Soccer Update; Del Piero Scores Stunner In Juve Rout

Soccer Update; Alessandro Del Piero scored a stunning goal as Juventus romped to a 4-0 win over Artmedia Petrzalka in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round in Turin. Juventus dominated the match from start to finish, and in truth could have scored more goals, but they will go into the second leg in Bratislava with one foot already in the Group Stages.Mauro Camoranesi opened the scoring on six minutes, Del Piero added a second with a stunning long-shot (25), before Giorgio Chiellini scored a third before half time on 39 minutes with a powerful header. Defender Nicola Legrottaglie completed the scoring in the 89th minute with another header to wrap up a perfect evening for the Italians. Juve made an aggressive start, forcing a succession of corners, and it took just six minutes for them to take the lead through Mauro Camoranesi. The Italo-Argentine started the move, before taking advantage of Zdenek Grygera’s slip, and sweeping the ball past Lubos Kamenar. Grygera’s involvement in this game was to be short and sweet, as just minutes later he was forced off with an injury, after colliding with Ales Urbanek. Strangely the Czech was replaced by forward Vincenzo Iaquinta, with Hasan Salihamidzic reverting to right back. Juventus continued to dominate, and Trezeguet flicked the ball inches past the post as he stretched for a deflected cross. Debutant Poulsen then released Cristian Molinaro down the left, and the full back forced Kamenar to turn the ball around the post. A second goal was coming, and it duly arrived on 25 minutes courtesy of a wonder goal from Del Piero. The Golden Boy interchanged with Trezeguet outside the area before letting fly with an unstoppable shot that flew into the top corner like a ballistic missile. It was a truly exceptional strike. Del Piero was in magical form, and he conjured up a delicious through ball for Iaquinta, but the former Udinese man wasted the opportunity with a heavy first touch. Nevertheless, five minutes before half time and Juventus made it 3-0. This time Chiellini got onto the scoresheet with a fierce header from six yards from Camoranesi’s cross. Such was Juve’s dominance that it took until 90 seconds before the break for Buffon, who was playing the 500th club game of his career, to make his first save from Juraj Halenar. Into the second half, and the home side continued to attack. Poulsen unleashed a piledriver which was parried away by Kamenar. Del Piero then produced another piece of inspirational skill, with a curling shot that finished just over the bar. Trezeguet had the ball in the back of the net soon after, but it was ruled out as Camoranesi’s cut back was deemed to have already gone out of play. It was a very tight call from the linesman. Iaquinta went close on 62 minutes as he drilled in a shot from outside the area but it shaded the wrong side of the post and trickled out. Seconds later, Trezeguet slammed a half volley down into the ground which sailed just wide. The tempo of the game began to slow just a touch, and Del Piero received a standing ovation when he was substituted on 72 minutes for Amauri. Camoranesi demonstrated his inventiveness once again on 78 minutes by locating Trezeguet, but after turning his marker, the Frenchman hesitated in getting his shot away Branislav Fodrek recovered to steal the ball. In the 89th minute Camoranesi did indeed get another assist as he crossed for Legrottaglie who headed past Kamenar to make it 4-0. In injury time it could have been five as Kamenar spilled Iaquinta’s low drive and Amauri dashed in for the rebound but ballooned his shot. The final whistle blew and Kamenar raced over to Buffon, whom he reportedly named his dog after, and swapped shirts with his idol. Juventus had won the first leg in style and they are now as good as qualified for the Champions League group stages. The second leg in Bratislava takes place in two weeks.

Article source : http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=817757

Soccer Update; McClaren Blames Inexperience For Defensive Lapse

Soccer Update; FC Twente boss can feel rightly aggrieved that his Dutch side collapsed in the second half to two weak goals from a makeshift, but patient, Arsenal side. FC Twente conceded two goals at their temporary home in Gelredome and if they are to salvage anything from this tie, they will need to score three goals when they visit the Emirates in the return leg. Not an easy prospect. Especially when you consider Arsenal’s near perfect record in their new home. As if already thinking about the Uefa Cup, the former Middlesbrough and England manager may just be looking to limit the damage when he takes his troops to London. Sky Sports quote McClaren’s post-match thoughts as thus: “We approached the game well. Arsenal scored because our organisation at the free-kick was not okay - and not by playing good football.” “We made a good start and against top teams you won’t get many chances, so you have to score when you can. Our inexperience in Europe showed in key moments and that cost us the game.” He added: “We have to learn from it but I can’t fault the performance. We had Arsenal rattled, especially in the first half.” FC Twente did look match fit though despite only being midway through their pre-season preparations. Arsenal on the other hand begin their league campaign on Saturday as they play host to West Brom.

Article source : http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=817975

Soccer Update; Relieved Rafa Searches For Positives

Soccer Update; Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confessed his side were extremely fortunate to escape last night’s Champions League qualifier against Standard Liege with a draw. The Reds would have been 2-0 down within the opening 10 minutes if it were not for the heroics of goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The Spaniard was called into action early, just about managing to keep out Marouane Fellaini’s header after it ricocheted off the inside of the post - although replays later suggested the ball had crossed the line. But the former Villarreal shot-stopper’s work did not stop there, as shortly afterwards he saved Dante Bonfim’s spot-kick when the referee wrongly penalised Andrea Dossena for handling in the area. Benitez’s men held on from their to secure a goalless draw at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, and the manager is hoping for a significantly improved performance on home soil in two weeks’ time. “I think we were lucky not to concede,” he told the club’s official website. “You never know what is going to happen when a game gets underway but clearly we didn’t play well. “The performance was poor but the result was good. We didn’t concede away from home which is always important and to play the second-leg at Anfield could make a massive difference. “The positive thing was the result and we didn’t have to say too much about the display in the dressing room because everybody already knew it wasn’t good.” Liverpool were clearly shocked by Liege’s energetic start and looked sluggish all game, highlighting in particular the absences of Steven Gerrard (benched under an injury cloud) and Olympians Javier Mascherano and Ryan Babel. “They were very aggressive and we could not keep the ball,” Benitez continued. “Our passes were bad and we always lost the first and second ball. “In the first 20 minutes they were on top of us and after that we controlled it a bit more. “In the second-half they started the same way and played more long balls and continued to win the first and second balls and if you don’t win them you will continue to be under pressure.” Liverpool’s poor performance comes as something of a surprise given their good form towards the end of pre-season, which included thrashings of Rangers and Valerenga. But Benitez dismissed the notion that his players underestimated the opponents, insisting they were well warned about the potential threat the Belgian champions posed. “I was a little bit surprised because we were playing well in pre-season with a lot of confidence,” he added. “I told the players before, after watching their Super Cup game against Anderlecht, that it could be like this. We knew they could be very aggressive. They were organised and pressed well and it was difficult for us to keep the ball. “I think the entire team didn’t play well; so the strikers, midfielders and defenders didn’t play well and Pepe Reina was man of the match.”

<!–Tiziana Garofalo(N° Tessera 123456 ODG)–>

Article source : http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=817991

Soccer Update; Happy But Prudent - Guardiola

Soccer Update; Pep Guardiola admitted that he was happy with Barcelona’s emphatic win over Wisla Krakow in the Champions League but was keen for nobody be to become complacent. The Blaugrana coach would not reveal what he felt needed improving, but did state that wanted prudence to be the keyword despite the 4-0 win that virtually guarantees his side a place in the group stages. Samuel Eto’o scored twice while Xavi Hernández and Thierry Henry added one apiece in a performance that few neutrals would be able to find fault with. “I am a happy man, but we must remain prudent,” Guardiola said. “We know what we have done well and what we have not done well. “We have scored goals and created a lot of chances and I am happy that we did not concede any goals as well because in this type of tie that is vital. “At the start we had a couple of scares, but Márquez and Puyol have controlled things well.” Guardiola was particularly impressed with Henry after he asked the French forward to play on the left flank to test how he would fit into the new system. “I am pleased for him,” the coach added. “It has been a difficult year because he came at a complicated time, but he is an extraordinary player and today he played very well.”

Article source : http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=818016

Soccer Update; Aguirre Confident Despite Narrow Defeat

Soccer Update; Atletico Madrid boss Javier Aguirre is confident that his side will progress to the UEFA Champions League, despite having lost 1-0 to Schalke 04 in the first leg of their preliminary play-off in Germany. Javier Aguirre’s side escaped from Germany with a narrow loss, but Aguirre believes his side will be able to turn the tie in their favour at the Vicente Calderon to progress to the Group Stage of Europe’s ultimate club competition. “There are ninety minutes left. The match will be very different and we will play in other circumstances. We will play in front of our people at the Vicente Calderon. We are confident that we will go through,” Aguirre stated during a press conference after the match. The Mexican coach admitted that having lost 1-0 “is not the best result” but that Los Rojiblancos “intended to score but were unable to do so.” He believes it will be a much different story in Madrid. “At the Vicente Calderon it will be another match. Over there there won’t be so many open spaces like the ones we found on the field (in Germany). In Madrid they won’t play so open. We have to be patient, and must take advantage of our opportunities,” he stated. Aguirre didn’t want to talk about Peter Frojdfeldt, the referee of the match, who sent-off Antonio Lopez in the 75th minute. The Mexican affirmed that in the past decisions have gone against his team, but he would prefer to concentrate soley on the football side of things.

Article source : http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=818013

Soccer Update; Fiorentina in control after 2-0 win

Soccer Update; Strikers Adrian Mutu and Alberto Gilardino scored as Fiorentina took a big step towards the group stage of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Slavia Prague. Fiorentina’s clean sheet augured well for the return leg of this third qualifying tie in Prague in two weeks’ time. “The spirit is right. The team responded well, as did the crowd, so I’m satisfied,” Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli told RAI television. Romania international Mutu set the Stadio Artemio Franchi alight in the third minute when he curled a superb right-footed free kick into the top corner from 30 metres out. Former AC Milan forward Gilardino, one of several new arrivals making their competitive debuts for the Florence club, put the hosts firmly in charge of the tie in the 57th minute when he headed home after the ball bounced around the penalty area from a corner. The visitors tried to produce a quick reply to Mutu’s opener, but Fiorentina’s Danish defender Per Kroldrup, in the starting line-up for the injured Alessandro Gamberini, did well to steal possession from midfielder Dusan Svento at the edge of the penalty area to stop a dangerous move. The hosts looked comfortable on the ball, and the Czech title-holders, who knocked out Ajax in the preliminaries to make their debut appearance in the Champions League group stage last season, struggled to pose a threat. Slavia defender Martin Latka had to climb high on the half hour mark to prevent a Zdravko Kuzmanovic cross finding the head of Gilardino, who was ready to pounce close to goal. Serb midfielder Kuzmanovic came close with a powerful long-distance shot shortly after, and Gilardino failed to take advantage of three inviting crosses into the penalty box as the Serie A side pressed hard towards the end of the first half. Fiorentina, returning to the Champions League after an absence of over eight years, kept up the pressure after the break and Slavia keeper Martin Vaniak needed to make a fine save to repel a powerful free kick from Peruvian full back Juan Manuel Vargas. Just as the Czechs showed some signs of coming into the match, Gilardino made up for his earlier mistakes with a goal, although television replays suggested there was a suspicion of offside. Vaniak stopped his side falling three goals behind on several occasions, stopping two close-range shots in quick succession from Gilardino and Pablo Osvaldo, scooping a Mutu corner off the line and smothering the ball at the end of a goalmouth scramble. Prandelli added: “We need (the two weeks of training before the second leg) because, as could be seen, we aren’t continuously sharp yet. But we were also quite tidy today.” Prandelli expressed his faith in Gilardino, who is trying to regain his best form and his place in the Italian national team after a couple of unimpressive seasons at Milan. “There are no doubts about Gilardino,” Prandelli said of the striker, who had previously played under him during a stint together at Parma. “He is a serious lad who has always had a sense of goal.”

Article source :

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=847454.html#fiorentina+control+after

Soccer Update; Domenech goes for youth against Sweden

Soccer Update; France coach Raymond Domenech on Tuesday opted for youth over experience with veteran goalkeeper Gregory Coupet overlooked in the 20-man squad for a friendly against Sweden in Gothenburg on 20 August. The 35-year-old Coupet paid the price for his first team place not being assured in his new club Atletico Madrid and his mediocre performance at the European championships where he conceded six goals during their first round exit. Rennes right back Rod Fanni and Yoann Gourcuff of Bordeaux have been given their first call-up. Gourcuff has returned to France after a forgettable passage at AC Milan, who have loaned him to Bordeaux, while Fanni has been called in to fill the gap left by injured Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol and Lyon’s Francois Clerc. Midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, who failed to make the grade for UEFA EURO 2008, has been recalled after his impressive start to the season with Marseille, as has defender Philippe Mexes, who benefits from the international retirement of Lilian Thuram. Barcelona defender Eric Abidal, suspended for the first World Cup qualifier against Austria on 6 September, and midfielder Samir Nasri and Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey are also noteable absentees. Domenech admitted that the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2000 winners were now rebuilding following their disastrous Euro 2008. “We know that we’re in a period of transition with the end of a generation,” said Domenech, who led France to second place in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. “The young players who came (to the Euros) experienced the bad side of things. It will be useful for the future, they know what they have to do to avoid a repeat.” Domenech confirmed meanwhile that former international midfielder Alain Boghossian will be joining the French team coaching setup. Boghossian, 37, who played for Marseille, as well as Italian sides Parma and Napoli, will join a staff which includes Pierre Mankowski, Domenech’s right-hand man. Mankowski retains his job but will share training sessions with Boghossian. Domenech added: “With Sweden we’re going to prepare the final two matches for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. We mustn’t think of what will happen afterwards, of my role, otherwise how can we prevent the players from thinking about it as well.” France play a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Austria on September 6 and Serbia on September.

Goalkeepers: Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon)

Defenders: Jean-Alain Boumsong (Lyon), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal/ENG), William Gallas (Arsenal/ENG), Patrice Evra (Manchester United/ENG), Rod Fanni (Rennes), Philippe Mexes (AS Rome/ITA) Gael Clichy (Arsenal/ENG)

Midfielders: Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan/ENG), Lassana Diarra (Portsmouth/ENG), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea/ENG), Hatem Ben Arfa (Marseille), Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Sidney Govou (Lyon)

Strikers: Thierry Henry (Barcelona/ESP), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea/ENG), Karim Benzema (Lyon)

Article source :

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=847438.html#domenech+goes+youth+against+sweden

Soccer Update; Spurs sign keeper Sanchez

Soccer Update; Tottenham’s radical overhaul continued on Tuesday with Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez signed up to act as understudy to new first choice keeper Heurelho Gomes. Gomes arrived from PSV Eindhoven to replace Paul Robinson, one of seven players who have left White Hart Lane over the summer. The 36-year-old Sanchez, who earned a Spanish cap earlier in his career, arrives in London on a year-long loan. The veteran played in the Champions League final for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.  Dimitar Berbatov also played in that Hampden Park final, for Bayer Leverkusen, but a reunion is unlikely as the Bulgaria striker has told club officials he wants to leave for Manchester United. Spurs are waiting for an improved offer from the Premier League and European champions. Spurs coach Juande Ramos has a list of targets he has handed to chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Damien Comolli in anticipation of Berbatov’s departure. His transfer would follow those of fellow striker Robbie Keane to Liverpool, Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda and Teemu Tainio to Sunderland and defender Younes Kaboul to Portsmouth. Aside from Sanchez and Gomes Spurs have also recruited David Bentley for an initial £15 million pounds (22 million euros) from Blackburn, Croatian playmaker Luka Modric and Mexican youngster Giovani dos Santos.

Article source :

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=847434.html#spurs+sign+keeper+sanchez

Soccer Update; Wenger places faith in youth

Soccer Update; Arsenal were long on style but short on silverware in 2007-08, finishing without a trophy for the third successive season. The question going into the new campaign is whether Arsene Wenger’s talented team will have learned from the harsh lessons of last season and acquired the requisite mental toughness. Arsenal fell away badly after leading the title race at the midway point of the season, their lack of resilience evident when they surrendered winning positions in key matches, notably against Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League and Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Wenger believes that the pain of missing out on a trophy last season will inspire them to success this time. “I am convinced the frustration we got by not winning it last season will come out for good,” the Frenchman told reporters in Amsterdam before the pre-season Amsterdam Tournament. “It will strengthen our resolve to do it this time. We have kept the basis of the team this season. Okay, we have lost Gilberto who was very experienced and very important in the dressing room. Also we lost Mathieu Flamini and Alex Hleb. But we brought in (Samir) Nasri and also we have many young players who are one year older and have learned a lot. We have made a big improvement from two years ago to last year and now we want to continue. We were a short way from winning the League and the Champions League. That is why we want to continue with the way we play and keep the belief.” Despite Wenger’s positive take, it does not help Arsenal’s cause that they have lost four of their more experienced players during the close season with goalkeeper Jens Lehmann also ending his spell in London. Wenger has not replaced that experience, choosing to invest once again in youth. His biggest signing is French playmaker Nasri from Olympique Marseille. “Young, quick and technically outstanding” was Wenger’s description of the 21-year-old, meaning he certainly fits the Arsenal template. Wenger also beat Manchester United to Welsh teenager Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff City and signed Portugal under-21 midfielder Amaury Bischoff from Werder Bremen, although perhaps his most important piece of business was persuading Emmanuel Adebayor to agree a new contract. Adebayor struck 30 goals last season and if he can produce a repeat performance and Robin van Persie stays fit, they should be able to cope with Eduardo’s expected absence for the season’s opening months as he continues to recover from a broken leg. For a team aiming to challenge Manchester United and Chelsea for the title, a more pressing concern is whether they can find a new holding player to provide cover when Cesc Fabregas pushes forward.

Article source :

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=846169.html#wenger+places+faith+youth

Soccer Update; Ronnie smiling as Brazil shine

Soccer Update; The smile that football fans around the world know and love returned to Ronaldinho’s face here at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 - a smile that suggests the 28-year-old Brazilian is enjoying his football again. And the AC Milan attacker was also back among the goals yesterday with a brace and an eye-catching performance in Brazil’s emphatic 5-0 victory over New Zealand. “I’m very happy to have scored two goals,” said the Auriverde captain after the match. “My father would have enjoyed that game, if he was watching in heaven.” Given the player last found the net eight months ago in former club Barcelona’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League win over Stuttgart, the sense of relief was palpable. And his elation was clearly shared by his Seleção team-mates and the coaching staff, with Ronaldinho celebrating his successful spot kick by running to embrace all the Brazilian substitutes standing behind the goal. “We saw that smile again today,” said Verdeamarelha coach Dunga. “And let’s not forget that he hasn’t played for four months. But players as talented as Ronaldinho don’t need long to find their find their feet again.” Ronaldinho aside, it was a superb all-round team performance from the Brazilians, including a second-half display that even had their opponents purring in admiration. “It’s a pleasure to watch them play, they really are superstars,” said Kiwi midfielder Jeremy Brockie. “Of course, we’re disappointed to lose but Brazil are the world’s best team.” As you would expect, the mood in the Brazilian camp was one of a job well done. “5-0 is a very good result,” said midfielder Diego. “We’re always expected to win comfortably but our opponents deserve respect. They were strong even if they lacked experience.” And coach Dunga, at the Canarinha helm since July 2006, claimed that “it was the best team performance since I took over”. Brazil are now set to move base from Shenyang to Qinhuangdao, where they meet tournament hosts China PR in Wednesday’s final group game. A draw would be good enough to ensure Ronaldinho and Co top the group but midfielder Thiago Neves is predicting even greater things here at Beijing 2008: “If we play like we did in the second half against New Zealand, then we can win the gold medal.” And forward Rafael Sobis, who snatched Brazil’s fifth goal in injury time, also believes his side can go on to take the only major honour missing from their collection: “Brazil can win gold and do so by playing beautiful football.”

Article source :

http://www.fifa.com/mensolympic/news/newsid=845759.html#ronnie+smiling+brazil+shine