Eriksson considers North Korea move

Former England and Mexico manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is to fly to Asia to discuss a possible World Cup finals campaign with North Korea, in what would be a controversial return for the Notts County director of football to the game's biggest stage.

Eriksson will fly to Beijing with his current employer, Notts County chief executive Peter Trembling, to negotiate a potential loan deal to guide the already-qualified DPR Korea through its first finals since 1966, according to the Guardian newspaper.

Given DPR Korea's uncertain standing in the global community, the appointment would likely draw criticism from some quarters. Eriksson has been a headline-magnet already this season since joining the ambitious League Two club as part of the club's wealthy, secretive new owners' proposed revolution.

DPR Korea coach Kim Jong-hun is under fire over concerns his team's playing style isn't good enough to challenge in South Africa next June, despite navigating his side through the tougher of two Asian zone qualifying groups. The nation qualified behind rivals South Korea after conceding just five goals in eight games, but scoring just seven times in the process.

Eriksson has been to the last two World Cups with England, guiding his team to the quarter final stage in 2002 and 2006.

Adopted from http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=685140&sec=worldcup2010&cc=4716&campaign=rss&source=soccernet

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I believe this is a great strategy or decision by North Korea to request Eriksson to coach North Korea at the World Cup. He is a great coach and a lot of experiences in the tournament, therefore able to contribute a lot to long time absenttee North Korea.

However the main problem will be language barrier, insufficient time to train the players to suit his playing style, and eventually the heavy public and news pressure he going to receive when he take over the job.

Actually his appointment really not fair to the existing coach as he worked hard to get North Korea qualified but end up get nothing, he should be given the chance to continue what he is doing currently.

Wenger Won't Spend Profits

Arsene Wenger will not be signing any new players despite Arsenal reporting record earnings for the last financial year.

The frugal Frenchman is believed to have up to £80million to spend should he require, but insists he has no immediate plans to head into the transfer market.

Wenger is happy with the "world-class" players he currently has at his disposal and is not tempted to spend any of the club's recently announced £35million after tax profits.

"There is money to spend but at the moment I am very happy with the squad I have," said Wenger.

"It's not because I'm against spending money; I have nothing against spending money. It is not a personal thing, it is just that I have a squad that is strong enough to compete."

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Olympiacos, he added: "I do not spend money because out of tomorrow's squad is (Samir) Nasri, (Theo) Walcott, (Nicklas) Bendtner.

"People want me to buy strikers, but where do I put them? I don't know. I have to then lose players who, for me, are world-class."

Adopted from http://www.4thegame.com/club/arsenal-fc/news/247477/wenger_wont_spend_profits.html

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I totally agreed with Arsene Wenger that Arsenal currently have a world-class squad and there are several great forwarders such as Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela, and Eduardo plus other players that can play forward such as Theo Walcott, Andrev Arshavin, and Samir Nasri. However the problem is they are too young and lacking of the experiences in front of goals. The current top scorers for Arsenal is Vermaelen (defender) and Fabregas (midfield) with three goals each in the English Premier League. A player can't growth to become very good in a short time, it will take some time especially they are so young.

No matter how, I really wish Arsenal can buy someone that have proven scoring record. It surely will contribute to the growing of the young players. If Arsenal don't want to spend a fortune on the striker, they can consider bring back Henry to Arsenal, although he is getting old, his experiences and skills surely will help Arsenal and the current squad.

Champions League 2009/2010 Season - 2nd Game

After the 1st game, it don't seem like got any suprise scoreline, I think most probably the 2nd game will be the same as well.

This 2nd game will be play on 29 and 30 September.

Champions League - Group A
Bayern Munich vs Juventus - Bayern win
Bordeaux vs Maccabi Haifa - Bordeaux win

Champions League - Group B
CSKA Moscow vs Besiktas - Moscow win
Manchester U. vs Wolfsburg - Draw

Champions League - Group C
AC Milan vs Zurich - AC Milan win
Real Madrid vs Marseille - Real Madrid win

Champions League - Group D
APOEL Nicosia vs Chelsea - Chelsea win
FC Porto vs Atletico Madrid - Draw

Champions League - Group E
Debrecen vs Lyon - Lyon win
Fiorentina vs Liverpool - Draw

Champions League - Group F
Rubin Kazan vs Inter Milan - Milan win
Barcelona vs Dynamo Kyiv - Barcelona win

Champions League - Group G
Rangers vs Sevilla - Sevilla win
Unirea Urziceni vs Stuttgart - Stuttgart win

Champions League - Group H
Arsenal vs Olympiakos Piraeus - Arsenal win
AZ Alkmaar vs Standard Liege - AZ win

English Premier League - 2009/10 - Game 7

The current standing in the chart with Chelsea at the top spot and may be looking for their 7th consecutive win in the league. They are follow by Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City that may look like a new Top 4 this season. Arsenal currently is at 7th place behind Aston Villa and Tottenham.

September 26
Portsmouth vs Everton - Everton win: Actual Score - 0-1
Birmingham C. vs Bolton W. - Birmingham win: Actual Score - 1-2
Blackburn R. vs Aston Villa - Draw: Actual Score - 2-1
Liverpool vs Hull C. - Liverpool win: Actual Score - 6-1
Stoke C. vs Manchester U. - Manchester win: Actual Score - 0-2
Tottenham H. vs Burnley - Tottenham win: Actual Score - 5-0
Wigan Athletic vs Chelsea - Chelsea win: Actual Score - 3-1
Fulham vs Arsenal - Arsenal win: Actual Score - 0-1

September 27
Sunderland vs Wolverhampton W. - Sunderland win: Actual Score - 5-2

September 28
Manchester C. vs West Ham U. - Draw: Actual Score - 3-1

After matches review:
This week, it seem like an individual performance with a lot of player really very impressive and tremendous. We got Torres in Liverpool that scored a hat-trick and show that everyone how great player he is and eventually got a lot of potential to growth. Although Ryan Giggs is 35 years old, with the introduction in the 56 minutes, it totally change the whole game with two assists for all Manchester goals, he also almost scored his own goal. Robbie Keane scored 4 goals against Burnley, how many players can scored 4 goals in a match. Arsenal didn't perform as well as expected especially at the front, however the deputed and young goalkeeper, Vito Mannone played very good, he is full of energy, very accurate in his decision and made several great saves, he really took his opportunity well, hopefully can watch him play again.

Meanwhile for Chelsea, they first lose of the season, eventually the sending off of Cech change the course of the game, I thought they will scored another late goal if not the sending off.

Manchester City winning against West Ham show that they can destroyed the existing Top 4 and replace one of the team in the Top 4. Eventually this season, Manchester City need to compete with Tottenham for this objective, Tottenham also is one of the club to watch.

Italian Serie A - 2009/10 Game 6

Inter Milan is aiming for another great win this week against Sampdoria that lose it first match on this weekday game. AC Milan, Juventus and AS Roma will be looking for a boost this weekend after the previous disappointing games.

September 26
Sampdoria vs Inter Milan - Inter win: Actual Score - 1-0
Livorno vs Fiorentina - Fiorentina win: Actual Score - 0-1

September 27
Catania vs AS Roma - Roma win: Actual Score - 1-1
Chievo vs Atalanta - Draw: Actual Score - 1-1
Juventus vs Bologna - Juventus win: Actual Score - 1-1
Lazio vs Palermo - Lazio win: Actual Score - 1-1
Napoli vs Siena - Napoli win: Actual Score - 2-1
Parma vs Cagliari - Cagliari win: Actual Score - 0-2
Udinese vs Genoa - Genoa win: Actual Score - 2-0
AC Milan vs Bari - AC Milan win: Actual Score - 0-0

After matches review:
This year, Serie A really very difficult to predict the outcome. Even Inter Milan will lose the game to Sampdoria, not saying that Sampdoria is a bad team, but Inter Milan should have the strongest squad than last season, they expected to win more. Juventus still need some creativity in the midfield.

This week also have total 5 draws including AC Milan that draw with last season Serie B champion, another disappointment for the team that still lacking of the scoring power.

Spanish Primera División - 2009/10 Game 5

After the 4th game, currently Barcelona and Real Madrid are at the top of the table with 4 consecutive wins and same goal differences. It most probably going to be another win for them.

September 26
Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla - Draw: Actual Score - 0-4
Real Madrid vs Tenerife - Real Madrid win: Actual Score - 3-0
Malaga vs Barcelona - Barcelona win: Actual Score - 0-2
Valencia vs Atletico Madrid - Draw: Actual Score - 2-2

September 27
Almeria vs Racing Santander - Almeria win: Actual Score - 2-2
Espanyol vs Xerez - Espanyol win: Actual Score - 0-0
Mallorca vs Valladolid - Mallorca win: Actual Score - 3-0
Osasuna vs Sporting Gijon - Osasuna win: Actual Score - 1-0
Zaragoza vs Getafe - Getafe win: Actual Score - 3-0
Deportivo La Coruna vs Villarreal - Deportivo win: Actual Score - 1-0

After matches review:
Barcelona and Real Madrid simply marvelous and basically unstopable, really wondering who in the La Liga is able to beat both of them. Other teams are struggling this season just like Valencia and Atletico Madrid with a lot of inconsistency.

Spanish Primera División - 2009/10 Game 4

After last weekend action, it definitely show that Real Madrid and Barcelona will dominate the league this season, currently only Athletic Bilbao that win all their matches.

September 22
Sevilla vs Mallorca - Sevilla win: Actual Score - 2-0
Racing Santander vs Barcelona - Barcelona win: Actual Score - 1-4

September 23
Atletico Madrid vs Almeria - Atletico win: Actual Score - 2-2
Espanyol vs Malaga - Espanyol win: Actual Score - 2-1
Valladolid vs Osasuna - Valladolid win: Actual Score - 1-2
Villarreal vs Real Madrid - Real Madrid win: Actual Score - 0-2
Xerez vs Deportivo La Coruna - Deportivo win: Actual Score - 0-3
Tenerife vs Athletic Bilbao - Athletic win: Actual Score - 1-0
Getafe vs Valencia - Valencia win: Actual Score - 3-1

After matches review:
Another disappointment match for Atletico Madrid by conceding a late goal and miss a penalty in the first-half. They seem very weak this season and very slowly picking up, they have a great squad by now is failing to win game. For Valencia, yet another disappointment after last week draw. For Athletic Bilbao, finally they lose their first match of the season.

Yet with the score, it shows Barcelona and Real Madrid surely will dominated the top chart without any close competitor except both of them.

Italian Serie A - 2009/10 Game 5

After last weekend action, currently only Juventus and Sampdoria remain unbeaten in 4 matches. Inter Milan and AC Milan most likely want to put aside the weekend lackluster performance behind and perform at their best. AC Milan may struggle as currently still lacking the striker power and creative force in the midfield like Kaka. Sampdoria will face Fiorentina away with hoping 5 matches win in a row and Juventus facing Genoa away as well.

September 23
Atalanta vs Catania - Draw: Actual Score - 0-0
Bari vs Cagliari - Bari win: Actual Score - 0-1
Bologna vs Livorno - Bologna win: Actual Score - 2-0
Fiorentina vs Sampdoria - Sampdoria win: Actual Score - 2-0
Inter Milan vs Napoli - Inter Milan win: Actual Score - 3-1
Lazio vs Parma - Lazio win: Actual Score - 1-2
Palermo vs AS Roma - Draw: Actual Score - 3-3
Siena vs Chievo - Chievo win: Actual Score - 0-0
Udinese vs AC Milan - AC Milan: Actual Score - 1-0

September 24
Genoa vs Juventus - Juventus win: Actual Score - 2-2

After matches review:
Another disappointment for AC Milan, currently they really in a big dilemma after the lose of Kaka to Real Madrid, there don't seem like any players can create opportunity in the midfield and no one can score goal at the forward. They seem like dead-fish after Kaka leave.

Ranieri, Roma manager, will have a challenging season, I predict he will be sack by end of the season. This season in Italian Serie A really will be difficult as all teams are almost equally strong, even Juventus facing problem to win game. Inter Milan did well but only managed to score in the early first-half although they already kill that game.

Italian Serie A - 2009/10 Game 4

Currently is Genoa, Juventus, and Sampdoria at the top of the group with 9 points from 3 games played. Inter Milan is picking up with their winning momentum and is expecting to win this week as well. Meanwhile AC Milan should able to bring their form of the Europa League with 2-1 win against Marsellie. Hopefully AS Roma start winning again after their 2-0 lost to Basel in the Europa League against Fiorentina this week, still got a long way to go for Ranieri.

September 19
Napoli vs Udinese - Napoli win: Actual Score - 0-0
Juventus vs Livorno - Juventus win: Actual Score - 2-0

September 20
AC Milan vs Bologna - AC Milan win: Actual Score - 1-0
Bari vs Atalanta - Draw: Actual Score - 4-1
Cagliari vs Inter Milan - Inter Milan win: Actual Score - 1-2
Catania vs Lazio - Lazio win: Actual Score - 1-1
Chievo vs Genoa - Genoa win: Actual Score - 3-1
Parma vs Palermo - Draw: Actual Score - 1-0
Sampdoria vs Siena - Sampdoria win: Actual Score - 4-1
AS Roma vs Fiorentina - Fiorentina win: Actual Score - 3-1

Review after matches:
Another unconvincing play from AC Milan and Inter Milan although both of them won their matches, however their performance and scoreline really well below their standard. AC Milan need about 75 minutes in the game to score the first goal, once again it show that they are lacking striker to score goals at the front. Meanwhile Inter Milan need to come back from behind and Jose also being sent-off.

Meanwhile for Juventus, they still maintaining their good start of the season with a 2-0 win. For AS Roma, finally Totti proved to Ranieri that he is worthy of the captain armband and spirit of the team after Ranieri told him that he is predictable. Genoa had lost their first match after a series of winning.

Spanish Primera División - 2009/10 Game 3

Currently Barcelona, Real Madrid, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao are leading at the top of the group with 6 points each after 2 games played. This year is expected to be two horses run between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Surprisingly even Valencia is facing financial crisis, they are performing very well at the starting two games. Just the disappointment will be Atletico Madrid that had lost 1 and draw 1 that are way below their standard, they will face Barcelona this week, but somehow I believe they can give us a very surprise result.

September 19
Deportivo La Coruna vs Espanyol - Deportivo win: Actual Score - 2-3
Mallorca vs Tenerife - Mallorca win: Actual Score - 4-0
Malaga vs Racing Santander - Draw: Actual Score - 1-2
Osasuna vs Sevilla - Sevilla win: Actual Score - 0-2
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid - Atletico win: Actual Score - 5-3

September 20
Almeria vs Getafe - Getafe win: Actual Score - 1-0
Athletic Bilbao vs Villarreal - Draw: Actual Score - 3-2
Zaragoza vs Valladolid - Zaragoza win: Actual Score - 1-2
Real Madrid vs Xerez - Real Madrid win: Actual Score - 5-0
Valencia vs Sporting Gijon - Valencia win: Actual Score - 2-2

Review after matches:
The question now is "Whether there is any team in the La Liga can win against Real Madrid and Barcelona this season?". This season really look like going to be two-horse run for the number 1 spot. Other potential competitors are Valencia, Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid that are currently struggling with form and being trashed by Barcelona. Basically Real Madrid and Barcelona is unstoppable with superb performance and consist of great players.

Valencia match is disappointing as they are playing against 10 men on the field and being scored for last minutes goal for the draw.

English Premier League - 2009/10 - Game 6

It had been the Game 6 with current leader Chelsea will play against Tottenham that intend to break the current Top 4. And Manchester United will play against potential contender for top spot this season Manchester City. After Manchester City trashed 4-2 against Arsenal, this match will be another challenge for them as they are without Adebayor as well (that is banned for three matches for stamped on Robin Van Persie). The other key match also involve Everton vs Blackburn, currently Everton is at bottom two with only 1 win in previous four matches, hopefully they can bring their form from the Europa League to the English Premier League this week.

September 19
Burnley vs Sunderland - Sunderland win: Actual Score - 3-1
Arsenal vs Wigan Athletic - Arsenal win: Actual Score - 4-0
Aston Villa vs Portsmouth - Aston Villa win: Actual Score - 2-0
Bolton W. vs Stoke C. - Draw: Actual Score - 1-1
Hull C. vs Birmingham C. - Draw: Actual Score - 0-1
West Ham U. vs Liverpool - Liverpool win: Actual Score - 2-3

September 20
Manchester U. vs Manchester C. - Draw: Actual Score - 4-3
Wolverhampton W. vs Fulham - Fulham win: Actual Score - 2-1
Everton vs Blackburn R. - Blackburn win: Actual Score - 3-0
Chelsea vs Tottenham H. - Chelsea win: Actual Score - 3-0

Review after matches:
The Top 4 had won all their matches, proving that it is still not easy to break the Top 4 especially Manchester City and Tottenham had lose to the existing Top 4. Eventually Chelsea still maintaining their winning streak with another great plays. Liverpool is still struggling to win another game again. Eventually Arsenal is doing very well, now it is whether their youth side can maintain their existing tempo and fight until end of the season without any major injury to their key players.

The match between Manchester United and Manchester City really is a match to be remembered. Personal error, number of goals, and terrific moment really made it as a historical derby match. Michael Owen really scored a wonderful goal with a great position you made himself at, the Manchester City defender must thought the match is going to over after Rooney free kick and didn't stay in position that caused Owen to be free at the area.

Everton also showing their power once more as the 5th position team last season with another great performance after their Europa League match.

FA imposes three-match ban on City star Adebayor

Emmanuel Adebayor has been handed a three-match ban by the Football Association following an incident involving former Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie.

The Manchester City striker was charged with violent conduct after he appeared to stamp on Van Persie's face during a 4-2 win for his side against the Gunners at Eastlands last weekend, provoking the Dutchman to release a strongly-worded statement in which he accused Adebayor of a "mindless and malicious" act.

Adebayor protested his innocence and apologised for the incident, but Manchester City released a statement on Wednesday to confirm that he had ''reluctantly'' admitted the charge.

The FA has now imposed a three-match ban on the striker, starting with the Manchester derby at the weekend, but Adebayor still has until September 30 to contest a seperate charge of improper conduct relating to his controversial goal celebration in the same game, when he ran the length of the pitch to goad the Arsenal fans.

"A Regulatory Commission today [Thursday] considered the charge of violent conduct issued against Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor under the fast-track disciplinary procedure, following an incident with Robin van Persie during their fixture against Arsenal on the 12 September," read an FA statement.

"Taking into consideration Mr Adebayor's acceptance of the charge of violent conduct the Regulatory Commission have ordered that he serve a three-match suspension from all football, commencing Thursday 17 September. A separate charge of improper conduct will be considered at a later date."

Adopted from Soccernet.com http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=677049&sec=england&cc=4716
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I honestly feel that Adebayor well deserved this punishment for his unproffessional attitudes and behaviors. This is a good leason for him to be more proffessional as he is a famous player and his character has give a bad example to people.

A lot of people: players, coaches, supporters, etc have lost respect toward him. He should make a formal apologies face to face to Robin and even Arsenal supporters for his behaviors and actions, he should take full responsibilities for it.

Europa League 2009/2010 - 1st Game

After the start of the Champions League 2009/2010, it will also be the start of Europa League in a new season and new system. The teams in the Cup is not excited as the Champions League but those teams also very strong in their own leagues.

Europa League - Group A
Ajax Amsterdam vs FC Timisoara - Ajax win: Actual Score - 0-0
Dinamo Zagreb vs Anderlecht - Dinamo win: Actual Score - 0-2

Europa League - Group B
Genoa vs Slavia Prague - Genoa win: Actual Score - 2-0
Lille vs Valencia - Valencia win: Actual Score - 1-1

Europa League - Group C
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Celtic - Draw: Actual Score - 2-1
Rapid Vienna vs Hamburger SV - Hamburger win: Actual Score - 3-0

Europa League - Group D
Hertha BSC vs Ventspils - Hertha win: Actual Score - 1-1
SC Heerenveen vs Sporting Lisbon - Sporting win: Actual Score - 2-3

Europa League - Group E
Basel vs AS Roma - Roma win: Actual Score - 2-0
CSKA Sofia vs Fulham - Draw: Actual Score - 1-1

Europa League - Group F
Panathinaikos vs Galatasaray - Draw: Actual Score - 1-3
Sturm Graz vs Dinamo Bucuresti - Draw: Actual Score - 0-1

Europa League - Group G
Lazio vs RB Salzburg - Lazio win: Actual Score - 1-2
Villarreal vs Levski Sofia - Villarreal win: Actual Score - 1-0

Europa League - Group H
Fenerbahce vs FC Twente Enschede - Fenerbahce win: Actual Score - 1-2
Steaua Bucuresti vs FC Sheriff - Steaua win: Actual Score - 0-0

Europa League - Group I
Benfica vs BATE Borisov - Benfica win: Actual Score - 2-0
Everton vs AEK Athens - Everton win: Actual Score - 4-0

Europa League - Group J
Club Brugge vs Shakhtar Donetsk - Draw: Actual Score - 1-4
Partizan Belgrade vs Toulouse - Draw: Actual Score - 2-3

Europa League - Group K
CFR Cluj vs FC Copenhagen - Cluj win: Actual Score - 2-0
Sparta Prague vs PSV Eindhoven - PSV win: : Actual Score - 2-2

Europa League - Group L
Athletic Bilbao vs Austria Vienna - Bilbao win: Actual Score - 3-0
Nacional vs Werder Bremen - Werder win: : Actual Score - 2-3

Champions League 2009/2010 Season - 1st Game

It had been a fabalous season in the Champions League in 2008/2009 when again England teams had dominated the semi-final with 3 teams and eventually Barcelona from Spanish league won the final against Manchester United. Finally this season is going to start that expected to be more exciting with great clubs in good forms such as Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, etc.

This first game will be play on 15 and 16 September.
Champions League - Group A
Juventus vs Bordeaux - Juventus to win: Actual Score - 1-1
Maccabi Haifa vs Bayern Munich - Bayern Munich to win: Actual Score - 0-3

Champions League - Group B
Besiktas vs Manchester U. - Manchester to win: Actual Score - 0-1
Wolfsburg vs CSKA Moscow - DRAW: Actual Score - 3-1

Champions League - Group C
Marseille vs AC Milan - AC Milan to Win: Actual Score - 1-2
Zurich vs Real Madrid - Real Madrid to Win: Actual Score - 2-5

Champions League - Group D
Atletico Madrid vs APOEL Nicosia - DRAW: Actual Score - 0-0
Chelsea vs FC Porto - Chelsea to Win: Actual Score - 1-0

Champions League - Group E
Liverpool vs Debrecen - Liverpool to Win: Actual Score - 1-0
Lyon vs Fiorentina - DRAW: Actual Score - 1-0

Champions League - Group F
Dynamo Kyiv vs Rubin Kazan - Dynamo to Win: Actual Score - 3-1
Inter Milan vs Barcelona - DRAW: Actual Score - 0-0

Champions League - Group G
Sevilla vs Unirea Urziceni - Sevilla to Win: Actual Score - 2-0
Stuttgart vs Rangers - Stuttgart to win: Actual Score - 1-1

Champions League - Group H
Olympiakos Piraeus vs AZ Alkmaar - AZ to Win: Actual Score - 1-0
Standard Liege vs Arsenal - Arsenal to Win: Actual Score - 2-3

2010 World Cup - South Africa Qualifying

There still another 8 months to go for the biggest soccer event every 4 years: 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Currently there are still got countries fighting for qualification for this big event and some countries that qualified are starting the preparation for the event.

African Qualifying
Group A - Cameroon - current leader and still got 2 games to play
The 2008 Africa runner-up is facing tough competition from Gabon (surprise package), Togo and Morocco. However with the experiences and play they have, Cameroon most likely to qualified.

Group B - Tunisia - current leader and still got 2 games to play
Tunisia most probably will be challenge by Nigeria; both nations also have a strong squad. Tunisia had been qualified for every World Cup since 1998 and Nigeria had missed the 2006 World Cup after they qualified for 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cup. This will be a tough call to determine who will be the group winner.

Group C - Algeria - current leader and still got 3 games to play
Surprisingly that the 2008 Africa Champion: Egypt is at 2nd position and only got 2 games left to play. Based on players, I believe that Egypt got the strongest squad with Mido and Zaki that played for English Premier League.

Group D - Ghana - qualified as group leader

Group E - Ivory Coast - current leader and still got 2 games to play
Basically Ivory Coast will be surely qualified, as they only need 1 point from the last 2 games.

Asian Qualifying
Group A - Australia - qualified as group leader and Japan - qualified as runner-up
Group B - South Korea - qualified as group leader and North Korea - qualified as runner-up

Bahrain from Group A and Saudi Arabia from Group B is facing each other in a playoff to get the chance for qualification as the winner will face New Zealand, champion from Oceania for a place to the World Cup. After the playoff - 2nd leg on 9 September, Bahrain won over Saudi Arabia on away goal rule and will face New Zealand.

Oceania Qualifying
New Zealand qualified for the World Cup and will be representing Oceania region to the World Cup. After Australia has convert to the Asia region, it is surely no countries in the region that can challenge New Zealand. Now it is depend New Zealand, whether they can qualify as Australia did in 2006 and 2010 (Asia region).

European Qualifying
Group A: Denmark – current group leader with 2 games to play
Currently Denmark is 3 points ahead of Sweden and 5 points ahead of Portugal and Hungary which are the closest competitors in the group. The surprise is Portugal struggle to qualify and a high percentage they unable to qualify even have the World Player of Year, Christiano Ronaldo.

Group B: Switzerland – current group leader with 2 games to play
Currently Switzerland is 3 points ahead of the closest rivals: Greece and Latvia. Most likely they will qualify as group leader, the play-off position still up for grab between Greece, Latvia and Israel.

Group C: Slovakia – current group leader with 2 games to play
Slovakia most likely to qualify as group leader as currently is 5 points ahead of Slovenia, for the play-off, it will be between Slovenia, Northern Ireland, Czech Republic and Poland. It is quite disappointing that Czech Republic been struggle in the group.

Group D: Germany – current group leader with 2 games to play
There will be only two countries will be competing for the top of the group and the play-off: Germany and Russia. It will be the determination of who will become group leader when Germany vs. Russia match, the winner of the match will be the group leader. Gus Hiddink really incredible coach, he brought Netherland, South Korea, and Australia to the World Cup, now potentially Russia as well, hopefully he will did it again.

Group E: Spain – Group leader with 2 games to play
Spain already qualified for the World Cup, now only need to determine which countries will go to the play-off. Bosnia and Turkey will compete for the play-off; Bosnia will be the most likely candidate as currently they are 4 points ahead of Turkey where Turkey unable to reduce the points when they played each other that only able to achieved a draw.

Group F: England – Group leader with 2 games to play
England had qualified to the World Cup with a fabulous play against Croatia, the same country that prevents England qualified for the 2008 Euro Cup in 2007. Croatia will fail to qualify if Ukraine win their last 2 games as Croatia play one match more than Ukraine and only two points ahead of Ukraine.

Group G: Serbia – current group leader with 2 games to play
Serbia is leading the group with 4 points ahead of France; they only need to win one more match to qualify. Meanwhile for France, most likely will play for the play-off, they only need to win one more match to confirm.

Group H: Italy – current group leader with 2 games to play
Italy started not well in the group but at the end, they will qualify with just one win to retain their title. Ireland also needs one more win to qualify for the play-off.

Group I: Netherland – Group leader with 2 games to play
Netherland won all the matched played; surely they are a country to look out in the World Cup. Norway and Scotland will compete for the play-off.

CONCACAF Qualifying
Currently United States is top of the table, follow by Mexico, Honduras, and Costa Rica that most likely to compete for the Top 3 spot for direct qualify to the World Cup. Meanwhile, the Top 4 spot will play country from South America. United States and Mexico are two countries that always qualify for the World Cup; however Honduras (this year surprise package) and Costa Rica will make their qualification difficult.

CONMEBOL Qualifying
Currently Brazil is at the top of the table; follow closely by Paraguay and Chile, which most likely qualify to the World Cup. Meanwhile still got four countries will compete for the last two places (direct qualify and play-off against CONCACAF country): Ecuador, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Colombia. Argentina is struggling to qualify, eventually the 3-1 lost to Brazil and 1-0 lost to Paraguay seem to make them qualification more difficult. No matter how, Argentina still is a strong team that has a lot of great players: Messi, Veron, Aguero, and many more, without they in the World Cup really a disappointment.

1st Week (15 August 2009) - English Premier League 2009/10

1st Week - English Premier League 2009/10

15 August 2009 will be the start of the English Premier League 2009/10 season that I believe is the most toughest season and a few teams are quite equal and stand a chance to win the league.

Manchester United this season had lose Ronaldo and Tevez to Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively, it surely will reduce the attacking power such as passing and speed of Ronaldo and also goal scoring.

Chelsea just changes manager and eventually no big changes in the team, hopefully with new playing style and strategy will bring them to winning term this season.

Liverpool this season needs to maintain stability and not lose of form in any part of the season. With not much changes in the team, I believe this season they will stand a higher chance.

Arsenal sold two key players this season but then they is a team that never can be underestimated as the young players can always produced brilliant display and Wenger surely know what he is doing although he sell the players.

Manchester City surely is the most looking forward team this season with number of world class players signed. Hopefully they can improve last season performance with longer time for Hughes to make the preparation this season. The most important key for the success is to link all the world-class players to play together, if they can achieve it, surely they will stand a chance.

Aston Villa and Everton always are consistent teams that fight for 5th and 6th places. Hopefully they can continue to produce some brilliant display this season to disrupt and challenge the "Big Fours".

Tottenham, I always admire the manager, Harry, he really is a brilliant guy, I really believe he got a strong team this season, hopefully he can challenge for the top spot as well.

15 August - Matches
Chelsea vs Hull - My prediction: Chelsea win
Aston Villa vs Wigan - My prediction: Aston Villa win
Blackburn vs Man City - My prediction: Man City win
Bolton vs Sunderland - My prediction: Sunderland win
Portsmouth vs Fulham - My prediction: Draw
Stoke City vs Burnley - My prediction: Burnley win
Wolverhampton vs West Ham - My prediction: Draw
Everton vs Arsenal - My prediction: Arsenal win

16 August - Matches
Man United vs Birmingham City - My prediction: Man United Win
Tottenham vs Liverpool - My prediction: Draw

Charity Shield 2009 - English Premier League

CHARITY SHIELD

On 9 August 2009, it is day the English Premier League curtain re-opens starting with Charity Shield between Manchester United vs Chelsea. This season also will see eight clubs will be fighting for the champion: Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa.

The Charity Shield will see Manchester United started the season without Christiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and Chelsea with new manager Carlo Anchestic. Even Man U without Ronaldo and Tevez, they still is a strong team that have great players such as Rooney, Giggs, Berbatov, Ferdinand, Carrick, Scholes, and Vidiz. Sir Alex Ferguson also is a great manager who will continue to bring victory for Man U. Really looking forward for the latest signing from Man U whether can meet into the expectation of Man U.

For Chelsea with Carlo on board, he will bring a whole new playing style that he adapted in AC Milan. He brought a lot of trophy for AC Milan before. With his experiences, he surely will bring something new to the club. Chelsea still consist a lot of world class players especially the midfield with Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Deco, and Malouda.

Based on my prediction, the 90 minutes will draw 1-1 all and Manchester United will win the match. Chelsea got great players and manager but Carlo still new at the club, he may take some time to eventually build the club into the winning club with creating the harmony among all those great players. No matter how, Manchester United still have great teamwork among all the players especially they have been playing together with each other for a long time.

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Actual Result: 2-2 draw Penalty Shoot-Out: 1-4 (Chelsea)
Chelsea: 52 min. R. Carvalho & 71 min. F. Lampard
Man U: 10 min. Nani & 90 min. W. Rooney

From the match, from my opinion, Man U is the better side compare to Chelsea. The Chelsea 2nd goal shouldn't be counted as Ballack is foul and the player is on the floor struggling, all the Man U players also calling for Chelsea player to put the ball "out of play". Eventually Chelsea players continue with the play, I really disagreed with that, it also destroy the "fair play" concept and that goal should be disallowed. From a different opinion, Chelsea player is just playing as usual and they also won't know whether Man U player is actually injure or not because nowadays really got a lot of players like to fake injury. It is also be fair that Man U 2nd goal also appear to be offside.

This season will be a very exciting as no team is look like a clear winner and it will be a battle between a few major clubs.

Platini Slams Excessive Ron Deal

UEFA president Michel Platini has criticised Real Madrid for their "excessive" deal for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Spanish giants have broken the world transfer record twice this week by signing Kaka and now Ronaldo and Platini believes the deals are a threat to football's fairness.

Platini said: "These excessive transfers are happening almost every day.

"These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fair play and the concept of financial balance in our competitions.

"UEFA is working hard with clubs to set up a new set of rules as soon as it is possible to clean up the system and give it a more solid, more transparent base.

"That is our top priority today."

Adoped from http://www.4thegame.com/club/manchester-united-fc/news/238711/platini_slams_excessive_ron_deal.html

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I agreed with Platini, this can't be continue, it is ridiclous to sign only one player for 80 million pound. How many clubs able to do that?

The reason behind all this is because some owner use their own money to pump into the club and spend that caused the club to have massive of debt and need to sell players at high price to cover the debt. Some club spoit the transfer market by offering over the market price for some players especially the club had high financial support, other clubs take advantage to increase their players price as well.

I think this season, Manchester City will become the 2nd highest spender in the transfer market after Real Madrid.

Manchester United Accept Ronaldo Bid

Manchester United have accepted a world record £80million bid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal international has been given permission to talk to Real after United recieved an £80million unconditional offer.

A statement on United's official website reads: "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid."

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.

Adopted from 4thegame website: http://www.4thegame.com/club/manchester-united-fc/news/238643/united_accept_ronaldo_bid.html

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Actually how Real Madrid come out with that sum of money?? They already brought Kaka from AC Milan for 59 million pound, now they want to buy Ronaldo for 80 million pound.

I think once Ronaldo go over to Real Madrid, they will have the best midfields in the team compare to all the club around the world.

Hopefully they still will use Raul as their forward, he is my favourite player.

2008/2009 Champions

UEFA Champion League 2008/2009 - FC Barcelona

UEFA Cup 2008/2009 - Shakhtar Donetsk

England - Barclay English Premier League 2008/2009 - Manchester United

Spain - La Liga 2008/2009 - FC Barcelona

Italy - Serie A 2008/2009 - Inter Milan


Germany - Bundesliga 1 2008/2009 - Vfl Wolfsburg


France - Ligue 1 2008/2009 - Bordeaux


Scotland - Premier League 2008/2009 - Rangers


Netherlands - Eredivisie 2008/2009 - AZ Alkmaar

UEFA Champions League 2008/2009

This season contenders for the UEFA Champions League are strong. Next week, we can watch the most exciting teams competing with each other.

Barcelona vs Chelsea
Manchester United vs Arsenal

Barcelona this season is very lightly becoming the champion in the Spanish La Liga League. Currently they are in top form and have a great scoring record of 92 goals scored in La Liga with their top scorers: Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, and Thierry Henry that can score anywhere. Even Chelsea only scored 55 goals in the English Premier League. This season Barcelona have the best attacking team and they are highly tip to win the Champions League. However they still need to ensure their defending is as well as their attacking.

Chelsea suffers an inconsistency form early in the season however their fortune changes when Guus Hiddink took over. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard finally found back their best form and the team is start winning. However the question is: It is too late? The unsure future of Guus Hiddink at the club will harm the momentum and harmony of the team?

Manchester United clearly look more vulnerable than last season, however they still show their champion playing style. Although their top players' forms look like dipping down, Sir Alex Ferguson still is a great coach and able to motivate the team back to top form.

Arsenal got a superb young team, the important question is: Whether the young team can cope with the pressure of the game especially against the big club and in a huge and different environment? Arsenal can't go another year without any trophy; the pressure is high on the player and manager.

For my own opinion, I feel this year final will between Barcelona and Manchester United and Barcelona winning the trophy. Hopefully Henry will win the Champions League at last. It is unlikely to have all England teams final again especially when Barcelona is so strong and Chelsea is just recover.

English Premier League 2008/2009 - 5 More Games Left

The English Premier League - season 2008/2009 is coming for the closing. The Champion is almost appearing.

Currently there are only 5 more games left to be play and Manchester United is clearly would be the champion for another year. They are 74 points, 3 points more than Liverpool with 1 game on hand. Liverpool once again show their inconsistency, they are superb in the early of the season but go down in the mid of the season and currently are picking up but eventually it is too late.

For Chelsea, it is clear that they had improve since Guus Hiddink took over the manager over, however if he leave the position next season, Chelsea will face an uncertain season again. Hopefully he can continue the position and show the real Chelsea.

Arsenal really got a superb young team and players, however if got any players leave the club again next season, they will suffer again without any trophy for another season. They really need to maintain the current team and strengthen the defense area and they can compete for the champion next season.

The Top Four maintain for another season, until now, no other team can break into this. The only team can compete this season is Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham, however Aston Villa can't maintain their form until end of the season and basically Manchester City and Tottemham have their worst season of all. Both of the teams have great players but never deliver until end of the season.

The European Cup position, sure will go to Aston Villa and Everton, hopefully next season, Everton won't went out of the competition early and Aston Villa won't give up the competition for the sake of Champion League position and fielding a 2nd string team.

It seem that the relegation battle will between West Brom, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Blackburn, Hull City and Sunderland. Personally, I feel that West Brom and Middlesbrough is guaranteed to go down, maybe Hull City will follow as well. Newcastle don't deserve to be at that position, hopefully Alan Shearer can show his magic and bring out the team from the relegation by winning the last 5 games.

End of December 2008 - Barclay English Premier League Standing

Current Standing (as on 31 December 2008)
1. Liverpool - 45
2. Chelsea - 42
3. Manchester United - 38
4. Aston Villa - 38
5. Arsenal - 35
6. Everton - 32
7. Wigan Athletic - 28
8. Hull City - 27
9. Fulham - 26
10. West Ham United - 25
11. Bolton Wanderers - 23
12. Portsmouth - 23
13. Manchester City - 22
14. Newcastle United - 22
15. Sunderland - 22
16. Tottenham Hotspur - 20
17. Middlesbrough - 20
18. Stoke City - 20
19. Blackburn Rovers - 18
20. West Bromwich Albion - 18

After Aston Villa vs. Hull City match ended, the year 2008 ending "Top 4" had been finalized. With Liverpool leading the pack by third points more than Chelsea and seven points more than Manchester United (still got two games on hand). The year 2008 had developed a new power house to fight for the Top 4 which is Aston Villa that being turn fortune by Martin O'Neil that first took over a Top 10 side and with the smallest team in Premier League and less funding than any other club. This year, Aston Villa had proved to everyone that they are capable to fight for "Top 4" with consistent performance especially Ashley Young, Gareth Barry, Martin Laursen and Brad Friedel is "The Star" for the team. Hopefully none of them will get injury because in the team, there is lack of quality player that can replace them unlike the quality in Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The most disappointment of the previous "Top 4" will be Arsenal; the young team finally took a tow by suffering inconsistency performance and No.5 position by end of 2008. There is a lack of experience and motivation in the team. With the lose of Mathieu Flamini (4 years with Arsenal) and Alexander Helb (3 years with Arsenal), the midfield had leave a big gap to be fill. Although they signed the highly rated attacking midfield Samir Nasri from Marseille and Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff City, the lack of experiences through their age 21 and 18 respectively and new in the team, won't help them adapt to the team tactics and chemistry as soon as possible. The disappoint player is Gael Clichy that several bad defending and clearance that contribute to opposition side scoring a goal. The best performance player will be Manuel Almunia that finally prove to everyone that he deserve to be in the team.

2008 really got a lot of surprise that including good and bad. The surprising will be the performance of Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rover. They all deserve to be in the Top 10, however currently they are struggling to avoid the relegation zone. The players that had is consider as world class players however the performance they showed really disappointing. The most surprising will be Tottenham that struggle since the early of the season however with Harry Redknapp on board, they also had a change of fate with climbing up the standing very quickly starting with a win over Liverpool that boost their confident.

The most likely Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton will fight to finish Top 6, 7 and 8 respectively in 2008/2009 season. Manchester City will boost by the funding given by the Middle East owner with purchase of powerhouse players to change the fate of the club in the January Transfer Window. Then for Tottenham, finally Harry Redknapp can get the chance to bring players that he needed to fill the gap leaving at the club especially a striker that Jermaine Defoe and Emile Heskey are the key transfer targets. Everton still show us that they are a Top 10 club with the consistent performance.

This year relegation strugglers are most likely be West Brom, Stoke City, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Portsmouth. West Brom and Stoke City is most likely to be relegated by looking at their performance and the player quality (new in premiership and age of the player). Meanwhile for Sunderland, Middlesbrough, West Ham and Portsmouth, all the players are experiences and international represent their countries, however giving a lack of experiences in term of manager. Tony Adams, Gianfranco Zola and Gareth Southgate are lack of experiences to handle a team in Premier League especially the demand and pressure in the league is getting much more higher, they may lack of the experiences to handle it although they are ex-players for great clubs. Meanwhile it is disappointing to see Roy Keane leave the club which the season should be the greatest team they had build with all the new signing however they unable to "click" together in a short time to build success to be club.

2008/2009-season title contender will more likely to be among Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. However it is most likely to be Liverpool with this season are the less changes in the club players compare to the changes in other seasons. They only added Albert Riera from Espanyol (Spain) to be left midfield section that they are lack of players and he is performing very well for the club by scoring 2 goals already. Meanwhile for Manchester United and Chelsea, there is too many controversy in the clubs internally that unable them to focus on the title. Cristiano Ronaldo had been consistently being link with Real Madrid, Carlos Tevez had been complaining on lack of first team action and contract issue, and Dimitar Berbatov had been struggling to prove his worthy to the club and combining with the other players: Wayne Rooney, Ronald and Tevez in front of goal. For Chelsea, currently there is news that senior players in the club are critic Luiz Felipe Scolari tactics especially Didier Drogba had clearly critic him in the public and the future of him in the club also in doubt by linking with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

Season 2008/2009 Prediction
Champion: Liverpool
Top 4: Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal
Relegation: Stoke City, West Brom and Middlesbrough