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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Mourinho expecting tough draw

Inter's Jose Mourinho believes his team deserve a tough draw in the first knockout round of the Champions League.
The Nerazzurri progressed to the last 16 second in Group B, behind winners Panathinaikos, after falling to a 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen yesterday.
"We deserve to find already in February a great opponent like Barcelona, defending champions Manchester United or Liverpool," said a furious Mourinho.
"We progressed as second but with all respect, there will be a team that has finished second in another group that will meet Panathinaikos just like there will be a team that won their group and will face a strong Inter."
Inter's defeat yesterday marked their third game without a win in Europe's elite club competition after a 3-3 draw with Anorthosis and a 1-0 defeat by Panathinaikos.
Despite just two wins collected in six group games, Mourinho, whose side lead the Serie A standings with a six-point advantage, believes the true Inter will emerge in the new year.
"I am certain that by the end of February we will see the real Inter," he said."It's true that we lost two consecutive games in the competition but against Werder we had to do without several injured players."
Mourinho denied his team took Werder Bremen too lightly.
"We did not underestimate them," he said."But we did underestimate Anorthosis in our 3-3 draw.
"Werder played a great game and without (injured midfielder) Dejan Stankovic, we lose force and intensity in the midfield line."
Inter will find out their next European opponents on December 19.

by http://www.espnstar.com/football/champions-league/news


Monday, November 24, 2008

Ronaldo boost for United

Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to take his place in Manchester United's Champions League clash with Villarreal.

Ronaldo joined in with training on Monday morning. The winger limped off towards the end of United's goalless draw with Aston Villa on Saturday and was considered a major doubt for the match at El Madrigal.

However, he joined in with his team-mates in a session at Carrington on Monday morning, in which Darren Fletcher also played a full part.

The Scotland midfielder missed the Villa clash with a knee injury but now appears ready to travel to Spain.

Dimitar Berbatov, Gary Neville and Danny Welbeck were all absent from training.

Berbatov will miss the trip to Spain with a hamstring injury sustained whilst on international duty for Bulgaria last week.

Neville is still nursing a groin strain picked up in the Carling Cup victory over QPR and is likely to be out for a couple of weeks.

Spain lead after doubles delight

Spain took a 2-1 lead over Argentina in the Davis Cup final on Saturday, and need just one more rubber to to claim the trophy.

Left-handed duo Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco won 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 which means the visitors, who started the tie as big underdogs with the injured Rafael Nadal missing from their line-up, need to win only one of Sunday's two singles rubbers to claim the trophy.

Argentina, who brought in David Nalbandian to play alongside Agustin Calleri following his singles win on Friday, drew first blood by taking the first set after Verdasco double-faulted to lose his serve in the 11th game.

But Spain hit back by taking the second, also 7-5, by breaking Nalbandian's delivery in the final game.

A thrilling third set followed and ultimately it was to prove decisive.

Spain seemed in full control with a 5-1 lead, but Argentina fought back much to the delight of the packed crowd in Mar del Plata.

The umpire struggled to keep the fans quiet with captain Alberto Mancini appealing for calm at one stage.

Spain managed to stop the rot to force a tie-break but in it Argentina moved 5-1 ahead only for more drama to unfold.

Suddenly Spain rattled off five points in a row to turn things around and take the 62-minute set for a two-sets-to-one lead.

Argentina looked crushed by the way that tie-break had unfolded and they were soon in big trouble in the fourth set.

Both Argentines lost their serve as Spain moved 5-2 ahead and although Nalbandian and Calleri got one of the breaks back, saving two match points in the process, Nalbandian was broken again as he served to keep the match alive.

Afterwards Lopez, who also won a singles rubber for Spain on Friday, warned his side were not home and hosed yet.

"We're ahead but there's a long way to go yet," he said.

"I wasn't expecting to win yesterday and today. Really being 2-1 ahead with one day to go is a dream."

Speaking about the doubles win, he added: "After Argentina recovered from being 1-5 behind in the third set, it was hard for me to come back to the match.

"But with some luck, we won the set."

Like Lopez, Spain captain Emilio Sanchez remains cautious ahead of Sunday's reverse singles.

He said: "We're ahead, we're only one point away from the victory. But there are no favourites here."

Sunday's singles matches are due to see Juan Martin Del Potro take on David Ferrer before Nalbandian meets Lopez.

However, the captains could yet make changes with Del Potro in particular struggling with injury.

Argentina team doctor Diego Rivas explained: "Del Potro underwent several tests and he doesn't have a muscular injury, only pain.

"We'll do everything possible to have him ready for Sunday."

Only five times in the competition's 108-year history has a side come from 2-1 down in the final to claim the cup, the last occasion being Russia's victory over France in 2002.

by http://www.espnstar.com/tennis/news

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Federer and Nadal pull out

The Paris Masters was hit with a double setback as both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer withdrew because of injury.

Second seed Federer, who was due to play James Blake in the evening in the third of the day's quarter-finals, was the first to pull out citing a back injury.
Organisers would have then looked on in horror as Nadal, the top seed, called in his trainer when 4-1 down to Nikolay Davydenko in his last-eight match. The Spaniard attempted to play on but after losing the next two games, and therefore the set, to his Russian opponent, he chose to quit. Nadal later admitted he had been hampered by a knee injury.
It means 11th seed Blake advances through to the semi-finals where he will play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who came from behind to beat Andy Roddick 5-7 6-4 7-6 (7/3) in the evening match.
Davydenko, the sixth seed, will take on David Nalbandian in the first semi-final on Saturday after the Argentinian ousted Andy Murray in a high-quality match on Centre Court first up on Friday.
Federer announced he was pulling out to avoid aggravating a back injury he first suffered during his second-round victory over Robin Soderling.
"My back has been stiff for the last few days," he said.
"The treatment I had last night (Thursday) didn't do anything. So on precaution and because I cannot be at 100%, I've taken the difficult decision not to play."

by http://www.espnstar.com/tennis/news

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Wade feeling right at home

Dwyane Wade is feeling right at home in London as he prepares for Miami's NBA Europe Live meeting with New Jersey.

The two teams will face off before a sell-out crowd at the O2 Arena in a pre-season game, and both teams have been wowed by the facilities on offer in London.

"This is nice," Wade said with a grin as he got a first look at the O2 today. "Once you're in here you don't even know where it is.

"You're in a foreign country but you feel at home. Come tomorrow night when it's packed in here and the game is on it's feel exactly like that."

Wade's young team-mate, Michael Beasley, is certainly noticing the differences of being in England, however.

The rookie admitted he almost got run over as he learned the hard way about cars driving on the 'wrong' side of the road.

He said: "I'm still trying to get over the way people drive here.

"I've never seen that - the steering on the right and you drive on the left. I don't think I could drive over here.

"I was crossing the street and I looked the wrong way. I look left but the cars are coming from the right. Thank God people were looking out for me."

Having survived that, Beasley got to visit some of the sights of London, but still wants to find time to see the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.

"I want to see if I can make one of them move," he said.

But while there has been time for sightseeing, there is serious business at hand.

Tomorrow's game offers two teams rebuilding their rosters another chance to work on their games ahead of the new season, while being in Europe has once again raised questions of whether the NBA could sustain full-time teams based in a European division.

The idea was first raised last year, and while NBA commissioner David Stern appeared to back off a little on Friday, it still dominated the talk at practice on Saturday.

"You never know what can happen," Wade said. "Just a couple of years ago we didn't think of the game as being as global as it is now.

"You just have to keep your mind open and your heart open to where our game is going. Basketball is getting bigger and bigger."

While back-to-back sell-outs for pre-season games has hinted at the potential, New Jersey head coach Lawrence Franks was more cautious.

He said: "I don't know so much what the plan is, whether it is expansion of the NBA or setting up another league here.

"You'd have a great honeymoon period, but there's the logistics of it. How do you work the travel?"

"Those things still need to be worked out, but the players are open to any ideas.

Heat forward Shawn Marion added: "I don't think it's out the door.

"I think it's possible. I'm hoping it all comes - but it's not up to me to decide."

by www.espnstar.com/us-sports/nba/news

Henry wants City rumours to stop

Barcelona forward Thierry Henry has called for the speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City to stop.

Reports in England and France have claimed the former Arsenal forward is a target for the new owners at Eastlands - the Abu Dhabi United Group - and suggested a deal with Barca will be struck in the January transfer window.

Talk of a move arose after Henry himself hinted in September that he was unhappy in Spain due to a combination of a lack of playing time through injury and new coach Pep Guardiola's insistence of playing the Frenchman on the left wing.

But following France's 2-2 draw with Romania on Saturday, Henry insisted he was happy at the Nou Camp and demanded an end to rumours over his future.

"One thing's for sure, the Manchester City thing and all the things you're talking about need to stop," he told France Football.

"I've played three matches in the league and I've scored twice. So there you go. I missed two (games) because I was ill.

"(Leo) Messi has been on the bench twice, (Samuel) Eto'o has been on the bench twice, (Dani) Alves hasn't been in the side recently. The coach rotates players, but you don't stop (talking) when it's my turn. Talk about everyone!

"When (Carles) Puyol doesn't play against Betis, when Alves isn't in the group, when Messi doesn't play against Santander, when Sam doesn't play against Espanyol. If you're going to talk, talk about everyone."

by www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news

Heskey the key for Rooney

England manager Fabio Capello is adamant he will get more out of Wayne Rooney when he plays alongside Emile Heskey.

Rooney scored twice in England's 5-1 win over Kazakhstan on Saturday night, extending a run that has now seen him find the net in four successive games for club and country.

But it was only when the Manchester United striker was moved away from the left flank following the introduction of Shaun Wright-Phillips at half-time that he really began to prosper.

Capello feels it was no coincidence Rooney was operating in Heskey's shadow.

"Rooney is very important for us," said the England coach.

"But Heskey is important for him. Defenders always go towards Heskey. When that happens, it creates a bit of space for Rooney - whose movement is so good."

Like an errant schoolboy, if you give Rooney an inch, he will take a mile. With his talent, a lot of damage can be done in that mile.

Rooney's goal in Croatia last month was more significant for the Three Lions, but his two latest confirmed his status as a man in form.

First, the 22-year-old steered Wes Brown's teasing cross into the far corner 13 minutes from time; then he latched on to a trademark David Beckham effort, delivered precisely to the far post, and drilled that home as well.

"He is a key player for us, just as he is also very important for Manchester United," said Capello.

"Rooney is in fantastic form at the moment and is scoring a lot of goals.

"His movement and pace are excellent. He runs; he comes back to win the ball. He scores goals. He does everything. He is an example to the other players."

It is only a couple of months ago that Capello told Rooney he needed to forget about some of the more unselfish elements to his game and concentrate on the core issue of scoring goals.

At the time, it seemed Rooney was not too happy. Now he appears intent on proving he can do both.

England face a much stiffer test against Belarus on Wednesday.

A less cavalier approach will be called for, which almost certainly means Gareth Barry will keep his place after making way for Wright-Phillips at Wembley.

Capello said he cannot determine the tactical make-up of his team, and from there the personnel, until the fitness of John Terry is determined.

England do not leave for Minsk until Tuesday. But Terry would be expected to push his suspect back through at least one decent training session to deem the flight worthwhile.

Yet Capello's willingness to give Terry every chance suggests the Italian is not entirely convinced by Matthew Upson, who edged Joleon Lescott for a starting berth on Saturday.

"I hope John Terry will be okay," said Capello.

"We have a bit of practice to do and after that we will decide."

In all probability, Terry for Upson will be the only change if the captain is fit - with a more conservative bench offering greater defensive protection.

Ten points from 12 would be a satisfactory way of concluding the 2008 qualifying schedule, especially as Ukraine and Croatia ground out a goalless draw in Kiev - a result that played right into England's hands, given their own triumph in Zagreb.

However, a little bit of history beckons because England have never before opened a World Cup qualifying campaign with four straight wins - so there is every reason to go for the jugular.

Victory would allow England to take a stranglehold on Group Six before the resumption of hostilities in March, when the Ukraine visit Wembley for what will be a crucial meeting that would go a long way towards landing a place at South Africa 2010.

But Capello is taking nothing for granted - even if Belarus' most notable player, Alexander Hleb, is a major fitness doubt.

"It is not going to be easy," said the Italian.

"Belarus are a very good team. I have seen them three times, and they played very well on each occasion.

"They are very organised with good forwards. They are a dangerous side."

by www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news

Nalbandian claims Stockholm crown

David Nalbandian claimed the Stockholm Open on Sunday thanks to a three-set defeat of Robin Soderling on Sunday.

Top seed Nalbandian, the only top-30 player in the draw, came into the match having not dropped a set in five matches and, although he lost that record, still had too much for Soderling, winning 6-2 5-7 6-3.

Nalbandian now has a 9-8 record in ATP finals after claiming his second title this year, the first one coming in Buenos Aires in February.

He also finished runner-up in Acapulco the following week.

Both players held their serve in the third set until the seventh game, when Nalbandian broke to take a 4-3 lead on his fourth break point after Soderling netted a backhand.

The Argentinian then held to love to lead 5-3 and wrapped up the match with another break after Soderling double-faulted on match point.

by www.espnstar.com/tennis/news

Moscow success for Jankovic

World number one Jelena Jankovic beat Vera Zvonareva for the third week in succession to claim the Kremlin Cup on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Serbian, who also registered wins over the Russian on her way to tournament victories in Beijing and Stuttgart, won the Moscow title with a 6-2 6-4 victory.

Seventh-seeded Zvonareva battled hard but never looked like achieving the win the home fans craved.

It was Jankovic's fourth title of the season and the eighth of her career.

by www.espnstar.com/tennis/news

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Rooney happy to befriend Theo

Wayne Rooney is happy to give Theo Walcott any advice he wants but laughed off suggestions that he is a father figure.

It is easy to see why such a statement could be made.
Both men made their international debuts at 17, both captured the headlines at major tournaments and both would appear to be integral figures in Fabio Capello's brave new world for the Three Lions.

In addition, Rooney is closing in on becoming the youngest player in England history to win 50 caps, whereas Walcott will make only his fifth appearance for England in Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan at Wembley.

Yet, as Rooney is quick to point out, there are only three years between the pair.
"Obviously, if I can help Theo I will - but I am not a father figure!" said the Manchester United star.

Walcott was first introduced to the England squad in the build-up to the 2006 World Cup and promptly went to Germany but never played in a bizarre move by Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The youngster was then overlooked throughout Steve McClaren's time in charge, only to show the former Middlesbrough manager exactly what he missed with a mesmerising performance in Croatia last month, when Walcott grabbed a hat-trick and England became the first team to win a qualifying tie at the Maksimir Stadium.
"Theo has made a big difference to us," said Rooney.
"He is probably the quickest player I have ever seen and has brought us something different.
"I am glad he has finally been given the chance to play in some big games.
"He came with us to the World Cup and everyone thought he was going to play more than he has done.
"We had already seen what he can do on the training pitch, now he has produced it in a match. Long may that continue."
Rooney's assessment is not meant to be a criticism of the rather more sedate David Beckham. Neither is his recent praise of Emile Heskey an attack on Michael Owen.
However, it is becoming clear England are moving into a different era, even if many feel Beckham, who is in the squad, and Owen, who is not, would be useful weapons to have on the bench in a crisis.
Rooney's contribution to the success England had in Croatia cannot be ignored either.
The Merseysider rates it as the best performance he has produced for his country, eclipsing the memorable ones at Euro 2004.
And there could be more to come as Dimitar Berbatov's arrival at Old Trafford begins to have an effect.
"More than anything I like to play just off a front man," he said.
"It is probably because I get on the ball more because I don't like to be out of the game too long.
"Some centre-forwards can stay up front, not touch the ball and just look to score goals. I don't really enjoy doing that. I like to be involved in the game.
"Mainly at United I have been used in different roles but maybe the fact Dimitar has arrived will bring some continuity to my game because it is the same type of thing I am used to with England.
"But also the mere fact he is at Old Trafford should take me onto a different level. I am not guaranteed my place in the side anymore."
The early signs are encouraging given Rooney was left on the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson for the home game with Bolton, only to smash home his first league goal of the season following his arrival as a second-half substitute, triggering a scoring run now extended to three successive games.
"I like to play under pressure," he said. "The other week when the manager left me out against Bolton, I was disappointed.
"I just wanted to get on the pitch as quickly as I could and show him what I could do. I like to prove people wrong if I can."
However the improvement comes, it will be welcome from an England perspective.
It may be unfair to suggest someone who has achieved so much in such a short space of time is a disappointment.
Equally, it is undeniable most pundits would have expected more; that he should be challenging Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the title of best player in the world.
"It is right they should be up for these awards and hopefully I can get there one day," said Rooney.
"If I keep working and keep progressing, I would like to think I could at any rate.
"But it is not about me, it is about the team.
"I would rather win a trophy with the team than anything personal. I have always felt like that."
by www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news


Japan held by UAE

Japan were held to a 1-1 draw by the United Arab Emirates in Niigata on Wednesday night in an international warm-up match.
Substitute Shinji Kagawa put Japan ahead in the 72nd minute but another player who started on the bench, Ismail Alhammadi, levelled five minutes later.

The hosts were the better side in the first half but UAE goalkeeper Majed Naser did well to keep out efforts by Keiji Tamada and Yoshito Okubo.

The Al Wasl goalkeeper was called into action again two minutes into the second half to stop Shunsuke Nakamura's free-kick from 20 metres but the Japanese should have gone ahead in the 55th minute when Okubo was left unguarded in the area but shot high over the crossbar from a Tamada pass.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada made a number of substitutions on the hour in an attempt to ignite his side and they finally broke the deadlock when Atsuto Uchida collected the rebound after Shinzo Koroki hit the post and fed the ball to Kagawa, who slotted home in the 72nd minute.
The Emirates, who were under the guidance of recently-appointed Dominique Bathenay, lacked cohesion for much of the match but levelled the score shortly afterwards with a fine individual effort by Ahammadi.

The Al Ahli forward broke down the left on the counter-attack and cut inside to beat Japan defender Yuji Nakazawa before firing home the equaliser.
"It is a pity that we couldn't win the game," said Okada. "After 10 minutes, we lost our movement up front. We fixed that in the second half and produced the goal but we couldn't score a second and that's a problem.
"With what we've learned from today's game, we'd like to prepare and beat Uzbekistan next week."
"It was a difficult game for us as Japan took control of the game well. But we produced a goal on a small chance, and that's a part of football," said Bathenay, who took over from compatriot Bruno Metsu after UAE lost a pair of World Cup qualifiers at home last month.
"We couldn't do as much as we wanted but learned a lot from the game," the Frenchman added.
Japan meet Uzbekistan at Saitama next Wednesday while the Emirates will visit Seoul to take on South Korea.
by www.espnstar.com/football/other-football/news


Lakers coach Jackson skips game

Phil Jackson skipped the exhibition opener against the Utah Jazz because of pain and swelling in his lower legs.

Jackson saw a doctor in the afternoon and underwent tests on the legs. Results were expected on Wednesday.

"We do not anticipate it's anything serious at all," Lakers team spokesman John Black said. "We felt, and he felt, it would be better for him to stay at home and watch the game on TV."

Assistant coach and former Lakers player Kurt Rambis was going to coach the team in Jackson's absence.

"Phil let us know right at the end of shootaround/practice that he wasn't going to be coaching," Rambis said. "I'm concerned about him a little bit, but I think he'll be OK."

by espnstar.com/us-sports/nba/news

Warriors waive two

The Golden State Warriors waived swingman Dion Dowell and center Justin Williams, the team announced Thursday.
Dowell, who originally was signed as a free agent training camp invitee on September 9, appeared in one of the Warriors' first two preseason games. He collected one rebound, one assist and three blocks in the 110-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Also signing as a free agent training camp invitee on September 27, Williams played in one exhibition contest for Golden State, collecting one point, a rebound and two blocks in a 106-103 lossto the New Orleans Hornets.
The Warriors, who trimmed their roster to 17, will start the season without last season's starting backcourt. Baron Davis left for the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason, while Monta Ellis will miss at least three months after a moped accident.

by www.espnstar.com/us-sports/news


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Rio wants points deducted

Rio Ferdinand has called on FIFA to deduct points from teams whose supporters chant racial or homophobic abuse.

Like most within the football fraternity, Ferdinand was furious that the Croatian FA was only fined £15,000 for the behaviour of their fans in the recent defeat to England in Zagreb.

Emile Heskey was the target of disgraceful chanting during England's 4-1 win.

It was the kind of crowd reaction that was supposed to have disappeared from English grounds.

Unfortunately, the abuse directed at Sol Campbell recently when Tottenham visited Portsmouth suggested otherwise.

But Ferdinand has had enough of minor punishments.

He feels FIFA should stop talking and start acting tough in a bid to drive away one of the main scourges in the game.

"The football authorities need to look at themselves," the England vice-captain told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Sepp Blatter likes to speak up about things that are good for FIFA's image. I would love to see them stand up and dish out the right punishments for these incidents.

"They make a lot of comments about what they are going to do but they never back up the words with actions.

"Croatia were fined a few thousand quid. What good is that going to do? That is not going to stop people shouting racist or homophobic abuse.

"If things like this keep happening you have to take points off them.

"Then the punters will realise the team is going to be punished."

The FA are still investigating the Fratton Park incident, when Spurs fans vented their fury at Campbell, who controversially quit White Hart Lane for Arsenal in 2001.

History suggests the FA will not deal with the matter as leniently as FIFA appear to do, although Ferdinand is demanding more.

"The high-tech cameras should be able to pick up the people who are doing that kind of stuff and eject them from the ground," he said.

"That is the only way I can see to stop it happening.

"We are talking about a football match. There are young kids present who want to be entertained, not hear someone a couple of rows back slagging players off."

Ferdinand and his team-mates should not be side-tracked by such matters on Saturday when they anticipate the support of a sell-out 90,000 crowd at Wembley for the World Cup encounter with Group Six underdogs Kazakhstan.

The Manchester United man does not share Fabio Capello's belief that the Three Lions find life easier away from their own ground as the high expectation levels sometimes stifle the England players.

However, the 30-year-old suggests the noise levels and sheer passion for their team is something English fans can learn from their Croatian counterparts, if not the unsavoury aspects of their support.

"I love playing at Wembley," said Ferdinand.

"But maybe the fans do get a bit agitated if we don't score inside the first 20 minutes.

"I would just ask them to get behind us and sing their hearts out.

"If it is a real cauldron, like it is in Zagreb, that helps. No-one enjoys facing 90,000."

Ferdinand is keen to stress the improvement England have made since Capello succeeded Steve McClaren is gradual rather than spectacular.

Although some members of the Italian's squad are relishing their opportunities, Theo Walcott being an obvious example, Ferdinand prefers to take a lot of small steps as opposed to one gigantic leap which could end in disaster.

"It is too much if people think of us as a completely different team to the one we were six months ago," said Ferdinand.

"Hopefully we can maintain the steady rise we are on at the moment. We have to qualify first and hopefully, by the time we are in the tournament, we will be ready to go."

Given the shambolic attempt to reach Euro 2008, it could be argued merely getting to South Africa in two years' time would be an achievement.

Ferdinand accepts the misery of missing out has helped provide the spark which Capello has managed to ignite.

"The lads were hurt not getting to the Euros," he said.

"But it is a bit of both because the management is different as well.

"Fabio has a winning mentality. He has proved that.

"And for us to do what he wants, we have to concentrate at every moment of the game.

"We are very focussed and hopefully that can be the difference in this qualifying campaign."

by espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news

Van Persie pulls out

Striker Robin van Persie has withdrawn from the Holland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

The 25-year-old is suffering from a hamstring injury and will play no part in Saturday's game, but will be reassessed ahead of Wednesday's visit to Norway.

It is the latest blow for Holland coach Bert van Marwijk, who has already seen Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben and Celtic striker Jan Venegoor of Hesselink withdraw from the squad.

And with Atletico Madrid defender John Heitinga nursing a knee injury, Van Marwijk has called up Jan Kromkamp of PSV Eindhoven as cover.

Kromkamp has played 11 times for Holland but has not featured competitively for the Oranje for two years.

by espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news

Ronaldinho predicts return to top

AC Milan Ronaldinho is predicting he will soon return to his powerful best after settling into Italian football.

The Brazil international admits he has been given a new lease of life with his move from Barcelona to AC Milan this summer and the South American star is eager to again delight the world with his magic touch.

"I hope I can return to be number one in the world in little time," said Ronaldinho in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I am working intensely to achieve this. I'm at a stage of adapting to my new circumstances and my only concern right now is to regain my form and add consistency to my performances.

"This year I have played little and won nothing.

"But in 2009 if I am in good condition, I will be among the favourites for the Ballon d'Or."

Ronaldinho, who signed a three-year contract with the Milan outfit and was the Rossoneri's top summer signing at 21million euros, has no regrets to have left the Primera Liga after five campaigns playing for Barca.

"It was simple," he said. "A cycle had ended at Barcelona. We had won everything and what happened next was part of life."

The move to the San Siro has, however, denied Ronaldinho of playing this season in Europe's elite club competition, with Milan having failed to qualify for the tournament after a fifth-placed finish in Serie A last term.

"I miss the Champions League because it is the most beautiful tournament," he said. "But at Milan we want to win the UEFA Cup and the Scudetto."

by espnstar.com/football/serie-a/news

Monday, October 6, 2008

England set for ‘LG’ midfield

Fabio Capello is set to start both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard for England's qualifier against Kazakhstan.

The Stevie-G and Lamps midfield combo has been the subject of debate for years, with many questioning whether the two can co-exist effectively in the middle of the park.
The argument is that the Liverpool captain and the Chelsea dynamo play the same game, and have struggled to deliver the goods when paired together.

The majority of England fans have preferred Gerrard in the past, ever since the Huyton-born midfielder broke into England side in 2000.

However, public opinion seems to favour Lampard in recent months. The Chelsea midfielder, once booed by his countrymen, has had a renaissance for the Three Lions. The former West Ham apprentice was a pillar of strength against Croatia in the absence of Gerrard, producing a fine display in England's 4-1 victory in Zagreb.

Gerrard is now fully fit for England, and it is reported that Capello will field both midfield maestros against European rivals Kazakhstan.

As both are in the attacking mould, it seems that England's Italian tactician will add some steel to the midfield by starting another player in the middle.

Owen Hargreaves' struggle for fitness means Capello will have to play Gareth Barry as England's holding midfielder. The Aston Villa skipper has complemented both Gerrard and Lampard well in the past, though he has not played with both at once.

Capello may, like every manager that's managed Stevie-G, start the Liverpool man on the flanks or ‘in the hole'. The 28-year-old has, in the past, publicly shown his ire when being played out of position more than once; believing that this shuffling affects his performance for England.
But recent developments would suggest that Gerrard is finally coming to terms with his role for England, and with Joe Cole out though injury, he may start on the left against the Kazakhs, leaving Lampard and Barry to man the middle.

Capello, to his credit, has arranged for a scrimmage on Thursday, which he will use to evaluate how to best use the Gerrard-Lampard-Barry combination before his date with Wembly.
espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news


Mauresmo advances in Moscow

Amelie Mauresmo had to come from behind to advance to the second round of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow on Monday.

Mauresmo fell behind but came back to beat fellow Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-4.
With only three games played on the women's side the opening day, Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova advanced when Italy's Marion Bartoli retired while trailing 6-1 4-1, and Russia's Vera Dushevina set up a meeting with the new world number one Jelena Jankovic by beating Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic 6-1 3-6 6-3.
Jankovic headlines a strong field on the women's side.
The 23-year-old Serbian overtook Serena Williams atop the rankings Monday and comes into this hardcourt event having won her last two tournaments, including a victory over Russia's Nadia Petrova in the Stuttgart final this past weekend.
Winning a third consecutive crown will be a challenge for Jankovic, as six other top-10 players are in the the draw.
Among those players is defending champion and third seed Elena Dementieva, who kept the title on home soil for the fourth time in five years with her win over Williams in last's year's final.
Russia's Anastasia Myskina won consecutive titles here in 2003 and 2004 and countrywoman Anna Chakvetadze claimed the trophy two years later.
Frenchwoman Mary Pierce interrupted the Russian reign with a win here in 2005.
Once again, there is a strong likelihood that the trophy will be hoisted by a local favourite.
In addition to Dementieva and the eighth-seeded Chakvetadze, Russia is represented by number two Dinara Safina, fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova and number seven Vera Zvonareva.
Petrova, the runner-up to Chakvetadze two years ago, is also entered.
Safina, who has a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds, has been a wrecking ball since opening the year in stuttering fashion, winning 11 of her first 21 matches.
The 22-year-old has won four titles, won 42 of 48 matches and reached seven finals since the start of May.
Kuznetsova has not won a title since August 2007, but remains a serious threat at any event. The 2004 US Open champion reached the final in two of her last three events and has appeared in five title matches this season.
Zvonareva has ascended to ninth in the rankings on the strength of two titles and three runner-up performances this season.
Fourth-seeded Serb Ana Ivanovic and number six Venus Williams of the United States round out the talented field.
Ivanovic won her first Grand Slam title at the French Open and subsequently became the world number one, but has won only five of 10 matches since and has not reached a semi-final.
The two-time reigning Wimbledon champion, Venus Williams' best performance in four appearances here occurred in 1998 when she reached the semi-finals.
Serena Williams has pulled out with an ankle injury.
On the men's side, play got underway on Monday with a handful of matches.
Second-seeded Russian Igor Andreev advanced when Taipei's Yen-Hsun Lu retired after dropping the first set, 6-2.
Seeking his first ATP singles championship since winning here in 2005, Andreev will now face Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, who rallied for a 3-6 6-1 6-4 triumph against Italy's Potito Starace.
Veteran Frenchman Fabrice Santoro, 35, advanced with a 6-2 6-4 win over wild card Yuri Schukin of Kazakhstan and Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez beat Nicolas Devilder of France, 6-2 6-4, to book a potential second-round encounter with top-seeded Russian Nikolay Davydenko.
The Kremlin Cup has traditionally been an all-or-nothing event for Davydenko, but things have gone well recently.
The top-seeded Russian is seeking his third consecutive title at the $1 million hardcourt event.
Davydenko also won here in 2004, but on the two occasions he has not triumphed, he has been ousted in the first round.
The world number five and top-ranked Russian, Davydenko will attempt to avoid another first-round setback and run his winning streak here to 11 matches when he opens play against unseeded Frenchman Florent Serra.
The only other former champion in the draw is fourth-seeded Paul-Henri Mathieu, who will open with Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky. The Frenchman took the title in 2002 and was a runner-up to Davydenko last year.
by espnstar.com/tennis/news

Jankovic is number one

Jelena Jankovic was officially confirmed as the world number one on Monday, replacing Serena Williams from the top.

Williams had held the honour for the last four weeks after defeating Jankovic in the US Open final.
However, Williams' stunning second-round loss to China's Li Na last week in Stuttgart guaranteed 23-year-old Jankovic the top spot in the updated rankings.
Jankovic went on to win in Stuttgart, clinching back-to-back titles following her victory in Beijing a week earlier.
"I'm happy the hard work I've put in is paying off," said Jankovic, who has won nine of her 10 matches since the defeat at Flushing Meadows.
"I've been playing very well since the US Open and my confidence is quite high. My main goal is to finish the season at number one."
by espnstar.com/tennis/news


Stamford Bridge must be a fortress

Luiz Felipe Scolari has highlighted Chelsea's form at Stamford Bridge as one of the keys to the BPL title race.

Although they have not been beaten in their last 86 home league matches, seven draws on their own turf last season helped hand the title to Manchester United.
One of those draws came against Aston Villa. But Chelsea never looked like dropping points against them on Sunday, Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka grabbing the goals in a 2-0 win.
After sharing the points with Tottenham and United, it was Chelsea's first league win at home since the opening weekend of the season.
"We need to win more games at home," said Scolari.
"We have played four games and won two of them; we need more, because we remember last season.
"I wasn't here but I know about this. There were many, many draws ... and the final result was being two points behind Manchester United."
Cole opened the scoring when he lashed in at the near post but he then limped off with a foot injury and was left out of Fabio Capello's England squad.
John Terry and Ashley Cole, who both had back niggles, came through unscathed - while Deco and Alex could be available after the international break, and Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho will be on the road to recovery.
Scolari was delighted with the prospect of being top of the table over the international break, his players returning - and also three days off to finally sight see in London with his family.
"I will spend three days with my family," he said.
"I have only spent one day in London, so I will do something with my wife. I don't want to talk about football!
"I told that to the players - to win and give me three days of thinking about nothing."
Scolari spoke of his admiration for Martin O'Neill before the match.
The Villa boss feels Scolari is putting his own stamp on the football at Stamford Bridge.
"He is a brilliant manager," said O'Neill.
"He's proved it; he won the World Cup with a side whose expectations were incredibly high - and that is hard to do.
"He doesn't have to prove anything. He's enjoying himself. He's inherited a very good side and put his stamp on it - which is remarkable. They were brilliant, which is a credit to him and the players."
Aside from the scoreline, O'Neill noticed significant differences from Chelsea's performances against Villa last season.
"Ashley Cole is back probably playing to his best again," he said.
"He has licence to go forward, safe in the knowledge that when it is played square to midfield they will put him in.
"Bosingwa has given them a new dimension, which has helped. But the great stalwarts of the last few years are still brilliant."

by espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news


A cursory glance at the NBA 2

The previews continue as the NBA training camp ticks by. Today, we look at the Central Division of the Eastern Conference.

Central Division


Chicago Bulls
The Bulls hit the jackpot in the draft, getting the number one overall pick in the summer extravaganza at Madison Square Garden.
Thing is, the Bulls wasted the pick like they did in 2000 and 2002, drafting a player in a position that they were already loaded in. The player in question was Derrick Rose, an uber-athletic guard out of the University of Memphis.
The Bulls were already loaded at point guard though, with Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon (even Ben Gordon played a little point). So they let Duhon walk, and drafted an upgrade at the position, while totally neglecting what they really needed in the draft: inside scoring.
That inside scoring would have been provided by power forward Michael Beasley, who's no slouch compared to Rose.
Point guards take time to mature and assimilate to the style of the NBA. With Rose on board, I see Chicago struggling this season while trying to accommodate the growing pains of their new floor general.

Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs remind everyone of the Bulls in the mid-eighties. They have the greatest player in the league at the moment in the form of LeBron James, who's as important as Michael Jordan was to his Bulls before they won their first championship.
King James is a nightly terror on the court, an absolute matchup nightmare for his defender every single game, because he can do everything. Okay, almost everything until he can hit most of his freethrows.
The guy is a walking triple-double waiting to happen on a daily basis, a player who can score, dish and defend. Lebron has the size, skill and athleticism to dominate just about anyone as well.
However, questions are asked as to why the Cavs have only appeared in the NBA Finals once with such a dominant player on board.
The answer: His supporting cast is terrible.
You see, Mr. James does not have the Pippens, Grants or Rodmans of the world at his side. He is but one man on a team of five, playing as if he was three of them.
The Cavs, to their credit, thought that Larry Hughes would be that dynamic sidekick to the King. Hughes is now collecting his cheques from the Bulls, so you know how that experiment went. Ben Wallace is now on the team to relieve ‘Bron of some of his defensive duties, but Big Ben has yet to prove himself as anything but a big overpaid bust.
So, unless Cleveland can find some reliable help for LeBron James, expect an early playoff exit for the NBA's perennial nearly-men.

Detroit Pistons
If the Cleveland Cavaliers lack a supporting cast to ever win the NBA championship, the Detroit Pistons lack a superstar who can take the team on his back and carry them into the Promised Land.
The Pistons have depth that any team in the league would kill for. With a nucleus of Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace, along with a superb bench of Jason Maxiell, Antonio McDyess, Arron Afflalo and Rodney Stuckey, Detroit are well-built for a long and grueling season, with enough quality to rest the starters, and not suffer from a drop in performance when the said starters are not in the game.
It is in the playoffs that DEE-TROIT BASKET-BAALL suffers the most.
In recent seasons, the Pistons have always been sent home by teams that have a resident superstar in their lineup. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Kevin Garnett (with the help of Paul Pierce and Ray Allen) have had their way with the Pistons enroute to the NBA Finals.
And unless President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars trades for a superstar soon, the Pistons are doomed to turning in great regular seasons and suffering frustrating playoff outings until their core members retire.

Indiana Pacers
Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird should be in basketball executive purgatory now.
The Celtics playing legend traded away his oft-injured center-forward Jermaine O'Neal for an equally injury-riddled point guard TJ Ford. Everybody, including my mom and her kettle, knows you don't trade a big for a small. But Larry Legend did just that.
The Pacers now have a hugely unbalanced squad entering the season, with misfits like Jamal Tinsley still sulking within its ranks, and a bulk of players who excel in shooting the ball from long range. Problem is, Indiana does not have any sort of post presence that would effectively space the floor to give their long range bombers room to operate.
That said, Larry's Legion, under the command of coach Jim O'Brien, could start playing "Seven Seconds or Less" basketball in Hoosier state, and make all of us look extremely stupid.

Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks claimed that they were devastated by injury in the 2006-07 season, only to turn in a 26-56 season the following season with a relatively healthy squad. The collapse of Milwaukee only served to prove one thing:
The team sucked.
Out went GM Larry Harris along with head coach Larry Krystkowiak, who were replaced by former Detroit Pistons assistant GM Joe Hammond his advocate for defence, coach Scott Skiles.
Milwaukee should get immediate improvement with Skiles, whose fiery temper should whip the Bucks into playing some semblance of defence.
The trade for athletic wingman Richard Jefferson should offer the team some slashing ability to complement star guard Michael Redd's shooting stroke, along with some muscle and speed on the perimeter.
Milwaukee should still finish in the lower echelon of the Eastern Conference, but the Bucks now have a solid platform to build on and try to squeeze their way into the playoffs.

By Vincent Lai
espnstar.com/us-sports/nba/news


Sunday, October 5, 2008

Credit crunch hits Liverpool

Liverpool have insisted the new stadium will still be built but only after the current financial turmoil stabilises.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry also made it clear that the club's opposition to ground sharing with Everton has not changed.

And he revealed that attempts to buy the club have "gone very quiet".

Work on the Stanley Park project has come to a halt following a decision to delay the building, maybe for a year, because of the credit squeeze.

Parry told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek: "Ground share is not being considered. With the financial markets in the turmoil as they are, any major construction project at this time is difficult, it is risky.

"It is a case of a delay while things settle down, it is still a very, very good long term project. The economics of it still make underlying sense.

"I do not see any change in direction or any change in plans, and ground share is not back on the agenda.

"The point is, at this moment it is not the most sensible time to be borrowing huge amounts of money with the markets in turmoil. That will settle down and availability of money will increase.

"The project makes long term sense, it is the supply of money that is an issue, that will correct itself in time."

The ownership of the club is also unlikely to change at present, said Parry.

He said: "It has gone quiet and everyone is delighted. The focus at Liverpool should only ever be on football.

"All is relatively stable, I am not aware of anything that is happening regarding the sale of the club at this moment. My focus is on day-to-day things and making sure we deliver.

"I am not sure of anything going on, it is a question best directed to the owners. As far as I am concerned we are focusing on things that we can control.

"We are trying to do the very best to produce a team that performs on the pitch."

by espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news

Keane refuses to rule out Vieira swoop

Sunderland gaffer Roy Keane has refused to rule out a sensational swoop for Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Sunderland were first linked with a possible swoop for Vieira in the summer and now Keane has admitted that he would not rule out signing any player - even Vieira.

During his playing days, Keane had plenty of on-field battles with the former Arsenal star - and infamously in 2005 they even clashed in the tunnel before kick-off.

"If I believe this player can give us something, I'm sure the board would back us. We're always making enquiries about lots of players," he said.

"How great is he? I don't know. I don't go down that road. I just know he was a bloody good player.

"He had good leadership skills, too. But not as good as mine!"

Keane even played down his off-field spat with Vieira, claiming it was down to his former team-mate Gary Neville.

"There is only one person to blame for that - Gary Neville. He started it and then went missing," he quipped.

"Gary had a go at nobody. Someone just had a go at Gary coming in from the warm-up. So Gary told me.

"Gary was a team-mate and I thought it was out of order. I had to defend my team-mate. I'd do it again.

"You do not go around threatening people in the tunnel but you defend yourself, especially away from home if you are up against it.

"You don't win games in the tunnel, though. You might lose them. We still had to go out and win. I think we won 4-2.

"They were great occasions against Arsenal. It was a battle, the tensions between the two teams, between the managers, the two clubs - brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

"By God, you looked forward to those games."

by espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news

Robinho: Beat Pool and win title

Samba king Robinho has urged Manchester City to beat Liverpool and go on to become genuine title contenders.

The two north-west rivals meet at Eastlands on Sunday with City's new Abu Dhabi-based owners already going on record to say that they want to the see the title being won by Mark Hughes' men sooner rather than later.

A recent acquisition from Real Madrid, Brazil international Robinho is quickly finding his feet in England's top-flight and is optimistic that City can even challenge for domestic honours this season.

"This is a great time to start winning games against the bigger teams so we can prove we are here to win the title," he told The Sun newspaper.

"Do I think [winning on Sunday] is possible? Yes. Liverpool is one of the great games with their history and tradition.

"Every player loves these moments and I cannot wait. We are not so far from the leaders and the league has just started."

Robinho's optimism has however been scoffed at by Liverpool's Javier Mascherano.

The Anfield favourite admits that he is impressed by City this campaign, but feels that the blue half of Manchester will have to wait some time before lifting their first Premier League crown.

"They have a good manager and are improving a little bit more than before," said the tenacious midfielder.

"They are looking to be in the top four and if they have the chance to fight for the title they will go for it.

"But we know how difficult it is in the Premier League, so maybe they will need a little bit more time to fight for titles."

by espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news

Berdych captures Japan title

Czech Tomas Berdych eased past Argentinian Juan-Martin del Potro 6-1 6-4 to capture the Japan Open title on Sunday.

The championship was the fourth for Berdych, who had last won at Halle in 2007.

Berdych got off to a rousing start, blowing through del Potro in the first set. The second set was more challenging, but Berdych held off del Potro's three attempts to break in the match and finished off his foe in one hour 18 minutes.

The Czech won 27 of 31 points on his first serve, enabling him to control the flow of the match.

Berdych had booked his spot in the final with an upset of Andy Roddick in the semi-finals. The American had Berdych down 5-3 in the final set but failed to close out the Czech, who rallied and took the match in a tiebreaker.

The 12th-ranked del Potro, 20, had never won on the ATP Tour before capturing four consecutive tournaments during the summer, and he followed that with an impressive quarterfinal effort at the US Open.

by espnstar.com/tennis/news

Woods to come back stronger

Tiger Woods has refused to put a time-scale on his return from injury but says he will be back better than ever.

Two days after he played through the pain barrier on his left knee to win the title at Torrey Pines Woods confirmed he would miss the remainder of the 2008 season.


He has subsequently had reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament surgery on his knee and admitted his rehabilitation has gone well so far.

"It's getting better; there's a little discomfort there, more than any real pain," Woods said.

"The doctors are pleased with my progress, though - I'm moving fairly freely, so the plan is to hit a few balls in January and see how it feels.

"As far as coming back and playing goes, though, your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea how it's going to respond or heal. If I tried to hit a golf shot now, it would be one of the worst shots you'd ever seen. Hopefully in time, though, it'll be fine.

"It's my job, it's what I do, and I love doing it. If you love doing the job you do, then you have the greatest job in the world, whatever it is - and I'm lucky that I do.

"I'm addicted to golf, always have been, and I can't wait to go to work every day. Right now I can't do my work, which is hard to accept, but I'll be back and, I hope, better than ever.

"Would I have won more majors had I not had that injury? Who knows? I could speculate all day, but the fact is that we'll never know.

"I hope I'll come back stronger than ever, but until I get back hitting golf balls, who knows?"

Woods continued: "I've not played through that kind of pain before. I mean, I've had pain while playing before, but never to that extent. It hurt a hell of a lot. It hurts just thinking about it.

"You could certainly hear it making all kinds of noise, but I tried to put it to the back of my mind and just play. With something like that, you just have to keep moving.

"And, of course, it helped that it was the US Open - you don't just give up on that. I'm stubborn, too, so I had to finish what I'd started.

"For much of that time I could live with the pain, but I knew eventually I'd have to do something about it - and it came to a head at the US Open."

The US Open victory was Woods' 14th major tournament title and following the injury setback the 32-year-old said he did not enjoy watching the game on television - but his hunger for playing remained strong.

He told Sport Magazine: "It's been tough. Missing the AT&T National, which is obviously my tournament, and then the British Open and the US PGA... it's not been good, not been easy. Because that's what we do, as players.

"We get ready for the biggest events, and I know for a fact that I couldn't compete against anybody - I couldn't even beat my daughter in a golf tournament right now. From that viewpoint, it has been frustrating - but understanding that I can't play at all right now makes it a lot easier.

"I hardly ever watch golf on TV, unless I know my friends are in contention. I watched the final round of this year's PGA because Charlie Wi was in contention, and I grew up with Charlie in California.

"I watched from the start of the final round, but he didn't get off to a good start so I turned it off and went and did something else."

Padraig Harrington has taken advantage of Woods' absence to win the The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and the PGA Championship at Bloomfield Hills and Woods felt the Irishman always had the ability to succeed on the big stage.

"We've all known Paddy has the talent to do what he's done for a long time," he added.

"He has an incredible work ethic, which goes unnoticed by a lot of people - ally that to the fact he has so much talent and it was only a matter of time before he had major success.

"A lot of it is to do with the confidence that comes from being on that stage and in contention. Look at how many seconds Paddy has had on the European Tour. He learnt from those, and it was only a matter of time before he converted them into wins."

by espnstar.com/golf/news

Saturday, October 4, 2008

BPL Saturday Review

Wes Brown and Wayne Rooney scored as United recorded consecutive BPL wins with a 2-0 triumph over Blackburn.

Rovers goalkeeper Jason Brown felt he was blocked off by Nemanja Vidic when Brown nodded home Rooney's first-half cross.

But there was no debating the second as Rooney clinically applied the first-time finish to Cristiano Ronaldo's cut-back.

Earlier, Arsenal's bid to go top of the table foundered at Sunderland but they were lucky to escape defeat at the Stadium of Light as Cesc Fabregas' 93rd-minute header salvaged a 1-1 draw.

Having been beaten by Hull last week, the Gunners have now dropped five points in two matches - although the result was enough to take them third.

Arsene Wenger's side appeared to have been beaten by Grant Leadbitter's stunning 86th-minute strike.

The midfielder picked the ball up 25 yards out and smashed a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.

Only minutes earlier Craig Gordon had saved at point-blank range from Robin van Persie, who had a goal chalked off just after half-time.

Theo Walcott cut the ball back from the right byline for the Dutchman to stab home but the England winger was ruled to have taken the ball out, although television replays appeared to suggest he had kept it in.

Spain midfielder Fabregas rescued the Gunners with a close-range header from a corner in the third minute of added time.

Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere snatched victory for Middlesbrough at Wigan with a goal in the 89th minute.

A game of very few chances appeared to be drifting to a goalless conclusion when Stewart Downing nodded down a right-wing cross on the edge of the penalty area and the Frenchman fired home.

West Brom's match at home to Fulham was also a game of few chances but the hosts prevailed 1-0 thanks to Roman Bednar's solitary strike in the 61st minute.

A left-wing corner produced a scramble in the visitors' penalty area and when the ball reached Bednar he stabbed home from three yards.

He had a chance to double the advantage seven minutes later but was hustled out by Aaron Hughes as he closed in on goal.

Clint Dempsey had a good chance to equalise in the 70th minute when Jimmy Bullard picked him out unmarked but he diverted his header wide from 12 yards.

Catch the Blackburn-Man United post-match interviews here!

Catch the Sunderland-Arsenal post-match interviews here!

by espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news

Live Score October 4

England - Premier League
04:19October 4

FTSunderland1 - 1Arsenal

FTWest Bromwich A.1 - 0Fulham

FTWigan Athletic0 - 1Middlesbrough

FTBlackburn R.0 - 2Manchester U.



England - League Championship
04:19October 4

FTBlackpool1 - 1Cardiff C.

FTBirmingham C.1 - 0Queens Park R.

FTBarnsley4 - 1Doncaster R.

FTCharlton Athletic2 - 1Ipswich T.

FTNorwich C.1 - 2Derby County

FTNottingham F.0 - 2Crystal Palace

FTPlymouth Argyle4 - 0Sheffield W.

FTReading3 - 1Burnley

FTSheffield U.3 - 0Bristol C.

FTSwansea C.3 - 1Wolverhampton W.

FTWatford2 - 1Preston North End

FTCoventry C.4 - 1Southampton



Italy - Serie A
05:19October 4

FTLazio1 - 1Lecce

FTInter Milan2 - 1Bologna



Spain - Primera Division
05:19October 4

FTVillarreal2 - 1Real Betis

FTBarcelona6 - 1Atletico Madrid



France - Ligue 1

October 4

FTGrenoble0 - 1Nantes

FTLe Havre1 - 2Le Mans

FTLorient1 - 2Bordeaux

FTMarseille2 - 1Caen

FTNice1 - 1Sochaux

FTToulouse1 - 0Auxerre

FTLille1 - 0Valenciennes



Holland - Eredivisie
05:19October 4

FTVitesse Arnhem2 - 2Willem II Tilburg

FTPSV Eindhoven3 - 0De Graafschap

FTHeracles Almelo2 - 0Roda Kerkrade



Belgium - Jupiler League

October 4

FTAA Gent1 - 1Lokeren

FTKortrijk0 - 0Germinal Beerschot

FTMons-Bergen1 - 1Charleroi

FTRacing Genk2 - 1KV Mechelen

FTTubize2 - 1FCV Dender EH

FTWesterlo3 - 2Zulte-Waregem



Portugal - Superliga
04:19October 4

FTAssociacao Naval1 - 1Belenenses



Scotland - Premier League
04:19October 4

FTAberdeen1 - 2Hibernian

FTCeltic4 - 0Hamilton

FTDundee United2 - 1Inverness C.T.

FTHearts1 - 2Kilmarnock



Argentina - Apertura
00:19October 4

FTVelez Sarsfield0 - 1San Lorenzo

FTLanus4 - 2Argentinos Juniors

FTNewell's Old Boys2 - 0Tigre



Brazil - Campeonato Brasileiro
00:19October 4

FTGremio2 - 1Botafogo

FTIpatinga FC1 - 3Sao Paulo

FTPalmeiras3 - 1Atletico Mineiro

FTCoritiba4 - 2Internacional

FTNautico0 - 2Flamengo

FTSantos4 - 0Atletico Paranaense

FTVasco2 - 4Figueirense



Chile - Clausura
23:19October 4

FTPalestino3 - 1Cobresal

FTHuachipato2 - 1Melipilla

FTO\'Higgins4 - 3Everton CD



Colombia - Clausura
22:19October 4

FTDeportivo Cali1 - 0Santa Fe

FTIndependiente Medellin3 - 2Once Caldas



Paraguay - Clausura
23:19October 4

FTSilvio Pettirossi0 - 1Libertad



Peru - Clausura
22:19October 4

FTSport Boys2 - 2Atletico Minero Matucana

FTAlianza Lima0 - 2Sport Ancash



Uruguay - Apertura
00:19October 4

FTCerro1 - 1Cerro Largo

FTPenarol3 - 0Tacuarembo FC



Mexico - Apertura
22:19October 4

FTCruz Azul1 - 1Toluca

FTMonterrey1 - 2Jaguares

FTGuadalajara (Chivas)2 - 2Tigres

FTIndios2 - 3San Luis








USA - Major League Soccer
23:19October 4

FTColumbus Crew1 - 0Los Angeles Galaxy

FTDC United0 - 3CD Chivas USA

FTNew England Re'lution2 - 2Real Salt Lake

FTNew York Red Bulls1 - 3Toronto FC










by livescore.com

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