Glimmer Twin
Wigan Winger
SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Joy of Six: Great Football Headlines
From sunken Armadas to a ballistic Super Caley, The Guardian looks at the moment-defining headlines that have become stories in themselves.
Spain: La Liga Weekend Preview
Baptism by fire for Juande Ramos as he takes his struggling Real Madrid outfit to the Camp Nou to face Barcelona. Elsewhere, other teams in the league play against each other...
Preview
Italy: Serie A Weekend Preview
Milan's trip to Turin to face Juventus dominates the scene but there are some other clubs in action as well...
Preview
England: EPL Weekend Preview, Predictions & Team News
Manchester United's trip to White Hart Lane tops the fixture list this weekend. Elsewhere, Manchester City host Everton, Liverpool host Hull, Fulham go to Stoke, Wigan welcome Blackburn, Arsenal go to Boro, Villa welcome Bolton, West Ham go over to Chelsea, Newcastle travel way down to Portsmouth and Sunderland host West Brom. PreviewTeam News
Nick Webster's Predictions
Lawro's Predictions
Barca & Real Renew El Clasico Rivalry
This weekend a global audience of hundreds of millions will watch one of sport's fiercest rivalries.
At the 98,000-capacity Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona welcome rivals Real Madrid as two of world football's giants meet in La Liga for the first time this season.
Barca lead Real by nine points and the visitors have ex-Spurs boss Juande Ramos at the helm for his first league game since replacing the sacked Bernd Schuster.
BBC Sport's Jonathan Stevenson examines the history of the game dubbed 'El Clasico'.
Michael Johnson: the Manchester City star who lost his way
This time last year it was hard not to get excited about a magnificent mop-haired midfielder who was the hub of a Manchester City team challenging for the Champions League places. Michael Johnson, then 19, had a retro haircut and a playing style to match, an elegant, upright approach that had many City fans comparing him with Colin Bell.
Four teams fight for Argentine title on last day
The Argentine championship is set for a dramatic finale on Sunday as four teams go into the final round of games with a chance of winning the Apertura title. Boca Juniors, San Lorenzo and upstarts Tigre are level on 36 points from 18 games while Lanus are two points behind.
Norman Hubbard: Be careful what you wish for
There was a time when Liverpool's No. 7 shirt ranked among the most prized in football, when, for a decade and a half, it was in the possession of first Kevin Keegan and then Kenny Dalglish. Now, however, an observer could be forgiven for thinking it denotes the greatest underachiever at Anfield.
For five years, it belonged to the unlamented Harry Kewell before Robbie Keane inherited his jersey and, perhaps, his mantle.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Quotes & Chants of the Week
It's impossible to win at Barca's stadium. They are devastating. I think it is their year."
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster writes out his own P45.
"If I'd scored two goals in the old days it would have been straight to the pub for sausage and chips and a pint. Now it's a bottle of water and some wine gums - it's not quite the same."
Liam Dickinson on the downside of his double for Blackpool against Charlton.
"If you gave those all the time, you'd be giving them constantly."
Pompey's Peter Crouch wins the 'No ****, Sherlock' award for his comment on the free-kick that led to West Brom's goal.
ALL THE FUN
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster writes out his own P45.
"If I'd scored two goals in the old days it would have been straight to the pub for sausage and chips and a pint. Now it's a bottle of water and some wine gums - it's not quite the same."
Liam Dickinson on the downside of his double for Blackpool against Charlton.
"If you gave those all the time, you'd be giving them constantly."
Pompey's Peter Crouch wins the 'No ****, Sherlock' award for his comment on the free-kick that led to West Brom's goal.
ALL THE FUN
Rogers: Ranking UEFA Champions League’s Sweet 16
Even before the final round of UEFA Champions League group matches, 13 of the 16 teams had booked their place in the knockout phase. That’s why Matchday 6 was an odd way for the competition to close up shop for the next couple of months. Several teams that had already advanced to the last 16 decided to rest key players this week. So the groups provided little in the way of major shocks, with most of the usual suspects remaining in the hunt for the trophy. Here we take a look at who is looking good for Champions League glory in Rome.I wonder who's Number 1?
All 16 teams are ranked in order of their likelihood for success.
Phil McNulty: English Elite Face Euro Test
The Premier League's elite quartet ensured it was business as usual in the Champions League as they made their way into the last 16 and the knockout phase - but the passage was not always smooth.
FA and Boro react sharply after racist fan avoids ban
Barry Norman Hutchinson, 49, pleaded guilty to racist or obscene chanting under the Football Offences Act 1991 during the Magpies' 0-0 derby draw at Middlesbrough on November 29. His 23-year-old son, Andrew Barry Hutchinson, denies the same charge. Hutchinson Sr was fined £270 with £45 costs, but escaped a banning order which would have prevented him attending games anywhere in the country. Middlesbrough and the FA expressed concern that their hard-line policies had not been supported.
Top 10: European January Transfer Targets
January's transfer window approaches as Kaka and co decide their futures...
10. Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy- Everton)
A £5 million move has been suggested and the Galaxy striker has already been contacted by Everton, with a view to a loan; he is sorely needed with Aiyegbeni Yakubu out for the season.
Aalborg player claims Rooney 'jumped on my chest'
Rooney was involved in a series of clashes with at least three Aalborg players throughout the match and appeared to bring down his studs on Kasper Risgard when his opponent was on the floor.
Champions League Roundup
Defending champion Manchester United, Bayern Munich, FC Porto and Juventus finished at the top of their Champions League groups on Wednesday, making them seeded teams for the knockout round ahead of next week's draw. Man United drew with Aalborg 2-2 in Group E, Bayern beat Lyon 3-2 in Group F, Porto defeated Arsenal 2-0 in Group G, and Juventus was held to a 0-0 draw by BATE Borisov in Group H.
Roundup
Teams Advancing to the Final 16 (in order of finish)
Group E: Manchester United, Villarreal
Group F: Bayern Munich, Olympic Lyon
Group G: Porto, Arsenal
Group H: Juventus, Real Madrid
1999 U-17 squad retains special place in U.S. history
Back in 1999, U.S. soccer put together the first U-17 national residency squad. It was an experiment, if you will, a European-style training center, set up in Bradenton, Fla. The mission? Resurrect the slumping game here.
Progress for the U.S. national teams, at times slowly, has followed.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Spurs fans wanted in connection with Sol Campbell abuse
Pictures have been released of the Spurs fans accused of chanting racist and homophobic abuse at Pompey's Sol Campbell.
Despite the abuse officers didn't arrest the fans at the time as they feared it may spark a riot.
Champions League Preview
With Liverpool and Chelsea having safely negotiated their passage to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, Wednesday's action turns to Arsenal and Manchester United's bids to top their respective groups.
Parkhurst to join Denmark's FC Nordsjaelland
New England Revolution defender Michael Parkhurst has signed a contract to play for FC Nordsjaelland of Denmark's SAS Ligaen starting in January 2009, and was presented today a press conference in Farum.
Raphael Honigstein in Germany
An absorbing rivalry is born in a pulsating top-of-the-table showdown between the Bundesliga champions and the newly promoted upstarts.
To Bayern the spoils, to Hoffenheim the plaudits in a David v Goliath classic.
Americans in the UK: Simek’s Back
Sheffield Wednesday defender Frank Simek finally returned to action on Saturday, helping his club earn a late draw against Southampton.
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
Vs. Hamilton (79 minutes) Edu (DNP-Unused substitute)
Rangers ran wild on Hamilton Saturday, scoring 7 times after shockingly going down 1-0 within the first two minutes. While Kris Boyd netted a hat trick for Rangers and they utterly embarrassed the visitors, the Glasgow outfit still sits four points behind leaders Celtic. Beasley was involved in a lot of the action on Saturday and played the majority of the match which was encouraging after a spell without much time on the pitch. Although the winger failed to score or create an assist, he did make some inspiring runs on the day and nearly fed a helper to Kenny Miller but the striker sent his shot wide of the net.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Dundee United.
THE REST
Americans On The Continent: Comeback Kid Altidore
Another good week for Americans in Europe saw Jozy Altidore go the full 90 for Villarreal in a very exciting draw against Getafe.Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes (France)
Away to Caen, 1-1, 90 minutes
Carlos Bocanegra and his Rennes teammates put in yet another solid defensive display, extending their unbeaten run to 15 games. Bocanegra came within inches of scoring within the first three minutes of the match, hammering a right-footed shot off the Caen bar. However, Caen went into the break in the lead courtesy of a 45th minute Benjamin Nivet goal. Moussa Sow pulled one back for Rennes in the 77th minute, and the high-flying side held onto third position in French Ligue 1.
Next up: vs. Nantes, Saturday, December 13
Spain Dominate Team Of The Year Nominations
Out of 55 names included on the list for the uefa.com team of the year award, Spain's victory at Euro 2008 has seen more than half their squad put forward for nomination.
Right backs: Aleksandr Anyukov (Zenit St. Petersburg), José Boswingwa (Chelsea), Maicon (Inter), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
Left Backs: Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow).
Ives: MLS talent ripe for picking by European teams
Here is a look at the 10 MLS players expected to draw the most interest from European clubs when the transfer window opens on New Year's Day:
Onyewu Linked With Move Back to England
Reports out of Belgium have linked American defender Oguchi Onyewu with the struggling Blackburn Rovers of the England's Premiership.
Champions League Roundup
Chelsea scraped through to the second round of the Champions League alongside AS Roma and Panathinaikos after beating CFR Cluj 2-1 on Tuesday. Cluj had no hope of a place in the next round but looked likely to deny Chelsea the victory it needed to be sure of advancing until last season's runner-up brought on star striker Didier Drogba as a late substitute.
Roundup
Teams Advancing to the Final 16 (in order of finish)
Group A: Roma, Chelsea
Group B: Panathinaikos, Inter Milan
Group C: Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon
Group D: Liverpool, Atletico Madrid
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Real Madrid Replace Schuster with Ramos
Former Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur coach Juande Ramos has been handed a six-month contract at Real Madrid after the Spanish giants parted company with Bernd Schuster on Tuesday.Real Madrid: 11 coaches in 10 years
Guus Hiddink - 1998 - 1999
John Toshack - 1999
Vicente Del Bosque - 1999 - 2003
Carlos Queiroz - 2003 - 2004
Jose Antonio Camacho - 2004
Mariano Garcia Remon - 2004
Vanderlei Luxemburgo - 2004 - '05
Juan Ramon Lopez Caro - 2005 - '06
Fabio Capello - 2006 - '07
Bernd Schuster - 2007 - '08
Juande Ramos - 2008 - present
Sid Lowe in Spain
Madrid's coach reckons a battling home defeat to Sevilla leaves no hope for the visit to Camp Nou.
Time for Real Madrid fans to follow Schuster and accept the inevitable
Champions League Previews
The final three spots in the second round of the Champions League will be filled after this week's final round of group matches, with Chelsea unexpectedly among those still trying to qualify. With 13 clubs already through to the next round, a haul of just one point from two matches has left Chelsea vying with AS Roma and Bordeaux for one of Group A's top two spots.
Chelsea and Roma face tough fight
Paolo Bandini in Italy
The Argentine has proved his value yet again, upstaging a brash Sampdoria striker as Grifone maintained their winning momentum.
Milito cuts Cassano down to size with Genoa derby winner
Phil Ball in Spain
My 13 year-old son's into some Canadian band called 'Sum 41'. I'd not heard of them myself but then again music did stop for me in 1982 when Captain Beefheart decided to call it a day. Anyway, my son asked me the other day, 'Dad. What does ''It's so easy when you're always in the Nile'' mean?'
Monday, December 08, 2008
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech admits that head injury and fatherhood changed his life
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech talks exclusively about how fatherhood and the fractured skull he suffered on the pitch made him look at his life in a new way, and how he owes his love of sport to growing up under the Communist system in Czechoslovakia.
Alan Hansen's Column
Emmanuel Eboue felt the full fury of the Emirates when Arsenal beat Wigan on Saturday - suffering personal abuse on such a level that he became the substitute who had to be substituted.
Germany: Last Gasp Luca Toni Strike Sees Bayern Down Hoffenheim
The much hyped game of the season certainly lived up to its billing with a great game at the Allianz Arena. The Bavarians triumphed 2-1 but were made to work for the three points by Hoffenheim.
Bayern Munich 2-1 1899 Hoffenheim
Italy: Serie A Weekend Roundups
Saturday:Inter have little trouble with Lazio
Sunday:
Genoa win the Derby, Milan and Juventus keep pace
| CLUB | GP | W | L | D | PTS | GD |
| Internazionale | 15 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 36 | 17 |
| Juventus | 15 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 30 | 13 |
| AC Milan | 15 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 30 | 8 |
| Napoli | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 27 | 7 |
| Fiorentina | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 26 | 8 |
| Genoa | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 25 | 6 |
| Atalanta | 15 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 23 | 4 |
| Lazio | 15 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 23 | 3 |
| Catania | 15 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 22 | -1 |
| Udinese | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 21 | 3 |
| Palermo | 15 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 20 | -1 |
| Cagliari | 15 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 20 | -1 |
| AS Roma | 14 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 20 | -2 |
| Siena | 15 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 19 | -2 |
| Sampdoria | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 16 | -4 |
| Lecce | 15 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 13 | -7 |
| Torino | 15 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 12 | -9 |
| Reggina | 15 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 12 | -16 |
| Bologna | 15 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 11 | -11 |
| Chievo Verona | 15 | 2 | 10 | 3 | 9 | -15 |
Spain: La Liga Weekend Roundups + Table
Saturday:
Henry nets three as Barcelona cruise past Valencia
Sunday:
More woe for Real Madrid as Sevilla win in seven-goal thriller
| Club | Played | Points |
| Barcelona | 14 | 35 |
| Villarreal | 14 | 29 |
| Valencia | 14 | 27 |
| Sevilla FC | 14 | 27 |
| Real Madrid | 14 | 26 |
| Atlético Madrid | 14 | 24 |
| Deportivo La Coruña | 14 | 24 |
| Valladolid | 14 | 20 |
| Real Betis | 14 | 18 |
| Getafe | 14 | 18 |
| Málaga | 14 | 18 |
| Sporting Gijon | 14 | 18 |
| Racing Santander | 14 | 16 |
| Almeria | 14 | 15 |
| Numancia | 14 | 14 |
| Athletic Bilbao | 14 | 13 |
| Mallorca | 14 | 13 |
| Espanyol | 14 | 13 |
| Recreativo Huelva | 14 | 10 |
| Osasuna | 14 | 9 |
Premier League Preview: West Ham - Tottenham
What: Barclays Premier League Matchday 16
Who: West Ham United (15th, 18pts), Tottenham Hotspur (17th, 15pts)
When: Monday 08 December, 8pm BST
Where: Upton Park, West Ham, London
Preview
England: Premier League Wrap, Reports & Table
Saturday Wrap
Everton 2 - 3 Aston Villa
Young's last-gasp strike stuns Everton
West Brom 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Crouch nets equalizer to keep Baggies bottom
| Club | Played | Points |
| Liverpool | 16 | 37 |
| Chelsea | 16 | 36 |
| Manchester United | 15 | 31 |
| Arsenal | 16 | 29 |
| Aston Villa | 16 | 28 |
| Hull City | 16 | 26 |
| Portsmouth | 16 | 23 |
| Everton | 16 | 22 |
| Fulham | 15 | 20 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 16 | 20 |
| Wigan Athletic | 16 | 19 |
| Middlesbrough | 16 | 19 |
| Stoke City | 16 | 19 |
| Manchester City | 16 | 18 |
| West Ham United | 15 | 18 |
| Newcastle United | 16 | 16 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 15 | 15 |
| Sunderland | 16 | 15 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 16 | 13 |
| West Bromwich Albion | 16 | 12 |
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