Manchester United will face Barcelona in the Champions League final, after they crushed Schalke 4-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday.United led 2-0 from the semi-final first leg, so when Antonio Valencia drilled an angled shot past Manuel Neuer after 26 minutes and Darron Gibson made it 2-0 five minutes later the tie was all but over.
Schalke did reply through Jurado before half-time but United were able to see out the match and even score twice more after the break, both through midfielder Anderson, to complete a 6-1 aggregate win.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson took a huge gamble on his side’s Champions League future by resting nine of the 11 players that started their English Premier League match at Arsenal last weekend – clearly concerned about a title-deciding fixture against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Only goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and midfielder Anderson survived the cull, with Wayne Rooney not even included on the bench.
Fortunately for Ferguson’s men, their opponents showed little belief that they could rescue the tie, even against a shadow United line-up, and the home side were convincing victors.
Irishman Gibson set up the opening goal with a wonderful pass for Valencia, who fired low across Neuer for 1-0.
Gibson doubled the lead five minutes later, firing in a shot that Neuer – who had played so wonderfully in the first leg – let slip into this own net.
The Germans did briefly pose a threat, scoring through Jurado, but United were back on the attack after the break and almost scored another through an Anderson curling shot that was well saved.
The Brazilian then tapped home after 72 minutes and converted a pass from Dimitar Berbatov four minutes later to wrap up a remarkably easy victory.
The result means United will play in the Champions League final for the third time in four years.
They won the title by beating Chelsea in Moscow in 2008, but lost to Barcelona in Rome a year later. Now they must face the Catalan giants again – but this time at Wembley on May 28.
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been selected in the France squad for the first time since surgery to remove a tumour from his liver.Abidal had the surgery in March and he missed almost two months of football before making his comeback in a Champions League match against Real Madrid on May 3.
The 31-year-old left back has now been named in Laurent Blanc’s 26-man squad for their upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier with Belarus on June 3 before friendlies against Ukraine on June 6 and Poland three days later.
Blanc said he was delighted to see Abidal – currently preparing for the Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday – back in French colours.
“I left him a message about 10 days ago to tell him I was really happy to see him back on a football pitch,” Blanc said.
“Hopefully he will be given a starting spot, he is coming back to form.”
“He will be delighted to return to the squad and he can bid for a starting spot at left-back.”
“It is amazing what he has already achieved, this is a good surprise. His return to the squad will boost his morale.”
Real Madrid’s Lassana Diarra is injured, and he is replaced by Sochaux midfielder Marvin Martin, while Lyon star Yoann Gourcuff is also missing with a knock.
France squad:
Goalkeepers: Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille).
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham), Adil Rami (Lille), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Paris St Germain).
There is little doubt that England put on a poor performance against Switzerland at the weekend and in the aftermath of this game there has been the suggestion that the players were tired after a long and hard Premier League season. But isn’t it time England came up with a new excuse? Bearing in mind that this seems to be the line that comes out whenever England put on a lacklustre performance.
Yes, there might be something in it because as we all know the Premier League is played at a high level at a very high pace. However, if it was 100% responsible for the performance then you would expect it to affect every player in the England squad and come to that every player that has played in the Premier League this season. But we don’t often hear of internationals that play their football in the Premier League putting on lacklustre performances for their countries. However, plenty of players have been outspoken about the need for a winter break if England are ever going to win the World Cup again – but that is really an argument for another day.
The real issue is why was it that Ashley Young, Jack Wilshere and Leighton Baines all seemed to be full of running? Let’s remember that Jack Wilshere is the player that had Arsene Wenger and others cry for him to be withdrawn from the England U21 squad over fears of burnout – so surely if anyone should be tired it should be him? But he wasn’t, he was full of energy and with some really quality on the ball. In fact he had a vital part to play to get England back in the game by winning the penalty to get the game back to 2-1. Ashley Young also looked full of energy when he came off the subs bench to score England’s equaliser and Leighton Baines was making some useful runs that were causing problems.
Fabio Capello felt the team looked tired and didn’t have the energy to press – but could the problems be more mental than physical. It seems like most of the England players were thinking about their holidays rather than a vital Euro 2012 qualifier. Then there is the issue of if the players really want to play for Capello – after all more and more players are announcing that they don’t want to be selected for England. Now surely that has to have something to do with the manager?
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John Terry did not agree with the manager and didn’t feel that the players were tired and wasn’t interested in making such mistakes. As the match showed the two goals that were scored were as result of mistakes that England must sort out. Different people will have different ideas about what the precise reasons are for the poor performance by England. However, I don’t think we can keep saying that it is all down to a long and hard Premier League season, because if that is the case then why doesn’t it affect all the players? Also it does seem to be funny that it only seems to have an impact on the established internationals.
When other players are given opportunities either from the bench or in friendly games these problems don’t seem to be so evident. Peter Crouch has never really let England down but in important games he rarely gets the opportunity to impress. But if the established England players can’t handle a Euro 2012 qualifier at the end of the season then maybe we should let the fringe players have a go.
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Yesterday saw the beginning of the 43rd Copa America in Argentina where a host of the world’s finest footballers will be on display and no doubt the eyes of Europe’s top clubs will be on them.
The tournament will include some the world’s most high profile players such as, Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez and will also be a platform for some of the most wanted men in football to show just why some of the biggest clubs in Europe are chasing their signatures.
Alexis Sanchez of Chile, Neymar of Brazil, and Javier Pastore of Argentina have all been linked with high profile moves to the likes of Chelsea , Barcelona , and Real Madrid . They will see this tournament as an ideal chance to attract more suitors and demonstrate the vast amount of talent they possess.
Sanchez for example has been told by Chile that he can leave their training camp in the build up to the Championship in order to complete his much anticipated move to Barcelona for around £35m. Neymars club Santos recently declared that five major European clubs have met the £40m buy-out clause in his contract and he too could soon be on the move.
Javier Pastores club Palermo have announced in the past few days a number of top clubs have shown an interest in him before club President Maurizio Zamparini declared one club in particular have tabled a £45m bid.
Between them these three players alone could cost a combined £130m for what is relatively unproven talent in the eyes of many fans, though the Copa America is the ideal platform for them to justify such high transfer fees and prove there is foundation to the hype.
Argentinean striker Sergio Aguero is another player being linked with a big money move on the eve of the competition, with Juventus reportedly ready to spend £32m in order secure his services in Serie A.
Aguero is part of an Argentinean squad that has finished as runners-up in the past two tournaments and will be looking to stop Brazil claiming the crown for a third time in row. Both have squads blessed with a number of superstars but both also have a lot to prove.
Though the Copa America isn’t all about the high profile players, it’s also a chance for some a South America’s lesser know players to show the world what they can do in the hope of attracting a lucrative transfer to a top European club.
Take for example Columbian defender Cristian Zapata , currently with Udinese, who declared he was a transfer target for Liverpool just a couple a weeks ago and this will be his chance to demonstrate why he is seen as one of the finest defenders in Italy.
Manchester United’s Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia was discovered by Wigan in this tournament a number of years ago and he has gone to not only establish himself as a Premier league player but also as a vital part of United’s Championship winning team.
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So as the competition evolves from here on in, there will not only be millions of fans watching with intrigue a number a Europe’s top scouts will be there and searching for the next South American Gem.
Article courtesy of Patrick Giffney from This Is Futbol
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that he is happy with the club’s business in the transfer market so far this summer, and has hailed the new players.
The Premier League champions have added Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea to their ranks in the last month, which the veteran feels are positive moves.
“It is just what the club needs. Three of our most experienced players have retired, so the manager has reinforced certain positions on the field. This club is always evolving. That is what has happened since I have been here,” the 32-year-old stated in a press conference in Boston.
“That is what you aim to do. It is not about your personal feelings. It is about the club becoming better and more stable and continuing the success we have had over the years.”
The fact that Sir Alex Ferguson has added youthful additions to the squad is also a decision backed by the England centre back.
“It is great to see young players. We have some very young players coming through the youth team already, so when the manager adds players of quality like Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David de Gea, it can only improve the squad, increase our longevity and continue our success,” he concluded.
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The Old Trafford side are currently in the United States to play five friendlies in the build up to the 2011/12 campaign.
Kenny Dalglish has admitted that players will have to moved on if he is to make any further additions to his Liverpool squad, reports Sky Sports.
The Anfield boss is keen to continue his summer recruitment drive but needs to move fringe players on if he is to bring in more new faces.
Dalglish has been busy in the transfer market with Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing brought in for big fees to bolster the midfield whilst goalkeeper Doni has signed to provide backup to Pepe Reina.
He told Sky Sports “We’re delighted with the work we’ve done. Whether there’s more remains to be seen and depends on players going out.”
Flops like Christian Poulsen and Alberto Aquilani are both high earners and surplus to requirements at Anfield.
The club are keen to move both them and other players on the periphery away from the club to allow Dalglish to strengthen the squad further.
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There is a gaping hole at left back that Dalglish is keen to fill with Paul Konchesky moving to Leicester and Emiliano Insua not in first team contention.
Newcastle United’s Jose Enrique and Lyon’s Aly Cissokho have been strongly linked with a switch to Anfield but a move for either will depend on who departs the club first.
Arsenal are planning a surprise bid for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis according to the Daily Mail.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is on the lookout for a new wide man with the impending departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas leaving the midfield light on the ground.
Jarvis has caught the attention of the Frenchman with his superb displays since Wolves’ promotion two seasons ago.
His performances for the Midlands club have also led to England recognition making his debut against Ghana in March and now Wenger is ready to pounce.
He has had his scouts keeping close tabs Jarvis who is an old-fashioned type winger with pace to burn and a deadly delivery, something Arsenal have lacked in seasons gone by.
The 25-year-old’s direct style of play and willingness to get to the by-line would offer an extra dimension to a side who have been criticised in the past for trying pass the ball into the net.
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Arsenal scouts were at Portman Road on Saturday to watch Jarvis play against Ipswich but were left disappointed as he missed the game with a minor groin injury.
That hasn’t perturbed Wenger who is keen to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium although it’s thought Wolves boss Mick McCarthy won’t let him go cheaply and without a fight.
In light of the launch of the new football gaming phenomenon that is ‘Goaldash’ I decided to look at the six best football comebacks of all time.
1. Tottenham Hotspur 3-5 Manchester United, Premier League 2001
In a match that lived up to the term a game of two halves with Tottenham leading 3-0 at the half time. Manchester United demonstrated their champions quality by coming out in the second half with Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastian Veron and David Beckham netting as United completed an brilliant five-goal comeback to leave Spurs completely shell-shocked.
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2.Angola 4-4 Mali, Africa Cup of Nations 2010.
With only 12 minutes remaining of host country Angola’s opening match of the 2010 African Nations Cup match they looked to be cruising to an opening 4-0 victory. Then Mali got one back and then another with 3 minutes to go, surely just consolidations? However on the 93rd minute it was 4-3 and then amazingly on the 94th minute Mali equalised to complete a simply extraordinary comeback. The student who bet his full loan on Angola at 4-0 must have been in complete disbelief at the final score which cost him a reported £4,400!
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3.Liverpool V AC Milan, Champions League Final 2005
Milan went into the half time break on course to the Champions League trophy, 3-0 up after a brace for Crespo and a goal from Maldini. However three goals in an incredible six minutes from Gerrard, Smicer and Alonso put the Reds level and we all know what happened in the penalty shootout as Benitez’s side claimed their first European victory in 21 years and 5th title in total.
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Find Out More About GOALDASH by clicking here
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4.Tottenham 3-4 Manchester City, FA Cup 2004
In one of the best FA Cup comebacks of all time away Manchester City were 3-0 down to Tottenham at White Hart Lane at half time. When Joey Barton was sent off just before the break, the game looked dead and buried. However a deflected shot from Sylvain Distin gave them a glimmer of hope, but goals from Paul Bosvelt and Shaun Wright-Phillips put City back on track, whilst a last gasp header from Jon Macken gave an amazing 10-man comeback victory!
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5.Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal, Premier League 2010
Arsenal sprinted into a 4-0 lead were coasting to an important victory in their Premier League title challenge. However Diaby was sent off and Newcastle won two pens and produced a stunning comeback with Tiote striking late on to secure a memorable point.
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6. Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich, Champions League Final 1999
Bayern Munich too the lead after six minutes and managed to hold on all the way into stoppage time before an incredible two goal comeback from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunner Solskjaer on 90+1’ and 90+3’ saw Sir Alex’s men take the title home to England. The video below shows a different perspective of those unbelievable last few minutes.
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So what is Goaldash all about then?
‘Goaldash’ is a fabulous concept which fuses the Lottery format with pre-chosen football fixtures. Whereas you may use birthdays or your own favourite numbers to pick your six numbers, with ‘Goaldash’ you need to use your foresight of the Beautiful Game to select the six teams that are likely to score the quickest in the pre-selected 24 fixtures.
It only costs £1 a pop to enter and you have the chance to win a million pounds, every given week.
All you have to do is scour the 48 teams and pick out the 6 teams that are likely to score the quickest on the Saturday afternoon. The matches are chosen from the Premier League, the Football League, as well as the Scottish divisions therefore you will have plenty to work out and strategise before you make your selections.
Playing the Lottery has just got fun, especially as your odds are a damn sight greater.
Fancy your chances? Fancy winning £1million pounds? Why not give it a go!
Arsene Wenger has hit out at his team and believes their lack of confidence, coordination and communication is costing the football club dear and could cost them of their chances this season unless the problem is addressed. The Frenchman has also vowed to keep faith with his coaching staff, despite the recent defensive frailties.
Elsewhere in the papers Javier Hernandez avoids lay-off; Villas-Boas fears for Torres, while Gareth Bale believes that Adebayor can fire Tottenham back into the Champions League.
Wenger to keep faith with coaching staff despite frailty – Guardian
Modric deserves a pay rise, says Redknapp – Guardian
Hernández avoids lay-off –Daily Telegraph
City launch multimillion battle to stop next Giggs signing for United – Independent
Villas-Boas fears for Torres after shocking miss – Independent
Spurs plotting to sign Swiss keeper Jakupovic as Gomes considers leaving – Daily Mail
Louis Saha refused to play in reserves – Sun
Bale backs Adebayor to fire Spurs into Champions League – Mirror
Villas-Boas lines up £20m January bid for Everton youngster Barkley – Daily Mail
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Sinclair: I quit Blues to get fair chance – Sun
Ben Arfa is worth the hassle, says Pardew ahead of crock’s comeback – Daily Mail
Writing for a Liverpool fan site, there is a fine line between what fans would describe as constructive and destructive criticism. As a person who writes blogs on my favourite club, especially when the write two a day to ensure good site numbers, I could be accused of over analysing situations or being seen as writing blogs that are “knee-jerk reaction” to previous matches.
For this reason it is not always easy to look at matches, with performances and results with the right perspective. We are 5 games into the season with Liverpool on seven points with 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses and already people are getting restless about the direction the club is heading in under Dalglish.
After a summer of big spending with high profile arrivals and departures many fans expect instant results, and those not at all happy with our summer purchases have been quick to vent their anger at the manager. There maybe a lot of people out there who know more about football than me, but I can’t see how we are anywhere the crisis point some people are making out after 5 league games. Attacking the manager in such a way is unhelpful to the team, and is reactionary in the extreme. We must remember it is an entirely new team; one which Kenny Dalglish is still finding about, as his tactical mistakes on Sunday are testament to.
In the same instance though, I will never been someone who shows blind faith in a manager, either personally or in his methods. When things started to go wrong during Rafa Benitez ’s last campaign as manager, I highlighted the problems I felt Rafa hadn’t addressed and fans, who supported Rafa through thick and thin, defended him as they have the right to do. The same goes with Kenny Dalglish, a legend as both player and manager, he also can’t be immune from criticism, and I will call it as I see it if I believe he makes a mistake.
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For me this is constructive criticism of an individual I both admire as a manager and a person. To those who want to attack Dalglish so vehemently early on the season because they feel they know better, I have no time for you unless you have something constructive to say.
Equally though, those who say it is knee-jerk or ill-informed to criticise Kenny and we should go and support another team, this is an opinion site after all. We welcome opinions from all points of view, and as we are free to say what we like, I think any manager, no matter how legendary, can be assessed by what he does right and wrong.
Article courtesy of David Tully from Live4Liverpool
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