Seven Sisters Love Football: 2011

Man United overcome injuries to thump Fulham 5-0

London: Manchester United earned their biggest win in three months on Wednesday, routing Fulham 5-0 to keep the heat on leaders Manchester City in the Premier League title race, but saw two key players pick up injuries.
Dimitar Berbatov rounded off the victory with an audacious backheel in stoppage time after goals from Danny Welbeck, Nani, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.
"We played some superb football in the first half," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "It's not an easy place to come. We have experienced that in the last three years. We have got one point from nine here so that shows you the difficulties."

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The victory came at a cost, with defender Phil Jones forced off injured in the 20th minute after being caught by Clint Dempsey's arm while dueling for the ball.
And his replacement, Ashley Young, came off injured while tackling Dickson Etuhu at the start of the second half with an unspecified injury that Ferguson said will rule him out for two to three weeks.
"The tackle on Ashley Young was a very aggressive tackle and I will have to see that again," Ferguson said. "Fulham were very aggressive in the second half and Ashley Young has paid the price for that. He has got a sore one so will be out for two to three weeks."
"On Phil Jones it was an elbow from Dempsey, but I don't think it was intentional. But he caught him with an elbow. We are sending him for an X-ray tomorrow and it doesn't look great. We are picking up injuries at the moment."
United, though, are only two points behind neighbours City, who beat Stoke 3-0 at Eastlands.
Having failed to win on their past three visits to Craven Cottage, the Red Devils never looked in danger of extending that run on Wednesday.
Manchester United made one change to the side that defeated QPR in West London on Sunday, with Anders Lindegaard coming in to replace David de Gea. Meanwhile, Rooney astonishingly became the youngest-ever player in the Premier League to make 300 appearances at the age of 26 years and 58 days, eclipsing Gareth Barry's record of 26 years and 247 days set in 2007.
Danny Welbeck capitalized on lax defending to break the deadlock within five minutes. Patrice Evra fed the ball to Nani on the half-way line, and the Portuguese winger was allowed to run unchallenged to the byline before sending in a pass to an unmarked Welbeck to slot home, a soft, soft goal for the home side to concede so early in proceedings.
The hosts almost got back level after 20 minutes as Bryan Ruiz played a neat one-two with Dempsey on the edge of the area before bearing down on goal, only to be thwarted by a fantastic last-ditch tackle from Phil Jones who sent the ball out for a corner. It was to be the young defender’s last action of the match as he was substituted straight afterwards.
It didn’t seem to phase United, and the visitors extended their advantage when Nani nodded home a cross from Ryan Giggs.
The 38-year-old midfielder's performance in the capital belied his years and he extended his streak of having scored in all 20 Premier League seasons when he saw a drive deflect off Philippe Senderos and loop in two minutes before the break.
The home side were booed off the pitch at half-time, but looked resurgent after the restart.
Anders Lindegaard was forced into his first real stop of the match as he got down well to prevent a header creeping over the line, and a minute later Moussa Dembele went close, his shot drifting an effort just wide. John Arne Riise then saw a free-kick fade just wide after Danny Murphy’s lay-off.
Still, Antonio Valencia shot at David Stockdale as United pressed for a fourth goal, before Chris Smalling blocked former teammate Dempsey's goalbound effort at the other end.
Play swung from one end to another as the match entered the final 20 minutes, before Rooney capped a fine performance with a superb 30-yard effort two minutes from time that left Stockdale with no chance..
Substitute Berbatov finished the rout with a nonchalant backheel from Valencia's cross in the 90th minute.

Churchill lose to Pune FC

MARGAO: Table-toppers Churchill Brothers' campaign suffered a jolt as they went down to Pune FC 0-2 in their 11th round I-League match at the Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.

Keita Manjdou (62nd) and Gurjinder Kumar (84th) scored for the visitors.

Earlier, both the teams fought on an even note in the barrren first half as the hosts made clear their intention to extend their lead on top of the table through an aggressive display.

Lanrindika Ralte came up with a fierce shot from the top of the box only to see his shot hitting the bar in the second minute. Five minutes later rival custodian Abhara Mondal had to come and thwart Henri Autchouet from scoring off a cross from Lalrindika.

Mondal came to his side's rescue again when he blocked the ball off a freekick taken by Roberto Silva.

The visitors slowly settled into the groove and launched a series of moves and had three clear chances to surge ahead but Karma Tsewang failed to find the mark from close and later defender Chika Wali failed to convert twice.

After the change of ends, Churchill Brothers were unlucky when Lalrindika's shot hit the bar off a long pass from Denzil Franco from the right.

Thereafter, the momentum shifted in favour of visitors who controlled the midfield and kept on having better ball possession and took the lead in the 62nd minute.

A quick build up on the right which saw Srikant Ramu send a measured cross into the rival box which defender Naveen Sudhakaran allowed to get past. Striker Keita Manjdou, who was following the move, met the ball with a glancing header to find the back of the net.

Lester Fernandes, who played a dominant role in the midfield, played a one-to-one pass with Keita Manjdou on top of the box and the former, on entering box, took a shot which Churchill's keeper Felix D'Souza managed to block.

Pune FC made the issue safe when they scored again in the 84th minutes to seal Churchill Brothers' fate of any comeback.

Following a build up in the middle, Keita Manjdou took a crack at the goal from inside the box but Churchill custodian Felix, who left his charge, managed to block the shot.

However, defender Gurjinder Kumar found the net with a stiff grounder off the rebound.

The win takes Pune FC to fifth place with 18 points from 11 matches.

Churchill Brothers remained on 23 points from as many matches. Dempo, who are two points behind them, have a good chance to regain the top spot if they beat Sporting Clube de Goa on Thursday.

Luis Suárez's £40,000 fine and eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra angers Liverpool

Liverpool have accused the Football Association of engineering a witch-hunt against striker Luis Suárez after the striker was suspended for eight games.

Flashpoint: Suarez and Evra clashed at Anfield in October Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Chris Bascombe
Suárez was hit with the hefty ban and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in the Premier League fixture between the clubs on Oct 15.
The Independent Regulatory Commission acting on behalf of the FA ruled Suárez was guilty of misconduct and issued the severe penalties, pending an appeal.
However, there was an instant and enraged response from Anfield to the commission’s announcement.
A Liverpool club statement deemed the findings of the panel “extraordinary” and alleged “the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November”.
The severity of the punishment has effectively led to open warfare between Liverpool, the FA and Manchester United, with the Merseyside club also suggesting Evra should be charged with racially abusing Suarez during their incendiary confrontation.
Evra claimed Suarez racially abused him “at least 10 times” in an interview conducted immediately after the game with French television station Canal Plus. Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, defended his player from the outset and personally attended the hearing in Manchester last week.
He argued that the word “negro” – which Suarez admitted using once – does not necessarily have racist connotations in the player’s homeland in Uruguay. Liverpool also claimed Evra had used racial language to insult their striker.
But an FA statement confirmed the commission found Suarez had contravened rule E3 (2) of their regulations and issued the severe penalties. The statement read: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has today found a charge of misconduct against Luis Suarez proven, and have issued a suspension for a period of eight matches as well as fining him £40,000, pending appeal.”
Liverpool are considering whether to appeal against the decision, which would keep Suarez out of football for over a month and have a serious impact on the club’s top four and trophy ambitions.
They have 14 days in which to lodge an appeal, which means the South American will be available for tonight’s Premier League game at Wigan, but there is a dilemma for the club as they consider their next course of action.
An appeal will force Suarez to miss both legs of the Carling Cup semi-final with Manchester City, the second leg of which is played on Jan 25.
Liverpool will believe protecting the tarnished reputation of their star striker is of more importance than the games he might miss by challenging the FA’s decision.
It is clear that Suarez retains the full support of everyone at Anfield, including the club’s owners, who are perplexed by the harshness of the punishment.
While Manchester United were making no comment on the findings, Liverpool issued a damning statement attacking the judgment and querying the validity of the commission’s conclusions.
They also suggested Evra should have faced race abuse charges of his own, suggesting there were further incidents in the fixture which the FA have refused to investigate.
“Liverpool Football Club is very surprised and disappointed with the decision of the Football Association Commission,” read the club statement.
“We find it extraordinary that Luis can be found guilty on the word of Patrice Evra alone when no one else on the field of play – including Evra’s own Manchester United team-mates and all the match officials – heard the alleged conversation between the two players in a crowded Kop goalmouth while a corner kick was about to be taken.”
Liverpool also accused the French defender of lacking credibility in his evidence, a public criticism which is sure to rile United and may prompt more recrimination.
“It is also our opinion that the accusation by this particular player was not credible – certainly no more credible than his prior unfounded accusations,” said the Liverpool statement.
“We do not recognise the way in which Luis Suarez has been characterised. We would also like to know when the FA intend to charge Patrice Evra with making abusive remarks to an opponent after he admitted himself in his evidence to insulting Luis Suarez in Spanish in the most objectionable of terms.”
Dalglish released a statement on Twitter stating: “Very disappointed with today’s verdict. This is the time when Luis Suarez needs our support. Let’s not let him walk alone.”
Suarez, too, expressed his disappointment, saying: “Today is a very difficult and painful day for me and my family.”
A three-man panel, consisting of Paul Goulding QC; Brian Jones, chairman of the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA; and former Sunderland manager Denis Smith, knew they were dealing with one of the most inflammatory cases in English football history given the rivalry between the clubs involved.
It took five days of deliberating to decide Suarez’s fate, but a saga which began last October is likely to run on with Liverpool refusing to willingly accept the conclusions.

Churchill Brothers beat Shillong Lajong 6-0

Goa, Dec 19 : Churchill Brothers surged to the top of the I-League ladder for the first time after securing a comfortable 6-0 victory over Shillong Lajong FC in a tenth round I-League encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

The comfortable victory helped Churchill take their tally to 23 points, two more than Dempo Sports Club, who have a match in hand against Air India on Sunday.

Gabonese striker Henri Autchouet scored a second half hat-trick, his first in the competition. Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes da Silva had earlier opened the scoring with a penalty in the 29th minute before Lalrindika Ralte made it 2-0 almost immediately.

After the change of ends, ND Opara added his name to the scoresheet before Henri joined the party with a hat-trick of goals.
Churchill were a far superior side and it was evident early in the game, when the hosts controlled the proceedings amicably and Lajong gave away the ball far too easily.

After Beto and Henri had missed in quick succession, Churchill surged just before the half hour mark, when Beto won a penalty after being tripped inside the danger zone by Wailadmi Passah. Beto made no mistake from the spot.

If Churchill’s opening goal was fortunate, there were no doubts about the second. Lalrindika grabbed a ball just outside the box and majestically curled a shot into the top corner of the nets.

The opening session saw Churchill add two quick goals. At first, Opara played a nice one-two with Henri before finding the back of the net and then Henri got on to the right end of Lalrindika’s through ball to make it 4-0.

What seemed bad going for Lajong got worse in the 62nd minute when Churchill won another penalty and goalkeeper Soram Anganba was flashed the red card for a tackle on Lalrindika. Substitute goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte stood confidently between the posts and saved Opara’s subsequent penalty.

A few minutes later, though, Lalthuammawia could do nothing as Henri was allowed a free run inside the box to hammer Churchill’s fifth goal.

The Gabonese striker completed his hat-trick ten minutes from the end after he gave finishing touches to a through ball from Steven Dias.

Main focus is on tapping local talent, says Baan

Bangalore, Dec 14 : The man who has been handed the unenviable task of changing the face of Indian football, Robert Baan, paid a visit to the upcoming FIFA Academy at the Bangalore Football stadium here on Tuesday.

Baan, who was appointed the technical director of the All India Football Federation, said encouraging young footballers will be vital to improving the quality of Indian football, adding that he was targeting 30-35 youngsters for each of the four FIFA Academies. The other three academies are coming up in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.

“The first aim is to tap local talent from each of these academy centres. But kids from footballing areas like Mizoram will also be given a chance to be a part of the system,” the Dutchman, who was accompanied by AIFF National Academies Manager Scott O’Donell and Academies and Development Manager Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, said.

Baan also emphasised the importance of improving the standards of the under-19 teams of I-League clubs. “Each I-League team is supposed to have a full-fledged under-19 squad, but for a lot of the teams, it just remains so on paper.”

Man City suffer first league defeat at Chelsea

London: Chelsea blew open the Premier League title race by ending Manchester City's unbeaten start to the season, defeating the leaders 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Monday thanks to a late penalty by substitute Frank Lampard.
City were down to 10 men after Gael Clichy's sending-off in the 58th minute when fellow defender Joleon Lescott blocked Daniel Sturridge's shot with his hand, giving Lampard the opportunity to smash home the winner from the spot in the 82nd.
It was City's first league loss since May last season - a run of 17 games - and trimmed their lead to two points from Manchester United, with resurgent Chelsea now back in the title hunt a further five points back in third after their third straight victory.

AP Photo

"It's a gratifying win," Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said. "Seven points behind, with so many teams challenging for the title, is nothing."
City had taken the lead after just two minutes through Italy striker Mario Balotelli's eighth goal of the season and were unfortunate not to add a second goal amid a dominant opening half hour, when Spain playmaker David Silva was denied a penalty after appearing to be fouled by Jose Bosingwa.
Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles equalized in the 34th as Chelsea fought back, tightening up their midfield to stifle the effervescent Silva and Yaya Toure, and then took charge after Clichy's red card for two bookings in a 12-minute span.
"We didn't score enough in the first half and then the game changed after the sending-off. It became difficult," City manager Roberto Mancini said.
With Tottenham level on points with Chelsea and fifth-placed Arsenal only two further back, the top five are separated by nine points after 15 games. It sets up an exciting second half of the season.
City, with their expensively assembled team of stars, will still be regarded by many as the title favorites but will rue losing control of a match they started so well.
"Chelsea were really lucky in this game," Mancini said. "We are disappointed with this defeat but we have time to recover."
Having already dispatched Manchester United 6-1 and Tottenham 5-1 on their travels this season, City's commanding start suggested another title contender was going to be on the end of a hammering by Mancini's free-scoring team.
Barely 105 seconds had been played when Balotelli- just about onside despite Chelsea's protestations - ran onto Sergio Aguero's through-ball, rounded goalkeeper Petr Cech with ease and slotted into an empty net. Chelsea's high defensive line, which has been the subject of much focus this season, was again found out as City made it 49 goals in 15 games.
Chelsea responded through Meireles, again selected ahead of Lampard, as he made the kind of late run into the box his teammate has produced so often down the years to meet Sturridge's cross with a side-footed volley.
Clichy's recklessness then turned the match Chelsea's way.
The France leftback had already been booked for hauling down the dangerous Sturridge at the start of the second half when he clipped Ramires as the Brazil midfielder charged through, giving referee Mark Clattenburg no option but to brandish a second yellow card.
Aguero, who wasted a golden chance to make it 2-0 in the 11th minute, and Silva were withdrawn as City looked to protect their point, but some good defensive work by captain Vincent Kompany especially was undone by Lescott's blatant handball as he tried to block Sturridge's curling shot.
Lampard, who had replaced Meireles in the 72nd minute, stepped up to ram home the penalty down the middle and City had no time to react.
"I had a feeling in the second half that it was going to be our night," Lampard said. "You've got to be big enough to stand up and take them (penalties) and I was very relieved when it hit the back of the net."

India thrash Afghanistan to retain SAFF Championship title

The seven minutes of drama preceding the kick had seen Afghanistan's goalkeeper Captain Hameedullah Yousufzari given marching orders and Djelauldin Sharityar shown the yellow card.

NEW DELHI: India dominated the last 20 minutes of the SAFF Cup football final against a 10-man Afghanistan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Sunday, thrashing them 4-0 for their sixth title.

The vastly-improved Afghanistan were very much in the game till the 68th minute but a contentious penalty and a controversial red-card to goalkeeper Hameedullah Yousufzari by Singapore referee Sukhbir Singh ended the gritty Afghan's fairy-tale journey in the tournament.

Sunil Chettri converted the penalty in the 71st and helped India to add two more through Clifford Miranda (79th), Jeje Lalpekhlua (80th) to crush Afghanistan. Substitute Sushil Singh (90+) struck in the injury time to end the game in style for the defending champions. Chettri emerged the top scorer with seven goals.

India bagged the winner's purse of $50,000 while Afghanistan were richer by $25,000. All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel also announced an additional Rs.1 lakh for the Indian players.

The nippy Afghans were clearly the better team and had the match in control till the 68th minute. But the penalty and the red-card to Yousufzari, for pushing the referee, proved the turning point.

For India the penalty was lucky as Jeje was fouled on the edge of the box by defender Faisal Safa. The decision infuriated the Afghan goalkeeper, who pushed the referee. Play was held up for three minutes as Yousufzari and coach Mohammed Yusuf Kargar furiously protested but their efforts were futile.

Chettri had to retake the penalty after his first attempt was cancelled for intrusion by Nirmal Chettri in the penalty box. The goal pepped up India and they went all out against Afghanistan.

In the next nine minutes, India added two more through Miranda and Jeje while Sushil Singh struck in the injury time as India retained the title.

India were even lucky to double the lead through Miranda as Afghanistan were playing with nine men since left-back Safa was receiving treatment on the sidelines. The Dempo midfielder was well set-up on the right with a good pass from Chettri and unleashed his right-footer that crashed into the net. In the next minute, Jeje was on target after being set-up by a precise pass from Chettri.

India, however, were under tremendous pressure in the first half as Afghanistan breached their defence right from the start. Afghanistan came close to open the scoring in the first minute after their Norway-based striker Belal Arezou ran into the box dispossessing Anthony Pereira but a good tackle by Gouramangi Singh saved India the blushes.

The Indians struggled to keep pace with the lively Afghanistan team with Arezou ripping apart the India defence. Afghanistan lacked finishing, or else they would have been the deserving champions.
India: Karanjit Singh; Syed Rahim Nabi, Mahesh Gawli, Nirmal Chettri, Gouramangi Singh; Clifford Miranda (Lalrindika Ralte, Climax Lawrence, Rocus Lamare 90+), Anthony Pereira (Steven Dias, 72); Sunil Chhetri (Sushil Singh, 84) and Jeje Lalepkhlua

Afghanistan: Hameedullah Yousufzari; Faisal Safa, Haroon Fakhrudin, Mohammad Esrafil, Yousef Mashriqi; Ata Yamir Ali, Djelaludin Sharityar, Ghulam Hazrat Abdul, Moqadar Faizullah; Belal Arezou and Sanjar Ahmadi (Masood Hashmi, 75)

Referee: Sukhbir Singh (Singapore)

Barca stunned by Getafe for season's first defeat

Getafe: Getafe ended Barcelona's 27-game unbeaten streak, shocking the Spanish champions 1-0 as Juan Valera scored in the 67th minute with a header off a corner kick at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday.
Barcelona had not lost since April 30, starting this season unbeaten in 21 matches, and the overall unbeaten streak was one shy of the club record set from September to January last season. Getafe's defensive plan to stifle Barcelona's vaunted attack succeeded where so many others had failed, before Valera powered in a corner in the second half in his team's only shot on goal.
Barcelona pressed for the equalizer and grew more dangerous as the game approached the final whistle. Lionel Messi had a goal disallowed for offside in second-half injury time, then hit a post in stoppage time just before the final whistle as the the Catalans' title hopes were dented.

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"We suffered to win this one but we deserved it," Valera said. "They are so good. We worked hard today and happened to have that bit of luck you need to beat them."
With all the action taking place in Madrid, Barca saw title rivals Real come from behind to thrash Atletico 4-1 in the derby just before this match and needed a win to close back to within three of their fierce foes just two weeks ahead of the clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
But it was a less-than-impressive performance from Pep Guardiola's side, so slick against AC Milan in a 3-2 win at San Siro in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Getafe stunned the visitors as Valera headed home mid-way through the second half.
Guardiola welcomed back Gerard Pique and Dani Alves in a strong side, with Alexis Sanchez chosen on the right, David Villa on the left and Lionel Messi in the centre as Barca began their second successive match in their third kit. But while they had looked in superb touch in Milan, it was a subdued showing this time around.
Messi sent an early free kick just wide and was later thwarted as Getafe goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya saved at his feet, but the hosts were lively as well and Miku came close on two occasions in the opening 45 minutes.
Barca attacked higher up the pitch in the second half, but Alexis was particularly disappointing and Thiago was no match for the missing Andres Iniesta.
Moya saved again from Messi and Valera shot wide at the other end as Getafe looked to do damage on the break. And incredibly, the home side took the lead after 67 minutes, when Varela headed home from Pablo Sarabia's corner.
Barca rallied after that and pressed forward in search of a late leveller.
And they thought they had got it when Messi converted right at the end, but the flag was raised for offside and the Catalans were left frustrated.
Messi, who scored an added-time equalizer in Barcelona's last away game at Athletic Bilbao, almost snatched another point for his team when he diverted a Pedro shot onto the post deep into injury time, but there was no way back for Guardiola's side, who suffered their first defeat of the season and are now six points behind Real Madrid just two weeks ahead of the clasico, which is now surely a must-win affair.
"They played very well in defence and we failed to break through," said Guardiola, whose team host Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday to make room in the calendar for the upcoming Club World Cup.
"Until the end we created chances, so I have nothing to reproach my team. Within three days we have to try again."

Man Utd held to controversial draw by Newcastle

Manchester: Manchester United conceded a contentious penalty after the linesman intervened to draw 1-1 with Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday, dealing a blow to their bid to retain the Premier League title.
United defender Rio Ferdinand was judged to have brought down Hatem Ben Arfa in the 61st minute, although replays suggested the England international had made a perfectly legal tackle. Referee Mike Jones appeared happy to award a corner but linesman John Flynn indicated a penalty should be awarded, causing several angry United players to surround the match officials. Demba Ba kept his composure to convert the spot-kick after a two-minute delay, drawing Newcastle level after United striker Javier Hernandez's 49th-minute goal.
"I didn't think anyone in the ground thought it was a penalty apart from the assistant referee. The referee thought it was a corner. He was nearer to it. He was only eight yards away," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "The problem is that the referees are full-time and the linesmen are not, and whether he ever gets a game again, the assistant referee, is not for me to decide, but it was an absolutely shocking decision."

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"I know what everyone's view was, including the referee's. He said he thought Ferdinand touched it and won the ball and he gave a corner kick. But he let the linesman overrule him. You knew that right away. We had a situation a few weeks ago when the linesman gave a penalty kick for handball but the referee knew what to do and overruled him. That's what the referee should have done today."
Newcastle played the last 12 minutes with 10 men after Jonas Gutierrez was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Patrice Evra.
Hernandez had a goal disallowed for offside in the fourth minute of stoppage time, ensuring second-placed United are four points behind Manchester City, having played one match more. Meanwhile, Tottenham won 3-1 at West Bromwich Albion to rise to third, two points behind United with one match in hand on the defending champions.
At Old Trafford, there had been little indication of the drama to come following an open, if slightly pedestrian, first half. Three minutes after the restart, however, United were in front following a foul by Steven Taylor on Hernandez just outside the Newcastle penalty area. Wayne Rooney's free kick hit the opposition wall and his second shot was blocked Steven Taylor, but the ball struck Hernandez and ricocheted into the back of the goal.
That appeared to inspire United and the hosts started to create chances. Fullback Fabio powered forward but shot over the crossbar, then Ashley Young's corner was helped on by Nani for Rooney to head over from six yards.
But there were warning signs from the visitors. Yohan Cabaye's corner was well kept in by Taylor at the far post, and Fabricio Coloccini's downward shot drew a spectacular block from goalkeeper David de Gea.
Then came the contentious penalty, although United responded impressively with Rooney making room for himself before shooting over. Nani then strode away from Cabaye to cross the ball into the area. Young appeared about to score before a desperate covering tackle by Taylor.
Gutierrez clumsily fouled Nani in the 78th and was sent off, having already been booked 14 minutes earlier for a foul on Hernandez.
Ryan Giggs' resulting free kick found Nemanja Vidic, whose header was superbly kept out by goalkeeper Tim Krul, who did even better in the 83rd minute when he used both hands to turn Patrice Evra's 18-yard shot around the post.
The pressure continued late into the game with Nani crossing to Young, who steadied himself before shooting against the foot of the post. Four minutes from time, Newcastle defender Danny Simpson somehow managed to clear Hernandez's header off the line.
Hernandez looked to have scored the winner but the linesman waved the Mexico international offside, further infuriating manager Alex Ferguson and his players.

For the first time in 17 years, American Samoa win

Having won an official match for the first time to end a losing streak of 30 games in 17 years American Samoa, the world’s joint lowest-ranked international team, now aim to achieve “something special” in Oceania’s World Cup qualifying competition.
The Polynesian chain of islands who in 2001 lost 31-0 to Australia — the heaviest defeat recorded in international soccer — famously beat Tonga 2-1 in the first round.
They next play the Cook Islands knowing a win would put them in a strong position to emerge from their four-team group.

American Samoa finally broke their losing streak. AP

“This is going to be part of soccer history, just like the 31-nothing against Australia was part of history,” American Samoa coach Thomas Rongen said after they beat Tonga.
“I’m so proud of the players. We’ve got two more games to play; maybe we have a chance to do something special here beyond this one game.
American Samoa are 204th in FIFA’s world rankings, sharing bottom spot with Andorra, Montserrat, Samoa and San Marino.

Indian football needs proper backing: Man Utd CEO

Mumbai: Indian football faces the challenge of putting the right infrastructure in place if it is to excel in the sport, feels Manchester United chief executive officer David Gill.
"The challenge in India is to do things - to get the right infrastructure in place, to build it from the bottom to get the youngsters playing, get the right coaches in place - you need to get everything.
"You just can't have just one good coach without players willing to play, you can't have good players without coaches, you can't have infrastructure without coaches. It sounds simple but it is not," Gill told PTI on the sidelines of the launch of the Manchester United Soccer School here.

The Western India Football Association has partnered Manchester United to set up the football academy, the English Premier League club's first in India, where kids between 8-17 years would be coached much like the way the Red Devils train.
The soccer school has produced superstars like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Danny Welbeck in the past.
Asked about the investment for the academy, he said, "I don't have an answer for that because we don't put numbers on it. These pitches don't come cheap, the stands don't come cheap.
"We make sure that through some of our programmes some of the players get scholarships to give the youngsters a chance.
We set the goals but you have got to set realistic goals so that you can get the money, get the return and get the following and it all comes together.
"The goal should be to get Indian football sorted and getting the Indian team up. In time you should see India in top of the world game... that's our goal. It's a very exciting venture and we are looking forward to it," he added.

Churchill Brothers hold Salgaocar SC 1-1

Margaon, Nov 24 : Salgaocar Sports Club and Churchill Brothers were locked 1-1 in a seventh round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday.

ND Opara drew first blood for Churchill in the 49th minute only for Chidi Edeh to pull it back for Salgaocar in the 71st minute.
Churchill now move to 3rd spot with 14 points from 7 matches while Salgaocar move to 8 points from 7 matches.
Both the teams started on a fast track mode and seemed eager to draw first blood. There was plenty of goal-mouth action but the final touch was missing at either end.
Salgaocar, in particular, had more attempts on goal in the first session and had it not been for an alert Churchill goalkeeper Felix D’Souza, the defending champions would have been at least two goals ahead.
Felix was at his best early in the game when he dived full-length to block Edeh Chidi’s header. A few minutes later, Chidi again found himself with some space, but Felix proved to be equal to the task again.
And much to Salgaocar’s agony, even when Felix was soundly beaten by Chidi’s rasping drive, Salgaocar had no luck: the goalpost stood in between.
Churchill also had their fair share of chances. Most of the chances were being created by the crafty Lalrindika Ralte.
The young left-footed midfielder, at first tested the rival goalkeeper with a long ranger that sailed inches past the post.
A couple of shots also went close but the closest Churchill got to the Salgaocar goal in the first session was when ND Opara mistimed his header with only the goalkeeper to beat and Henri Antchouet should have done better than an extremely weak left footer.
Churchill Brothers surged ahead in the 49th minute when ND Opara collected a ball from midfielder Lenny Rodrigues just outside the danger zone and unleashed a fierce shot that crashed into the top corner of the net.
Salgaocar took the setback in their stride and true to form did not have to wait long for the equaliser. Chidi, easily the most dangerous player on the field, brought Salgaocar level in the 731st minute when he headed home a cross from Rocus Lamare.
Churchill had two chances to score the match winner towards the fag end but substitute Bineesh Balan’s volley was tipped to safety by goalkeeper Karanjit Singh and then another substitute, Jerry Zirsanga, aimed at the sky from close range.

Man Utd progress in CL halted by Benfica draw

Manchester: Benfica clinched their place in the last-16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, holding Manchester United to a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford to threaten the English champions' chances of qualifying for the knock-out stages for the sixth year running.
Argentinian playmaker Pablo Aimar's equalizer for Benfica on the hour mark ensured the Portuguese side a top-two finish in Group C and left United needing at least a draw in their final match, at Basel in a two weeks' time.
United goalkeeper David de Gea was at fault for Aimar's goal because of his poor clearance, and the hosts only had themselves to blame for falling behind in the third minute when England defender Phil Jones deflected a shot into his own net to gift Benfica a perfect start.

AP Photo

After a shaky first 20 minutes, United recovered and Dimitar Berbatov equalized with a downward header from Nani's cross in the 30th, the Bulgarian's first Champions League goal in three years.
A sustained barrage of pressure then culminated in Darren Fletcher putting United ahead for the first time in the 59th, tapping home a rebound after his initial shot was saved. But Aimar's leveler barely 60 seconds later was enough for Benfica to return home with qualification sealed.
The draw lifted Benfica above United to the top of the group by virtue of the head-to-head record between the teams. No matter what happens at home to Otelul Galati, the Portuguese side are through.
It's a different story for three-time winners United, who could be one of the group stages' biggest casualties if Basel can beat Alex Ferguson's men in Switzerland. The sides drew 3-3 at Old Trafford in September.
Since a 6-1 derby-day drubbing by arch-rivals Manchester City in the Premier League last month, United have had a heavier focus on defence, winning their last five games without conceding. That stingy run came to an abrupt end against Benfica - and it was one of the team's own players that did it.
Nicolas Gaitan's shot from an acute angle deflected off the leg of Patrice Evra toward Jones who, reacting late, could only turn the ball onto his own net from inside the six-yard box.
Rather than sting the hosts into action, it only served to rattle them. They were ponderous on the ball and misplaced many of their passes, frustrating the crowd and giving confidence to a quick-passing Benfica team.
United managed to recover their poise and soon the chances came. Chopped down after a mazy run, Portugal international Nani sent the free kick at goalkeeper Artur Moraes, who then saved a weak, left-footed effort by Young.
The breakthrough came when a free kick was shipped out to the left to Nani, who crossed for Berbatov to head down and into the corner.
United's sudden bout of sustained pressure continued into the second half and after Ashley Young and Fabio Da Silva wasted good chances, Fletcher put the team into the lead.
The Scotland midfielder met a cross from Patrice Evra with a shot that was well saved by Moraes, but Fletcher was on hand to tap home the rebound from close range.
Barely seen as an attacking threat for the previous 40 minutes, Benfica managed to reply almost immediately.
Again United were the architect of their own problems, with goalkeeper De Gea sending a sloppy clearance straight to Bruno Cesar, who collected the ball and drove into the area.
His fierce cross was only half-cleared by Rio Ferdinand, allowing Aimar to slam in from four yards out.
Berbatov squandered the best chance of either side to win the match, volleying over when all alone 10 yards out, although Rodrigo almost snatched the win for Benfica by flashing a low drive wide in the 89th.
In the other group match, FC Basel kept their Champions League hopes alive after holding out for a 3-2 victory over Otelul Galati after squandering a three-goal lead.
Basel raced into a 3-0 lead by half-time after Fabian Frei opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Alex Frei added the second and Marco Streller completed the scoring for the Swiss side in the 37th. Otelul's players showed more determination in the second half and their efforts paid off in the 75th minute when Gabriel Giurgiu fired home and Liviu Antal found the net just six minutes later.
But Basel held on for a point which leaves them in a position to qualify for the knock-out phase from their final Group C game - if they can beat Manchester United in Switzerland. Group leaders Benfica and United both have nine points, while Basel have eight, with Otelul on zero points.

Man City's CL hopes dented after loss to Napoli

Naples: Edinson Cavani ended his scoring drought in style with two goals in Napoli's 2-1 win over Manchester City on Tuesday, putting a big dent in the Premier League leaders' chances of qualifying for the knock-out phase of the Champions League.
Cavani, who hadn't scored since October 29, gave Napoli the lead with a glancing header off a corner in the 17th minute. Italy forward Mario Balotelli then took advantage of a defensive error to equalize for City in the 33rd. But Cavani restored Napoli's lead in the 49th, taking a cross from Andrea Dossena and firing past goalkeeper Joe Hart from the center of the area. In a furious finish, Napoli forward Marek Hamsik hit the post in the 76th and Balotelli wasted four chances to equalize.
Bayern Munich lead Group A with 13 points after beating Villarreal 3-1. Napoli are next with eight, City seven and Villarreal zero.

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In the final group round on December 7, City host Bayern and Napoli visit Villarreal. Napoli control their own destiny, and can advance by winning their final match no matter what City do.
"We still haven't done anything," said Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri. "We've got to go beat Villarreal in Spain, and don't think that's going to be easy. But let's enjoy this for now. Advancing in this group would be a real achievement. You've got to remember that Napoli haven't won matches at this level for 21 years."
City need to beat Bayern and hope Napoli don't win in Spain.
"You never know. We'll see what happens," said Roberto Mancini, City's Italian manager manager. "We didn't deserve to lose, but in the Champions League you can't allow your opponents certain types of chances. Napoli are a sneaky Italian side. We had our chances and it just didn't go in."
"I'm upset over the result but not anything else. I was pleased with our performance. But we conceded two goals that we shouldn't have allowed."
Mancini said there was "no explanation" for the difference between City's results in the Premier League - having beaten Manchester United 6-1 last month - and in Europe.
"This is a strong unit that plays good football and plays to win but occasionally you can lose matches, especially in the Champions League," he said. "I'm not angry and I'm not disappointed. This can help us grow."
For Cavani's first goal, the ball also touched City defender Aleksandar Kolarov and Hart before going in, and Cavani nearly scored again when he hit the side of the net two minutes later.
Cavani scored 26 goals for Napoli in Serie A last season, managed a hat-trick against AC Milan in September and also found the net in his opening two Champions League games this season. But he had struggled in recent weeks, with his last goal coming against Catania in the Italian league last month.
"Let's enjoy this beautiful moment. We knew we could do it from the very first day," Cavani said. "We always prepare to give our maximum and today we were at our best."
City's equalizer was the product of a poor clearing attempt from Salvatore Aronica. The ball went directly to David Silva, whose shot was deflected by goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis directly to Balotelli, who sent it into an empty net.
"(Aronica) made a mistake but otherwise he played great," Mazzarri said. "You've got to remember that most of this squad is playing the Champions League for the first time and this was only our fifth match."
Balotelli was playing his first club match back in his home country since leaving Inter Milan and he now has two Champions League goals to go with his six Premier League scores this campaign.
Mancini revealed that Balotelli had a fever on Monday, but said he felt better before the match.
The scene at the San Paolo stadium was electric, with about 60,000 fans filling the stands for one of the biggest crowds since Diego Maradona led Napoli to Italian titles in 1987 and 1990.
However, there were only a couple of thousand City fans, leaving the visiting supporters cage - which features double sets of Plexiglass barriers and netting stretching up to the stadium roof - half empty.
Before kick-off, Napoli fans put on a fancy display, as fans held up cards in the squad's blue-and-white colors nearly all the way around the main ring of stands, and formed the outline of the letter 'N' with lines of flares on one end.
During the second half, fans held aloft a banner mourning the recent death of Maradona's mother, Dalma Salvadora Franco de Maradona. It read, "Lay in peace the mother of football, ciao Dona Tota."
City began with Balotelli and Edin Dzeko in attack - leaving Sergio Aguero, their most productive scorer this season and Maradona's son-in-law, on the bench. Aguero came on for the final nine minutes.
Napoli countered with their "Three Tenors" of Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Cavani.
In the 63rd, Balotelli couldn't quite reach a cross with only the goalkeeper to beat, and he then was denied by De Sanctis in the 78th, headed high in the 82nd and failed to redirect a corner in the 84th.
After the final whistle, fans stayed inside the stadium to sing along to the old Neapolitan folk song, "O surdato 'nnammurato," while fans elsewhere in the city poured out onto the streets and celebrated with fireworks.

Adebayor double takes Tottenham up to third

London: Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice on Monday as Tottenham beat Aston Villa 2-0 to rise to third in the Premier League after extending their unbeaten streak to nine matches, including eight victories.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp made his first appearance on the bench since undergoing minor heart surgery three weeks ago, and he witnessed a vibrant attacking display in which Gareth Bale and Adebayor combined to devastating effect at White Hart Lane.
Adebayor was unmarked inside the box when he acrobatically arched his body to kick the ball into the net in the 14th minute from Bale's miscued shot after Villa had failed to clear the danger from a corner.

Getty Images

It was the first goal in two months for Adebayor, the Togo international who is on loan from Manchester City after a previous spell at Real Madrid.
Adebayor's fifth goal of the season came from close range in the 40th minute following a cross whipped in by Bale and missed by Villa defender James Collins and goalkeeper Shay Given.
Tottenham haven't lost in the league since the 5-1 thrashing by Man City in August. In fact, the team has been beaten only once in the past 14 matches in all competitions - and that was a second-string line-up which went down 1-0 at Rubin Kazan in the Europa League. Spurs were also knocked out of the League Cup by Stoke in a penalty shootout.
Tottenham moved past Chelsea and Newcastle to lie nine points behind leaders City and four back from second-placed Manchester United, but with a match in hand on both of them. Villa stayed eighth, 19 points off the pace.
"I enjoyed the way we played tonight. I think the fans enjoyed it as well - they've seen lots of great teams over the years and they're enjoying the way this team's playing," Redknapp said. "It's great to be back tonight. I wouldn't want to watch it at home again, that was nerve-wracking."
Villa couldn't rein in Bale despite often double-teaming him, with rightback Carlos Cuellar being given a torrid time by the Wales winger until he was replaced with almost 30 minutes left.
That substitution came only moments after Bale and Adebayor had combined again to create a great chance, however the Togo striker's side-footed finish curled wide of the post.
Given made a great stop in the 77th minute to deny Adebayor his first hat-trick in more than three years, bravely diving at the striker's feet as he struck the ball.
Adebayor had earlier missed a one-on-one chance after being played in by Luka Modric, who was increasingly influential in the second half, and he headed wide from Aaron Lennon's chipped cross from the right flank in the 11th minute.
"I love Luka. I love the way he plays his football," Redknapp said.
Tottenham had 17 shots at goal compared to only six from Villa.

Churchill scrape past Mumbai FC

Fatorda (Goa), Nov 21 : Henri Autchouet scored a first half penalty as Churchill Brothers registered a solitary goal victory over Mumbai FC at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Sunday.

The Gabon striker won and scored the penalty in the 29th minute and that proved to be the essential difference between the two sides in a tight game.

Mumbai FC have now lost all five of their matches since that opening win against Air India, but the visitors had opportunities at the start to capitalise and put Churchill Brothers under pressure.

Nicholas Rodrigues was the first culprit for Mumbai FC as the midfielder failed to tap the ball inside an empty net after Churchill goalkeeper Felix D’Souza had managed to block Cavin Lobo’s effort.

That move proved costly as Churchill took the lead almost immediately. Henri, who had the rival defenders on their toes throughout, controlled a Lalrindika Ralte ball from the centre, cut past several defenders and in an attempt to block the striker, Keegan Pereira found himself handling the ball while being on the ground. The referee was close by and lost no time in awarding a penalty which Henri gleefully converted.

Churchill saw more of the ball in the first session but their strikers, particularly ND Opara, was guilty of missing sitters. The Nigerian striker, in fact, missed two easy chances much to the chagrin of his coach Manuel Gomes and the supporters.

Mumbai FC did not have much strength upfront and whenever there was a move launched, their strikers came a cropper. Cavin Lobo’s save in the second session was saved by Felix and once Ebi Sukore also went close. The fault largely was with the midfield which failed to combine effectively or create openings for the strikers.

For Churchill, two of their goals, both scored by Henri, were ruled to have been scored from an off-side position. Substitute Jerry Zirsanga also had a good chance for the home team to increase the lead in the closing stages of the match but his shot was blocked by the rival goalkeeper.

Air India beat HAL Bangalore 4-2:

Displaying an attacking game of football, the airmen rally from a one-goal deficit to win 4-2. Air India was down by 2-1 in the lemon break. The second-half was altogether a different story, when they pumped 3 more goals.

The hosts were quick enough to open the account, thanks to a great combination from the flank from Bijoy Das and Vinoth Kumar, the later put up a cross for Malamnganba Meitei, and Malamnganba header made a right connection to the goal.

Air India equalised in the 8th minute through a Manadeep Singh free kick.

HAL again took the lead in the 20th minute from an attack from striker Abdullah Hamza-Aleksandar Sujdovic duo. With a one-on-one situation, Aleksandar beat the keeper and gave his team a 2-1 lead.

After changing half, both the team started playing attacking football. Airmen were quick enough to equalise, again from an excellent set-piece free kick from Indian international Manadeep Singh. Nigerian striker gave them the lead in the 75th minute from a corner.

It was Sandesh Gadkari, who came in as a replacement put the final nail in the host’s coffin in the dying minutes of the match.

East Bengal have tough task on hand against Mohun Bagan

Kolkata: Notwithstanding their last season`s success against bitter foes Mohun Bagan, a depleted East Bengal will have a tough task this time around when the two teams clash for the first time, in a round six I-League fixture on Saturday.
It`s a triple blow for last year`s runners-up East Bengal who will be without their inspirational playmaker Mehtab Hussain, Australian forward Tolgay Ozbey and Khangtang Paite.
In red hot form with four wins from five matches, Mohun Bagan have in their ranks the season`s top signing Odafa Okolie and India`s star forward Sunil Chhetri.
That East Bengal had an all-win record against Mohun Bagan last season is likely to matter little.
It remains to be seen how Trevor James Morgan goes about it in the season`s first derby with about 100,000 crowd expected to turn up at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Mohun Bagan too appears to miss India stopper Anwar Ali but the signing of Australian central defender Daniel Zeleny has brought smiles to the fans.
It will be an exciting contest on the cards with Zeleny vs East Bengal`s Scottish midfielder Alan Gow who has been in fine form with his setpiece movements.
In the absence of Hussain, Gow will be the key for East Bengal and they have two more foreigners in Orji Penn and Uga Okpara.
Hussain is yet to recover from a groin injury that got aggravated in his two-minute forced appearance during the Federation Cup final.
Hussain this time does not want to take any chances.
"Playing in the Federation Cup final was a mistake and I don`t want to repeat it. I`m not fully fit and I don`t want to take any risk," Hussain said.
East Bengal`s leading striker in the last season, Ozbey, on the other hand, has been suspended for the match.
But East Bengal coach Morgan put up a brave face saying they were ready for the challenge.
"There`s no point crying over what we have and what we don`t have. My team is ready to face any challenge," Morgan said.
Beside the goalmaking skills of Odafa, Mohun Bagan will also have the experience of Brazilian Jose Ramirez Barreto and India international Syed Rahim Nabi.
Having led India to a 3-2 win over Malaysia, Nabi, a former East Bengal captain, will for the first time play against his former side.
"Being a professional, I am fully committed to Mohun Bagan now and eager to give my best shot," he said.
Mohun Bagan coach Prasanta Banerjee said, "We are currently in the 2nd spot of the I-League so there is no pressure on us and nothing to worry about. We have been winning the last few matches.”
"I think we will have to play a more constructive game, working the ball upwards with many passes starting right from the defenders." he said.

Rooney nominated for FIFA's goal of the year

Manchester: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been shortlisted for FIFA's goal of the year award for his spectacular overhead kick against Manchester City last season.
Rooney's goal, which came from a Nani cross against United's fierce rivals in a 2-1 win at Old Trafford, left Joe Hart with no chance as it flew into the top corner.
Tottenham's Giovani dos Santos, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as well as Santos and Brazil starlet Neymar, have all also been nominated for the prestigious Puskas award.

Dos Santos' floated chip scored for Mexico against the United States ensured he was part of the elite 10 nominated, Messi for his finish against Arsenal in the Champions League, Ibrahimovic for a goal for AC Milan against Lecce in Serie A while Neymar secured his position with a solo goal for Santos against Flamengo.
FIFA's 2011 Puskas award, which is named in honour of Hungary legend Puskas, will be announced on January 9 and was last won by Hamit Altintop.

City, Newcastle put unbeaten records on the line

London: The two-week international break provided no respite for Manchester City from the saga involving Carlos Tevez.
The last two unbeaten records in the English Premier League go on the line when City host third-place Newcastle on Saturday, and the leaders must ensure they aren't distracted by the striker's dispute with the club.
Tevez flew to Argentina during the international break despite City expecting him to stay in England to train. The club has already fined and suspended him for an act of disobedience during a Champions League match.

The 2011-12 English Premier League season resumes on November 19 after a two-week international break.

AP Photo

"As a team, we just keep moving forward," City winger James Milner said. "There always seem to be things going on off the field at Manchester City and people wanting to knock you down with distractions. All we can do is concentrate on what we're there to do, and that's play football and work hard in training."
After 11 matches, Newcastle and City are the only teams yet to be beaten in the Premier League. But while City have embarked on the biggest spending spree in world football in recent years, Newcastle have been offloading star players to help cut their debt.
Newcastle will discover whether their unexpected start to the season is a fluke or a sign the team can maintain a credible push for Champions League qualification.
"They have started the season very well," Milner said. "I don't think many people expected it because there have been a lot of changes up there. But all credit to them; they're playing really well."
But the harmony at Newcastle was disrupted during the international break by owner Mike Ashley announcing that their 119-year-old stadium, St. James' Park, was being renamed as Sports Direct Arena, the sports retail company owned by Ashley.
"For the traditionalists amongst our fans, I think it's something they are upset at," manager Alan Pardew said in his first public comments on the row. "But it is still in the same place and it's still the Gallowgate End and we still have your tradition of walking to the stadium from the centre of town. It's there where it is.
"On the other side of the coin, of course, commercially, it will attract a big sponsor, we hope, and give us extra revenue to go forward."
If Newcastle do inflict City's first loss of the season, Manchester United will go two points behind their neighbour with a victory over Swansea.
The south Wales club has collected 11 points from 33 since gaining promotion to the Premier League for the first time.
"It's a new experience for us all. They're the first Welsh team in the Premier League and going there will be a great experience," United midfielder Darren Fletcher said. "Swansea have been applauded for the football they've played this season. When I was on international duty, I spoke to a couple of my Scotland team-mates who have played against them and they told me how well Swansea keep the ball."
In Sunday's only match, fourth-place Chelsea host Liverpool, who are three points behind in sixth after a mixed start to the season.
Liverpool have been rocked by striker Luis Suarez being charged on Wednesday by the Football Association with racially insulting United's Patrice Evra after a month-long investigation.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Suarez became the first Uruguay player to score four goals in an international in a 2014 World Cup qualifying victory over Chile last week.
"That will not have done his confidence any harm whatsoever," Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said. "It's great for Luis to get four goals — I wish it was for us rather than his country. Maybe he's kept some up his sleeve for us in the coming weeks.
"He is a fantastic footballer and has been, as we have said, fantastic ever since he has come here and we are just fortunate to have him."
Fifth-place Tottenham will hope to have manager Harry Redknapp back in charge for Monday's match against Aston Villa after more than two weeks of recovery from heart surgery.
"It will depend on his conversation with the medical people who are giving him advice," Tottenham assistant manager Joe Jordan said. "He's feeling good and sounds good. There's a possibility he'd be back for the Villa game and maybe he'll pop in during the lead up to that match. He's very keen and is optimistic there's a chance of that happening."
In Saturday's other matches, Arsenal are at Norwich, Everton host Wolverhampton Wanderers, Stoke take on Queens Park Rangers, Fulham are at Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion face Bolton and Blackburn visit Wigan.

Tevez fails to report for Man City training

Manchester: Carlos Tevez has failed to report for training with Manchester City and is still in Argentina, after flying to the country last week without the club's permission.
City say that Tevez was not granted leave last week and should have stayed with the club during the international break, and they have now instructed their lawyers to take action following the absence.
There had been reports that the player had obtained a medical certificate stating that he is unable to train or play, though this has gone unconfirmed by his spokespersons. They did confirm, however, that the player is still in Argentina.

EPL club Manchester City's Argentine player Carlos Tevez flew back home last week without his club's permission and hasn't reported for training.

AFP

The 27-year-old was also due to take part in a meeting on Monday arranged by the club between high-ranking City officials and the Argentine's representatives.
Manchester City have so far refused to comment on Tevez's failure to return to the country.

Nabi's strike helps India hold Malaysia

India salvage a draw in their international friendly football match against Malaysia. (PTI Photo)

GUWAHATI: Syed Rahim Nabi's last-gasp equaliser helped India salvage a draw in their international friendly football match on Sunday.

With time running out, Nabi struck in the 88th minute to ensure that new coach Savio Medeira's tenure at the helm does not start on a wrong note at the Indira Gandhi national stadium.

Playing under floodlights, Malaysia, ranked nine places above the hosts at 151st, drew first blood when Rahim Saffique scored after receiving a square pass from Abdur Razaq in the 38th minute.

The match started with the visiting side making attacking moves but Indian goal keeper Paramjit Singh thwarted their efforts with some brilliant saves.

India's star striker Sunit Chettri also made some threatening moves but the alert Malaysian defenders ensured that the scoreline was 1-0 at half time.

After the breather the Indian team went for the kill and, in the 43rd minute of the second half, Nabi utilised a miss-pass from Razzak to score the equaliser.

The match was confined to midfield for most of the time, with the payers affected by mist, which engulfed the stadium midway through the match.

England beat World Cup winners Spain 1-0

Wembley: Frank Lampard scored on a header four minutes into the second half to lead England past Spain 1-0 on Saturday, the fourth loss for the Spaniards since they won the World Cup.
Lampard struck after Darren Bent's header came off the post, giving England a victory at Wembley Stadium after being outplayed most of the way.
"The fact England only got near the goal with that chance from the free kick did show we dominated the game," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said through a translator.

Frank Lampard scored on a header four minutes into the second half in England's 1-0 victory over World Cup winners Spain in an international football friendly on Saturday.

AP Photo

"But I'm a bit disappointed, almost angry, that we didn't manage to win," he added. "At key moments in the game, perhaps, we lacked a bit of speed."
After Lampard scored, Spain squandered their chances. David Villa hit the post and Cesc Fabregas twice came close twice towards the end.
Spain have also lost to Argentina, Portugal and Italy since winning the 2010 World Cup, although the European champions won every Euro 2012 qualifier.
"I don't think it's a case of us approaching these four games in too complacent a manner," Del Bosque said. "We lacked that skillful, defining moment. England carried out the manager's orders to the absolute letter."
Beating the European champions will give England a boost leading to Euro 2012. England missed out on the 2008 tournament and then played dismally at the World Cup.
"It's great to beat them now — they are the best team in the world," Lampard said. "We won't get carried away over the fact we beat them. Let's be realistic, they dominated the game... We are not quite where we want to be just yet."
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas played his 126th international game, matching his country's record for appearances. He equalled the mark set by goalie Andoni Zubizarreta from 1985 to 1998.
"We didn't deserve to lose today," Casillas said. "It's a pity I couldn't celebrate with a victory."
Lampard was designated England's captain after John Terry was benched, a move coach Fabio Capello insisted was not tied to the ongoing police investigation over his alleged racism.
England played without star striker Wayne Rooney. Capello tested Danny Welbeck and Bent in preparation for Rooney missing the three Euro 2012 group stage matches after his ban by European soccer's governing body.

International Friendly: India v Malaysia

INDIA

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MALAYSIA
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Match 1: Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Guwahati -13th Nov ’11, Kick-off 5:45 PM
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Match 2: Yuvabharati Krirangan, Kolkata – 16th Nov ’11, Kick-off 5:45 PM

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Even though the I-League club owners and the coaches are unhappy about this international break just before a few crucial top of the table League encounters, including the eagerly anticipated Kolkata derby, common Indian football fans are appreciating AIFF’s effort to leave no stone unturned in providing the national players much-needed international exposure. Indian national football team is all set to lock horns against their Malaysian counterparts in two friendly matches scheduled to be played on 13th and 16th November at Guwahati and Kolkata respectively.
Malaysia national football team is ranked 151st worldwide, 9 places above their Indian rivals, who dropped to 160th position in the latest FIFA rankings. This will be the very first assignment for the newly-appointed India coach Savio Medeira and he reckons that facing Malaysia will be a tough test but his boys have the capability to notch up winning results if they are able to perform to their true potential. Incidentally Medeira’s Malaysian counterpart, K. Rajagopal, is of Indian origin, although he played professional football in Malaysia and after successfully managing their U-23 national team, he has been promoted to manage the senior squad for last couple of years.

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Team News and Tactical Brief
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India
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Savio Medeira has named a tried and tested 25 member squad, which formed the core team during Armando Colaco’s tenure as well, except for goalkeeper Subrata Paul and midfield maestro Mehtab Hossain – both of whom are nursing injuries. In his first pre-match media release, Medeira stated, -

“Though the boys have arrived at a very short notice but they all are raring to go and are looking forward to play the match against Malaysian team. The absence of Subrata (Paul) and Mehtab (Hossain) will surely be felt, but this is an excellent chance for the youngsters like Gurpreet (Sandhu) and Jewel (Raja) to prove their mettle”.

Team India is expected to line-up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation and continue their experiment of getting accustomed to short passing game, which Armando Colaco initiated during his regime. In the absence of Subrata Paul, experienced Salgaocar ‘keeper Karanjit Singh is expected to guard the Indian citadel, while Dempo’s Subhashish Roy Chowdhury and East Bengal’s Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will serve as Karanjit’s deputies.
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The goal-machine - Sunil Chhetri
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The four defenders pick themselves up for a place in the starting line-up. Mahesh Gawli and Gourmangi Singh are expected to take up the responsibility of managing central defense, while Samir Naik and Syed Rahim Nabi will most probably start as the right and left wing backs. Debabrata Roy, Anwar Ali and Jashpal Singh will be the reserve defenders and can be used if required.
Climax Lawrence will most definitely feature in central midfield, but Mehtab Hossain’s unavailability would mean that either of the two youngsters, Rocus Lamare or Sheikh Jewel Raja will get a chance to showcase their potential. If Medeira wants to employ a safety first approach, then either Baldip Singh or Mehrajuddin Wadoo might get in to the starting line-up as a defensive screen. Steven Dias is expected to resume his duties on the right wing, while Anthony Periera will most probably partner him on the left flank. Young Lalrindika Ralte, who was impressive in last couple of matches for India playing as a replacement for Dias, will also be used, but mostly as a second-half substitute.
Star striker Sunil Chhetri and young Jeje Lalpekhlua, who has scored 5 goals in 8 matches donning the national colors, will form a two-pronged Indian attacking line-up. Joaquim Abrahanches, Baljit Singh Sahni and Sushil Singh are the other three strikers in Savio Medeira’s armor.
Probable Starting Line-up: Karanjit (GK), Samir, Mahesh, Gourmangi, Nabi, Steven, Climax, Rocus, Anthony, Sunil, Jeje.

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Malaysia
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Under the guidance of K Rajagopal, Malaysia is steadily progressing to become a force to reckon with at the continental level. The morale of the team got a major boost when they won the prestigious AFF Suzuki Cup crown for the first time in the history in 2010. In their bid to qualify for 2012 London Olympic Games, Rajagopal insisted Malaysian Football Association to arrange for at least one practice match every month and that has proved to be one of the major ingredients of their recent success at the Asian continental level. In their last three international friendly matches, Malaysia outclassed Hong Kong by 2-0 margin before narrowly losing to Thailand by 1-2 and then bounced back to beat Singapore by 2-0 margin.
For this tour to India, Malaysia is travelling with a full strength 24 member squad. Attacking midfielder Mohd Safiq Rahim, who plays for defending League Champions Selangor, will be wearing the captain’s armband. Rahim came to limelight by scoring a spectacular goal from free-kick against Liverpool in the English Giants’ pre-season tour match against Malaysia XI in July 2011 and he will be a player to watch out for. Besides, veteran defender Zamani Misbah, and Pelita Jaya FC‘s star striker Mohd Safee Mohd Sali have loads of experience playing for the national team and they will be more than a match for the Indian players.
Rajagopal is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 strategy, quite similar to India’s tactics. Negeri Sembilian FA goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias is expected to get the nod under the woodwork. Zamani Misbah and Abdul Radzak, who have played more than 100 games for Malaysia together, will be their first choice central defense combination. Mohd Azmi Muslim and Aziz Ismail will be used as the side-backs.
Captain Safiq Rahim will be the creative force behind Malaysian attacks and he will be supported by S Kunanlan at the heart of the midfield. Muhymeen Zambri and Amar Rohidan, both from Kedah FA Club, will have the responsibility of spreading the game wide on the wings. Malaysia will look forward to Mohd Sali and Abdul Hadi Yahya for finding the back of Indian net. Joseph Kalang Tie, another very talented prospect, who had a two month stint with English Championship side Hartlepool United, will look to cement his place in the national side if provided with enough playing time in this tour of India.
Probable Starting Line-up: Marlias (GK), Zamani, Radzak, Muslim, Ismail, Kunanlan, Safiq, Zambri, Rohidan, Mohd Sali, Abdul Hadi

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TheHardTackle’s Players To Watch Out For
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Sunil Chhetri (India): Chhetri is in red-hot form in the domestic League and has been on target for Mohun Bagan in their last couple of matches. After the retirement of Baichung Bhutia, it’s time for him to take up more responsibilities and lead from the front. So far he has scored 24 goals for India in 52 FIFA approved international matches and Savio Medeira will expect him to keep up the good work when team India will take on Malaysia in Guwahati on 13th Nov.
Safiq Rahim (Malaysia): Rahim is an exceptionally talented and creative player. He will be used by Rajagopal as an attacking midfielder playing behind the two strikers in a flexible 4-3-1-2 formation which can be moulded in to a 4-4-2 if required. He is a set-piece specialist as well and can prove lethal if he gets a chance to unleash his venomous deliveries from the edge of the box.
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Safiq Rahim - the Malaysian creative force

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TheHardTackle’s Predictions
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At Guwahati : India 1-1 Malaysia
At Kolkata : India 2-1 Malaysia
It will be a battle of equals and the team which utilizes the opportunities on a given day will come out victorious. However playing on the familiar home territory, along with the support of football crazy North East crowd gives Indian team a slight edge over the visiting side. Also the astro-turf at Salt Lake Stadium, where the second match is scheduled, may prove to be difficult to adapt to for the Malaysian brigade.

I have struggled to settle at Chelsea: Torres

London: Chelsea forward Fernando Torres has admitted he has struggled to settle at Stamford Bridge following his £50 million switch from Liverpool in January of this year.
The 27-year-old scored just one goal last season following his move to west London, with his debut strike coming in April against West Ham on his 14th appearance for the club.
Whilst Torres has been in relatively better form this season, the former Atletico Madrid player has suggested the switch from Merseyside, and the lack of fellow Spaniards at Chelsea, all contributed towards his barren period following his move.

Speaking to Esquire Espana, Torres said: "They have no similarity, neither in their past nor in their present. My adaptation process for each has been completely distinct.
"Chelsea is in London, a huge city. I come from Madrid, also a great European capital, but this is much more of everything, for good and for bad.
"It's been difficult for me to adapt here compared to when I arrived in Liverpool, a more comfortable place, smaller, where I was surrounded by Spanish team-mates.
"In the end, the important thing is to try and organise yourself as quickly as possible. That's what I'm doing."
The Spanish international also insisted his £50m price tag is 'just a number', and that Xabi Alonso's departure from Anfield to Real Madrid was a key factor behind his decision to leave Liverpool.
"That's just a number. The only thing I know is that opportunities such as the one Chelsea offered me cannot be turned down. The important thing is the confidence they have in me."
"Liverpool was going down a strange path. Personally, I believe the departure of Xabi Alonso to Madrid was a clear message that something was changing.
"I have the ambition to improve and Chelsea could offer me what every footballer desires: titles."

East Bengal beat Shillong Lajong

New Delhi: After their mid-week demolition of Mumbai Football Club, Kingfisher East Bengal put in another sterling performance on Sunday, beating Shillong Lajong by a solitary goal. The Red and Gold Brigade were playing with intent from the first whistle, consuming most of the possession relegating Shillong to just the odd counter attack.
KEB’s Tolgay Ozbey had an opportunity to put the hosts ahead within the first ten minutes. Finding himself in a one on one situation, Ozbey fired wide. Five minutes later, a free flowing move from the right- KEB’s live wire winger Naoba Singh’s cross across the box finding Penn Orji, only for the ball to be skied over the crossbar. Midway in the first half, Lajong’s Zohmingliana Ralte brought Ozbey outside the penalty box, a second caution reduced Lajong to ten men.
Taking advantage, KEB tightened their hold on the match. KEB captain Sanju Pradhan’s lung bursting run from the left flank, followed by a powerful shot from outside the box put KEB up by goal in the 29th minute. The score line remained the same till the end of the half.
The second half saw KEB stamp their dominance on the pitch, the advantage of possessing an extra man allowed for more chances to be created. Lajong managed to keep attacks at bay with the help of disciplined defending. Trevor Morgan threw in Robin Singh, Alan Gow and Paite into the mix, adding some height up front.
KEB had several opportunities to increase their lead, but managed to waste chances galore. In the 82nd minute a cross found Paite with plenty of space on the right flank, a cross which required just a tap in was squandered wide by Gow.
In the 88th minute, a mistimed clearance in the Lajong penalty box found the right boot of KEB’s Uga Okapara. The Nigerian’s thunderous right foot shot threatened to rip the net apart put the hosts two nil up. The goal was much to the relief of Trevor Morgan’s men who have moved up the table to fifth with seven points.

Shillong school wins CBSE soccer title

GUWAHATI, Nov 6 - Army Public School, Shillong has won the CBSE Cluster 1 soccer tournament by defeating St Clarets School, Borjhar 2-0 in the finals today at Miles Bronson Residential School playground. In an all round display of superlative football, the Shillong team dominated proceedings right from the word go. Babidor Dorphang, captain of the Army Public School netted the first goal in the 17th minute via a penalty kick. Albert Paite of the same team made it 2-0 in the 47th minute by converting a penalty kick.

Earlier in the day, the Shillong team edged out Kaziranga English Academy via tie breaker while St Clarets stunned Don Bosco, Panbazar in the penalty shootout. Babidor Darphang of Army Public School, Shillong was declared the Best Player, Anuj Das of St Clarets School was adjudged as the Best Goalkeeper and S Guite of Kaziranga English Academy received the Best Striker Award. South Point School, Guwahati was declared as the Best Disciplined Team.

In the play-off for the third position, Don Bosco defeated Kaziranga English Academy 5-4 to claim the second runners-up position. KK Choudhary, regional officer of CBSE, North East Region was the chief guest and gave away the prizes.

Don’t get too used to midfield, Fergie tells Rooney

Manchester: Alex Ferguson is not about to make a habit of playing Wayne Rooney in central midfield even if the Manchester United striker excelled in the unfamiliar role this week, the manager said on Thursday.
Rooney pulled the strings in a disciplined performance in Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League win over Otelul Galati but if he is picked for Saturday’s home Premier League match against Sunderland, he can expect to resume his normal duties.
“When you’ve got a player who I think has scored 10 goals so far, you want him to be in positions where he will get even more goals and I think that position is in his normal place,” Ferguson told a news conference.

Wayne Rooney was playing out of position because of injuries to Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher and could well be called upon if they are ever short again. Karel Delvoye/Getty Images
The England striker was playing out of position because of injuries to Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher and could well be called upon if they are ever short again.
“It’s conditional in the sense of what midfield players I have available,” Ferguson added. “We decided why not play Wayne there because he’s got the appetite for it, he’s got the energy levels for it.
“Last night his awareness of people around him was really good. His first touch of the ball was excellent. I’m not putting any marker down for that position really because it depends what is available elsewhere.”
Cleverley has been ruled out of Saturday’s match against the 14th-placed visitors but Carrick is back in training and Fletcher is fit, meaning Rooney might have to return to being a striker despite his belief he can play anywhere on the pitch.
“He says his best position is centre-half but I’m not about to try that,” Ferguson laughed.
Ferguson’s fairytale
Captain Nemanja Vidic should return for second-placed United, who trail leaders Manchester City by five points, after sitting out the Galati game due to suspension.
Midfielder Anderson is doubtful after picking up a knock against the Romanians, while winger Ashley Young and defender Chris Smalling remain sidelined with foot injuries.
Striker Michael Owen, who limped off with a thigh injury after just 11 minutes on Wednesday, was having a scan and Ferguson did not know how long he would be out for.
The United boss will come up against familiar faces against Sunderland, with manager Steve Bruce, defender Wes Brown and midfielder Kieran Richardson having served him during the 25 years he is marking at the club this weekend. Sunderland’s former United defender John O’Shea, however, will miss the match through injury.
Ferguson has kept talk of his Old Trafford quarter of a century low-key, putting the “fairytale” down to the quality of the players he has been lucky enough to be in charge of.
“It’s been a really fantastic spell for me and something you don’t think is going to happen,” he said. “It’s been a bit of a fairytale to last so long and I appreciate that.
“I’ll continue as long as I feel healthy enough to do it,” the 69-year-old added. “In management, things change as the years go on. It’s different now even to seven or eight years ago. A lot of things have changed.”

AI ground Salgaocar, Churchill held

Minnows Air India shocked defending champions Salgaocar 3-1 in what has to be the biggest upset in the I-League till date. Two quick goals from Manandip Singh almost put an end to Salgaocar’s chances in the match. But Sueoka Ryuji’s strike in the 35th minute kept alive hopes till Shafi Muhammed scored Air India’s third goal and sealed a famous win in the 57th minute. Salgaocar now have three points from three matches while Air India opened their account with three points from Monday’s match. In the second match of the day, United SC managed to salvage a appoint against Churchill Brothers riding Shankar Oraon’s 85 minute strike in their I-League match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday. Lalrindka Ralte scored for Churchill in the early stages of the match. United SC were not allowed any space to maneuver by a defensively better organised Churchill Brothers. United SC goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal’s untimely goof-up only added to their woes, letting through Ralte’s grounder from the edge of the goalline in the early stages. But had it not been defender Bello Rasaq giving up on trying to challenge Ralte after ND Opara backheeled the ball to him, Mondal wouldn’t have had to face the ignominy. Oraon was introduced in the 76th minute. And it clicked for United SC. With five minutes to go for the end of first-half, Churchill custodian Felix D’souza fisted away Chinta Chandrasekhar Rao’s cross, only to find Oraon trapping it smartly and slotting it home.

HSA FC ousted DMZP to enter the semi-finals at Tamchon Football Trophy

New Delhi, Oct. 31, 2011: At the quarter-finals played between defending champion of North East Tamchon Memorial Football Trophy - Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP) and last year first runners up Hmar Students' Association (HSA), the HSA FC defeated the DMZP today at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi by scoring a goal in a penalty shot in the second half of the match. The match was a close call with the DMZP trying to even the score and the HSA FC vying for another goal. The HSA FC won the match by 1-0, entering the semi-finals of the tournament.

In the second quarter-finals played between the the Siamsinpawlpi (SSPP) and FC UH-NAI (Kom) at the same venue, the SSPP outplayed the UH-NAI in the field but missed many chances to score a goal. At the very last minute of the match, SSPP defender fouled a UH-NAI player in the D-Box area, and the UH-NAI were awarded a penalty. Taken advantage of the God-sent chance, the UN-NAI scored the penalty shot winning the match by 1-0.

The HSA FC and the UH-NAI will play the semi-finals on November 03, 2011 at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi.

East Bengal-Prayag draw, Churchill win

Prayag United and East Bengal played out a 1-1 draw in Kolkata while Churchill Brothers beat Air India 2-0 in the I-League on Saturday.

East Bengal vs Prayag United
Both teams were looking for their first win of the I-League 2011-12 but Prayag United started off as the better side with a flurry of attacks from the word go. They looked dangerous on a couple of occasions in the early part of the first half. Snehashish Dutta of Prayag United also headed the ball against the post midway through the first half off a Kayne Vincent cross.
Kingfisher East Bengal, on the other hand, starting with Alan Gow and Tolgay Ozbey upfront, had their best chance of the half when Alan played a through ball to Tolgay, but his shot went straight to the goalkeeper, Abhijeet Mondol.
Prayag United's Tulunga also had a shot well saved by East Bengal goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the first half.
Prayag United were rewarded for their attacking play early in the 2nd half when Yusuf Yakubu opened the scoring with his 121st goal in the National League/I-League. It was a well taken goal off a long ball headed to him by Arnab Mondal. Yusuf Yakubu is currently the all-time highest scorer.
East Bengal, however, attacked much more in the 2nd half as Trevor Morgan made 3 changes with Penn Orji, Baljit Singh Saini and Gurwinder Singh coming on. Alan Gow was pushed forward to play a more attacking role with Tolgay Ozbey.
Sanju Pradhan missed a goal-scoring chance off a rebound in the box but made up for it late in the match when he played a through ball to Baljit Singh Saini who had no problem in converting with a left-footed shot in the 85th minute.
With both teams getting one point each, neither were able to register their first win of the tournament and will have to wait until the next round of matches. Prayag United is currently on two points while Kingfisher East Bengal has registered just one point till now.
Churchill vs Air India
Churchill Brothers Sports Club relied on opportunistic strikes from Henri Autchouet to get the better of Air India 2-0 at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
Churchill Brothers dominated from start to finish but the inability of their strikers to convert the chances into goals meant they had to survive some anxious moments, most particularly towards the closing stages of the match.
Gabonese striker, Henri, scored once in each session, the last coming in the final minute of play.
Churchill was without doubt the better team and it showed in their strong start to the game. Henri and Nigerian striker, Ndubisi Opara, combined well upfront but the final touch that translates a good move into a goal was missing.
Opara had the first look at the rival goal in the eighth minute itself, but his snap shot from close range was saved on the goal line by Nepoleon Singh.
Air India goalkeeper, Pawan Kumar, was then pressed into action to stop Antun Kovacic’s grounder. Henri went close to scoring twice in quick succession and Lalrindika Ralte’s shot hit the crossbar.
The Air India citadel finally crumbled in the 24th minute when Henri picked up a ball from Ralte and picked the nearest post from an acute angle.
Air India seemed content in doing the defending but they did manage to create scares on a couple of occasions. Striker Henry Ezeh had the best chance of the match but, when picked out by Allan Das, he failed to beat Churchill goalkeeper Felix D’Souza in a one-to-one situation. Nepoleon Singh’s long ranger seemed destined for a goal until Felix managed to get his fingertips to the ball.
There was no end to Churchill’s tale of missed chances in the second session as well until Henri slipped a ball past the rival goalkeeper in the final minute of play.
With this win, Churchill have gained 6 points from two matches while Air India is languishing at the bottom of the table without a win and a point so far in the tournament.

Churchill down Air India in 2nd round of I-League

Margao, Oct 29 (PTI)

Churchill Brothers scored a goal in each half to down Air India to register their second straight win in the second round of the I-League, played at Nehru Stadium here today.

Churchill Brothers scored through Henri Arnaud Autchouet(25) and N D Opara in the second minute of the stoppage time of the second half.

The Goan team who beat East Bengal in their opening encounter, started right in earnest with short passes from the middle followed by long overheads from the flanks putting the rival defence virtually under seige for the first half an hour and could have led by at least three goals in the first quarter of the match but for execellent saves from keeper Pawan Kumar.

They hardly felt the absence of Roberto Silva who is nursing an knee injury.
Lalrindika Ralte who worked hard on the left which earned him the Man of the Match kept Air India team under pressure with his looping crosses and was first to test keeper Pawan when he stretched him to punch the ball over the bar in the 2nd minute.

Few minutes later, Opara shot was saved on the goal line by defender Collin Abranches. Thereafter, Henri and Lalrindika Ralte shot in turn but failed to beat keeper who effected smart save.

With pressure mounting and Air India pushed on the defensive, their citadel finally fell in the 25th minute.

Ralte worked his way on the left flank and relayed the ball to Henri Arnaud Autchouet who beat the keeper with a firm left footer that found the corner of the net.

Churchill could have doubled the lead five minutes before the first half but defender Bijoy Basfore made a goal line save off a header from Antun Mathew Kovacic After the goal, Churchill failed to maintain the same momentum and Air India came out from the shell and tried couple of long rangers which lacked the direction.

After the change of ends, Air India put up a better performance and matched their rivals and nearly found the equaliser in the 47th minute but Henry Ezeh was blocked by keeper Felix.

Air India again came close to find the equaliser midway in the second half when Nepoleon Singh's 35-yard shot nearly found the net but Churchill's keeper Felix D'Souza rose high to punch the ball away to safety.

Churchill made a counter move and Lalrindika nearly found the net but his try from the left hit the bar and went out.

Thereafter the play was confined to midfield and Churchill who came close to scoring on couple of occasions, scored in the second minute of the stoppage time of the second half.

Substitute Jagpreet Singh from the right sent a cross to N D Opara who beat a rival defender on the top of the box with a body feint and on the turn uncorked a left-footer that found the far end of the net.

Churchill Brothers who scored their second win now have six points from two matches while Air India who lost their second match are still to open their account.
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Liverpool have accused the Football Association of engineering a witch-hunt against striker Luis Suárez after the striker was suspended for eight games.

Margaon, Nov 24 : Salgaocar Sports Club and Churchill Brothers were locked 1-1 in a seventh round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday.

INDIA

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Match 1: Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Guwahati -13th Nov ’11, Kick-off 5:45 PM-

Match 2: Yuvabharati Krirangan, Kolkata – 16th Nov ’11, Kick-off 5:45 PM

-Team News and Tactical Brief-

India-

-Malaysia-

-TheHardTackle’s Players To Watch Out For-

-TheHardTackle’s Predictions-

Prayag United and East Bengal played out a 1-1 draw in Kolkata while Churchill Brothers beat Air India 2-0 in the I-League on Saturday.

MALAYSIA
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Match 1: Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, Guwahati -13th Nov ’11, Kick-off 5:45 PM
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Team News and Tactical Brief
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India
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Malaysia
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TheHardTackle’s Players To Watch Out For
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TheHardTackle’s Predictions
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