UEFA/EU action plan against violence ...

UEFA President Michel Platini and European Commission Vice-President Franco Frattini have agreed a new action plan against violence in sport, which targets football hooliganism in particular.

Brussels conference
Today's initiative came at the end of a two-day conference in Brussels, jointly organised by the European Commission, the Portuguese EU Presidency, the European Parliament and UEFA.

Training programme
Vice-President Frattini has suggested a European training programme for operational police officers and stadium stewards, which will raise standards and spread best practice across the continent. The new programme could start as early as 2008, and will complement UEFA's existing Stadium and Security Education Programme, which operates in 53 national football associations.

Historic moment
Mr Platini congratulated Vice-President Frattini, saying the plans would mark "a historic moment in European co-operation against violence in sport. The only route to success is through a partnership between the EU, its member states, their police forces and UEFA."

'Extremely encouraged'
Vice-President Frattini said: "I was extremely encouraged by the conclusions reached at today's conference and the involvement of UEFA, under the inspiring leadership of Michel Platini. For my part, I have committed to following up proposals in three important areas. Firstly, in consultation with CEPOL [European Police College] and with the assistance of EUROPOL, we will establish an EU-wide training curriculum for those involved in policing sports events. Secondly, we would like to utilise better EUROPOL's crime threat assessment capacity and their ability to identify – early – potential hooligans. Finally, I also commit to further exploring the viability of joint police reaction teams to control large-scale sporting events in Europe."

Strong backing
Today's initiative gives strong backing to the EU's Football Safety and Security Experts Group, which comprises interior ministries, National Football Information Points and high-level police representatives. UEFA works closely with the Experts Group, which will now begin to design the training programme as part of its wider efforts.

2008 conference
At the end of the Brussels conference, Mr Platini and Vice-President Frattini agreed to hold a second conference in 2008 to look at criminal phenomena in sport, such as money-laundering, match-fixing and illegal betting.

Ronaldo scores against previous club …

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo hit a stoppage-time stunner that clinched a 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon Tuesday and ensured his side will finish top of Champions League Group F.

United trailed after Tomasz Kuszczak misjudged Abel's long range strike but Carlos Tevez came off the bench to equalize and Ronaldo stole the points at Old Trafford with a superb free-kick.

Sir Alex Ferguson's under-strength team rarely hit peak form against a determined Sporting team, but they can now afford to take it easy in their final match at Roma Dec. 12.

The United boss had made it clear he wanted to win the group so they would face one of the runners-up in the first knockout round and avoid the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Ronaldo's winner eliminated his former club from the race to qualify alongside United.

ROMA 4 KIEV 1 Roma breezed into the Champions' League knockout phase and ended the UEFA Cup hopes of Dynamo Kiev after thrashing the Ukrainian champions 4-1 in their group F clash in Kiev Tuesday.

Roma's Montenegran striker Mirko Vucinic netted a double while veteran defender Christian Panucci and Ludovic Giuly added one apiece.

Guinean striker Ismael Bangoura could only sweeten a bitter pill for Dynamo with his second-half consolation goal, but in the end it was not enough for Kiev's hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

STUTTGART 3 RANGERS 2 Rangers went down 3-2 to battling VfB Stuttgart Tuesday but can still reach the Champions League knockout phase if they draw with Lyon in their final group game.

With the French side drawing with Group E leaders Barcelona, the Scots can hold on to the second spot and qualify if they avoid defeat at home Dec. 12.

CHELSEA PUNISHED Chelsea have been charged with failing to control their players after Michael Essien was sent-off during their 2-0 Premier League win away to Derby last weekend.

Several Chelsea players surrounded referee Andre Marriner after he'd issued a straight red card to Essien for a push on Kenny Miller in stoppage time.

Kirsten almost certain to take over as India coach…

Former South African opening batsman Gary Kirsten will take over as new Indian coach next week, a top cricket board official told on Tuesday.

Kirsten will join the team on December 3, just two weeks before India leave for Australia to play four Tests and a triangular One-day series also featuring Sri Lanka.

"We have decided to appoint Kirsten as the coach. A formal announcement will be made in Kolkata," the official said on condition of anonymity.

India will take on Pakistan in the second Test in Kolkata on Friday. Kirsten, 40, was interviewed here on Monday by a coach selection committee comprising among others former captains Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri and Srinivasan Venkataraghavan.

The left-handed South African opener quit international cricket in 2004 after scoring 7,289 runs in 101 Tests.

India have been without a regular coach since April, when former Australian captain Greg Chappell resigned after the South Asian nation's shock first-round exit from the World Cup in the Caribbean.

Three men have been in temporary charge since then after South Africa's Graham Ford, who coaches English county Kent, turned down an offer from the cash-rich Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Former all-rounder Shastri managed the team for the tour of Bangladesh in May. Veteran Chandu Borde, 73, took over during the visit to Ireland and England from July to September.

Former Mumbai first-class cricketer Lalchand Rajput then took charge at the inaugural Twenty20 Worlds in South Africa in September, which India won, and continued for the home One-dayers against Australia and Pakistan.

Familiar Foes for World cup draw --- England Vs Croatia

England have been paired with Euro 2008 nemesis Croatia in the qualifying draw for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Three Lions are in Group 6 and will also tackle Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra.

England were beaten home and away by Slaven Bilic's men in their miserable Euro 2008 campaign with Steve McClaren having his contract as manager terminated less than 12 hours after the 3-2 reverse at Wembley.

Scotland are in Group 9 and will come up against Holland, Norway, Macedonia and Iceland on the road to South Africa.

Wales are again paired with Germany, who they drew 0-0 with in their final Euro 2008 qualifier, and also face Russia, Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein in Group 4.

Northern Ireland, who came so close to qualifying for Euro 2008, are in Group 3 along with Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and San Marino.

Republic of Ireland face reigning champions Italy in Group 8 and must also meet Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro.

Top ten celebrations in World cup History ...

Group 1 has Portugal as the top seeds and they must overcome Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania and Malta.

Reigning European champions Greece, who pushed England out of the leading pot of seeds, are in Group 2 alongside Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia and Luxembourg.

France, beaten in the 2006 World Cup final, meet Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria and Faroe Islands in Group 7.

And Group 5 contains Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia and Estonia.

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the World Cup finals with the eight best runners-up going into a two-legged play-off for the remaining four spots.

Ronaldo rested as United lose against Bolten …

Sir Alex Ferguson may have had to spend the second half of this match watching from the stands, but it was Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the United bench that cost the champions the more dearly. Few would argue that their talismanic forward deserved a rest after scoring 10 goals in his last 11 games or that Bolton - in theory - were obvious opponents against whom to take that rest, but why leave him out completely, particularly when Wayne Rooney was injured? That's what United fans must have been asking themselves afterwards.

How they needed his Midas touch front of goal yesterday. United made the mistake of underestimating Bolton and paid the price. They started the match not unlike an England team who expect the opposition to roll over. But the days of Wanderers doing that seem to be past: they are now unbeaten in four league games since Gary Megson succeeded Sammy Lee, but this was his first win in charge - and what a match to get it in!

By the time United had discovered some passion and purpose, they were chasing the game and Bolton hung on for a deserved victory which took them out of the bottom three. Coincidentally, the man who enabled Arsenal to move three points clear of United at the top of the table was the former Gunner, Nicolas Anelka, whom Ferguson has tried to buy on a few occasions and apparently will be trying to hire again come the January transfer window.

The last time Bolton beat United at home Frank Worthington was plying his trade - ah, happy days of skill and technique. Neutrals and United fans alike had hoped that the English champions would restore a bit of national pride after the humiliation of midweek and Ferguson had even expressed hopes on the eve of the match of his side entering their "golden period" of the season when they traditionally kick on. Instead the opposite was true.

For a team who have rattled four goals past Bolton in three of their last four meetings, United were surprisingly shot-shy. In the first half, they did not have a single shot on target, in fact they barely had a shot. And even when they did rouse themselves in the second half, they never caused Jussi Jaaskelainen in goal any great distress. The Finn has had to deal with a lot greater pressure this season.

Any hopes Rio Ferdinand might have had of putting the European Championship debacle swiftly behind him weren't helped by boos from the Bolton crowd right from the start whenever he touched the ball. And cries of "Argentina" from the travelling United fans whenever Tevez did got short shrift from the home fans.

From the early minutes Danny Guthrie, on loan from Liverpool, had been a lively threat to United and when Patrice Evra fouled him just outside the box in the 12th minute it proved decisive. Ivan Campo's little chip into the area would have been meat and drink to the absent Nemanja Vidic and should have been to Gerard Pique, his deputy. But inexplicably the Spaniard chose to step forward leaving Anelka completely unmarked and as a result the ball sailed over his head.

The Frenchman doesn't need much space at the best of times and here had plenty in which to chest the ball down and fire it home on the turn. Anelka is as much a talismanic figure for Bolton as Ronaldo is for United and has now scored seven of his team's 12 league goals this season. "Because of the quality that he's got and the person he is, he's always going to take the headlines," said Megson. "What pleases me is that the other players at the club accept that, which from a team perspective is fantastic."

Things could have got quickly worse for United. Other referees might have sent Evra off when he flicked out a foot at Kevin Davies three minutes after the goal but Mark Clattenburg did not even show him a yellow card. Ferguson might have done well to bear that in mind when he had his half-time rant at the referee who banished him to the stands. Davies and the Frenchman had enjoyed a running feud for most of the first half.

With the Brazilian Andersson on for Pique after an hour, it seemed United would scramble away from the Reebok with an undignified draw, especially when a cross from Evra found Tevez unmarked three yards out. But the Argentine, just back from international duty and looking slightly jaded, somehow steered his shot wide of goal.

McClaren pays for England's failure ...

Steve McClaren has been dismissed as manager along with his assistant Terry Venables following the 3-2 defeat against Croatia which ended England's hopes of reaching UEFA EURO 2008™.

At a meeting of the Football Association (FA) board this morning, it was decided to terminate both McClaren and Venables' contracts following a disastrous end to the campaign. England needed just a point against Croatia to qualify, but came unstuck on a heavy pitch at Wembley. FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: "Like every England fan, we are all bitterly disappointed that we have failed to qualify, and I know Steve feels that disappointment more than anyone."

Former Middlesbrough FC manager McClaren took over from Sven-Göran Eriksson after the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals with a mission to take England to next summer's competition in Austria and Switzerland. Thompson said: "Of course we have no divine right to play in major tournaments, but it is quite right that qualification is expected. I would like to thank Steve for the work he has done since taking on the position last summer. His commitment to the job could not be questioned and I wish him the best for the future."

FA chief executive Brian Barwick has been charged with searching for a new coach and will report back to the board with recommendations, although there is no deadline for when the next manager will be named. Thompson said: "The recruitment process for the new coach begins now and we will do everything to get the right man for the job." England finished third in Group E behind section winners Croatia and Russia, who took second place with a 1-0 win in Andorra in their final qualifier.

EURO 2008 : Final places to be decided today !!!

Article from ESPNSTAR : With just under 200 days to the kick off of Euro 2008, the remaining four of the sixteen finals places are up for grabs today.

Two teams in three of the seven groups have already qualified. However, group winners will be seeded for the World Cup 2010 qualifying draw on Sunday, so that is today’s incentive for Italy and France in group B, Czech Rep and Germany in Group D, and Romania and the Netherlands in Group G.

In Groups A, C, E and F qualification spots are all to play for with only Greece certain of topping their group.

In Group A, Portugal face Finland in a crucial final game where a Finnish win would see the Portuguese fail to qualify. Poland play Serbia away, looking to hold onto top spot. Serbia versus Kazakhstan was twice called off last weekend due to heavy snow in Belgrade and will now be played on Saturday, by which time it will be meaningless should today the Serbs fail to beat Poland or Finland not defeat Portugal. However, two wins can potentially still see Serbia through, and Portugal are still capable of topping the group.

espnstar.com’s forecast: 1st: Portugal, 2nd Poland

In Group B, Italy look set to ensure top spot today with a home game against the Faroes and avoid repeating their 1984 shame in failing to qualify for the European finals while being world champions. France play the Ukraine away in what might have been a tricky final game had there been more to play for.

espnstar.com’s forecast: 1st Italy, 2nd France

Group C was comfortably won by Euro 2004 winners Greece before the weekend, but the battle for second place took an interesting turn with Turkey’s 2-1 away win at Norway which took them above their hosts and into second place. A home win today against Bosnia will send the Turks through at the expense of the Norwegians, who play Malta away.

espnstar.com’s forecast: 1st Greece, 2nd Turkey

In Group D, the Czech Republic and Germany both enjoyed comfortable victories and remain level at the top, with the Czechs boasting the better head to head record. Germany hope to beat Wales at home today to put pressure on their fellow Euro 96 finalists for top spot, which is still up for grabs as the Karel Bruckner’s outfit travel to Cyprus who boast a strong home record this campaign, including comfortable wins over Ireland and Wales and a draw with Germany.

espnstar.com’s forecast: 1st Czech Rep, 2nd Germany

In Group E, a 2-0 England win over Croatia at Wembley would see them top the group, while a draw would be enough for them to eliminate Guus Hiddink’s Russia, who play Andorra away.

espnstar.com’s forecast: 1st England, 2nd Croatia

In Group F, Spain top the group while Sweden require a point at home to Latvia to qualify. Northern Ireland need to win in Spain and hope that Latvia win in Sweden.

espnstar.com’s forecast: 1st Spain 2nd Sweden

In Group G, re-emerging Romania qualified prior to this weekend and will top the group with a home win over Albania today. Holland’s unconvincing 1-0 home win over Luxembourg confirmed their attendance in Austria and Switzerland next year, holding off Bulgaria who handed the group leaders their first loss this campaign.

espnstar.com’s forecast: 1st Romania, 2nd Holland

Terry may comeback for the crucial game …

England captain John Terry is hoping to make a comeback for England against Croatia in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

Terry has completed his rehabilitation from a knee operation and will report for training with Steve McClaren's squad ahead of the crucial game at Wembley.

The defender, who has not played for Chelsea since injuring himself in training the day before last month's England defeat in Russia, was among the England players who met up last night at their Hertfordshire hotel.

His presence would be a huge boost for England as Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is suspended, while Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen have been ruled out through injury.

Terry's return would also cap a remarkable few days in England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign after Israel shocked Russia with a 2-1 victory in Tel Aviv on Saturday.

Chelsea coach Avram Grant has told his captain that he can play against Croatia if he is fit.

Grant has also said that Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole will be fit for Wednesday's game, despite missing Chelsea's draw at home to Everton last week and England's victory over Austria in a friendly on Friday night.

"Chelsea have the best two left-backs in England, and Ashley Cole is fit for England," said Grant.

Ray of Hope for England at Wembley …

England's prayers for a miracle in the Holy Land that would resurrect their Euro 2008 qualifying hopes were answered in spectacular style last night. Indignant and hurt by all the conspiracy theories, of which there were more swirling around in the Tel Aviv night than in the Paris courtroom where the inquest into Princess Diana's death drags on, Israel raised themselves to post a historic win against Russia in the Ramat Gan Stadium that handed England a reprieve.

It means qualification for next summer's jamboree in the Austrian and Swiss mountains is not only back in England hands but also, having stared at elimination only 24 hours earlier, they can now confirm their safe passage with just a draw against group leaders Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday. Croatia, with their qualification guaranteed by Russia's defeat, lost 2-0 in Macedonia.

England manager Steve McClaren expressed his gratitude to Israel for their battling performance, and said he was confident England would grab the opportunity to confirm their place in the Euro 2008 finals.
"It will be difficult, but I am convinced we will get the result we need and we will qualify," he said.
"I have said several times in the last few weeks, the campaign was not over until it was over. I always believed it would come down to the Croatia game, and thankfully it has.

"I watched the match with my family at the team hotel in Watford. All the coaching staff were also in the hotel and, as you can imagine, we are all delighted qualification is back in our own hands.

"It is fantastic news for us all and I would like to pay tribute to Israel for the professional way they went about their job. They showed what a proud nation they are, and they deserve a lot of praise for their efforts."

Israel, whose own dreams of making the finals had already evaporated, may have had nothing to play for in competitive terms but their pride was wounded by all the stories that they would lie down like lambs. Their performances shamed all who believed that a Russia victory here was pre-ordained, however it was achieved.

After England's 2-1 defeat in Moscow last month, it looked as though the Russian Bear, not the Three Lions, would be heading to next summer's finals. Now McClaren, who had been ridiculed for his team selection and tactics and seemed certain to be sacked this week, can become a hero with a result against Croatia.

As usual with England, it may not be straightforward, especially now that they will be without Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, the latter injured in that meaningless friendly against Austria in Vienna on Friday.

Without the team's leading strike pair it could still go wrong, though England have won all three of their competitive matches at the new Wembley without conceding a goal.Last night's result in Tel Aviv was a remarkable stroke of good fortune for McClaren, just as it proved a painful night for Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who had reportedly offered the Russian players £40,000 in bonuses to qualify.

For much of the night their young team froze like England had done so many times in qualifying, struggling to find any cohesion and to impose any dominance on an Israel team who played without any inhibitions or fear. Had Russia won, McClaren would have faced 90 minutes of abuse in what would have been a meaningless final fixture at Wembley. While he may still not find the supporters chanting his name, he will settle for them cheering his team to therafters.McClaren had not dared to believe that Israel could beat Guus Hiddink's Russia side, hoping only that they could hold out for a courageous point. But Russia's defence had already been left dangerously exposed before Israel's 10th-minute opening goal, with Barak Itzhaki providing an opportunity which Elyaniv Barda put away with the outside of his boot.

Russia finally roused themselves to find an equaliser on the hour from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov. But, despite dominating from then on, they left themselves open to Omer Golan's breakaway winner.

Cairns supports Indian Cricket League …

New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns believes Indian Cricket League is a golden opportunity for youngsters to play alongside great players and should not be seen as a rebel body.

"Many people thought ICL would never happen. Its detractors thought it would never take off but now they are all set to hold the tournament," Cairns said.

"I do not see ICL as being in conflict with BCCI. It should not be seen like that. In fact, it's an opportunity for players to explore their talent," said Cairns, captain of Chandigarh Lions, one of the six teams playing in ICL's Twenty20 venture starting in Panchkula on November 30.

Another Chandigarh Lions player, Pakistan batsman Imran Farhat said ICL is doing a great job for cricket as it will provide a platform for budding players to hone their skills.

Asked about poor performance of the Pakistan team in the ODI series against India, 25-year-old Farhat said that captain Shoaib Malik should be given time to settle down.

"You cannot blame him. It is time when he needs support. I also believe that players have been shuffled which has resulted in their not performing to their optimum limit," he said in a media conference.

"I think Pakistan is still looking for a combination that will click for them," he said.

Both Cairns and Farhat praised India's ODI skipper MS Dhoni and said his mettle will be tested over the next few months.

"He is showing signs of a good captain. However, he is still going through a honeymoon phase and his real test will be over the next few months," 37-year old Cairns said.

On Twenty20 cricket, Cairns said it was exciting and pulsating.

"The complexion of whole game can change in just two overs. There is a lot of luck involved in this and the players also enjoy it as it puts less pressure on them. however, real mettle of a player can only be tested in the longer version of the game," he said.

In a lighter vein, each player of Chandigarh Lions were asked about their favourite Indian actress.

Cairns is bowled over by green-eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai, whom he described as a "wonderful actress".

Chelsea looking for Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho ..

Chelsea are ready to offer Barcelona $88-million (around R590-million) for their Brazilian star midfielder Ronaldinho, reports said on Thursday.

The Catalan daily Sport newspaper, which has close ties to Barcelona, said Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is "convinced that the signing of Ronaldinho would be magnificent from all points of view" and has made it a top priority for the next season.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has discussed Chelsea's interest in the player with Barcelona officials during meetings of the G14, which represents 18 of Europe's top clubs.

Chelsea's bid for the playmaker will include German international Michael Ballack, who came close to signing with Barcelona while he was at Bayern Munich.



Last month Barcelona vice-president Ferran Soriano said Ronaldinho, who has also been linked to a move to Italian side AC Milan, was not for sale.

Ronaldinho has come under fire this season for some abject performances on the pitch and unprofessional behaviour off it. - Sapa-AFP

Race for EURO 2008 – Sweden vs. Spain ..

The fitness of Christian Wilhelmsson and Fredrik Ljungberg is a worry for Sweden as they look ahead to Saturday's game in Spain and potential qualification.

With Johan Elmander, Tobias Linderoth and Niclas Alexandersson already ruled out through injury, Lars Lagerbäck has concerns over Ljungberg – the national team captain – and Wilhelmsson who are both regaining fitness after lay-offs. "We have to watch those two closely in training," he said. "There's a question mark as to whether they can play 90 minutes in a high-tempo game like the one we expect against Spain."

The coach usually has his starting XI in mind days before a match kicks off, but admitted he has no such plan as yet. "In some positions my choice is made, but in others there are a couple of players that I might opt for to make sure that the balance is there," he said. "The injuries to Linderoth, Alexandersson and Elmander are a concern but we've got a good set of players."

Here are few glimpses of Sweden's performance in EURO 2008 :

Malmö FF's Daniel Andersson is tipped to replace Linderoth while Werder Bremen forward Markus Rosenberg has partnered Zlatan Ibrahimović during training in Elmander's absence. However, Lagerbäck could decide to start with veteran striker Marcus Allbäck alongside Ibrahimović. "It's about finding a balance and even though there are a number of questions marks I've got a fairly good view on my starting XI," he said.

ICRC on board for UEFA EURO 2008 ....

The long-standing partnership between UEFA and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continues with the official announcement of the ICRC as UEFA's charity partner for the UEFA EURO 2008™ final round in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

The EURO partnership continues on from UEFA EURO 2004™ in Portugal, when UEFA and the ICRC united to promote the protection of children in war. European football's governing body and the ICRC have been partners since 1997, and the relationship shows UEFA's commitment as a major sports body to supporting social and humanitarian causes.

The partnership's core enterprise for UEFA EURO 2008™, which will be held between 7 and 29 June 2008 at eight venues in Austria and Switzerland, is a fundraising campaign – Score for the Red Cross – that will enable football fans to buy virtual goals for their teams online. A table system will show which countries have the most generous fans as the tournament progresses. UEFA will also make a contribution by transferring €4,000 (CHF6,700) to the ICRC for each goal scored in UEFA EURO 2008™. During UEFA EURO 2004™, 77 goals were scored, not counting penalties, which would have amounted to €308,000 (CHF516,000).

"UEFA and the ICRC have been partners now for ten years and in that time we have raised more than CHF8m," Mr Platini said. "This is not only something to be proud of for both our organisations; it is also important for the victims of armed conflicts around the world who this money has gone to help," UEFA's close partnership with the ICRC was launched with support for the latter's anti-landmine campaign in 1997. After it became a part of UEFA's partnership portfolio in 2002, the ICRC shifted the focus onto children in war.

As UEFA's charity partner for UEFA EURO 2004™, the ICRC and UEFA ran a joint campaign that used referees at the tournament to raise awareness of the fact that there are rules even in war, and that these rules need to be respected to protect the vulnerable, especially children. The campaign was a resounding success, receiving coverage and promotion around the world, both through ICRC operations and through national Red Cross/Red Crescent societies.

The campaign will receive a massive platform at UEFA EURO 2008™. Six million visitors are expected in Austria and Switzerland, and the huge TV and press coverage of the tournament will help guarantee the UEFA/ICRC activities maximum promotion.

Arsene Wenger fears injuries for his players ..

Arsene Wenger hopes for a clean bill of health when his Arsenal stars return from the international break.

The Gunners are top of the Premier League again after beating Reading 3-1 on Monday but Wenger fears international call-ups could take a heavy toll.

Arsenal have been without Robin van Persie after he injured his knee while away with Holland and Wenger is praying his squad will return unscathed this time to continue their title charge.

When they do get back to domestic duties, against Wigan at Emirates on 24th November, they will have to make do without Cesc Fabregas, whose needless late caution at Reading will see him serve a suspension.

"We wanted to get back in charge of this league. We have a game in hand, and so at the moment it is going well," said Wenger, whose team are ahead of United on goals scored.

"Now everybody goes on a break and then we play Wigan at home.

"The international programme of the players is quite heavy for some of them.

"We lost [Cesc] Fabregas with suspension now for Wigan, so let's hope everybody comes back without injury because we lost van Persie during the last break and he still has not played yet."

Despite another impressive performance on Monday, Wenger knows there are sure to be plenty of more tests of character along the way.

"Let's see how far we can go," said the Arsenal boss.

"At the moment, this team is a pleasure to work with on a daily basis.

"They have a fantastic attitude every day in training. They are hungry, they want to improve always.

"There is a great bonding in the team and when you have these ingredients plus the talents we have, you can be very hopeful for the future."

Wenger added: "We are a bit frustrated because feel we should have taken more points from Liverpool and Manchester United, but overall we dealt well with the pressure all the time."

Royals boss Steve Coppell, meanwhile, admitted when Arsenal are on song, they are almost impossible to contain.

However, Coppell knows his men will ultimately not be judged on their results against the so-called 'big four'.

"These games against the elite teams will not determine our future," he said.

"We have lost the game, but not our competition.

"Although we could not match their ability, my lads stuck at it and kept on going.

"At the end of the day, they are just better than us."

Green park celebrates Indian victory …

India vice-captain Yuvraj Singh played a dominating knock of 77 runs and took one wicket to guide India to a 46-run victory against Pakistan in the third One-Day International here at the Green Park Stadium on Sunday.

Put into bat by the visitors, Yuvraj, who was adjudicated the man of the match, hit the ball hard for the big shots along with aggressive running between the wickets to guide India to a competitive total of 294 for 6.In reply Pakistan folded up for 248 in 47.2 overs.

The left-handed batsman, who was in devastating form, sent the visitors on a leather hunt and then bowled well to help India take a 2-1 lead in the five-match ODI series.

He also shared a solid 100-run partnership with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who hit a cavalier 49 off 52 balls.

For Pakistan, the highlight was Salman Butt’s sparkling innings of 129 runs from 142 balls studded with 17 fours. But it couldn’t translate into a win as Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Butt fought a lone battle on his way to his 4th ODI century against India playing some fine strokes in the process but didn’t get enough support from the other end.

In company of Misbah-ul-Haq, he tried to keep his team in the hunt by sharing a solid 80-run partnership but the required run-rate kept on mounting.

The loss of three top-order batsmen – Afridi, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf – pushed Pakistan right on the back foot.

The tourists were always fighting a lost battle with no specialist batsmen to take charge in the slog overs.

India opened the bowling with R P Singh, and Irfan Pathan who got the breakthrough claiming the wicket of the hero of the last match played here in 2005.

Shahid Afridi, who opened the innings with Butt, tried to hit one shot too many and perished for 12.

The wickets of Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf gave India the much-needed impetus. The three pacers bowled with control; Zaheer Khan, who had a rather forgettable game at Mohali, returned with commendable figures (25 for 1 in seven overs).

Runs dried up when Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh were introduced into the attack.

The target got stiffer as Pakistan were up against an asking rate of 10 in the last twelve runs. Eventually they fell short by 46 runs.

Earlier, the openers, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, got away with some streaky edges and largely struggled against the pace of Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul.

Pakistan, as their wont, were sloppy on the field and missed a few catches. To start with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal dropped an easy catch of Ganguly on the very first ball of the match off Shoaib Akhtar, followed by Tendulkar getting a life off the bowling of Umar Gul when Misbah-u-Haq failed to get his hands to the ball.

After the initial jitters, India’s most successful opening pair found their touch as they went after the bowling. Ganguly was the first one to take the initiative as he charged down to hit a six of Gul over long-on. Though Gul extracted swing, the Indian opening duo took him on. India’s most reliable opening pair shared a stand of 68 in just over ten overs.

Sohail Tavir was introduced into the attack as the first change and that did the trick for Pakistan. He bowled with control and stifled the scoring rate and soon snared both the openers.

Tanvir induced an edge off the little master and this time Akmal took a fine catch behind the stumps. A few overs later he bowled Ganguly for 39 (46 balls, 4x4, 1x6); at that stage the Bengal southpaw was going great guns. Tanvir finished with 2 for 26.

Thereafter, some tight bowling by the Pakistanis kept Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh quiet for some time. Abdur Rehman, who replaced Rao Iftikhar, scalped Gambhir. The Delhi southpaw continuing his rich form looked good but failed to get a big one at Kanpur.

Skipper Mahnedra Singh Dhoni and deputy Yuvraj Singh took their time to settle down while Pakistan bowlers maintained a disciplined line.

Yuvraj subsequently released the pressure by spanking two sixes Abdur Rehman. Dhoni doubled the joy for India, biffing two more sixes off Shoaib Malik in the very next over.

Shahid Afridi and Abdur Rehman started leaking runs, with the former conceding 57 in 7 overs. Rehman too was expensive giving away 58 in his 7 overs.

Targeting the spinners both these batsmen went for their shots taking India past the 250 mark.

But Dhoni fell to Shoaib Akhtar, one run short of his fifty. Later Rehman claimed the wicket of danger-man Yuvraj who fell for a well-made 77 off 95 balls, hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes.

India maintained a high run rate even as they lost wickets towards the death. Irfan Pathan lit up the run riot in the last two overs scoring 17 runs off just 7 balls.

India to review strategy in the Kanpur One-dayer …

Having allowed arch-rivals Pakistan to snatch a thrilling victory and level the series, India will need to review their strategy as they go into the crucial third cricket One-dayer on Sunday.

The ploy to go in with just four specialist bowlers on a good batting strip in Mohali did not bear dividends as the Indians failed defend a massive 321 and the team management may consider brining back the in-form spinner Murali Kartik for the day match.

The hosts would do better to consider it now a three-match series that leaves them with no margin for error.

It would be interesting to see whether the Indians retain Virender Sehwag for the match. The right-hander did come up with a 25-run cameo in Mohali but India's bowling lost much of its sting in Kartik's absence. As a result, Harbhajan Singh looked a lesser threat.

If fast bowlers hunt in pairs, spinners do it in tandem and as Harbhajan and Kartik gave ample display in Guwahati that they can both etiolate the run rate and run amok through the batting order.

In fact, by bringing in an extra batsman at the cost of a specialist bowler, India not only over-estimated their bowling department but also underestimated their batting strength and repeating the folly on Sunday could well be the perfect recipe for a disaster.

An adamant Dhoni insisted India did not lack a specialist bowler in Mohali and pointed out how Sourav Ganguly chipped in there.

While Ganguly (9-0-55-0) did bowl better than Zaheer Khan (10-0-70-1), Dhoni missed the point that Ganguly's military medium pace does not allow him to really set a cat among pigeons and it is in fact unfair too, to expect him match Kartik's wicket-taking abilities.

India's bowing coach Venkatesh Prasad must be a harrowed man after his wards failed to defend a total as imposing as 321. Zaheer Khan was conspicuously off-colour in Mohali and by the time he removed Younis Khan, the Pathan had not only notched up his maiden century against India but also had laid the foundation for a successful chase.

Zaheer's pace colleague RP Singh looked better but six wides and a no ball meant he actually ended up bowling 11.1 overs. It's another matter that Shoaib Akhtar went worse, bowling seven wides and one no ball.

Thankfully, there is no major concern with the batting line-up for the hosts. In the top three, Gautam Gambhir is consistency personified, missing fifty by six runs in Guwahati before making amends in Mohali.

Ganguly looked good in the first match, while Sachin Tendulkar was in vintage form in the second. Though he fell victim to the nervous nineties for a record 15th time, his 99 was as good as some of his centuries and the Little Master would like to just continue in the same vein.

Following him is Yuvraj Singh, who strikes fear in the opposition's heart as India's middle order mainstay.

Dhoni, meanwhile, is due for a big knock. And the hosts still have Virender Sehwag's pyrotechnics and Robin Uthappa's belligerence to fall back on.

Pakistan too had plenty of positives to derive from last match's performance. Though there was just one century and no half century in the innings, Pakistan forged partnerships -- from decent ones to match-winning -- and though the asking rate kept climbing, they always had the wickets in hand to come up with a late charge and this was precisely the case in Mohali.

It allows late bloomers like Younis and Mohammad Yousuf to take their sweet time and guide along the score, before leaving the stage towards the end for Afridi to unleash those lusty hits and see the side through. And in Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan has found a shrewd player, who scores stealthily to inch closer towards the target.

Misbah, however, is yet to emerge as a finisher, partly because he looks hell-bent to play that doomed scoop shot and exercise the ghost of Twenty20 World Cup even though it's just not clicking for him.

Kumble to lead in longer version of the game …

After days of media speculation and hearsay, veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble has won the two-horse race for the Test captaincy, edging out Mahendra Singh Dhoni who was billed as the popular favourite for the position.

India’s leading wicket taker will lead the country in the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan at home. Kumble is India’s 30th Test captain. He is the third spinner to lead India after Bishan Singh Bedi and Srinivas Venkataraghavan.

MP Pandove, Joint Secretary, Board of Cricket Control in India, made the announcement on Thursday after the second one-day match between India and Pakistan at Mohali.

The selectors didn’t want to cast MS Dhoni in the inferno for the two arduous assignments against Pakistan and Australia. Ex-cricketers had also felt that Dhoni still has to grow as a Test-match player.

Kumble was deputy to Sachin Tendulkar and was overlooked many times for the position. India’s old warhorse had led the country in a one-day game against England in 2001-02.

“It’s a great honour, something which every cricketer dreams of. It’s a high pressure job, a challenge and I am looking forward to it,” Kumble told media. “I thought I was pretty close to it when I was the vice-captain. But I just played my game and contributed to the team. It (the captaincy) has happened very late but it is better late than never,” Kumble told reuters.

Even as the feeling was sinking in, Kumble said, “I have played with everyone in the present team. The respect is mutual and I am sure I will get a lot of support.”

Kumble, it may be recalled, led Karnataka in the Super League Ranji Trophy game against Mumbai this week. When asked whether he was prepared for the captaincy, he had remarked that he would do the job if asked to.

It took Kumble 17 years to get his first Test hundred. And now in the twilight of his career, he has earned the most elusive feather in this cap.

England eyeing for 2018 WC host …

Fifa president Sepp Blatter on Tuesday singled out England as a potential World Cup 2018 host but said other countries from Asia, Europe and the Americas also had a good chance.

"England as a country are strong (in football). They generate a lot of advertisements and publicity. They do not need to build new stadiums. They have 10 to 11 stadiums," he told reporters here.

"But don't forget China too. They also have a lot of stadiums. But the race is still open. There is keen interest. It is going to be a good race," he said.

Blatter is in Malaysia to attend the Asian Football Confederation's Women's Player of the Year award late Tuesday.

The Fifa president last month encouraged England to bid for the World Cup in 2018 following a meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London.

England lost out to Germany for last year's World Cup and are eager to bring international football's top event to the country for the first time since 1966, when the hosts gained their only triumph in the competition.

Blatter said Australia, China, Japan, Holland, Belgium, Mexico and the United States have all put their hands up for the 2018 tournament.

"Australia has been discussing for the 2018 bid since 2000. Definitely, there are a lot of candidates. It is great," he said.

Fifa, football's world ruling body, last month announced the end of its rotation policy for the hosting of the four-yearly World Cup.

However Fifa's six continental confederations voted to maintain the rule that "countries belonging to confederations that hosted the two preceding tournaments are barred from applying."

South Africa, the hosts in 2010, were the first beneficiaries of the rotation policy, which was introduced in 2000.

Brazil will stage the 2014 World Cup in South America. Fifa is expected to decide on the 2018 host in 2012.

City ensures 100 percent home record ..

A brilliant volley from Stephen Ireland secured Manchester City the points with a 1-0 win over Sunderland at Eastlands.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder rifled home a left wing cross from Darius Vassell in the 66th minute to secure City the points which took them up to third place in the Premier League table.

It was tough luck on Sunderland, who worked tirelessly for manager Roy Keane but lacked the class in attack to collect the point their endeavour deserved.

Sunderland, still looking for their first away win, were certainly the better side in a thoroughly forgettable first-half

Anthony Stokes headed over the best chance of the half after a good cross from Grant Leadbitter.

Elano embarked on one mazy dribble but failed to test Craig Gordon in the Sunderland goal and the Brazilian also lined up a 35-yard free-kick, only for the expectancy to give way to groans as his shot flew harmlessly wide.

With only two points to show for his side's efforts on the road since their summer return to the top flight, Keane must have been delighted to restrict his hosts to such meagre pickings.

City never got out of first gear with Emile Mpenza spurning their best chance, screwing Elano's through ball wide from 15 yards.

After the break Sven Goran Eriksson brought on Vassell for Michael Johnson and the move finally sparked City into life.

Vassell's added pace on the left provided City with an extra attacking outlet and the former England star left Nyron Nosworthy far too easily inside the box before crossing perfectly for Ireland to rattle home a sweet right-foot volley at the far post.

Nosworthy was lucky to stay on the pitch late on after a late challenge on Ditmar Hamann.

Sunderland huffed and puffed but in the end, Eriksson's men eased home to maintain their 100 per cent home record.

Jacques gets the chance for the Gabba !!!

Matthew Hayden has given new partner Phil Jacques a huge vote of confidence by declaring his game a match for any opener in world cricket.

Jacques will make his first Test appearance since April 2006 after his stellar run-scoring form in the early stages of the Pura Cup saw off the challenge of Western Australian Chris Rogers.

Hayden said he was glad the perpetual speculation over Justin Langer's replacement at the head of the order was finally over and was looking forward to forging a brand new partnership with the NSW opener.

"I'm not worried about Phil's game at all. It's as complete as you're going to get for any opening batsman," Hayden said in Brisbane on Monday.

"I've got zero concerns about it. I'm exceptionally confident in his ability."

Hayden described Jacques as a seasoned cricketer with a wealth of domestic experience and said he would happily encourage the naturally attacking stroke-maker to play his own game.

"He's a very steady character and he brings such an enormous wealth of talent to this pool," he said.

"It's not like he's played three games for New South Wales. He's no rookie and that's a great thing for this side."

However, Hayden cautioned that Australian fans shouldn't expect their opening partnership to gel overnight.

"Justin and I, we'd played since 1990 together. It's 17 years of replacing knowing each other very intimately, either playing against each other or with each other," he said.

"You can't just replace that but I'm looking forward - over however long we've got together - to develop that relationship."

Despite their fledgling partnership and the prospect of facing a vastly improved Sri Lankan pace attack after a lean period of Test match cricket, Hayden insisted he would still prefer batting first to lay the platform for a large first innings total.

He added that although in Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga Sri Lanka had the foundation for a very good fast bowling attack, the Gabba remained his favourite wicket around the world.

The 36-year-old left-hander's hometown ground is recognised as one of the bounciest tracks in the country and, in Hayden's opinion, possesses every aspect of a challenging Test match pitch.

"It's such a good wicket but there's a lot of hard work to be done as an opening batsman there," he said.

"The ball does move and it does bounce so there's that element of surprise in the track."

"But then it does become a very good batting wicket and I'm looking forward to it if I get to that stage."

Great showdown in Emirates Stadium …

William Gallas proved to be the unlikeliest of headline makers when he scored a dramatic late equaliser to secure Arsenal a point from their thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Arsenal looked set to relinquish their unbeaten start to the season when with eight minutes remaining Cristiano Ronaldo restored United's lead.

But Arsene Wenger's side now have a resolve that matches their undoubted ability and when Gallas struck in stoppage time there was a unity prevalent that suggests potential title-winners.

A drab first period that was suffocated by the weight of expectation was brought to life on the stroke of half-time, when Wayne Rooney's near post finish was deflected in off Gallas.

Cesc Fabregras continued his remarkable goalscoring run when he netted a composed leveller after the break, before in the final stages Ronaldo and then so dramatically, Gallas struck.

There was a bright start to the much-anticipated match, with some slick passing on display from Wenger's men and little quarter given by United in the tackle.

After eight minutes, Ronaldo saw his downward header come back off the post following a left-wing corner, but eagle-eyed referee Howard Webb had spotted a push by the United midfielder on marker Tomas Rosicky.

At the other end, Emmanuel Adebayor timed his jump all wrong to send a cross from Gael Clichy over the bar.

Following an Arsenal free-kick after 16 minutes, United broke quickly through Ronaldo down the right. Captain Ryan Giggs should have done better when arriving at the far post to meet the eventual low cross, but could only stab the ball wide from a yard out.

Despite Arsenal having seen plenty of possession, with 30 minutes almost on the clock, the home side had not yet tested Edwin van der Sar.

Alexander Hleb's run down the right on the counter attack was checked by Anderson, six yards from the edge of the area. Fabregas whipped the resulting free-kick into the six-yard box, where Gallas met it with a bullet header, only to be denied by the legs of the United keeper.

United snatched the lead in first-half stoppage time. Wes Brown looked to have bundled Hleb off the ball before he slipped in Ronaldo down the right.

The low cross was met by Rooney at the near post, and his scuffed shot deflected up off the diving Gallas and past Almunia into the net.

Arsenal's response was immediate, as they drew level just three minutes into the second half. Emmanuel Eboue floated the ball over from the right and into the penalty area, where Adebayor had timed his run perfectly.

Van der Sar was out quickly to block the Togo striker's volleyed effort. However, the loose ball broke to Bacary Sagna, who squared it back to Fabregas.

The young Spaniard set himself before drilling in his 11th goal of the season from 12 yards.

United were clearly shocked by the equaliser, and the Gunners were soon back on the offensive again with a sustained period of pressure.

Fabregas cleverly sent a low shot under the jumping wall, but van der Sar was across to make a comfortable save.

Slowly, the champions began to find their own rhythm again. A fine interchange between Rooney and Giggs set up the England forward with a free header 12 yards out, but for once he was well off target.

Following a quick counter attack, Eboue weaved his way into the United penalty area and fed Hleb, who made space before ballooning an effort horribly wide.

United went back in front when substitute Louis Saha fed Patrice Evra, who skipped into the right side of the box, drew Almunia and cut the ball back for Ronaldo - who could not miss.

Arsenal pressed for an equaliser, which almost came when Evra spooned the ball onto his own bar.

Just when it looked United were set to take the spoils and record a ninth straight league win, Arsenal forced in a dramatic stoppage goal when Gallas struck at the far post - the ball having been palmed away by van der Sar from behind the line.