Wednesday's Rumours

Henry to Inter and Ronaldinho to Milan...yawn - Sanford
http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,2007619,00.html

Glorious Ghana Trounce Super Eagles

London got a taste of the beauty, fun and mayhem of one of the world's great derbies last night as Ghana took on Nigeria.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/07/glorious_ghana_trounce_super_e.html

Lawro and Hansen on the Liverpool Takeover

The two BBC "experts" give their take on the US invasion...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6275567.stm

International Friendlies and other stuff

There are some internationals today and tomorrow. Here's the list:

Tuesday, 06 February 2007
Australia v Denmark, Brazil v Portugal, Bulgaria v Latvia, Cyprus v Hungary, Ghana v Nigeria,
Greece v South Korea, Mali v Lithuania, Northern Ireland v Wales

Wednesday, 07 February 2007
San Marino v Rep of Ireland, Albania v FYR Macedonia, Algeria v Libya, Andorra v Armenia, Belgium v Czech Republic, China PR v Kazakhstan, Colombia v Uruguay, Croatia v Norway,
Egypt v Sweden, England v Spain, France v Argentina, Georgia v Turkey, Germany v Switzerland, Holland v Russia, Iran v Belarus, Israel v Ukraine, Malta v Austria, Moldova v Romania, Morocco v Tunisia, Slovakia v Poland, Slovenia v Estonia, Venezuela v Chile, Scotland B v Finland B, USA vs. Mexico

I'm not going to include any previews, with the exception of the USA/Mexico match. Look for that tomorrow. I always look forward to that encounter, for obvious reasons. Basically, it's never friendly. Otherwise, the friendlies are when I just pray my favorite players don't get hurt. I couldn't really care less about the results.

Moving on, I must toot my own horn over the Carew move by O'Neill at Villa. I said earlier that I thought it was the best deal of the window and so far Carew has lived up to expecations. He exudes a class that is rare in the EPL and he's already establishing a relationship with Ashley Young that could propel Villa into the upper parts of the table. All that and Milan Baros is gone. Brilliant.

At least one good thing has come out of Ronaldo's flop on Sunday. The new Diving Twat (Inzaghi has been usurped -- sorry Pippo) has the FA is considering punishing divers after the fact. I'm all for it. Bring it on. This should have been done long ago. At least in the EPL, it is always the same players that use this tactic and simple video review would deal with the problem.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to Israel to party with long-legged blonds and a bunch of Russians...-Sanford

Phil Ball in Spain

I recall reading the music magazine 'Mojo' a couple of years back, in which a new album by Neil Young was reviewed. The author gave the album maximum marks of 5 stars, and was rather over-fulsome in his praise. The next month, a reader wrote a short piece in the letters section asking the question: 'If Neil Young pissed in a bucket, would you give it 5 stars?' to which the editor, replying in italics at the bottom of the letter replied, 'We'd have to hear it first'.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=407051&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1&cc=5901

US takeover of Liverpool set to be finalised

The £470million takeover of Liverpool by American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks could go through today after further progress was made on their Monday offer.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=407030&cc=5901

Calcio could be back by the weekend

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=407063&cc=5901

Hammers' hope looks to be fading fast

Eggert Magnusson has the sort of expressive face that renders him incapable of looking impassive. It is a reason why the camera pans to West Ham's Icelandic owner so frequently. Their worsening plight and inadequate results, coupled with his £19 million investment in the transfer window, are others. And when the picture is focused on Magnusson, his thoughts are betrayed by both his expression and his body language. They are rarely happy.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406909&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2&cc=5901

Arsenal Close To Signing French Prodigy

The Next Henry???

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=227543

Premiership Rewind: Big Wins & Small Teams

Another week in the EPL, and what did we learn?
http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=227308

Ronaldo Dived, Says Lee

Yeah, well, duh... -Sanford
http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=227224

Spain: Primera Liga Team Of The Week

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=226993

Five facts on Liverpool's new owners

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

Richard Williams Column

Tragedy must bring change to Italian football -- municipal stadiums, ticket prices and a slapdash approach to policing must all be tackled in Italian football's facelift.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/06/tragedy_must_bring_change_to_t.html

Russia's lavish parties make headlines in Israel

Russian champions CSKA Moscow beat Spartak Moscow to scoop $1 million in prize money at a tournament in Israel last week, but the real competition seemed to be which billionaire could throw the most lavish party.
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-israelabramovich_sports_feature&prov=reuters&type=lgns

Back from England, Dempsey looking to spark U.S. against Mexico

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

Madridistas show white rag to another load of bull

When hankies wave, presidents get nervous and heads tend to roll. Which is why the end could be nigh for Fabio Capello in Madrid.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/05/madridistas_show_white_rag_to.html

Wanted: strong leaders to fortify Jol's flimsy Tottenham

Martin Jol needs a talismanic figure to lead his Spurs pushovers back into European contention.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/06/wanted_strong_leaders_to_forti.html

Tuesday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/0,,565628,00.html

Riots in Catania Halt Matches Across Italy

The prime minister described the riots in the Sicilian city of Catania as a 'guerrilla war'. Hooded youths wielding metal poles and large firecrackers lashed out at police, as streams of fans fled down city streets to safety.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=406840&cc=5901

And here's some video of the mayhem:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9RvKCYCP2GI

Roberto Gotta in Italy

More than words needed to halt hooligans...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406846&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

The Insider at The Valley

Charlton 0 - 1 Chelsea

Leaving your mucky finger prints all over the demise of two Premiership clubs in the same season is unlikely to do much for your reputation, yet Alan Pardew somehow seems to be fireproof.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406627&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1&cc=5901

Richard Jolly at the Riverside Stadium

Middlesboro 1 - 1 Arsenal

Change is afoot at Arsenal. The public face of it may be the youngsters who have qualified for the Carling Cup final, such as the precocious pair of Denilson and Armand Traore, or Cesc Fabregas, the personification of Arsene Wenger's ideals. But there may be a much more pragmatic revolution underway, borne of necessity.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406636&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901

Bradley opts for experience against Mexico

When training camp for the U.S. men's national team opened one month ago, it was as if interim head coach Bob Bradley had posted a sign that read "No experience necessary," such was the dearth of international appearances among the invitees. As the Americans head into Wednesday's "friendly" against Mexico, Bradley will probably choose a more tested crew, but there will still be opportunities for some young players to shine.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406719&root=us&cc=5901

England: Premier League Match Reports

Liverpool and Everton draw nil-nil, yet another goal for McBride as Fulham take the Gooch and Newcastle, and ManU and Chelsea win.

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

Spain: Barcelona miss out as Sevilla and Real suffer

Sociedad hold Barcelona to a draw while Real Madrid lose again as Becks watches from the VIP seats...

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

Schalke move three points clear with win at Werder

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

Ronaldo's Dive? You Be the Judge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9chcPmSYFw

The Bayern empire is crumbling

Defeats on and off the pitch suggest that Bayern Munich's domination of German football is coming to an end.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/05/the_bayern_empire_is_crumbling.html

Monday's rumour

Yes, Monday's rumour:

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,2006289,00.html

Diving suspicions resurface as Ronaldo spikes Spurs

The United winger kept his head if not his feet to win the penalty that broke the resistance of the home side.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2006104,00.html

Lawro's Premiership Predictions

I'm sorry but I've no time to do mine this week. If I did, I would blow Lawro out of the water with my infinate wisdom. But go ahead and check out this hack's predictions...-Sanford

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6305205.stm

Premiership weekend preview

The Liverpool Derby and Manchester United at Tottenham highlight this weekend's program...

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=445660&CPID=8&clid=7&lid=2&title=Premiership+weekend+preview&channel=football_home&

An early Spanish inquisition

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/sport/2007/01/30/sfnwin30.xml

Eto'o back in full training

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=445666&CPID=23&clid=178&lid=2&title=Eto'o+back+in+full+training

Barton wins England call-up

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=445799&CPID=219&clid=114&lid=4161&title=Barton+wins+England+call-up

Adebayor pleads for young stars to be given final bow

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2580829,00.html

England fans' racism protest

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2004338,00.html

Larsson has no regrets about life in goldfish bowl

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2004240,00.html

Gillett reinforced in Reds takeover

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2004344,00.html

King suffers more injury woe

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2004754,00.html

No Roaming For Reluctant Riquelme

Juan Román Riquelme was one of the players slated to make a move during the recently closed winter transfer window, but the out-of-favour Villarreal playmaker is staying at the Castellón de la Plana club, although against the wishes of the Coach, President and a growing number of his team-mates...
http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=224645

MLS stigma still exists in some quarters

Ms. Canales could probably change her headline to read most instead of some. -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=400437&root=mls&cc=5901

Volz pleased not to live up to anyone's stereotype

Wo kann ich mir meine VokuHila Frisur blondieren lassen?
Where can I get my mullet highlighted?

Kannst du meine Ärmel abschneiden?
Please can you cut the sleeves off my denim jacket?

Ist der Linienrichter russe?
Is the linesman Russian?

Wo kann ich die neue David Hasselhoff CD kaufen?
Where can I buy David Hasselhoff’s new album?

Kann ich meine Sandalen ohne Tennis Socken tragen?
Can I wear my sandals without socks?

Wo ist der Pool? Ich will meine Handtöcher hinlegen
Which way to the pool? I would like to put my towel down.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,30270-2580122,00.html

Richard Jolly Wraps Each EPL Team's Transfers

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=406055&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos2&cc=5901

Bolton Hit By Davies Setback

Odds are even that he chipped that bone in his foot by kicking another player's foot. He's welcome to hang out with Cashley Cole and Lucas Neill whilst recovering...-Sanford

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=223959

No Surgery Needed On Cole's Knee

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=224330

Gunners extra firepower has final reward

Yeah, so Theo didn't get his first goal. Oh well. It was Denilson who stole the show as far as I'm concerned. Diaby had some excellent moments but my Man of the Match goes to the Brazilian. He had some key midfield interceptions and a few stinging shots. Very impressive. And Arsene says he'll stick with the young guns in the final versus Chelsea. Fantastic. That'll be a doozy.

The only downside to this match was the bitching and moaning of one Robbie Keene. What a wanker.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Match_Report/0,,2003272,00.html

In defence of Jol

And so, once again, Spurs’ lofty ambitions are undone by their fierce rivals. Having not beaten Arsenal for 17 matches previously, and near the 20th anniversary of the Gunners’ famous win over Spurs in the League Cup semi-final in 1987, what else did Tottenham fans expect?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A19424018

Wednesday's Premiership Reports + Table

Manchester Utd 4 Watford 0
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578205,00.html

Chelsea 3 Blackburn 0
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578185,00.html

Newcastle 3 Aston Villa 1
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578212,00.html

Bolton 1 Charlton 1
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2578215,00.html


English Premiership Table
January 31, 2007

GP PTS
Man Utd 25 60
Chelsea 25 54
Liverpool 25 49
Arsenal 24 45
Bolton 25 41
Portsmouth 25 38
Reading 25 37
Everton 24 35
Newcastle 25 33
Tottenham 24 33
Middlesbrough 25 31
Blackburn 25 31
Man City 24 30
Aston Villa 25 29
Fulham 25 29
Sheff Utd 25 27
Wigan 24 22
West Ham 25 20
Charlton 25 20
Watford 24 15

Final agony for Cole as injury wrecks Arsenal showdown

Hmmm. Yesterday I think I mentioned something called karma in relation to Lucas Neill...-Sanford

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2578332,00.html

Jay DeMerit Blog

Watford's American defender discusses his club's mission impossible to avoid the drop...-Sanford

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=demerit_jay

Hamburg sack coach Doll after sliding to bottom

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

Bundesliga: Bremen and Schalke maintain winning ways

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

On second thoughts ... Andy Cole

He will always be remembered as the man who needed five chances to score, but Andy Cole has a better goalscoring record than Alan Shearer.

(Remember when he played at Newcastle? - Sanford)




http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/01/on_second_thoughts_andy_cole.html

Here's what's on the top of my head at the moment...

How shite are Spurs and their fans going to feel if they lose tonight to a second-string
Arsenal squad? The Gunner youngsters have made what is usually a boring
competition into an exciting affair this season. Over the years I usually pull for my team
to get eliminated early to alleviate fixture congestion. But this season it’s been different. OK< so the Gunner team will be sprinkled with experience (Gilberto will return) but you get the idea.

And Theo Walcott. So he’s not scoring. It’s OK. If Wenger says it’ll come, it’ll come.
Yes, he is still 17 and Arsene says he’s finishing impressively in training. I trust the Boss. He's said things like this millions of times in the past and been correct 76.4% of the time. I like the odds. While I’m on the subject of Arsenal, I’m glad to see Song go. He can stink it up for
Pardew now. Some people say he was good against Liverpool but I beg to differ. He still
looked lost and his goal bounced in off his body. He knew nothing of it. I also wonder
about Birmingham getting Larsson for £1 million. I hope there is more cash than that
involved, especially when you see the likes of Darren Bent and £18 million being thrown
about. Larsson is lighting up the Championship and that’s a nice take by Steve Bruce.

Speaking of the Championship, come on Derby! The Rams just keep notching the wins
and have managed to keep themselves above Birmingham in the table. It’d be great to
see Premiership football back at Pride Park next year. My wife could bust out the Rammy panties that have been in the drawer since 1997.

Let’s see. What else is up? Oh yes, Bayern Munich fired Felix Magath and brought back
Ottmar Hitzfeld. I can’t really see this making too much of a difference in Munich.
There are too many good teams at the top and it’s not like the old days when Bayern
could just buy their competitors' top players. There is much more parity now. They are
thin and the loss of Ballack has really hurt. Their Champions League match-up with Real
Madrid should prove interesting. Which out of form giant will lose? My bet is on the
Germans. There has been a real shift in the Bundesliga and I don’t know if Bayern will
ever command the respect or enjoy the dominance it once had. In other words, at least one European Giant has fallen and will not be back like some others (Juve, Milan).

Ahh yes, Sir Wayne is scoring again. Shrek has bagged a couple of late to put all the talk
of his lack of goals behind him. Did any of us really think it was an issue? Of course the
media needed a story so they made it one, but come on. ManU are top of the table and
Rooney's form has been fine. So few goals? Not an issue. An issue would be if Ronaldo
goes down. No, like, goes down for real. As in actually gets injured. I think that could
put a big thorn in the Red Devils. That’s why the return of Park is so important. He
provides the same sort of width and pace as Ronaldo. If something were to happen to the
Diving Master, Sir Alex would have back-up. I think it’ll be a tight run to the finish, but
ManU have too much of an advantage. The real fun will be the battle for second. I still
don’t trust Liverpool or Arsenal to become consistent enough to make a real run for the top. Stevie G. tells us his boys are ready but we’ve heard that before. No, I see it finishing like this:

Manchester United
Chelsea
Arsenal
Liverpool

No surprises there.

That’s all the time I’ve got at the moment. Time to tie up some loose ends so I can go home, grab the dog, and head out to see Tottenham travel to the Emirates. And then it'll be time to see Theo's first goal for The Gunners. Who knew the League Cup could be so much fun?

-Sanford

U.S. defender Onyewu joins Newcastle on loan

I don't think I've ever seen The Gooch smile before! He looks good! -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405653&cc=5901

Liverpool given FIFA nod to sign Mascherano

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405782&cc=5901

Ronaldo given muted send-off by Spanish media

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405807&cc=5901

England: Premiership Tuesday Wrap

Sheffield United have given their survival hopes a massive boost with a 2-0 win at home to Fulham on an evening when the two teams below them both lost as West Ham lost at home to Liverpool and Wigan were beaten at high-flying Reading.

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=222589

Germany: Bundesliga Tuesday Wrap

Bayern Munich Crisis Deepens With Bochum Draw...

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=222666

Bayern Munich sack coach Magath - Report

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405844&cc=5901

Charlton Sign Song on Loan

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=222645

Birmingham spend £1m to keep Arsenal's Larsson

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405808&cc=5901

Wednesday Premiership Previews

Bolton host Charlton, Chelsea welcome Blackburn, Manchester United host Watford, and Villa travel to Newcastle...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2575828,00.html

Denilson times his run to perfection

Arsenal's highly rated midfielder hopes to shine in tonight's Carling Cup semi-final against Spurs.

http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2002448,00.html

Don’t cry for the Argentinians. Weep for the insularity of English managers

There is a lot riding on Javier Mascherano’s proposed loan transfer to Liverpool; far more than the Premiership career of one player. There is the judgment of Alan Pardew, the reputation of Alan Curbishley, indeed the general ability of what we would style the bread-and-butter English managers to be at home at the high end of the modern game.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8305-2575232_2,00.html

League Cup: Arsenal vs. Tottenham

If Arsenal believe that they are certain to cruise into the Carling Cup final this evening, Robbie Keane is having none of it.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27-2575569,00.html

Salihamidzic: a heartening success story

Where would Hasan Salihamidzic be today if he hadn't escaped Sarajevo the day before it was besieged?

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/01/31/salihamidzic_a_heartening_succ.html

Cafu, Carew, and the Fine Young Cannibals Dude

Martin O'Neill scored the best deal of the month the is the other day by unloading one-hit wonder Milan Baros and getting an excellent target man in John Carew in return. I've always been impressed with Carew-- he can hold it up well, has excellent vision and scores plenty. I'm eager to see how he'll fare at Villa but as the transfer window begins to close, I'd have to say that it's Martin who wins the prize of best move within the window. Carew is no one-hit wonder and for that matter, neither is Cafu. This other guy, though...

Triplets separated at birth?? -Sanford

Phil Ball in Spain

So Phil Ball is an Englishman living in Spain. And he lives in San Sabastian. Trouble is, the team he supports in San Sabastian (Real Sociedad) is not doing so hot this year. Relegation looms... -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=405471&root=europe&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2&cc=5901

Davids completes free transfer to Ajax

Remember when he looked like this?

I'm pleased for the Pit Bull. He made the correct decision going back to Amsterdam. I mean, would you rather play at FC Dallas or Ajax? Granted Dallas does boast the brand spanking new Pizza Hut Park, but come on! Dallas or Amsterdam? Holland or Texas? Think of the sweat that would build up under those goggles in 100+ degree heat. Of course, there is no Walker Texas Ranger in Amsterdam... -Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405605&cc=5901

England: Tuesday's EPL Previews

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2573596,00.html

Neill Injury Blow For West Ham

Ahhh, what a shame. The guy passes on Liverpool and Champions League football for more $$ and a relegation battle with West Ham. How do you spell karma, Mr. Neill?? -Sanford

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=221798

Tottenham weigh up move to Wembley

Any Spurs fans out there care to weigh in on this?

http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,2001831,00.html

Tuesday's rumours

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,2001978,00.html

Gerrard Talks Up Reds Title Hopes

This is obviously the right thing for the captain to be saying but it just ain't gonna happen... -Sanford

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=222160

Baptista Boost For Arsenal

Arsenal's injury troubles have been lessened by the news that Julio's Baptista groin injury was not as bad as first feared.

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=221815

Mayor kills plan for Real Salt Lake's soccer stadium

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405538&cc=5901

Italy: Serie A Team Of The Week

Even at 64 years of age Paolo Maldini makes the cut...

http://www.goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=221625

James Richardson in Italy

Wherever he's played, Ronaldo has always scored goals by the bucketload - and Milan will be no different.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/01/30/ronaldo_may_be_fat_and_slow_bu.html

Materazzi goes down easily, says Domenech

Good grief. You be the judge.

Here's the article:
http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fblfraitadomenech&prov=afp&type=lgns


Here's the video of the incident:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pijUsawnff4

Soccer's tale of two Ronaldos

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

Germany: Mid-Week Bundesliga Preview

Bayern face a must win clash with lowly VFL Bochum as the double-double winners aim to get their title tilt back on track.

Coach Felix Magath said during the winter break that his struggling outfit could no longer use a World Cup hangover as the excuse to explain why his stars have under-performed so far this season.

But that did not stop the team losing 3-2 at Borussia Dortmund in their first match of 2007.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AopShQJ22yod1VFZWlhEfXUmw7YF?slug=afp-fblger&prov=afp&type=lgns

Sid Lowe in Spain

Yesterday's Basque derby proved that Athletic Bilbao are recovering nicely, but Real Sociedad are doomed.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/01/29/sociedads_decline_now_looks_te.html

Rooney's Nice Strike

This is from the Portsmouth FA Cup match. I've got to admit, it's another impressive shot from Shrek... -Sanford

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDDGA3Hdx_g

FA Cup Fifth Round Draw

Chelsea v Blackpool or Norwich City
Watford v Ipswich Town
Preston North End v Manchester City
Plymouth Argyle v Derby County
Manchester United v Reading
Arsenal or Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers
Bristol City or Middlesbrough v West Bromwich Albion
Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur

The Insider at Emirates Stadium

Wenger is angry (and has every right to be) with Big Sam's ugly tactics as Bolton force a replay...-Sanford

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=405332&root=england&cc=5901

FA Cup Reports

Goals for Beasley and McBride as Citeh and Fulham cruise...

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

Spain: Primera Liga Reports

Saviola on fire for Barcelona...

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

Italy: Serie A Reports

This just in: Inter will never lose...

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

Germany: Bundesliga Match Reports

Bayern drop six points back after loss at Dortmund...

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

Galaxy's Lalas says Beckham will be worth the money

MADRID, Jan 29 (Reuters) - David Beckham will be worth every cent of his multi-million dollar move to Los Angeles Galaxy, according to club president Alexi Lalas.

The 31-year-old midfielder has agreed a switch from Real Madrid to the Major League Soccer (MLS) side from the end of this season, on a five-year deal worth $250 million including bonuses and endorsements.

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

Platini confirms Champions League to be overhauled

Newly-elected UEFA chief Michel Platini confirmed he intends to reduce the number of clubs that England, Spain and Italy are allowed to qualify for the Champions League.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=afp-fbleurc1uefaplatini&prov=afp&type=lgns

Scotland unveil McLeish as Smith successor

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405385&cc=5901

Wenger: I may have to prioritise competitions

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=405387&cc=5901

Calcio Addicts Corner: Inter Headed Down Boulevard Of Broken Dreams?

After so many years of Inter being the annual underachiever, the Nerazzurri have had plenty to smile about this season due to their on-field success. A new scandal, though, threatens to take it all away...

http://goal.com/en-US/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=220580

Monday's Rumours

Gooch to Newcastle??

http://football.guardian.co.uk/rumourmill/index/0,,2001283,00.html

Montella takes off with Fulham

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2571448,00.html

Ban Wenger's Wonderkids

Won't somebody, in the name of all that is holy, please do something about Arsenal’s superkids!
This is not the anguished cry of a Spurs fan facing defeat at the hands of Wenger’s . . . erm . . . think, Danny . . . Busby Babes . . . Fergie’s Fledgelings . . . erm . . . ahh . . . Wenger’s Vernals...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,23530-2571905,00.html