19-year-old Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has officially been ruled out, a scan confirmed. The winger had been injured in the England B match against Albania , which England won 3-1. This means that he will be ruled out of England's friendly against Brazil at Wembley, and also the much more crucial match against Estonia at Turinn. This makes it even more likely that David Beckham, who was recalled by Steve McClaren on Saturday, will play both the matches.
Lennon has everything a left-winger needs - pace, power and pin-point crossing abilities. He looks set to be the Arjen Robben or Ryan Giggs of England. This could be a big blow as he suits striker Peter Crouch, and without him, Crouch would be weaker.
27 May 2007
Celtic win double
Celtic defeated Dunfermline 1-0 owing to a late goal by Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe in front of 50,000 people at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup final. Having won the Scottish Premier League already, Celtic ensured that they won a domestic double. They had earlier been knocked out in the first knockout round of the Champions League by champions AC Milan.
It was Perrier-Doumbe's first goal for his side, and it came at the 85th minute of normal time. Dunfermline had earlier been relegated, and were desperate to end a 40-year-old wait for the Scottish Cup. Neil Lennon, Celtic captain, ended his career on a high by lifting the trophy.
Celtic manager Stratchan felt that they deserved the win.
It was Perrier-Doumbe's first goal for his side, and it came at the 85th minute of normal time. Dunfermline had earlier been relegated, and were desperate to end a 40-year-old wait for the Scottish Cup. Neil Lennon, Celtic captain, ended his career on a high by lifting the trophy.
Celtic manager Stratchan felt that they deserved the win.
Barca in talks with Henry
Spanish Primera Liga champions Barcelona are in talks with Arsenal captain and star French striker Theirry Henry, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, which quoted what it called a reliable Barca source saying that they were in talks with Henry.
If the French striker, who has already sworn the rest of his career to Arsenal, does go to Barca, it will be for a huge transfer fee, and will add to the club's already formidable offensive players.
Lionel Messi is extremely promising and Sameul Eto'o and Ronaldinho have already proven themselves as brilliant players with a great eye for goal. Adding Henry to this list would probably make Barca invincible offensively. The only other superstars they would lack then are Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba.
However, Henry has repeatedly said asserted his desire to remain at Arsenal, so it does not seem likely.
Arsenal suffered at the end of the season due to Henry's injury, and failed to score on several occasions, a highly unusual predicament for the club that was undefeated in the Premiership in the 2003-04 season. They went without any trophies again, two years in a row. They lost in the League Cup finals to Chelsea, lost in the 5th round of the FA Cup, finished 4th in the league, and were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16.
If the French striker, who has already sworn the rest of his career to Arsenal, does go to Barca, it will be for a huge transfer fee, and will add to the club's already formidable offensive players.
Lionel Messi is extremely promising and Sameul Eto'o and Ronaldinho have already proven themselves as brilliant players with a great eye for goal. Adding Henry to this list would probably make Barca invincible offensively. The only other superstars they would lack then are Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Didier Drogba.
However, Henry has repeatedly said asserted his desire to remain at Arsenal, so it does not seem likely.
Arsenal suffered at the end of the season due to Henry's injury, and failed to score on several occasions, a highly unusual predicament for the club that was undefeated in the Premiership in the 2003-04 season. They went without any trophies again, two years in a row. They lost in the League Cup finals to Chelsea, lost in the 5th round of the FA Cup, finished 4th in the league, and were knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16.
Wales vs. New Zealand: 2-2
Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy equalised for Wales twice in an international friendly where all the goals were scored in the first half. Bellamy had earlier revealed that he was feeling disappointed after Liverpool's loss to Milan in the Champions League leading to a season without any trophies for the Reds. He appears to have put that behind him with a good performance against New Zealand.
New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz also scored two goals for his country in front of a small crowd of 7,000. He opened the scoring after just 2 minutes, but Bellamy cancelled it out after 18 minutes. Smeltz's second goal after 24 minutes was also cancelled out by Bellamy, who equalised again in the 38th minute.
New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz also scored two goals for his country in front of a small crowd of 7,000. He opened the scoring after just 2 minutes, but Bellamy cancelled it out after 18 minutes. Smeltz's second goal after 24 minutes was also cancelled out by Bellamy, who equalised again in the 38th minute.
Chelsea ranked in UEFA top eight
Chelsea is a top-seeded UEFA club now for the next season's Champions League. This long-due status will ensure that Chelsea won't face another top seeded club next season in the group stages of the Champions League like they faced Barcelona (2007) and Liverpool (2006), both of whom were the champions when Chelsea faced them. Chelsea climbed from 14th to 7th in the ratings, and are now tied with bitter Premiership rivals Manchester United at that spot.
This was no surprise following another great season for Chelsea where they won the Carling Cup and the FA Cup, finished second in the league and were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties in the semifinal stage.
The current UEFA ratings for the top 8 are: 1 AC Milan; 2 Barcelona; 3 Liverpool; 4 Inter Milan; 5 Arsenal; 6 Real Madrid; 7 Chelsea, Manchester United.
Chelsea are the only club in the top eight who have not yet won a Champions League title.
This was no surprise following another great season for Chelsea where they won the Carling Cup and the FA Cup, finished second in the league and were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties in the semifinal stage.
The current UEFA ratings for the top 8 are: 1 AC Milan; 2 Barcelona; 3 Liverpool; 4 Inter Milan; 5 Arsenal; 6 Real Madrid; 7 Chelsea, Manchester United.
Chelsea are the only club in the top eight who have not yet won a Champions League title.
Hreidarsson to Portsmouth: transfer report
Player: Hermann Hreidarsson
From: Charlton Athletic
To: Portsmouth
Fee : Free
32-year-old Icelander Hermann Hreidarsson exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Charlton on a free transfer if they were relegated to become Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp's next big free signing.
Redknapp had only two days ago signed Distin, the highly rated French centreback for free on a three-year-contract. Now, he has further strengthened his defensive ranks with Hreidarrson.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, had a brilliant start to the season, and after the first 10 games, were third only behind Manchester United and Chelsea, but threw it away towards the end, failing to reach a UEFA Cup spot. They finished at 54 points in 9th place, 2 points behind Bolton, who took the last European spot. With these additions, it does look as if Harry Redknapp's side is trying to join the ranks of Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fifth and are looking to break into the top four, and depose Arsenal or Liverpool, who both went without any trophies this season.
From: Charlton Athletic
To: Portsmouth
Fee : Free
32-year-old Icelander Hermann Hreidarsson exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Charlton on a free transfer if they were relegated to become Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp's next big free signing.
Redknapp had only two days ago signed Distin, the highly rated French centreback for free on a three-year-contract. Now, he has further strengthened his defensive ranks with Hreidarrson.
Redknapp told the club's website: "I've always liked Hermann. I tried to buy him before and I'm delighted he's now here at Portsmouth.
"He's got great experience at Premier League level, he's big, quick, very good in the air and a good competitor. He can play at left-back and in the centre of defence so he gives us plenty of options."
Portsmouth, meanwhile, had a brilliant start to the season, and after the first 10 games, were third only behind Manchester United and Chelsea, but threw it away towards the end, failing to reach a UEFA Cup spot. They finished at 54 points in 9th place, 2 points behind Bolton, who took the last European spot. With these additions, it does look as if Harry Redknapp's side is trying to join the ranks of Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fifth and are looking to break into the top four, and depose Arsenal or Liverpool, who both went without any trophies this season.
Distin to Portsmouth:Transfer report
Player: Sylvain Distin
From: Manchester City
To: Portsmouth
Fee: Free
29-year-old defender Sylvain Distin has left Manchester City and joined Portsmouth on a free transfer. The highly rated French centreback signed a three-year contract with the club, claiming that he needed a "fresh challenge". This was not the first time Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has tried to sign Distin. Last season, however, Distin opted to see out the last year of his contract at Manchester City.
Redknapp had beaten off bids from several sides, including Liverpool, who came up with a late bid, to sign Distin. His relief was imminent.
Redknapp said: "Thankfully we struck an agreement with Sylvain and I am really pleased we've got him.
"Last year when we showed an interest in him his price was five million so to get him for free has got to be great business for the club.
"I have been an admirer for a long time. He's a fantastic player, left-sided and good in the air and very powerful."
Distin said it had been a tough decision to leave the club.
"I was five years at Manchester City and made a lot of friends there. But you have got to have ambition and for me that means trying to push for Europe. Portsmouth are capable of doing that, more than capable, and that's why I am here.
"When you are on a free transfer you are going to get a lot of offers but this is the one I wanted to take."
Distin added: "Harry Redknapp was a big influence. I like the way his team plays and this is definitely a club on the way up."
From: Manchester City
To: Portsmouth
Fee: Free
29-year-old defender Sylvain Distin has left Manchester City and joined Portsmouth on a free transfer. The highly rated French centreback signed a three-year contract with the club, claiming that he needed a "fresh challenge". This was not the first time Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has tried to sign Distin. Last season, however, Distin opted to see out the last year of his contract at Manchester City.
Redknapp had beaten off bids from several sides, including Liverpool, who came up with a late bid, to sign Distin. His relief was imminent.
Redknapp said: "Thankfully we struck an agreement with Sylvain and I am really pleased we've got him.
"Last year when we showed an interest in him his price was five million so to get him for free has got to be great business for the club.
"I have been an admirer for a long time. He's a fantastic player, left-sided and good in the air and very powerful."
Distin said it had been a tough decision to leave the club.
"I was five years at Manchester City and made a lot of friends there. But you have got to have ambition and for me that means trying to push for Europe. Portsmouth are capable of doing that, more than capable, and that's why I am here.
"When you are on a free transfer you are going to get a lot of offers but this is the one I wanted to take."
Distin added: "Harry Redknapp was a big influence. I like the way his team plays and this is definitely a club on the way up."
Fabianski to Arsenal:transfer report
Player : Luis Fabianski
From: Legia Warsaw
To: Arsenal
Fee: Undisclosed
Poland goal keeper Luis Fabianski has completed his transfer to Arsenal after signing a lifetime contract with the Gunners. Fabianski is only 22 years old, and is regarded by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as "a fine prospect for the future." Fabianski found a place in the Polish World Cup team and has played four matches for his country. He was voted the best keeper in the Polish League for the past two years.
He will be competing with veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for a spot in Arsenal's first team. Lehmann, 37, wanted a 3-year contract extension, but the club initially only offered him a one year deal, leading to speculation that Wenger plans to replace him with someone. Fabianski is well-suited for the role.
In Fabianski's words: "I am delighted to be joining Arsenal. They are a great club with many world class players and I am really looking forward to meeting my new team mates.
From: Legia Warsaw
To: Arsenal
Fee: Undisclosed
Poland goal keeper Luis Fabianski has completed his transfer to Arsenal after signing a lifetime contract with the Gunners. Fabianski is only 22 years old, and is regarded by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger as "a fine prospect for the future." Fabianski found a place in the Polish World Cup team and has played four matches for his country. He was voted the best keeper in the Polish League for the past two years.
He will be competing with veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for a spot in Arsenal's first team. Lehmann, 37, wanted a 3-year contract extension, but the club initially only offered him a one year deal, leading to speculation that Wenger plans to replace him with someone. Fabianski is well-suited for the role.
In Fabianski's words: "I am delighted to be joining Arsenal. They are a great club with many world class players and I am really looking forward to meeting my new team mates.
"Arsenal is one of the biggest and best clubs in Europe and I hope that I can help the team win trophies in the future."
Stuttgart miss out on double
Nurnberg defeated Bundesliga champions Stuttgart 3-2 in the German Cup final to destroy Stuttgart's double dream. Stuttgart's loss was similar to the losses of Serie A and English Premier League champions Inter Milan and Manchester United in their cup finals. Inter lost 7-4 on aggregate to second-placed AS Roma in their cup final while Manchester United were edged out by second-placed Chelsea, who scored 26 minutes into extra time to gain a small measure of revenge for Manchester United taking away their title.
It was an entertaining affair with Stuttgart leading after 20 minutes through Jeronimo Baretto Cacau. Nurnberg equalised 7 minutes later and went on to take a 2-1 lead a couple of minutes after the break.
Never to be undone, Stuttgart's Pavel Pardo converted a penalty 10 minutes before full time. Full time turned into extra time, and 19 minutes into extra time, Kristiansen gave Nurnberg the lead. Nurnberg held on for a nail-biting 10 minutes to take the cup.
It was an entertaining affair with Stuttgart leading after 20 minutes through Jeronimo Baretto Cacau. Nurnberg equalised 7 minutes later and went on to take a 2-1 lead a couple of minutes after the break.
Never to be undone, Stuttgart's Pavel Pardo converted a penalty 10 minutes before full time. Full time turned into extra time, and 19 minutes into extra time, Kristiansen gave Nurnberg the lead. Nurnberg held on for a nail-biting 10 minutes to take the cup.
Deschamps resigns at Juve
Juventus manager Didier Deschamps resigned as manager only hours after leading them to the Serie B title. The former France captain watched his team beat Mantova 2-0 to take the title.
A statement on the club's website read, "Juventus Football Club and Didier Deschamps have mutually terminated their contractual relationship that gave them both satisfaction, enthusiasm and success.
"The coach and the club have recognised that the conditions necessary to continue their relationship with the same satisfaction are lacking, and therefore have decided to amicably separate."
There are differences between the club and the coach, who wants more money to spend after promoting Juventus who were relegated due to their role in the Calciopoli scandal .
It is rumoured that Italian World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi might take charge of Juventus, while Didier Deschamps is reported to be a target of Olympique Lyonnais, the French Ligue 1 champions, whose own boss Gerard Houllier took charge of his final game on Saturday.
A statement on the club's website read, "Juventus Football Club and Didier Deschamps have mutually terminated their contractual relationship that gave them both satisfaction, enthusiasm and success.
"The coach and the club have recognised that the conditions necessary to continue their relationship with the same satisfaction are lacking, and therefore have decided to amicably separate."
There are differences between the club and the coach, who wants more money to spend after promoting Juventus who were relegated due to their role in the Calciopoli scandal .
It is rumoured that Italian World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi might take charge of Juventus, while Didier Deschamps is reported to be a target of Olympique Lyonnais, the French Ligue 1 champions, whose own boss Gerard Houllier took charge of his final game on Saturday.
Real and Barca still neck-to-neck
Both Real Mardrid and Barcelona won their penultimate home games to the season to remain level on points with two rounds of matches to go in the Spanish Primera Liga. With Valencia's 2-3 loss to Villareal taking them out of the title race mathematically, it is almost certain now that one of these sides will win the coveted title.
Barcelona had earlier been knocked out of the Kings Cup in the semifinals by Getafe, who stunningly overturned a 5-2 first leg deficit by thrashing the La Liga champions 4-0 in the second leg. Barca, however, managed to get a small measure of revenge on Getafe, beating them 1-0 thanks to a Ronaldinho goal after just 2 minutes. Barca looked like scoring many more times, but they failed to do so.
Ronaldinho, however, was sent off after 39 minutes, for kicking an opposition player on his leg as retaliation due to a foul that was done on him. This is worrying for Barca as it most probably would result in his suspension for the final two games of the season.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-1, with Sergio Ramos giving them the lead after 29 minutes. Deportivo equalised through Joan Capdevilla in the 56th minute, but Raul scored just two minutes later to make it 2-1 by heading in a pinpoint cross from David Beckham, who celebrated his return to the England squad with another brilliant performance. The England midfielder is enjoying some great form at the moment.
Real scored a third in the 76th minute with Ruud van Nistelrooy, bought in this season from Manchester United, slotting home his 23rd goal of the season.
The title race is still on as Real keep their lead on a better head-to-head record.
Barcelona had earlier been knocked out of the Kings Cup in the semifinals by Getafe, who stunningly overturned a 5-2 first leg deficit by thrashing the La Liga champions 4-0 in the second leg. Barca, however, managed to get a small measure of revenge on Getafe, beating them 1-0 thanks to a Ronaldinho goal after just 2 minutes. Barca looked like scoring many more times, but they failed to do so.
Ronaldinho, however, was sent off after 39 minutes, for kicking an opposition player on his leg as retaliation due to a foul that was done on him. This is worrying for Barca as it most probably would result in his suspension for the final two games of the season.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-1, with Sergio Ramos giving them the lead after 29 minutes. Deportivo equalised through Joan Capdevilla in the 56th minute, but Raul scored just two minutes later to make it 2-1 by heading in a pinpoint cross from David Beckham, who celebrated his return to the England squad with another brilliant performance. The England midfielder is enjoying some great form at the moment.
Real scored a third in the 76th minute with Ruud van Nistelrooy, bought in this season from Manchester United, slotting home his 23rd goal of the season.
The title race is still on as Real keep their lead on a better head-to-head record.
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