Messi on way to becoming greatest of all time

Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates his second goal against Real Madrid during their Champions League semifinal first leg match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium. (Reuters Photo)

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi will one day be regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, said Argentina coach Sergio Batista after watching his two-goal Champions League display for Barcelona against Real Madrid.

The second goal by Argentina's little left-footed genius in Barca's 2-0 semifinal first leg win on Wednesday was reminiscent of the dribbling Diego Maradona's spectacular effort against England at the 1986 World Cup.
"We saw the Messi we all know and love. He's on his way to becoming the best player in history," said Batista.

"Given what we already know and because he surpasses himself day by day, he's already the best in the world," the coach told Argentine radio station La Red.

"I left the stadium telling myself, 'Thank God players like (Barca pair) Xavi and Messi exist'. They give you goose bumps, they thrill anyone."

Batista lavished praise on Maradona, his captain in the team that won the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, but said Messi was capable of surpassing him.

As coach of Argentina at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Maradona himself said "Messi has already surpassed me".

Mario Kempes, top scorer when Argentina won their first World Cup title in 1978, said of the Barcelona player last year "all he needs is to put the cherry on the cake which is the World Cup".

Messi, 23, who has notched 52 goals in all competitions this season, is admired around the world and nowhere more than his home country where cafe chatter among football followers is dominated by comparisons with the great Maradona.

MISSION 2014 After the 4-0 thrashing of Maradona's team by Germany in the 2010 quarterfinals, Argentina's fans are eyeing the 2014 finals in Brazil hoping Messi will cement his place among the all-time greats.

Barcelona's flowing, attacking game suits Messi perfectly and Batista's plan is for Argentina to play like the Spanish side.

Alfredo di Stefano, instrumental to Real's domination of the European Cup between 1956-60, did not need a World Cup to be regarded as the first in the line of true greats that contains Pele, Johan Cruyff and Maradona.

Di Stefano played first for Argentina, then Spain in an era of much less international football.
Messi may not get away with just his exploits for Barcelona to enter the pantheon but will go close if he goes on to claim a second Champions League winner's medal at Wembley next month.

He will also look to help Argentina win their first title in 18 years at the Copa America on home soil in July.

Perhaps Messi's father Jorge should be asked for a prediction after his forecast for Wednesday's match proved spot on.

He told TyC Sports in an interview on Thursday: "I told (Lionel) to go and enjoy the match, that Barcelona would win 2-0 and he'd score both goals".

READ MORE - Messi on way to becoming greatest of all time

Vision India will be city-centric

NEW DELHI: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has welcomed All India Football Federation's (AIFF) decision to implement the dormant Vision Asia programme at the district or city level instead of the state level as in the past. To begin with, the programme is scheduled to operate out of Mumbai, Pune and Chandigarh. The selection of cities however will have to be ratified by AIFF's executive committee next month. Kochi and Aizawl are other cities which are scheduled to be included in the second phase.

"After doing a SWOT analysis, we are confident that Vision India can be successful in cities and bring about significant change in local football," AIFF secretary Kushal Das told TOI on Thursday. The AFC-driven programme was aimed at developing the game at the grass roots through a 'professional approach' in football administration.

It was launched in 2005 in Manipur and Delhi. It was quite a success in the north-eastern state but was scrapped in the Capital last year after five years of inaction by the local association. In 2009, two more projects in Goa and West Bengal were introduced but they too became failures as the state bodies failed to meet AFC guidelines. The same happened with Tamil Nadu.

AFC Vision Asia director, Michelle Chai, said that AIFF's decision to propose a change in strategy was a positive move.

READ MORE - Vision India will be city-centric

Barca contemplate action after Jose Mourinho outburst

Angry Mourinho questions Barca 'power'
Barcelona will on Thursday decide whether to report Jose Mourinho after the Real Madrid coach implied they are favourably treated by referees.
Mourinho vented his fury after Barca won 2-0 at 10-man Real in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
He said: "It's clear that against Barcelona you have no chance.
"I don't know if it's the publicity of Unicef [the club's shirt sponsor], I don't know if it's because they are very nice, but they've got this power."
A statement on Barcelona's website read: "There will be an 'extraordinary' meeting of the board at 1700 [1600 BST] to discuss the action to be taken after the events of the Bernabeu.
"Later there will be a press conference at 1900 [1800 BST].
"At the press conference after the game, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho harshly criticised referee Wolfgang Stark and suggested Barcelona receive favourable treatment.
"The Legal Services of FC Barcelona are considering reporting the Real Madrid coach to the Disciplinary Commission of [European football's governing body] Uefa."
Mourinho's anger stemmed from referee Wolfgang Stark's decision to send off Real defender Pepe for a foul on Dani Alves on the hour mark with the score at 0-0.
The Portuguese was also sent to the stands after protesting to the fourth official and his mood had not lightened at the post-match press conference.
Mourinho added: "I don't know if it's the friendship of [Spanish football federation president Angel Maria] Villar at Uefa, where he is vice-president.
"[Barcelona's Pep] Guardiola is a fantastic coach, but he's won one Champions League which I would be ashamed to win after the scandal at Stamford Bridge and this year, if he wins it again, it will be after the scandal at the Bernabeu.
"I hope that one day he will win a clean Champions League, with no incidents behind it."

Sometimes I am a little bit disgusted to live in this world

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho The first 'scandal' Mourinho was referring to was the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea in 2009, when the Catalan club reached the final on the away goals rule.
Andres Iniesta's injury-time strike secured the win, but at the final whistle Chelsea's players confronted referee Tom Ovrebo, who had waved away at least four penalty appeals during the game.
Mourinho, who coached Inter Milan to the 2010 Champions League title, after after beating Barcelona in the last four, continued: "Why couldn't Chelsea reach the final two years ago? It was a miracle that Inter reached the final last year.
"I am here just to ask this question and I hope to get the answer one day."
Mourinho will now be without the suspended Portuguese defender Pepe and Spanish centre-half Sergio Ramos, who was also booked, for the second leg at the Nou Camp on Tuesday 3 May.
Barring a successful appeal, Mourinho will be forced to watch the match from the stands.
"Yes, we are out. Sometimes I am a little bit disgusted to live in this world, but this is the world we live in," he said.
"We will have to go to Barcelona and look for some pride, without Pepe who didn't do anything, without Ramos who didn't do anything and without a coach to sit on the bench.
"As soon as Pepe was sent off, all of their problems were solved.
"If, in a sporting sense, it's difficult to turn this around, I would say it's now mission impossible.
"If we go there and score a goal, they will kill us again. We have no chance.
"They have to get to the final and that's that."
Following Barca's victory, which came courtesy of two Lionel Messi goals, Guardiola chose to look ahead to the fifth and final encounter against their bitter rivals this season.
"We haven't made it to the final yet, this is the first leg match," he said.
"A team that has nine European Cups never gives up on a tie. We are two games and one draw from being European champions. We will think about the return so we can get to Wembley.
"We are a step away from the final, but we will carry on respecting Madrid, very, very much.
"If we start to believe we are already through, Madrid can punish us. We don't believe we are already there [Wembley]."
"We played a very good match and I would like to congratulate the team."

READ MORE - Barca contemplate action after Jose Mourinho outburst

UEFA conspiring in favour of Barcelona to finish Real Madrid: Mourinho

London, Apr 28 : Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has accused UEFA of conspiring in favour of Barcelona, after the Catalan giants won against his team in Champions League clash.

Lionel Messi scored both goals in a 2-0 win at the Bernabeu Stadium, which puts Barcelona on the brink of a Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley next month.

Mourinho, ordered from the touchline after Pepe was sent off in the second half, faces an extended ban for post-match outburst, with Barcelona planning to report him for defamatory allegations, The Daily Mail reports.

"I won two European titles and I won them on the pitch," said Mourinho, as he criticized Guardiola''s last European triumph in 2009, and that insisted all their recent success was tarnished by referees'' decisions.

"I would have been embarrassed to win that title (in 2009) because it was won with the scandal of Stamford Bridge and this one will be won with the scandal of the Bernabeu. I hope one day Josep Guardiola wins a Champions League title as it should be - perfect, spotless, without any scandal," he said.

"I don''t know if it''s to give publicity to Unicef or their power at UEFA. I don''t know if people just like them. I don''t know and I don''t understand. Where does all this power come from? No-one else has a chance really. Why don''t they let other teams play against them? If Barcelona is honest, they know this is happening," Mourinho added.

Mourinho named the referees he believes have helped Barcelona. They included Wolfgang Stark (in charge on Wednesday night), Tom Henning Ovrebo (referee when Barcelona beat Chelsea in 2009), Frank de Bleeckere (sent off Inter Milan''s Thiago Motta in last year''s semi-final) and Anders Frisk (retired soon after another controversial Chelsea v Barcelona game).

READ MORE - UEFA conspiring in favour of Barcelona to finish Real Madrid: Mourinho

Messi's brace takes Barca close to CL final

Madrid: Lionel Messi lit up an ill-tempered Champions League semifinal on Wednesday with two goals in the last 15 minutes to give Barcelona a 2-0 victory at 10-man Real Madrid.

Messi guided substitute Ibrahim Afellay's cross through the legs of goalkeeper Iker Casillas to open the scoring in the 76th minute.

With three minutes to play, the elusive Argentina forward brilliantly ghosted past three defenders before clipping the ball past Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas for his 52nd goal of the season, and 11th in the Champions League.

Barcelona dominated throughout but only managed to break through after Pepe was red-carded in the 61st at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands for protesting the decision, which left Madrid playing with 10 against Barcelona for the fourth straight game.

Mourinho has seen his team finish with 10 players in his last five matches against Barcelona, counting Inter Milan's 1-0 defeat at Barcelona in the semifinal return leg last year.

"If I say to (the referee) and to UEFA what I think and feel, my career ends today," Mourinho said. "One day I hope to get an answer to the question: why?"

It was Barcelona's first win in three games between the bitter rivals in 12 days after a 1-1 league draw and a 1-0 extra-time Copa del Rey final defeat.

Madrid's defense in Tuesday's return leg will be short-handed with Pepe and Sergio Ramos both suspended. Ramos was booked for a foul on Messi in the 53rd.

Mourinho described the second leg in Barcelona as "mission impossible" as he continued to bemoan his side's treatment by the referee.

"We'll go there with pride, without Pepe who did nothing, without Ramos who did nothing and the coach who can't be on the bench," he said. "If we score a goal they'll kill us again. It's a result that is impossible.

"Today showed we have no possibility. And my question is why? I'll live my whole life with this question but I hope one day to get the answer. Why in a game that was equal did he do what he did? But he won't answer, he'll go home because he doesn't have to answer to anyone."

Tempers were already running high after both coaches stoked tensions before the match, and substitute Barcelona 'keeper Jose Manuel Pinto was the first to be sent off for a red card at halftime as the two teams skirmished while leaving the field.

Pepe was then harshly sent off after clashing with Daniel Alves as he lunged for a ball and Mourinho was sent to the stands for sarcastically clapping and showing a thumbs up to the fourth official.

Mourinho took a seat in the first row behind the dugout and began scribbling instructions that were passed to assistant coach Aitor Karanka with his midfield defensive lynchpin out.

Pinto's sending off left Barcelona without a reserve 'keeper as the frustration from being unable to exploit 70 percent of the possession seemed to boiled over.

Barcelona dominated possession as expected from the start and Madrid defended always looking for an opportunity to get out on the counterattack, which only materialized when Emmanuel Adebayor came on at the start of the second half.

But Pepe's expulsion complicated things and the result means Madrid hasn't beaten Barcelona at the Bernabeu in nearly three years, a run of four games.

READ MORE - Messi's brace takes Barca close to CL final

German tie-up for Assam Football

Ankur Dutta, the secretary of the Assam Football Association, displays the Assam football team jersey for the Santosh Trophy in Guwahati on Tuesday.
Guwahati, Apr 27 : The Assam Football Association (AFA) today struck a sponsorship deal with German manufacturer uhlsport for official balls and kits for the state teams for two years.
The AFA today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with uhlsport’s Jalandhar-based sole Indian distributor Delux Sports International, engaging the international brand of sports goods manufacturer as the official partner for two years.
The uhlsport balls will be the only brand on football turfs across the state during the period.
AFA secretary Ankur Dutta and Delux Sports International director Niraj Agarwal signed the MoU this afternoon here.
“The AFA is the first state association we have entered into a sponsorship deal with in India. I am quite impressed by the enthusiastic initiatives of the AFA in promoting football. We are going to provide the highest quality products to the AFA,” Agarwal said, after signing the MoU.

According to the MoU, the company will provide balls, kits and gear to the Assam age groups as well as senior teams and in lieu, the AFA teams will promote the brand sporting its products in all national and domestic events. The German company will hold clinics involving German experts with active co-operation of the AFA in Assam during the contract period, said Dutta.
The first time the AIFF used products of the company was last year when uhlsport balls were used for the Durrand Cup. The company’s goalkeeping gloves are popular among some of the leading keepers of the World Cup playing nations, claimed Agarwal. The 65th Santosh Trophy senior national tournament will be the first event where Assam will sport the uhlsport logo on its olive green jersey. The company will, however, miss its name promoted in the Assam team’s second jersey, white, which is an alternative, and does not come under the uhlsport sponsorship deal, Dutta said.
“We are happy that an international brand has come forward to sponsor our teams. This is going to boost the morale of our players. The quality of products they are providing are also far superior to the ones our previous partner Nivia had provided,” he said. The AFA had tied up with Nivia for a period of three years, which has expired.

READ MORE - German tie-up for Assam Football

Gibson closes Twitter account after a string of abusive comments

Twitter is the place to be if you are a sportsperson. Not really, says Manchester United mid-fielder Darron Gibson, who has learnt it the hard way. Find out why

LONDON - Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson's social networking experiment proved short-lived when he closed his Twitter account on Monday just two hours after opening it following a flood of abusive comments.
Gibson, a bit-part player at Old Trafford, followed United teammates Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen in joining Twitter, and Ferdinand encouraged his followers to "show him some love."
Instead Gibson was greeted by some less-than-welcoming remarks, many of which appeared to be from United supporters. One of the posts said "nothing would make me happier than if we sold you this summer."
Two hours after joining, Gibson's account had been deleted, although he did not say why. Ferdinand offered an explanation via Twitter: "Darron Gibson says he came on to see what the lads were up to....he came off because he couldn't be bothered with it not any other reason."
Sports stars and celebrities are often the target of abusive comments on Twitter -- but not usually from their own fans. Gibson's abrupt departure prompted some Twitter users to start a campaign to bring him back.
The Irish player is currently with the United squad in Germany preparing for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Schalke on Tuesday.
Rooney has had his own issues with the United fans after threatening to leave the club earlier in the season. The 25-year-old striker joined Twitter on Saturday. By Monday he had amassed more than 180,000 followers but still has a long way to go to catch up with Ferdinand, who has more than 800,000.
Source: AP

READ MORE - Gibson closes Twitter account after a string of abusive comments

Schalke seek upset win against United

Gelsenkirchen: Two weeks after knocking out title holder Inter Milan, an unheralded Schalke side is looking to cause another major upset in the Champions League when they play Manchester United in the first leg of the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Schalke consider themselves a total underdog against the three-time champions. But the Bundesliga team was also the outsider against Inter and still went through 7-3 on aggregate.

"Manchester United is a household name, just like Inter Milan before," Schalke midfielder Alexander Baumjohann said. "It's a dream of every player to be facing the Reds in a Champions League semi-final.

"Looking at the names, there is hardly any difference between Inter and Man U. The important thing is not to concede at home. Perhaps we can land another upset."

Both teams rested some of their top players over the weekend. United still won, 1-0 over Everton, but Schalke lost 1-0 at home to Kaiserslautern.

While United is closing in on the Premier League title, Schalke has nothing to play for in the Bundesliga, where it is stuck in the middle of the table.

Schalke has managed to reach the semi-finals despite a turbulent few weeks which included the sacking of coach Felix Magath, who was replaced by Ralf Rangnick.

The club was also shaken last week by the decision of goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer not to extend his contract, which still has another season to run. The Germany goalkeeper has not said where he plans to continue his career, but many believe he will leave for Bayern Munich in the off-season.

The defeat by Kaiserslautern was Schalke's first under Rangnick, with the players seeming to be more focussed on the Champions League semi-finals.

Influential defender Benedikt Hoewedes missed the game through injury and is in a race against time to avoid joining Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on the sidelines.

Raul Gonzalez, the Champions League's top scorer with 71 goals, won the competition three times with Real Madrid and could help set up a meeting with his former club in the final.

"We dream of beating United. Let's see if we're the better team," he told British newspaper The Guardian. "No one can believe this. A final would be even more incredible. I hope it's Madrid."

United captain Nemanja Vidic and midfielder Park Ji-sung were rested in Saturday's win over Everton and should return to the side. Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra were among the substitutes at Old Trafford — the latter two coming on in the second half — and should also be back in the starting lineup.

Striker Dimitar Berbatov was ruled out on Monday after failing to recover from a groin injury and although Darren Fletcher is back in training after seven weeks out with a virus, the Scotland midfielder didn't make manager Alex Ferguson's 23-man squad.

"I enjoy this critical stage of a season when we are involved in big games that come thick and fast and I think we will be ok," Ferguson said.

Vidic said his team was the favourite, but then added that counted for little.

"Schalke scored five goals away from home against Inter. You have to respect that. Any team you play at this stage of the competition is not going to be easy," he said.

READ MORE - Schalke seek upset win against United

Final round of 2nd division I-League from today

KOLKATA: Two first division I-League slots will be up for grabs with eight contenders in the fray in the final league stage of the second division I-League beginning in Shillong on Monday.

Three local sides and a Kolkata outfit, Royal Wahingdoh, Ar-Hima Club and Shillong Lajong FC and HFS Southern Samity will kick off the 20-day tournament that will identify the qualifiers who will figure in the elite league next season.

Gruelling

After a gruelling preliminary group league phase six teams made it to the final stage. The two sides which got relegated from the first division I-League last season, Sporting Clube de Goa and Shillong Lajong FC, were seeded to play at this stage.

Guwahati hosted group ‘A' league from which United Sikkim FC and Southern Samity qualified while Mohammedan Sporting and Ar-Hima made it from group ‘B' played at Jamshedpur. Royal Wahingdoh and Vasco Sports Club qualified from group ‘C' hosted by Madurai.

Three teams are from Meghalaya, two each from Goa and Bengal and one from Sikkim. Five teams from Kerala were in the fray in the preliminary league but none made it to the final round should be a cause for concern.

Apart from Sporting Clube and Lajong FC, Mohammedan Sporting and Baichung Bhutia-led United Sikkim FC look the favourites to win the two berths.

Women's National meet

Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) is hosting the senior National women's football championship from April 25 to May 17. Reigning champion Manipur and runner-up Orissa along with former champion Bengal, Goa and Tamil Nadu will take part in the championship.

Twenty-six States have been divided into eight clusters. The league phase will go on till May 7.

The fixtures:

2nd division I-League: April 25: Royal Wahingdoh vs Ar-Hima, Southern Samity vs Shillong Lajong FC.

April 26. Sporting Club de Goa vs United Sikkim FC, Vasco Sports Club vs Mohammedan Sporting.

April 28: Lajong vs Ar-Hima, Samity vs Md. Sporting.

April 29: Wahingdoh vs United Sikkim, Vasco vs Sporting Clube.

May 1: Ar-Hima vs Md. Sporting, Lajong vs United Sikkim.

May 2: Wahingdoh vs Vasco, Samity vs Sporting Clube.

May 4: Md. Sporting vs United Sikkim, Ar-Hima vs Sporting Clube.

May 5: Lajong vs Vasco, Samity vs Wahingdoh.

May 7: Sporting Clube vs Md. Sporting, Wahingdoh vs Lajong.

May 8: Samity vs United Sikkim, Vasco vs Ar-Hima.

May 10: Samity vs Vasco, Wahingdoh vs Md. Sporting.

May 11: Sporting Clube vs Lajong, United Sikkim vs Ar-Hima. May 13: Samity vs Ar-Hima, Wahingdoh vs Sporting Clube; May 14: Md. Sporting vs Lajong, Vasco vs United Sikkim .

READ MORE - Final round of 2nd division I-League from today

Chelsea freshen up Premier League title race

London: Having emerged as Manchester United's most credible challenger for the English title, in-form Chelsea looks to have regained its early-season swagger ahead of Saturday's home match against struggling West Ham.

With the defence looking tighter and Didier Drogba back to his destructive best in attack, a late tilt at the title could be on for the reigning champions, who have moved into second and are six points behind United with five matches left.

While the leaders face what could prove to be a tough test at home to a buoyant Everton on Saturday, Chelsea will be confident of seeing off a West Ham side that is second from bottom and on a three-match losing run.

"To win the title, we'll need less points than last season," said Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose team has won six of its last seven league games. "We won it with 86 last season. Now, with 80 points, United can win the title. They need 10 points.

"We've reached second place. We wait to see what happens in the next five games."

Third-place Arsenal, the other side in title contention, visits Bolton on Sunday but an inability to protect leads has cost the Gunners four points over the past week, further draining away confidence. They are level on points with Chelsea, which has the kind of momentum that is vital in the run-in.

Ancelotti is widely expected to be dismissed this summer, with Chelsea knocked out of the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage and likely to finish the season without silverware despite its barnstorming first three months of the campaign.

A dramatic defence of the title could yet change the mind of club owner Roman Abramovich and for that to happen, Ancelotti may decide to persevere with Drogba up front over record signing Fernando Torres, who is yet to score since his move from Liverpool for 50 million pounds (then $81 million) on January 31.

The Spain striker has been dropped to the bench for the last two matches, which has seen Chelsea beat both West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham 3-1 — with Drogba heavily involved in all six goals.

The Ivory Coast star looks back to his best after recovering from a bout of malaria midway through the season.

"He has a strong personality. He knew that with malaria, he didn't play his best," Ancelotti said. "I think that now he's fit and he's showing fantastic quality.

"In one season, problems like Didier had can happen. We couldn't do anything about this. Now we have to be happy to see him playing fantastic football."

United, which drew 0-0 at Newcastle on Tuesday, has a difficult run of fixtures starting with a match against Everton, which is unbeaten in the league in two months despite having a lengthy injury list to contend with.

Alex Ferguson's side then has back-to-back league games against Arsenal then Chelsea, with a two-legged Champions League semifinal against Schalke thrown in for good measure.

"We are still in a good position," United midfielder Michael Carrick said. "We have got tough games ahead but they (Arsenal and Chelsea) have got tough games, too.

"We just roll on. This is what we want to be doing, playing in the big games coming thick and fast."

In an increasingly fraught fight to avoid the drop, bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers hosts Fulham and third-bottom Blackpool, which slipped into the relegation zone last weekend for the first time this season, is at home to Newcastle.

One point separates Blackpool, West Ham and Wolves, with Wigan a point further ahead and facing a trip to struggling Sunderland on Saturday.

Other games that day see Liverpool host Birmingham, fifth-place Tottenham at home to West Brom and Stoke travel to Aston Villa.

On Monday, Manchester City, which is fourth and two points clear of Spurs in the fight for the last Champions League place, visits Blackburn.

READ MORE - Chelsea freshen up Premier League title race

Plea on I-League to Meghalaya soccer fans

Shillong, April 22 : The local organising committee of the final round of the second division of the I-League today exhorted soccer aficionados of Meghalaya to “remain composed” during the 20-day event, else the All India Football Federation (AIFF) could relocate the matches.

Talking to reporters here, Meghalaya Football Association (MFA) general secretary and member of the local organising committee Larsing M. Sawian said a slew of pre-emptive measures would be taken to ensure that the 28 matches of the last leg of the second division of the I-League pass off peacefully.

“We appeal to the spectators to remain calm during the matches since any untoward incident could lead to the relocation of the event elsewhere,” Sawian said while adding that it was the first time that the AIFF would be hosting the event in the Northeast.

Altogether, eight teams would be participating in the event, with three from Shillong.

The event, which will see two matches in a day, will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and the Shillong Sports Association ground number one at Polo here. The first match will commence from 1pm and the second one at 3.15pm.

“We expect a huge turnout during the matches. All spectators would be thoroughly frisked by private security agencies before entering the venue to ensure that no untoward incident takes places,” Sawian said.

The East Khasi Hills superintendent of police, A.R. Mawthoh has also directed the MFA to ensure that persons under the influence of liquor and who are potential trouble makers should not be allowed inside the venues.

Water bottles or any article which can be used as projectiles will not be allowed, Mawthoh said. Water pouches should be available for spectators at the stadium, he added.

Sawian said he expected the condition of the ground at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to be “much better” than during the 2009 I-League season where the teams who had come to play had several complaints.

The eight teams, which have qualified to the final leg include Shillong Lajong FC, Sporting Clube de Goa, Royal Wahingdoh Sports Club, Ar-Hima FC, Southern Samity, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Vasco Sports Club and United Sikkim FC.

Two among the eight teams will be playing in the next season of the first division I-League.

READ MORE - Plea on I-League to Meghalaya soccer fans

After Celtic boss is targeted with a letter bomb, the Facebook picture that shows the hatred in football

• Lawyer and politician supporters of Catholic club also targeted with letter bombs
• Young footballer sacked by club after online rant against the Celtic boss

Target: This crude mock up of Celtic boss Neil Lennon riddled with bullets was posted on Facebook
This mock-up on Facebook of Neil Lennon in a blood-soaked football strip has emerged in the wake of bombs being sent to the Celtic manager and two supporters of the club.
Last night the image on the social networking site had been ‘Liked’ by more than 100 people.
Pictures on the page, which was entitled ‘I Hope Neil Lennon gets shot’, showed the manager with bullet holes in his head, chest and groin.
The site’s creator posted: ‘Neil Lennon deserves a bullet to the head!’ A similar site has previously been taken down by Facebook.
Meanwhile, a footballer has been sacked by his club after he posted hate-filled messages about the Celtic manager on the internet.
Kieran Bowell, 17, told followers of his Twitter page that he wished Lennon had been ‘killed’ by a parcel bomb.
Berwick Rangers kicked Bowell out of the club after being made aware of the teenager’s rant.
Strathclyde Police said the two packages sent to Lennon, and others to lawyer Paul McBride QC and former MSP Trish Godman, were ‘designed to cause real harm to the person who opened them’. 
Officers described the sending of the bombs as ‘despicable and cowardly’.
Chief Superintendent Ruaraidh Nicolson urged people who had a ‘high profile in the media’ to be ‘vigilant’ but insisted the general public was not at risk. Two of the four parcels were intercepted at sorting offices in the west of Scotland last month, both addressed to the Celtic manager. 
Two days later a parcel for Miss Godman, former deputy presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, was delivered to her office.
The most recent package was intercepted last Friday in Ayrshire, addressed to Mr McBride.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon clashes with Rangers' Ally McCoist at the end of a fiery Scottish Cup clash at Celtic Park last month


Targets: Lawyer Paul McBride QC, left, and Labour MSP Trish Godman, who are both associated with Celtic, were sent parcel bombs

A VICTIM OF PERSECUTION

December 2000 After ten years of playing in England Neil Lennon signs for Celtic
March 2001 Abused by a section of his own fans while playing for Northern Ireland
August 2002 Quits international football after allegedly receiving death threats from an Ulster paramilitary group
June 2007 Leaves Celtic for Nottingham Forest
March 2008 Appointed coach of Celtic
September 2008 Assaulted in the West End of Glasgow. His attackers were jailed for two years each
March 2010 Appointed Celtic manager
January 2011 Bullets sent in the post to the Celtic manager are intercepted in the post
March 2, 2011 Clashes with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist after a fiery Old Firm cup match that saw three Rangers players sent off. Celtic won 3-0.
March 2011 Two parcel bombs addressed to Lennon are intercepted
Detective Superintendent John Mitchell said: ‘They were definitely capable of causing significant harm.’
Lennon, 39, has endured threats and abuse throughout his career and was forced to retire from representing Northern Ireland in international football after claiming he had received death threats from a paramilitary group.
He was the victim of a street attack in Glasgow in 2008 and earlier this year received a package containing bullets. He was on the touchline last night for his club’s game at Kilmarnock despite the threat to his life.
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan said sending the bombs was ‘depressing and deplorable’, adding that sectarian hatred was an ‘unwanted poison’ in football.
Neither Mr McBride nor Miss Godman wished to comment.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said the ‘vile events’ deserved ‘condemnation’.
Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said: ‘Such behaviour is to be condemned out of hand. These acts have no place in society and no place in football.’


Threat: Paddy McCourt, left, Niall McGinn, right, and manager Neil Lennon - who are all from Northern Ireland - were all sent bullets in the post earlier this year

READ MORE - After Celtic boss is targeted with a letter bomb, the Facebook picture that shows the hatred in football

Chelsea 2nd in EPL after Arsenal draw at Spurs

London: Chelsea overtook Arsenal as Manchester United's closest rival for the Premier League title on Wednesday after the Gunners surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at Tottenham.

Arsenal led 3-1 but Tom Huddlestone got a goal back before halftime and Rafael van der Vaart equalized with a 70th-minute penalty to push its fiercest rival down to third place in the standings.

Defending champion Chelsea moved above Arsenal on goal difference after Florent Malouda scored either side of a goal by Salomon Kalou for a straightforward 3-1 win over Birmingham.

United is six points ahead of its rivals with five games remaining but must still play both sides.

"Chelsea's now back in the race," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "It's down to us to keep our faith and keep battling. We'll not always draw when we score three goals."

But Arsenal have now drawn four of its last five Premier League matches, with three straight games at home exactly accounting for the margin now between it and United.

"To close the gap of six points with five games left won't be easy," Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "But in football, I've learned that anything can happen until the end.

"Everything's open but I'd still like to be in United's position."

Wenger praised his team's attitude in bouncing back from Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool — when his team conceded a penalty equaliser in the 12th minute of injury time — but acknowledged that the series of draws has rendered a 16-game unbeaten run less effective than it should be.

Having beaten Arsenal 2-1 in the corresponding fixture last season, Tottenham may have helped deny its north London neighbour the title for a second straight year.

"They came here in a red-hot atmosphere and the football they played in the first 15 minutes was outstanding," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. "But you couldn't really see them doing it (winning the title) now."

Spurs, who also won 3-2 at Emirates Stadium in November, are now two points behind fourth-place Manchester City in the race for Champions League qualification.

Walcott put Arsenal ahead in the fifth minute with a low shot past goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes but the lead lasted only 82 seconds as Van der Vaart met a cross from the right channel to steer the ball low for his first club goal since February 5 and second against Arsenal this season.

Nasri restored Arsenal's advantage with a quickly taken shot past Gomes, whose view was blocked by a defender, and Van Persie made it 3-1 with a shot from a rebound after a bad mistake by Tottenham defender William Gallas. Huddlestone then volleyed in low from 30 meters (yards) to reduce the deficit.

Both teams had chances and Van Persie had a goal ruled out because of offside before Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny brought down substitute Aaron Lennon in the area for Van der Vaart's penalty.

Szczesny tried to atone for his mistake with saves that denied Peter Crouch, Younes Kaboul, Van der Vaart and Sandro a winning goal. The goalkeeper remains confident about his team's chances of winning the title.

"I'm confident Manchester United will drop points," Szczesny said. "We have to win every single game. If we do, it could be very interesting."

Malouda scored at Stamford Bridge after just three minutes with a far-post finish and rounded off Chelsea's scoring in the 62nd with a firm header from eight yards, taking his season's tally in the league to 12 goals.

But the best goal came from Kalou in the 26th. Collecting a pass from Drogba, the Ivory Coast forward span past Roger Johnson, dummied his way around Stuart Parnaby and curled a sublime shot into the corner from outside the penalty area.

Birmingham's consolation goal came through Sweden winger Sebastian Larsson from the penalty spot in the 76th, after David Luiz tripped substitute Matt Derbyshire.

Birmingham still has a five-point cushion above the relegation zone.

READ MORE - Chelsea 2nd in EPL after Arsenal draw at Spurs

Real Madrid edge Barca to conquer Copa del Rey

Valencia: Cristiano Ronaldo headed home the winner in extra-time as Real Madrid ended an 18-year Copa del Rey trophy drought with a 1-0 victory over biggest rival Barcelona on Wednesday.

Ronaldo guided Angel Di Maria's 103rd-minute cross back across goal and past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto into the top corner as Madrid won silverware for the first time since a 2008 Spanish league title.

"It was a very tough game. Barcelona played very well but as you know, whoever scores, wins," said Ronaldo, who won his first title since joining Madrid last season. "We are very happy; Madrid had not won this cup for many years."

Madrid dominated the first half and then relied on goalkeeper Iker Casillas' second-half stops as Barcelona took control after the restart in an electric atmosphere at the Mestalla Stadium.

Madrid's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho bowed before King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia as he received his mini-trophy while Casillas hugged the pair before using the king as support to climb up on a support and hoist the club's 18th domestic cup win high.

"A great game of football," Mourinho said after bringing silverware to the club in his first season to end a six-game winless run against Barcelona, which lost for only the 10th time in its 35th final appearance. "The title isn't mine, it's everyone's. After so long without the Copa del Rey, it's something nice."

Barcelona failed with a trophy on the line for the first time under coach Pep Guardiola.

"It's always better to win than lose but we have to recover because that's life. Life has its knocks too," Guardiola said. "Will we pick ourselves up from this? Of course."

Barcelona, which closed in on the league title with a 1-1 draw against Madrid on Saturday, gets its first chance next Wednesday when the pair meet for the first of a two-legged Champions League semifinal.

The winning goal came from an incisive attack by Madrid. Full-back Marcelo played Di Maria into the left side of the area and the Argentina forward beat Daniel Alves to the perfectly-weighted ball to find Ronaldo at the far post for the winner at the site of both clubs' last cup win — Madrid over Zaragoza and Barcelona over Athletic Bilbao in 2009.

Madrid's players were heading back to the Spanish capital to celebrate at the Plaza de Cibeles, its traditional spot, although a late night was not expected.

"We're not going to celebrate so much; we're all dead tired," defender Alvaro Arbeloa said.

The charged atmosphere for the ninth cup final at the Mestalla might have played a hand in a frantic and physical first half dominated by Madrid, which disrupted Barcelona's cool with constant pressure. The Catalans didn't manage a single shot on goal until the second half as they abandoned their slick passing game for long balls at times.

With Javier Mascherano filling in for Carles Puyol at centre-back, Barcelona's defence looked unsure as Madrid repeatedly won back possession with constant upfield pressure.

And Madrid created chances on the break as expected with Mesut Oezil picking up where he left off in Saturday's 1-1 draw by creating Madrid's best opportunities including in the 36th when he set up Ronaldo for a shot Pinto saved.

"They played similar (to Saturday's game) — they changed players but the concept was pretty much the same as the Bernabeu," Guardiola said. "With such great teams, it's the details that make the difference."

The bruising matchup led to a number of run-ins between players who normally represent Spain together, with David Villa and Alvaro Arbeloa exchanging shoves, while even a frustrated Lionel Messi had trouble hiding his emotions as the acrimonious rivalry bubbled up with silverware on the line. Barcelona had won three of the five previous cup finals between the two before this one, including the last one in 1990.

Barcelona — which watched Pepe's header come off the post just before the break — were more composed after the restart as they worked the ball and rediscovered the possession game that helps them thrive, with Villa threatening.

Mourinho, meanwhile, screamed at Ronaldo for skirting his defensive duties while Messi was booked for blocking a free kick in the 64th as the teams' two stars — who have now combined for 90 goals this season — found it hard to show off their offensive talents.

"We wanted him to participate in areas where we want him to be involved," Guardiola said of Messi after he was again stymied by a Mourinho gameplan. "He's so important for us."

The Barcelona half of the stadium exploded in the 69th but Pedro's goal was chalked off for offside before Casillas shined.

The Spain keeper dived to keep out Messi's low screamer and then swatted away Pedro's top-corner-bound curler away in the 75th. Casillas again stood tall in the 81st after tipping Andres Iniesta's shot wide of the post.

"We prove to everyone we can beat any team we want," said Casillas after winning the only club trophy missing from his cabinet of silverware.

With Barcelona dominating, Madrid nearly scored an injury-time winner but Pinto — usually a backup except for cup games — tipped Di Maria's rising shot over the bar before Ronaldo beat Pinto in the 98th but flashed wide of the far post.

Ronaldo was quick in the 118th as he jumped to Emmanuel Adebayor's tipped shot but his shot was deflected high as Madrid withstood Di Maria's sending off in the 120th — as Madrid finished with 10 men against Barca for the second time in five days — to win in front of over 52,000 fans.

Casillas added Mestalla's smaller dimensions also helped Madrid contain Barcelona.

"We don't know any other way (of playing)," Alves said. "We leave with a bitter-sweet taste but with our heads held very high."

READ MORE - Real Madrid edge Barca to conquer Copa del Rey

24 attend AFC Certificate Course

CHANDIGARH: The Asian Football Confederation conducted a Certificate course in football coaching at National Institute of Sports in Patiala from April 1 to 16 .Mr.Gabriel E Joseph, Director Coaching from All India Football Federation and Dr.Birbal Singh, instructor from AFC conducted the course. As many as 24 attended the course.

The following attended the course :- Inder Parkash Nagi (football coach SAI),K.Zosalgliana (Mizoram), J.
R.V.Ravi ( Services ), Manzoor Ahmed Dar ( J&K ),Paramjit Kaur,Danny Lalduhawma,Amla Yacoob Yusuf, S.Santhanam,Paritosh, Pradeep Kumar, Karan Singh, Shiraz Khalis, Bharat Singh Gurjar, Ram Chander Sarangdevot,Vikram Bisht, S.Gobikrishnan, Sandeep Gaud, Harpreet, Sukhdeep, Meetkamal Swarnkar, Bishal Tamang, S,Ramesh, Pardeep Singh ( all diploma trainees at NIS Patiala ).

READ MORE - 24 attend AFC Certificate Course

Vidic demands response from United after Cup woe

(File photo) In this February 1, 2011 photograph, Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic celebrates his goal against Aston Villa – Reuters
Newcastle: Nemanja Vidic has told his Manchester United team-mates to erase their FA Cup agony by taking complete control of the title race with a win at Newcastle on Tuesday.
If Sir Alex Ferguson's side were feeling sorry for themselves in the aftermath of Saturday's 1-0 defeat against arch rivals Manchester City at Wembley, they were given the perfect pick-me-up 24 hours later as Arsenal squandered a chance to close the gap on the leaders.
The Gunners were moments away from moving within four points of United after Robin van Persie's stoppage time penalty, but Dirk Kuyt netted a spot-kick equaliser for Liverpool in the 12th minute of added time.
That left United six points clear with both teams having six games to play and delivered a hammer blow to Arsenal's challenge.
Ferguson's men can extend their advantage to nine points with a win on Tyneside, as well as piling further pressure on Arsenal ahead of their north London derby at Tottenham on Wednesday.
Losing to City may have ended United's treble hopes, but skipper Vidic knows the Premier League leaders have a chance to redeem themselves as they close in on their 19th domestic league title.
"We just have to think about the next game against Newcastle, especially after losing the semi-final to City," Vidic said.
"It will be a very important game for us. We still have many games to play. We have to play the best we can and win that game.
"At the moment we are thinking more about the loss but there are another two opportunities for some silverware, and we have to make sure we take them."
Ferguson insists his players won't dwell on the cup disappointment and he said: "Going to Newcastle is the most important game we have coming up because the league is still our first priority.”
"The Premier League and the Champions League are the two priorities at this club.”
"The players had a big adrenaline surge for the semi-final with Manchester City but we need to win on Tuesday.”
"And that's why Newcastle and the home game with Everton next Saturday are vital - after that there are only four games left and then we go to Arsenal the following week."
"So it's absolutely crucial for us and I think everybody knows when you go to Newcastle you have to deal with the atmosphere up there. They have fantastic supporters and you know they will be on your backs."
Wayne Rooney will be available for United after serving his two-match ban for swearing into a television camera.
Ferguson is ready to recall the England striker against the Magpies, with Rooney backed to come back fresh and firing for the run-in.
"He has such great energy but it's fair to say his FA ban means he will be fresh for the Newcastle game," he said.
"Wayne had a difficult start to the season because things were happening off the pitch and it wasn't the best of times, but he is playing with great confidence now."
Meanwhile, Alan Pardew is confident mid-table Newcastle can end their near 10-year wait for a victory over United by taking advantage of the fatigue caused by United's hectic schedule.
Newcastle have gone 17 games without beating Ferguson's side since their last win under Sir Bobby Robson in September 2001.
But with eight full days' rest since they were last in action, Pardew hopes to exploit tired legs less than 72 hours after the leaders' Wembley appearance.
"We've got an opportunity to have a go at United," Pardew said. "That's what we're going to try to do, we'll be set up to try and win. We want to put them under pressure, and force errors.”
"United have had a tough schedule. They've come off the back of games with Chelsea and Manchester City and as a result we should have more energy, and that could even it up given the quality they have."

READ MORE - Vidic demands response from United after Cup woe

Liverpool targets three French players to revive their fortunes

London, Apr 19 : Liverpool's technical director Damien Comolli has targeted Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris, Paris St Germain centre-half Mamadou Sakho and Rennes midfielder Yann M''Vila with a hope that these three players will usher in a new era at Anfield.

All are French internationals and would cost Liverpool between 45 and 55 million pounds.

Comolli has earmarked enforcer M’Vila to add variety to Liverpool’s midfield, The Sun reports.

M''Vila, 20, has attracted interest from all of Europe’s big clubs. Rennes will want demand at least 18 million pounds for their most prized asset.

Liverpool has contacted Lloris, who is considered the best keeper in Europe outside of England, Spain or Italy.

He would cost around 20 million pounds, which means Liverpool would spend the entire fee they receive on Reina to replace him.

Sakho, 21, has recently signed a new three-year deal but Paris will listen to offers of around 15 million pounds if they fail to grab a Champions League spot.

READ MORE - Liverpool targets three French players to revive their fortunes

Meghalaya club Ar-Hima qualifies for 2nd division I-league

Jamshedpur: Ar-Hima Football Club of Meghalaya qualified for the main draw of the second division I-League by virtue of better goal difference after Kerala's Josco Football Club defeated state rivals Malabar United 2-1 in the last encounter of the AIFF 2nd division I-league qualifying round at Keenan Stadium on Monday.

In the last encounter of the qualifying round, Josco surged ahead in the 19th minute after striker D Devadas converted a measured crosspiece from right flank.

Josco's defender Jeribe Kelehi increased the tally five minutes later even as Malabar United, which earned seven points from one win, one loss and four draws, strived for a reducer before the lemon break.

Malabar put their act together soon after the play resumed post-breather and brought the reducer through Nigerian striker Nwokwu Michael, 11 minutes into the second half.

Michael made a solo move dribbling past the rival defenders before slotting home.

Ar-Hima FC, Maharashtra's Kenkre FC and Josco FC with three wins, two losses and a draw had identitical 10 points each but the Meghalaya outfit sailed into the next round by virtue of better goal difference.

While Ar-Hima had scored 15 goals and conceded 11, Kenkre FC had scored 15 goals and conceded 12. Josco FC had pumped in 12 goals but conceded 11 during their league encounters.

Mohammedan Sporting topped the points table with 14 points, already made to the main draw of the qualifying round.

Altogether eight teams will take part in the main draw of the qualifying round to be held in Shillong later including two top teams each from three venues, Jamshedpur, Madurai and Guwahati as well as two relegated teams of last year's I-league.

READ MORE - Meghalaya club Ar-Hima qualifies for 2nd division I-league

Wahingdoh, Vasco advance

MADURAI: Royal Wahingdoh (Meghalaya) and Vasco (Goa) advanced to the final round of the second division I-League from Group ‘C'. Both teams won their respective final league matches at the Race Course Stadium here on Sunday.Royal Wahingdoh topped the group with 18 points from six matches, while Vasco was second with 15 points. Techno Aryan (12 points), Eagles (7 points) and PIFA Colaba Youngstar (6 points) finished third, fourth and fifth.

The results: Group C: Royal Wahingdoh 3 (Jackichand Singh 2, Jitendra Roy 1) bt Techno Aryan 2 (Cyprian Stanley Okoroigwe, Thoiba Singh); Vasco 3 (Julius, Joy Ferrao, Koko Sakibo) bt PIFA Colaba Youngstar 0 .

READ MORE - Wahingdoh, Vasco advance

AFC to professionalize football in India

New Delhi, Apr 15 : The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Ad-hoc Committee for Indian Professional Football met here under the chairmanship of AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam and made several proposals to further the professionalisation of the game.

Attending the fourth meeting of this committee, which has been set up with the aim of professionalising football in the country, were the All India Football Federation (AIFF) chief Praful Patel, who is the Deputy Chairman, along with FIFA Executive Committee member Manilal Fernando, prominent Indian club owners and officials.

The key proposals, which were deliberated upon and recommended to the AIFF, were: composition of the I-League, timeline to set up the I-League 2011-2012 season, the registration of I-League clubs and the I-League organisation.

At the outset, Bin Hammam said the commitment of the members and the AIFF was spurring professional football in India.

“I believe that since we last met we have achieved a lot,” said Bin Hammam. “I appreciate your commitment and dedication because without this no improvement can take place. In my capacity as AFC President, I am very much committed.

“Without India there can be no football in Asia. We will work hand in hand to achieve our goal.”

The AFC chief also referred to India’s participation in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011.

“Another evidence was the participation of the Indian team in the AFC Asian Cup in Doha,” said Bin Hammam.

“We were happy to see the progress of the team and though we need a lot more the appearance of the Asian Cup was not a bad one. It was an encouraging one. It made the people think of how much India is capable of giving to Asia.”

A thorough and wide-ranging inspection of all I-League clubs was conducted last year by an AFC Professional Football Project Special Mission Team, and the members, after discussing the report presented to them, approved the composition of the I-League first division with 10 clubs that have met the criteria and decided to give a waiver to four clubs, which have failed to meet the requirements.

The 10 clubs, which complied with the I-League criteria, are: 1. McDowell Mohun Bagan (Salt Lake Stadium), 2. Kingfisher East Bengal (Salt Lake Stadium), 3. Chirag United SC (Barasat Stadium - To improve the stadium facilities by July), 4. Viva Kerala(Jawahar Stadium- to improve the stadium facilities by July), 5. Mumbai FC (Cooperage Football Stadium - to improve the stadium facilities by July), 6. JCT Mills FC(Guru Nanak Stadium), 7. Pune FC (Ballewadi Stadium), 8. Churchill Brothers SC (Nehru Stadium), 9. Dempo SC (Nehru Stadium), 10. Salgaocar SC (Nehru Stadium).

The members also recommended that three clubs - ONGC (Cooperage Football Stadium), Air India (Cooperage Football Stadium) and HAL Bangalore (Karnataka FA Stadium) – who failed to meet the ‘commercial entity’ criteria, and also AIFF XI (Ambedkar Stadium) be given a grace period of one season in the first division on the condition that if any one of them wins the I-League or finishes second or third, they will not be eligible to represent India in the AFC Champions League.

It was further suggested that the top two second division teams would be eligible for promotion to the first division only if they satisfied the professional league criteria. In case they fail to meet the criteria then there would be no relegation of any club from the first division, which would continue with the same 14 teams.

The members agreed to a proposal that the deadline for the clubs to improve their stadiums would be July 2011, following which another inspection of the clubs would be undertaken in July-September 2011. Thereafter, the I-League’s 2011 season would kick off on September 2011.

The committee proposed that the I-League Regulations should be revised to ban the registration and participation of I-League clubs in other leagues other than the I-League and that I-League club players should not be allowed to register with any other club other than I-League clubs.

With all the matches at present being organised by the local football association, the committee proposed that the clubs should start implementing the home match operations, including and not limited to ticket sales, match operations, and security.

READ MORE - AFC to professionalize football in India

City ready to block United's treble dream

London: Manchester City would ease some of the hurt inflicted on them over the last four decades by Manchester United if they were to win their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday and end United's treble hopes.

Whoever does come through will start as favourites to win the FA Cup itself on May 14 when they will face the winners of Sunday's other semi-final between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City.

For different reasons both matches have excited the imagination of fans beyond just the teams involved -- Saturday's because of the intense rivalry and significance of the tie to both Manchester clubs, and Sunday's because Bolton and Stoke rarely come so close to glory.

United have won their last seven matches in all competitions and are on a high after beating Chelsea 2-1 on Tuesday for a 3-1 aggregate success to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

United are also seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and there is a possibility they could repeat their Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble of 1999 as they have hit form at just the right time.

Although they will be without the suspended Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, 37, has been outstanding in their recent run of victories.

"Our confidence is really high and players are coming back from injury and that's what you want at this stage of the season as there are games every three days," said Giggs.

"The manager will chop and change the team... but we've got 20 players probably competing for 11 places."

Unfortunately for United, Rooney, who has returned to form with 10 goals since Feb 1, is unavailable following his swearing incident at West Ham United two weeks ago.

City may also have to make do without the services of former United striker Carlos Tevez, who picked up a hamstring injury on Monday.

His absence could dent their chances of reaching the final for the first time since 1981. Thirty years ago they lost 3-2 to Tottenham Hotspur in a replay while their last FA Cup success was in 1969 when they beat Leicester City.

Although owner Sheikh Mansour has invested hundreds of millions into the club, City have yet to end their 35-year wait for a major trophy and will have to show a dramatic improvement on their abject display in Monday's 3-0 loss at Liverpool to prevent United rubbing their noses in the dirt again.

EVEN LONGER

While City's wait for major honours has lasted since 1976 when they won the League Cup, Bolton and Stoke have gone even longer without collecting a major piece of silverware.

Stoke, who have been playing in the FA Cup since 1883, have never reached the final. They last reached the semis in 1972 when they lost to Arsenal. That was also the year they won their only major trophy beating Chelsea in the League Cup final.

Bolton have won the FA Cup four times, the last of those triumphs coming in 1958 when Nat Lofthouse, their greatest ever player who died earlier this year, scored both goals when they beat Manchester United 2-0 at Wembley.

Both sides, sitting comfortably in mid-table, have beaten each other in the Premier League this season, and Bolton manager Owen Coyle says the idea of winning the Cup as a tribute to Lofthouse, has taken hold in the town.

"It would be nice if that comes to fruition but I think there's a lot of tough obstacles in the way for that to happen," he told Reuters.

"We're more than up for the challenge and we will do everything we can to reach the final against a very good Stoke side."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis told reporters: "It's a great achievement that we have got this far but we are not getting carried away with the idea we have had any sort of success. We have done well in the League and reaching the Cup final would show we are definitely moving in the right direction."

READ MORE - City ready to block United's treble dream

Portuguese trio reach Europa League semis

London: Portuguese clubs dominate the semifinal lineup for the Europa League after FC Porto, Benfica and Braga grabbed three of the four available spots on Thursday.

Porto completed a huge 10-3 aggregate win in its quarterfinal against Spartak Moscow with a 5-2 victory in Russia, while Benfica drew its second-leg match 2-2 at PSV Eindhoven to progress 6-3 past the Dutch side.

Porto will play its two-legged semifinal against Spain's Villarreal, which completed an Iberian sweep with a 3-1 win at FC Twente that rounded off a one-sided 8-2 victory over two matches.

Only Braga had to sweat over its chances, moving past Dynamo Kiev on away goals despite playing 71 minutes with 10 men. The teams drew 0-0 in Portugal but Braga progressed to a meeting courtesy of last week's 1-1 draw in Kiev.

With Braga meeting Benfica next, Portugal is guaranteed at least one team in the May 18 final in Dublin.

There have been seven previous finals between teams from the same nation, although all came in the tournament's previous guise as the UEFA Cup and none featured Portuguese sides.

Porto is the only Portuguese side to have won European club football's second-tier club competition, beating Celtic in the 2003 final under coach Jose Mourinho — a year before hoisting the more prestigious Champions League.

Benfica lost the 1983 final to Anderlecht.

Brazilian forward Hulk scored the opener and set up two more goals for a Porto side already 5-1 up from the first match.

"We are very, very happy with what we did today and in the first leg," Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas said.

Looking to salvage some pride, Spartak opened strongly but Porto counterattacked in the 28th minute and Hulk beat the offside trap from almost the center of the pitch before scoring with a low left-foot shot.

Cristian Rodriguez headed in Hulk's corner kick in first-half injury time, Freddy Guarin made it 3-0 in the 47th and, although Artem Dzyba got a goal back for the home side, Falcao added to his first-leg hat trick in the 54th with his 11th goal of the tournament — also from a corner by Hulk.

Ari scored for Spartak but Porto substitute Ruben Micael restored the three-goal advantage with one minute left.

Emir Bajrami gave Villarreal an early scare when he scored for Twente in the 31st but the home crowd's slim hopes were shattered when defender Dwight Tiendalli was ejected in the 53rd.

Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi equalized with the resulting penalty to restore the four-goal advantage Villarreal had built with a 5-1 first-leg win in Spain. Marco Ruben netted another penalty in the 84th and Ruben Cani scored the third five minutes later to wrap up the win.

Benfica led 4-1 ahead of its trip to Eindhoven and had an even bigger scare than Villarreal, conceding two goals without reply in the first 25 minutes. Balazs Dzsudzsak converted Jeremain Lens' cross to put the Dutch side ahead and Lens doubled the lead with a fierce shot.

But Luisao silenced the buzzing PSV supporters in the 45th when he pulled one back for Benfica, acrobatically hitting the ball through the defense after goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson palmed away a shot.

Oscar Cardozo converted a penalty to level for Benfica in the 63rd.

Braga held on for more than an hour after Paulo Cesar was sent off for a brutal challenge on Andriy Yarmolenko, who scored in the first leg's 1-1 draw. But Dynamo defender Goran Popov also saw a red card in the 88th.

The first legs of the semifinals are scheduled for April 28, with the return matches a week later.

READ MORE - Portuguese trio reach Europa League semis

United Sikkim, Md. Sporting advance

KOLKATA: United Sikkim Football Club, led by Indian captain Baichung Bhutia, Southern Samity and Mohammedan Sporting from Kolkata moved into the final round of the second division I-League by winning their respective final league matches on Thursday at Guwahati.
Bhudiram Tudu's fine hat-trick propelled United Sikkim FC (USFC) to the top of Group ‘A' ahead of Southern Samity, which won through Rajid Ahmed's brace against North Imphal Sports Association, Manipur.
Both USFC and Samity ended on 13 points but USFC's superior goal difference (+8) to Samity's (+5) clinched the issue in its favour.
Langsning SC won 3-0 against Guwahati Town Club to take third spot with 11 points. NISA was fourth with nine points.
In a Group ‘B' encounter, favourite Mohammedan Sporting emerged Group winner with 14 points. Tope Fuja-coached Sporting registered an emphatic 2-0 win over Ar-Hima of Meghalaya.
Ar-Hima, Malabar United and Kenkre FC from Mumbai are in contention for second spot from this group.
The results:
Group ‘A': United Sikkim 4 (Bhudiram Tudu 32, 54, 59; M.P. Sajith 72) bt Golden Threads 1 (Bijen Singh 81); Southern Samity 2 (Rajid Ahmed 66, 78) bt NISA 0; Langsning SC 3 bt Guwahati Town Club 0.
Group ‘B': Mohammedan Sporting 2 (Chizoba Christopherm 58, Han Wook 69) bt Ar-Hima 0 . — Special Correspondent

READ MORE - United Sikkim, Md. Sporting advance

Manchester United seal semifinal place as 10-man Chelsea crash out

Manchester United goalscorers Javier Hernandez, left, and Park Ji-Sung celebrate with Wayne Rooney, right.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Manchester United win all-English semifinal 3-1 on aggregate after home victory
• Javier Hernandez and Park Ji-Sung score either side of Didier Drogba's equalizer
• Veteran Ryan Giggs sets up both United goals to add to his first-leg assist
• Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti faces the sack as last chance of silverware ends

(CNN) -- Manchester United ended 10-man Chelsea's hopes of winning a trophy this season with a 2-1 home victory that put Alex Ferguson's side into the semifinals of the Champions League for the fourth time in five seasons.
A goal in each half from Javier Hernandez and Park Ji-Sung ensured a 3-1 aggregate win for the English Premier League leaders, who beat Chelsea in the 2008 final on penalties in Moscow.
United will next face either defending European champions Inter Milan or Schalke, who hold a 5-2 lead ahead of Wednesday's second leg in Germany.
The future of Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti is now in considerable doubt after a disappointing season which has seen the London side's domestic title reign realistically over with seven games to play.
A lot of people thought Drogba would play. I thought having signed Torres for the money they did they had to play him
--United boss Alex Ferguson
The Italian raised eyebrows when he chose to start misfiring $80 million signing Fernando Torres up front with Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda flanking him, leaving former spearhead Didier Drogba on the bench.
The Ivory Coast striker made an immediate impact after replacing Torres at halftime, and got Chelsea back into the match soon after Ramires' 70th-minute sending-off -- only for poor defending to allow United to regain a two-goal overall lead straight away.
"A lot of people thought Drogba would play," Ferguson told reporters. "I thought having signed Torres for the money they did they had to play him. I wasn't 100% sure but I couldn't see how they could leave Torres out."
Ancelotti admitted he might have made a mistake in starting the Spain striker, who has not scored since leaving Liverpool at the end of January.
"Maybe. Could be. I told you a lot of times this season I wanted to start with Fernando for this kind of game, these type of tactics," the former AC Milan coach said.
"Didier played well in the second half. I wanted to put more pressure up front because we needed to score. Didier was fresh and he could use his power up front. This was the reason I took out Fernando."
The home side, having survived some early scares, thought they had scored in the 27th minute when Hernandez stole in at the near post to head home Wayne Rooney's cross, but the Mexico international strayed marginally offside.
The breakthrough came two minutes before halftime as veteran Ryan Giggs combined well with John O'Shea to burst into the right side of the penalty area and slide a pinpoint low cross with his favored left foot to an unmarked Hernandez at the far post.
Ancelotti replaced Anelka, the club's top scorer in Europe this season, with Salomon Kalou after an hour but United could have gone further ahead as goalkeeper Petr Cech did well to keep out a low shot from Nani and then Giggs aimed a weak header after more good work by Rooney.
Ramires, who was denied a penalty in injury-time in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last week, received his second yellow card after a tackle from behind on Nani.
The first, also for a foul on the Portugal midfielder in the opening half, had already meant the Brazil midfielder would have been suspended for the first leg of the semifinal if Chelsea had progressed.
With Nani replaced by Antonio Valencia in the 75th minute, Chelsea took advantage to level on the night as Michael Essien picked out Drogba with a lofted through pass and the 33-year-old chested the ball down and fired a low shot past Edwin van der Sar.
But Chelsea's excitement lasted less than 30 seconds as United surged forward, with Rooney and Giggs combining to set up hard-working South Korean midfielder Park -- who slotted in a low left-foot shot.
It was the 37-year-old Giggs' third assist of the quarterfinal, having also set up Rooney's first-leg winner.
The win kept United, the European runners-up in 2009, on course for a treble this season ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semifinal against local rivals Manchester City.

READ MORE - Manchester United seal semifinal place as 10-man Chelsea crash out

Houghton hires lawyer against AIFF, denies racist comments

New Delhi, April 12 : India's chief football coach Bob Houghton, in his reply to the showcause notice slapped on him by All India Football Federation (AIFF), Monday denied making any racist allegations against Indian referee Dinesh Nair during an international friendly last year.

After a 30-minute meeting with the four-member AIFF committee, Houghton, along with his lawyer Anish Dayal, came out smiling but refused to divulge the proceedings. During the meeting, Dayal presented the case on behalf of Houghton.

"I am in the middle of legal issues and don't want to comment anything on it," Houghton told IANS.

AIFF secretary general Kushal Das, who is also a part of the committee, said that the Englishman has denied the charges, including that of racism, against him.

"The committee will go through his reply and hear him again on April 20," Das said.

The other allegations against Houghton are poor performance in the Asian Cup and friendly matches and selection of unfit players without consulting the technical committee, working against the interests of the federation, negligence in using the resources of AIFF (Houghton's mobile phone bill last July ran up to Rs.190,000 and was Rs.108,000 in August) and utilising AIFF resources for personal purposes. Houghton has also to submit details to the AIFF of Rs.462,000 in expenses incurred by him.

Asked if the committee was satisfied with Houghton's reply, Das refused to comment and said: "The committee is looking into it."

A top official in the AIFF, on condition of anonymity, however told IANS that the committee was not satified with the coach's reply and was looking for paving the way for the smooth exit of Houghton, who draws a monthly remuneration of USD 30,000.

Houghton's contract runs till 2013 and sacking the Englishman may cost the AIFF a compensation package of USD 1 million.

AIFF president Praful Patel is also extremely unhappy with Houghton and the federation is trying to get rid of the coach on grounds of racial abuse.

READ MORE - Houghton hires lawyer against AIFF, denies racist comments

Arsenal agrees to $ 1.2 billion takeover

London: Arsenal is poised to become the fifth Premier League club to have an American owner after sports tycoon Stan Kroenke agreed a deal for a takeover that values the soccer club at 731 million pounds ($1.2 billion).

Billionaire Kroenke, who already owns close to 30 percent of the London club, said on Monday he had offered shareholders 11,750 pounds per share and had already secured the backing of 16.1 per cent shareholder Danny Fiszman and 15.9 percent shareholder Nina Bracewell-Smith.

He now controls 63 per cent of Arsenal and under Takeover Panel rules is compelled to make an offer for the remaining shares.

Russian steel magnate Alisher Usmanov is the other major shareholder, holding a 27 per cent stake through his Red and White vehicle which declined to comment on what his plans were.

The 63-year-old Kroenke, worth $2.9 billion in 2010 according to Forbes, already owns several U.S. sports teams, including the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, NFL team the St Louis Rams, and Major League Soccer team the Colorado Rapids.

"Arsenal is a fantastic club with a special history and tradition and a wonderful manager in Arsene Wenger," Kroenke, who first made his fortune developing commercial and retail properties, said in a statement.

"We intend to build on this rich heritage and take the club to new success."

Arsenal, who are second in the Premier League behind Manchester United, have gone six years without a trophy since their FA Cup success in 2005.

The Gunners have 62 points from 31 league games and are seven points behind United with a game in hand and they are also still to host their rivals on May 1.

BEST INTERESTS

Fans have been frustrated as the 13-times English champions' spending on players has lagged behind rivals such as Chelsea and Manchester City and while it remains to be seen how much money would be in the transfer pot, Wenger welcomed the takeover.

"I have worked with Stan Kroenke at board meetings over the past couple of years and I believe he has the best interests of Arsenal at heart," the Frenchman, who has managed the club since 1996, said in a statement on the club website (www.arsenal.com).

"He understands the club's heritage and traditions and our ambition to run the club in a way which protects our long term future."

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood will remain in his position.

Bracewell-Smith, whose family had been involved in the club for more than 70 years, issued a statement in support of Kroenke.

"I am confident of Arsenal's continued success both on and off the pitch and believe that Stan Kroenke will continue to develop the club in a manner true to its heritage for the players and the fans," she said.

"We wish the club, the directors and the supporters every success in the future. At the end of the day, our family will always be gooners (Arsenal supporters)."

Four other Premier League clubs are owned by Americans - Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Sunderland, while Chelsea, Manchester City, Fulham, Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers also have foreign owners.

READ MORE - Arsenal agrees to $ 1.2 billion takeover

Europa League: Porto, Benfica, Villarreal win

Berne: Porto's Radamel Falcao scored a hat-trick to help the newly-crowned Portuguese champions thrash Spartak Moscow 5-1 as goals flowed and South American players shone in Europa League quarter-final first leg ties on Thursday.

Porto's compatriots Benfica, attempting to reach their first European semi-final for 17 years, thrashed PSV Eindhoven 4-1 with all their goals coming from Argentines - two from Eduardo Salvio and one each from Pablo Aimar and Javier Saviola.

Two goals from Brazil striker Nilmar helped Villarreal to a 5-1 win over Dutch league leaders Twente Enschede as 19 goals were scored on the night - one more than the total netted in this week's Champions League last eight first leg matches.

Dynamo Kiev were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Braga, Portugal's third representatives and conquerors of Liverpool in the last 16, in the other tie with Andriy Shevchenko sent off just 15 minutes after coming on as a halftime substitute.

The former AC Milan and Chelsea player was booked twice in eight minutes, the second for playing on after the whistle had gone for offside.

Porto and Benfica, who met on Sunday with Porto winning 2-1 to clinch the Portuguese title in the stadium of their great rivals, both started with eight South American players in their lineups and their matches unfolded in near identical style.

Colombia striker Falcao, whose second Europa League hat-trick made him top scorer in this season's competition with 10, opened the scoring for Porto in the 37th minute, sweeping home Alvaro Pereira's cross.

Silvestre Varela was the only Portuguese player to get on the scoresheet in any match when he volleyed in Falcao's pass in the 65th and Brazilian defender Maicon headed the third five minutes later.

Kirill Kombarov pulled one back in the 70th only for Falcao to add two more in the last six minutes.

"I think this is one I will remember forever," Falcao told reporters. "Even though we clinched the title on Sunday, we did not sway from the objective which is to go ahead in this competition to the final."

EINDHOVEN OUTCLASSED

Benfica utterly outclassed PSV Eindhoven, helped by two Argentine names from the past and one prospect for the future, in a repeat of the 1988 European Cup final which the Dutch won on penalties.

Former international Aimar swept home the opener in the 37th minute and 20-year-old Salvio added the second with a clever flick from Fabio Coentrao's cross on the stroke of halftime.

The Argentine influence was clearly visible in Benfica's quick passing and clever flicks and Salvio added a superb third in the 53rd, beating two defenders before rolling the ball into the far corner.

PSV's Zakaria Labyad pulled one back with 10 minutes left after goalkeeper Roberto fumbled a cross but former Barcelona and Argentina forward Saviola fired home a superbly-taken fourth goal in time added on.

Spain's last representatives Villarreal were 3-0 up against twente by the break with goals from Carlos Marchena, Borja Valero and a Nilmar header in first-half injury time.

Italian Giuseppe Rossi curled in his ninth of this season's competition in the 55th minute before Nilmar dummied his marker and blasted home his second and Villarreal's fifth in the 80th. Marc Janka grabbed a consolation goal in stoppage time.

"We still have the return leg but we have taken a big step forward," said delighted Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido. "There is still another game in which we will clearly be favourites but it still has to be played."

Both goals came early in Kiev where Andriy Yarmolenko headed Dynamo ahead in the sixth minute, only for the home side's defender Oleg Gusev to deflect the ball into his own goal to gift Braga the equaliser six minutes later.

READ MORE - Europa League: Porto, Benfica, Villarreal win

Rio Ferdinand asks FA, fans to cherish Wayne Rooney

London, Apr 8 : Rio Ferdinand came out in support of Wayne Rooney, saying it is time the FA and people started cherishing the ace striker rather than crushing him with bans and abuse.

Rooney was devastated after facing two-match ban for his TV camera rant at Upton Park last Saturday.

Ferdinand said: “His performance against Chelsea shows you what sort of talent he is as a footballer. It’s something this country should cherish. Unbelievable.

“I’m sure there is some support for him but there''s more against him. More people want to string him up.”

“I think with the last few days he''s had, for him to go out and perform as he did against Chelsea was great. That’s what he loves doing, that’s what he wants to do. It would be nice to see him on the back pages about his football,” The Sun quoted him, as saying.

“I mean, he scored a hat-trick on Saturday and you wouldn''t even know that because of what happened. People get themselves into scrapes throughout their career — no one''s perfect. He will be disappointed about what''s going on but Wayne Rooney is a first-class footballer,” Ferdinand said.

Straight after the game on Wednesday against Chelsea, Ferdinand had hit out at the attention being lavished on Rooney''s misdemeanour.

READ MORE - Rio Ferdinand asks FA, fans to cherish Wayne Rooney

Barca en-route to Champions League semifinals after 5-1 win

Barcelona's Gerard Pique (L) shoots to score against Shakhtar Donetsk during the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 6, 2011. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
FC Barcelona look to have booked their place in the last four of the Champions League following a 5-1 home win over Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.
The Catalans now have a comfortable lead to take to the Ukraine next week while the Barcelona players made light of the words of coach Pep Guardiola on Tuesday, when he commented that he was worried about the physical condition of his side.
In response to their coach's words, the Barcelona players produced a magnificent display that could well put them on the way to a semifinal clash with Spanish rivals Real Madrid.
Guardiola kicked off with Sergio Busquets in central defense, Seydou Keita in midfield and Javier Mascherano in the holding role to free Andres Iniesta to help in attack.
It provided to be a wise move as Iniesta opened the scoring in the second minute. The midfielder, who has just become a father, received a pass from Leo Messi and scored with a right foot shot from inside the penalty area.

READ MORE - Barca en-route to Champions League semifinals after 5-1 win

Wayne Rooney is gunning for Chelsea: Hernandez

London, Apr 6 : Striker Javier Hernandez has warned Chelsea that Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney is gunning for them.

The Mexican striker said Rooney has set his eyes on a Champions League goal at Stamford Bridge to follow Saturday's hat-trick at West Ham, where his celebrations landed him in hot water with FA chiefs.

Hernandez, 17 goals in his debut season for Manchester United, is determined to add to his own tally in tonight's first leg of this eagerly-awaited quarter-final, The Sun reports.

"Wayne is in sensational form and this is an extra problem for Chelsea. He really wants to score in the London leg and he is super motivated for this one," he said.

"The manager wants us to create a lot of chances in the away leg and make sure we score so we can tackle the return leg with more options. The side with the best set of forwards will reach the semi-finals. Chelsea has an excellent attack, but our forwards are better.

"That defeat by Chelsea in the league wasn't just. Our win over West Ham has improved our morale - it means we are much better placed to win the League," Hernandez said.

"Mentally we are very calm about facing Chelsea in Europe. We want to strike a blow at Stamford Bridge. That would be magnificent," he added.

READ MORE - Wayne Rooney is gunning for Chelsea: Hernandez

Mohammedan Sporting held 2-2 by Malabar United

Jamshedpur: Mohammedan Sporting played out a 2-2 draw with Kerala's Malabar United while Denzong Boys Football Club of Sikkim lost to Ar-Hima Meghalaya 2-4 in the 2nd division I-League qualifying round at JRD Tata Sports Complex on Wednesday. In an evenly contested match, Malabar United drew the first blood through a brilliant goal in the 15th minute by Nwokwu Michael. The Kolkata outfit, who defeated Sesa FC Goa 1-0 in their opening match, scored the equaliser through Suraj Mondal in the 55th minute. A minute later, Satar Sardar scored another goal to put Mohammedan Sporting into the lead. Mohammedan Sporting's joy proved short lived as Malabar FC made a counter attack and F Egware restored parity in the 80th minute. In the morning session, Ar-Hima FC recovered from 0-2 deficit against Sikkim boys.

Denzong striker Patrick Enondji put his team into the lead in the 12th minute while Abraham B Fanny increased the margin by netting another goal nine minutes later. Ar-Hima FC, who drew 1-1 with Malabar United, put their act together after conceding two goals and raided the rival citadel. The Meghalaya outfit reduced the margin through Engeneson Lyngooh in the 41st minute while the Emanuel fetched the equaliser.

Ar-Hima continued to mount pressure on their opponents and striker Zico Zoremsanga's powerful right footer put them into lead in the 52nd minute. Zico scored another in the 70th minute. P

READ MORE - Mohammedan Sporting held 2-2 by Malabar United

Uphill task for ONGC against Churchill Brothers

Margao, Apr 4 : It will be a big challenge for the bottom placed ONGC FC to stop the fine run of IFA Shield Title winners Churchill Brothers in the 20th round of I-league Football championship, to be played at the Nehru stadium in Fatorda, South Goa from tomorrow.

Though the first leg clash between both the teams ended in a 1-1 draw, Churchill had an edge over the visitors and is presently placed second in the league table with 39 points from 19 outings with 11 wins, 6 draws and two defeats and is only one point behind the table topper Salgaocar with 40 points. Salgaocar played 2 matches less then Churchill.

While ONGC is far from impressive, they are in a precarious position and are desperately in need of points to remain bouyant and avoid relegation from the I- league. They are currently in the bottom position with 11 points and only 2 wins along with 5 draws. They have suffered 12 defeats and got only 10 goals in their name.

Churchill's Manager Denzil Ferrao was happy with his team's performance. His boys are in the upbeat mood after winning the IFA Shield Title and are now looking for their second title. The remaining matches are important for his team and will try their level best to grab as many points as they can.

Keyne Vincent, who is nursing an injury is quite doubtful as to whether he will be able to play the match tomorrow.

A well nit team put up by the Churchill Brothers look menancing both on paper and performance and all eyes will be on their prolific Nigerian striker Odafe Okolie, who is also the highest scorer in the championship. He has come so far with 17 goals out of 42 goals scored by his team till date.

The home teams other members are Charan Rai, Boimah Korpeh and Durga Boro.

The mid field is also Churchills strong line with Israil Gurung, Stevan Dias, Amouri or Jakeer Mundapara making a superb trio.

The defence is in the safe hands of L Roberto, Denzil Franco and Raju.ONGC team manager B K Bhowmick's main concern was that his members lack in converting chances into goals.

He said, Churchill is a strong team and a hot favourite for the title. Also, playing on the home ground will be an additional ''kick'' for the team.

He said, ''Though my team has not recieved any positive results, we have prepared for tomorrows match and I am confident that my boys will put up a good show against Churchill. There is no doubt we will certainly get a draw if not a win. We are not concerned about who wins the title but if we earn three points it would help us move up in the standing.'' The ONGC will have to depend heavily on Baba Tundem, N D Opera, Tapan Maity, Peter odafa, Kamal Thapa and L Lalmuanpuia to deliver the good results.

READ MORE - Uphill task for ONGC against Churchill Brothers

NISA tops Group ‘A'

KOLKATA: North Imphal Sports Association (NISA) from Manipur emerged the surprising leader of group ‘A' table of the second division I-League after two rounds at Guwahati on Sunday. NISA downed local side Gauhati Town Club (GTC) 3-1.
Kerala-based Golden Threads got the better of Langsning Sports Club of Meghalaya by the odd goal in three.
The day's most surprising result was Shimla Youngs FC from Delhi holding Kolkata-based Southern Samity in a goalless draw.
In the lone group ‘B' game at Jamshedpur, Malabar United FC drew with Ar-Hima FC of Meghalaya 1-1.

READ MORE - NISA tops Group ‘A'

Title race hots up as Man Utd visits West Ham

London: Premier League leader Manchester United resumes its bid for a record 19th English title by returning to the scene of its heaviest defeat this season.

United was routed 4-0 by West Ham in the quarterfinals of the League Cup in November, one of only four defeats inflicted on the northwest team this entire campaign.

Alex Ferguson's side returns to Upton Park on Saturday having arrested its recent slide and with captain and defensive rock Nemanja Vidic available again after a calf problem.

United still has injury problems to contend with at the back as it looks to consolidate a five-point lead over second-place Arsenal, which has a game in hand and hosts struggling Blackburn on Saturday.

Defenders Rio Ferdinand, Rafael da Silva, Jonny Evans and John O'Shea are all out, making United's bid to emulate its treble-winning exploits of 1999 all the more harder.

"It is going to be more difficult than it was in 1999," Ferguson said. "We didn't have the injuries we do now.

"There is a great desire to do it but we have so many injuries to defenders at present. We will never give in, though. No matter what happens, you always feel Manchester United will score in the last minute. We must have a chance (of winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup) but it is more difficult than it has ever been."

Three defeats — to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Chelsea and Liverpool — in a five-game span in the league for United has brought Arsenal back in the title race.

Even reigning champion Chelsea, which is over its midseason slump and hasn't been defeated since February 6, could yet catch the top two. The London team is four points behind Arsenal in third.

Chelsea visits midtable Stoke on Saturday, with Spain striker Fernando Torres still searching for his first goal for the club since his move from Liverpool on January 31 for 50 million pounds ($81 million).

Arsenal, which has let United off the hook by drawing its last two league matches, could give a second debut to 41-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann at Emirates Stadium this weekend.

The former Germany international came out of retirement to rejoin the Gunners this month and played 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday. With current No. 1 Manuel Almunia under the microscope after making a mistake that led to one of West Bromwich Albion's goals in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last time out, Lehmann could be handed the goalkeeper jersey.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said star striker Robin van Persie should be fit despite returning from international duty with the Netherlands with a bruised knee.

With Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby all available again after injury problems, Wenger's squad suddenly looks in good shape for the run-in.

Fourth-place Manchester City is at home to Sunderland and Tottenham, which is fifth and four points behind City with a game in hand, visits bottom side Wigan.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish could welcome back captain Steven Gerrard after almost a month out with a groin injury when his sixth-place team plays West Brom away.

"I'm hoping to be in full training on Thursday and available for selection for the weekend," Gerrard said. "It's up to Kenny whether he thinks I'm ready or not."

Liverpool is four points behind Tottenham and five points further back is Bolton, which is away to second-bottom Birmingham on Saturday. Other games that day see Everton host Aston Villa and Wolves go to Newcastle.

Fulham is at home to Blackpool in Sunday's other match.

There are only six points separating 11th-place Newcastle with Wigan in a congested lower half of the table.

READ MORE - Title race hots up as Man Utd visits West Ham