AUSTRALIA EYE MAIDEN ASIAN CUP VICTORY

Australia's date with destiny is here as they prepare to face South Korea in the final of the Asian Cup in Sydney on Saturday.

A full house at Sydney's Stadium Australia and millions more across Australia and Asia will be glued to their screens when Ange Postecoglou's exciting young side take on South Korea for the 2015 Asian Cup crown.


Two of the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) most eye-catching football nations going for broke in a cracking contest of full-throttle, attacking football.


A night of high drama looms at a stadium that has hosted its fair share of sporting theatre.


Ever since they were toppled 1-0 by Korea in the group stage at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium you got a sense Postecoglou and his troops were desperate for another crack at the Taeguk Warriors. They now have that chance for revenge.


Both sides came through their semi-finals quite comfortably and unscathed, with the Koreans enjoying the benefit of an extra day's rest to prepare.


Australia accounted for United Arab Emirates 2-0 on Tuesday, while Korea downed Iran by the same scoreline a day prior.


The fitness of Ivan Franjic, however, looms as a key for the Socceroos. If the Torpedo Moscow right-back is ruled out then Postecoglou will be forced into a big decision or two.


Does he throw midfielder Mark Milligan into a defensive position he has not played in a number of years and bring either Matt McKay, James Troisi or Mark Bresciano into the middle of the park?


The other option is to split up the strong central defensive pairing of Trent Sainsbury and Matthew Spiranovic by shifting the former out to the right and promoting experienced centre-back Alex Wilkinson - himself a star in the K-League.


Of course all this depends on Franjic's powers of recovery - it is a huge decision for the Australian boss and could be decisive in the outcome.

Especially with Korean attackers Son Heun-min, Nam Tae-hee and Lee Jeong-hyeop getting stronger with every match at the tournament.


The midfield battle will also be key. While skipper Mile Jedinak provides a fearsome presence in the middle of the park, Korean skipper Ki Sung-yueng is just as influential.


Ki sets the tempo for Korea and his passing – both short and long – organisational skills and quality are crucial for Uli Stielike's outfit.


Having not won the continental title since 1960, Korea and the whole country will see this as an opportunity they simply cannot let slip.


But this is also a rare chance for the Socceroos, who lost in the final four years ago. Winning an Asian Cup – a major international piece of silverware – in front of their adoring home fans is an opportunity so rare they must grab it with both hands.


Whatever happens, game 32 of the Asian Cup is shaping as a fitting finale to a most beautiful three weeks of football in Australia.

posted from Bloggeroid

CAF TO CONSIDER DRAWING LOTS

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to consider a different process to drawing lots in future tournaments.

Guinea could be the last nation to reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after drawing lots as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) plan to review the controversial process.

Mali missed out on a place in the last eight of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea after fortune favoured Guinea when lots were drawn on Thursday.

The two countries had finished with an identical record in Group D and so lots were drawn for the first time since 1988 to decide who will face Ghana in Sunday's quarter-final.

CAF media director Junior Binyam acknowledged that the regulation must be looked into ahead of future tournaments.

He is quoted as saying by BBC Sport: "We have to stand by the regulation but also think about how we improve it,

"It's not fair to have a team going out like this. It really is the worst decision - to have to make a decision this way - because everybody expected it would be decided on the field."

He added: "The decision of the agenda is not mine but I think it's a matter of concern for members of both the organising committee and the CAF executive committee,

"Regulations are not static, they are dynamic. We will find a way of improving the criteria to make them be decided by actions on the field.

"The situation that has happened in Group D will make people think twice,

"I am sure that in the weeks and months ahead, we [will make sure we] don't have the same situation in two years' time."

posted from Bloggeroid

COSTA CHARGED BY ENGLISH FA

Diego Costa will almost certainly miss Chelsea's title showdown with Manchester City on Saturday after being charged with violent conduct for his stamp on Liverpool's Emre Can.

Costa's case is being fast-tracked by the FA and he is expected to be banned for three games following the incident in Tuesday's ill-tempered Capital One Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea forward, who has escaped punishment for a separate altercation with Martin Skrtel, has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.

posted from Bloggeroid

IVORY COAST WIN CAMEROON 1-0

Ivory Coast booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Group D on Wednesday.

A stunning Max Gradel strike fired Ivory Coast into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as Cameroon were beaten 1-0 in Malabo.

Gradel netted his second goal of the tournament on Wednesday to give Ivory Coast top spot in Group D, and set up a last-eight clash with Algeria.

A cautious first half was brought to life after 36 minutes as the 27-year-old Saint-Etienne attacker thundered a long-range effort beyond the dive of Joseph Ondoa.

Cameroon's attempts to get back into the game and avoid an early exit came to nothing, and Wilfried Bony should have extended Ivory Coast's lead with a volley just after the hour.

Substitute Clinton N'Jie tried to replicate Gradel's effort to level the match, but his shot was deflected wide by the resolute Ivorian defence.

Victory sees Herve Renard's side qualify for the knockout stages, while Mali and Guinea will have to draw lots to see who joins them after their 1-1 draw in Mongomo.

With so much at stake the opening exchanges were understandably cagey, and it needed a controversial decision in the 12th minute to bring about the game’s first chance.

Referee Eric Otogo-Castane awarded Cameroon a free-kick after deeming Sylvain Gbohouo had carried the ball out of his penalty area when intercepting a pass. The Ivory Coast goalkeeper was booked, although replays suggested he had been harshly treated.

From the resulting set-piece, Franck Etoundi rose unmarked seven yards from goal, but his header was deflected over.

Cameroon goalkeeper Ondoa was finally called into action after 20 minutes, the 19-year-old Barca B player reacting quickly to keep out Serge Aurier's header from a Gradel free-kick.

But with nine minutes of the half remaining, the young shot-stopper was picking the ball out of his net, as Gradel set the game alight with a stunning strike.

Having collected a pass from Siaka Tiene, the Saint-Etienne forward broke free and thundered a 25-yard effort past Ondoa. 

Cameroon should have gone in level at the break as Edgar Salli cleverly worked an opening for himself, but he blazed a shot over with only Gbohouo to beat.

A scrappy start to the second half saw neither goalkeeper tested until after the hour mark, when Bony had his first attempt on target.

Manchester City's new signing used his strength to shrug off the attentions of Nicolas N'Koulou and Aurelien Chedjou on the edge of the penalty area, but his volley was punched away by Ondoa.

With time running out, plenty of Cameroon's build-up play posed a threat, but as soon as they reached the penalty area they lacked the creativity to find a way through.

Substitute N'Jie created the only real chance on Gbohouo's goal four minutes after coming on, but his audacious attempt from distance was deflected wide by Kolo Toure.

A final Cameroon chance fell to striker Vincent Aboubakar with 10 minutes to play as he met a right-wing cross, but the 23-year-old scuffed his shot and his side's elimination was confirmed.

posted from Bloggeroid

ARSENAL SIGN CENTER BACK

Gabriel Paulista has hailed the chance to play in the Premier League as a dream come true after joining Arsenal from Villarreal, with striker Joel Campbell going to the Spanish club on loan for the rest of the season.

The 24-year-old Brazilian centre back was granted a work permit despite not yet having played for his country and joins Arsene Wenger's side for £11.2million on a four-and-a-half year deal. 'I want to thank God for the opportunity,' he told the club's website. 'Thanks to God, this wonderful club came to me, and they can count on me to be able to help everybody here.'

Arsenal also confirmed that Campbell's loan deal was complete, but delivered the surprise news that the 22-year-old Costa Rica striker had signed a new, long-term contract before heading to Spain.

posted from Bloggeroid

ATLETICO 2-3 BARCELONA

Barcelona completed a 4-2 aggregate victory over nine-man Atletico Madrid with a 3-2 win in the Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg.

Barcelona booked their place in the Copa del Rey semi-finals as a 3-2 victory on Wednesday saw them beat nine-man Atletico Madrid 4-2 on aggregate.

A brace from Neymar helped seal a place in the last four for Luis Enrique's side, with a Miranda own goal sandwiched between those two strikes.

A frantic opening 45 minutes saw five goals and a red card at the Vicente Calderon, with Fernando Torres getting the night under way with his first home goal since returning to the club.

Neymar soon levelled for the visitors with a composed finish, only for Raul Garcia to restore Atletico's lead from the penalty spot.

However, Miranda's own goal and Neymar's second saw Barca lead at the break, with the hosts reduced to 10 men when Gabi was sent off in the tunnel at the interval.

Chances dried up in the second half with neither side able to add to their tallies, but Mario Suarez's late red ensured that Atletico ended with nine players, and Barca comfortably saw out their aggregate victory.

Within the opening minute Torres had levelled the tie following some uncharacteristic sloppy Barcelona defending from Javier Mascherano.

His long ball out of defence was intercepted by Guilherme Siqueira on the halfway line, he found Torres and the striker fired into the bottom corner.

With noise reverberating around the Vicente Calderon, Atletico appeared to have the upper hand, but Neymar soon quietened them down with an equaliser after nine minutes.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez combined well on the right-hand side, before the latter played a perfect pass for the Brazilian, and he made no mistake to beat Jan Oblak.

Neymar thought he had extended Barca's aggregate lead in the 18th minute as he raced clear from a long clearance to score, but the assistant referee's flag denied him on this occasion.

Antoine Griezmann should have restored Atletico's advantage on the night three minutes before the half hour, but he fired straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Within 60 seconds, though, they were ahead as Raul Garcia scored from the spot - the midfielder firing home from 12 yards after Mascherano was adjudged to have fouled Juanfran on the edge of the area.

Barca levelled eight minutes later thanks to a Miranda own goal. The defender miscued a clearance into his own net following Sergio Busquets' header.

And, as the momentum shifted in their favour again, the Catalans went in at the break ahead after another swift counter-attack. Atletico had seen a penalty appeal waved away before Messi led the charge up the other end of the pitch and found Jordi Alba, who played the ball in for Neymar to score.

The drama did not let up and, as tempers began to fray at the break, Atletico midfielder Gabi was dismissed in the tunnel for his involvement in a fracas.

Arda Turan was then lucky not to follow him early in the second half when he was only shown a yellow card having thrown his boot at the assistant after the the non-award of a foul.

Barcelona's man advantage enabled the visitors to dictate the pace in the second 45 minutes, and they slowly took the sting out of Atletico's play.

Diego Simeone's side were still able to create some chances, with substitute Cani having the best of them when his 70th-minute strike was well saved by Ter Stegen. But any hopes Atletico had of mounting a late comeback ended with seven minutes remaining when Mario Suarez was sent off.

Barca had done enough and now await Getafe or Villarreal in the semi-final, with those two due to meet on Thursday.

posted from Bloggeroid

FIGO TO RUN FOR FIFA PRESIDENT

Luis Figo has announced his decision to challenge Sepp Blatter in the upcoming Fifa presidential elections.

The former Barcelona and Real Madrid great joins Jerome Champagne,David Ginola, Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan and Michael van Praag on the list of candidates looking to end Blatter's 16-year reign as the head of world football's governing body.

"Football has given me so much during my life and I want to give something back to the game," Figo said. "I look at the reputation of Fifa right now and I don't like it. Football deserves better.
Luis Figo has announced his decision to challenge Sepp Blatter in the upcoming Fifa presidential elections.

The former Barcelona and Real Madrid great joins Jerome Champagne,David Ginola, Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan and Michael van Praag on the list of candidates looking to end Blatter's 16-year reign as the head of world football's governing body.

"Football has given me so much during my life and I want to give something back to the game," Figo said. "I look at the reputation of Fifa right now and I don't like it. Football deserves better.

posted from Bloggeroid

ALGERIA WIN SENEGAL

Algeria beat Senegal 2-0 to progress behind Group C winners Ghana to Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Riyad Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb were on target as Algeria beat Senegal 2-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations to secure a quarter-final place.

Senegal headed into the final round of games as group leaders, but their loss in Malabo coupled with Ghana's comeback win over South Africa in Group C dumped Alain Giresse's team out of the tournament.

Leicester City winger Mahrez capitalised in the 11th minute as a Senegal line-up, sent out in a reshaped 3-5-2 formation, struggled badly in the face of Algeria's vibrant attacking play.

Giresse's men muscled their way back into the contest and controlled much of the second half before Bentaleb beautifully converted Sofiane Feghouli's pass from long range with eight minutes remaining to see his nation through as group runners-up.

Algeria passed up a glorious chance to lead the winner-takes-all clash inside two minutes after a dreadful error from Senegal defender Papy Djilobodji left Feghouli through on goal, but a heavy touch allowed goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul to collect at his feet.

The Valencia player did not rue his miss for long as Mahrez exploited a yawning gap between right wing-back and centre-back to control Madjid Bougherra's free-kick from deep and finish calmly.

Coundoul held an audacious 35-yard free-kick attempt from Faouzi Ghoulam and the keeper spared his ailing team-mates in the 21st minute when he pushed away a rasping strike from El Arbi Hillel Soudani.

Sadio Mane looked to haul Senegal back into the contest with a driving run, but the Southampton forward sliced wildly over having broken into the Algeria box.

Senegal were forced into a 29th-minute change, Pape Souare replacing Cheikh M'Bengue after the latter suffered a head injury in a challenge with Aissa Mandi, but Algeria had let their early intensity drop as Djilobodji flashed a free-kick wide.

Goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi was out sharply to deny Mame Biram Diouf and, after Nabil Bentaleb required a last-ditch block to thwart Stephane Badji in stoppage time, Algeria were grateful for the half-time whistle.

Senegal introduced Papiss Cisse in place of midfielder Pape Diop for his first action of the tournament nine minutes into the second half and Carl Medjani was forced to clear behind as a dangerous Diouf cross searched out the Newcastle United striker.

Mane's footing deserted him when Badji drilled a low ball into the box after 61 minutes, a deflection off the referee falling in Senegal's favour as they opened up Algeria down the right flank.

For all the pressure applied by Giresse's men, the best opening of the second period fell to Algeria - Kara Mbodj clearing off the line from Saphir Taider after Coundoul spilled Mahrez’s 75th-minute cross

Dame N'Doye, on for Mane, slashed a shot over before Bentaleb showed him how it was done and Ghana sealed Senegal's fate.

posted from Bloggeroid

GHANA BEAT SOUTH AFRICA TO MAKE QUARTER FINAL

Ghana qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals thanks to a late Andre Ayew goal in a 2-1 win against South Africa.

Andre Ayew scored a dramatic late winner to see Ghana into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as Group C winners in a 2-1 victory over South Africa.

Avram Grant's men looked destined to crash out of the tournament after Mandla Masango gave South Africa the lead in the 17th minute, but mounted a late fightback and remain in the hunt for the title.

John Boye restored parity 17 minutes from time to give Ghana hope, but they were still on course to be sent home as the clock ticked down.

However, Ayew latched onto the end of a Baba Rahman cross to put the ball into the back of the net in the 83rd minute, and see Ghana into the next round.

Grant's side finish top thanks to their head-to-head record against Algeria, who beat Senegal 2-0. South Africa are eliminated as the group's bottom side.

The South African backline was given a stern examination of its capabilities in the early stages.

After Jonathan Mensah had headed just wide from a free-kick in the fifth minute, Eric Mathoho had to block a Jordan Ayew strike on the line, with goalkeeper Nhlanhla Khuzwayo – one of four changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Senegal - having spilled the ball into his path from an earlier effort.

Ghana, who brought Wakaso Mubarak in for Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu in the middle of the park, were having the better of the early possession, but a moment of inspiration handed South Africa the lead out of the blue in the 17th minute.

Having lost his footing when initially attempting to control a long ball forward with his chest, Masango climbed to his feet before sending a sublime looping volley over the head of Brimah Razak when a failed headed clearance fell his way.

There was concern for South Africa when Khuzwayo went down with an apparent hamstring strain on the half-hour mark, but the goalkeeper was in the right place at the right time to block a rifled Rahman effort from 20 yards soon after.

Mubarak could maybe count himself lucky to be on the pitch after a crunching challenge on Andile Jali deep inside his own half, and South Africa were not even placated with a free-kick as the referee pointed for a corner.

Asamoah Gyan sent a free-kick whistling over the crossbar from just outside the penalty area at the beginning of the second half, before Jordan Ayew saw a speculative long-range effort tipped wide.

John Boye tucked under Khuzwayo after the ball was drilled into the penalty area to give Ghana hope in the 73rd minute, before Kwesi Appiah saw an effort tipped onto the base of the post.

Ghana were throwing everything at finding a winner, and finally got their wish when Andre Ayew headed home seven minutes from time.

posted from Bloggeroid

CHELSEA EDGE OUT LIVERPOOL IN CAPITAL ONE CUP SEMIS

In a League Cup semi-final full of controversy, Branislav Ivanovic's header sent Chelsea to Wembley with a 2-1 aggregate win over Liverpool.

Branislav Ivanovic's thumping extra-time header sealed Chelsea's spot in the League Cup final after an incident-packed 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Neither side could be separated after 90 pulsating minutes in the semi-final second leg before Ivanovic leapt highest to meet Willian's free-kick in the 94th minute to wrap up a 2-1 aggregate win and a trip to Wembley in March.

However, the match was noteworthy for a series of flashpoints involving Diego Costa, including a stamping incident in each half on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel.

The Spain international was at the heart of more contention when he was denied a penalty by referee Michael Oliver after going to ground under a challenge from Skrtel just after the 20 minute mark.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also made two brilliant one-on-one saves from Alberto Moreno and Philippe Coutinho in the first half that ultimately proved crucial.

Victory over Liverpool represents an ideal response for Chelsea after Saturday's 4-2 FA Cup defeat to League One side Bradford City that left manager Jose Mourinho fuming.

The Portuguese - who was involved in a touchline exchange with Brendan Rodgers - now has his sights set on a third League Cup title, the first of which came against Liverpool in 2005 and was his first trophy in English football during his first stint at the club.

Chelsea had shouts for a penalty waved away in an end-to-end opening when Willian's low shot struck the arm of the sliding Lucas Leiva.

Can and Costa were then involved a brief altercation after the latter was lucky to escape punishment for seemingly stamping on the Liverpool midfielder's shin.

Costa was in the spotlight again in the 22nd minute as he went to ground when Skrtel looked to have stood on his foot, but referee Oliver was uninterested.

At the other end, Steven Gerrard's superb pass picked out the run of Moreno on the left of the area, with the full-back's subsequent shot well parried by Courtois, before the Belgium international saved Coutinho's drive with his foot after the Brazilian waltzed through the Chelsea defence.

Chelsea were dealt a blow when Cesc Fabregas had to be replaced following an accidental collision with team-mate John Terry shortly after the restart.

Tempers then threatened to boil over when Costa appeared to tread on Skrtel, leading to a coming together between the two players 

Eden Hazard, scorer of Chelsea's goal in the first leg, gave a timely reminder of his brilliance with a mazy run that led to him fizzing a shot just wide from 20 yards, before Simon Mignolet made a terrific block with his feet to keep out Costa's deflected half-volley.

Liverpool were then fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute when Jordan Henderson avoided a second yellow card for a deliberate hand ball, before Chelsea's Filipe Luis hobbled off after taking a knock.

The breakthrough finally came four minutes into extra time, as Willian's teasing free-kick was headed home emphatically by Ivanovic.

Henderson could have forced penalties when he put a free header wide from 10 yards, but ultimately Chelsea safely saw out extra time to reach their first final since Mourinho's return in June 2013.

posted from Bloggeroid

REAL UNVEIL SILVA

Lucas Silva has been unveiled as a Real Madrid player following his £11.5million move from Brazilian side Cruzeiro.

The 21-year-old midfielder was introduced to the media at the Bernabeu on Monday afternoon after successfully undergoing a medical at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital.

The news comes just three days after the Spanish giants snapped up 16-year-old Norwegian wonderkid Martin Odegaard.

posted from Bloggeroid

ROCHDALE 1-4 STOKE CITY

It was perhaps asking too much of this season’s FA Cup to give us another fourth-round shock after a weekend of upsets. There were to be no more League One heroics at Spotland to go with Bradford’s humbling of Chelsea.

They tried. Goodness knows Rochdale tried, and at times in the first half Stoke were certainly rocking.

But the Premier League side already had the cushion of a stunning early strike from Bojan Krkic, and they smoothed their passage with second-half goals from substitute Stephen Ireland and Victor Moses.
It did come at a cost, however, with Bojan limping off before half-time with a knee injury. Stoke’s inspirational playmaker left the ground on crutches and was driven away long before the game had finished.

The draw for the fifth round was made before kick-off, handing the winners of this tie a trip to Blackburn Rovers where both managers, Keith Hill and Mark Hughes, played earlier in their careers. Hughes also went on to become manager at Ewood Park, leading Blackburn to the semi-final in 2007.

Hill requested that news of the draw was not broadcast over the matchday tannoy beforehand to prevent his players from finding out as they prepared for their biggest match of the season.

Considering Manchester City’s capitulation to Middlesbrough after a few days in Abu Dhabi, Stoke fans must have wondered if it was a wise move their team going to Dubai ahead of the precarious visit to Spotland.

Hughes certainly wasn’t taking this tie lightly, however. Having seen his side go behind to Conference club Wrexham in the third round, he named a strong line-up with Bojan Krkic a surprise inclusion. 

posted from Bloggeroid

NEYMAR URGES RONALDO BE PUNISHED

Barcelona forward Neymar has urged the Spanish football authorities to punish Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo following his violent outbursts against Cordoba. Ronaldo apologised after being sent off for kicking Cordoba defender Edimar Fraga and slapping Jose Crespo during their La Liga win on Saturday, but could escape with just a two-match ban. Neymar understands forwards can be provoked into retaliating, but insists the former Manchester United player should be punished for his aggressive behaviour during the 2-1 win.

posted from Bloggeroid

LIGUE 1PREVIEW

Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon both picked up Ligue 1 wins on Sunday to punish Marseille for their defeat to Nice.

Paris Saint-Germain boosted their Ligue 1 title hopes with a 1-0 victory over fourth-placed Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

Defeat for Laurent Blanc's men would have seen them fall seven points behind leaders Lyon, who won 2-0 at Metz earlier in the day, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic found the net from the penalty spot to seal maximum points.

A dull first half saw chances at an absolute premium, but the game opened up after the interval to provide hope that one team might find a winner.

However, it took a handball on the line from Jeremy Clement to provide PSG with a chance to break the deadlock, with Ibrahimovic subsequently making no mistake from 12 yards.

Edinson Cavani sent a delightful chip onto the crossbar 15 minutes from time, and Ibrahimovic was lucky to avoid a red card for a studs-up challenge on Romain Hamouma.

However, PSG held on for a repeat of the 1-0 win they picked up at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in the Coupe de la Ligue earlier this month, moving them level on points with second-placed Marseille, who lost to Nice on Friday.

Lyon had put pressure on PSG to pick up a result with their earlier victory over 10-man Metz.

Struggling Metz had Guido Milan sent off for a challenge on Rachid Ghezzal as the game approached the half-hour mark, before Alexandre Lacazette found the net from the resulting spot-kick.

Lacazette was subsequently forced off with a thigh injury and is now a doubt for Lyon's forthcoming clashes with Monaco and PSG, but Corentin Tolisso popped up seven minutes from time to make sure of the win.

Defeat for Metz saw them slip to the foot of the table on a day of much movement in the lower reaches of Ligue 1.

Caen had not picked up a win in 11 matches in all competitions prior to a 4-1 victory over Reims last weekend, but remarkably won by the same scoreline at Rennes on Sunday.

The results mark the first time Caen have recorded back-to-back league wins since winning promotion at the end of last season.

Caen have now climbed above both Metz and Lens, who picked up a goalless draw at Reims.

Evian leapt out of the bottom three with a 1-0 home win over fellow strugglers Toulouse, who saw Pavle Ninkov sent off and drop below their opponents to 17th.

posted from Bloggeroid

LA LIGA PREVIEW

Valencia move up to fourth in La Liga by beating Sevilla 3-1, while bottom side Grenada draw 2-2 at Deportivo La Coruna.

Dani Parejo scored twice as Valencia beat Sevilla 3-1 at Mestalla on Sunday to leapfrog Unai Emery's side into fourth place in La Liga.

Parejo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Diogo Figueiras was adjudged to have fouled former Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo and the midfielder doubled the home side's lead 32 minutes in.

Carlos Bacca gave Sevilla hope with a spot-kick four minutes later, but penalty-saving specialist Diego Alves produced yet another stop from 12 yards to deny Bacca an equaliser from 12 yards before half-time.

There was no way back for the Andalucian outfit and Javi Fuego struck Valencia's third goal as they extended their unbeaten run to seven Liga games and moved two points above Sevilla.

Abel Resino was unable to mastermind a victory in his first game back in charge of Granada, but Robert Ibanez's late strike at least salvaged a 2-2 draw at Deportivo La Coruna.

Resino returned for a second spell as coach of the bottom side in La Liga this week and Piti raised hopes that he could start his reign with a win when he opened the scoring after seven minutes.

Granada had not won in 15 games prior to Resino's arrival, though, and two goals in the space of four first-half minutes from Jose Rodríguez and Lucas Perez saw them fall behind.

However, Depor were unable to hang on as Ibanez rescued a point before the home side had Luis Farina sent off in stoppage time.

Christian Stuani scored twice and Felipe Caicedo was also on target as Espanyol consigned struggling Almeria to a fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions, winning 3-0 on home soil.

Athletic Bilbao's winless run was extended to five matches courtesy of a 1-1 home draw with Malaga - who are also without a win in five - in the other game to be played on Sunday.

posted from Bloggeroid

SERIE A PREVIEW

Serie A champions Juventus remain on course to retain their title after beating Chievo 2-0 prior to Roma drawing 1-1 with Fiorentina.

Juventus stretched their lead at the top of Serie A to seven points on Sunday as they beat Chievo 2-0 before Roma were held to a 1-1 draw at Fiorentina.

Paul Pogba scored his fourth goal in as many games and played a big hand in Juve's second goal, scored by substitute Stephan Lichtsteiner, as the Turin giants secured their eighth victory in an 11-game unbeaten run in Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's men were unable to open the scoring in a frustrating first half, but their quality shone through after the break as Chievo suffered a defeat that ensures they remain in the relegation zone.

Juve will take some stopping in their quest for a fourth consecutive Scudetto, with Roma's title hopes suffering a setback when they drew for the fourth time in their last five Serie A matches.

Adem Ljajic returned to haunt Fiorentina with an equaliser four minutes into the second half, after Mario Gomez followed up his double against Atalanta in midweek with the opening goal for Vincenzo Montella's side in the first half.

Rudi Garcia's Roma lost further ground on Juve after again failing to secure maximum points, while a draw for Fiorentina leaves them in sixth spot.

Palermo were controversially denied victory at Sampdoria. Michel Morganella's strike crossed the line after bouncing down off the crossbar, but the goal was not given and the game finished 1-1.

Eder put fourth-placed Samp in front after only six minutes, but Franco Vazquez levelled earlier in the second half and the visitors would have secured all three points if the officials had spotted that Morganella's effort went in.

Veteran striker Samuel Eto'o, 33, was paraded on the pitch by Samp president Massimo Ferrero alongside fellow new recruit Luis Muriel after the game.

Cesena won for the first time since the opening day of the season at the expense of Parma, who suffered a 2-1 home defeat in the battle between the bottom two at Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Parma were the last side to have suffered defeat to Cesena and Alejandro Rodriguez, the scorer of the only goal in that previous meeting, again popped up with the winner a minute from time to pile further pressure on Roberto Donadoni.

Torino inflicted a first Serie A defeat in six matches on Inter, with Emiliano Moretti on target in stoppage time to earn a 1-0 win at San Siro.

Verona were 1-0 winners over Atalanta in the other game to be played on Sunday, courtesy of Javier Saviola's first Serie A goal.

posted from Bloggeroid

DROGBA HONOURED BY FOOTBALL WRITERS

Jose Mourinho insists there is more to come from Didier Drogba at Chelsea as the striker says he wants to stay at the club beyond the end of the season. 

Mourinho led the tributes to Drogba as he was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the game by the Football Writers' Association at a Gala Tribute evening at the Savoy Hotel in London on Sunday.  

Mourinho hailed Drogba, who first joined Chelsea for £24million in 2004, as the club's 'best value player ever' and insisted the 36-year-old was 'not fininshed'

posted from Bloggeroid

FA CUP FIXTURES

Friday 23rd January 2015


Cambridge v Man Utd 19:55


Saturday 24th January 2015


Blackburn v Swansea 12.45

Birmingham v West Brom 15:00

Cardiff v Reading 15:00

Chelsea v Bradford 15:00

Derby v Chesterfield 15:00

Man CityvMiddlesbrough 15:00

Preston v Sheff Utd 15:00

Southampton v Crystal Palace 15.00

SunderlandvFulham 15:00

Tottenham v Leicester 15:00

LiverpoolvBolton 17:30



Sunday 25th January 2015


Bristol City v West Ham 14:00

Aston Villa v Bournemouth 15:00

Brighton v Arsenal 16:00



Monday 26th January 2015

Rochdale v Stoke 20:00

posted from Bloggeroid

ETO O' TO SAMPDORIA ALOST DONE!!!

Everton forward Samuel Eto'o is in Italy for a medical with Sampdoria as he looks to seal his move to the Serie A club. 

The former Chelsea and Barcelona man flew out of England on Thursday and is set to complete his transfer by the end of Friday.

Roberto Martinez initially said he wanted Eto'o to stay at Goodison Park but now seems resigned to losing the 33-year-old. 
Representatives of Italian club Sampdoria came to London in an attempt to speed up the transfer due to concerns it wouldn't be completed before the February 2 deadline.

And their efforts appear to have been rewarded after Sampdoria's president revealed the club were now merely sorting out the 'last few details'.  

'I haven't been working in football for long and can say this is a strange working environment,' Massimo Ferrero told Sky Italia. 'People say one thing and then do another.

'We went to London and then there was a turn of events because nobody can figure out who is in charge at Everton.

'But we are getting to a breakthrough. Eto'o is very eager to come and play at Sampdoria.

'We are down to the last details. What are the chances of the move being completed? Let's be cautious and say 50 per cent.'

posted from Bloggeroid

THE PLACE TO BE IS SOHO

Chelsea star Ramires and his wife Islana were in attendance as Judy Joo's new restaurant opened in Soho


Mouth-watering cuisine has the power of transcending even the fiercest of football rivalries and that was certainly the case in Soho on Thursday night. Chelsea stars Willian and Ramires and Tottenham's Paulinho joined a star-studded collection of diners at the grand opening of Jinjuu, a restaurant set to become London's premier destination for Korean food.

posted from Bloggeroid

REAL SNAP UP WONDERKID ODEGAARD

REAL Madrid's 16-year-old £3million signing Martin Odegaard confirmed yesterday that the prospect of working with Zinedine Zidane turned his head away from the Premier League and towards the European champions. The Norwegian teenager, who was presented at the club's training ground, is on a basic £40,000 a week for his first half-season but can double that with bonuses. He chose Madrid despite visiting Liverpool and Arsenal on a whistle-stop tour of some of Europe's biggest clubs.

posted from Bloggeroid

Juve win Mutu compensation appeal

Italian giants Juventus will not have to pay compensation to Chelsea for the signing of Adrian Mutu following a successful appeal.

Juventus have won an appeal that means they will not have to pay compensation to Chelsea for former striker Adrian Mutu.

Romanian Mutu had his contract cancelled by Chelsea in 2004 after a positive drugs test for cocaine and was subsequently hit with a seven-month ban.

Upon his return to action Mutu signed for Serie A champions Juve via Livorno, who acted as an intermediary in the deal.

Chelsea subsequently sought compensation, which they were granted by a FIFA dispute panel following a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The decision was immediately appealed and Juve have now stated that their claim has been upheld.

"Juventus Fooball Club announces that the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne has notified us of the decision made by the arbitrators in the dispute that pitted Chelsea against Juventus regarding the signing of Adrian Mutu," a statement from Juventus read.

"The arbitrators have completely dismissed the demands made by Chelsea, ordering them [Chelsea] to pay the legal costs of the case.

"This ruling has no effect on the financial balance of Juventus Football Club because the club, fully aware of being in the right, chose not to allow for any risk in funds over the developing litigation."

Mutu was later sold by Juve to fellow Italian side Fiorentina for a fee reported to be in the region of €6millon.

Arsenal have ´chance´ of signing Paulista

Arsene Wenger says there is "a chance" Arsenal will finalise a deal for the transfer of Villarreal defender Gabriel Paulista.

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have a chance of securing the services of defender Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal.

Although Wenger's side boast some of the Premier League's finest attacking talent, it has long been suggested that they require reinforcements at the other end of the pitch.

Speculation has mounted that the club could move for Paulista in the current transfer window, and Wenger has confirmed that discussions are ongoing.

"There's a chance," he said in a press conference on Thursday.

"Talks are progressing well. Can we find an agreement? There's a chance."

Asked whether Paulista's transfer would signal the end of Arsenal's business in January, Wenger responded: "Not necessarily. We are ready to pay the price for a player if he is good enough. If the price is right, we will pay."

Arsenal completed a move for 17-year-old Legia Warsaw midfielder Krystian Bielik on Wednesday, but Wenger revealed the teenager would not feature against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

"He's not ready for three weeks. They've just had a winter break," the manager said.

Midfielder Francis Coquelin has impressed Wenger in recent weeks, so much so that the 23-year-old will be offered a new contract at the club.

"I saw that he made huge improvements in training so I sent him on loan [to Charlton Athletic] for match practice," Wenger said.

"He took that challenge and he's done very well. We will offer him a new deal."

The Frenchman confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin were doubts for the weekend, although there was positive news in Serge Gnabry's return to training following a knee injury.

Danny Welbeck is still not fit to feature as he continues to struggle with a thigh problem, but Wenger said Mesut Ozil is "likely" to start for the first time since October after a knee injury.

China 0 Australia 2: Cahill steals the show as hosts progress

Tim Cahill scored twice, including a candidate for goal of the tournament, as Australia beat China 2-0 in their Asian Cup quarter-final.

Tim Cahill fired Australia into the semi-finals of the Asian Cup in sensational fashion, scoring both goals - one courtesy of a superb overhead kick - in a 2-0 victory over China at Brisbane Stadium.

A moment of genius from Cahill was enough to give Australia the upper hand four minutes into the second half of Thursday's last-eight tie.

With his back to goal, the veteran pulled off a superb bicycle kick, again demonstrating his ability to shine on the big stage following his stunning volleyed strike against the Netherlands at last year's World Cup.

Cahill added a second goal after 65 minutes with a trademark powerful header, putting the game out of reach for a stubborn Chinese side who showed plenty of fight in front of their many fans.

Tournament hosts Australia will now battle either Japan or the United Arab Emirates for a place in the final.

Mile Jedinak returned from injury for Australia, who also handed starts to Mark Bresciano, Alex Wilkinson and Robbie Kruse.

It was China who started the brighter, however, and Wilkinson had to make a perfectly timed tackle after the pacy Wu Lei had burst through.

Wu threatened again following a loose ball from Jedinak, the forward's eventual shot deflecting wide for a corner, and a cutback from Zhang Chengdong provided another scare as China sensed an upset.

Yet Australia gradually grew in stature as the first half wore on, with Jedinak and Trent Sainsbury each missing the target from Bresciano set-pieces.

The best chance of the opening period came after 28 minutes when Matt Leckie jinked into the box before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive that was parried away by Wang Dalei.

China duly made it through to the break on level terms, but could do little about Cahill's spectacular 49th-minute opener.



After an Australia corner had been cleared by China, Ivan Franjic's looping header back into the box found Cahill to the left of goal. And the New York Red Bulls man met the dropping ball with a deft bicycle kick, sending the ball across goal into the bottom-left corner.



Australia were soon playing with a swagger and Bresciano spurned a fine opportunity before being substituted on the hour mark.

Cahill also forced a fine parried save from China's goalkeeper, before finding the net again with a superb angled header from Jason Davidson's left-wing cross.

A predictably rapturous reception greeted Cahill when he was withdrawn with 10 minutes remaining and there was almost a third goal for Australia when his replacement, Mark Milligan, missed a golden chance following a fine run.

Dortmund pick up another 1-0 friendly win

Borussia Dortmund won 1-0 for the third time in a row as they prepared for a return to Bundesliga action against Utrecht.

Kevin Kampl scored the only goal as Borussia Dortmund picked up yet another 1-0 victory in their friendly with Utrecht on Wednesday.

Jurgen Klopp's men have now won all three of their mid-season warm-ups by the same scoreline, with Sion and Steaua Bucharest having previously fallen to the Bundesliga strugglers.

Kampl's winner came in the 16th minute, when he raced on to a Marco Reus throughball and slotted through the legs of goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter.

Adrian Ramos struck the post early in the second half, while at the other end, Roman Weidenfeller was rarely tested.

Dortmund were without both Sebastian Kehl and Kevin Grosskreutz for the fixture - both injured in the victory over Steua on Saturday, with the former confirmed to be out for four weeks with a shoulder problem.

Klopp's men face one more friendly against Fortuna Dusseldorf before returning to Bundesliga action at Bayer Leverkusen on January 31.

Gabon 0 Congo 1: Oniangue goal sends Le Roy´s men top

Prince Oniangue fired Congo to a 1-0 victory that sent them top of Africa Cup of Nations Group A, leapfrogging opponents Gabon.

Gabon missed a chance to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages as Group A winners, losing 1-0 to Congo on Wednesday.

Jorge Costa's men beat 2013 finalists Burkina Faso 2-0 in their tournament opener and would have moved into an unassailable lead at the summit with another three points in Bata.

However, Prince Oniangue capitalised on some questionable Gabon defending to score the winner three minutes after half-time.

Neither side was able to take control in a tight first half, but Frederic Bulot was unlucky not to break the deadlock with a spectacular strike after five minutes.

Oniangue's goal gave Congo something to defend, although Gabon came agonisingly close to finding a leveller when Bulot saw a great chance hit the outside of the right-hand post.

The result sees Congo, who drew 1-1 with hosts Equatorial Guinea in the event's curtain-raiser, go top of Group A ahead of the last round of fixtures.

Both sides made just one change from their opening matches, with Gabon bringing Aaron Ondele in for Yrondu Musavu-King at the back, while Francis N'Ganga made way for Dimitri Magnokele in the Congo XI.

Gabon looked to be full of confidence after kicking off the tournament with a victory, and almost went ahead with a rasping effort in the fifth minute.

A deep cross from the left was met by a neat Malick Evouna flick, but Bulot's rifled shot from the edge of the penalty area was tipped over by Congo goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi.

Congo's Arnold Bouka Moutou lashed a volley into the side-netting at the other end, before Evouna saw his effort trickle wide via a deflection after racing on to a throughball in the 19th minute.

Recent encounters between these sides have been tight affairs - Congo beat Gabon 1-0 at home during qualifying for the 2014 World Cup before a goalless draw in the return fixture - and this meeting was shaping up to be no different.

Levy Madinda had a glorious chance to hand Gabon a half-time lead shortly before the interval, but dragged his shot wide of the left-hand upright after showing great composure in the box, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stung the palms of Mafoumbi from a free-kick.

However, it was Congo who eventually struck first, with Oniangue firing home after defenders Ondele and Bruno Ecuele Manga had got in each other's way while trying to head clear from a corner.

Oniangue went close to doubling his - and Congo's - tally when he unleashed a volley from the edge of the box soon after, but Gabon keeper Didier Ovono punched clear.

Aubameyang headed wide as Gabon chased an equaliser, before Bulot sent a low effort against the post when he should have pulled his side level midway through the second period.

Gabon continued to apply the pressure as the match approached a conclusion, but the Congo back line held firm to leave Claude Le Roy's men a point clear at the summit heading into Sunday's closing group fixture against Burkina Faso.

Tottenham 1 Sheffield United 0: Townsend´s spot-kick settles cagey first leg

Tottenham are closing in on the League Cup final after beating Sheffield United 1-0 in their semi-final first leg at White Hart Lane.

Andros Townsend's composed penalty 16 minutes from time handed Tottenham a crucial advantage as Mauricio Pochettino's men defeated spirited Sheffield United 1-0 in their League Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Townsend kept his cool from 12 yards after Jay McEveley was punished for handball to ensure Tottenham made home advantage count ahead of next week's return fixture at Bramall Lane.

Pochettino's side laboured for much of a cagey game against the League One promotion hopefuls, but that will matter little if Tottenham finish the job and book a place in next month's showpiece against either Chelsea or Liverpool.

Given United's giantkilling exploits over the past two seasons – knocking Aston Villa, Fulham and QPR out of the FA Cup and beating Southampton in the League Cup quarter-finals – Pochettino will be thankful that his players produced a professional display as he targets silverware in his first campaign in charge at White Hart Lane.

The standout pre-match team news revolved around Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor, handed his first start since the beginning of November following a spell of compassionate leave back in Africa and even given the responsibility of being captain for the night.

When the action eventually got under way - kick-off was pushed back by 15 minutes due to local traffic problems that resulted in the United team bus arriving late at the ground - a pumped-up Adebayor received an early yellow card for a raised arm on Louis Reed after 17 minutes.

Journeyman winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce blasted a low shot across goal after cutting in from the right, while at the other end, United goalkeeper Mark Howard got a strong hand to turn behind Eric Dier's header from Townsend's free-kick.

Adebayor spurned an excellent opportunity 11 minutes before half-time when he beat the offside trap to meet Christian Eriksen's long ball, but the striker's first touch was too heavy and his effort soared over.

Tottenham were then given a scare when Ben Davies was dispossessed on the edge of his own penalty area by Reed, who squared for Stefan Scougall to shoot just wide.

On the stroke of half-time, Dier's flicked header from another dangerous Townsend set-piece had Howard scrambling across his goal-line, but it was off target.

The second half started just like the opening period, with little in the way of clear-cut chances.

Pochettino opted to replace Adebayor with Roberto Soldado just after the hour mark in an attempt to rouse a response from the hosts and it duly came as the substitute was involved in the penalty incident that changed the game.

Soldado controlled Jan Vertonghen's chipped pass near the byline and McEveley's momentum in trying to keep pace with the Spaniard saw his outstretched arm connect with the ball.

Howard guessed the right way from Townsend's resulting spot-kick, but was unable to keep it out, despite getting close to it.

Nigel Clough's United side responded well to going behind without really troubling Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm, and will need a positive attitude next Wednesday if they are to mastermind another cup upset.

Paris Saint-Germain 2 Bordeaux 1: Blanc´s men unimpressive once again

Paris Saint-Germain earn a spot in the Coupe de France last 16 with a 2-1 win over Bordeaux, but coach Laurent Blanc remains under pressure.

Paris Saint-Germain again flattered to deceive despite beating Bordeaux 2-1 to reach the Coupe de France last-16 on Wednesday.

Questions are once again likely to be raised regarding Laurent Blanc's future at the club, with the Ligue 1 champions' performance doing little to dispel suggestions that the coach has lost the dressing room.

Blanc has found himself coming under increasing pressure after presiding over an underwhelming title defence so far, although his side were lively in the first half against his former club.

Edinson Cavani, the subject of intense transfer speculation, headed PSG into a 14th-minute lead at Parc des Princes as the hosts started confidently, with Javier Pastore doubling the lead just after the half-hour mark.

But Willy Sagnol's side produced a marked improvement after the break and pulled one back through Diego Rolan, who became something of a nuisance.

Bordeaux's chances of completing the comeback were helped by Zoumana Camara's red card for a second booking in the 83rd minute, but PSG ultimately claimed victory to secure a place in the last 16.

PSG looked dangerous during the opening stages as they floated a series of teasing crosses into the penalty area, with Thiago Silva spurning the first chance of the game as he headed wide from one of them in the 12th minute.

There was no such let-off for Bordeaux a minute later, though.

The visitors again failed to cope with a cross, this time courtesy of Lucas Digne, who produced a fine delivery from the left and Cavani confidently nodded in after getting in front of Cedric Yambere.

Bordeaux almost drew level in the 26th minute, but Yambere saw his effort crucially blocked by Adrien Rabiot.

PSG soon made the most of that escape too, as they doubled their lead six minutes later - Pastore this time tapping in after goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso could only parry Ezequiel Lavezzi's first-time effort.

Blanc's side showed no signs of letting Bordeaux off the hook after getting the second, as Lavezzi twice tested Carrasso in the lead up to half-time.

It did not take long for Bordeaux to restore parity after the break, though, as Rolan pounced on a loose ball and calmly stroked into the bottom-left corner less than a minute after the restart.

The Uruguayan forward continued to pose a threat for Bordeaux and he tried his luck again six minutes later, but blazed well over from 20 yards after a penetrating move down the right.

Any fluidity in PSG's game had seemingly vanished at half-time, with the home side appearing bereft of ideas in the final third.

And a rash challenge on Enzo Crivelli from Camara earned the centre-back his second yellow card of the night, but Bordeaux were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage, as PSG held on to the slender win.

Inter 2 Sampdoria 0: Shaqiri finally ends Samp´s resistance

Recent signing Xherdan Shaqiri set San Siro alight as Inter beat nine-man Sampdoria 2-0 in the Coppa Italia last 16.

Xherdan Shaqiri enjoyed a dream home debut as Inter eventually wore down nine-man Sampdoria to claim a 2-0 Coppa Italia last-16 win.

The visitors were left facing an uphill battle when Nenad Krsticic was dismissed early on for a professional foul, and their task was made even harder when Pawal Wszolek was also shown red late on for a second bookable offence.

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero kept them in the game until the interval with a string of superb saves, including a penalty stop from Mauro Icardi.

However, Inter were always in control and after Shaqiri had clinically given them the lead after 71 minutes following a neat one-two with Lukas Podolski, Icardi added a late second - intercepting a back-pass from Lorenzo de Silvestri to round Romero and score into an empty net.

Shaqiri was handed his first start for the hosts, while Romero was given the nod between the posts for Sampdoria as both coaches made a host of changes.

Romero had to be alert early on as Podolski looked to pounce on a sloppy back-pass, while the goalkeeper also turned away a dangerous free-kick from Shaqiri.

Sampdoria were reduced to 10 men after just 12 minutes, as Shaqiri broke down the left and tried to play in Icardi, who was clipped from behind by Krsticic with a clear run on goal.

Romero had to make a double save from Mateo Kovacic and Icardi as Inter looked to capitalise on their advantage.

The hosts were then given a great chance to go ahead when Wszolek was penalised for bringing down Dodo in the box after 36 minutes and was shown his first yellow card, but Romero again denied Icardi - this time from the spot - as he blocked a tame effort down low to his right.

More Romero heroics kept out a Podolski header as Sampdoria somehow managed to make it to half-time on level terms.

Inter soon picked up where they left off after the break, with a Kovacic shot deflected wide, while Shaqiri continued to cause problems with his pace and deft touches, although the Switzerland star was also booked for diving in the area.

The hosts' long-range shooting left a lot to be desired as Sampdoria continued to frustrate, but neat build-up play between Shaqiri and Podolski eventually unlocked their stubborn defence with 19 minutes left.

After playing the ball into the former Arsenal forward, Shaqiri latched on to a return pass and fired a shot ruthlessly past the helpless Romero from close range.

Shaqiri went off to a hero's reception soon after as Inter looked content to grind out a hard-fought success, although by that stage their cause had been helped by the dismissal of Wszolek, who was shown a second yellow card for clattering Zdravko Kuzmanovic after 77 minutes.

Inter were gifted a second goal three minutes from time when Icardi pounced on a defensive lapse, nicking the ball on its way back to Romero before slotting home.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina earlier progressed with a 3-1 defeat of Atalanta at Stadio Artemio Franchi, with reported Chelsea target Juan Cuadrado among the scorers.

Germany striker Mario Gomez ended his long wait for a second goal of the season when he put the hosts ahead with a deflected shot after just six minutes, while Cuadrado struck from a dubious penalty.

Gomez scored again to extend the advantage before the half-hour mark and, although Rolando Bianchi replied prior to the interval, there was no way back for the visitors.

Fiorentina had Marcos Alonso sent off 10 minutes from time for a second bookable offence, but they had already done enough for a victory that sets up a quarter-final clash with Roma.

AFCON 2015: GABON 0-1 CONGO

Prince Oniangue fired Congo to a 1-0 victory that sent them top of Africa Cup of Nations Group A, leapfrogging opponents Gabon.

Gabon missed a chance to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages as Group A winners, losing 1-0 to Congo on Wednesday.

Jorge Costa's men beat 2013 finalists Burkina Faso 2-0 in their tournament opener and would have moved into an unassailable lead at the summit with another three points in Bata.

However, Prince Oniangue capitalised on some questionable Gabon defending to score the winner three minutes after half-time.

Neither side was able to take control in a tight first half, but Frederic Bulot was unlucky not to break the deadlock with a spectacular strike after five minutes.

Oniangue's goal gave Congo something to defend, although Gabon came agonisingly close to finding a leveller when Bulot saw a great chance hit the outside of the right-hand post.

The result sees Congo, who drew 1-1 with hosts Equatorial Guinea in the event's curtain-raiser, go top of Group A ahead of the last round of fixtures.

Both sides made just one change from their opening matches, with Gabon bringing Aaron Ondele in for Yrondu Musavu-King at the back, while Francis N'Ganga made way for Dimitri Magnokele in the Congo XI.

Gabon looked to be full of confidence after kicking off the tournament with a victory, and almost went ahead with a rasping effort in the fifth minute.

A deep cross from the left was met by a neat Malick Evouna flick, but Bulot's rifled shot from the edge of the penalty area was tipped over by Congo goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi.

Congo's Arnold Bouka Moutou lashed a volley into the side-netting at the other end, before Evouna saw his effort trickle wide via a deflection after racing on to a throughball in the 19th minute.

Recent encounters between these sides have been tight affairs - Congo beat Gabon 1-0 at home during qualifying for the 2014 World Cup before a goalless draw in the return fixture - and this meeting was shaping up to be no different.

Levy Madinda had a glorious chance to hand Gabon a half-time lead shortly before the interval, but dragged his shot wide of the left-hand upright after showing great composure in the box, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stung the palms of Mafoumbi from a free-kick.

However, it was Congo who eventually struck first, with Oniangue firing home after defenders Ondele and Bruno Ecuele Manga had got in each other's way while trying to head clear from a corner.

Oniangue went close to doubling his - and Congo's - tally when he unleashed a volley from the edge of the box soon after, but Gabon keeper Didier Ovono punched clear.

Aubameyang headed wide as Gabon chased an equaliser, before Bulot sent a low effort against the post when he should have pulled his side level midway through the second period.

Gabon continued to apply the pressure as the match approached a conclusion, but the Congo back line held firm to leave Claude Le Roy's men a point clear at the summit heading into Sunday's closing group fixture against Burkina Faso.

posted from Bloggeroid

BARCA SEE OFF ATLETI AT CAMP NOU

Lionel Messi missed a penalty but then followed up to calmly tap in the rebound and finally end Atletico Madrid's obdurate resistance at the Nou Camp in the Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg on Wednesday night. The Argentine stepped up to the spot after Sergio Busquets went down under a challenge from Juanfran. His penalty was poor and was expertly saved by Jan Oblak but Messi turned in the follow-up. Luis Enrique's men will now head to the Vicente Calderon next week with a slender one-goal advantage
Barcelona 1-0 Atletico Madrid

posted from Bloggeroid

TOP 30 WEALTHIEST FOOTBALL CLUBS BY REVENUE (FOR 2013-14)

1. Real Madrid - £459.5m

2. Manchester United - £433.2m

3. Bayern Munich - £407.7m

4. Barcelona - £405.2m

5. Paris Saint-Germain - £396.5m

6. Manchester City - £346.5m

7. Chelsea - £324.4m

8. Arsenal - £300.5m

9. Liverpool - £255.8m

10. Juventus - £233.6m

11. Borussia Dortmund - £218.7m

12. AC Milan - £208.8m

13. Tottenham - £180.5m

14. Schalke 04 - £178.9m

15. Atletico Madrid - £142.1m 

16. Napoli £137.8m

17. Inter Milan - £137.1m

18. Galatasaray - £135.4m

19. Newcastle United - £129.7m

20. Everton £120.5m

21. West Ham United - £105.3m

22. Aston Villa - £101.9m

23. Marseille - £100m

24. Roma - £97.7m

25. Southampton - £97.3

26. Benfica - £96.6

27. Sunderland - £95.7m

28. Hamburg - £92.2m

29. Swansea City - £90.5m

30. Stoke City - £90.1m

posted from Bloggeroid

Atletico announce Wanda Group investment

Atletico Madrid have upped their efforts to build the club's brand, with investment from Chinese company Wanda Group.

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group has agreed to purchase a 20 per cent stake in the Liga champions.

The agreement was announced in Beijing, with the company making a €45million investment in order to secure their shares.

Wanda Group operates in areas such as entertainment, hotels and real estate and has long been involved in Chinese football, sponsoring the Chinese Super League for several seasons.

The firm has also been involved in China's Future Stars project, which helps develop grassroots football in the country and is a programme that Atletico have actively participated in.

And Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin is confident the investment from the Far East will have a positive impact on the club.

He said: "This is a major step for the club in its efforts to build a leading global brand that will provide the financial resources to remain competitive in Europe and provide riveting experiences for our fans."

Wang Jianlin, chairman of Wanda Group, added: "Wanda's investment in Atletico de Madrid is another step in our efforts to build a comprehensive entertainment portfolio for our domestic and international clients.

"We are delighted with the possibility of contributing to the growth of Atletico de Madrid with its solid fan base and a brand that is rapidly expanding internationally.

"We will also rely on their great experience in the training area, which will no doubt be very useful for the growth of grassroots football in China."

Meanwhile, Atletico have loaned winger Cristian Rodriguez to Serie A side Parma for the rest of the season.

Sterling retains final hope despite first-leg draw

Raheem Sterling believes Liverpool can progress to the League Cup final at Chelsea's expense when they travel to Stamford Bridge next week.

Raheem Sterling remains confident Liverpool can reach the League Cup final following Tuesday's 1-1 home draw with Chelsea in the semi-final first leg.

Having fallen behind to an Eden Hazard penalty after 18 minutes Liverpool began to control proceedings and got their reward just before the hour as Sterling fired them level.

The England international felt the hosts deserved more from the match and still has firm hopes of a Wembley appearance.

"Obviously we were disappointed to be 1-0 down going into the break," he told the club's official website.

"But the lads stuck in there really well and played some great football at times. We kept the ball really well and exploited the space. We could have gone on and won the game.

"But it's not the worst result - we'll go into next week's game fully focused, knowing we can win there. Hopefully we'll play our best and try to get the result.

"[We have to] play our normal game, try to keep the ball, be patient and don't try to rush things. We know we'll get chances there.

"It is down to us to keep focused over the next few days and go into the Bolton game [in the FA Cup], that's the most important one now.

"Hopefully we can get the result there and then think about Tuesday when it comes. We just need to play our normal game and everything else will follow."

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1: Sterling levels after Hazard´s penalty

Raheem Sterling's fine individual goal earned Liverpool a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield.

An excellent solo strike from Raheem Sterling gave Liverpool a deserved 1-1 draw with Chelsea in Tuesday's first leg of the League Cup semi-final at Anfield.

The home side dominated possession throughout much of a high-intensity affair, but struggled to break down a stubborn and well-organised Chelsea outfit who were well backed up by the fine goalkeeping of Thibaut Courtois.

Having started brightly, Liverpool fell behind in the 18th minute when Emre Can fouled Eden Hazard inside the penalty area, and the Belgian picked himself up to calmly tuck away the resulting spot-kick.

Liverpool pressed hard for an equaliser thereafter, and it duly came just before the hour through Sterling, who turned and sped away from Nemanja Matic and Gary Cahill before finishing smartly.

Steven Gerrard went close to a winner midway through the second period, but the Liverpool captain's measured left-footed shot struck the outside of the post.

With Chelsea seemingly content to head into the return leg with a draw, the hosts continued to go in search of an advantage to take to west London but one was not forthcoming, meaning both sides have work to do at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea showed two changes from their 5-0 demolition of Swansea City in the Premier League at the weekend, as Courtois replaced Petr Cech in goal and Oscar's attacking threat was sacrificed for the added defensive steel of John Obi Mikel.

Liverpool had the better of a high-tempo opening and captain Gerrard, recalled to the side in place of Fabio Borini, stung the palms of Courtois with a drive from 30 yards in the 16th minute.

But the home side fell behind two minutes later when Can felled Hazard inside the area, and the forward sent compatriot Simon Mignolet the wrong way from the spot.

After pushing fervently for a leveller, Liverpool made the breakthrough 14 minutes after the interval.

Sterling picked up the ball midway inside the Chelsea half and, after an adroit turn, escaped the attentions of Matic and outpaced Cahill before beating Courtois with a low left-footed shot that crept just inside the right-hand post.

Gerrard hit the opposite upright soon afterwards, and Philippe Coutinho brought a smart stop out of Courtois with a stinging drive as the game opened up.

Martin Skrtel headed Jordan Henderson's wicked free-kick off target with 17 minutes to go as the home side pressed to find a winner.

Courtois produced a fine double stop to deny Henderson and Sterling in the 75th minute, and the Belgian came up with an even better save to deny substitute Adam Lallana four minutes later, stretching full length to his right to tip the midfielder's effort behind.

Despite piling on the pressure in the final stages, Brendan Rodgers' side could not find the winner they so craved, meaning the tie is finely balanced ahead of the second leg.

Mali 1 Cameroon 1: Oyongo ensures share of the spoils

Ambroise Oyongo proved an unlikely hero for Cameroon as they drew 1-1 with Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ambroise Oyongo scored a late equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw for Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations Group D opener against Mali in Malabo on Tuesday.

With many of the players from a dreadful World Cup campaign left out of the squad, Volker Finke's men entered the tournament as one of the favourites to win the trophy in Equatorial Guinea.

But Cameroon looked destined for defeat when they fell behind to a Mali side that has reached the semi-finals of the AFCON in each of the last two tournaments.

It was midfielder Sambou Yatabare who put Mali ahead in the 71st minute by converting a free-kick from captain Seydou Keita.

Henryk Kasperczak's men were unable to protect their advantage, though, as right-back Oyongo proved to be the saviour for Cameroon when he stole into the penalty area to equalise six minutes from time.

The result leaves all the teams in Group D level on one point following the Ivory Coast's 1-1 draw with Guinea.

Mali started the better of the two sides went close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Bakary Sako's close-range effort was turned past the post by Fabrice Ondoa.

The Wolves midfielder then saw a far-post cross headed wide by Mustapha Yatabare with the goal at the striker's mercy.

Cameroon were dealt a blow when midfielder Eyong Enoh limped off 17 minutes in and was replaced by Franck Kom, but Finke's men would have taken the lead had Soumbeila Diakite not tipped Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's powerful header over the crossbar.

It was Mali who continued to create the better openings, but their lack of a cutting edge ensured the first half ended goalless.

Following the restart Cameroon began to gain more of a foothold in the game, but chances were few and far between for the four times champions.

Aurelien Chedjou curled a free-kick over the bar from the edge of the area before Benjamin Moukandjo fired wide from a tight angle.

And it was Mali who opened the scoring courtesy of a Sambou Yatabare's strike.

The on-loan Guingamp man controlled the ball with the chest after Keita's set-piece from the left-wing had been flicked into his path by Molla Wague and he brought it down to power home a vicious half-volley low into the net.

That effort appeared to have ensured all three points for a Mali side that had defended well for much of the encounter.

However, there was to be one last twist in the tale as Oyongo raced into the box to collect a Raoul Loe ball over the top and held his nerve to apply the finish.

Sambou Yatabare appeared to have won it for Mali in injury time with a diving header, only for his effort to be correctly ruled out for offside.

Routledge out for four weeks

Swansea City have suffered an injury blow with the news that winger Wayne Routledge will be out for four weeks with a calf problem.

Swansea City will be without Wayne Routledge for four weeks after he sustained a calf injury in Saturday's 5-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

The winger picked up the injury in the first half of the Premier League meeting at the Liberty Stadium and was substituted shortly after the half-hour mark.

Routledge's absence is a blow to Garry Monk's men, although there was better news with the returning to training of Jefferson Montero and Leon Britton.

Winger Montero trained in full for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Midfielder Britton, meanwhile, missed the game against Chelsea with a slight groin strain.

Captain Ashley Williams is likely to miss Swansea's FA Cup fourth round tie with Blackburn Rovers on Saturday with a shoulder injury, but the defender is expected to be back in training next week.