Shakhtar are a very very dangerous side.
**Official Football (Soccer) Thread"
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Shakhtar are a very very dangerous side.
Alves commits to Barca
Barcelona have announced that Dani Alves has agreed a new contract until 2015.
• Alves wants to feel valued
Brazil full-back Alves, 27, has been in discussions over a deal for some time as his current agreement was set to expire at the end of next season.
Manchester City have been repeatedly linked with the player, and Johan Cruyff gave credence to the rumours in January when he said it may be in Barca's best interests to allow Alves to move on to Eastlands.
However, a statement on the club's official website on Tuesday read: "FC Barcelona is pleased to announce an agreement with Dani Alves to extend his contract with the club for another three seasons, until June 30, 2015.
"The document will be signed on Wednesday at around 19.00. There will then be a photograph session open to the media by the doors to the FC Barcelona offices. "
Club president Sandro Rosell wrote on Twitter: "Very good news for Barca. Dani Alves has renewed his contract."
Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/897567/barcelona-announce-new-dani-alves-deal?cc=5901
Only Messi has more assists than Alves.
Mourinho confirms England return
Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will join an English club when he leaves Real Madrid, which he described as the "most difficult club in the world".
The former Chelsea manager, who has previously made clear his fondness of English football, once again spoke glowingly of his time in the Premier League and said he is looking forward to working in the country where he most enjoys his life and career.
Mourinho did not indicate he will negotiate an early exit from his contract in Madrid, which has another three years to run. Depending on the timing of his move to England over the next few years, he could foreseeably join any of the Premier League's big clubs and he has spoken of his desire to build a dynasty in a longer-term project than the short stints he has been known for taking on.
"I miss England and my next job will be in England," Mourinho said in the Sun. "There is unfinished business. And I think England wants me back, no? It was the most enjoyable time of my career. My Chelsea time was amazing as a football manager and family man. My family and I enjoyed it so much. We made so many friends here. We still keep in touch, we still come back. In football there are a few victories here I would like to repeat. I will talk to my agent and get a project for my career.
"I still have three years at Real Madrid. It is the biggest club in the world but it is also the most difficult club in the world. They came to me for the third time and I could not say no to them for the third time - I had to go. And I had to go to Italy, that was important for me because I wanted to try there. Everyone said it was the home of tactics so I said let me try there.
"But it is not England, England is special. People in Italy, Spain and Portugal ask me why I love England so much and I can't explain - I just do. I want to be happy in my work. I want to be happy with my football."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/897711/jose-mourinho-confirms-england-return?cc=5901
Jose Mourinho has confirmed he will join an English club when he leaves Real Madrid, which he described as the "most difficult club in the world".
The former Chelsea manager, who has previously made clear his fondness of English football, once again spoke glowingly of his time in the Premier League and said he is looking forward to working in the country where he most enjoys his life and career.
Mourinho did not indicate he will negotiate an early exit from his contract in Madrid, which has another three years to run. Depending on the timing of his move to England over the next few years, he could foreseeably join any of the Premier League's big clubs and he has spoken of his desire to build a dynasty in a longer-term project than the short stints he has been known for taking on.
"I miss England and my next job will be in England," Mourinho said in the Sun. "There is unfinished business. And I think England wants me back, no? It was the most enjoyable time of my career. My Chelsea time was amazing as a football manager and family man. My family and I enjoyed it so much. We made so many friends here. We still keep in touch, we still come back. In football there are a few victories here I would like to repeat. I will talk to my agent and get a project for my career.
"I still have three years at Real Madrid. It is the biggest club in the world but it is also the most difficult club in the world. They came to me for the third time and I could not say no to them for the third time - I had to go. And I had to go to Italy, that was important for me because I wanted to try there. Everyone said it was the home of tactics so I said let me try there.
"But it is not England, England is special. People in Italy, Spain and Portugal ask me why I love England so much and I can't explain - I just do. I want to be happy in my work. I want to be happy with my football."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/897711/jose-mourinho-confirms-england-return?cc=5901
Kuyt wants to stay with ambitious Reds
Dirk Kuyt has signalled his intention to commit his future to Liverpool, hailing the Reds' recent resurgence and their renewed "ambition" under Kenny Dalglish.
After a poor start to the season that saw Roy Hodgson relieved of his duties, Liverpool are mounting a surge and Kuyt has played a key part in their revival.
The Dutchman has thrived on the responsibility of playing a prominent role in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard and has weighed in with some key goals.
The January arrivals of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez have raised expectation and Kuyt feels the signs for the future are positive.
"Liverpool is a club that should be playing for trophies and I guarantee that will be happening soon," he said. "With Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll arriving we have become stronger and I have a strong suspicion that the club will reinforce again in the summer.
"This helps my belief that we will be playing for trophies again next season. I want to stay because the club is showing ambition, the team is getting stronger and my family and I absolutely love it here."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...-wants-to-stay-at-ambitious-liverpool?cc=5901
Dirk Kuyt has signalled his intention to commit his future to Liverpool, hailing the Reds' recent resurgence and their renewed "ambition" under Kenny Dalglish.
After a poor start to the season that saw Roy Hodgson relieved of his duties, Liverpool are mounting a surge and Kuyt has played a key part in their revival.
The Dutchman has thrived on the responsibility of playing a prominent role in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard and has weighed in with some key goals.
The January arrivals of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez have raised expectation and Kuyt feels the signs for the future are positive.
"Liverpool is a club that should be playing for trophies and I guarantee that will be happening soon," he said. "With Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll arriving we have become stronger and I have a strong suspicion that the club will reinforce again in the summer.
"This helps my belief that we will be playing for trophies again next season. I want to stay because the club is showing ambition, the team is getting stronger and my family and I absolutely love it here."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...-wants-to-stay-at-ambitious-liverpool?cc=5901
Llorente: Xavi best ever Spanish player
Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has hailed Spain team-mate Xavi as the best Spanish footballer of all time.
Xavi is set to earn his 100th cap for his country and has earned rave reviews for his performances for both Spain and Barcelona over the past year. With a nomination for the World Player of the Year and records broken aplenty for his passing at the World Cup, the classy midfielder has been in fine form and now Llorente has labelled him the best.
"Xavi is an unbelievable player, the best Spanish footballer of all-time," Llorente told Sport.es. "He has won everything in football with Barca and Spain.
"It is wonderful to watch Xavi play. It takes many years at a very high level to do what he does. We are now eager to get a result in these two very important matches. Let's see if we can do the job and get the points.''
Spain are currently top of Group I with three wins out of three and face the Czech Republic in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday before a friendly clash with Lithuania next Tuesday.
Coach Vicente del Bosque has warned his players not to "switch off'' against the Czechs as he feels Michal Bilek's side pose a major challenge.
"They are our biggest threat,'' Del Bosque said. "They have great physical and technical qualities. They are very strong and have been one of the best teams in Europe in recent years.
"The worry for us is that most of our players are involved in domestic and European campaigns with their clubs and will continue to be so until the end of the season.
"We need to go into Friday's game with the right mentality because if any one of us is switched off, it could really complicate things.''
Striker Fernando Torres is certainly sounding the right notes, telling El Mundo Deportivo that the players are focused on retaining their European title.
"The difficult thing in football for national teams is learning to win,'' the Chelsea player said. "Spain did after many years of disappointments. There is now another challenge to retain the European Championship, something that nobody has ever done before.''
Valencia midfielder Juan Mata could get a rare start on Friday and is looking forward to the game, despite the distraction of the latter stages of the league campaign in Spain.
"Being selected is very important and takes all our focus now,'' he said. "In La Liga it is the most crucial time of the season but that's after the game against Lithuania.''
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...elona's-xavi-best-ever-spanish-player?cc=5901
Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has hailed Spain team-mate Xavi as the best Spanish footballer of all time.
Xavi is set to earn his 100th cap for his country and has earned rave reviews for his performances for both Spain and Barcelona over the past year. With a nomination for the World Player of the Year and records broken aplenty for his passing at the World Cup, the classy midfielder has been in fine form and now Llorente has labelled him the best.
"Xavi is an unbelievable player, the best Spanish footballer of all-time," Llorente told Sport.es. "He has won everything in football with Barca and Spain.
"It is wonderful to watch Xavi play. It takes many years at a very high level to do what he does. We are now eager to get a result in these two very important matches. Let's see if we can do the job and get the points.''
Spain are currently top of Group I with three wins out of three and face the Czech Republic in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday before a friendly clash with Lithuania next Tuesday.
Coach Vicente del Bosque has warned his players not to "switch off'' against the Czechs as he feels Michal Bilek's side pose a major challenge.
"They are our biggest threat,'' Del Bosque said. "They have great physical and technical qualities. They are very strong and have been one of the best teams in Europe in recent years.
"The worry for us is that most of our players are involved in domestic and European campaigns with their clubs and will continue to be so until the end of the season.
"We need to go into Friday's game with the right mentality because if any one of us is switched off, it could really complicate things.''
Striker Fernando Torres is certainly sounding the right notes, telling El Mundo Deportivo that the players are focused on retaining their European title.
"The difficult thing in football for national teams is learning to win,'' the Chelsea player said. "Spain did after many years of disappointments. There is now another challenge to retain the European Championship, something that nobody has ever done before.''
Valencia midfielder Juan Mata could get a rare start on Friday and is looking forward to the game, despite the distraction of the latter stages of the league campaign in Spain.
"Being selected is very important and takes all our focus now,'' he said. "In La Liga it is the most crucial time of the season but that's after the game against Lithuania.''
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...elona's-xavi-best-ever-spanish-player?cc=5901
Premier League to reject 'Safe Standing'
The Premier League has confirmed it will oppose moves by the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) to reintroduce standing areas at top-flight matches.
Standing-only areas were removed on the recommendation of the Taylor Report following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, but the FSF are calling for the return of terraces in the top two divisions for English football.
However, Premier League chief spokesman Dan Johnson said that the organisation will not be backing to the proposals.
"Our view is that the benefits of all-seater stadia far outweigh the return of standing areas," Johnson said. "They have led to more women and more children attending the games and no matter how safe standing can be made, seating is always safer. We will not be encouraging the Government to change the law."
The FA echoed the Premier League's, with a spokesman telling ESPNsoccernet: "The FA does not support the introduction of safe-standing at football grounds in the top two divisions.
"Since the Taylor Report and the introduction of all-seater stadia crowd management and the supporter experience has improved significantly. In matters of safety and security we consider the advice of the police and the licensing authorities to be paramount and they remain clear on this issue."
Representatives from the police, government and football authorities met with the FSF on Monday in a bid to kick-start their campaign, with the organisation's chairman Malcolm Clarke claiming that many fans choose to stand despite having a seat.
"Fans do believe they have lost something in the move to all-seating," Clarke told The Guardian. "We will be doing further research to respond to the concerns of those who are not yet convinced."
The 'Safe Standing' camapign has been bubbling under the surface for some time, but the Premier League's planned opposition will come as a blow, just as the FSF was planning to step up its lobbying of the Government for a change in the law.
Sports minister Hugh Robertson admitted the law was unlikely to change because the risk of a major incident would be too high, saying: "The minister's head would be on a spike on Tower Bridge before he could draft a resignation letter."
Liverpool's involvement in the Heysel and Hillsborough tragedies would appear to make them likely opponents of the reintroduction of standing areas, but former Reds striker David Fairclough feels that as long as the safety of fans is guranteed, the FSF's proposals could be implemented.
"In a controlled environment, plenty of countries around Europe have shown it can work," Fairclough told ESPNsoccernet. "Even in the Premier League, you find that fans who buy tickets for sit-down areas will still stand for the whole of the game.
"I went to West Ham away recently with Liverpool and everyone was standing up; as long as the barriers are secure I think there is scope to reintroduce some standing areas, though it couldn't work like the Kop used to be, with seas of open terraces.
"More standing room should also see a reduction in ticket prices, which can only be a good thing for the fans."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...se-standing-areas-in-english-stadiums?cc=5901
The Premier League has confirmed it will oppose moves by the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) to reintroduce standing areas at top-flight matches.
Standing-only areas were removed on the recommendation of the Taylor Report following the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, but the FSF are calling for the return of terraces in the top two divisions for English football.
However, Premier League chief spokesman Dan Johnson said that the organisation will not be backing to the proposals.
"Our view is that the benefits of all-seater stadia far outweigh the return of standing areas," Johnson said. "They have led to more women and more children attending the games and no matter how safe standing can be made, seating is always safer. We will not be encouraging the Government to change the law."
The FA echoed the Premier League's, with a spokesman telling ESPNsoccernet: "The FA does not support the introduction of safe-standing at football grounds in the top two divisions.
"Since the Taylor Report and the introduction of all-seater stadia crowd management and the supporter experience has improved significantly. In matters of safety and security we consider the advice of the police and the licensing authorities to be paramount and they remain clear on this issue."
Representatives from the police, government and football authorities met with the FSF on Monday in a bid to kick-start their campaign, with the organisation's chairman Malcolm Clarke claiming that many fans choose to stand despite having a seat.
"Fans do believe they have lost something in the move to all-seating," Clarke told The Guardian. "We will be doing further research to respond to the concerns of those who are not yet convinced."
The 'Safe Standing' camapign has been bubbling under the surface for some time, but the Premier League's planned opposition will come as a blow, just as the FSF was planning to step up its lobbying of the Government for a change in the law.
Sports minister Hugh Robertson admitted the law was unlikely to change because the risk of a major incident would be too high, saying: "The minister's head would be on a spike on Tower Bridge before he could draft a resignation letter."
Liverpool's involvement in the Heysel and Hillsborough tragedies would appear to make them likely opponents of the reintroduction of standing areas, but former Reds striker David Fairclough feels that as long as the safety of fans is guranteed, the FSF's proposals could be implemented.
"In a controlled environment, plenty of countries around Europe have shown it can work," Fairclough told ESPNsoccernet. "Even in the Premier League, you find that fans who buy tickets for sit-down areas will still stand for the whole of the game.
"I went to West Ham away recently with Liverpool and everyone was standing up; as long as the barriers are secure I think there is scope to reintroduce some standing areas, though it couldn't work like the Kop used to be, with seas of open terraces.
"More standing room should also see a reduction in ticket prices, which can only be a good thing for the fans."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...se-standing-areas-in-english-stadiums?cc=5901
U.S. faces huge test from Argentina
The last time Bob Bradley's national team met Argentina in New Jersey (June 2008), it took a night of breathless, outstanding goalkeeping from Tim Howard to keep the Americans from being routed.
Howard was just establishing himself as the nation's solid No. 1 keeper back then. So that part has changed, of course; his is the first name Bradley scribbles on the lineup card nowadays.
But not much has changed around Argentina's flashy attack and the incomparable Lionel Messi. So Saturday's high-profile contest at the New Meadowlands Stadium represents the stiffest U.S. test since a 2-0 loss to Brazil at the same facility seven months ago.
"These are fun games," veteran defender Carlos Bocanegra said Wednesday. "You get to test yourself against some of the best players in the world. There's a lot of hype around the game because of Messi and all their other great players. They are expecting a huge crowd, so these are the ones you really look forward to."
Bradley has summoned most of his top talent. Howard, Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and 18 others are prepping not just for Saturday's showdown, but also for a match Tuesday in Nashville against Paraguay.
Next week's match will probably look a lot different, with the United States figuring to split the possession more equitably. That's unlikely to happen in New Jersey against two-time World Cup champion Argentina. Saturday's visitors may not be as mesmerizing in possession as Spain at its best, but they aren't far behind. That's how it almost got lopsided -- but didn't thanks to Howard -- when the teams met in a scoreless draw in 2008 at the old Giants Stadium.
The United States could easily find itself under similar pressure from Argentina on Saturday -- assuming the rain and snow now walloping the East Coast relents enough and doesn't reduce the match to a sloppy quagmire. U.S. Soccer officials say they already have sold more than 60,000 tickets and expect a sellout by Saturday's 7 p.m. ET kickoff (ESPN2 and Univision).
Tim Vickery: Argentina still seeking defensive answers under Batista
Many in the crowd will be there to see Messi, FIFA's two-time world Player of the Year and perhaps the best of his generation globally. Argentine coach Sergio Batista said this week that the Barcelona star should be available, sufficiently recovered from a recent minor knee injury. It's an important match for the Albiceleste, which has also summoned most of its top performers while prepping for this summer's Copa America.
Batista replaced the iconic Diego Maradona after last summer's disappointing World Cup, and the side looks far better organized for it. Batista's preferred 4-3-3 may look like an offensive formation, and Messi's live wire presence certainly adds spice to the attack in any arrangement. But the Albiceleste also looks far more structured defensively than it ever was in the freelancing days under Maradona. Some of that comes down to personnel choice, such as using world-class midfielders Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Mascherano to screen the back line in dual holding roles.
For the home side, Saturday's lineup is sure to be less experimental than in other matches since last year's World Cup. The Americans may still need to tinker in the run-up to this summer's Gold Cup, which Bradley and U.S. Soccer has prioritized. And the coaches certainly wouldn't mind getting a look-see at two new, German-born players in their first national team camp: right-sided defender/midfielder Timothy Chandler and goalkeeper David Yelldell.
On the other hand, there's big risk in too much experimentation or unfamiliarity with roles. If Argentina can put a 4-1 beatdown on a fabulously talented Spanish side, as it did to everyone's surprise last September, the South Americans can certainly rough up Bradley's team. Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Carlos Tévez scored in that one for Argentina. Messi is in New Jersey this week with the rest of his team, training through the nasty weather; Higuaín is recovering from injury, while the mercurial Tevez no longer seems to be part of Batista's plan.
Still, there's plenty of talent around. U.S. players must find that sweet spot between an overly defensive approach and prudent caution.
"There's always a balance as to how far you're going to tilt things," U.S. assistant coach Mike Sorber said from North Carolina. "I think we always take the position of, What players do we have? What are our players' strengths? We want to play to our strengths, use our athleticism and mobility as we did against Spain [in 2009], where we try to put them under some pressure, run at them when we can and try to get behind them where we can."
The Americans were, in fact, surprisingly aggressive against Spain in that Confederations Cup contest two years ago in South Africa, upsetting the heavily favored Europeans in one of the U.S.' signature wins under Bradley.
Saturday's bout against a world giant is a little different, however. For one, many of Bradley's players aren't in top gear. Jonathan Spector, Michael Bradley and Sacha Kljestan are playing irregularly in Europe. Donovan, Jay DeMerit, Tim Ream, Mikkel Diskeruud, Benny Feilhaber and Juan Agudelo are just barely into their league seasons or have just returned from winter break, so they might not be at full speed just yet. Dempsey, for one, is sizzling, having just become the first U.S. player to score 10 goals in a Premier League season.
The Americans seem likely to remain in a 4-2-3-1 arrangement as Bradley strives to get his best players on the field (and to cover a soft spot in the current player pool at striker).
So, other than lineup staples Howard, Bocanegra, Dempsey and Donovan, predicting Bradley's lineup won't be easy. If Chandler gets his first U.S. cap, it would most likely be as a right back; he plays there or as a right-sided midfielder for Nurnberg in Germany. Maurice Edu and Jermaine Jones, now starting for their clubs in Scotland and England, respectively, seem likely choices. And given U.S. Soccer's desire to patiently nurse along the 18-year-old Agudelo, Jozy Altidore appears the most likely choice at striker. Directing passes into Altidore or to Donovan and Dempsey in good spots will be tricky considering how hard Bradley's men must work for their turns with the ball.
Bocanegra said a big challenge will be maintaining laser focus over 90 minutes. That's difficult against a team that moves the ball steadily, fluidly, always coiled and ready to pounce on one of those costly concentration lapses.
"They do so well at holding possession," Bocanegra said. "They are always putting you in bad positions defensively, pulling you out of shape with good runs or with those little one-twos. So you have to think about staying in good positions, defending well and not switching off for that one second. And it's hard, because you end up chasing the ball a lot, and they just keep coming at you."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/steve_davis/03/24/us.argentina/index.html
The last time Bob Bradley's national team met Argentina in New Jersey (June 2008), it took a night of breathless, outstanding goalkeeping from Tim Howard to keep the Americans from being routed.
Howard was just establishing himself as the nation's solid No. 1 keeper back then. So that part has changed, of course; his is the first name Bradley scribbles on the lineup card nowadays.
But not much has changed around Argentina's flashy attack and the incomparable Lionel Messi. So Saturday's high-profile contest at the New Meadowlands Stadium represents the stiffest U.S. test since a 2-0 loss to Brazil at the same facility seven months ago.
"These are fun games," veteran defender Carlos Bocanegra said Wednesday. "You get to test yourself against some of the best players in the world. There's a lot of hype around the game because of Messi and all their other great players. They are expecting a huge crowd, so these are the ones you really look forward to."
Bradley has summoned most of his top talent. Howard, Bocanegra, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and 18 others are prepping not just for Saturday's showdown, but also for a match Tuesday in Nashville against Paraguay.
Next week's match will probably look a lot different, with the United States figuring to split the possession more equitably. That's unlikely to happen in New Jersey against two-time World Cup champion Argentina. Saturday's visitors may not be as mesmerizing in possession as Spain at its best, but they aren't far behind. That's how it almost got lopsided -- but didn't thanks to Howard -- when the teams met in a scoreless draw in 2008 at the old Giants Stadium.
The United States could easily find itself under similar pressure from Argentina on Saturday -- assuming the rain and snow now walloping the East Coast relents enough and doesn't reduce the match to a sloppy quagmire. U.S. Soccer officials say they already have sold more than 60,000 tickets and expect a sellout by Saturday's 7 p.m. ET kickoff (ESPN2 and Univision).
Tim Vickery: Argentina still seeking defensive answers under Batista
Many in the crowd will be there to see Messi, FIFA's two-time world Player of the Year and perhaps the best of his generation globally. Argentine coach Sergio Batista said this week that the Barcelona star should be available, sufficiently recovered from a recent minor knee injury. It's an important match for the Albiceleste, which has also summoned most of its top performers while prepping for this summer's Copa America.
Batista replaced the iconic Diego Maradona after last summer's disappointing World Cup, and the side looks far better organized for it. Batista's preferred 4-3-3 may look like an offensive formation, and Messi's live wire presence certainly adds spice to the attack in any arrangement. But the Albiceleste also looks far more structured defensively than it ever was in the freelancing days under Maradona. Some of that comes down to personnel choice, such as using world-class midfielders Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Mascherano to screen the back line in dual holding roles.
For the home side, Saturday's lineup is sure to be less experimental than in other matches since last year's World Cup. The Americans may still need to tinker in the run-up to this summer's Gold Cup, which Bradley and U.S. Soccer has prioritized. And the coaches certainly wouldn't mind getting a look-see at two new, German-born players in their first national team camp: right-sided defender/midfielder Timothy Chandler and goalkeeper David Yelldell.
On the other hand, there's big risk in too much experimentation or unfamiliarity with roles. If Argentina can put a 4-1 beatdown on a fabulously talented Spanish side, as it did to everyone's surprise last September, the South Americans can certainly rough up Bradley's team. Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Carlos Tévez scored in that one for Argentina. Messi is in New Jersey this week with the rest of his team, training through the nasty weather; Higuaín is recovering from injury, while the mercurial Tevez no longer seems to be part of Batista's plan.
Still, there's plenty of talent around. U.S. players must find that sweet spot between an overly defensive approach and prudent caution.
"There's always a balance as to how far you're going to tilt things," U.S. assistant coach Mike Sorber said from North Carolina. "I think we always take the position of, What players do we have? What are our players' strengths? We want to play to our strengths, use our athleticism and mobility as we did against Spain [in 2009], where we try to put them under some pressure, run at them when we can and try to get behind them where we can."
The Americans were, in fact, surprisingly aggressive against Spain in that Confederations Cup contest two years ago in South Africa, upsetting the heavily favored Europeans in one of the U.S.' signature wins under Bradley.
Saturday's bout against a world giant is a little different, however. For one, many of Bradley's players aren't in top gear. Jonathan Spector, Michael Bradley and Sacha Kljestan are playing irregularly in Europe. Donovan, Jay DeMerit, Tim Ream, Mikkel Diskeruud, Benny Feilhaber and Juan Agudelo are just barely into their league seasons or have just returned from winter break, so they might not be at full speed just yet. Dempsey, for one, is sizzling, having just become the first U.S. player to score 10 goals in a Premier League season.
The Americans seem likely to remain in a 4-2-3-1 arrangement as Bradley strives to get his best players on the field (and to cover a soft spot in the current player pool at striker).
So, other than lineup staples Howard, Bocanegra, Dempsey and Donovan, predicting Bradley's lineup won't be easy. If Chandler gets his first U.S. cap, it would most likely be as a right back; he plays there or as a right-sided midfielder for Nurnberg in Germany. Maurice Edu and Jermaine Jones, now starting for their clubs in Scotland and England, respectively, seem likely choices. And given U.S. Soccer's desire to patiently nurse along the 18-year-old Agudelo, Jozy Altidore appears the most likely choice at striker. Directing passes into Altidore or to Donovan and Dempsey in good spots will be tricky considering how hard Bradley's men must work for their turns with the ball.
Bocanegra said a big challenge will be maintaining laser focus over 90 minutes. That's difficult against a team that moves the ball steadily, fluidly, always coiled and ready to pounce on one of those costly concentration lapses.
"They do so well at holding possession," Bocanegra said. "They are always putting you in bad positions defensively, pulling you out of shape with good runs or with those little one-twos. So you have to think about staying in good positions, defending well and not switching off for that one second. And it's hard, because you end up chasing the ball a lot, and they just keep coming at you."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/steve_davis/03/24/us.argentina/index.html
Abidal back home
Éric Abidal is now back home and the Club’s medical services report that his post-operation progress has been satisfactory.
The Club’s medical services released a statement explaining: “the player was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon and is now resting at home. The post operation process has been satisfactory in all aspects and no complications have occurred”.
According to the Club doctors, Abidal: “will continue the recovery process at home and it is estimated that he will be able to begin physical exercise in four weeks’ time and then later to rejoin the squad training sessions”.
In accordance with the specific wishes of the player himself, the Club would like to demand the maximum respect for his privacy and confidentiality concerning his medical treatment.
http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/03/24/n110324116495.html
Éric Abidal is now back home and the Club’s medical services report that his post-operation progress has been satisfactory.
The Club’s medical services released a statement explaining: “the player was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon and is now resting at home. The post operation process has been satisfactory in all aspects and no complications have occurred”.
According to the Club doctors, Abidal: “will continue the recovery process at home and it is estimated that he will be able to begin physical exercise in four weeks’ time and then later to rejoin the squad training sessions”.
In accordance with the specific wishes of the player himself, the Club would like to demand the maximum respect for his privacy and confidentiality concerning his medical treatment.
http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada10-11/03/24/n110324116495.html
This guy here 
Balotelli caught throwing darts
Manchester City are to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss Mario Balotelli's disciplinary issues after he was caught throwing darts from a first-floor window.
Balotelli said in The People that he threw the darts in the direction of youth players because he was "bored". Nobody was hurt during the incident and ESPNsoccernet has been informed that the club view the incident as a misguided prank rather than a serious transgression.
However, Balotelli has continued to attract negative press since leaving Inter in the summer and was fined two weeks' wages for his dismissal in the Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev. Roberto Mancini held the forward responsible for City's failure to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg and described his actions as "stupid".
ESPNsoccernet understands that Mancini was not aware of this latest incident on Sunday morning as he had been away from the club, but there was due to be a conversation between the board and the manager on Monday to bring him up to speed.
A club spokesman said: "The matter will be dealt with internally
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...owing-darts-out-of-first-floor-window?cc=5901
Balotelli caught throwing darts
Manchester City are to hold a meeting on Monday to discuss Mario Balotelli's disciplinary issues after he was caught throwing darts from a first-floor window.
Balotelli said in The People that he threw the darts in the direction of youth players because he was "bored". Nobody was hurt during the incident and ESPNsoccernet has been informed that the club view the incident as a misguided prank rather than a serious transgression.
However, Balotelli has continued to attract negative press since leaving Inter in the summer and was fined two weeks' wages for his dismissal in the Europa League game against Dynamo Kiev. Roberto Mancini held the forward responsible for City's failure to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg and described his actions as "stupid".
ESPNsoccernet understands that Mancini was not aware of this latest incident on Sunday morning as he had been away from the club, but there was due to be a conversation between the board and the manager on Monday to bring him up to speed.
A club spokesman said: "The matter will be dealt with internally
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...owing-darts-out-of-first-floor-window?cc=5901
Neymar destined for Premier League
ESPNsoccernet has learned that Brazil's new star Neymar is almost certain to be playing in the Premier League next season.
Neymar caught the attention of a wider audience when scoring twice in Brazil's friendly win over Scotland on Sunday at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, and it is expected that he will be gracing English stadiums on a more regular basis.
The 19-year-old Santos forward is jointly represented by Brazilian agent Wagner Ribeiro and the influential Pini Zahavi, who is a close associate of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United believe Neymar could be a potential long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs, but it was Chelsea and Manchester City who were represented at Sunday's game with Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini both in the directors' box to watch Brazil's 2-0 victory.
The three English clubs are among a limited group of elite teams who could afford to sign Neymar from Santos, given his buyout clause currently stands at €45 million (£39.6 million). Chelsea attempted to sign him last summer, only to be rejected by the player as he chose to remain in Brazil.
Neymar has previously expressed his admiration for Italian football in particular but could be warming to England having been given permission by Brazil coach Mano Menezes to remain overnight in London on Sunday while the rest of the squad travelled home.
The player and his entourage were treated to a night out by Ribeiro and Zahavi, who has been given the authorisation to conduct Neymar's international affairs.
After his performance at Arsenal's home ground, Neymar said: "...the stadium is great; the pitch is too. The [English] weather I don't like all that much, but I could get used to it."
Meanwhile, Zahavi told ESPNsoccernet: "Yes, we were all very happy with his performance at the Emirates."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ymar-destined-for-premier-league-move?cc=5901
ESPNsoccernet has learned that Brazil's new star Neymar is almost certain to be playing in the Premier League next season.
Neymar caught the attention of a wider audience when scoring twice in Brazil's friendly win over Scotland on Sunday at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, and it is expected that he will be gracing English stadiums on a more regular basis.
The 19-year-old Santos forward is jointly represented by Brazilian agent Wagner Ribeiro and the influential Pini Zahavi, who is a close associate of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Manchester United believe Neymar could be a potential long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs, but it was Chelsea and Manchester City who were represented at Sunday's game with Carlo Ancelotti and Roberto Mancini both in the directors' box to watch Brazil's 2-0 victory.
The three English clubs are among a limited group of elite teams who could afford to sign Neymar from Santos, given his buyout clause currently stands at €45 million (£39.6 million). Chelsea attempted to sign him last summer, only to be rejected by the player as he chose to remain in Brazil.
Neymar has previously expressed his admiration for Italian football in particular but could be warming to England having been given permission by Brazil coach Mano Menezes to remain overnight in London on Sunday while the rest of the squad travelled home.
The player and his entourage were treated to a night out by Ribeiro and Zahavi, who has been given the authorisation to conduct Neymar's international affairs.
After his performance at Arsenal's home ground, Neymar said: "...the stadium is great; the pitch is too. The [English] weather I don't like all that much, but I could get used to it."
Meanwhile, Zahavi told ESPNsoccernet: "Yes, we were all very happy with his performance at the Emirates."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ymar-destined-for-premier-league-move?cc=5901
United set for MLS All-Stars rematch
Manchester United will return to the United States this summer to take on the Major League Soccer All-Stars side as part of their pre-season preparation.
United played against the All-Stars last July, with the three-time European champions winning 5-2 thanks to a Federico Macheda brace and goals from Darron Gibson, Tom Cleverley and Javier Hernandez.
That clash saw 70,000 fans pack the Reliant Stadium in Houston, but it will be the smaller 25,000 capacity Red Bull Arena in New Jersey that will host United's 2011 visit on July 27.
"We are pleased to host Manchester United again for our marquee summer event," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. "Our All-Star game has become a true celebration of soccer, and our best players look forward to the challenge of competing against one of the top clubs in the world."
Last year's defeat was the MLS All-Star side's first in seven matches against clubs from abroad and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he will be hoping for a similar result this summer.
"We're delighted to have been invited to play the MLS All-Star game for the second year running," United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. "Last year's game was a special occasion in front of a noisy, passionate crowd. Obviously we'll be looking to repeat the performance and the score line."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...-united-set-for-mls-all-stars-rematch?cc=5901
Mourinho: I nearly said yes to England
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was within hours of accepting the England job, prior to Fabio Capello's appointment.
Mourinho claimed he was on the verge of accepting the job in 2007 after Steve McClaren was sacked following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
But the Portuguese had a last-gasp change of heart and decided to stay in club management.
He told l'Equipe: "I was hours away - I almost signed up for the England national team.
"But at the last minute I began thinking, 'I am going to coach a national side, there will be one match a month and the rest of the time I will be in my office or overseeing matches. And then to have to wait until the summer to compete in a European Championship or a World Cup?' No, it wasn't for me.
"So at the last moment I pulled back, preferring to wait for the right job to come along, a good club, a challenge that could motivate me. That was Inter (Milan).''
The Football Association were quick to respond to Mourinho's comments. "Fabio was our first choice for England manager,'' a spokesman said. "We have made that clear from the outset.''
Mourinho left Chelsea in September 2007, two months before McClaren was dismissed, and took up his role as head coach at Inter in June 2008. After guiding Inter to the Champions League he then left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2010.
"When I left Chelsea, the first month was fantastic. I went to Africa, to Japan, I did tons of things I had not been able to do,'' he added. "The second month was also good, but from the third onwards it was horrible, just awful.''
Mourinho admitted he also came close to taking the Paris St Germain job after leaving Stamford Bridge, but decided against it as he was not convinced by Ligue 1's quality.
Asked why he did not take the PSG post, he said: "I do not know. Perhaps because of the feeling that England, Spain or Italy are more powerful leagues, and we must make the most of the best years of our career by working at the highest level.''
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...as-within-hours-of-taking-england-job?cc=5901
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was within hours of accepting the England job, prior to Fabio Capello's appointment.
Mourinho claimed he was on the verge of accepting the job in 2007 after Steve McClaren was sacked following England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008.
But the Portuguese had a last-gasp change of heart and decided to stay in club management.
He told l'Equipe: "I was hours away - I almost signed up for the England national team.
"But at the last minute I began thinking, 'I am going to coach a national side, there will be one match a month and the rest of the time I will be in my office or overseeing matches. And then to have to wait until the summer to compete in a European Championship or a World Cup?' No, it wasn't for me.
"So at the last moment I pulled back, preferring to wait for the right job to come along, a good club, a challenge that could motivate me. That was Inter (Milan).''
The Football Association were quick to respond to Mourinho's comments. "Fabio was our first choice for England manager,'' a spokesman said. "We have made that clear from the outset.''
Mourinho left Chelsea in September 2007, two months before McClaren was dismissed, and took up his role as head coach at Inter in June 2008. After guiding Inter to the Champions League he then left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2010.
"When I left Chelsea, the first month was fantastic. I went to Africa, to Japan, I did tons of things I had not been able to do,'' he added. "The second month was also good, but from the third onwards it was horrible, just awful.''
Mourinho admitted he also came close to taking the Paris St Germain job after leaving Stamford Bridge, but decided against it as he was not convinced by Ligue 1's quality.
Asked why he did not take the PSG post, he said: "I do not know. Perhaps because of the feeling that England, Spain or Italy are more powerful leagues, and we must make the most of the best years of our career by working at the highest level.''
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...as-within-hours-of-taking-england-job?cc=5901
Gallas handed two-year Spurs extension
William Gallas has signed a new two-year deal with Tottenham that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2013.
Many Spurs fans questioned the signing of the former Arsenal defender when he arrived at White Hart Lane on a free transfer last August, but Gallas has proved to be an inspired acquisition, forming an excellent partnership with Michael Dawson in the heart of Harry Redknapp's defence.
Gallas, 33, has played 28 games in all competitions for Tottenham this season and has added valuable experience to the bac-line, particularly in the Champions League.
The former Chelsea centre-back recently expressed his desire to stay at White Hart Lane, saying: "Will I be here next season? Maybe, nobody can know about the future. But I'm happy to be here, we'll try to see if I can stay here for next season.''
But Spurs were prepared to offer the Frenchman more than just one extra season and he will now stay at the club for at least two more years, by which time he will be almost 36.
"The club is delighted to announce that William Gallas has signed a two-year contract extension which runs until 2013," a statement on Tottenham's official website read. , *
The new deal will be especially well recieved by Gallas as the reason for his Arsenal exit was a breakdown in contract negotiations, with the two-time Premier League winner believed to have been unimpressed by the Gunners' refusal to budge from their policy of offering reduced terms to players over 30.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...s-handed-two-year-tottenham-extension?cc=5901
William Gallas has signed a new two-year deal with Tottenham that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2013.
Many Spurs fans questioned the signing of the former Arsenal defender when he arrived at White Hart Lane on a free transfer last August, but Gallas has proved to be an inspired acquisition, forming an excellent partnership with Michael Dawson in the heart of Harry Redknapp's defence.
Gallas, 33, has played 28 games in all competitions for Tottenham this season and has added valuable experience to the bac-line, particularly in the Champions League.
The former Chelsea centre-back recently expressed his desire to stay at White Hart Lane, saying: "Will I be here next season? Maybe, nobody can know about the future. But I'm happy to be here, we'll try to see if I can stay here for next season.''
But Spurs were prepared to offer the Frenchman more than just one extra season and he will now stay at the club for at least two more years, by which time he will be almost 36.
"The club is delighted to announce that William Gallas has signed a two-year contract extension which runs until 2013," a statement on Tottenham's official website read. , *
The new deal will be especially well recieved by Gallas as the reason for his Arsenal exit was a breakdown in contract negotiations, with the two-time Premier League winner believed to have been unimpressed by the Gunners' refusal to budge from their policy of offering reduced terms to players over 30.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...s-handed-two-year-tottenham-extension?cc=5901
Bin Hammam blames Blatter
FIFA presidential challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam has launched a personal jibe at his rival Sepp Blatter, claiming the organisation is only unpopular because of him.
Bin Hammam was once a loyal supporter of Blatter and helped him gain power in 1998 but now is standing against him in the election on June 1.
In the most recent blog entry on his personal website, Bin Hammam said his visit to the UEFA Congress in Paris last week had convinced him there is a mood to see a change at the top of FIFA.
The 61-year-old Qatari said: "The trip to Paris has given me a growing sense that more and more people within the game are eager to see change in FIFA.
"Unfortunately, from what I can see, people have been judging the entire organisation by the unpopularity of its president.
"Hopefully we will be able to change that and turn FIFA into an organisation we can all be proud of once again.''
Both Bin Hammam and Blatter are due to visit England on the campaign trail next month to meet the FA.
Some senior FA figures are keen to support Bin Hammam but new FA chairman David Bernstein is insistent no decision has been made by the board.
He has asked both candidates to submit their election manifestos, which will be made public ahead of a board meeting to decide who the FA should back.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...-blames-blatter-for-fifa's-poor-image?cc=5901
FIFA presidential challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam has launched a personal jibe at his rival Sepp Blatter, claiming the organisation is only unpopular because of him.
Bin Hammam was once a loyal supporter of Blatter and helped him gain power in 1998 but now is standing against him in the election on June 1.
In the most recent blog entry on his personal website, Bin Hammam said his visit to the UEFA Congress in Paris last week had convinced him there is a mood to see a change at the top of FIFA.
The 61-year-old Qatari said: "The trip to Paris has given me a growing sense that more and more people within the game are eager to see change in FIFA.
"Unfortunately, from what I can see, people have been judging the entire organisation by the unpopularity of its president.
"Hopefully we will be able to change that and turn FIFA into an organisation we can all be proud of once again.''
Both Bin Hammam and Blatter are due to visit England on the campaign trail next month to meet the FA.
Some senior FA figures are keen to support Bin Hammam but new FA chairman David Bernstein is insistent no decision has been made by the board.
He has asked both candidates to submit their election manifestos, which will be made public ahead of a board meeting to decide who the FA should back.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...-blames-blatter-for-fifa's-poor-image?cc=5901
Ferguson: Friendlies a waste of time
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that international friendlies have become a "worthless" exercise and labelled them "a waste of time" compared with major championships.
In the wake of England's wave of withdrawals ahead of Tuesday's friendly with Ghana, Feguson claimed that friendlies are devalued by players not turning up for international duty.
"I am all in favour of the competitions. The players should play in the major competitions; the European Championship, the World Cup,'' Ferguson told US digital station Sirius XM.
"But friendlies are a waste of time as far as I am concerned. We always say that. It is understandable for the coach. They have the players for a period when they can influence them and can build and shape their team.
"I can understand that completely. But every time there are friendlies you get six or seven call offs. It is sometimes worthless for the manager to build on that because of the lack of players.''
The irony of Ferguson's comments will not be lost on most football onlookers, as the United boss has developed a reputation over the years for pulling players out of friendly matches more regularly than most.
He nervously watched the weekend's international programme unfold as the likes of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans turned out for their respective countries.
But there were no fresh injuries to worry the Scot, who is preparing his players to fight for silverware on three fronts in a packed run-in.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...national-friendlies-'a-waste-of-time'?cc=5901
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that international friendlies have become a "worthless" exercise and labelled them "a waste of time" compared with major championships.
In the wake of England's wave of withdrawals ahead of Tuesday's friendly with Ghana, Feguson claimed that friendlies are devalued by players not turning up for international duty.
"I am all in favour of the competitions. The players should play in the major competitions; the European Championship, the World Cup,'' Ferguson told US digital station Sirius XM.
"But friendlies are a waste of time as far as I am concerned. We always say that. It is understandable for the coach. They have the players for a period when they can influence them and can build and shape their team.
"I can understand that completely. But every time there are friendlies you get six or seven call offs. It is sometimes worthless for the manager to build on that because of the lack of players.''
The irony of Ferguson's comments will not be lost on most football onlookers, as the United boss has developed a reputation over the years for pulling players out of friendly matches more regularly than most.
He nervously watched the weekend's international programme unfold as the likes of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans turned out for their respective countries.
But there were no fresh injuries to worry the Scot, who is preparing his players to fight for silverware on three fronts in a packed run-in.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...national-friendlies-'a-waste-of-time'?cc=5901
Rosell won't raise Cesc offer
Barca made two bids for Fabregas last summer and, although the player indicated that he wished to return to the Camp Nou, Arsenal refused to negotiate.
It has been suggested that Arsenal would consider allowing the player to leave at the end of this season, but Rosell has revealed Barca would only be willing to sign the player at the right price.
"We can talk about it, but Barca will not pay €50million for Cesc," he told Sport. "That is decided and, although Guardiola wants this player, we will not pay this amount.
"It is impossible due to a simple reason. In football, prices are reduced each year and, if we offered Arsenal €40 million for Cesc last summer, €50 million is now impossible.
"If the coach demands Cesc, we will negotiate, but at a correct limit and without madness and, if the deal isn't possible, we will wait for other opportunities."
Rosell, asked whether the deal would ever go through if it were not completed this summer, said Barca "may be better off financially" if they left it another year but said they will hold talks this summer if the coach insists.
Asked if the key would be for the player to push for his departure, Rosell said: "First, the coaches should tell us that his signing is a priority. After that, we look at the economic issue.
"If a player came to me and told me he wanted to leave, I would start looking to find the best financial solution. We don't want anyone to be unhappy."
Rosell described Arsenal as "a little immoral" after they moved to sign Spanish starlet Jon Toral from the Barca academy and he said it has not had a positive impact on the relationship between the clubs.
"The Jon Toral situation doesn't help," he said. "Our relationship is ... as it always is."
Barca have been attempting to get back on a strong financial footing after the Joan Laporta era, and Rosell confirmed there are still monetary difficulties at the club.
"Things are the same," he said. "The patient is still ill, so to speak, but we have identified the problem and we know what medicine we need. Things will get better within three or four years."
"[The financial problems will not affect sporting matters] because within the business plan we allow for the needs of the team."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ove-offer-for-arsenal's-cesc-fabregas?cc=5901
Barca made two bids for Fabregas last summer and, although the player indicated that he wished to return to the Camp Nou, Arsenal refused to negotiate.
It has been suggested that Arsenal would consider allowing the player to leave at the end of this season, but Rosell has revealed Barca would only be willing to sign the player at the right price.
"We can talk about it, but Barca will not pay €50million for Cesc," he told Sport. "That is decided and, although Guardiola wants this player, we will not pay this amount.
"It is impossible due to a simple reason. In football, prices are reduced each year and, if we offered Arsenal €40 million for Cesc last summer, €50 million is now impossible.
"If the coach demands Cesc, we will negotiate, but at a correct limit and without madness and, if the deal isn't possible, we will wait for other opportunities."
Rosell, asked whether the deal would ever go through if it were not completed this summer, said Barca "may be better off financially" if they left it another year but said they will hold talks this summer if the coach insists.
Asked if the key would be for the player to push for his departure, Rosell said: "First, the coaches should tell us that his signing is a priority. After that, we look at the economic issue.
"If a player came to me and told me he wanted to leave, I would start looking to find the best financial solution. We don't want anyone to be unhappy."
Rosell described Arsenal as "a little immoral" after they moved to sign Spanish starlet Jon Toral from the Barca academy and he said it has not had a positive impact on the relationship between the clubs.
"The Jon Toral situation doesn't help," he said. "Our relationship is ... as it always is."
Barca have been attempting to get back on a strong financial footing after the Joan Laporta era, and Rosell confirmed there are still monetary difficulties at the club.
"Things are the same," he said. "The patient is still ill, so to speak, but we have identified the problem and we know what medicine we need. Things will get better within three or four years."
"[The financial problems will not affect sporting matters] because within the business plan we allow for the needs of the team."
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ove-offer-for-arsenal's-cesc-fabregas?cc=5901
Messi and Mourinho top rich list
Barcelona forward Messi, the two-time World Player of the Year, brought home €31 million from his salary and publicity deals in 2011, just ahead of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo (€27.5 million) and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (€20.7 million).
Real Madrid manager Mourinho topped the manager's rich list with an income of €13.5 million, ahead of Barcelona's Pep Guardiola (€10.5 million) and former Inter Milan coach Rafael Benitez (€10.2 million). England manager Fabio Capello came fourth with the Italian receiving a salary of €8.5 million.
The English Premier League appears the most lucrative league of all with seven representatives in the top 20 list of highest paid players.
Two former Premier League stars, David Beckham and Thierry Henry, now playing in the MLS in the United States, are ranked fifth and 11 with salaries of €19 million and €13.6 million respectively.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ose-mourinho-top-football's-rich-list?cc=5901
Barcelona forward Messi, the two-time World Player of the Year, brought home €31 million from his salary and publicity deals in 2011, just ahead of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo (€27.5 million) and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (€20.7 million).
Real Madrid manager Mourinho topped the manager's rich list with an income of €13.5 million, ahead of Barcelona's Pep Guardiola (€10.5 million) and former Inter Milan coach Rafael Benitez (€10.2 million). England manager Fabio Capello came fourth with the Italian receiving a salary of €8.5 million.
The English Premier League appears the most lucrative league of all with seven representatives in the top 20 list of highest paid players.
Two former Premier League stars, David Beckham and Thierry Henry, now playing in the MLS in the United States, are ranked fifth and 11 with salaries of €19 million and €13.6 million respectively.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ose-mourinho-top-football's-rich-list?cc=5901
Wilshere: England win inspired by Barca
Jack Wilshere has revealed England's players watched videos of Barcelona in action to help them with their game plan in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales in Cardiff.
Fabio Capello stressed the need for England to put into operation the pressing game of the Spanish giants against Gary Speed's side and it paid handsome dividends.
England triumphed 2-0 with Wilshere in impressive form on his competitive debut for his country in a three-man midfield alongside Frank Lampard and Scott Parker who was used in the holding role.
Teenager Wilshere, part of the Arsenal side beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League, said: "We watched some videos of Barcelona and the way they pressed.
"We tried to do it like them against Wales. We pressed high and the idea was to get some early goals and we got them. We made it comfortable for ourselves.
"We watched the videos a couple of days ago. We want to press like them. They are the best at it in the world and we have to learn from teams like that. At my age I am always learning and I can learn from players like that in their side.''
Wilshere welcomes the belief of Fabio Capello in him to be a regular member of the England starting line-up but knows he faces stiff competition.
He said: "These are the things you want to hear. At my age, I am 19 and there are still players like Stevie Gerrard to come back.
"There are big players. I am trying to work hard for my club and see if the manager picks me for internationals.
"You are around good players. It always helps. It is easy to play with players like Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. You can just fit in. I think that helped me against Wales.
"It's about people like Scott Parker as well. He was brilliant in Cardiff. He has brought his club form to international level.
"When you have a player like Scott holding, you know you can go forward and rely on him to make the tackles and win the ball back for you.''
Wilshere has been under the media spotlight after his performances for the Gunners against Barcelona.
He said: "It's part and parcel of football. If you play well, people will talk about you and that's what you want. But like I said, at my age, I am 19 and still trying to improve every day.
"I have still got a lot to learn and want to work hard for my club and bring it to international level.''
England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce wants Wilshere to play in the summer European Championship although Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has voiced concerns.
Wilshere is content to allow his managers at club and international level to sort out what is the best solution.
He said: "This is international football and I want to play in any international football. It's up to Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello. They will talk and see what's best for me.
"I always speak to the manager at Arsenal and I will again. I am sure Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello will talk to him as well.''
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/899381/wilshere:-england-win-inspired-by-barca?cc=5901
Jack Wilshere has revealed England's players watched videos of Barcelona in action to help them with their game plan in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales in Cardiff.
Fabio Capello stressed the need for England to put into operation the pressing game of the Spanish giants against Gary Speed's side and it paid handsome dividends.
England triumphed 2-0 with Wilshere in impressive form on his competitive debut for his country in a three-man midfield alongside Frank Lampard and Scott Parker who was used in the holding role.
Teenager Wilshere, part of the Arsenal side beaten by Barcelona in the Champions League, said: "We watched some videos of Barcelona and the way they pressed.
"We tried to do it like them against Wales. We pressed high and the idea was to get some early goals and we got them. We made it comfortable for ourselves.
"We watched the videos a couple of days ago. We want to press like them. They are the best at it in the world and we have to learn from teams like that. At my age I am always learning and I can learn from players like that in their side.''
Wilshere welcomes the belief of Fabio Capello in him to be a regular member of the England starting line-up but knows he faces stiff competition.
He said: "These are the things you want to hear. At my age, I am 19 and there are still players like Stevie Gerrard to come back.
"There are big players. I am trying to work hard for my club and see if the manager picks me for internationals.
"You are around good players. It always helps. It is easy to play with players like Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard. You can just fit in. I think that helped me against Wales.
"It's about people like Scott Parker as well. He was brilliant in Cardiff. He has brought his club form to international level.
"When you have a player like Scott holding, you know you can go forward and rely on him to make the tackles and win the ball back for you.''
Wilshere has been under the media spotlight after his performances for the Gunners against Barcelona.
He said: "It's part and parcel of football. If you play well, people will talk about you and that's what you want. But like I said, at my age, I am 19 and still trying to improve every day.
"I have still got a lot to learn and want to work hard for my club and bring it to international level.''
England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce wants Wilshere to play in the summer European Championship although Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has voiced concerns.
Wilshere is content to allow his managers at club and international level to sort out what is the best solution.
He said: "This is international football and I want to play in any international football. It's up to Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello. They will talk and see what's best for me.
"I always speak to the manager at Arsenal and I will again. I am sure Stuart Pearce and Fabio Capello will talk to him as well.''
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/899381/wilshere:-england-win-inspired-by-barca?cc=5901
Sepp Blatter Tells Brazil To Speed Up World Cup 2014 Work Rate
FIFA president Sepp Blatter is urging Brazil to speed up their preparations for the 2014 World Cup, voicing concern with the go-slow approach.
The Brazilians appear keen not to conceive the tournament in haste, but Blatter is telling them to start kicking or there may not be any time to solve teething problems if they arise further down the line.
"Brazil is delayed in comparison to South Africa in the same period. In 2007, three years from the last World Cup, the South Africans were more advanced than the Brazilians today," Blatter told the press.
"What they need to do is hurry and speed up the preparation process. The World Cup is tomorrow and the Brazilians are thinking it's the day after tomorrow."
"What they should do is use a little bit more speed now in the organization."
Blatter warned Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo could be left off the program for the 2013 Confederations Cup, which will provide a testing ground for the 32-team tournament 12 months later.
"The World Cup stadiums are still in the process of being discussed between the city mayors and the state governors," he said.
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/3296...t-sepp-blatter-tells-brazil-to-speed-up-world
FIFA president Sepp Blatter is urging Brazil to speed up their preparations for the 2014 World Cup, voicing concern with the go-slow approach.
The Brazilians appear keen not to conceive the tournament in haste, but Blatter is telling them to start kicking or there may not be any time to solve teething problems if they arise further down the line.
"Brazil is delayed in comparison to South Africa in the same period. In 2007, three years from the last World Cup, the South Africans were more advanced than the Brazilians today," Blatter told the press.
"What they need to do is hurry and speed up the preparation process. The World Cup is tomorrow and the Brazilians are thinking it's the day after tomorrow."
"What they should do is use a little bit more speed now in the organization."
Blatter warned Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo could be left off the program for the 2013 Confederations Cup, which will provide a testing ground for the 32-team tournament 12 months later.
"The World Cup stadiums are still in the process of being discussed between the city mayors and the state governors," he said.
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/3296...t-sepp-blatter-tells-brazil-to-speed-up-world
LOL @ playing like Barca. English analysis of football is so skewed it's not even funny.
And Blatter better strap in tight for that fight with Brazilian timetables.
And Blatter better strap in tight for that fight with Brazilian timetables.
It's gonna be a good summer.
Manchester United to play Barcelona
Manchester United will meet Barcelona in a friendly in Washington this summer as part of their pre-season tour to the United States.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men are scheduled to meet the Spanish champions on July 30 at FedExField in the US capital in their final game of a five-match tour which will also see them meet three Major League Soccer sides as well as an All-Star team.
''Tours are a fantastic chance for the players to get away as a unit, to put in some good training sessions and to meet some of our fans around the world who don't have a chance to watch us play live every week,'' said Ferguson.
''Our visits to the US are always enjoyable ones. The training facilities are excellent and we certainly found last year that, with the improving quality of the MLS teams, the games are very competitive, which is great preparation for a new season.
''To finish off with a match against Barcelona will be a special moment for all our fans in the States.''
United open against New England Revolution on July 13 in Boston before travelling west to meet Seattle Sounders a week later.
Next comes a game against Chicago Fire on July 23 before they take on the MLS All-Stars in New Jersey on July 27 and Barca in Washington.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/899845/manchester-united-to-play-barcelona?cc=5901
Manchester United to play Barcelona
Manchester United will meet Barcelona in a friendly in Washington this summer as part of their pre-season tour to the United States.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men are scheduled to meet the Spanish champions on July 30 at FedExField in the US capital in their final game of a five-match tour which will also see them meet three Major League Soccer sides as well as an All-Star team.
''Tours are a fantastic chance for the players to get away as a unit, to put in some good training sessions and to meet some of our fans around the world who don't have a chance to watch us play live every week,'' said Ferguson.
''Our visits to the US are always enjoyable ones. The training facilities are excellent and we certainly found last year that, with the improving quality of the MLS teams, the games are very competitive, which is great preparation for a new season.
''To finish off with a match against Barcelona will be a special moment for all our fans in the States.''
United open against New England Revolution on July 13 in Boston before travelling west to meet Seattle Sounders a week later.
Next comes a game against Chicago Fire on July 23 before they take on the MLS All-Stars in New Jersey on July 27 and Barca in Washington.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/899845/manchester-united-to-play-barcelona?cc=5901
