Beautiful Game ala Di Natale

Antonio Di Natale could not his hide his happiness. But Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni insists that there is still room for improvement despite tonight’s comfortable 3-1 win over Belgium.

The Azzurri produced a fine performance against an albeit ordinary Belgium side, with Di Natale scoring twice, and Mauro Camoranesi also getting on the scoresheet. "We generally played a good match, but in some cases I saw things that we can still improve,” said a cautious Donadoni.

“We must always keep a high concentration." On Di Natale, the Don stated: "He is doing well, and today was the demonstration."

The Udinese forward was at time unstoppable in the first period, and surely booked his place in the starting XI for the match with Holland on June 9. "Even if it was only a friendly, the whole team wanted to win and play a beautiful game, and I think we have succeeded,” said Di Natale.

“I am very happy for the two goals I scored, I have to thank Pirlo for the cross for the first goal, and thank Aquilani for the second. Am I first-teamer? This I do not know, there are many of us and we are all very good. It will be up to Donadoni to decide with the utmost tranquillity."

Finally Di Natale refused to comment on speculation that he will leave Udinese at the end of the season. "This is not the time to talk about these things, All I can say is that I have a contract with Udinese, and that I dedicate these goals to the Udinese supporters, “he concluded.

source; Anthony Sormani, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

“When you wear the Azzurri shirt, no game is a friendly”

Italy defender Christian Panucci believes his side can win the European Championship.The stopper also
is looking forward to the friendly against Belgium and he admits his side must treat it as a serious game.

It will be the last chance for the Azzurri to polish up and add those final finishing touches before heading out to Austria and Switzerland next week. Panucci is confident in his side’s abilities and he is hoping La Nazionale begin in the right way starting from the friendly against Belgium. “When you wear the Azzurri shirt, no game is a friendly,” said Panucci.

“Of course, the result will not be important but it is the last game before the Euro’s so we have to play a serious and concrete match where we will try to win.

“We are a strong group and we believe in our abilities. We are the world champions and we have to go their with the intention of becoming European champions also.

“We are considered amongst the favourites and we will try and reach the final. The game against Holland will be very important and it vital to begin on the right foot, especially in these competitions.”

The Azzurri get their tournament under way with an opening group C fixture against Holland on June 9th, followed by Romania on June 13th and then France on the 17th.

source; Salvatore Landolina

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Score Group A Euro 2008, 8 Jun 2008

Prediction Score Group A Euro 2008, 8 Jun 2008

08 Jun Minggu 00:00 WIB

Swiss v Republik Ceko 1-0

08 Jun Minggu 02:45 WIB

Portugal v Turki 1-0

Read More.. Read More..

''We all have a vision and...''

Luis Aragones' side head into the tournament as one of the favourites alongside Italy and Germany.Spain full-back Joan Capdevila believes La Seleccion can achieve big things in Euro 2008, but he insists that they are not the favourites as many have suggested.

Expectations are high in Spain and many have predicted that this is their best chance of glory on big international stage. Capdevila is sure his side can do well, but he knows it will not be easy. "We all have a vision and we know that we can do very well but we have to see what happens," Capdevila told AS.

"There is a lot of expectation but we haven't won anything yet, we start from nothing and we hope to make history. It will not be easy but the group is united and we have good feelings, we have to take things a step at a time and not think about being the favourites to win it. It will be very important to keep clean sheets, as the less you conceed, the more chance you have of winning."

Spain get their tournament underway on June 10th against Russia, followed by games against Sweden on the 14th and Greece on the 18th.

source: Salvatore Landolina, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Full Italy Squad Versi Donadoni

Roberto Donadoni has named his 23-man Italy squad for Euro 2008, plus and Riccardo Montolivo (photo)is the unlucky player to be cut from the coach’s final list.

Last week Donadoni named a 24-man provisional squad for Austrian and Switzerland, from which he would then have to cut one player before submitting his final squad to UEFA at midday on May 29 (tomorrow). Fiorentina midfielder Montolivo was always the favourite to get the chop, but other candidates were Roma duo Alberto Aquilani and Simone Perrotta, the latter who has been struggling with injury, as well as striker’s Fabio Quagliarella and Marco Borriello.

As expected Montolivo is the player discarded, and he will now be a standby, in case an injured player is forced to leave the squad between now and the start of the Euros.

Full Italy Squad for Euro 2008

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla)

Defenders: Cristian Panucci (Roma), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Fabio Grosso (Lyon), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

Midfielders: Rino Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Mauro German Camoranesi (Juventus)

Forwards: Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Marco Borriello (Genoa), Antonio Di Natale, Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria)

Standby: Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina)

source; Carlo Garganese, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Kostum Italy

Please watch costum Italy.

The Italian national football team poses during a training session on May 27, 2008 ahead of the Euro 2008, at the National Technical Center of Coverciano near Florence.

Italy has been drawn in Group C with France, the Netherlands and Romania for the first round of the Euro 2008 tournament which takes place from June 7-29 and is co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland. AFP PHOTO/ ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images

Read More.. Read More..

"To compare me to Zinedine Zidane is a bit too much"

Successor Zidane? This name, Bafetimbi Gomis. He first French player since Zinedine Zidane to score a double on his international debut here on Tuesday as the French beat Ecuador 2-0 in a Euro 2008 warm-up match.

The 22-year-old struck a spectacular second-half brace to fully reward coach Raymond Domenech's gamble on selecting him for his enlarged squad of 30 ahead of the finals which begin on June 7, though, he has to reduce it to 23 on Wednesday under UEFA rules.

The St Etienne striker's efforts may well prove another finals heartbreak for Djibril Cisse, who after being booed having missed a header from a Nicolas Anelka cross gave way to him at half-time after the French had struggled to impose themselves against hardly one of the powerhouses of South American football. It was a French side that was missing several stalwarts such as Thierry Henry, Claude Makelele and Patrick Vieira, who were all rested by Domenech.

However, Gomis refused to get too excited about the possibility of being named in the 23 on Wednesday and certainly refuted any comparisons to Zidane, who inspired the French to their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 successes as well as reaching the 2006 World Cup final where they lost to Italy.

"To compare me to Zinedine Zidane is a bit too much," said Gomis.

"I have a lot to learn and to work on. I have to make lot of progress," he added.

Domenech, sphinxlike as ever refused to relate if his ideas on the final 23 had changed or indeed if Gomis had definitively made it. "Gomis showed his qualities this evening (Tuesday) like other forwards among the squad possess," said Domenech, who against the odds guided France to the 2006 World Cup final.

"I hope he has a long career in the French side. Tonight (Tuesday) I won't sleep because I have to tell seven players on Wednesday that they are not going to the finals and I have not had to do that before."

Gomis struck first in the 59th minute with a truly wonderful effort as he appeared to lose control after a loose first touch but persevered to win the ball and hit a stunning shot into the far corner.

His second was equally spectacular as supplied by Anelka four minutes from time he volleyed home from inside the area to secure a morale boosting victory for the 2000 champions, an effort that even had the demanding Domenech applauding, albeit in a sedentary position.

source; yahoo/afp

Read More.. Read More..

Never Pele and Maradona Again!

Gigi Riva believes there will be never players at Euro 2008 be legend such as Pele and Maradona. He said, unimpresed by the quality of the modern footballer.

Italy legend Riva is one of the all-time greats of Italian football, and is La Nazionale’s record goalscorer with 35 goals from 42 appearances between 1965 and 1974.

The former Cagliari striker, who possessed a shot so hard that he once broke a spectator in the crowd’s arm with one of his trademark left foot drives, is not too enthusiastic about what he sees from those playing the game today. "Who are the big stars at the Euros? There are many good players but I do not see a Pelè or a Maradona,” Riva told Il Giorno.

“The best players in Europe, for me, there are three and they are Cristiano Ronaldo, Kakà and Ibrahimovic. However they are not in the hall of fame because they still lack a little something.”

Italy have only won the European Championships once in their history, back in 1968, when they defeated Yugoslavia 2-0 in a final replay in Rome, with Riva scoring the opening goal of the game.

source: Anthony Sormani, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Hierro Believes Of Spain

Fernando Hierro believes Spain are due for trophy championship Euro 2008. How action?

Spain has long been recognised as one of Europe’s football superpowers – they produce some the world’s best players, who play in some of the world’s best teams in one of the world’s best leagues.

Yet for all their clubs’ success, Spain have yet to win a major international trophy, failing to match the exploits of France, Italy and Germany despite being eternally tipped to challenge for top honours.

But as the European Championship draws nigh, Hierro is adamant La Roja – who will face the Unites States and Peru in friendlies prior to the tournament – can break their duck in Austria and Switzerland next month.

“I am convinced that one day we will win and it could happen during this European Championship,” said the former Real Madrid defender. “We have to play the finals with a lot of hope, ambition and humility, with the conviction we can fight for something important. We are aware of the fact that we have a great squad, a great manager and great players.”

Spain are pooled in Group D alongside Greece, Russia and Sweden; their first game is against Russia on June 10 at the Tivoli-Neu Stadion, Innsbruck.

source: Mike Maguire, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Suporter Bikini

Warning to the Italian national. Suporter can not security.

A woman runs across the field during the Italian national soccer team training session in Coverciano near Florence on May 25, 2008.

Two unidentified women who are thought to be fans, ran past players on the first day of the team training camp where the Italian team is preparing for the upcoming football tournament Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. source: AFP PHOTO/ Str (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images

Read More.. Read More..

Greece have learned

Otto Rehhagel want Greece have learned from their 3-2 loss against Hungary as they arrive in Germany for training EURO 2008. Greece's Group D opener on 10 June

A first defeat since August for the reigning European champions was a shock but Rehhagel hopes it was a well-timed one. "If we play like we did today against Sweden, then we have no chance," he said after Saturday's match. "However the timing is perfect for us to wake up. Hungary exposed all of our failings and proved that we haven't reached the level many believed we had."

Aside from the loss, two names were added to Greece's injury list. Goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis and defensive midfielder Angelos Basinas were both taken off during the game against Hungary, but medical staff have revealed that their injuries are not serious. Nikopolidis will be out for a week with a pulled groin muscle while Basinas has bruised his calf.

Both players are expected to be rested for Greece's final pre-tournament friendly game against Armenia in Offenbach on Sunday 1 June, while Giorgos Karagounis – who did not play in Budapest due to a bruised knee – has returned to full training after Greece went from the Hungarian capital to their training base in Frankfurt on Sunday. Rehhagel will now look to put the Hungarian lessons into practice on the training pitch.(source: euro2008.uefa.com)

Read More.. Read More..

Formula Kaka= Chelsea Cash + Drogba + Carvalho

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is lining up an incredible player-exchange deal for AC Milan superstar Kaka, according to reports…

The Blues are currently without a manager following the sacking of Avram Grant after a trophyless season, with ex-Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard and Russia coach Guus Hiddink favourites to take the reins.

But whoever is appointed may arrive to find a significantly altered squad from the one that fell to Manchester United in the Champions League last week.

Although Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has played down talk of wholesale changes over the summer, Abramovich is reportedly keen to overhaul the team as he seeks a more attractive brand of football.

And The Mail claims the Russian billionaire is preparing to offer want-away striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho plus cash in order to tempt Milan to part with the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year.

It is not the first time in recent months Chelsea have been linked with an audacious bid, the club shouting down claims they were prepared to pay ₤80 million for Barca prodigy Lionel Messi.

And nor would it be the first time Abramovich has bought a player – a Milan player, indeed – without the manager’s consent, as he famously spent ₤30 million to bring Andriy Shevchenko to Stamford Bridge despite then-manager Jose Mourinho’s disapproval.

Kaka, signed a contract extension with the Rossoneri in February, is currently out of action after undergoing surgery on his left knee.

source: by Mike Maguire, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Hiddink for Chelsea?

Guus Hiddink’s connection with Roman Abramovich is of course no secret. But several British media, including The Guardian, suggest today that Chelsea have held talks with the Dutch master and kept them incognito.

The reigning Russia boss only agreed to a contract extension up to mid-2010 as recently as on March 24. But the newspaper reports that the deal is only a provisional one, much to Hiddink’s frustration, and will only be ratified after the European Championship – obviously only in case the Russians do well.

The Guardian goes to reveal that Chelsea have been secretly talking to Hiddink, who may have denied these negotiations time and again in recent months, but is perhaps not feeling too secure in Russia these days.

“We will evaluate his work after the European Championship,” said recently Vitaly Mutko (pictured on the left), head of the Russian Football Union and newly-appointed sports minister. Striking detail? Hiddink’s salary, a reported 2.5 million euros plus bonuses, is actually funded by Abramovich via his National Academy of Football.

Hiddink was introduced to the Russian tycoon by fellow Dutchman Piet de Visser, a Chelsea (and ex-PSV Eindhoven, one of Hiddink’s former clubs) scout and widely considered as Abramovich’s close personal transfer advisor.

source: Panos Bletsos, Goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Avram Grant Sacked, Rijkaard in Chelsea?

Chelsea have terminated first team coach Avram Grant's contract with immediate effect...

The London club made their announcement via their official website this afternoon, bringing to an end weeks of speculation over the Israeli's future.

A statement read that the decision was taken after two days of intense discussion, with owner Roman Abramovich and the board apparently losing patience after a season without success in the Premier League or Champions League.

Grant, 53, arrived at Stamford Bridge in September of last year after José Mourinho's departure. Having bossed the Israeli national side, as well as a host of domestic teams, his experience was considerable, but lacked the top-level edge that many fans in west London had grown to expect. What's more, a lack of official UEFA qualification put him in a difficult situation.

Nonetheless he was able to guide the Blues both to the CL final in Moscow and to second place in the Premier League, losing the former game on penalties and the latter competition by a narrow margin.

However, it has been clear for some time that a trophyless season, however close-fought, would not be tolerated, and thus Grants departure comes as no real surprise.

The Search Is On

The second part of Chelsea's official communiqué pertained to the need to find a replacement. It read: "We will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager for Chelsea and there will be no further comment until that appointment is made."

The likes of Frank Rijkaard, former Barcelona boss, have been linked with the vacant hotseat, but there are also rumblings in the English tabloid press that José Mourinho could be set for a surprise (and highly unlikely) return.

source; Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Roma gain Inter revenge in Coppa

AS Roma retained the Coppa Italia after a 2-1 victory over Champions Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico here on Saturday to gain revenge for their defeat in the Serie A title race.

Goals from French centre-back Philippe Mexes and Italy midfielder Simone Perrotta sealed a ninth cup success, making them the most successful team in Italian cup history, alongside Juventus. Inter substitute Vitor Pele scored a goal that even his more illustrious namesake - the Brazilian legend who won three World Cups - would have been proud of with a stunning 30-yard volley into the top corner that left Roma's Brazilian goalkeeper Doni rooted to the spot.

The two sides have contested the last four cup finals and Roma squared the recent mini-series following Inter's victories in 2005 and 2006. The defeat, which could be Inter coach Roberto Mancini's last in charge of the nerazzurri if Italian press reports are to be believed, denied him an incredible 11th cup success as a player and coach.

Roma were clearly the more hyped of the teams from the off as they looked to make up for last weekend's Scudetto disappointment. Inter had the first shot on target through Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic but most of the action happened at the other end of the field.

French winger Ludovic Giuly was wildly off target when well placed and Perrotta had a shot blocked by Romanian centre-back Cristian Chivu. But Roma took the lead on 35 minutes through a clever corner routine that caught Inter napping. Chile midfielder David Pizarro crossed to the near post and Mexes timed his run perfectly before flicking the ball into the roof of the net.

At this point Inter - who were being cheered on by just a few thousand of their fans, leaving an entire end almost empty in the stadium - seemed barely interested. And they fell two behind just after the restart as Perrotta ran at the heart of a defence that was backing off and played a one-two with Montenegro striker Mirko Vucinic before slotting into an empty goal with Inter's veteran second-choice goalkeeper Francesco Toldo drawn out of position.

Inter were furious as they thought their Brazilian midfielder Cesar had been fouled in the build up. That finally sparked them into life and Portuguese midfielder Pele's thunderbolt got them right back in the match. Inter almost equalised moments later but Argentine centre-back Nicolas Burdisso's header came back off the post. Inter threw everything but the kitchen sink at Roma after that but created nothing to suggest they might score. Tellingly, though, their players hardly looked upset at the finish.-- source; yahoo/ap

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Roma-Inter, 2-1 or 1-2?

PREDICTION Anthony Sormani, goal.com -- Roma will be fired up for this game following their Scudetto defeat, but Inter will also be eager to prove a point following comments from Daniele De Rossi that the referees won them the title. However home advantage, and a spate of injuries for Inter, should push the Coppa Italia towards the Giallorossi.

Roma 2-1 Inter

Prediction Ade Adran Syahlan, blog owner; Roma-Inter 1-2

Read More.. Read More..

Milan want me

Real Madrid star Robinho claims Milan have approached him with view to a transfer. The 24-year-old was responding to rumours that Champions League finalists Chelsea and Manchester United were after his signature.

“With regards to Manchester, it was only speculation,” Robinho told Gloesport. “Cristiano Ronaldo does not want to leave England.”

“I received an offer from Chelsea, and Milan are also interested. The Rossoneri asked to meet my agent.”

Milan are rebuilding their squad after a disappointing season both domestically and in Europe. The Diavoli finished fifth in Serie A and will play in the UEFA Cup next year, having failed to retain their Champions League crown. Robinho was crucial to Real Madrid this season. His 11 goals helped the Merengues to a second consecutive La Liga title.

The Brazilian is thought to be happy at the Bernabéu despite interest from Europe’s biggest clubs. The former Santos fantasista is, however, haggling for a new deal worth £3.5m per annum. Should anything go wrong, Milan will be waiting.

source; channel4

Read More.. Read More..

Mourinho SMS: I Sign For Inter On Monday

Jose Mourinho has told Michael Essien that he will sign for Inter on Monday according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport. The former Chelsea coach has been linked with the club ever since current boss, Roberto Mancini, walked out on the club only to make a dramatic U-turn on his decision.

Mancini still hasn't confirmed his position with the Nerazzurri and he may leave in the summer. Meanwhile the Special One is currently free and waiting to pounce and, according to reports, he has claimed that he will sign for Inter on Monday.

Gazzetta claim Mourinho sent Chelsea midifielder Michael Essien a text message (SMS) after the Moscow Champions League final telling him the news of his new adventure with the Nerazzurri. The text reads: "Michael, you have all been great players regardless of the loss to Manchester United. On Monday I will sign for Inter and I hope that one day you too will come to Inter."

It seems as if Mourinho will take half of the Chelsea squad with him if he signs, as Inter are also interested in Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. Mancini has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester City and if he does leave San Siro then the door would be wide open for Mourinho to walk in.

Inter are desperate to win the Champions League and Moratti would prefer someone who has experience of victory in the competition in the past to take the reins at San Siro.

source; by Salvatore Landolina, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

No Ibra, Yes Crespo

Inter boss Roberto Mancini has named his 20-man squad for the Coppa Italia final against Roma, and there is no Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Nerazzurri go into the game at the Stadio Olimpico without numerous first choice players. Marco Materazzi and Julio Cruz are both suspended following their misdemeanours in the semi final second leg against Lazio.

Luis Figo, and Santiago Solari are still out injured, as are long-term absentees Olivier Dacourt, Walter Samuel, and Ivan Cordoba.

Esteban Cambiasso has failed to recover too, but there was some good news as Christian Chivu was named in the squad after training today.

The biggest surprise was the exclusion of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had been expected to play following his super-sub return from injury against Parma last Sunday.

Inter will clinch a domestic double if they beat the Giallorossi in the Eternal City tomorrow night.

Full Inter Squad

Goalkeepers: 1 Francesco Toldo, 12 Julio Cesar, 22 Paolo Orlandoni.
Defenders: 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Maxwell, 13 Maicon, 16 Nicolas Burdisso, 26 Cristian Chivu, 40 Ivan Fatic, 47 Marco Filippini. Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 11 Luis Jimenez, 14 Patrick Vieira, 21 Santiago Solari, 28 Maniche, 30 Pelé, 31 Cesar. Strikers: 18 Hernan Crespo, 29 David Suazo, 45 Mario Balotelli.

by Luca Capofranco, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Disappointment For Park Ji-Sung

It was a bitter-sweet night for Manchester United fans in South Korea. Ever since Barcelona were seen off in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, anticipation had been rising slowly in Seoul, Suwon and elsewhere in the Land of the Morning Calm that Park Ji-sung would become the first Asian to see his reflection in the European Cup. He did but not in the way that was expected.

Park played a big part in helping United get to Moscow. He starred in that semi-final victory against the Spanish giants and as United made their way to a tenth Premier League title, the Korean played an increasingly important role though he was absent when United lost 2-1 at Chelsea last month. History repeated itself in Moscow to the surprise of most observers.

It had been assumed that Park would start. It was never imagined that there would not even be a place on the sub’s bench for the player who played all 360 minutes of the Roma and Barca matches. Owen Hargreaves started on the right side of midfield in Park’s usual spot. The English midfielder was in the words of Sir Alex Ferguson, “in great condition,” and a counter perhaps, to Chelsea’s physical presence in the middle. Fellow midfielders Nani, Anderson, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher were selected as subs.

Shock was such in South Korea that there were instant but mistaken stories of an injury sustained in training. Such as omission is heartbreaking for any player and Park is no different. While he is the first Asian player to become a UEFA Champions League winner, he never played in the final. He played a big part in getting the team there but had to watch in a gray suit as his team-mates climbed the stairs to the podium and lifted the famous old trophy.

That was the picture that the South Korean media wanted, a picture of Park lifting the giant cup, not in a suit on the pitch but in a red shirt, soaked by sweat and rain. That image would have served as avatars for countless numbers of Korean netizens for years to come.

Disappointment is natural. While even his biggest fans didn’t claim that he was an automatic starter for the club, it did seem as if he was well-placed outside that inner core. With United having the unusual end-of-season luxury of a full and fit array of midfielders and attackers to choose from, perhaps Park’s place wasn’t as solid as it looked.

The decision was Alex Ferguson’s. It is debatable whether he made the right one but it his job is to pick the players that he thinks will win the game and win the game they did, albeit by the slimmest of margins.

It is all about results. If John Terry had been lifting the trophy instead of his defensive partner in the England team, then there would certainly be an inquest into tactics and selection. As it is, the Red Devils lifted the trophy and the fact that they did so without Park Ji-sung is hugely sad for the player and his fans but that’s football. Park isn’t the first to deal with the situation and won’t be the last.

There have been calls among fans in South Korea for Park to leave. That is something for the player to decide. Being a squad player at the club brings the sight of silver but not always the touch. Whether that is enough for the 27 year-old, is a question that only he can answer. Park could easily play more next season but with Fergie set to splash the cash again this summer, the opposite could happen.

One thing is for sure though, Park Ji-sung is still a European champion, he has a medal and much to be proud of. Not only that, he has much to look forward to.

by John Duerdena, goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Totti And Zanetti Up For The Coppa Italia

Roma captain Francesco Totti and Inter skipper Javier Zanetti have shown solidarity as both teams prepare to fight for the Coppa Italia on Saturday.

The Giallorossi will play the Beneamata tomorrow afternoon at the Stadio Olimpico which is likely to be sold out. Roma have home advantage and they will be relishing the chance to take revenge for missing out on the Scudetto to Inter last week. Both captains have released a joint statement and they are looking forward to battle.

A statement on Roma's official website reads: "Two great teams will meet on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico and both teams will show passion like they have all season. "Both teams fought a hard and long season right until the end and we are sure that there will be a great spectacle in the final. It will be a night full of joy and respect and a great evening for sport in general."

The Giallorossi won the Coppa last season after Inter had dominated the competition by winning it in each of the previous three seasons. The Nerazzurri are on for the double but Roma will be hell-bent on preventing that from happening. Whatever the outcome, it should be a great night for Calcio.

by Salvatore Landolina -- goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Ronaldo promises on future

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was non-committal about his future after Wednesday’s Champions League final victory.

Speculation linking the Portuguese winger with a $200 million move to Real Madrid this summer has grown in the past week.

Ronaldo, who scored his 42nd goal of an outstanding season in United’s dramatic win over Chelsea, claims he is happy at Old Trafford. But he may not have ruled out playing for a new club next season.

“I don’t promise nothing,” Ronaldo said. “I don’t promise nothing to my mum, I don’t promise nothing to the supporters.

“I want to stay, but the future - no one knows. I want to stay. We are going to see in the next two weeks, I don’t say I make a decision.”

Ronaldo, 23, is just one year into a five-year contract at United, which also edged Chelsea for this season’s Premier League title.

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Score Final Coppa Italia by Ade Adran Syahlan

Final Coppa Italia

Minggu, 25 Mei 2008

Inter Milan v AS Roma 2-1

(Siaran langsung Trans7, 02.00 WIB)

Read More.. Read More..

Loser and Winner Champions League

Loser: Roman Abramovich

The Russian billionaire wanted this trophy more than any other – especially in front of a Moscow crowd. Yet he now faces a summer left to rue upon three missed opportunities, with Chelsea having lost in the Champions League final, finished second behind United in the league and surrendered to Tottenham in the Carling Cup. He will continue to chase the big prizes, but if not for a sliver of woodwork, he would be celebrating the ultimate club title already.

Winners: The Glazer family

United’s American owners faced huge opposition from supporters’ groups when they took over, but all those complaints are consigned to history now. The Glazers have made money available to Sir Alex Ferguson for transfers and seen the club go from strength to strength. Their investment will climb in value again with the addition of the 2008 trophy to the club’s 1999 Champions League victory.

By Martin Rogers, Yahoo! Sports

Read More.. Read More..

Heartbreaking Night for Terry

Manchester United were crowned kings of Europe for the third time on Wednesday when they

beat Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a breathless all-English Champions League final had finished

1-1 after extra time.

United's 37-year-old goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, appearing in his third final 13 years after his

first with Ajax Amsterdam, saved the decisive spot kick from substitute Nicolas Anelka.

The victory completed a famous double for the Old Trafford team who pipped Chelsea to the

Premier League title 10 days ago.

It was an emotional triumph for United, coming 50 years after the Munich air disaster, and there

was a huge cheer for one of the survivors, Bobby Charlton, when he joined the team at the

presentation of the trophy he lifted in 1968 before Alex Ferguson led the team to a second

success in 1999.

"We've had fate on our side all season and I felt that fate played its hand with John Terry

slipping," Ferguson said of the Chelsea captain's penalty miss.

John Terry

It was a heartbreaking night for Terry, who had the chance to take the trophy to Stamford Bridge

for the first time but sent what would have been the winning penalty against the outside of the

post.

"John Terry's a man's man, not many centre halves will stand up and say I will take the last

penalty because everybody knows that's the thing it can hang on," said Frank Lampard, whose

equalizer had cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's opener.

Chelsea maintained their momentum and Lampard scooped a shot against the bar within four

minutes of the restart but they needed Terry to deny Giggs a fairytale goal by heading the

winger's shot over the bar with Cech beaten.

As the clock ticked down -- towards 2am local time -- tempers boiled over and Drogba was sent

off for slapping Nemanja Vidic.

The shootout first went Chelsea's way as Ronaldo, who had missed a penalty early in the

semi-final against Barcelona, saw his effort saved. Ballack, Juliano Belletti, Lampard and Ashley Cole all scored for Chelsea but when Terry failed

the momentum shifted.

Anderson and Giggs netted for United and, although Salomon Kalou was on target for Chelsea,

Van der Sar blocked Anelka's effort to secure the giant silver trophy once again.

Source: Reuters

Read More.. Read More..

LIVE REPORT: Fly Hero, Man United 7-6 Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka, the man who has played for Liverpool and Manchester City, bitter rivals of United... Scored a winner against United earlier this season for Bolton...BUT HE MISSES! IT'S OVER! MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE DONE IT! VAN DER SAR WENT HIGH TO HIS RIGHT, AND THAT'S WHERE IT WENT! IT'S OVER! UNITED HAVE DONE IT! STAY LOGGED ON HERE FOR ALL THE FALL OUT! THANKS FOR JOINING US ON GOAL.COM! Full time in Moscow: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea - United win 6-5 on penalties!!!

Read More.. Read More..

LIVE REPORT: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (ET)

Manchester United deservedly took the lead after a strong start, but poor defending saw them allow Chelsea back just before the break. The Blues have had the upper hand since, but it remains 1-1 as we head into extra time. Follow the monumental action live on ballmedia.blogspot.com

Read More.. Read More..

JT: A CAPTAIN'S DESIRE

Not long after midnight in Moscow, John Terry could be climbing the steps inside the Luzhniki Stadium to lift the European Cup high into the Russian sky. There is no other inspiration necessary.

In the prelude to tonight's Champions League Final, the Chelsea captain has been allowed to sit just a few feet away from the trophy our former manager Ruud Gullit often called 'the cup with the big ears'. Supporters in Red Square have had a similar chance to come close to the famous silverware - but none have quite the chance to make history that Terry does.

'When you look at the trophy, that is enough,' says the skipper on his motivating forces.

'We have worked really hard for four or five years to do well in this competition and not got this far. We have come close. The disappointments have been hard to take over the years and finally we are here on the biggest stage in Europe.

'We want to make the most of it. This is certainly the biggest game I have been involved in up to this point, the atmosphere around it is awesome. I just want to get my hands on the trophy.'

Standing in the way is the familiar sight of the Barclays Premier League champions.

'I think this is a different ball game altogether than the league,' Terry insists. 'Man United were very good in that and deserved to win but this is a one-off game.

'Going forward we are very strong, we have a lot of midfielders who can bomb on, left and right backs who get forward and we are very fit.

'Hopefully we have a fully-fit team and we can play football against the best of sides, not just in the Premier League but also in Europe - but we can mix it as well, when it is the right time to put our bodies and tackles in.

'The pitch will be the same for both sides,' he added, the players awaking to a damp Moscow morning, 'and as long as we get our footwear right, I think we will be fine.

'Both teams have a lot of quality players. I don't think anyone is underdogs or favourites.'--source; chelseafc.com

Read More.. Read More..

Park: Title gives us the edge

Ji-sung Park insists United will head into tonight's Champions League final with more belief than Chelsea after pipping them to the Premier League title.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech suggested an edge may be missing from the Reds’ game in Moscow following the title triumph, but Park reckons it will have the opposite effect.

The Korean midfielder declared: “We are far more confident after winning the title. Having lost the league, that might make a difference to Chelsea.“We’ve done one job and everyone feels good – now we’re looking forward to the final.”

Park was a Champions League semi-finalist with PSV Eindhoven in 2005 and has impressed for United since returning from injury at Christmas, yet he admits still has his doubters – although Sir Alex Ferguson isn’t one of them.

The Reds boss paid a glowing tribute to his livewire winger’s professionalism last week and said he had a “big chance” of being in the side on Wednesday.

Park continued: “I proved my ability with PSV but some people still think Asian players aren’t good enough to play in Europe. For me it’s always challenging to prove them wrong. “When I first came to United I had to prove my ability. Now everyone knows I’m not just here to sell shirts!--source;manunited.com

Read More.. Read More..

Indonesian To Learn From Bayern Munich

Result friendly games Indonesia vs Bayern Munich 1-5.
Indonesian national team coach Benny Dollo is hoping that his players will benefit from facing European powerhouse Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in Jakarta.

The south-east nation are starting preparations for the ASEAN championship later this year and provide the first opposition of Bayern’s Asian tour. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our players to gain experience and learn from Bayern Munich as a top class club,” Dollo told reporters in Jakarta.

“I hope this team can improve and perform well against such a big club."

"We are aware of the quality that they have. We will face them without fear and try to improve our defence."

"The starting eleven will be decided later but the captain remains Ponaryo Astaman." -- source;goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

No Penalties

foto by the sun

Read More.. Read More..

Didier: I'll Get Roo, Wayne

DIDIER DROGBA has vowed to take his revenge on Wayne Rooney after claims that he is a nutcase. The Chelsea man was raging with United star Roo’s comments in which he claimed he had a dodgy temperament.

And Drog has told mates he will deal with Rooney in tonight’s Champions League final the same way as he did Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez in the semi.

Benitez wound Drogba up before the second leg about his diving. The Ivory Coast hitman replied with two superb goals and the Reds were out. Now he is gunning for Rooney. A mate of Drog told Sunsport: “Didi was surprised and angry by what Rooney had to say.

“He wondered if Rooney paid any attention to what happened with Rafa and the way it wound him up. He settled that one on the pitch and intends to do the same in Moscow.”

Rooney incurred Drog’s wrath when he said: “Sometimes he seems if his head’s not there.”

Drogba stuck a picture of Benitez above his peg to motivate him. It was rumoured he was searching for a Rooney one to do the same last night.

And Drogba, 30, also warned United the Blues will lift the trophy because they are a fitter and fresher side.

He also admitted his preference of playing with Nicolas Anelka up front.

Drogba said: “The result will be down to small details like free-kicks and physical fitness. Chelsea have an advantage with the latter. That is a trump card.

“I’m disappointed I’ve not been able to play more alongside Anelka.

“But every time we have I see fear in defenders’ eyes.

“Let’s hope that this will be the case against United.” (source: thesun)

Read More.. Read More..

Rooney is Ever so right

WAYNE ROONEY reckons even Everton fans must understand now why he left Goodison Park when he walks out in the Champions League final tonight.

Rooney is Ever so right

Rooney knew he could not stick around with the Toffees when Manchester United came calling four years ago.

His desire for success had to override his devotion to the club he had supported for years.

Rooney said: “You join United to win things and I’ve managed that.

“To reach the Champions League final is a great achievement by the team and I’m sure a lot of Everton fans will understand a bit more now.)

“You grow up dreaming of games like this but Everton were never going to get there.”(source: thesun

Read More.. Read More..

Bayern Munich versus National Team Indonesia

German league and Cup champions Bayern Munich, minus players required for next month's Euro 2008, set off on a nine-day tour of Indonesia and India on Monday.

Bayern will play the Indonesian national team in Jakarta on Wednesday, and then enjoy a three-day stopover in Bali before travelling to India to play Mohun Bagan in the 120,000-capacity Salt Lake Stadium in Calcutta a week on Tuesday.

The German club were initially due to visit China to play the Chinese Olympic team but the tour was cancelled by Chinese officials, Bayern said without giving any further details.

"It's a great way to end the season," said outgoing coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who will take over the reins of the Swiss national side after Euro 2008.

The Asian tour, with just 11 professional playing staff, will also be the last for captain and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who is to retire to become a television pundit.

"I have many fans in Asia," said Kahn, whose notoriety soared after he was elected most valuable player in the 2002 World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea. (source: afp)

Read More.. Read More..

Park Has Been Unbelievable

With Manchester United’s Park Ji-sung ready to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final on Wednesday evening, former South Korea coach Pim Verbeek was recalling his first sight of the player.

Verbeek was not only the assistant to Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups respectively; he was the Korean team boss from August 2007 to August 2008.

He first saw Park when he was in Japan playing for Kyoto Sanga.

"He played in the striker position when I saw him at Kyoto, with [Japan international Daisuke] Matsui," the Dutchman told the Daily Yomuiri. "They won the Tenno Hai [Emperor's Cup] in 2002 and they were champions in J2 and he was one of the key players on that team. Still, you think, OK, he's 18 years old and he didn't look like a real football player.

"You see [Cristiano] Ronaldo and you think, 'Yeah, that's a football player.' But Park, you think, 'Hmm, what is this?' But the moment he is on the field, he is unbelievable."

After the 2002 World Cup, Verbeek, the current coach of Australia, was at PSV Eindhoven with the Korean exports.

"I was at PSV Eindhoven when Park and Lee Young Pyo came," Verbeek said. "I know the PSV players looked at him and thought, 'Korean players?' "There was a lot of skepticism about those players but that changed very, very soon because they saw what they could do--not only with the ball, but without the ball. They saw the work rate, the unbelievable mentality, the commitment to the game and they changed the mentality in the PSV squad. What they showed was a top professional attitude."

Verbeek believes after his move to Manchester United in the summer of 2005, Park has become an important player for the club.

"First of all, his work rate is unbelievable," said Verbeek. "He's always playing for the team. Every team needs players like him. I can remember the time when he played for PSV Eindhoven when they played in the semifinal of the Champions League against Milan, and over the two games he was outstanding.

"I think that if Ferguson, who has been working with the best players in the world for 10 years, likes him, then that says more than enough."

"So he has had an unbelievable career. I think nobody ever thought that he could go that far." (source: goal.com)

Read More.. Read More..

Not Future

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has again dismissed his own personal future as irrelevant ahead of Wednesday's Champions League final...

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has again dismissed his own personal future as irrelevant ahead of Wednesday's Champions League final...

The 53-year-old has a good record in his eight months at Stamford Bridge to date, but is yet to pick up a trophy. With the pressure now on to land the Champions League, speculation is rife as to Grant's replacement should he fail in his task.

On Monday British newspapers had speculated that outgoing Barcelona head coach Frank Rijkaard and Inter Milan's manager Roberto Mancini were possible replacements for Grant should he fail to win the Champions League.

However, Grant told the world's media at Tuesday's news conference in Moscow that the final was about the club, and not himself. "You need to respect everyone at Chelsea, the staff and the supporters, and ask questions about the final, this is not about me," he said.

"We are here because we are here for the most important game in the history of the club. I am here. I want to win and I want to do my job."

Moscow A Home From Home

Grant also stated that playing in Moscow is like a home from home for Chelsea. Aside from the obvious link between the city and club owner Roman Abramovich, the Israeli boss says that the club's fan-base is superb.

"We feel really at home here and really positive I must say. We started to walk today but we couldn't walk more than five to 10 minutes and had to change our plans. There are also 50,000 of our own fans out here and it is great," he added.

Grant concluded by joking that he would enjoy a drink of vodka with Abramovich should Chelsea win the trophy on Wednesday, with members of the press also invited along! "I am not usually a drinker but on this occasion yes [I will have a drink with Abramovich]. If we win I will drink more than one glass, with you lot also," he concluded.

source; Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Man United-Chelsea 1-1, or 2-1?

PREDICTION
Steven Jones, goal.com -- Over the course of ninety minutes I feel the match will be as close as ever and will need extra time, and possibly penalties to determine a winner. In extra time gameplans go out of the window and it may provide the space for one of the many star players on the pitch to grab a winner. I personally cannot separate the two sides so I have gone for a draw leading to a penalty shootout where either could be the winners of the Champions League 2008.

Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (could go either way on penalties)

Prediction Ade Adran Syahlan, owner blog. Man United win 2-1. No penalties.

Read More.. Read More..

Evra Eyeing Revenge Mission In Moscow

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra insists the Champions League final against Chelsea will be an entirely different game than the recent league encounter between the two sides...

The Blues emerged victorious at Stamford Bridge in a fairly pivotal game that put the title race right on a knife-edge. The two sides were level on points - United leading only on goal difference - and it remained that way until the final day, when Chelsea threw away their lead against Bolton Wanderers in the dying minutes, knowing the league was beyond them as United were ahead at Wigan Athletic.

Chelsea won the battle, but United the war, and there was something of a combination of the two after the game itself. A brawl erupted on the field between ground staff and United substitutes who were warming down. A subsequent investigation has revealed that the Red Devils were asked not to run in the area while the grass was being cut, to which they refused.

It is then alleged that Evra received racial abuse, which provoked him to race across the pitch toward the offending ground staff, as the two groups had to be separated by stewards not once, but twice.

"Everybody was little bit angry - when you lose a game you're always angry," recalled Evra.

"But I don't want to talk about what happened afterwards. The club has said everything about it."

Indeed, United have filed a report and the verdict is yet to be heard. It is unlikely any racial abuse will be proven, though both parties will most likely face punishment for their conduct.

Looking forward to Moscow, Evra insists that the Stamford Bridge defeat is out of the players' minds, as they since edged Chelsea to the title and, notably, there were some key players rested in that league clash.

The flying full-back is particularly eager to win after suffering a resounding defeat with Monaco in the 2004 final, against Jose Mourinho's Porto. "I want only to think about the final. It's very important to me because I lost one with Monaco four years ago," he explained. In a sense we have forgotten all about losing at Chelsea because straight afterwards we beat Barcelona, then we went on to win the title. At Stamford Bridge, a lot of players were rested. The final in Moscow will be a completely different game."

source: Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com

Read More.. Read More..

Prediction Score Final Champions League by Ade Adran Syahlan

Final Champions League

Kamis Dini Hari WIB, 22 Mei 2008

Man United v Chelsea 2-1

Prediction by Ade Adran Syahlan, owner blog

Read More.. Read More..

"We're not going to stand still now"

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has been promised summer transfer funds to boost his FA Cup-winning squad. The club will play in the Uefa Cup next season after beating Cardiff at Wembley, with European competition likely to attract players to the club.

"We're not going to stand still now, we have to build on it," said Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie. We've got quality players and now, at our level, we have to bring in more and widen the squad a bit."

Redknapp has a reputation as a wheeler-dealer in the transfer market and Storrie insists he will have the opportunity to attempt to push on next season.

"We had a great season finishing eighth in the Premier League and we want to try to do even better than we have this season," said Storrie.

Storrie also spoke about Redknapp's future after speculation prior to Saturday's Cup final. "Harry's on a long contract. He's here as long as he wants to be here," he said.

"I think that will be for a long, long while. This is his team. He built this team and wants to take them to the next level."

During the club's open-top bus tour of the city, during which they were cheered by an estimated 200,000 fans, Redknapp revealed plans for a pre-season tour of Nigeria where they will have a dress rehearsal for the FA Community Shield against Manchester United.

No dates have officially been announced but it will mean a homecoming for Pompey stars Kanu, who scored the Wembley winner, and John Utaka, whose cross set up the goal. "I haven't told them yet but we will be going to Nigeria pre-season," he said.

"I don't know if it's going to be a pleasant surprise for them but I think everybody enjoyed Hong Kong last year. We are going to play Manchester United out there. Apparently they want us out there and the thinking was that if it is good for Manchester United then it's certainly good for us." (source: bbc)

Read More.. Read More..

Inter Milan wins third straight Italian title

Inter Milan won its third straight Italian league title Sunday by beating Parma 2-0 on the final

day of the season. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, returning from a six-week injury layoff, scored both goals

to help Inter finish the season with 85 points, three more than AS Roma, which tied 1-1 at

Catania.

“All of Italy was rooting against us, which gives us even more pride,” Inter president Massimo

Moratti said.

Ibrahimovic was out injured when Inter wasted chances to clinch the past two weekends, first

with a loss against city rival AC Milan and then last week with a tie against Siena. “After we lost

the derby a lot of (negative) things were written about us,” Inter captain Javier Zanetti said.

“Everyone was rooting for Siena and everyone wanted Roma to win, but unfortunately the party

is still going to be in Milan. This was a group response.”

The Sweden striker came on in the 51st minute in driving rain at Parma and scored one goal

with each foot. In the 62nd, he used his right foot to connect on a low shot from beyond the

penalty area. He then volleyed in a cross from Maicon with his left foot in the 79th.

Inter fans were barred from attending the game in Parma, but thousands of supporters

celebrated outside the stadium, and fans back in Milan chanted in front of the city’s Duomo

cathedral.

Roma needed to win and hope for help from Parma. It looked good for the Giallorossi when

Mirko Vucinic scored in the eighth minute, but Roma let up after news of Ibrahimovic’s goals

reached Catania and Jorge Andres Martinez tied the score for the Sicilians in the 85th.

“We weren’t supposed to win it today. The difference came during those two months of the

season when Inter struggled but won nine of 10 games,” Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi said.

“Nobody ever doubted Inter was a great team.”

Fiorentina beat Torino 1-0 to secure fourth place and Italy’s final Champions League berth.

AC Milan finished fifth despite a 4-1 win over Udinese, and will miss out on the top European

competition next season.

Argentine forward Pablo Osvaldo scored with a bicycle kick in the 76th minute for Fiorentina

at Torino, which had a goal by Aimo Diana disallowed for offside in the 60th.

Udinese led Milan when Giandomenico Mesto scored in the 32nd minute, but the Rossoneri

responded with goals from Alexandre Pato, Filippo Inzaghi, Cafu and Clarence Seedorf.

“We’re not ending the year how we’d like to, but let’s not forget that we won the Club World

Cup this season,” Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said, also recalling that his team won its

seventh European Cup last season. “After two seasons when our focus has been elsewhere,

next year we’re going to focus fulltime on the league.”

Juventus finished third with 72 points and was followed by Fiorentina with 66 and Milan with

64.

Alessandro Del Piero finished as the league scoring leader, getting two goals in Juventus’

3-3 tie with Sampdoria on Saturday. Del Piero finished with 21 goals, teammate David Trezeguet

had 20 and Genoa’s Marco Borriello ended with 19.(source: yahoo/ap)

Read More.. Read More..