Papastathopoulos makes Bremen move permanent Werder Bremen's director of sport Klaus Allofs has announced the arrival of Sokratis Papastathopoulos on a permanent move from Genoa. The Greek defender has spent this season on loan with the Bundesliga club and Allofs has now confirmed that they have activated an option to sign him permanently. "The contractual details have been resolved 100 per cent and we have taken our option on him." Allofs told Radio Bremen. "Sokratis will be playing for Werder Bremen in the coming years." Sokratis has played a total of 29 games for Werder this season and his commitment to the club is a boost at a time when several of their players have been linked with moves away. Goalkeeper Tim Wiese has already announced that he will not be extending his contract, while Claudio Pizarro has turned down a contract extension.

Kerkyra, Panetolikos boost survival hopes Kerkyra took a potentially decisive step out of the Greek Super League relegation zone with a 4-1 win over OFI Crete tonight. The hosts fell behind to Vangelis Mantzios' 13th-minute goal, but responded with three in five minutes through Elias Ioannou, Timo Wenzel and Dimitrios Grammozis. Wenzel scored again in the last minute as Kerkyra leapfrogged Ergotelis, who were beaten 1-0 at home by Levadiakos. Brazilian Chumbinho scored the goal in the 56th minute. Panetolikos kept alive their survival hopes as they produced the necessary response to Kerkyra's win, hammering Aris Salonika 5-1 in a game each side finished with ten men. Giannis Pasas opened the scoring in the 11th minute and quickfire goals from Henri Camara and Angelos Charisteas either side of half-time put Panetolikos in control. Khalifa Sankare put through his own netand, after Ioannis Gianniotas pulled one back, Ricardo Fernandes rounded off the rout. The result leaves Panetolikos three points adrift of Kerkyra and safety ahead of Sunday's final game away to runners-up Panathiaikos. However, they will be without Vasilis Golias after he was sent off in the last minute, five minutes after Aris' Ricardo Faty. Olympiacos continue to cruise Olympiacos, already confirmed as champions, maintained their seven-point margin over Pana with a comfortable 4-0 win at Giannina. All the goals came in the second half, Kevin Mirallas and substitute Ioannis Fetfatzidis on target either side of Rafik Djebbour's brace for the league leaders. Their nearest rivals won 2-0 away to Asteras Tripoli, Cleyton and Lazaros Christodoulopoulos scoring in the second half. Finally, third-placed PAOK Salonika beat relegated Doxa Dramas 2-0, Panionios and Xanthi drew 1-1, while it was goalless between AEK Athens and Atromitos.

Valverde to leave champions Olympiacos Ernesto Valverde will step down as coach of champions Olympiacos at the end of the season, the club announced Thursday. The 48-year-old Spaniard is currently in his second spell in charge of the Athens club, having steered them to three Super League titles plus a Greek Cup win in total. Their latest league success was confirmed earlier this month, while they will also contest the cup final against Atromitos on 28 April. I know that this is a club with high excellence, a team that always wanted to win and this can be very exhausting for someone. Ernesto Valverde, Olympiacos coach However, with just one round of matches remaining in the league, Valverde has revealed he will not be at the helm next season. "Last year, when we renewed our cooperation for one more season, I told the president that it will be my last here," Valverde said. "However, we had agreed not to say anything as we thought it was in the best interest of the club so that we could have stability within the team. There are several reasons for my decision. The main reason is a personal one which affects only me - things that concern my personal life and which cannot be discussed at a press conference. "The second reason is that I have been with this club for three years and I know that this is a club with high excellence, a team that always wanted to win and this can be very exhausting for someone. Three years is a very long time in football." Club president Evangelos Marinakis admits Valverde will be sorely missed by the club. "I hope that this farewell, which will come after our last official match, will signify yet another title for the team, that of the Greek Cup," he said. "After all, everyone in the club wants to end the season by achieving the double. We will remain in constant contact and cooperation with Ernesto Valverde and as I said befor

Rosario Central As many an Argentinian will tell you, the city of Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe, is one of the country’s cultural and footballing hotbeds. Situated on the banks of the Parana River and with a population of over one million, it is famed for its imposing monument to the national flag and the beauty of its women. It has also produced some of the nation’s best-loved personalities and institutions, among them a football club that has played a prominent role in the history of the sport in Argentina: Rosario Central. Known popularly as La Academia, Central have the honour of being the first team from outside Buenos Aires to win an international title and have also attracted some illustrious fans over the years, including Ernesto Che Guevara, the comedian Alberto Olmedo and the cartoonist and writer Roberto Fontanarrosa. FIFA.com looks back at the history of a proud club and their ground-breaking sporting triumphs. Birth of an institution Like the rest of Argentina’s most venerable clubs, Rosario Central owes their existence to foreign footballing missionaries. Their roots can be traced back to 1889, when the workers of the Ferrocarril Central Argentino, led by the Englishman Thomas Mutton, founded Central Argentine Railway Athletic, the idea being for them to play the game in their free time. The only problem was that there too few teams for them to compete against, although that would change when the Buen

Roa: I wasn't a penalty specialist ( To say Carlos Roa has faced obstacles over the course of his life and professional career would be a huge understatement, with the former Argentina No1, whose star shone brightest for Mallorca and La Albiceleste in the late 1990s, alternating sporting success with immense personal setbacks. Now 42, the Santa Fe-born ex-shotstopper overcame such varied and testing challenges as malaria, testicular cancer and even a brief retirement from the game for religious reasons. Currently working as goalkeeping coach at Buenos Aires giants River Plate, Roa touched on all of these life-changing events and more in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com. FIFA.com: You dropped off the radar somewhat after retiring from the professional game, so can you tell how us you ended up on the River Plate coaching staff? Carlos Roa: It was unexpected. Matias [Almeyda] rang me at half past one in the morning, on the weekend that River’s relegation was confirmed, and offered me a place on his coaching staff. It was fantastic! I got on very well with him [when we were part of the Argentina squad] at the 1998 World Cup and, though we weren’t close friends, we’d always have a chat whenever we saw each other. I’ve been very happy ever since this opportunity came about and every day I’m discovering more and more about el mundo River (River Plate’s world), which is really impressive. What’s it like coaching young goalkeepers? I learn from them too. You have to adapt to their freshness, their spontaneity and the lively exchange of ideas. They ask me things about my past but I never use myself as an example. With this generation, the worst thing you can do is go around boasting about what you’ve done over your career. These lads have more talent than me, as I was a keeper with very limited ability. I was a late developer, which is why I didn’t get a move to Europe until I was 28. These guys, if they’re committed enough, can go much further. Do you think young players today are different to in your day? Possibly. In today’s chaotic world, some of them think that they have to get everything right now: play in the top flight, have the right car and make a name for themselves. And they want it all without making sacrifices. My generation had to really struggle to make it, which is something I value and a message I try to

Blatter attends Rome awards ceremony FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter was the guest of honour at the sixth Ali della Vittoria (Wings of Victory) awards ceremony, organised by the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti, Italy’s national amateur league, at Rome’s Auditorium Parco della Musica

84 Officials appointed for London 2012 Olympic Football Tournaments (s The FIFA Referees Committee under the chairmanship of Ángel María Villar Llona has confirmed the appointment of 84 officials from 36 countries to officiate at the Olympic Football Tournaments London 2012. For the men’s competition, 16 referees and 32 assistant referees have been selected from FIFA’s six Confederations, whilst for the women’s tournament, 12 referees and 24 assistant referees will be on duty. For the men, London 2012 represents the first step on the road to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Massimo Busacca, Head of FIFA Refereeing explained the concept behind the selection of the officials, having himself refereed at two FIFA World Cups, Euro 2008, and the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.

Respect the watchword at Wembley Held at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday, the draw for the group phases of the Olympic Football Tournaments London 2012 served up a daunting group in the women’s competition and a classic match-up in the men’s. Gauging the reactions of the assembled dignitaries and national team coaches afterwards, FIFA.com found two common themes: maximum respect for their respective first-round opponents and a desire to go far when the tournaments finally get under way. Drawn together in Group A of the men’s tournament, Great Britain and Uruguay will revive memories of Olympics long since past when they meet at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on 1 August. The hosts struck gold in the first two Olympic Football Tournaments in 1908 and 1912, while La Celeste won both the next two competitions to be staged, in 1924 and 1928. Completing the section are Senegal and United Arab Emirates.

Schweinsteiger: Bayern will score in Madrid Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger has promised the Bavarians will score at Real Madrid in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg as they bid to realise the dream of a home final. Bayern travel to Real Madrid with a slender 2-1 advantage from the first leg, played last Tuesday at Munich's Allianz Arena, which will also host the final on 19 May, and Schweinsteiger, who is back after an ankle injury, says they will score. "I assume we will score a goal in Madrid. And we will," said Schweinsteiger ahead of the match at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium. "The chance to reach the final in our own stadium is motivation enough for us, but their stadium, with so many spectators and emotions, is sure to influence the game. "In the first 20 minutes, it will be very intense, that is when we have to hold our composure and not concede a goal. A game like this is the highlight of the season, this is what you work hard the whole season for and the chance to play in a game like this motivated me through my injury." Bayern forward Mario Gomez scored the crucial 90th-minute winner in Munich to give his side a second-leg advantage and Real coach Jose Mourinho says games like this are what being part of football is all about. Real's 2-1 El Clasico win at arch-rivals Barcelona in La Liga on Saturday keeps them on course to win the title, but Mourinho knows nothing is decided yet. "We can win two titles, one or none. This is the excitement of football that turns my hair grey," joked the Portuguese coach, who won the 2010 UEFA Champions League title at the Bernabeu as Inter Milan coach. I assume we will score a goal in Madrid. And we will. Bastian Schweingsteiger, Bayern Munich midfielder "I see my players excited about this semi-final like my Inter p

Ten-man Chelsea break Barça hearts Chelsea produced one of the greatest escapes in the history of European football tonight as they survived the sending off of John Terry to win an astonishing UEFA Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. On a night of unparalleled drama at the Nou Camp, Terry looked to have pressed the self-destruct button on the Blues' hopes of glory on the continent when he saw red for kneeing Alexis Sanchez from behind. But the ten men were simply magnificent for the rest of the second leg, fighting back from goals by Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta with a stunning chip from Ramires before half-time. And after surviving a Barça siege from start to finish that saw Lionel Messi miss a penalty, Fernando Torres came off the bench to score a stoppage-time breakaway goal as Chelsea avenged their 2009 defeat in the most dramatic manner possible. "We all believed, not many people did, but we believed as a team," jubilant Chelsea defender Ashley Cole said. "It's hard, but we defended well as a team, got a bit lucky, and Petr [Cech] made some good saves. Three or four months ago no-one thought we had a chance but we always believed. You can't beat that desire, fight and spirit you saw out there." Reaching their second final came at a huge cost, with Terry's red card and yellows for Ramires, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles ruling them out of the final. But they will worry about that in the morning after celebrating arguably the greatest result in the club's history and one which may finally convince Roman Abramovich to make Roberto Di Matteo's appointment as manager permanent. Disaster struck for Chelsea as early as the sixth minute, Gary Cahill eventually forced off after slipping and pulling his hamstring, with Jose Bosingwa coming on and Ivanovic forced to move to centre-back. It was soon 1-1 on the injury front, Gerard Pique lasting just 26 minutes of his recall after failing to recover from a sickening collision with the backside of Victor Valdes that appeared to leave him briefly unconscious. You can't beat that desire, fight and spirit you saw out there. Ashley Cole, Chelsea defender

Draw shows the road to London gold ( The final countdown to the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Football Tournaments London 2012 began at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday as the draw for the group phases of both competitions was held. Three months and a day before the action gets under way, the venue for both finals provided a suitably imposing setting for the event, which determined the path the teams must take if they are to claim gold. Former England centre-forward Gary Lineker hosted the ceremony, held in the Bobby Moore Room, while legendary Brazilian goal machine Ronaldo and pop singer Melanie C stepped up on stage to help pull the names out of the hats. Also lending their assistance as the fate of the qualifying nations was revealed were ex-Wales international Robbie Savage, former Scotland forward Kevin Gallacher and England’s national women’s team striker Kelly Smith. In the women’s competition, reigning world champions Japan will take on Canada in their opening game, while defending Olympic champions USA were pitched against France to start the tournament. The hosts will face Senegal and New Zealand in the men’s and women’s opening games respectively. Following the draw Men's Great Britain coach Stuart Pearce said: "Uruguay will be tough but I wouldn't dismiss anyone. The addition of three overage players can contribute to a really strong side. It will be tough, tournament football always is. Everyone in the squad will have star quality but I'll pick the squad on merit." His Women's counterpart Hope Powell was similarly focused on a South American match-up. "Brazil will be a great game at Wembley, they are always there or thereabouts in major tournaments. Now it is down to our preparations. We have every chance of progressing but we can't take it lightly. We played New Zealand in the World Cup last year and it was a very tough encounter. Cameroon are an unknown quantity." Powell was also optimistic about the wider reaching impact of the tournament. "This gives us a great opportunity to showcase out sport, we open the Olympics and hopefully we can encourage more females to get into the sport." The groups Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Group A: Great Britain, Senegal, UAE, Uruguay Group B: Mexico, Korea Republic, Gabon, Switzerland Group C: Brazil, Egypt, Belarus, New Zealand Group D: Spain, Japan, Honduras, Morocco Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Group E: Great Britain, New Zealand, Cameroon, Brazil Group F: Japan, Canada, Sweden, South Africa Group G: USA, France, Colombia, Korea DPR Add your comment (Total comments 71) teli2b 25/04/2012 at 06:11 teli2b (USA) very doable for mexico! Reply to this comment cnwachuku 25/04/2012 at 06:09 cnwachuku (USA) About men's football: The FIFA World Cup may have never had more than one African team go past the early round but it is not that strange for it to happen in the olympic tournament. I hope that all African teams reach the last 8 like the last time but I want them all to be in different quarter final matches even if it means them all finishing as group runners-up. Reply to this comment killboard 25/04/2012 at 04:43 killboard (Uruguay) I hope Uruguay can realize his expectations. Is the sport were we are most competitive in all the olympics and king of sports worldy. We have a great generation 2009 and 2011 in the U20 and they mix togehter more 3 olders (Suarez for sure) and with Tabarez leading we are real candidates. Reply to this comment View all comments » Photos A general view of Gary Lineker presenting the official draw for the London 2012 Olympic Football Tournament Gary Lineker presents the official draw for the London 2012 Olympic Football Tournament The draw for the Men's tournament is seen on the big screen during the official draw for the London 2012 Olympic Football Tournament Football legend, Ronaldo of Brazil draws Great Britain during the official draw for the London 2012 Olympic Football Tournament

Guardiola rallies Messi Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola rallied to the support of Lionel Messi after the Argentinian star's penalty miss that almost certainly cost his team a place in the UEFA Champions League final. Messi cut a disconsolate figure on Tuesday following his side's agonising semi-final exit to Chelsea, who fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 on the night and claim a 3-2 aggregate victory. Arguably the turning point in the contest came early in the second half when Messi smashed a penalty against the crossbar after Didier Drogba was adjudged to have brought down Cesc Fabregas. Had Messi converted his spot-kick Barcelona would have been 3-1 up and effectively assured of a place in the final against a Chelsea side reduced to 10 men following the first-half dismissal of John Terry. Fernando Torres' last-gasp equaliser, which came as Barcelona swarmed forward desperately in search of the goal that would seal the tie, shattered the Catalans' hopes of reaching a third final in four seasons. Guardiola however issued a vociferous defence of Messi, who has now failed to score in eight games against Chelsea. We've gotten to where we are today thanks to this kid. My admiration for him knows no limits. Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola on Lionel Messi "We've gotten to where we are today thanks to this kid," Guardiola said. "More than ever I want to thank him for what he's done for us. My admiration for him knows no limits.

Tuzos outlast Chivas in dramatic shoot-out Mexican giants Guadalajara’s 6-0 aggregate defeat of Guatemalan underdogs Comunicaciones in the inaugural CONCACAF Champions’ Cup final in 1962 set the tone for a series of thrashings in the fixture. There was an 8-2 in 1976, a 9-0 three years later, a 6-1 four years after that, and another 8-2 in 1990. However, by the time Guadalajara re-appeared in the Champions’ Cup decider again in 2007 (they finished as runners-up in 1963 via a concluding group stage), routs had become a thing of the past. Indeed, just one goal had separated the finalists in seven of the past eight instalments of the tie. With compatriots squaring off in the final for the fifth time in six years, another tight affair was expected between Pachuca and Guadalajara. The first leg followed that script, with the sides drawing 2-2 in Jalisco. Five years ago to this Wednesday, with away goals not in operation, Los Tuzos and Chivas re-encountered in Hidalgo for the second leg. There, the hosts should have been firmly en route to the first Champions’ Cup final battering in years by half-time. Indeed, with Colombian Andres Chitiva in his creative pomp, Pachuca went in having had 11 corners to their opponents’ none, and a series of attempts on goal. Not one, however, managed to get past Guadalajara goalkeeper Luis Michel, whose inspired night continued in a second half in which the visitors had their own chances but which somehow finished goalless. Ninety minutes had failed to separate the sides. Nor did an additional thirty. For the first and to date only time in history, penalties would dictate the destination of the Champions’ Cup – and determine which team would represent the region at that December’s FIFA Club World Cup in Japan. “A world club championship is the most beautiful competition after the World Cup, and we were desperate to make it,” explained Pachuca forward Damian Alvarez. “We should have won it in normal time, but [Michel] had the game of his life. It made for the most intense of atmospheres heading into the shoot-out.” You wouldn’t have guessed it by the quality of the spot-kicks. Chivas striker Omar Bravo coolly cushioned the first into the roof of the net, before Tuzos No19 Christian Gimenez lashed the ball into the top corner to make it 1-1. The superb penalties co

Di Matteo: We deserve this moment Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo praised his Chelsea players' strength of character after they secured a place in the UEFA Champions League final at the expense of Barcelona on Tuesday. The Blues somehow overcame John Terry's first-half sending off at the Nou Camp to progress to the Munich finale. Chelsea came into the match boasting a 1-0 first-leg lead but went behind to goals from Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, either side of Terry's sending off for inexplicably kneeing Alexis Sanchez from behind. However, Ramires clawed a goal back in first-half stoppage time with a deft chip and, after Lionel Messi missed a penalty and hit the post, Fernando Torres came off the bench to wrap up victory late on. We've had a difficult season and we seem to always get something special out when we need to. I think that's part of the DNA of these players. Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo "It was an incredible game with all the events that happened," Di Matteo said. "I am very happy and pleased for all the players because they deserved this moment. "We've had a difficult season and we seem to always get something special out when we need to. I think that's part of the DNA of these players. "Barcelona are the best team in the world. They are amazing. They have some of the best players in the world as well in their team. "The way we played and defended and we just showed a lot of desire to reach the final and go through. We had a little bit of luck as well, which you need but I think to win the trophy, you need that."

RONALDO

RONALDO
Ronaldo, a phenomenon in every sense

The 24-year wait was over. In the final act of the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA™, Brazil overcame Italy in a typically nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out in Pasadena to become world champions for the first time since Mexico 1970.

The celebrating Brazilians carried flags as they ran around the pitch, one of them in tribute to Formula One driver Ayrton Senna, killed at Imola just a few weeks earlier. Photographers massed around them as the famous Trophy was passed from player to player, with Romario, captain Dunga and goalkeeper Taffarel among those attracting most of the attention.

In the midst of the celebrations was a 17-year-old with a gap-toothed grin, a mere onlooker in the winning of Brazil’s fourth world crown but who would go on to have a brilliant career and become, despite the injuries that would plague him, one of the most feared finishers in the business, fully justifying his nickname of O Fenômeno.

That wide-eyed teenager went by the name of Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima, and by the time he retired from the game in 2011, 17 years after that sun-kissed Californian afternoon, he had helped his country win another FIFA World Cup and secured an individual goalscoring record for the competition, just two of his many career achievements.

A global sensation
Unlike fellow Brazilian legends such as Pele, Ronaldo played in an age where every dribble and wonder goal was recorded for posterity, few more wondrous than the solo effort he scored for Barcelona against Santiago de Compostela in a La Liga game in October 1996. Picking up the ball on the halfway line, he weaved his way past several Compostela defenders and surged into the box to slot home from 12 yards.

Beginning his career as an amateur with Sao Cristovao in Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo signed professional forms with Cruzeiro at the age of 16 and then made the switch to PSV Eindhoven, shortly before USA 1994. Instant international stardom would follow when he joined Barça, where he kept up the remarkable scoring record of nearly a goal a game that he had achieved with both PSV and A Raposa.

It was around the time that he won his first FIFA World Player award in 1996 that the nickname O Fenômeno was coined, one that would stick with him for the rest of his playing days. When relations with Barcelona soured he joined Internazionale, where he continued to star, winning his second consecutive FIFA World Player title and following up with success in the UEFA Cup in 1998.

The stage seemed set for the 21-year-old at France 1998. But after opening his FIFA World Cup account with four goals on Brazil’s march to the Final, he suffered convulsions in the build-up to the showpiece game against the French and was a shadow of himself as Zinedine Zidane inspired the hosts to glory.

That ailment was only the first in a series of physical problems that befell the thoroughbred striker in the years that followed. Those setbacks included two serious knee injuries, the second of them coming in a fateful Coppa Italia match against Lazio. The sight of a stricken Ronaldo clutching his leg after crumpling to the ground in agony would unfortunately prove one of the enduring images of his career.

The comeback trail
Out of the game for 15 months after undergoing surgery, Ronaldo made a remarkable return, arriving at Korea/Japan 2002 determined to make up for that catastrophic night in Paris four years earlier. Forming part of a formidable frontline with Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, he added eight goals to his overall tournament tally as Brazil stormed to world title number five. His reward for his staggering personal contribution was a third FIFA World Player award.

Though his injury woes made it seem like more, Ronaldo was still only 26 when he signed for Real Madrid in the wake of his oriental triumph. He spent the next five years at the Bernabeu, teaming up to great effect alongside fellow galácticos such as Roberto Carlos, Zidane, Raul and Luis Figo.

His final FIFA World Cup appearance came at Germany 2006, where he took his competition haul to a record-breaking 15 goals before Zizou’s France undid Brazil once again, this time in the quarter-finals.

There followed a brief spell with AC Milan, which ended with yet another serious knee injury and a return to Brazil. Sparing no effort after working his way back to fitness, with several major European clubs keeping tabs on his progress, he surprised everyone by making a last-minute decision to sign for Corinthians. Welcomed with open arms by the Timão faithful, he proceeded to do what he did best, scoring more great goals and getting his hands on yet more silverware.

By this stage, however, the demands and sacrifices of the past had caught up with him. Finally calling time on his career in February 2011, O Fenômeno announced: “My body’s beaten me. It’s been a wonderful, successful and exciting career. I’ve suffered a lot of defeats and won countless victories.”

Aside from all the goals and the accolades, that ability to face and overcome adversity time and again is perhaps the greatest achievement of a player who was truly a phenomenon.

Asian heavyweights bounce back in style

Asian heavyweights bounce back in style


AFC Champions League Matchday 3 saw a series of traditional powerhouses rediscover form, with former winners Gamba Osaka and Jeonbuk Motors finally getting off the mark to reignite their hopes, while Pohang Steelers and Sepahan emerged triumphant to move top in their respective groups.

Al Ittihad and Al Jazira, meanwhile, were the only two teams to stay perfect after three games as they closed upon early progression. At the other end of the standings, debutants Nasaf and Al Arabi each lost on the road to be left languishing at the bottom. Join FIFA.com as we detailed some enthralling encounters across Asia.

The match
Gamba Osaka 3-1 Bunyodkor
Having ended their losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Albirex Niigata over the weekend, Group E's Gamba Osaka continued their revival under new coach Masanobu Matsunami with an opening victory to dispatch Uzbek champions Bunyodkor 3-1 at home. Brazilian striker Rafinha proved to the hometown hero setting Yasuhito Endo up for the opener, before converting a brace of second-half penalties as his side gained a lifeline. The breakthrough came on the quarter-hour when Endo latched onto a back-pass from Rafinha to fire a rocket into the far corner, with the Brazilian then ensuring an unassailable lead before Soliev Anvarjon grabbed a late consolation.

In the other group game, Kim Dae-Ho capitalised on a goalkeeping error by Eugene Galekovic to score the only goal as Pohang Steelers saw off Adelaide United at home. The results saw Pohang and Adelaide sit equal top on six points, while Gamba and Bunyodkor trail with three points each.

The surprise
Esteghlal 1-2 Al Jazira
Few teams have left Esteghlal’s Azadi Stadium unscathed, with the Iranian giants entering the Group A contest against Al Jazira undefeated in their 12 previous home matches on the Asian stage. That proud record, however, was brought to an abrupt end by the UAE champions. Juma Abdulla provided the visitors with an early lead, and while Ferydoon Zandi equalised just past the hour mark, prolific Brazilian Bare duly scored the match-winning goal for the visitors.

With nine points from three games, the UAE champions lead Esteghlal by five points and are well-placed to become the first team from their country to progress to the knockout stage since 2007. In the other game, Qatari cup holders Al Rayyan picked up their first points with a 3-1 home defeat of struggling Uzbek debutants Nasaf.

The other attractions
Despite squandering a series of gilt-edged chances to break the deadlock, Al Ittihad marksman Naif Hazazi netted the only goal with a spot-kick ten minutes from time as Group B's Al Ittihad edged Bani Yas to maintain their unblemished record. In the other game, late goals saw Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor outmuscle Al Arabi 3-1 in Tashkent to move level with Bani Yas on four points, with the UAE debutants leading on goal difference.

2007 runners-up Sepahan strengthened their grip on Group C as they continued an unbeaten run with a 2-1 home win against Qatari champions Lekhwiya. Defender Jalal Hosseini put the hosts ahead after ten minutes, and although the visitors drew level through Ali Afif shortly after the restart, Bruno Correa headed home the winner a minute from time. The Iranian champions now move three points clear of Ahli, who overcame hosts Al Nasr by an identical scoreline with midfielder Taisir Al Jassim netting one and setting up another.

In Group D, Gholamreza Rezaei and Eamon Zayed both scored within the opening five minutes before Javad Kazemian sealed the win with 17 minutes remaining as Persepolis pulled off a resounding 3-0 win at Al Gharafa. The result, coupled with Al Hilal's 1-1 draw at Al Shabab in the other game, moved the Iranian heavyweights four points clear of the Saudi champions, with the remaining pair languishing at the bottom on two points each.

It was honours even in Group F, with FC Tokyo and Ulsan Hyundai continuing to share the lead after they both came from behind to draw 1-1 against Brisbane Roar and Beijing Guoan respectively. Lee Keun-Ho missed a penalty for Ulsan shortly after the interval but Lee Jae-Sung struck to cancel out Nick Fitzgerald's early opener as the K-League side failed to overcome the visitors, who played virtually the entire second half with ten men. In the other game, Aria Jasuru Hasegawa's equaliser just before the break was enough for FC Tokyo to salvage a point in Beijing.

Nagoya Grampus registered Group G's first win firing three unanswered goals past Tianjin Teda to move top with five points. Jungo Fujimoto struck in the first half to set the visitors on the road to victory, before second-half goals from Keiji Tamada and Kensuke Nagai helped the Japanese through. The other game saw Seongnam Ilhwa miss a penalty and forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Central Coast Mariners, a result which leaves the two sides level on three points, two behind leaders Nagoya.

In Group H, surprise Thai side Buriram United saw their perfect start ended after conceding two unanswered first-half goals against Jeonbuk Motors at home. Lee Dong-Gook opened the scoring while substitute Seo Sang-Min was also on target as the visiting K-League champions registered their first points to put their campaign back on track. Despite the loss, the Thai champions maintain pole position in the section courtesy of their two opening triumphs. Hot on their heels are the Japanese and Chinese champions - Kashiwa Reysol and Guangzhou Evergrande - who are level on four points after playing out a goalless draw.

The player
Rafinha stood out amongst the continent's many Brazilian imports having a hand in all three goals to help power Gamba past Bunyodkor.

The stat
2 - Only two of the 32 teams have managed to maintain 100 per cent records after three rounds with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad and UAE’s Al Jazira staying perfect thus far.

What they said
"We had prepared for the rain and unpredictable weather conditions in Thailand so we had no problem dealing with them. After grabbing our first win, we are certainly confident about our chances in this group although we also know there is still a long road ahead" Jeonbuk Motors coach Lee Heung-Sil on their win at Buriram United

AFC Champions League Matchday 3 results
3-4 April
Group A: Esteghlal 1-2 Al Jazira, Al Rayyan 3-1 Nasaf
Group B: Pakhtakor 3-1 Al Arabi, Al Ittihad 3-1 Bani Yas
Group C: Al Nasr 1-2 Al Ahli, Sepahan 2-1 Lekhwiya
Group D: Al Gharafa 0-3 Persepolis, Al Shabab 1-1 Al Hilal
Group E: Gamba Osaka 3-1 Bunyodkor, Pohang Steelers 1-0 Adelaide United
Group F: Ulsan Hyundai 1-1 Brisbane Roar, Beijing Guoan 1-1 FC Tokyo
Group G: Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Seongnam Ilhwa, Tianjin Teda 0-3 Nagoya Grampus
Group H: Kashiwa Reysol 0-0 Guangzhou Evergrande, Buriram United 0-2 Jeonbuk Motors

Mourinho relishing Bayern clash

Mourinho relishing Bayern clash


Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is looking forward to facing Bayern Munich after his side comfortably saw off Apoel Nicosia 8-2 on aggregate to progress to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Mourinho was happy to have had the opportunity to rest some players ahead of a difficult month, while also seeing Jose Maria Callejon and Angel Di Maria score on their return from injury in the 5-2 second-leg win.

He said: "Bayern is a very powerful opponent. It is a team I know well as it is almost the same side that I played when coach of Inter Milan in the Champions League final two years ago and they have great individual players. The players and myself are looking forward to what should be a great semi-final.

"The team is doing well, the players that were injured are getting there and we are physically prepared for the difficult April that we have. We wanted to build a team to win the game. Because I didn't think it was possible for Apoel to score four, we wanted to rest a few players and we attempted to balance things.

"We wanted to rest Marcelo and (Esteban) Granero so we substituted them and there might have been a few defensive errors towards the end, but I don't have any criticism, just positive words for a group that have reached this stage for two seasons in a row."
The players and myself are looking forward to what should be a great semi-final.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho

Mourinho was full of praise for his side's Cypriot opponents, who he said had achieved more than anyone else in this season's competition. "I think in a few years people in Cyprus will realise what Apoel have done, it is the biggest achievement in Champions League this season," Mourinho added.

"If Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich win it's not the same achievement as for Apoel to reach the quarter-final."

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho does not hold out much hope for his former side when they face Barcelona in the other semi-final. Asked why he had told Telemadrid that the Catalans would advance, he said: "Because they are very good. Barcelona aren't the favourites, they are super-favourites."

He added: "Let me be honest, I don't think the final will be a Real Madrid/Chelsea final. It could be Bayern or Barcelona, I just don't think it will be Real Madrid v Chelsea and we know why."

Apoel's pride
Apoel coach Ivan Jovanovic reflected on the end of a great journey for his side, but declared his pride at having reached the last eight for the first time in the club's history. "We're the only team at this stage in the competition to have started on 12 July (2011)," he said.

"This was our 16th game, we don't have a big squad but we have worked very hard to reach the position we have. This is the end of this wonderful journey but I and the whole of Cyprus are proud of this team.

"Real Madrid won fairly and it is a fair result, but to score two goals is no small feat. We knew after the result in Nicosia we wouldn't advance, but we wanted to give our best against such a rival in such a stadium."

Sir Tom Finney, a knight at 90

Sir Tom Finney, a knight at 90


Today, Sir Tom Finney celebrates his 90th birthday. Finney can easily be described as one of the greatest players to have been capped for the English national side. He was well known for his extraordinary dribbling ability and being equally adept with either foot.

In an age in which the words 'legend' and 'superstar' are used too freely, Finney was both of those things, if not more. Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly, a former team-mate of the man known as the 'Phantom Winger', once said: "Tom Finney would have been great in any team, in any match and in any age - even if he had been wearing an overcoat. He had the opposition so frightened that they'd have a man marking him when warming up!"

Shankly's predilection for exaggeration should not distract from the fact that Finney was a true great. He was twice named English Footballer of the Year, scored 30 goals in 76 appearances for his country and showcased his skills on the biggest stage of all, playing in three successive FIFA World Cups™. Not bad for a player who, minutes before debut, was told by his coach: "Don't worry, son, we're not expecting too much from you."

“I do consider myself lucky to have played in three World Cups,” he told FIFA.com during an exclusive interview four years ago. “It’s always wonderful to be selected for your country, I think it’s the biggest honour a footballer can have, so to play for your country on such a big stage is something incredibly special.”

He played for just one club side in his 14-year career, Preston North End and a statue of him stands outside the team’s ground.

Finney was voted English Footballer of the Year twice, the first player to receive the honour more than once. He was knighted in 1998 and is currently the club president of Preston North End. He remains fifth in the list of all-time goalscorers for the England national team.
Not only were you one of the greats of your era, entertaining the entire country during the golden era of post-war English football, but you were also – and still are – one of the game’s true gentlemen.
FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter.

FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter sent Sir Tom a special message on his birthday in which he recalled with fondness seeing his skills at the 1954 FIFA World Cup finals.

"It is often said that the true footballing greats would be capable of playing in any era - you belong to that group and I am sure you would have excelled in testing your skills against the best players in today’s game," he said. "Indeed, your brilliance is something I was able to witness in person, having seen you play at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, scoring against Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

"Not only were you one of the greats of your era, entertaining the entire country during the golden era of post-war English football, but you were also – and still are – one of the game’s true gentlemen. You are an example to young players today through your loyalty to just one club – Preston North End – and the consideration you show to your fans and admirers.

"I wish you health and happiness for this new year in your life, as well as further enjoyment of your beloved game, football. May you continue to honour your club and country and share your knowledge and experience with the players of tomorrow for many years to come!"