer-long saga over the 27-year-old's future ended on Tuesday when Liverpoo! l issued a short statement effectively bringing to a close his spell on Merseyside.
The statement read: "Liverpool Football Club this evening confirmed they had reached agreement for the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, subject only to a medical. The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed."
Although Liverpool will not reveal the details of the deal, privately sources were maintaining that manager Rafael Benitez had got his own way over the fee.
It is believed that Madrid made another attempt to end the deadlock on Tuesday with an offer of £30million that will rise to £34million depending on Alonso's success over the first two years of what is believed to be a five-year contract.
Alonso had trained with his Liverpool colleagues on Tuesday afternoon at the club's Melwood complex.
But as the Liverpool party headed for John Lennon airport and a charter flight to Norway for Wednesday's friendly with Lyn Oslo, Alonso was h! eading back to Spain.
Real Madrid issued a statement of! their o wn, confirming he will have a medical on Wednesday.
Assuming all goes well, he will join his former Liverpool team-mates Alvaro Arbeloa - who moved to Real last week for £3.5million - and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek at the Bernabeu.
Alonso and Dudek were part of the famous night in Istanbul when Liverpool lifted the European Cup after a penalty shoot-out victory over AC Milan.
Now only Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher remain at the club from the 18 players on the team sheet in Istanbul that night.
Alonso's departure has been a long and painful experience for Liverpool fans, who had taken the Basque midfielder to their hearts.
Benitez tried to sell him last summer in the complexities of his unsuccessful fight to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.
Alonso did not want to go then, and has always felt that he was being forced out of the club to finance the Barry deal.
This summer it was Benitez who did not want to lose the player, wh! o is believed to have told his manager on the final day of last season that he wanted to return to Spain.
From that point on, Madrid waged a persistent war to sign the player as they assembled a new squad under president Florentino Perez.
With the Alonso deal, Perez will have spent around £220million in two months on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Raul Albiol, Esteban Granero, Arbeloa, Alvaro Negredo and Karim Benzema.
That haul is Madrid's response to Barcelona's historic treble of Champions League, La Liga and Spanish Cup.
But although Perez did not consider Alonso to be a player who 'will sell shirts', the Spain international has been almost as difficult to prise away from his club as Ronaldo.
Benitez, meanwhile, has not wasted any time replacing Alonso at Anfield, with the Reds believed to be closing in on the signing of Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen.
Juve are open to the sale of the Denmark international and a number of sides! have been linked with an interest in his services.
Pre! mier Lea gue duo Fulham and Everton are among those clubs said to be admirers of the 29-year-old.
But Benitez's Reds are in pole position to secure Poulsen's signature.
Asif returns for Champions Trophy
 Asif's international career has been overshadowed by off-field issues |
Seam bowler Mohammad Asif has been recalled by Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in South Africa despite serving a one-year ban from the game.
Asif, 26, was suspended after testing positive for the s! teroid nandrolone while playing in the Indian Premier League last year.
But his ban ends on 22 September, the day the tournament gets under way.
"He has served his time for the mistakes he made," chief selector Iqbal Qasim commented.
"We feel he can be a big asset for the team in such a big tournament."
He added: "Obviously, when you are selecting a team for any tournament you always keep in mind the profile of the tournament, venue, weather, behaviour of the pitches and bounce. All these factors were considered before final selection."
Pakistan are in Group A along with Australia, India and West Indies.
And they are hoping to add the Champions Trophy to the World Twenty20 title they won in England earlier thi! s year.
!
Asif's personal goal will be to make to make some headlines on the field after having his career disrupted by a series of drug-related controversies.
In 2006, he was suspended for a year by the Pakistan Cricket Board after testing positive for nandrolone, but insisted he had not taken the drug deliberately and won an appeal against the verdict.
Last year, however, apart from the IPL case, he was fined one million rupees (£7,500) after being found in possession of opium at Dubai Airport.
He claimed he did not realise there was opium in a herbal remedy he was carrying but accepted he had made a mistake when he appeared at a PCB disciplinary hearing.
The Pakistan squad also includes Rana Naved-ul Hasan, who was preferred to Abdul Razzaq, and 19-year-old batsman Uma! r Akmal.
Umar, the brother of wicketkeeper Kamran recently made a maiden international century in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan squad: Younus Khan (capt), Imran Nazir, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Rana Naved-ul Hasan, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamir, Mohammad Asif, Rao Iftikhar, Saeed Ajmal.
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