League Table

  1. Liverpool 23pt
  2. Chelsea 20pt
  3. Hull City 20pt
  4. Arsenal 19pt
  5. Aston Villa 17pt
  6. Man Utd 15pt
  7. Portsmouth 14pt
  8. Manchester City 13pt
  9. Sunderland 12pt
  10. West Ham Utd 12pt

Player Statistics

Top Scorers;
  • 7 goal - Amr Zaki (Wigan Athletic)
  • 6 goal - Robinho (Manchester City)
  • 5 goal - Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), John Carew (Aston Villa), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Top Assists;

  • 5 - Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal)
  • 4 - Mikel Arteta (Everton), Steed Malbranque (Sunderland)
  • 3 - Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Neves Denilson (Arsenal), Geremi (Newcastle), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City), Robbie Keane (Liverpool), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Dean Marney (Hull City), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City)

Who will be honoured with the title of FIFA World Player for 2008 ? FIFA had announced the names of the nominees and the final decision will be made by the captains and head coaches of the men's and women's national teams.

At the beginning of December, FIFA will announce the names of the three men who have received the most votes and the winners will be revealed at the 18th FIFA World Player Gala at the Zurich Opera House on 12 January 2009.

The lists of 23 candidates for these prestigious awards have been drawn up by football experts from the Football Committee. The following 23 men are in contention for the title of FIFA World Player 2008:

Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
Sergio Agüero (Argentina)
Andrei Arshavin (Russia)
Michael Ballack (Germany)
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Iker Casillas (Spain)
Deco (Portugal)
Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire)
Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)
Cesc Fabregas (Spain)
Steven Gerrard (England)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)
Andrés Iniesta (Spain)
Kaká (Brazil)
Frank Lampard (England)
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Franck Ribéry (France)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
John Terry (England)
Fernando Torres (Spain)
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Netherlands)
David Villa (Spain)
Xavi (Spain)

Liverpool 1 - 0 Portsmouth

Liverpool maintained their three-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the English Premier League as a blunder by Papa Bouba Diop marred Tony Adams's first match as Portsmouth manager.

The visitors were hanging on to a goalless draw at Anfield on Wednesday when Diop handled in the box 14 minutes from time to give away a penalty. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard beat former Reds keeper David James from the spot as Rafael Benitez's men backed up their win away to Chelsea.

See the highlight (Gerrard Penalty)




Hull City 0 - 3 Chelsea

Normal service was resumed as Chelsea responded to their defeat against leaders Liverpool by beating Hull City 3-0 away on Wednesday and bringing the home side back down to earth after their excellent start to the English Premier League season.

The outcome at the KC Stadium was never in doubt after an early goal from Frank Lampard. Further strikes from Frenchmen Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda were scant reward for Chelsea's domination. Luiz Felipe Scolari's may have started the game level on points with Hull, but there was a massive class gap between the two teams.

Hull had not conceded a goal for 309 minutes going into the game. It was an impressive record that they managed to extend until only the third minute of this match.


Manchester United 2 - 0 West Ham United

Cristiano Ronaldo was back in the groove as the Manchester United winger inspired a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Ham on Wednesday.
Ronaldo struck twice in the first half at Old Trafford to take his goal tally to five for the season and finally recapture the form that made him English football's Player of the Year last season.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes from the side held to a draw at Everton last weekend, the most notable being the omission of Wayne Rooney at the expense of Carlos Tevez, who was given his first start alongside Dimitar Berbatov in a two-pronged attack against his former club.


Arsenal 4 - 4 Tottenham

Tottenham took a 13th minute lead in spectacular fashion when, from fully 40 yards out, England midfielder David Bentley flicked the ball up and lobbed a swerving volley over the head of Manuel Almunia.

However the Gunners equalised in the 37th minute when Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes was beaten to the ball from a corner by the head of former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. William Gallas, Arsenal's other France centre-half, made it 2-1 for the home side a minute after the break he headed in Robin van Persie's free-kick. Van Persie's precise long pass released Samir Nasri who in turn lobbed Gomes before striker Emmanuel Adebayor bundled the ball home.

Spurs striker Darren Bent scored in the 67th minute following an Almunia error but barely 60 seconds later Arsenal's two-goal lead was restored by Dutch striker van Persie after Adebayor seized on a loose pass from Spurs defender Alan Hutton. But another defensive error saw Spurs's Jermaine Jenas storm forward before curling a shot past Almunia in the 89th minute. And there was still time for Aaron Lennon to give the visitors a share of the spoils. FIFA

Milan legend Paolo Maldini has won the Facchetti Award, for his fairness and ability to be an example to others on the playing field. Paolo Maldini is one of the few remaining true legends of the game. He has made a stunning 624 appearances for the Milanese club, and scored 29 goals over his time.

The award is held in the honour of the former Inter Milan great Giacinto Facchetti, who sadly lost his battle with cancer at the age of just 64, two years ago. Facchetti was a great of the game, who went on to win four Scudetti and two European cups with the Nerazzurri. He also managed to make 94 appearances for the Italian national team over a 14 year period that included success in the EURO of 1968, and a loss in the World Cup final of 1970.

According to Facchetti’s son Gianfelice, who presented the award on the night, “Maldini is a fair player on the field and has always been an example to others.” Maldini received the Facchetti Award and a check of €10,000 to be devoted to charity by Inter president Massimo Moratti and Gianfelice, who was one of three sons of Giacinto present at the ceremony.

Following the presentation of the award, Gianfelice also announced the creation of a foundation for the study and treatment of cancer, named after his father. Goal

Click pic for full image and Right Click to save it

Former Sweden and Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has signed for the Seattle Sounders, the MLS expansion team said on Tuesday. Ljungberg has been without a club since his contract with English Premier League West Ham United was cancelled in August, having retired from international football in June.

He joins the MLS's newest team, which kicks off in March next year, under the same 'designated player' ruling that allowed LA Galaxy to sign David Beckham from Real Madrid.

"We looked far and wide for a designated player who would represent the spirit of our team," said Sounders owner Joe Roth. "In Freddie Ljungberg, we found it. A proven international star at Arsenal and captain of the Swedish national Team, Freddie is the exciting, creative force we need and we are sure the Seattle fans are in for a great treat."
Ljungberg, who played 75 times for his country, said he had received offers from European clubs but had his heart set on a move to Seattle.

"The club itself has such great ambition and the fans over here are very passionate about their team," he added.

The team did not give details of the contract beyond saying the Swede had signed a 'multi-year deal' but local media reports said Ljungberg has a two-year contract. FIFA

From my previous entry: FIFPro World XI Award 2008

FIFPro, the world players’ union have announced their World Player of the Year and World XI. Man United’s brilliant Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo has lifted the 2007-2008 title. The award was made to a delighted Ronaldo today in Manchester.

FIFPro’s (Fédération Internationale des Footballeurs Professionels) 57,500 members around the globe cast their votes and Champion’s League winner Cristiano Ronaldo came out on top. He takes over from Milan’s Kaká who has held the title for the last year.

Cristiano Ronaldo commented:

“To be recognized by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing. I would like to thank my teammates and coaches and everyone involved at Man United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support. Thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world.“

FIFPro members also voted for their team of the year. The side was comprised of a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.


The FIFPro World XI is:

Goalkeeper – Iker Casillas (Spain/ Real Madrid)

Defenders – Sergio Ramos (Spain/ Real Madrid), John Terry (England/ Chelsea), Carles Puyol (Spain/ Barcelona) and Rio Ferdinand (England/ Manchester United)

Midfielders - Steven Gerrard (England/ Liverpool), Xavi (Spain/ Barcelona) and Ricardo Kaká (Brazil/AC Milan).

Forwards – Lionel Messi (Argentina/ Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Spain/ Liverpool), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/ Manchester United)

Chelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool

A first-half goal from Xabi Alonso ended Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten home league record and put Liverpool three points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Alonso struck in the ninth minute when his 20-yard shot deflected off Jose Bosingwa to leave goalkeeper Petr Cech flat-footed.

Chelsea had their moments but Ashley Cole wasted their best chance of the match in 73rd minute by firing wide from eight yards. Chelsea began the brighter of the two sides and their initial thrusts almost resulted in an opening goal. Nicolas Anelka dribbled his way into the penalty area in the third minute but was tackled before he could test Jose Reina. The ball fell to Deco but the Chelsea midfielder's shot was deflected to safety.

Liverpool went ahead in the ninth minute with their first attack of the match.Chelsea failed to deal with a throw when John Terry could only half clear Dirk Kuyt's clever back-header. The ball fell to Xabi Alonso on the edge of the penalty area and his shot deflected off Bosingwa past Petr Cech.

See The Highlight (Alonso's Goal)



Everton 1 - 1 Man Utd

Everton outmuscled Manchester United to claim an unexpected point thanks to a spirited second-half comeback. Manchester United had dominated the first 45 minutes of the Barclays Premier League match with a controlled and confident display, to the point that Everton were chasing shadows. United held a deserved lead through Darren Fletcher at the break, but in the second period Everton stormed back with a physical performance, with Marouane Fellaini heading the equaliser.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was able to make five changes to the United side that outclassed Celtic in the Champions League in midweek. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra were back from injury, while Ryan Giggs returned as captain. Wes Brown and Ji-Sung Park were also recalled.

Everton had former United striker Louis Saha up front with Ayegbeni Yakubu, while Joseph Yobo and Phil Neville returned from injury. The hosts were either brave or foolhardy to play two wide-men in Steven Pienaar and Mikel Arteta, leaving Leon Osman and Fellaini sometimes cruelly exposed in central midfield, where Giggs pulled all the strings.


West Ham 0 - 2 Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor came off the bench to inspire Arsenal to victory over West Ham United at Upton Park. The Togo international created the breakthrough after 75 minutes when his cross-shot was turned into his own net by West Ham full-back Julien Faubert.

As the Hammers pushed for an injury time equaliser, Adebayor finished off an incisive counter-attack by rounding Robert Green to rifle home the second. West Ham finished the game with 10 men after Carlton Cole was sent off in injury time for a foul on Alexander Song.

Full results
Everton 1 - 1 Manchester U.
Sunderland 2 - 1 Newcastle U.
WBA 0 - 3 Hull C.
Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Middlesbrough
Chelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool
Manchester C. 3 - 0 Stoke C.
Tottenham H. 2 - 0 Bolton W.
Wigan Athletic 0 - 4 Aston Villa
West Ham U. 0 - 2 Arsenal
Portsmouth 1 - 1 Fulham
premierleague.com

MALAYSIA 0 VIETNAM 0
(after extra time, Vietnam win 6-5 on penalties)

VIETNAM stuck to their game plan for 120 minutes and their reward was the Merdeka Tournament title after they first held free-scoring Malaysia to a 0-0 draw and then won the lottery of penalties 6-5 at the National Stadium last night.

Norhafiz Zamani Misbah was the Malaysian "villain", missing the first of the sudden death penalties while Mai Tien Thanh converted his effort but it was an unfair result as the national team played much better than their opponents and deserved to win. Their form en route to the final, which saw them scoring 18 goals and conceding none, certainly pointed to the title being retained convincingly.

But Vietnam, preparing for next year's Laos Sea Games, would soon prove to be far tougher opponents and they lived up to their promise to keep a close eye on the Malaysian forwards.
Safee Sali and Indra Putra Mahayuddin, whose partnership has been impressive throughout, were willing but found the Vietnamese defenders an uncompromising lot as they hardly gave the Malaysians any room to move.

Vietnam's game plan was to defend in numbers with quick counter attacks and the offside trap at every opportunity and in one of these situations, Indra slotted the ball into the net in the seventh minute only for the linesman to intervene with his flag. Malaysia kept pressing but failed to make half chances count as Shukor Adan headed straight to Vietnam keeper Bui Tan Truong.

Vietnam had a chance of their own two minutes later but skipper Mai Xuan Hop's effort from close range was blocked by Irwan Fadhli. It had been a largely uneventful first half and the script didn't change much in the second as Malaysia continued pressing but lacked the final touch while Vietnam were content with the occasional counter attack.

One added ingredient though was overly robust play and one incident in the 70th minute, which saw a Vietnam player sprawled on the pitch following a challenge, resulted in assistant coach Khoa Hung Binh being sent to the stands for his protests. The remaining minutes were equally uneventful, forcing extra time but the additional 30 minutes remained goalless and when it came to penalties, Vietnam proved just why they played for the 120 minutes as they scored all six to lift the Merdeka Tournament title for the first time. NST


Club : Arsenal Football Club (Arsenal FC)
Nickname(s) : The Gunners
Club Based : Holloway, North London
Traditional Colors : White and Red
Stadium : Emirates (60,355)
Website : www.arsenal.com






Records;

Domestic

Premier League
  • Winners (13): 1930–31, 1932–33, 1933–34, 1934–35, 1937–38, 1947–48, 1952–53, 1970–71, 1988–89, 1990–91, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04
  • Runners-up (8): 1925–26, 1931–32, 1972–73, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2004–05
Second Division
  • Runners-up (1): 1903–04
FA Cup
  • Winners (10): 1929–30, 1935–36, 1949–50, 1970–71, 1978–79, 1992–93, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05
  • Runners-up (7): 1926–27, 1931–32, 1951–52, 1971–72, 1977–78, 1979–80, 2000–01
League Cup
  • Winners (2): 1986–87, 1992–93
  • Runners-up (4): 1967–68, 1968–69, 1987–88, 2006–07
Charity Shields and Community Shields
  • Winners (12): 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1938, 1948, 1953, 1991 (shared), 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004
  • Runners-up (7): 1935, 1936, 1979, 1989, 1993, 2003, 2005

European


UEFA Champions League
  • Runners-up (1): 2005–06
European Cup Winners' Cup
  • Winners (1): 1993–94
  • Runners-up (2): 1979–80, 1994–95
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
  • Winners (1): 1969–70
UEFA Cup
  • Runners-up (1): 1999–2000
UEFA Super Cup
  • Runners-up (1): 1994

Udinese 2 - 0 Tottenham

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos was left clinging desperately to his job on Thursday after watching his struggling side crash to a 2-0 UEFA Cup defeat at Udinese. Spurs, rock-bottom of the English Premier League without a win this season, also finished this opening Group D clash with ten men after Jamie O'Hara was red-carded just before the hour mark.

Udinese, second in Serie A behind defending champions Inter Milan, were ahead after 24 minutes when Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes brought down Fabio Quagliarella inside the area. Antonio Di Natale coolly scored from the penalty spot.

O'Hara's dismissal, for successive fouls on Alexis Sanchez, only added to Spurs' problems and they were under the cosh for the remainder of the tie. Udinese substitute Simone Pepe, who had replaced Sanchez in the 79th minute, added the second goal four minutes from the end when he slotted a pass from Quagliarella beyond Gomes.

Tottenham's best chance fell to Darren Bent who had a header well saved by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.But the Londoners' fruitless trip to Italy was best summed up by the pre-match ommission of midfielder David Bentley who was dropped for his criticism of the club.

fifa.com

Braga 3 - 0 Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp pointed the finger at Sporting Braga's 'divers' after the Portuguese side claimed a 3-0 UEFA Cup win over Portsmouth. Pompey had four players booked and Redknapp admitted he was frustrated by the night's proceedings - especially with the antics of the opposition and the officials.

Slovenian referee Darko Ceferin booked Pompey's Papa Bouba Diop, Noe Pamarot, Jermain Defoe - for shooting into the net when given offside - and Peter Crouch. He also booked Braga goalscorer Wason Renteria for trying to persuade the official to caution Pompey substitute Nadir Belhadj for a foul.

Uruguayan Luis Aguiar fired a fabulous 30-yard free-kick past David James in the eighth minute and Colombian Renteria added a second just after half-time.Portsmouth conceded a third three minutes from time when Sean Davis steered a right-wing cross against his own post and Brazilian Alan pounced to score from the rebound.

Full Results

UEFA Cup - Group B
Schalke 3 - 1 Paris S.G.
FC Twente Enschede 1 - 0 Racing Santander

UEFA Cup - Group B
Galatasaray 1 - 0 Olympiakos Piraeus
Hertha BSC 1 - 1 Benfica

UEFA Cup - Group C
Sevilla 2 - 0 Stuttgart
Partizan Belgrade 1 - 2 Sampdoria

UEFA Cup - Group D
Udinese 2 - 0 Tottenham H.
Dinamo Zagreb 3 - 2 NEC Nijmegen

UEFA Cup - Group E
SC Heerenveen 1 - 3 AC Milan
Braga 3 - 0 Portsmouth

UEFA Cup - Group F
Zilina 1 - 2 Hamburger SV
Aston Villa 2 - 1 Ajax Amsterdam

UEFA Cup - Group G
FC Copenhagen 1 - 3 Saint-Etienne
Rosenborg 0 - 0 Club Brugge

UEFA Cup - Group H
CSKA Moscow 3 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna
Nancy 3 - 0 Feyenoord Rotterdam

It turned out to be easier than expected as Malaysia, thanks to a more aggressive approach in the second half, beat Myanmar 4-0 in their Merdeka Tournament semi-final at the National Stadium yesterday. The final is against Vietnam but Malaysia will be confident as yesterday's win was again achieved without conceding a goal and there is every reason to believe that the title will be defended successfully tomorrow.

Perhaps the pressure of the semi-final got to the national team as Malaysia took some time to settle down and Myanmar didn't make it easier as they didn't give their opponents much time on the ball. Myanmar had promised to work hard and that they did as Malaysia were limited to mere half chances.

To Malaysia's credit, they continued trying to breach the Myanmar defence and their efforts were rewarded in the 26th minute when Indra Putra Mahayuddin struck from a freekick. The momentum was with Malaysia after that but as they surged forward in search of a second goal, gaps opened in defence and the national team had a narrow escape in the 40th minute when Myat Min found his way through again but his shooting was woeful.

As Malaysia headed for the dressing room at half time, the thought must have been that the job was not done and that translated into an even more aggressive approach at the restart. They should have gone two up in the 54th minute but Amirulhadi Zainal's header was cleared on the line by Myanmar defender Aye San.

But Malaysia were not to be denied their second and Safee Sali, who has been a standout in the tournament, widened the lead in the 61st minute when, after receiving the ball from Hardi Jaafar, he broke through and slotted home from close range. Malaysia's third came from the penalty spot after Aye San brought down Safee in the 76th minute. Indra easily converted. Indra turned provider for the fourth as his pass found Amirulhadi who placed the ball into the far right in the 84th minute.

---------

In the other semi-final, Vietnam needed penalty kicks to advance against Sierra Leone after extra time ended 2-2. Vietnam, here with a squad being prepared for next year's Sea Games, won the shootout 3-2.

Sierra Leone had only themselves to blame as they led 2-0, thanks to Mohammad Kabia (39th) and Dwight Foray (68th minute), but the tide turned into Vietnam's favour when Trinnh Quang Vinh scored their first.

Vietnam pulled no punches in search of the equaliser and seven minutes from time, Nguyen Duc Thien drew them level to force extra-time, which produced no further goals. And Sierra Leone's nightmare was complete when they proved hopeless from the penalty spot and Vietnam now stand in Malaysia's way for back-to-back titles. NST

Full results
MALAYSIA 4 - 0 Myanmar

Vietnam 2 - 2 Sierra Leone
Vietnam won penalty shootout 3-2

David Beckham has hit the spotlights again in the International transfer market. The 33-year-old will be loaned to AC Milan in January in an attempt to remain in shape during the MLS break. The English superstar wants to convince Fabio Capello that he can still play an important role in England’s national team.

As the Italian coach clearly announced that he will field only players that are active and playing for their clubs, Beckham’s capping was endangered. La Galaxy’s right midfielder has agreed to switch to Serie A and join prestigious AC Milan.

Adriano Galliani, Milan’s vice-president, and coach, Carlo Ancelotti, seemed delighted about the idea of David Beckham’s AC Milan loan. Beckham will hookup there with other major football stars like Brazilians Kaka, Ronaldinho and youngster Pato. His famous crosses will look for Shevchenko and the opportunist Pipo Inzaghi in an attempt to make the Rossoneri Serie A champions once again.

David will have to be satisfied only with playing in the UEFA Cup, this of course, if AC Milan will manage to pass the group stage. It will be shocking for them no to do it, but football is unpredictable.

“Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way but Beckham is something different and intriguing.” Adriano Galliani

“For me it will be a pleasure. Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional.” Carlo Ancelotti

Chelsea 1 - 0 Roma (Group A)

John Terry shattered Roma's spirited resistance as the Chelsea captain's late goal clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were frustrated for three quarters of a tense encounter, but Terry finally broke the deadlock with 13 minutes to play at Stamford Bridge. Terry's first goal of the season couldn't have come at a more timely moment. Just as it seemed Chelsea would have to settle for a second successive goalless draw in Europe, the England defender intervened to keep the Blues top of Group A and firmly on course for a place in the second round.

The Blues started brightly enough and when Wayne Bridge's cross was only cleared to the edge of the penalty area, Frank Lampard drove in a half-volley that forced a fine save from Doni. But Roma were clearly determined to restore some pride after their recent struggles and gave as good as they got.

John Obi Mikel tried to wrestle back the initiative for Chelsea with a surging run that Philippe Mexes ended with a cynical trip. Lampard almost made Mexes pay from the free-kick as his fierce strike grazed the crossbar. That was as good as it got for Chelsea in the first half. Although Salomon Kalou tested Doni with a low strike, for once Scolari's side weren't getting it all their own way.


Barcelona 5 - 0 Basel
(Group C)

Teen sensation Bojan Krkic scored twice as Barcelona cruised past Basel 5-0 Wednesday to keep their 100-per cent record in the UEFA Champions League Group C. Coach Josep Guardiola left Andres Iniesta, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry out of the starting lineup, but the French striker came on for Xavi Hernandez in the middle of the second half. That left 18-year-old Krkic to lead the attack.

It was Argentine winger Lionel Messi who opened the scoring in the fourth minute, beating the Basel offside trap and picking up a superb cross from Daniel Alves to knock the ball past his compatriot Franco Costanzo in the Swiss goal. Barely 10 minutes later, Xavi Hernandez lobbed a ball across the Basel defence to Sergi Busquets at the far post and the Spanish under-21 international slotted it home. Messi played a ball to the feet of Krkic, who sent it to the corner of the net of the net from the edge of the penalty area in the 22nd minute.

Krkic, whose Serbian father, also named Bojan Krkic, played for Red Star Belgrade, doubled his tally at the start of the second half when Barcelona launch a counter-attack after a rare Basel foray into Spanish territory. Xavi Hernandez made it five for the Catalan side just two minutes later. Barcelona now have a perfect nine points from three games in Group C, which also includes Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk and Sporting Lisbon.

See the highlight (Messi goal)



Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Liverpool (Group D)

A late slip cost Liverpool dear in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League group match at Atletico Madrid as Portuguese winger Simao struck an 83rd minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw. Irish international Robbie Keane, yet to score in the English Premier League, had put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute for his second Champions League goal at the Vicente Calderon stadium.

The 83rd minute goal for Simao, whom the Merseysiders tried to sign two years ago, was a blow for Liverpool although both they and Atletico have seven points from nine in Group D. Atletico and Liverpool, who both lost their 100 per cent European records, face off again in the next group match at Anfield on 4 November.
It is a big week for Liverpool who have a title tussle with co-leaders Chelsea on Sunday.
With Atletico old boy Torres, who captained the club at the tender age of 19, missing with a hamstring injury, Benitez started with a 4-5-1 formation with Keane as the target man. Surprisingly Dirk Kuyt - the match winner in a 3-2 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday - was left on the substitutes' bench with Javier Mascherano taking his place.

Atletico, reeling from their weekend derby defeat to Real Madrid, handed a debut to 19-year-old defender Alvaro Dominguez with Tomas Ujfalusi out injured. Sergio 'Kun' Aguero was on the bench with coach Javier Aguirre claiming the Argentine was tired and former Liverpool man Florent Sinama Pongolle started in attack.


Other Results
Group A
Bordeaux 1 - 0 CFR Cluj
Chelsea 1 - 0 AS Roma

Group B
Inter Milan 1 - 0 Anorthosis
Panathinaikos 2 - 2 Werder Bremen

Group C
Basel 0 - 5 Barcelona
Shakhtar Donetsk 0 - 1 Sporting Lisbon

Group D
Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven 2 - 0 Marseille
www.fifa.com

The Intro
The Fédération Internationale Des Associations de Footballeurs Professionels, usually known by the abbreviation FIFPro, is a worldwide representative organization for professional football players. At the moment there are 42 national players associations who are member of FIFPro. The World XI team is also included on the video game FIFA series.

The World XI are chosen by the footballers themselves from a list of candidates for each position. The list is generated by the awards committee itself. In 2005, FIFPro launched its inaugural "World XI Player Awards", "World Player of the Year" and "Young Player of the Year" awards.


FIFPro 2007 Results

FIFPro World XI
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

Defenders
Alessandro Nesta (A.C. Milan)
John Terry (Chelsea F.C.)
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona)

Midfielders
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Kaká (A.C. Milan)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Forwards
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
Didier Drogba (Chelsea F.C.)
Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona)

World Player of The Year
Kaka (AC Milan)

Young Player of The Year
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

FIFPro 2008 Shortlist

Click picture to see full image

FIFPro 2008 Results
27th October 2008

CARLOS TEVEZ is risking Alex Ferguson’s wrath by blaming him for his goal drought. The Manchester United striker has scored just once this season — and holds boss Fergie responsible.

The Argie hitman, already sweating over his Old Trafford future, said:

“I’m not as effective in the area any more. The person up front has to do a lot more for the team than score goals.

“They have to play more for the team and I think I’ve sacrificed myself recently.

“I’m not as dangerous. That is something I’ve lost. I have to get that back. I used to score great goals.

“But something strange happened.”

Ferguson has used Tevez as a substitute in three out of United’s last four games following Dimitar Berbatov’s arrival.

“I feel better if I play a front role but I also play as a No 9 when I have to.“I can do that. I’m ready to adapt for the team.” Tevez added
The Sun

Man Utd 3 - 0 Celtic (Group E)

Dimitar Berbatov helped himself to a poacher's double as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 win over Celtic that leaves the Scottish champions on the verge of UEFA Champions League elimination. Wayne Rooney's ninth goal in seven matches for club and country completed what was an almost embarrassingly comfortable victory for the defending champions.

The knock that forced Cristiano Ronaldo off ten minutes from the end ensured it was not an altogether positive evening for United but Sir Alex Ferguson's side now know a victory in Glasgow in a fortnight's time will be enough to put them through to the knockout stages with two matches to spare.

For Celtic, with just one point from their opening three matches, the chances of survival now look slim after what was their tenth consecutive away defeat in the competition.

See the highlight;t


Fenerbache 2 - 5 Arsenal (Group G)

Arsenal produced a counter-attacking masterclass to shatter Fenerbahce's long unbeaten home record with a 5-2 victory in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.The Gunners made a mockery of the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium's intimidating reputation as they handed Fenerbahce their first European home defeat for nearly three years. It was 15 matches since Fenerbahce had last been beaten in front of their fiercely-passionate fans and Inter Milan and Chelsea were among the illustrious names dispatched in the Turkish capital last season.

But Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott put Arsene Wenger's side in control with two goals in a minute early in the first half. Mikael Silvestre's own goal reduced the deficit, but Abou Diaby and Alexandre Song made 4-1. Daniel Guiza's late strike was no consolation for Fenerbahce as Aaron Ramsey completed the rout in stoppage time.

The win keeps Arsenal top of Group G with seven points and firmly on course for the second round, while Fenerbahce are on the brink of elimination.


Juventus 2 - 1 Real Madrid (Group H)

Juventus produced a stunning rearguard action to hold on for a famous 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League here on Tuesday to take control of Group H. Alessandro Del Piero and Amauri gave the hosts a two-goal lead before Real's Dutch contingent laid siege to the Italians' goal but could only muster a single reply through Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The victory leaves Juve top of the group on seven points, one ahead of Real and well clear of Zenit St Petersburg and BATE Borisov, who drew 1-1 in Russia earlier in the day. The result also eases the pressure on under-fire Juve boss Claudio Ranieri, whose team have been faltering in Serie A. fifa

Other Results
Group F
Manchester U. 3 - 0 Celtic
Villarreal 6 - 3 Aalborg BK

Group F
Bayern Munich 3 - 0 Fiorentina
Steaua Bucuresti 3 - 5 Lyon

Group G
FC Porto 0 - 1 Dynamo Kyiv
Fenerbahce 2 - 5 Arsenal

Group H
Zenit St. Petersburg 1 - 1 BATE Borisov
Juventus 2 - 1 Real Madrid


The Intro
The "Ballon d'Or" (French for "Golden Ball," often referred to as the European Footballer of the Year award) is an association football award. Presented since 1956 by the French football magazine France Football, it is awarded to the player considered to have performed best over the previous year; the inaugural winner was Blackpool player Stanley Matthews. The current holder of the award, as selected in 2007, is Milan's Kaka (pic)

Prior to 2007, the player had to be a member of a club based within UEFA's jurisdiction in order to qualify for selection; and until 1995 a player also had to be of European nationality to be eligible. The 2007 change in rules saw players from Qatar, the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina named on the shortlist alongside those from European clubs.

Since October 2007, 96 football journalists from around the world have decided the winner from a shortlist of 50 compiled by France Football; prior to this 52 European journalists chose a winner, who needed to play for a European club. Each voter chooses five players from the list of nominees, and awards them between one and five points. The winner is determined by the total number of points; players who finish second and third in the voting are awarded silver and bronze medals.

The Story
Manchester United’s impressive Champions League and Premier League triumph last season has earned four players nominations for the European Footballer of the Year award, organisers announced on Sunday. Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Cristiano Ronaldo and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar all made the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or, with United’s Champions League final rivals Chelsea earning three nominations in Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba.

Spain, who won Euro 2008, is the best represented country with seven players, including Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. Torres, who scored Spain’s winner in the final against Germany, told sports daily L’Equipe:
“Win­ning the Ballon d’Or would be like scaling Mount Everest.” Torres
Last year’s winner Brazilian Kaka also made the list, with this year’s winner to be announced on Dec 2. AFP

The 2008 Nominee
The full list of nominees for Ballon d'Or 2008 as follows:

Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Togo.
Sergio Agüero (Atletico Madrid), Argentine.
Andreï Archavine (Zénith Saint-Pétersbourg), Russia.
Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Germany.
Karim Benzema (Lyon), France.
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus Turin), Italy.
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Portugal.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Ivory Coast.
Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelone), Cameroon.
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Spain.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), Spain.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), England.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Sweden.
Kaka (Milan AC), Brazil.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), England.
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelone), Argentina.
Pepe (Real Madrid), Portugal.
Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), France.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), England.
Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Spain.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Spain.
Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Italy.
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Netherlands.
Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg SV puis Real Madrid), Netherlands.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Netherlands.
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Serbia.
David Villa (Valence CF), Spain.
Xavi (FC Barcelone), Spain.
Youri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscou), Russia.

The Shortlisted
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Portugal.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), Spain.
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelone), Argentina.
Kaka (Milan AC), Brazil.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Ivory Coast.

The Winner
2nd December 2008

Malaysia will play Myanmar in the Merdeka Tournament semi-final on Thursday after registering an easy 6-0 win over Afghanistan in their final Group A match at the National Stadium yesterday. It will be a repeat of last year's final, which Malaysia won 3-1, but the national side will start as favorites though Myanmar are packed with experienced players.

Yesterday, national coach B. Sathianathan opted to give his fringe players a chance to impress and they grabbed the opportunity against an Afghanistan side who were clearly not in Malaysia's class.

SCORER :
Ashaari Samsuddin (21,64)
Nizaruddin Yusof (41)
Zaquan Adha (44)
Safee Sali (85)
Hairuddin Omar(87)

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone also in Semi Final after defeat Nepal 3-1 at Stadium Shah Alam. Earlier, Myanmar defeated Mozambique 3-2 in their final Group B match while tournament favorites Vietnam were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by Bangladesh..
SEMI FINAL MERDEKA CUP 2008
MALAYSIA vs MYANMAR
SIERRA LEONE vs VIETNAM

Come on Malaysia's fan, support our team :-)

Track List:

  1. Manchester United - Glory Glory Man Utd (Fight Song) ver 1 (2:30)
  2. Manchester United - Song For The Champions (3:44)
  3. Manchester United - We’re Gonna Do It Again (3:30)
  4. Manchester United - United We Love You (3:14)
  5. Manchester United - Come On You Reds (3:26)
  6. Manchester United - United Calypso 98 (2:29)
  7. Manchester United - Ruud van Nistelrooy (3:52)
  8. Manchester United - Lift It High (4:05)
  9. Manchester United - Manchester United Vs Frankee F.U.R.B
  10. Manchester United - Glory Glory Man Utd (Fight Song) ver 2 (2:27)

England's manager, Fabio Capello has banned “WAG - Wife And Girlfriends" from future England games. Capello's ban means partners will have to stay away from the team when they on England's duty. Capello's WAG ban echoes comments by Sunderland manager Roy Keane last year that some players are allowing their partners to control their careers. Complaining he had trouble luring big players to Sunderland because of lack of good shops, Keane said:

"If they don't want to come because their wife wants to go shopping in London, it's a sad state of affairs... To me, that player is weak because his wife runs his life.

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has described the WAG culture that surrounded England in the days before Fabio Capello took charge as a “circus” and admitted that it was central to the squad’s recent failures. Ferdinand, of the 2006 World Cup, said:
"If I'm honest, we became a bit of a circus in terms of the whole Wag situation ... It was like watching a theatre unfolding and football almost became a secondary element to the main event."
Is that the reasons? I think you have the answers :-).

"Five Stars" WAG for "The Three Lions" Stars

WAG of John Terry : Toni Poole

WAG of Jermaine Defoe : Charlotte Mears

WAG of Wayne Bridge : Vanessa Perroncel

WAG of Peter Crouch : Abigail Clancy

WAG of David Beckham : Victoria Beckham

WAG of Theo Walcott : Melanie Slade

WAG of Frank Lampard : Elen Rives

WAG of Wayne Rooney : Coleen McLoughlin

WAG of Ashley Cole : Cheryl Cole

WAG of Gerrard : Alex Curran

WAG of Joe Cole : Carly Zucker

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