..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Benzema: My best is yet to come

Real Madrid attacker Karim Benzema has stressed that he is not at his best just yet in the wake of his fine performance in the 5-1 Liga win over Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.

The France international netted once and got two assists as he helped Los Blancos to three points in his first match after a brief spell on the sidelines due to injury.

But Benzema was quick to insist that he can still do better.

"I cannot say that this was my best match for Real Madrid, because I have been more decisive in the past," Benzema told AS. "The most important thing is that I felt well on the pitch after 15 days on the sidelines. My best has yet to come."

The attacker then went on to voice his delight with Madrid's performance as he feels it was much like the team that won La Liga last term.

"What's important is that the great Real Madrid of last season is back again. We did some wonderful things."

Real Madrid currently sits third in the league table, trailing leader Barcelona by eight points.

 

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Wenger rules out January exit for Walcott despite Arsenal contract dispute

Arsene Wenger has insisted that Theo Walcott will remain at Arsenal until the end of the season, even if a new contract is not agreed before the start of the January transfer window.


Walcott’s current deal is set to expire in July 2013, but talks over an extension have reportedly stalled as the England international looks for assurances that he will feature in a more central role in the future.

Following the arrivals of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud in the summer, Walcott has seen such opportunities limited, but Wenger ruled out an exit for Walcott during the upcoming transfer window.When asked if the player could leave in January if a contract extension is not agreed, Wenger told reporters: "No. Will he stay until the end of the season? Yes.

"If I listened to the media every day it gets more expensive. We continue in a positive way. We have until the end of December to sort it out.

"He can play both positions. He can play up front, and he can play up front with Giroud as well. He has found a good mixture on the wing. It makes him difficult to stop. He finished as a center forward and he scored."With the midfield we have Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta, in any position they will find you if you move well."

Walcott has impressed up front in recent performances, opening the scoring in the 2-2 draw with Schalke on Nov. 6 and netting against rivals Tottenham on Saturday, and voiced his opinion that he had proven himself in the role following the 5-2 victory.

 

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Barcelona defender Bartra out for up to three weeks

Barcelona defender Marc Bartra faces a period of around 15 to 20 days on the sidelines after pulling a muscle in his right leg during training on Sunday, the club has confirmed.



The Spain Under-21 star, who has found first-team opportunities more forthcoming in recent weeks due to injuries to his defensive colleagues, did not travel with the squad to Russia for Tuesday's clash with Spartak Moscow.

And he could miss up to six matches as the Blaugrana look to confirm their place in the latter stages of the Champions League and maintain their unbeaten record in La Liga.

The 21-year-old, who made his debut for the Catalans in 2009-10, has played in four league games so far this season and seven in all competitions.

Barcelona and Spartak Moscow kick off in the Russian capital on Tuesday at noon eastern time. Tito Vilanova's side travels to Valencia to face Levante on Sunday.

 

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Di Matteo: Chelsea must improve in Terry’s absence

Roberto Di Matteo believes Chelsea is missing captain John Terry‘s defensive and organizational qualities and must improve in his absence.


Terry was ruled out of the Blues 2-1 defeat at West Brom on Saturday, and will miss a further three weeks of action, with a knee injury and the club’s manager has expressed his frustration at the way the team defended without the presence of the 31-year-old.

After a promising start to the season, the Stamford Bridge club has struggled of late, conceding 18 goals in its past eight games and picking up just two points out of a possible 12 in the past four Premier League fixtures, and Di Matteo warned his players that they must improve sooner rather than later.

"Clean sheets certainly give you a chance to win games and we certainly have to improve on that side," the Italian told reporters. "Defensively we just weren't good enough. Of course we miss John [Terry], he is an important player for us. He gives us a lot of confidence at the back and in general to the team.

"It's a shame that he is injured - but we will have to do without him until he comes back - and improve."

Chelsea has won plaudits for its stylish play this season, but Di Matteo hinted that he may have to sacrifice part of the flair to ensure more solidity at the back.

"It's trying to find the right balance for us, whereby we can still create chances to win games,” the 42-year-old added. "Maybe it's a time where we might have to change a bit in terms of our selections and the way we play but certainly we have to start with paying more attention defensively.

"Against West Brom, the first goal came from a cross and our defenders should have done better in dealing with that cross. We also had enough bodies in there to deal with the second goal as well."

 

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Manchester United's Kagawa on shortlist for inaugural Asian International Player of the Year award

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has been acknowledged for his good early-season form at Old Trafford with a nomination for the first-ever AFC International Player of the Year award.

Fulham’s Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo have also been shortlisted for the prize, which has been created to reward Asian players who ply their trade away from the continent.

The Asian Football Confederation only nominates Asia-based players for the main award of Asian Player of the Year, meaning star talent from the region who play in Europe such as UEFA Champions League winner Ji Sung-Park, could never win the prize, so an international version of the award has been created.

Kagawa moved to Old Trafford from German champion Borussia Dortmund last summer in a 17 million pound deal, and he has made a strong early impression for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

His Japanese international teammate Nagatomo has been in good form for resurgent Inter, while Schwarzer has continued to shine for the Cottagers despite recently turning 40.

Two current Asia-based, former Premier League players have been listed for the Asian Player of the Year award.

Ex-Everton, West Ham and Blackburn defender Lucas Neill, who plays for Al Wasl in the UAE, and Zheng Zhi, who had a spell with Charlton Athletic, are both in with a chance of winning the gong.

They’re joined by South Korea winger Lee Keun-ho and Iranian pair Ali Karimi and Mohsen Bengar.

 

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Verratti: No concern with Paris Saint-Germain's dip in form

Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti claims that their recent dropped points should be no cause for concern amongst supporters.

The Parisian club have dropped points in all three of its Ligue 1 matches in November, losing to Saint-Etienne, drawing with reigning champions Montpellier and then going down 2-1 to Rennes on Saturday. In the aftermath of the home defeat, the 20-year old Italian midfielder reiterated that morale within the squad is still high despite result woes and that a turn of fortune is in the offing.

"The atmosphere is good around the club so there is nothing to worry about," Verratti said to Rmcsport.fr. "After the defeat, the coach [Carlo Ancelotti] asked us to be more aggressive on the field and have more desire.

"This is a difficult time for us, but we are able to get over it, and I am comfortable that we will do it. There is no particular concern in the locker room. We will be fine."

PSG now sits in third place in Ligue 1, two points behind leader Lyon, which has a game in hand.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Verratti: No concern with Paris Saint-Germain's dip in form

Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti claims that their recent dropped points should be no cause for concern amongst supporters.

The Parisian club have dropped points in all three of its Ligue 1 matches in November, losing to Saint-Etienne, drawing with reigning champions Montpellier and then going down 2-1 to Rennes on Saturday. In the aftermath of the home defeat, the 20-year old Italian midfielder reiterated that morale within the squad is still high despite result woes and that a turn of fortune is in the offing.

"The atmosphere is good around the club so there is nothing to worry about," Verratti said to Rmcsport.fr. "After the defeat, the coach [Carlo Ancelotti] asked us to be more aggressive on the field and have more desire.

"This is a difficult time for us, but we are able to get over it, and I am comfortable that we will do it. There is no particular concern in the locker room. We will be fine."

PSG now sits in third place in Ligue 1, two points behind leader Lyon, which has a game in hand.

 

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Manchester United greeted by angry Galatasaray fans at airport ahead of Champions League clash

Manchester United's preparations for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Galatasaray were disrupted on Monday, when the Red Devils were met by chaotic scenes at an airport in Turkey.The Red Devils arrived at Ataturk Airport earlier this evening, but they were forced to leave the building through a separate terminal after their arrival was greeted by almost 1,000 unruly fans, who attempted to force their way through to the team.

Sir Alex Ferguson has previous experience of the frenzied atmosphere that awaits his side at Ali Sami Yen stadium, and he was glad to have avoided the Galatasaray fans' welcome this time round."We didn't get the greeting by the fans this time - we dodged that," Ferguson told reporters. "In 1993 when we came here it was incredible. It was something new and quite frightening. But we've been here a few times since and we're getting used to the Turkish fanaticism and enthusiasm. It's no issue for us."Police were forced to disperse the crowd with tear gas, after which Galatasaray Football Director Abdurrahim Albayrak called for calm amongst the supporters."In every aspects, we are a top class club. We had to welcome our opponents warmly, not in that way," Albayrak told fans. "After my reminder, Our supporters understood the impostance of welcome and calmed down.

They hosted us with respect and our first aim is to repay their hospitality."

 

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West Ham 1-1 Stoke: O'Brien salvages point for Hammers

A Joey O'Brien goal saw a resurgent West Ham rescue a point in a 1-1 draw with Stoke City at Upton Park.

Tony Pulis’ side went ahead in the 13th minute when Jon Walters completed a clever corner routine. But the Hammers equalized after the interval through O’Brien, who directed a Gary O’Neil cross beyond Asmir Begovic.

Stoke's Charlie Adam had the first chance of the game in the early stages when he connected with a Peter Crouch knock-down in the penalty area, but he volleyed tamely over the bar.

Crouch and Adam combined again minutes later to force George McCartney to concede a corner, and from the resulting delivery Stoke went ahead, as Walters’ sharp run to the near post allowed him plenty of time and space to drill Glenn Whelan’s precisely-placed cross beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen.

The visitors almost doubled their lead from another corner as Matthew Etherington found Robert Huth, but Jaaskelainen pushed the center back’s header away from danger.

The hosts improved after the break and could have had an equalizer just a minute into the second half, but Kevin Nolan tamely cushioned a well-placed McCartney cross into Begovic’s chest.

West Ham was level moments later, as Mohamed Diame bundled through the Stoke defense and fed O’Neil, whose pass left O’Brien with the simplest of finishes inside the six-yard box.

The Hammers continued to dominate and were nearly in front when Andy Carroll nodded a Mark Noble corner into Modibo Maiga’s path, but Begovic was equal to the striker’s side-footed effort.

With less than an hour to play, Wilson Palacios came on in place of Whelan for Stoke, but the Hammers went close again through O’Neil, whose shot from a narrow angle on the left-hand side curled beyond the far post and out of play.

West Ham pushed for a late winner but Begovic denied Nolan what would have been an open goal by blocking another McCartney delivery before saving a soft Winston Reid header to ensure Stoke left Upton Park with a point. American Geoff Cameron started and played all 90 minutes for Stoke, while U.S. teammate Maurice Edu was again left off of Pulis' team sheet.

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Kagawa 'still four weeks away' from Manchester United return

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa is "still four weeks away" from a return to first-team action, says manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The development represents a worsening of the initial prognosis, which had originally projected the Japan international to recover from his knee injury a month after aggravating it in late October. Kagawa had made a bright start to his career at Old Trafford following his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund, scoring two goals in his first six games.

But Ferguson told reporters ahead of the Red Devils' UEFA Champions League tie with Galatasaray that "His progress has been slow."

Among other games, the attacking midfielder is now expected to miss the derby with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Dec. 8. The Scot confirmed more positive recovery news, however, when revealing that Phil Jones will start against the Turkish side on Tuesday night.

"He's done enough training to make sure his fitness is OK," the veteran manager declared. "I'm looking forward to bringing him back."

18-year-old Nick Powell will also feature, with Ferguson adding, "He's played in front of 76,000 as a substitute, but this will be his first European away game. It'll be a big day for him."

 

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Giroud pleased to 'mark my territory' in Arsenal derby triumph

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is thrilled to have "marked my territory" by scoring in the North London derby against Tottenham.

The Frenchman had taken some criticism as he settled in following a summer move from Montpellier but took his scoring record to seven goals in 18 appearances in Saturday’s 5-2 triumph.

"It's nice to have marked my territory in the North London derby," he told French radio station RTL. "We needed to resume our progress up the table - especially since we recently lost points rather stupidly. It was the right time to have a great game. We were good and we responded well after conceding the first goal. For my part, individually speaking, I feel better and better in this team."

Giroud faced his compatriot, Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, at the Emirates Stadium. The former Lyon man started for one of the first times this season and the Gunners star noted that his friend is struggling to deal with being largely second choice behind Brad Friedel.

"Hugo [Lloris] is a good friend," Giroud said. "He warned me that he would start the match and we greeted each other beforehand. He could not do much for the goals that we scored. It was hard for him.

"I did not expect to talk with him about his situation. It is not going well for him. It's hard and I'm trying to give him my full support. Things are like that. Everyone knows his qualities."

 

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Fellaini: Everton aiming for top-four finish

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini insists that his side has the quality and ambition to finish in the Premier League’s top four this season.


The Toffees have enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign, and currently sitting fifth after losing just two of their opening 12 matches. With many finding it difficult to predict who will finish fourth this season, the Belgium international feels that David Moyes’ men have the ability to see off their competitors.

"Everybody in the team wants to finish in the top four," Fellaini told reporters. "There is a lot of quality in the team, and a lot of ambition, and I hope at the end of the season, Everton will finish in the top four."

The 24-year-old conceded that the Toffees will have to secure points from sides such as Reading - against whom they lost 2-1 on Saturday -- if they are to reach their goal.

"If you want to be in the top four, we need to win some difficult games, like Reading for example. It is difficult, but the team has the quality for this,” Fellaini said. "The manager was a little bit angry on Saturday, because we had a lot of chances to win the game. We could have had two penalties, but that's football and it was disappointing for Everton.

"We need to win games like that if we want to finish in the top four. We will start again on Saturday. Getting three points is the most important thing."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Beckham calls end to MLS career

David Beckham has announced that the 2012 MLS Cup Final on December 1st will be his final game for LA Galaxy, but the 37-year-old had insisted he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet.
Beckham has been heavily linked with a number of European, South American and Australian clubs recently, with his management set to look for a new deal following the LA Galaxy's final against Houston Dynamo next week.The 37-year-old will part ways with the Galaxy after five years in America, although he is still eager to remain involved with the MLS.

"I've had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career," Beckham said. "I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future.

"In my time here I have seen the popularity of the game grow every year. I've been fortunate to win trophies, but more important to me has been the fantastic reception I've had from fans in L.A. and across the States."Soccer's potential has no limits in this wonderful country, and I want to always be part of growing it."

Beckham has made a big impact in Los Angeles since his groundbreaking move from Real Madrid, reaching three league finals and winning one MLS title last year during his best season stateside.His announcement was greeted with this gushing tribute from his LA paymasters.

"Seldom does an athlete redefine a sport," Tim Leiweke, the president of Galaxy owners AEG said. "David not only took our franchise to another level, but he took our sport to another level It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of his world, and more importantly, to have him be a part of ours."Beckham has strongly rejected rumours that he would finish his career in Australia and his statement suggests he is eager to extend his influence in the MLS away from Galaxy.

Beckham's exit from the LA franchise creates a vacancy on their roster and will heighten the rumours linking Chelsea's Frank Lampard with a move to Galaxy in January.

 

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Beckham Premier League join weida?

 

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Ronaldo return to Manchester United a 'Christmas wish' for Sir Alex

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson stated that he would love to bring Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, but that it is highly unlikely.

The Portuguese forward recently admitted that he misses his former manager and described him as his “father in football.” This prompted Sir Alex to talk of his continued admiration for Ronaldo, but described him as “unbuyable” having scored 165 goals in 162 games for Los Blancos.

With Ronaldo’s disquiet at Madrid being well-known, the Red Devils manager has said that his return to the club is a wish but nothing more. Sir Alex jokingly told reporters that bringing Ronaldo back is "a Christmas wish. We have them every year."

Ronaldo played for Manchester United from 2003-09. He signed with Real Madrid for a fee of 80 million pounds, becoming the most expensive player of all-time.

 

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UEFA Champions League 2012.11.20 Group Stage Fixtures

UEFA Champions League 2012.11.20 Group Stage Fixtures​

Group E​

Nordsjaelland Vs Shakhtar Donestsk

Juventus Vs Chelsea

​

Group F​

BATE Vs Lille

Valencia Vs Bayern

​

Group G​

Spartak Moscow Vs Barcelona

Benfica Vs Celtic

​

Group H​

Cluj Vs Braga

Galatasaray Vs Manchester United

​

 

[jemisbanda]

 

[charitha chandi]

 

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Cluj 3-1 Sporting Braga: Rui Pedro runs riot as Romanian side eliminates Braga

Cluj put on a masterful first-half display to defeat Sporting Braga 3-1 at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu in Romania on Tuesday in Group H play in the UEFA Champions League on the strength of a Rui Pedro hat trick.

Both teams headed into this match knowing that a defeat could well spell the end of their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages, and it was the home side that started off the better.

From the opening whistle Paulo Sergio's men took the initiative while the Portuguese visitors struggled to find any rhythm and on virtually their first real attempt on goal the hosts took the lead. Brazilian Rafael Bastos was the orchestrator, as he set up Rui Pedro to break the deadlock after just seven minutes.

After taking the lead Cluj did not rest on its laurels and continued to push forward as Rui Pedro chipped in with his second of the night. Bastos, a former Braga player, again played a key role in the lead up to the goal as Rui Pedro somehow snuck his way in between two Braga defenders to steer the ball home to make 2-0 after just a quarter of an hour of play.

To Braga's credit, this time José Peseiro's side struck back almost immediately. Ruben Micael took control of the ball just outside the 18-yard box and delivered a nicely played through ball that teed up Alan from close range, and the veteran Brazilian made no mistake as he pulled his side back into the contest.

The goal seemed to spark Peseiro's men, as they very nearly made it all square moments later. Again, it was Micael that was causing the problems for the hosts, as he picked out Eder who drifted in between two defenders, but his rather tame effort was easy pickings for Felgueiras in goal who once plied his trade with Braga.

Still trailing, Braga was very much the team in the ascendancy midway through the first half as they seized control of the midfield and were enjoying the lion share of possession. Nevertheless, the Romanians continued to look dangerous whenever they had the ball and they had the last say of the opening period.

It was Rui Pedro again, rounding out his hat trick, after Modou Sougou did all the hard work following a penetrating run down the flank before he perfectly cut the ball back for his teammate, who finished with aplomb to restore his side's two-goal advantage.

There was time for yet more drama before the referee called for the halftime break when Douglao received his marching orders for raising his arm in the face of Camora, who appeared to make the most of the contact.

Reduced to 10 men, Braga struggled to regain control and succumbed to the Romanians, who won for at home for just the second time in eight Champions League matches and are tied with Galatasaray for second place in Group H. As for Braga, the club's European campaign is over, as it can no longer even quailfy for the Europa League after cementing its place in the group cellar with the loss.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus 3-0 Chelsea: Blues on the brink as pressure piles on Di Matteo

Chelsea's defense of its European crown was left in tatters in Turin on Tuesday night as Juventus put the Blues to the sword in a convincing 3-0 win.

A first half goal from Fabio Quagliarella was doubled by Arturo Vidal's second-half strike, before Sebastian Giovinco rounded off the win, ensuring Juventus leapfrogs Roberto Di Matteo's team and leaves the holder one game away from elimination.

The Blues' chances were almost dealt a terrible blow after just four minutes as Mirko Vucinic's clever back post cross required Petr Cech to pull off a stunning point blank save from Stephan Lichtsteiner to turn it onto the post and to safety.

The giant Chelsea shot stopper, who has rediscovered the form that made him one of the most sought after goalkeepers on the planet, was at the heart of the action, parrying well from Claudio Marchisio's first time effort on 15 minutes.

At the other end Oscar carried Chelsea's threat as he burst from the left flank to the middle, taking two Juventus defenders out of the game as he glided horizontally across the box. His final ball released Eden Hazard, who seemed certain to score until Gianluigi Buffon's trailing leg diverted his low shot just wide. It was to prove Chelsea's best chance of the match.

As the game settled, it wasn't until the 35th minute that Chelsea mustered another clear cut chance. Ramires burst through a couple of challenges in midfield and released Oscar into the box. The Brazilian forward was only stopped by Leandro Bonucci's well-timed tackle as he cut back onto his right foot.

Then, minutes later, the deadlock was broken and it certainly had a touch of fortune about it as Fabio Quagliarella diverted Pirlo's tame 25-yard effort past a hapless, sprawling Cech to give Juventus the lead. It was the Italian striker's sixth goal in six games.

And it was nearly 2-0 immediately afterwards but for Ashley Cole's alert goal line clearance as Lichtsteiner headed past Cech.

As if prompted by the threat on its own goal, Chelsea responded. Hazard outpaced the Juve defense and squared to an unmarked Juan Mata, but by the time he had controlled the ball, Buffon had smothered him.

Roberto Di Matteo sent the same XI back onto the pitch for the second half, ensuring the benched Fernando Torres continued to look on, but it was his defensive line that came under question as Gary Cahill appeared to tug the problematic Vucinic to the ground. Fortunately for the visitors Cuneyt Cakir chose to wave play on rather than signal for a penalty.

The Juventus frontline continued to trouble Chelsea and Quagliarella had two fine chances to double his haul for the evening, but he was left ruing the determined goalkeeping of Cech.

But as Di Matteo chased the game, introducing Victor Moses for Cesar Azpilicueta, Juventus struck again. Vucinic's pass allowed Kwadwo Asamoah to drive into the box and his cutback fell for Vidal, who saw his 20-yard shot deflect off of Ramires' heel and through the legs of Cech. It was the 20th goal the Stamford Bridge outfit had conceded in 10 games.

Chelsea continued to chase, finally introducing Torres for John Obi Mikel but it was the hosts who looked more dangerous, Vucinic criminally knocking a shot from 10 yards out over the crossbar. But as the clock rolled into injury time, substitute Giovinco prodded past Cech to cap a fine night in the Juventus Stadium.