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Santander fires coach Portugal


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Updated Feb 7, 2011 6:19 PM ET
SANTANDER, Spain (AP)

Racing Santander has fired coach Miguel Angel Portugal following a seven-match winless run that has left the team only a point above the relegation zone in the Spanish league.
Santander announced the decision in a statement on Monday.
Portugal is the fifth coach to lose his job this season in the Spanish league and his dismissal is the first major move by new owner Ahsan Ali Syed, who took over the club near the end of January.
Portugal previously worked as Real Madrid's technical director during the 2008-09 season.

 
Asenjo out for rest of season


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Updated Feb 7, 2011 1:47 PM ET
MALAGA, Spain (AP)

Malaga goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo will miss the rest of the season because of a knee injury.
Asenjo turned awkwardly on his right leg in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Sevilla in the Spanish league before crumbling to the ground.
Malaga said Monday that the Spaniard, who left the field in tears, will be out for up to eight months. Asenjo has previously had an operation on the same knee.
The 21-year-old Asenjo joined last-place Malaga from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, making five appearances.

 
Pep: Messi makes the difference




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Updated Feb 6, 2011 8:15 AM ET
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola believes his side could not have won 16 Primera Division games in a row without Lionel Messi.
Messi produced another breathtaking performance and scored a hat-trick as Barca beat Atletico Madrid 3-0 at the Nou Camp.
That victory saw Pep Guardiola's side break the record of 15 league wins in a row set by the great Real Madrid side of the 1960s.

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The star of that side was Alfredo di Stefano and Guardiola says every team needs a great player.
"We wouldn't be what we are without Messi," he said after watching his side break Madrid's long-standing record, which was set in 1961.
"Without him we would be a good team, but he makes the difference.
"All of the great teams in history have a player who is different and Messi is one of those - he makes the difference."
And Guardiola believes the comparison with Di Stefano is an honour for his young star.
"I never saw Di Stefano play," he said.
"But the people I have spoken to that have seen him play say he was a wonderful footballer. It's a great honour that people compare Messi with Di Stefano."
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores believes Messi is the Di Stefano of the 21st Century.
"He is the number one," he said.
"He plays how he wants to and where he wants to - I haven't seen anything like it.
"He is the Di Stefano of the 21st Century."
Although his goals and the club's new record will undoubtedly grab the headlines, Messi showed another side of his game when he tracked back deep into his own half to tackle Atletico's Sergio Aguero and avert a potentially dangerous attack before impudently flicking the ball and move away from danger.

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"Out of everything he did tonight, what most impressed me was the tackle he made in front of the benches, when he ran back and won the ball," Sanchez Flores said.
"He even does that; he has everything."
Messi himself said he was proud to break the record of his countryman Di Stefano.
"It's an honour to break the mark set by someone as great as Di Stefano," he told LaSexta.
"The record has been there for a long time and that shows how complicated it is to break it."
Messi's hat-trick saw him overtake Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's scoring charts, bringing his season's total to 24 in the Primera Division.
"It's what least concerns me," he said.
"The important thing is to keep our run going and keep working hard because Madrid will always be close."
However, Barca are now provisionally 10 points clear of Jose Mourinho's side, who face Real Sociedad tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The two sides also go head to head in the final of the Copa del Rey in April, but Messi says Barca are focused on the here and now.
"That's a long way away," he said.
"At the moment we are concentrating on the league and then comes the Champions League. When the time comes, we will talk about the final."
 
Barca worried record transfers spoil Fabregas fee


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Updated Feb 9, 2011 9:44 AM ET
BARCELONA, Spain (AP)

A Barcelona official says record January transfer deals have hurt the Spanish champion's chances of signing Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.
Vice president Javier Faus says the club has ?40 million to ?45 million ($55 million to $61 million) to spend this summer but fears British record fees paid for Fernando Torres and Andy Carroll could put Fabregas out of reach.
Faus says on RAC-1 radio those prices ''will affect Arsenal's evaluation of the player.''
Arsenal rejected Barcelona's formal bid for Fabregas - who came up through Barcelona's academy before joining the Gunners - last summer.
Chelsea paid 50 million pounds (?60 million; $80 million) for Torres, while Liverpool spent 35 million pounds (?41 million; $56 million) on Carroll.
 
Gomez claims Chelsea bid




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Updated Feb 9, 2011 9:49 AM ET
Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez has claimed Chelsea made a £35.7million bid for his services during the January transfer window.
Gomez, who currently tops the Bundesliga scoring charts, was apparently targeted by the Blues as they looked to bolster their strikeforce.
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Carlo Ancelotti's side eventually splashed out a staggering £50million to lure Spain international Fernando Torres to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool.
Chelsea's bid for Gomez was rejected by Bayern and the Germany international claims he was initially kept in the dark over their interest.
But the 25-year-old has admitted that he would not have been tempted by a switch to the Premier League champions and FA Cup holders as he is committed to his career at the Allianz Arena.
"I only found out about the offer after the club had turned it down," Gomez told Sport Bild weekly.
"But it wouldn't have mattered anyway. I am already at a top club and I am playing where I always wanted to."
Gomez made a slow start to his career with Bayern following his 30million euros move from Stuttgart in 2009 but has found his feet this term and currently has 16 goals to his name.



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  • Report Abuse LBJ623
    • 2/9/2011 9:23:57 AM
    I don't believe this 35M for him you gotta be kidding me. There are plenty of strikers in the world who are better than Gomez and cheaper too. He's overated, Just isn't living up to the hype he had. He's still got a long career ahead put he's not worth near 35M.
  • Report Abuse RedDevilz
    • 2/9/2011 9:03:45 AM
    Nobody turns down ?35M offer for this turd. This would be worse than andy carroll.
 
McClaren reveals Wolfsburg pride



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Updated Feb 9, 2011 8:22 AM ET
Steve McClaren has expressed his pride to have been the first Englishman to manage in the German Bundesliga following his sacking by Wolfsburg.
McClaren won the Dutch Eredivisie title with FC Twente in 2010 but was unable to repeat that success in Germany, Saturday's defeat to Hannover leaving Wolfsburg just one point above the relegation zone.
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In a statement issued through the League Managers Association (LMA), McClaren said: "Naturally, I am hugely disappointed that my time as head coach of Wolfsburg has come to an end.
"However, I am extremely proud to have become the first Englishman to manage a Bundesliga club following the marvellous experience of coaching in Holland for two years, culminating in winning the Dutch title.
"Since I came to the club, I have worked really hard to implement changes to bring stability and success on the field.
"I believe we have been making good progress and have only lost two of the last 10 games in the Bundesliga. I have built up a strong relationship with the squad during my time here and I sincerely thank all the players for their hard work and great attitude.
"I would also like to thank the fantastic Wolfsburg fans who have been so supportive of me during my time in Germany.
"Unfortunately, although I have enjoyed a good personal relationship with the senior management of the club and general manager Dieter Hoeness, whom I fully respect, we have not been able to settle on a formula that I thought we needed to bring long-term success, and therefore sadly the time has come for me and the club to move on.
"I wish the club, its supporters, staff and players every success for the future and I now look forward to the challenge of securing another management opportunity in football."
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: "We are very sorry that Wolfsburg and Steve have parted company.
"Leading FC Twente to the Dutch title last season, the first time in the club's history, and subsequently being named Dutch coach of the year, clearly demonstrated both Steve's ability as a top coach and his willingness to adapt successfully to managing overseas.
"I am certain that Steve's highly impressive credentials as a coach and manager will be widely sought after throughout Europe."
 
Dortmund star sees bright future




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Updated Feb 8, 2011 8:56 AM ET
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Kevin Grosskreutz believes his club are at the beginning of a glorious new era.
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness may not be among that number, though Grosskreutz is not worried about his claims that Bayern have the better team.

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"That does not interest me," he said. "I only know that we are not going to lose in Munich.
"We don't care about what other people say. We just concentrate on doing our own jobs."
Dortmund currently hold a 12-point cushion at the top of the Bundesliga and a 15-point advantage over Bayern.
However, the title remains a taboo subject in Westphalia.
"You don't win the league just by talking about it," added Grosskreutz in an interview with the Tz newspaper.
"Many people are now acknowledging the good football that we are playing.
"I think that many people are hoping that we win the title, but there are still 13 games to go."
Winning the title this year would only be the beginning, though, as Grosskreutz says he and his team-mates are hungry for lasting success at the Westfalenstadion.
"We all want to stick together," he said. "We have taken an oath amongst ourselves.
"Almost all of us now have contracts up to 2014. We are an extraordinary troop.
"Everything is right, from the coach to the manager to the players."



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  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/8/2011 2:09:30 PM
    At least Schalke has done a good job in the CL and didn't have classless showing that Bremen had, Wolves had a manager that did not know how to pull the team together and get them to perform at their peak. Dortmund will take the title this year and they deserve it because they have a good nuclues of a team that can grow together and get even better. Hopefully BVB does stick together and also makes an impression next season in the CL. Bayern needs strong adversaries in the Bundesliga, ones that are also strong in European play and hopefully Dortmund can be such a team.

    Bayern will still beat them in the Allianz Arena and I am looking forward to that one greatly.
  • Report Abuse pYn.0905_1990ca.FCB
    • 2/8/2011 11:57:28 AM
    What I don't understand is why the rest of the League isn't playing to their expected standards? Schalke and Wolfsburg should be way out in the top... I mean, all you really have to do is look at their rosters, especially Schalke's. I don't know what's wrong with the Bundesliga this year.
  • Report Abuse pYn.0905_1990ca.FCB
    • 2/8/2011 11:55:11 AM
    As much as I'd like to see Bayern win the League Double (at least) year-in and year-out, BVB winning the League will only make the Bundesliga better. The only sad thing is that most German clubs, unfortunately, don't have the financial muscle to fight off interests from foreign clubs. If BVB do run away with the title, which they already have, I can see their roster being pulled apart by the Real Madrid's and the Chelsea's of Europe.

    Their kit is hideous.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/8/2011 10:52:02 AM
    I agree Schalke USA.

    And their kit is cool too.
  • Report Abuse Schalke_USA
    • 2/8/2011 9:42:10 AM
    I think Grosskreutz is totally correct here. Dortmund has a very talented, young squad with an excellent coaching staff. Borussia is running away with the league and should win the title fairly easily. I'm thinking they'll do it with ten points to spare. If Dortmund wins the title this year, their hunger for silverware will increase and they'll have at least an outside chance of continuing a very good run in the future. However, FC Bayern is lurking around the corner and always seems to find ways to put clubs in their place if they get greedy.

    I'm just sad that FC Schalke 04 isn't the class of the league this season as I'd hoped they would be.
 
Diego dropped after costly error




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Updated Feb 8, 2011 3:33 PM ET
Pierre Littbarski has made his authority clear on his first day as Wolfsburg coach by dropping controversial star Diego.
Diego ignored team orders in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Hannover and missed a penalty which he should not even have taken, and the result proved to be costly for former England boss Steve McClaren, who was sacked on Monday.
Littbarski's first decision as the new head coach of the Wolves has been to exclude Diego from selection for the weekend's clash with Hamburg as a result of what happened at the Niedersachsen Stadion on Saturday.
"Diego will not play," said Littbarski.
"I have suspended him for one game due to the incidents in our last game."
Littbarski insisted that depriving his side of their record signing should not be such a big deal and that the player should use the weekend to consider his own actions.
"We are not Diego FC," he said.
"He now has to rethink things and this should be like a kick in the teeth for him."
Littbarski also warned the squad to expect a tougher stance from him as he looks to revive the fortunes of the 2009 Bundesliga champions. Wolfsburg are just one point above the relegation zone with 13 games of the season remaining.
"It is not about me becoming a pseudo-strongman, but I have got to clamp down on a few things," he said.
"I can assure you that we will come down hard on anything else which happens or if anybody else steps out of line."
Littbarski, who was appointed as McClaren's assistant in the summer and who had also been working as the Englishman's interpreter, has been handed the reins until May.
He led his first training session this morning, but other names are already being linked with the club.
Ralf Rangnick, Martin Jol, Huub Stevens and Lucien Favre are the first candidates to emerge, however managing director Dieter Hoeness has given Littbarski his backing to lead the club to safety.
"We hope to have the same result as last year with Lorenz-Gunther Kostner and our aim is to move away from the relegation zone," he said.
"There is still a lot of work necessary and I hope that Pierre Littbarski works successfully.
"The issue was who would take over now, and all of the other questions can be answered in the coming weeks and months."
Hoeness informed McClaren that his tenure had come to an end by telephone yesterday afternoon.
"After Saturday's game, we held lots of talks and considered everything and then we decided that we would go separate ways and I called him to inform him," explained Hoeness to Sport1 television.
"It was not easy for me. Usually I prefer to do things like this in person, but there was no other way round it this time."
According to reports, Hoeness could not deliver the news in person because McClaren was already flying back to England, aware of what was coming.
And Hoeness added that it had been a mistake making McClaren the first English coach in the Bundesliga in the first place.
"I have to take responsibility for that," he said. "It was the wrong decision."
Littbarski becomes the fourth new Wolfsburg coach since Hoeness arrived at the club just 13 months ago and he hopes it will be the right one at last.
"The existence of Wolfsburg is on the line," he said with more than a glimpse of concern.



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  • Report Abuse fussball_fan_1
    • 2/9/2011 8:20:28 AM
    For all of the Brazilian players' abilities and talent, they are a fickle bunch, questionable work ethic, and play when they want to and decide not to play whenver they want. I personally would not want one on my team, even with all of the talent. I just can't imagine a fussball team that has fitness issues; must be the new breed of spoiled athletes. Would not have occurred even five years ago.
  • Report Abuse Dallaskraut
    • 2/8/2011 2:22:29 PM
    Your pain Marc was my joy. Football can be horrible that way. At least France got her glory later, while I suffered through Germany's decline. I hope Littbarski is a success.
  • Report Abuse firstone
    • 2/8/2011 2:07:06 PM
    These brazilian so called "star" players just get more and more arrogant and have very fragile temperaments. Time for european teams to realize this and ship them out asap.
  • Report Abuse Dex
    • 2/8/2011 2:02:25 PM
    Good! Diego is a prima dona.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/8/2011 10:54:42 AM
    Littbarski was the age old enemy of France. I hate him almost as much as I hate Herald Toni Schumacher. You know why, don't you?! It still hurts to this day! AAARRRGGGHHH!
  • Report Abuse Schalke_USA
    • 2/8/2011 10:14:22 AM
    Hoeness is correct. Hiring McClaren to lead Wolfsburg was a bad decision.
  • Report Abuse Schalke_USA
    • 2/8/2011 10:13:35 AM
    What is going on with Diego? Why is he acting out like this? I don't remember him being such a drama queen at Werder Bremen.
  • Report Abuse Dallaskraut
    • 2/8/2011 10:00:37 AM
    "Kindegarten behavior" from Diego & Co. Littbarski stated that certain players would stop training and go home after he left the facility. Now they will be monitoring their work by video and reinstating Magath's "hill of pain" to make sure they are match ready.
  • Report Abuse Schalke_USA
    • 2/8/2011 9:33:34 AM
    Hopefully Ralf Rangnick or Huub Stevens do not take the VfL Wolfsburg head coaching job in the future if Littbarski fails. I respect Rangnick and Stevens and would hate to see them take on the leadership of such a worthless little club as Wolfsburg. Perhaps either one of them should wait until Felix Magath is inevitably fired from FC Schalke 04 and apply there. I'd be happy to see either of them return home to Gelsenkirchen, where they are much loved and respected.
 
French Ligue One Roundup, Feb. 6

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Updated Feb 6, 2011 2:17 PM ET
Lille missed the chance to move seven points clear at the top of the French league when it conceded a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at Auxerre on Sunday.
Lille took the lead in the ninth minute when striker Moussa Sow got his league-leading 15th goal of the season with a brilliant bicycle kick from just inside the penalty area, but Poland defender Dariusz Dudka replied with just four minutes remaining.

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"It's two points lost. But we've come away empty-handed from here so many times in the past that it (feels like) a point gained," Lille coach Rudi Garcia said. "We know we're the team to beat because we're at the front, but we will have to learn from experiences like this."
Lille should have led by more late in the first half, but midfielder Eden Hazard chose to shoot from a narrow angle rather than passing to the unmarked Sow lurking inside the area.
Lille paid the price for that missed chance. Auxerre won a free kick near the left corner flag, and Anthony Le Tallec flicked it on perfectly for Dudka to slide the ball home at the far post.
The draw means Lille is five points ahead of Paris Saint-Germain and Rennes, who are second and third respectively.
Also, Moussa Sissoko scored both goals as Toulouse beat struggling Monaco 2-0 at home to climb up to seventh place.
Later Sunday, Lyon was playing at home against Bordeaux.
 
Messi, Ronaldo set for first international clash


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Updated Feb 8, 2011 6:32 AM ET
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will finally meet in an international when Argentina faces Portugal on Wednesday.
Longtime club rivals in the Champions League and Spain, the gifted forwards have never come up against each other on national team duty because the friendly in neutral Switzerland is their countries' first meeting in almost 40 years.
The historic clash arrives with Barcelona's Messi and Real Madrid's Ronaldo locked at the top of the Spanish scoring chart with 24 league goals each.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES

Sat., Jan. 22​
United States 1-1 Chile | Recap
Tue., Feb. 8​
Ivory Coast 1-0- Mali | Recap
Ireland 3-0 Wales | Recap
Ghana 4-1 Togo | Recap
Cyprus 0-2 Sweden
Romania 2-2 Ukraine
Peru 1-0 Panama
Wed., Feb. 9​
Egypt vs. USA | Canceled
France vs. Brazil | Preview
Portugal vs. Argentina | Preview
Netherlands vs. Austria | Preview
Croatia vs. Czech Rep. | Preview
N. Ireland vs. Scotland | Preview
Spain vs. Colombia | Preview
Germany vs. Italy | Preview
Denmark vs. England | Preview
Mexico vs. Bosnia-Herz.
Israel vs. Serbia
Turkey vs. South Korea


Portugal coach Paulo Bento downplayed talk of a personal duel between the two most recent winners of FIFA's world player award.
"As far as I'm concerned this is Portugal against Argentina," Bento said. "It's not about individual rivalry. I doubt whether Ronaldo or Messi see it that way, either."
The last time Ronaldo shared a pitch with Messi, Madrid slumped to a 5-0 defeat against an inspired Barcelona team in November.
Messi's mesmerizing play for the Spanish champions helped ensure that last month the 23-year-old Argentine lifted the FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy after being named the best in the world for a second straight year.
Ronaldo had previously had the edge in their rivalry, receiving the FIFA honor for 2008 when Messi was runner-up. That prize rewarded a 42-goal season leading Manchester United to the Champions League title, including beating Barcelona in the semifinals.
Messi struck back by starring, and scoring, in the 2009 final that was Ronaldo's last match for Man United before moving to Madrid.
Organizers of Wednesday's match say at least 85 countries will broadcast the match live, and the two main attractions warmed to their task at the weekend.
Ronaldo, who turned 26 on Saturday, scored twice in Madrid's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, and Messi hit all three goals in the 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid to extend Barcelona's league winning streak to 16.
Messi also scored in Argentina's last match, a 1-0 victory against Brazil in a Nov. 17 friendly played at Doha, Qatar.
On that date, Portugal routed World Cup winner Spain 4-0 in a Lisbon friendly to continue new coach Bento's unbeaten start since succeeding Carlos Quieroz in September.
"The match will require a different approach to the game with Spain," Bento said. "We may adopt different tactics but we want to keep our momentum and get ready for the (2012 European Championship qualifier in June) against Norway."
Bento made one squad change Monday, calling up defender Ricardo Costa of Valencia to replace Real Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho, who has injured his left thigh.
Argentina coach Sergio Batista, who replaced Diego Maradona after the World Cup, lost striker Diego Milito to a persistent hamstring injury aggravated by playing for Inter Milan on Sunday.
Both coaches have compiled winning records as their teams rebound from underachieving at the tournament in South Africa in which they might have met at the semifinal stage in Durban.
Instead, the Stade de Geneve will stage Argentina and Portugal's first meeting since June 1972 at a tournament in Rio de Janeiro to mark 150 years of Brazil's independence. Another great, Eusebio, scored that day in a 3-1 win for Portugal.
 
Revenge in mind for Germany against Italy


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Updated Feb 8, 2011 8:05 AM ET
Germany can avenge its 2006 World Cup semifinal loss to Italy when the teams meet for a friendly in the same Dortmund stadium on Wednesday.
That 2-0 loss was the first time Germany was beaten at Westfalen Stadium, and its current players are keen to dispel memories of that painful loss.
"It was bitter and disappointing for the national team," said midfielder Mario Goetze, who was 14 at the time but now hopes to win a second international cap.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES

Sat., Jan. 22​
United States 1-1 Chile | Recap
Tue., Feb. 8​
Ivory Coast 1-0- Mali | Recap
Ireland 3-0 Wales | Recap
Ghana 4-1 Togo | Recap
Cyprus 0-2 Sweden
Romania 2-2 Ukraine
Peru 1-0 Panama
Wed., Feb. 9​
Egypt vs. USA | Canceled
France vs. Brazil | Preview
Portugal vs. Argentina | Preview
Netherlands vs. Austria | Preview
Croatia vs. Czech Rep. | Preview
N. Ireland vs. Scotland | Preview
Spain vs. Colombia | Preview
Germany vs. Italy | Preview
Denmark vs. England | Preview
Mexico vs. Bosnia-Herz.
Israel vs. Serbia
Turkey vs. South Korea


"Everything has happened very quickly. I wasn't on the pitch at the time, but of course I know there is a lot of prestige attached to the game against Italy."
Goetze is one of five Borussia Dortmund players called up for the game by coach Joachim Loew, but they may have to bide their time as the coach wants a settled team for the rest of the campaign.
The 23-year-old Marcel Schmelzer could be the only Dortmund player to start, in the troublesome left back position, although Loew may also start Mats Hummels in central defense. Kevin Grosskreutz will join Goetze and debutant Sven Bender on the bench.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has indicated he will start with experienced players against the four-time world champions, saying "a team which has already played together will take to the field."
Bundesliga top scorer Mario Gomez is missing due to a knee injury, but Loew has no other injury worries ahead of his 63rd game in charge.
Goetze, who was three years old when Germany last beat Italy in 1995, has been lavishly praised by Loew.
"Everyone can see what ability and intelligence he has," the coach said. "He is certainly one of the biggest talents, fun to watch. He can definitely be a big player."
Early qualification for the 2012 European Championship is Loew's priority. Germany tops Group A with maximum points after four games, while Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has seen his side recover from a disastrous World Cup in South Africa to lead Group C with three wins and a draw. Both sides have conceded only one goal.
Midfielder Thiago Motta has been given clearance by FIFA to play for Italy despite playing twice for Brazil's under-23 side.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon returns to the squad for the first time since injuring his back in Italy's opening World Cup game, and Prandelli is likely to start with AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano in attack.
"It's true that it is no longer a team of big names, like in 2006, but the Italians will certainly be very organized and focused playing against us," Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff said. "We played a successful and inspiring World Cup and we've carried on with unbelievable maturity in European qualification. We shouldn't throw that away easily."
 
Blanc relishing 'ultimate test' against Brazil


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Updated Feb 8, 2011 8:18 AM ET
For France coach Laurent Blanc, facing Brazil in Wednesday's friendly represents "the ultimate test" to gauge how far his team has improved since he took over following the World Cup.
France has steadily improved since Blanc replaced Raymond Domenech after France was eliminated from the group stage of the World Cup without winning a game.
France leads its 2012 European Championship qualifying group after three straight wins, and the 2-1 victory at England in November showed signs that confidence, skill and flair are slowly returning.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES

Sat., Jan. 22​
United States 1-1 Chile | Recap
Tue., Feb. 8​
Ivory Coast 1-0- Mali | Recap
Ireland 3-0 Wales | Recap
Ghana 4-1 Togo | Recap
Cyprus 0-2 Sweden
Romania 2-2 Ukraine
Peru 1-0 Panama
Wed., Feb. 9​
Egypt vs. USA | Canceled
France vs. Brazil | Preview
Portugal vs. Argentina | Preview
Netherlands vs. Austria | Preview
Croatia vs. Czech Rep. | Preview
N. Ireland vs. Scotland | Preview
Spain vs. Colombia | Preview
Germany vs. Italy | Preview
Denmark vs. England | Preview
Mexico vs. Bosnia-Herz.
Israel vs. Serbia
Turkey vs. South Korea


Blanc expects a far harder challenge against the five-time World Cup winners.
"We're playing against one of the two best teams in the world. But we'll try and play to our strengths," Blanc said. "This is the ultimate test. Against Brazil you have to try and match them."
Blanc's bold prediction of matching Brazil is an encouraging show of faith in his players. He has ambitions to put France back among the top teams and knows that will not happen if France reverts back to Domenech's cautious methods.
"(Brazil) practically have the best players in Europe, if not the world," Blanc said. "(But) when you pack midfield it doesn't mean you'll get more of the ball. We're not going to start playing defensively just because it's Brazil."
Although the match is a week before the Champions League resumes, Blanc is confident his players won't hold back.
"We have the privilege and the honor of playing Brazil. It doesn't happen often in a career," Blanc said. "I think the players want to measure themselves against Brazil."
Chelsea winger Florent Malouda, whose wife is Brazilian, is desperate to play.
"Brazil is a big football nation, you only have to look at the number of stars on the shirt," Malouda told sports daily L'Equipe. "We would like to be like them. They are a reference in world football."
France is unbeaten in five games against Brazil since a 2-0 home defeat in 1992 - a match Blanc played in and during which he said the French "never even saw the ball."
But the French beat the Brazilians in the 1998 World Cup final and the '86 and 2006 World Cup quarterfinals.
"We're one of the nations that bothers them the most," Blanc said. "The Brazilians are hard to analyze. It wouldn't surprise me if (Brazil coach Mano Menezes) is preparing for the 2014 World Cup with young players."
Menezes's squad includes 20-year-old Manchester United right back Rafael, Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto (21), Tottenham midfielder Sandro (21), United midfielder Anderson (22), AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato (21) and Bordeaux forward Andre (20).
The squad consists entirely of European-based players, because Menezes said local players needed training time for upcoming state tournaments in Brazil. Neymar, the prolific 19-year-old Santos striker, was recently involved in the South America qualifying tournament for the Under-20 World Cup.
Brazil has struggled to live up to its own hype in the last two World Cups and will not be forgiven if it fails in front of its home fans in 2014. France also sees youth as the best road to redemption.
Blanc is banking on the likes of 20-year-old Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila, Real Madrid Karim Benzema (23), Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff (24), Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (24) and Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby (24).
"We're right in the middle of a rebuilding period, but some things are advancing," Blanc said. "I hope we can be in the top 10 European or world teams in the not to distant future."
Although Gourcuff has had a slump in form, Blanc rebutted suggestions that he has only been selected because he played so well for Blanc when Bordeaux won the French title three seasons ago.
"I don't have teacher's pets," Blanc said. "I like all the players the same."
He did admit, however, that Gourcuff is struggling.
"I think it's only a mental problem, because he hasn't lost his physical and technical qualities," Blanc said. "But it's also up to him to get his confidence back. The player has to make a personal effort, ask questions of himself."
Benzema will continue to lead France's attack, despite his inconsistent form for Real Madrid.



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  • Report Abuse turiddhu
    • 2/8/2011 3:35:39 PM
    thanks drizz, hopefully rai is going to show germany italy as well.
  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/8/2011 11:51:38 AM
    Its a good chance for France and Brazil to experiment...but in the end lets just hope no one on either side gets hurt.
  • Report Abuse firstone
    • 2/8/2011 11:09:46 AM
    No matter what happens in this game, let's just remember that France always beasts Brazil when it counts!
  • Report Abuse LBJ623
    • 2/8/2011 10:43:10 AM
    Lets hope, That WC brought us to new lows. What gets me mad is that the FFF had to keep That joke of a manager until the WC see him fail terribly. I really think we had a true manager, someone to push in right directon we would have a decent WC but you can't look back only look foward.
    The squad is stacked from gk to striker, I really think the way Blanc is taking this team we can make a deep run in next year's Euro's. I don't expect us to win ever tournment or make it to ever final. But with our expecations and talent we should compete put everything out on the line. I do believe Blanc is the perfect guy to lead into the next decade hopefully with a trophy someday down the road.
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/8/2011 10:30:33 AM
    Normally, I would be talking trash to Brazz about how France just has Brasil's number. But now is not that time, for two reasons:
    1. It's a ridiculous friendly in the middle of a grueling season after a WC.
    2. With last summer's ridiculous display, being a France supporter has taken on a whole new feel. That was simply embarassing. And I'm not talking Italy embarassing (getting your arse kicked by an inferior team), I'm talking embarassment on a level not before seen for any quality NT.

    Luckily, Laurent Blanc has taken the reigns and brought the team in the right direction. With the excellent group of young players coming through, things are looking up. This match should be a preview of things to come when France continue the tradition of bollocking Brasil in major tournaments.
  • Report Abuse DRIZZ_IS_M.I.A
    • 2/8/2011 10:21:21 AM
    turdihhudu....the game is on ESPN2 i believe at 255pm tomorrow
  • Report Abuse turiddhu
    • 2/8/2011 10:12:57 AM
    i think this is going to be the best of the friendlies.does anyone know how the game can be seen?
  • Report Abuse DRIZZ_IS_M.I.A
    • 2/8/2011 9:36:34 AM
    Come on 83...France has owned Brazil even in the friendlies. Its all good though, everyone knows that Brazil is a quality side year in and year out.
  • Report Abuse redevil_83
    • 2/8/2011 9:07:13 AM
    its time for selecao to turn tables on frenchies. they've been mouthing off for too long now. hopefully it will be another step in the right direction from new trenador mano. will be tricky as brasil is playing in france.

    cesar
    d.alves thiago luiz marcelo
    hernanes ramires
    andre jadson robinho
    pato

    is what i'd like to see given this squad
  • Report Abuse LBJ623
    • 2/8/2011 9:03:56 AM
    Of course looking foward towatching my Les bleus, Hopefully Benzema does well such a young great talent we need him too. I'm not big fan of these friendles but when your playing Brazil it's always something big, we always seem to beat Brazil remember the 98 WC final like it was yesterday, After the WC diaster I cannot wait until faster for the Euros Next summer I want to get that bad taste out of my mouth. Besides a few countires France has as strong of a talent pool as anyone, Look foward to seeing how the boys do today.
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Milito facing injury lay-off




6 comments »

Updated Feb 8, 2011 10:28 AM ET
Inter Milan striker Diego Milito is set to miss the Champions League last-16 clash against Bayern Munich on February 23 through injury.
The Argentina international suffered a hamstring problem during Sunday's 5-3 triumph over Roma and could be out of action for a month.

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A statement from Inter read: "Milito underwent tests which have revealed a second-degree hamstring strain in his left leg."
After an extremely successful 2009-10 campaign, in which Milito helped the Italian giants to the treble by scoring both goals in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, the 31-year-old has had a nightmare with injuries this season.
Milito could miss up to six Serie A games, starting with Sunday's clash at Juventus, but Inter coach Leonardo has urged the striker not to rush his return.
"Diego has to be calm and not think about what has happened," he said. "He does not need to prove anything to anyone and he knows he is an important player to Inter.
"He needs to relax and recover in the best possible way."
Milito has scored five goals in 16 league appearances for Inter this season.



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  • Report Abuse rotwiessessen222
    • 2/8/2011 1:58:48 PM
    It is going to come down to which midfield can control possession and dominate the game, both front lines can score and score quickly and both back lines have been leaking goals. Time to buckle up the seat belts and get ready for one hell of a ride. It is like a lap around the Nurbergring you know there is danger up ahead at the next turn, but you just don't quite know how bad or good it is going to be !
  • Report Abuse SpidermanItalia
    • 2/8/2011 12:20:34 PM
    Eto'o's time to shine?
  • Report Abuse marcbarca
    • 2/8/2011 10:31:59 AM
    Well that's a real bummer, since Pandev will have to play in his place for CL matches. Pazzini cup tied. Damn!
  • Report Abuse FCTejas
    • 2/8/2011 10:05:16 AM
    Sure its not a problem don86? Cuss by my reckonin, Pazzini is Cup tied. Played in Sampdoria's failed playoff with Bremen to get to the group stage...
  • Report Abuse Dallaskraut
    • 2/8/2011 9:52:18 AM
    ............and FC Bayern is looking vulnerable defensively.
  • Report Abuse Don86
    • 2/8/2011 8:29:34 AM
    No problem Pazzini has been impressive, with some support he is very effective
 
Rangers, Celtic draw 2-2 in Scottish Cup


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2 comments »

Updated Feb 6, 2011 10:01 AM ET
Scott Brown kept Celtic in the Scottish Cup on Sunday by securing a 2-2 draw against Glasgow rival Rangers in a fifth-round match that both teams finished with 10 men.

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Rangers led twice, with 19-year-old midfielder Jamie Ness netting his first goal for the club after just three minutes.
Kris Commons leveled from Joe Ledley's cutback, but Steven Whittaker restored Rangers' lead from the penalty spot in the 41st after goalkeeper Fraser Forster was sent off for a foul on Steven Naismith.
With 10 men, Brown curled in Celtic's second equalizer in the 65th.
Naismith was also dismissed in the 76th when the Rangers defender was shown a second yellow card after being adjudged to have dived in the penalty area.
 
Scottish Cup Roundup, Feb. 5




0 comments »

Updated Feb 5, 2011 6:06 PM ET
Holders Dundee United advanced to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup as they saw off Hamilton 3-1 at New Douglas Park on Saturday.
Goals from Jon Daly, Paul Dixon and Prince Buaben secured a comfortable win for the Tayside club, with Mickael Antoine-Curier's goal proving to be little more than scant consolation for Accies.

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United had been forced to scrape past Ross County on penalties in the last round but never really looked in danger.
Steve Jones and John Sutton scored late in each half as Motherwell beat Stranraer 2-0 to progress.
Jones scrambled the ball over the line in first-half stoppage time after Motherwell had survived a decent spell of pressure.
The visitors were comfortable after the interval and Sutton removed any doubts over the outcome when he netted from close range.
Craig Dargo's first-half double against Irn-Bru Second Division side Ayr United at Somerset Park proved enough to book St Mirren a place in to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win.
The SPL club looked to be on easy street after Dargo's breakaway goal seconds before the interval added to his seventh-minute opener.
Saints missed several chances to clinch the tie - and Dargo should have had a hat-trick - before a Mark Roberts' penalty in the 57th minute led to what had at one point looked like an unlikely fightback.
However, the part-timers ran out of steam at the end although Danny Lennon and his St Mirren players were glad to survive to take their place in Sunday's draw.
Doubles from Adam Rooney and Richie Foran helped Inverness Caledonian Thistle cruise into the last eight with a 5-1 demolition of Morton.

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The SPL side produced a dominant performance at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium with their Scottish First Division opponents showing little resistence.
Inverness captain Foran opened the scoring in 19 minutes with a 12-yard low drive and Rooney's shot from the edge of the area doubled the lead seven minutes before the interval.
Chris Hogg headed home from the edge of the area in 62 minutes before Rooney nodded in from close range three minutes later. Derek Lyle notched a consolation on 83 minutes but Foran completed the scoring two minutes later.
Brechin are also through after they won 2-0 at Buckie Thistle thanks to goals from David McKenna and Rory McAllister.
The day's other clash between St Johnstone and Partick Thistle was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The match has been rescheduled for Tuesday night with a 7.45pm kick-off.

 
Ranieri lends support to Mourinho




9 comments »

Updated Feb 8, 2011 8:27 AM ET
Roma boss Claudio Ranieri has revealed that he voted for Jose Mourinho to win the coach of the year award in Italy.
Ranieri believes Mourinho fully deserved the Panchina d'Oro, which was awarded to the Portuguese boss on Monday, after the he led Inter Milan to a historic Coppa Italia, Serie A and Champions League treble last season.


Ranieri said: "It's a truly deserved award and I also voted for Mourinho.
"To win the Scudetto with Inter was easy but to guide the club to a treble last season is something impressive.
"Besides our arguments, I have a lot of respect for him."
Ranieri finished third behind Mourinho and Juventus coach Luigi Del Neri, who guided Sampdoria into the Champions League last season.
Roma were runners-up in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Mourinho, who succeeded Ranieri as manager of Chelsea in 2004, left Inter to coach Real Madrid last summer.
 
Bendtner warns England on Wilshere burn-out

Published 23:00 08/02/11 By John Cross in Copenhagen

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Nicklas Bendtner last night warned England are risking Jack Wilshere suffering burn-out.
Denmark striker Bendtner cited England's treatment of Theo Walcott as an example of the danger of putting too much pressure on younger players.
Walcott was taken to the 2006 World Cup before he had kicked a ball in the Premier League for Arsenal, then was axed from the senior squad last summer and demoted to the Under-21s.
It has left Walcott enduring a stop-start international career and Bendtner says the same could happen to Wilshere unless boss Fabio Capello treats him with kid gloves.
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Arsenal centre-forward Bendtner said: "I have my own theories on how Theo was treated by England, but I don't want to get too much into that because it will probably just get me in trouble.
"But Theo can be a lesson for the way you treat Jack. It's important to take it easy and realise he is a kid. He's still young, even though he seems very mature and seems like he has played a long time.
"Young players are always put under a lot of pressure very early in England. You always throw players around really quickly. Jack has got potential, he is a grounded lad and can be a great, great player for England."
Wilshere is set to start in central midfield as England's key man against Denmark tonight as Capello puts his and the nation's faith in the teenager.
Bendtner insisted that Wilshere can become England's star man within a short space of time even though the Arsenal midfielder is still only 19.
"Jack has got more than just being a holding midfielder," added the Dane. "He's got good feet, he's good with the ball and he can also pick out a pass.
"Not a lot of holding midfielders can do that, they usually just go side to side and diagonal. When Jack gets forward, he knows where to pass the ball."
Bendtner has also warned he will consider his future unless he gets more regular football with Arsenal:
"I would be sad to leave but you have to think about yourself, and with the career goals I have I cannot be sitting on the bench.
"That's the way it is. I will do my best for Arsenal throughout the season. Hopefully, I will be there next season as well, but we have to wait and see."




​
 
Captain Lampard "didn't see this coming"

Published 23:00 08/02/11 By John Cross in Copenhagen

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Frank Lampard looked forward to the biggest night of his England career by paying tribute to his Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole.
Lampard will lead out an England team for the first time tonight, but says his personal pride will be shared with record-breaking full back Cole.
Cole will pass Kenny Sansom's record of 86 caps - the most for a full-back - in Copenhagen and will also look to end another unwanted record of never having scored as an outfield player.
Lampard says it is a special tribute to Cole's strength of character to turn round England supporters from jeering him just over two years ago to voting him as their Player of the Year.
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Chelsea midfielder Lampard, who also changed supporters' opinions en route to wearing the armband tonight, said: "Ashley is recognised as our greatest left-back with the caps he has got, and the way he has performed over a period of time.
"He turns up for squads, he plays for Chelsea every game, he is like a machine.
"It is great to see that recognition from fans because fans, when you take away all the nonsense that gets spoken outside of the pitch, they actually understand what someone is doing for them on the pitch.
"Ashley had his difficult little time, like I've also had with England, and I think fans respect when you get your head down and play well and come through that. Ash has certainly done that and fully deserves that."
Lampard also talked about his own pride at wearing the armband.
It comes after Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard pulled out injured and John Terry was stripped of the captaincy, yet Lampard says it will still be special.
"I've only had the armband once before, against Austria in Steve McClaren's reign, in the second half," he added. "This will be the first time I'll walk out as captain. It's a huge thing.
"It's taken it's time to come. I've played under quite a few captains and I've waited patiently to get the call, but it means a huge deal. It's the highest honour you can get in football - playing for your country and then captaining them.
"I can't wait. I'm very excited. I didn't see this one coming, there was a late drop-out. But the last day or so has been very exciting for me.
"I've stepped in a lot of times for Chelsea, and I'll just try to do what I'm doing, try to show the right example playing out on the pitch, helping people around me which is something you start to do a little bit more anyway when you get older in football.
"So I'll just try to exert that sort of influence. I won't go around shouting and trying to change my style.
"It would be a bit embarrassing if I changed now in front of the lads just because I'm captain."


 
Taifa Stars yailipua palestina


Na Zahoro Mlanzi

TIMU ya taifa Tanzania 'Taifa Stars', jana ilitoka kifua mbele dhidi ya Palestina baada ya kuilaza bao 1-0 katika mechi iliyopigwa Uwanja wa
Taifa, Dar es Salaam.

Bao hilo la ushindi wa Stars lilifungwa dakika ya 62 na Mrisho Ngassa, ambaye alimchambua kipa wa Palestina Abdallah Alsadawi baada ya kupokea pasi kutoka kwa Mohamed Banka.

Mechi hiyo ilianza kwa kasi na timu zote kushambuliana kwa zamu, ambapo Stars ndiyo iliyokuwa ya kwanza kubisha hodi kwa wapinzani wao dakika ya tano baada ya Mussa Hassan 'Mgosi', aliyepokea pasi ya Ramadhan Chombo 'Redondo kupiga shuti kali lililopanguliwa na kipa Abdallah Alsadawi.

Palestina ilijibu shambulizi hilo dakika ya 16, ambapo mshambuliaji wake Shatrif Ali kukosa bao la wazi akiwa na kipa Shaban Kado, lakini hata hivyo alikosa baada ya kupiga shuti dhaifu lililodakwa na mlinda mlango huyo.

Dakika ya 18 Ngassa, aliikosesha Stars bao la wazi baada ya kupasiwa mpira mrefu na Jabir Aziz, lakini hata hivyo alipiga mpira fyongo.

Kipindi cha pili kilianza kwa Stars kuliandama lango la wapinzani wao na dakika ya 51 Mgosi, akiwa ndani ya 18 alishindwa kuifungia bao timu yake baada ya kupiga mpira ovyo.

Palestina ilijibu shambulio hilo dakika ya 54, Fahed Aftal alipiga shuti kali lililookolewa na mabeki wa Stars.

Dakika ya 86 Julius Mrope wa Stars aliyechukua nafasi ya Ngassa aliwalamba mabeki wanne wa Palestina na kutoa pasi murua kwa Godfrey Bonny aliyeingia badala ya Mgosi kupiga mpira nje akiwa katika nafasi nzuri ya kufunga.
 
Mechi za KMKM, Ocean View zasogezwa mbele


Na Mussa Soraga, Zanzibar

SHIRIKISHO la Mpira wa Miguu Afrika (CAF), limesogeza mbele mechi mbili za kimataifa za KMKM na Zanzibar Ocean view zilizopangwa kufanyika
ugenini mwishoni mwa wiki hii, dhidi ya timu za Motema Pembe na AS vita zote za Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasi ya Congo (DRC).

Kwa mujibu wa taarifa zilizotolewa jana na Chama cha Mpira wa Miguu Zanzibar (ZFA), kupitia Katibu Msaidizi Masoud Attai alisema mechi hizo sasa zitafanyika mwishoni mwa mwezi huu ambapo KMKM itacheza na Motema Membe Februari 25 na Ocean view itachuana na Vita Februari 27, mwaka huu.

Attai alisema, chama chake kimepokea barua kutoka CAF iliyotoa uamuzi huo wa kuaharishwa kwa mechi hizo mbili baada ya kuyakubali maombi ya timu za Congo kutokana na wachezaji wao kuwemo kwenye timu yao ya taifa.

Alisema DRC hivi sasa ipo nchini Sudan na inashiriki kwenye michuano ya nchi za Afrika, ambazo hazina wachezaji wa kulipwa na kwa mujibu wa Katibu huyo wa ZFA, Vita ina wachezaji wanne wakati Motema Pembe inao watatu.

"Tumepokea taarfa hiyo kutoka CAF iliyotoa agizo la kuzitaka timu zetu za KMKM na Ocean view, kusubiri hadi mwishoni mwezi huu," alisema Attai.

Attai alisema kati ya timu hizo mbili, KMKM ambayo ilikuwa iondoke jana ndiyo iliyoathirika zaidi kwani ilikuwa tayari imekwishakata tiketi, ambapo imebidi ilipe fidia kutokana na kutaka iisogezewe mbele safari yao.

Katika michezo ya awali Ocean view ilitoka sare ya bao 1-1 na Vita na hivyo kuhitaji ushindi wa bao 1-0 ili iweze kusonga mbele, wakati KMKM ina kazi ya ziada kwani inahitaji ushindi wa mabao 5-0 kutokana na kufungwa mabao 4-0 ikiwa nyubnani na timu ya Moterma Pembe.
 
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