CAN 2010: Tickets: Only 33% on sale for the opening

Tickets: Only 33% on sale for the opening 

Sinfic informed this Wednesday (30/12) that only 33% of the tickets for the opening ceremony and the opening match of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations – Angola 2010 were put on sale.

According to Luis Nobre, administrator of Sinfic, the company in charge of ticketing, the other 67% were directed to the Organizing Committee of the Cup of Nations (COCAN 2010), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), guests and organized claques.
The administrator informed that the tickets available in the 50 branches of BAI and BCP, a total of 16,010 tickets (30% of the total), are almost exclusive for the superior general seats.
The opening ceremony of the Orange CAN 2010 takes place next January 10th at National Stadium 11 de Novembro in Luanda from 17:30 and counts with a special programme and the presence of important entities of Angolan Government and of international sports.
Angola and Mali will play the opening match of the Cup at 20:00.

Video Manchester United 5 - 0 Wigan Athletic : Rooney shines in United romp

Manchester United 5 - 0 Wigan Athletic

Wayne Rooney delivered another masterclass as Wigan meekly surrendered to Manchester United for the second time this season in a 5-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson has argued for years that if his side are within touching distance of top spot on New Year's Day they will take some stopping.

And not only are they only two points adrift of Chelsea, they have almost achieved parity in the goal difference column too after another five-goal mauling of the hapless Latics, who seem ill equipped to survive a relegation scrap.
Former Wigan star Antonio Valencia had a productive night, claiming three assists and scoring the final Premier League goal of 2009 against his old club.
But Rooney was the main man, opening United's account with his 15th goal of the season and getting himself right to the heart of a performance Wigan could not have complained about if it had brought the hosts double figures.

Long before they turned trophy collection into an art form, one of the things United liked most was to face lower rated opponents prepared to take them on at football.
They would leave Old Trafford with the plaudits of Sir Alex Ferguson ringing in their ears, as well as the cheers of home supporters ecstatic at witnessing a one-sided goal fest.
Clearly, Roberto Martinez has not been doing his homework.
Hammered by five goals on home soil in August, Martinez made the short journey across Greater Manchester for the return, committed to the same open style, which could quite easily get Wigan relegated.
The wonder was it took United almost half an hour to open their account.
A flurry just beforehand had involved Chris Kirkland turning a Rooney blockbuster wide and Paul Scharner booting a Nemanja Vidic effort of the line.
Following that, Rooney's audacious shot from the most acute angle imaginable bounced back to Kirkland off the far post, the Wigan keeper having been completely bamboozled by the initial effort.
Finally, Dimitar Berbatov, who had started the bombardment by racing onto Rooney's through ball and getting chopped down in the box by Titus Bramble without winning a penalty, fluffed a chip when he was clean through.
At that stage, there must have been a temptation for Wigan to think they would survive. How foolish that would have been.
It will not cross Ferguson's attention that much but an entire nation of football watchers is following his main man at the moment, crossing their fingers he can deliver World Cup glory to England.
Undoubtedly he is having his best season and it was the former Everton striker who stole in at the near post to meet Rafael Da Silva's cross and steer it past Kirkland to break the deadlock.
Three minutes later Michael Carrick swept home the second after Valencia had shown enough vision to cut a pass back into his path rather than drill a cross into crowded penalty area.
On nights like these, the former Wigan man is a powerful force. And with Rafael charging forward on the overlap, the Latics could not resist.
Rafael's only previous goal came in a disappointing defeat at Arsenal last year. This time, after collecting Darren Fletcher's pass and showing nimble feet to create space for himself on the edge of the area before drilling past Kirkland, he had more of a reason to celebrate with twin Fabio, who pumped the air with joy from the bench, although he was ultimately to share a pitch with his brother for the first time in a league game.
A change of keeper at the break as Mike Pollitt replaced the luckless Kirkland, failed to bring a change of fortune for the visitors.
Valencia skipped past Maynor Figueroa as if he was not there, then crossed into the space Hendry Thomas was supposed to be filling before he fell over. Berbatov controlled instantly and stabbed his shot into the far corner.
Memories of that nine-goal humiliation at Tottenham were coming back to haunt Martinez and his men.
If Rooney had managed to find the net when he got on the end of Berbatov's chip instead of thundering a header against the bar, a repeat may have been on the cards.
Instead, United were forced to wait until the 76th minute, after Ferguson had made a triple substitution, for Rooney to drive into the heart of Wigan's defences before sending Valencia through superbly to chip home a fifth.

Rooney wants best-ever goal glutWayne Rooney admits he would be stunned if he failed to eclipse his best seasonal goal tally of 23. "I would hope to beat my best total," he said. "If I don't get another eight goals from now until the end of the season there is something seriously wrong. "I hit the post before I scored and the bar afterwards. I am doing well and I feel fit. Hopefully that will continue." Following on from his superb performance at Hull on Sunday, it was another masterclass from Rooney, which drew warm praise from Ferguson. "Wayne was absolutely fantastic again, just like Sunday," said the United boss. "The energy he showed in his game and his desire is marvellous." Even Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was purring. "Wayne Rooney has been showing great maturity for the whole season," he said. "He is among that elite group of players in the Premier League who are truly world class." "Valencia is doing really well," said Rooney. "He is really quick and is aggressive getting to the ball and his crosses are brilliant. To score seven goals already is a great achievement." Ferguson believes the Ecuador winger will get even more as the season goes on, and they will be needed too as United chase a record fourth consecutive Premier League title. Aston Villa's stumble over the Christmas period seems to have turned the title battle into a three-horse race between United, Chelsea and Arsenal, who have a match in hand. "It is fairly close at the top," Rooney added. "Arsenal are up there as well and the team who is most consistent from now on will win the league." "We made it easy for them," said Roberto Martinez. "We didn't play like a team and showed our weaknesses. You have to work as a group. We were just individuals. "We have to try and get rid of that inconsistency because we are hurting." However, Martinez declined to condemn Hendry Thomas for walking slowly off the pitch when he was substituted and refusing to shake the hand of his replacement Scott Sinclair. "There is no problem," said Martinez. "We are all frustrated and disappointed. If Hendry didn't feel hurt there would be something wrong." 

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Portsmouth 1 - 4 Arsenal : Struggling Pompey thumped by Gunners

Portsmouth's troubles on and off the pitch deepened following a 4-1 home defeat by Arsenal, who remain in the hunt for the Premier League title.
The club had earlier issued a statement denying being formally served with a winding up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in respect of disputed VAT, PAYE and National Insurance contributions of a reported £3.5million.
While that matter may yet be resolved in a High Court hearing early next month to avoid administration, it is clear Pompey - FA Cup winners last year under Harry Redknapp - face an uphill battle to save themselves from relegation come May 2010.
Arsenal fans, meanwhile, could well have the champagne on ice in anticipation of what may yet prove a vintage year for Arsene Wenger's young Gunners - now just four points behind leaders Chelsea and with a match in hand.
The visitors were always in command after Eduardo's free-kick had deflected off Younes Kaboul, before Samir Nasri drilled in a second just before half-time and Wales teenager Aaron Ramsey smashed home a third on 69 minutes.
Although Nadir Belhadj - one of several Pompey players set to leave for African Nations Cup duty - pulled a goal back, Cameroon midfielder Alex Song nodded in a fourth with 10 minutes left.
Wenger had confirmed before kick-off he expected injured captain Cesc Fabregas to be out for around 10 days with a hamstring problem - meaning the influential Spaniard would miss the FA Cup third-round tie at West Ham this weekend as well as tonight's contest.
Pompey had beaten Liverpool here just before Christmas and started well.
Kevin-Prince Boateng caused problems down the right and fired in a shot from a tight angle which Manuel Almunia beat away at the near post.
However, Arsenal looked dangerous on the break and Andrey Arshavin collected a loose ball before drilling a shot from 20 yards over.
Bacary Sagna's cross from the right was glanced wide by Eduardo, before the Croatian got away down the left and laid the ball back into the path of Abou Diaby, who forced a good save from Asmir Begovic at close range.
Pompey captain Aaron Mokoena fouled Ramsey some 25 yards out in a central position - and it proved a costly error.
Eduardo drilled the 28th minute free-kick low, with the ball deflecting off former Tottenham defender Kaboul and past a static Hermann Hreidarsson on the right-hand post to give the visitors the lead on 28 minutes.
Algerian midfielder Belhadj tried to relieve the pressure with a determined run and angled shot, which flew past the far post.
However, in the 42nd minute it was 2-0 when Song - who will not join up with Cameroon until the New Year - fed Eduardo in the left of the area. He pulled the ball back for Ramsey, who picked out Nasri - and the French midfielder drilled a low strike into the bottom corner.
To their credit, Portsmouth started the second half on the offensive and in the 52nd minute Belhadj flashed the ball across the six-yard box from the left.
The Fratton Park faithful chanted "where's all our money gone?", and cheered when captain Mokoena was replaced by Anthony Vanden Borre.
Hassan Yebda - another African Nations Cup departure - drilled a 20-yard effort straight at Almunia.
In the 65th minute there was a length stoppage as Boateng needed treatment after falling heavily in the Arsenal penalty area.
The Portsmouth fans used the break in play to again vent their anger towards owner Ali Al Faraj as chants of "sack the board'' and "you're not fit to run a club'' rang out.
But, in the 69th minute, the home fans were silenced when Ramsey robbed Vanden Borre and charged past Frederic Piquionne before lashing a left-foot shot into the net from the edge of the box.
The home side at least had something to shout about five minutes later when Belhadj converted a low cross from Vanden Borre.
However, hopes of an unlikely home comeback were ended 10 minutes from time when Song headed in Nasri's right-wing cross.

Wenger tightlipped on transfers Arsene Wenger refused to confirm he would be strengthening his Arsenal squad in January. He told Sky Sports: "Everybody tells us to buy strikers but we score goals and we believe our team play allows us to score. "We look but we are not on any case. It depends on how the injuries come back. We have very good young players and we have to evaluate that as well." Regarding the performance and his team's title prospects, the Frenchman continued: "It was a very competitive game, we looked like a team that were ready for it. "We're up for it, the commitment is there and the talent is there. We'll fight and this team is ready to give everything."

Manchester United v Wigan Athletic Live (now)

Manchester United  v  Wigan Athletic

Live on TV   click here watch now!

Match Information
Stadium:	Old Trafford, England
Attendance:
Match Time:	December 30, 2009, 20:00 UK

20:00

English Premier League : Manchester United - Wigan Athletic

Wed Dec 30th

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Burkina Faso announces the 23 players for the Orange CAN 2010

Paulo Duarte, the coach of Burkina Faso national team, has announced the 23 players for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations – Angola 2010, scheduled for next January 10-31, 2010.

Burkina Faso is in Group B with Côte d´Ivoire, Ghana and Togo, and plays next January 11th against the Ivoirians.

 

Get to know Burkina Faso’s squad:

 

Goalkeepers: Daouda Diakite (Mokawloo Al-Arab, Egypt), Germain Sanou (Saint-Etienne, France), Adama Sawadogo (ASFA-Y, Burkina Faso).

 

Defenders: Ibrahim Gnanou (Alania Vladiskavkaz, Russia), Bakary Kone (Guingamp, France), Paul Koulibaly (Al Ittihiad Tripoli, Libya), Moussa Ouattara (Kaiserslautern, Germany), Madi Panandetiguiri (Leiria, Portugal), Mamadou Tall (Leiria, Portugal).

 

Midfielders: Charles Kabore (Marseille, France), Mahamoudou Kere (Charleroi, Belgium), Mohamed Koffi (Petrojet, Egypt), Aziz Nikiema (Qingdao Jonoon, China), Jonathan Pitroipa (Hambourg, Germany), Florent Rouamba (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldavia), Sibiri Alain Traore (Auxerre, France).

 

Strikers: Habib Bamogo (OGC Nice, France), Aristide Bance (FSV Mayence, Germany), Moumouni Dagano (Al Khor, Qatar), Youssouf Kone (CFR Cluj, Romania), Youssouf Ouattara (Leiria, Portugal), Narcisse Yameogo (Migan, Azerbaijan), Patrick Zoundi (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Germany).

From Sudan to Angola

From Sudan to Angola
The history of the African Cup of Nations begins in 1957 and the first edition was played from 10 to 16 February. Sudan had the honour of kicking off the biggest football event on the African continent.
In an edition which had no qualifiers, only three teams participated: Sudan as host, Egypt and e Ethiopia. South Africa was the fourth participant but was excluded because of apartheid regime installed in the country then.
In the semi-final, stage where the competition started, the Egypt beat Sudan (Dsert Hawks) 2-1; while Ethiopia was thrown into the final due to South Africa being disqualified 2-0. In the final, Egypt national team held the trophy after beating 4-0 Ethiopia.
After winning the cup, Egypt hosted the second edition of the African Cup of Nations and the same three teams (Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia) were at the competition played between 22nd to 29th May in Cairo. Again, the pharaohs were the winners after beating Sudan with 2-0. Three years later in 1962, the excellence of hosting an African Cup of Nations was in charge of Ethiopia. Despite the organizer and champion Egypt, the African Cup of Nations of Adis-Abeba counted with two other teams, namely Tunisia and Uganda, who qualified among the likes of Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.
By winning the semi matches, Egypt and Ethiopia get to play the final where the pharaohs were beaten 4-2 on penalties after a two goal draw at the end of ninety minutes.
One year later, in 1963, the African Cup of Nations is hosted by Ghana in its fourth edition. Six teams divided into two groups went head to head with the Black Star coming on top after beating Sudan 3-0 in the final.
Egypt and Ethiopia played for the third place and the pharaohs come top with a bronze medal after a 3-0 victory.
In the same format of the previous, the fifth edition was played in Tunisia, and Ghana was the greatest winner after beating the hosts 3-2 in the final. The finalists were also the winners in their respective groups: Group A - Tunisia, Senegal and Ethiopia (Tunisia won Senegal after draw through coin flipping) and Group B - Ghana, Côte d’Ivôire and the Republic of the Congo.

Manchester United v Wigan Athletic Preview

Manchester United  v  Wigan Athletic

Neville returns for United

Gary Neville returns to the Manchester United squad for the Premier League encounter with Wigan as the Red Devils defensive problems continue to ease.

Neville limped out of the win at West Ham earlier this month with a groin injury but is expected to fill the right-back berth against the Latics to complete an experienced back-four.
Edwin van der Sar has been placed on compassionate leave, so Tomasz Kuszczak should continue in goal, while Paul Scholes has recovered from the hip problem that saw him miss Sunday's trip to Hull.
Sir Alex Ferguson admits that if his side are going to keep their title challenge going they will need all their players fit and make use of a big squad.
"It is so tight,'' said Ferguson.
"When you see it grouped up like that the teams further down think they can do it.
"Sometimes the optimism is not realistic but people should feel like that about their chances because the league has lacked a consistent team that has won a few matches in a row.
"The vital answer to it is this - can you keep all your players fit?
"Big squads do help but look how we suffered by having all the defenders out.
"Teams who want to do well need a good nucleus of players to work with. Then you can pick your strongest possible team every week.''
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will check on the general fitness of his squad.
The Spaniard kept the same XI on the field for the entire 90 minutes in the Boxing Day draw at home to Blackburn but they have had a couple more days' rest than most teams.
Should Martinez decide to stiffen the midfield against the defending champions striker Jason Scotland would be the most likely to make way.
Midfielder Mohamed Diame is the only player unavailable as he recovers from a knee ligament injury.
Martinez is insisting his side have improved immeasurably since they last met United.
On that occasion, back on August 22, the Latics conceded five having held the defending Barclays Premier League champions at bay for 56 minutes.
Martinez always stressed the result did not do his side justice and believes they are much better equipped to cope with United.
"We all know the 5-0 defeat was not a clear reflection of the performance, when I was very pleased for 60 minutes,'' said the Spaniard. "We are a different team to the one in the first half of the season.
"Physically we are a lot stronger, the partnerships are there, the players have a clearer understanding and we can change things around a bit.
"There is still a long way to go because we are very thin on numbers and the way we want to play we need to have that extra support.''

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Video Aston Villa – Liverpool : Torres nets at the death

Fernando Torres scored an injury-time 50th Premier League goal for Liverpool to give his side a Champions League lifeline against Aston Villa.
The Spaniard drilled a low shot across Villa keeper Brad Friedel in the 93rd minute to become the fastest player in Reds history to score a half century of league goals.
It means Rafael Benitez's side are only two points behind Villa and three adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham in the race for European places.
Liverpool keeper Jose Reina had earlier produced two crucial saves to deny Villa who were searching for their first home win over the Reds for nearly 12 years.
The Spaniard somehow kept out a close-range volley from Stewart Downing in the first half and then denied Villa's top scorer Gabriel Agbonlahor after he had broken clear midway through the second period.
And Liverpool appeared to have strong first half claims for a penalty after a challenge by Villa central defender Richard Dunne on Dirk Kuyt.
Villa lacked sharpness and perhaps having a day less than Liverpool to recover from their opening game of the festive programme - a 3-0 reversal at Arsenal - may have taken its toll.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard tried to inspire his side in conditions that became increasingly difficult underfoot.
But it was Torres who produced the moment of magic after capitalising on a loose pass from former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock.
Villa, 3-1 winners at Anfield in August, made a promising start in the blizzard-like conditions.
Downing lined up a shot just outside the Reds box but his fierce drive was blocked by Alberto Aquilani.
Torres failed to make proper contact on an overhead kick from a deflected Gerrard centre.
Luke Young was out quickly to block a shot on the edge of the Villa box from Lucas Leiva after Dunne had headed clear a Gerrard corner.
Reina was called into meaningful action for the first time after 14 minutes in blocking a header at the far post from Dunne following another Downing corner.
Gerrard tried his luck with a 30-yard free-kick but his shot deflected off the Villa wall and out for a corner.
But it needed a fine save from Brad Friedel to deny Liverpool from taking the lead after 17 minutes.
Torres teed up Gerrard just outside the Villa area and his curling first time shot was tipped over the bar by the former Liverpool keeper.
Reina got his body behind a low drive from James Milner.
Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov was off target with a bicycle kick after Nigel Reo-Coker had played the ball into the Liverpool area.
But it needed a magnificent reflex save from Reina to prevent Downing from giving Villa the lead after 31 minutes.
Milner's corner was met at the far post by Downing and he could not have struck his volley more cleanly but Reina somehow managed to fist away his shot from close range.
Dunne became the first player to be booked after 41 minutes for a challenge on Lucas.
Then Lucas followed the Villa defender into the referee's notebook for a foul against Agbonlahor.
Liverpool appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge by Dunne on the recalled Kuyt eight minutes before the interval.
Liverpool, unbeaten at Villa Park since February 1998, enjoyed the majority of possession at the start of the second period without seriously threatening the home goal.
There was a three minute delay wile Reina was allowed to change his footwear, much to the annoyance of the Villa fans in the Holte End.
Gerrard was on the receiving end of a knee high challenge from Carlos Cuellar just outside the Villa box but Aquilani's free-kick dipped over the bar.
Villa suddenly came to life with Reina producing his second excellent save of the night to deny Agbonlahor after he had shaken off the challenge of Jamie Carragher.
From Milner's inswinging centre, John Carew was inches wide of the far post with a flick header.
But that was effectively the end of the goalmouth incidents until Torres' dramatic finale.

• Gerrard in rallying call:  Steven Gerrard called on Liverpool to go on to bigger and better things after they snatched an injury-time 1-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa.''That's what football's about,'' Gerrard told Sky Sports 1. ''You've got to keep going until the end and when you've got guys like (Torres) there's always a chance. ''When he's on form he's the best in the world.''We're hoping it gives us a big boost. The idea now is to treat the next game like tonight. This means nothing. It all depends where you are at the end. It's important to build on this. I'm sure we'll gain a lot of confidence from this and there's no excuses now. We've got to win games.''The win took Liverpool to within two points of their opponents and four of Tottenham in fourth, the final Champions League place.Gerrard said: ''It'll be a race until the very end and we've got to make sure we're in it.''Torres added: ''We needed to win to be close to the top four. It was a massive game for us. Last season we kept working until the end and got points in extra time, like today.''Rafael Benitez paid tribute to his star forward, saying: ''He's a very, very good player, a key player for us and his record is amazing. I'm really, really pleased for him and for the team.''He added: ''It was a very difficult game. The pitch was not the best. We were trying, they were trying. We had control but they were dangerous at set pieces. We need to keep working hard like today. You could see the team was working everyone together and I think that's the only way to change things.''Benitez, whose side have struggled all season, raised eyebrows when he promised Reds fans they would still finish in the top four.But he told Sky Sports 1: ''The man has to have confidence in his team so I have to say we will finish in the top four. As a manager of your team you have to have confidence in your players, you cannot say it any other way. I'm really surprised people are talking about this.''Villa boss Martin O'Neill, whose side lost 3-0 to Arsenal in their first Christmas fixture, was left to curse their poor fortune.''We definitely didn't deserve that,'' he said. ''We should have had the game out of sight. Their keeper's pulled of some unbelievable saves to keep them in it. We had the chances to win the game and sometimes it happens like that. but we didn't deserve that. It was a cruel blow to the team.''We've given everything. We played two games in 48 hours and we've thrown everything at it. I don't think it's any damage to confidence if we can keep performing.''
  

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Aston Villa v Liverpool Live

Aston Villa     v        Liverpool  Live
                          19:45 UK
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Aston Villa v Liverpool preview

Aston Villa  v  Liverpool

Aston Villa will be without suspended winger Ashley Young for Tuesday's Barclays Premier League visit of Liverpool.
Young has started all 19 of Villa's league games to date this season but will have to serve a one-game ban after collecting his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill has hinted he may make changes, particularly with Liverpool having an extra 24 hours to recover following their Boxing Day victory over Wolves.
The likes of John Carew, Nigel Reo-Coker, Habib Beye, James Collins, Steve Sidwell and Fabian Delph will come into the equation for possible starts against Rafael Benitez's side.
O'Neill believes Liverpool are capable of repeating the feat of Arsenal last season and rescuing a Champions League spot via a long unbeaten run during the second half of the campaign.
The Villa boss recalls how his side were in pole position to claim a top four place before the Gunners hit top form in the final third of the season to overhaul them.
Now a similar challenge is confronting the Reds after a below-par opening half of the season and O'Neill believes they are capable of the same sort of feat.
O'Neill, whose side won 3-1 at Anfield in August, said: "Liverpool have lost a few games more than they would have thought. Last season they were terrific.
"They went through the whole season and lost two games. After three games of this season, they had lost two games, but they are getting a bit of momentum again.
"It was a big win for them at Anfield against Wolves at the weekend. We've got to be right ourselves, but they are still in there.
"I heard Arsenal were supposed to be imploding last season, just about February time, when I think they were in the middle of a 22-game unbeaten run!
"They finished the season very, very strongly and Liverpool are capable of doing the same thing. They are capable because it's Liverpool Football Club.
"Look at Arsenal now. Four weeks ago they were being written off for the title and now they are right bang in there. That's what can happen with the top clubs.''
Reds boss Benitez must decide whether to continue with Alberto Aquilani.
The Italian made his first Premier League start in Saturday's 2-0 win at Wolves but came off late in the game with a minor hamstring problem.
Benitez will also consider a recall for Holland forward Dirk Kuyt, who was rested for the Boxing Day victory, while Javier Mascherano misses out for the second game of a four-match suspension, while continuing his recovery from a knee injury.
Benitez admits Liverpool's brittle confidence will be on the line at Villa.
The Spaniard said: "People keep asking me why I said recently that I would categorically guarantee that we will be in the top four - but what do you expect from me?
"I have to say that. We have confidence and we have to do it because we are a top side.''
He added: "After the win over Wolves, we will now have more confidence and that will be very good for the whole team.
"But we know we have to keep winning to get fourth place. We need clean sheets and we now have to be ready for Aston Villa.
"We must discover if we have the confidence now to win there and to get closer to the top of the table.
"But we know Villa are a very good team who are ahead of us, and one we must beat.
"To get back to where we want to be we must start winning games in a row. If we do that at Villa it will be easier for us to keep our confidence higher.
"If we can win at Villa we will gain more confidence for the future.
"Villa, Spurs and Manchester City are all doing well and we know we must compete with them for fourth place.
"We know, though, that this time it is more difficult. Previously Villa have done well in the first half of a season and then lost games.
"But they have spent some money, they have good players, and we accept that they will make it difficult for us in the fight for fourth position.''
Copyright ©2009 ESPN Internet Ventures.

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Live football: Real Madrid v Real Zaragoza live!

Real Madrid  v  Real Zaragoza

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Online Watch Real Madrid vs Zaragoza Live Stream Real Madrid vs Zaragoza Spanish Primera División Youtube video Soccer highlights Review Schedule Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is confident his squad can absorb the loss of another key player to injury as the Spanish giants begin life without Pepe at home to struggling Real Zaragoza.Pepe has been a key member of Madrid's defence since his 30million euro move from Porto two years ago but he us unlikely to play any further part this season after suffering a serious knee injury.
The Portugal international tore ligaments in his right knee during last weekend's 3-2 win over Valencia and, having undergone surgery on Thursday, is set to be out for around six months.
Losing the 26-year-old centre-back is a huge blow for Madrid, who have already seen world-record signing Cristiano Ronaldo miss 10 matches earlier this season with an ankle injury and lost Brazilian superstar Kaka for the final four games of 2009 with a sports hernia.
Pellegrini admits Pepe's injury is a major setback, but he has faith they can cope with the loss, pointing out that international trio Ezequiel Garay, Christoph Metzelder and Sergio Ramos can all play in the heart of defence.
Pellegrini said: "It's a big loss because he is out for six months and there is a World Cup at the end of the season. The club is also hurt because it has lost a great player.
"But like I said when Cristiano Ronaldo was injured, this team is built to have replacements. Garay is the starter, but we also have Metzelder and Ramos who can play there as well.
"If we need someone else, we will analyse the situation carefully.''
Madrid have the chance to close the gap on pacesetters Barcelona back to just two points with a win, with Pep Guardiola's champions having played a game more due to their commitments at the Club World Cup.
Pellegrini's men are firm favourites going into the match, having won all seven of their league matches at the Bernabeu this season and facing a Zaragoza side who slumped into the relegation zone last weekend following their 2-1 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
However, that loss promoted Zaragoza to make a managerial change, sacking Marcelino Garcia Toral and temporarily replacing him with B team coach Jose Aurelio Gay, and as such Pellegrini is taking nothing for granted.
"Zaragoza won't be easy because they aren't doing that well and they have a new coach,'' said the Chilean.
Aside from Pepe and Kaka, Pellegrini must also do without Guti and Ruud van Nistelrooy through injury, but Metzelder is fit and has been named in an 18-man squad while Raul Albiol could also be available despite suffering a knock in training this week.
Ronaldo is also available after serving a suspension against Valencia, but Xabi Alonso sits the game out due to a ban of his own.
Zaragoza's defeat to Athletic was their eighth of the season and left them with just one win in their last 11 games.
New coach Gay, a former Madrid B player, has named Braulio in his squad for the trip to the capital with the Brazilian striker finally recovered from the injury that has sidelined him since April.
Ander Herrera could also feature after proving his fitness.

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Sir Alex Ferguson would be delighted if the Premier League did not turn into a two-horse race this season - even though history suggests it will.
Already this term, a general view has been concluded that Ferguson's Manchester United side will be scrapping it out with Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea by the time May comes around.
Yet a bizarre sequence of results last weekend - including Aston Villa's victory over United at Old Trafford - has cast doubt on such statements.
And, with Tottenham returning to winning ways during the week, there is a sense of optimism about the possibility of a genuinely open title race, one that Ferguson would welcome.
"It could be open,'' said Ferguson as he prepares to take his side to Fulham.
"It is a tough league. The form of Aston Villa makes you look over your shoulder and say `hey, wait a minute'.
"And Tottenham are challenging in that top group as well.
"The history of the league points to it being between two teams but, from the spectator and general interest point of view, you hope it changes.
"It would be good if four or five teams are involved in the last month of the season. It would be fantastic.''
United are sweating on Nemanja Vidic's fitness ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage.
Vidic limped out of the midweek win over Wolves with a calf strain but with Jonny Evans (calf), John O'Shea (leg), Gary Neville (groin), Rio Ferdinand (back) and Wes Brown (hamstring) all definitely out, Ferguson is hoping the Serbian makes it.
Tomasz Kuszczak continues in goal as Edwin van der Sar (knee) has returned to Holland for treatment.
Just as he was being pitched into a Champions League meeting with old friend David Beckham, Ferguson confirmed Ryan Giggs had signed a one-year contract extension.
"Ryan deserves a new contract and I am sure that he will play for another two years,'' said Ferguson.
"His form is fantastic at the moment and he is playing some of his best football.''
Giggs' longevity sets a standard few others will get close to matching.
However, in overcoming long-standing hamstring trouble, he also gives hope to Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.
"Rio is improving,'' said Ferguson. "He is much better now and not too far away, probably two or three weeks.
"And Owen is doing a bit better this week as well. He is getting there slowly and we hope he will be back by the end of January.''
Roy Hodgson has won plenty of praise for his work at Fulham over the last couple of years, with suggestions even being raised that the 62-year-old could be asked to replace Fabio Capello when the Italian quits the England hot-seat.
Ferguson is full of praise for Hodgson's achievements, which continued this week when a much-changed Fulham line-up earned a Europa League last 32 encounter with Shakhtar Donetsk by beating Basle in Switzerland.
"There is no question Fulham's improvement is down to the manager,'' said Ferguson.
"It is a remarkable turnaround. Who would have thought Fulham would not only qualify for Europe but got into the latter stages by winning away after they have made five changes Wednesday.''
Fulham striker Andy Johnson will miss Saturday's encounter as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.
Johnson has been sidelined since October and misses out along with Simon Davies (ankle), Seol Ki-Hyeon (leg) and Diomansy Kamara, who has been to France for more treatment on his knee injury.
Hodgson's team is likely to contain several changes from the side that beat Basle on Wednesday, with Damien Duff, Brede Hangeland and Clint Dempsey all likely to start.
Hodgson himself meanwhile believes his side have been handed one of the toughest Europa League draws by being paired with reigning UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian side beat Werder Bremen in the final of Europe's second competition last season before its name and format changed this summer.
Shakhtar topped group J, which included Club Brugge, Toulouse and Partizan Belgrade to make the last 32 - while Fulham beat FC Basle to come second in their group, which also contained CSKA Sofia and Italian giants Roma.
Hodgson, whose side sit in ninth place in the Premier League ahead of Saturday's visit of Manchester United, is expecting a tough European test.
He said: "It doesn't get much harder than playing the champions I suppose. We saw last year what a good team they are.
"Last year was a great success for Ukrainian football with Dinamo Kiev reaching the semi final as well so we couldn't have asked for a much tougher draw.
"On the other hand we have battled hard to get through the group stage and we were hoping for a good game, an interesting game.''

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Fiorentina wing-back Juan Manuel Vargas insists his team will not be afraid of high-flying AC Milan when the Rossoneri visit the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the final round of Serie A matches before the winter break.

The Viola will be eager to bounce back from last weekend's 2-1 loss at Chievo that saw them drop to ninth in the standings - four points behind Parma, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.
And Vargas is confident the hosts will more than hold their own against Leonardo's side tomorrow.
The 26-year-old told La Nazione: "We know the quality of AC Milan, but we should not worry about the result.
"Fiorentina can do harm to anyone as we have demonstrated on several occasions. So we respect Milan but do not fear them.''
Vargas has been linked with a move away from Italy recently, with Real Madrid thought to be among the potential suitors.
But the Peru international claims he remains fully focused on the task in hand at Fiorentina.
"Today I am more calm. Maybe in the past few months I have grown, improved. I'm settled,'' he said.
"My future? I do not like to look too far ahead. I prefer to live day by day.
"And for me, at this moment, there is only Fiorentina.
"Real? I know that certain rumours are circulating. But these are rumours and should be considered as such.''
Defender Alessandro Gamberini and midfield duo Cristiano Zanetti and Marco Marchionni will be unavailable to Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli due to injury.
Milan will be without defenders Thiago Silva, Massimo Oddo, Daniele Bonera and Oguchi Onyewu for the trip to Florence.
The Rossoneri saw their unbeaten streak in Serie A come to an end after almost three months in last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Palermo.
The outcome left Milan second in the standings, five points behind city rivals Inter Milan after 16 games.
Tomorrow's trip will evoke memories for Milan of the last game of last season - a match which saw Kaka and Paolo Maldini play their last appearances for the Rossoneri, who were under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti for the final time.
The visitors ran out 2-0 winners on that occasion, and defender Kakha Kaladze is confident his team are well placed to pick up another positive result although he is under no illusions as to the quality of ninth-placed Fiorentina.
The Georgia international told Corriere dello Sport: "Fiorentina have great desire to win and will not be easy because they are a great team.
"But Milan at this moment is the best team in the championship, both physically and psychologically.''
Kaladze has seen his first-team opportunities limited under new coach Leonardo this term, but has no intention of seeking a move away from the San Siro.
"I am pleased that so many teams have shown an interest in signing me, but I have not spoken to any,'' added the 31-year-old.
"I am a Milan player until 2011 and I am happy and proud to wear this shirt, because I have won a lot with Milan.''
Copyright ©2009 ESPN Internet Ventures.

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Portsmouth boss Avram Grant refuses to read too much into Liverpool's indifferent run of form - but admits he would love to retain his unbeaten record against Rafael Benitez.The Reds travel to Fratton Park Saturday lunchtime to face the Barclays Premier League's bottom club.
Defender Younes Kaboul returns from a one-game ban but there are doubts over the fitness of goalkeeper David James, who sat out his side's 2-1 loss at Chelsea on Wednesday night with the calf problem which has troubled him for much of the season.
Asmir Begovic stands by to replace him, but striker Frederic Piquionne should be fit despite limping out at Stamford Bridge with cramp.
While Liverpool are sixth in the standings, Pompey have matched them for form in recent weeks as both sides have taken four points from their last three games.
Grant goes into the match with an unbeaten record against Benitez, having achieved two wins and two draws against Liverpool in all competitions during his stint as Chelsea boss in 2007/08.
The Israeli said: "Liverpool deserve to be in the top four - they are a very good team. There is never a good time to play a big team.
"Of course, my record against him (Benitez) is a record I would like to keep. But it's not easy to play against his teams.
"He's very tactical and he knows what he is doing. I must admit that it was always very difficult to play against him with Chelsea.''
One concern for Grant going into the festive period remains the club's transfer embargo.
They have been blocked from signing players by the Premier League until they pay off debts to Chelsea and Arsenal for the signings of Glen Johnson and Lassana Diarra respectively.
But Grant is hopeful the ban will be lifted in time for him to strengthen his side in the January transfer window.
He said: "I've had no news at the moment but I have a feeling it will be okay. I think the board know exactly what we need to make the team better and they know what they need to do.
"I need to take care of the problems and situation on the pitch and they need to take care of this problem.
"I think they are doing their best and I have a feeling everything will be okay.
"With the African Nations Cup coming, we will need three or four players. I know what players I want.''
Liverpool defender Glen Johnson, who left Pompey to move to Anfield in the summer, has been passed fit to face his former club after being troubled by a hamstring injury.
Striker Fernando Torres is likely to start having come off the bench to score against Wigan in midweek but winger Albert Riera still has a hamstring problem and is not fit. Forward Ryan Babel returns to the squad after an ankle injury.
Bootle-born centre-back Jamie Carragher is set to make his 600th appearance for the club he joined as a schoolboy at Fratton Park.
Carragher worked his way through the Academy and an apprenticeship to make his debut on January 8 1997.
But with football having gone global in the intervening years Benitez believes Carragher's achievements will be almost impossible to replicate.
"Maybe someone will do it but it will be very difficult. Now there is too much money around the world in football,'' said the Liverpool manager.
"If you have a good player normally someone will make a good offer and the agents have too much power.
"Modern football is more difficult so 600 games in a top side for a local player is a massive achievement.''
Benitez has overhauled the academy at Liverpool in the hope the club can unearth more local prospects who can follow in the footsteps of Carragher - who is already the club's European appearance record holder - and captain Steven Gerrard.
He believes having home-grown, talented players is an addition bonus.
"For me as a manager - for any manager - to have local players coming through the system is easier and better but it is more difficult in modern football,'' he added.
"You have a lot of scouts watching games but it would be really good for us.''
While much of the focus has been on Carragher's landmark appearance, Benitez has been concentrating on planning for victory against Pompey to maintain the momentum created by Wednesday's win over Wigan.
"Portsmouth is a tricky game because it is a Saturday early kick-off,'' said the Spaniard.
"They have had problems but now with Avram Grant they have a manager with experience and they did well against Chelsea (in a 2-1 midweek defeat).''
Copyright ©2009 ESPN Internet Ventures
 

Champions League draw: war England and Italia

Jose Mourinho will return to Chelsea with Internazionale in the last 16 of the Champions League, while David Beckham also has the chance of a reunion with Manchester United after last season's beaten finalists were drawn against AC Milan.

Jose Mourinho

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Jose Mourinho made Chelsea a European superpower

The draw for the second round of Europe's premier cup competition was made in Nyon on Friday and Chelsea, who topped their group ahead of Porto, were handed a daunting task in taking on Italian champions Inter.

The second leg of the tie will see Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge where he is still idolised after ending Chelsea's 50-year wait for a title when leading the Blues to Premier League glory in 2005 and 2006.

Beckham, who will join AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy at the start of the month, could well face United for the first time since his departure to Real Madrid in the summer of 2003.

Arsenal were handed a favourable tie against Porto, whom they faced in the group stages of last year's competition, winning 4-0 at Emirates Stadium before a weakened side lost 2-0 in Portugal.

In the pick of the other ties, defending champions Barcelona take on Stuttgart and Real Madrid face Lyon, the club they purchased striker Karim Benzema from over the summer.

Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas is looking forward to welcoming the player back to Stade Gerland.

Aulas told Eurosport: "He was a great player for us and it's going to be something special for him to play against his former club. He is a player I have a lot of feeling for. There's a lot of feeling between us. We have a great bond.''

The matchdays are:
First Legs: February 16&17 and 23&24
Second Legs: March 9&10 and 16&17

Second Round
VfB Stuttgart        v     Barcelona
Olympiakos         v    Bordeaux
Internazionale      v    Chelsea
Bayern Munich    v    Fiorentina
CSKA Moscow  v   Sevilla FC
Lyon                  v    Real Madrid
FC Porto           v   Arsenal
AC Milan          v   Manchester United
Copyright ©2009 ESPN Internet Ventures

Watch: Genoa v Valencia Online Live football Free

The UEFA Europa League has its last set of group stage matches on Thursday, December 17, 2009 including Genoa v Valencia. The match will be covered live on our other site, Free Live Sports TV, at the link below.

Genoa v Valencia

Match result: Malaysia 1-0 Vietnam

U23 Việt Nam tan vỡ giấc mộng “Vàng” SEA Games 25

Vào cuộc với tinh thần chiến đấu mãnh liệt nhưng tình huống chạm bóng của Talaha đã khiến U23 Việt Nam thất bại 0-1 trước Malaysia ở trận CK bóng đá nam SEA Games 25. Giấc mơ "vàng" SEA Games của BĐVN một lần nữa lại dang dở.

 

U23 Việt Nam bước vào trận chung kết với tư thế "cửa trên" nên thầy trò HLV Calisto đã dồn lên tấn công hòng tạo dựng một thế trận có lợi. Nhưng Malaysia đã lột xác khá nhiều so với vòng bảng, họ bền bỉ trong phòng ngự và tỏ ra nguy hiểm trong tấn công. Bên cạnh đó, U23 Malaysia còn tỏ ra lấn lướt hơn trong hiệp 2 nhờ nền tảng thể lực dồi dào trong khi nhiều cầu thủ Việt Nam đã tỏ ra xuống sức.

 

Và chỉ trong một tình huống lộn xộn ở phút 83, tiền đạo Talaha đã kịp ra chân khá nhanh đưa bóng chạm vào một hậu vệ Việt Nam rồi từ từ lăn vào lưới trong sự bất lực của Tấn Trường, người đã cố nén đau thi đấu. Dù đã nỗ lực và chiến đấu đầy quả cảm đến những phút cuối cùng nhưng cả Tiến Thành rồi Thanh Bình không thể đánh bại nổi Sarbinee một lần. Và U23 Việt Nam đã chấp nhận thất bại cay đắng 0-1 trong trận chung kết.

 

Bóng đá Việt Nam một lần nữa lỗi hẹn với tấm HCV nam SEA Games ở thời khắc mà chúng ta có quá nhiều lợi thế để đoạt được nó. Một cảm giác tiếc nuối, buồn bã và không ít giọt nước mắt tuôn ra trên khuôn mặt 10.000 CĐV có mặt ở SVĐ Quốc gia Lào cũng như 80 triệu trái tim Việt Nam. Nhưng đó là quy luật khắc nghiệt của bóng đá, các chàng trai của chúng ta đã chiến đấu hết mình vì màu cờ tổ quốc.

 

Trở lại diễn biến trận đấu, dù đã kịp trở lại sau chấn thương nhưng Trọng Hoàng vẫn không có tên trong danh sách ra sân chính thức. HLV Calisto vẫn giữ nguyên đội hình 4-4-2, bộ tứ Tiến Thành, Quý Sửu, Thanh Hưng, Thành Lương ở tuyến giữa còn Thanh Bình vẫn hiện diện trên hàng công.

 

 

U23 Việt Nam vẫn có được thế trận lấn lướt ở hiệp 1 - Ảnh: Mạnh Hoàng

Thay đổi khiến nhiều người ngạc nhiên là sự có mặt của tiền đạo Nguyễn Ngọc Anh (tác giả của bàn thắng ấn định tỷ số 4-1 trước Singapore) thay cho Đình Tùng trên hàng công.

Những phút đầu tiên, các cầu thủ U23 Việt Nam vào cuộc khá căng thẳng, các miếng phối hợp chưa thực sự sắc nét và ăn ý. Tuy nhiên, đoàn quân HLV Calisto chỉ mất có 5 phút để kiểm soát hoàn toàn thế trận, buộc người Malaysia phải lùi về phòng ngự co cụm.

 

Phút thứ 8, Thanh Hưng thực hiện cú sút xa táo bạo từ cự ly 20m, bóng đi đúng vào vị trí mà thủ thành Sabirnee đã chọn sẵn. Ngay sau đó, Thanh Hưng chuyền vào khá đẹp vào vòng cấm nhưng Tiến Thành tỏ ra khá chậm trong tình huống xử lý cuối cùng.

 

Phút 18, Thành Lương đi bóng khéo léo bên cánh phải khiến Sabre buộc phải phạm lỗi thô bạo và nhận thẻ vàng. U23 Việt Nam liên tục tràn sang phần sân đối phương nhưng trước lối chơi chặt chẽ của đối thủ, lần lượt Thanh Bình, Tiến Thành hay Ngọc Anh đều không có được những tình huống thuận lợi để dứt điểm.

 

U23 Việt Nam có được cơ hội đầu tiên ở phút 27 khi Thanh Hưng tạt bóng chính xác từ cánh trái cho Tiến Thành bay người đánh đầu hiểm hóc, tiếc là thủ môn Malaysia đã xuất sắc cứu cho đội nhà một bàn thua trông thấy.

 

 

Lối chơi chặt chẽ của Malaysia khiến chúng ta gặp nhiều khó khăn - Ảnh: Mạnh Hoàng

 

Sau đó 2 phút, Tiến Thành tung cú sút xa nhưng bóng đi quá thiếu chính xác. Đoàn quân HLV Calisto bất ngờ giảm nhịp độ trận đấu, tạo điều kiện cho Malaysia chơi tự tin hơn và gây được khá nhiều áp lực ở giữa sân.

 

Cuối hiệp 1, U23 Việt Nam có khá nhiều đường bóng tấn công khá sắc nét nhưng trước hàng thủ dày đặc của Malaysia, Tiến Thành cũng như Ngọc Anh không thể dứt điểm trong tình huống tranh chấp ở vòng cấm. Dù đã rất cố gắng nhưng do tâm lý căng cứng, cộng thêm sự tập trung cao độ từ đối thủ, U23 Việt Nam không thể tìm được mành lưới Sabirnee và chấp nhận kết quả hòa 0-0 trước giờ nghỉ giải lao.

 

Bước sang hiệp 2, HLV Calisto đưa Trọng Hoàng vào thay Nguyễn Ngọc Anh và trở về sơ đồ 4-5-1 với Thanh Bình đá mũi nhọn duy nhất. Hai đội chủ động đẩy cao nhịp độ trận đấu. Phút 46, Thanh Bình tung cú vô lê đẹp mắt nhưng bóng lại nhằm đúng vị trí thủ môn Sabrinee. Sau đó, Malaysia có câu trả lời bằng cú "nã đại bác" từ Kandasamy, bóng đi quá thiếu chính xác.

 

Phút 50, tận dụng thủ thành Sabirnee lên hơi cao, Thanh Hưng thực hiện pha lốp bóng khá táo bạo, tiếc là bóng đi vọt xà. Sau đó 2 phút, đến lượt Thanh Bình bấm bóng kỹ thuật từ bên cánh phải nhưng "số 18" chưa thể bén duyên trước cầu môn đối thủ ưa thích Malaysia.

 

 

Tiến Thành đã không thể dứt điểm thành công dù có không ít cơ hội - Ảnh: Mạnh Hoàng

 

Sau đó 3 phút, thủ thành Tấn Trường dũng cảm lao ra cản phá cú treo bóng hiểm hóc của Fakri và bị chấn thương nhẹ phải nằm trên sân vài phút. Đến phút 57, Malaysia có pha dàn xếp tấn công khá nguy hiểm khi Talaha tạt bóng cực dẻo vào trong cho Fakri đánh đầu, rất may là bóng đi vọt xà ngang trong tình huống Tấn Trường đã lao ra lỡ trớn.

 

Đến phút 59, Talaha băng xuống đầy tốc độ bên cánh phải rồi tạt sệt vào, hàng thủ Việt Nam lúng túng phá bóng thiếu dứt khoát khiến cầu môn Tấn Trường một phen thót tim. 1 phút sau, Tấn Trường bắt bóng không dính để Talaha có bóng khá thuận lợi trong vòng cấm, rất may là Đình Đồng đã giải nguy với pha cản phá ngay trên vạch vôi từ cú sút của "số 9" Malaysia.

 

Dù rất đau vai sau tình huống va chạm với Talaha nhưng Tấn Trường vẫn tiếp tục cố gắng thi đấu. Phút 67, Đình Đồng có đường căng ngang bên cánh trái khá đẹp, tiếc là không đồng đội nào xâm nhập kịp thời. Sự vượt trội hơn về thể lực giúp Malaysia chơi chủ động và có phần lấn lướt U23 Việt Nam. Đến phút 72, Fakri có cú sút cận thành khá nguy hiểm nhưng Tấn Trường đã bắt bài, ôm gọn trái bóng.

 

Khi thời gian trôi về những phút cuối, HLV Calisto đưa Mạnh Dũng vào thay Thanh Hưng để tăng chất "cơ bắp" cho tuyến giữa U23 Việt Nam. Sau hàng loạt pha phối hợp bên cánh phải ở phút 80, Thành Lương xỉa sang cho Trọng Hoàng sút bóng nhanh nhưng bóng lại đi vọt xà ngang.

 

Những sai lầm liên tiếp ở hàng thủ cuối cùng cũng khiến U23 Việt Nam phải trả giá qua đắt ở phút 83. Thủ thành Tấn Trường chỉ đẩy được cú sút đầu tiên nhưng ở tình huống sút bóng sau đó từ Rahim bên cánh trái, Talaha đã kịp ra chân nhanh để đưa bóng vào lưới. 1-0, Malaysia vượt lên dẫn trước.

 

Đoàn quân HLV Calisto dồn lên tấn công mãnh liệt và ở phút 90, Đình Đồng tung cú vô lê nhanh nhưng một lần nữa, bóng lại đi vọt xà. Sau đó, lại chính là Đình Đồng tạt bóng chính xác cho Tiến Thành đệm lòng trống trái ở cự ly chưa đến 5m nhưng bóng lại ra ngoài quá đáng tiếc.

 

Những phút cuối trận, dù đã chơi bằng tất cả nỗ lực tột cùng nhưng bàn thắng đã không thể tìm đến với đoàn quân HLV Calisto. Và Malaysia đã giữ vững tỷ số 1-0 đến hết 90 phút và chính thức giành tấm HCV môn bóng đá nam SEA Games 25. Với U23 Việt Nam, giấc mơ "vàng" SEA Games một lần nữa lại dang dở.

 Theo báo dantri.com

Video: Top 5 most beautiful goals round 16 Serie A

5. Diego Milito 15’ (Atalanta 1-1 Inter Milan)
4. Aleksandar Kolarov 39’ (Lazio 1-0 Genoa)
3. Riccardo Montolivo 5’ (Chievo 2-1 Fiorentina)
2. Ezequiel Lavezzi 21’ (Cagliari 3-3 Napoli)
1. Massimo Maccarone 66’ (Siena 2-1 Udinese)

Live football online: Vietnam vs Malaysia (final seagame)

Click here to watch Vietnam vs Malaysia Live!         
17th December 10:00 GMT

SEA Games football: Vietnam to meet Malaysia in final

Vietnam crushed Singapore 4-1 in the first semi-final match at Laos’ Chao Anou-vong Stadium on December 14 and will take on Malaysia which defeated host Laos 3-1 in another semi-final game the same day.

Both teams went into the game on the back of their best results in the group qualifiers, but Singapore were left looking distinctively second best.
However, striker Khairul slammed Singapore into an early lead in the 28^th minute after receiving a perfect pass from his team mate just outside the penalty box.
Five minutes later striker Thanh Binh earned an equalizer for Vietnam. From a free kick, Thanh Hung drove the ball for Thanh Binh to lash home with a close-range header.
Coach Enrique Calisto’s players continued to dominate the game and carved out many scoring chances, but they were either denied by Singapore’s goalie Hyrul Juma’at or their ball hit the woodwork.
Three minutes before the end of the first half, Thanh Hung ventured down the right and his pinpoint cross was met by Tien Thanh who curled home.
After the interval, Singaporean players produced attacks in the hope of equalising the score, but posed no danger to goalie Tan Truong.
Meanwhile, Vietnamese players began the second half with more zest and looked comfortable in repelling Singaporean attacks.
They also threatened to stun their opponents and their efforts were awarded in the 70^th minute when Ngoc Anh received the ball from Thanh Luong and fired a typically clinical shot into the net.
Vietnam scored another goal in the extra time, sealing a 4-1 win over Singapore.

Video: Manchester United 3 - 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

 Wolves pay price for changes

Angry Wolves fans launched a blistering attack on manager Mick McCarthy for a team selection that virtually handed Sir Alex Ferguson a 3-0 victory on a plate to mark his 900th game as Manchester United manager.

Chants of ''we want our money back'', ''where is our first team'' and ''£40 to watch the reserves'' bellowed out of the visiting section after McCarthy made 10 changes to the side that defeated Tottenham on Saturday.
Although Wolves' second string battled hard, the result was a formality and, if United had got themselves out of third gear, they would probably have won by a more comfortable margin than goals from Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia gave them.
McCarthy, presumably, was not offering his team selection as a gift to mark the latest milestone in Ferguson's long and illustrious career.
The Yorkshireman had his reasons for making 10 changes, notably the weekend encounter with Burnley, one of the sides who rose from the Championship with Wolves last term.
But Wolves now have five days to prepare for that one.
For half an hour the hardy band of travelling fans had plenty to cheer as their representatives gave everything in the Wolverhampton cause.
If Rooney had taken the third-minute opening that presented itself when Darron Gibson's shot crashed into him, the landslide the team sheets suggested might have materialised.
Instead, Marcus Hahnemann, the one player to keep his place from White Hart Lane, made a close-range save, as he did to deny the England striker when he got on the end of Patrice Evra's low cross midway through the half.
It seemed barely credible the visitors should give United any more assistance.
But that is exactly what Ronald Zubar did as he rose to head away Gibson's corner under minimal pressure and instead punched it out of the area.
Having been so lethargic before, Rooney upped the pace by drilling home his 13th goal of the season.
Once in front, there was never any real suggestion United would not join Chelsea at the Premier League summit, having failed in that objective against Aston Villa at the weekend.
On his first league start, Gabriel Obertan was guilty of taking too much time to get his crosses in, a failing that Cristiano Ronaldo received a few admonishments for earlier in his career.
If the young French winger needed any proof the direct route was best, he got it when Vidic rose highest at a Gibson corner and got enough power into his header to carry it over the line, even though Hahnemann attempted a goal-line block.
The effort secured victory and the hosts knew it, which probably explained the sense of lethargy that gripped them at the start of the second period.
Vidic's departure was the most notable aspect of that period. The defender did raise his hands to say he was willing to continue after originally indicating a desire to come off and Ferguson will be hopeful of having him fit for Saturday's testing trip to Fulham.
It did not matter on this occasion, though, and the scene was set for a brilliant piece of skill from Dimitar Berbatov.
Such a maddeningly laid-back figure, the Bulgarian first collected Paul Scholes' lofted pass before delivering a brilliant overhead kick into the path of Valencia, who drove a first-time shot into the roof of the net.
The 15 minutes Ferguson afforded Michael Owen as replacement for Rooney was presumably not what England boss Fabio Capello had in mind when he said he wanted the striker to play more often.
But, then again, this was not what Manchester United away was meant to mean for Wolves when the fixture list came out, either.
McCarthy will only know whether his grand plan has worked on a professional level on Sunday afternoon.
Many disgruntled Wolves fans making that late-night trip back down the M6 might not be quite so easily convinced.

McCarthy: No regrets over selectionWolves boss Mick McCarthy defended his controversial team selection but admitted he could understand the angry reaction of his club's supporters following the 3-0 defeat at Manchester United.''I can understand that reaction,'' said McCarthy. ''But at the end of the season I will be judged on whether Wolves have stayed in the Premier League or not. It was my strongest team - because it was a team with fresh legs.''Having asked his players to mark their efforts at Spurs and been presented with a succession of 9.5s, he opted against asking the same players to push themselves again so soon afterwards.''It was not a plan but when I saw those figures I knew there was no chance of the same type of performance on a Tuesday after a Saturday game,'' he said. ''I have a squad of 21 to pick from and I regard them all as first-team players.''McCarthy then picked through a succession of matches against high-profile opposition and questioned why his team selections on those occasions had not prompted so much debate.''If I go into an opposition manager's office, or they come into mine, I don't get any sympathy if my team has just been slapped,'' he said. ''The pressure was off me on Saturday and I was starting to relax. I thought I would put it back on me again.''

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