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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Becks wants Olympics glory

David Beckham admits he would love to appear for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympic - if he is still playing.
Beckham, 33, has a contract with Los Angeles Galaxy until 2012 and has not ruled out appearing or even captaining Great Britain's team at the London Games.
The England midfielder arrived in Beijing today ahead of the Olympics closing ceremony, in which he is playing a leading role in London 2012's set.
He said: "I will be 37 so I'm not sure I will still be playing. But you never know, at the end of the day I'm just going to be happy to be involved.
"I will definitely be there, but whether it's playing or not I'm not so sure about that one."
Beckham said he believed football deserved its place in the Olympics despite the controversy over whether clubs should be forced to release players for the tournament.
He added: "For me, football is the best sport in the world so for me it should be top of the list.
"There are so many other great sports and so many other athletes who have worked so hard to get here, but it's still important.
"There are great players and great teams over here so it's still my number one sport, whether or not it is looked at as different."
Meanwhile Beckham believes Usain Bolt should carry on showboating and said he has been awed by the Jamaican sprinting superstar.
Bolt, who clinched his third sprinting gold and third world record of the Games on Friday night, has been criticised by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge for showing a lack of respect towards his fellow runners.
But Beckham gave his backing to Bolt saying: "I think he's great. If you're that good - and he breezed through all the early stages and then turned it on for the finals, it's so impressive if you can do that.
"He's so talented and has got so much confidence. It's such a big stage and the whole world is watching, so if you can perform like he has then you can gloat - and it's good to see."

by espnstar.com/football/other-football/news



Champions League Tuesday Review

Arsenal returned to winning ways with a big win over Porto while Dimitar Berbatov scored his first goals for Man United.

Arsenal took control of Group G after their 4-0 thumping of Portuguese side FC Porto. Robin van Persie scored twice for the Gunners. Fenerbache were held by Dynamo Kiev to a goalless draw in the other group game.
In Group E, Manchester United played their best side as promised by Sir Alex Ferguson and the Red Devils romped to a comfortable 3-0 win with Bebartov breaking his duck for the defending European champions. Primera Liga pace-setters Villarreal beat Celtic 1-0 with a hotly-disputed free-kick by Marco Senna to move joint-top with Man United.
Both games in Group F ended up in draws. Bayern were held 1-1 by Lyon while Steaua escaped Florence with a 0-0 draw with Fiorentina.
Real Madrid came away from Russia with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Zenit St Petersburgto go two points clear in Group H - the group of death. Juventus were surprisingly hed to a 2-2 draw with BATE.
To complete the experience, why not check out the Champions League photo-gallery here.
* Matchday 3 will be played on 21/ 22 October 2008.
by espnstar.com/football/champions-league/news


Sneijder plans van Persie chat

Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder has revealed he plans to speak to team-mate Robin van Persie about the disagreement over a free-kick at Euro 2008.

In the quarter-final defeat to Russia, Van Persie went against what had been agreed and took a set-piece himself, failing to score.

"We never spoke about this again, because we left Switzerland the day after and I haven't played for the Oranje since then," the Real Madrid star, who suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season, told Voetbal International magazine.

"I don't want to say that I would have scored a goal, but it's simply a matter of agreements.

"As soon as we see each other again, I will speak with Robin about it.

"We don't have to make a big issue out of it but I want to make it clear that everyone must keep to the agreements."

by espnstar.com/football/news

Zanetti in confident mood

Internazionale captain Javier Zanetti is confident his team will bounce back from Sunday's derby defeat in Wednesday's Champions League Group B showdown against Werder Bremen.

Jose Mourinho's outfit lost 1-0 to arch rivals AC Milan in a thrilling derby at the weekend, ending the champions' unbeaten run in Serie A this term.

"Milan won the derby but we look ahead with optimism," said the 35-year-old. "We must try to get our second win in the Champions League."

He added: "There are so many games left in the season that it's early days yet.

"Mourinho told us after the game that we should think about Wednesday's encounter because there was nothing we could do about the derby result."

Mourinho added: "I like to say that when we win, it is the merit of my players and when we lose it's my fault.

"Hence, this defeat was lost by me, but it's nothing to worry about."

Adriano is set to partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front for the Nerazzurri and defenders Marco Materazzi and Nicolas Burdisso are likely to start, despite being suspended for Saturday's league game against Bologna.

Inter have won three of their last four matches at the San Siro.

by espnstar.com/football/news

Puyol defends Barca players

Carles Puyol defended his team-mates over allegations from Espanyol that they helped incite the crowd trouble Saturday.

Espanyol general director Pedro Tomas claimed on Monday that his club would be reporting the "provocative behaviour" of some of the Barca players to the anti-violence commission.

The match, which Barca eventually won 2-1 thanks to two late goals, was stopped and the players left the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys pitch for several minutes during the second half following ugly scenes in the stands where flares were thrown in the direction of the home fans.

"We will report the behaviour of some of the Barca players, celebrating the goal, but also encouraging and provoking the violent members of the crowd," said Tomas.

However, Puyol has responded by saying: "This is totally out of place. We are surprised. In those moments of tension, when your pulse is going 180 a minute, we were happy because we had scored a goal and we only intended to celebrate it with the fans, because in this section we also had friends and family.

"At no moment was our intention to salute the violent fans - the minority who have thrown the flares.

"The dressing room and Barcelona do not feel represented by those that threw the flares, the same as that the person who threw the bottle at (Barca goalkeeping coach Juan Carlos) Unzue does not represent Espanyol.

"The players are 100% against violence."

The Spain international added: "I apologise if these celebrations annoyed anyone. The players like to think about football and if there is anyone who is always against violence, it's us."

by espnstar.com/football/primera-liga/news

Vijay withdraws from Asia events

Vijay Singh will skip a pair of Asian events to take a two-month break in order to recover from niggling injuries.

The 45-year-old, who clinched the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup play-off title on Sunday, was scheduled to compete at the Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia from October 30 to November 2 and the HSBC Champions in Shanghai from November 6 to 9.

However, the Fijian will now miss both events and is not scheduled to return until the Father/Son Challenge and the Tiger Woods World Challenge, both in December.

"I've been hurt a lot," said Singh, who spent his formative years as a professional golfer in Asia.

"My arm still hurts and my back still hurts, so I'm going to take some time off and get myself in good shape physically and see if I can come out stronger."

Singh finished in a tie for 22nd at the season-ending Tour Championship last weekend but secured a USD 10 million bonus for winning the FedEx Cup following victories at The Barclays and Deutsche Bank Championship.

by espnstar.com/golf/news

Serena to open against China's Li

Serena Williams faces Na Li when she makes her first appearance since winning the US Open at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.

Na Li set up the second-round meeting by coasting to a 6-1 6-2 victory over Nicole Vaidisova as the tournament got underway on Monday.

The world's top-ranked player, Williams collected her ninth career Grand Slam title earlier this month at Flushing Meadows, where she stormed through a loaded draw before edging Jelena Jankovic in the final.

Williams headlines another tough draw at this hardcourt event, which will feature eight of the world's top-10 ranked players. The top four seeds received first-round byes.

Jankovic, the world number two, is seeded second and hopes to continue her recent stellar play after winning the title last week at Beijing.

She will take on the Ukraine's Alona Bondarenko, who swept past Greece's Eleni Daniilidou, 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 on Monday.

World number three Dinara Safina is seeded third, followed by fellow Russians Elena Dementieva and Svetlana Kuznetsova, ranked fifth and seventh, respectively.

Dementieva opens play against Austria's Sybille Bammer, who ousted Germany's Tatjana Malek, 4-6 6-2 7-5, in Monday's only other match.

Venus Williams is the sixth seed while Vera Zvonareva, the world's ninth-ranked player, and world number 10 Agnieszka Radwanska received the seventh and eighth seeds.

by espnstar.com

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Ronnie dedicates Milan goal

Derby hero Ronaldinho has dedicated his match winner to AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi and the Rossoneri fans.
Milan claimed their third Serie A victory on the trot and more importantly, a crucial psychological edge over their bitterest rivals thanks to a Ronaldino header.
The Brazilian could have picked a more symbolic moment to open his account in the red and black stripes of Milan, inflicting Jose Mourinho's first loss as Inter Milan coach and reserved special mention for the fans and Berlusconi after the match.
"I am very pleased," said the Brazilian after the match in an interview with SKY. "I was hoping to score a goal as the fans here make me feel at home."
"Here in Milan, everyday I feel more at home," explained the 28-year-old.
"It is a moment of great celebration."
"I know that tomorrow is the birthday of President Berlusconi, the goal is also for him."
by espnstar.com/football/news


BPL Soccer Sunday Review

Amr Zaki converted a debatable penalty to give Wigan a narrow 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the JJB Stadium on Sunday.

Referee Steve Bennett gave the spot-kick in the 34th minute after Javier Garrido was deemed to have brought down Wilson Palacios inside the box but the contact looked minimal.
Antonio Valencia had earlier seen his spectacular 16th-minute opening goal cancelled out by Vincent Kompany's close-range finish from an Elano free-kick five minutes later.
Earlier, Jermain Defoe scored a first-half penalty against former club Tottenham before Peter Crouch added a second to give Portsmouth a 2-0 victory at Fratton Park and leave Juande Ramos' hapless side rooted to the bottom of the table.
Spurs, now without a win in six league games, fell behind to a Defoe penalty in the 34th minute after Jermaine Jenas handled.
The visitors had a spot-kick appeal of their own denied by referee Mike Dean when Lassana Diarra, later sent off for two yellow cards, clearly appeared to handle substitute Aaron Lennon's 53rd minute cross.
And Spurs were buried by Crouch's header following Heurelho Gomes' parry of Armand Traore's 67th-minute shot.
Click here for reactions from Super Sunday!
by espnstar.com

Beckham happy to be on the bench


David Beckham insists he is happy to play a minor role for England in their attempts to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Beckham has 105 caps to his name but has found his place under threat from a host of younger right-sided players, not least Arsenal teenager Theo Walcott who scored a hat-trick against Croatia in Beckham's place in Zagreb.

Walcott's elevation to the starting XI reduced the 33-year-old former captain to a pair of cameos in the recent qualifiers against Croatia and Andorra and, with Beckham based in Los Angeles, there have been questions over whether a bit-part place will be enough to justify his participation.

But the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man is ready and willing to do anything in his power to help manager Fabio Capello - even if it means warming the bench.

Beckham said: "I want to be part of the squad, part of these qualifiers and, hopefully, part of the team to the World Cup.

"If that means me coming on as sub or just even part of the squad, then I would be happy with that. I don't care whether I play or whether I don't.

"Of course I love to play for England but the much bigger thing is England winning and England qualifying."

He continued: "Whether I play is immaterial - it's about the team, about the squad. If I can carry on getting caps, getting on the field and helping the team in any way then I'll be happy.

"I would be happy going home having not even got off the bench. I'm in the squad, in the manager's mind and I'm there to support the team. I'm an England fan."

by espnstar.com/football


AC Milan vs Inter Milan Preview

Inter captain Javier Zanetti is wary of an improving AC Milan outfit ahead of their derby match at the San Siro on Sunday.

Inter have held the bragging rights over their co-tenants in recent times having won the past three Scudetto titles.

And while life under new boss Jose Mourinho is only in its early stages, the signs are good for the Nerazzurri to again push for honours as they lead the table after four games.

AC Milan by contrast have struggled in the recent past.

A fifth-placed finish last season has meant they will have to contend themselves only with UEFA Cup football on the continent while coach Carlo Ancelotti came under fire after the team lost their opening two matches of the season.

The gloom around the club has lifted somewhat in the past week after their 3-1 UEFA Cup win over FC Zurich was followed by back-to-back triumphs in the league.

The most notable of those was a 4-1 victory over the previously unbeaten Lazio at the San Siro last weekend and Zanetti - a veteran of 600 games with Inter - knows better than to underestimate their closest rivals.

"We respect Milan," Zanetti said. "They have grown and it will be a very combative game as all the derby games are.

"We hope that we can do what we are able to do which is to win."

The season is young, yet Inter know they can deliver a psychological blow with a victory that would keep them at the top of Serie A.

Inter moved a point clear at the top following a 1-0 win over Lecce in midweek, with striker Julio Cruz scoring the only goal of the game 11 minutes from time.

"The derby is a special game and we are really eager to be in good form," Cruz said. "We know how much this game means to our fans. We are first in the standings and we want to go out and win this derby."

The expectation level is higher for Milan ahead of the 149th derby since 1929.

Ancelotti has been relieved by his side's improvement during the past week and is in a positive frame of mind ahead of the derby encounter.

"In a week, we have taken many steps forward," admitted Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"We have played many derbies in the past and on many occasions we have come out with a smile."

Portuguese tactician Mourinho, who will experience his first derby having joined Inter this summer, will be hoping his team can level the numbers.

Milan have won four of their past six derbies as hosts, including last season's 2-1 triumph.

Ancelotti will be forced to alter his first-choice striker partnership.

Marco Borriello, who scored the opener in Wednesday's 2-1 win at Reggina, sustained a muscular injury and has been sidelined.

Andriy Shevchenko, who never lived up to his reputation at Chelsea where he played for Mourinho after a lucrative move from Milan, returned to the Rossoneri this summer.

Shevchenko, who has yet to score for the Rossoneri this season, is set to replace Borriello and partner Alexandre Pato up front with Kaka in support.

Mourinho is set to rely on attacking duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cruz to deliver up front.

Inter will be without midfielder Sulley Muntari, who serves his last match ban on Sunday.

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


Fletcher: We musn't rely on Cristiano

Darren Fletcher does not expect another 42 goals from Cristiano Ronaldo this season, saying 20 would be enough.

Ronaldo showed there would be no hangover from the protracted transfer saga with Real Madrid when he nodded home his first goal of the season in Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Middlesbrough.

Given it was only his third senior appearance of the campaign - and his first start - another phenomenal season could be expected from the Portugal star.

However, Fletcher, who scored United's first two league goals of the season against Newcastle and Portsmouth, recognises the need for Ronaldo's team-mates to chip in as well.

"It was great to see Ronaldo come back and score again," said the Scotland midfielder.

"He is a fantastic player and his goalscoring record over the last couple of seasons has been ridiculous.

"It would be asking a lot of him to match or equal that but we know he is capable of 20 goals a season, which is an incredible return in itself.

"But other players have to chip in as well. If they can do that we will have goals from all over the place, which is important."

After opening the defence of their Champions League trophy with a draw against Villarreal, United will be looking for maximum points from their trip to Aalborg.

It is only two years since Sir Alex Ferguson's team went to Denmark and were beaten by FC Copenhagen.

Aalborg's opening draw with Celtic at Parkhead suggests they will not be the makeweights in Group E most pundits expected them to be.

However, Fletcher recognises the need for United to register an away success if the qualifying campaign is not to become unnecessarily complicated.

And the Edinburgh-born star senses a change in the Red Devils fortunes is imminent.

By following up the improved showing against Villarreal by coming within 11 minutes of ending Chelsea's incredible home record, United indicated they were back on track.

Tuesday's triumph over Middlesbrough merely confirmed that belief, even if the match-winning goals were only scored once Emanuel Pogatetz had been sent off.

Now Fletcher is demanding more of the same.

"We hope it is just a case of everything falling into place because we need to get on one of our long winning runs," he said.

"The same thing happened last season when chances were not being taken but eventually everything clicked and we want the same thing to happen again.

"At least we are creating chances, even if we have not been taking them. We would be more worried if we weren't.

"But I am sure the goals will eventually come because we have top quality players."

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

Duo reach Thailand Open final

Australian Open finalists Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are set for an intriguing re-match at the Thailand Open.

The top-seeded Djokovic beat number three Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, 7-5 6-1 on Saturday to set up a re-match of January's Australian Open final against Tsonga, who hours earlier had beaten fourth seed and fellow Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-0 6-3.

"It will be great to meet Jo once again," said Djokovic, who won his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne. "It will be very interesting to play him.

"It's the second time we play and again it's in a final. Anything can happen, I don't see myself as the favourite. Jo has been playing fantastic tennis this week and is very motivated."

Neither player had much of a problem in Saturday's semi-final play.

The third-ranked Djokovic fired six aces while winning all three break points to oust Berdych in 1 hour, 21 minutes.

"I used my opportunities," said the Serb, who has 10 career titles. "I had the feeling that I was sleeping through the first set and only woke up in the second."

Tsonga, who has not won a title, was even more impressive in eliminating compatriot Monfils in their first ATP main-draw meeting.

The world number 20 controlled the match from the beginning, winning three-quarters of his service points while converting four of his six break-point opportunities.

"I played unbelievably today," said Tsonga, who missed the French Open and Wimbledon after having knee surgery. "I hit the ball very well, but I wasn't moving too well. I have to move better in the final.

"I'm very happy to be in the final. I didn't expect this result in this tournament for me."

by espnstar.com

Roddick rockin' at China Open

Andy Roddick has advanced to the final of the China Open with a 6-2 6-7 (4/7) 6-1 victory over Germany's Bjorn Phau.

Roddick, ranked eighth in the world with 25 career titles to his credit, will face Dudi Sela of Israel in Sunday's title match.

On paper, the 92nd-ranked Sela does not look to have much of a chance against Roddick, but this has been an extraordinary week for the 23-year-old.

Sela pushed his way into the final with a 6-3 6-3 semi-final win over seventh-seeded Rainer Schuettler of Germany earlier on Saturday.

It marked his third victory over a seeded player this week, as he also picked off top seed David Ferrer and last year's runner-up Tommy Robredo, seeded six, en route to this stage.

If Sela can pull off another stunner against Roddick, he will become the first player from Israel to win an ATP singles title since Amos Mansdorf did so at Washington in 1993.

Roddick, however, has already brushed aside another tournament surprise - the 137th-ranked Phau was seeking his maiden ATP final appearance after upsets of defending champion Fernando Gonzalez, the third seed, and eighth seed Sam Querrey.

A win here would be a confidence boost for Roddick, who has endured an up-and-down season.

The 26-year-old has not hoisted a trophy since March, due in part to back and shoulder injuries that caused him to miss the French Open.

by espnstar.com/tennis/news

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Gerrard key to Liverpool hopes

Rafael Benitez wants the local passion of Steven Gerrard to drive Liverpool to Merseyside derby glory on Saturday.

And that is even though the Liverpool manager admitted he substituted Gerrard last season at Goodison Park because he was "showing too much passion".

Now Benitez expects to see Gerrard show a more mature approach to the 208th showdown between Liverpool and Everton, and to cap his display with the 100th goal of his Anfield career.

A Liverpool victory would not only extend their record of losing only two of their last 10 derby visits to Goodison, but also equal their best-ever Premier League start to a season after six games.

And Benitez knows Gerrard will be the key to maintaining the club's unbeaten start to the campaign.

He said: "It was a pity that Steven was denied his 100th goal for Liverpool against Stoke, but that I am sure will only motivate him more to score against Everton.

"Especially in a derby, it would be fantastic for him to get that goal, and I believe he can.

"He is always important to us. But more so in these type of games when local players are involved. Everyone knows he is key to us, and in this game more so.

"He can change games, win games and if he is not playing well he can still score and win matches for us.

"If he is playing well he is indestructible. He has the mentality and passion for these games and he is important to all the other players."

Liverpool completed the double over Everton last season, and have lost only two of their last 17 meetings with their neighbours.

But Benitez is looking beyond this local skirmish as he hopes Liverpool can continue to improve.

He said: "We have started the season well. We are improving, but only at 60% of our potential at the moment. If we keep improving we will get closer to what we want.

"I know that last season at Goodison Park I took Steven off because maybe he was playing with too much passion. At that point we needed to keep possession against 10 men, we needed to keep control.

"That was the idea. And it was Lucas - who came on and was calmer and more relaxed - who was able to create our winner. That was an important decision for the team, something I had to do. Maybe this time it will be Steven who wins the game for us."

He added: "You have to control your passion to win the game, to control yourself physically as well as mentally.

"The game is similar to when we play Manchester United. But then we know it is against one of the top teams and we are competing to be at the top of the table.

"With Everton it is all about us being neighbours, the games are similar, but not the same.

"As for Steven, he is one of four or five local players involved. They all understand and want to show their passion on the pitch, they want to give something back to the fans."

While Gerrard is aiming for his century of goals for the club, new signing Robbie Keane is still searching for his first after nine appearances.

Benitez said: "We are not worried about Robbie not having scored yet for us. He has a good record against Everton, so it would be just perfect for Gerrard to score his 100th in this game and for Robbie to break his duck.

"I have very good memories of our double over them last season, it was exciting for me and for the fans.

"But always we only want to win, whoever it is against. We want this three points to put us top of the table but I realise that this is special for the fans."

Referee Mike Riley can expect a busy afternoon. There have been seven red cards in the last seven meetings between the clubs and 16 in 32 Premier League clashes.

Benitez added: "There have been a lot of red cards in these games, and that is because players are under pressure. But the longer it goes on, these players mature and are able to handle the situation better.

"I only enjoy it if we win. Beforehand and during the match it can be very difficult.

"You can see that with the way people talk to you around the city in the build-up. All week I have had fans, from an old woman to young children, all calling out to me to say how much they want us to win."

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


AC Milan vs Inter Milan Preview

Inter captain Javier Zanetti is wary of an improving AC Milan outfit ahead of their derby match at the San Siro on Sunday.

Inter have held the bragging rights over their co-tenants in recent times having won the past three Scudetto titles.

And while life under new boss Jose Mourinho is only in its early stages, the signs are good for the Nerazzurri to again push for honours as they lead the table after four games.

AC Milan by contrast have struggled in the recent past.

A fifth-placed finish last season has meant they will have to contend themselves only with UEFA Cup football on the continent while coach Carlo Ancelotti came under fire after the team lost their opening two matches of the season.

The gloom around the club has lifted somewhat in the past week after their 3-1 UEFA Cup win over FC Zurich was followed by back-to-back triumphs in the league.

The most notable of those was a 4-1 victory over the previously unbeaten Lazio at the San Siro last weekend and Zanetti - a veteran of 600 games with Inter - knows better than to underestimate their closest rivals.

"We respect Milan," Zanetti said. "They have grown and it will be a very combative game as all the derby games are.

"We hope that we can do what we are able to do which is to win."

The season is young, yet Inter know they can deliver a psychological blow with a victory that would keep them at the top of Serie A.

Inter moved a point clear at the top following a 1-0 win over Lecce in midweek, with striker Julio Cruz scoring the only goal of the game 11 minutes from time.

"The derby is a special game and we are really eager to be in good form," Cruz said. "We know how much this game means to our fans. We are first in the standings and we want to go out and win this derby."

The expectation level is higher for Milan ahead of the 149th derby since 1929.

Ancelotti has been relieved by his side's improvement during the past week and is in a positive frame of mind ahead of the derby encounter.

"In a week, we have taken many steps forward," admitted Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"We have played many derbies in the past and on many occasions we have come out with a smile."

Portuguese tactician Mourinho, who will experience his first derby having joined Inter this summer, will be hoping his team can level the numbers.

Milan have won four of their past six derbies as hosts, including last season's 2-1 triumph.

Ancelotti will be forced to alter his first-choice striker partnership.

Marco Borriello, who scored the opener in Wednesday's 2-1 win at Reggina, sustained a muscular injury and has been sidelined.

Andriy Shevchenko, who never lived up to his reputation at Chelsea where he played for Mourinho after a lucrative move from Milan, returned to the Rossoneri this summer.

Shevchenko, who has yet to score for the Rossoneri this season, is set to replace Borriello and partner Alexandre Pato up front with Kaka in support.

Mourinho is set to rely on attacking duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cruz to deliver up front.

Inter will be without midfielder Sulley Muntari, who serves his last match ban on Sunday.

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


Gonzalez crashes out

Fernando Gonzalez's title defence in the men's tournament at the China Open came to a surprising end on Friday.

The third-seeded Spaniard was upset 6-3 4-6 6-3 by Germany's Bjorn Phau in the quarter-finals.

The 137th-ranked Phau had been the underdog heading into the match against the world number 11, but managed to pull off his second upset in as many days after beating eighth seed Sam Querrey in Thursday's second-round action.

The 28-year-old is now bidding to reach the first final of his career, but faces a tough semi-final opponent in second seed Andy Roddick.

The American overcame a slow start to oust former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero 2-6 6-3 6-4 in the final match of the day.

Ranked eighth in the world, Roddick has won two titles in 2008 but has also been dogged by a shoulder injury which forced him to miss the French Open.

Also pulling off an upset Friday was Dudi Sela, who came away with a 6-4 6-1 win over 2007 runner-up Tommy Robredo.

The 92nd-ranked Israeli has enjoyed a good week as he reached this stage by picking off top seed David Ferrer in the second round.

Like Phau, the 23-year-old Sela will try to reach his first ATP final on Saturday when he faces seventh-seeded German Rainer Schuettler, a 4-6 6-3 6-4 winner against Richard Gasquet of France.

by espnstar.com/tennis/news

Djokovic reaches Thai open semis

Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Thailand Open with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Robin Soderling of Sweden.

Djokovic's win over the sixth seed on Friday came just hours after Tsonga reached the semis on the opposite side of the draw with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Jurgen Melzer.

The results kept alive the possibility of a Djokovic-Tsonga final, which would be a rematch of January's Australian Open championship match.

Djokovic beat the Frenchman, seeded second here, in four sets in that showdown, claiming his first grand slam title.

Before the world number three entertains thoughts of a rematch with Tsonga, he must first get past third seed Tomas Berdych on Saturday in what will be their first meeting.

Czech Berdych progressed on Friday with a 7-6 (8/6) 6-3 win over France's Nicolas Mahut.

Tsonga's opponent in the last four will be fourth-seeded compatriot Gael Monfils, who claimed a 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 victory over German Philipp Petzschner.

The all-French semi-final will be the first ATP main-draw meeting between Tsonga and Monfils.

The two have met once at the France F14 tournament in 2003, when Tsonga forged a 6-2 6-3 triumph.

by espnstar.com/tennis/news


Friday, September 26, 2008

Wenger upbeat over Henry future

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains convinced Thierry Henry is not finished and can still have an impact as a central striker.

Henry - who left the Gunners in the summer of 2006 after becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer - will demand showdown talks with Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola if he continues to be played out on the left wing for the Spanish giants.

Wenger feels his former protege, who was also at Monaco with the French coach before coming to Highbury in 1999 when he was converted into a world-class striker, has plenty of football left in him - if utilised to his strengths.

"I want him to be happy first of all because he made us happy for years. The least you want for him is to be happy and at the moment he is not," observed the Arsenal manager.

"But that unfortunately is part of the career of a player. He has gone through these kinds of times at the start of his career and at the end of his career."

Wenger, though, insisted: "I feel at the moment that he is too young for the end of his career.

"I found him quite sharp playing for France in the World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Serbia - but there is tough competition up there.

"I believe he should play through the centre where he feels more comfortable. It is more difficult to be a winger when you are over 30."

by espnstar.com/football

New format and league for UEFA Cup

The UEFA Cup will be renamed the UEFA Europa League from next season, it was announced on Friday by UEFA.

The new-look league will have 48 clubs in 12 groups of four, with the top two in each joining the eight third-placed clubs from the Champions League in a 32-club knock-out stage.

UEFA took the decision at their executive committee meeting in Bordeaux, and also ruled that beaten cup finalists will no longer be eligible even if the cup winners have qualified for the Champions League.

A UEFA spokesman said: "The new format will result in many teams from all over Europe contesting the new UEFA Europa League, with teams from emerging countries or lesser known teams challenging the 'old' order of established European clubs.

"It is exactly this special character that the new identity will seek to capture."

The competition has TV rights sold centrally, in the same way as the Champions League, which should increase income to clubs.

UEFA president Michel Platini said: "I am convinced the new format will give the UEFA Europa League a successful new impetus."

UEFA are also expected to formally confirm in December that Wembley will host the 2011 Champions League final.

The British Government have confirmed an exemption to tax rules for players appearing in the final and the decision should be rubber-stamped by UEFA's next executive committee on December 16.

Dublin's Lansdowne Road is viewed as favourite to be named as venue for the 2011 Europa League final.

by espnstar.com

Gerrard hails Benitez tinkering

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Rafa Benitez's tactical tinkering has made him become a world great.

Benitez has consistently been criticised for failing to turn out a settled starting XI, with Gerrard just one of the players who has been forced to regularly shift positions.

England international Gerrard has popped up in every position across the midfield, and has even been used as a second forward playing behind Spanish hitman Fernando Torres.

Despite media pundits and fans alike accusing Benitez of failing to get the very best from a wandering Gerrard, the 28-year-old has admitted that he has only benefitted from Rafa's chop and change policy.

"OK, he has played me in different positions," said Gerrard who will be on the hunt for his 100th Liverpool goal against Everton on Saturday.

"But I feel a lot more comfortable now in that I can play almost anywhere on the pitch.

"Rafa has taken my game to the next level. I feel since he's been here my game has come on in leaps and bounds - he's certainly improved me as a player.

"There are some games when I have to change my style of play.

"If it is a big game, for example, I realise that I can't just be bombing into the box all the time.

"There are times when I have to be a bit more disciplined. We'll have to wait and see where I'll play for the majority of the season.

"But I know I can fit into a number of positions and do a job for the team."

With Liverpool enjoying a decent start to the season, Gerrard has found himself turning out in the centre of midfield thanks to the arrival from Tottenham of Robbie Keane, a more withdrawn role compared to the one he had last campaign when he scored a highly creditable 21 goals.

Gerrard, however, would not have any difficulties in pushing further forward - should his manager ask him to.

"I enjoyed playing in that role. The manager knows if there are ever any injuries or he simply wants to stick me up there again, I can play it," he said.

"Torres was running riot last season, causing defenders all sorts of problems.

"While they were worrying about him, I was sneaking in and nicking a few goals. There's no doubt Fernando has certainly helped me.

"I was really pleased with my goals tally last season and would be delighted to emulate it again this time.

"I don't really set myself a goals target as such but if you look at the way I play, as an attacking midfielder or in behind Fernando, I'd be expecting to get 15 or so a season.

"Nowadays, the game has gone to the next level.

"It used to be double figures for a central midfielder but I think Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard raised the bar to more like 15 or 20."

* Catch this game LIVE on ESPN, 27 Sept. starting 1900 HKT.


Ronaldo chase was no failure

Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic insists their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo cannot be deemed as a failure.

The 31 time La Liga kings launched a full blown assault to land the Portuguese starlet all summer and their eventual failure to snag the Manchester United winger saw the club miss out on a host of alternative targets.

However, Serbian Mijatovic claims that the Bernabeu outfit's unsuccessful attempt to sign Ronaldo cannot necessarily be constituted as failure.

"We had a great desire to sign him and our economic situation allowed us to, but Manchester United did not want to discuss things with us," he said in the interview with Onda Cero and Radio Marca.

"And when something like that happens, there is nothing we can do."

"They did not even put a price on him. As such, I do not look at it as a failure.

"We did all we could to bring Ronaldo here and if he had a buy-out clause in his contract, he would be here right now."

Mijatovic also endorsed the credentials of a Real playing staff who can challenge Ronaldo for the prestigious Ballon d'Or

"Casillas is performing spectacularly with great results, but he is unlucky to have to compete with a player like Ronaldo. But still, I would give it to Iker," he concluded.

by espnstar.com

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Fergie: United still have appeal

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes fans will not be drawn to neighbouring rivals Manchester City.

Ferguson does not believe City manager Mark Hughes, a former United player, will be able to buy success following the takeover at Eastlands by new owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Just three days after crushing Portsmouth 6-0 in the Barclays Premier League, City were dumped out of the Carling Cup in a penalty shoot-out by Coca-Cola League One Brighton.

And Ferguson believes the influx of cash into City, which has seen the arrival of Brazilian superstar Robinho, will not draw young fans away from United.

Ferguson told Inside United, the club's official magazine: "I think that supporting football clubs is an inherent thing, you normally follow the team that your father or your grandfather followed, that's the normal pattern.

"That loyalty remains all your life and it applies to fans of clubs up and down the country, big or small.

"What you're brought up with, it stays with you, and that's what supporting a team means. I don't think any 13-year-olds will be jumping ship because City have got a load of money!"

Ferguson also believes Hughes, who played for the Scot at United, will not be able to buy success.

He added: "I made the point at the time, it's all very well having all the money but you can't buy everyone. It was proved in the summer.

"We didn't want to sell Ronaldo, other clubs don't want to sell their best players, and there are only so many players you can buy."

Ferguson continued: "Back in the 1950s Sunderland were called 'The Bank of England Team' - and they got relegated. There are no guarantees.

"You can buy 11 individuals - you can buy 11 Robinhos but it wouldn't be a team would it?

"The art of management is building a team with balance, with certain characteristics that blend with each other - that's the most important thing.

"Mark Hughes will be faced with that situation having all this money and wondering what to do with it, and that can put you under a bit of additional pressure."

Despite the influx of cash at clubs like City the prospect of starting out in management at this time would not appeal to Ferguson.

He said: "I think it's a hell of a game now. The first thing is to make sure you keep your principles, no matter what. No job is worth it if your pride and your principles are stretched to the limit.

"Once the job starts to impinge on those two things, you need to decide whether you're in the right game.

"The problem is, football is steeped in most managers' blood. They've been in the game since they were kids, they all want to stay in the game and their dreams are still there, so that's what makes it difficult.

"When I started out I didn't have any money, so sticking with your principles is difficult when you've got three kids to feed, but it's still so important."

Ferguson points to Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley who left Newcastle and West Ham respectively because they disagreed with what was going on at the clubs.

He said: "Look at what happened with Alan Curbishley - he did the right thing by walking away, and Kevin Keegan, which was a similar situation.

"There's only so much you can take. At the end of the day you're not the manager any more - I don't know why they employ them in some situations."

Ferguson also claimed he knew Cristiano Ronaldo would not suffer a backlash from fans despite looking like he might move to Real Madrid in the summer.

"The fans know he's been here for five years, he's shown his loyalty to the club - he's hardly missed a game in all that time - and he's scored all these goals," said Ferguson.

"He's entertained us to incredible levels and the fans don't forget these kind of things. They supported him after the World Cup thing with Wayne Rooney and I knew they would support him again this time."

by espnstar.com


Ferrer ousted at China Open

David Ferrer's struggles continued at the China Open on Thursday as Israel's Dudi Sela upset the top seed 6-3 6-3.

Since winning his seventh career title and second this year at s-Hertogenbosch in June, Spaniard Ferrer - the world number five - has failed to build on that momentum.

The 26-year-old, who received a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds here, has one semi-final appearance in his last six tournaments and was ousted in the third round at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Ferrer's current slide also includes a first-round exit at the Beijing Olympics.

Ferrer's secondround troubles continued against Sela, the world number 92 who was perfect in four break-point opportunities en route to winning in just 69 minutes.

Seeking his first career title, Sela next will face either sixth-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo or Ivo Minar of the Czech Republic, who meet later on Thursday.

Second-seeded American Andy Roddick also will be in action for the first time here when he takes on compatriot Brendan Evans, who moved on to the second round with a hard-fought 7-6 (7/5) 1-6 7-6 (12/10) victory over Croatia's Roko Karanusic on Wednesday.

In the women's draw, Russian fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova scored a 6-2 6-3 victory over compatriot Alla Kudryavtseva in their second-round match.

Kuznetsova, who is seventh in the world rankings, has advanced to four finals in 2008 but has come up empty-handed each time, including last week at the Pan Pacific Open, where she suffered a 6-1 6-3 loss to fellow countrywoman Dinara Safina.

The 23-year-old showed no lasting effects from the loss as she rebounded in her first match after receiving a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds at the hardcourt event.

Kuznetsova won seven of nine break points against Kudryavtseva, earning the victory in 58 minutes while improving to 40-15 for the year.

She next will face Slovakia's Dominika Cibulkova, who upset eighth-seeded Russian Anna Chakvetadze 6-3 6-2 during their second-round match.

Kuznetsova has won both career meetings against Cibulkova, the world number 20, but was pushed to three sets in their last meeting at Indian Wells in March.

Also advancing to the quarter-finals was local favourite Zheng Jie, who enjoyed a 6-1 6-2 triumph over Japan's Ai Sugiyama.

by espnstar.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Lyon reveal Benzema clause

Lyon striker Karim Benzema has a buy-out clause of US$147 million, club president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed.

The France international agreed a new contract at the end of last season with the reigning seven-time Ligue 1 champions, tying him to the club until the summer of 2013.

The 21-year-old is one of Europe's most sought-after youngsters but anyone wishing to sign him will have to break the world record for a transfer fee. Aulas, at a Lyon board meeting, said: "We made him sign a contract until 2013, with an exit clause of 100m euros."

He added: "His working contract does not include this clause, which would be illegal. It is a question of a contract 'sous seing prive'.

"The aim is to win the Champions League with Karim Benzema. It is a strong project, like the construction of a new stadium."

In French law, a contract which is 'sous seing prive' is one agreed in private by the parties involved.

Benzema was the top scorer in Ligue 1 last season with 20 goals, and he already tops the charts this season having found the net five times in six games.

by espnstar.com

Ballack back on title trail

Michael Ballack is determined to put his summer misery behind him and focus on winning silverware for Chelsea.

The 31-year-old midfielder lost in the Champions League final with his club last May then finished second in Euro 2008 with Germany, adding another chapter to his near-misses after losing three finals in a week when playing for Bayer Leverkusen, who were dubbed 'Neverkusen'.

Ballack is recovering from an ankle injury and could feature at Portsmouth tomorrow in the third round of the Carling Cup as Chelsea go in search of glory on all four fronts this season.

"I didn't just think about Moscow in the summer, I lost another final as well," Ballack said.

"You always think about football, I think about it all the time. If you lose two finals in four weeks, of course I'm going to think back.

"It's also good that you have a new season, new targets and a big motivation this season. We have a big squad and lots of competition so that is good in football."

The clash at Fratton Park will be a test of Luiz Felipe Scolari's promise to challenge for all four trophies, especially after a draining encounter against Manchester United at the weekend.

"The challenge for Chelsea is to win all the competitions in which we participate. Manchester United is one more game," said the Brazilian.

The Chelsea boss could rest his big players but also has injury problems - Deco and Ricardo Carvalho were injured before and during the United clash, respectively.

Deco will be out for at least a fortnight with a thigh strain, while Carvalho is on the sidelines for up to a month, joining Michael Essien on the treatment table.

Striker Didier Drogba is also struggling for match fitness after his knee injury, meaning Scolari could be short on numbers if he wants to rotate.

His squad list currently comprises 25 players after letting the likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Tal Ben-Haim, Steve Sidwell, Claude Makelele, Andriy Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro leave in the summer.

Although Ballack is easing back to full tilt, he is pleased just to be playing - this time last year he was recovering from ankle surgery.

"Nothing has changed for me, I always wanted to win something," he said. "I had a big injury last season and had to come back in the middle of the season. For me, I enjoyed playing after this difficult period and I'm happy that I can play from the start."

If Drogba plays, he is anticipating a tussle with former Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra, who is now at Portsmouth after leaving Stamford Bridge for Arsenal last summer.

"When I was in Le Mans he came there and I knew him, so it has been a long, long time. He was 13 or 14 I think," said Drogba.

"When (former boss Jose) Mourinho wanted to sign him he told me and asked me about him. I said good things about him, and he thought he had found the next Makelele.

"For me, Lassana could be the next Makelele, but he also has more to his game and he likes to go forward as well.

"He just wanted to play more on the pitch and get games, which is understandable. Even though he is young he wants to play against the big players, go one against one and show himself, to work and to improve.

"To do that he knows he has to play against the best, so it's good for him that he is desperate to improve."

by espnstar.com

Owen saddened by Keegan exit

Newcastle captain Michael Owen admits he and his team-mates were devastated to see manager Kevin Keegan leave the club.

The 28-year-old's strike at West Ham on Saturday was too little to prevent the crisis-torn Magpies from slipping to a third successive defeat, the last two in the wake of Keegan's departure.

Caretaker boss Chris Hughton now faces the task of raising the players for Wednesday night's Carling Cup third-round clash with Tottenham, and Owen admits the manager's loss has had a lasting effect. He said: "We all liked Kevin Keegan and we were sad to see him go."

He added: "We are all feeling it at the moment - but we have got to snap out of the doom and gloom and try and get some confidence and results, and at the minute, not picking up the results is hurting the players.

"We are as much in the dark as the fans as to the next move and it does not make it any easier as Kevin Keegan was very popular with the players and the fans."

Remarkably, Owen has played under four permanent managers since arriving at St James' Park in August 2005 - Graeme Souness, who bought him, Glenn Roeder, Sam Allardyce and Keegan - and has quickly become accustomed to the turmoil which regularly engulfs the club.

He admitted: "You almost become immune to these happenings in football nowadays and I have seen plenty in my time.

"I had three managers in the space of a few months at Real Madrid.

"It's unfortunate but that's the way it goes. But players are paid to play and we have got to go out there and perform."

by espnstar.com

Blades claim victory in Tevez case

A FA arbitration hearing has ruled in favour of Sheffield United in their claim from West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair.

The South Yorkshire club were relegated in a dramatic end to the 2006/07 season, when a Tevez-inspired Hammers beat Manchester United on the final day of the season to clinch top-flight safety at the Blades' expense.

The Premier League fined the Hammers a record US$10 million for fielding Tevez and Javier Mascherano when they were ineligible to play under league rules regarding third-party ownership.

United initially wanted to have their Premier League place reinstated and appealed that the monetary fine was insufficient.

Having failed in that regard they then turned their attentions to achieving a financial settlement.

And the club have issued a statement on their official website claiming success in that case, although the exact nature of the compensation is as yet unclear.

Newspaper reports suggest the Blades could be looking for a figure of around US$56 million, while chairman Kevin McCabe is on record as saying that relegation cost United at least US$93 million in lost revenues.

McCabe said: "I can confirm that both clubs have been notified of the ruling.

"The arbitration panel has awarded in our favour.

"The matter is still legally in process so I do not wish to comment any further until we have completed that process."

Intriguingly, the club statement also raises the question of a further intervention by the Premier League.

It read: "The Blades began their legal fight for reinstatement some 16 months which also included an arbitration hearing against the Premier League. This award could now pose a question as to what the Premier League will do."

A West Ham spokesperson told BBC Radio 4: "We need to digest the full findings of the arbitration panel and will consult our lawyers on the next steps we might take before making any further comment."

Tevez and Mascherano are both long gone from Upton Park, earning lucrative moves to Manchester United and Liverpool respectively, while Kia Joorabchian, whose MSI company were judged to have partially-owned the Argentinian pair, is now a transfer consultant with the Hammers.

He had originally taken legal action against the east London club, claiming he was owed US$13 million, but the parties agreed an out-of-court settlement earlier this year.

For their part, West Ham are now considering whether or not to appeal against this latest ruling through the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although that decision may hinge on the level of compensation that is fixed when the arbitration panel meets again to determine a figure.

Like Sheffield United, West Ham signalled their intent to withdraw from the debate while they consult legal representatives, adding: "It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

by espnstar.com

Drug dealer caught at Anderson's home

Man United's Anderson has been cleared of any wrongdoing after a drug dealer was arrested at his home in Brazil.

Richard Alex da Silva Martins 'Gigi' was detained at the home of the Brazil international after a year-long investigation, but Public Ministry official Ricardo Herbstrich stressed Anderson was not involved in the case.

Herbstrich, who led the operation in the Menino Deus neighbourhood in Porto Alegre, told the Zero Hora newspaper: "There is nothing against Anderson in this investigation.

"According to what we have, he is just a friend of the dealer and maybe he doesn't even know he is a criminal."

Agent Paulo Tonietto, who manages Anderson's businesses in Brazil, added: "The only thing I can say is that Anderson, as well as any other person, can be a friend of whoever he wants, but he is not involved in any crime.

"Anderson is a professional and he will offer an explanation of what has happened soon."

by espnstar.com

Trezeguet out until 2009

French striker David Trezeguet will not play for Juventus again until next year, the Serie A club confirmed on Tuesday.

The French striker underwent surgery this morning on both knees and will be sidelined for four months.

Trezeguet had struggled with injury since the start of the season and his condition worsened after his team's Champions League triumph against Zenit St Petersburg.

"Trezeguet will be sidelined for 120 days and hence his expected return to the pitch should take place at the end of January," read a statement on the club's official website, www.juventus.it.

by espnstar.com

Arsenal's secrets revealed

A motivational sheet handed out to Arsenal players ahead of their game with Bolton has been leaked to the media.

While managers like Jose Mourinho and Sam Allardyce famously overload their players with details of opposition players and ProZone stats, this document is a simple A4 sheet of just 224 words.

The document was apparently drafted by a sports psychologist and was designed to motivate a team that had already played two difficult away games in the space of a few days.

Emphasis is firmly placed on the 'team' and advices the players to 'stay grounded and humble as a player and a person'.

The full advice is as follows...

CONFIDENTIAL

Team meeting 19th September 2008-09-22:

The team:

* A team is as strong as the relationships within it. The driving force of a team is its member's ability to create and maintain excellent relationships within the team that can add an extra dimension and robustness to the team dynamic.

* This attitude can be used by our team to focus on the gratitude and the vitally important benefits that the team brings to our own lives. It can be used to strengthen and deepen the relationships with it and maximise the opportunities that await a strong and united team.

Our team becomes stronger by:

* Displaying a positive attitude on and off the pitch

* Everyone making the right decisions for the team

* Have an unshakeable belief that we can achieve our target

* Believe in the strength of the team

* Always want more - always give more

* Focus on our communication

* Be demanding with yourself

* Be fresh and well prepared to win

* Focus on being mentally stronger and always keep going until the end

* When we play away from home, believe in our identity and play the football we love to play at home

* Stick together

* Stay grounded and humble as a player and a person

* Show the desire to win in all that you do

* Enjoy and contribute to all that is special about being in a team - don't take it for granted

by espnstar.com


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