The young men of PIFA-CYFC U-19 team lifted the runners up title in the Football Challenge 2009 nine-a-side tournament organized by the Bombay Muslim Sports Club from February 23-27 2009.
by Mondal Subhankar
PIYA-CIFC lift the Football Challenge 2009
Jiban Singh guides team to semi-final
Imphal, Feb. 28 : North Eastern Re-Organising and Cultural Association blanked Wangoi Football Association 6-0 to move into the semi-finals of the 6th Th. Birchandra Singh Football Academy State-Level Junior Football Tournament at Toubungkhok.
In the Group B quarter-final match today, North Eastern players ruled the field from the word go with Jiban Singh leading the assault scoring four goals within the first 20 minutes of the first half and another in the 47th minute of the match.
Yarmepei Shang scored the fifth goal of the match in the 45th minute for the winners.
In a Group A match played yesterday, Eastern Sporting Union, Wangkhei, edged past Western Sporting Union, Toubungkhok, by a solitary goal to enter the semi-finals.
The match remained goalless in the first half with neither team conceding an inch. However, Tomcha Singh came up with the lone goal in the 49th minute to win the game for Eastern Union.
In another Group A tie, Northern Sporting Union, Awang Potshangbam, were held to a goalless draw with Hayel Youth Progressive Club, but they still moved into the semi-final by virtue of a better goal average.
From Group A, Eastern Sporting Union topped the table with their undefeated run, collecting 12 points from four matches.
Fergie’s masterful mind games with Mourinho
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manchester united
London, Feb.28 : Manchester United coach-cum-manager Sir Alex Ferguson has proved that he is the king of footie managerial mind games.
That is the view of sports psychologist Ken Way, whose clients include Premier League and England stars. Manchester United gaffer Sir Alex clashed countless times with the self-proclaimed “Special One” Jose Mourinho when he was manager of rivals Chelsea.nd The Sun got Ken to put them under the spotlight as the pair went head-to-head for the first time in 18 months as United travelled to Italy to take on Jose’s Inter Milan in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Just like the old days, Fergie and Mourinho used their press conferences to try to give their team the upper hand - but Ken insists Fergie is still number one at talking the talk.
“The beauty is that Alex doesn’t do this after considered analysis - he simply knows what is the right thing to say,” said Ken.
“Mourinho is most interesting. It appeared he couldn’t keep quiet in his Press conferences and played into Fergie’s hands,” he added.
Drinking himself to death is Gazza’s greatest fear
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Paul Gascoigne
London, Feb.28 : Former England football star Paul Gascoigne has one great fear - drinking himself to death like his hero George Best.
According to The Sun, Gazza poured out his anguish at the same health farm where tragic Bestie fought his last vain battle with the bottle.Man United legend Best looked a haggard, broken man as he nursed a glass of white wine months before his death at 59 in November 2005.
But smiling, sun tanned Gazza was drinking bottled water at the same spot yesterday - and looked sober and fighting fit after a three-hour gym workout.
The ex-Spurs and Newcastle star has been in rehab at soccer pal Tony Adams’s Sporting Chance Clinic in the grounds of the Champneys health spa at Forest Mere, Hants.
Doomed Best spent months at the same spa as he struggled to contain his drink problem and even has a suite there named after him.
Gazza said: “I’m humbled when people say I’m the George Best of my generation.
“He was a great guy and a great player and I wished to God I’d had his looks.
But what happened to him will always be a lesson to me. I knew George and really felt for him in the end for obvious reasons - our experiences in life had been so similar,” he added.
“He was a great man, but was never left alone to recover from his problems. I just hope I am left alone to get on with my recovery. I cried when he died.
I called his son Calum and spoke to him when he was at his dad’s bedside in hospital. It was a very emotional time,” Gazza said.
Like Gazza’s, Best’s life was a catalogue of drunken episodes, booze-fuelled arrests and domestic bust-ups.
And like Gazza he gave up alcohol many times before relapsing into his old, self-destructive ways.
Gazza said: “I’m an alcoholic like George and I know that - in some ways - my behaviour has been even more self-destructive than his. George never took cocaine. I have admitted that and my problems got so bad that I ended up in a mental hospital.
“But now I’m sober I know that alcoholism affects people in different ways and that if I ever drink again, it will be no one’s fault but my own.
Gazza said he is now forced to structure his day around times when he is most at risk of reaching for the bottle.
Therapy, meetings and simple tasks are organised to coincide with his daily moments of weakness, which start at 11am - incredibly the time he used to start drinking.
The soccer hero admitted there had been many tears and tantrums as he clawed his way back to health.
His plunge into the abyss was so deep that in September last year rumours spread that he had been found dead in a North East hotel room.
The story had to be quashed by Northumbria Police.
“I can never say never, I know I might drink again. But I have to hope that I will have the strength to stop before it destroys me.
National women’s football kicks off today
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manipur,
National women’s football
NEYVELI, Feb 26 : The 17th senior National women’s football championship begins at the Bharathi Stadium here on Thursday.
As many as 22 teams, including defending champion Manipur, will be vying for honours in the tournament which is being organised by the Cuddalore District Football Association along with its women’s wing.
The teams have been divided into seven clusters.
Eight teams — winners from each cluster plus a best runner-up — will qualify for the quarterfinal league of two groups of four teams each.
The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals.
Manipur, which has won the title 14 times in 16 editions, will be hoping to continue its good show. The final is scheduled for March 15.
READ MORE - National women’s football kicks off today
As many as 22 teams, including defending champion Manipur, will be vying for honours in the tournament which is being organised by the Cuddalore District Football Association along with its women’s wing.
The teams have been divided into seven clusters.
Eight teams — winners from each cluster plus a best runner-up — will qualify for the quarterfinal league of two groups of four teams each.
The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals.
Manipur, which has won the title 14 times in 16 editions, will be hoping to continue its good show. The final is scheduled for March 15.
Woodgate dents Hull's survival hopes
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Woodgate
Hull, Feb 25 : A late goal from England defender Jonathan Woodgate
gave Spurs what could be a crucial three points in the fight against relegation as they beat fellow Premiership strugglers Hull 2-1 on Monday.
Woodgate's header - in what was his 50th appearance for the London club - four minutes from time gave Spurs only their second win in their last 10 Premier League matches and first away win since beating West Ham on December 8 last year.
For Hull relegation appears to be a real possibility as they have registered just one victory in their last 17 Premier League Games and are now just six points above the drop and one above Spurs.
Hull had gone close to taking the lead a quarter of an hour in but it was not of their making - as Woodgate's header back to Spurs 'keeper Carlo Cudicini went past the Italian but he recovered to avoid conceding an embarrassing own goal.
However, Spurs were ahead two minutes later as Hull inexcusably left Aaron Lennon unmarked at a corner and Croat Luka Modric, seeing his team-mate unattended, passed to him and he made no mistake with an impressive shot.
The hosts recovered their composure after that blow - which had come against the run of play - and 10 minutes later they were deservedly level as Michael Turner turned the ball into the net after a corner kick had been missed by Cudicini and the ball had cannoned off Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios.
The second-half started in lively fashion with Spurs forcing two early corners with Darren Bent going closest as his shot was saved by Matt Duke, though, the Spurs striker should have done better.
Hull went down the other end and Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane had a shot from a corner blocked by two Spurs players after another piece of nervy goalkeeping by Cudicini.
Spurs Croatian international fullback Vedran Corluka was just the woodwork away from restoring his side's lead when his header from Modric's freekick beat Duke but came back off the crossbar.
Hull hit back, though, as Kamil Zayatte put in a good header with just under a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, only for it to come off the far post as both sides pressed for what would probably be the winner.
That eventually came four minutes from the end and to the disappointment of the home fans it was Spurs who grabbed it as Woodgate rose to meet Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross and beat Duke - though the central defender had to leave the pitch a couple of minutes later with a head wound.
READ MORE - Woodgate dents Hull's survival hopes
gave Spurs what could be a crucial three points in the fight against relegation as they beat fellow Premiership strugglers Hull 2-1 on Monday.Woodgate's header - in what was his 50th appearance for the London club - four minutes from time gave Spurs only their second win in their last 10 Premier League matches and first away win since beating West Ham on December 8 last year.
For Hull relegation appears to be a real possibility as they have registered just one victory in their last 17 Premier League Games and are now just six points above the drop and one above Spurs.
Hull had gone close to taking the lead a quarter of an hour in but it was not of their making - as Woodgate's header back to Spurs 'keeper Carlo Cudicini went past the Italian but he recovered to avoid conceding an embarrassing own goal.
However, Spurs were ahead two minutes later as Hull inexcusably left Aaron Lennon unmarked at a corner and Croat Luka Modric, seeing his team-mate unattended, passed to him and he made no mistake with an impressive shot.
The hosts recovered their composure after that blow - which had come against the run of play - and 10 minutes later they were deservedly level as Michael Turner turned the ball into the net after a corner kick had been missed by Cudicini and the ball had cannoned off Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios.
The second-half started in lively fashion with Spurs forcing two early corners with Darren Bent going closest as his shot was saved by Matt Duke, though, the Spurs striker should have done better.
Hull went down the other end and Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane had a shot from a corner blocked by two Spurs players after another piece of nervy goalkeeping by Cudicini.
Spurs Croatian international fullback Vedran Corluka was just the woodwork away from restoring his side's lead when his header from Modric's freekick beat Duke but came back off the crossbar.
Hull hit back, though, as Kamil Zayatte put in a good header with just under a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, only for it to come off the far post as both sides pressed for what would probably be the winner.
That eventually came four minutes from the end and to the disappointment of the home fans it was Spurs who grabbed it as Woodgate rose to meet Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross and beat Duke - though the central defender had to leave the pitch a couple of minutes later with a head wound.
Mourinho relishes clash with Man Utd
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Jose Mourinho
Paris, Feb 24 : As Europe anticipates the top-of-the-bill Champions League clash between Inter Milan and Manchester United on Tuesday, few will be relishing the contest quite as keenly as Inter's coach Jose Mourinho.Upon arriving in Milan in June, the Portuguese voiced his dismay at the dwindling international reputation of Italian football and he will view the round of 16 first leg at the San Siro as the perfect opportunity to remind the world of the allure of Serie A.
Mourinho has promised a "tactical" approach to the visit of his old adversary Alex Ferguson's world and European champions, who have won 16 of their last 17 games in all competitions.
The former Chelsea boss has also wasted little time in sparking the pre-match mind games by claiming United striker Wayne Rooney should be banned for the tie.
Writing in British newspaper, Mourinho said: "Back in 2005, UEFA used TV evidence to suspend Michael Essien for a challenge that he made in the Champions League against Liverpool."
"Against (Danish team) Aalborg, Rooney made a challenge that deserved punishment. But nothing happens. What is the difference between Michael Essien from Chelsea and Wayne Rooney from Manchester United?"
Both sides top their domestic leagues - United by seven points, Inter by nine - but the defending champions will be without defensive lynchpin Nemanja Vidic, who is suspended, while Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Vidic's likely replacement Jonny Evans are all injured.
Tuesday's other Anglo-Italian tie features Arsenal and Roma, two sides looking to European competition for salvation after being made to endure testing domestic seasons.
Luciano Spalletti's Roma have thrust themselves into Champions League contention after an abysmal start to the season that saw them pick up just two wins from their first 10 league games.
Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League after being held to their third consecutive 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland on Saturday.
Roma showed their class with a clinical 3-1 dissection of Chelsea in the group stages in November and Gunners coach Arsene Wenger is wary of their ability to raise their game.
"They're a strange side," the Frenchman said. "They like to do well against the good teams in Italy, so we must be cautious."
Wenger's young guns in acid test against Roma
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Arsenal
The Gunners face Roma in the first leg of their last 16 tie at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday and Wenger knows his gamble of fielding so many youngsters this season could come back to haunt him against the Italians.
Long-term injuries to Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby and Tomas Rosicky have left Wenger especially short of options in midfield.
That lack of experience is a major concern against a Roma team who can flood the midfield battle-ground with a potent mix of skill and power.
To make matters worse for Wenger, new signing Andrei Arshavin is ineligible after playing for Zenit St Petersburg earlier in the competition.
Wenger has little choice but to put his faith in the likes of Alexandre Song, Denilson and Aaron Ramsey and hope they can rise to the occasion.
"When you play against Roma you know there is one battle you cannot lose and that is in midfield because that is their strong point," Wenger said.
"They play with a congested midfield and with a lot of short passing on the ground. If you lose that battle, you will be second best.
"Denilson will have an important part to play in the Roma game. I am surprised how little credit he has got for what he has delivered since the start of the season.
"He does not talk too much, but he is very efficient. If you look at the numbers and the amount of balls he wins, he is one of the top midfield players in the country on many indexes."
With a daunting trip to the Stadio Olympico for the second leg awaiting the Gunners, anything less than a victory will leave them in danger of elimination.
But Wenger is more concerned with avoiding the concession of a potentially vital away goal.
"The weight of the away goal is massive," he said. "It has become too important. When you draw 0-0 at home, the team you play away has absolutely to score, so they come at you."
After Saturday's goal-less draw against Sunderland at the Emirates, Arsenal have now gone three league matches without scoring.
That barren run has Arsenal six points adrift of the top four and in danger of missing out on Champions League football next season.
Wenger, who is likely to be without strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Eduardo against Roma, concedes his team's spluttering form is taking its toll on their morale and making them rush at key moments.
"The attitude is very good among the players but in the final third we are not as efficient as we could be," Wenger said.
"Our passing is sometimes not incisive enough. Maybe the strikers are not alerted quickly enough. We were not quick or relaxed enough and, overall, it's difficult."
Roma qualified for the knockout stages top of their group ahead of Chelsea, who they beat 3-1 at home.
Despite that, Luciano Spalletti's side, who defeated Siena 1-0 at the weekend, are 16 points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan and regarded as outsiders for success in Europe.
Yet Wenger has no intention of underestimating any side containing the likes of Francesco Totti, Philippe Mexes and Daniele De Rossi.
Inaocha hattrick wins opener
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Y. Inaocha Singh
DSA Trophy
READ MORE - Inaocha hattrick wins opener
Imphal, Feb 24 : A hattrick by Y. Inaocha Singh ensured a 3-2 goal win for the All Irengband Football Association against Sena Athletic Organisation in the opening match of the 5th DSA Trophy Naorem Bhubon State-Level Football Tournament at Kakching in Thoubal district.
Sena Athletic Organisation wasted an early opportunity, as Subhaschandra Singh missed a penalty shot in the 5th minute of play.
The Sena Athletic team finally came up with a goal as Romenson Singh scored in the 37th minute. In the second half, the All Irengband Football Association completely upstaged its rivals with Y. Inaocha Singh scoring the equaliser in the 55th minute.
Five minutes later, Inaocha Singh scored again to take the lead to 2-1.
In the 72nd minute of the game, Inaocha Singh came up with his third goal and the first hattrick of the tournament, to take the tally to 3-1.
In the dying minutes, a desperate attempt from Sena Athletic Organisation’s Premkishan Singh enabled the second goal.
T. Ramesh Singh of Sena Athletic Organisation was booked with a yellow card in the first half. The District Sports Association, Kakching, organised the tournament.
State volleyball
Manipur Police Sports Club overcame Mayang Imphal KLLK team in straight sets in the opening match of the 1st State Level Volleyball Tournament at Maibam Kongjil ground, reports our sports correspondent from Imphal.
Seven teams participated in the tournament, organised by the Maibam Konjil Social Progressive Organisation.
Manipur Police Sports Club overcame a stiff challenge from Mayang Imphal KLLK to prevail 25-24, 25-23 and 25-18.
66 to train at camp
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Santosh Trophy
| US firm sponsors meet to groom Assam footballers | ||
Guwahati, Feb 24 : The West Virginia-based firm M/s FS Sports has engaged three competent coaches from the US to train Assam footballers during an inaugural camp for the Santosh Trophy senior tournament. The first phase of the camp got under way at the Nehru Stadium here today. Altogether 66 probables have been invited to the camp, conducted by FS Sports coaches Carl Grey, Robert Grey and Glenn Grey. Launching the programme, the president of FS Sports, Francis Saldonha, said the decision to sponsor the coaching programme was part of his initiative to help underprivileged nations in the field of sport. “After launching the sports promotion firm in July last year, I did not have an idea whom to approach and how to help India develop football. I had contacted the All India Football Federation and accordingly, I sponsored the Indian under-16 team in an exposure trip to the US last year. It was then that I met Assam Football Association secretary Ankur Dutta who, in turn, invited me to be involved in the coaching programme,” Saldonha said. The US firm will spend around $20,000 in the programme. “Besides, the coaches deployed here will be spotting talented players for sponsorship. Moreover, we are launching a website to scout talent where players will be able to upload video clips of their athletic skills and we will select potential talents for grooming and sponsorship,” the West Virginia-based physician of Indian origin said. He added that they would not only promote football but also disciplines like athletics, swimming and tennis. The AFA hoped the camp was going to help the state team qualify for the 34th National Games in Jharkhand by finishing among the top eight in the Santosh Trophy tournament in May. Assam was shown the door from the group league stage in the last edition of the Santosh Trophy tournament, thus failing to qualify for the National Games. |
Woman footballers for national meet
GUWAHATI, Feb 23 – A 20-member State will take part in the 17th Senior National Women Football Championship which will be held at Neyveli in Tamil Nadu from February 27.
The team will be accompanied by Karna Musahary as coach and Chitralekha Gogoi as manager respectively.
The team: Dharmasuli Boro, Anjana Saikia (both goalkeepers), Khiraprabha Bora, Rita Rai, Rajashree Karmakar, Narmada Basumatary, Lirbon Tissopi, Krishna Gogoi (all defenders), Pratima Gogoi, Suchitra Kujur, Lal Siem Kim Hmar, Moni Munda, Rajani Lakra, Rumila Kall (all midfielders), Dayabati Singha, Mamoni Ramchiary, Ring Khangbri Boro, Hellen Hmar, Champawati Gogoi, Hira Kunwari Kujur.
READ MORE - Woman footballers for national meet
The team will be accompanied by Karna Musahary as coach and Chitralekha Gogoi as manager respectively.
The team: Dharmasuli Boro, Anjana Saikia (both goalkeepers), Khiraprabha Bora, Rita Rai, Rajashree Karmakar, Narmada Basumatary, Lirbon Tissopi, Krishna Gogoi (all defenders), Pratima Gogoi, Suchitra Kujur, Lal Siem Kim Hmar, Moni Munda, Rajani Lakra, Rumila Kall (all midfielders), Dayabati Singha, Mamoni Ramchiary, Ring Khangbri Boro, Hellen Hmar, Champawati Gogoi, Hira Kunwari Kujur.
Ronaldo magic rubs salt in Blackburn's wounds
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manchester united
| Manchester United 2 |
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| Blackburn Rovers 1 |
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Cristiano Ronaldo bends in Manchester United's second goal against Blackburn from a free-kick Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images
That it was not decisive was due to the intervention of a man with whom comparisons with Best do not seem ridiculous. On the hour mark, when Blackburn appeared almost in control and Sam Allardyce had just seen Ryan Nelsen drive a shot against the foot of the post, Manchester United won a free-kick by the left-hand edge of the box around 12 yards out.
The angle was acute, the three-man wall seemed more than sufficient. Cristiano Ronaldo had perhaps one spot to aim at – the top right-hand corner of Paul Robinson's net and found it with staggering precision. He may not be the player he was last season – and it would be impossible even for Sir Alex Ferguson to imagine he might scale those heights. And he might be bound for Madrid, but it is moments like these that make him precious.
This match was in many ways a throwback to last season. Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo were the pivotal figures and Blackburn showed the kind of fight reminiscent of their years under Mark Hughes.
Manchester United may have conceded their first goal since November but they have not conceded the advantage. The day after they lost to Arsenal, Chelsea overcame Blackburn with ease to join Liverpool eight points clear of the champions. Frank Lampard remarked that United might find chasing two teams difficult. In the 15 subsequent matches, they have taken 41 points from 15 games. United know how to chase and they know how to lead.
This was an evening that brought to an end a period of the Premier League season that Ferguson regards as more crucial than any other – the period between the end of the Champions League group phase and the start of the knockout rounds. It was the bit Manchester United have dominated, but now the balancing act between home and abroad has begun again.
Edwin van der Sar, who can still claim not to have conceded a league goal since November, was rested. Jonny Evans, the talented young Ulsterman who in the absence of the suspended Nemanja Vidic will be given the task of keeping Adriano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at bay in Milan, started. Ryan Giggs's presence on the bench and Scholes's position in the centre of midfield suggests the roles will be reversed in the San Siro on Tuesday.
That much José Mourinho would guess. Manchester United's crushing progress through the middle of the campaign might have reminded the Internazionale coach of the way his old Chelsea teams marched ruthlessly through a season, but they rarely attacked with quite this much gusto.
What would have angered Ferguson was that by the time Nani was dispossessed and Andre Ooijer's pass found Santa Cruz Manchester United should have had this match comfortably won. United scored early and there had been times when Blackburn's back four, while trying to deal with Ronaldo, had been pulled apart as if they were on ice. By the time Santa Cruz scored, the champions had enjoyed 81% of possession.
But the chances had not been taken and Santa Cruz, in the 32nd minute, drove towards the Stretford End, held off Rio Ferdinand and took the ball past Tomasz Kuszczak to score. Evans was disappointed but not as much as he was when just before the interval he had what seemed a perfectly good headed goal disallowed by Howard Webb for pushing. For the first time in more than 22 hours and three months Manchester United had conceded in the Premier League. Ferguson had remarked that in the dressing room before kick-off this record had come to dominate the banter. Now there would be no more talk.
In the opening 20 minutes Allardyce could only have hoped his Blackburn side would not be overwhelmed. In this they succeeded, although not by much. Scholes sent one drive whistling past Robinson's post in the opening exchanges. A lovely, curling cross from Ronaldo was cleared from Michael Carrick's head by Ryan Nelsen, who was to unwittingly hand Manchester United what at the time seemed the first of many goals.
Attempting to cut out another beautifully timed ball from Nani, the New Zealander stuck out a leg and diverted the ball into Rooney's path. The striker had perhaps a second to react as Robinson advanced, but slid it effortlessly home. It was his first start for more than a month and there seemed not the slightest hint of rust.
CARLOS TEVEZ TALKS TO MATT LAWTON: On his United future, the West Ham affair, Maradona and the scars he'll bear for life
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CARLOS TEVEZ
For an hour he speaks Spanish and for an hour the questions are directed not to him but to his interpreter. How does Carlos feel about this? What does Carlos think about that? And then, after an hour, Carlos smiles and says: ‘Carlos Tevez does speak English you know.’
He does, however, prefer to conduct such interviews in his native tongue and it is easy to understand why. The issues Tevez wants to address are sensitive and he wants to express himself as clearly and as candidly as he can. He wants to speak his mind but he does not want to talk himself into trouble. Not when Sir Alex Ferguson is his manager.
He wants to express his views on ‘The Carlos Tevez Affair’; he wants to try to clarify his feelings about Manchester United and the decision he will soon have to make when it comes to his future. Will he remain at Old Trafford beyond the end of this season or will he be playing elsewhere? He certainly struggles with the fact that, in his mind, he sits on the United bench too often.
He wants to explain why the appointment of Diego Maradona as the manager of Argentina is nothing like as insane as it seems. He even wants to explain why he once declined the offer of cosmetic surgery.
When Tevez was a child, he spent two months in intensive care after an accident involving boiling water left him first with third-degree burns and then scars that run from his right ear, down his neck and across his chest.
Boca Juniors, the club he joined at 17, offered to pay for surgery to have the scars cosmetically improved. But Tevez said no. ‘These scars are part of who I am,’ he says. ‘They are part of my story and I am comfortable with myself and how I look. That is more important than anything and I told them that. It was a generous offer but I was not interested.’ 'I don’t ever want to sit on
the bench. I want to play,
More generous offers are sure to soon follow. From Real Madrid, perhaps from Inter Milan. Offers that might yet lure him away from Old Trafford when first team football is no longer guaranteed.
The arrival of Dimitar Berbatov has had a significant impact on Tevez, leaving him among the substitutes for three of the four Barclays Premier League encounters that United have so far contested against their main rivals this season. He started against Liverpool back in September but has been omitted by Ferguson for the trips to Chelsea and Arsenal and missed out again last month when Chelsea travelled to the north-west.
His greatest admirer thinks it ridiculous. ‘Carlos Tevez should sit on the bench for no one,’ says Maradona. But Ferguson would appear to disagree, opting for a forward line of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Berbatov when all four are available.
‘I am not going to comment on Maradona,’ says Tevez. ‘If that is his opinion, then fair enough. I can only comment on my feelings and, like any player, I don’t ever want to sit on the bench. I want to play, always.
‘Last season I played. Last season I was the second top scorer at the club and last season we won the Champions League and the Premier League. And everyone said I was playing well.
‘But this season I have been benched and I find that hard to understand when I am not playing badly. I realise another player has arrived and I realise that this is why I am sometimes not in the team. But I have not been dropped because I have done anything wrong and that is what is difficult.
‘I will continue to fight. It is in my nature to fight and I will continue to try and make the best of every opportunity I do get in the hope that I will not be benched again.’
'For the fans of Manchester
‘From my point of view, you don’t make a decision just because you are sitting on the bench,’ says Tevez, ‘even if I would like to think I am good enough to play for any team in the world.
‘You have to analyse the whole situation, the whole experience of being at a football club, of living in a city. I have to reflect on how I feel about living in Manchester. I have to ask if my family are happy here.
‘Obviously, I want first-team football. But I have to consider all the issues. I have to consider the whole experience of being at the club before I even begin to make a decision.
‘Right now, it is only my intention to give everything, in every game. For the shirt of Manchester I will always give 100 per cent and for the fans of Manchester I will always give 100 per cent. They have been very good to me. They have taken me into their hearts. They even sing “Argentina” to me.
‘I do have a great feeling about Manchester United and, in particular, the fans. I have a great affection for them and they have made the feeling phenomenal.
‘But at this point I am not sure if I will stay, not least because it is not just my decision. It is up to Manchester to decide if they want to keep me — and I have to decide what is right for my career, for my future.’
The future, he nevertheless insists, can wait. ‘Right now I am only really focused on the four trophies we are trying to win,’ he says. ‘At United we are all part of an amazing team.
‘We are fighting for every win, home and away, just as we were last season when we won the trophies.
‘It’s very difficult to compare Manchester United in the Premier League to any teams from South America — even to teams like Brazil and Argentina.
‘Physically and technically, they are very different. In South America, particularly with kids, they focus so much on technique. But, right now, Manchester United are probably the best team in the world, tactically and technically, and that is very exciting.’
Ferguson once declared ‘you can never have too many strikers’ and his desire to keep Tevez must be strong.
It is not just the considerable talent of the South American that will impress United’s manager but his remarkable tenacity. Not just his ability to score goals but his ability to acquire trophies. At 25, Tevez has won just about everything: a Copa Libertadores; an Olympic gold medal; the English, European and world crowns with United; not to mention a host of other titles, first with Boca and then Corinthians before moving to the Premier League.
'I have a siesta every
His levels of energy are extraordinary, his spirit something that Maradona regards as an inspiration to others. When Argentina’s Olympic team returned from Athens in 2004, Maradona greeted Tevez with a kiss on the lips.
He declared Tevez an ‘Argentine prophet for the 21st century’, and now uses the ‘spirit’ Tevez possesses to motivate his team. ‘Your spirit will win us the game,’ Maradona told Tevez before last week’s friendly with France in Marseille. Argentina won 2-0.
Maradona said much the same thing before an encounter between Corinthians and River Plate.
Desperate to see Corinthians beat the arch rivals of his beloved Boca, Maradona attended a team meeting at the Corinthians hotel and urged them to follow the example of the young forward he so admires. ‘You must win,’ said Maradona. ‘But to win you must fight like Carlos Tevez.’
Tevez appreciates the support he receives from his great hero but sees nothing particularly special in his all-action approach. ‘I think I have been blessed with some natural ability in terms of my stamina,’ he says. ‘But a major part of it is down to the hard work I put in and the way I look after myself.
‘For me, it is as much about diet and rest as it is about working hard in training. It is about getting enough sleep. I have a siesta every afternoon, for two or three hours, and it means I am at my best, at my strongest, for every game. It is always in my mind to prepare myself so that I can perform at my optimum.
'Why should it be the Carlos
‘Football today is very different, very physical and very fast. It is all attack, defend, attack, defend. Even as a striker, you have to defend, otherwise you leave your team-mates exposed to danger.
'To be the best team in the world, the strikers have to defend, they have to work. That is my philosophy and it is the philosophy of Manchester United. We always give everything.’
It is because he gave everything that the supporters of West Ham remain so fond of him. No matter that, because of the controversy that has erupted over the third-party agreement that existed when he played for the Hammers, Sheffield United are now attempting to secure more than £50m in compensation from his former club. He is still adored at Upton Park, as he discovered when he returned there with United earlier this month.
‘As far as I am concerned, why should it be the Carlos Tevez affair? It is West Ham’s affair. This is not my problem and it was not my fault. I did nothing wrong. I came to England to play football and for West Ham and for Manchester United I have tried to do that to the best of my ability.
‘If West Ham have not submitted the documents correctly, that is down to them. It was nothing I did but I have found myself caught in the middle of it.
‘I gave my all for West Ham. I scored some important goals and as I discovered when I went back there the other week it is still appreciated by the fans. They don’t blame me for anything that has happened. If the registration was wrong, that is down to the officials involved in doing the paperwork.’
For Tevez, it is only about the football and it is when the discussion returns to football — and in particular to Maradona — that the eyes once again light up.
'You can't compare Maradona
‘Maradona will be a great coach,’ he says. ‘He has the same charisma now that he had as a player and the group have responded so well to him.
‘People around the world might have been amazed by the decision to appoint him, but it was different for the people of Argentina, for the people who love him and admire him.
‘We knew we had endured his problems; with his health, with everything. But in Argentina he is a hero to everyone and when we knew he had recovered and when he was given the job of coaching the national team, it was like he was back — and that meant so much to the people.
‘You can’t compare him to Sir Alex Ferguson. One manager has years and years of experience and one is just starting his career, but they share that great hunger to win — and they both have that aura that great men possess.’
Maradona would doubtless insist that Tevez has it, too.
READ MORE - CARLOS TEVEZ TALKS TO MATT LAWTON: On his United future, the West Ham affair, Maradona and the scars he'll bear for life
He wants to express his views on ‘The Carlos Tevez Affair’; he wants to try to clarify his feelings about Manchester United and the decision he will soon have to make when it comes to his future. Will he remain at Old Trafford beyond the end of this season or will he be playing elsewhere? He certainly struggles with the fact that, in his mind, he sits on the United bench too often.
He wants to explain why the appointment of Diego Maradona as the manager of Argentina is nothing like as insane as it seems. He even wants to explain why he once declined the offer of cosmetic surgery.
When Tevez was a child, he spent two months in intensive care after an accident involving boiling water left him first with third-degree burns and then scars that run from his right ear, down his neck and across his chest.
Boca Juniors, the club he joined at 17, offered to pay for surgery to have the scars cosmetically improved. But Tevez said no. ‘These scars are part of who I am,’ he says. ‘They are part of my story and I am comfortable with myself and how I look. That is more important than anything and I told them that. It was a generous offer but I was not interested.’ 'I don’t ever want to sit on
the bench. I want to play,
always. I have not been
dropped because I have
done anything wrong and
that is what is difficult'
The arrival of Dimitar Berbatov has had a significant impact on Tevez, leaving him among the substitutes for three of the four Barclays Premier League encounters that United have so far contested against their main rivals this season. He started against Liverpool back in September but has been omitted by Ferguson for the trips to Chelsea and Arsenal and missed out again last month when Chelsea travelled to the north-west.
Winner: Tevez (far left) celebrates with his United team-mates after victory against Chelsea in the European Cup final last May
His greatest admirer thinks it ridiculous. ‘Carlos Tevez should sit on the bench for no one,’ says Maradona. But Ferguson would appear to disagree, opting for a forward line of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Berbatov when all four are available.
‘Last season I played. Last season I was the second top scorer at the club and last season we won the Champions League and the Premier League. And everyone said I was playing well.
‘But this season I have been benched and I find that hard to understand when I am not playing badly. I realise another player has arrived and I realise that this is why I am sometimes not in the team. But I have not been dropped because I have done anything wrong and that is what is difficult.
‘I will continue to fight. It is in my nature to fight and I will continue to try and make the best of every opportunity I do get in the hope that I will not be benched again.’
Best buds: Tevez and Diego Maradona embrace after the 2004 Athens Olympics
When it comes to his future, the situation is a complicated one. What amounted to a two-year loan period at United will end in May and it is then up to United to decide if they want to buy him from his owners. A fee in excess of £20million has been mentioned, with a bidding war likely to take the figures even higher. 'For the fans of Manchester
I will always give 100 per cent.
But at this point I am not sure
if I will stay, not least because
it is not just my decision'
‘You have to analyse the whole situation, the whole experience of being at a football club, of living in a city. I have to reflect on how I feel about living in Manchester. I have to ask if my family are happy here.
‘Obviously, I want first-team football. But I have to consider all the issues. I have to consider the whole experience of being at the club before I even begin to make a decision.
‘Right now, it is only my intention to give everything, in every game. For the shirt of Manchester I will always give 100 per cent and for the fans of Manchester I will always give 100 per cent. They have been very good to me. They have taken me into their hearts. They even sing “Argentina” to me.
Welcome to England: Tevez signs on at West Ham with Javier Mascherano and the then Upton Park boss Alan Pardew in 2006
‘He knows the significance of this, given the history of the countries. Asked about this, he says only: ‘I am just a footballer. But I appreciate the support I receive and I would never want to let down the supporters.‘I do have a great feeling about Manchester United and, in particular, the fans. I have a great affection for them and they have made the feeling phenomenal.
‘But at this point I am not sure if I will stay, not least because it is not just my decision. It is up to Manchester to decide if they want to keep me — and I have to decide what is right for my career, for my future.’
The future, he nevertheless insists, can wait. ‘Right now I am only really focused on the four trophies we are trying to win,’ he says. ‘At United we are all part of an amazing team.
Changing sides: Carlos Tevez scores at Old Trafford for West Ham
‘It’s very difficult to compare Manchester United in the Premier League to any teams from South America — even to teams like Brazil and Argentina.
‘Physically and technically, they are very different. In South America, particularly with kids, they focus so much on technique. But, right now, Manchester United are probably the best team in the world, tactically and technically, and that is very exciting.’
Ferguson once declared ‘you can never have too many strikers’ and his desire to keep Tevez must be strong.
It is not just the considerable talent of the South American that will impress United’s manager but his remarkable tenacity. Not just his ability to score goals but his ability to acquire trophies. At 25, Tevez has won just about everything: a Copa Libertadores; an Olympic gold medal; the English, European and world crowns with United; not to mention a host of other titles, first with Boca and then Corinthians before moving to the Premier League.
'I have a siesta every
afternoon, for two or three
hours, and it means I am
at my best, at my strongest,
for every game'
He declared Tevez an ‘Argentine prophet for the 21st century’, and now uses the ‘spirit’ Tevez possesses to motivate his team. ‘Your spirit will win us the game,’ Maradona told Tevez before last week’s friendly with France in Marseille. Argentina won 2-0.
Maradona said much the same thing before an encounter between Corinthians and River Plate.
Desperate to see Corinthians beat the arch rivals of his beloved Boca, Maradona attended a team meeting at the Corinthians hotel and urged them to follow the example of the young forward he so admires. ‘You must win,’ said Maradona. ‘But to win you must fight like Carlos Tevez.’
Earning his stripes: Tevez lines up for Argentina against Mexico at the Copa America in Venezuela in 2007
Tevez appreciates the support he receives from his great hero but sees nothing particularly special in his all-action approach. ‘I think I have been blessed with some natural ability in terms of my stamina,’ he says. ‘But a major part of it is down to the hard work I put in and the way I look after myself.
‘For me, it is as much about diet and rest as it is about working hard in training. It is about getting enough sleep. I have a siesta every afternoon, for two or three hours, and it means I am at my best, at my strongest, for every game. It is always in my mind to prepare myself so that I can perform at my optimum.
'Why should it be the Carlos
Tevez affair? It is West Ham’s
affair. This is not my problem
and it was not my fault'
'To be the best team in the world, the strikers have to defend, they have to work. That is my philosophy and it is the philosophy of Manchester United. We always give everything.’
It is because he gave everything that the supporters of West Ham remain so fond of him. No matter that, because of the controversy that has erupted over the third-party agreement that existed when he played for the Hammers, Sheffield United are now attempting to secure more than £50m in compensation from his former club. He is still adored at Upton Park, as he discovered when he returned there with United earlier this month.
That's for you: Tevez celebrates the birth of daughter Florencia while playing for Corinthians in Brazil
‘If West Ham have not submitted the documents correctly, that is down to them. It was nothing I did but I have found myself caught in the middle of it.
‘I gave my all for West Ham. I scored some important goals and as I discovered when I went back there the other week it is still appreciated by the fans. They don’t blame me for anything that has happened. If the registration was wrong, that is down to the officials involved in doing the paperwork.’
For Tevez, it is only about the football and it is when the discussion returns to football — and in particular to Maradona — that the eyes once again light up.
'You can't compare Maradona
to Ferguson. But they share
that great hunger to win -
and they both have that aura
that great men possess’
‘People around the world might have been amazed by the decision to appoint him, but it was different for the people of Argentina, for the people who love him and admire him.
‘We knew we had endured his problems; with his health, with everything. But in Argentina he is a hero to everyone and when we knew he had recovered and when he was given the job of coaching the national team, it was like he was back — and that meant so much to the people.
‘You can’t compare him to Sir Alex Ferguson. One manager has years and years of experience and one is just starting his career, but they share that great hunger to win — and they both have that aura that great men possess.’
Maradona would doubtless insist that Tevez has it, too.
VIDEO: Some classic Tevez...
More...
Drogba hits out at Scolari, pledges future to Chelsea
Labels:
Didier Drogba
Drogba has been much criticised for his poor form this season, and Scolari questioned his commitment shortly before his dismissal last week.
He has also been linked with a move to Italy to rejoin his former manager Jose Mourinho at Internazionale, but Drogba insisted he wants to stay.
"I am happy with everyone here and want to be a Chelsea player," Drogba told reporters.
"I want people to stop talking about me going back to Marseille or going to Inter Milan. When Jose Mourinho left I was unhappy but that is past now and I am allowed to change my mind. I want to stay until the end of my contract.
"I love the fans. My family love it here and we want to stay. There have been no talks about extending my deal but there is time for that.
"I would stay if they offered me a new deal. I know that first I need to show I am still the Didier Drogba this club knows."
That seemed a direct rebuttal of Scolari's comments, which clearly stung the 30-year-old striker.
"When Scolari started blaming individuals, then that was bad. To name one player as to blame for what happened in a squad of 24 is wrong," Drogba said.
"I was shocked he said that. How can one player be responsible for not winning for so many weeks and losing points?”
"This is not an individual sport. When you win games everyone is happy and enjoys it together. But when we lose we have to lose together too.
"And if I had as much power with the owner as has been said, then Mourinho would still be here, no? If I had that power!”
"I have respect for Scolari as a man and a coach but I was not involved in any discussions with the owner."
We can kill Chelsea's title hopes, warns O'Neill
Labels:
Chelsea
Birmingham, Feb 21: Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has warned Chelsea that defeat at Villa Park on Saturday would kill off their hopes of winning the Premier League. Guus Hiddink takes charge of Chelsea for the first time with the Blues 10 points behind leaders Manchester United.
Guus Hiddink takes charge of Chelsea for the first time with the Blues 10 points behind leaders Manchester United. Hiddink, who replaced sacked Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari last week, publicly insists Chelsea, who are also two behind third-placed Villa, can still overhaul United.
But with United in such good form, O'Neill is convinced Chelsea cannot afford even one more slip.
"I think Chelsea need to win against us to stay in the title race with Manchester United having won their games in hand, and opened up that five-point gap over Liverpool and another five points on top of that over Chelsea," O'Neill said.
"With 13 games left, for Chelsea to stand any chance they will maybe need to win 11 games and be unbeaten in the 13 games.”
"That would take some doing but, with that group of players who have been over the same course before, it is not beyond them to achieve that.”
"Last season, with about this number of games left it looked as if they were out of the picture and then they had a very good run and only effectively lost the chance when they drew with Wigan who scored very late on.”
"That was with only a couple of games left so they pulled it right around and then were within a width of a goalpost of winning the Champions League final."
Ticket applications exceed expectations: FIFA
Labels:
FIFA,
south africa
Zurich, Feb 21 : FIFA received around 200 applications a minute in the first five hours when World Cup tickets went on sale on Friday.
There were 60,000 online ticket applications worldwide within the first five hours, far exceeding expectations, world football's governing body said in a statement.
It added that thousands of South Africans collected paper applications from bank branches in the 2010 tournament's host country.
Organisers said the opening day of ticket sales dispelled any doubts about the tournament going ahead in South Africa.
"The beginning of this part of the build-up to the World Cup is our irrevocable promise that we make to the people of the world that all is in place and will be ready for 2010," said Organising Committee chief executive officer Danny Jordaan.
The readiness of South Africa's stadiums and infrastructure has come under scrutiny but FIFA President Sepp Blatter said in December there was "no plan B".
Some 700,000 tickets are available for purchase out of a total of just over three million for the 64 games between June 11-July 11 next year.
Fans have from Friday until the end of March to apply for tickets before going into a random draw lottery in April to determine the successful applicants.
Some 20 million applications were received during the first phase of the sales process for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, which was conducted entirely online.
Ticket prices range from USD 20 to USD 900, a drastic increase in the standard USD 1.50 to USD 2.50 supporters pay for entry to South African premier league matches.
READ MORE - Ticket applications exceed expectations: FIFA
There were 60,000 online ticket applications worldwide within the first five hours, far exceeding expectations, world football's governing body said in a statement.It added that thousands of South Africans collected paper applications from bank branches in the 2010 tournament's host country.
Organisers said the opening day of ticket sales dispelled any doubts about the tournament going ahead in South Africa.
"The beginning of this part of the build-up to the World Cup is our irrevocable promise that we make to the people of the world that all is in place and will be ready for 2010," said Organising Committee chief executive officer Danny Jordaan.
The readiness of South Africa's stadiums and infrastructure has come under scrutiny but FIFA President Sepp Blatter said in December there was "no plan B".
Some 700,000 tickets are available for purchase out of a total of just over three million for the 64 games between June 11-July 11 next year.
Fans have from Friday until the end of March to apply for tickets before going into a random draw lottery in April to determine the successful applicants.
Some 20 million applications were received during the first phase of the sales process for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany, which was conducted entirely online.
Ticket prices range from USD 20 to USD 900, a drastic increase in the standard USD 1.50 to USD 2.50 supporters pay for entry to South African premier league matches.
Struggling Mahindra take on Mohammedans in I-League
Labels:
i-league,
Mahindra United,
Mohammedans
Mumbai, Feb 21 : A struggling Mahindra United, with just four wins from 15 ties, are hoping to put behind their goal-squandering ways and strike at the opportune time in their I-League match against promoted outfit Mohammedan Sporting here on Saturday. With just 17 points in their kitty, five of them through drawn encounters, Mahindra need to approach the 16th round match against the Kolkata rivals with their guns blazing and convert the half chances to notch up their fifth victory.
Local side coach Derrick Pereira is confronted with the handicap of not having the services of both K Ajayan and N P Pradeep who will miss the encounter due to injuries.
Mahindra are placed seventh in the league table currently and coach Pereira is aware how important a victory is and for this to happen Mahindras strikers needs to deliver. He is hoping that the home ground advantage is utilised to the full.
It is a crucial game for us and we know that we have to win the game but it will not be easy as Mohammedan have been playing well recently. Playing in our home ground will help our players to get our acts together," he said on the eve of the match.
"Every match is important for us, we always plan and play to get the three points. We somehow have ended up drawing many matches, which we should have won," he rued.
The Mahindra coach is also mulling over changing the attacking strategy against the Mohammedan, who had beaten them in the first-leg encounter in Kolkata, after having drawn the previous two matches in the League.
"We are trying to play according to ground conditions, change our style of play especially in the attacking third against Mohammedan, who are a good fighting young side," Pereira said.
Mahindra had beaten Mohammedan comfortably (4-2) in the group stage of the Federation Cup in their previous face-off.
Striker Mohammad Rafi and goalkeeper Subhashish Chowdhury will be available after missing the last match due to injury, while Senegal's Lamine Tamba, who has served a one-match suspension, will once again figure in the defence for Mahindra.
Mohammedans, too, have not really got going in the League and currently are in the relegation zone, standing 11th out of 12 teams with 10 points in the kitty.
Odafe's sixer help Churchill drub Vasco in I-League
Labels:
i-league,
Odafe Okolie
Margao, Feb 21 : Odafe Okolie pumped in six goals as Churchill Brothers spanked Vasco 9-1 in their 16th round encounter in ONGC I-league at Nehru stadium here today. Churchill went to the lemon break with a 2-0 lead after Odafe found the target in 41st minute, followed by another goal by Felix Chimaokwu in 44th minute.
After the change of sides, Odafe came out with his goal spree and sounded the board five times (49th, 55th, 83rd, 89th, 90th), which include a hat-trick as well.
Felix scored his second goal in 71st minute to extend the lead, followed by another from Reisangmi Vashum (73rd).
Vasco's Leister Fernandes produced the only consolation goal for his side in 67th minute.
The win takes Churchill's tally to 30 points from 16 matches, While Vasco remained at the bottom of the table with 10 points from as many matches.
Vasco started off well with crisp short passes during the initial minutes of the first half. They produced some good moves but their attacks were fizzled out once they reached the rival box.
Churchill, who relied on counter moves, tried to meet their strikers with long passes and Odafe had the first look at the goal when his header, off Robert Lalthlamuana's free kick was pushed away by diving custodian Laxmikant Kattimani.
After the close shave, Vasco defense crumbled in the 41st minute, when Odafe managed to snatch the ball from defender Fulganco Cardozo, raced into the opponent box and beat keeper before finding the target.
Two minutes later, Vasco defense again fell when Vincent Pires allowed Felix Chimaokwu to snatch the ball who came out with an angular low drive to find the target.
The twin-strike in the first half opened the flood gate as Vasco defense carved meekly in the second half to the Odafe-Felix combination.
Odafe tore into the rival defense as he bulldozed his way after collecting a long ball from Reisangmi Vashum to complete his hat-trick in the 49th minute. Six minutes later, Odafe again found the net when he ran through the rival defense off a long ball from Chandan Singh from the middle.
Vasco reduced the margin in 67th minute when Menino Fernandes from the middle gave a quick pass to Leister Fernandes who didn't fail to net the ball.
Hiddink says will stay at Chelsea only till summer
Labels:
Guus Hiddink
London, Feb.20 : Dutch-born football coach Guus Hiddink has stressed that he will leave Chelsea in the summer but will give everything he has to win the Premier League title from Manchester United. ddressing his first press conference since replacing Brazil’s Luiz Felipe Scolari as coach at Stamford Bridge, Hiddink reiterated that he would return to his international duties with Russia when the season is over.
Hiddink faces a tough away trip to Aston Villa in his first match in charge on Saturday lunchtime. Villa would go five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea if they can avenge a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and Hiddink is eager to get his Chelsea tenure off to a winning start.
The Dutchman, who oversaw Chelsea’s comeback FA Cup win over Watford in the FA Cup last weekend, is well aware of the urgent need to get the club’s season back in order.
“I will help out until the end of the season, only to the end of the season. I have my full-time commitment with the Russian federation which I will fulfil,” he said. “I will go back in March and also at the end of May,” The Telegraph quoted him, as saying.
“Of course my role is a challenge, although time is limited. We are still in three competitions - Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup,” he said.
Hiddink will juggle his duties with Russia while holding down his position at Chelsea.
READ MORE - Hiddink says will stay at Chelsea only till summer
Hiddink faces a tough away trip to Aston Villa in his first match in charge on Saturday lunchtime. Villa would go five points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea if they can avenge a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and Hiddink is eager to get his Chelsea tenure off to a winning start.
The Dutchman, who oversaw Chelsea’s comeback FA Cup win over Watford in the FA Cup last weekend, is well aware of the urgent need to get the club’s season back in order.
“I will help out until the end of the season, only to the end of the season. I have my full-time commitment with the Russian federation which I will fulfil,” he said. “I will go back in March and also at the end of May,” The Telegraph quoted him, as saying.
“Of course my role is a challenge, although time is limited. We are still in three competitions - Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup,” he said.
Hiddink will juggle his duties with Russia while holding down his position at Chelsea.
L.A. Galaxy rubbishes Milan claim of being close to signing Beckham
Labels:
David Beckham,
Major League Soccer,
MLS
Los Angeles (US), Feb 20 : Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles Galaxy have rubbished A C Milan’s claims of them being close to securing England midfielder David Beckham’s signature on a contract.
Tim Leiweke, the chief executive of Galaxy’s owners AEG, told the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday that claims from Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani the previous day that the two sides were close to a deal were ‘nonsense’.
“Two weeks ago Milan made a ridiculous offer that took me just a few seconds to reject,” he said of the reported three million dollar bid.
“With this figure Galaxy wouldn’t even be able to cover the loss in revenue from shirt sales. Since then I haven’t heard a thing and no meeting has been set up,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying further.
Leiweke said that his level of exasperation with Milan was growing by the day.
“I’ve decided to speak out because I’ve read too many inaccuracies. After that ridiculous offer we’ve had no more contact from Milan. They’ve gone after other people from the League’s commissioner to David’s representatives, but not us,” he said.
Although Beckham has made his desire to shift to Milan clear, Leiweke denies that this has put Milan in a position of strength with regards any transfer.
“If they think they’ll get him on the cheap that way, they’re wrong,” he was quoted, as saying.
READ MORE - L.A. Galaxy rubbishes Milan claim of being close to signing Beckham
Tim Leiweke, the chief executive of Galaxy’s owners AEG, told the Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday that claims from Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani the previous day that the two sides were close to a deal were ‘nonsense’.
“Two weeks ago Milan made a ridiculous offer that took me just a few seconds to reject,” he said of the reported three million dollar bid.
“With this figure Galaxy wouldn’t even be able to cover the loss in revenue from shirt sales. Since then I haven’t heard a thing and no meeting has been set up,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as saying further.
Leiweke said that his level of exasperation with Milan was growing by the day.
“I’ve decided to speak out because I’ve read too many inaccuracies. After that ridiculous offer we’ve had no more contact from Milan. They’ve gone after other people from the League’s commissioner to David’s representatives, but not us,” he said.
Although Beckham has made his desire to shift to Milan clear, Leiweke denies that this has put Milan in a position of strength with regards any transfer.
“If they think they’ll get him on the cheap that way, they’re wrong,” he was quoted, as saying.
Special committee to monitor national football team’s progress
Labels:
AIFF,
All Indian Football Federation
New Delhi, Feb 20 : The All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) Thursday decided to form a special committee to monitor the national team’s progress.
The committee will comprise chief coach Bob Houghton, three vice-presidents and other members. It will plan team’s preparations for the Olympic qualifiers, Asian Games qualifiers and the Asian Cup.
An executive committee member, however, told IANS that ideally former footballers, who are in touch with modern football, should have been in the committee.
The national team has done quiet well in the last two years, winning international tournaments like the Nehru Cup and the AFC Challenge Cup.
India have also qualified for the 2011 Asian Games and with lot of international matches and tournaments lined-up in the coming couple of years, the AIFF executive committee decided to form a special committee for the team.
READ MORE - Special committee to monitor national football team’s progress
The committee will comprise chief coach Bob Houghton, three vice-presidents and other members. It will plan team’s preparations for the Olympic qualifiers, Asian Games qualifiers and the Asian Cup.
An executive committee member, however, told IANS that ideally former footballers, who are in touch with modern football, should have been in the committee.
The national team has done quiet well in the last two years, winning international tournaments like the Nehru Cup and the AFC Challenge Cup.
India have also qualified for the 2011 Asian Games and with lot of international matches and tournaments lined-up in the coming couple of years, the AIFF executive committee decided to form a special committee for the team.
UEFA chief Platini wants a cap on players' fees
Labels:
Michel Platini,
UEFA
London, Feb 20 : European soccer body UEFA chief Michel Platini wants a cap on the money spent by clubs on players' wages and transfer fees.
Platini requested the European parliament Thursday to introduce regulations on how much clubs in European competitions may spend on players' wages and transfer fees.
Platini's comments came at a time when Manchester City created a flutter in January by quoting a $100 million price of AC Milan star Kaka. Platini questioned the morality of the "astronomical" bids clubs lodged for various players.
But that turned out to be a complete u-turn from the stance he took as the UEFA president when Real Madrid's wanted Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo last summer.
"It's part of the system we have today. Players move from club to club and I can understand why Real Madrid want him. If the club has the finances they can do it, if they don't have the money they can't," Platini said in June.
READ MORE - UEFA chief Platini wants a cap on players' fees
Platini requested the European parliament Thursday to introduce regulations on how much clubs in European competitions may spend on players' wages and transfer fees.
Platini's comments came at a time when Manchester City created a flutter in January by quoting a $100 million price of AC Milan star Kaka. Platini questioned the morality of the "astronomical" bids clubs lodged for various players.
But that turned out to be a complete u-turn from the stance he took as the UEFA president when Real Madrid's wanted Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo last summer.
"It's part of the system we have today. Players move from club to club and I can understand why Real Madrid want him. If the club has the finances they can do it, if they don't have the money they can't," Platini said in June.
Manipur State Football League
Labels:
Churachandpur
Imphal, February 17 : USA Khurai routed NLYC Churachandpur 4-1 at ESU ground today.
For the winners, K Sureshkumar, M Manglemba, W Rangdon and M Suresh scored one apiece.
The lone consolation goal for the Churachandpur side was struck by T Pauliansiam.
The first leg match between the two team was won by USA 2-0 .
In the second match of the day, TRUGPU Nambol overcame YWC Thambalkhong 2-1 .
Although K Kiran drew first blood in the 45th minute, M Sudhiranjan and L Gouro struck in the 81st and 91st minute to turned the match in favour of the Nambol side.
The first leg match between the two sides was also won by the Nambol side 1-0 .
READ MORE - Manipur State Football League
For the winners, K Sureshkumar, M Manglemba, W Rangdon and M Suresh scored one apiece.
The lone consolation goal for the Churachandpur side was struck by T Pauliansiam.
The first leg match between the two team was won by USA 2-0 .
In the second match of the day, TRUGPU Nambol overcame YWC Thambalkhong 2-1 .
Although K Kiran drew first blood in the 45th minute, M Sudhiranjan and L Gouro struck in the 81st and 91st minute to turned the match in favour of the Nambol side.
The first leg match between the two sides was also won by the Nambol side 1-0 .
Beckham reluctant to return to US
Labels:
AC Milan,
David Beckham
By Jonathan Stevenson
BBC Sport in Milan
"I know it will be difficult to go back after everything that's happened," he said after Sunday's Milan derby defeat.
BBC Sport understands that AC Milan representatives will fly to Los Angeles this week for further negotiations.
The England midfielder added: "I've said I want to stay at Milan and I haven't changed my mind, but it's out of my hands."
Beckham had to come off early in the second half of AC Milan's 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan because of an injury to his right leg.
However, it is understood the midfielder will take part in training on Monday and travel to Werder Bremen on Wednesday for Milan's Uefa Cup tie.
"There will be more talks this week between the two clubs and hopefully, as I've said before, they can come to an agreement," said Beckham, who is on loan in Italy until 9 March. "Milan have made it clear that they want me for the rest of the season and so on, so we'll have to wait and see.
"I hope things will go the way I want them to, of course. But if I have to go back, I will be professional, because that's what I have to do."
Sunday's defeat left AC Milan nine points behind Serie A leaders Inter.
"We're quite far behind them now and we needed to win the game, but you never know," said Beckham.
"This league is strange, you can win one week and lose the next, so there's a chance, but it's a slim chance.
"I was struggling a bit because I got a kick on my calf playing for England on Wednesday and it didn't really clear up, and then I got another kick on it tonight, it's just one of those things."
Inter Milan's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Beckham belongs at Milan - a place where he can show his true quality.
"I haven't followed his story every day it's true, but big players should absolutely play in big teams and Beckham is one of those," Ibrahimovic told BBC Sport.
"He has done well for Milan, he is a good team player and has helped them a lot since he arrived at the club.
"I think he is becoming very important for them, especially in the way he plays, because he is a great team player and they have other players with different qualities."
Galaxy have increasingly adopted a tougher negotiating stance over Beckham and on Friday insisted he must go back to Los Angeles after the Major League Soccer deadline passed.
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has dismissed Galaxy's stance as a "tactic", while the Serie A club's coach Carlo Ancelotti thinks a move is still possible. Beckham joined Milan on loan in an attempt to revive his international career after England head coach Fabio Capello said he needed to be playing more competitive football.
The England international, who equalled Bobby Moore's England record of 108 caps for an outfield player in last week's 2-0 defeat by Spain in Seville, has become a regular for Milan since his arrival in January.
However, with England set for nine internationals from the end of March until October, including six qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, a return to the MLS could see Beckham left out of the national squad.
Milan, who have had a £5m bid for the 33-year-old rejected, have so far failed to meet the Galaxy's valuation, which is reportedly in excess of £10m.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has settled in quickly at the San Siro, impressing both Ancelotti, his team-mates and rival managers with his professionalism and work ethic.
READ MORE - Beckham reluctant to return to US
BBC Sport in Milan
 Beckham came off in the Milan derby with an injury in the second half |
David Beckham says he would be reluctant to return to the LA Galaxy as he seeks to make permanent his loan spell with Serie A club AC Milan.
Galaxy are unhappy Milan failed to meet a Major League Soccer deadline over any move on Friday for the 33-year-old. "I know it will be difficult to go back after everything that's happened," he said after Sunday's Milan derby defeat.
BBC Sport understands that AC Milan representatives will fly to Los Angeles this week for further negotiations.
The England midfielder added: "I've said I want to stay at Milan and I haven't changed my mind, but it's out of my hands."
Beckham had to come off early in the second half of AC Milan's 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan because of an injury to his right leg.
However, it is understood the midfielder will take part in training on Monday and travel to Werder Bremen on Wednesday for Milan's Uefa Cup tie.
 | Big players should absolutely play in big teams and Beckham is one of those Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic |
"I hope things will go the way I want them to, of course. But if I have to go back, I will be professional, because that's what I have to do."
Sunday's defeat left AC Milan nine points behind Serie A leaders Inter.
"We're quite far behind them now and we needed to win the game, but you never know," said Beckham.
"This league is strange, you can win one week and lose the next, so there's a chance, but it's a slim chance.
Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory.
Highlights - Inter Milan 2-1 AC Milan
"I was struggling a bit because I got a kick on my calf playing for England on Wednesday and it didn't really clear up, and then I got another kick on it tonight, it's just one of those things."
Inter Milan's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Beckham belongs at Milan - a place where he can show his true quality.
"I haven't followed his story every day it's true, but big players should absolutely play in big teams and Beckham is one of those," Ibrahimovic told BBC Sport.
"He has done well for Milan, he is a good team player and has helped them a lot since he arrived at the club.
"I think he is becoming very important for them, especially in the way he plays, because he is a great team player and they have other players with different qualities."
Galaxy have increasingly adopted a tougher negotiating stance over Beckham and on Friday insisted he must go back to Los Angeles after the Major League Soccer deadline passed.
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has dismissed Galaxy's stance as a "tactic", while the Serie A club's coach Carlo Ancelotti thinks a move is still possible. Beckham joined Milan on loan in an attempt to revive his international career after England head coach Fabio Capello said he needed to be playing more competitive football.
The England international, who equalled Bobby Moore's England record of 108 caps for an outfield player in last week's 2-0 defeat by Spain in Seville, has become a regular for Milan since his arrival in January.
However, with England set for nine internationals from the end of March until October, including six qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, a return to the MLS could see Beckham left out of the national squad.
Milan, who have had a £5m bid for the 33-year-old rejected, have so far failed to meet the Galaxy's valuation, which is reportedly in excess of £10m.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has settled in quickly at the San Siro, impressing both Ancelotti, his team-mates and rival managers with his professionalism and work ethic.
Mohun Bagan beat Mohammedan Sporting 1-0 in I-league
Labels:
Mohammedan Sporting,
mohun bagan
The goal was smartly netted by skillful Bagan medio James Singh in the early first half.
With this victory Bagan maintained the top position in the league table with 33 points, two points ahead of their nearest rival Sporting Clube de Goa.
The green and maroon also set a new record of winning ten matches on the trot. Mohammedan Sporting remained at the last but one position with 13 points.
The match between any two of the three Kolkata giants is always a very keen affair irrespective of their position in the league table. Tonight’s tie also proved so as both the teams forced a number of raids on the rival forts alternately.
The Bagan defenders, specially Dipak Mondal and their medio Rakesh Mashi played well to foil quite a few Mohammedan moves while their medio Ishfaq Ahmed fed their strikers duo Baichung and Barreto with fine passes.
First Martyrs' Gold Cup Football Tournament:: NPC came from behind to beat Emphel FA Manipur
Labels:
manipur
Jhapa 16 Feb- NPC enters into semi-finals of ongoing First Martyrs' Gold Cup Football Tournament after beating Emphel Footabll Association Manipur 3-1.
Visitor team took the lead on 20th minute through Jit Kummar, while Jumanu Rai headed home the equaliser 10 minutes later following Chetan Ghimire's pass.
Ghimire and Dipen Shrestha struck a piece to confirm the semifinals. Bhola Silwal of NPC was decleared man of the match.
READ MORE - First Martyrs' Gold Cup Football Tournament:: NPC came from behind to beat Emphel FA Manipur
Visitor team took the lead on 20th minute through Jit Kummar, while Jumanu Rai headed home the equaliser 10 minutes later following Chetan Ghimire's pass.
Ghimire and Dipen Shrestha struck a piece to confirm the semifinals. Bhola Silwal of NPC was decleared man of the match.
North Eastern win
Labels:
Manipur State League,
neroca
| North Imphal miss penalty opportunities, go down 2-4 | ||
| Manipur State league | ||
Imphal, Feb 16 : The North Eastern Re-Organising and Cultural Association defeated North Imphal Sporting Association 4-2 in a thrilling encounter of the 3rd Manipur State League played at Eastern Sporting Union ground at Wangkhei. North Eastern started off with some brilliant moves to take the upper hand initially, but North Imphal soon caught up with them and a neck-and-neck run ensued. The latter, however, took the lead in the 22nd minute when a North Eastern defender T. Ajitkumar sliced the ball into the net while trying to clear. North Eastern regrouped and stepped up the heat to score the equaliser in the 28th minute through Ksh. Malemnganba. He struck again in the 34th minute to consolidate the lead. In the second half, North Eastern took a cool and calculated approach, relying on quick counter attacks to gain the upper hand. In the 59th minute of the game, North Eastern were awarded a corner and Ksh. Malemnganba took a near-perfect shot sending the ball to the goalmouth, where medio L. Nabachandra made good use of it by netting the third goal for the team. H. Amarjit made it 4-1 with a header in 64th minute. A desperate North Imphal made some last-minute moves toreduce the margin to 2-4 through S. Manimohan Singh. However, most of their moves were thwarted by the brilliance of the North Eastern goalkeeper Romesh Singh. North Imphal missed two penalties, first by captain N. Jimmy Singh and then by S. Herojit Singh In other matches, All Moirang Football Association blanked Tiddim Road Athletic Union 2-0 at ESU Wangkhei ground earlier in the day. N. Herojit Singh and M. Nobin Singh scored in the second half. At Thangmeiband Athletic Union ground, Southern Sporting Union thrashed Phoudel Youth Club 3-0. All the three goals were scored by striker L. Tiken Singh in the second half. On the other hand, Manipur Police Sports Club held Eastern Sporting Union to a goalless draw at Thangmeiband ground. |
Mohun Bagan beat Mohammedan Sporting 1-0 in I-league
Labels:
mohun bagan
Mohun Bagan on Sunday crossed a hurdle on their way to regain the title as they beat Mohammedan Sporting by a solitary first-half goal in an absorbing 15th round match of ONGC I League soccer championship at Salt Lake stadium. The goal was smartly netted by skillful Bagan medio James Singh in the early first half.
With this victory Bagan maintained the top position in the league table with 33 points, two points ahead of their nearest rival Sporting Clube de Goa.
The green and maroon also set a new record of winning ten matches on the trot.
Mohammedan Sporting remained at the last but one position with 13 points.
The match between any two of the three Kolkata giants is always a very keen affair irrespective of their position in the league table. Tonight's tie also proved so as both the teams forced a number of raids on the rival forts alternately.
The Bagan defenders, specially Dipak Mondal and their medio Rakesh Mashi played well to foil quite a few Mohammedan moves while their medio Ishfaq Ahmed fed their strikers duo Baichung and Barreto with fine passes.
Though Bagan maintained an edge, Mohammedan defenders marked both the strikers well and stopped them from doing further damage.
Mohammedan forwards Mike Okoro and Eugene Grey also had their chances but they failed to convert them into goals.
Bagan forged ahead in the 14th minute.
Barreto, following a combined move, took a shot at the Mohammedan goal which rebounded hitting a rival defender.
Alert Bagan midfielder James Singh seized the opportunity and shot a timely left footer grounder which gave Mohammedan goal keeper Nasim Akhtar no chance at all (1-0).
Stung by the reverse Mohammedan went all out and came near scoring in the 44th minute but a smart header by their medio Gautam Thakur off striker Eugene Grey went over narrowly.
The second half saw Bagan going a little defensive to keep their fort intact during which Mohammedan made some moves without any result.
Mohammedan had another chance to restore parity but in the 71st minute, Jyothi Kumar shot over from top of the box off a pass from Okoro.
Daniel Leads Chirag To Victory
Kolkata side Chirag United gained a much needed three points in their match against Air India in the I-League on Saturday, as a first half goal from Bedemi Daniel led them to a 1-0 win at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Chirag United 1-0 Air India
First Half
Although Air India started the match slightly brighter of the two sides, it was Chirag United who had the first chance.
That was in the eighth minute, when a long ball from the midfield was headed wide from inside the Air India penalty area by Muritala Ali.
Six minutes later Muritala again had the chance to stroke his side into the lead but it was more an audacious attempt than a carefully constructed move. He gained possession of the ball some 40 yards from the Air India goal and took a ferocious shot that flew wide off the target without worrying the visiting side's goalkeeper Swarup Das.
One minute later the Airmen were hit with an injury blow when Napolean Singh had to be carried out. He was replaced by Surojit Roy.
The match then went into a pale phase during which neither of the two sides looked like they were eager to score, both set of players happy to make the game as flat as possible.
Then the hosts sparked into action in the 24th minute. A right-footed corner from Lalmalsawma Hmar was only marginally cleared out by the Air India players. The ball fell to Denson Devadas, whose fiercely hit shot was deflected onto a lurking Daniel near the six-yard box. He drilled in a forceful left footer that flew into the back of Swarup Das' net.
This was Chirag's tenth goal in the league this season and their first since November and understandably gave them a huge boost.
Chirag started to press on after that, Sankar Oraon striking over the crossbar from just in front of the Airmen penalty box.
One minute later, though, the Mumbai side almost equalized. Employing their usual long ball tactic, they managed to cajole Chirag custodian Gopal Das into committing a mistake inside his own box. The ball was then defected seemingly onto Daniel's hand. But the referee didn't heed the hand ball appeal from Bimal Ghosh's side. Air India continued their quest for an equalizer.
Subhash Singh had a great chance in the 40th minute when he received the ball inside Chirag's box. Unmarked, he tried to chip the ball over Das, which he did, but unfortunately for him, the ball was chipped a little too ambitiously: it went just over the crossbar.
Second Half
Air India started the second half with more urgency, as they needed to score the equalizer early. Subhash Singh found himself unmarked inside Chirag's penalty area just minutes into the restart but his left footer went off target.
But the home side weren't in a mood to concede their lead. Chirag's scorer Muritala took a first time left footed shot from 20 yards out but it was hit straight at Swarup Das.
Air India coach Bimal Ghosh then made a tactical substitution in the 55th minute when he pulled out defender Ravinder Singh and brought on striker Emanuel Ovieghara.
The match, though, soon faded into an unentertaining affair as neither side managed to show much adventurous spirit.
Muritala did make a couple or so attempts to stretch his side's advantage but his shots were feeble and more hopeful than optimistic.
For Air India, Subhash Singh and Emanuel Ovieghara showed commitment and had their half-chances but they didn't look to be forceful.
Ten minutes before the final whistle, Air India were reduced to ten men as Emanuel was shown a direct red for ridiculously hacking down Daniel, going straight for the Chirag defender with no inclination to get the ball.
Michael Tayo almost equalized in the 85th minute when he flew in with a header at the near post but it was parried out for a corner by Chirag custodian Gopal Das.
Chirag then went close on a couple of occasions but Subrata Bhattacharjee’s side had done enough to register a well deserved and vital victory in their bid to stave off relegation.
Goalscorer:
Chirag United: Daniel 24'
Subhankar Mondal
First Half
Although Air India started the match slightly brighter of the two sides, it was Chirag United who had the first chance.
That was in the eighth minute, when a long ball from the midfield was headed wide from inside the Air India penalty area by Muritala Ali.
Six minutes later Muritala again had the chance to stroke his side into the lead but it was more an audacious attempt than a carefully constructed move. He gained possession of the ball some 40 yards from the Air India goal and took a ferocious shot that flew wide off the target without worrying the visiting side's goalkeeper Swarup Das.
One minute later the Airmen were hit with an injury blow when Napolean Singh had to be carried out. He was replaced by Surojit Roy.
The match then went into a pale phase during which neither of the two sides looked like they were eager to score, both set of players happy to make the game as flat as possible.
Then the hosts sparked into action in the 24th minute. A right-footed corner from Lalmalsawma Hmar was only marginally cleared out by the Air India players. The ball fell to Denson Devadas, whose fiercely hit shot was deflected onto a lurking Daniel near the six-yard box. He drilled in a forceful left footer that flew into the back of Swarup Das' net.
This was Chirag's tenth goal in the league this season and their first since November and understandably gave them a huge boost.
Chirag started to press on after that, Sankar Oraon striking over the crossbar from just in front of the Airmen penalty box.
One minute later, though, the Mumbai side almost equalized. Employing their usual long ball tactic, they managed to cajole Chirag custodian Gopal Das into committing a mistake inside his own box. The ball was then defected seemingly onto Daniel's hand. But the referee didn't heed the hand ball appeal from Bimal Ghosh's side. Air India continued their quest for an equalizer.
Subhash Singh had a great chance in the 40th minute when he received the ball inside Chirag's box. Unmarked, he tried to chip the ball over Das, which he did, but unfortunately for him, the ball was chipped a little too ambitiously: it went just over the crossbar.
Second Half
Air India started the second half with more urgency, as they needed to score the equalizer early. Subhash Singh found himself unmarked inside Chirag's penalty area just minutes into the restart but his left footer went off target.
But the home side weren't in a mood to concede their lead. Chirag's scorer Muritala took a first time left footed shot from 20 yards out but it was hit straight at Swarup Das.
Air India coach Bimal Ghosh then made a tactical substitution in the 55th minute when he pulled out defender Ravinder Singh and brought on striker Emanuel Ovieghara.
The match, though, soon faded into an unentertaining affair as neither side managed to show much adventurous spirit.
Muritala did make a couple or so attempts to stretch his side's advantage but his shots were feeble and more hopeful than optimistic.
For Air India, Subhash Singh and Emanuel Ovieghara showed commitment and had their half-chances but they didn't look to be forceful.
Ten minutes before the final whistle, Air India were reduced to ten men as Emanuel was shown a direct red for ridiculously hacking down Daniel, going straight for the Chirag defender with no inclination to get the ball.
Michael Tayo almost equalized in the 85th minute when he flew in with a header at the near post but it was parried out for a corner by Chirag custodian Gopal Das.
Chirag then went close on a couple of occasions but Subrata Bhattacharjee’s side had done enough to register a well deserved and vital victory in their bid to stave off relegation.
Goalscorer:
Chirag United: Daniel 24'
Subhankar Mondal
I-League: Lalwampuia Has To Mend His Ways - Anjan Mitra
Labels:
Lalwampuia,
mohun bagan
Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra stated that the club would speak to Lalwampuia’s parents and even send him to a rehab centre to get rid of his alcoholism altogether.
This comes after the Mizoram player was taken into police custody for creating a ruckus on Saturday night. After his drinking session, Lalwampuia’s bike hit a car and the player got into a heated exchange thereafter.
The Kolkata club officials intervened and helped him out of the police station. The striker did report to the afternoon training session but was asked to leave but the club authorities.
Speaking to Goal.com, Mitra said, “He (Lalwampuia) is such a talented player but he has to mend his ways now. This isn’t the first time he is involved in such incidents. It tarnishes the reputation of our club especially at a time when we are doing so well.
“Whatever action has to be taken will be on Monday. We might even send him to a rehab centre. We are to speak to his parents and discuss his problem. Any harsh decision by us at this point of time would affect his playing career.”
Lalwampuia is known to report drunk at the training sessions, or get into arguments with his fellow team-mates. The striker has always been a trouble maker and which is one of the reasons why he has always remained a ‘player to watch’.
Rahul Bali.
READ MORE - I-League: Lalwampuia Has To Mend His Ways - Anjan Mitra
This comes after the Mizoram player was taken into police custody for creating a ruckus on Saturday night. After his drinking session, Lalwampuia’s bike hit a car and the player got into a heated exchange thereafter.
The Kolkata club officials intervened and helped him out of the police station. The striker did report to the afternoon training session but was asked to leave but the club authorities.
Speaking to Goal.com, Mitra said, “He (Lalwampuia) is such a talented player but he has to mend his ways now. This isn’t the first time he is involved in such incidents. It tarnishes the reputation of our club especially at a time when we are doing so well.
“Whatever action has to be taken will be on Monday. We might even send him to a rehab centre. We are to speak to his parents and discuss his problem. Any harsh decision by us at this point of time would affect his playing career.”
Lalwampuia is known to report drunk at the training sessions, or get into arguments with his fellow team-mates. The striker has always been a trouble maker and which is one of the reasons why he has always remained a ‘player to watch’.
Rahul Bali.
United’s much-needed win
Labels:
Lalmalswama Hmar,
United SC
 |
| H. Thomthe of Air India (left) fights for the ball with Daniel of United SC during their I-League match at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. A Telegraph picture |
Calcutta, Feb 15 : United SC coach Subrata Bhattacharya will breathe easy for a while. Riding a 25th minute strike by defender Daniel, United recorded a 1-0 win over a 10-man Air India in the 15th round of the I-League at the Salt Lake Stadium Saturday.
Following the successful outing there suddenly were some relieved faces in the United camp as the team now have 16 points from 15 matches. “We needed this win badly. I am not saying we are out of the relegation zone but these three points will help us a lot when the battle to beat the drop hots up,” Subrata was candid enough in the post-match news conference.
United’s victory was largely due to Daniel and Kingshuk Debnath’s performance on the day. While the Nigerian was a constant thorn in the rivals’ side with constant forays into the Air India defence, Debnath kept Air India’s Michael Tayo subdued. The visitors looked rudderless with Tayo hardly getting any space to make his presence felt.
Still they managed to create some chances, and, as always in the case of Air India, one came off a set-piece. A long throw-in from Uttam Singh reached the United box and goalkeeper Gopal Das made a hash of a simple gathering. Kailash Patil, who was lurking inside the box back-heeled but Daniel effected a fine goal-line save.
The Air India players appealed for a penalty but referee Shaji Kurian was not interested. “It was a penalty. Once again we have been victimised,” Air India coach Bimal Ghosh was livid after the match.
Ghosh, however, did not have an excuse over substitute Emmanuel’s red card in the 81st minute. The African import was given his marching orders for lunging into Daniel for no reason.
The all-important goal came in the 25th minute. The Air India defence could not clear a Lalmalswama Hmar corner and Denson Devadas’s attempt was deflected onto Daniel’s path.
The Nigerian kept his cool and slotted home, much to the delight of the United bench. A commendable win, no doubt, when the hosts’ in-form players, Snehashish Chakraborty and Gauranga Datta, are missing action due to injuries. “Our next stop is JCT and I am hopeful of getting these two back in action,” Subrata said.
It remains to be seen whether United manage three points in Ludhiana where JCT, in equal distress, are waiting to get back into the groove.
TEAMS
United SC: Gopal Das; Kingshuk Debnath, Louis Nigi Ebami, Daniel Bidemi Ayeni, Narugopal Hait; Soumik Chakraborty, Denson Devadas, Subhashis Roy Chowdhury, Lalmalswama Hamar, Subair Muritala Ali, Shankar Oraon.
Air India: Swarup Das; Napoleon Singh (Surojit Roy, 16, H Thomthe 65), Ravinder Singh (Emmanuel 54), Amritpal Singh, Uttam Singh, Soccor Velho, Kailash Patil, Chukwuma Udofia, Gauranga Biswas, Subhas Singh, Michael Tayo.
Referee: Shaji Kurian.
MoM: Louis Nigi Ebami
Vasco to lock horns with East Bengal tomorrow
Labels:
I League Football championship,
Kolkata,
ONGC
Panaji, Feb 13 : A keen contest is expected between Kolkata giants East Bengal and Vasco Sports Club when they clash in the 15th round of ONGC I League Football championship match at Nehru stadium, Fatorda, tomorrow.
Though both the teams have been inconsistent in their performance in the league so far, East Bengal holds the psychological edge over the home team as they had scored 2-0 win in their first leg clash.
However, they cannot afford to be complacent as Vasco, who had jajded lot in the first leg, started the second leg with improved performance and remained unbeaten in the last three outings.
Vasco had beaten Sporting club de Goa by solitary goal, and also drew with defending champions Dempo 2-2 and JCT with 1-1 in the first three second leg matches.
East Bengal, presently with 16 points from 14 outings including four wins and equal number of draws, are six points ahead of bottom placed Vasco Sports Club with only 10 points from two wins four draws.
The confident looking Vasco coach Elves Goes said his team will perform well tomorrow as it is playing better than in the first leg.
”Boys know that second leg is a crucial fixture for them and we need wins to improve our points tally to come out from the relegation zone,” he said.
The coach also said his team will put much better performance against East Bengal tomorrow than they what they displayed against Dempo in the last drawn match.
Midfielder Lester Ferandes, who is booked with double yellow cards and Elvin Ferandes, who had an ankle injury will not be playing tomorrow, the coach added.
Vasco will be relying on Uzbhikistan recruit Ravshan Tashabnew, Agnelo Colaco and Agnelo D souza in the front, Shrzod Nazarov, Minino Ferandes and Jose Colaco in the middle and Yorkin Nazarov in the defence. Goalkeeper Laximikant Kanttimani under the bar had also performed constantly well in the earlier outings.
East Bengal too boasts of the best attacking line up Yakubu Yusif, Sunil Chetri, Edmilson Margues, and new recruit Esmail Addo. Helping them in the middle will be Renedy Singh on whom visitors heavily depend.
READ MORE - Vasco to lock horns with East Bengal tomorrow
Though both the teams have been inconsistent in their performance in the league so far, East Bengal holds the psychological edge over the home team as they had scored 2-0 win in their first leg clash.
However, they cannot afford to be complacent as Vasco, who had jajded lot in the first leg, started the second leg with improved performance and remained unbeaten in the last three outings.
Vasco had beaten Sporting club de Goa by solitary goal, and also drew with defending champions Dempo 2-2 and JCT with 1-1 in the first three second leg matches.
East Bengal, presently with 16 points from 14 outings including four wins and equal number of draws, are six points ahead of bottom placed Vasco Sports Club with only 10 points from two wins four draws.
The confident looking Vasco coach Elves Goes said his team will perform well tomorrow as it is playing better than in the first leg.
”Boys know that second leg is a crucial fixture for them and we need wins to improve our points tally to come out from the relegation zone,” he said.
The coach also said his team will put much better performance against East Bengal tomorrow than they what they displayed against Dempo in the last drawn match.
Midfielder Lester Ferandes, who is booked with double yellow cards and Elvin Ferandes, who had an ankle injury will not be playing tomorrow, the coach added.
Vasco will be relying on Uzbhikistan recruit Ravshan Tashabnew, Agnelo Colaco and Agnelo D souza in the front, Shrzod Nazarov, Minino Ferandes and Jose Colaco in the middle and Yorkin Nazarov in the defence. Goalkeeper Laximikant Kanttimani under the bar had also performed constantly well in the earlier outings.
East Bengal too boasts of the best attacking line up Yakubu Yusif, Sunil Chetri, Edmilson Margues, and new recruit Esmail Addo. Helping them in the middle will be Renedy Singh on whom visitors heavily depend.
Soccer Star On Sex Assault Charge
Labels:
Marlon King
Premier League footballer Marlon King has been charged with sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman in a London bar.
Premier League striker Marlon King
The 28-year-old, who is on loan to Middlesbrough from Wigan Athletic, is alleged to have sexually assaulted and punched a woman in a London nightclub.
The woman received hospital treatment for a broken nose and split lip.
King was arrested three days after an incident at the Soho Revue Bar in Brewer Street, central London, on December 7.
The striker has since returned to a police station where he was charged.
The footballer was released on bail to appear at City of Westminster magistrates court on February 25 on charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and sexual assault by touching, the Met said.
King denied the allegations in a statement issued through his solicitor, Henri Brandman.
Mr Brandman said: "I act on behalf of Marlon King in respect of the charges brought against him today.
"He categorically denies the allegations."
The Wigan Athletic forward was on loan to Hull City at the time of the alleged incident.
According to the Soho Revue Bar's website, the club - formerly the Raymond Revue Bar - closed on January 29.
South Africa soccer coach wants more tough matches
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south africa
Polokwane, Feb 13 : South Africa's 2-0 defeat to Chile came as no surprise to coach Joel Santana and he wants the team to get used to playing similar opposition if the World Cup
The Brazilian's charges were handed a comprehensive lesson inn Wednesday's friendly international, laying bare the task facing Santana.
"What happened really did not surprise me. Chile had a very strong team who know what to do out on the field. They made us hurry through everything," Santana said in a post-match interview.
"It was a good friendly for us. These are the type of games we need and we have to apply now what we have learnt."
The result was a reality check for South Africa after a record run of five successive wins, albeit all against African opposition.
"This game augers well for our future," added Santana, who took the job last May. "We were beaten by a better team and now we know where we stand and what we need to do."
South Africa have an extensive schedule of games over the next year to prepare for the 2010 World Cup. They will compete in the Confederations Cup in June, including a match against European champions Spain, as well as play friendlies against Portugal and Poland.
South Africa's next match is at home to Norway in Rustenburg on March 28.
Manchester United set to break 300-million mark Text
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manchester united,
Premier League
London, Feb 13 : English and European champions Manchester United is all set to become the first Premier League club to cross the annual turnover of 300 million pounds. A British daily reported Thursday that the club is going to declare its last season's financial report next month and the figures are likely to reveal a 20 percent rise in the turnover.
The report also said that the club's turnover for the 2008-09 season is going to be 257.1 million pounds and when profits from their licensing agreement with Nike are added it will take the gross figure above 300 million pound.
The 13-year deal with the American sportswear manufacturer assures the English club a guaranteed annual fee of about 23 million pound as well as a share of revenue over an agreed level. In the 2007-08 season the club had a turnover of 245 million pound.
The leap in turnover is being attributed to United's success in winning both the Champions League and Premier League in 2008 and the new domestic television deal, which was brought last year for just under 50 million pound.
But in Europe, United will still remain the second richest club after Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Among other English clubs, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have all showing increases in revenue European list released by Deloitte.
Chelsea's annual revenue of 212.9 million pounds takes them to the fifth spot behind Barcelona at third place with 244.4 million pounds and Bayern Munich fourth with 233.8 million pounds.
Arsenal is at the sixth place with 209.3 million pounds while Liverpool lie seventh with turnover of 167 million pounds.
ONGC lift champion’s trophy
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ONGC
Pspb Football
READ MORE - ONGC lift champion’s trophy
Dibrugarh, Feb 12 : Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) lifted the champion’s trophy of the 29th inter-unit Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) football tournament, defeating hosts Oil India Ltd A by a solitary goal.
Jatin Singh Bist scored the lone goal for ONGC in the 30th minute.
Earlier in the day, OIL-B defeated IOCL (AOD) 4-0 to clinch the third spot.
Gour Naskar of ONGC was named Best Player of the Tournament, while Mathews Thongjom of OIL-A was declared the second best player.
GAIL was presented with the Best March Past trophy.
The resident chief executive (RCE) of OIL’s field headquarters at Duliajan, Paresh Chandra Khound, Assam Football Association (AFA) president Hemendra Nath Brahma, Vivek Satyajit, the assistant secretary of PSPB and V.K. Verma, the head of industrial relations of the company, gave away the prizes.
Eight teams from various petroleum sector units participated in the tournament.
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