Soccer News - Everything about Soccer - Football

Moynihan backs Ferguson for 2012 Olympics

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:59:47 +0000

Sebastian Coe´s drive to have Alex Ferguson lead a British football team at the London 2012 Games garnered support on Thursday from British Olympic Association chairman Lord Moynihan.

Cannavaro Tapping Up Ronaldo Now

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:33:11 +0000

Fresh from his own tapping up storm in England over Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, Sir Alex Ferguson will have went even redder in the face if he read today's Sun newspaper...

2010 World Cup Plan B is an option but we won't know for sure until 2009

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:03:09 +0000

Despite reports suggesting this is the first time we've heard of a contingency plan to stage the 2010 World Cup somewhere else, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, has today brought the subject up again and back into the spotlight. Back in May, Blatter confirmed (http://www.worldcup2010southafrica.com/content/view/422/92/) that the United States, England, Mexico, Japan and Spain would all be ready to stage the 2010 World Cup if South Africa couldn't, because of a 'natural disaster'.

Quick Euro Chat With Dick Advocaat

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 07:01:16 +0000

Few people are more qualified to comment of the eagerly-awaited Euro 2008 quarter-final between Holland and Russia than Dick Advocaat. John Duerden caught up with the former Dutch boss and current coach of Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg. You were at the Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup –do you miss not being involved? Yes, I really miss it. That kind of championship and that kind of preparation for a coach is always really pleasant. Have you been surprised at how good the Netherlands have been? Well. If you had asked me that four weeks ago, I would have given a different answer. Everything has worked out for the team is a way that has been unbelievably positive. What has changed? They believe in each other at the moment and they believe in themselves as well. They had a meeting with the coach about the system and he changed that. The team likes to play football and it has worked out. He has given them a little bit of responsibility to change the system and they are all very happy with that. Is the defence a weak point? No. you know that the attractive players play in midfield and up front, and they are always the ones that grab the headlines. I think that they have a very decent defensive line with a good number of experienced players. What kind of game do you expect? I think that as I know Guus (Hiddink) he will say the same thing I said to my Zenit team when they played Bayern Munich ‘you have nothing to lose, just show how good you are, make it difficult for the other team and you can surprise them.’ Have you been impressed with Russia? They played well even taking into consideration the weakness of Greece and Sweden. Arshavin said in the Russian media ‘we can’t say that everything is perfect’ but if Russia play the same way against Holland as they played against Greece, they can progress. How do you stop Arshavin? He is a very opportunistic player, very based on himself. He’s a player that you don’t see for 50 minutes and then suddenly, he’s gone and can score a goal, Not a lot of players have that quality. Sometimes you sit on the bench and think ‘I have to take him out’ but you don’t do that because you know that he can change and decide the game in a second. If Zenit players play well, that could be a problem as other clubs become interested? Well, Arshavin is interested in moving to a foreign country. For us it is not so good that this tournament came after the championship because he can show himself and he will definitely do that tomorrow. I hope he will stay. You think he will go? If he gets the right opportunity I think he will go. What about Luca Toni? He played against you this season but can’t find the net for Italy I saw him with Bayern and he did really well. You have to take his supply lines away and make it difficult for him. You have to really close down the sides and cut the crosses because in the air he is excellent and a very good player. Can Spain defeat Italy? That is an exciting match and very interesting but I can’t say which team will win that one. Other teams that have impressed you? I have been impressed with the way Russia played against Sweden and Greece. They have been very fresh, attacking and they like to score goals. I was also impressed with Portugal even though they are now out. Has the competition been good overall? Average. Some good games and bad games. You were linked with the Blackburn job? To be honest, I will finish the Russian season which ends in November and then make a decision. I have heard nothing about it. You had no contact with Blackburn? No, otherwise I would tell you. Who will win tomorrow between Russia and Holland? The best team! (laughs) Who do you want to win? (laughs) I am not going to answer that! Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile.com Bet with Bet 365 World Soccer News Soccer betting tips Soccer Books & DVDs Tags Soccer News soccer football J-League K-League Betting

Messi situation as Brazil fans jeer Dunga's side in stalemate with Argentina

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:09 +0000

BRAZIL'S players have voiced their grievances with supporters who jeered coach Dunga and the team during the 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw with Argentina last night.

How I learned to stop worrying and love the World Cup

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:06:21 +0000

As a South African and a fan of football I was overjoyed when FIFA awarded my home country the rights to host the 2010 World Cup. As a football journalist with a thorough knowledge of the inner workings of FIFA and a curmudgeonly old pessimist to boot, I knew one thing for certain the moment [...]

In Memoriam: Thierry Gilardi, Voice of French Football, 1958-2008

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:01:09 +0000

If you’ve ever caught any clip of French football commentary (in French), chances are that you’re familiar with the rough, enthusiastic voice of Thierry Gilardi. For more than twenty years he provided commentary for French football and rugby. His voice is inseparable for me from French football in general, and in particular inseparable [...]

Milan: fashion center and now a haven for washed up strikers

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:33:55 +0000

Andriy Shevchenko has announced to Chelsea management that he wants to return to Italy at the end of the season. Italian press claims that he met with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and that little resistance was offered to the suggestion. Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo was the last wash-up to land on the shores of Italy, after a lackluster spell, it appears his career may be over due to injury. For Shevchenko the loss of Ronaldo leaves an opening for a cut rate return to his former club. He should have better luck there with Alberto Gilardino a world class flop and only Pato to compete with for a place. The Shevchenko's have apparently already been house hunting in their old stomping grounds. Wouldn't it be comedy to see Mourinho take over at Milan now?

Alonso should be respected

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:23:30 +0000

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is dead wrong. Xabi Alonso made a decision not to travel with the Liverpool team yesterday for their tussle with Inter Milan as his girlfriend was on the verge of giving birth. This is a mistake. Events like these don’t happen every day. A man deserves this moment regardless of what is at stake, and in this case of bunch of boys punting a ball around. A little perspective on what is meaningful in life would be useful. Also a bit of respect for what is meaningful for the individual. Alonso has been on the back foot at Anfield ever since the arrival of Javier Macherano and the recent emergence of Lucas. Apparently Alonso was prepared to join up with the team after the birth but Benitez then announced that he was not going to be travelling and had to make due with what he had.

Raul, Casillas sign new contracts with Real Madrid

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:12:18 +0000

Real Madrid striker Raul and goalkeeper Iker Casillas are to end their careers with the club after signing new extended contracts, the club said Thursday.

I was right after all: Tottenham shopped for manager

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:49:17 +0000

Oh, so after all the abuse and accusations of rumor mongering by Tottenham fans in the comments of yesterday’s article, I am vindicated. Tottenham were shopping for managers , they did approach Juande Ramos, and he rejected them.

Ronaldo not leaving - Fergie

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:47:55 +0000

“We sell players we want to sell and there is absolutely no way Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving,” he said. “The boy has done fantastically well. He is developing as a professional, as a person and as a player. “He is happy here. He has a contract until 2010 and we are not interested in even thinking about [...]

Feyenoord kicked out of Uefa Cup

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 21:46:16 +0000

A Uefa spokesman said: “We have not decided what will happen with Tottenham and whether they will receive a bye or play the fourth-placed team from Feyenoord’s group.” Feyenoord had originally been fined £81,000 and handed a suspended sentence to play two matches in an empty stadium. “This is a huge slap in the face for the [...]

Musicians cash in on head-butt

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 14:08:19 +0000

Jul. 13 - France has a case of summer blues over its World Cup defeat but Zidane's head-butt on Materazzi in the final is already the subject of a song that aims to be a holiday hit.

Korea and Germany – the best so far

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 08:40:13 +0000

Korea Republic and Germany were the most impressive teams in the first round of matches at 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, according to the statistics...