Friday, September 01, 2006

Cole completes Chelsea transfer, Gallas to Arsenal

Finally! This is the best deal Arsenal could have hoped for. Gallas will give us a good few years and Cole can go piss off to Chelski...plus we get 5 mil. Oh, and Pascal Cygan is off to Spain. -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377732&cc=5901

Beasley joins Manchester City on loan

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377665&cc=5901

Arsenal agree Reyes Baptista swap deal

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377729&cc=5901

West Ham Laundering Tevez And Mascherano?

I like this theory. You can't help but think that something fishy is going on. It's just too weird...

http://goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=119635

The man behind MSI

http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1862731,00.html

Hammers' jackpot

The BBC's Chief Football Writer Breaks Down the Day...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5305034.stm

Moyes To Sue Rooney

I am laughing loudly at the moment...

http://www.goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=119982

Euro 2008 General Preview

That's right! It's just around the corner...

http://www.goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=120012

Top deadline-day deals

A quick list...

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1862791,00.html#article_continue

Euro 2008 Qualifying: Germany vs. Ireland

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AhXVubwNfo17ekP07n_xp0wmw7YF?slug=reu-eurogermany_preview&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Things are getting mental...

It's always a nutty time when the end of the transfer window finally arrives and today is proving to be especially bizzaro. Tevez and Mascherano to the Hammers?! You're talking about one of the most coveted young players in football here. Oh, and toss in Mascherano who had a great World Cup. What sort of magic beans does Alan Pardew have and how do I get some?

Boro have scored nicely with Huth and Woodgate coming to the Riverside. Sure, Woodgate gets hurt looking in the mirror and dons The String, but he's worth the risk, especially on loan. And Huth is a no-frills big man who would solidify almost any back four.

And good news out of Manchester. Citeh are interested in grabbing DeMarcus on loan. As upset as I (and Boris) was yesterday at the prospect of him lighting it up in Salt Lake City, I'm excited about the idea of him flying up the flank for Psycho. Just don't hit the local and then go for a spin, kid.

As of now, it looks like something might (gasp!) happen with Ashley Cole and perhaps even Reyes heading out of Arsenal. -Sanford

Boro sign Huth and Woodgate

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377585&cc=5901

Portsmouth complete signing of Andy Cole

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377636&cc=5901

Newcastle set to swoop for Boro's Viduka

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377639&cc=5901

Sydney's Yorke to link up with Keane at Sunderland?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377625&cc=5901

Tevez 'to join West Ham' in transfer coup

Are you kidding me?! This is mental. Barcelona, Madrid, Inter, Milan, Chelsea, ManUre, Arsenal. But not West Ham!! Just how have they managed to pull this off?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377632&cc=5901

Magpie Milner set for Villa move

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblengprnewcastlevillamilner&prov=afp&type=lgns

Derby fails to get work permit for striker Wolff

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377605&cc=5901

Lee denies religion scuppered Roma move

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377631&cc=5901

Lee denies religion scuppered Roma move

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377631&cc=5901

Cole saga rumbles on as transfer deadline nears

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377624&cc=5901

Kevin Nolan column

The Bolton captain weighs in on elbows and arms...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5294718.stm

Primera Liga Best XI (Round 1)

http://www.goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=118863

Inter to face Fiorentina on opening day, Juventus begin life in Serie B

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblitafixtures&prov=afp&type=lgns

Frank Dell'Apa on Caribbean players choosing Scandinavia over MLS

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=377531&root=mls&cc=5901

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Kanu's miss versus Boro

OK, OK. Since I posted his amazing hat trick against Chelsea yesterday it's only fair that I post his amazing miss versus Boro today...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jQG73v7X0U

And while we're at it, here's a fun compilation of ridiculous misses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a1AyzIYfao

I think the one where the ball stops in the mud takes the cake...

Phil Ball in Spain

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=377557&root=europe&cc=5901

Cole must get his head right, insists Hill-Wood

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377539&cc=5901

U.S. Open Cup yet to reach the mainstream

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=377483&root=mls&cc=5901

Vieri signs pay-as-you-play deal with Atalanta

I make more than Bobo, I make more than Bobo...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377520&cc=5901

Americans Abroad

Sheffield Wednesday vs. Leeds:

http://soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Americans_Abroad/page_93_126272.shtml

Danny Califf excels in Denmark:

http://soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Americans_Abroad/page_93_126271.shtml

Jemel Johnson makes Mick McCarthy happy at Wolves:

http://soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Americans_Abroad/page_93_126231.shtml

Aston Villa sign £8million Petrov from Celtic

Well played, Martin. Well played. You've already signed a far superior player than the last two Villa managers ever did...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377571&cc=5901

How Thatcher's actions left my beloved City in ruins

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/08/30/how_thatchers_actions_left_my.html

And thanks to "Anonymous" for providing this clip of the Thatcher mugging:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVKSro1aA3s

Wednesday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1861170,00.html

Super Romario

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/08/30/super_romario.html

Hail old king Kanu!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=402811&in_page_id=1779&in_a_source=&ct=5

Resident Yank: Premiership Management Ramble And Week Two Recap

http://www.goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=118355

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Some thoughts as the leagues get going

We're a few weeks into the English season and Spain and Germany are off and running and there are already some big surprises. First, however, one thing that is not a surprise is the lack of Serie A. It seems like they are delayed every year by some sort of legal proceeding and this year is no exception. It fact it's the Grand Delay. Let's face it: soccer in Italy is in shambles. I find it fascinating that more players aren't just getting the hell out of there. Yeah, sure, the living is good and everything, but the league's reputation has been severly damaged (after years and years of unproven allegations) and if I were a top player I'd be in England or Spain.

But enough of that sadness. In the Premiership, a few things have happened. Mainly, Chelsea have already lost. I just assumed they'd be undefeated against anyone but Liverpool or ManUre. But kudos to Boro - they've given the league some hope. Chelsea just don't seem settled yet and The Special One has some work to do figuring out how to fit all his midfielders together. The situation seems a bit like what Sven faced with the England squad.

And ManUre are out of the blocks a lot faster than I anticipated. I really thought there would be at least some sort of squad issue left over from the Rooney/Ronaldo World Cup party. You know, just a general unease that would lead to some dropped points out of the gate. Plus, they still haven't replaced Keane. But it doesn't seem to matter in the least. Three from three and they're tops. Followed closely by 'Arry's Portsmouth. 'Ol 'Arry picked up Kanu on a free. Brilliant.

And what about Spurs? Berbatov, Defoe, Mido, Keane. Someone besides Defoe is gonna get pissed (angry, not drunk) sitting on the bench. They've also dropped more points than anticipated. I could see them developing into a Jekyll and Hyde side that is scintillating one day and flat as hell the next.

As for Arsenal, they look like they've not learned their lesson from last season. You can make lovely passes around the box all day but it doesn't mean a bloody thing if you don't score. My anguish reached its peak when Rosicky squared to shoot from a similar spot as his great goal against the U.S. in Gelsinkirchen, but pulled out in favor of a square ball. As the commentator put it, "If you've got that kind of shot in your locker, why not have a go?" True. True. Their defensive frailties have been exposed as well. They need more cover it the back - Hoyte isn't ready for prime time.

Down in Spain, I don't see anyone matching Barca this year. Give Real another year and they might do it but Capello will need more time to get things sorted. I think Barcelona signing The Good Johnson was a brilliant move. He'll flourish with the extra time he'll get in La Liga. He's a great replacement for Larsson but better because he's younger and quicker. Look for Valencia and Atletico to be there at the end. Valencia could suffer if the Ayala situation isn't sorted but with Villa and Morientes (he scores in Spain!) up front and Edu, Vicente, Baraja, et al in the middle, they're solid.

Kanu Kills Chelsea

Since he's top of the scoring chart in the EPL at the moment, I thought it would be nice to relive his glorious hat-trick against Chelsea from 1999. I'll never forget watching that match in misery only to see Kanu take over and snatch a victory. The Gunners could use him now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGs67unVSpY

Middlesbrough 0-4 Portsmouth: Pompey up to second

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=199110&cc=5901

Celta Vigo 2-3 Barcelona: Eidur nets late winner

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=203772&cc=5901

DeMarcus Beasley mulls a move home

What the hell is he thinking? Exactly what is he going to do in MLS? He's obviously been hanging out with Landon way too much. If playing for a top European team like PSV, seeing quality Champions League action, and winning the Dutch League are not doing it for The Kid then we've got a problem. It's almost sickening. If our best players don't enjoy playing in the top leagues than the U.S. team will never amount to anything. Beasley at Real Salt Lake? What a waste. -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=377088&root=mls&cc=5901

Mido set for Spurs switch

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377464&cc=5901

Tim Vickery on Brazil vs. Argentina

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_football/5292248.stm

Alan Hansen's column - Villa hit jackpot

He did get Angel to score somehow so maybe he is The Savior...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5294782.stm

Norman Hubbard on Jermain Defoe

And now Jol has got another striker in Mido. Poor Jermaine...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=377394&root=england&cc=5901

Tuesday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1860407,00.html

Sid Lowe in Spain

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/08/29/real_boring_but_real_effective.html

Arsenal gunning for Tevez

If they get him they'll have to put him directly into the Shot Reduction Program that the whole squad seems to have embraced...

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblengprarsenalbra&prov=afp&type=lgns

Monday, August 28, 2006

Richard Jolly at Ewood Park

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=377333&root=england&cc=5901

English Premier League Reports

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-englandreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Mixed fortunes for Madrid pair in Primera Liga

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=spanishroundup&prov=st&type=lgns

Primera Liga reports

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-spainreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Napoli dump Juve out of Italian Cup

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblitacup&prov=afp&type=lgns

Players storing children's stem cells as "repair kit":

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-stemcellsdc&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Wenger pledges Arsenal recovery as United set pace

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblengpr&prov=afp&type=lgns

Inter stage stunning fightback to win Super Cup

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-italysupercup&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Reyes says he will not play in England again

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=377275&cc=5901

Sid Lowe on Beckham and Real Madrid

http://football.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1858816,00.html

Friday, August 25, 2006

The Insider at White Hart Lane

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=376706&root=england&cc=5901

Champions League Draw

Group A will obviously provide the most drama here. Besides the obvious Barca/Chelsea match-up, Bremen is a great side that plays attractive soccer and will be tough to beat. It's the only group with three teams that could all finish top. -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=340368&cc=5901

Phil Ball in Spain: Season Preview

Great to have Mr. Ball back on the scene now that the siesta is over.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=376947&root=europe&cc=5901

Lawro's Premiership Predictions

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4786707.stm

Friday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1858308,00.html

Marcus Hahnemann Interview

The USA keeper likes Tool and American Chopper...

http://sport.guardian.co.uk/smalltalk/story/0,,1857373,00.html

Premiership Preview

http://goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=115839

365 Q & A with Chicago's C.J. Brown

http://soccer365.com/_365_Interviews/page_123_126054.shtml

Kevin Nolan column

Turns out Kevin Nolan's just a regular bloke! Wow!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5271162.stm

A trip to the Emirates

A trip to the Emirates
Baab Sullivan
The News/Sanford's Soccer Net Chicago Correspondent

We cabbed up to Islington and got out at Highbury to have a look at the old ground, en route being treated to a lecture by our cabbie about how Sven had no understanding of the English game or players. We were impressed at how integrated the old place is with the surrounding buildings; you'd have no idea it was there if you were a block away. It was still ringed with vendors selling shirts, burgers and the like, and there were a good number of people loitering outside. A quick peek through a crack in the fence revealed a lower deck short of seats and heavy machinery everywhere. We ducked into the Bank of Friendship for a few pints and a game of "Spot Nick Hornby"; by the time we left the bar we'd spotted at least 15 different Hornby's including 5 of them sitting in a row along the wall.

Emirates stadium really couldn't be any more different; it dominates the skyline and approaching it from any direction requires a trip across one of several foot bridges which span what looks like a wasteland of construction slag. Most of the exterior of the place is glass and a good number of the structural beams are visible. Apparently tickets are a thing of the past; there was security at every gate but entry is granted through a card reader which scans your club card and allows you to pass through a massive turnstile. This is probably meant to deter scalping, and it's true that there were no tickets for sale outside the stadium anywhere. It didn't stop us though; the tout we used delivered the membership cards (Mr & Mrs Joe Carson) with an addressed & stamped envelope so that we could return them to him.

Just inside the gate is the Arsenal bookie where you can place any number of wagers on the day's match. We decided Arsenal 3-0 at 6-1 was the right bet. Pure genius, 10 pounds down the toilet. Next stop was at the concession stand where we picked up a couple of pies; solid but not amazing. Finally we proceeded to the seats. We were close to the front of the top tier at a corner and frankly the view was amazing. Despite the size the stadium manages to be very intimate and the roof covering the seating (50% clear so hopefully the pitch doesn't turn into an abomination like the San Siro) makes for a ton of fan noise. We were seated directly above the traveling Croatian fans who provided incredible support. Their range of chants and songs filled the stadium throughout the match and the home fans never really got on voice (the exception being a rousing version of "why aren't you singing" after Arsenal's first goal).

The match itself was somewhat uninspiring; Wenger sent out a fairly young lineup and Zagreb did a great job of keeping possession. Notable inclusions were Flamini in the middle (didn't look bad but he's no Gilberto and Fabregas had to do a lot more defensive work), Justin Hoyte (ok in defense, dire in possession) and Adebyour (no first touch, wasted a number of fine chances). Captain Freddie was inspirational, he and Hleb covered a ton of ground. The Wenger system has the wide players cut into the middle and swap flanks a great deal, but to work properly it requires very active backs and Justin Hoyte just wasn't up to the task so the left flank was largely unutilized.

Zagreb deservedly scored early on and the Gunners were left to chase the match, largely toothlessly. With about 30 minutes to go Wenger decided to go for the win, first bringing on Gilberto and pairing him with Flamini in the middle, then Henry and finally Theo, who got the loudest ovation of the evening. With the stars on the field the ship was quickly righted, Freddie bringing things level with a nice header and Flamini tapping in a Walcott cross at the death to seal the win.

The home fans left happy, especially warmed by the scoreboard announcement of Chelski's loss to Middlesbrough. On the way out we were treated to the site of a very drunk and skanky young woman dressed like Madonna circa 1986 who was doing her best to show the crowd her lacy pink thong. She lurched into my path as we were leaving the footbridge and I looked in her direction just long enough to see her nipple pop out of her shirt. Yuck.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Boro beat Chelsea as United go clear at the top

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AhfFoOhHsgOF8Va5w1OLym8mw7YF?slug=reu-england&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Keane to take over as Sunderland manager

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AqoieNCn9sjj9vhRjBIw6Gcmw7YF?slug=reu-keane&prov=reuters&type=lgns

FC Copenhagen, Levski Sofia join Champions League elite

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-champions&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Wenger: Walcott forcing his way in

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376907&cc=5901

Dempsey's ambition outgrows MLS

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=376794&root=mls&cc=5901

Joaquin Leaves Betis For Valencia

I never thought I'd see the day. I feel like I've been reading about Joaquin being linked with a move away from Betis since 1992. -Sanford

http://www.goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=115544

Thursday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1857375,00.html

Keane will be Fergie and Clough rolled into one

Yikes!!

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/08/24/enforcer_keane_the_man_to_halt.html

FA and police examining Thatcher elbow

I'll try and get a video of this up as soon as I can. If anyone sees one, please let me know.
-Sanford

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1857407,00.html

Chelsea cannot complain about Gallas - they taught him all he knows

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2006/08/24/chelsea_cannot_complain_about.html

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

AC Milan and Liverpool advance to Champions League

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=ap-eurordp&prov=ap&type=lgns

Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger

Uli asks, "Is Werder Bremen the new Borussia Monchengladbach?" Find out...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=376618&root=europe&cc=5901

Magpies close to completing Martins deal

This could be interesting. Martins has ridiculous pace and would be a major boon to Newcastle. But is he worth 10 million? I don't think Roeder has a choice -- he's got to get another striker.
-Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376814&cc=5901

EPL Report: Watford 1-1 West Ham

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=199093&cc=5901

EPL Report: Tottenham 2-0 Sheffield United

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=199094&cc=5901

Wenger 'annoyed and worried' by Prem fixtures

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376808&cc=5901

Premiership Wednesday Preview: Chelsea Visit Boro, Charlton Take On United

http://www.goal.com/en-us/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=114862

Champions Lge. Qualifying: Arsenal v Dinamo Zagreb

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/5266100.stm

An interesting weekend

First of all, take a gander at the view from my pal Mark's seats at the Emirates. Not too shabby. It might be just a Lehman kick away from Highbury but this place is a whole different animal. I can't wait to get over there.

Now then. Due to myriad friends and family in town, a radio show, and a trip to the drive-in to watch Snakes On A Plane, the only match I watched in its entirety was Arsenal/Villa. I have to give thanks to my new friend Dave who graciously accepted me into his home to view the Setanta broadcast on Saturday morning. A fellow Gooner, Dave lives a brief bike ride away and has now achieved "Great Savior" status. Setanta had some good (tickers with scores and a solid half-time "Around the Grounds" segment, and some bad (the announcers, who seemed to enjoy talking the entire match, usually repeating themselves or rambling about nothing interesting - strange for an EPL broadcast).

I was quite sad that Arsene started with Adebayor up front with Henry. He just doesn't do it for me and has yet to prove that he can contribute effectively. Why The Boss isn't going with Van Persie and Thierry from the opening whistle is beyond me. Anyway, the match was an all-to-familiar affair. Arsenal dominated possession but couldn't score because of the usual annoying dithering in front of goal. Then came the goal for Villa on (surprise!) a set piece. Ugh. Freddie was the only guy making anything happen. They need someone to pull the trigger from outside the area but nobody was willing. Even Cesc was guilty of making the extra pass when a shot on target was begging. So Villa packed it in and we finally broke through with a Gilberto volley late in the second half. Certainly the most exciting aspect of the morning was the sighting of Theo Walcott on the pitch for the first team. He played well and displayed some vicious pace and keen vision. I can't wait to see more of him. I was able to get over my bummed out state of mind by hitting the drive-in for Snakes on a Plane. My sister-in-law wanted to see and I figured the drive-in would be a good place for it. I was right. It took my mind of the football at least for a couple hours.

The other thing that eased my pain over the Gunner result was Spurs' anemic performance against Bolton. Hah!

Elsewhere, I was pretty shocked that Liverpool could only manage a draw (they really should have lost) with Sheffield United. They looked so strong in Cardiff last week. I only saw the highlight of the "foul" on Gerrard but with the talent and new pace in their squad I expected more. Thankfully I didn't have time to watch Chelski devour Citeh.

I'm pleased that Reading won. It seems like Convey had a good match. It'll be nice to see him darting up and down the wing this campaign against the EPL's finest. I think he can handle it.

And Manchester United are off and running. It's all lovey dovey between The Fall Guy Ronaldo and Boy Wonder Rooney. Whatever. They're wankers and the Red Devils don't have the talent to do the business for the entire season. -Sanford

Monday, August 21, 2006

The Insider at Bramall Lane

Liverpool got lucky - there was no contact on the challenge that I could see. -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=376337&root=england&cc=5901

Richard Jolley at Old Trafford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=376510&root=england&cc=5901

Prem Wrap: Goals & Thrills Galore!

http://goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoId=113437

Anelka claims Bolton deal is done

Woo Hoo! Let's all thank Big Sam for bringing Le Sulk back to the EPL...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376557&cc=5901

Bundesliga match reports

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-germanyreports&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Chelsea complete Boulahrouz transfer

And a round of applause for The Special One for bringing in The Cannibal...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376551&cc=5901

EPL Team of the Week

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=376517&cc=5901

Alan Hansen's column

Hansen weighs in on the opening EPL weekend...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/5271600.stm

Juventus court move threatens delays for Serie A

When was the last time Serie A actually started on time?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376564&cc=5901

Monday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,1855047,00.html

EPL: How the foreign debutants performed

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1854710,00.html

Pires out for six months with knee ligament injury

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=376571&cc=5901