blogger visitor
SPORTS

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Rob’s Fergie swipe (THE SUN Article)



Man City 1 Man United 0

Joe Hart
NO AVERAGE JOE ... keeper Joe Hart and City No2 David Platt celebrate
By NEIL CUSTIS
Published: Today at 00:18

ROBERTO MANCINI claimed Manchester United’s negative tactics cost them.

Alex Ferguson packed his midfield to frustrate City — but it was the Blue half of Manchester celebrating.
Vincent Kompany scored the winner in first-half injury time — and United did not have a shot on target.
It leaves City top of the Premier League on goal difference with two games to play.
The title is now City’s to lose.
Boss Mancini said: “The key was that we wanted to win and they wanted a draw.
“This is the difference. We deserved to win but it was difficult as they had so many behind the ball.
“Every manager can choose his team and for them it was important to play for a draw.
“With a draw, they knew the championship was finished.
“It was an important result. Now we have it in our hands.
“But I’m not happy just for me, I’m happy for our fans.
“It is important we are top now but it is more important to be top on May 13.”
Dream Kompany admits scoring the winner in the derby is a little boy’s dream come true.
He said: “We wanted it so bad, everyone in the team.
Roberto Mancini
AGONY AND ECSTACY ... Fergie and Mancini
“So much has been said about us but it’s about football and the dreams we had as children.
“A lot of predictions go wrong but someone texted me and said I would score the goal — I thought he was a lunatic.”
It was the first time in three years in the league that United failed to have a shot on target.
Boss Ferguson said: “I think David De Gea’s was the only save from both keepers.
“We are disappointed we never tested their goalkeeper, to be honest.
“Our crossing was poor. They were more of a threat, they had more action around the penalty box.”
Ferguson was also disappointed to have conceded from a set-piece.
He said: “If you lose a goal at a set-piece you have only yourself to blame at this level of football.
“They are in the driving seat now, they only have to win two games of football.
“You can always look back at any season and say that was bad or that was bad.
“We looked at last weekend and that was the worst, the Everton game.” Mancini is still trying to claim United are favourites. He is undoubtedly trying to goad performances out of United’s next two opponents, Swansea and Sunderland.
City by contrast have to go to Champions League-chasing Newcastle and host QPR.
Mancini said: “United, they have easier games. They play against Swansea and Sunderland. For United it’ll be easy.”
Kompany also revealed that City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak came into the dressing room before the crunch match.
The defender said: “He had a word with us. He said no matter the result he was proud us.
“We’ve done incredibly this season and we are building for the future.”
The title looked like it was City’s at one point, bets were then being paid out on United as they went eight points clear.
But Mancini said: “Football is crazy — but it is important to believe in yourself when you have a bad moment.
“It is not finished and if we think it is, it will be a big mistake from us.”
There was an incredible atmosphere in the Etihad as City continued their remarkable fightback from the eight-point gap to United three weeks ago.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart said: “You could feel the intensity, everyone in the stadium could.
“There has been a lot of build-up for weeks outside the team, we concentrated on what we wanted to do.
Focus “We’ve not been great sometimes but we are on a good run at the moment and played a very good side there and beat them.
“It’s a great to win but Newcastle is now our focus.
“They are pumping themselves up in the league and St James’ Park is going to be tough.
“We are looking forward to taking a good crowd there and getting one game closer.”

ob’s Fergie swipe

Man City 1 Man United 0

Joe Hart
NO AVERAGE JOE ... keeper Joe Hart and City No2 David Platt celebrate
By NEIL CUSTIS
Published: Today at 00:18

ROBERTO MANCINI claimed Manchester United’s negative tactics cost them.

Alex Ferguson packed his midfield to frustrate City — but it was the Blue half of Manchester celebrating.
Vincent Kompany scored the winner in first-half injury time — and United did not have a shot on target.
It leaves City top of the Premier League on goal difference with two games to play.
The title is now City’s to lose.
Boss Mancini said: “The key was that we wanted to win and they wanted a draw.
“This is the difference. We deserved to win but it was difficult as they had so many behind the ball.
“Every manager can choose his team and for them it was important to play for a draw.
“With a draw, they knew the championship was finished.
“It was an important result. Now we have it in our hands.
“But I’m not happy just for me, I’m happy for our fans.
“It is important we are top now but it is more important to be top on May 13.”
Dream Kompany admits scoring the winner in the derby is a little boy’s dream come true.
He said: “We wanted it so bad, everyone in the team.
Roberto Mancini
AGONY AND ECSTACY ... Fergie and Mancini
“So much has been said about us but it’s about football and the dreams we had as children.
“A lot of predictions go wrong but someone texted me and said I would score the goal — I thought he was a lunatic.”
It was the first time in three years in the league that United failed to have a shot on target.
Boss Ferguson said: “I think David De Gea’s was the only save from both keepers.
“We are disappointed we never tested their goalkeeper, to be honest.
“Our crossing was poor. They were more of a threat, they had more action around the penalty box.”
Ferguson was also disappointed to have conceded from a set-piece.
He said: “If you lose a goal at a set-piece you have only yourself to blame at this level of football.
“They are in the driving seat now, they only have to win two games of football.
“You can always look back at any season and say that was bad or that was bad.
“We looked at last weekend and that was the worst, the Everton game.” Mancini is still trying to claim United are favourites. He is undoubtedly trying to goad performances out of United’s next two opponents, Swansea and Sunderland.
City by contrast have to go to Champions League-chasing Newcastle and host QPR.
Mancini said: “United, they have easier games. They play against Swansea and Sunderland. For United it’ll be easy.”
Kompany also revealed that City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak came into the dressing room before the crunch match.
The defender said: “He had a word with us. He said no matter the result he was proud us.
“We’ve done incredibly this season and we are building for the future.”
The title looked like it was City’s at one point, bets were then being paid out on United as they went eight points clear.
But Mancini said: “Football is crazy — but it is important to believe in yourself when you have a bad moment.
“It is not finished and if we think it is, it will be a big mistake from us.”
There was an incredible atmosphere in the Etihad as City continued their remarkable fightback from the eight-point gap to United three weeks ago.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart said: “You could feel the intensity, everyone in the stadium could.
“There has been a lot of build-up for weeks outside the team, we concentrated on what we wanted to do.
Focus “We’ve not been great sometimes but we are on a good run at the moment and played a very good side there and beat them.
“It’s a great to win but Newcastle is now our focus.
“They are pumping themselves up in the league and St James’ Park is going to be tough.
“We are looking forward to taking a good crowd there and getting one game closer.”

Posted by at 0 comments

COPA LIBERTADORES: Quarter-final race begins (FIFA Article)



(FIFA.com) Tuesday 1 May 2012
Quarter-final race begins
© AFP
The games come thick and fast in South America this week with no let-up even for Labour Day. In fact, May 1 will be the first of three consecutive days action in the Copa Libertadores as some of the continent’s biggest sides contest their Round of 16, first-leg fixtures. As ever FIFA.com is on hand to preview the week’s programme.
Game of the weekAtletico Nacional (COL) - Velez Sarsfield (ARG)
Tuesday 1 May, 19.15 (local time) – Estadio Atanasio Girardot
The Colombian outfit, struggling at the wrong end of the table in their domestic league, would appear to be focusing all their efforts on the international front. That said, the sacking of coach Santiago Escobar yesterday has raised further questions about a team who, curiously, had the most potent attack in the group phase with 16 goals. Now under the stewardship of their sporting director Norberto Peluffo, Nacional face a Velez side managed by Ricardo Gareca, who has previously played and coached in Colombia. "We’re both attack-minded teams, which should make for a very close game," said the Argentinian coach, who ran out for America de Cali in the 80’s.
ElsewhereEcuadorian football, riding high in this edition with two sides in the last 16, will be represented by Emelec and Deportivo Quito. The former, who qualified in heroic fashion from Group 2, host a rock-solid Corinthians side with the tournament’s best defensive record. The Quito club, for their part, welcome Universidad de Chile, who will not be short of confidence after routing arch-rivals Colo Colo 5-0 inChile’s clásico at the weekend.
Elsewhere, Cruz Azul, out of the running in the Mexican Clausura, will be flying the flag for their country when they take on Libertad of Paraguay, while Vasco da Gama, their pride wounded after a 3-1 reverse against Botafogo at the weekend, will be hoping to take advantage of Lanus’ irregular form on the road in this year’s competition. Nor should we forget perennial contenders Boca Juniors, who continue their title quest against Chile’s Union Espanola at their Bombonera fortress.
Player to watchMatias Rodriguez (Universidad de Chile)Since joining the Santiago outfit in 2010, the 26-year-old Argentinian seems to have found his niche. A right-back more than capable of operating in midfield, this former Boca Juniors and Nacional de Montevideo star is enjoying the best spell of his career, as demonstrated by his three goals in this edition of the Libertadores – not to mention a brace against Colo Colo last weekend. Deportivo Quito will certainly keeping a watchful eye on this potential match-winner on Thursday night.
Did you know?It is eight years since Ecuador managed to get two of their three sides through to the last 16. The last time it happened was in 2004, when Liga Deportiva Universitaria and Barcelona were eliminated in the first knockout round by Santos and Once Caldas respectively.
What they said“Libertad are a tough team, one of the most consistent performers in the Copa Sudamericana and Libertadores. They’re always in contention and won their section for a reason. At home they’re very strong, which is why we need to get a good lead in Mexico,” Cruz Azul striker Emilio Villa speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash.
Posted by at 0 comments

Ajax on title verge, Feyenoord chase Europe (FIFA Article)



(PA) Tuesday 1 May 2012
 Print
Ajax winger Derk Boerrigter is convinced the Amsterdammers will win the Eredivisie this season but wants the job done as soon as possible.
Ajax host struggling VVV-Venlo on Wednesday knowing a solitary point will clinch their 31st Dutch title. The club go into the game with a six-point lead over second-placed Feyenoord, and they also have a vastly superior goal difference, with just two games to go and full of confidence following the weekend win at FC Twente.
Boerrigter told the club's website: "This can't go wrong. But we want to win it as quickly as possible and do it in front of our own fans, which is more fun. You can then celebrate with more than 50,000 people. That would be special. We just need to win, preferably with a big score."
We want to win it as quickly as possible and do it in front of our own fans, which is more fun.
Derk Boerrigter, Ajax winger

VVV have altogether different objectives as they fight to stay in the top flight. Saturday's 2-1 defeat of ADO Den Haag moved them to within four points of their opponents, who occupy the place above the relegation play-off spots.
Feyenoord have all but given up on the title and defender Ron Vlaar is focused solely on nailing down a UEFA Champions League qualifying spot. The Rotterdammers need to finish in the top two to play in Europe's elite club competition next season.
They face mid-table Heracles Almelo at De Kuip on Wednesday with Netherlands international Vlaar determined to keep the chasing pack at bay. "It [the Champions League] is close but we are not there yet," he told AD Sportwereld.
"But we have great confidence and we must show it. In the last nine games we have only conceded three times and that says a lot. There are only two matches left and we must seize on this opportunity to achieve something beautiful this season. Therefore we have something to fight for, starting tomorrow against Heracles."
Other fixtures
PSV Eindhoven are just a point behind Feyenoord and will look to maintain the pressure when they meet ADO at the Philips Stadion. AZ Alkmaar and Heerenveen also harbour faint hopes of a top-two finish but know they cannot afford any slip-ups over the final two rounds. AZ go to NEC Nijmegen while fifth-placed Heerenveen visit sixth-placed FC Twente.
Elsewhere, FC Groningen host NAC Breda, Vitesse Arnhem go to FC Utrecht and RKC Waalwijk take on Roda JC. Bottom two De Graafschap and Excelsior meet in Doetinchem. Excelsior were condemned to the drop several weeks ago while De Graafschap will contest the relegation/promotion play-offs.

Posted by at 0 comments

Greuther Furth, no longer unpromotable



(FIFA.com) Tuesday 1 May 2012
 Print
As recently as 1987, SpVgg Furth reached the nadir of their then 84-year history. The German club were plagued by financial problems and plummeted into the Bavarian County League, the sixth tier of German football.
25 years on, SpVgg Greuther Furth, as the club is known today, are eager to embark on their Bundesliga adventure having just clinched their long-awaited promotion to the top flight. "What a sensational day," said coach Mike Buskens amongst all the celebrations. "This is the best moment of my life as a coach so far. We might be going into the Bundesliga as underdogs, it won't be a one-year spell."
The club's long and difficult path to success has made president Helmut Hack all the more appreciative of the team's achievement: "It's just amazing. We've left 100,000 worries and a million setbacks behind."
Early success and fall from grace
Formed as part of a gymnastics club in 1903, SpVgg Furth quickly grew over the following decade and soon boasted over 3,000 members, making it the largest organisation of its kind inGermany at the time. Unsurprisingly, the football team became one of the most successful of that era.
Furth collected three national titles (1914, 1926, 1929) among several other honours and provided the majority of the German national side of the 1920s. They fought numerous unforgettable battles against neighbouring FC Nuremberg, a rivalry which will be rekindled once again next season.
After the tailspin of 1987, it took another three years for SpVgg to recover, but a 1-0 victory over the mighty Borussia Dortmund in the first round of the German Cup was followed by promotion to the Oberliga in 1991. A merger with TSV Vestenbergsgreuth (famous for beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the 1994/95 German Cup) subsequently proved the catalyst for positive change in 1996 as SpVgg Greuther Furth was born.

Good things come to those who wait
Just one year later the Franconians gained promotion to Bundesliga 2, where they remained for 15 years. Since 2001, Furth have finished fifth no less than seven times, going one better last season but missing out on a play-off place by a hair's breadth in fourth. Much to their chagrin, Furth were given the unwanted nickname 'The Unpromotables', a tag they can thankfully now consign to history.
"We can be very proud to have gotten rid of the 'Unpromotables' moniker," said Buskens, who took over the side in December 2009. "That name became something of a curse for us over the years. People always said: 'They don't want to go up, they can't go up', but now we've shown them all."
Furth were not necessarily among the favourites for a top-two finish at the start of the season, with the competition for a place in the top flight fierce to say the least. However, after overcoming an opening-day defeat to title rivals Eintracht Frankfurt, they never looked back in their quest for the Bundesliga.

Six straight wins and a run of 11 games unbeaten left the Clover Leaves well-poised in third by the winter break. In the home straight, Furth have racked up more points than any other Bundesliga 2 side this calendar year and remain unbeaten since a 3-1 loss away to Dynamo Dresden back in February.
"The atmosphere in the squad is incredibly good," Canadian striker Olivier Occean, who leads the second division scoring charts with 17 goals this season, told FIFA.com. "Our motto is: 'All for one and one for all', and everyone in the team seems to have taken that onboard. Everyone fights for his colleagues out on the pitch. We also have an unwavering will to win and some great individuals who are capable of deciding matches on their own."
The team secured promotion with a 1-1 draw at FSV Frankfurt on Matchday 32 – an extraordinary moment even for former Germany international Gerald Asamoah, who joined the club on a free transfer during the winter break. "I've experienced a lot in my career," said the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ runner-up, "but this is without doubt a very, very special day for me. It's truly awesome."

Nobel Prize-winning supportOne fan as proud as any of Furth's ascent to the top tier is former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, a Nobel Prize winner who was born in the town and remains a life-long fan. The 88-year-old regularly checks the Clover Leaves' results online and has promised he will be in the stands for the club's first home game in the Bundesliga.
Whether Kissinger will be joined in the stadium by current coach Buskens remains to be seen, however. Furth's success over the past few years has attracted interest from several more established Bundesliga clubs and even Asamoah, a former team-mate of Buskens at Schalke 04, was unable to charm a definite answer out of his boss. "Coach, are you staying?" asked 'Asa' during the post-match celebrations in Frankfurt. Buskens could only respond with a smile: "Now I know it was definitely a mistake to bring this guy here!"

Posted by at 0 comments

Ferguson: City in driving seat now (FIFA Article)



(AFP) Tuesday 1 May 2012
 Print
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson accused Roberto Mancini of "badgering" officials after a furious touchline bust-up with the Manchester City boss on Monday.
Ferguson and Mancini had to be separated during an explosive finger-jabbing confrontation in the 76th minute of a highly charged encounter at Eastlands which saw City take control of the title race with a 1-0 victory.
Ferguson had leapt from his dugout to protest after an ugly challenge from Nigel De Jong on United substitute Danny Welbeck.
The 70-year-old United boss later accused Mancini of harassing officials throughout the title duel. "Mancini was badgering the ref and the fourth official all game," Ferguson told the BBC. "He was complaining about refs all week, but he can't complain about this one."
It was a damaging result, they are in the driving seat and we are up against it. They only need to win to two more games and they win the league, simple as that.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

However Ferguson had few complaints about a defeat which he admitted had left the destiny of the title in City's hands.
"We didn't test their keeper enough really, we started brightly and for the first 15 minutes we dominated, but the longer the half went on we were looking for half-time and the goal came at a bad time for us," Ferguson said.
"I can't complain about the result, they were more of a threat from counter-attacks.
"It was a damaging result, they are in the driving seat and we are up against it. They only need to win to two more games and they win the league, simple as that."
Ferguson was also unhappy with United's defending for City's winning goal, which came when Vincent Kompany headed in a David Silva corner on the stroke of half-time.

"If you lose a goal at a set-piece at this level of football then you only have yourself to blame for that," Ferguson said. "It was a bad time to concede a goal because there was nothing really happening at the end of the first half."
Mancini meanwhile brushed off the confrontation with Ferguson. "I was talking with the fourth official, he told me some kind words, I answered him and it finished," said Mancini, who shook hands with Ferguson after the final whistle.
Although City now top the table on goal difference, meaning wins over Newcastle and QPR will virtually assure them of the title, Mancini meanwhile insisted that United were still in a strong position to retain their crown.
If we think it's finished we make a big mistake.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini

"They have easy games - they play against Swansea and Sunderland. We have Newcastle and QPR. These two teams are strong teams," Mancini said.
"For United it will be easy. But we have two strong teams, Newcastle and QPR - one plays for the Champions League, one plays for relegation."
"But now it's not finished. If we think it's finished we make a big mistake," Mancini added.
Asked what he thought what the key to the game had been, Mancini replied: "They wanted to draw. We wanted to win. I think that was the difference."

Posted by at 0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)