The 2010/11 UEFA Champions League is set for a September 14 kick-off following the group stage draw on Thursday.

The 32 teams who qualified for the initial phase of the competition were drawn into eight groups in Monaco and the home-and-away matches will commence with Groups A through to D commencing on Tuesday the 14th and Groups E through to H following on Wednesday the 15th.

The eight groups for the 2010/11 Champions League are as follows:

Group A
Inter Milan (Italy)
Werder Bremen (Germany)
Tottenham (England)
FC Twente Enschede (Holland)

Group B
Olympique Lyonnais (France)
Benfica (Portugal)
Schalke 04 (Germany)
Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Group C
Manchester United (England)
Valencia (Spain)
Rangers (Scotland)
Bursaspor (Turkey)

Group D
Barcelona (Spain)
Panathinaikos (Greece)
Copenhagen (Denmark)
Rubin Kazan (Russia)

Group E
Bayern Munich (Germany)
AS Roma (Italy)
FC Basel (Switzerland)
CFR Cluj (Romania)

Group F
Chelsea (England)
Olympique Marseille (France)
Spartak Moscow (Russia)
Zilina (Slovakia)

Group G
AC Milan (Italy)
Real Madrid (Spain)
Ajax Amsterdam (Holland)
Auxerre (France)

Group H
Arsenal (England)
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Braga (Portugal)
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

A comp about Lionel Messi who is the best player in the world and he’s also in top form… Olympique Lyonnais Lyon 2-3 Bayern Werder Bremen 2-1 Inter Barcelona 2-3 Shakhtar Real Madrid 3-0 Zenit Celtic 2-2 Aalborg PSV Eindhoven 1-3 Liverpool Olympique Marsella 0-0 Atletico Madrid Juventus 0-0 Bate Borisov Ibrahimovic Oporto 2-0 Arsenal [...]

OL are weighing up a bid, but don't expect to see it come to fruition.

The UEFA announced today its 12 nominees for the 2009-2010 European Awards. These include nominations for the Best Forward, Midfielder, Defender, Goalkeeper, and of course, the overall Best European Player of the previous year. Last year's winners included the likes of Edwin Van Der Sar, John Terry, Xavi Hernandez, and the reigning World Player of the Year, Lionel Messi.

This time around however, it is shocking to see that only one England-based player, Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, has made it into the elite list. Come to think of it, maybe it isn't as shocking considering that no English side made it into the semifinals of the Champions League this season. A pretty rotten year for the English, if you ask me.

Let's put that aside for now though. This year five of the Club Award nominees are from Internazionale, followed by four from Barça, and one each from Olympique Lyonnais and Bayern Munich, the aforementioned Rooney completing the dozen. Before we progress any further though, here is this year's complete list of nominees:

 

UEFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year
Júlio César (FC Internazionale Milano)
Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyonnais)
Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)

 

UEFA Best Defender of the Year

Lúcio (FC Internazionale Milano)
Maicon (FC Internazionale Milano)
Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona)

 

UEFA Best Midfielder of the Year

Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)
Arjen Robben (FC Bayern München)
Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano)

 

UEFA Best Forward of the Year

Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
Diego Milito (FC Internazionale Milano)
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United FC)

Now if you ask me, I think Valdés doesn't have a decent enough chance of claiming the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year award (I'm a Barça fan, mind you). He's good, but a majority of his clean sheets are not due to his sole effort, and he also needs to give his exceptional defense a great deal of credit for his achievements. Thus, I think the Goalkeeper of The Year may well go to the omnipresent César or even Lyon's Hugo Lloris. Valdés doesn't really seem to be "in it to win it," if you will.

Moving on, the UEFA Best Defender of the Year is indeed one of the most tightly contested categories this year. Featuring two legendary defenders in the form of Lúcio and Maicon along with newly crowned World Champion Gerard Piqué, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Personally, I'd prefer the latter to either of the two Brazilians (you've probably already guessed why). Only time will tell though which of the three gets to take the prize home to show off to mommy dearest.

Next we have the UEFA Best Midfielder of the Year category. Barcelona's Xavi Hernández and two ex-Madridistas, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben form the triplet that is competing for this prestigious honour. All three nominees are exceptional, well-matched players and this is probably the most open category of all. Each player has just as much chance to win it as the other. As much as I would love for Xavi to win, Inter and Bayern Munich's superb seasons have done him no favours and it seems likely that a new Midfielder of the Year will be crowned, most likely Wesley Sneijder.

But who will claim the UEFA Best Forward of the Year award, I hear you say? Well to me there seems to be only one clear winner, a lad who goes by the name of Lionel Andres Messi. He will have his work cut out for him though. Compatriot Diego Milito and the fiery Wayne Rooney will provide stiff competition for the young Argentine as he looks to conquer Europe once more (though on a more personal level).

Milito has 35 goals to his credit this season whereas Wazza has troubled the scoresheet 34 times. Leo on the other hand has scored a jaw-dropping 34 times in the league alone this season (something opposition defenders know all too well), tying legendary Ronaldo's club record. Placing your money on this boy wonder should be a safe bet. Heck, he might even make it two UEFA Player of the Year Awards in a row, something Wesley Sneijder will hope to make sure never happens.

The Gala will take place next Thursday at 17:45 CET.

On a separate note, please donate to help the refugees of flood crisis in Pakistan, if you can. Click here to do so.

MILAN - (uefa.com) - UEFA has announced the nominees for the UEFA Club Football Awards with a total of 12 players shortlisted both for the positional awards and for the overall prize of UEFA Club Footballer of the Year. The UEFA Club Football Awards will be presented during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday 26 August, with three players apiece in contention for the best goalkeeper, best defender, best midfielder and best forward awards. The nominations are decided by the coaches of the 16 teams that reached the knockout stage of the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League. Each coach has the opportunity of voting for the individual positional prizes as well as to name their choice for UEFA Club Footballer of the Year 2010. One of the following 12 players in line for a positional award will be presented with the main item of silverware during the awards ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum, which begins at 17.45CET next Thursday. • UEFA Best Goalkeeper of the Year Júlio César (FC Internazionale Milano) Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyonnais) Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona) • UEFA Best Defender of the Year
 Lúcio (FC Internazionale Milano) Maicon (FC Internazionale Milano) Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona) • UEFA Best Midfielder of the Year
 Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona) Arjen Robben (FC Bayern München) Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano) • UEFA Best Forward of the Year
 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
 Diego Milito (FC Internazionale Milano)
 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United FC) (WWW.INTER.IT)

French outfit Olympique Lyonnais have insisted that Brazilian full-back Michel Bastos will not be leaving the club.

The 27-year old has become a target for the likes of Arsenal, Juventus and Real Madrid but according to a statement on Lyon’s official website, he will be staying put at the Stade Gerland.

“Olympique Lyonnais wish to clarify that the Brazilian international Michel Bastos will remain at the club and that there is therefore no question of any possible transfer, contrary to certain rumours,” the statement read.

“OL and coach Claude Puel rejoice in his performances which allowed him to contribute to the good results of the club in his first season at Lyon and to integrate the Brazilian national team with who he played in the quarter finals of the last World Cup.

"Michel Bastos is one of the key players on which OL intend to rely especially to have a great season, as much in the French competitions as in the Champions League."

 

Need your Arsenal news fix? Click here for all Gunners news and transfer rumours.

Olympique Lyon have announced Michel Bastos is not for sale.

The Brazil international has been linked with Juventus.

“Olympique Lyonnais wish to clarify that the Brazilian international Michel Bastos will stay with our club and therefore there’s no reason to talk about an eventual transfer, despite what some newspaper reports suggest,” read a Lyon statement.

“OL and their Coach Claude Puel are happy with his performances that contributed to the good results of the club in his first season at Lyon and the Brazilian team, which saw him play in the World Cup quarter-finals.

“Bastos is part of the group of players that OL want to focus on for a great campaign ahead, both in the French competitions and the Champions League.”

 

Need your Juventus news fix? Click here for all Juve news, transfer rumours and gossip.

Olympique Lyon have announced Michel Bastos is not for sale.

The Brazil international has been linked with Juventus.

“Olympique Lyonnais wish to clarify that the Brazilian international Michel Bastos will stay with our club and therefore there’s no reason to talk about an eventual transfer, despite what some newspaper reports suggest,” read a Lyon statement.

“OL and their Coach Claude Puel are happy with his performances that contributed to the good results of the club in his first season at Lyon and the Brazilian team, which saw him play in the World Cup quarter-finals.

“Bastos is part of the group of players that OL want to focus on for a great campaign ahead, both in the French competitions and the Champions League.”

 

Need your Juventus news fix? Click here for all Juve news, transfer rumours and gossip.

French outfit Olympique Lyonnais have insisted that Brazilian full-back Michel Bastos will not be leaving the club.

The 27-year old has become a target for the likes of Arsenal, Juventus and Real Madrid but according to a statement on Lyon’s official website, he will be staying put at the Stade Gerland.

“Olympique Lyonnais wish to clarify that the Brazilian international Michel Bastos will remain at the club and that there is therefore no question of any possible transfer, contrary to certain rumours,” the statement read.

“OL and coach Claude Puel rejoice in his performances which allowed him to contribute to the good results of the club in his first season at Lyon and to integrate the Brazilian national team with who he played in the quarter finals of the last World Cup.

"Michel Bastos is one of the key players on which OL intend to rely especially to have a great season, as much in the French competitions as in the Champions League."

 

Need your Arsenal news fix? Click here for all Gunners news and transfer rumours.

Nothing too exciting happened today, did it. Video highlights of Wednesday’s Washington Freedom/Philadelphia Independence game. And highlights of Boston Breakers/Atlanta Beat:   Anita Asante has been traded to the Washington Freedom by the Chicago Red Stars. The rights Nigerian international Faith Ikidi is also part of the exchange.   Kosovare Asllani has been released by the Red Stars. She will be rejoining Linkopings.   Sky Blue FC have announced that Jennifer Grubb and Jim Moore have been added to the team’s coaching staff. Grubb is a former Washington Freedom player and holds the unique distinction of being the only player to have played in every single WUSA match over its three year existence. Moore has spent five years as head coach of Georgian Court Univeristy in New Jersey.   Graham Hays has a nice profile of Leslie Osborne over on the league’s official site. It should be required summer reading for Pia Sundhage.   The San Jose Mercury News has this on FC Gold Pride’s goofy goal celebrations. And more.     And speaking of nice profiles and FC Gold Pride, check out this video interview of Camille Abily courtesy of Olympique Lyonnais. A little Camille Abily never hurt anybody.   And just a reminder, FC Gold Pride will be donning the pink kits in the name of #projectpink tomorrow. And then the Philadelphia Independence will be appearing in them on Sunday. If there are any extras left over let me know…   The first round of UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying began on Wednesday. There were a ton of blowouts. In fact of the 13 games played, just three were decided upon by a goal difference of three goals or less.   Everton gave Faroe Island-ish side KI a 6-0 drubbing with goals from Farrah Williams, Toni Duggan, Natasha Dowie and others. Duisburg defeated Slovakia’s Slovan Bratislava 3-0 with goals from Alexandra Popp, Jennifer Oster and Simone Laudehr. French runners up Juvisy beat Romanian side City US Targu Mures 5-1 with a hat trick from Laetitia Tonazzi. And in the biggest blowout, Glasgow City decimated the North Irish Crusaders 8-0 in a battle of the Brits.   Find the other winners here: http://women.soccerway.com/matches/2010/08/05/   The WPSL has named its all-teams. Here are the players selected for the All-WPSL First Team F Leah Blayney (BOSTON AZTEC BREAKERS RESERVES) F Sarah Hagen (F.C. MILWAUKEE NATIONALS) MF Dria Hampton (OKLAHOMA ALLIANCE F.C.) MF Keri Sanchez (AJAX AMERICA) MF Sarah Talbert (F.C. MILWAUKEE NATIONALS) MF Ann Marie Tangorra (LAFC CHELSEA) D Anna Caniglia (BOSTON AZTEC BREAKERS RESERVES) D Melinda Mercado (OKLAHOMA ALLIANCE F.C.) D Dani Bosio (AJAX AMERICA) D Alyssa Pember (LONG ISLAND FURY) GK Cori Alexander (CALIFORNIA STORM)   Check out the other players selected in the second and third teams here.   And finally, happy birthday to FC Gold Pride’s Rosie Tantillo who turns 26 today.

Après le Stade Brestois et l'Olympique de Marseille, c'est au tour des joueurs lyonnais de se voir interdit de porter des casques ou autres écouteurs lorsqu'ils sont en contact avec le public....

This weekend sees the pre-season begin in earnest as Arsenal look to defend their Emirates Cup title.

Arseblog, in association with Emirates, the award-winning international airline, is giving you the chance to win tickets and more.

This year’s tournament features a strong line-up and joining the Gunners will be Italian giants AC Milan, Glasgow Celtic and Champions League semi-finalists Olympique Lyonnais.

We've got two pairs of tickets to give away for each day, so two lucky winners will be able to attend on Saturday and Sunday. You'll see every minute of every game, including Arsenal's new signings Chamakh and Koscielny (and hopefully the other six players we bring in this week), as well as an exclusive behind-the-scenes match day tour.

To be in with the chance of winning, courtesy of Emirates Airline, just answer the following question:

What are the two home colours of AC Milan?

a) Yellow and black b) Red and black or c) Pink and black

Choose your answer and send it to competition@arseblog.com. Please ensure if you are entering that you are able to attend.

Entries must be submitted by 11.59pm, Thurs July 29th. The Random Number Generator will select the winners on Friday morning and they will be announced on the blog and notified via email.

---

Emirates currently operates 14 daily flights from 6 UK airports via Dubai to over 100 destinations on six continents.

Emirates is pleased to offer Arsenal members very special fares worldwide. For more information and to book, visit www.emirates.com/arsenalmembers 

A French football team has partnered up with online poker room Everest Poker. The football team is the Olympique Lyonnais.

París.- El abogado del jugador francés del Real Madrid Karim Benzema aseguró hoy que va a solicitar que se anule la imputación de su cliente por haber solicitado, presuntamente, los servicios de una prostituta menor de edad en virtud del testimonio de la ex novia del delantero.

Según la que fuera la pareja de Benzema cuando se desarrollaron los hechos que se le imputan, el jugador no pudo tener relaciones con la prostituta -conocida como Zahia- porque el 11 de mayo de 2008 pasó la noche con su ex novia, que quiere declarar ante el juez.

"Ella confirma haber pasado la noche con Karim y da, sobre todo, muchos detalles sobre el sitio y las personas presentes esa noche. Eso contradice el testimonio de Zahia", agrega el abogado Sylvain Cormier en declaraciones al periódico "Le Parisien".

El testimonio es "serio y lo que dice es verificable", declaró el letrado, quien agregó que ha solicitado que se anule la condición de imputado de su cliente y que se le considere "testigo asistido", figura jurídica entre el simple testigo y el imputado.

El objetivo, dice el diario, es que la justicia sobresea el caso, tras las verificaciones que pueda llevar a cabo el magistrado que instruye el caso.

Benzema, al igual que el internacional galo del Bayern de Múnich Franck Ribéry fueron imputados esta semana por haber solicitado la contratación, presuntamente, de los servicios de la prostituta menor de edad conocida como Zahia.

La legislación francesa prevé penas de hasta tres años de cárcel y 45.000 euros de multa para los clientes de prostitutas menores de 18 años, si bien se tiene que demostrar que éstos conocían la condición de menor de la prostituta en el momento de los hechos.

Los presuntos hechos se remontan a 2008, en el caso de Benzema, y a 2009, en lo que concierne a Ribéry.

Mientras que Benzema niega haber mantenido relaciones sexuales con Zahia el día que se le imputa, la abogada de la estrella del Bayern de Múnich, Sophie Bottai, afirma que Ribéry si se acostó con la meretriz, pero que ignoraba que la prostituta fuera menor de edad cuando contrató sus servicios.

Según las filtraciones a la prensa, Ribéry había reconocido en una primera declaración ante la policía en abril haber tenido una relación con ella y haberle pagado un viaje a Baviera, por lo que los investigadores pretenden saber si fue el propio futbolista quien le compró el billete de avión, lo que le habría permitido conocer su edad.

Zahia había testificado ante la policía que tanto el jugador del Real Madrid como el del Bayern de Múnich contrataron sus servicios sexuales cuando ella todavía era menor de edad, aunque puntualizó que los futbolistas no tenían constancia de su edad.

Otro internacional francés, el ex jugador del Olympique Lyonnais Sidney Govou, ahora en el Panathinakos, reconoció haber tenido relaciones sexuales con Zahia, aunque fue a principios de 2010, cuando ésta ya era mayor de edad.

París.- El futbolista francés del Real Madrid Karim Benzema y el también internacional galo del Bayern de Múnich Franck Ribéry fueron imputados hoy por un juez de instrucción por haber solicitado la contratación, presuntamente, de los servicios de la prostituta menor de edad conocida como Zahia.

Benzema, de 22 años, y Ribéry, de 27, así como el cuñado del jugador del Bayern de Múnich, de 21, fueron liberados tras conocer su condición de imputados y no se encuentran bajo control judicial, según informaron los medios galos.

El agente de Benzema, interrogado para saber si había desempeñado un papel de intermediario en el asunto, fue liberado sin cargos tras prestar declaración ante la policía.

Los jugadores, que habían sido interrogados durante cerca de siete horas por la Brigada de Represión del Proxenetismo (BRP), son sospechosos de haber contratado los servicios de la prostituta cuando Zahia aún no había cumplido 18 años, aunque ésta declaró ante la policía que los futbolistas desconocían su edad.

Después del maratoniano interrogatorio, ambos jugadores fueron conducidos esposados ante el juez de instrucción André Dando, quien imputó primero a Ribéry, después a su cuñado y finalmente a Benzema.

La legislación francesa prevé penas de hasta tres años de cárcel y 45.000 euros de multa para los clientes de prostitutas menores de 18 años, si bien se tiene que demostrar que éstos conocían la condición de menor de la prostituta en el momento de los hechos.

Los presuntos hechos se remontan a 2008, en el caso de Benzema, y a 2009, en lo que concierne a Ribéry.

En declaraciones a los medios locales, la abogada de la estrella del Bayern de Múnich, Sophie Bottai, afirmó que Ribéry ignoraba que la prostituta, Zahia, era menor de edad cuando contrató sus servicios en 2009.

Según las filtraciones a la prensa, Ribéry había reconocido en una primera declaración ante la policía en abril haber tenido una relación con ella y haberle pagado un viaje a Baviera, por lo que los investigadores pretenden saber si fue el propio futbolista quien le compró el billete de avión, lo que le habría permitido conocer su edad.

El interrogatorio policial de hoy de Benzema y Ribéry se produjo tres meses después de que estallara el escándalo, ya que los investigadores decidieron posponer el testimonio de los futbolistas hasta después del Mundial de Sudáfrica para no interferir en la preparación de la selección francesa.

Zahia había testificado ante la policía que tanto el jugador del Real Madrid como el del Bayern de Múnich contrataron sus servicios sexuales cuando ella todavía era menor de edad, aunque puntualizó que los futbolistas no tenían constancia de su edad.

Los encuentros, cuya tarifa era de 2.000 euros, tenían como escenario el Café de Zaman, una discoteca situada en la zona de los Campos Elíseos de París donde trabajaba Zahia. Las pesquisas sobre ese local han dado lugar a la detención de varios individuos por proxenetismo.

Otro internacional francés, el ex jugador del Olympique Lyonnais Sidney Govou, ahora en el Panathinakos, reconoció haber tenido relaciones sexuales con Zahia, aunque fue a principios de 2010, cuando ésta ya era mayor de edad.

Benzema, de 22 años, y Ribéry, de 27, así como el cuñado del jugador del Bayern de Múnich, de 21, fueron liberados tras conocer su condición de imputados y no se encuentran bajo control judicial, según informaron los medios galos.

El agente de Benzema, interrogado para saber si había desempeñado un papel de intermediario en el asunto, fue liberado sin cargos tras prestar declaración ante la policía.

Los jugadores, que habían sido interrogados durante cerca de siete horas por la Brigada de Represión del Proxenetismo (BRP), son sospechosos de haber contratado los servicios de la prostituta cuando Zahia aún no había cumplido 18 años, aunque ésta declaró ante la policía que los futbolistas desconocían su edad.

Después del maratoniano interrogatorio, ambos jugadores fueron conducidos esposados ante el juez de instrucción André Dando, quien imputó primero a Ribéry, después a su cuñado y finalmente a Benzema.

La legislación francesa prevé penas de hasta tres años de cárcel y 45.000 euros de multa para los clientes de prostitutas menores de 18 años, si bien se tiene que demostrar que éstos conocían la condición de menor de la prostituta en el momento de los hechos.

Los presuntos hechos se remontan a 2008, en el caso de Benzema, y a 2009, en lo que concierne a Ribéry.

En declaraciones a los medios locales, la abogada de la estrella del Bayern de Múnich, Sophie Bottai, afirmó que Ribéry ignoraba que la prostituta, Zahia, era menor de edad cuando contrató sus servicios en 2009.

Según las filtraciones a la prensa, Ribéry había reconocido en una primera declaración ante la policía en abril haber tenido una relación con ella y haberle pagado un viaje a Baviera, por lo que los investigadores pretenden saber si fue el propio futbolista quien le compró el billete de avión, lo que le habría permitido conocer su edad.

El interrogatorio policial de hoy de Benzema y Ribéry se produjo tres meses después de que estallara el escándalo, ya que los investigadores decidieron posponer el testimonio de los futbolistas hasta después del Mundial de Sudáfrica para no interferir en la preparación de la selección francesa.

Zahia había testificado ante la policía que tanto el jugador del Real Madrid como el del Bayern de Múnich contrataron sus servicios sexuales cuando ella todavía era menor de edad, aunque puntualizó que los futbolistas no tenían constancia de su edad.

Los encuentros, cuya tarifa era de 2.000 euros, tenían como escenario el Café de Zaman, una discoteca situada en la zona de los Campos Elíseos de París donde trabajaba Zahia. Las pesquisas sobre ese local han dado lugar a la detención de varios individuos por proxenetismo.

Otro internacional francés, el ex jugador del Olympique Lyonnais Sidney Govou, ahora en el Panathinakos, reconoció haber tenido relaciones sexuales con Zahia, aunque fue a principios de 2010, cuando ésta ya era mayor de edad.

A Benzema y Ribéry, que habían sido citados esta mañana para declarar, se les comunicó al llegar a la Brigada de Represión del Proxenetismo (BRP) de la policía que lo iban a hacer en situación de arresto, condición que puede ser revocada en cualquier momento, pero que también puede alargarse hasta un total de 48 horas.

En caso de que decidieran agotar ese plazo, los agentes de la BRP -que disponen de esta figura jurídica para obtener resultados más efectivos en sus interrogatorios- tendrían que poner en libertad a ambos futbolistas o bien presentarlos ante un juez con vistas a su imputación, si hay suficientes elementos acusatorios.

La legislación francesa prevé penas de hasta tres años de cárcel y 45.000 euros de multa para los clientes de prostitutas menores de 18 años, si bien se tiene que demostrar que éstos conocían la condición de menor de la prostituta en el momento de los hechos.

En declaraciones a los medios locales, la abogada de la estrella del Bayern de Múnich, Sophie Bottai, afirmó que Ribéry ignoraba que la prostituta, Zahia, era menor de edad cuando contrató sus servicios en 2009.

Según las filtraciones a la prensa, Ribéry había reconocido en una primera declaración ante la policía en abril haber tenido una relación con ella y haberle pagado un viaje a Baviera, por lo que los investigadores pretenden saber si fue el propio futbolista quien le compró el billete de avión, lo que le habría permitido conocer su edad.

El interrogatorio policial de este martes de Benzema y Ribéry se produce tres meses después de que saltara el escándalo, ya que los investigadores decidieron posponer el testimonio de los futbolistas hasta después del Mundial de Sudáfrica para no interferir en la preparación de la selección francesa.

Zahia había testificado ante la policía que tanto el jugador del Real Madrid como el del Bayern de Múnich contrataron sus servicios sexuales cuando ella todavía era menor de edad, aunque puntualizó que los futbolistas no tenían constancia de su edad.

Los encuentros tenían como escenario el Café de Zaman, una discoteca situada en la zona de los Campos Elíseos de París donde trabajaba Zahia. Las pesquisas sobre ese local han dado lugar a la detención de varios individuos por proxenetismo.

Otro internacional francés, el ex jugador del Olympique Lyonnais Sidney Govou, ahora en el Panathinakos, reconoció haber tenido relaciones sexuales con Zahia, aunque cuando ésta ya era mayor de edad.

París.- Los futbolistas franceses Karim Benzema y Franck Ribéry están siendo interrogados hoy en París por la brigada de represión de proxenetismo de la policía por sus presuntas relaciones con una prostituta cuando era menor de edad.

Según los medios locales Benzema y Ribéry han sido citados a declarar esta mañana, unos tres meses después de que saltara el escándalo, ya que los investigadores decidieron posponer el testimonio de los futbolistas hasta después del Mundial de Sudáfrica para no interferir en la preparación de la selección francesa.

La prostituta protagonista del caso, Zahia, había testificado ante la policía que tanto el jugador del Real Madrid como el del Bayern de Múnich contrataron sus servicios sexuales cuando ella todavía era menor de edad, en el año 2008, si bien declaró que los futbolistas no tenían constancia de su edad.

Los hechos ocurrieron en el Café de Zaman, una discoteca situada en la zona de los Campos Elíseos de París donde trabajaba Zahia, y que ha dado lugar a la detención de varios individuos por proxenetismo.

Otro internacional francés, el jugador del Olympique Lyonnais Sidney Govou, reconoció haber tenido relaciones sexuales con Zahia, aunque cuando ésta ya era mayor de edad.

Ribéry, en una primera declaración en abril ante los investigadores, había admitido haber recurrido a los servicios de esta prostituta, aunque puntualizando que no sabía que era menor, según las filtraciones a la prensa.

La legislación francesa prevé penas de hasta tres años de cárcel y 45.000 euros de multa para los clientes de prostitutas menores de 18 años.

Según los medios locales Karim Benzema y Franck Ribéry han sido citados a declarar esta mañana, unos tres meses después de que saltara el escándalo, ya que los investigadores decidieron posponer el testimonio de los futbolistas hasta después del Mundial de Sudáfrica para no interferir en la preparación de la selección francesa.

La prostituta protagonista del caso, Zahia, había testificado ante la policía que tanto el jugador del Real Madrid como el del Bayern de Múnich contrataron sus servicios sexuales cuando ella todavía era menor de edad, en el año 2008, si bien declaró que los futbolistas no tenían constancia de su edad.

Los hechos ocurrieron en el Café de Zaman, una discoteca situada en la zona de los Campos Elíseos de París donde trabajaba Zahia, y que ha dado lugar a la detención de varios individuos por proxenetismo.

Otro internacional francés, el jugador del Olympique Lyonnais Sidney Govou, reconoció haber tenido relaciones sexuales con Zahia, aunque cuando ésta ya era mayor de edad.

Ribéry, en una primera declaración en abril ante los investigadores, había admitido haber recurrido a los servicios de esta prostituta, aunque puntualizando que no sabía que era menor, según las filtraciones a la prensa.

La legislación francesa prevé penas de hasta tres años de cárcel y 45.000 euros de multa para los clientes de prostitutas menores de 18 años.

The defending Bundesliga champions fear Germany's August 11 friendly against Denmark could interfere with the club's preparations for their season opener.

Germany's reliance on Bayern Munich players may have given the team a cohesion that buttressed their World Cup 2010 semifinal run, but Bayern coach Louis van Gaal has to deal with the repercussions of his players' rest-less summer.

Eight Bayern players suited-up for the Nationalmannschaft in South Africa.  Combine that total with München's Dutch players and you have 11 of the German champions' 26 man senior team playing on the last weekend of the tournament.  Seven players from Bayern's starting lineup were on teams that played the maximum number of World Cup matches.

In response to his player's workload, van Gaal has taken the audacious position of asking FIFA to cancel Germany's friendly with Denmark on August 11, a match that comes nine days before München opens their Bundesliga defense against VfL Wolfsburg.

"The players return on August 2 and then they must go away again on international duty on August 9," Dutchman Van Gaal pointed out. "That simply cannot be the case, it’s nonsense.

"If eight players from Bayern Munich are excluded, I think that the Germany FA would have to listen to every club’s case.

"If FIFA are a little reasonable, they would take this date out so soon after a World Cup. I hope that Mr Sepp Blatter listens to us, because this just cannot happen."

August 11 is an official international match day, where FIFA requires the release of players by clubs to their national teams.  Per FIFA rules, the releae must come 48 hours before the match.

Beyond FIFA stepping-in, there is another potential solution, one well within the grasp of van Gaal's employers. Bayern Munich and the German federation have historically enjoyed a close relationship, and although Germany is obligated to play Denmark on the second weekend of August, they aren't obligated to play with Bayern players. If preparations for the Wolfsburg match would be irreparably harmed by taking the internationals out of Bayern's training, perhaps the German Football Association could be persuaded to use other players.

Else, we may see a rash of mysterious injuries befall München players the week before August 11.

But FIFA is clear on the prioritization of friendlies and league or cup matches. Per FIFA guidelines on "Release of players for national association representative matches in accordance with the Coordinated International Match Calendar:"

b) Friendly matches on fixed/set dates

These matches take priority over matches in a national championship. In other words, matches in the national championship or cup competition should not be arranged on one of the fixed/set dates.

A club holding the registration of a player called up to play in the national team must release him to the national association on the fixed/set dates for international matches in each calendar year (see enclosure "Coordinated International Match Calendar 2002 – 2004"). The matches may be qualifying matches as defined under Art. 36 Paragraph 2a), or friendly matches.

The player shall also be released for the period of preparation. For a friendly match, this period shall be 48 hours (Paragraph 5a).

Sebastien Bourdais will not race in this weekend's sixth round of Superleague Formula at Zolder for Olympique Lyonnais, and appears to have driven his last event in the football club-based single-seater series for the foreseeable future

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to sell to fund his bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

AS says Ferguson will seek buyers for Anderson and Dimitar Berbatov in order to raise the cash needed to land Benzema.

United are banking on Bayern Munich to offer £20 million for Berbatov, while French trio Olympique Lyonnais, Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint Germain all expressed an interest in Anderson before a knee ligament injury in the New Year.

 

Need your Manchester United news fix? Click here for all United news and transfer rumours.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to sell to fund his bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

AS says Ferguson will seek buyers for Anderson and Dimitar Berbatov in order to raise the cash needed to land Benzema.

United are banking on Bayern Munich to offer £20 million for Berbatov, while French trio Olympique Lyonnais, Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint Germain all expressed an interest in Anderson before a knee ligament injury in the New Year.

 

Need your Manchester United news fix? Click here for all United news and transfer rumours.

This is Part 20 in a series of articles on the players that make up the 2010 Los Angeles Galaxy.


In football, the word "Juninho" is a common nickname for footballers whose full name includes Júnior.

There's Juninho Fonseca, who played for Ponte Preta & Corinthians and Brazil at the 1982 World Cup. There's Juninho Paulista, the famous of all the Juninhos, who played for São Paulo, Middlesbrough, Atletico Madrid, Sydney FC and Brazil at the 2002 World Cup.

There's Juninho Pernambucano, who donned the strip of Vasco da Gama, Olympique Lyonnais and the Seleçao at the 2006 World Cup.

And then there's the Juninho who Dan Loney of BigSoccer.com anoints with the epithet of Juninho Carsonista. His real name is Vitor Gomes Pereira Junior, and he dons the strip of the Los Angeles Galaxy, on loan from Sao Paulo FC.

Already Juninho has made an impact for Bruce Arena's club, with two goals in as many matches. His scoring touch and striking ability may still be a work in progress, but the contributions he will make to the team will be a key cog in LA's MLS Cup quest machine.

Vitor Gomes Pereira Junior, who also goes under the name of Vitor Junior, was born in São José dos Campos on January 5, 1989. A sister city of Toulouse, France, São José dos Campos is a municipality located 80 kilometers from São Paulo and 320 kilometers away from Rio de Janeiro.

Many fairs, festivals and expositions are held throughout the year in São José dos Campos, and it is also a popular shopping destination.

A famous face to come out of São José dos Campos is José Vítor Roque Jr. a.k.a. Roque Júnior, who played for Brazil from 1999-2005 and was a fixture for Palmeiras from 1995-2000. The major football club in the city, São José Esporte Clube, competes in the Campeonato Paulista A2, and finished sixth last season.

Juninho began his career with São Paulo's youth side, which also featured the Galaxy's Alex Cazumba and Leonardo. Together, they helped São Paulo earn the U-17 Paulista Championship in 2006. Juninho only made one appearance for the starting XI of São Paulo in 2007 before being loaned out.

In 2009, he was loaned out to Toledo Colonia Work before he was loaned to the Los Angeles Galaxy. He made his debut on March 27, 2010 against the New England Revolution.

Just over three months later, Juninho got his first goal of his career as a professional. In the third round of the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, he scored the second goal in the Galaxy's 2-0 victory over A.C. St. Louis.

It only got better. On Independence Day, as Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle returned to the fold, Juninho's first touch culminated in a lightning strike past Kasey Keller of the Seattle Sounders FC in LA's 3-1 victory.

There is such a thing as blistering Brazilliance. And while Juninho is not on pace to come close, let alone equal, the more famous Juninho in our lifetime, he is making his own niche as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Here's to you, Juninho Carsonista.

Si Franck Montagny (photo) s’était imposé à Jarama, les quatre pilotes français engagés en Superleague Formula ont manqué la victoire au Nurburgring. Montagny, encore lui, et Gommendy sont quand même montés sur le podium.

Parti en pole lors de la première course, Julien Jousse s’est fait piéger au départ et ne terminait qu’au cinquième rang : « Il faudrait qu’on se mette vraiment d’accord sur ce que l’on peut faire ou pas au moment du départ lancé. Ce n’est pas possible si les gars de devant attendent les feux verts de la ligne pour accélérer et que ceux de derrière soient pied au plancher 200 mètres avant… », commentait le pilote de l’AS Roma.

Franck Montagny (Bordeaux), retardé par un mauvais arrêt aux stands lors de la première course, terminait deuxième un peu plus tard : « En course 1, on est resté en piste pour remonter, mais on a calé aux stands, et remis les pneus usés. De toute façon, on n’allait pas se retrouver devant. Si on veut entrer dans les 6 de la SuperFinale, il faut pouvoir être devant, alors on a pris le parti de tenter la gagne sur la course 2. J’ai essayé de mettre la pression à bloc. Tout se jouait sur l’utilisation des push-to-pass, et j’étais à fond. Il n’a pas manqué grand-chose, ça sera pour la prochaine fois ! »

Toujours moins en réussite, Sébastien Bourdais (Olympique Lyonnais) terminait 14e puis abandonnait : « La voiture était trop difficile à conduire en début de course 1 ; on a trouvé la limite de ce qu’on cherchait. Le départ n’était pas trop mauvais ; mais suite à ma sortie, je voyais l’aileron avant qui bougeait beaucoup, donc je suis rentré aux stands pour ne pas casser la voiture. On a gardé les vieux pneus pour en conserver des neufs pour la seconde course et sauver le week-end. Mais ça ne veut pas sourire. Le système de pression pour l’entraînement de la boîte a posé problème en course 2 quand j’étais troisième. On ne pouvait plus élever les rapports. Ça continue… C’est le sport auto. Quand tout va de travers, c’est difficile. Il n’y a pas de malédiction, mais c’est difficile d’être plus noir. Quand ce n’est pas la mécanique, c’est un incident de course, ou une erreur en essayant de compenser… C’est fatiguant. Mais se lamenter ne fera pas avancer le schmilblick !. On va maintenant avoir le temps de travailler sur la voiture avant la prochaine. On la ramène en un seul morceau, c’est déjà ça ! »

Deux Français, pilotes pour des clubs étrangers, se sont qualifiés en Superfinale.

Franck Perera, 4e et 9e : « La première manche était une bonne course. C’est juste dommage car j’avais beaucoup misé sur la qualif. J’étais dans un groupe difficile. Je perds 7 dixièmes dans le dernier secteur, et je rate la pole à 4 dixièmes ! J’ai pris beaucoup de risques au départ. C’est la loi du départ lancé. Les premiers attendent, attendent… Moi, j’ai passé 4 gars au départ. Ensuite, j’ai tout fait pour reprendre Van der Drift pour le podium. Je pense que la deuxième place était possible en partant plus haut. Je vise la SuperFinale, car après Magny-Cours et Bourdais qui me tape ; et Jarama où je perds tout dans les stands, je veux maintenant passer ! »

Gommendy, 9e, 3e et 5e de la SuperFinale : « Le départ de la première course a été un terrible bazar. Certains étaient 15km/h plus vite que tout le monde en franchissant la ligne. Il semble qu’on puisse faire n’importe quoi au départ. Du coup, le premier virage a été agité et j’ai dû aller sur la bordure au départ. J’ai perdu plein de places et ai passé la course à pousser ensuite. J’ai dépassé en piste mais ensuite je suis arrivé sur le paquet et il n’y avait rien à faire. J’espère que le résultat de la seconde course annonce une belle seconde moitié de saison. Si la voiture et l’équipe marchent bien, que l’on trouve les bons réglages, on a montré que nous pouvions être devant. »

Les deux premières courses ont été remportés par Yelmer Buurman (AC Milan) et Alvaro Parente (FC Porto). En Superfinale, Chris van der Drift (Olympiacos) gagne devant Davide Rigon (Anderlecht) et Yelmer Buurman (AC Milan).

Source des citations : Superleague Formula

La Superleague Formula, c’est à suivre avec leblogauto.com

The U.S. men's national team plays Ghana Saturday at 2:30 PM Eastern time in the first knockout stage of the World Cup.

Get up to speed before the match with our preview.

The U.S. Formation

Source: World Cup College

The Ghana Formation (In White)

Source: Zonal Marking

Injury Report

The one big change in the Ghana team the U.S. faced, and lost to, at the last World Cup is the absence of Michael Essien.

This could change everything in this match. The U.S. could not handle his strength and drive in midfield, and should have a better chance to dominate the midfield in this match.

Vital U.S. Player: Landon Donovan

Donovan's goal in match 3 against Algeria secured a first place finish in the group for the side.

It also electrified the country, which is now thoroughly behind the team. He is now carrying the weight of the side on his shoulders, and may have to do so again in this match against Ghana.

Vital U.S. Player: Tim Howard

Tim Howard's composure and leadership at the back in goal will be vital to U.S. progression. His experience at club level with Everton and Manchester United will serve him well in a tie of this magnitude.

Ghana's Best Defender: John Mensah

Mensah, who plays at Olympique Lyonnais, is a no-nonsense center-back. His goal will be to control the U.S. play through the middle, attempting to slow down their counterattacks.

Expect some strategic fouls.

Ghana's Biggest Threat: Asamoah Gyan

Gyan, who plays with Rennes in France, has been his country's prime goal threat throughout the tournament.

Whether that continues in the next game against the U.S. will come down to how the U.S. deals with his incredible pace.

Check out ESPN's video preview of the match

With the ever wise Ruud Gullit.

The Bracket

Source: FIFA

With a win...

With a win, the U.S. will face the winner of Saturday's early match, between South Korea and Uruguay.

Uruguay look the more likely winner. Diego Forlan would be the largest goal scoring threat in that match.

See our full round of 16 preview...

For all our round of 16 predictions, click here >

Join the conversation about this story »

Los jugadores de la selección francesa de fútbol llegaron este jueves a París después del fracaso en el Mundial 2010 en medio de una gran expectación, aunque los "bleus" evitaron el contacto tanto con la prensa como con los aficionados.

Protegidos por un enorme despliegue policial, gran parte del equipo técnico y de los jugadores "bleus" aterrizaron este mediodía en el aeropuerto de "Le Bourget", donde les esperaban numerosos periodistas y una treintena de aficionados dispuestos a expresar su malestar por el triste papel de los jugadores en Sudáfrica.

Escondidos entre los autobuses y los vehículos de emergencias, los jugadores no hicieron declaraciones y algunos tomaron un jet privado hacia sus destinos desde el mismo aeropuerto. Según los medios locales, Ribéry habría tomado un avión privado con destino a Múnich, mientras que los jugadores del Olympique Lyonnais habrían hecho lo propio camino de Lyon.

Por su parte, el máximo goleador de la historia de Francia, Thierry Henry, fue trasladado directamente por un coche oficial al Palacio del Elíseo, donde le esperaba el presidente de Francia, Nicolas Sarkozy, para tener un encuentro privado que, en principio, no debe trascender a los medios de comunicación.

El resto de los componentes del equipo "bleu" fueron trasladados por dos autobuses y bajo escolta policial hacia la salida VIP del aeropuerto. Florent Malouda, el jugador del Chelsea, se había desplazado este miércoles directamente desde Sudáfrica hacia Londres.

Así, los aficionados desplazados se quedaron con las ganas de poder dirigirse a unos jugadores que no han sido capaces de ganar ni un sólo partido en todo el Mundial y que han sido protagonistas de insultos, peleas y hasta de motines.

Esta actuación obligó a intervenir incluso al propio Sarkozy, que ayer se reunió con el primer ministro, François Fillon, con la titular de Deporte y Salud, Roselyne Bachelot, y con la secretaria de Estado del Deporte, Rama Yade, para "hacer balance de la infeliz participación de la selección francesa" en el Mundial.

En un asunto que se ha convertido en cuestión de Estado, el presidente francés exigió "responsabilidades" por el "desastre" de la selección, dio orden a sus ministros para que se encarguen de que los "bleus" no perciban ninguna prima económica, y anunció un proyecto de renovación del fútbol de su país.

Ce week-end la SuperLeague Formula était sous le soleil de l’Espagne. Les français se sont illustrés tout au long du week-end, notamment avec la victoire de Franck Montagny (FC Girondins de Bordeaux) lors de la seconde course. Retour sur les trois courses de Jarama.
Course 1 : Victoire de John Martin
John Martin (Guon Pékin) n’a pas lâché sa première place. Parti en pole, l’Australien s’est imposé devant Yelmer Buurman (AC Milan) et Chris Van Der Drift (Olympiacos).
Concernant les français, Franck Perera (Flamengo) termine 6ème devant Sébastien Bourdais (Olympique Lyonnais). Tristan Gommendy se contente d’une 14ème place.
Parti 12ème sur la grille, Franck Montagny a gagné quatre positions dès les premiers virages suite à un bon départ mais après quelques tours ce dernier rentre aux stands. Le pilote dépité a déclaré que les pièces utilisées sur sa monoplace étaient trop vieilles. Franck a pu reprendre la piste après plusieurs tours d’arrêt, terminant à une 17ème place ce qui permet de partir second sur la ligne de départ pour la deuxième course.

Course 2 : Deux français sur le podium
Franck Montagny a choisi la formule offensive, dès le départ il essaye de dépasser Borja Garcia (Sporting Portugal). Le second tour est le théâtre d’un accident spectaculaire. Partie en tête à queue au freinage de la ligne droit, Maria de Villota (FC Séville) embarque la monoplace de Tristan Gommendy. La voiture de la jeune femme est alors à contre sens alors que le peloton arrive à vive allure. Sébastien Bourdais n’arrivera pas à éviter la voiture et percute les monoplaces de plein fouet. Plus de peur que de mal, personne n’a été blessé dans ce crash.
La Safety Car rentre en piste, Julien Jousse en profite pour prendre le commandement de la course et signe le meilleur tour. Franck Montagny ressort des stands avec 2’4 secondes derrière lui. Les 12 tours  qui suivent sont un duel entre les deux hommes mais Montagny dépasse Jousse au bout de la ligne droite. Franck s’impose devant Julien Jousse et Craig Dolby, offrant ainsi le premier succès au Team FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Superfinale : Victoire de Chris Van Der Drift
Malgré son succès Franck Montagny n’a pas participé à la Super Finale, regroupant les 6 meilleurs pilotes du week-end. Julien Jousse porte donc les espoirs du clan français. Craig Dolby, parti en pole, a loupé son premier freinage, entrainant avec lui Max Wissel (FC Bäle) et Julien Jousse (AS Rome).  Chris Van Der Drift mène la course s’imposant devant John Martin et  Yelmer Buurman

L’actualité dans le reste du sport automobile c’est aussi : Le Mans 2010 : mon analyse du duel Audi / Peugeot , LeMans Classic : la Focus RS revisite l’histoire de Ford au Mans

Let me preface my article by saying I have difficulty calling this team "France," as I am certain all of France right now is having difficulty understanding just what is going on with their national team down in South Africa; how a team as talented as theirs is having difficulty just keeping their composure off the field and has not scored a goal in two passion-less games against Uruguay and Mexico (0-0 and 2-0 performances respectively).

However, the team is representing France, and even I feel sorry for French football supporters to have to go through a disaster as big as this, a team which clearly does not deserve to be in this competition for several reasons, they haven't earned the right to be called "France."

I simply am just baffled at how the French team collectively has decided to act outside of the football pitch, with disgraceful displays that have certainly brought them shame and, I assume, has brought the French public some sleepless nights.

It is not how professionals of any sport should act, and it is not how players who are playing in what is the world's top sporting tournament should act. It simply brings nothing but shame to French football, especially the 23 members of France's squad.

Everyone knows the incident between Chelsea striker and disgraced French striker Nicolas Anelka, and an equally disgraced French coach Raymond Domenech, during France's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico; where, during half-time, a frustrated Anelka lashed out at Domenech, calling him some bad names, which I am sure can't be posted on a family-friendly site such as this.

That incident, which occured in France's dugout, was then leaked out to the media by what France captain Patrice Evra called a "traitor" in France's locker room, and Anelka was then sent home by the French Football Federation (FFF), and then announced his retirement from international football.

The incident then led to Evra calling out France's fitness coach Robert Duverne, whom according to sources out of France, was accused by Evra of being the "traitor." The two had to be broken up by Domenech.

That incident was followed by the sudden resignation of team director Jean-Louis Valentin, who immediately went off to his car, threw his badge to the ground, and left France's training ground. 

Said Valentin: "It's a scandal for the French, for the young people here. It's a scandal for the federation and the French team. They don't want to train. It's unacceptable.

"As for me, it's over. I'm leaving the federation. I'm sickened and disgusted."

Evra then handed a letter to Domenech after the incident, which essentially stated the squad's displeasure witsh the sending home of Anelka, and that the team as a whole would refuse to train during that day's training session.

Here was what the letter said: "The French Football Federation did not at any time try to protect the group. They took a decision uniquely based on facts reported by the press. As a consequence and to show our opposition to the decision taken by officials of the federation, all the players decided not to take part in today's training session."

These are just the latest in what has been a string of disgraceful displays from French football ever since making it to the World Cup final in 2006. Despite having arguably the best collection of talent of all of the 32 nations represented in the World Cup, Evra's assessment that France has become a "small footballing nation" sounds accurate to a degree.

These displays by the 23 members of the France football squad is just the latest black eye in French international football. Of course, Olympique Lyonnais made the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, and provided a saving grace for French football, but the French international football has just been an absolute mess ever since 2006.

Of course, France finished last in a group which featured Italy, Holland, and Romania in EURO 2008, earning only one point in the three games against those three nations. Everyone thought that it would mean the end of Domenech's tenure as France's manager, but instead the FFF decided to retain Domenech.

And then France struggled in World Cup qualifying, finishing behind Serbia in group-play, needing a playoff against a solid Republic of Ireland squad just to qualify for South Africa—a far cry from the days of Zinedine Zidane, Marcel Desailly and Didier Deschamps, when France was easily the best footballing nation in the world.

What followed in the playoff against the Republic of Ireland gave French football a black eye that will take a long time to recover from.

After a 1-0 win in Dublin, France quickly fell behind to Ireland after a goal from Robbie Keane in the 32nd minute of the game. There were no goals for the rest of the 90-minutes of the 2nd leg, and with the teams tied 1-1 with both teams scoring away goals, extra-time was needed to decide who would qualify.

What happened next will never be forgotten by football fans. French player Florent Malouda took a free kick just outside the center circle in the Irish half. He lofted it toward French captain Thierry Henry, who was making a run in the penalty area to Irish goalkeeper Shay Given's right hand side.

The ball bounced once to Henry, now inside the six yard box to the left of the goal. As it bounced upwards, Henry handled the ball twice with his left hand, stopping it from going out-of-play and bringing the ball under control, before tapping the ball with the outside of his right foot past Given standing at the near goal post. The ball travelled the short distance to William Gallas arriving in the middle of the goal, who headed the ball into the Irish net.

There was no scoring for the rest of the extra-time period, and France went through thanks to Henry's handball.

The Irish FA called for a replay of the game, but those calls were given the cold shoulder by FIFA. As a result, France pretty much only went through thanks to an illegal action/play by Henry.

Had Ireland gone through instead of the French, certainly the Irish would have conducted themselves with more class than the French so far, and would certainly have displayed more passion in the first two games than the French.

The fact of the matter, France's 23 squad members have clearly displayed no class and no sense of professionalism during their current World Cup run. Obviously, we all know Domenech is a bad coach, and a coach who shouldn't be managing as talented a side as France, but for Anelka to bad-mouth his coach thanks to his frustrations at how he is being positioned by Domenech, it's a disgraceful incident, and Anelka should reserve some respect for his coach, regardless of how bad Domenech is at coaching football.

I don't care what your rationale is, or who your coach is, a coach should always be respected by the player, and a coach will always be the authoritative figure in the locker room, not a player. For Anelka to just go out there and call out his coach in that fashion, he clearly deserved to be sent home by the FFF, and for France's squad members to support an unprofessional figure in Anelka, well they may have just one-upped Anelka in terms of unprofessionalism and classlessness.

For France to just refuse to train, and to make a stand such as that in what is the world's top sporting tournament, France has effectively disgraced both their nation and the tournament itself. It's a disrespect to the World Cup and what it stands for, and it shows that France's 23 squad members do not have passion for the game, and do not have respect for the game of football.

France faces an uphill battle just to even qualify for the knockout stages. They face host nation South Africa in their group stage finale, who also face an uphill battle of their own to avoid becoming the first host nation to not reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.

France will have to defeat South Africa, preferably by as big of a margain to settle goal difference issues, and hope for both Mexico and Uruguay to not play for a draw. Regardless, if France defeats South Africa, as long as Mexico and Uruguay draw, France will be eliminated, and it will be a disgraceful return home to Paris—more disgraceful than the first round exits in both the 2002 World Cup and EURO 2008.

At least France had the excuse of not having a healthy Zidane in the 2002 World Cup and the misfortune of playing in the Group of Death in EURO 2008. This time, only the disgusting lack of class and lack of professionalism from France will be remembered.

Playing in the World Cup is the goal for many football-playing children all over the world, and for France to act in this manner and disgrace the name of their nation, the World Cup, and the sport of football, shows just how much class and professionalism they have—absolutely nothing.

 

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has signed a two-year contract extension that ties him at Stamford Bridge until 2015.
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The Ghana international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Olympique Lyonnais in 2005 and has since made 116 Premier League appearances, but has not played for his club this year because of a torn hamstring.

The 27-year-old has subsequently been ruled out of his country's FIFA World Cup campaign but says he is delighted Chelsea have shown "very big confidence and interest in me".

He added: "I am looking forward to coming back and enjoying my football and winning more trophies with the club. That is why I am here. I think it is one of the most important contracts in my career." Chelsea won both the Premier League and FA Cup this season and will start next term in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

 

Click here for more Chelsea news and gossip

Amid the zzzzizzing (Yes I know its not a word!) from the vuvuzelas, crowds pack Soccor City and other stadiums beneath the glorious electric blue of the South African sky to witness soccer history - FIFA World Cup 2010.
Although it is Hublot, who is the official timekeeper of the FIFA World Cup 2010, it is Ebel who has crafted the only watch specifically designed for the sport. Ebel has created the first proprietary movement to track football match time. The in-house caliber 245 chronograph movement measures match half times and code named "245" standing for 2 times 45 minutes - even capable of tracking over time. A large 45 minute counter situated at the 12 'o'clock position measures elapsed time while the small disc at the 6 'o'clock position displays hours in periods of 45 minutes. The revolutionary football movement will be housed in Ebel's 1911 Tekton case A signature football shaped oscillating weight is personalized with the football clubs insignia will be viewable via a scratch resistant sapphire crystal case-back as well as the number of the watch in its limited division. The skeleton construction ; alternating satin brushed and polished finishing plus chamfering present a timepiece that is both sporty and elegant. A combination most often hard to achieve. Ebel is passionate about football and is devoted to achieve the honor of becoming the official timing partner of a leading football team in each major market in Europe.

Ebel will be quite selective, only including successful, admired and prestigious football clubs. The creme de le creme of soccer. As in timekeeping, Ebel is looking for teams unparalleled excellence. To date Ebel has already chosen six clubs and in their honor have crafted watches representing their name. All Watches sport a Automatic COSC certified Ebel Calibre 245 movement housed in a 48.50mm case. The Dial is protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal with anti reflective treatment on both sides, thus if the sun is high over the stadium one can still view the dial without the sun reflecting off the crystal.

1) Rangers Football Club or "Light Blues" a Scottish premier Club- won more major trophies than any other football club in the world.
Home Turf: Ibrox Stadium, Glascow Scotland.
Distinctive Rangers Watch Features: Dial is Silver Skeleton baring 12 applied indexes. The band is deep blue alligator with white stitching matching the blue and white colors of the club. Limited Edition of 150 pieces.

2) Real Madrid Club de Fútbol or better knows as just Real Madrid is the most successful team in Spanish Football and was voted by FIFA as being the most successful club of the 20th century having one having won a record 31 La Liga titles, 17 Spanish "Copa del Ray" Cups, eight Spanish Supercups, one Eva Duarte Cup, a record nine European Cups, two UEFA Cups, one UEFA Supercup, three Intercontinental Cups. It is little wonder why Ebel has added Real Madrid to its repertoire of outstanding football clubs.

Distinctive Real Madrid Watch Features include a brushed titanium case with singly piece crystal/bezel construction. Dial is black skeleton with 12 applied indexes. Black alligator band with gray stitching. Limited edition of 500 pieces. Yellow, white, blue accents on the dial matches the colors of the clubs crest.
3) Arsenals Football Club or if you prefer "The Gunners" based in Holloway, North London plays in premier league and is recognized as one of the most successful clubs in English Football winning 13 first division Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups and acheiving the feat of holding the record for the longest uninterrupted period in the English top flight and are the only side to have completed a Premier League season unbeaten.
Arsenals Distinctive Watch Features: Case Material is Stainless Steel with a band of deep blue with white stitching. The silver skeleton dial has 12 applied indexes. This watch too has anti reflective treatment on both sides of its sapphire crystal. The colors on the watch reflect the gold, red and blue of "The Gunners" crest. Limited edition of 350 pieces.

4) Olympique Lyonnais sometimes refereed to as just OL is a Fench Football club based in Lyon. and is one of the most popular football clubs in France. Not surprisingly it is also one of the most successful, the 21st century being. In 2002, the club won their first ever Ligue 1 championship, which began a national record-breaking streak of seven successive titles. Lyon has also won a record 7 Trophee des Champions, four Coupe de France totles and 3 Ligue 2 Championships as well as many other successes doing better in the 21st Century than ever before. The watch Ebel has chosen to represent this Football Club sports a Titanium and black coated steel case; black alligator band with blue lining and blue stitching, sapphire crystal with the antirefelctive treatment. The blue, red and white accentuations represent the colors of the French Flag, the colors on the logo, and the teams colors. Limited to 250 pieces.

5) FC Bayern Munich or better known in Germany as: Fußball-Club Bayern München). It is a highly successful German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is the most successful club in German football, having won 22 German titles and no less than 15 cups.
Distinctive FC Bayern Munich watch features include an attractive sporty techno fiber band; black steel case, black skeleton dial with 12 applied indexes and antireflective treatment on both sides of the saphire crystal. The complete black of the watch represents the Clubs "away colors"

6) Ajax - Amsterdamsche Football Club - is the professional foorball club from Holland, Netherlands. Ajax is a remarkable success story- a two time winner of the FIFA Club World Cup; 4 time European Cup Winner; Ajax is historically one of the most successful clubs of the world; according to the IFFHS, Ajax were the seventh most successful European club of the 20th century. The club is one of the five teams that has earned the right to keep the European Cup and to don a multiple-winner badge.
Distinctive Ajax watch features a black techno fiber band with white stitiching, silver skeleton dial accentuated with red and black representing both the "home" and "away" colors of the team as well as the colors of the club logo which depicts of the Greek hero Ajax drawn with a mere eleven lines to symbolize the eleven players of a football team.
The watch is only available in a limited edition of 150 pieces.

France and Olympique Lyonnais team-mates Jeremy Toulalan and Sidney Govou have been quick to jump to the defence of Patrice Evra, whose position as captain of les Bleus has been questioned …

S’il est un pilote de pointe en monoplace qui n’a pas que des amis parmi ses pairs, c’est bien Sébastien Bourdais. A l’origine du casse-tête de Peugeot pour composer les équipages des 908 HDI FAP aux 24 Heures du Mans (il échoue dans la n°3 avec Pedro Lamy et Simon Pagenaud), le Manceau a confirmé la méfiance des pilotes français à son égard en en « sortant » deux d’un coup à Magny-Cours à l’occasion de la manche française de Superleague Formula.

L’action se déroule au freinage d’Adélaïde durant la deuxième course du week-end. Sébastien Bourdais (pilote Olympique Lyonnais) tente une attaque – que certains qualifieraient de franche et d’autres de suicidaire – et bloque les roues arrière, perdant le contrôle de sa monoplace et venant harponner les voitures de Franck Montagny (Girondins de Bordeaux et équipier de Sébastien Bourdais chez Peugeot) et Franck Perera (Flamengo).

Les réactions des deux Franck sont « amusantes »…

L’incident puis Franck Perera qui interpelle Sébastien Bourdais

L’explication de Franck Montagny

Et les grid-girls en prime !

Heureusement pour les Français, Tristan Gommendy (Galatasaray), neuvième, et surtout Julien Jousse (Roma), deuxième, ont su éviter Bourdais !

Hello, all. A recap of WPS’ Week 6 results right here from American Soccer Minute:   The USSF has announced that the USWNT will be playing Sweden July 17 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. Curses for not being anywhere near Texas, but it’ll be nice to see the WNT in action again this summer.   Another note on the Sweden friendly: FC Gold Pride and the Philadelphia Independence will be playing at almost exactly the same time. And the six other WPS teams will play the following day. I guess there was simply no better time to schedule the match?    Here’s Sports Illustrated’s recap of Week 6 in WPS.   Here’s an interview with Kate Markgraf from the Detroit Free Press regarding the upcoming Germany friendly and being a mother to young twin boys. Think she’ll make the squad?   Not quite sure why this isn’t on CONCACAF’s website yet but Haiti and Cuba join Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana in advancing to the final stage of Carribean Gold Cup qualifying. No official word on when the final round will take place.   World Cup qualifying tomorrow and Thursday. Australia takes on Vietnam in the Asian Games and host country China will be opposing South Korea in the opening matches of the tournament that will also be the World Cup qualifying tournament for the AFC. The tournament will run from May 19 to 30 and will be in Chengdu, China. The top three teams will advance to the 2011 World Cup.   Check out an interesting preview of the tournament from a Chinese perspective.   On Thursday it’s North Korea v. Thailand and Japan v. Myanmar (wow).   In Europe, Ukraine hosts Hungary and England will be visiting Malta. Here’s an article from the BBC about the match, and this is from The Guardian.   There’s also a match going down on Thursday in Getafe. It’s the UEFA Champions League Final between Turbine Potsdam and Olympique Lyonnais. The UEFA site has two features about players from both sides. Here’s an article about Lyon’s outstanding Brazilian holding midfielder Simone. And here’s one on TP’s very-decorated captain Jennifer Zeitz.   That’s all for now.

Cameroon's legend was formed with a quarterfinal run in Italy 1990, but since, the Indomtiable Lions have been anything but. SB Nation editor Richard Farley takes a closer look at the Lions' team for South Africa 2010.

Many's main association with African soccer is Cameroon. It may just be the nickname - the Indomitable Lions - being amongst the best in international football. More likely, it is because of 1990 when they made the quarterfinals in Italy, winning a group that included Argentina, Romania and the Soviet Union, reaching the tournament's quarterfinals before losing in extra time to England. In the process, Cameroon likely romanced the current generation of English-language football punditry, the effects of which may be perpetuating the esteem surrounding Cameroon's national team.

I mention this unfounded theory because it has been some time since the Lions have truly been indomitable. Following 1990, Cameroon qualified for three straight World Cups, failing to get out of their group each time, winning only one of nine matches, scoring seven goals while allowing 19. In 2006, they failed to qualify at all. They did win African Cup of Nations championship in 2000 and 2002, but in three of the last four tournaments they have failed to get beyond the round of eight.

January's Cup of Nations was a metaphor for the entire state of Cameroon football. The "Domitable" Lions lost their opening match to an improving Gabon team before narrowly beating Zambia, with their third match draw against Tunisia allowing them to advance on a tiebreaker. In the quarterfinals they scored the first goal against Egypt though quickly allowed an equalizer and, when the match went to extra time, allowed the match-winning goal within two minutes of the bonus period's start.

There was the idea that bringing in Paul Le Guen, the three-time winner of France's Ligue 1 with Olympique Lyonnais, would bring some focus and organization to the talented underachievers. He seemed to have an immediate effect in Cameroon's World Cup qualifying, lifting the Lions from last place in Group A to eventually claim the quartet's one World Cup birth. But at January's continental championships in Africa, any positive effect Le Guen had instilled seemed to disappear. In four matches, Cameroon's only scalp was Zambia's.

There is a school of thought that says Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, and Nigeria's CAN performances can be written off to the nations not taking the competition seriously, but when two nations with major injury absences make the tournament's final, there are only so many excuses you can afford Egypt and Ghana's fellow African powers.

Until they show otherwise, Cameroon is "domitable."

How They Got Here

Cameroon entered CAF qualifying in the second round, getting 16 out of a possible 18 points in a group that included Cape Verde, Tanzania, Mauritius.

Drawn into a third round group with Morocco, Cameroon looked to have strong opposition for their quartet's only World Cup spot, but when Morocco inexplicably morphed from challenger to pretender, Cameroon suddenly had the easiest qualifying group. Yet, after two rounds (or, one third of the way through Africa's final qualifying stage), Cameroon was last in their group.

Insert Paul Le Guen, who seemed to right the ship with successive victories over previously first place Gabon. Cameroon would finish with 13 points in six matches, earning passage to South Africa with a four point cushion.

How They've Fared Before

Cameroon qualified for their first World Cup in 1982, drawing three times and barely missing-out on the knock-out round. They missed the 1986 World Cup but returned in 1990 to go on the run which still serves as their legacy.

In nine World Cup matches between 1994 and 2002, they won once - a 1-0 victory over a Saudi Arabia team that allowed twelve goals without scoring in Japan-Korea.

There are three notable hold-overs from that 2002 team: defender Rigobert Song, defender Geremi, and forward Samuel Eto'o.

Players to Watch

Samuel Eto'o is the most recognizable Cameroonian footballer, be it on the club level or internationally. He will be a key figure for Internazionale in Saturday's UEFA Champions League fina,l one year removed from scoring a goal for Barcelona in last year's final. For the Lions, he has 92 caps and 44 goals, the latter a record.

With the emergence of Alexander Song in defensive midfield, Jean Makoun should be allowed more room to create. The 26-year-old Lyon midfielder has 46 appearances in the national team, having scored nine goals. The 22-year-old Song, younger brother of Rigobert (the most capped player in Cameroon history), will play a critical role breaking up the play of group-mates Netherlands, Denmark and Japan.

Espanyol's Carlos Kameni can be an asset in goal, but he will have to play much better than he did in at the Cup of Nations. Kameni's errors were a major reason why Cameroon underachieved in Angola.

How Far Can They Get

Cameroon should expect to get out of their group, but it should not shock anybody to see them struggle in their first two matches and finish near the bottom. There are no easy teams in Group E.

Should they meet expectations, they will likely face Italy (possibly Paraguay) in the Round of 16. If there's any year you want to meet the Azzurri, this is it, as the defending champions look creeky and cranky.

Best case scenario, and the Indomitable Lions match 1990's exploits. First things first: Le Guen and Cameroon need to focus on Japan and Denmark, because each nation is capable of beating Cameroon should the Lions replicate their Angola showing.

Schedule

Date	Opponent	Location
June 14	Japan	Bloemfontein
June 19	Denmark	Pretoria
June 24	Netherlands	Cape Town

Provisional Roster

Goalkeepers
Player	Age*	Caps	Goals	Club (Country)
Assembé, N'dy	24	0	0	Valenciennes (France)
Hamidou, Souleymanou	36	40	0	Kayserispor (Turkey)
Kameni, Carlos	26	58	0	Espanyol (Spain)
Defenders
Player	Age*	Caps	Goals	Club (Country)
Abouna, Jean Patrick	21	0	0	Astres FC (Cameroon)
Assou-Ekotto, Benoit	26	4	0	Tottenham (England)
Bassong, Sebastien	23	3	0	Tottenham (England)
Bong, Gaetan	22	0	0	Valenciennes (France)
Boukar, Makadji	26	0	0	Cotonsport Garoua (Cameroon)
Chedjou, Aurelien	24	8	0	Lille (France)
Mbia, Stephane	24	29	3	Marseille (France)
N'Koulou, Nicolas	20	6	0	Monaco (France)
Njitap, Germemi	21	109	12	Ankaragucu (Turkey)
Song, Rigobert	33	133	5	Trabzonspor (Turkey)
Midfielders
Player	Age*	Caps	Goals	Club
Emana, Achille	28	32	6	Real Betis (Spain)
Enoh, Eyong	24	12	0	Ajax (Netherlands)
Makoun, Jean	27	46	9	Lyon (France)
Mandjeck, Georges	21	4	1	Kaiserslautern (Germany)
Matip, Joel	18	1	0	Schalke 04 (Germany)
Mevoungou, Patrick	24	0	0	Canon Taounde (Cameroon)
N'Guermo, Landry	24	17	2	Celtic (Scotland)
Ndjeng, Marcel	28	0	0	FC Ausburg (Germany)
Song, Alexandre	22	20	0	Arsenal (England)
Forwards
Player	Age*	Caps	Goals	Club
Choup-Moting, Eric	21	0	0	Nuremburg (Germany)
Eto'o, Samuel	29	92	44	Internazionale (Italy)
Idrissou, Mohammadou	30	28	9	Freiburg (Germany)
Kouemaha, Dorge	26	2	0	Club Brugge (Belgium)
Pate, Vincent	24	0	0	Cotonsport Garoua (Cameron)
Webo, Pierre	28	39	13	Mallorca (Spain)
Zoua, Jacques	18	2	0	FC Basel (Switzerland)

* - age as of June 11, 2010

France's long, national, soccer nightmare is almost over. Laurent Blanc has confirmed to Bordeaux that he will be replacing Raymond Domenech as France manager after the World Cup.

Laurent Blanc is now the former coach of Girondins de Bordeaux after Sunday's announcement that the former French international would resign from the only club he's managed to take the same position with the French national team after the World Cup.

The club announced toay that Blanc had notified them that he intends to leave and accept the invitation to join French Football, with the club saying they will negotiate with the federation over compensation for the one year Blanc has remaining on his contract:

"Bordeaux have been informed by Laurent Blanc that he wanted to answer favourably to the French federation's (FFF) approaches to become the France coach," Bordeaux said in a statement.

"Bordeaux expect to hear from the FFF on the question of the compensation linked to the release of their coach."

The French Football Federation also released a statement expressing their pleasure with Blanc's decision:

"I am pleased. The past, the personality, the charisma of Laurent Blanc correspond to the profile the FFF is looking for to strengthen the ambitions of the France team after the World Cup in South Africa," FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said in a statement.

"In the coming hours, the FFF will make contact with the parties involved to define the conditions of a deal allowing Laurent Blanc to take the reins of the France team next season."

France will keep unpopular coach Raymond Domenech through the World Cup, where they have been placed into Group A with México, Uruguary, and hosts South Africa.  France's first match of the finals is June 11 against Uruguay.

Blanc's link with the France job strengthened over the last month as Bordeaux, one season after winning a league-cup double in France, fell from first to sixth over Ligue 1's final two months, barely missing out on qualification for European football the same year they make the Champions League quarterfinals.

While Girondins de Bordeaux have expressed their willingness to work with France football on a compensation agreement, the club's statement made it clear that they blame the federation for the team's late season collapse:

"The club wanted to keep Laurent Blanc as coach of the first team until the end of his contract on June 30, 2011.

"Given the special quality of the relationship with the coach during his three years at the club, and the excellent work by Mr Blanc, his assistant Mr (Jean-Louis) Gasset, and his coaching team, FC Girondins de Bordeaux has agreed to talk to the FFF on the question of compensation relating to the release of our coach.

"Despite the damaging statements from members of the FFF, which have undoubtedly affected the end of the 2009/10 season and beyond, FC Girondins de Bordeaux express their willingness to reach a solution acceptable to the club, respectful of its interests and the damage suffered."

Last season, Blanc led Bordeaux to the club's sixth Ligue 1 title - their first since 1998-99 - also winning the Coupe de la Ligue. In this year's Champions League, Bordeaux won their group and beat Olympiakos in the Round of 16 before losing in the quarterfinals to Olympique Lyonnais.

In the wake of that defeat, Bordeaux fell to sixth in Ligue 1, one position beyond qualification for next season's Europa League, a place confirmed when Saturday's loss at Lens was coupled with Montpelier's win at Paris St. Germain, the club whose Coupe de France victory kept Bordeaux's sixth place finish from being a European-qualifying spot.

Blanc leaves Bordeaux with a number of talented assets.  Attacking midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, defensive midfielder Alou Diarra, center halves Michael Ciani and Marc Planus, and goalkeeper Cedric Carasso are amongst the best at their positions in Ligue 1.  The club will, however, have to deal with the departure of forward Marouane Chamakh, who will leave for Arsenal this summer, being out-of-contract with the club.

The club's biggest loss could prove to be Blanc, who inherited a sixth place club and took them to second in 2007-08.  The next year, he would end Lyon's seven year run at the top to Ligue 1, winning the title while closing-out the season with an eleven match winning streak.  This season Bordeaux spent most of the season in first place before their late collapse.

Only 44-years-old, Blanc was still playing at the top level as of 2003, finishing his 20 year playing career with a Premier League-wining spell at Manchester United.  He started his career at Montpelier in 1983 and eventually played for such renown clubs as Napoli, Saint-Étienne, Barcelona, Marseille and Internazionale.  He was was capped 97 times by Les Blues, winning the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship two years later.

Blanc now takes the reigns of a national team that has posted disappointing results since the 2006 World Cup.  At the 2008 European Championships, France was eliminated in the Group Stage, after which Domenech temporarily resigned from his position before eventually being brought back.  In World Cup qualifying, France lost their group to Serbia and controversially advanced to South Africa over the Republic of Ireland in UEFA's World Cup playoff.

Over that time, speculation has surrounded Domenech's roll with France, with French Football eventually affirming the controversial coach would stay with the team through South Africa but leave after the finals.  

Blanc's first competitive match as France's coach will be September 3, when France welcomes Belarus in Euro 2010 qualifying.

In 1997 when Dutch football manager Louis van Gaal took over at Barcelona, he inherited a coach from the Bobby Robson era. His name was José Mourinho. The 58-year-old van Gaal was far from imagining that this would be the man standing between him and European glory 13 years later.

On the 22nd May, in Madrid, FC Bayern Munich and Internazionale will face each other to claim the UEFA Champions League trophy. The two managers will be trying to gain a place in history: one of them will be the third manager ever to win the Champions League with two different teams. Van Gaal achieved it the first time with Ajax in 1995, while Mourinho led FC Porto to victory in 2004.

FC Bayern, who were crowned this year’s German champions, eliminated Fiorentina, Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais to book a place in the final, while the Italian side beat Chelsea, CSKA Moscow and defending champions FC Barcelona to be able to discuss the title.

Van Gaal and Mourinho worked together for three years in Barcelona, winning two Spanish Leagues, a Spanish Cup and the 1997 European Super Cup. After van Gaal’s departure in 2000 to coach the Dutch national team, Mourinho began his career as a manager in Portuguese side SL Benfica. Having learned the psychology of football from Bobby Robson, Mourinho indicates van Gaal as the man who taught him the coaching and training aspects of the game.

Mourinho eliminated FC Bayern with Chelsea in the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. The time has come to see if the pupil has got what it takes to beat the master.

After a summer of lavish spending in 2009, the forthcoming transfer window will be a more restrained affair for Olympique Lyonnais , club president Jean-Michel Aulas has announced on OLTV .

Brazil coach Carlos Dunga has announced his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer. Ronaldinho, who has witnessed a surge of form with AC Milan, was left out if the World Cup squad. This news will be a shocker to many fans who believed he had worked his magic enough to get into the team.

 

Finishing the season with 10 goals and 14 assists in the Serie A was apparently futile.

 

Dunga also omitted Flamengo striker Adriano and Corinthians pair Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, all of whom had faint hopes of making the squad. Two of Brazil's rising stars in Alexandre Pato and Neymar are also staying at home. Although Pato's absence will surprise many.

The core of the team from the qualifying campaign remains though with Luis Fabiano who was amazing heads the attack. There are also call-ups for Tottenham Hotspur keeper Heurelho Gomes, Cruzeiro veteran Gilberto and Wolfsburg striker Grafite who might just be a shock addition.

 

Here is the 23-man squad:

 

Goalkeepers  

Julio Cesar                    Inter
Heurelho Gomes             Tottenham

Alexander Doni              Roma

Defenders  

Maicon                        Inter
Daniel Alves                 Barcelona
Gilberto                       Cruzeiro

Michel Bastos              Olympique Lyonnais
Lucio                         Inter
Juan                          Roma

Luisao                       Benfica
Thiago Silva                AC Milan

Midfielders

Gilberto Silva   Panathinaikos
Felipe Melo      Juventus

Kaka                Real Madrid
Julio Baptista   Roma

Josue               Wolfsburg
Kleberson        Flamengo

Elano               Galatasaray

Ramires           Benfica

Forwards

Robinho            Santos

Luis Fabiano    Sevilla

Nilmar             Villarreal

Grafite            Wolfsburg

 

The bulk of the "usuals" remained, with Lucio, who might taste UEFA Champions League success with Inter Milan, a stalwart in defense.

 

Dunga has a tough task at hand, living up to the hype of controlling this squad and guiding Brazil to a record six titles.

 

 

Redacción deportes.- El italiano Nicola Rizzoli ha sido designado hoy por el Comité de Árbitros de la UEFA para dirigir la final de la Liga Europa, que disputarán el miércoles en Hamburgo el Atlético de Madrid y el Fulham inglés.

Rizzoli, de 39 años, es internacional desde 2007 y ha arbitrado 28 encuentros de la Copa de la UEFA (anterior denominación de la Liga Europa) y ocho esta temporada de la Liga de Campeones, entre ellos el de vuelta de octavos de final entre el Real Madrid y el Olympique Lyonnais, que supuso la eliminación de los madrileños.

El Atlético de Madrid ha sido arbitrado en dos ocasiones por Rizzoli. Perdió en ambas.

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FC Bayerrn Munchen 1 – Olympique Lyonnais 0 Puzzle Game

The task for champions continue.Still no team has been able to defend it's champions league title.Santiago Bernabeu is the host for the final between Bayern Munchen vs Internazionale Milano.Bayern defated Olympique Lyonnais and Inter defeated the reigning champions barcelona.Franck Ribery misses the final due to suspension.It might turn out to be a huge blow.For Inter Thiago Motta misses out due to suspension as well.Lucio gets a chance to meet his former club bayern.This must be a cracker.

Bayern won the first leg in Munich, 1-0 via a wonderstrike from Arjen Robben. Bayern won the second leg as well at the Stade de Gerland 3-0, thanks to an Ivica Olic hattrick.

1. Bayern's midfield dominated the game. Lyon were played off the park; Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mark Van Bommel were first to every ball and Lyon could hardly thread a ball to a player ahead of them thanks to these two "bullies."

2. Hamit Altintop showed last night why he is indeed a top player. He is probably going to move on to Galatasaray, but I would like the club to offer a new contract to him. His work rate is high and he passes the ball well. His speed adds an extra dimension to his qualities. He should have finished off his wonderful display with a goal.

3. The Bayern defense had an easier night than most European nights. Philipp Lahm was very good, as usual. However, Diego Contento really stuck out for me. His little tricks to get the ball to his colleagues were very enjoyable. He should maybe play in the final. Holger Badstuber had a pretty good time as well.

4. Arjen Robben did his bit last night, but the away goals came from another supply this time around. Ivica Olic scored a "perfect hat-trick" to take Bayern to the final in Madrid. He definitely deserves it.

He now has seven Champions League goals to his name this season, just one behind top scorer Lionel Messi. Now, how many of you know that Bayern got him on a free transfer?

5. Lyon were poor; there is no two ways about it. They had few chances and failed to capitalize on those. The Bayern defence reacted a bit slowly at times but got away with it because of Lyon's failings. Maybe next time, the French Football Federation will think twice about postponing a league match to allow teams to prepare for European nights.

6. Cris' sending off was unnecessary. Lyon were already in a dire situation; the referee made it even worse for them. The outcome would have been no different though if Cris wasn't sent off. Lyon were poor and didn't seem capable of scoring last night. They needed a few blasts from Kim Kallstrom, who wasn't in the lineup last night.

7. The Bayern players put in their maximum efforts. Even David Alaba and Miro Klose got involved after coming on. Until the last second, Bayern seemed to want to score another goal and break the record for the largest win in the semifinals of the Champions League.

8. Bayern are yet not given the credit they should be given for making the Champions League final. United were the favourites from that section and plenty of people seem to have a problem with the fact that Munich are into the final. Last night, Andy Gray said that Bayern are beatable despite their convincing performance.

Of course they are beatable. Even Barcelona is beatable, as Inter proved. Sometimes, it would be good to hear some compliments for the phenomenal effort put in by this Bavarian side to get this far.

9. Bayern had a bit of luck in their journey to the final. The "offside goal" in the second round was not exactly lucky though; Fiorentina scored an offside goal in the second leg and this fact seemed to escape everybody, especially Andy Gray's mind.

In the group stages, they outclassed Juventus, and in the semis, they outclassed Lyon. The only time they got slightly lucky was when Rafael was sent off in the second leg against United. And even that red card was an absolutely justified one.

10. Bayern are in for the treble this year. They were in for the treble in 1999 and they ended up with only one trophy, the Bundesliga. They ironically lost to Werder Bremen in the German Cup final; Bremen are their opponents this year. Bayern can celebrate, but they have to watch their step.

Before I end, UEFA have handed a three-match ban to Franck Ribery and Bayern have appealed the decision. UEFA have accused Ribery of "assault." Mr Platini doesn't seem to be too happy with Lyon's exit.

Bayern play Vfl Bochum during the weekend. They are ahead of Schalke in the Bundesliga due to a better goal difference. This is Bayern's second last match in the league this season.

I will end with a quote from Ivica Olic:

"I thought Manchester United was the game of my life, but the semifinal is a great big match too. The vital thing was playing as a team. It means you can enjoy it as a striker."

Manchester United legend Andy Cole hopes manager Sir Alex Ferguson moves for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.

United failed with a bid for the French player, after the former Olympique Lyonnais striker opted to join the Spanish giants in a €35 million deal last June.

Cole told the Manchester Evening News: “I was speaking to Sir Alex Ferguson last summer at his charity golf day and we were talking about the fact there are no No9s around these days.

“There are a lot of No10s, the playmakers who make things happen, about. But traditional goalscoring strikers are few and far between.

“Everyone has got the same dilemma. There are hardly any of them about. I look around the world, there’s Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o in that No9 style, and then I’m struggling to name anyone else.

“Torres at Liverpool is a real old-fashioned English centre-forward. He’s a throwback but you don’t get many of them in England these days let alone from Europe. He is definitely a bit of a one-off.

“Karim Benzema is not identical to Torres but I think he is the nearest you might get to him. I think he is fantastic. He has great ability.

“I know Sir Alex wanted him last summer and if he can go back and try again and the lad decided he’d have more chance at Old Trafford then I think that would be really interesting.

“It’s what United need.”

Date: 27th April 2010

Venue: Stade de Gerland, Lyon.

Let us rewind to the first leg. Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan were both sent off on either side of the half. Bayern lost Danijel Pranjic for the second leg due to a yellow card he picked up during the game. The card was his third of the campaign. Bayern dominated and won 1-0 via another Arjen Robben thunder strike (which took a deflection off Thomas Muller). Lyon might consider themselves lucky to still be in this tie.

Recent Form

Lyon did not have to play this weekend. Their Ligue 1 match was postponed till after the second leg to allow les Gones to prepare for the second leg. Louis Van Gaal was not a happy man when this announcement was made, and very few can blame him. The French will thus be much fresher than Bayern.

The regulations are very strict in Germany where the DFB will not take any excuses as far as league matches are concerned. Bayern thus played Monchengladbach during the weekend. They drew 1-1 at Borussia Park. Marco Reus opened the scoring, while Miroslav Klose equalized late in the second half.

Bayern still have the lead at the top of the Bundesliga. However, due to Schalke's 1-0 victory over basement dwellers Hertha, Bayern's lead had been cut down to zero points and a superior goal difference.

Recent Results:

Lyon:

Bordeaux 2-2 Lyon

Lyon 1-1 Lille

Bordeaux 1-0 Lyon

Rennes 1-2 Lyon

Bordeaux 3-1 Lyon

Bayern:

Gladbach 1-1 Bayern

Bayern 1-0 Lyon

Bayern 7-0 Hanover

Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern

Man United 3-2 Bayern

 

Team News:

Lyon—Cris may not start the match due to a hip injury he picked up in Munich. He will definitely be in the matchday squad. Jeremey Toulalan is suspended due to the red card.

Probable Starting Line-up: Lloris- Revelliere, Cris, Boumsong, Cisokho- Delgado, Pjanic, Kallstrom, Makoun, Bastos- Lisandro

Bayern—Bayern face an uphill task considering the rising number of ill and injured players in the squad. Funnily enough, both Daniel Van Buten and Martin Demichelis were injured in the same match against Gladbach in the weekend. They both made the trip but might not start.

That leaves Holger Badstuber and Anatoliy Tymoschuk as centre-backs. Guess what? Tymoschuk was unable to make the trip to Lyon due to an illness. Miro Klose finally found some form against Gladbach. He made the trip, but is currently suffering from a cold. He did not train at the Gerland on Monday.

On a more positive note, Hamit Altintop trained with the team in Gerland and seems to be fit. Also, Mark Van Bommel and Holger Badstuber will both be available following their suspensions. Franck Ribery and Danijel Pranjic are both suspended.

Probable Starting Line-up: Butt- Lahm, Badstuber, Demichelis, Contento- Robben, Van Bommel, Schweinsteiger, Muller- Olic, Klose/Gomez.

 

Previous (Competitive) Results:

2009-2010 Champions League Semifinals:

Bayern 1-0 Lyon

2008-09 Champions League group stages:

Lyon 2-3 Bayern

Bayern 1-1 Lyon

2003-04 Champions League group stages:

Bayern 1-2 Lyon

Lyon 1-1 Bayern

 

A Few Quotes

This is what Mark Van Bommel and Bastian Schweinsteiger had to say about the match.

Mark Van Bommel:

 

"We always have respect for our opponents.We know Lyon didn't play well during the first game, and I'm sure they want a better performance. They play at home but it won't change anything for us before the game. We won 1-0 in the first game, so we have a little advantage. The whole team have to defend."

Schweinsteiger:

We really want to win this game and go though to the final. We have a small advantage, but we know it is not finished yet. We played last weekend and have some injured players. It was away but we can't say we are tired; there's a final at stake."

"The most important thing is not to concede goals. Lyon play well at home, but we are confident in our defenders. Bayern are not only Franck Ribéry or Arjen Robben. We are a team and we'll give everything against Lyon."

Prediction

I always have a tough time writing this part of the previews. Bayern are unpredictable, and Lyon proved to be unpredictable as well in the first leg. Lyon haven't lost any of their first legs so far; they were however at home in all their first legs. Bordeaux did manage to score at the Gerland.

Looking at history, in 2001, Bayern were hammered at the Gerland 3-0. Ironically, they won the Champions League that year. A repeat of that scoreline will bundle Bayern out. Lyon have players who can trouble Hans Jorg-Butt even from the half-way line such as Kallstrom.

Bayern however, have been mentally very tough in this season's Champions League. Bayern are not looking good in terms of injuries. They have played without many important midfielders in this season's Champions League, but Ribery's absence cannot be overlooked. On the other hand, Robben's presence may outweigh Ribery's absence.

That being said, this is the first time that Bayern might have to play with a defence lacking both Van Buyten and Demichelis.

Bayern do have the advantage from the first leg. If Bayern score twice, the tie could be settled. Bayern have scored twice in all their away games in the knockout phases. Bayern are also different from Real Madrid in many ways. Their mental strength is very different than that of Madrid.

Real missed plenty of chances at the beginning of the game in the round of 16 at the Bernabeu. Bayern have a knack of missing simple opportunities. Will Bayern pay for their missed chances?

Bayern, in my opinion, will need the away-goal magician, a certain Arjen Robben to solve their problems again. And if he doesn't do it, Miro Klose or Mark Van Bommel will. Who knows?  Schweini might have a go as well. If Bayern are overconfident, they can book tickets to a wonderful final at the Bernabeu. They can cheer for Barcelona or Inter in the final.

If Bayern and Louis Van Gaal get it right, the story could be a different one.

This is a tough one to predict. All the odds are against Bayern. So what do you think?

Goal.com invites you to name your best XI for die Roten’s game against les Gones...