After Togo pull out only 15 teams left for the African Cup of Nations ’10!!!

After some horrifying attack on the Togo players and officials like the one in Pakistan where Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked, Africa’s most prized football tournament that is The African Cup of Nations 2010 finally kicked off in Angola where 15 teams along with the host will be playing for over 20 days for their dream date at Luanda on 31st.

A little about the mascot for the tournament…
Palanquinha, The mascot was inspired by the Giant Sable antelope, which is a national symbol of Angola, ex-libris of our fauna, as it is a species that is not available in any other part of the world. Bearing the scientific name, Hippotragus Niger Variani, the Giant sable Antelope only inhabits the Cangandala National Park and the Luanda Total nature Reserve in the Malange province. It is enlisted on the endangered species list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as on the Convention for the Protection of African Fauna and flora absolute protection list.
The tournament kicked off with a grand opening ceremony in the capital Luanda and the match ended with a high scoring 4-4 draw against Mali in Group A, that followed by a 3-0 victory of Malawi against Algeria the day after.

Meanwhile in group B, Didier Drogba couldn’t display any fireworks as his team Cote d’Ivoire only managed a goal less draw against Burkina Faso while the other match could not take place as Togo has withdrawn from the tournament after being attacked and the players are still in shock. The team’s assistant coach and media officer were killed and reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale seriously wounded by separatists from the enclave of Cabinda. This leaves only 3 teams in this group to fight for two spots for the next round.

In the 3rd group, last time champions Egypt started their campaign with a win over African power house Nigeria with a 3-1 victory and the other featuring Mozambique and Benin ended with a 2-2 draw.
Group D with teams Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia and Zambia will be starting their campaign today with Cameroon locked up with Gabon for the big one.
So lets see who will emerge as the king of Africa in the coming days…
Good Luck to all the teams.

Spurs desprate for Maxi Rodríguez, Viera back to premier league!!!

Maxi Rodríguez is the man who is in the breaking news. It seems like the premiership teams are after him. The Argentine who is dubbed to be the next big thing in Argentina and the European world is being closely watched by several premier league team including Tottenham Hotspurs and Liverpool. Other than them, his home club Boca Juniors, Spanish powerhouse Villareal, all are after him. Currently playing with Atletico Madrid, he has the potential to break all the barriers. Tottenham Hotspurs are so curious to sign him that they are even offering David Bentely in exchange for the Argentine.

After spending some tough time with several European clubs, former French skipper Patrick Viera may be back to England. The tall & short-tempered Frenchman would be on its way to Manchester to play with Manchester City. Rumours are that his is unhappy with his performance at Inter and a 6 month loan deal till the end of the season here will probably lift his game. According to the new Man City manager Roberto Mancini “the deal is 99 percent on”. Interestingly he also coached Viera which his stint in Inter. But things may halt as he has accepted Inter’s request to delay his departure from San Siro till the time the injury hit Inter players are back.

Berbatov, Rooney takes Red Devils to victory

Two goals from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov took Manchester United to a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers. Leaders Chelsea continued their winning form with no problems in beating Bolton Wanderers by 4 goals while maintaining the clean sheet. Their high scoring form is a definite worry for the opponents who are about to face them in the near future. They maintain their lead at the top. In the match at Old Trafford, Manchester United looked a bit defensive in the first half one with only two-three chances on the goal. Just before the break Dimitar Berbatov was denied a goal because of off-side. Rover’s goal keeper Paul Robinson had to do his bit to denyBerbatov’s shot. With no real threats, the match went goal less to the break.

Second half had plenty of action, the deadlock was finally broken by Berbatov in the 55th minute when Patrice Evrawas allowed space to advance and shoot and, although his effort was heading off-target, Berbatov needed only an expert left-footed touch to control it, then an even better touch with his right to arrow the volley inside Robinson‘s post. The eager fans waiting finally came to an end and the victory songs at old Trafford started to pick the pace. And just three minutes from the normal time Wayne Rooney seal the victory for the home side when he chipped the ball from Anderson’s cross over the visiting keeper. So Wayne Rooney’s goal touch is finally back as predicted.Blackburn did their best to narrow the lead when in the injury time when a goal was disallowed from substituteNikola Kalinic, who was incorrectly deemed offside as he tapped in the rebound after Edwin van der Sar had saved superbly from Benni McCarthy. This match has set up a good mood for the midweek’s champions league tie againstCSKA Moscow. In the London derby, Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspurs with a 3-0 scoreline to maintain their third spot in the premiership. Other scores are… 

 Sunderland 2-2 West Ham United
Portsmouth 4-0 Wigan
Everton 1-1 Aston Villa
Fulham 3-1 Liverpool
Stoke City 2-2 Wolves
Burnley 2-0 Hull City

 

Beachball trouble deflated this time, Liverpool loosing streak ends.

After four wins in a row, Manchester United lost to Liverpool in a tough but one sided match at Anfield on Sunday. It was a match were the home side dominated without giving many chances to the visiting team. The final result was a clean sheet for Liverpool with a score line of 2-0. With this result we have a new leader after Chelsea thrashed Blackburn Rovers 5-0 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is now two points clear at the top of the table.

It was the third minute as Rooney has a good chance to open the scoring with a good pass from Dimitar Berbatov but was denied with an offside. On the other side Man United’s goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar had to stretch himself twice saving balls from Fabio Aurelio’s free-kick and Dirk Kuyt’s shot. Minutes later Dirk Kuyt has another chance when Paul Scholes lost possession to Lucas who then passes the ball to Dirk Kuyt just to shot wide of the post. The half time went goalless.

Second half again had some chilling moments for the visiting team, in the 65th minute Fernando Torres scored his ninth goal of the season when Benayoun’s pass sent him into the penalty area and from there Torres did well to fend off Rio Ferdinand and fire past Van der Sar from the corner of the six-yard box. The ball just flashed into the net giving a little to react. In the 74th minute. Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen was introduced by Sir Alex expecting him to deliver against his former club. Matter became worse for Manchester United when Liverpool substitute David Ngog scored deep into the injury time thus sealing the victory for his side and much to the joy of the home fans. Even goal keeper Reina joined the celebrations running all the way to the other end. It became worst for United when defender Vidic was sent of following his second yellow card. Mescherano was also sent off following his second yellow when he fouled Edwin Van der Sar out side the penalty box.
The match seemed to be an eye opener for Manchester United who didn’t play the way they played some of their previous matches winning is a comfortable way. They didn’t deserve to win. The fire power was lacking which needed to be reinstated as the next match against Blackburn is crucial especially when Arsenal is also catching up and Chelsea going two points clear.

Class apart: Ryan Giggs

Ryan Joseph Giggs, the Welsh footballer has been one man who has cemented his name when it comes to playing as winger and one can say the left wing is his very own area.

Loyal to his club, Manchester United was his first club and as the things are going this will be his club till he hung up his shoes.
Making his debut for Manchester United in the 1990-91 season he has been regular in the playing eleven from the next year onwards. When he his playing it is worth watching him for hours, being the playmaker of the team he hasn’t scored much but he has always been the architect in many goals that United has scored. And the best part is that he still managed to score 150 goals for the club. His record 815 apperances for the Old Trafford side says it all. His has been in the thick of the action for United every time he has been on the field. He has also captained United in many games.
Giggs holds a host of football records, including that of being the most decorated player in English football history. On 16 May 2009, he became the first footballer to collect 11 top division English league title medals. Giggs was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993) and is the only player to have played and scored in every single season of the Premier League since its inception. In 2007, he was elected in the PFA Team Of The Century. December 2007 brought two landmark feats, Ryan was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to football and he scored his 100th league career goal in the 4-0 home win over Derby County.
A player like Giggs is definately a role model for the young players, teaches them the loyalty, dedication to the club which is quite missing in some of the young players nowdays.
Truly, when it is Manchester United, It is Ryan Giggs.

Beach Party at Anfield featuring Manchester United Vs Liverpool

Players, teams beware of the beach ball. It can strike you harder than you think.

The big match is waiting this weekend in the English premier league what is expected to be a classic showdown at Anfield where Liverpool will be hosting the league leaders Manchester United. In a much awaited match between the Red Devils and the Tomato Reds of the Mercyside there is plenty to talk about.

Doubts are Manchester United’s ace striker Wayne Rooney who has still not recovered from his calf injury and it looks certain that this will be the third straight miss after the previous two against CSKA Moscow and Bolton Wanderers a week ago. Darren Fletcher is still doubtful following his foot injury and unfortunately midfielder Park Ji Sung will be out. The good news is that Patrice Evra and Ryan Giggs have both been passed there fitness test after remaining in Manchester while the rest were out in Moscow and they will be ready for a crucial fixture at Anfield. This will give the rest of the United a huge boost of confidence.
News from the rival camp is that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will be in charge of 200th game at Anfield and he will be definately putting some extra bit of work to win this fixture. With injuries to Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres more is expected from Rafa to have the appropriate style of playing. As the match may get tough as it progresses , 2-1 or even a 2-2 draw is expected as this is a no child’s play and the intensity will be higher than what the two previous matches had for United.
The match will be played on Sunday and is scheduled to start at 1400 Hours GMT (1930 Hours IST).
The other match over the weekend are:
Saturday
Wolverhampton Wanders Vs Aston Villa
Burnley Vs Wigan Athletic

Hull City Vs Portsmouth
Tottenham Hotspurs Vs Stoke City
Chelsea Vs Blackburn Rovers
Sunday
Bolton Wanderers Vs Everton
Manchester City Vs Fulham
West Ham United Vs Arsenal

Manchester United go one point clear as Chelsea looses.

Premiership Saturday had some great football played all over England. Manchester United won their match at Old Trafford against Bolton Wanderers and the best thing about the win was that their rivals Chelsea had lost its match against Aston Villa by 2-1 as a result the red devils are one point clear at the top of the table.

Sir Alex had made wholesale changes in midfield after the Reds’ abject performance against Sunderland a fortnight ago. Anderson and Michael Carrick were preferred in the centre, with Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs on the flanks. Edvin Van der Sar was back after a long injury layoff and now many of us would have been relieved that the goal is in safe hands. Manchester United took an early lead in the match with an own goal from Knight in the fifth minute. It see like the away team likes to score at Old Trafford for the home team. The last goal was scored by Anton Ferdinand from West Ham United and this time it was Knight so two consecutive own goals. Minutes later another certain Man Utd goal was denied as Bolton Wanderers goal Keeper saved a wonderful header from Evans with Ryan Giggs being the architect it. And it was 2-0 when Valancia scored his first goal for Manchester United in the 33rd minute with he fired on the left of the goalkeeper giving no chance for even a touch. Meanwhile on the other side of the half Kevin Davis had a great chance to score but was overpowered by the defence.
In the second half, Dimitar Berbatov was again denied was certain goal with his cyclic kick was stopped by goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen or otherwise it would have been the repeat of the Sunderland match when he scored in the similar fashion. Just as the fans were singing the victory songs it was 15 minutes to time and Bolton Wanderers scored when a fine cross of Kevin Davis from the right which was neatly headed by Taylor in the penalty area. With more shots going wide the game was finally over not before a close chance by Bolton Wanderers which was well taken by Van der Sar. So the final score line 2-1 and joy for United as they are the leaders now.

It is his time: Wayne Rooney

Ever since, as a sixteen year old, he scored a match-winning goal against then Premier League champions Arsenal in 2002-03 season, ending their proud 30 match unbeaten stretch, people have known Wayne Rooney was going to be something special. Even the commentator said “ ladies and gentlemen… introducing 16 year old Wayne Rooney”. At the time seemingly Everton through and through, Rooney immediately identified himself as being skillful, brave, imaginative and certainly competitive. It was a surprise to no-one when he was voted BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year at the end of 2003 – the year he made his England debut in a friendly against Australia.

It was a big decision for an eighteen year old to make to leave Everton and join the might of Manchester United in 2004. After all, he was loved at Goodison Park and his family were all loyal supporters. To go to a club where the pressure is as great as it is at Old Trafford and then have to justify the highest ever fee paid for a player under 20 years old – nearly £26 million -could have been too intimidating for many young players. Not Wayne Rooney, though. Most people will remember the hat-trick he scored on his United debut against Fenerbahce in the Champions League when he fully signalled his arrival. And from then on, he has gone from strength to strength; which is a good analogy, really. Strength, after all, is a large part of Wayne‘s game – physical and mental. Because of his strong competitive spirit and physical strength, he has often been guilty of going just over the edge and finding himself in trouble with officials.
He does seem, though, to be developing, as a mature 24 year old, the mental strength to cope with the pressures better. On the pitch, Rooney has clearly responded to his manager’s calls for people to step up and fill the gap left by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. And unlike David Beckham who ruined he career just because of his wife, Mr. Rooney has just got better. He is scoring goals and obviously relishing in the responsibility of being the focus of the team’s attacks. He also is enjoying playing in far more central and advanced parts of the pitch.
So with all of above one can say that he is in the golden period of his career…

Action packed weekend! Manchester United may play without Alex…

After a long never ending 15 days, the wait is finally over and the premiership is back this weekend and there is plenty of action over the next three days. Premiership Saturdays is truly living on its name with all the big four amongst others will be in action this Saturday. In the early kick off tomorrow, current leaders Chelsea will be up against Aston Villa at Villa Park while their fellow Londoners Arsenal will be hosting Birmingham City. The big match for the day will be Manchester United Vs Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford and the other reds i.e. Liverpool will visit the Stadium Of Light for a match against Sunderland. Apart from Chelsea’s match, which will be starting at 1245 Hours GMT (1715 Hours GMT), all other matches will be starting at 1500 Hours GMT (1930 Hours IST) on Saturday.

There is much of controversy going on after Sunderland’s match two weeks ago with Sir Alex Ferguson may have to face a touch line ban for this match. All this happened when Sir Alex was furious after a penalty was denied in United’s favour when Nani was knocked down by Andy Reid in the penalty box. Post match comments by the ace manager challenging that match’s referee Alan Wiley fitness and his awarness on the field made his liable for penalty and even after offering a public apology over the issue, may be suspended by referees’ chief Alan Leighton, who has called for a Uefa-style touchline ban which may prevent Ferguson having any contact with his team during a match. Michael Owen and goalie Edwin Van der Sar are unlikely to start as both of them haven’t fully recovered from there injuries and Sir Alex is in no hurry as some crucial matches are about to come up.
The other matches over the weekend are:
Saturday
Everton Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers 1500 Hours GMT
Portsmouth Vs Tottenham Hotspurs 1500 Hours GMT
Stoke City Vs West Ham United 1500 Hours GMT
Sunday
Blackburn Rovers Vs Burnley 1300 Hours GMT
Wigan Athletic Vs Manchester City 1600 Hours GMT
Monday
Fulham Vs Hull City 2000 Hours GMT