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Gabba Test

2011-12-01T23:33:00.004+05:30

Gabba test , December 1st Videos of Australia Vs New Zealand ....

Highlights of 1st day Play ...

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2011-04-16T13:45:00.007+05:30

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2010-03-03T11:30:00.011+05:30

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2009-11-16T11:38:00.007+05:30

Force India deny Fisichella-Ferrari reports

2009-08-31T21:46:00.001+05:30

Force India have denied reports that Giancarlo Fisichella is set to move to Ferrari for the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix, to take over from Luca Badoer, who has stood in for the injured Felipe Massa at the last two races.

In a statement issued by Force India on Monday, boss Vijay Mallya insisted Fisichella, who scored the team’s first world championship points at Spa on Sunday, had received no invitation from Ferrari, adding that the Italian was looking forward to driving the Force India car again at Monza.

Force India also distanced themselves from quotes in the press attributed to the team’s commercial director, Ian Philips, which suggested they were expecting a request from Ferrari to release Fisichella.

“Ian Philips’ comments do not reflect the views of the Force India Formula One Team Management since he is not the designated spokesperson for the team nor is he authorized to speak to the media,” said Mallya. “His comments should be ignored.”

Ferrari are expected to make a decision on their Monza line-up later this week once they have received the results of medical tests that Massa is undergoing in Miami.

Barrichello clinches for Brawn GP in Valencia Grand Prix !!

2009-08-24T00:23:00.002+05:30

Rubens Barrichello claimed victory at the European Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton finishing a close second.

An extraordinary pit-lane blunder by McLaren cost Lewis Hamilton a second successive victory as Brawn GP's Rubens Barrichello took the chequered flag at today's European Grand Prix in Valencia.

Pole-sitter Hamilton was leading the Brazilian veteran by around four seconds prior to his second stop on lap 37 but his afternoon came unstuck when McLaren's mechanics failed to have a new set of tyres ready.The incident cost Hamilton around six seconds and allowed the hard-charging Barrichello through for his first victory since the 2004 Chinese Grand Prix.

A great day for Brawn was made better by Jenson Button's damage-limiting drive to seventh, ahead of his nearest rival in the drivers' standings heading into this weekend, Red Bull's Mark Webber, who finished outside the points in ninth.Webber's team-mate Sebastian Vettel suffered an engine failure for the second day in succession to bring a premature end to his afternoon, and Brawn come away from Spain looking stronger than ever to claim both world titles.

Button's lead in the drivers' championship is now 18 points over Barrichello, while Webber is now 20.5 points back and Vettel 25. Brawn are 27.5 points clear of Red Bull in the constructors' championship.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen produced a solid drive to third place from sixth on the grid while McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen failed to deliver on his front-row start as he came home fourth.

Williams' Nico Rosberg produced a typically consistent drive to fifth ahead of Renault's Fernando Alonso, while BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica took eighth and the final point.

But the day belonged to Barrichello, who celebrated his 10th career win with characteristic emotion on the podium.

"It's been fantastic," said the veteran of 281 grands prix."It's been a weekend that I will never forget, especially because after five years, it's tough."Although you are pushing, there are some things that go through your mind - you want to do it for yourself, for your family and for your country."Hamilton, meanwhile, refused to point the finger of blame at his team for the pit-lane error which cost him a shot at victory."We win and lose together," he said."We had a great team effort to get here, so we cannot at all take second place for grated, or be disappointed that we did not get a win."I still believe it was a tremendous effort, and these things happen."At the start, Hamilton made a clean getaway from pole but further back Button suffered a miserable start.

Starting fifth on the grid, the world championship leader dropped to eighth after struggling through the first couple of corners, while a lunge on Alonso failed to come off further round the lap.Button's tribulations in the pack prompted Webber to come on the team radio claiming the Briton had cut a chicane, and on lap five Webber swept past him for eighth after Button's team told him to give up the place to avoid a penalty.

Vettel's doomed afternoon suffered its first setback on lap 15 when a problem the Red Bull fuel rig at his first stop meant no fuel went into his car and he had to complete another lap at a slow pace before finally refuelling and emerging down in 15th place.The German's race lasted just another eight laps, however, his Renault engine letting go once again following its failure in practice yesterday.After running third early on, Barrichello was on the move on lap 20, the Brazilian stopping four laps later than Kovalainen and getting ahead of the Finn.

And second became first on lap 37 when Hamilton suffered his setback in the pit lane.

All appeared calm when the 24-year-old pulled into his pit box as fuel went in and his used tyres came off, but it quickly became clear there were no fresh tyres to go on and the Briton lost crucial seconds while a set was brought out and the warmers removed.

Barrichello, who had been on the pace all weekend as his Brawn thrived in the sweltering Spanish heat, duly swept through to take a comfortable lead, which he held after his second pit stop and all the way to the flag, his margin of victory over Hamilton just under four seconds.

Elsewhere, It was another bad day for stand-in Ferrari driver Luca Badoer, who suffered a spin and a drive-through penalty for crossing the pit-lane exit line on his way to 17th and last of the finishers on the track.French debutant Romain Grosjean also suffered a spin in the Renault but was rather more impressive than Badoer on his way to 15th place at the flag.

Lewis Hamilton leads in European Grand Prix ..

2009-08-23T12:25:00.001+05:30

McLaren confirmed their re-emergence in Valencia on Saturday afternoon as Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen set the fastest times to wrap up the front row of the grid for the European Grand Prix. Kovalainen was on course to take pole but made a small error on the last corner and failed to beat Hamilton’s 1m 39.498s best. The Finn's earlier 1m 39.532s was enough for second, however.

Rubens Barrichello confirmed Brawn GP’s return to form with the third fastest time of 1m 39.563s, with team mate Jenson Button fifth on 1m 39.821s. It was Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel who found himself the meat in the Brawn sandwich. After his engine failure this morning, the German was able to lap his Red Bull in 1m 39.789s for the other second-row slot.

Kimi Raikkonen made a late improvement to sixth for Ferrari on 1m 40.144s, and will be a dangerman at the start with his KERS.

Behind the Finn, Nico Rosberg took seventh for Williams with 1m 40.185s, ahead of Renault’s Fernando Alonso on 1m 40.236s, Red Bull’s Mark Webber on 1m 40.239s and BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica on 1m 40.512s.

Q2 weeded out Nick Heidfeld in the second BMW Sauber, who lapped in 1m 38.826s (Barrichello was quickest in 1m 38.076s so the times were very close), and Adrian Sutil was on his tail in the Force India with 1m 38.846s. Timo Glock was 13th for Toyota with 1m 38.991s. Romain Grosjean looked promising on his Formula One debut and was 14th in the second Renault on 1m 39.040s, comfortably ahead of Sebastien Buemi who wheeled the lead Toro Rosso round in 1m 39.514s for 15th.

Q1 accounted for Force India’s Giancarlo Fisichella, Williams’ Kazuki Nakajima, Toyota’s Jarno Trulli, Toro Rosso’s Jaime Alguersuari and Ferrari’s Luca Badoer, as Button set the pace with 1m 39.531s.

Fisichella lapped in 1m 39.531s, while Nakajima had worked down to 1m 39.795s before going off the road. Trulli’s best was 1m 39.807s, and Alguersuari lapped in 1m 39.925s (a second off Buemi’s time in the session). At the back, Badoer’s return was not impressive. The oldest man in the field lapped the second Ferrari in 1m 41.413s.

Trio doubtful for Arsenal's trip to Parkhead

2009-08-18T12:09:00.002+05:30

Arsenal could be set for an injury blow ahead of the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash with Celtic at Parkhead on Tuesday night.

The Gunners have injury doubts over Bacary Sagna, Cesc Fabregas and Denilson, with captain Fabregas given only a 50-50 chance of playing.

Sagna took a knock in Saturday's 6-1 win over Everton while Denilson (groin) and Fabregas (hamstring) will also be assessed before the game, although midfielder Abou Diaby has recovered from a groin injury.

England forward Theo Walcott is still out with a back complaint and defender Johan Djourou knee) remains on the sidelines, as Arsenal look to progress to the lucrative group stages of Europe's biggest club competition with a depleted squad.

Manager Arsene Wenger, however, has claimed that Arsenal can cope with the 'special noise' at Celtic Park.Although Celtic have a terrible record away from home in Europe, the fans have proved the difference for the Scottish team at home - as they have pulled off some incredible results, including holding Manchester United to a 1-1 draw and beating AC Milan 2-1 in recent years

But Wenger told the club's official website: "Scotland is always a very special atmosphere, a special noise in the stands. But we have played everywhere in Europe and we can deal with that. It will be down to us and how well we play.

"We don't go into this game with fear. We go with respect for Celtic, but we know it is a very important game for us and we want to come home with a positive result."I always prepare my team first with determination and not with fear. We have played everywhere and have good experience in the Champions League. But every game is different and we know what we will face on Tuesday night - a very determined Celtic team with quality."

Indians recall Dravid for ODI series !!

2009-08-17T11:13:00.001+05:30

Former India captain Rahul Dravid is to make a return to one-day international cricket after almost two years out.

The 36-year-old, who last played an ODI in October 2007, is included in India's tri-series trip to Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Rohit Sharma has been dropped for Dravid, while opener Virender Sehwag is still out with the shoulder injury he suffered in the Indian Premier League.

However, Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina return from injuries.

The duo missed India's trip to the West Indies for four one-day games in late June, early July - the tourists won the series 2-1, with one match abandoned because of rain.

And the selectors have returned to Dravid after Sharma scored just 15 runs in three innings in the Caribbean on the back of a mediocre World Twenty20 tournament.

In the bowling department, leg-spinner Amit Mishra is preferred to left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, while paceman Zaheer Khan's shoulder injury keeps him out of the squad.

India squad: Mahendra Dhoni (capt & wk), Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, RP Singh, Amit Mishra, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Abhishek Nayar, Ashish Nehra.

IPL Kicks off tomorrow !!

2009-04-17T12:00:00.010+05:30

Modi commits Heat is on !

Cape Town: Setting up the 2009 DLF IPLtournament in South Africa inside three weeks has been an effort that stretches well beyond a logistical task unparalleled in world sport to building a brand and a legacy of enduring support in record time, says IPLChairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi. He told at a news conference on Thursday that a key driving factor for the IPL has been to engage South Africans and build excitement and enthusiasm.

“Once the need to move the tournament had been forced on us, we were determined that playing IPL 2009 in another country should be far more than an exercise in finding venues suitable for television," he said. "For us, South Africa was always suitable from a logistical and infrastructure point of view. But it is the welcome we’ve been given by ordinary South Africans that is justifying our belief that we can build a brand and legacy of involvement that last for years to come. Of course, we needed the agreement of all eight teams and the owners understood immediately the potential for turning a problem into a great opportunity.”

Modi said one of the biggest challenges was to get the schedule right. “My team finalised the schedule within 48 hours of arriving in South Africa. We started out having to schedule a league season of 56 games with each team playing the other seven on a home and away basis – plus three days of play-offs – in eight venues over a total of 37 days. There had to be an equal number of games per team in the main centres, no conflict with other major sports and cultural events and team and television production travel schedules had to be taken into account. I am very pleased with the way it has worked out so far.”

Government at national, provincial and local levels had been exceptionally accommodating, while the Cricket SA had welcomed the IPL with open arms and made its world-class stadiums available, said Modi.

About 700 people are currently working full time in South Africa on the DLF IPL, including an enormous team that has relocated from India to South Africa. This includes the Central IPL and IMG event team of 60, a television and digital media crew of over 200, the eight team franchises bringing about 30 playing staff each along with 20 coaching staff, executives and team owners for each team.

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Test series Live in Sportsline !!

2008-11-20T12:15:00.021+05:30

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2008-10-17T10:43:00.007+05:30

Live India Vs Australia check local listings .

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2008-10-13T11:05:00.000+05:30

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McLaren Mercedes driver collide with Massa in Japanese Grand prix !

2008-10-12T13:56:00.000+05:30

Lewis Hamilton's World Championship lead has been cut to six points after he could only finish 12th in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Starting from pole position, the McLaren Mercedes driver was passed by Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen on the run down to Turn One at the Fuji Speedway before he dived to take the inside line at the corner.

However, Hamilton then ran wide and dropped down to sixth place. Matters worsened on the following lap when he attempted to pass Championship rival Felipe Massa.

Hamilton again took the inside line, this time into the Turn 10 chicane, and forced Massa over the kerbing. The two then collided, sending the McLaren into a spin and to the back of the field.

Massa received a drive-through penalty for the incident, while Hamilton subsequently got the same for his opening-lap move on Raikkonen.

The Brazilian eventually finished eighth after passing the Red Bull of Mark Webber late in the race.

Renault's Fernando Alonso was the chief beneficiary and went on to take his second successive victory ahead of BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica.

Raikkonen finished third for Ferrari, a result which helped them take the Constructors' Championship lead back from McLaren.

Renault's Nelson Piquet finished fourth ahead of Toyota's Jarno Trulli, with Toro Rosso pair Sebastien Bourdais and Sebastian Vettel finishing sixth and seventh.

Although Hamilton's lead remains a healthy one, his hot-headedness at the start of the race was worringly reminiscent of that seen when last season's Championship came to a boil.

Given that Massa was starting fifth, Hamilton may have decided with hindsight that letting Raikkonen - 27 points behind him coming into the race - go might have been the better option.

"I made a mistake and I paid for it," Hamilton told ITV1 after the race. He wasn't the only one in trouble, however, with David Coulthard's race soon run when he left the track at the exit of the corner and impacted heavily with a tyre barrier.

As Alonso led Kubica and Heikki Kovalainen on lap two, there then came Hamilton's collision with Massa.

The McLaren had to make an impromptu pit stop following the incident and rejoined the race in 18th. However, with damage suffered to his car's bodywork, Hamilton's race was effectively over.

By the time the opening round of pit stops were underway the third place Kovalainen appeared in strong contention for victory, an outcome that would have handed McLaren much needed Constructors' Championship points.

However, the luckless Finn was soon parking his car by the side of the track, the victim of an apparent engine failure.

After Piquet had pitted on lap 28, team-mate Alonso held a seven-second lead over Kubica, with Raikkonen third.

However, the Pole's attempts to challenge for the win were dashed during the middle stint of the race as understeer and poor traction on his car allowed Alonso to get away.

The double World Champion had built a 13-second lead by the time of his second stop on lap 44, with Kubica making his own second stop two laps later.

By this stage Raikkonen was the quickest man on the track. However, he could not get ahead of Kubica after making his own second stop on lap 48.

As they had towards the end of the opening stint, Trulli and Piquet pitted having held the lead, with Alonso once again resuming control.

Running second, Bourdais - who led a grand prix for the first time between laps 21 and 26 - made his second stop behind Trulli on lap 51.

However, rejoining the race, the Toro Rosso then collided with Massa, sending the latter into a spin at turn one - an incident due to be investigated after the race.

The closing laps saw a battle develop between Kubica and Raikkonen - the pair duelling wheel to wheel and the Finn briefly leaving the track before tyre problems saw him drop back.

Piquet joined them for a short while before going off the track - the Brazilian electing instead to settle for fourth place.

His performance backed up Alonso's second win in as many races, with Renault's late-season form surely consolidating fourth place in the Constructors' Championship.

Meanwhile, Massa's late flourish, passing both Nick Heidfeld and Webber late on as well as setting the race's fastest lap, earned him a point which could yet prove invaluable.

Toffees confirm Johnson deal !!

2008-07-29T12:24:00.000+05:30

Everton have confirmed an offer has been accepted from Fulham for striker Andrew Johnson.

The England international is now discussing personal terms at Craven Cottage, with Fulham admitting Johnson is undergoing a medical.

Fulham have been favourites to sign Johnson in recent weeks, despite interest from Premier League rivals Sunderland and Wigan Athletic.

The former Crystal Palace forward is thought to favour a return to London for family reasons and could become a Fulham player in the next 24 hours.

He had been left out of Everton's squad for the pre-season trip to the United States and the Toffees have now revealed a deal has been agreed with Fulham.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Everton can confirm that it has agreed an eight-figure sum with Fulham for the services of Andrew Johnson.

"This is subject to the player agreeing personal terms and negotiating a medical."

Johnson was a club record signing for the Toffees for a fee of £8.6million in 2006 and he could cost Fulham in the region of £12million.

During his two seasons at Goodison Park, the 27-year-old has scored 22 goals in 74 appearances for David Moyes' side.

EURO kicks off in Basel …

2008-06-08T14:36:00.000+05:30

Czech Republic substitute Václav Svěrkoš crashed the party for co-hosts Switzerland by scoring the only goal of the UEFA EURO 2008™ curtain-raiser in Basel.

Svěrkoš struck after 71 minutes to defeat a home side already deflated by a knee injury to forward Alexander Frei. The closest the Swiss came to rescuing a Group A point was a late Johan Vonlanthen shot off the underside of the crossbar.

If the opening ceremony did the traditional job of canning the host countries' best characteristics in an attractive package, the opening match started as anything but the typical cagey affair. There was a roar of anticipation when Switzerland captain Frei fired wide. Then Tranquillo Barnetta whipped in a cross to continue the frenzy. Valon Behrami was next to impress, outwitting Jaroslav Plašil and Marek Jankulovski before twice testing the Czech Republic's air defences.

But this was no siege. David Jarolím caused anxiety among the predominantly partisan home crowd with a cross-shot that back-tracking Diego Bengalio touched to safety. Jarolím's next act, however, was to lose a challenge to Behrami, providing the springboard for the midfielder to let fly a shot which Petr Čech parried. The deeper-lying Gökhan Inler took that as his cue to sidestep a defender and strike, albeit into Čech's arms.

It was a less intricate movement – a long thump forward unattended by Czech Republic centre-backs David Rozehnal and Tomáš Ujfaluši – which resulted in Switzerland's most incisive moment of the first half. Frei, his country's 35-goal leading scorer, darted between defenders and Čech but flicked his shot against the goalkeeper's legs. Jan Koller has long been to the Czechs what Frei is to the Swiss. The St. Jakob-Park crowd got a reminder of the totem's menace when he escaped markers Philippe Senderos and Patrick Müller and narrowly failed to connect with Plašil's dangerous delivery.

Back at the other end, Frei stung the hands of Čech from 20 metres after a loose ball had undone Karel Brückner's side. But when Frei's left knee was caught in a tangle with Zdeněk Grygera close to half-time, the effect to the co-hosts was a far greater body blow than the challenge itself. The 28-year-old BV Borussia Dortmund player left the field in tears. Just what home coach Köbi Kuhn did not need.

The beginning of the second period brought some cheer. Hakan Yakin, on for Frei, announced his arrival by turning his markers and earning a free-kick which Barnetta placed centimetres too high. Then the ball just would not drop right for the No16 as he chested down Yakin's cross inside the area. Swiss passions stirred anew: Ludovic Magnin looped in a shot before Barnetta volleyed over from Stephan Lichtsteiner's inviting centre.

But after Magnin was booked for a foul on Libor Sionko, the Czech Republic forward should have scored from Jankulovski's perfectly flighted free-kick. Yakin was no less guilty with a free header as he attempted to enhance his reputation as an impact substitute. Instead, Svěrkoš took on the role with 19 minutes remaining. Following a period of Czech pressure prompted by Sionko and Plašil, the striker latched on to Zdeněk Grygera's forward header to direct a cool, low finish to Benaglio's left – the 24-year-old's first international goal. A player from FC Baník Ostrava had just ruined Switzerland's big day.

Four Days for EURO , Cannavaro out of the competition …

2008-06-03T11:56:00.000+05:30

Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has been ruled out of Euro 2008 due to an ankle injury, according to reports.

Cannavaro suffered the injury after a training ground collision with team-mate Giorgio Chiellini on Monday.

The influential centre-half lay on the turf for 20 minutes before being carried away on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

The Italian medical staff had been hopeful that Cannavaro's injury was not serious, but scans have shown up ankle ligament damage.

He will now be forced to sit out the upcoming European Championship, with the length of his absence yet to be determined.

Though the Italian Football Federation has yet to confirm Cannavaro's absence, the 34-year-old told reporters: "I'm going home."

With Cannavaro now missing from his plans, Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni will have to call up a replacement.

Daniele Bonera and Alessandro Gamberini are the likely candidates to take Cannavaro's place in the squad for the tournament.

Italy open up their Euro 2008 campaign against Holland on 9th June before the world champions play Romania and France in Group C.

Fergie proud on his boys …

2008-05-22T17:28:00.000+05:30

Sir Alex Ferguson is looking forward to a successful defence of Manchester United's UEFA Champions League crown.

Ferguson believes his side will only get better after their penalty shoot-out victory against Chelsea and can win the trophy again.

He said: "Defending the European Cup is not an easy thing to do but I think the team is good enough. They will improve next year."

A save by Edwin van der Sar from Nicolas Anelka gave United victory and sparked emotional scenes as Sir Bobby Charlton led the team up to receive the European Cup.

And that came after Chelsea captain John Terry had squandered the opportunity to win the trophy for the Londoners when he missed from the spot.

Ferguson said: "We're delighted. It's my first victory in a penalty shoot-out apart from the Charity Shield. I've lost three with Aberdeen and three with United so this is seventh-time lucky.

"The slip by Terry gave us an opening and I thought we would win it then.

"We were fantastic in the first half but the goal gave them an impetus and they were the better team in the second half. But in extra-time, I think we were the better team. It was tight and there were some fantastic moments."

Ferguson singled out Van der Sar for special praise in filling the gloves of 1999 hero Peter Schmeichel and also paid tribute to Paul Scholes, who broke his nose in a clash with Claude Makelele but bravely continued.

He said: "His penalty save was not an accident. We knew where certain players would put their kicks but the last penalty comes down to experience."

Of Scholes, who missed the 1999 final through suspension, he said: "The disappointment of '99 has gone now for him. He was very groggy at half-time and we had to give him some tablets.

"I'm delighted for the boy. He is a fantastic person. People like Scholes, (Ryan) Giggs and (Gary) Neville know what Man United means. Scholes and Giggs will contribute next season, if not in as many games."

Fate, however, was Ferguson's main explanation for United's latest triumph, decreeing that they honoured the Busby Babes.

Five of the survivors, including Charlton and Albert Scanlon, were in the Luzhniki stadium to witness the victory.

Ferguson said: "We had a cause which was very important. People with causes are difficult to battle against and I think fate was playing its part. I feel very, very proud."

Its Stamford Bridge Vs Old Trafford in Moscow …

2008-05-01T12:04:00.000+05:30

Chelsea FC finally achieved their dream of a place in the UEFA Champions League final by overcoming Liverpool FC on a night that resonated with high drama and heartfelt emotion. They were taken to extra time, where Didier Drogba scored his second goal after Frank Lampard, making his return to the side following the untimely death of his mother, had swung the tie back Chelsea's way from the penalty spot.

It made it all the more sweet that victory came at the expense of a Liverpool team who had proved their nemesis at this stage on two occasions in the previous three seasons and who drew level at 1-1 through Fernando Torres in the 64th minute. Having dispatched one English rival, Avram Grant's men will take on another in Moscow on 21 May where Manchester United FC await. The two clubs are virtually neck-and-neck in the race for the Premier League; now they will dispute superiority on Europe's grandest stage as well.

Despite the boost given them by John Arne Riise's last-gasp own goal in the first leg, Chelsea were clearly not interested in sitting on their advantage. After a day of incessant rain the surface proved troublesome, although Chelsea kept their feet better and their passes were more assured – Drogba stepping away from Jamie Carragher to unleash a powerful drive that Pepe Reina pushed away. Liverpool's first foray sparked a counterattack in which Yossi Benayoun found Steven Gerrard to set Torres clear, yet Petr Čech was swiftly out to make a smothering save.

The hosts continued to control proceedings and Reina was forced to sprint off his line to thwart Drogba, before being left exposed by Lampard's through pass only for the the Ivorian to drag his low shot beyond the far post. Liverpool's cause was scarcely helped when Martin Škrtel hobbled off to be replaced by Sami Hyypiä. The visitors looked vulnerable and it was no surprise when Chelsea went ahead. Salomon Kalou stretched the defence down the left and forced Reina into a flying save; Drogba was first on the scene and rifled an unstoppable drive in at the near post.

The balance of the game changed perceptibly at the start of the second period as Liverpool suddenly began to push forward and only Čech's outstretched left leg kept Chelsea's lead intact. From a well-worked free-kick, Gerrard nodded on and Dirk Kuyt's flick was heading in before the goalkeeper intervened. Chelsea prepared for the expected onslaught yet came unstuck four minutes past the hour. Benayoun's driving run took him away from four defenders, resulting in a prodded pass through to Torres whose instant low shot found the bottom corner.

Torres almost worked another scoring opportunity as Liverpool sought to exploit their advantage although Michael Essien came closest to averting extra time, shooting into the side-netting from an acute angle. The additional 30 minutes got under way at breathless pace, Hyypiä heading wide before Essien had a goal ruled out for offside by a team-mate.

When Hyypiä's lunge felled Ballack in the 98th minute the referee immediately pointed to the spot and Lampard coolly converted, then broke down in tears amid a huddle of jubilant colleagues. Drogba seemed to have put the issue beyond doubt when he expertly turned in Nicolas Anelka's low centre in the 105th minute and, although Ryan Babel gave Liverpool late hope, the London club held firm to spark wild celebrations.

Barça grateful for Ronaldo reprieve

2008-04-24T12:38:00.000+05:30

A missed penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo ensured FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC remain deadlocked at 0-0 after an enthralling first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

The English side's last visit to the Camp Nou had ended in extraordinary scenes as they won the 1999 UEFA Champions League with two added-time goals, and they almost picked up where they left off on their first return since, only for Ronaldo to fire a third-minute penalty wide after Gabriel Milito had handled. It was as close as they came on a night when Paul Scholes made his 100th appearance in the competition, although the visitors will be thankful to escape with a draw after being forced on the back foot for much of the match.

Penalty miss
The tie sprang to life from kick-off, providing drama as early as the second minute when Ronaldo headed on Scholes' corner only for Milito's raised arm to intervene. The Portuguese international took the spot-kick himself, but fired wide to the relief of the majority in the 98,000 sell-out crowd. Well off the pace in the Primera División, Barça's season rests on this tie and they quickly found their feet, a lightning run from Lionel Messi putting the away team on the back foot. It was breathless stuff as the home side probed a makeshift United back line, shorn of the unwell Nemanja Vidić.

Attacking intent
Sir Alex Ferguson had named an attacking side with Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tévez all selected, but they could not break out of their half. Starved of possession, Ronaldo reacted angrily as Rio Ferdinand pumped a clearance high over his head and soon after Rooney was forced to clear off the toes of Samuel Eto'o deep inside his own area. Against the run of play, though, United nearly broke through. Andrés Iniesta's misplaced pass let in Ronaldo, who was eased off the ball by Rafael Márquez as he closed in on goal.

Ronaldo chance
Despite Barcelona's possession, United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was rarely troubled, a low save from the returning Deco's free-kick on 38 minutes his main contribution of note as half-time approached. At the other end Ronaldo's darting run was halted by Márquez's clumsy challenge, with the resulting booking ruling him out of the second leg.

Classic encounters
The talk in the build-up had been of classic encounters between the sides and the second half began at a pace worthy of the fixture. On 48 minutes Messi's shot was blocked, then Michael Carrick's tackle kept out Eto'o. Moments later Eto'o drove into the side-netting before Carrick did likewise at the other end. United breathed a sigh of relief when Bojan Krkić replaced the tiring Messi two minutes past the hour.

Evenly poised
The home team could still not find a way through, with Van der Sar forced to push away Thierry Henry's fierce drive after the Barcelona substitute had cut inside from the left, and United looked increasingly dangerous on the break as the half progressed. Neither side, however, could break the deadlock, leaving the tie evenly poised for the return at Old Trafford next Tuesday.

Chelsea gain an advantage on away goal

2008-04-23T12:31:00.000+05:30

A headed own goal deep into added time by Liverpool FC substitute John Arne Riise rescued a draw for Chelsea FC after Dirk Kuyt's first-half opener had looked like giving the home team a significant advantage in their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Riise, who has not scored for Liverpool all season, stooped low to try to clear Salomon Kalou's cross from the left, but his awkward header flew past Pepe Reina and into the top of the net – giving Chelsea an away goal they had virtually given up on getting. It could have been so different for Liverpool, had visiting goalkeeper Petr Čech not spectacularly tipped over a late Steven Gerrard drive before denying Fernando Torres seconds before the equaliser.

Both sides were slow to start and the cagey, tactical match predicted by many appeared likely to materialise. Chelsea seemed to have the upper hand thanks to a slightly more measured passing game, until Rafael Benítez's men created the first real opening of the tie. Xabi Alonso's long and hopeful ball over the top of Chelsea's back line found Kuyt, who beat the offside trap but failed to control properly and a combination of Čech and Ricardo Carvalho cleared the danger.

Still, Liverpool frequently struggled to find their rhythm as the half wore on and possession of the ball looked to be a luxury commodity. Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard almost caught the five-time champions off guard with a dangerous crossfield pass which the well-placed Joe Cole, in two minds, was unable to get a true touch on. Torres was presented with an even better opportunity at the other end on 30 minutes after being released by Gerrard, yet the striker could only fire straight at Čech when clean in on goal.

Liverpool's fears were eased by the first goal of the semi-final in the 43rd minute. Kuyt capitalised on confusion between Claude Makelele and Ashley Cole after Javier Mascherano's miscued shot was skied over their heads, keeping both his eye on the ball and his nerve to drive the ball past Čech at the Kop end. The Dutchman's strike had a huge galvanising effect on the home side and on the match in general as the tempo was markedly increased, especially just after the break when the Reds made several threats to move further in front.

Suddenly the likes of Alonso and Ryan Babel could find each other with incisive interchanges that were previously beyond them, and the home crowd turned up the volume again. With Didier Drogba looking an isolated figure up front for Chelsea as he chased in vain a succession of long balls pumped in his direction, a goal for Avram Grant's team seemed more likely to come from midfield. Michael Ballack and Lampard combined to set Florent Malouda free in the box, where Mascherano's last-ditch block kept his effort off target.

The visitors did, however, force the pace as the clock ticked down, although Liverpool might well have doubled their advantage as first Gerrard then Torres tested Čech. Had either of those chances gone in, next Wednesday's second leg would have taken on an altogether different complexion – as it did, to the Londoners' benefit, when Riise beat Reina.

Semi-final showdown in Anfield …

2008-04-22T11:26:00.000+05:30

The scene could scarcely be more familiar at Anfield as Liverpool FC take on Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons.

Chelsea have old scores to settle after two previous 1-0 defeats at Liverpool denied them their first appearance in a UEFA Champions League final, although the five-time champions also required a penalty shoot-out to prevail after extra time last season. In six meetings between these clubs in this competition, including the group stage, only three goals have been scored and Tuesday's encounter is tipped to be just as tight – with Chelsea happy to reverse history by playing the first leg away from home.

Liverpool's influential captain Steven Gerrard has recovered from a neck injury, though he was missing when Rafael Benítez rested the majority of his likely starters against Chelsea as Liverpool beat Fulham FC 2-0 away in the English Premier League on Saturday. The result left them within two points of securing a fourth-place finish and UEFA Champions League football for next term. Defender Sami Hyypiä and midfielder Javier Mascherano picked up knocks at Fulham but should be fit to face Chelsea.

Benítez gave the simplest possible analysis of his semi-final game plan when he said Liverpool will "try to score and not concede", adding: "We have experience in Europe, so if we can get a good result here, maybe it will be easier, but we know it will be tough anyway." The manager admitted: "I don't see it being a very, very open game because they are good in defence and we are good in defence." Benítez joked that he hopes Chelsea will be distracted by their bid to regain the Premier League crown, though he doesn't think they will be.

Chelsea maintained their bid to catch Manchester United FC with a 1-0 win on Merseyside against Everton FC in their last outing on Thursday, thanks to a Michael Essien goal. That put the Londoners three points behind the leaders whom they host in a potential title decider on Saturday. Ghanaian international Essien is suspended for the first leg but Frank Lampard returns to the squad after missing their last two league matches due to his mother being seriously ill. Midfielder Michael Ballack is battling to shake off a hamstring strain, as is striker Didier Drogba with a knee problem, so Chelsea manager Avram Grant has difficult decisions to make.

Check out here for earlier meetings between the two sides :

Grant repeatedly spoke of Chelsea's chance to "make history" as he played down the significance of the previous semi-finals, adding: "It's very exciting. We did everything to come to this point and it was not easy. The first game we drew against Rosenborg [BK] at home, then we needed to play against Valencia [CF] away when Valencia were on top form and everybody thought that we would lose against them [Chelsea won 2-1]. We share the same desire to be in the final. It will not be easy because Liverpool, as we know, are experts in the Champions League, but I am very optimistic."

Manchester United ended Arsenal’s hopes …

2008-04-14T02:40:00.000+05:30

Manchester United all but ended Arsenal's hopes of taking the title with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

The Gunners took the lead through Emmanuel Adebayor at the start of the second half, but were eventually beaten by a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and a fabulous free-kick from Owen Hargreaves.

With their title dreams hanging in the balance before the match got underway, it came as no surprise that it was the visitors who started the brightest and forced the pace of the game during the opening exchanges.

Cesc Fabregas flashed a couple of early efforts narrowly past the frame of Edwin van der Sar's goal, while Emmanuel Adebayor wasted the best of the Gunners' chances.

Wayne Rooney looked lively, if slightly isolated, up front for United and it was he who went closest for the Red Devils during a goalless opening period.

In a game which had promised goals throughout the first half, it took just three minutes of the second period for a breakthrough to be made.

Van Persie swung over a dangerous cross from the left, which Van der Sar then inexplicably let drift past him straight to Adebayor. The Togolese hit man appeared to bundle the ball home with his arm, but the goal stood and the Gunners had a deserved lead.

However, United's response was almost immediate as they levelled things up just five minutes later.

William Gallas was adjudged to have used his arm to cut out a Carrick pass, enabling Ronaldo to calmly dispatch a twice-taken penalty low into the corner of the net.

Once back on level terms United looked the most likely to snatch all three points, and duly obliged when Hargreaves curled a sublime free-kick past a stranded Lehmann on 72 minutes.

Nicklas Bendtner then went close for the Gunners with two far post headers, but Arsene Wenger's side were ultimately unable to force a second.

Despite being knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool in midweek, Arsenal showed little signs of a hangover in the first half.

They enjoyed a lot of possession, stretched United and will feel they could have made the breakthrough.

Adebayor rattled in a shot that Rio Ferdinand did well to deflect to safety before Park Ji-Sung glanced a header wide of the post following a cross from Hargreaves.

It was end-to-end stuff at this stage of the game and Adebayor sent his shot into Edwin van der Sar's arms following a one-two with Cesc Fabregas.

Then Wayne Rooney went close in a swift counter-attack in what was developing into an open game.

Rooney almost made the breakthrough in the 23rd minute only to see his effort scrambled away at the near post after Ronaldo had created the opening.

Alexander Hleb then released Adebayor 13 minutes later. He had a clear sight of goal but only succeeded in sending his effort into Van der Sar's arms.

United hit back and Rooney got away from Kolo Toure a minute later and fired in a shot. However, Jens Lehmann stuck out his leg and steered the ball away for a corner to Arsenal's relief.

Fabregas then got away down the left for Arsenal and tried to pick out Adebayor at the back post but Van der Sar was alert and made the interception.

Arsenal made the breakthrough in the 48th minute thanks to good work from Robin van Persie.

He got clear down the left and delivered a quick cross into the area.

While Ferdinand and Michael Carrick hesitated, Adebayor got beyond them to direct the ball into the net, though there was a suspicion that he used his hand rather than his head.

Either way, it was his 26th goal of the season and just the boost Arsenal were looking for.

They almost added a second a minute later when Van der Sar was forced to make a smart save and prevent an own goal from Ferdinand after he got his bearings wrong following a cross from Adebayor.

United drew level, however, thanks to Ronaldo's 38th goal of a remarkable season from the penalty spot in the 54th minute.

William Gallas was adjudged to have handled Carrick's shot and referee Howard Webb had no hesitation in the pointing to the spot.

Ronaldo lashed his penalty into the top corner only for Webb to order him to retake it after spotting an infringement.

Such is Ronaldo's confidence, however, he again made no mistake to bring United level at 1-1.

Carlos Tevez then went close to giving United the lead after stepping off the bench, his 30-yard shot go narrowly wide in the 65th minute.

Arsenal swept forward again though in the 68th minute and Wes Brown's attempted clearance from Gael Clichy's cross came back off the post.

Hargreaves then gave United the lead with a superb free-kick.

With the Arsenal defence perhaps expecting a Ronaldo thunderbolt, the former Bayern Munich man curled his effort up and over the wall and beyond Lehmann.

It was only Hargreaves' second goal since his £17million move from the Bundesliga in the summer and it was one to savour.

Arsenal were stung after seeing United suddenly regain the ascendancy, knowing their title hopes were fading fast.

They kept driving forward in the hope of securing a point at least but it was all to no avail.

MANU in semis with BARCA …

2008-04-10T16:18:00.000+05:30

Gary Neville believes Manchester United FC have a "great chance" of going all the way to the UEFA Champions League final after completing a 3-0 aggregate victory over quarter-final opponents AS Roma.

United's 1-0 success on Wednesday night confirmed a semi-final showdown with FC Barcelona and Neville had extra cause for celebration after appearing for the first time since March last year as an 81st-minute substitute for Anderson. "It's good to be back, it's been a long time and I'm happy to be able to play a small part in what was a great result for us," he said. "This puts us into the semi-final and two magnificent games against Barcelona."

"We've got a great chance," added Neville, whose comeback from damaged ankle ligaments had been delayed by a series of niggling injuries. "When you get to the semi-final anything can happen. We're playing really well. Two years ago and particularly last year [when United lost to AC Milan in the semi-finals] maybe we weren't quite ready but this year there's a determination to go all the way."

The English champions have not faced Barcelona since two thrilling 3-3 draws in the group stage of the 1998/99 competition – a campaign, which ended with United triumphant in the final at Camp Nou. Neville predicted an "unbelievable" showpiece of attacking football over the two legs, the first of which is in Barcelona on 23 April with the return at Old Trafford six days later.

"Barcelona will be unbelievable games," he said. "The atmosphere will be brilliant, not just in Barcelona but at Old Trafford. Both teams will go for it. We played two games against them in '99 and they both ended 3-3 and that's the type of teams we are. Neither is defensive, we both play attacking football and there'll be some great players on show – I just hope our great players can outdo theirs."

Another United player to make his first European appearance of the season was Mikaël Silvestre, missing since September after a cruciate ligament injury. "It's been a long time but it's good to be back and good to be back with a win," said the Frenchman, who featured at left-back in a United defence which managed a sixth clean sheet in ten games in the competition, following Daniele De Rossi's first-half penalty miss. "If he'd scored that would have made it hard," admitted Silvestre. "It's another win and another clean sheet so we did well, especially because we had some changes in the team – Gerard Piqué and myself were in the back four, so it's good."

Reds edge Arsenal in six-goal thriller ...

2008-04-09T17:08:00.000+05:30

Liverpool FC stormed into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four years after a stunning finish to the game brought three goals in eight minutes and a disappointing end to Arsenal FC's campaign.

Liverpool looked on course for victory as goals from Sami Hyypiä and Fernando Torres, wiping out Abou Diaby's 13th-minute opener, left them leading going into the final minutes. Emmanuel Adebayor turned the tie on its head with six minutes remaining after a sensational run from Theo Walcott, but Arsenal's away-goal advantage was fleeting as Steven Gerrard converted a penalty moments later before Ryan Babel completed the scoring in added time.

It left the home support in raptures, yet they had been quietened early on as the visitors began positively following the 1-1 first-leg draw in London. Adebayor appeared particularly threatening and Arsenal's attacking approach was richly rewarded when Diaby broke down the inside right channel, collected Aleksandr Hleb's pass and fired low towards Pepe Reina's near post. The goalkeeper seemed to have it covered but the ball cannoned off his knee and into the net.

Stunned by their dream start, Arsenal's fans at the opposite end did not immediately realise their side had moved ahead on aggregate, but that soon changed and they had more to shout about in the opening half-hour. The home team, marginal favourites at kick-off, looked anything but. Nervy and unable to retain possession, Reina came close to spilling a dangerous Gaël Clichy cross, his travails exemplifying Liverpool's struggle to settle.

Yet by the 30th minute the Reds were level. In their first serious assault on Arsenal's goal, Hyypiä escaped the attentions of Philippe Senderos to meet Gerrard's centre with a firm header, beating Cesc Fabregas standing on the goalline as it went in off the post. Anfield erupted and Liverpool grew in confidence. Arsenal had a further setback just before the break when Mathieu Flamini was carried off with an ankle injury, though the contest was all-square at the interval.

Liverpool set about changing that after the restart, Peter Crouch troubling Manuel Almunia with a low drive to get the crowd fired up. The towering England striker then almost inadvertently steered in Fábio Aurélio's wayward shot with his heel, following good work down the right flank by Torres as Rafael Benítez's men stepped it up. Arsenal were no longer the dominant force, and the match swung firmly in Liverpool's favour in the 69th minute when Crouch nodded on a long clearance by Reina and Torres expertly turned into space and fired the ball high past Almunia into the top corner – a stunning goal worthy of the occasion.

It was merely the start of the drama. Arsenal briefly put themselves in pole position when Walcott sprinted past four Liverpool players before teeing up Adebayor. A minute later the initiative was wrested from Arsène Wenger's team when Kolo Touré was adjudged to have brought down Babel and Gerrard converted from the spot. Substitute Babel then calmed frayed nerves two minutes into added time, racing clear on the counterattack and sliding the ball past Almunia to cap an incredible evening.

Ferdinand back for the champions league tie …

2008-04-08T21:25:00.000+05:30

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Rio Ferdinand can play in Manchester United's UEFA Champions League tie with Roma.

Ferdinand was rated a major doubt for Wednesday's second leg of the quarter-final after suffering a foot injury against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The centre-half left the Riverside with his foot in a protective cast and there were fears that Ferdinand had broken a metatarsal.

United confirmed on Monday that the England international had only suffered bruising, but reports claimed he would miss the club's next two games.

However, Ferguson has revealed at a press conference that Ferdinand could be involved in his team for Wednesday's second leg.

"I'm hoping he will be playing tomorrow," said Ferguson. "His scan was clear, which was good news.

"That's the most important thing and therefore we hope we can get him fit for tomorrow."

Ferdinand's potential availability is a big boost to United, who hold a 2-0 lead going into the tie, as Nemanja Vidic is out for at least a further week with a knee injury.

If Ferdinand had been ruled out of Roma's visit, then Wes Brown and Gerard Pique would likely have been partnered in the heart of the defence.

Captain Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre are also in the squad for Wednesday night and Ferguson has said one of the defensive duo could start.

The United boss added: "Neville and Silvestre will both be involved and one of them may start depending on Rio.

"The good thing is that they are both back and training very well with no interruptions, which is the best news we've had about Gary for a few months now.

"I'm very confident about his progress now and his ability to play in a match like tomorrow. They have both got good experience and that helps me in terms of making a decision."

Its Arsenal VS Liverpool this weekend …

2008-04-05T17:14:00.000+05:30

The second installment of Arsenal's epic trilogy against Liverpool takes centre stage in the Premier League this weekend, live on ESPN STAR SPORTS

Wednesday night's 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final set the scene for the second Emirates Stadium meeting in the space of four days, with just as much at stake for both teams on the domestic stage.

The Gunners have gone from five points ahead of Manchester United to six adrift in the space of just over a month and cannot afford to allow the leaders to extend their advantage any further.

Any title hopes that were still flickering in the most optimistic of Anfield fans' minds were firmly snuffed out by their recent defeat at Old Trafford, but ensuring they remain ahead of Everton in the race for fourth place is essential.

Should either manager opt to rest key players on Saturday with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League showdown on Merseyside, it will send a clear message as to where their ambitions and priorities truly lie this season.

Not that United will be too concerned by the plans of their rivals, given their position at the summit of the league and the fact they already have one foot in the Champions League semi-finals after their 2-0 midweek win away to Roma.

A trip to Middlesbrough on Sunday awaits for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, live on Sky Sports 1, but Gareth Southgate's side have produced some of their best displays against the 'big four' this term.

Arsenal took just one point from their two meetings with Boro, Liverpool were held at the Riverside and Chelsea were fortunate to scrape a 1-0 success against Southgate's men at Stamford Bridge last time out.

Few clippings :

Blues boss Avram Grant remains a man under pressure, despite Chelsea being in contention for silverware on two fronts, with Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against unfancied Fenerbahce in Istanbul giving more ammunition to his critics.

A trip to Eastlands to face fading Manchester City could provide the tonic Grant requires, but the home side will be fully motivated after their 6-0 battering at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season and having performed so ineptly at Birmingham last weekend that they managed to raise the hackles of the normally unflappable Sven Goran Eriksson.

Despite last weekend's Merseyside derby defeat leaving them five points adrift, Everton still retain ambitions of overhauling their neighbours from across Stanley Park and will see the visit of relegated Derby on Sunday as a home banker.

Eight other teams are jostling to avoid the two remaining places in the bottom three, with current occupants Fulham and Bolton in danger of being cast adrift and handed the unwanted tickets into the Championship.

With Sunderland the visitors to Craven Cottage on Saturday, Roy Hodgson's men must halt a recent Black Cats resurgence that has seen them record back-to-back victories against Aston Villa and West Ham.

Bolton travel to Villa Park on a miserable sequence of eight defeats and three draws from their last 11 games, but Martin O'Neill's men have not won in their last five and are on a run of three consecutive defeats.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce will put all sentiment aside as he comes up against his former club Birmingham, who he left in somewhat acrimonious circumstances earlier in the season, in a vital six-pointer at the JJB Stadium.

The visitors are four points clear of the drop zone in 17th spot, while Bruce's charges are just one point better off and need to recover from consecutive defeats away to Blackburn and Portsmouth.

Fears that Kevin Keegan's dream return to Newcastle was in danger of descending into a nightmare have eased substantially with successive wins against Fulham and Tottenham.

A hat-trick of wins when Reading visit St James' Park would make the Magpies all-but safe, however the Royals are equally eager for the points to preserve their hard-earned Premier League status into a third campaign.

The final fixture of the weekend sees Blackburn play host to Tottenham who, despite claims to the contrary, appear to have switched off somewhat since their Carling Cup final triumph at the end of February.

Rovers retain hopes of securing a UEFA Cup spot via their league position, but have a seven-point gap to make up on Everton in fifth.

Arsenal v Liverpool

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 20 Premier League home games, with their last defeat on home soil coming against West Ham on 7th April, 2007. Arsenal have won each of their last four home league clashes with Liverpool and are unbeaten in seven home games against the Reds in the Premier League. They have scored 12 goals in total in their last four home league games against Liverpool. The Merseysiders have won just one of their last six away Premier League games.

Aston Villa v Bolton

Seven of the last nine league meetings between these two sides have ended in draws. Villa have failed to beat Bolton in their last six league meetings. The Trotters have won just one of their last 18 away league fixtures. The Villans have won just one of their last four home league games. This is Villa's best points tally from 32 games since 1997. Bolton were last relegated in 1998, and that season they had five points more from 32 games than in this campaign.

Blackburn v Tottenham

Rovers' 2-1 win against Tottenham earlier this season was their first league victory against Spurs in eight meetings. Four of the last six league clashes involving the two sides have ended in draws. Benni McCarthy has scored in the last two games against Tottenham. Mark Hughes' charges are unbeaten in six home league games, while Spurs have won just one of their last seven away league games, losing five of those matches. Tottenham's league games have produced an average of 3.63 goals per game this season.

Fulham v Sunderland

Fulham have won all three home Premier League games against Sunderland, with the Black Cats netting only one goal in total in those games. Sunderland have scored seven 90th minute goals this season, three of them giving the Black Cats a win. Fulham have lost only one of their last four league games. Sunderland have won their last two Premier League games, and have not won three in a row since December 2000. The Whites have thrown away 27 points from winning positions this season, with those points they would be in seventh place.

Manchester City v Chelsea

Chelsea have won their last five Premier League games against Manchester City and have conceded only one goal in their last 11 Premier League meetings against the Eastlands outfit. Chelsea have scored in their last seven Premier League away games. City have tasted victory in only one of their last seven Premier League games at Eastlands. This is the first time in Premier League history that Manchester City have lost fewer than 10 of their opening 32 games.

Newcastle v Reading

Despite two successive wins, Newcastle have never had as few points after 32 games as they do this campaign (35). Reading were 12 points better off this time last season. Reading have scored more away goals than Liverpool and Spurs this season, but only Derby have conceded more on the road. The Magpies have won just one of their last seven Premier League games at St James' Park. Reading have won just one of their last 16 away league encounters, at Middlesbrough.

Wigan v Birmingham

Wigan and Birmingham have met on three previous occasions in the Premier League and the Latics are still looking for their first win. Five of the 10 meetings between the two sides in all competitions have ended in draws. The Blues have won just one of their last 14 away Premier League fixtures and they have shipped more than one goal in nine of those 14 games. Wigan are unbeaten in four home league games, keeping clean sheets in all those four games. Birmingham's Stephen Kelly is the only outfield player in the entire league to have played every minute of every game this season.

Middlesbrough v Manchester United

Manchester United are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Middlesbrough and if the visitors were to win this game, it would be their 50th league victory over Boro. Seven of the last 10 goals scored in this fixture have come in the first 45 minutes. Middlesbrough have only won two of their 12 Premier League fixtures at home against United. United have never failed to score at Middlesbrough in the Premier League. Only four teams in Premier League history have had more points from 32 games than United do now, including last season's title-winning Red Devils side (78).

Everton v Derby

Everton have lost just one of their last six Premier League meetings with Derby. The Toffees' Lee Carsley played for Derby in their last away victory at Everton, back in February 1998. Everton have lost just one of their last 10 league games at Goodison Park. The Rams have now gone 20 Premier League games without an away win. Derby will set a new record for games without a win (27) if they fail to triumph at Goodison Park. Derby need four points from their last six games to avoid equalling Sunderland's record for fewest points in a season (15).

Scholes praises 'amazing' Ronaldo !!

2008-04-01T17:10:00.000+05:30

Paul Scholes has seen plenty during his 14 years as a Manchester United FC player but he believes Cristiano Ronaldo tops the lot.

The 33-year-old midfielder began his United career in the same youth team as David Beckham before graduating to the senior ranks in 1994, during an era when Eric Cantona was the darling of Old Trafford. Yet Scholes says winger Ronaldo, scorer of 35 goals in all competitions this season, deserves to stand alone for his "amazing" contribution.

"I think I've been quite lucky to have played with a lot of top, top players," said Scholes. "Cristiano has to be at the top now, purely for what he has done this season. To score the amount of goals he has done from his position has been nothing short of amazing. It is not just that – it's his making of chances as well and the threat he poses to other teams."

One of life's shy souls, Scholes has always been happy to see the attention deflected elsewhere but his own contribution to United's superb recent run should not be overlooked. Since returning from a knee ligament injury in late January, Scholes has gradually rediscovered his best form, a point his manager Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged on the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final visit to AS Roma. "He has been out for three and a half months, but now we can see the form coming back and we are delighted with him because, as you know, he is one of the great players," said the Scot.

MANU magnificient 7:

Scholes is expected to make his 99th appearance in the UEFA Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico and says he is looking forward to it as much as he did his first, a 2-2 draw against FC Barcelona on 19 October 1994. "It's a competition that everybody wants to win and every game is massive, especially at this stage. I look forward to it now as if it was my first game," said the former England player.

Gunners avoid a defeat against Bolton ..

2008-03-30T16:04:00.000+05:30

Arsenal FC gained a vital victory by overturning a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 at Bolton Wanderers FC – but they still trail Premier League leaders Manchester United FC by six points.

Title race
A stoppage-time own goal from Jlloyd Samuel snatched the points for Arsenal who had started the day in third place yet moved into second. However, Manchester United remain in charge of the title race after defeating Aston Villa FC 4-0 at Old Trafford in the Saturday evening kick-off. Chelsea FC, in third, host Middlesbrough FC on Sunday.

Arsenal revival
Arsène Wenger's men endured a miserable first half at the Reebok Stadium with two goals for Matthew Taylor sandwiching the 31st-minute sending-off of Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby. But the Gunners' ten men fought back after the interval. William Gallas reduced arrears before Robin van Persie's penalty restored parity and then Cesc Fabregas forced the decisive own goal. The result ended a five-match winless run for Arsenal in the Premier League.

United response
United responded to the news from Bolton by beating Villa with two goals in each half. A home victory looked likely from the moment Cristiano Ronaldo put United in front on 17 minutes with an outrageous flick between the legs of a defender. Carlos Tévez and then Wayne Rooney with a brace were also on target. Villa, seeking European qualification, missed several opportunities with Shaun Maloney the most culpable.

Derby relegated
If the Arsenal scoreline left Bolton four points adrift in the bottom three, the draw in the meeting of the two sides below them suited neither. Derby County FC scored first and last in the 2-2 home draw with Fulham FC but were relegated despite Emanuel Villa's late equaliser. The home victories elsewhere for Birmingham City FC and Sunderland AFC could also prove costly for Bolton and second-from-bottom Fulham. Birmingham survived the sending-off of Franck Queudrue to beat Manchester City FC 3-1 with two goals from Mauro Zarate. Sunderland owed their 2-1 success against West Ham United FC to an added-time strike from Andy Reid.

Portsmouth prevail
FA Cup semi-finalists Portsmouth FC consolidated sixth place courtesy of a 2-0 home win over strugglers Wigan Athletic FC. Blackburn Rovers FC sit three points behind them following a 0-0 draw at Reading FC.

EPL Preview for this weekend ..

2008-03-29T15:02:00.000+05:30

The race for fourth spot could take a decisive turn this weekend as it is derby day on Merseyside while England players look to prove their international form is a mere blip.

Following another lacklustre friendly display from the national team, the question of why England 'stars' perform better for their clubs has once more been asked.

But when none of the top 10 scorers in the Premier League this season are English, it is easy to see why there was a lack of cutting edge in Paris on Wednesday night.

The truth is that the Premier League has blossomed due to the continental influence and it will again be in evidence in a packed 10-game programme this weekend.

Fernando Torres has sparkled in his debut season in English football and he will be looking to add to his 20 league goals when Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield on Sunday

With Liverpool currently two points clear of their local rivals in fourth, the result could help to determine who takes the fourth UEFA Champions League spot this season.

Before Merseyside pride is put at stake, though, there are seven matches on Saturday, including current leaders Manchester United against Aston Villa.

United are seeking a 14th win in a row over Villa in all competitions against a team whose European aspirations have taken a knock in recent weeks.

Arsenal are desperate to return to form after five games without a win, but head to Bolton Wanderers where they have lost their last three league matches.

The bottom two meet at Pride Park and Fulham will be anxious to record a first away success in 18 months to boost their hopes of survival.

In contrast, Derby County's relegation back to the Championship could be confirmed if they fail to beat Fulham and Birmingham City win at home to Manchester City.

Wigan Athletic will be hoping Portsmouth have one eye fixed on next week's FA Cup semi-final against West Brom when Steve Bruce takes his team to Fratton Park.

Sunderland claimed a first away win of the campaign last weekend and will be hopeful of three points at home to West Ham United.

Reading have steadily edged closer to safety in recent weeks, although Saturday's visitors to the Madejski Stadium - Blackburn Rovers - are not giving up in their pursuit of European qualification.

On Sunday, Chelsea will be confident of maintaining the pressure in the title race when they face Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.

Kevin Keegan secured a belated first win in his second spell as Newcastle United boss last week and heads to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Birmingham City v Manchester City

Birmingham have not managed a clean sheet at home since Boxing Day. Man City's games have averaged only 2.3 goals this season - fewer than any other team's fixtures.

Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

Bolton have gone 281 minutes without scoring a goal. Arsenal have gone five league games without a win for the first time since 1998. They have not gone six games without a win since 1994.

Derby County v Fulham

Derby will equal Sunderland's all-time Premier League record for games without a win if they fail to beat Fulham - 26 games. Fulham have not scored in the first half since 12th January - 10 games ago.

Portsmouth v Wigan Athletic

If Pompey win this game it will be their fourth successive home win - something they have not managed in the Premier League before. Wigan have made fewer substitutions than any other team this season - 63.

Reading v Blackburn Rovers

Reading have gone 12 games since drawing - the longest current run in the division. Blackburn have gained more points from losing positions than any other team this season - 19.

Sunderland v West Ham United

Sunderland only lost one of their first seven Premier League games against West Ham, but have won none of the subsequent six. Dean Ashton is the Premier League player who has committed the most fouls without getting booked - 49.

Manchester United v Aston Villa

United have gone 371 minutes since conceding a goal in the Premier League. Villa have gone 17 games without keeping a clean sheet - the worst current run in the Premier League and the club's worst run in the Premier League.

Chelsea v Middlesbrough

Didier Drogba has scored seven goals in his last eight Premier League starts. Boro have failed to score in their last five Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Tottenham have benefited from 13 substitute goals this season - more than any other team in the league. Newcastle have won their last four league games with Spurs, scoring three goals in each match.

Liverpool v Everton

18 of Fernando Torres' 20 league goals this season have come at Anfield. Everton have conceded only four goals in 2008 - a record only Man Utd can match.

Former skipper earns England recall

2008-03-20T21:25:00.000+05:30

David Beckham has been recalled to the England squad for the friendly international against France in Paris on Wednesday.

It presents the former captain with the opportunity to win his 100th cap after he was left out of Fabio Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland.

Beckham's lack of match fitness in February kept him on the sidelines, but his return to pre-season action with LA Galaxy has persuaded Capello to include him in an initial 30-man party.

Young Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has been included, while highly-rated Middlesbrough defender David Wheater earns his first call-up after a series of impressive displays.

Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson has been selected, with Gabriel Agbonlahor earning his chance after missing out on the Switzerland game through injury.

Experienced Chelsea duo John Terry and Frank Lampard are back after missing the Swiss clash through injury.

Capello named Steven Gerrard as captain in Terry's absence last time out, and it remains to be seen whether the Liverpool skipper will retain the armband.

The 30-man squad will be trimmed to 23 on Saturday evening by the Italian tactician.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Kirkland (Wigan).

Defenders: Bridge (Chelsea), A Cole (Chelsea), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), Woodgate (Spurs).

Midfielders: Barry (Aston Villa), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jenas (Spurs), Hargreaves (Man Utd), J Cole (Chelsea), Young (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Bentley (Blackburn).

Strikers: Walcott (Arsenal), Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Owen (Newcastle), Rooney (Man Utd), Crouch (Liverpool), Defoe (Portsmouth).

Manchester regains top spot ..

2008-03-16T12:28:00.000+05:30

Of the four English UEFA Champions League quarter-finalists, Arsenal FC were the only team not to win on Saturday - a home draw against Middlesbrough FC costing them the Premier League leadership after Manchester United FC triumphed at Derby County FC.

Middlesbrough are the only team to defeat the Gunners in the top flight this season, and Gareth Southgate's side were on course for a memorable double thanks to Jérémie Aliadiere's 25th-minute opener with four minutes remaining, when Kolo Touré bundled the ball in following a corner. Arsenal have now drawn their last four league outings to relinquish top spot on goal difference to United, who have a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Cristiano Ronaldo was the champions' match-winner at Pride Park, finally breaking the resistance of the beleaguered bottom club with a 76th-minute winner - his 22nd top-flight goal of the season. Chelsea FC are also firmly in contention three points further back, John Terry (10) scoring the only goal at Sunderland AFC.

Solitary Goal by Ronaldo ..

Liverpool FC, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Reading FC 2-1 at Anfield. Marek Matejovsky (5) put Reading ahead, but goals from Javier Mascherano (19) and Fernando Torres (48) ensured a fifth successive league triumph for the Reds, who are three points ahead of Everton FC in fourth ahead of their city rivals' trip to Fulham FC on Sunday.

Jermain Defoe's sixth goal in as many matches for Portsmouth FC set the south-coast club on their way to a 2-0 victory against fellow European hopefuls Aston Villa FC. Nigel Reo Coker also put through his own net as Villa were leapfrogged into sixth by the FA Cup semi-finalists. Finally, 18-year-old substitute Fred Sears enjoyed a debut to remember as he scored an 81st-minute winner as West Ham United FC came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers FC 2-1 and consolidate tenth spot.

Goalkeeper Sébastien Frey was ACF Fiorentina's hero in Goodisan Park !!

2008-03-13T11:24:00.000+05:30

Goalkeeper Sébastien Frey was ACF Fiorentina's hero, adding a penalty shoot-out save to several in regulation time as Everton FC's stirring two-goal UEFA Cup Round of 16 comeback came to nothing at Goodison Park.

Very much second best for the 90 minutes in Florence six days ago David Moyes's charges proved a different proposition on home turf with goals in either half from Andrew Johnson and Mikel Arteta. Frey prevented further damage, however, and the game lurched into extra time and then penalties where the Viola No1 denied Philip Jagielka. With Yakubu Ayegbeni already seeing his effort come back off the crossbar, it allowed Mario Alberto Santana to seal a 4-2 shoot-out success and Fiorentina's first European quarter-final since 1997.

For much of the game it had seemed like Everton's night as Andrew Johnson struck his fourth of the UEFA Cup campaign to reduce the arrears after only 16 minutes. Steven Pienaar's dangerous cross bounced awkwardly, and Frey could only push it into the path of Johnson, who bundled it over the line with his chest from point-blank range. It was good improvisation, and Frey displayed more soon after to get across his goal to turn Arteta's free-kick past the post.

Fortunately for Fiorentina, Frey was in inspired form. He denied Yakubu after the Nigerian international striker twisted and turned to create an opening before pulling off a brilliant save just before the interval to keep out Johnson's effort. Arteta followed up, squaring the ball for Yakubu to turn in, and though the assistant referee's flag was raised, the disappointment did not last too long.

On 66 minutes Arteta levelled the aggregate scores, advancing towards the penalty area as the Viola defence backed off before unleashing a low, zipping shot that crept inside Frey's far post. Moments later the Viola keeper denied Yobo twice as the hosts resumed their onslaught, yet Fiorentina survived, forced extra time, and after Giampaolo Pazzini had twice gone close, penalties – the scene of Frey's final heroics.

Goals from the match ...

Torres gives Liverpool a quarter-final berth …

2008-03-12T11:44:00.000+05:30

Liverpool FC became the fourth English club to make it through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after Fernando Torres struck in the second half to condemn ten-man FC Internazionale Milano to another failed European campaign.

The Spanish international's 26th goal of the season, and his fourth in this competition, gave the Reds a three-goal aggregate lead which was to prove insurmountable for the Italian champions, who, as in the first leg at Anfield, were reduced to ten men after Nicolás Burdisso was dismissed. The Nerazzurri are eliminated at the first knockout round stage for the second successive year, while Liverpool can continue to dream of a third final appearance in four attempts.

It was always going to be a herculean task for Inter, who took to the field to a rapturous welcome from the Curva Nord, displaying a huge banner that read: FC Inter Orgoglio di Milan. And the 'pride of Milan' immediately set about trying to reduce the two-goal aggregate deficit. After four minutes Esteban Cambiasso started and finished a move that required a block from right-back Jamie Carragher, making his 100th European appearance. Then, on eight minutes, Pepe Reina was at full stretch to deny Julio Cruz after the striker had cut in from the left and unleashed a powerful shot.

Reinforced by the defensive midfield duo of Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva, Liverpool began to look more assured after the first 20 minutes and almost went ahead when Cambiasso slipped in the corner of his area, conceding possession to Torres. The in-form forward skipped past both the Argentinian and Rivas Lopez yet goalkeeper Júlio César narrowed the angle and saved the shot with his legs. At the other end, Inter should have scored when a delightful give-and-go between Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cruz broke the offside trap, but the latter's diagonal drive rolled just wide.

Ibrahimović cut a menacing figure whenever he came deep to receive the ball although the impressive Lucas coped manfully, continually snapping at the Swede's heels to stop the danger at source. Rafael Benítez's game plan largely entailed long passes over the top to exploit the pace of Ryan Babel and Torres, and the visitors almost fell behind when Maicon found Cruz, whose trademark back-heel brought the best out of Pepe Reina.

The turning point came when Burdisso was sent off for his second booking on 50 minutes. Again Roberto Mancini's team were a defender down, though initially at least, the setback appeared only to strengthen their resolve. Crucially, Ibrahimović failed to capitalise on an error in the box from Martin Škrtel, firing wide. The hosts were soon made to pay as Torres brought down a ball from midfield with his back to goal, turned on the edge of the area and swept an unstoppable low strike past César.

Inter did create further chances yet their night was typified by Ibrahimović's last contribution – a shot blazed over when he was clear on goal with ten minutes remaining. The only blot on Liverpool's evening was a booking for Gerrard which rules the captain out of the quarter-final first leg, with the opponents to be revealed on Friday.

Fernando Torres on the move , chk the goal here ..

Confident Reds 'not scared of anyone'

2008-03-11T12:07:00.000+05:30

Winger Jermaine Pennant believes the confidence gained from Liverpool FC's five-match winning streak will strengthen their chances of protecting a 2-0 lead at FC Internazionale Milano in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round.

Pennant scored his first goal of the season in Liverpool's 3-0 victory over Newcastle United FC on Saturday – a fourth straight Premier League win following the Reds' first-leg triumph over the Serie A leaders – to further boost morale ahead of Tuesday's decider. "It's a very important game for us," said Pennant. "Win this and we're in the quarter-finals. But we know it's going to be a tough task because Inter are a quality side with great players. We're very confident, though. The mood is very positive. We've had three convincing wins at Anfield and everyone's sharp and really up for this game. It's looking very good."

Liverpool's fine form began with the late goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerrard against Inter on 19 February which have put them in pole position to reach the last eight. Since then the performances of Fernando Torres, in particular, have caught the eye. The Spanish international has taken his seasonal league tally to 19 thanks to a recent haul of seven goals, including two hat-tricks – and will now want to add to his three strikes in this competition.

The 25-year-old Pennant said of his free-scoring team-mate: "Torres can't stop scoring which is a great habit to get into. We've scored a lot of goals in our last three games so the striking side's going well. Liverpool have always been known for their attacking football and we're not scared of anyone because we can score against anyone. The main thing is we're not conceding, which is a huge bonus."

Another clean sheet will seal Liverpool's ticket to the next stage, where they would join Pennant's former club Arsenal FC, who beat AC Milan here last week, Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC in Friday's draw. "It was a great result for Arsenal and hopefully we'll be able to get a victory as well or keep the scores down at least – not conceding is our main target. English clubs are doing well because of the personnel in the English game. There are a lot of quality players in the Premier League and it's great the top four English clubs could be in the quarter-finals."

Pennant Goal ;

Barça lose after Tomasson’s late goal ..

2008-03-10T12:10:00.000+05:30

Jon Dahl Tomasson's late goal gave third-placed Villarreal CF a 2-1 win at FC Barcelona leaving the Catalan giants eight points adrift of Primera División leaders Real Madrid CF.

Marcos Senna had given Villarreal a 32nd-minute lead from the penalty spot but thereafter, the visitors found themselves on the back foot as Barça pressed forward in search of an equaliser. They had to wait until midway through the second half, though, when Andrés Iniesta played a one-two with Ronaldinho and cut the ball back for Xavi Hernández to ram home. The home side poured forward in search of the winner but were hit on the break and Sebastián Eguren squared for Tomasson to apply the simplest of finishes in the 81st minute. The Yellow Submarine are now just four points behind their hosts.

Sevilla CF moved into the top six with a 2-1 win over Levante UD after goals from Seydou Keita, in the 28th minute, and Luis Fabiano, four minutes into the second half helped them to come from behind after Mustapha Riga's early strike. Real Racing Club Santander went fifth after comfortably seeing off the challenge of Real Betis Balompié through second-half efforts from Aldo Duscher (51), Ezequiel Garay (59) and Mohammed Tchite (88).

RCD Mallorca moved further away from the relegation zone with a 7-1 hammering of RC Recreativo de Huelva, who stay third from bottom. All the goals came between the 21st and 50th minutes with Juan Fernando Arango getting the first and last two to claim a hat-trick while both Daniel Guiza and Borja Valero scored twice.

Elsewhere, Valencia CF squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with RC Deportivo La Coruña at Mestalla. Juan Manuel Mata gave the home side a 17th-minute lead and David Villa doubled it seven minutes later. However, Sergio González replied and Ángel Lafita scored on the stroke of half-time to level. Athletic Club Bilbao defeated Real Valladolid CF 2-0 to jump above their rivals and UEFA Cup debutants Getafe CF won 3-0 at struggling Real Murcia CF while CA Osasuna were 2-1 winners against UD Almería.

Best of the la liga .. Watch out ..

World number one outplayed in Dubai !!!

2008-03-04T00:41:00.000+05:30

Andy Murray produced one of the best performances of his career to beat world number one Roger Federer in Dubai.

The young Scot had been handed a daunting first-round draw, but he beat the reigning champion 6-7 6-3 6-4 in a little under two hours.

Of 27 previous matches at this event, Federer had won 25, taking the title four times in the last five years.

But after he edged the first set 8-6 in a tense tie-break, mistakes began to creep into Federer's game as Murray turned up the heat.

The British number one did not face a break point in the entire match, while it was he who claimed the decisive breaks of serve in the fifth game of the second and third sets.

Federer was back in action after taking a month-long break since his surprise defeat to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

Murray, meanwhile, was appearing in his fifth event of the season having alternated between winning titles and suffering first-round exits in the previous four.

In order to prolong that sequence he would have to condemn Federer to back-to-back defeats for the first time in almost five years.

The early stages suggested it could be an epic struggle, but Federer's lack of match practice began to show as his game became increasingly erratic.

Murray's defensive play was outstanding throughout and when he went for his shots he showed much greater consistency than the champion.

After winning the first break point of the match for a 3-2 lead in the second set, Murray followed it up with a love service game and suddenly he was in the ascendancy.

He served out the set in comfort before missing two break points in the opening game of the third set.

Murray did not have too much longer to wait for his match-winning opportunity, however, as Federer crumbled in the fifth game, losing it to love.

A disputed line-call could have affected Murray's concentration as Federer correctly challenged what would have been a double fault at 0-40, but the Scot retained his focus to force another error from his opponent and forge ahead.

Another confident service game consolidated the break and although Federer won his next two games on serve to make Murray serve for the match, the 20-year-old never appeared under pressure.

At 5-4 Murray came up with another superb service game, holding to love to earn a second win in three career meetings with Federer and book a second-round date with Fernando Verdasco.

Carling Cup glory for Spurs !!

2008-02-25T00:53:00.000+05:30

Jonathan Woodgate headed home an extra-time winner as Tottenham deservedly triumphed in the Carling Cup final against Chelsea.

The centre-back was first to reach a Jermaine Jenas free-kick in the 94th minute, with Petr Cech saving his initial effort before the ball rebounded straight back off the former Middlesbrough player and into the back of the net.

Spurs were much the brighter in the opening half, but fell behind when Didier Drogba deceived Paul Robinson with a low free-kick from outside the box in the 39th minute.

Juande Ramos' men continued to battle after the break and were handed the chance to level 20 minutes from time when the assistant referee ruled Wayne Bridge had handled Aaron Lennon's cross in the box under pressure from Tom Huddlestone.

Dimitar Berbatov stepped up to send Cech the wrong way and the match into extra-time, with Woodgate then securing Spurs' first trophy since they lifted the League Cup back in 1999 and a place in next season's Uefa Cup.

Tottenham's supremacy began from the kick-off when Chelsea full-back Juliano Belletti gave the ball straight to Robbie Keane.

The Irishman couldn't believe his luck but his shot was deflected to safety by John Terry, selected alongside Frank Lampard in the starting XI.

In the ninth minute Spurs hit the crossbar when Lennon's corner was met by the head of Pascal Chimbonda at the far post. Fortunately for Chelsea, the ball dropped onto the top of the bar and out to safety.

Seconds later it was the turn of Berbatov to squander a gilt-edged opportunity when he headed Keane's cross wide of the target from six yards.

Tottenham continued to remain in the ascendancy and in the 27th minute Steed Malbranque brought a fine diving save from Cech when he tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area.

Chelsea, in contrast, had failed to find their normal free-flowing football but Tottenham's inability to find some reward for their control eventually let Avram Grant's side seize back the initiative.

The warning signs were there for Spurs when Didier Zokora brought down Shaun Wright-Phillips on the edge of the penalty area in the 33rd minute.

Drogba's free-kick was a foot wide of the target but when Zokora fouled his Ivory Coast team-mate four minutes later, the misdemeanour had major implications for Ramos' side.

Firstly, Zokora was booked by referee Mark Halsey but the more lethal punishment was to follow when Drogba's free-kick found the back of the net with goalkeeper Robinson completely wrong-footed.

Tottenham's response was immediate when Berbatov flicked the ball on to Keane to shoot straight at Cech.

Chelsea continued to look comfortable after the re-start and although Tottenham raised their game it took a fine stop from captain Ledley King to prevent Nicolas Anelka from increasing their lead in the 65th minute.

But Tottenham found a way back into the game when Bridge was adjudged to have handled with Bulgarian striker Berbatov stepping up to send Cech the wrong way and keep Tottenham's dreams alive.

Spurs were now inspired and they should have gone in front in the 80th minute when Keane sent Zokora clean through with just Cech to beat, but the Chelsea 'keeper saved Zokora's first effort with his face and the Ivory Coast midfielder then blasted the follow-up high and wide.

Grant was clearly concerned by Tottenham's resurgence and he had every right to be especially when Berbatov brought another stunning save from Cech in the 84th minute.

Chelsea were now hanging on like a punch-drunk boxer in the final rounds but Spurs could not find the knockout salvo.

But Ramos clinched his first trophy as Spurs manager when Anelka fouled Lennon in the Chelsea half just four minutes into extra-time.

Woodgate, signed from Boro in the January transfer window for £8million, glanced the free-kick from Jenas onto Cech's gloves and the ball then rebounded off the Spurs defender and into the net.

Robinson justified his selection with seven minutes remaining when he saved superbly to deny Chelsea substitute Salomon Kalou.

Spurs had to withstand some more anxious moments as Chelsea threw everyone forward in an attempt to equalise but the final whistle signalled a fabulous triumph for Ramos who had won his first silverware just four months after taking over from Martin Jol.

Ferguson unhappy at gap !!

2008-02-17T00:21:00.000+05:30

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his disappointment at slipping five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

United's shock loss to rivals Manchester City last weekend saw The Gunners extend their lead at the summit of the table with victory over Blackburn Rovers.

With 12 games of the current campaign still remaining, Ferguson is convinced that there is still time to overhaul Arsene Wenger's side and retain their championship crown.

But he has admitted that Arsenal's growing improvement is a concern, while conceding that events have not gone to plan up until this stage of the season.

"I am not happy we are five points behind them," Ferguson said.

"You want to be leading at this stage of the campaign.

"However, I have to say Arsenal are looking more compact and more solid than they were last season."

Ferguson also hinted that he may rotate his starting XI for Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Wenger's men.

"You cannot (keep the same side) in every game. That is why clubs have squads of 22 players," he continued.

"You cannot go back to the days when Liverpool won the league with only 14 players to call on."

Ferguson went on to express his belief that the clashes between his side and Arsenal lack the aggressive and fiery edge they used to demonstrate.

"We both have different teams today and as a result it is now less fractious," he concluded.

Gerrard up for the fight ...

2008-02-12T00:58:00.000+05:30

Steven Gerrard believes Sunday's 0-0 draw with Chelsea will help Liverpool in the 'big challenge' to finish fourth in the Premier League this season.

Rafa Benitez's side have struggled this campaign after being tipped as genuine title contenders and Liverpool now face a battle to finish in the top four.

However, Liverpool earned a hard-fought point at Stamford Bridge to maintain their hopes of a place in the UEFA Champions League next term.

And captain Gerrard insists the level of improved performance must be maintained as the Reds battle it out with Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester City for a place in Europe's top club competition.

"There are definitely a lot of positives to take out of this (Chelsea) game. It was definitely a big improvement on how we've played of late," Gerrard told the Liverpool Echo.

"We realise now that we're facing a big challenge to finish in the top four and we've got to forget about the title and focus on fighting for fourth place.

"There are a lot of teams around us who are in good form and playing well so it's important that we don't let our standards drop."

And Gerrard has echoed the sentiments of his Liverpool team-mate Jose Reina by suggesting that the Reds struck the correct balance between attack and defence at Stamford Bridge.

"I think we controlled the majority of this game and it felt as if we could have snatched it," Gerrard added.

"I just thought we lacked that cutting edge in the final third but I can't fault many other things because it was a good performance.

"We looked more solid defensively and I thought we were the better side over the 90 minutes and if anyone was going to win it was us."

United winger planning to stay with club ..

2008-02-10T17:34:00.000+05:30

Cristiano Ronaldo plans to stay at Old Trafford for another five to 10 years and cement his place in Manchester United folklore.

The Portuguese winger has made a huge impact at United since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 but he is determined to improve further.

Ronaldo has no intention of leaving United as he has a great affection for the club, and is hoping to become one of their greatest ever players.

"I have been here five years and I want to be part of the history of the club," he explained.

"I want to stay here more years because I love the club.

"I may stay another five years, 10 years, I don't know.

"You never know what will happen but here people recognise me for my job, for the goals and for my personality."

Ronaldo is excited about playing in Sunday's Manchester derby, which comes in the week of the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

Both sides will wear a special kit without sponsors or logos and Ronaldo is not prepared to part with his.

He said: "I have already spoken to the kit manager and told him I want one of the shirts to keep.

Portuguese Winger -- Number 7 .. Chk this out

"I won't be exchanging it with anyone. I want to keep it and I am excited about the game.

"You see that team of 50 years ago and it's amazing - a great team with great spirit.

"Now there are better cameras, better television, and I want to be recognised maybe in 50 years as a great player."

United are still in the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, while they are just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Ronaldo is hungry for silverware and has urged his team-mates to focus on all three competitions.

He said: "There is a great chance we can win everything. Manchester United have to think that because we have that opportunity every season."

Theo Walcott proves his England quality ..

2008-02-06T12:01:00.000+05:30

There is a persuasive argument to say that Theo Walcott, rather like the Titanic, should never have left Southampton.

In the two years since Walcott gave up Championship football at St Mary's, he has started just 26 competitive matches and risked trading life as a fast-growing fish in a small pond for that of a minnow within the reservoir of talent at Arsenal.

His potential, though, has still been enough to catch the eye of England manager Fabio Capello and last night, on his first return to Southampton, he produced a reminder of why the Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, was prepared to pay £12 million for his talents.

True, the England Under-21 team were already leading the Republic of Ireland by two goals, but the way Walcott opened his body and side-footed the ball beyond goalkeeper Darren Randolph was still rather reminiscent of his idol, Thierry Henry.

It also sealed a 3-0 win which enhanced England's position at the top of the European Championship Group Three qualifying table, and virtually guaranteed their place in a play-off match to reach the finals in Sweden next year. A point in the final game against Portugal would guarantee winning the group. "We feel this will get us there," manager Stuart Pearce said.

Walcott has played in all seven qualifiers for Pearce and, although this was his first goal in this campaign, the challenge now is to compliment his place in the Under-21 team with regular football at Arsenal. Walcott said: "I don't pay any attention [to criticism]. The only ones I listen to are my family and friends. I just get on with my football and try and perform in every game."

Capello's right-hand man, Franco Baldini, was at St Mary's and introduced himself to the players. "Straight away, they know there is a link there to the seniors - there will be a few performances worth a recommendation," Pearce said.

Against a limited Irish team, the theory was that Aaron Lennon and James Milner would offer support from the wide positions. In practice, it took England time to find any real cutting edge, with many of the best first-half moments originating from Lennon's right wing. There was a greater sense of urgency after the interval and the goals all arrived within an 18-minute period.

In the 60th minute, Milner, who was winning his 36th under-21 cap, shaped to cross and his ball glanced off Ireland defender Stephen O'Halloran and into the net. There was less luck about England's second as Milner collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and fired a precise shot beyond Randolph.

It was then left for Walcott to apply the finishing touch to a highly satisfactory night for both Pearce and Capello.

Non-league side scare Premier League giants ..

2008-01-27T14:02:00.000+05:30

Havant & Waterlooville twice took the lead at Anfield before losing 5-2 to Liverpool, Preston North End thrashed Derby County and Arsenal beat Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round.

Non-league side Havant were expected to be cannon-fodder for their Premier League opponents, but provided the Reds with several scares before Yossi Benayoun's hat-trick spared his side's blushes.

Preston may be waging a battle to to stay in the Championship, but shrugged off those troubles to win 4-1 at Pride Park.

Middlesbrough avoided an upset at Mansfield Town in the early kick-off, while Bristol Rovers and Coventry City both saw off lower league opposition.

Arsenal 3 Newcastle 0

Arsene Wenger's side brushed off a disjointed first-half display to eventually emerge comfortable winners at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal took the lead on 51 minutes when Newcastle failed to clear the loose ball after Eduardo da Silva's shot came back off the post, with Emmanuel Adebayor guiding his shot beyond Shay Given. Adebayor notched the Gunners' second goal on 83 minutes, skipping past a couple of challenges before firing a low shot past Given, which Steven Taylor was unable to keep out on the line. Arsenal rubbed salt into the wounds late on with a third goal as Cesc Fabregas' free-kick was headed past his own keeper by Nicky Butt.

Barnet 0 Bristol Rovers 1

Barnet failed to claim the scalp of another League One side after suffering a narrow defeat at Underhill. Barnet were gifted an opportunity to take the lead after just two minutes when Danny Coles was penalised for handball, but Jason Puncheon's penalty was saved by Rovers keeper Steve Phillips. Rovers, who beat Fulham on penalties in midweek, grabbed the only goal four minutes into the second half through Rickie Lambert.

Coventry 2 Millwall 1

Coventry advanced to the fifth round of the competition after a battling win over League One Millwall. Lewis Grabban and Paul Robinson both saw headers cleared off the line for the Lions before Coventry took the lead on 16 minutes. Michael Doyle touched a free-kick to Stephen Hughes and his low drive nestled in the bottom corner. Millwall were level three minutes before half-time when Jay Simpson finished smartly after controlling Scott Barron's cross. But the Sky Blues were back in front seven minutes into the second half when Michael Mifsud scored from close range after Elliott Ward's shot bounced into his path.

Derby 1 Preston 4

Top-flight strugglers Derby saw their season take a further turn for the worse after a heavy home defeat. Preston pounced on a woeful first-half showing from Derby to score three times before the interval, with Karl Hawley breaking the deadlock on 14 minutes with a composed finish after Chris Brown had latched on to an Andy Todd error. Darren Carter's clever pass released Simon Whaley to score the second goal on 33 minutes and on the stroke of half-time Brown set up Hawley to curl a low shot inside the post from the edge of the box. Derby pulled one back 10 minutes into the second half when substitute Robert Earnshaw finished confidently after being sent clear by Kenny Miller. In the final minute, Rams defender Lewin Nyatanga was sent off for bringing down Neil Mellor in the box and the striker got up to convert the penalty.

Liverpool 5 Havant and Waterlooville 2

The non-league side rocked Anfield by taking the lead after just eight minutes when the unmarked Richard Pacquette nodded home Mo Harkin's corner. Liverpool huffed and puffed before equalising on 27 minutes through Lucas Leiva's stunning goal into the top corner from 25 yards. Yet Havant did not buckle and went back in front four minutes later when Alfie Potter's shot took a deflection off Martin Skrtel on its way past Reds keeper Charles Itandje. Liverpool equalised again a minute before half-time through Yossi Benayoun's clever finish after he was picked out by Jermaine Pennant inside the box. And the same players combined to put Liverpool ahead for the first time on 56 minutes with Pennant clipping in a cross which Benayoun controlled before firing a shot high into the net, and three minutes later the Israeli completed his hat-trick when pouncing on the loose ball after Ryan Babel's shot had been parried. In the last minute, Liverpool added a fifth goal when Peter Crouch tapped in from close range, despite looking suspiciously offside.

Mansfield 0 Middlesbrough 2

Boro survived the odd hairy moment at Field Mill before securing a place in the fifth round of the competition. Lee Dong-gook gave Boro a 17th minute lead from close range after Mansfield failed to deal with a corner from the right-hand side. Michael Boulding thundered a shot against the crossbar before half-time, only for Boro to wrap the game up three minutes from time when Jake Buxton headed George Boateng's cross into his own net

Adebayor-Bendtner incident to be looked at

2008-01-23T20:24:00.000+05:30

The Football Association are to look at footage of the clash between Arsenal players during the Carling Cup defeat at Spurs.

The move comes after referee Howard Webb confirmed he had not seen the entire incident in which Emmanuel Adebayor appeared to butt teammate Nicklas Bendtner.

Tottenham booked a place at Wembley with a resounding 5-1 win over their arch rivals.

During the closing stages, with the tie already lost, Bendtner - who had earlier scored an own goal - became involved in an altercation with Adebayor, and appeared to complain of being butted by the Togo international.

Arsenal captain William Gallas stepped in to try to calm matters, before being confronted by the angry young Danish striker. Eventually, referee Webb had to intervene to restore order.

As the Yorkshire official revealed he did not witness the events in their entirety, the FA have now asked Sky Sports to provide any relevant television footage.

Once that is obtained, any incidents will be shown to Webb for his opinion.

Should the referee indicate action would have been taken on the night had he witnessed it first hand, the FA can then retrospectively issue charges against any individuals.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintained he was not aware of the incident, while captain Gallas refused to single out anyone for blame.

The France defender said: "I don't know what happened. I think everybody was disappointed with the score and they were nervous.

"They know they made a mistake. Maybe they will speak with the boss to see why they did that."

Gallas added: "We lost our calm. Sometimes it is difficult to be calm and it is not easy for some players to be calm. We were too nervous. We have to learn."

Lehmann opts for retirement

2008-01-22T20:00:00.000+05:30

Jens Lehmann has admitted that he has contemplated retiring from football at the end of the season.

The German international has made just five appearances for the Arsenal first-team this season after a string of errors at the beginning of the campaign saw him lose his place to Manuel Almunia.

The temperamental keeper looks set to be on the bench once again for the club's Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Spurs on Wednesday night and feels that he has been treated unfairly of late as the performances of his Spanish replacement have not warranted an extended run in the side.

He also admitted that if the situation fails to improve over the next few months then he will consider calling time on his 18-year career.

"If the same criteria were applied to Almunia as they are to me, I would have been back in the team a long time ago," he said.

"But I am optimistic, and I go into every training session feeling I will soon be back playing.

"It is highly unlikely I would join another club in England.

"It troubles me greatly I'm not getting games, but that is the only thing I disagree about with Arsene Wenger.

"There is a 50 per cent chance I could retire soon. It depends what offers I receive."

If Lehmann sticks to his word then there appears a good chance that he may hang up his gloves come the summer, as on top of ruling out a move to another side in this country, he has also stated his reluctance to leave his young family alone in London.

This would seemingly rule out a transfer abroad and would explain the reasons behind his decision to reject the opportunity to return to his former club Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.

"Crime levels are really high in London," he said.

"I would not feel comfortable about leaving my wife and children alone there.

"I would have made more money had I joined Dortmund for five months, but it would have been less favourable for my family.

"I didn't want to make the children change schools for such a short period, and they didn't want to move.

"My wife and I did not want to disrupt their happiness simply because their dad made a couple of mistakes at the start of the season and now has to sit on the subs' bench."

Ronaldo Steers Manchester to an emphatic victory …

2008-01-13T12:38:00.000+05:30

On a day when Arsenal and Liverpool both faltered Manchester United hit their counterparts from Newcastle for six and in the process returned to the Premier League summit.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first ever hat-trick in England, taking his tally to 22 for the season, inspired United to a 6-0 success that looked unlikely when at half-time their clash with managerless Newcastle was goalless.

The Portuguese was at his effervescent best all afternoon and once he broke the deadlock just four minutes after the break, there was only ever to be one winner.

Carlos Tevez helped himself to a double of his own and Rio Ferdinand a solitary effort, as Newcastle, who had Alan Smith sent-off in injury time, were teased and tormented by Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

As the Geordies last tasted victory at Old Trafford in 1972, three years after they last won any trophy of note, it was hard to escape the feeling they would be little more than lambs to the slaughter.

And, following a hard-fought opening period, the theory proved fully justified as the hosts cut loose in amazing style.

With seven goals in eight appearances against the Toon, Wayne Rooney was intent on maintaining that impressive record but by half-time, it had proved costly to his own team as he became increasingly blinkered, seemingly oblivious to better placed team-mates screaming for passes.

Ferguson has had plenty to say on Newcastle's groundless over-optimism but the United boss was more vexed at referee Rob Styles, who turned down what the hosts believed were two stone-wall penalty claims.

Critics would argue Ronaldo merely fell over Steven Taylor's outstretched leg as he flew into the area. However, as Taylor made no contact with the ball, it was easy to see why Ferguson had a different opinion.

There was no mitigating factor on the second occasion though as Smith barged over Ryan Giggs. Styles was only a couple of yards away but yet again, he waved play on.

Ferguson was not the only one to feel aggrieved though as Newcastle, despite their lack of chances, were denied a goal when an incorrect offside flag was raised against Michael Owen, who finished off James Milner's lofted pass.

The controversies merely proved the prelude to a massacre, which began before Newcastle had time to catch their breath after the re-start.

Smith clipped Ronaldo's heels just as he was about to shoot, offering the Portugal winger the kind of free-kick chance he craves. As the Newcastle wall, to a man, jumped, Ronaldo drove a low shot underneath them which Given could not keep out.

Five minutes later, the visitors committed the kind of defensive blunder for which they have become so famed down the years, Given driving a clearance into Claudio Cacapa. Giggs was onto the loose ball in a flash and squared to Tevez, who swept home with ease.

Their hopes of gaining something from the contest virtually extinguished, Newcastle could have done without lone front-man Owen firing wide from close range after Edwin van der Sar had pushed Charles N'Zogbia's shot into his direction.

And so it proved as Ronaldo finished off an excellent move involving Rooney and Tevez with a sublime finish across Given. Newcastle could barely believe they were only halfway through their torture.

But a brilliant Ferdinand finish from Rooney's exquisite pass was followed by Ronaldo's third, a cooly slotted effort that took a slight deflection off Jose Enrique.

Tevez completed a win of such a magnitude when his volley on the stretch crashed against the underside of the bar and was adjudged to have crossed the line.

Newcastle's woes were exacerbated when Rob Styles showed captain Smith a red card for his less than complimentary assessment of the official's performance.

Manuel Almunia save keeps Arsenal at top

2007-12-23T10:41:00.000+05:30

Juande Ramos has joined the list of the not so magnificent seven Spurs managers who have failed to lower Arsenal's colours during the reign of Arsene Wenger.

But his first attempt brought a lot more frowns from Wenger than usual on these occasions and Ramos will be quietly confident of turning over their old rivals when they return for next month's Carling Cup semi-final, especially as Arsenal will not field anything like as strong a team as they did here.

Under Ramos, Spurs have started to flow and while everyone goes on about Arsenal's youngsters, they have found a little Irish gem themselves in Jamie O'Hara, 19, who has already played for England Under-18s but is now having his grandfathers checked out by the Football Association of Ireland. The FAI are not known as Find Another Irishman for nothing.

O'Hara made his debut as a substitute at Portsmouth last week and played as though he had been in the side for years. After another sub's role against Manchester City in midweek, he was given his first start here, a sign of how much faith Ramos has in him, and he promptly upstaged senior midfield men like Steed Malbranque and Kevin-Prince Boateng. Mind you, a lad who has spent most of this season on loan at Millwall was never going to be frightened of a north London derby.

The bad news for Spurs when the Carling Cup comes around is that they are certain to face young Dane Nicklas Bendtner, who trotted off the substitutes' bench as Arsenal prepared to take a corner and promptly headed in the ball delivered by Cesc Fabregas for the winner. As Ramos said: "To concede a goal from a corner when you have got all your outfield players in the penalty area is unusual. Those sort of mistakes should not happen."

Bendtner now has four goals after making just six starts, which is not too shabby, and this, his first in the Premier League, made him an instant hero in the eyes of Arsenal fans.

Yet three minutes earlier Arsenal had been on the verge of their first defeat to Spurs in 20 games and only their second loss at the Emirates. After Kolo Toure brought down Dimitar Berbatov referee Rob Styles pointed to the spot, and with Robbie Keane normally lethal from 12 yards it looked as though, at the very least, Arsenal would need to make one of their late recoveries. Yet goalkeeper Manuel Almunia guessed right and made a fine stop, all his defenders rushing to congratulate him at the end.

Arsenal were a long way from their imperious best, even Fabregas struggling to get his passes to his intended colleagues. And without Robin van Persie, who has picked up another minor injury, Arsenal continually relied on long balls to lone striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Even more galling for the Emirates faithful was that, for a spell near the end of the first half, it was Spurs playing the pretty football.

Just when Arsenal seemed to be running out of ideas, however, a delightful piece of football at the start of the second half gave them the lead. Fabregas exchanged a one-two with Tomas Rosicky before playing in Adebayor with a back-heel, the finish across Paul Robinson showing how much he learned from Thierry Henry. He must love these rivals, having scored six in five games against them.

Tottenham's Aaron Lennon and Arsenal's Gael Clichy were involved in a fascinating match within the match, Lennon winning round one with a cross that a watchful Bacary Sagna just managed to head out at the far post. But Clichy won most of the following rounds until Lennon stepped inside to deliver a left-foot cross in the 70th minute, Keane shooting against the crossbar when he really should have scored.

Wes Brown ready to leave Old Trafford …

2007-12-19T17:44:00.000+05:30

Manchester United defender Wes Brown has indicated that he is prepared to leave the club next summer, with Newcastle United his most likely destination.

Brown has stalled on a new contract offer from the club and has indicated to friends that it is now unlikely that he will sign, instead waiting out the remainder of his contract and becoming a free agent at the end of the season.

The current deal on the table from United is thought to be in the region of £40,000 a week, considerably less than most of the first team players, but that figure will not be improved upon.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has long coveted the versitile defender and sees Brown as a partial answer to Newcastle's current defensive frailties.

With Alan Smith and Nicky Butt already at the club, Allardyce is confident Brown can be convinced it is the right move for him.

Brown has been with United for 11 years though his career has been punctuated by a number of serious injuries and a battle when fit to dislodge established names, in particular club captain Gary Neville.

Brown is currently enjoying a prolonged spell in the first team curtosey of a long-term injury to Neville. However, the news that Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a right-back, possibly as soon as the next transfer window, has dismayed Brown.

Ferguson is believed to have already made inquiries about Bayern Munich's German international Philip Lahm and Willy Sagnol.

The current deal on the table from United is thought to be in the region of £40,000 a week, considerably less than most of the first team players, but that figure will not be improved upon.

Karthikeyan wins the Zhuhai A1 GP …

2007-12-16T21:30:00.000+05:30

With Narain Karthikeyan sizzling on the Zhuhai International Circuit, Team India zipped to its first A1 GP victory by winning the Feature Race on Sunday.

Having lost his status as Williambrs' test driver after the Formula One team jettisoned him earlier this week, Karthikeyan took the circuit by storm and raced to the chequered flag, quelling late charge from New Zealand and South Africa.

The Indian clocked 1:08'30.759 to finish 0.502 seconds ahead of Kiwi Jonny Reid.

India thus became the 14th nation to record a win in A1GP.

Starting third in the grid, Karthikeyan stepped on the gas on lap 16 when Portugal slipped back, allowing India to trail Switzerland. And by lap 22, the gap between the Swiss and Indian car had been whittled down to 4.6 seconds.

In lap 26, Neel Jani of Team Switzerland developed a problem with the right rear tyre and had to bring the car into the pits, which allowed Karthikeyan to grab the lead.

There was hardly any moment to relax, however, with Pakistan toppling India from the lead before Karthikeyan showing again who was the boss.

Kiwi Jonny Reid then closed down on the Indian with less than half a second separating them but Karthikeyan used all his experience of racing in the top flight and survived the late assault to drive his team to glory.

Capello is a winner says Ruud Gullit …

2007-12-12T19:46:00.000+05:30

Ruud Gullit insists Fabio Capello is a winner but warned fans he does not play "for the beauty of the game".

Capello is reported to be flying into London on Wednesday for talks with the Football Association with a view to succeeding Steve McClaren as national team boss.

Dutchman Gullit, who played under Capello at AC Milan in the 1990s, is confident the 61-year-old Italian will be a success as England boss but does not expect it to be easy on the eye.

"He doesn't play for the beauty of the game but to win," the Dutchman said.

"You don't see him laughing much - he's moody. But he knows what he wants. You have to go his way or you will get in trouble. He screams at you.

"You need to be well drilled to play for him - very disciplined - and you certainly don't fool around with him, that's for sure."

Gullit insists the initial focus for Capello would be making sure England are watertight defensively.

"Italians are all about looking good, defending your reputation. When you've got that you become very hard to beat. If you become that clinical, you don't even have to play well to win - that's how come they have won so many championships."

AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf, who played under Capello at Real Madrid when they won the Spanish league title in 1997, concurs with Gullit that the Italian is a no-nonsense boss.

"He's a tough guy, very straight. He's very dedicated. Of course it has been quite a while since I worked with him in Madrid, but I think he has much more experience now than 10 years ago," Seedorf said.

"He was then already one of the best coaches I've ever had."

World Cup winner Dino Zoff has also warned England's stars they will need to perform.

The goalkeeping great told The Sun: "If any England player fails to show enough guts with Capello as manager he will just find another player straightaway.

"Capello will carry on getting the very best out of players as he has always done with all types.

"Capello has shown enough flair to win wherever he has been and he inspires quicker than any other manager. He would be a great acquisition for England."

Former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi feels his fellow countryman can turn England into world beaters.

He said: "I think Capello is really ideal for this job. If England are capable of winning something I truly believe Capello is the man who will bring it out of them.

"If there are primma donnas to deal with, there is no one better in the world at dealing with them."

Ray Wilkins, who worked with Capello at Milan, believes there is a human touch beneath the steely exterior.

"He's an aggressive person; he always told it as he saw it," Wilkins told the Daily Mail.

"In training he got what he wanted. He wanted you to work, that's what you're there for anyway, but he has a great sense of humour."

Kangaroos stun Kiwis in the Twenty20 …

2007-12-11T19:32:00.000+05:30

An Andrew Symonds special and some blistering pace from Brett Lee and Shaun Tait have helped Australia win its KFC Twenty20 clash against New Zealand by 54 runs at the WACA.

Michael Clarke won the toss and elected to bat in his opening match as Australian captain despite losing Brad Hodge before the match, and it was an explosive 85 not out from Symonds that set up the total of 6-186.

The Black Caps had no answer to the speed of Lee and Tait on a quick and bouncy WACA pitch, both picking up a wicket with their opening balls and two for the innings.

Mitchell Johnson also picked up two, while Ashley Noffke took 3-18 on debut.

New Zealand started at 1-0, advanced to 5-31, then 6-49 and finished all out for 132, with only Jacob Oram again showing any fight, left unbeaten on 66.

Lou Vincent might have made a century on his Test debut at the WACA, but there was to be none of those heroics when he fended Brett Lee's first ball straight up into the air to give the Black Caps a disastrous start.

Brendon McCullum (13) also skied a ball off Lee to Gilchrist, before Tait's first ball was gloved by Jamie How to Gilchrist, who palmed it down at first before turning and diving to catch it. How was out for four after struggling for 18 balls.

Tait's third ball was far too quick for Ross Taylor (0), who edged it onto his thigh pad and then onto his stumps.

Mitchell Johnson then got into the act, picking up Matthew Sinclair (0) and Scott Styris (18).

Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills, Mark Gillespie and Jeetan Patel offered little resistance as Oram simply run out of partners.

He ended up 66 not out off 31 balls in an innings that included five fours and six sixes. Five of those sixes came in Andrew Symonds' two overs.

Hodge went down with a back injury an hour before play and was replaced in the side by Western Australia's Luke Pomersbach, despite him still being suspended by the Warriors.

Andrew Symonds hit his highest Twenty20 score to be 85 not out off 46 balls, with his innings including seven fours and three sixes. Australia scored 96 off the last eight overs to reach 186.

Gilchrist didn't get a start as he was out for one due to an acrobatic catch at point by Jeetan Patel off Gillespie, but Clarke (33), Michael Hussey (22), Adam Voges (26) and Pomersbach (15) all made solid contributions

Pomersbach was coming to the ground to watch the match with his girlfriend, but, as he was parking his car, was called by the Australian team manager and informed he was about to debut for Australia.

Pomersbach hit a quick fire 15 before Taylor took his third catch off the innings off the bowling of Gillespie, which brought Ashley Noffke in also on debut. He was run out without facing, and then Brett Lee didn't score off the final ball, leaving Symonds not out on 85.

Kumble retained captain for the Australian tour

2007-12-06T01:01:00.000+05:30

The selectors on Wednesday retained Anil Kumble as India's Test captain for the tour of Australia and pencilled in the pace trio of Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and VRV Singh for the third cricket Test against Pakistan starting on Saturday.

With a number of key players grappling with injuries, the selectors announced a list of 24 probables for the Australia tour, which would be pruned to a 16-member squad on December 12 after getting report on the players' fitness.

Among the pacers, Zaheer Khan has sustained a heel injury, S Sreesanth is nursing a shoulder injury and RP Singh is yet to recover from a side strain.

Former Test player Chetan Chauhan has been appointed as Administrative Manager for the Test Series in Australia.

MV Sridhar, vice-president of Hyderabad Cricket Association, has been appointed as Assistant Manager who will also look after media for the Test series.

Squad for Pakistan Test: Anil Kumble (captain), Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Karthik, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Vangipurappu Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma, Vikram Singh, Murali Kartik.

Probables for Australia: Anil Kumble (captain), Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, Vangipurappu Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma, Vikram Singh, Murali Kartik, Zaheer Khan, Rudra Pratap Singh, Munaf Patel, Ranadeb Bose, Pankaj Singh, Piyush Chawla, Ajit Agarkar, Parthiv Patel, Akash Chopra.

Ferguson expects tough defence of Premier League crown

2007-12-05T01:07:00.000+05:30

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes this year's Premier League title race is going to be 'a real battle'.

United's 2-0 victory over Fulham on Monday night saw Ferguson's side reclaim second place in the league.

The win places Ferguson's side three points behind leaders Arsenal, but the Gunners also have a game in hand over United.

And Ferguson insists he does not expect a repeat of the last campaign where his side left Arsenal and Liverpool, who both remain unbeaten in the league this season, trailing in their wake as they pipped Chelsea to the title.

"I said at the start of the season that after finishing so far behind last year Arsenal and Liverpool wouldn't want that again," said Ferguson.

"We expected improvement from them both. Arsenal are doing very well, Liverpool are winning a few games and Chelsea's form since they lost to us has been very good.

"I think you are going to get that now. It is going to be a real battle for the league."

Joe Cole steers Chelsea to victory over West Ham …

2007-12-02T01:31:00.000+05:30

Joe Cole returned to haunt his former side West Ham as he fired Chelsea to victory at Stamford Bridge.

Cole, who left the Hammers for Chelsea in 2003, latched onto a Salomon Kalou header to skilfully round goalkeeper Robert Green on 75 minutes to score the only goal of the game.

In a scrappy first half it was West Ham who had the best opportunity when Nolberto Solano snuck in to lob Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, but the Peruvian's effort drifted just over.

The home crowd were evidently frustrated by their side's lacklustre showing and after the interval Chelsea came out in an attacking mood and West Ham were grateful for intelligent goalkeeping from Green to deny Didier Drogba.

Chelsea, though, then had the lead their second-half performance deserved when Cole, who was debatably offside, fired into the roof of the net and West Ham had no answer.

The first half was notable only for its free-kick count and referee Howard Webb booked four players, Matthew Etherington and Luis Boa Morte for the visitors and Chelsea duo John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou.

Fourth official Steve Tanner was also involved in an investigation when Drogba left the fray midway through the half to complain about an incident that had occurred near the West Ham fans in one corner of the pitch.

It seemed the Ivory Coast striker had been less than happy with a bright light being shined in his eyes from the stands, with a laser pen the most likely 'weapon'.

Free-kicks and flare-ups greatly out-numbered the moments of creative play before referee Webb brought an end to a bad-tempered first half.

Frank Lampard and Alex both fired early free-kicks into the wall and Kalou had been wasteful with a drive from outside the box.

Drogba had come close with a curling effort which just cleared Green's left-hand post and it was a while before the visitors responded.

Solano almost caught out the home side just after the half-hour mark with a clever lob which ended on the roof of the net with Cudicini back-tracking.

By then Etherington had been booked for tugging back Juliano Belletti and Mikel was then shown a yellow card for scything down West Ham's other ex-Chelsea man, Scott Parker. Indeed, the Nigerian was lucky it was not a red.

Kalou's foul on Boa Morte earned him a booking before John Terry's header from a Lampard corner forced Green into the half's only real save.

There was still time before the break for Boa Morte to be booked for a late tackle on Mikel.

There was a chance for Chelsea immediately after the restart but the recalled Steve Sidwell saw his shot deflected behind off Matthew Upson. The former Reading man tried again and met a Lampard corner with a thumping header but it was far too high.

Lampard and Joe Cole were also off target with subsequent efforts but at least the game had at last taken off as a spectacle.

Belletti's error then let in Boa Morte. In came the shot but Terry was able to take the sting off it to help Cudicini save.

At the other end Green had to palm away Joe Cole's cross and the goalkeeper was first to the loose ball as Drogba prepared to shoot.

West Ham were looking dangerous as well though and Parker sent a curled effort at Cudicini before Chelsea swapped Sidwell for Shaun Wright-Phillips in the 66th minute.

The Hammers made a change after Terry had fired across goal and narrowly wide, with Freddie Ljungberg replacing Solano for the last 15 minutes.

Joe Cole's winner was just seconds away however with Drogba and then Kalou winning headers and the England man rounding Green in style and firing high into the empty net.

The Hammers sent on striker Dean Ashton in search of an equaliser but Chelsea were not to be denied.

UEFA/EU action plan against violence ...

2007-11-30T01:17:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-29T01:23:00.000+05:30

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…

2007-11-28T01:08:00.000+05:30

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

2007-11-26T00:49:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-25T03:13:00.000+05:30

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.

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McClaren pays for England's failure ...

2007-11-22T17:03:00.000+05:30

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 !!!

2007-11-21T21:04:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-19T21:31:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-18T15:57:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-18T01:11:00.000+05:30

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 ..

2007-11-16T19:23:00.000+05:30

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 ..

2007-11-15T19:28:00.000+05:30

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 ....

2007-11-14T20:33:00.000+05:30

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 ..

2007-11-13T19:02:00.001+05:30

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 …

2007-11-11T17:43:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-10T16:14:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-09T11:56:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-07T00:23:00.000+05:30

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 ..

2007-11-06T09:26:00.000+05:30

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 !!!

2007-11-05T12:32:00.000+05:30

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 …

2007-11-04T01:19:00.000+05:30

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.