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Israel 0 - 0 England
This was not a day to remember, unless you are an Israeli, for whom it was a perfectly respectable result. Although England dominated and had most of the possession, they could not score against a team ranked 32 places below them. They were booed off at the end, simply because their travelling supporters had nothing to cheer.
England seemed nervy at the start, and it was Israel who took the initiative, and went on the attack, creating the better chances. Then, after 17 minutes, Lennon crossed the ball to Rooney, but his header lacked power and was saved by Israel's competent goalkeeper Dudo Aouate. Then Rooney tried a chip, but this time applied too much power and the ball soared over and out.
Israel could have gone ahead in the 56th minute, when Balili curled a left foot shot just inches away. At the other end Lampard missed a couple of chances that he would have normally put away, particularly for Chelsea! Carragher’s header hit the top of the crossbar, and just before the end Defoe rightfully had a goal disallowed when offside.
England may well have been unlucky but you can't go making excuses for them. Manager, Steve McClaren does not seem to be doing as well as his highly criticised predecessor at this stage of his leadership! Perhaps there is a case for payment by results, in which case McClaren would have earned very little so far. Surely the sporting nation has a right to expect more, from the team, the manager, and those who appointed him!
Elsewhere, Beattie put Scotland ahead in the 89th minute, for a fine 2 - 1 win over Georgia. Northern Ireland hammered Liechtenstein 4 - 1 to go second in Group F, but Wales were beaten by the Republic of Ireland and look extremely vulnerable.
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Israel Vs England
soccer and football
Israel Vs England
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
United Bolt-on-wards!
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Man Utd 4 - 1 Bolton
Yet again Cristiano Ronaldo proved his worth to United with another scintillating display. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, suggested afterwards they were gifted their goals, and that it was not their brilliance or skill. How wrong can you be? It was the brilliance and skill of the Portuguese winger, who tore them to shreds. He is playing with supreme confidence, born of ability, and matched only by his smile spreading from ear to ear.
Ronaldo's wizardry was matched by a fine team effort, with two goals by Rooney and two more by Park. United went ahead after 14 minutes when Park smashed home a superb Ronaldo delivery. Three minutes later Rooney was set up by Ronaldo to flick home a skilful one, two. After 25 minutes the home side went three up, when Park got his second, with Ronaldo again much involved.
It was good that Alan Clarke, who is being slowly encouraged towards match fitness, created a good opportunity for Rooney to thump home his second. Bolton got a consolation goal, from the penalty spot after 74 minutes. United though were out of sight, and the visitors were not just beaten - they were pulverised!
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Man Utd Vs Bolton
soccer and football
Man Utd Vs Bolton
Man Utd 4 - 1 Bolton
Yet again Cristiano Ronaldo proved his worth to United with another scintillating display. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, suggested afterwards they were gifted their goals, and that it was not their brilliance or skill. How wrong can you be? It was the brilliance and skill of the Portuguese winger, who tore them to shreds. He is playing with supreme confidence, born of ability, and matched only by his smile spreading from ear to ear.
Ronaldo's wizardry was matched by a fine team effort, with two goals by Rooney and two more by Park. United went ahead after 14 minutes when Park smashed home a superb Ronaldo delivery. Three minutes later Rooney was set up by Ronaldo to flick home a skilful one, two. After 25 minutes the home side went three up, when Park got his second, with Ronaldo again much involved.
It was good that Alan Clarke, who is being slowly encouraged towards match fitness, created a good opportunity for Rooney to thump home his second. Bolton got a consolation goal, from the penalty spot after 74 minutes. United though were out of sight, and the visitors were not just beaten - they were pulverised!
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Man Utd Vs Bolton
soccer and football
Man Utd Vs Bolton
Chelsea Stay Second!
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Chelsea 3 - 0 Sheffield Utd
Shevchenko put Chelsea ahead after only four minutes, and the scene was set. It was a quality strike and the big Ukranian is beginning to live up to his reputation.
Thirteen minutes later the Blues went two up, in a move involving Robben, Wright-Phillips, Shevchenko and Kalou who put the ball away.
Ballack came on for Frank Lampard and forcefully headed home Chelsea's third goal from an accurate Wright-Phillips cross. It was a bad day for United who were being easily beaten by a superior side. They were even more unfortunate when top scorer, Rob Hulse, was ruled out for the rest of the season, with a double ankle fracture.
Despite their excellent form, unless something amazing happens, Chelsea will not win the Premiership, and they will not be satisfied with a guaranteed second place!
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Chelsea Vs Sheffield Utd
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Sheffield Utd
Chelsea 3 - 0 Sheffield Utd
Shevchenko put Chelsea ahead after only four minutes, and the scene was set. It was a quality strike and the big Ukranian is beginning to live up to his reputation.
Thirteen minutes later the Blues went two up, in a move involving Robben, Wright-Phillips, Shevchenko and Kalou who put the ball away.
Ballack came on for Frank Lampard and forcefully headed home Chelsea's third goal from an accurate Wright-Phillips cross. It was a bad day for United who were being easily beaten by a superior side. They were even more unfortunate when top scorer, Rob Hulse, was ruled out for the rest of the season, with a double ankle fracture.
Despite their excellent form, unless something amazing happens, Chelsea will not win the Premiership, and they will not be satisfied with a guaranteed second place!
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Chelsea Vs Sheffield Utd
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Sheffield Utd
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Goals Galore!
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Middlesboro 2 - 2 Man Utd
This was a typically exciting cup-tie, with United going ahead through a Wayne Rooney goal after 23 minutes. They dominated the first half, and it was something of a surprise, when Cattermole levelled for Boro' just on halftime. It was a great shot though, with a twist and a volley to set the game up for a competitive second half.
Boro' were more determined after the interval, and Boateng put them in front with a fine header. United were then struggling to get level, but hero Boateng became villain Boateng, when he handled inside the box. Ronaldo expertly took the spot kick, and the ensuing goal was something of a foregone conclusion!
Although United fielded a strong team they could only manage a draw, but will have high expectations of the replay at, the Theatre of Dreams!
Six of the Best!
Chelsea 3 - 3 Tottenham
If United and Boros game was exciting, this was even more so, with even more goals! Actually, four of the goals were scored by Chelsea, but unfortunately for him, Essien's was into his own net!
It took only five minutes for the accomplished Berbatov to put Spurs ahead. Frank Lampard levelled for the Blues, by sticking his foot out, to connect and force the ball home, when Michael Ballack's shot was going wide. There was a misunderstanding, between Cech and Essien who poked a leg out, to score a similar goal to Lampard's, but at the wrong end! Not content with their one goal lead, Spurs again attacked Chelsea's wobbly defence, and Hossam Ghaly made it three for the visitors.
It was not looking too good for Chelsea at the interval, but Jose Mourinho threw everything into attack, and the gamble paid off! Frank Lampard fired in his second from an Arjen Robben corner, in the 71st minute, so all was not lost. Chelsea were leaving it very late, but in the 86th minute, Drogba headed to substitute Kalou, who put the ball away to level the game.
Spurs would have won but for Chelseas resilience, and their manager's tactics, which came good at the end. Chelsea now have to go to White Hart Lane for the replay, which should provide both sets of fans with another treat.
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Middlesboro Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Tottenham
Middlesboro 2 - 2 Man Utd
This was a typically exciting cup-tie, with United going ahead through a Wayne Rooney goal after 23 minutes. They dominated the first half, and it was something of a surprise, when Cattermole levelled for Boro' just on halftime. It was a great shot though, with a twist and a volley to set the game up for a competitive second half.
Boro' were more determined after the interval, and Boateng put them in front with a fine header. United were then struggling to get level, but hero Boateng became villain Boateng, when he handled inside the box. Ronaldo expertly took the spot kick, and the ensuing goal was something of a foregone conclusion!
Although United fielded a strong team they could only manage a draw, but will have high expectations of the replay at, the Theatre of Dreams!
Six of the Best!
Chelsea 3 - 3 Tottenham
If United and Boros game was exciting, this was even more so, with even more goals! Actually, four of the goals were scored by Chelsea, but unfortunately for him, Essien's was into his own net!
It took only five minutes for the accomplished Berbatov to put Spurs ahead. Frank Lampard levelled for the Blues, by sticking his foot out, to connect and force the ball home, when Michael Ballack's shot was going wide. There was a misunderstanding, between Cech and Essien who poked a leg out, to score a similar goal to Lampard's, but at the wrong end! Not content with their one goal lead, Spurs again attacked Chelsea's wobbly defence, and Hossam Ghaly made it three for the visitors.
It was not looking too good for Chelsea at the interval, but Jose Mourinho threw everything into attack, and the gamble paid off! Frank Lampard fired in his second from an Arjen Robben corner, in the 71st minute, so all was not lost. Chelsea were leaving it very late, but in the 86th minute, Drogba headed to substitute Kalou, who put the ball away to level the game.
Spurs would have won but for Chelseas resilience, and their manager's tactics, which came good at the end. Chelsea now have to go to White Hart Lane for the replay, which should provide both sets of fans with another treat.
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Middlesboro Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Tottenham
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
The Ex Factor!
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Liverpool 0 - 1 Barcelona
This was a match that didn't quite live up to its billing, but there were some exciting moments. Liverpool go through to the next round, but Barcelona are out, and questions will arise regarding coach, Frank Rijkaard. Although Liverpool lost on the night, they won on aggregate with two away goals.
John Arne Riise went close with a couple of good efforts, or was it three? He rattled the visitor's woodwork, and was only denied by inches. So the debate, with regard to whether Liverpool lack a top class striker or are just plain unlucky, will continue.
Ex best footballer in the world, Ronaldinho, had a quiet night except for a brief spell of individual brilliance, in the second half, when he hit the post after weaving past Carragher and Agger. Ex Chelsea man Gudjohnsen, came on for Thuram in the 71st minute, and soon put Barca ahead with a nifty goal four minutes later. However, Liverpool held on without too much trouble, and they deserved their win against underperforming Spanish opponents, to go forward to the quarter finals of the Champions League.
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Liverpool Vs Barcelona
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Barcelona
Liverpool 0 - 1 Barcelona
This was a match that didn't quite live up to its billing, but there were some exciting moments. Liverpool go through to the next round, but Barcelona are out, and questions will arise regarding coach, Frank Rijkaard. Although Liverpool lost on the night, they won on aggregate with two away goals.
John Arne Riise went close with a couple of good efforts, or was it three? He rattled the visitor's woodwork, and was only denied by inches. So the debate, with regard to whether Liverpool lack a top class striker or are just plain unlucky, will continue.
Ex best footballer in the world, Ronaldinho, had a quiet night except for a brief spell of individual brilliance, in the second half, when he hit the post after weaving past Carragher and Agger. Ex Chelsea man Gudjohnsen, came on for Thuram in the 71st minute, and soon put Barca ahead with a nifty goal four minutes later. However, Liverpool held on without too much trouble, and they deserved their win against underperforming Spanish opponents, to go forward to the quarter finals of the Champions League.
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Liverpool Vs Barcelona
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Barcelona
Two Left Feet!
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Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto
Chelsea went behind after 15 minutes, when Quaresma beat Petr Cech, after receiving the ball from Gonzalez.
If the game was in doubt at the interval it looked up for the home side shortly afterwards. The competent Arjen Robben forced the ball through a wall of players, with his left foot and Chelsea were level in the 48th minute.
Chelsea then turned the screw, and both Lampard, and prolific goal scorer, Drogba, missed good chances. However, they were now dominating and it seemed just a matter of time before they would be rewarded. Sure enough, Robben and Shevchenko combined with Michael Ballack, who smartly volleyed in the winning goal, with his left foot in the 79th minute, to put Porto out of the Champions League.
It seems that the Premiership has little to prove against the best of Europe - or at least, Porto and Barcelona!
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Chelsea Vs Porto
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Porto
Chelsea 2 - 1 Porto
Chelsea went behind after 15 minutes, when Quaresma beat Petr Cech, after receiving the ball from Gonzalez.
If the game was in doubt at the interval it looked up for the home side shortly afterwards. The competent Arjen Robben forced the ball through a wall of players, with his left foot and Chelsea were level in the 48th minute.
Chelsea then turned the screw, and both Lampard, and prolific goal scorer, Drogba, missed good chances. However, they were now dominating and it seemed just a matter of time before they would be rewarded. Sure enough, Robben and Shevchenko combined with Michael Ballack, who smartly volleyed in the winning goal, with his left foot in the 79th minute, to put Porto out of the Champions League.
It seems that the Premiership has little to prove against the best of Europe - or at least, Porto and Barcelona!
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Chelsea Vs Porto
soccer and football
Chelsea Vs Porto
Monday, March 05, 2007
When Irish Eyes Are Smiling!
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Liverpool 0 - 1 Man Utd
It was not just Irishman John O' Shea who was smiling, when he slammed home a surprising 92nd minute winner in extra time. Sir Alex defied his years by performing something of an Irish Jig to celebrate the late winner. After the final whistle many of the team flung their shirts to trophy hunting fans. No doubt about it, this was a very significant win against a Liverpool side who should have won it themselves!
O'Shea's goal was set up from a free kick by Ronaldo, after a foul on Giggs. The winger fired a good shot, which could have gone in, but the ball was only deflected as far as O'Shea who thumped it into the net. He later agreed that it was the most important goal of his career. It was also opportunistic, as he only came on for the injured Rooney, who suffered a badly cut right leg, from a Carragher tackle, in the 73rd minute.
Liverpool were perhaps unfortunate, as they were the dominant force for much of the game, but unfortunately they lack a striker of the likes of Ronaldo or Drogba! So they don't score as many goals as they should. The pendulum swung further their way when Scholes was red carded for swinging an aimless punch at Alonso. Immediately afterwards Crouch had a great chance of winning the game for Liverpool, but his shot was saved by Van Der Sar.
Four minutes injury time were added that proved to be crucial for United. O'Shea scored and the match was won with United now even shorter odds to take the Premiership!
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Liverpool Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Man Utd
Liverpool 0 - 1 Man Utd
It was not just Irishman John O' Shea who was smiling, when he slammed home a surprising 92nd minute winner in extra time. Sir Alex defied his years by performing something of an Irish Jig to celebrate the late winner. After the final whistle many of the team flung their shirts to trophy hunting fans. No doubt about it, this was a very significant win against a Liverpool side who should have won it themselves!
O'Shea's goal was set up from a free kick by Ronaldo, after a foul on Giggs. The winger fired a good shot, which could have gone in, but the ball was only deflected as far as O'Shea who thumped it into the net. He later agreed that it was the most important goal of his career. It was also opportunistic, as he only came on for the injured Rooney, who suffered a badly cut right leg, from a Carragher tackle, in the 73rd minute.
Liverpool were perhaps unfortunate, as they were the dominant force for much of the game, but unfortunately they lack a striker of the likes of Ronaldo or Drogba! So they don't score as many goals as they should. The pendulum swung further their way when Scholes was red carded for swinging an aimless punch at Alonso. Immediately afterwards Crouch had a great chance of winning the game for Liverpool, but his shot was saved by Van Der Sar.
Four minutes injury time were added that proved to be crucial for United. O'Shea scored and the match was won with United now even shorter odds to take the Premiership!
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Liverpool Vs Man Utd
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Man Utd
Chelsea Sink Portsmouth!
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Portsmouth 0 - 2 Chelsea
Chelsea's hot shot centre forward put Portsmouth in their place in the 33rd minute, in a move involving Makelele, Ashley Cole, and Traore. Almost inevitably it was Drogba, whose fierce volley beat David James, to put his side in front.
Portsmouth were worthy opponents and certainly made a game of it. But the Chelsea keeper was again in magnificent form, and kept them out. Lesser men would have found it difficult to return after serious head injury. However, Petr Cech is no ordinary mortal, and is playing as well and as bravely as ever, in his distinctive protective headgear. He made a seemingly impossible save from substitute Andy Cole's header, and is as good at the back as Drogba is up front for the Chelsea football machine. Perhaps they get it together in practice!
The game was put beyond any doubt when Kalou, substituted for the lack lustre Shevchenko, consolidated the lead for the visitors. As Harry Redknapp later remarked - "Chelsea are not champions for nothing are they?"
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Portsmouth Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Portsmouth Vs Chelsea
Portsmouth 0 - 2 Chelsea
Chelsea's hot shot centre forward put Portsmouth in their place in the 33rd minute, in a move involving Makelele, Ashley Cole, and Traore. Almost inevitably it was Drogba, whose fierce volley beat David James, to put his side in front.
Portsmouth were worthy opponents and certainly made a game of it. But the Chelsea keeper was again in magnificent form, and kept them out. Lesser men would have found it difficult to return after serious head injury. However, Petr Cech is no ordinary mortal, and is playing as well and as bravely as ever, in his distinctive protective headgear. He made a seemingly impossible save from substitute Andy Cole's header, and is as good at the back as Drogba is up front for the Chelsea football machine. Perhaps they get it together in practice!
The game was put beyond any doubt when Kalou, substituted for the lack lustre Shevchenko, consolidated the lead for the visitors. As Harry Redknapp later remarked - "Chelsea are not champions for nothing are they?"
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Portsmouth Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Portsmouth Vs Chelsea
South America - Take It Away!
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Arsenal 2 - 1 Reading
Arsenal's Brazilians, Gilberto and Baptiste, put their side two up after the interval, and they seemed to be cruising towards a comfortable victory.
The normally reliable Fabregas, playing an uncharacteristically bad game, missed a good chance in the first half, when he received a great ball from Baptiste. Then after the interval Walcott passed the ball to Fabregas, who stumbled and fell over. But the Gunners persevered and went a goal up, when Gilberto scored from the spot in the 51st minute, after Clichy had been fouled. Ten minutes later Baptiste, nicknamed the Beast, strode forward and made it two.
Then in the 87th minute, the luckless Fabregas scored with a neat back heeler, but unfortunately it was into his own net! This let the visitors in with half a chance of saving the match. Steve Sidwell nearly obliged and was only thwarted by Arsenal's excellent keeper.
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Arsenal Vs Reading
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Reading
Arsenal 2 - 1 Reading
Arsenal's Brazilians, Gilberto and Baptiste, put their side two up after the interval, and they seemed to be cruising towards a comfortable victory.
The normally reliable Fabregas, playing an uncharacteristically bad game, missed a good chance in the first half, when he received a great ball from Baptiste. Then after the interval Walcott passed the ball to Fabregas, who stumbled and fell over. But the Gunners persevered and went a goal up, when Gilberto scored from the spot in the 51st minute, after Clichy had been fouled. Ten minutes later Baptiste, nicknamed the Beast, strode forward and made it two.
Then in the 87th minute, the luckless Fabregas scored with a neat back heeler, but unfortunately it was into his own net! This let the visitors in with half a chance of saving the match. Steve Sidwell nearly obliged and was only thwarted by Arsenal's excellent keeper.
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Arsenal Vs Reading
soccer and football
Arsenal Vs Reading
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