Maradona coy on selection plans for Argentina

Maradona coy on selection plans for Argentina

March 27, 2009

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Diego Maradona is keeping a lid on his team selection plans ahead of his first competitive game in charge of Argentina.
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Argentina have enjoyed positive results in two friendlies under Maradona, defeating Scotland 1-0 in November before beating France 2-0 in February.

However, those results will count for nothing if they are unable to pick up a vital victory at home to Venezuela in a crucial 2010 World Cup qualifier.

Argentina are third in the South American Qualifying Zone with 16 points, seven below leaders Paraguay, but of more concern is that they are just four clear of sixth place.

Failure to finish inside the top five would see Argentina miss out on the tournament in South Africa.

"I have the team in my head but I still have some details to resolve," Maradona revealed. "In football there is no pressure but there is responsibility and the players understand that."

The match at the Monumental stadium will mark Maradona's first home game in charge and the 1986 World Cup winner has called on fans to create an intimidating atmosphere.

"I want the Monumental to explode with noise and for every Argentina player to be applauded," he added.

"I'm living this moment with intensity and I'm in a place where I always want to be and I enjoy it."

Henry delivery upbeat message after crucial win

Henry delivery upbeat message after crucial win

March 29, 2009

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France captain Thierry Henry believes his side's current position in World Cup qualifying Group Seven is better in reality than it looks on paper.
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Despite their 1-0 win over Lithuania in Kaunas last night, Les Bleus remain third in their pool, five points behind Serbia with around half the campaign gone.

But with the French having now played Romania, Austria and now Lithuania on their travels, Henry reckons France's situation is not too bad after all.

"In this course of qualification, I don't want to look for excuses but we have played three of our four matches away from home up to now," said the Barcelona striker, whose side play Serbia away in September.

"We will now have more matches at home and it will be up to us to close the gap on Serbia.

"It isn't a surprise to see them at the summit. They are a footballing nation who possess some great players."

France, who beat Serbia 2-1 at the Stade de France with some comfort back in September, are unbeaten in qualifying since their opening-round horror show against Austria, when they lost 3-1 in Vienna.

If they beat Lithuania on Wednesday in Paris in the return match between the two sides, France will climb into second place and to within two points of Serbia with five matches left.

That will take some of the heat off coach Raymond Domenech and his under-fire squad, although Henry insists he has not been feeling the pressure despite his country's poor start to qualification.

"People were talking before the match about our doubts, were they? I don't listen to what is being said," added Henry in L'Equipe. "The pitch, that's where the truth is. People speak because they want to speak. Us, we know what have to do.

"We must put all this into context - we haven't just beaten a top-10 team in the world. But this Lithuania team isn't easy to play against and we will see that again on Wednesday.

"Our team is in the process of being built; we can't do it overnight. To progress, you have to have matches like this (against Lithuania), matches like the one we lost in Austria, comebacks like we had in Romania (France came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2) and matches like we had at home to Serbia where everyone was expecting things from us.

"I am not going to talk about this Lithuania game being a turning point. I hope there will be more of them."

France also have home and away matches against group whipping boys the Faroe Islands to come.

Hull to submit Fabregas evidence on Monday

Hull to submit Fabregas evidence on Monday

March 30, 2009

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Hull chairman Paul Duffen is certain the Football Association will uncover the truth during their investigation into claims that Brian Horton was spat at by Arsenal club captain Cesc Fabregas.

Francesc Fabregas

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Francesc Fabregas on the pitch after the game

The allegations from the Hull camp followed their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in a stormy FA Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium earlier this month.

Hull manager Phil Brown accused Fabregas of spitting at Horton in the tunnel at the end of the match.

Hull will make their formal statement to the FA on Monday, which is the deadline for evidence to be submitted, and Duffen is confident Brown and Horton will be vindicated.

Fabregas had said today: "I think this is completely closed for me.''

But Duffen told Sky Sports News: "If maybe he feels he did behave inappropriately I couldn't understand why he would want to think it was over.

"The matter has its own momentum now because the Football Association have started an inquiry and they've asked us to submit evidence by tomorrow [Monday] in terms of the players and coaching staff of Hull City who were involved in the incident on that evening.

"We can't refuse to give evidence to the FA so we are co-operating with it and we totally welcome the inquiry.

"There's no question in my mind that Brian Horton, Phil Brown and the coaching staff and players saw something happen that evening.

"I have absolutely no doubt something took place and I'm sure the inquiry will find out all those facts and details.''

Although the issue is now in the hands of the FA, Duffen would have welcomed an apology at an earlier stage.

"If there was an accommodation between the football clubs, then that would be an elegant way of moving forward,'' he said.

"If there could be an easier way of moving forward which would be less of a drama then of course we would be happy with that.''

Agent claims Mancini turned down Man Utd offer

Agent claims Mancini turned down Man Utd offer

March 29, 2009

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Roberto Mancini turned down the role of Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, according to the former Inter Milan coach's agent.
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Mancini has been out of a job since he was sacked by the Nerazzurri last summer, despite leading them to a third successive Serie A title.

However, he revealed that he is hoping for a return to management in time for next season.

The 44-year-old has been linked with several clubs, including Chelsea, but according to Giorgio De Giorgis, he could have joined one of the London club's main Premier League rivals.

"I really believe that next year he will return to coaching a big club," he told Udineseblog.it. "I think that everyone aspires to have someone like him, he has showed on the pitch how well he knows how to make his teams play and that he knows how to win.

"Where will he go? He would want to go abroad.

"A little while ago there was contact with United but they were offering him only the role of Ferguson's assistant. And that didn't suit him."

Mike Phelan is United's current assistant manager, having replaced Carlos Queiroz when he became Portugal coach in September.

Drogba and Malouda happy to stay at Bridge

Drogba and Malouda happy to stay at Bridge

March 30, 2009

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Chelsea team-mates Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda insist they have no intention of leaving Stamford Bridge.
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Drogba, whose contract runs out in 2010, has consistently been linked with a move away from the club during a frustrating campaign which has seen him score just twice in the Premier League.

Injury delayed the Ivory Coast striker's start to the season and his attempts to return to his best have been plagued by suspension and poor form.

However, Drogba has returned to something like his old form following Guus Hiddink's arrival as coach and he insists he is enjoying life at Chelsea.

"Many things are said and written," he told Rennes daily Ouest-France. "For us, from the moment where a contract is signed, the aim is to honour it until the end.

"The nearer someone gets to the end of his contract, the more speculation there is about him. It's kind of normal.

"We mustn't forget also that the English league is the best. We are European 'vice-champions' behind Manchester United, who only won the (Champions League) final on penalties. It's difficult for things to be better."

Malouda is also adamant he wants to remain at Stamford Bridge after finally finding his feet at the club.

Malouda failed to settle in his debut season and was linked with a swift exit after joining the Blues from Lyon for £13.5million in July 2007, signing a four-year deal.

But the France winger has been a revelation this season and insists he has no desire to head for the exit.

"My wish is to remain here," he said. "I express myself little on the subject, so inevitably, they sometimes make out that I've said something I haven't.

"The day I wanted to leave a club, I never omitted to say so openly, as was the case at Lyon.

"Moreover, I left OL for a better club. That's the case here. I am in a team that allows me to close in on my aims. Last year we were really close to the Champions League so I'm aiming to go even further."

Terry tips Rooney

Terry tips Rooney to top 150 caps for England

March 29, 2009

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England captain John Terry reckons "frightening'' Wayne Rooney can only get better.

Wayne Rooney

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Wayne Rooney fires in his second goal

The Manchester United striker took his tally to seven in his last four appearances for England with a double in the 4-0 friendly win over Slovakia at Wembley to show the fallout from his red card at Fulham last week had little impact on his game.

Rooney, 23, will win his 50th cap if selected against Ukraine in Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier.

Chelsea defender Terry, 28, reached that personal landmark of a half-century of England games yesterday, on an evening when David Beckham set a new appearance record of 109 for an outfield player.

Terry feels Rooney has the potential to achieve so much more with the national team.

"He potential is frightening. We were speaking about Becks and my 50th cap on the way here and I was saying to Wayne he could possibly get to 150,'' said Terry.

"It is a reachable target - and certainly 100.

"Wayne has probably missed 20 games through injuries and suspensions, but he is very young, very talented and one of the best in the world that is for sure.''

Terry believes Rooney thrives in a free attacking role.

"I have said before to let Wayne play, because that is what he is best at doing,'' the Chelsea defender observed. "Wayne is growing into a very mature man both on and off the field.

"We love seeing him play with freedom and he plays very well like it.''

Steven Gerrard was given a roaming role from the left of midfield yesterday by head coach Fabio Capello, with Frank Lampard playing somewhat more defensive - but still managing to arrive on queue to net a third goal for England after 82 minutes.

Terry said: "It is great to see the variety in the players, that they are able to change the formations and still do brilliantly well.

"Even when Frank was holding, he managed to finish off a great ball into the penalty area.''

On his own achievements in reaching 50 caps, Terry reflected: "When you first come in the squad you aim to get to 50, and now I am there I can hopefully kick on and get many more.

"Now I really want to push on for 100 and that means staying fit for Chelsea and playing as many games as possible for my country.''

Terry feels yesterday's victory against a side who so far had been impressive in their own campaign to reach South Africa will have set England up well for the visit of Ukraine in Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier.

"We had everything,'' the England captain declared. "The fans were great right from the start and stayed with us, which is what we need.

"We started very well and were unlucky not to be two or three up. After that the goals came, the performance was there, but it is important we get the same again Wednesday.''

Terry added: "We feel it is slowly progressing under this manager. ''We tested ourselves against Spain last month and were disappointed.

"We looked at them and said 'that's where we want to be', especially looking at their movement - which I think we had here.''

England have some fitness concerns for the clash with Ukraine.

Tottenham forward Darren Bent has been called into the squad after Carlton Cole, who had come on to replace injured goalscorer Emile Heskey, was ruled out with a thigh problem.

Heskey is also a major doubt, with the Aston Villa striker set to undergo a scan today after lasting just 14 minutes before limping off with what the England coach described as cramp.

However, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand should be available for Wednesday's game after scans on a groin injury which caused him to miss out against Slovakia revealed no damage.

Mourinho scoffs at suggestions Sir Alex will retire

Mourinho scoffs at suggestions Sir Alex will retire

By Soccernet staff

March 30, 2009

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Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has brushed off talk of him taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United next summer by insisting the Scot is going nowhere.

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Sir Alex: Will he retire next summer?

Mourinho has been strongly linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, and the speculation intensified last week when Sir Alex's son, Darren, said his father would have only one more season in the game.

But Mourinho believes Sir Alex's hunger for management refuses to subside and he will always be looking for that 'one more season'.

In an interview with ESPN, Mourinho was aksed if he would be interested in taking over at the Red Devils: "Which is the manager that says no? Nobody can say no.

"Manchester United belongs to a small group of clubs from around the world where nobody can say no. But first of all I don't believe in 2010 he is leaving - I don't believe.

"I think year after year he is the same, he's exactly the same person; healthy, happy... so I don't see a reason for him to quit.

"And in a very fair way, I hope he still goes, I hope he still goes on, because he's good."

Mourinho admits there are some similarities between the two coach. He added: "I think we have some points in common; huge ambition, desire, big pleasure in football.

"The fact he's almost 70 and he keeps saying he still enjoys his work is exactly the feeling I have at 45. I look to my 60s, and for sure I will have the same kind of mentality I have today.

"Close relation with the players, and with our club fans, so yes I think we have some points in common, and also after matches, we have in common, the fact that we know how to lose and we know how to win.

"So that's why after 14 matches we have played between us - Porto with Manchester, Chelsea with Manchester and Inter with Manchester - we play 14 matches against each other, I win, he wins, we draw and after the game the respect is there and a good feeling is there."

John Terry

John Terry reckons in-form Wayne Rooney can only get better. "He potential is frightening," said the England captain. "We were speaking about Becks and my 50th cap on the way here and I was saying to Wayne he could possibly get to 150." [+]

Rooney shrugs off temper concerns

Rooney shrugs off temper concerns

March 30, 2009

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England striker Wayne Rooney brushed aside concerns over his temperament by insisting: "I am always in control.''
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It was a brief response from the 23-year-old just after scoring twice in the 4-0 win over Slovakia, coming a week after he punched a corner flag having been sent off for Manchester United at Fulham.

Rooney may never lose the red mist but he showed his maturity at Wembley with a polished performance, on the left or supporting a striker.

His two goals took his England tally to 21, with seven coming in the last four games.

"As long as he's not knocking anyone out on the field it doesn't matter,'' said England team-mate Carlton Cole, who has pulled out of the squad through injury.

"Wayne is a top international player and you have to understand that sometimes his temperament lets him down but he is world class.''

Cole, Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey picked up injuries against Slovakia but it did not faze Rooney.

"I am a bit more experienced and have played in big games at club level which has really helped me,'' he said.

With Steven Gerrard's form for Liverpool, Rooney sometimes went to the left flank allow his team-mate the free role that he enjoys at Anfield.

"It is something we worked on in training,'' Rooney said. "Stevie has been playing unbelievably for Liverpool and it is good that we both slotted in and it is nice to do well.''

Rooney will reach 50 caps against Ukraine on Wednesday in the World Cup qualifier, although milestones do not bother him.

"I am pleased if I can get to the 50 caps but I want to win a trophy. Hopefully in the future we can do that,'' he said.

Skipper John Terry passed the 50-cap mark against Slovakia and has tipped Rooney to earn up to 150, well past David Beckham's current record of 109 for an outfield player.

Terry himself wants to reach triple figures.

"That would be nice,'' he said. "I've been a bit overshadowed but I'll take that, it was a great achievement for Becks.

"It was a great achievement for myself and that is the target when you first come into the squad. You set yourself a target and mine was 50, now I'm there I want to reach 100 if I stay fit I have a chance.''

Meanwhile, Slovakia centre-back Martin Skrtel, who was given a tough afternoon by Rooney, led the praise for the United forward.

"It is very difficult to play against him,'' said the Liverpool defender. "He moves every time and not only played against the defenders but he was going deep on the pitch from midfield and he is a very good player. He is one of the best.''

Technical Committees

Technical Committees
The Technical and Development Committee analyses the principal aspects of football training and technical development, as well as contributing its views on a whole range of issues including the football calendar and rest periods. Find out who sits on the committee.

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FIFA and UEFA reject WADA "whereabouts" rule

FIFA and UEFA reject WADA "whereabouts" rule
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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FIFA and UEFA reject WADA "whereabouts" rule

Following the joint meeting with the team sports' federations held in Vienna on 8 December 2008, and further to the unanimous decision of the FIFA Executive Committee in Zurich on 19 March 2009, and the unanimous decision of the UEFA Executive Committee in Copenhagen on 24 March 2009.

The governing bodies of FIFA and UEFA formally reject the stance taken by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) concerning the "whereabouts" rule and, more specifically, the individual location of team-sport athletes.

FIFA and UEFA want to stress the fundamental differences between an individual athlete, who trains on his own, on the one hand, and a team-sport athlete, who is present at the stadium six days out of seven, and thus easy to locate, on the other hand.

FIFA and UEFA therefore oppose the individual "whereabouts" rule, and want to see it replaced by collective location rules, within the scope of the team and within the stadium infrastructure.

Nevertheless, FIFA and UEFA agree, as an exception, to individual location for players already serving a suspension, or for players injured for a long period of time, as these players do not necessarily participate in the daily life of the club.

Furthermore, FIFA and UEFA do not accept that controls be undertaken during the short holiday period of players, in order to respect their private life.

Finally, FIFA and UEFA want to draw attention to the fact that, both on a political and juridical level, the legality of the lack of respect of the private life of players, a fundamental element of individual liberty, can be questioned.

Every year, the footballing world organises between 25,000 and 30,000 doping controls and is committed to fighting doping in football with all of its means.

In a spirit of collaboration in the fight against doping, FIFA and UEFA therefore ask WADA to reconsider its position on the "whereabouts" rule.

Chelsea's Cech named top Czech

Chelsea's Cech named top Czech
(AFP) Monday 23 March 2009
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Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech was named best Czech footballer of 2008 , following a poll of players, coaches, officials and journalists.

The 26-year-old international finished ahead of veteran Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved, who won the European Footballer of the Year award in 2003, and Atletico Madrid defender Tomas Ujfalusi.

The former Rennes keeper has won 65 caps for the Czech Republic since making his debut in 2002 and was also named best player in his country in 2005. Karel Jarolim, coach of 2007-08 Czech champions Slavia Prague, was named coach of the year.

Moratti admits Ibra could go

Moratti admits Ibra could go
(Reuters) Monday 23 March 2009
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Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be sold if a club offers enough money and the striker wants to leave, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has said.

The Serie A joint top scorer with 19 goals said he would consider his future at the end of the season following two goals in Sunday's 3-0 win over Reggina, which kept leaders Inter seven points clear. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked in the media with a move for the Swede, who was frustrated by Inter flopping again in the UEFA Champions League when they lost to Manchester United in the last 16 earlier this month.

"Everyone has a price. If he decides to leave, he would also have one. No appointments have been set for the end of the season," Moratti told reporters. "Maybe Ibrahimovic leaves for somewhere else and then Inter win the Champions League. In life sometimes you make a change and then regret it."

Inter coach Jose Mourinho said on Sunday that the club was bigger than Ibrahimovic despite his inspirational displays. Moratti agreed with Mourinho but added: "I can't think of an Inter without Ibrahimovic."

Rooney escapes FA action

Rooney escapes FA action
(AFP) Monday 23 March 2009
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England striker Wayne Rooney will not face further disciplinary action following the red card he received against Fulham at the weekend. The Manchester United forward was sent-off for two bookable offences during the English Premier League champions' shock 2-0 defeat.

Although he had words with Phil Dowd after being shown the red card, the official has confirmed he was not sworn at by Rooney, an offence which could have led to a longer ban. However, the Football Association (FA) are to write to Rooney, whose temper has been a worry to some within the English game, about his conduct after the former Everton favourite punched a corner flag while leaving the pitch.

An FA spokesman said : "We have clarified with Phil Dowd that there was no abuse from the player after he was dismissed. In relation to the incident when he punched the corner flag, the referee did not see that and we have written to Wayne Rooney reminding him of his responsibilities."

Rooney will now be suspended for one match, the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 5 April.

Cambiasso signs Inter extension

Cambiasso signs Inter extension
(AFP) Monday 23 March 2009
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Argentinian midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has extended his contract with Inter Milan until 2014, the Italian league leaders have announced.

Cambiasso, 28, arrived at Inter in 2004 after two years at Real Madrid.

This season, he has made 26 appearances in Serie A, scoring two goals, and eight in the UEFA Champions League.

Ronaldo and Corinthians march on

Ronaldo and Corinthians march on
(Reuters) Monday 23 March 2009
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striker Ronaldo had to be content with a supporting role as his side beat Santos 1-0 in a Paulista championship match.

Ronaldo had scored in his previous two outings for Corinthians but this time, strike partner Dentinho stole the show when he lost his marker to meet Douglas's long cross with a powerful header in the 15th minute. The match had been billed as a clash between former Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan striker Ronaldo and Santos' 17-year-old prodigy Neymar, but neither had an outstanding game.

Neymar, who had scored in two of his four appearances and is already being compared to former Santos forward Robinho, was taken off midway through the second half. "It's very good to win," said Ronaldo who was substituted after 81 minutes. "It was his (Dentinho's) time to score a goal. It was an important and decisive one."

Corinthians, unbeaten in the tournament, are second with 33 points from 15 games, four behind leaders Palmeiras. The top four qualify for the semi-finals. Santos are fifth.

Rio drama
There was unrest on the field in Rio de Janeiro where five players were sent off in Vasco da Gama's 2-0 win over arch-rivals Flamengo at the Maracana. Elton and Jefferson scored early in each half as Vasco beat Flamengo in the Carioca championship, where the goals were outnumbered by red cards.

Flamengo midfielder Willians was sent off in the 16th minute after being booked twice in as many minutes and Vasco's Carlos Alberto followed moments after the half-hour mark when he was given a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.

Flamengo's Leo Moura was given a straight red for a foul in the 53rd minute and Vasco's Ramon followed before the hour for a second bookable offence. Vasco finished with eight men when defender Titi was dismissed in stoppage time. Flamengo coach Cuca was also dismissed.

Algeria make minor changes

Algeria make minor changes
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Algeria have made only minor changes to their squad for their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali on Saturday 28 March.

Coach Rabah Saadane, who had been working with his locally-based players last week, made just two personnel changes, both in defence, from the squad that beat Benin 2-1 in a friendly international in February. Defender Reda Babouche, 29, is line to win his second cap in almost four years after making his first appearance for the Algerian national side in 2005, while Samir Zaoui comes in for injured centre-back Anthar Yahia.

Left out of the squad is Karim Ziani from French club Olympique
Marseille, suspended for one game after an accumulation of cautions.
Algeria play in Group C of the final phase of the African qualifiers
for the South African world finals.

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Benhamou (Mouloudia Alger), Lounes Gaouaoui (USM Annaba), Mohamed Ousserir (Chabab Belouizdad)

Defenders: Reda Babouche (Mouloudia Alger), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth, England), Madjid Bougherra (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Rafik Halliche (Nacional, Portugal), Adel Maiza (Al Ahli Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), Mohamed Meftah (JS Kabylie), Slimane Raho (Entente Sétif), Samir Zaoui (ASO Chlef), Abderaouf Zarabi (Nimes, France)

Midfielders: Cherif Abdeslam (JS Kabylie), Yacine Bezzaz (Valenciennes FC, France), Lamouri Djediat (Entente Sétif), Lazhar Hadj Aissa, Khaled Lemmouchia (both Entente Setif), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient, France)

Strikers: Hameur Bouazza (Birmingham City, England), Rafik Djebour (AEK Athens, Greece), Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena, Italy), Kamel Ghilas (Celta Vigo, Spain), Karim Matmour (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Rafik Saïfi (Lorient, France).

Mata in for Iniesta

Mata in for Iniesta
(AFP) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has replaced injured Andres Iniesta with uncapped Valencia winger Juan Mata for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifiers against Turkey at home on Saturday and away four days later.

Iniesta injured his thigh on Sunday during Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Malaga in a Spanish league match and is expected to be sidelined for two weeks. Mata has been a regular fixture at Valencia since he joined the club from Real Madrid's youth team in 2007.

Del Bosque included the 20-year-old in his squad for Spain's 3-0 friendly victory against Chile in November last year, but the winger did not feature in the match.

The European champions have not lost a game since going down 1-0 to Romania in a friendly in Cadiz in November 2006. They top their qualifying group, with four wins from four games, and have only conceded one goal in their last ten matches.

McCarthy exit leaves Bafana puzzle

McCarthy exit leaves Bafana puzzle
(AFP) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Benni McCarthy said a hamstring injury will prevent him joining 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts SoutStriker h Africa for friendlies against Norway and Portugal. His move puzzled FA officials as Blackburn Rovers cleared the player to join Bafana Bafana (The Boys) for games with Norway in Rustenburg on Saturday and Portugal in Switzerland three days later.

McCarthy strained his hamstring in an English Premier League clash with West Ham at Ewood Stadium last Saturday, but Blackburn did not consider the injury serious enough to prevent him travelling. "The South African team doctor had a telephone discussion with Benni following a report from the Blackburn medical team, but the player insists he feels tremendous pain," a national association statement said.

McCarthy has a history of withdrawals and 'retirements' from the national squad before promising coach Joel Santana last year he would always be available. Midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi from Durban club Lamontville Golden Arrows has also withdrawn injured and strikers Katlego Mashego of Orlando Pirates and Katlego Mphela of Mamelodi Sundowns have been added to the squad.

Darragi drafted in for Tunisia

, drafted in for Tunisia
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Tunisia have called up midfielder Oussama Darragi from local club leaders Esperance after two withdrawals ahead of Saturday's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifier in Kenya. Darragi was added by coach Humberto Coelho after the withdrawal through injury of Jamel Saifi from French club Montpellier, who has a knee injury, and Khaled Souissi, whose thigh strain was confirmed by a scan this week.

Coelho had earlier named France-based striker Lasaad Nouioui in his squad for the first time. The 23-year-old striker has belatedly broken through to the first team at Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna and impressed the coach on a recent visit to the Spanish league match against Racing Santander.

German-born Sami Allagui keeps his place in the squad after making his debut in November in the friendly against Ghana. Tunisia are due to arrive in Nairobi on Wednesday for their Group B match at the Kasarani Stadium in the Kenyan capital.

Goalkeepers: Hamdi Kasraoui (Esperance), Jassem Khalloufi (CS Sfaxien), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile Sahel).

Defenders: Yamen Ben Zekri (Bastia/FRA), Anis Boussaidi (SV Salzburg/AUT), Aimen Demai (Kaiserslautern/GER), Seif Ghezal (Young Boys Berne/SUI), Bilel Ifaa (Club Africain), Karim Hagui (Bayer Leverkusen/GER), Radhi Jaidi (Birmingham City/ENG), Ammar Jemal (Etoile Sahel), Yassin Mikari (Grasshoppers Zurich/SUI).

Midfielders: Tijani Belaid (Slavia Prague/CZE), Fahid Ben Khalfallah (Caen/FRA), Oussama Darragi (Esperance), Abdelkarim Nafti (CS Sfaxien), Hocine Ragued (Mons-Bergen/BEL).

Forwards: Sami Allagui (SpVgg Greuther Furth/GER), Wissem Ben Yahia (Club Africain), Mohamed Ali Ghariani (CS Hammam Lif), Issam Jomaa (Racing Lens/FRA), Lassad Nouioui (Deportivo La Coruna/ESP), Ali Zitouni (Antalyaspor/TUR).

Gerrard keen on England boos

Gerrard keen on England boost
(AFP) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is aiming to bring the form that has helped revive the club's English Premier League title bid into the international arena. The 28-year-old midfielder, who scored a hat-trick in Liverpool's recent 5-0 thrashing of Aston Villa, is set to feature in both England's friendly with Slovakia on Saturday and next week's 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Ukraine.
Hopefully, I can stay in the set-up for a long time. I'm happy with my 70 caps, I've missed a few through injury and hopefully I can get a few more in the future.
Steven Gerrard talks about his time with England

Liverpool's latest win coupled with their shock 4-1 triumph away to Manchester United the previous week and the champions' equally surprise defeat by Fulham last Saturday, have enabled the Merseysiders to close to within a point of the leaders. But Gerrard, speaking at an England news conference, insisted: "It's been a fantastic two weeks at club level but I've got to put that aside now and focus totally on these two games.

"Certainly after two wins for England I would be smiling going back to Liverpool," he added. "It was fantastic to score three goals (against Villa) but more importantly the win kept the momentum going and meant we stayed on United's shoulders. Chelsea lost as well so it was a fantastic weekend to be a Liverpool player."

Turning back to England, Gerrard added: "I've missed the last two England friendlies through injury which was disappointing. But I'm really happy with the way I'm playing at the moment. I need to say a big thank you to the Liverpool players as well. It's down to them the way I'm playing and I need to try to take that into the next two England games."

Two tests
The Ukraine match will be the one that matters most out of their two upcoming fixtures, with England looking to maintain their perfect record in the quest to qualify for the 2010 world finals in South Africa. Gerrard, though, is expecting a difficult encounter against Slovakia, who have one of his Anfield team-mates in their side.

"It will be a test and it will be good preparation for us," Gerrard said. "Martin Skrtel is my team-mate and he is getting better all the time, I'm sure he will be a world-class player in the future. There has been a bit of banter with Martin, but he's quiet despite being vocal and very tough on the pitch," Gerrard added of the Liverpool centre-half.

"If his team-mates are as good as him we are in for a really tough game. They are coming to Wembley so they will be up for it and we'll show them respect," Gerrard went on.

David Beckham could become England's most-capped outfield player, breaking the record of 108 appearances he currently shares with 1966 FIFA World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, if he featured on Saturday. "It's a phenomenal record and I'd love to see him break it," Gerrard said. "Hopefully, I can stay in the set-up for a long time. I'm happy with my 70 caps, I've missed a few through injury and hopefully I can get a few more in the future."

Villarreal supplies fan support

Villarreal supplies fan support
(Reuters) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Villarreal will offer unemployed season-ticket holders free passes in 2009-10 to help fans feeling the effects of the global economic crisis, president Fernando Roig said on Tuesday.

"Season-ticket holders who are on the dole will be allowed in free next year," Roig told a news conference. "The idea is to think of the club's wider social base and those who have been unlucky to lose their jobs so they can continue to watch football in the Madrigal."

Roig added the club's board, coaching staff, players and sponsors would combine to set up a fund to help subsidise the plan, with the precise details agreed in the next few weeks.

Striker Joseba Llorente gave his backing to the scheme. "We are keen to get involved because it seems like a good idea considering the times we are in," he said. "There are many people without work and it's a shame if they don't come to the stadium because of this."

Villarreal are fourth in the Primera Liga and face Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League next month.

Chelsea edge Juve

Chelsea edge Juve in thriller
(AFP) Tuesday 10 March 2009
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Goals from African pair Didier Drogba and Michael Essien earned Chelsea a 2-2 draw at Juventus in the UEFA Champions League to send last year's finalists through to the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate.

In a pulsating match Juve finished with 10 men following the second-half dismissal of Giorgio Chiellini but goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta and evergreen Alessandro Del Piero had briefly given them cause to hope. Instead the first of three anglo-Italian ties in the second round went the way of the powerful English Premier League.

But Chelsea had to come back from a goal down on the night, something that had coach Guus Hiddink purring about their reaction. "Playing here at Juventus's home is not the easiest task. We had a job to do, we started rather sloppily, we lost too many duels. They could give some easy passes into their front players and the defence was not marking well," he said.

"But the reaction of the team was ok, we knew that at 1-0 or even 2-0 we must not panic because we were able to score any moment. We reacted at 1-0, had good score on edge of half-time and in the second half we controlled the game a little more and didn't play stupid long balls."

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg and needing to score, Juve coach Claudio Ranieri picked an attacking line-up with Del Piero playing behind forwards David Trezeguet and Iaquinta. It initially paid dividends and at the end of the game Ranieri rued what might have been.

Ecuador’s Shipyard Derby

Ecuador’s Shipyard Derby
(FIFA.com) Thursday 26 February 2009
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"No matter what people say about other games, the biggest derby in Ecuadorian football will always be Barcelona-Emelec." That view, expressed on a fans' forum, is one held by the vast majority of the country's footballing fraternity. As FIFA.com reveals, the Guayaquil clásico is a match like no other in Ecuador, dividing the whole nation and putting its other sporting rivalries firmly in the shade.

The origins
The two clubs were always destined to be enemies. Barcelona Sporting Club was founded on 1 May 1925 by a group of friends in the heart of the docklands of Guayaquil, the largest port in the country. Almost four years to the day later, and just a matter of blocks away, a well-heeled American ownder of the Empresa de Electricidad de Ecuador (the Ecuador Electric Company) realised his dream by founding Club Sport Emelec.

Strangely, it was not until 22 August 1943 that the two sides faced each other for the first time, in a Guayaquil League match. Sporting their distinctive yellow jerseys, Los Canarios defeated El Eléctrico 4-3, with Pedro Villalta scoring a late winner for Barcelona. It was a match that would forever be remembered as The Derby of the Posts due to the number of times that the Emelec forwards struck the woodwork.

That distant encounter was the first in a long-running rivalry that would grow in intensity as the increasingly prosperous Emelec, taking up residence at a new stadium, collected trophy after trophy, while Barcelona struggled to remain competitive. As mark of its stature, in 1948 the local derby received a name of its own in a preview in the newspaper El Universo, becoming known forever more as El Clásico del Astillero (The Shipyard Derby).

Facts and figures
The inaugural Ecuadorian league championship was held in 1957, with Emelec winning the title and Barcelona finishing second. Due to the competition format, however, the two sides did not face each other in the league until December 1963, when El Eléctrico won 2-0. The two adversaries have now squared off 181 times in all, with Los Canarios prevailing on 58 occasions (scoring 202 goals in the process) and Emelec on 55 (199 goals scored).

Aside from Barcelona's period of dominance in the 1980s, the duo have largely matched each other over the years, as their Copa Libertadores clashes show. In 11 meetings in Latin America's most prestigious club tournament, both have four wins apiece with the other three games ending in draws. Their first meeting in the competition came on 12 February 1967, with Emelec emerging 3-0 winners, although Barcelona have finished Copa runners-up twice, in 1990 and 1998.

The top scorer in the derby overall is Lupo Quinones with 13 (ten for Emelec and three for Barcelona) although Manuel Uquillas leads the way among the one-club men with 11 goals for the Yellows. Goalkeeper Jose Francisco Cevallos has made 52 appearances for Barcelona in the Guayaquil clásico, more than any other player on either side, although the most unusual record is held by Emelec's Francisco Anibal Cibeyra, who scored direct from corner kicks in three consecutive meetings in 1978.

Tales of derbies past
A September 1949 clash played a large part in the derby acquiring national importance. Visitors Barcelona were leading 3-0 when the floodlights failed. After power was restored, the hosts stormed back to record an unlikely 3-3 draw, a result that caused angry Canarios fans to ask the Ecuador Electric Company for explanations for the power cut.

Then, in May 1988, Barcelona organised a four-team tournament to celebrate the opening on their new stadium, El Monumental. The hosts defeated Barcelona of Spain, while Emelec knocked out Penarol, setting up a final between the two.

Emelec striker Ney Raul Aviles takes up the story. "Barcelona were the 1987 league champions and had a good side," he explained. "Emelec had done well in 1986 and 1987 but for much of the 80s the Blues failed to figure among the top teams. Barcelona had their party all organised but there was absolutely no pressure on us and we won 1-0, a victory that gave us the strength to go on and win the title in 1988.″

1990 proved to be a very special year in the history of El Clásico del Astillero, with the two sides facing off in a Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg on 29 August. Barcelona advanced to the semis after a 1-0 win, only for Emelec to exact terrible revenge just four days later with a 6-0 league triumph, the biggest margin of victory in the fixture to date.

The rivalry today
Although Barcelona have failed to win the title since 1997 and Emelec since 2002 - barren runs that can be explained by the emergence of Liga de Quito, El Nacional and Deportivo Cuenca - the Shipyard Derby remains the biggest attraction in Ecuadorian football. Honours were even between the two in last year's meetings, with two draws and a win apiece, although Los Canarios eased to a 3-0 away victory in the final duel of the year.

The two cross swords again on Sunday, when three vital points will be at stake as well as local pride. Both sides have made poor starts to the league campaign and are rooted at the bottom of the table without a win to their names, Barcelona lying second bottom with three points and Emelec last after three defeats in their opening three outings. Whatever happens, a decisive result at the weekend is sure to make one half of the neighbourhood happy.

Villa: Spain can still improve

Villa: Spain can still improve
(FIFA.com) Monday 9 March 2009
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Fiercely competitive, hard-working and lethal in front of goal, Valencia's David Villa has developed into one of the hottest properties in world football. Yet despite finishing top scorer when Spain won UEFA EURO 2008, the Asturias-born hitman has not let his achievements go to his head.

Indeed, as he told FIFA.com when discussing topics including Valencia, La Roja's European conquest, the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, Vicente Del Bosque, Cesc Fabregas and Raul, this fervent admirer of fellow Asturian footballing icons Luis Enrique and Juanele insists he will keep learning his trade until the day he hangs up his boots.

FIFA.com: David, how is the mood in the Valencia dressing room given your recent UEFA Cup exit and inconsistent Liga form?
David Villa: Our season's taken a downward turn because we had high hopes for the UEFA Cup. Now we need to focus on the league, even though to be honest it's nigh on impossible for us to win it. Whatever the case, our stated goal is to finish in the top four to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League which is very important to the club, both financially and in sporting terms.

Spain have got off to a great start in South Africa 2010 qualifying and in late March face back-to-back games against Turkey. Will these encounters decide who finishes top of Group 5?
It will be virtually like a two-legged knockout tie. We knew from the off that Turkey could be our most difficult rivals. We go into the games with a significant points advantage and will be aiming to increase that over these two matches and put ourselves well on the way to qualifying. The sooner we seal qualification, the better for everybody.

Is there anything about the Turkish team that concerns you?
We'll have to study their strengths and weaknesses, but in principle we'll stick with our style of play which is one that's worked well for us. We have to try and be in good form ourselves, iron out our flaws and improve our strong points.

Surely Spain don't have many flaws? After all, they haven't lost since 2006.
In football, I think that admitting your weaknesses is a weakness in itself. But everybody still has them and, even though we're doing well at the moment, there are always things you can improve on.

How have things changed since Vicente del Bosque took charge of La Roja?
Maybe he's altered the way we work. Every coach has their own notebook, strategy and training tactics. But the core of the squad is the same and the environment hasn't changed, that's why it's been a smooth transition. Spain have been playing very well for a few years now, winning tough games and going unbeaten, and not just since the EURO. All of these factors have helped make the change of coach much less noticeable than if things were going badly.

You are currently joint-top scorer in European Zone qualifying for South Africa 2010, alongside Belgium's Wesley Sonck and Wayne Rooney of England. Have you set yourself a target?
No, I'll just try to score as many goals as possible in order to mathematically seal qualification for the World Cup as soon as possible. That's our aim at the end of the day. The finals are where you really get recognition. It's great to have the chance to play qualifying games but it's just a stepping stone. It's not about scoring loads of goals, it's about the ones you score helping your national team to qualify.

What will Spain aim to achieve at South Africa 2010?
I'm very boring about this, but I keep saying that what matters is qualifying and being there. We have to be sensible and realistic, and we've not guaranteed our ticket yet. Clearly though, if we continue in this vein then we've got a great chance. Once there, Spain always have to be one of the favourites. Let's hope that, with humility and a lot of hard work, we can reach the Final. As European champions there'll be a lot more expected from us while we also have to defend our style of play.

As well as putting the bad experience at Germany 2006 behind you...
Well yes, because we were left feeling terrible. I genuinely think that we were the best team in the group phase but then we had the misfortune to come up against France in the last 16. They weren't better than us but they were more effective and they knocked us out. That's what the final phase is all about, you have to be on your game every three days because, even if you're doing really well, one bad day and you're on your way home.

Spain certainly learned that lesson in time for EURO 2008. What was the key to that success?
There were a lot of factors: the work the team put in, our determination to succeed, the joint effort of the coaching staff and players. Spain got it right and we weren't just champions but worthy winners thanks to the football we played. That's something everybody has recognised. Besides which, we're very happy to have been able to put the issues that had been dogging us (the supposed quarter-final jinx) to bed once and for all. The next time we play a finals they won't be brought up and that'll mean there's a much better atmosphere in the national squad.

After the torrent of praise, both individual and collective, that followed that tournament, how did you deal with it all?
I always say that praise can often have a negative effect. But in this case, and after the EURO, we kept on proving that we still have the same desire. We didn't believe the hype, we just kept working hard so the compliments would keep coming. More than anything else, we're very aware that it was only three years ago that this team came under really heavy criticism and we don't want that to happen again. Let's hope we can keep this going for many years to come.

Spain are a relatively young side and continue to bring even younger players into the national team set-up. Who would you say was the most promising of these new talents?
He's now an established player rather than a promising talent, but I'm a huge fan of Cesc Fabregas. He's very young but has already played at two major finals and has been very important to the national team. He'll be the player we all look to in the future.

You have already taken Raul's No7 shirt at international level. At the rate you're going, how long do you think it'll take to overtake him as La Roja's all-time top scorer?
I've not taken anything from anybody. I was simply playing well for my club and the national coach gave me an opportunity. Too much has been said about the number issue. I chose the one I liked most from those available and that's it. I'm not looking for controversy. In fact, Raul and I were in the national squad together in the past. I haven't forced anybody out. As far as goals are concerned, yes I'd love to beat his record though I know that it's very difficult. I've got 25 goals but he's got 44 and is still playing! I'd be delighted to reach that tally as I'd help the national team achieve great victories and, in many years' time, I could see my name on a (scorers' list) that another young lad was trying to beat. That would be great.

How has all the furore about Raul's involvement in the national team affected you personally?
I've never liked it, because I think that it's been damaging to us both. We've always got on well whenever we've met at international level, so I'm not concerned. I work hard for myself, not to compete with anybody. All I want is to be in the squad for every game and if the day comes that I can't have the No7 shirt that's fine by me. What matters to me is having the Spain badge on my chest for as many games as my legs will carry me and to score the maximum number of goals. For me, every match I can put on that shirt is like a dream come true.

Samp stamp Cup mark on Inter

Samp stamp Cup mark on Inter
(Reuters) Wednesday 4 March 2009
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Sampdoria strike duo Giampaolo Pazzini and Antonio Cassano exposed a brittle Inter Milan defence to give the 10-man hosts a shock 3-0 win in their Italian Cup semi-final first leg. Inter coach Jose Mourinho rotated his lineup and paid the price when Nelson Rivas, unaccustomed to playing at right back, allowed Cassano to steal the ball and chip reserve keeper Francesco Toldo on nine minutes.

Pazzini made the most of more loose Inter defending when he headed in from close range following a corner and the former Fiorentina striker grabbed a second on 42 minutes when the Serie A leaders again failed to clear a ball in the box. Samp lost defender Daniele Gastaldello to a second yellow card on the hour mark but Inter, bidding to reach their fifth straight final, did not come especially close late on.

Lazio beat Juventus 2-1 at home in Tuesday's semi-final first leg with the second legs taking place in April.

Crucial games make for tough decisions

Crucial games make for tough decisions
(FIFA.com) Thursday 5 March 2009
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FIFA.com sheds light on the toughest games in Round 26 of the FIFA World Leagues Predictor. Results in the five matches below could be the key to winning this week's prize.

Match of the week: Real Madrid-Atletico Madrid (Spain)
The Madrid Derby could not take place at a more exciting and crucial time. Real Madrid have turned an initially unimpressive season into an intriguing title chase, and they host Atletico with ten consecutive La Liga wins behind them. However, facing them is an Atletico team that beat Barcelona 4-3 just days ago. Atletico are massive outsiders at 71 per cent to win, with an 88-point return.

Too close to call: Toulouse-Bordeaux (France)
Fifth-placed Toulouse host fourth-placed Bordeaux in a match both sides will be desperate to win in the race for UEFA Champions League places. Despite both team's recent tendency for deadlocks, a draw would do little for either team's hopes.

The long-shot: Universitario Sucre-La Paz (Bolivia)
Their last encounter may have ended 0-0, but Universitario Sucre host La Paz as overwhelming favourites. La Paz, who narrowly lost out to Universitario Sucre in the Apertura 2008, will be out for revenge regardless of the odds. A La Paz win or draw returns 83 points, while a Universitario Sucre win returns 33 points.

The fight for survival: Bologna-Sampdoria (Italy)
Fourth-bottom Bologna host a Sampdoria team that are undefeated in six Serie A matches, the last of which being a 2-1 win over AC Milan. With Chievo breathing down their necks, and Lecce and Regina facing off this weekend, Bologna simply can't afford to drop points. Bologna are slight favourites at home, but will they cave under the relegation pressure?

The fresh start: Kashima Antlers-Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Current J.League Champions Kashima Antlers may be hot favourites at home to Urawa Red Diamonds, but in football the past has proven to carry little weight when a new season kicks off. Back the Red Diamonds to come out from the rough and you could claim 78 points.

Statistic of the week: In all previous encounters, Real have enjoyed the lion's share of wins: 77 to Atletico's 35, while they have drawn 31 times.

Even if you're not chasing for the 2009 Predictor throne, a signed FIFA World Cup™ winner's jersey could be just ten predictions away from arriving at your door. There are 12 rounds to go and 12 shirts to win, so get predicting!

Ronaldo makes long-awaited return

Ronaldo makes long-awaited return
(Reuters) Thursday 5 March 2009
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Brazilian striker Ronaldo played his first competitive game since suffering a knee injury 13 months ago when he came on as a second half substitute for Corinthians in a Copa Brazil game on Wednesday.

Ronaldo, who suffered the injury playing for AC Milan in a Italian Serie A game in February last year, came on in the 66th minute of the 2-0 win away to modest Itumbiara. The 32-year-old joined Corinthians in December in a surprise move and has taken nearly three months to reach match fitness. Ronaldo was involved in another off-field controversy last week when he was fined by the club for arriving late at the team hotel after a day off.

Corinthians were already 2-0 ahead when Ronaldo came on, Chicao and Andre Santos having scored either side of half-time. Wearing his favourite number nine shirt, Ronaldo had only a few touches of the ball in an unspectacular debut.

The much-anticipated return to action was marred by an ugly media scrum following the match that left Ronaldo nursing a black eye, having been injured by a microphone as around two dozen reporters and cameramen surrounded him on the pitch for interviews at the end of the game. Pictures showed Ronaldo being struck as he was escorted off and one showed him with a badly bruised and swollen right eye. Following the incident, he left the stadium without talking to the media.

"He had a good debut, moved well and tried a few dribbles," Corinthians coach Mano Menezes told reporters. The former Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Inter Milan player had previously suffered two serious injuries to his other knee and many observers speculated that he would not recover from the latest setback.

History beckons for game's goliaths

History beckons for game's goliaths
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 4 March 2009
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In many ways, football is a simple game: the team that scores the most goals wins. Yet in every single match, there are intriguing statistical sub-plots that help make the beautiful game the fascinating spectacle that it is. That's why, each week, FIFA.com takes a look at the numbers behind the results.

In this week's review, we analyse Manchester United's quintuple quest and Real Madrid's rapid rise as well as taking a look at the goals that saw new records set by Bayern Munich, Celtic and Martin Palermo.
70

years after the great Francisco Varallo scored his 194th and final goal for Boca Juniors, Martin Palermo assumed Pancho's mantle as Los Xeneizes' all-time leading scorer on Saturday. The 35-year-old, who was starting his first game since returning from a cruciate knee ligament injury, had been stuck on the 194-mark since June of last year, but ended his long wait by opening the scoring in a 3-1 win over Huracan. Varallo, the sole surviving participant in the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ final, is now 99, and will doubtless consider Palermo - a fellow La Plata native - a worthy heir.
14

consecutive UEFA Champions League matches have passed since a home side were last able to keep a clean sheet against Bayern Munich, establishing the Bavarian giants as the most consistent goalscorers on the road in the tournament's history. Bayern broke the record in style too, racking up a 5-0 victory in Lisbon that equals the biggest-ever away win in Champions League history. Ironically, it was a German side who were the first to suffer this humbling scoreline in Europe's top competition, with Werder Bremen conceding five unanswered goals at home to Porto on 30 March 1994. In between times, Galatasaray, Sturm Graz, Deportivo La Coruna and Basel have all suffered the same indignity at the hands of Chelsea, Valencia, Monaco and Barcelona respectively. As for Bayern, it is now almost four years since Arsenal became the last Champions League opponents to shut them out away from home with a 1-0 victory at Highbury on 9 March 2005.
10

straight victories is the run that has propelled Real Madrid from apparent no-hopers to genuine contenders in the race for the Spanish title. Barcelona's lead, which stood at 12 points just a few weeks ago, has now been eroded to just four, and a look at the history books will make even more worrying reading for the under-pressure Catalans. After all, in every one of the eight previous seasons in which Real have strung together a winning streak of at least eight matches, they have ended as champions. Already, Juande Ramos' side have succeeded in establishing the club's longest winning run since 1963, although they will need another five successive victories to match the Spanish record 15-game sequence racked up by Puskas, Di Stefano and Co between 1960 and 1961.
7

unanswered goals against St Mirren on Saturday gave Celtic the biggest win of the Scottish Premier League season and took Gordon Strachan's side to within a single goal of the division's all-time record scoreline. It was the Bhoys themselves who set that particular benchmark with a thumping 8-1 victory over Dunfermline in February 2006, and they might well have surpassed it on Saturday it but for a missed penalty from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Remarkably, in fact, none of Celtic's seven goals came from the club's out-of-form strikers, with midfield trio Shunsuke Nakamura (3), Scott Brown (2) and Marc Crosas providing the first six before a John Potter own goal completed a nightmarish 90 minutes for ten-man St Mirren. Yet with Vennegoor of Hesselink not having scored since 27 September, and Georgios Samaras having gone nine games without a goal, it's perhaps no great surprise that even this 7-0 victory left Celtic trailing Rangers on goal difference in the race for the title.
2

down, three to go. That is the situation for Manchester United as they bid for an unprecedented quintuple of domestic, European and world titles. A tense penalty shoot-out victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's League Cup final provided Sir Alex Ferguson with the 41st trophy of his managerial career and added the second piece of the jigsaw in what promises to be an historic season. With the FIFA Club World Cup already safely tucked away, a healthy seven-point lead in the Premier League and an FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham to look forward to, many believe that the Champions League remains the greatest hurdle to any clean sweep. However, although no team has succeeded in retaining the European Cup since the competition was revamped in 1993, United did make history last week when a 0-0 draw away to Inter Milan extended their unbeaten Champions League run to a record 20 matches.

International News

International News - Week of 03/02/2009
FIF Members, please log in to view stories

* EC Proposes Bodies to Oversee Banking Risk and Financial Regulators
* RBS Restructures after 2008 GBP24.05B Net Loss
* Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Signs Agreement with Thomson Reuters
* Chief of Chi-X to Leave
* Solid Performance for Euroclear in a Turbulent Year
* Nomura Launches Electronic Trading Platform in Asia-Pacific
* Asean Bourses Pledge Electronic Trading Link

FIF News

FIF News

* FIF MD Capacity Year In Review 2008 presentation on Thu, Mar 5th. Register via Email
* FIF Cost Basis WG comments on IRS Notice 2009-17
* Direction setting Clearing Working Group Meeting set for March 19 at 11:30 AM ET. Register via Email
* January 2009 Capacity Statistics and Automated Equity Trading Analysis Statistics now available
* Speakers Added: Wed, Mar 25 - FIF 1Q2009 Event sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Register Online

FIF Calendar

* Thu, Mar 5: FIF MD Capacity Year In Review 2008 Presentation @ 10:00 AM ET
* Mon, Mar 9: FIF Symbology Committee @ 11:00 AM ET
* Tue, Mar 10: FIF Multi-Client Back Office Committee @ 11:00 AM ET.
* Tue, Mar 10: FIF Cost Basis WG @ 2:00 PM ET.
* Thu, Mar 12: FIF BCP Committee Meeting @ 4:00 PM ET.
* Wed, Mar 18: FIF Front Office Committee @ 4:00 PM ET.
* Thu, Mar 19: FIF Clearing WG Direction Setting Meeting @ 11:30 AM ET.
* Wed, Mar 25: FIF 1Q2009 Event sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Meeting at 4:30 PM ET followed by Networking Reception.

Ghana, Congo DR set final date

Ghana, Congo DR set final date
(AFP) Wednesday 4 March 2009
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Substitute Kwadwo Poku converted the decisive penalty as Ghana edged Senegal 7-6 in a shootout to qualify for the CAF African Nations Championship final. A thrilling semi-final between the West African countries finished 1-1 after extra time in the central Côte d'Ivoire city of Bouake as Yaw Antwi gave Ghana a first-half lead and Alpha Sow levelled.

With the sides level at 6-6 on penalties before a capacity 25,000 Peace Stadium crowd, Ghana goalkeeper Philemon MacCarthy saved from Vito Badiane before Poku scored to become an instant national hero. In the final on Sunday title favourites and joint top seeds Ghana will face DR Congo, who triumphed 2-1 over Zambia in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan after surviving a late onslaught.

The battle between Ghana, boasting the hottest attack in a tournament for home-based footballers, and opponents who had not conceded a goal in three group matches, took a dramatic turn during the first half. Senegal surrendered their perfect defensive record on 31 minutes when Antwi scored his second goal in as many matches by striking from close range after Rahim Ayew broke free out wide and crossed.

But the Lions of Teranga took just four minutes to respond with Sow, scorer of the only goal Senegal managed in four qualifiers, equalising when a free kick deflected off the wall into his path. Ghana came closest to breaking the deadlock in regulation time when Harrison Afful temporarily abandoned his defensive duties and unleashed a drive that seemed bound for the net until Mamadou Ba produced a superb save.

Congolese stun Zambia
DR Congo quickly banished memories of a three-goal mauling by Ghana in a group match last Sunday as they stormed into a 2-0 lead over Zambia before a small crowd at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in the other semi-final.

Goalkeeper Davy Kaumbwa was caught off guard in the second minute and allowed a speculative long-range shot from Congolese captain Bongeli Lofo to find the net. Lofo turned provider for the second goal scored by Dioko Kaluyituka on 16 minutes and although Zambia dominated the second half they could not reduce arrears until five minutes from full-time when Given Singuluma headed home.