..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Dempsey urges Tottenham to focus on Champions League qualification

The American attacker has expressed his disappointment at being knocked out of the Europa League, but has called on his teammates to fight for a top four finish domestically Tottenham forward Clint Dempsey has called on his teammates to push for Champions League qualification after Spurs were knocked out of the Europa League by FC Basel on Thursday.

Spurs currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League spot in the Premier League, but are being chased by Arsenal and Everton, which lie two and six points behind respectively – both with a game in hand over the Lilywhites.

Dempsey said being knocked out of Europe could help Spurs rest without midweek fixtures, and feels it is imperative the team focuses on the Premier League now with the aim of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

"We're frustrated we're not in this competition any more, but we have to regroup and we have to focus on the league," the 30-year-old told reporters. "We have to make sure we finish in fourth place and make sure we're in the Champions League next year.

"That's the only thing we can do to salvage this season and say we had a good year. That's been the goal for the season. It's important that we get into the Champions League."

He added: "The break will help, because the more players you have fit, the more competition there is for spots.

"You need that push towards the end because it's going to be difficult.

"We've got some difficult games. We've got Chelsea, we've got Man City, so we're going to need everyone fit and fighting to try to push for that Champions League.

"It's not going to be given to you. You have to fight until the end and we're still in with a shout to make that happen.

"I think it's going to come down to the last game."

The American revealed his frustration at being knocked out of Europe, but feels his side “gave everything” in the penalty shootout loss to Basel, and just didn’t get the luck on the night required to progress in the competition.

"We gave everything we could," Dempsey continued. "The boys were dead when it came to penalties. We came up a little bit short. We were a little bit unlucky.

"Everyone's upset with the result but we'll have to regroup and focus on the league."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Italian Football Federation to investigate Moratti comments

The Inter president questioned the quality of refereeing in Serie A on the back of a recent defeat The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is to investigate comments made by Massimo Moratti after he said he "no longer believed in the good faith of referees".

Inter was beaten 4-3 by Atalanta at San Siro last Sunday, despite leading 3-1 at one stage, with the visitors awarded a penalty on their way back into the game.

That prompted Moratti to rage about the performance of officials after the game, claiming "when they want to hit you, you get hit" and suggesting his side were being targeted by referees.

The FIGC have now decided to delve further into his comments and released a statement on Friday confirming the beginning of disciplinary proceedings.

"Moratti has been referred [to the disciplinary authorities], for having expressed judgements that harm the reputation of and in particular the good faith and impartiality of match officials and consequently , the credibility of the championship due to the work of the referees.

"The comments harm the reputation of organizations operating within the FIGC and the prestige and credibility of the federation itself."

Last weekend's result leaves Inter in sixth place in Serie A with 50 points from 31 games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea boss Benitez ready for 'dangerous' Basel challenge

The Swiss side knocked Tottenham out of the Europa League on Thursday night, and the Blues' Spanish manager is expecting a difficult challenge when the two sides meet Interim Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez is adamant that Europa League semifinal opponent Basel will pose a stern test for the west London club.

The Swiss side added Tottenham to its growing list of big scalps on Thursday night, having beaten Manchester United and Bayern Munich in recent years, while Chelsea stumbled past Rubin Kazan.With Fenerbahce and Benfica drawn in the other semifinal, the Blues have avoided a long round trip, but Benitez believes that is minor compensation given the array of attacking talent Basel possesses.

“Basel is not too far away so maybe it's not a bad option [in the Europa League semi-final], only because of that,” the Spanish manager warned. “They're a good team, an offensive team, and will be dangerous as well.

“We know Basel have a great atmosphere in their stadium [St. Jakob-Park], so it will be interesting. They are an offensive team who play with intensity, a good team who did well against Tottenham.”Before taking Basel, Benitez’s side must first traverse a tricky FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City, but regardless of the result, the 52-year-old boss is pleased with how the season has progressed.

“In terms of two semifinals and still in the top three [in the Premier League] we're really pleased,” Benitez continued. “It's a young squad with new players coming into the Premier League. We still need more experience, but that's getting better.

“We will see what happens at the end of the season, but top three, another semi-final. Not bad.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van der Vaart: I’m not playing well

Despite being made captain of his side, the Dutchman is under no illusions about his current poor for Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has admitted his recent performances have not been good enough, but says he will strive to improve.

The club has struggled in recent games, losing its last three on the bounce, including a 9-2 hammering to Bayern Munich in that time.

And van der Vaart admits it is not only the team that is struggling for form just now but himself, too

“I’m playing badly at the moment,” the 30-year-old told Bild. “The only thing I can do is fight and I'll do that. I know that we have better chances of winning if I am in good shape.”

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur man was handed the armband after Heiko Westermann was relieved of his duties as club captain, and the Dutch playmaker insists there is no bad blood between the two players.

“This is a great honor and it’s still very special to me," he continued. "The decision came as a surprise to me. To be captain again was not my goal … Heiko and I have a good relationship. He already told me in the summer that it's easy to imagine that I will be his successor.”

The Rothosen are 11th in the Bundesliga and find themselves four points off a European spot, and the Dutchman is confident that coach Thorsten Fink can steer the club in the right direction.

He added: “He does an outstanding job here and we all stand behind him. Hopefully he will remain our coach for a long time. Now we have to pay back his commitment through our performances."

Hamburg’s next game is away at Mainz on April 13.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG has no regrets, says Ancelotti

The Italian boss says he will put the elimination to Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal behind him and focus on the upcoming Ligue 1 clash against Troyes Carlo Ancelotti says Paris Saint-Germain can have no regrets after being knocked out the Champions League to Barcelona.

Les Parisiens' coach thinks the team’s performance in the second leg at Camp Nou was very impressive and it has laid down a marker for success on the European stage in the future.

The French side was 3-2 ahead on aggregate in the tie before a Pedro equalizer put the Spanish club through on away goals. The two-time Champions League-winning coach with AC Milan says the team has now put it behind them and are instead focusing on Ligue 1.

"The disappointment is over and we have no regrets, because we have done everything we can,” the Italian coach told reporters at a press conference.

“We did not win, but the team showed it could be competitive in Europe and that was the goal this season. It was even a surprise for me to see a team with so much courage and character.

"It was probably one of the best games of the season against one of the best teams in the world, it is a good starting point for the future."

"The team did not lack anything. We defended well and attacked well, maybe one more goal in the first period would have been good. I am proud because I had never seen Barcelona face the same problems as they did against us. The only regrets we have are from the first leg."

Ancelotti's charges are seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and are well-placed to take the French crown.

And the 53-year-old coach was quick to turn the club's concentration on clinching the domestic title, starting with a win against bottom side Troyes on Saturday.

"We will be focused on tomorrow's game because it’s a tough game,” said the coach. “We are approaching the end of the season, and every game is important now to climb the steps up to the title. After 18 years, we can win the league title. It is not hard to find motivation.

"We will show a lot of concentration because Troyes are playing for survival but we will be ready. If we win tomorrow, we will be 10 points ahead of Marseille before they play against Lille on Sunday, then we can sleep well.

"Maybe I'll make some changes because everyone has not fully recovered yet. Barcelona pumped a lot of energy out of us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Eriksen open to summer departure from Ajax

The highly-rated Denmark international has indicated he is looking to move away from the Dutch giant in the summer with England, Italy and Spain listed as possible destinations.Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen has admitted he is looking at the possibility of leaving the Dutch giant for one of Europe’s top clubs.

The 21-year-old’s contract with the Eredivisie leader is set to expire at the end of next season and it is thought the club will cash in on their highly rated youngster during the summer. Eriksen has spent his entire professional career at Ajax having made his debut four seasons ago, yet the player now believes the time may be right for him to move on and develop his career.

“If I could play for clubs like Manchester City and PSG – why not? For me it is important that I have a good feeling at the club,” Eriksen told Algemeen Dagblad. “I should be able to play football and then I could develop. I will be a better football player.”

The Denmark international was given the opportunity of signing for Manchester City two seasons ago but turned its advances down in favor of first-team football with Ajax. The player has hinted he may now be ready for a move to the Premier League but would also consider any offers from Italy and Spain.

“There is plenty of room in the Premier League so it may well be. Should I change, I choose mainly from the club," Eriksen said. “It may also be in Italy or Spain. I went to Spain two years ago with Nicolai Boilesen but we were too busy and dropped it again.

“I think the Dutch league has a mixture of football from Spain and England.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Eriksen Liverpool join wei neh godak durata!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern handed the chance to end Barcelona's reign

The Catalan club has been the strongest side in Europe over the last five years, but the balance of power may be about to shift towards Bavaria as the teams meet in the semifinals It was a tie which neither side would have wanted, but one that could define everything. Barcelona and Bayern Munich were paired together in the semifinals of the Champions League following Friday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland. At stake is much, much more than just a place in the Wembley showpiece final next month.

Barcelona has been the dominant force in Europe for the greater part of the last decade. Semifinalists for the last six years, winners in 2009 and 2011 (as well as 2006), hailed as the greatest side in history by many and hitting huge heights under Pep Guardiola, the Catalans remain the team to beat, the best footballing side there is.

Yet there has been something of a decline since the departure of Guardiola, with Carles Puyol plagued with injuries, Xavi slowing down and problems on the bench in the absence of Tito Vilanova during his treatment for cancer. Even Lionel Messi has been injured.

Pep is Bayern-bound, and without him this term, Barca has struggled in both knockout rounds ahead of their forthcoming semifinal meeting with Bayern. In it, the Bavarians, buoyed by securing the Catalan coach for next season and storming to the Bundesliga title with six games remaining, will sense the opportunity to knock the Blaugrana off their perch and begin their own era of continental control.

Bayern reached the final last season under Jupp Heynckes, but surprisingly lost out to Chelsea. The Munich side, then coached by Louis van Gaal, also finished as runners-up to Jose Mourinho's Inter in the 2010 showpiece in Madrid. The thinking behind Guardiola's appointment is clearly to get the best out a golden generation of players who have slightly underachieved at the very highest level.

In many ways, Bayern mirrors Barca. The Bavarians boast an exciting youth academy, a strong national core and something of a similar footballing philosophy. The club combines an ideal blend of youth and experience, is in excellent shape financially and completely wiped out an excellent Juventus side in the quarterfinals. And with Guardiola set to arrive in the summer, everything seems in place to make Bayern Europe's best.

In the meantime, however, question marks remain over the mental strength of a side that has failed to win as much as it should have in recent years.

Those questions can be answered now. Bayern has responded in style in the Bundesliga after missing out on the last two domestic titles to fellow Champions League semifinalists Borussia Dortmund, and it can also win the German cup to complete the treble with the continental triumph.

But the game against Barca represents their biggest test. Win it and Bayern could usher in an era of dominance on the continent similar to the one enjoyed by the Catalans in recent seasons. Lose out and the Blaugrana will remain Europe's dominant force - at least for another year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp happy to face familiar opponents

The Signal Iduna Park side triumphed over los Blancos in the group stages this season and the former Mainz coach is optimistic ahead of the club's final four encounter.Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he is happy to face familiar opponents in Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.

The two sides met in the group stage, when BVB triumphed in Germany before being only just held to a draw in Spain, and the former Mainz boss is optimistic ahead of the final four meeting.

"I am glad we know our opponent now," he told reporters after the draw in Nyon. "Now football will be played. I do not have to stress that Real Madrid are difficult opponents, but out of the three we could have got, they are the only ones we have already beaten this year."

Sporting director Michael Zorc added that he is excited by facing los Blancos again, but admitted that he would have preferred to play the first leg away from home.

"It is a good draw. We are slight underdogs in this time, but we already beat them this season. We gained lots of respect back then. Those will be two highlight matches. But we obviously wished to play the second leg at home," Zorc said.

Meanwhile, Hans-Joachim Waktze, Dortmund's CEO, took a snipe at Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness, who had suggested that BVB would be the best draw in the semi-finals.

"We're happy with the draw. We wanted foreign opposition. I'm sorry that Uli Hoeness' wish to play us did not come true," he said.

He added, "Playing away from home in the second leg will not be decisive. If we have a good first leg, we will get our space in the second leg. From now on, we only have things to win. I don't think Madrid will be scared after the group matches, but they will have respect and so do we."

 

[Banks PLK]

Aguero ge goal 1ka Patta

 

[මුගටියා]

 

[මුගටියා]

hey guys check this out. fa cup semi final replay 1999
greatest goal of Ryan Giggs career

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3bWrF_GkbQ

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Millwall 0-2 Wigan: Maloney and McManaman secure Latics’ FA Cup final spot

Wigan Athletic produced an assured performance at Wembley to reach its first-ever FA Cup final after a 2-0 semifinal victory over Millwall on Saturday.

Shaun Maloney gave the Latics a deserved lead midway through the first half after sliding in to convert a curling cross from Arouna Kone.

And despite a spirited second-half showing from its Championship opponent, Callum McManaman doubled Wigan's lead to seal the result after 78 minutes.

McManaman came close in the early going, as the Wigan forward stung the palms of David Forde from range.

There was nothing Forde could do to stop Maloney 20 minutes later, however, as the Scotland international reacted superbly to a pinpoint cross from Kone to edge his side into the lead.

The Ivorian was sensational in the build-up, picking the ball up inside the Millwall half and surging forward to pick his teammate out with supreme precision. Maloney was on the stretch inside the danger area but produced a fine finish to give Wigan the lead it deserved.

Minutes later, Scharner drew the Millwall keeper into action once again and the signs were worrying for the Championship side.

The Lions kept things tight until the break, however, despite Jordi Gomez coming close late in the half and Wigan enjoying a remarkable 72% of possession in spells.

More was needed from Kenny Jackett's side as a squad bereft of form looked overwhelmed by the occasion and offered very little going forward.

But no immediate improvement came forth and, instead, Wigan continued to press. McManaman threatened once more on the 50-minute mark, cutting in from the left and curling an effort just past the far post.

Millwall enjoyed its best chance on 58 minutes, though, as Chris Taylor burst forward only to be brought down just outside the Wigan danger area. James – usually a reliable set-piece taker – stepped up to the ball and curled the ensuing free kick just over the bar.

Alan Dunne then sent a dangerous low cross into the area and Keogh was denied by a last-ditch tackle. The Lions were starting to roar.

But on 78 minutes, Wigan made sure of the tie – and who else but McManaman to do it. Kone started the move off once again but it was Gomez who slid an incisive pass through to the 21-year-old, who rounded the keeper to finish off in style.

Martinez’s men had completed the job – and a day of destiny now awaits them at Wembley.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Troyes 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Matuidi moves perfunctory Parisiens 10 points clear

Paris Saint-Germain tightened its grip on Ligue 1’s top spot thanks to a 1-0 success in Troyes that was far from straightforward.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side had to weather a great storm from its opponents, before Blaise Matuidi struck midway through the second half against his former club to secure a victory that puts Les Parisiens 10 points clear of Olympique de Marseille.

It looked like PSG was going to endure another frustrating away day before Gregory van der Wiel’s cross on 65 minutes was met at the back post by the France international, whose shot got past Troyes goalkeeper Yohan Thuram.

Although the Thuram had not been overworked prior to that moment, he had proven a big obstacle. After just three minutes he denied Kevin Gameiro when the striker was clear on goal and shortly afterwards he would push away a fierce Lucas Moura drive.

Ligue 1’s bottom side was the more impressive for long stretches of this encounter, particularly in the first period, when Salvatore Sirigu was regularly called into action.

Before the Italy international really started to work, though, he had to rely on the frame of his goal to keep out Stephane Darbion, who was the benefactor of some excellent work from the cunning Benjamin Nivet.

The home side's enterprise was commendable for a team at the foot of the standings and it was rewarded with a number of chances. Sirigu, however, made a string of saves, denying Marcos, Fabien Camus and Nivet in the first half hour of the game.

Early in the second period it became quickly apparent that there was more vigor in PSG’s performance. Matuidi, in particular, was getting into the box more readily and even before he found the net the ex-Troyes man would crack a shot just wide.

After their midweek exertions, the visitors were content to simply see the game out with a narrow success and made a series of defensive changes in order to secure maximum points, though a late strike from Camus drew another fine stop from Sirigu.

Ultimately Matuidi’s sole goal was enough to secure Ancelotti’s men maximum points and move them closer to a first league title in close to 20 years, and increase the likelihood of this entertaining Troyes side falling to Ligue 2. The performance was not of a particularly thrilling nature but without the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic the result was all important for PSG.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal 3-1 Norwich: Late comeback sees Gunners leapfrog Tottenham

Arsenal left it late to move up to third in the Premier League table as a remarkable comeback gave the club a 3-1 victory against Norwich on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s side dominated a tense affair but a flat first half display meant it could not break down a resolute Norwich backline before the break.

Matters were made worse when Michael Turner headed home in the second half but a late penalty from Mikel Arteta was followed by strikes from Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski at the death as Arsenal sealed its seventh league win in eight games in the most dramatic of circumstances.

The headline team news was undoubtedly the return of England midfielder Jack Wilshere, who replaced the injured Tomas Roiscky in one of three changes from Arsenal’s 2-1 win at West Brom. Kieran Gibbs replaced Nacho Monreal, while skipper Thomas Vermaelen came in for the suspended Per Mertesacker.

Norwich boss Chris Hughton, meanwhile, also made three changes from his side’s 2-2 draw against Swansea as Steven Whittaker replaced Javier Garrido, Alexander Tettey came in for Elliot Bennett and skipper Grant Holt returned in place of Wes Hoolahan.

From the off, the creative trio of Wilshere, Gervinho and Santi Cazorla sparked to life as the home side pursued the strong start boss Wenger had stressed the importance of before kickoff.

Aaron Ramsey, Giroud and Gervinho all came close thereafter as the hosts began to knock on the Norwich door with some determination.

And the hosts’ persistence would continue as a melee in the penalty area after the break saw several attempts at goal either palmed away by Bunn or blocked by a Canaries defender.

But minutes later, it was the visiting fans who were celebrating against the odds as Turner headed home a Robert Snodgrass free kick.

Wenger’s response was immediate: off went Wilshere and Gervinho, with Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott coming on.

And after 64 minutes, the England winger almost made an impact as he surged into the box only to be brought down by Whittaker. Referee Mike Jones dismissed any penalty appeals, though, and the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium grew more and more tense.

Fifteen minutes later, it was Walcott’s fellow substitute who came close as Podolski smashed a sweet strike towards goal that needed a superb Bunn save to send it crashing against the crossbar.

But Arsenal would finally get its equalizer with just five minutes left – though it came in the most controversial of circumstances. Giroud was felled in the box and the assistant referee signaled for a spot kick as Kei Kamara was penalized for a foul. The decision was dubious but Arteta’s penalty was not as it hit the back of the net despite a touch from Bunn.

And the Gunners were not done there as a surging run and cross into the box from substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain late on ended with a timely tap-in from Giroud.

Shortly after, Podolski smashed home from the edge of the area and Arsenal's remarkable comeback was complete.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa 1-1 Fulham: Delph own goal keeps hosts in relegation mire

A wasteful Aston Villa was held to a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham as it failed to move further away from the Premier League relegation zone.

The first half was played at a good tempo, with the home side creating some good chances, although the Cottagers were unable to create many of their own.

The Villains took the lead thanks to Charles N’Zogbia, but Fabian Delph’s own goal just 10 minutes later prevented them from taking all three points.

Both sides began the game brightly and at a good tempo, although Damien Duff was forced off in the opening 10 minutes for the visitors after suffering a groin injury.

The first chance of the game fell to Villa in the 24th minute as Christian Benteke found himself unmarked five yards out but put his shot over the bar.

Moments later, Benteke played a superb pass into the box from the left to find N’Zogbia, whose half-volley was hammered on target but saved brilliantly by Mark Schwarzer.

The Villains were nearly punished for their wastefulness after 42 minutes, as Dimitar Berbatov took down a pass and saw his lashed shot blocked away by Schwarzer. The goalkeeper was called into action once again by a stinging N’Zogbia shot in the 44th minute, which he palmed away for a corner to keep the game scoreless at halftime.

The second half began similarly, and within 15 seconds of the restart Weimann ploughed forward, with his placed shot forcing Schwarzer to make a good low save.

Just five minutes later Villa was nearly punished as Berbatov was played through but could only direct his shot onto the outside of the post in Fulham’s best chance of the game.

The home side was finally rewarded in the 55th minute as the ball broke to N’Zogbia after some good work by Weimann, and the Frenchman curled his shot into the net brilliantly.

Going behind seemed to galvanize Fulham, and it equalized in the 65th minute as a Bryan Ruiz corner was turned into his own net by Delph at the near post.

The Cottagers nearly took the lead just five minutes later as Ruiz found substitute Mladen Petric, but he could not direct his close-range shot on target under pressure from Matthew Lowton.

Delph then had a chance to atone for his earlier own goal in the 73rd minute as he found himself free at the back post but hammered his shot well over the bar.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Southampton 1-1 West Ham: In-form Carroll salvages a point for Hammers

Southampton and West Ham shared the points at St Mary's on Saturday after a 1-1 draw that sees both clubs edge closer to Premier League safety.

The first half produced little action as both sides struggled to create and clear-cut chances, with Kevin Nolan and Rickie Lambert going closest for each side respectively.

Gaston Ramirez put the hosts a goal ahead just before the hour mark but Andy Carroll was on hand to level the scores with a free-kick minutes later in a result that leaves the Saints and the Hammers still not quite safe.

James Tomkins slid in with a perfectly timed tackle to block an early effort from Lallana as the hosts started brightly, but Saints' midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin then picked up a needless booking for a blatant dive.

Kevin Nolan then forced Artur Boruc into a decent low stop, which he just about kept hold of, before Ricardo Vaz Te fired just over for the visitors. Back came Saints, though, as Jack Cork and Lallana linked up well, but the former couldn't quite get on the end of the latter's cross after a neat one-two.

With about five minutes left in the half Jussi Jaaskelainen got down low to deny a toe-poked effort from Lambert's outstretched boot, the keeper stopping the ball right on his goalline, before the forward headed just wide.

With the hour mark approaching Ramirez finally got the breakthrough, the Uruguayan smashing the ball past Jaaskelainen after his initial shot was blocked but fell kindly for him once more.

However Saints weren't in front for long as Carroll levelled the scores with a low, driven free-kick that crept past the wall and beyond Boruc in the hosts' goal. Both the keeper and Steven Davis, who broke from the wall, may have done better.

Jay Rodriguez was introduced for the hosts as they searched for a reply, and the forward threatened with a few decent runs, however the Hammers defense remained firm.

The substitute forced Jaaskelainen into a low save right at the death, with Saints' defense having to deal with a number of balls into their own area too, but both sides held on to a point that sees the duo almost safe.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton 2-0 QPR: Gibson and Anichebe all but condemn Rangers to relegation

Everton’s quest for Champions League football continued as it strolled to a comfortable 2-0 victory over QPR on Saturday afternoon at Goodison Park.

Goals either side of halftime from Darron Gibson and Victor Anichebe ensured the Toffees’ late surge to finish in the top four remains a strong one with just seven games remaining.

While Harry Redknapp’s QPR is now all but relegated as it suffered yet another defeat on the road, leaving the team seven points from safety.

It was the visitors who made the brighter start and went inches from taking an early lead. Some nice build-up play down the left including a brilliant solo run from Andros Townsend created space for Junior Hoilett but his curling effort went narrowly wide of Tim Howard’s upright.

Victor Anichebe was once again preferred to the out-of-form Nikica Jelavic up front but he couldn’t get on the end of Leighton Baines’ wicked cross from the left before his in-swinging corner forced Julio Cesar into action for the first time.

Ji-Sung Park controlled a long ball brilliantly on the edge of the box and his square ball from the byline was met sweetly by the on-rushing Loic Remy but the Tim Howard reacted instinctively to push his goal-bound effort to safety.

Harry Redknapp’s side was once again left to rue its bad fortune as Everton took the lead with four minutes remaining in the first period, despite the R’s having had the better of the play.

Kevin Mirallas’ initial shot was blocked into the path of Gibson on the right side of the area, and the midfielder’s powerful shot took a huge deflection of the Clint Hill to leave Cesar wrong-footed and helpless.

The QPR defense simply couldn’t deal with the firepower of Everton's set-pieces and Cesar was once again forced to pull off a fine save to palm Distin’s header over the bar, before Anichebe doubled the lead before the hour mark.

Baines’ deep corner was met by the head of Distin, and his goal bound effort was flicked past Cesar by the big Nigerian striker.

With the R’s Premier League status hanging by a thread, Redknapp introduced Adel Taarabt with half an hour remaining but at the other end, the very impressive Mirallas saw his volley from an impossible angle superbly kept out by Cesar.

As the minutes ticked down, QPR desperately tried to spark a comeback but the visitors lacked quality in the final third to cause any real problems to a resolute home defense.

Everton is now just three points adrift of Chelsea in fourth but the Stamford Bridge club has played a game less. David Moyes’ side visits the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday in what will prove to be a crucial game in the race for Champions League football.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich 4-0 Nurnberg: Bundesliga champions send message to Barcelona by blitzing Bavarian rivals

Bayern Munich fired a warning shot in the direction of Barcelona by fielding a veritable 'B' team in an impressive 4-0 rout of in-form Nurnberg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Having seen his side clinch both the Bundesliga title and a place in the semifinals of the Champions League in the preceding seven days, coach Jupp Heynckes understandably elected to rest a number of key personnel for this Bavarian derby.

However, worryingly for Barca, there was no discernible dip in the quality of Bayern's play, with the hosts racking up first-half goals from Jerome Boateng, Mario Gomez and Rafinha. Reserve goalkeeper Tom Starke was finally called into action to save a penalty from Timmy Simons before Xherdan Shaqiri added a fourth goal for the thoroughly-dominant hosts soon after.

The Allianz Arena was in a celebratory mood, particularly in light of last weekend's title-winning triumph at Eintracht Frankfurt, but the home side's players seemed solely concerned with making Nurnberg suffer, taking taking just five minutes to break the resistance of a side that had been unbeaten in nine coming into this game.

Indeed, Shaqiri, Daniel van Buyten and Franck Ribery had all gone close to opening the scoring before Boateng broke the deadlock with an acrobatic half-volley, after the visitors had failed dismally to deal with a corner from the left-hand side.

Bayern continued to exhibit an unquenchable thirst for goals and, after a further spell of sustained pressure, it doubled the advantage 17 minutes in. Boateng was the creator this time, stepping out of defense before playing a wonderfully-weighted ball through to Gomez, who fired low past Raphael Schafer.

The hapless Nurnberg goalkeeper was beaten again midway through the first half, this time more culpably at his near post, by Rafinha, who had been slipped in on goal by Claudio Pizarro.

Nurnberg managed to keep Bayern at bay for the remainder of the half and it should have got off the mark just after the break when Rafinha bundled Mike Frantz over in the area. However, Simons saw his subsequent spot-kick catch Starke flush in the forehead, and the ball rebounded away to safety.

Unsurprisingly, the visitors were punished for their profligacy, with Shaqiri restoring the natural order of things by shooting low past Schafer after controlling a Ribery corner and then quickly shifting the ball onto his left foot.

Bayern repeatedly threatened to add to its tally, with Pizarro lifting the ball over the bar when he really should have found the back of the net, but there was no dampening the spirits of the home fans, who were treated to another stunning demonstration of their side's remarkable strength in depth.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reading 0-0 Liverpool: Suarez and Co. frustrated by McCarthy heroics

Nigel Adkins picked up his first point as Reading manager after his side's goalless draw against Liverpool at the Madejski Stadium.

A series of remarkable saves from Alex McCarthy denied Liverpool what looked like an inevitable first half goal and neither side managed to find the breakthrough in a more balanced second period either, with the Reading goalkeeper once again in heroic form.

McCarthy made his first start for the Royals since November while Adam Le Fondre once again started on among the substitutes. Jamier Carragher and Jordan Henderson started for Brendan Rodgers' side with Martin Skrtel and Stewart Downing dropping down to the bench.

The match was preceded by a well-observed minute's silence in memory of the 96 Liverpool fans who tragically lost their lives at Hillsbrough 24 years ago.

The first half was dominated by Brendan Rodgers' side with the Royals the architects of the their own downfall.

Chris Gunter's goal line clearance kept the scores level in the 14th minute after Suarez's clever dink over the onrushing McCarthy looked to have opened the scoring.

The Uruguayan then turned provider, threading through Daniel Sturridge during a rapid Liverpool counterattack but McCarthy managed to parry the Englishman's shot before also getting a hand on Phillippe Coutinho's effort from the rebound.

The Royals shot-stopper continued to excel, keeping the Reds out with a series of fine stops with Adrian Mariappa also making a crucial block from a Steven Gerrard effort.

Adkins' men continued to be sloppy in possession but Coutinho, Jordan Henderson and Gerrard all failed to capitalize on their mistakes, a combination of poor finishing and more heroics from the impressive McCarthy keeping the scores level at the break.

Liverpool did have the ball in the net immediately after the restart but referee Mark Clattenburg disallowed Coutinho's cheeky back-heeled effort for offside.

Rodgers' side didn't dominate the second period in the manner in which they bossed the first, allowing Reading to slowly edge their way back into the contest.

But, it was the Reds who looked the more likely to open the scoring with Coutinho fizzing a side-footed effort inches past the post just past the hour mark.

Moments later, Reading had their best chance of the match - Pavel Pogrebnyak left Luis Enrique in his trail before squaring for Noel Hunt but the midfielder was denied from close range by an sprawling save from Pepe Reina.

The Royals then bombarded the visitors' area for a period of five minutes but they could not force the ball over the line during a number of goal-mouth scrambles.

Jobi McAnuff had a deflected effort tipped over the bar by Reina as Reading began to turn the screw late on but were given a reminder of Liverpool's threat as Suarez clipped the outside of the post from a free kick.

Then, right at the death, McCarthy out did himself yet again with an outstanding back-to-back save to earn Reading a point.