RSSInternazionale vs Lazio Report
Inter Milan officially enter the Serie A title race after goals from Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini helped them edge out Lazio for a record eighth straight victory.
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Inter Milan extended their winning streak to eight matches in all competitions after coming from behind to defeat Lazio 2-1 at the San Siro stadium on Sunday.With goals from Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini, the Nerazzurri managed to turn around the match, after the visitors had taken an early lead through Tommaso Rocchi.
Inter, who had beaten arch-rivals AC Milan in the city derby last weekend, started the game strongly and almost went ahead when a poor kick-out from Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti almost presented Inter midfielder Ricardo Alvarez with a straightforward goal.
Novara vs Milan Report
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores a brace to lift Milan to an easy victory over Novara that keeps the Italian champions on Juventus' trail
Italian champions AC Milan thrashed Novara 3-0 thanks to two goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and another from Robinho at the Stadio Silvio Piola on Sunday.With the result, the Rossoneri closed the first round of the 2011-12 Italian championship in second place with 40 points, one point behind league leaders Juventus, with 41 points. While, Novara remain rock-bottom, with a mere 12 points.
Milan, who knocked Novara out of the Coppa Italia midweek, took the game to the hosts immediately from the kick-off as they looked to make amends for their painful derby defeat to city rivals Inter Milan in the Serie A last weekend.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Report
Real Madrid overcame an upset at the Santiago Bernabeu against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night. They triumphed 4-1 after going 1-0 down.
Fernando Llorente stunned the home crowd with a 13th minute volley which completed Bilbao’s counterattacking move. Munian nearly doubled the visitors lead six minutes later but Marcelo leveled the game for Real Madrid a few moments midway through the first half. Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were involved in that goal with excellent one-twos. At the break, Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao could not be separated. The scoreboard showed 1-1… but not for long.
Los Blancos went in front quickly after restart. Kaka, who had a good game, earned Real Madrid a penalty kick which Cristiano Ronaldo converted without mistake. The ball flew in the top corner of the net, leaving Iraizoz helpless.
Independiente obtain the Copa de Oro trophy after a lucky win against Boca Juniors
Los Diablos Rojos snatched a win against the Argentine champions courtesy of Rolando Schiavi's last minute own goal.
An own goal from experienced defender Rolando Schiavi in the final moments of the game allowed Independiente to beat Boca Juniors 1-0 to hoist the Copa de Oro trophy in the city of Mar del Plata on Saturday.When it seemed that the match was destined to end in a dull goalless draw, a horrible clearance from the Boca defense handed Independiente the only goal of the match.
Boca practically dominated the entire encounter but couldn't find a way past Independiente goalkeeper Hilario Navarro, who made a number of crucial saves throughout the game.
Málaga vs Barcelona Report
It was all too easy for Barcelona as they triumphed over Malaga 4-0 at La Rosaleda thanks to a dazzling performance from Lionel Messi.
A decent start to the game saw both sides making dangerous attempts in the first 20 minutes. An in-form Messi was the first to change the scoreboard’s indication, when he took advantage of a good cross from Adriano to thump the ball into the left side of the net to snatch the opener.The hosts were unable to reply afterward, and so the match finished 1-0 at half time in favour of Pep Guardiola’s club. Only three minutes in the second period, the crowd at the stadium witnessed yet another goal, but again for the visitors.
Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez sent another message to Real Madrid ahead of the second-leg clash in the Copa del Rey, as he scored his team’s second of the day. Incomplete efforts from Thiago and Adriano gave the Chilean striker a chance to shoot on the rebound.
Atalanta vs Juventus Report
Juventus move four points clear at the top of the Serie A standings after claiming a comfortable 2-0 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo on Saturday.
La Vecchia Signora clinched the unofficial title of Serie A winter champions after claiming a straightforward 2-0 victory over Atalanta at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in Bergamo on Saturday.Juventus pushed to the attack immediately from the kick-off, and almost went ahead inside the opening three minutes when Simone Pepe caught out Alessandro Matri with a precise low cross, but somehow the striker fired the ball over the bar.
Matri almost made amends for his earlier miss, when he struck the left post from inside of the area, as the visitors continued to pile heavy pressure on a vulnerable Atalanta.
Osasuna vs Valencia Preview
Sunday’s action in La Liga opens with an early match between Osasuna and Valencia. Kick-off time is at 6:00am EST (11:00am GMT).
Third-placed Valencia will be looking to bounce back from their surprise defeat to Real Sociedad. Considering the strength of Real Madrid and Barcelona at the top of the standings, it looks like Los Che should aim for nothing more and for nothing less than a third-place finish. As things stand, they are on their way to securing an automatic spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League competition. Valencia have a comfortable four-point advantage over Levante in the standings.
They are also six points clear from the UEFA Europa League zone which is currently occupied by fifth-placed Espanyol and sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao. Los Che can contemplate hitting 37 points and creating a seven-point gap over Levante temporarily.
Málaga vs Barcelona Preview
There are 5 points between Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga table, but the Catalans will have a chance to top the standings temporarily when they travel to Malaga on Sunday.
Barcelona won their last league game at home to Real Betis 4-2 as they tried to keep the pressure on their arch-rivals. They hold the second place with 41 points after 18 games, following 12 wins, 5 draws and a single loss in the league so far.They have lost 11 points already away from home this season; thus, extra cautiousness will be needed to avoid a setback at La Rosaleda. Malaga haven’t been too impressive away from home either; two draws and six defeats have clearly stamped this fact.
They sit in 10th position with 25 points, but are only seven points above relegation. They might be looked upon as underdogs because of Barcelona’s capabilities, but one must not forget that Malaga will be profiting from the home advantage.
Internazionale vs Lazio Preview
Inter Milan will aim to make it seven wins on the trot when they lock horns with Lazio in what is expected to be a thrilling clash at the San Siro on Sunday.
Inter Milan will be hoping to continue with their stunning form when they entertain Lazio in what is expected to be a blockbuster of a match at the San Siro stadium on Sunday.The Nerazzurri have won six matches on the trot in Serie A, and if they manage to rack up three further points against Lazio not only will they overtake The Romans into fourth-place, but they will officially enter the title race.
As they proved in their 1-0 victory over arch-rivals AC Milan last Sunday, Inter are currently on fire and if they continue to play to their full capacity there is no doubt that they will cruise past an inconsistent Lazio.
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao Preview
Real Madrid will host Athletic Bilbao after Barcelona's game away to Malaga on Sunday.
Los Blancos will be playing with El Clasico on their minds. They have a mammoth task to complete at the Camp Nou following their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Bernabeu in midweek. Chances are that Real Madrid will exit the Copa del Rey in the quarterfinals at the expense of the Blaugrana. Recently, Jose Mourinho described the Spanish Cup as a “third priority” this season. The focus is on La Liga title—something which has been missing from Real Madrid’s trophy cabinet since 2008.
It’s interesting to know what kind of team Jose Mourinho will feature against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The coach’s squad choice will tell a lot about Real Madrid’s vision of the Copa del Rey now that they are half-way out.
Univision Deportes and Galavision to broadcast USA and Mexico international friendly matches live
Get glued to Galavision and Univision Deportes for the live coverage of the upcoming international friendlies involving USA, Mexico, Panama and Venezuela.
The USA Men’s National Team will be in action against Venezuela on Saturday, January 21. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00pm EST (6:00pm PT and 8:00pm CT). Watch it live on Galavision. Galavision will also broadcast Panama vs USA live on Wednesday, January 25. The United States’ encounter with Panama will start at 8:30pm EST (5:30pm PT and 7:30pm CT). Viewers can catch Mexico vs Venezuela on Wednesday as well.
This Latino affair will be live online on UnivisionDeportes.com. Kick-off time for the Mexico vs Venezuela international friendly is at 8:50pm EST (5:50pm CT and 7:50pm PT).
Novara vs Milan Preview
AC Milan will strive to maintain pressure on Serie A league leaders Juventus when they clash with Novara for the second time in the space of five days on Sunday.
After their derby defeat to Inter, AC Milan welcomed Novara to the San Siro for the Coppa Italia mid-week, in a game which the Rossoneri won thanks to an extra-time winner from Alexandre Pato after the match ended in a 1-1 draw over the ninety minutes.Now the two teams will meet again, for the second time in the space of just five days, this time at the home of Novara the Stadio Comunale Silvio Piola, for the 19th round of the Serie A.
Milan come into the clash as the odds on favourites to escape with the three points, not only because they beat Novara with a second-string side just a few days ago, but because both sides find themselves on opposite ends of the table, as while Milan are currently second from top, Novara find themselves rock-bottom of the 20-team Italian first division.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group A
The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ Group A contains Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Senegal and Zambia.
Key match-ups
Equatorial Guinea vs Libya
This game will not really be interesting because of the public’s expectations. But still, it is expected to get a lot of attention, as it will be the opening match. Of course, anything special from these teams during the course of the encounter can cause spectators to get attached to them and give them more support in their subsequent challenges.
Senegal vs Zambia
Just after the opening match, Senegal and Zambia lock horns. These two countries are expected to lead Group A, and so the score line of this game is likely to be key in determining the outcome of both the Lions of Teranga and the Chipolopolo in the table. A bad result for either side could give more hope to Equatorial Guinea and Libya.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group B
The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ Group B is formed by Ivory Coast, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Angola.
Key match-up
Ivory Coast vs Angola
With Sudan and Burkina Faso not having much to offer, this is the only match-up one can await with impatience. While Ivory Coast have proved that they can be very deadly in attack, Angola can also pride themselves with their unique way of protecting their goal line. It will be Group B’s last game, and with both countries presented with good opportunities to reach the quarter-finals, it is understandable that a draw will surely not do any good to either sides.
Favourites to qualify
Ivory Coast’s strength on paper is just too evident for anyone not to consider them as Group B favourites. With players such as CAF player of the Year Yaya Toure, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Arsenal playmaker Gervinho, the Ivorians will have no excuse available if ever they fail to top their table. Angola’s side is also very powerful defensively, and their sharp attack is anticipated to be the key that will unlock the door to Group B’s second place.
Arsenal takes on Manchester United Looking to Banish Memories of Old Trafford
Arsenal takes on Manchester United in the Premier League as they look to stay in touch with the top four.
Arsene Wenger played United at Old Trafford with a depleted squad. He goes into this match with a depleted squad as well as he has no left-back to call on due to injuries. Andre Santos, Kieran Gibbs, Thomas Vermaelen, Francis Coquelin, Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson will not take any part on Sunday.Manchester United will come into the match with the fond memories from the earlier part of the season when a young United side dismantled Arsenal, 8-2. The defeat was the worst the Gunners had ever suffered in their proud history. Tom Cleverley was influential that day but will have to watch from the side-lines due to injury.
Reflections and Conclusions: Monchengladbach 3-1 Bayern
The Bundesliga opener of the year 2012 proved exactly why this league is perhaps the most exciting in the world.
Borussia Monchengladbach started the New Year in the best way imaginable as they taught the league leaders and record Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich a lesson in football. Bayern was staring at humiliation as Gladbach tore them apart three times. Bastian Schweinsteiger made the score-line somewhat respectable with a late goal.For the neutral, this match was a wonderful spectacle. Gladbach scored three brilliant goals on the counter-attack. Marco Reus lit up the pitch as did Patrick Hermann, scorer of the second and third goal. For Bayern, this match provided nothing but more questions. Jupp Heynckes’ expression as he saw his team bulldozed said it all about Bayern’s afternoon.
2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group C
The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ Group C is formed by Gabon, Niger, Morocco and Tunisia.
Key match-ups
Niger vs Tunisia
Niger are not a country to overlook. They went from underdogs to surprise package in the qualifiers, stunning South Africa and Egypt along the way. At the same time, Tunisia are expected to gather their forces and impose themselves in Group C. It will be a matter of confidence for one side, and experience for the other.
Gabon vs Tunisia
As hosts, Gabon will have no right to allow themselves to lose any point. But Tunisia are not an easy side, and memories of the two teams’ meeting in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations could make this very game somehow more exciting. Having gone through a goalless draw two years ago, both the Panthers and the Eagles of Carthage will want to achieve something more concrete this time around.
GolTV signs with Kentaro and Torneos y Competencias to offer viewers wide coverage
Whether it's the Spanish La Liga or the Campeonato Paulista, the Gillette Brazil World Tour or the UEFA Europa League, GolTV has it covered!
It was announced on January 17 that GolTV and Kentaro have come to an agreement which will GolTV to broadcast Gillette Brazil World Tour games and top international soccer matches. Commenting on this feat, GolTV COO Rodrigo Lombello explained:“As all eyes turn to Brazil and excitement builds for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, this agreement allows GolTV to showcase premier friendly and qualifier matches, connecting fans and reinforcing that GolTV is the exclusive destination for those who are just as obsessed with soccer as us.”
In addition to the partnership with Kentaro, GolTV has signed an agreement with Torneos y Competencias. Constantino Voulgaris, executive vice president of programming and business development at GolTV, declared the following:
Sportsnet Scores with Comprehensive Coverage of the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Multiplatform coverage features all 15 matches live and in HD; SOCCER CENTRAL panel onsite at BC Place; Canada needs semifinal win to qualify for The London 2012 Olympic Games
TORONTO, ON (January 17, 2012) - Sportsnet goes for soccer gold, bringing viewers wall-to-wall, live HD coverage of all 15 games from the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament at BC Place in Vancouver. The tournament kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 19 with a doubleheader starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT with Costa Rica versus Cuba (Sportsnet East, Ontario, Pacific and ONE) followed by hometown favourite Canada taking on Haiti at 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT in the must-see nightcap (Sportsnet Ontario, Pacific and ONE). Please see below for complete broadcast schedule.
SOCCER CENTRAL’s Gerry Dobson and Craig Forrest provide play by play and analysis, respectively, for all 15 games of the tournament. Craig MacEwen joins Dobson and Forrest at BC Place to host Sportsnet’s broadcasts, alongside former Canadian Women’s National Team member Kara Lang, and as of Jan. 23, Stephen Brunt. Breakfast Television Vancouver’s Jody Vance rounds out the broadcast team, updating fans from the sidelines.
Salvador Cabanas returns to the soccer field two years after being shot in the head
The former Paraguayan international made his much-awaited return despite still having a bullet lodged into his skull.
Only two years after he was shot in the head at point-blank range at a Mexico City bar, former Paraguayan international Salvador Cabanas returned to the soccer field, with third-division club 12 de Octubre, from his native town of Itaugua.The striker started the friendly match from the kick-off, before 12 de Octubre coach Rolando Chilavert replaced him in the 15th minute.
"My dream has come true," stated Cabanas, before stepping onto the field in Itaugua, 30km east of Paraguayan capital Asuncion. "Last night I couldn't sleep because I was anxious about returning to play."