Bayern Munich Shock Manutd in the Champions League clash

Frank Ribery and Gally Neville fighting for the ball. Photo: FC Bayern

Bayern Munich stunned Manchester United 2-1 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal at Allianz Arena on Wednesday night in Germany.


Manchester United opened the scoring in the 2nd minute of first half when Wayne Rooney converted Nani's cross with his left foot.

Composed and well organised Bavarian titans failed to equalize in the first half with Edwin van dersar's brilliant saves.

 But things changed in the second half when Frank Ribery equalised with a deflected free-kick to slot home in 77th minute.

It was all over now in the two minutes of added time when the Germans exchanged perfect passes before Ivac Olic shooting home to easy the pressure of the Louis Van Gaal and claim a dramatic victory.

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After such courageous win over Manchester United Bayern Munich boss Louis Van Gaal says he did not see something strange as his team fully deserved a victory.

 “I think it was fully deserved. We were on top, even in the first half. We shouldn’t be conceding goals in the first minute, but it’s happened and it was a shock. We needed ten minutes to get ourselves straight mentally. Manchester have scored here in Munich, so 1-0 is enough for them. But we’ve always scored at least once away from home up to now, so that’s why I do believe we’re in with a chance,” Louis van Gaal told club’s official site.

Last night’s rescuer, Ivica Olic also said it was painful to concede what he call  “ a stupid goal in the first minute and advised the team to keep it real if they are to make it to the semi-finals.

Ivica Olic said: “We can’t be conceding a stupid goal like that in the first minute, but we tried to get after them throughout the game. We were much better in the second half. A win is always better than a draw. The atmosphere was incredible. Normally I don’t hear anything when I’m playing, but I heard the support the whole time tonight. We’ll have to do just as well or better next week if we’re to make it to the semi-finals.”

Meanwhile Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that his players were not good enough and in part caused their own downfall.

“We didn’t do well enough, simple as that,” the manager told club’s official site.
 “Possession has been an important part of our game over the last few years but we just kept giving the ball away and we caused our own defeat really.

"It’s a disappointing performance, possession-wise.”

While critical of his own team, the boss rightly praised the opposition, saying they fully merited the win.

“Bayern were the better team, we can’t complain about that. You have to give them credit, they pressed the ball well. It was a big effort by them in that respect.

“Nonetheless we should be better than that in possession of the ball. We just kept giving it away and it was our downfall.”

The Germans will be travelling to Manchester next week in the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal.

Champions League Quarterfinal: Bayern Munich vs Manchester United-Match Preview

Read a full preview of the Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Manchester United at Olympia Stadium on Tuesday March 30 2010, kick-off 19.45 GMT.

Match facts
It will be another repeat of the 1999 Champions League final when Bayern Munich were booted out by Manchester United with late goals from substitutes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjae.Read more...

Manchester United are not invincible- Munich star, Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben- Photo: Static Guim

Bayern Munich star, Arjen Robben says Manchester United are not invincible and believes that his team will beat them to progress into the semifinals of the Champions League.

Bayern Munich are meeting Manchester United on Tuesday in the first leg of Champions League quarterfinal and the Dutchman says that Manutd is a one-man team that depends only on Wayne Rooney.  

“This Manchester United team is not invincible," Robben told the New Kerara

"If the press want to see them as favourites then that suits us because all the pressure will be on them.

"I have watched them on television many times recently and their team is certainly not as powerful as it was in the last two years."

He added: "Rooney has been phenomenal this season.

"But at the moment he seems to be their only solution: What about if he doesn't function?

"He has become the star of the side since the sale of Ronaldo last summer but we will be prepared to stop him.

"They are almost a one-man team so our defenders will give him 180 minutes of non-stop distraction."

The two sides met in 1999 Champions League final when Bayern Munich were booted out by goals from substitutes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjae and Robben says he is ready to punish the Red Devils and give supporters the joy of getting through to the semi-finals.

"Our own supporters still have memories of that final in Barcelona," the 26-year-old winger said.

"And I have been made well aware of how terrible that moment was for the club.

"They are after revenge but they also remember very well the success they have had in this competition in past years.

"I would love to give them the joy of getting through to the semi-finals."

Andrey Arshavin: Arsenal won't win Premier League title this season

Arsenal striker, Andrey Arshavin says it will be difficult for Arsenal to win Premier League this season because of the last summer’s lack of signings and a string of injuries that have hit stars like Robin Van Persie, William Gallas, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs. More here

Its Arsenal Vs Barcelona in Champions League Quarterfinal

Photo: Arsenal FC

Gunners' record goalscorer Thierry Henry will for the first time play at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League as Arsenal were drawn by defending Champions Barcelona last Friday in Nyon, Switzerland.

These two sides met in 2006  Champions League finals when Barcelona won 2-1 over Arsenal and this meeting will be the most important exciting in Europe’s football.

It will be also another repeat of the 1999 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Manchester United when The Red Devils won the league.

Manutd have only managed to win once in their last seven meetings with Bayern in the Champions League and their last time meeting was in the 2001/02 champions League group stage when they drew 1-1 in Germany and 0-0 at Old Trafford.

Bodeaux travel to Lyon and Inter Milan will be seeking to make a history as they welcome CSKA Moscow at San Siro.

Champions League Quarterfinal Draw Live minute by minute

 14:30 Everything is over! every team knows its opponent


14:27 QUARTERFINAL 4

Inter Milan Vs CSKA Moskvan

14:20 QUARTERFINAL 3
Arsenal vs Barcelona 

14:16 QUARTERFINAL 2

FC Bayern Munich vs Manchester United 

14:10 QUARTEFINAL  1

Lyon VS Bordeaux


13:55 Join me in 40 minutes as I will give you the results of  quarterfinal draw of the Champions League live.


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Reira in bitter relashionship with Benitez

Following bitter relationship between Albert Riera and his boss Rafael Benitez at Anfield, Liverpool winger has revealed his frustration and lashed out at his boss.


Joining Liverpool in 2008 from Espanyol, the Spain international has only made two appearances since January this year and he believes the issue is not about on the pitch but personal.

"When the coach says nothing to you and you are well, with no physical problems and training well, you cannot help but think it must be something personal." Riera was quoted as saying on Mirror Football site.

He added: "If I'm doing something badly and you are my boss, and you value me, then you are going to come and tell me what I have to do to play again. This is what hurts me.

"You see that the team are not doing well and there are no changes. It's a little frustrating because you see that you can help.

"I've been here two years and I know how he (Benitez) is. He's never sorted out a situation with a player by talking with him. He thinks he's in charge and everything else falls on deaf ears. His dialogue with the players is practically nil."

Riera further worried about his trip to South Africa as he believes that securing World Cup place, someone has to play in the first-team.

"I would like to be here for the rest of my career, but players live to play. My objective is to go to the World Cup and for this I have to play," he said.

"Right now the only market open is the Russian one, I have offers from two teams and, looking at my situation, that has made me reflect a lot."


Photo Courtesy: Mirror Football

Fletcher cautious of Liverpool clash

Darren Fletcher Photo: starvin4sport

Darren Fletcher has sent a word of warning to his Manchester United team-mates not to take Liverpool for granted. 

The Red Devils seeks a revenge when they meet this Sunday at Old Trafford after being beaten in their last three meetings and Fletcher is wary of the Benitez’s orchestra. Read more here

Barcelona coach praises teamwork

Guardiola photo:Barca official site

Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola said his side’s Champions League quarter-final qualification  is not by one person but because of teamwork. Read more here.

Blatter Pray to see Nelson Mandela at World Cup Opening

Sepp Blatter Photo: Wikipedia

It is a prayer of FIFA President Sepp Blatter to see Nelson Mandela at the 2010 World Cup inauguration ceremony on June 11, 2010.

Mandela is now ageing and travelling for him is difficult but Blatter hopes former South Africa president will be able to attend at least one World Cup game.

“We are all wishing for this but he is at the stage where one day he really may no longer be with us,” Blatter was quoted in local newspaper, Daily Sun.

“I once had breakfast with him in Zurich and he said ‘My dream has come true’ and I told him: ‘You have to be there for it.’”

Mandela was present in May 2004 when South Africa won such a hard-hitting World Cup hosting bid against the rest of other African countries.

According to the newspaper, Blatter says he believes that Mandela was the true architect of the success of the bid. “His presence and commitment made it happen.”

World Cup is scheduled to start on June 11, 2010 with the opening match between South Africa and Mexico.

Walcott Should Forget About World Cup-Arsenal hero Winterburn

Nigel Winterburn-Photo: rovers.co.uk

Following Walcott's last Tuesday's night performance against Porto, Arsenal hero Nigel Winterburn says the England under 21 star should forget about World Cup.

Theo Walcott has been critized with his form since returning from back injury but showed something he can offer to Fabio Capello.

 "It was good to see Theo Walcott contribute in a positive way - I said the other week that he is going to have to be given the chance to play a few games to find his form, hewas quoted in Tribal Football.

"He struggled a bit for England and received plenty of criticism for that, but I still think that unless Fabio Capello is no longer manager Theo will be at the World Cup. 

"If he can finish the season well and stay fit then he is the kind of player you want in the squad. He has that pace and while Aaron Lennon may start ahead of him, the Spurs man is not fit at the moment and Theo would be my next in line."

Arsenal crushed FC Porto 4-0 in Champions League second leg clash to book their place in quarterfinals.

Rooney's two goals sends Manutd into Champions League quarterfinals

Rooney scored two goals Photo: footballwallpapers

Manchester United are through into Champions League quarterfinals after claiming their long awaited victory over AC Milan on Wednesday.

 

Wayne Rooney opened the score sheet in 13th minute with a header before netting the second in 46th minute through Nani's cross to register his goals to 30 this season.

Ji-Sung Park grabbed a well organised pass from Paul Scholes before netting home in the 59th minute to keep the score line at 3-0 in favour of the hosts.

Manchester United got another corner in the 87th minute and Darren Fletcher headed into the net past AC Milan goalkeeper.

In other games, Real Madrid ousted Champions League after 1-1 draw against Lyon in the same night.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Madrid'd fans hope in the 6th minute when he scored a fabulous goal but Miralem Pjatic ruined the hopes when he responded in 75th minute- tying the goals series on 2-1 aggregate.

On speaking to reporters after the game Lyon coach Clause Puel said: "It was a nice out."

"In the first half Real Madrid posed plenty of problems for us."

Meanwhile Real Madrid coach also said that despite the lose " we are still on top the League."

Will AC Milan beat Manutd tonight?

Ac Milan is travelling to Old Trafford today, but are they able to revenge last week's their home defeat? Leave your suggestions below.

Bendtner Hat-trick Sends Arsenal Through into CPL Quarterfinals

Arsenal are through into the quarterfinals of the Champions League after thrashing FC Porto 5-0 at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Nicklas Bendtner opened the score sheet in 10 minutes when he fired into an empty net after Porto's goalkeeper rushed out to block on-coming Andrey Arshavin.

Five minutes later the Dunne added the second after receiving a well cooked cross from Andrey Arshavin to make it 2-0 in favour of the hosts.

The Dutch international has been criticized by many Arsenal fans after missing several chances in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Burnley on Saturday in English Premier League clash but tried to show his tenacity.

The visitors seemed to come out with determination in the second half but were shocked after they conceded two goals in space of three minutes.

Frenchman, Samir Nasir produced another strike-twisting three defenders with his fast foot before firing into the net to score the best goal despite Bendtner's hat-trick.

FC Porto were just chasing shadows and Arshavin took advantage when he got a ball on the break after a Porto corner was cleared with Emmanuel Eboue overlapping in support to get the perfect pass from the Russian and slotting home.

Then everything was over in the final minute when Eboue was fouled inside the penalty area and Bendtner stepped up to score his first hat-trick in football career.

FC Porto defeated Arsenal in the first leg last Week in Portugal but the Londoners tried to make a history to remove that deficit.

In other games, Bayern Munich also booked their place in quarterfinals despite losing 3-2 to Fiorentina in the same night but the Italians had advantage of away goals when they won in Germany 2-1 in their first leg match.
Fiorentina took the lead in the 27^th minute through winger Juan Vargas before Stevan Jovetic added the second in 54^th minute to make it 2-0 in favour of the visitors.

Bayern Munich equalized few minutes later, when Mark Van Bommes converted Frank Ribbery’s cross into the net to make it 2-1- tying the series on aggregate of 3-3 after each scored an important away goal.

A 20 year-old Jovetic-rising star from Montenegro added his second in the 64^th minute making it 3-1 and Fiorentina fans thought that  the game was over but Robben ruined their hopes in 72 seconds.

Robben fired a shot from 30 yards that sailed into the corner of the net past goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.
The game ended 3-2 in favour of Fiorentina but Bayern were through because of the advantage of two road goals.

In other games to night is AC Milan versus Manchester United while Real Madrid take on Lyon in Spain.

Photo courtsy: teamtalk

Fabregas Ruled Out Of Champions League Second Leg Tie

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Cesc Fabregas have been ruled out in tomorrow’s Champions League last 16 second leg tie against FC Porto after sustaining another hamstring injury in the first-half of Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Burnley.

“He’s ruled out for tomorrow’s game – we can’t take a gamble,” said Wenger in Monday’s pre-match press conference.

 “He has damaged his hamstring. Ideally you want him there but the absence of Cesc is not any excuse, we have enough players and a strong enough squad.”

Wenger also said that the injury is not for a long term although he did not confirm if he will be fit by Saturday as they take on Hull City in Premier League clash.

. “He has a scan today and we will know more,” he said in Monday's pre-match conference.

“We are all convinced it will be small amount of time – next weekend he has a small chance against Hull, if not the week after. To play again tomorrow would be significant damage and be out for a month. He gave a lot, he plays in every single game. We have to find out why it is always the same hamstring.”

The absence of Fabregas means that inform Samir Nasri will take the new role with his standard skills and tenacity like he excelled last Saturday at Emirates Stadium.

“He started the season with a fibula fracture and it took him a while to get back to his best,” said Wenger. “Now he gets stronger, more confident. He is very versatile and can play defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder or on the flanks. We have a few like that and I love that. If you ask any player they say they want to play in middle but with his pace he can play on the flanks as well.”

Arsenal lost 2-1 in the first leg against Porto in Portugal after Fabiansk warded free goals to the hosts and they are supposed to score  at least once if they want to progress in the competition.

Wenger however said they have a good opportunity and have a lot of chances to make  history as they have an advantage of an away goal.

“We have a good opportunity, we have good chances to make history,” said Wenger. “To score away from home is still a massive advantage in Uefa rules; that is why we are confident that we can do it. We have scored, that is a massive difference. 1-0 away would be a terrible result. It’s completely different. We know it’s a tricky game. We believe we can do it, we have good confidence, we are in a good position so let’s just go for it. Any scenario that qualifies us is positive."

Wenger also said that he still keeps faith in Nicklas Bendtner although the Dunne missed a lot of chances that would have given him a famous hat-trick on Saturday against Burnley.

“He is on the way up in his overall game and contribution,” said Wenger. “He isolates the factor why he missed and gets it right into the next game. I’m convinced that he is really improving at the moment. For me, it was an isolated game.”

Arsenal defender, William Gallas has also ruled out with calf problem but Sol Campbel and Alex Song are all back in the squad.

Photo: Reuters

FA Cup Semifinal Draw

Aston Villa came from behind to beat Premiership side, Reading 2-4 in FA Cup quarterfinals at Madejski Stadium on Sunday.


Shane Long gave the hosts a lead in 25 minutes after he made a fabulous header before he netted the second in 42 minutes to make it 2-0 in favour of the hosts.

The visitors opened their scoring sheet in 47^th minute by Ashley Young before Carew hit hat-trick to make it 2-4.

John Terry and Frank Lampard were in-charge as Chelsea beat Stoke City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
2008 Cup winners, Porstmouth won 2-0 at Fratton Park on Saturday and was the first team to reach into the semis and now they await the winners of the Tottenham v Fulham replay after they played out a 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage.

So , Aston Villa v Chelsea and Tottenham/Fulham v Portsmouth.

According FA official site, matches will take place over the weekend 10-11 April 2010 and winning clubs will pocket £900,000 each from The FA prize fund while losers will collect £450,000.

List of Ghana squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The following is the list of Ghana squad for Wednesday's international friendly game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Goalkeepers: 

Richard Kingson-Daniel Agyei

Defenders: 

 Samuel Inkoom, David Addy, Jonathan Mensah, Eric Addo, Lee Arday, Ibrahim Ayew

Midfielders:

Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu, Anthony Annan, Kwadwo Asamoah, Dede Ayew, Sulley Muntari, Derek Boateng.

Strikers: 

Yaw Antwi, Mathew Amoah, Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe.