I'll be back January 10.
Happy New Year!!
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 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
England: Wednesday's Premier League Reports
Chelsea 1 - 0 Bolton
David Hytner at Stamford Bridge
Paul Hayward at Stamford Bridge
Wigan 2 - 2 Arsenal
Richard Jolly at DW Stadium
Paul Wilson at DW Stadium
Liverpool 0 - 1 Wolves
Tim Rich at Anfield
Quotes of the Year
This year has seen Diego Maradona lead Argentina to the World Cup, Ian Holloway make his debut in the Premier League and Rafael Benitez reinvent himself as a poet.
ESPNsoccernet puts together a selection of some of the year's finest quotes.
"Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe can do as well, if not better. I really fancy Joe for the [player of the year] award this season" - Steven Gerrard misplaces his confidence in new Liverpool signing Joe Cole (August)"I'm not suited to Bolton or Blackburn. I would be more suited to Inter or Real Madrid. It wouldn't be a problem to me to go and manage those clubs because I would win the double or the league every time" - Sam Allardyce talks up his abilities three months before his dismissal at Blackburn (September)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Spain: Guillem's Gold Stars
2010 was another vintage year in La Liga - and for the Spanish national team - and our resident expert Guillem Balague has whittled down the contenders and handed out his annual awards.
Football Review 2010
As the ice sets on another year of drama in the football calendar skysports.com's team of journalists recount all that has passed to dish out the gongs that really matter. 2010 was the year that the 'Special One' stole the coaching plaudits, Chelsea reclaimed their crown as English football's top dogs, England slumped depressingly in South Africa and Manchester City made light of these austere times to splash the cash. It was also the year in which super-injunctions became the must-have fashion accessory for any Premier League star worth his salt, while two declarations of dying love in Manchester dominated the column inches.
Manchester City move for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko
Manchester City are in talks with Wolfsburg over the transfer of Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.
Reports in Germany have suggested that the Premier League outfit are now on the verge of signing the 24-year-old forward for a record Bundesliga fee.
England: Tuesday's Premier League Review & Reports
Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League on Tuesday but there were no celebrations from Alex Ferguson after his team gave up another late goal in a 1-1 draw at Birmingham City. Earlier Mario Balotelli hit a hat-trick, including two penalties, to help Manchester City beat Aston Villa 4-0 and briefly occupy top spot. Spurs struggled to break down Newcastle until Aaron Lennon struck after 57 minutes but the Londoners were reduced to 10 men for the second successive game when Younes Kabul was sent off for a head butt eight minutes later. However, just as in their Boxing Day win at Villa Park, Spurs still went for it and got their reward when Gareth Bale scored their second nine minutes from time with another trademark run and low shot. Chris Baird had not scored a goal for almost four years but got two in the first 11 minutes for Fulham against Stoke to earn some breathing space for under-fire manager Mark Hughes as his team secured their first away league win for 16 months.Norman Hubbard: Premier League Top Performers
Some Premier League playes have started as they mean to carry on. Top of their particular class at the half-way stage of the season are:
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tim Vickery in South America
When he was first making his name with Santos, former Manchester City striker Robinho often spoke of his big ambition to be elected Fifa World Player of the Year. True, he was seeking to place himself in a tradition of some of his illustrious compatriots, but even so I always found it a depressing declaration. For what it is worth, my view is that far too much attention is given to these individual awards.
In some collective sports the star can make the team. But football is so fluid that it can only happen the other way round - the great player emerges when the collective balance of the side is correct. The team makes the star - and 2010 provides us with some compelling evidence...
2010's Five Best Moments in U.S. Soccer
It's been a big year for American men's soccer. The national team surprised most everyone by winning its group -- with England, Algeria and Slovenia -- at the World Cup in South Africa. It also had a legitimate shot to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 1930, when a mere 13 countries participated. Although Landon Donovan & Co. fell just short against Ghana in a tough loss, it did little to damper the enthusiasm for the sport that gripped the U.S. during the tournament. Meanwhile, MLS took another big step forward, thanks to high-profile player signings and an exciting playoffs.
England: Tuesday's Premier League Preview & Predictions
Birmingham host Manchester United, Manchester City go to Villa, Stoke face Fulham, Sunderland welcome Blackpool, Tottenham host Newcastle, West Brom welcome Blackburn and Everton go to West Ham.
Preview
Lawro's Predictions
Americans In The UK: Boxing Day Freeze Out
Clint Dempsey, Fulham Vs. West Ham United, 1-3, (54 minutes)
Dempsey started but was curiously removed after just 54 minutes. The removal of Dempsey sparked chants of “You don’t know what you’re doing” from the supporters, in reference to manager Mark Hughes. The 3-1 loss dropped Fulham into the relegation zone and Hughes’ job is seriously in jeopardy.
Next Match: Tuesday, away to Stoke, and Saturday, away to Tottenham.
Norman Hubbard: Premier League Underperformers
As the season approaches the mid-way point, there are plenty of players with reasons to hope the second half goes rather better than the first. With "could do better" by their names in their managers' mid-term reports are:
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday Night Football
Who:
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
When:
3pm EST
Where:
Emirates Stadium, London
U.S. TV:
ESPN2
Preview I
Preview II
Alan Smith:
Return of Cesc does not solve problems
Phil Thompson:
Arsenal will come up short again
Soccer Star Landon Donovan Wants His Soon To Be Ex-Wife To Cut The Check
Citing “irreconcilable differences,” Donovan is seeking spousal support from Kajlich, who appears on CBS’ Rules of Engagement. He is also requesting she pay his attorney’s fees.
Martin Rogers: Controversial Benitez shows up in Liverpool
The bizarre saga of Rafa Benitez and Inter Milan is soccer’s most compelling current soap opera, and the most outrageous plot twist of all could be yet to come. Benitez was fired by Inter on Wednesday after a series of disputes came to a head last weekend, when he criticized owner Massimo Moratti in a public rant. Inter sent Benitez a message on Monday to inform him his actions were a breach of contract.
While the storm of acrimony swirled, Benitez took the extraordinary step of uprooting himself from Milan and returning to his former home in Liverpool. Benitez was fired as Liverpool boss at the end of last season, and there is no coincidence about the timing or location of the place he sought sanctuary from the controversy brewing in Italy.
Michael Essien receives a hero's welcome on his return to his hometown in Ghana
When Michael Essien was growing up, he was told that only “street boys” played football. In Ghana — a country that places huge value on education — the barefoot games, on scraggy, rock-strewn pitches in his hometown were seen as a distraction from the serious business of studying.
Freddie Ljungberg poised to sign for Celtic
The former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is due in Glasgow tonight to hold talks about a possible contract at Celtic. The 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving the Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in October. Celtic officials have been keen to play down the notion that Ljungberg will be on trial, although he is expected to train with the first-team squad this week.
Inter, the Leonardo era has begun
The Brazilian has replaced Benitez, becoming the 15th coach of the Moratti era: he has signed a contract until June 30, 2012. On December 29 he will preside over his first practice as the head coach of Inter. Moratti: "His arrival is a slap in the face to AC Milan? I would regret it if it were perceived in that way"
Barcelona announce US trip
21 and 22 July: Audi Cup matches (Munich)
25 July: Friendly (Split)
30 July: Manchester United v Barcelona (Washington DC)
3 August: AC Milan v Barcelona (Miami)
6 August: America (Mexico) v Barcelona (Dallas)
England: Premier League Weekend Review, Reports & Analyses
Manchester United remain in charge at the summit after seeing off Sunderland, with Manchester City on their heels following victory away to Newcastle, while Wolves' home defeat to Wigan saw them fall to the foot of the table.West Ham came from behind to beat Fulham as the Cottagers slipped into the drop zone, Tottenham won away to Aston Villa with just 10 men, new Blackburn boss Steve Kean watched his side come unstuck at home to Stoke and Bolton overcame West Brom at the Reebok Stadium.
Review
Aston Villa 1 - 2 Tottenham
Kevin Palmer at Villa Park
Newcastle 1 - 3 Manchester City
Louise Taylor at St. James' Park
Manchester United 2 - 0 Sunderland
Daniel Taylor at Old Trafford
Five Things We Learned
The Fifth Official
Players and managers hate Christmas, but we, the salivating footy public, love it. While we fill ourselves to the stitching with turkey, roast potatoes and, for the freaks among you, sprouts, all washed down with a concoction of wine, beer and port, the Premier League's finest have to put their chiselled limbs through the trauma of four games in ten days.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Inter confirm Benitez dismissal
A club statement read: "Inter Milan and Rafael Benitez can announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement for the early termination of his contract.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sid Lowe in Spain
The 5-1 win was the kind of brilliant that often goes unnoticed, the kind that destroys the clichés and facile assumptions.
Barcelona were brilliant at Espanyol. But this was another kind of brilliant.
Martin Rogers: Galaxy willing to work with Beckham
The Los Angeles Galaxy hope to reach a compromise with David Beckham over the England midfielder’s wish to return to Europe for a loan during the MLS offseason. Instead of allowing Beckham to embark upon a full loan which would see him play matches for another team, the Galaxy may permit him to train in Europe, like he did with Arsenal in 2007, which should be enough to keep him happy.
Americans In The UK: Snow Days
Only Stuart Holden and Jonathan Spector saw action last week as snow ravaged the soccer schedule across the pond.
The Rest
Americans On The Continent: Back in Uniform
It was a landmark day for Charlie Davies as he dressed for Sochaux for the first time since October after his terrible accident.
The Rest
Manchester City striker and Golden Boy award winner Mario Balotelli says 'only Lionel Messi better than me'
"There's only one that is a little stronger than me: Messi," he said. "All the others are behind me. I am delighted to receive the award, but who else would have won if not me?
Paolo Bandini in Italy
'Benítez is out,' proclaims today's Gazzetta dello Sport as Inter hog the headlines despite a Serie A weekend off.
Has Rafael Benítez picked a fight he has no chance of winning at Inter?
Raphael Honigstein in Germany
German football heroically defied the big freeze, while snood-infested, big-girl's-blouse-kind-of-leagues packed it in.
Bayern beat Stuttgart and the cold as Bundesliga delivers goal avalanche.
Guardian.co.uk readers' Premier League team of the season so far
Analysis of your player ratings for every league game so far this season ranks Bolton's Stuart Holden as the No1.Readers' ratings team of the season so far (4-4-2) ...
Richard Kingson (Blackpool); Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Leighton Baines (Everton); Samir Nasri (Arsenal), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Luka Modric (Tottenham), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham); Johan Elmander (Bolton), Andy Carroll (Newcastle).
Phil Ball in Spain
It's true that there's been a lot of focus on Barcelona recently, so I'll try to keep them to a minimum this week. Their 5-1 away win in the Catalan derby, however, warrants an early mention for several reasons - the least significant of which (perhaps) was the fact that they scored five again. It's the fourth occasion in this season's league programme that they've managed 'a little hand', not forgetting the extra three fingers for the eight-goal romp at Almeria.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Georgina Turner on Arsene Wenger
The sacking season is upon us. In the past couple of weeks, Newcastle has fired Chris Hughton and Blackburn Rovers has dismissed Sam Allardyce. It's difficult to believe that at least one more chairman won't mark the turn of the year by pulling the trigger -- Hughton and Allardyce were in mid-table, after all. West Ham's Avram Grant must be nervously running a finger inside his shirt collar.
Italy: Serie A Weekend Review
AC Milan saw their lead cut to three points as Napoli and Lazio both took advantage of a slip from the 17-time champions. Juventus failed to join Napoli and Lazio on 33 points as they were pegged back to a 1-1 draw by Chievo.
Review
Spain: La Liga Weekend Review
Angel Di Maria struck 13 minutes from time to sink Sevilla and lift Real Madrid back to within two points of Barcelona. On Saturday, Pedro and David Villa struck a brace apiece as Barcelona brushed aside Espanyol 5-1 in the Catalan derby at Cornella to end their city rivals' perfect home record in the league this season.
Review
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