Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Tevez haunts former club


Carlos Tevez stole the show as Manchester City claimed a 2-1 win over Manchester United in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

Ryan Giggs bundled the Red Devils in front during a keenly-fought derby encounter, but Roberto Mancini's side hit back to edge a step closer to Wembley.

Eastland was rocking prior to kick-off, but it did not take United long to dampen the raucous atmosphere.

The visitors settled much the quicker and went in front after only 17 minutes when Antonio Valencia delivered from the right and Giggs, after Wayne Rooney had prodded the ball off Shay Given's chest, tapped into an empty net.

The Red Devils looked in full control of proceedings for much of the first half, but conceded a penalty three minutes before the interval when Rafael tugged on Craig Bellamy's shirt.

The infringement appeared to occur outside the box, but Bellamy tumbled inside the area and Tevez made no mistake from the spot as he blasted high into the net to haul the tie level.

The Argentina international was desperate to leave a lasting impression against his former employers, and he made sure he would be turning the game on its head after the break.

United failed to deal with a Bellamy corner on 65 minutes and once Vincent Kompany hooked the ball back into the box, Tevez was on hand to nod home from close range and send the blue half of Manchester into dreamland.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Henry escapes FIFA measures



France star Thierry Henry will not be punished for his handball in last November's World Cup qual. play-off against the Republic of Ireland.

FIFA's disciplinary committee concluded there was "no legal foundation" for them to deal with the case.

This means Henry will not face a ban for any matches of this summer's World Cup.

FIFA said in a statement: "The disciplinary committee reached the conclusion that there was no legal foundation for the committee to consider the case because handling the ball cannot be regarded as a serious infringement as stipulated in article 77a) of the FIFA disciplinary code.

"There is no other legal text that would allow the committee to impose sanctions for any incidents missed by match officials."

Henry's handball in the run-up to William Gallas' decisive goal in the World Cup play-off qualifier ended the Republic's dreams of qualifying for the finals in South Africa.

The Football Association of Ireland were infuriated by the goal and demanded a replay, then even suggested they should be allowed to go to the World Cup as a 33rd team.

FIFA dismissed their demands but did agree to have another look at the possibility of using video evidence in the future, and instructed the disciplinary committee to investigate possible action against the 32-year-old former Arsenal hero.

Henry's defence today argued successfully that FIFA's disciplinary code does not give the committee the ability to punish such incidents.

Under current rules, only the illegal use of a hand to prevent a goal being scored is covered in relation to possible sanctions.

Guti considers Real exit


Guti has paved the way for a possible exit from Real Madrid after declaring he would love to experience playing abroad.

The midfielder has endured a troubled relationship with some Real coaches he has played under down the years and current boss Manuel Pellegrini appears to be no exception.

Prior to the clash with Mallorca last week, where Guti came on for the final seven minutes, the 33-year-old hadn't played for the first-team since the embarrassing 4-0 Copa del Rey defeat to minnows Alcoron in October.

Following the defeat Guti and Pellegrini were said to have had fallen out but the playmaker, who is in his 14th season at the Bernabeu having risen through club's youth ranks, angrily stated to journalists last week that his absence was down to injury.

"I would like to end my contract at Real Madrid but it is also true that I would love to be able to play for another team," he said.

"To be able to enjoy another culture, to be able to enjoy another life, other team-mates, another league."

Friday, January 15, 2010

Bayern determined to keep Ribery


Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says the club are willing to 'invest a lot' to keep Franck Ribery at the Allianz Arena.

The France international has been persistently linked with Europe's other top clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The 26-year-old has a contract with the German giants until June 2011 and the Bayern chairman says the club are keen to extend it.

Rummenigge told Munich daily newspapers AZ and TZ: "Our goal is to prolong Franck's contract, I will do as much as I can to keep him in Bayern."

The French playmaker has been out since the start of October with a persistent knee injury.

He is not expected to play until Bayern's Bundesliga match at Bremen on 23rd January as - while the knee injury has now healed - in-growing toe nails on both feet have restricted Ribery's training so far this year.

Despite his absence, Rummenigge has hailed the player's importance to the club, who face a UEFA Champions League last 16 clash against Fiorentina next month.

The chairman added: "Louis van Gaal (Bayern's coach) has said he is convinced of Ribery's talent and his importance for Bayern.

"Franck is without question the best player in the Bundesliga."

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Betting Online

Here are a few recommended sites if you want to start betting on the internet:


www.bet365.com
www.betfair.com
www.betoto.com
www.bwin.com
www.sport.888.com
www.unibet.co.uk
www2.williamhill.com


Make sure you don't go over the top though. Good luck!

Demel to Sunderland?


Hamburg SV defender Guy Demel has confirmed Sunderland are one of the clubs chasing his signature.

The Ivorian defender is attracting interest from several leading clubs across Europe, including AC Milan, with his contract set to expire this summer.

Demel, currently on international duty at the African Cup of Nations, claims he will not force a move in the January transfer window unless his club are willing to cash in.

"I am unaware of all those rumours, but I am in touch with my player agent and he told me there would be clubs keen on me," Demel told Hamburger Morgenpost.

"I am aware Sunderland FC is interested in me, I have been further told that one or more club from England and also AC Milan would be ready to move for me.

"But I am still a player of Hamburger SV and have liked it at Hamburg very much. I am still part of this squad, though."

Demel managed to reach 98 caps in the Bundesliga, also scoring twice.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010