May 21st, 2008

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Wednesday Backpasses: Well, someone had to win

You know, by now, how the Champions League final ended. I'm proud of calling the 1-1 score line and the Ronaldo PK miss and was actually a little miffed when Brave John Terry missed his. Still, I had no dog in the fight, so, congratulations to Manchester United, champions of Europe. On to the links.

CL fans could have blown England's 2018 bid for the World Cup. Has anyone heard anything out of Moscow yet? [Guardian]
Ryan Giggs passed Bobby Charlton's all-time ManU appearances record, wore special boots [The Sun]
John Terry's boot bag. Is it the reason he missed the PK? [Daily Mail]

Non-CL links and a Toulon update after the jump.

Roberto Baggio was pretty good, despite taking Terry-like penalties [NYTimes Goal blog]
Torres finally got a haircut. It looks, well, not so good [This is Extra Time]
Looking at future MLS expansion [WV Hooligan]
New York Times discovers some NBA players also like soccer [NYTimes]


Toulon Update

Turkey 3-2 USA
USA looked about two steps behind today. Both first half goals could be attributed to ball watching. The Americans started off brightly in the second half, and gained a goal in the 58th minute. However, off the kickoff, keeper Dominic Cervi did not communicate with his center backs and allowed Turkey to score again. Ochoa notched a second for the US, but did not make up for his first half miss. Thankfully, given his rustiness, Cervi will miss the rest of the tournament. He spilled an early ball, and was clearly at fault on that last goal for not taking control of his box and instead assuming the defenders running with their back to the ball could make the play. Also, Feilhaber limped off injured in the 2nd half and will not be seen again at the tournament as he joins the full NT in training for England.

Italy 2-0 Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast dominated the first half of play, but could not translate the dominance into goals. They did have a golden chance after earning a PK, but Sekou Cisse's weak attempt was smothered by the Italian keeper. After the break, Italy started to come alive and took the game to the Ivorians. Sebastian Giovinco, who plays for Empoli, scored a brace, and the Ivorians just seemed worn out by the end of the game.

Tomorrow:
France - Japan 1200 EDT
Netherlands - Chile 1430 EDT

Written by Darkvader on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Backpasses and Toulon Tournament and ĂĽ75.

Top goal scorers of UEFA CHampions league 2008

The Champions league 2008 is won by Manchester United by 2-1 as the match went to penalty sootout. There is no surprise to find Cristiano Ronaldo of Man U as top goal scorer of Champions league 2008 with 8 goals. In second place Drogba, Torres, Gerrard and Messi are with 6 goals each.

Here is a list of top goals scorers of UEFA Champions league 2008:

1) Cristiano Ronaldo scored 8 goals in Champions League 2008 for Man. United
2) Didier Drogba 6 goals in Champions League 2008 for Chelsea
3) Steven Gerrard 6 goals in Champions League 2008 for Liverpool
4) Fernando Torres 6 goals in Champions League 2008 for Liverpool
5) Lionel Messi 6 goals in Champions League 2008 for Barcelona
6) Raúl González 5 goals in Champions League 2008 for Real Madrid
7) Ryan Babel 5 goals in Champions League 2008 for Liverpool
8) Dirk Kuyt 5 goals in Champions League 2008 for Liverpool
9) Deivid 5 goals in Champions League 2008 for Fenerbahçe
10)Frédéric Kanouté 5 goals in Champions League 2008 for Sevilla
Zlatan Ibrahimović 5 goals in Champions League 2008 for Internazionale
Mirko Vučinić 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for ' Roma
Liedson 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Sporting
Wayne Rooney 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Man. United
Carlos Tévez 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Man. United
Cesc Fábregas 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Arsenal
Luis Fabiano 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Sevilla
Frank Lampard 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Chelsea
Karim Benzema 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Lyon
Filippo Inzaghi 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Milan
Ruud van Nistelrooy 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Real Madrid
Robinho 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Real Madrid
Goran Pandev 4 goals in Champions League 2008 for Lazio
Kevin Kuranyi 3 goals in Champions League 2008 for Schalke
Vágner Love 3 goals in Champions League 2008 for CSKA Moskva
Lucho González 3 goals in Champions League 2008 for Porto
Lisandro LĂłpez 3 goals in Champions League 2008 for Porto
Yossi Benayoun 3 goals in Champions League 2008 for Liverpool
Thierry Henry 3 goals in Champions League 2008 for Barcelona
Mario GĂłmez 3 goals in Champions League 2008 for Stuttgart

Anyway, Champions League is over with Man U winninhg it. What a season for Man U and especially Ronaldo. Euro cup is heading and everyone will be desperate to watch Ronaldo in Euro Cup.



Ronaldo was also the top goal scorer of EPL 2008. Also View top goal scorers of EPL 2008

Written by Sudip Kafle and Sujan Kafle on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Didier Drogba and UEFA champions league and cristiano ronaldo and manchester united.

Video of penalty shootout miss from Cristiano Ronaldo in Champions league final

In the shootout the teams were 2-2 goals. Man u's turn and Cristiano Ronaldo Came to score the penalty. Everyone cheering the footballer of the year, 42 goal scorer of the season. He tried to tease Cezh and stops during his follow through. Again gets small run and strikes....... Cezh diving towards the Ball and hits on Cezh Face. No-one could believe the moment..... Neither Ronaldo himslf..

Here is the VIDEO



And the top goal scorer of EPL and Champions League 2008 failed. It didn't harm the team at last but some depletion of Ronaldo's prestige.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH VIDEO

Written by Sudip Kafle and Sujan Kafle on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on UEFA champions league and cristiano ronaldo and football videos.

Man U Vs Chelsea Champions League 2008, Penalty shootout highlights and summary

The match ended on 1-1 draw till 120 mins (90 mins + 30 mins of ET). The penalty shootout was called.

Manchester won the toss and decided to take the first kick on. Cezh was the keeper for Chelsea and Van Der Sar for Manchester United. Carlos Tevez was the first one to take the kick for Man U.

VIDEO- Penalty shootout: Manchester VS Chelsea, Champions League Final


Tevez scores for Man United.
Ballack scores for Chelsea.
Carrick scores for Man United.
Belletti scores for Chelsea.
Ronaldo misses for Man United.
Lampard scores for Chelsea.
Hargreaves scores for Man United.
Ashley Cole scores for Chelsea ... just about.
Nani scores for Man United.
John Terry ... MISSES for Chelsea.
SUDDEN DEATH
Anderson scores for Man United
Kalou ... scores for Chelsea.
Giggs ... scores for Man United.
Nicolas Anelka ... MISSES!!!
Finally Man U 6- Chelsea 5

Click Here for the Full Match Video

Written by Sudip Kafle and Sujan Kafle on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Chelsea and UEFA champions league and football videos and manchester united.

Highlights of the Champions league 2008 final between Chelsea and Manchester United

GREAT season for the Manchester United. Holds the title of EPL and Champions' League. Manchester united beat Chelsea 2-1 with 1-1 goal in 120 mins and 6-5 on the sudden death of penalty shootout. The given 90 minute was only sufficient for 1-1 goal for both the teams. And 30 mins of extra tinme, No goals. Both goals were from the first half.

Man U scored the first goal from Cristiano Ronaldo at the 26 minutes. After that Frank Lampard got the equaliser for Chelsea at the 45 minutes. Then NO goals maych to shootout. 2 out of 2 o\in shootout for both. Suddenly terryfing moments for Man U Ronaldo misses the penalty. No one guessed. Then goals from both sides. Now 4-4 and 1 shoot left for Chelsea Captain Terry comes. Incredible moments and misses. Cheers for MAn U Chelseas unfortunate. 5-5 then and giggs scores for Man U. Anelka misses or Van Der Sar does it again for MAnchester.......... Full of Noise MANCHESTER UNITED LIFTS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY....


Here is the video of highlights of the match between Chelsea and Man U





CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MATCH UPDATE AND MAJOR MOMENTS OF THE MATCH. GET UPDATED ABOUT THE FINALE.

Written by Sudip Kafle and Sujan Kafle on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Chelsea and UEFA champions league and football videos and manchester united.

Van Persie ready to feature


Injury-plagued Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is confident he will be fit to take part in Euro 2008.
The 24-year-old started only 20 Premier League games for the Gunners in the recently-completed season after suffering a succession of injuries.

But the former Feyenoord striker is confident of being fully-fit for the forthcoming finals after being named in Netherlands coach Marco van Basten's provisional 26-man squad.

"After all the physical niggles I had this season it is not obvious that I am going to be at the top of my form," said van Persie.

"I must take it gradually but I am optimistic. I think that I will be ready for the beginning of the tournament.

"It is both tiring physically as well as psychologically because each time I thought I was getting back to being fully fit, I had a reverse.

"The coach has confidence in me, which is very pleasing and reassuring."

Written by eugeniu on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Football-Player.

Robinho denies exit reports


Real Madrid forward Robinho has rubbished reports that he will leave the Spanish champions this summer.
Robinho, 24, has finally found his feet at the Bernabeu after an inconsistent start to life in Spain following an ÂŁ18million move from Santos in 2005.

The Brazil international scored 15 times in 38 appearances this season and insists he is happy to remain with Real.

"It was not my last title with Real Madrid because I am not going to leave," he told Marca.

"I am going to remain here many more years. I am happy with the title we have won this season.

"It is very well deserved."

Written by eugeniu on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Football-Player.

Inzaghi takes swipe at coach


AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi has taken a swipe at Italy coach Roberto Donadoni after being left out of his squad for Euro 2008.
Inzaghi, 35, was a regular starter during the qualification campaign but failed to make Donadoni's provisional 24-man squad which was announced on Tuesday.

The veteran striker's 11-year international career with the Azzurri now appears effectively over.

"I am disappointed, particularly from a human point of view," said a disappointed Inzaghi.

"I started these last two years with a positive relationship, scoring the first official goal of his (Donadoni's) stewardship in Napoli against Lithuania.

"And then came the silence, despite my return for Milan, scoring 18 goals over the winter and in April and May.

"Obviously it has taken just my injury during the season for me to not even merit a phone call to cancel what I thought was a mature, adult relationship.

"I am sorry that I got it wrong and pass on my sincere wishes to the Azzurri for the coming European Championships."

Written by eugeniu on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Football-Player.

Ranieri surprise at Trez snub


Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has questioned Raymond Domenech's decision to omit David Trezeguet from his France squad for Euro 2008.
The 30-year-old striker scored 20 times in Serie A as Juve finished third this season, but has been left out of the Domenech's provisional 30-man squad for the forthcoming tournament.

"I can't understand it - he is a fantastic player," said Ranieri. "He is a predator in the area and a goalscorer.

"Of course, I'm happy because I have Trezeguet (fresh) for next season.

"I have the qualifiers for the Champions League and it will be very important to have a lot of players."

Written by eugeniu on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Football-Player.

MANCHESTER UNITED lifts the Champions’ League: Manchester VS Chelsea Final : Match HIghlights VIDEO

The English football giant Mamchester UNited got their another major trophy of the season with winning Champions' League Title. Man U degeated Chelsea in the Penalty Shootout after the match went 1-1 draw till the 90 minutes + 30 mins of extra time. Manchester defeated 6-5 in he Sudden death of the match. Manchester's Cristiano Ronaldo was the first one to miss among the shootout takers. Chelsea required just a good shot from yhe captain John Terry who missea. Then after comes sudden death. 1-1 scored. Ryane Giggs scores and Anelka comes to shoot but unfortunate for chelsea and cheers for Man U VAN DER SAR becames hero for yet Another time. Stops the PENALTY from Anelka.

Before the match was vast competative. Both goals each from one team was scored on the first half of the match. Cristiano Ronaldo had scored the goal for Man U in 26 min giving 1-1 lead. After 19 mins Chelsea had fine comeback. Frank Lampard scored and made 1-1 in 45 minute of the game. Further 75 minutes was goalless.

Goalless 75 minute was never than less less dramatic. Lots of chances and misses throughout. Cards all te way. Hurry subs and all. But the tragidy for Chelsea got more panic when they lost their premier striker Didier Drogba on the last minutes of the extra time with red card. Lost of Drama during that time.

Goal Analysis
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United - 26 mins Wes Brown sends in a diagonal ball from the right wing and Cristiano Ronaldo gets the jump on Michael Essien to steer a perfect header just inside the left upright. Essien's not able for him at all tonight - the makeshift right-back is having a shocker.
2. Frank Lampard - Chelsea - 45 mins A pass through the centre and into the penalty area from Essien hits the back of Ferdinand's legs and falls kindly for Lampard, whose job of tucking it away is made all the easier by the fact that Van der Sar slipped. A comedy of errors and no mistake.

Penalty Shootout


Tevez scores for Man United.
Ballack scores for Chelsea.
Carrick scores for Man United.
Belletti scores for Chelsea.
Ronaldo misses for Man United.
Lampard scores for Chelsea.
Hargreaves scores for Man United.
Ashley Cole scores for Chelsea ... just about.
Nani scores for Man United.
John Terry ... MISSES for Chelsea.
SUDDEN DEATH
Anderson scores for Man United
Kalou ... scores for Chelsea.
Giggs ... scores for Man United.
Nicolas Anelka ... MISSES!!!
Finally Man U 6- Chelsea 5

Major moments of Match


4 min: Paul Scholes picks up the ball on the right hand side of midfield and pings a long pass over to Ronaldo on the far touchline. The Portuguese traps it on his chest, fails to keep the ball in play and plays on anyway in the hope the referee didn't notice which side of the line the ball had bounced. Nice try, but you have to be up early in the morning to catch out Lubos Michel.

22 min: Frank Lampard sends a diagonal ball towards Didier Drogba from the left wing, but Nemanja Vidic intercepts and puts it out for a corner. Lampard sends the ball into the mixer, where Terry leaps highest, but the ball is too high for him and ends up going wide.

24 min: Not for the first time this evening, Cristiano Ronaldo fails to keep the ball in play over on the left touchline. On this occasion he should have done better and his reluctance to chase a loose pass from Patrice Evra ruins a promising Manchester United build-up. It seems Claude Makelele has also been booked for that incident with Paul Scholes.

GOAL! Man Utd 1-0 Chelsea (Ronaldo 26) Wes Brown sends in a diagonal ball from the right wing and Cristiano Ronaldo gets the jump on Michael Essien to steer a perfect header just inside the left upright. Essien's not able for him at all tonight - the makeshift right-back is having a shocker.

36 min: Manchester Uniited counter and almost go 2-0 up. Rooney picks out Ronaldo with a beautiful pass, the Portuguese crosses for Tevez, whose header from point-blank range is parried by Cech in the Chelsea goal. The ball falls beautifully for Michael Carrick, who picks his spot before pulling t5he trigger and sending a low drive towards the bottom right-hand corner. Cech flings himself to his right and saves brilliantly.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea (Lampard 44) A pass through the centre and into the penalty area from Essien hits the back of Ferdinand's legs and falls kindly for Lampard, whose job of tucking it away is made all the easier by the fact that Van der Sar slipped. A comedy of errors and no mistake.

53 min: Brilliant play by Rooney down the left flank, who threads the ball through two defenders to pick out Patrice Evra on the byline. With Chelsea's defence all over the place, the full-back over-hits his cross, earning himself stern rebukes from team-mates Wayne Rooney and Owen Hargreaves.

70 min: United attack, Rooney crosses from the left wing and Tevez and Makelele go down in a tangle just inside the Chelsea penalty area. Tevez was the aggressor there and leaves Makelele in need of treatment. Corner for Manchester United, which Cech comes out to claim.

84 min: Free-kick for Chelsea, wide on the right. Malouda plays it short to Drogba on the edge of the six-yard box, but the Ivorian is unable to turn and wins a corner instead. Sadly for him, the referee decides otherwise and awards a goal-kick."

ET23: The following players are all suffering from the effects of cramp: Lampard, Hargreaves, Terry ... never mind that, there's a big handbags session involving about 18 players who are all arguing about the manner in which the ball should be put out of play when 14 different players drop with cramp at the same time.

ET26: The melee continues, despite the best attempts of match official John Terry to sort it out. Didier Drogba gets sent off for a gentle caress on the cheek of Nemanja Vidic, while Michael Ballack gets booked for dissent.

ET28: Drogba walks off and goes to have words with Vidic, presumably to criticise him for not moving his face out of the way before getting "hit". Amid all the scuffling, a football match breaks out. Chelsea are down to 10 men.


CLICK HERE FOR THE VIDEO OF MATCH FULL

Written by Sudip Kafle and Sujan Kafle on May 21st, 2008 with no comments.
Read more articles on Chelsea and UEFA champions league and football videos and manchester united.

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