As both the madness at the Madrigal and the top of the table prove, Spanish football is getting interesting again.
Goals galore as La Liga shakes off its torpor.
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.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sid Lowe in Spain
As both the madness at the Madrigal and the top of the table prove, Spanish football is getting interesting again.
Goals galore as La Liga shakes off its torpor.
Top 10 Great British Stars Abroad
No. 3: Steve McManaman
After becoming one of the first top names to take advantage of the Bosman ruling, McManaman left Liverpool for Real Madrid on a free in 1999. The winger incredibly went on to win the Champions League twice in his four years in Spain, as well as two league titles. An unforgettable experience for the star.
Paolo Bandini in Italy
Napoli's film producer owner could not have written a better script for his team's rise up the table.
Rags to riches story reaches its climax as Reja takes Napoli to the Serie A summit.
Adams to be named new boss of Portsmouth
Adams, who has been Redknapp's assistant for the last two years, had been tipped to land the job as Portsmouth look for consistency.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Galaxy star Donovan eyeing European move
Los Angeles Galaxy striker Landon Donovan is eyeing a move to the English Premier League or Spain's La Liga in the January transfer window.
Ljungberg Latest MLS Recruit
Former Premier League star Freddie Ljungberg has left England for the United States of America...
Ready to cause sleepless nights in Seattle...
Carew fined 'heavily' by O'Neill for his lap dance
"John thinks there are mitigating circumstances.
I listened and then I made a decision he was wrong."
Sunday, October 26, 2008
England: Premier League Wrap, Reports & Table
Saturday WrapChelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool
Liverpool have the hallmark of title winners
Liverpool close to a title challenge
Richard Williams:
Run ends with a whimper
Everton 1 - 1 Manchester United
Toffees deserved draw
Sunderland 2 - 1 Newcastle
Richardson scuppers Newcastle resistance
Sunderland fans celebrate Derby win
Tottenham 2 - 0 Bolton
'Arry gets Spurs ticking
West Ham 0 - 2 Arsenal
Third loss in a row for Hammers
Manchester City 3 - 0 Stoke City
Robinho hat trick
Portsmouth 1 - 1 Fulham
Dempsey late leveller
Wigan 0 - 4 Aston Villa
Carew leads rout
| Nº | Team | GP | W | D | L | Pts |
| 1. | Liverpool | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 23 |
| 2. | Chelsea | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 20 |
| 3. | Hull City | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 20 |
| 4. | Arsenal | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
| 5. | Aston Villa | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 17 |
| 6. | Manchester Utd | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 15 |
| 7. | Portsmouth | 9 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 14 |
| 8. | Manchester City | 9 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 13 |
| 9. | Sunderland | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| 10. | West Ham | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 12 |
| 11. | Blackburn | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 12 |
| 12. | Middlesbrough | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| 13. | WBA | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 10 |
| 14. | Everton | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
| 15. | Wigan | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 |
| 16. | Fulham | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| 17. | Bolton | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 8 |
| 18. | Stoke City | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| 19. | Newcastle | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| 20. | Tottenham | 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
Ramos out, Redknapp in as Spurs finally lose patience
After weeks of speculation, finally some decisive action. Following a day of rumours of mounting dressing room unrest at White Hart Lane, Tottenham last night confirmed the dismissals of manager Juande Ramos, his first team coaches Gus Poyet and Marcos Alvarez, and much-criticised director of football, Damien Comolli – and that Ramos' replacement will be Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Match Report: Diego Gutierrez Farewell Match
Last night the Jersey "Drug Cheat" Metrobulls came to Chicago needing a win to take control of their destiny and secure a playoff spot. The Fire didn't seem to have much to play for; a win guaranteed home field for the first round of the playoffs, an advantage that according to many pundits is questionable at best. However there were a few intangibles in play as well: it was former Fire coach John Charlie Osorio's second visit to Bridgeview since his dubious departure last winter as well as the final regular season homegame for Fire hero Diego Gutierrez, a founding team member and major contributor to our sole league win as well as many of our Open Cup championships. The rain started about 30 minutes before the game and continued intermittently throughout, though it wasn't so cold (of our four pouring rain home games this year I'd rank this one second warmest). The crowd was fired up to cheer Diego, boo Osorio and root hard for an end to his inaugural season in New Jersey. Fortunately Chris Rolfe brought his shooting boots, opening the book in the 11th minute and completing his hat trick before the half was done, leading the way in a 5-2 ass whipping. There are better summary articles of the events as they transpired on the field, (I'm especially fond of this one), so I'll offer a few general observations:- Coach Hamlett has ended the experiment of playing Blanco as a withdrawn striker and has him playing in the middle of an attacking midfield trio with Rolfe and Mapp, all playing behind McBride. This formation didn't work so well with Chad "Diesel" Barrett up top, but McBride clears out a lot of space for the other three to move in to, and it's pretty successful. Blanco makes better balls with more space in front of him, and now that he's ventured into Valderrama territory (no running, just trap and pass) he helps the other attacking players a ton. The drawback is that we're pretty soft up the middle. Chris Rolfe seems to be the greatest beneficiary, and is getting to the top of his game at the best time. Last night he scored a goal with each foot and with his head, as well as assisting on the last goal.
- The Metrobulls are a disaster. The hallmark of Osorio teams is that they win and keep the ball well but don't move forward very effectively. This team was a disaster at the back, continually botching back passes and standing the keeper. On the first, third, fourth and fifth goals three defenders left a single attacking player to pick up an available ball and score. Organization is terrible, there seems to be little talent in midfield and at the back, and nobody but Van Den Bergh can do anything with the ball. JP Angel was all alone in attack, and he took his only chance pretty well but otherwise saw little of the ball in useful spots.
- The Fire really get up to play Osorio. Our results against him this year: 9 points, goal differential of +8.
- There was a nice recognition ceremony for Diego at halftime, and fortunately the video wasn't all exclusively about his extensive charity work; there were plenty of clips of him making some seriously brutal tackles. Diego's final visit to Section 8 was touching as well; he wiped away tears on his way over to them and climbed into the stands to hug the supporters. He's truly a classy guy and we'll miss the hell out of him. He's lost a step this year, but he was always willing to do whatever the coach has asked and mostly has filled in very well. He also managed to get on the board with an assist on the fourth goal, just to cap things off properly.
So the Fire have clinched home field for the first round against New England, to whom we owe some serious payback. New Jersey now needs a huge favor from Columbus, who have nothing to play for. I hope they're done for the year.
MLS, Galaxy Not Beckham’s Main Goal
Martin Rogers: The midfielder’s imminent loan switch to AC Milan in the opening months of 2009 proves that Brand Beckham and England rank far ahead of the employer that facilitated his estimated five-year earnings of up to $250 million.
Article
Charlie Davies 2.0
If you're wondering how much Hammarby forward Charlie Davies is enjoying soccer right now, here's your clue: despite several recent fatigue-inducing U.S. National Team call-ups, the speedster is quite bummed out to see the Allsvenskan season nearing its close.
David Ginola: My five-point plan to save Spurs
Here Ginola, a former France international, lays out his five-point plan to turn around the club's fortunes.
Germany: Bundesliga Weekend Preview
With the season now fully underway, things are starting to settle down and teams are finding their way. Hamburg remain top with Hoffenheim also still flying high and the two clash this weekend.
Bayern Munich got their long-awaited win last Saturday, while Frankfurt also bagged their first win in midweek. Goal.com previews all the weekend action…
England: Premier League Previews & Predictions
Liverpool's visit to Chelsea is the Big One of the weekend. Elsewhere, Everton host Manchester United, Arsenal are at West Ham, it's the Tyne-Wear Derby as Sunderland and Newcastle clash, and it's a must-win for Spurs as they welcome Bolton to White Hart Lane
Preview One
Preview Two
Phil McNulty on Chelsea vs. Liverpool
Nick Webster's Predictions
Lawro's Predictions
On that day: End of the Invincibles
It will perhaps be remembered for the use of a buffet in a post-match argument but October 24 2004 was a seismic day in the history of the English Premier League. In surrendering a truly wondrous unbeaten record of 49 games, Arsenal's aura of invincibility was gone. And has not returned since.
OCTOBER 24 2004:
MANCHESTER UNITED 2-0 ARSENAL
Spanish Debate: La Liga's Best Newcomers
Ewan Macdonald crafts a line-up comprising only those who have made their Primera División debut this season. Is one of your club's heroes among them?
Renan
Nélson - Pareja - Pellerano - Morris
Busquets - Van Der Vaart - Román - Shojaei
Adrián
Piatti
MLS: NY Fail To Clinch Spot After Rout By Fire
It was the Chris Rolfe show on Thursday as the 25-year-old netted a hat-trick in the Chicago Fire's 5-2 victory of the New York Red Bulls.
Bocanegra keeps plugging away
Europe may be just about small enough to fit into the back garden of a Hollywood mansion in his native California, but Carlos Bocanegra is discovering the quintessential differences that make up the Old Continent can pose a globe-trotting footballer more headaches than the morning-after a bender with Paul Gascoigne.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Assistant referees have the impossible job, not England manager
With every close decision analysed like molecules, the abuse and risk of injury, “linos” have a terrible time week in, week out.
Caldwell Set For Long-Term Celtic Stay
It appears as through Gary Caldwell has finally established himself as a key man for Celtic under Gordon Strachan, winning an initial one-year contract extension...
Barton aims to "turn negatives into positives"
Controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has vowed to use the tide of abuse heading his way to fuel his bid to return to his best form. The 26-year-old could return to senior action for the Magpies in Saturday's derby clash with Sunderland and the Stadium of Light.
The Interview in Full
Gabriele Marcotti: AC Milan aim to cash in on David Beckham glitz
David Beckham's proposed move to AC Milan on loan is merely the continuation of a vision laid out by Silvio Berlusconi, the club's owner, a long time ago.
Oh dear...which is worse...this or the Eduardo photograph??
Arsenal's Eduardo could return within weeks, says Arsene Wenger
The injury was so bad that Sky Sports chose not to replay the incident, while Taylor received death threats from Croatian fans amid fears that the Rio de Janiero-born player would not play again.
Sorry...-Ed.
UEFA Champions League: Wednesday Reports & Wrap
Chelsea 1 - 0 RomaThe Insider at Stamford Bridge
Totti provides few moments of quality
Atletico Madrid 1 - 1 Liverpool
Simao leveler
Sid Lowe at the Vicente Calderón
Inter Milan 1 - 0 Anorthosis Famagusta
Adriano goal settles drab affair
Basel 0 - 5 Barcelona
Catalonian class
Panathinaikos 2 - 2 Werder Bremen
Greeks held
Bordeaux 1 - 0 CFR Cluj
French stay alive
WRAP
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
UEFA Champions League: Wednesday Previews
What: Champions League Group AWho: Chelsea (1st, 4pts) v Roma (3rd, 3pts)
When: Wednesday, 22nd October, 2008 - 20:45 (CET)
Where: Stamford Bridge, London
Preview
Preview Two
What: UEFA Champions League Group D, Matchday Three
Who: Atlético Madrid (1st 6 points) - Liverpool (2nd 6 points)
When: Wednesday October 22 2008, 2045 CET
Where: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid
Preview
It's personal for Torres and Benitez
Preview Two
What: Champions League, Group C
Who: FC Basel (4th, 0pts) v FC Barcelona (1st, 6pts)
When: 20:45 CET - Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Where: St. Jakob-Park, Basel
Preview
What: Champions League Matchday 3, Group B
Who: Internazionale (1st, 4 points) vs Anorthosis Famagusta (2nd, 4 points)
When: Wednesday 22 October 2008, 20:45 CET
Where: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Preview
What: UEFA Champions League Group C, Matchday Three
Who: FC Shakhtar Donetsk (3rd, 3 points) - Sporting Clube de Portugal (2nd, 3 points)
When: Wednesday October 22 2008, 2045 (CET)
Where: RSC Olympiyskiy Stadium, Donetsk, Ukraine
Ref: Herbert Fandel (GER)
Preview
Hail the masterly jacks of all trades
It's a loss for football that so few players in the modern game have the flexibility and ingenuity to be a true all-rounder.
Jack of one trade...
Drogba is a diver, says Mourinho
"I am no longer Chelsea coach and I do not have to defend them any more," he told feelfootball.com. "I think it is correct if I say Drogba is a diver."
Another Ukraine Euro 2012 arena faces uncertainty
Authorities in Ukraine’s western city of Lviv are looking for new builders after an Austrian firm pulled out of constructing a stadium for the Euro 2012 finals, an official said on Monday.
Lviv is lovely...
Beckham to join AC Milan on loan
David Beckham has agreed to move to AC Milan on loan in January, the Italian club has told BBC Sport.
UEFA Champions League: Tuesday Reports & Wrap
Manchester United 3 - 0 CelticReport
Richard Jolly at Old Trafford
Beguiling Bulgarian leaves Tevez as the odd man out
Juventus 2 - 1 Real Madrid
Del Piero stunner
Real Madrid and Juventus observe a moment of silence on behalf of those killed and injured in a bus crash on the way to the match in Turin...
Fenerbahce 2 - 5 Arsenal
Report
Wenger salutes his young guns
Bayern Munich 3 - 0 Fiorentina
Bayern back on track
Steaua Bucharest 3-5 Olympique Lyon
Les Gones second half surge
Villarreal 6 - 3 AaB Aalborg
Stunning comeback
Porto 0 - 1 Dynamo Kiev
Surprise road win
WRAP
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger in Germany
With roughly a quarter of the season already behind us, I guess we can now safely state that the Bundesliga has gone bonkers.
Forget Oktoberfest, it's a goal-fest.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Raphael Honigstein in Germany
Bayern's return to winning ways means attention can turn to the team causing most excitement in the Bundesliga: Hoffenheim
Order is restored at Bayern while Hoffenheim's upstarts come good.
UEFA Champions League: Tuesday Previews
What: UEFA Champions League, Group E
Who: Manchester United vs. Celtic
When: Tuesday, 21st October, 19:45 BST
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
TV: ESPN2 at 2:30 EDT
Preview
Capture of Nakamura was Strachan masterstroke
What: Champions League Group H, Matchday 3
Who: Juventus (2nd, 4pts) vs Real Madrid (1st, 6pts)
When: Tuesday, 21st October 2008, 2045 CET
Where: Stadio Olimpico di Torino, Turin, Italy
TV: ESPN Classic delayed at 5pm EDT
Preview
What: Champions League Group Stage
Who: FC Bayern vs AC Fiorentina
When: Tuesday October 21, 2008 at 20:45 CET
Where: Allianz Arena
Preview
What: Uefa Champions League, Group G, Matchday 3
Who: Fenerbahçe SK (4th, 1 pt) v Arsenal (1st, 4 pts)
When: Tuesday, 21 October, 1945 BST
Where: Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey
Preview
Wenger: I'll shake hands with Aragonés
Who: Villarreal vs. Aab Aalborg
Preview
Americans on the Continent: Dortmund’s Good Fortune
Neven Subotic and Dortmund were involved in one of the most exciting affairs in recent memory, as they earned a dramatic draw at Werder Bremen on the final kick of the game.
WRAP
Ravi Ubha's Roundup of Yanks Abroad
Americans in the UK: The Woes Continue
Just as was the case before the international break, the Yanks couldn’t make much of an impact in the EPL or the Championship. And the SPL guys were on a break.
England: Monday's Premier League Report + Table
Newcastle 2 - 2 Manchester CityIreland strike denies 10-man Newcastle a precious win
Barclays Premier League Table
| Teams | P | GD | Pts | ||
| 1 | Chelsea | 8 | 16 | 20 | |
| 2 | Liverpool | 8 | 7 | 20 | |
| 3 | Hull City | 8 | 0 | 17 | |
| 4 | Arsenal | 8 | 10 | 16 | |
| 5 | Man Utd | 7 | 8 | 14 | |
| 6 | Aston Villa | 8 | 2 | 14 | |
| 7 | Portsmouth | 8 | -4 | 13 | |
| 8 | West Ham | 8 | 0 | 12 | |
| 9 | Blackburn | 8 | -6 | 11 | |
| 10 | Man City | 8 | 6 | 10 | |
| 11 | West Brom | 8 | -4 | 10 | |
| 12 | Sunderland | 8 | -2 | 9 | |
| 13 | Middlesbrough | 8 | -7 | 9 | |
| 14 | Wigan | 8 | 2 | 8 | |
| 15 | Bolton | 8 | -2 | 8 | |
| 16 | Everton | 8 | -6 | 8 | |
| 17 | Fulham | 7 | -2 | 7 | |
| 18 | Stoke | 8 | -5 | 7 | |
| 19 | Newcastle | 8 | -6 | 6 | |
| 20 | Tottenham | 8 | -7 | 2 |
Monday, October 20, 2008
Americans Abroad: Whitbread quietly climbing the ranks at Millwall
Whitbread joined Millwall, a club in South London that has struggled with hooliganism in the past, on loan from Liverpool in 2005-06, when Millwall was relegated from the Championship. He then signed a permanent deal with the Lions, though a pelvic injury sustained in December 2006 ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign. Last season, he made 28 appearances and flourished under manager Kenny Jackett, who replaced Richard Shaw in November.
Suspicions raised by John Terry’s swift return
The defender seemingly chose club over country after sitting out on international duty only to play 90 minutes for Chelsea.
Jimmy Hill involved as beautiful game turns ugly once again
Football had a depressingly Seventies retro weekend full of crowd violence, coin throwing and even a spat involving octogenarian Jimmy Hill.
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