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Ghana vs Mali: Black Stars pressured to win bronze and cool down ungrateful fans
The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations has entered its very last stage. Ghana and Mali will fight for bronze on Saturday before Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia will vie for the golden trophy on Sunday.
The road to reach the Last 4 for the teams involved has been long. Mali will be content with a third-place finish considering the caliber of their opponents in each knock-out fixture. Ousting Aubameyang’s Gabon on penalties against the odds was a remarkable achievement to do in the quarter-finals. Falling to Cote d’Ivoire on a 1-0 score line in the semi-finals was heartbreaking but not humiliating. The Elephants are arguably Africa’s team to beat currently so it would have required fire from heaven to destroy them and put Mali into the final.
In a rematch of Group D’s Ghana vs Mali encounter, the Eagles will strive for revenge. They have a genuine chance of punishing the Black Stars. Confusion and pressure has put pre-tournament favorites Ghana in an awkward position ahead of Saturday’s third-place final battle.
Chelsea vs Manchester United: Five tips the Red Devils should follow to win at Stamford Bridge
Sir Alex Ferguson's men haven't won at Stamford Bridge in a decade. Here are some tips they should follow to reverse this statistic.
The Red Devils may have had the upper hand over their rivals at Stamford Bridge over the years, but this has changed dramatically over the last decade as since the 2002-03 Premier League season Sir Alex Ferguson's side haven't won a single game at the venue after nine attempts.Chelsea have been dominant at the Bridge, after having obtained six wins and three draws over United during this period in official Premier League games.
However, with three defeats in eleven home games this season, beating Chelsea at the Bridge may not be impossible any more. United have barely lost a single away game this season, and if they manage to find gaps in the leaky Chelsea defence they are more than capable of returning to Old Trafford with the three points.
Do Juventus have what it takes to win their first Scudetto since the 2002-03 Serie A season?
La Vecchia Signora have yet to taste defeat this term and everything seems to indicate that the title will be theirs.
With Italy's Serie A at its mid-point stage, there's no question as to whom are the favourites to clinch the Scudetto come the end of the season. Juventus, Italy's most storied club with a staggering 27 league championships to their name, have been unstoppable this season, and they currently lead the Serie A with 44 points, one point more than their closest rivals AC Milan, and also with a game in hand.Juventus, who last won the Italian championship in their 2002-03 campaign, have undergone a rebuilding process since being relegated to the Serie B following the Calciopoli scandal, but finally after many years of difficulty it seems that La Vecchia Signora are back on their way to returning to being the force that they once were.
Can Real Madrid win La Liga this season?
Seven points ahead of Barcelona, Real Madrid is poised to win La Liga this season.
Barca’s away-day blues is no secret- they have dropped 13 points away from home. With each point they have dropped, they have found Madrid ahead of them bit by bit. Barca has dropped points in seven matches so far this season. Real Madrid has dropped points in just three matches.Jose Mourinho’s team has been outdoing other sides in style this season. With the exception of two blips at the beginning of the season, Madrid has won every game with the exception of the match against Barcelona. Madrid lost to Levante and drew with Real Sociedad in the other two games where they lost.
Will Arsenal be able to end a run of defeats with a win over Bolton?
Arsenal is coming into this match on a low due to three Premier League defeats while Bolton is coming into the match on a high.
The build-up to this match will perhaps primarily focus on Arsene Wenger following his poor substitution against Manchester United on Sunday. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain had been the co-star of the Arsenal attack on Sunday. Wenger however took the player off at a time when Arsenal looked the side capable of scoring a winner.The substitution caused great uproar in the stands as it did on the pitch. Robin Van Persie defied his coach’s decision and the cameras caught him ‘in the moment’. Van Persie spoke at length afterwards about his relationship with his coach. According to him, things were absolutely fine in the Arsenal ranks.
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.
Penarol win the Copa Bimbo after hitting four past Palestino on Sunday
The 2011 Copa Libertadores finalists won the four-team tournament after a dominant display against the Chileans.
Uruguayan giants Penarol defeated Palestino of Chile 4-2 at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo on Sunday to win the Copa Bimbo.Penarol won the match courtesy of two goals each from Emiliano Albin and Santiago Silva. While Nicolas Canales and David Llanos scored for the visitors.
After dominating their opponents at the beginning of the match, Penarol finally went ahead in the 28th minute when Albin dribbled past two Palestino defenders before beating goalkeeper Felipe Nunez with a well-placed shot from the edge of the area.
Pedro Carmona gives Palmeiras stoppage-time win over Ajax Amsterdam
The Brazilian outfit obtained a last-gasp victory over the Dutch champions at the Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo.
Palmeiras beat Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam 1-0 in an international friendly match that was staged at the Pacaembu stadium in Sao Paulo on Saturday. The only goal of the match was scored by Pedro Carmona in second-half stoppage-time.In their opening match of the year, Palmeiras paid tribute to legendary goalkeeper Marcos, who put an end to an accomplished twenty-year career at the conclusion of 2011.
The game started at a frantic pace, as both sides went looking for a goal. Ajax almost went ahead when Christian Eriksen sent a precise through ball between two Palmeiras defenders, and into the path of Siem de Jong, but the striker flashed his shot awfully wide when he had the goal at his mercy.
Landslide win for Messi over Ronaldo and Xavi in 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or triumph
Lionel Messi can rest assured. The Barcelona and Argentina forward will most likely retire as a widely acclaimed legend.
The FIFA Awards gala took place on Monday night without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid. In fact, the stage was set for Messi to create history. The explosive play maker scooped his third straight FIFA Ballon d’Or award to match the record of France’s great Michel Platini.Lionel Messi (44.78%) cruised to an emphatic win against the likes of nominees Cristiano Ronaldo (21.60%) and Xavi Hernandez (9.23%). Brazilian legend Ronaldo handed the prize to La Pulga, who stated afterwards:
“It’s a huge pleasure to win the third time, a big honour. I want to thank the teammates, players and coaches that voted for me. I want to thank my Barcelona and Argentina teammates, without them this would have been impossible.”
FA Cup holder Joe Hart warns Man City to forget about their 6-1 Man United win
The last time Manchester City faced Manchester United, the derby produced a total of 7 goals – 6 for the Citizens and a single one for the Red Devils.
“That’s in the past, now. It’s gone for us but it’s also gone for them because they have produced some great form since,” goalkeeper Joe Hart said according to Manchester City’s official website.The English shot stopper is preparing for Sunday’s big showdown against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Hart is fresh from a terrific encounter against Liverpool which ended 3-0 for his side. The Citizens have the backing of their proud supporters to defeat Manchester United yet again.
The Red Devils are actually in emergency mode after losing twice on the trot in the English Premier League. Among various predictions from football fans and pundits, Manchester City have been tipped to sink Ferguson’s men in more troubles. The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium is high but despite being pleased, Joe Hart has urged his team mates not to get carried away.
Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning goalkeeper Marcos retires at 38
The Palmeiras legend decided to call it a day after an accomplished 20-year career.
Marcos, the goalkeeper of Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph in Korea/Japan, announced his official retirement from soccer at the age of 38."He reunited with friends and family and he said that his body indicated that it was time to call it quits," Cesar Sampaio, the director of Palmeiras, the only club that Marcos played for for the duration of his 20-year career, announced to the press.
Palmeiras affirmed that the goalkeeper will play a farewell match at some point of the year, but have yet to announce against which team. Next week the club will setup a press conference in which the player will explain his reason for retirement and what he plans for the future. In recent days Marcos admitted that he would like to remain at Palmeiras, but in a different role.
Who is the most likely Candidate to Win the Bundesliga title?
The top four teams are separated by only four points. This Bundesliga title race has the makings of a very intense and special one.
Marco Reus today dedicated himself to the club that rejected him not too long ago, Borussia Dortmund following the end of the current season. In retrospect, that transfer was a rivalry between Bayern and Dortmund, with Dortmund triumphing again. Bayern had targeted Reus publicly and as we all know, Bayern does not like to lose out in any aspect to their rivals.Bayern nonetheless has the edge where it really matters- the Bundesliga title race. They are comfortably at the top with a three point lead over the Ruhr sides and a four point lead over Moenchengladbach. Two sides who have contended in recent seasons sit fifth and sixth in table: Bremen and Leverkusen.
Manchester City regain upper hand in title race with 3-0 win over Liverpool
Manchester City opened up a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League table by cruising to a convincing win over sixth placed Liverpool.
City bounced back quickly from their New Year’s Day defeat at the hands of Sunderland, while this result snapped a five game unbeaten streak for the Reds.Liverpool started without the suspended Luis Suarez, but had the first chance to score when winger Stewart Downing was denied by a Joe Hart save.
Hart’s exploits were not matched by Pepe Reina at the other end, and the Spanish goalkeeper gifted City a 10th minute lead when he allowed Sergio Aguero’s long distance shot to slip underneath his body.
City carried the play after Aguero’s strike, and almost doubled their lead when Edin Dzeko’s shot was deflected wide of the goalpost.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 Chelsea 2: Has Frank Lampard’s late winner kept Chelsea’s title dream alive?
Frank Lampard struck an 89th minute winning goal to give fourth placed Chelsea a vital 2-1 win at Wolves.
Brazilian midfielder Ramires opened the scoring for Chelsea during the second half, before Stephen Ward equalized in the 84th minute. The Wolves fans thought their side had earned a battling point, but Lampard broke the hearts of the Molineux faithful when he volleyed home Ashley Cole’s cross.Wolves almost took a first minute lead, but David Jones cold not finish after pouncing on Jose Bosingwa’s errant back-pass.
The visitors settled into the game and began to dominate possession for long spells. Heavily criticized striker Fernando Torres looked sharp in the opening exchanges, and released Juan Mata with a slick through ball, only for Wayne Hennessey to rush out and smother the shot.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard makes goal-scoring return in 3-1 win over Newcastle United
Steven Gerrard continued his long awaited return from injury by netting Liverpool’s third goal as they beat Newcastle 3-1.
Newcastle had taken a first half lead through a Daniel Agger own goal, but two goals by Welsh striker Craig Bellamy put the Reds in charge. Gerrard then sealed the win with a good finish that lifted the roof off Anfield.Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages without creating any clear cut chances, but the Magpes stunned Anfield by taking a 25th minute lead against the run of play.
Ryan Taylor’s probing cross was flicked on by Yohan Cabaye, and Danish defender Agger deflected the ball past Jose Reina and into his own net.
The goal brought an almost immediate response from Liverpool. Charlie Adam sent in a low cross that was only half cleared by Cheick Tiote. Bellamy seized upon the clearance, and beat Tim Krul with a low finish into the corner.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in fight to win their last game of the year 2011
The year 2011 will end with the English Premier League’s 19th Matchday. Liverpool and Newcastle will provide Friday’s only game as Saturday will be packed with more action.
Remarkably, Liverpool have never lost at Anfield in the league but they haven’t managed to pick up enough points on home soil either. From a possible 27 points, the Merseyside Reds have won just 15. This is the result of their 3 victories and 6 draws at Anfield.
“If you want to be really positive you could say we are undefeated at home but we've said before we don't want to set our standards that low,” Kenny Dalglish miserably told reporters on Thursday.
“We want to be winning our home games as often as we possibly can and we've certainly given ourselves opportunities to have won every home game. We haven't done that but we will keep going and we believe we will do.”
How will Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas revamp his squad during the January transfer window?
Andre Villas-Boas acknowledged this week that Chelsea’s challenge to win the Premier League could be “over.”
Speaking after the 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Fulham, Villas-Boas told BBC Sport that “with City and United continuing to get the points they are getting, it’ll be difficult. Maybe the Premier League is over for us at the moment.”It is a common belief of fans and pundits that one of the biggest tasks facing AVB is revamping an aging squad.
This January, Villas-Boas will have an opportunity to revamp the Chelsea dressing room, and if he truly believes that this season’s title bid is “over,” what better time to do it?
With half a season left, AVB would have time to bed in players who would fit his system and style of play if he was to make moves in January, rather than waiting for next summer.
As far as incoming transfer targets for Chelsea, players from AVB’s former club FC Porto are an obvious choice. Not only does Villas-Boas have a good relationship with many of them, but Porto’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League could mean they cash in on some of their big name stars.
Will Van Persie Win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2012?
Robin Van Persie is having a special season. With three goals in the final two matches, he will become the owner of a very special record.
Even by his standards, Robin Van Persie is having a special season. In 17 matches to date in the Premier League, the Dutchman has struck 16 times. Arsenal has garnered a large chunk of their points to date thanks to winning goals of amazing quality scored by none other than their captain. Alan Shearer scored 36 goals in one year in the Premier League. He holds the record for the most Premier League goals scored in a calendar year. Van Persie has scored 34 goals this year. He could be the owner of this record at the end of the year. He is currently the leading scorer in the Premier League.
Rampant Manchester United step up title challenge with 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic
Manchester United continued their dominant form with a resounding 5-0 win over relegation strugglers Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day.
Dimitar Berbatov netted a hat-trick for United, while Park Ji-Sung and Antonio Valencia also got themselves on the score sheet. Striker Connor Sammon was sent off for Wigan, who are now left deep in the relegation mire.United have now drawn level on points with league leading Manchester City, after the Citizens were held to a 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion.
Wigan are left in the relegation zone one point adrift of safety. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers are the teams directly above Wigan, and will play tomorrow at Arsenal and Swansea City respectively.
United entered this game looking for a fourth straight win, while Wigan will have had their confidence boosted by draws against Chelsea and Liverpool in their previous two games.
Is Manchester City’s title bid about to face a winter of discontent?
Manchester City have been in phenomenal domestic form so far this season. The blue half of Manchester sit top of the table, and made a statement by beating rivals Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford.
It is now impossible to argue that City are anything other than a legitimate title contender.A game on a cold, winter night against a big, physical team was one many critics believed that City’s “pampered, foreign millionaires” would struggle to cope with.
However, that theory took a hit last Wednesday when Stoke City came to the Etihad Stadium on…..a cold, winter night. The Stoke team that has been engineered by Tony Pulis is designed to make things physically difficult for opponents, and ask questions of opposing defenses at set pieces.
Rather than becoming flustered by Stoke, City simply dominated the game from the outset. Sergio Aguero and Adam Johnson gave City a 2-0 half-time lead, while a second Aguero strike after the interval rounded out a comfortable 3-0 win that means City will celebrate Christmas day on top of the Premier League.