Topics

361

Football / Livingston 1-1 Dundee

« on: May 21, 2005, 04:30:57 PM »

Livingston 1-1 Dundee 
 
Duffy sorry for supporters
No regrets from Gough
Dundee have been relegated from the SPL after they failed to win a nervous final-day match at Almondvale.
Dundee went in front after 18 minutes, with Calum MacDonald knocking a Bobby Mann headed pass in from close range.

But Livi hit back eight minutes later when Craig Easton headed home from an excellent Hassan Kachloul cross.

The visitors poured forward as they pushed for a late winner and Tom McManus hit the post in injury-time but it was too late to avoid the drop.

Dundee knew they had to win to avoid slipping down to Division One and they started the game in a positive manner.

The visitors almost broke through in the opening seconds when Steve Lovell pounced on a short back-header from Eric Deloumeaux but the striker's shot hit goalkeeper Roddy McKenzie in the face and spun away for a corner.

Dundee enjoyed much of the possession and it was no surprise when they went in front.

Stephen McNally supplied the ball into the penalty box and Mann headed across goal for MacDonald to bundle home from a few yards out.

However, Livingston knew defeat would see them relegated and forced their way back into the game soon after going behind.

 
Craig Easton scored the equaliser for the home side

Kachloul provided the cross from the left and Easton nodded home in the 26th minute.

Livingston could have doubled their advantage soon after when an opportunist strike from Colin McMenamin was missed by everyone in the box but crashed off the post.

In the second half, Livingston came close when Burton O'Brien unleashed a superb 40-yard drive which was touched just wide before Emmanuel Dorado fired just over from the resultant corner.

Livingston had a great chance to make Dundee's position even more precarious when O'Brien stabbed the ball into the path of Kachloul but his shot was weak and easily held by goalkeeper Derek Soutar.

Dundee defender Mann could have been the hero for Dundee - only to fire agonisingly wide off the post.

And in injury-time, of which there was an astonishing six minutes, McManus went even closer when his low strike cannoned off the post.

Livingston: McKenzie, Bahoken (Rubio 57), Dorado, Deloumeaux, Dair, Easton, Vincze, O'Brien, Kachloul (Snodgrass 90), McMenamin, Lilley (Strong 86). Subs Not Used: Meldrum, Dorrans, Brittain, Horvath.

Booked: Bahoken, Vincze, Kachloul. Goal: Easton 26.

Dundee: Soutar, McDonald, Sancho, Mann, Robb (Sutton 67), Barrett (Caballero 81), McNally, Smith, Anderson (Robertson 87), McManus, Lovell. Subs Not Used: Jack, Larsen, Fotheringham.

Booked: Robb. Goal: McDonald 18.

Att: 8,968

Ref: J Rowbotham



 

362

Football / Ground ball and possession play is the way of the future

« on: May 19, 2005, 01:38:23 PM »

I like this coach because he’s about business although Stern is one off the most dedicated players we have, he should off return one time to seal his place in the starting lineup. We don’t know his reason for not showing up on time so no need to speculate but unless it was an emergence he should off been back on time. That said this coach have no star boy and everyone has to fight for there place, ground ball and possession play is the way of the future even in England the ball is played more on the ground. The reason why England in the old days played long ball was because of the quality of the pitch but with modern at a near perfect stage there no need for long ball. Globalization is a hell off a thing almost every game you look at the team play short one two passes and runs off the ball into space only in Trinidad where every one is a Brazilian do we try to take on the whole team.     

363

Football / Left footed players

« on: May 19, 2005, 01:12:40 PM »

If Wise had improved his game and pass more he would off fit right in this new system. Excellent dribbling but no score and passing but still by far the best left-winger to chose from maybe Carlos Edwards could play on the left side I believe he played on the left side for Wrexham   we also have Anton Joseph than we could groom for that position in the future.

364

Football / Zamora double puts West Ham into playoff final

« on: May 18, 2005, 04:34:08 PM »

Zamora double puts West Ham into playoff final
 
(adds quotes, details)

LONDON, May 18 (Reuters) - Two goals from Bobby Zamora put West Ham United into the second division promotion playoff final with a 2-0 away win over Ipswich Town on Wednesday.

Zamora struck twice in the second half to give his side a 4-2 aggregate win after the semi-final second leg at Portman Road following Saturday's 2-2 draw at Upton Park.

ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
The Londoners are just one game away from reclaiming the Premier League place they lost in 2003.

They will face Preston North End or Derby County, who play their second leg at Pride Park on Thursday, in the final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on May 30.

Preston lead 2-0 from Sunday's first leg at Deepdale.

"It gives us the opportunity to win a playoff situation," said West Ham manager Alan Pardew. "We're really pleased and I have even let the lads have a couple of beers tonight."

Zamora, who has been criticised by the Upton Park fans this season, was the hero as West Ham clinched victory over Ipswich in the playoff semi-final for the second year running.

"I'm delighted to score the goals that get us to the final," West Ham fan Zamora told Sky Sports. "I have got a lot of friends here who have been right behind me.

100TH GOAL

West Ham had dominated the match but failed to find the target until Zamora popped up to tap in a low cross from fellow forward Marlon Harewood after 61 minutes.

It was the 100th goal of the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur striker's career and he added another in the 72nd minute with a delightful sidefooted volley over Ipswich keeper Kelvin Davis.

Harewood, playing in a wide position instead of down the middle, was again the provider as he sent an inviting right-wing cross over the defence for Zamora to knock in from the edge of the box.

After a roller-coaster season in which they scraped into the playoffs, Harewood said: "West Ham have had their ups and downs but when we play quality teams it brings the best out of our players."

Ipswich, who came back from 2-0 down to draw the first leg, will feel especially aggrieved after finishing third in the final standings, 12 points above sixth-placed West Ham.

Sunderland and Wigan Athletic were promoted automatically with Southampton, Norwich City and Crystal Palace being relegated from the Premier League.

 

365

Football / Trinidad and Tobago’s senior footballers will oppose the Jamaican.

« on: May 18, 2005, 04:23:49 PM »

‘Warriors’ to face Jamaica in London Unity Cup.
By: Shaun Fuentes.

Trinidad and Tobago’s senior footballers will oppose the Jamaican National Team at Upton Park, London on June 11 in the opening match of the 2005 Unity Cup.
The game will be the second of a double header with Nigeria taking on Ghana in the first game and the two winners will meet on a date to be determined to crown the champions of the Unity Cup which inaugurated in 2002.
The invitation for the tournament was accepted by the TTFF this week after tournament organizers Optima Sports had been trying to schedule the games at an earlier date.
T&T will now journey to London following the 2006 World Cup qualifying matches at home to Panama and Mexico in Monterrey on June 8.
TTFF Special Advisor Jack Warner welcomed the invitation for the “Warriors” to partake in the Cup saying that it would fall in nicely in the build up for the remaining qualifiers and the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup which takes place in July Andy Howes of Optima, promised the tournament to be an enjoyable one and said that all conditions will be in place to ensure that the teams were well facilitated. He was thrilled to have the "Warriors" in the Cup having previously tried to get the team for previous tournaments.
Head coach Leo Beenhakker also fancies the tournament as a chance to fine tune the team for the matches after the Mexico clash.
In related news, T&T midfielder, Carlos Edwards was delighted after agreeing to join newly promoted English Championship side Luton Town on a three-year contract.
This was announced on Tuesday as the talented former Defence Force man took up the move out of Wrexham which got demoted to the English League Two last week.
The 26-year-old player was offered a new deal by the Dragons, but becomes a free agent on 1 July and will join Luton then. Before that he will represent T&T in two World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Mexico on June 4 and 8.
Edwards' agent Mike Berry revealed that both Plymouth and Coventry City were keen to sign the player.
“I think it’s a move in the right direction for me. I started my career in England with Wrexham and I had close to five wonderful years there and I want to thank  everyone at the club for this time. But now the time has also come for me to move on and I chose this deal which will allow me to play my football at a higher level which is something you always aim to do,” Edwards told TTFF Media.
“I will continue to maintain a soft spot for Wrexham because of my history with the club but the focus will obviously be with Luton for next season. At the moment I’m home preparing with the National Team for a couple important games coming up and this new deal couldn’t have come at a better time,” Edwards added. Countrymen Dennis Lawrence and Hector Sam are currently attached to Wrexham which was relegated to the English League Two for next season.

366

Football / Beenhakker has his men soaking ahead of the Alianza clash.

« on: May 16, 2005, 02:41:27 PM »

Beenhakker has his men soaking ahead of Alianza clash.
By: Shaun Fuentes.

Trinidad and Tobago head coach Leo Beenhakker had his first on field interaction with several of this country’s overseas-based professionals in two sessions ahead of Wednesday’s warm up encounter against Peru club champions Alianza Lima at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 6:30pm.
Team skipper Dwight Yorke joined the team in the afternoon session at the Mucurapo venue along with New England Revolution defender Avery John who arrived home earlier in the day. Wrexham trio Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence and Hector Sam were scheduled in Monday night from London along with Kenwyne Jones while Real Salt Lake duo Marlon Rojas and Leslie Fitzpatrick had to reschedule their flights and were carded to arrive on Monday night as well with Coventry City striker Stern John coming in on Tuesday from Miami.
Beenhakker, soaking from the heavy shower with his players throughout the morning session, expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming clashes but was adamant that every player in the current camp would have to earn their places on the team and he stressed the need for strong work ethic.
“The game against the Alianza team from Peru is important for us because it gives us another chance to see how some of the players will fit into the shape of things before our upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. We have several of the more experienced players who are employed in the UK and United States back in the team and which many of the people here are well aware of and obviously they are expected to bring something of value to the team but at the same time we are emphasizing the need for everyone including the local based players to step it up and take this exercise seriously. It’s not just another training game but rather one which is a key part of our preparations for the two World Cup games ahead,” Beenhakker told TTFF Media.
Among the players working under Beenhakker is CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh midfielder Aurtis Whitley who last played for the “Warriors” in a friendly against Bermuda last February. He previously made his senior debut in a 1-0 win over Panama in a 2002 World Cup qualifier.  Whitley explained that he is up for the current challenge and is going all out to earn a final team pick.
“I know a lot of people were raising questions as to why I stayed away from the National Team over the past few months even though my name was appearing on the list  but there were a few reasons and a lot of it had to do with me not feeling too comfortable with the last set up and maybe there were some problems with myself and the past coach but I have put that behind me now. The chance is here for me again to make a big impression and I think I am up for it. I’m injury free and I’m ready to give it my all under the new coach and I am hoping that I can do something good for the team,” Whitley said.
English-born midfielder Chris Birchall appeared comfortable in his first session on Monday morning at the Larry Gomes Stadium.
“It was a good first session for me but my only complaint was the humidity. I’ve been drinking water all morning,” Birchall joked. “Overall though I felt good being out there and I’m really just looking forward to the rest of the camp with a lot of high hopes to do well.”
The Alianza team will be spearheaded by Peru International Guillermo Salas. They are known as Peru’s oldest club and has won the domestic title numerous times including the 1997, 2001 and  2004 seasons. Outstanding Peruvian striker Nolberto Solano is also a past member of the Lima club which will train at 5:30pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Tuesday following a scheduled 8:30pm arrival on Monday.

367

What about Track & Field / Burns beats Collins

« on: May 16, 2005, 12:16:21 PM »

 Burns beats Collins

...T&T track star clocks personal best

Kwame Laurence klaurence@trinidadexpress.com


Monday, May 16th 2005
 
 
 
Marc Burns

MARC Burns blazed to victory in a personal best 10.11 seconds in the Felix Sanchez Invitational men's 100 metres dash, in the Dominican Republic, on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Trinidad and Tobago track star also had the satisfaction of whipping reigning world champion Kim Collins (10.25). The Kittitian sprinter was forced to settle for fourth spot, behind Burns, Churandy Martina (10.13) of the Netherlands Antilles and American Rae Edwards (10.19).

Burns is now tenth on the 2005 men's 100m performance list.

At the Georgia Tech Invitational, in Georgia, T&T sprinter Jacey Harper, competing unattached, grabbed gold in the men's 200m, in 20.70 seconds. Harper was fourth fastest in the 100m preliminaries, in 10.33. However, only college students were eligible to face the starter in the final. Harper's compatriot, Gardner-Webb University student Kevin Prime, was 24th overall in the qualifying round, in 10.71.

In the men's 400m, Ato Modibo dived well inside the 45.55 seconds World Championship "A" qualifying standard. The T&T quarter-miler earned silver in a fast 45.02 seconds. LeJuan Simon seized men's triple jump silver with a 15.82 metres effort.

Florida State University (FSU) student Kimberly Walker finished fifth in the women's 100m final, in 11.76 seconds, one-hundredth of a second slower than her preliminary round clocking. Unattached T&T sprinter Wanda Hutson (11.59) was sixth fastest in the qualifying round, but was not eligible to compete in the championship race. South Carolina State University athlete Natalie Dixon finished seventh, overall, in the women's 400m, in a personal best 54.25 seconds. FSU's Dana Massiah (55.01) was 12th.

At the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, in Tennessee, Louisiana State University (LSU) sprinter Kelly-Ann Baptiste won heat four in the women's 100m dash, in 11.46 seconds. She was fourth fastest in the preliminary round.

Auburn University senior Damion Barry finished first in his heat in the men's 400m preliminaries. He clocked 46.18 seconds to advance to the final fourth fastest. University of South Carolina freshman Jamil James (48.00) was 19th.

Auburn junior Josanne Lucas was eighth in the women's 100m hurdles preliminaries, in 13.70 seconds. LSU's Richard Thompson clocked 10.66 seconds for 15th spot overall in the men's 100m preliminaries. University of South Carolina student Nikeshia Brown was 17th overall in the women's 400m preliminaries, in 57.72 seconds.

T&T-born American athlete Kerron Clement, a student at University of Florida (UF), clocked 13.95 seconds to book a lane in the men's 110m hurdles final.

At the ECAC/IC4A Championships, in New Jersey, Morgan State University student Alan Mitchell finished fifth in the men's decathlon. He accumulated a personal best 6,718 points in the ten-discipline event. Syracuse University athlete Sheron Mark was fifth in the women's long jump with a wind-assisted 6.04 metres leap.

Morgan State's Romona Modeste clocked 59.55 seconds to advance to the women's 400m hurdles final second fastest. University of Maryland athlete Renee Clarke was sixth in the women's 400m preliminaries, in 55.01 seconds. And Morgan State sprinter Kevon Holder clocked a windy 10.83 seconds to finish 20th overall in the men's 100m preliminaries.

In Iowa, Kelsey Toussaint snapped up Mountain Valley Conference (MVC) Championship women's 400m silver in 54.47 seconds, a new PR (personal record). The Southern Illinois University student also competed in the 200m. She finished fourth, in a wind-aided 24.52 seconds. In the men's 400m hurdles, Southwest Missouri State University athlete Kareem Samuel was fourth in 53.57 seconds.

In Ohio, University of Michigan athlete Stann Waithe earned Big 10 Conference Championship men's 400m bronze. He completed his one lap of the track in 47.08 seconds. In the women's 800m, University of Iowa senior Aisha Hume finished fourth, in a personal best two minutes, 09.50 seconds.

In Missouri, University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) athlete Roland Hemmings bagged Mid-Con Championship men's 800m bronze, in 1:52.40. His teammate Damian Alexis clocked 11.29 seconds in the men's 100m preliminaries and 22.55 in the 200m preliminaries. Alexis was not a finalist in either event.

And at the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Championships, in Oklahoma, Rice University student Danille Prime copped seventh spot in the women's 400m, in 57.92 seconds.
 

368

Football / Ince has been offered a new contract

« on: May 15, 2005, 10:15:36 AM »

Five offered new deals by Crewe 
 
Ince has been offered a new contract by boss Dario Gradi
Crewe boss Dario Gradi has offered new contracts to five players, including goalkeeper Clayton Ince - but has released striker Andy White.
Alongside Ince, new deals have also been offered to defenders Adie Moses, Colin Murdock and Chris McCready, as well as midfielder Neil Sorvel.

White, 23, joined the Railwaymen last summer from Mansfield, but scored just four times in 24 senior appearances.

Gradi has also played down reports linking him with striker Ashley Ward.

He told the club website: "Ashley hasn't played too many games in the last few years.

"He is in the later part of his career, but he would be more than welcome to come and train with us in the summer if Sheffield United release him."



 

369

Football / Southampton's 27-year stay in the top flight of English football ends

« on: May 15, 2005, 10:09:04 AM »

Southampton 1-2 Man Utd 
 
Relegation photo gallery
Southampton's 27-year stay in the top flight of English football ended when they lost to Manchester United and were relegated from the Premiership.
Saints had started so well, a Graeme Le Saux corner bundled in via the thigh of Man Utd defender John O'Shea.

But United responded quickly and O'Shea crossed for Darren Fletcher to head in.

Ruud van Nistelrooy pounced to nod home an Alan Smith cross to put Man Utd ahead and results elsewhere ensured the Saints finished bottom of the division.

It was heartbreak for the Saints faithful who must now watch their side play in the second tier for the first time since 1978.

Saints boss Harry Redknapp picked a brave team for such a monumental game, bringing back David Prutton after a 10-match ban and replacing the banned Peter Crouch with Brett Ormerod.

And his side understandably looked nervous from the start, Wayne Rooney's shot being deflected wide before Mikael Silvestre headed over from the resulting corner.

But the hosts, veterans of the last-day survival escape, got themselves in front with their first attack of the game.

Henri Camara won a corner on the right that Le Saux swung in to the area and with Nigel Quashie lurking the ball went in off O'Shea's thigh.

The game was being played at a ferocious tempo and Saints could have grabbed another when Silvestre somehow stopped Ormerod getting on the end of a Jamie Redknapp cross.

But United always looked dangerous and they got their equaliser when O'Shea made amends for his own goal, crossing for Fletcher to impressively head home.

As play switched from end to end Van Nistelrooy saw his shot cleared off the line before Ormerod headed over from six yards.

The pace slowed down as the half wore on but Saints fans had plenty to cheer as news filtered through that rivals Crystal Palace and Norwich were both losing.

The hosts knew that a goal in one of the other games could plunge them back into the mire, but they had enough on their hands coping with a determined Man Utd side.

But inside 60 seconds, the atmosphere inside St Mary's changed from that of a carnival into more like a morgue.

Crystal Palace equalised against Charlton, West Brom went 1-0 up against Portsmouth and the Saints fell behind, a killer goal from Van Nistelrooy.

Smith bustled his way into space down the right and his deflected cross evaded Antti Niemi and fell for the Dutchman to nod home.

With West Brom winning, Southampton knew they needed to score twice to stay up and they never looked like producing the required miracle.

 

370

Football / Unity Cup at Upton Park

« on: May 15, 2005, 09:51:01 AM »

T&T invited to Unity Cup ... at West Ham venue.
T&T Express Reports.[/color]
 
With Peru club champions Alianza Lima scheduled to arrive in the country today for Wednesday's friendly encounter at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago's senior footballers could expect a trip to London for an appearance in the Unity Cup which will fall in line with their preparations for their 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
The "Warriors" have been invited to take part in the tournament along with Jamaica, Ghana and Nigeria . The event, which inaugurated in 2002, will be played at Upon Park, home of Premier League side West Ham United.
No dates have yet been confirmed for the matches, but the organizers had been trying to get T&T to confirm their participation for some time and TTFF special adviser Jack Warner did confirm so yesterday.
Chief executive of the tournament organisers OSMi, Rotimi Pedro was excited over the staging of the event which will run over 12 days with matches in between allowing T&T and the other teams involved in World Cup qualification to fit it into their hectic schedules.
"All arrangements are in place. We want this to be much better than whatever we put up in earlier years. I have been doing a lot of travelling lately, and I was in Ghana to see the federation chiefs and the coach of the Black Stars. There is excitement everywhere.
"By this weekend, I hope to have met and sorted out certain matters with the Nigeria Football Association chiefs, so that everything will move as planned. I tell you again this will be a big spectacle and will set a standard for other tournaments to follow in subsequent years," Pedro said.
The tournament kicked off with a Nigeria 1-0 win over Jamaica in 2002 just around the time of the World Cup.
"The Unity Cup unifies all cultures and communities. It is a tournament that many Africans and people from the Caribbean look forward to each year and we have come to realise the pride of place it occupies in the calendar of many people. It is not something we can toy with any longer," Pedro added.
New T&T national coach Leo Beenhakker meantime will commence a training camp today with a heap of this country's overseas-based pros along with 10 home-based pros. The game against Lima on Wednesday is billed to start at 6:30 p.m.
Players arriving home at the weekend included American-based Avery John, Cornell Glen, Marlon Rojas and Leslie Fitzpatrick, while Kenwyne Jones comes in today. Wrexham trio Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence and Hector Sam also came in at the weekend. Already here is captain Dwight Yorke, Clayton Ince and Chris Birchall.
Fitzpatrick says he is feeling in the best shape so far this season.
"I had a slight injury recently but now I'm back to full fitness and I think the first few games in the MLS has really set the pace for me."Unity Cup at Upton Park.

The following was published on the Soccer News of Saturday but is yet to be confirmed by the TTFF.
Upton Park, the home ground of Coca-Cola Championship team, West Ham has been finally picked to host this year’s edition of the Unity Cup football tournament, with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the Black Stars of Ghana, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and the Trinidad and Tobago senior team coming into London for the big showcase.
“All arrangements are in place. We want this to be much better than whatever we put up in earlier years. I have been doing a lot of travelling lately, and I was in Ghana to see the federation chiefs and the coach of the Black Stars. There is excitement everywhere.
“By this weekend, I hope to have met and sorted out certain matters with the Nigeria Football Association chiefs, so that everything will move as planned. I tell you again: This will be a big spectacle and will set a standard for other tournaments to follow in subsequent years”, Rotimi Pedro, chief executive of the organizers, OSMi, told Saturday Vanguard during the week.
Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana are using the tournament, which will be broken into two parts over 12 days, as preparatory forum for next month’s double-dose World Cup 2006 qualifying games. The African series also serve as the Nations Cup 2006 qualifiers.
The Unity Cup tournament started as a ‘NiJam’ clash between the Super Eagles and the Reggae Boyz on the margin of the 2002 World Cup finals. That match was played at the Loftus Road Stadium of Queens Park Rangers, with the Eagles winning by a James Obiorah goal.
“The Unity Cup unifies all cultures and communities. It is a tournament that many Africans and Caribbeans look forward to each year and we have come to realize the pride of place it occupies in the calender of many people. It is not something we can toy with any longer.
“Obviously, it has become an annual event, and what we would be discussing subsequently would be how many teams for each year. We can no longer go below the four teams that are taking part this year. I get calls from London everyday and you can’t imagine the kind of excitement building up already”, Pedro said further.
Nigeria's Coach Christian Chukwu, who is in Manchester presently undergoing an understudy programme with Bolton Wanderers manager, Sam Allardyce, alongside his assistant, Augustine Eguavoen, said before leaving Lagos that he is grateful for the opportunity presented by the Unity Cup to prepare his boys for the crackers against Rwanda and Angola next month.
“We have no high-profile friendly lined up but this tournament has come at the right time and the fact that they are prepared to break the event for us so as to prepare for the two games is wonderful. We’ll play a match before going to Kigali for the qualifier against the Wasps on June 3 and then have another game before flying down to Nigeria for the match against Angola. This is a good schedule for us. If we can pick six points from those matches, we would be closer to Germany 2006 than we can imagine.”
Ghana have a home game against Burkina Faso’s Etalons on June 3 and would then fly down to Johannesburg for the clash with group leaders, South Africa - a game expected to determine the outcome of group two.
“Everything we are doing is to see that all the teams find the tournament attractive and though they actually love it, the arrangement we have in place now ensures that it dovetails with their own programme. June is a crucial month in the World Cup qualifiers and the Unity Cup provides a window for the coaches to see what they have in their storehouse”, Pedro added.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles lead group four of the World Cup/African qualifying series with 13 points from six matches, followed by the Palancas Negras of Angola with 11 points. A win over Rwanda, and expected defeat of Angola would take the Eagles to within kissing distance of their fourth successive World Cup ticket. It is possible that by the end of June, the Nigerians would be at least five points ahead of the Angolans. But Zimbabwe’s Warriors and the Panthers of Gabon are not to be ruled out of the fight.

371

Football / Dundee 1-1 Inverness CT

« on: May 14, 2005, 12:02:12 PM »

Dundee 1-1 Inverness CT 
 
Bobby Mann (right) faces former team-mate Graham Bayne
Caley Thistle substitute Liam Fox stunned Dens Park with an equaliser just as relegation-threatened Dundee looked set for a vital victory.
The point lifted the home side off the bottom, although Dunfermline can leapfrog them again on Sunday.

Brent Sancho returned from injury to head home from a corner and Stuart Lovell was denied a second by the crossbar as Dundee dominated.

But Fox fired home despite a goalline clearance by Sancho.

Dundee manager Jim Duffy had brought Sancho, Tom McManus and Scott Robertson into his side in place of Fabian Caballero, Stephen McNally and Mark Fotheringham following their 5-0 hammering by Dunfermline.

And they started the game strongly, Robertson having claims for a penalty waved aside after being dumped on the turf by Stuart Golabek.

Calum MacDonald shot straight into goalkeeper Mark Brown's arms from the resulting corner.

Former Dundee striker Graham Bayne nodded over the bar from eight yards out as Inverness came close to opening the scoring.

Brown raced off his line to block another Robertson effort after the midfielder cleverly deceived the Inverness defence.

Sancho connected with a McManus free-kick, but the defender's effort skimmed the inside of the post and bounced back out.

Stuart Lovell had another great chance after latching on to a Garry Brady pass, but Grant Munro did enough to put him off only yards from goal.

And Brown palmed a 30-yard Iain Anderson free-kick round the post.

McNally replaced the injured Robertson just before the break, but it failed to dent Dundee's momentum and they took the lead through Sancho four minutes into the second half.

McManus whipped in a corner from the right and the Trinidadian Sancho bulleted a header beyond Brown.

Dundee were denied their second by the woodwork when Lovell raced on to a wonderful long ball by Mann but sent his shot crashing off the crossbar.

Home goalkeeper Derek Soutar produced a fantastic one-handed save to prevent substitute Rory McAllister heading into the top corner.

But late Caley Thistle pressure paid off when Fox fired in the equaliser.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dundee: Soutar, Robertson (McNally 37), Mann, Sancho, Robb, McDonald, Brady (Caballero 45), Smith, Anderson, McManus, Lovell (Barrett 82).
Subs Not Used: Dubourdeau, Larsen, Fotheringham, Sutton.

Booked: Sancho.

Goal: Sancho 49.

Inverness CT: Brown, Tokely, Dods, Munro, Golabek, Hastings, Duncan, Hart, McBain (Fox 71), Prunty (Brewster 63), Bayne (McAllister 71).
Subs Not Used: Fraser, Proctor, Black.

Goal: Fox 88.

Att: 6,691

Ref: C Thomson

 

372

Football / Freddy Adu Thread

« on: May 13, 2005, 02:50:23 PM »

 
Adu selected to national team roster
 
May 12, 2005
BLAINE, Minn. (AP) -- Teenage sensation Freddy Adu of D.C. United was among 24 players selected Thursday for the U.S. Under-20 national team that will face Canada on Wednesday.

Coach Sigi Schmid chose eight professional players, seven from MLS teams and one from Europe, and 16 nonprofessionals currently in camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Adu, at 15 the youngest member of the squad, will be joined by Chad Barrett (Chicago Fire), Hunter Freeman (Colorado Rapids), Eddie Gaven (MetroStars), Will John (Chicago Fire), Danny Szetela (Columbus Crew) and Tim Ward (MetroStars) from the MLS. The lone overseas professional is goalkeeper Quentin Westberg, who plays for ESTAC Troyes in the French second division.

The match will be a tuneup for the Americans, who will compete next month in the FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands. They are in Group D with Argentina, Germany and Egypt.

``This match against Canada is crucial to our preparations for the World Youth Championship,'' Schmid said. ``Going up against a quality opponent who has also qualified for Holland will provide us with a measuring stick in terms of how we are progressing and what we will need to work on before our first match of the tournament.''

 
 

373

Football / ua resigns at Peruvian champions Alianza Lima

« on: May 12, 2005, 01:34:18 PM »

Insua resigns at Peruvian champions Alianza Lima
 
LIMA, May 12 (Reuters) - Argentina's Ruben Dario Insua has resigned as coach of Peruvian champions Alianza Lima after four months in the job, local media said on Thursday.

The final straw was a humiliating 4-1 defeat away to newly-promoted Sport Ancash on Wednesday which left his side seventh in the first stage of the Peruvian championship.

Insua's position had been under threat since his side were knocked out of the South American Libertadores Cup at the group stage.

Around 50 furious Alianza fans broke into the players' tunnel and attempted to attack him following a 1-0 defeat at home to Banfield last month.

Insua, who replaced his compatriot Gustavo Costas, led Barcelona's Ecuador to the Libertadores Cup final in 1997 and won the Copa Sudamericana with San Lorenzo in 2002.

 

374

Football / Players with Trini heritage

« on: May 12, 2005, 12:48:33 PM »

If we really want to look for players with Trini heritage we could look in places like Sweden and Germany also we have nuff rasta that hooked with Swedish women we must have sum players out there.

375

Football / Costa Rica's Ledezma banned one year for abandoning team

« on: May 10, 2005, 02:28:32 PM »

Costa Rica's Ledezma banned one year for abandoning team
 
SAN JOSE, May 10 (Reuters) - Costa Rica striker Froylan Ledezma has been banned for one year for abandoning the national team before the World Cup qualifier away to Trinidad & Tobogo, local media said Tuesday.

The ban, imposed by the Costa Rica Football Federation's disciplinary tribunal on Monday, will affect Ledezma at both international level and with his club Alajuelense.

The tribunal found Ledezma guilty of walking out on the team in San Jose without the permission of coach Jorge Luis Pinto after being told he was not in the starting line-up for the match in Port of Spain.

Costa Rica drew the game 0-0, Pinto was fired afterwards and replaced by Alexandre Guimaraes. Ledezma has until Friday to appeal.

The Costa Ricans are fourth in the six-team final group of the CONCACAF qualifying competition with four points from three games.

 

376

Football / Latapy signs new contract with Falkirk

« on: May 09, 2005, 12:15:40 PM »

Latapy signs new contract with Falkirk
09-May-2005
Shaun Fuentes

Scottish-based midfielder Russell Latapy has signed a new one-year contract with Falkirk which will allow him to campaign with them in the Scottish PRemier League next season after playing an integral part in their promotion.

The 36-year-old midfielder, as part of his new contract, will also be a first team coach with the club  according to reports coming out of Scotland.

Latapy had been initially offered the position of assistant coach of the T&T national senior team but with negotiations still to come through and head coach Leo Beenhakker indicating his intentions to have Latapy as a player, the former FC Porto player went through with the new contract extension.

Falkirk boss John Hughes was a happy man over Latapy's decision to extend his stay.

"Russell signed a new contract before he went back to Portugal and I am absolutely delighted to get him signed up for a further year. He is a tremendous footballer and is such an important part of our team. He still has the legs to play games in the SPL," Hughes said.

Latapy was recently named Scottish First Division "Player of the Year" as well as April "Player of the Month". Currently in Portugal tying up personal ends, Latapy finished the season with eleven goals to his name.

 

377

Football / Smith fearing for Wrexham future

« on: May 04, 2005, 12:51:50 PM »

Smith fearing for Wrexham future 
 
Smith scolds 'unjust' relegation
Wrexham 1-2 Brentford
Wrexham manager Denis Smith admits his future and that of his players hangs in the balance after the cash-strapped club were relegated from League One.
As many as 17 of the Dragons' senior squad are thought to be out of contract this summer and many could leave.

The club has also been given notice to quit the Racecourse Ground by owner and property developer Alex Hamilton.

"I don't know if I'm going to be here and I don't know what players will be here next season," Smith said.

"I didn't come to this club to manage in League Two, that wasn't the idea and I don't want to go back."

"It's not something I relish but if I do it then I will do my utmost to get them out in the first attempt, but winning any league is not easy."

  They might not even want me

Wrexham boss Denis Smith

Wrexham were relegated after losing 2-1 at home to Brentford on Tuesday night, having been docked 10 league points earlier in the season for entering administration.

Of the players who took the field, only skipper Darren Ferguson and defender Dennis Lawrence are belived to have contracts that extend past the end of the season.

Despite interested parties wanting to buy Hamilton out of his controlling share in the club, the businessman has so far continued to hold out for better offers.

"Whatever happens will be according to whoever comes in and what they want to do - they might not even want me," Smith added.



 

378

Football / Sancho to meet old coach

« on: May 04, 2005, 12:06:43 PM »

Sancho to meet old coach
04-May-2005
Shaun Fuentes

Brent Sancho is expected to renew old ties with current National Assistant coach Wim De Jonk who was one of his coaches during his playing days in Finland with Tevarit FC.

Sancho revealed this on learning of the appointment of the Dutch as an assistant to Leo Beenhakker last week.

“It was sort of a surprise but in football you can never count anything out. That experience was a whileago with him in Finland and now I’m likely to work under him once selected. He’s an experienced coach who has a strong passion for success and I’m pretty certain he is a good addition to the staff,” Sancho said.

De Jonk added: “Yes I remember Brent when I coached in Finland and hopefully we will have a chance to reunite again.”

Sancho is currently nursing an ankle strain and missed Dundee’s 2-1 loss to Dundee United last weekend and may be rested again this weekend but is expected to be fit again within the next week.


 

379

Football / Avery starts again, Glen nets

« on: May 04, 2005, 12:05:22 PM »

Avery starts again, Glen nets
04-May-2005



American-based defender Avery John has earn back his spot in the New England Revolution start team, appearing in their last three victories with the latest being a 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Saturday at the Gillette Stadium.

The former Irish-based pro started the season o the bench but has fought his way back to help New England to a winning run. He earlier appeared in a 3-0 win over Chicago Fire.

Meantime, striker Cornell Glen scored a 25th minute item in a 3-3 draw for Columbus Crew Reserves against Chicago Fire. Glen, recently moving from Dallas FC, played the first 48 minutes of the match.  A day earlier he made his debut for the Columbus first team, coming on in the 46th minute but could not prevent them from falling to Chicago 2-0. Meantime, Marlon Rojas and Leslie Fitzpatrick will be hoping for better luck on the weekend when Real Salt Lake (RSL) take on Chivas USA away from home. Fitzpatrick had a solid 90 minutes in RSL’s 2-2 draw with San Jose Earthquakes on the weekend but Rojas was on the bench. Striker Scott Sealey was again taken off at half time, this time in a 0-0 draw with DC United.

380

Football / Leo completes first training camp

« on: May 03, 2005, 05:48:13 PM »

Leo completes
04-May-2005 first training camp
Shaun Fuentes

National coach Leo Beenhakker concluded his first two-day live in training camp with a 27-man squad at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Tuesday.


Andre Toussaint (left) Gary Glasgow on the ball and Aurtis Seaton in training on the first day.

Aided by his assistants Theo De Jong and Wim ijsbergen  as well as Lincoln Phillips, Michael Maurice, team sports therapist Zeph Nicholas and Wayne Lawson, Beenhakker conducted two further sessions at the Arima venue on Tuesday after starting off at the Hasely Crawford Stadium the previous day. Manager Bruce Aanensen was unavailable leaving George Joseph and Sam Phillips to carry on with the managerial duties.

Beenhakker divided the players into two teams for a scrimmage on Tuesday and Anton Pierre struck home a bullet from the edge of the box while Arnold Dwarika also netted. Aurtis Seaton also showed promise and overall the players gave a solid account which Phillips also agreed with.

"We concluded our first camp and it was a very good one for me in terms of picking up the ins and outs of the players here and getting to know a bit better of what I have to work with," Beenhakker said.

The Dutch-born coach will cut the squad to  18 players for the next camp on Monday.

 

 

381

Football / SuperStarrangers

« on: May 03, 2005, 05:31:55 PM »

Fellas like I said before SuperStarrangers has the best youth system in Trinidad if they only had the sponsors. They can do some damage in the Pro league it’s a shame all the big clubs are raiding there young talent. They also have a good fan base real die hard fans. 

382

Football / 2005 Trinidad & tobago cup under 17 (final)

« on: May 03, 2005, 05:21:48 PM »

   

March 26, 2005

2005 Trinidad & tobago cup under 17 (final)
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium
        Superstar Rangers F C vs W. Connection F C
                Goals scored by Stephon St. Louis (30') & Christian Thomas (67')

            Half Time            1-0

  Won                     2-1

 This is the third (3rd) time Superstar Rangers F C has won this Cup out of four (4) years.  In 2002 we did

 not play since we were on tour visiting Aston Villa in England.

 

March 25, 2005

2005 Trinidad & tobago cup under 17 (semi final Round)
Venue: Ato Boldon Stadium
        Superstar Rangers F C vs Mayaro United F C
                Goals scored by Stephon St. Louis (63'), Christian Thomas (73') & Makesi Lewis (78')

            Half Time            0-0

  Won                     3-0

 

March 22, 2005

2005 Trinidad & tobago cup under 17 (quarter final Round)
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium
        Superstar Rangers F C vs San Juan Jabloteh F C
                Goals scored by Makesi Lewis (47'), Stephon St. Louis (55') & Christian Thomas (70')

            Half Time            0-0

  Won                     3-0

March 21, 2005

2005 Trinidad & tobago cup under 17 (Round - 2)
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium
        Superstar Rangers F C vs La Foucade F C
                Goals scored by Kerron Sutton (15') & Emmanuel Joseph (73')

            Half Time            1-0

  Won                     2-0

 

March 20, 2005

2005 Trinidad & tobago cup under 17 (Round - 1)
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium
        Superstar Rangers F C vs Tranpro F C
                Goals scored by Adrian Foncette (69'), Kerron Sutton (9' & 23'), Keith Williams (29' & 65'),

            Christian Thomas (33' & 56'), Makesi Lewis (15', 20', 30' & 41'), Stephon St. Louis (7', 10', 17', 25', 27' & 35'),

            Khaleem Higland (50', 62' & 78'), Welton Paul (70') & Emmanuel Joseph (58' & 77')

            Half Time            14-0

  Won                     23-1

 

March 5, 2005

2005 carapichaima under 17 football supa league
Venue: Gilbert Park
        Superstar Rangers F C vs W. Connection F C
                Goal scored by Marvin James (40')

            Half Time            0-1

   Lost                     1-3

 

March 1, 2005

2005 carapichaima under 17 football supa league
Venue: President's Grounds
        Superstar Rangers F C vs St. James Jets F C
                Goals scored by Elijah Belgrave (10'), Sheldon Bateau (40'), Jermac Gomez (50') & Marvin James (56')

            Half Time            1-0

   Won                    4-0

 

February 27, 2005

2005 carapichaima under 17 football supa league
Venue: President's Grounds
        St. James Jets F C vs Superstar Rangers F C
                Goals scored by Clevon McFee (20'), Marvin James (38'), Quinton Williams (45' & 56') & Keron Ross (50')

            Half Time            1-0

   Won                    5-0

 

February 19, 2005

2005 carapichaima under 17 football supa league
Venue: Gilbert Park
        Superstar Rangers F C vs St. Mary's United
                Goals scored by Elijah Belgrave (3' & 33')

            Half Time            1-0

   Won                    2-1

 

February 12, 2005

2005 carapichaima under 17 football supa league
Venue: Brechon Castle
        W. Connection F C vs Superstar Rangers F C
                Goal scored by Chad De Freitas (17')

            Half Time            1-1

   Lost                     1-2

 

January 24, 2005

2005 carapichaima under 17 football supa league
Venue: Gilbert Park
        St. Mary's United vs Superstar Rangers F C
                Goals scored by Elijah Belgrave (1', 65' & 69'), Keron Ross (22' & 26') & Marvin James (50')

            Half Time            3-1

   Won                    6-5

383

Football / Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

« on: May 03, 2005, 03:35:28 PM »

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea 
 
Chelsea reaction
Photos from Anfield
Luis Garcia fired Liverpool past Chelsea and into the European Cup final for the first time in 20 years.
They led inside four minutes when Milan Baros beat Petr Cech to the ball and Luis Garcia tapped in, despite Chelsea claiming it did not cross the line.

Liverpool's defence did the rest as they withstood everything Chelsea's ineffective attack could throw at them.

Chelsea's best chance came deep into injury time but Eidur Gudjohnsen thrashed a volley just wide.

After drawing 0-0 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool knew they needed a goal, but even they could not have envisaged doing it so early.

John Arne Riise started the move by cutting in from the left and finding Steven Gerrard, who played a first-time flick with the inside of his right foot.

  We've been threatening to do it all season - I bet they'd trade the league wins and the Carling Cup for this!

From TKP
Have your say on 606

The pass fell perfectly for Baros, who knocked it over the onrushing Cech and went down under the challenge from his international team-mate.

Luis Garcia was left to add the finishing touch, despite William Gallas' attempts to clear off the line.

Blues manager Jose Mourinho would later claim it had not crossed the line, but with television replays inconclusive, any argument was academic.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez was unwilling to say whether he thought the ball had gone in.

Not that the Spaniard had to - by then he knew he had added another glorious chapter to his new club's rich history books.

After that goal the expected Chelsea onslaught never materialised, with the newly-crowned Premiership champions enjoying the bulk of possession but surprisingly devoid of any sort of attacking invention.

Chelsea threatened only once in the first 45 minutes when Frank Lampard dispossessed Luis Garcia and fed Joe Cole, who lobbed over Jerzy Dudek but also wide of the mark.

The second half started in similar fashion, with Gudjohnsen shooting high and wide from 35 yards as Chelsea's efforts became desperate.

Lampard finally called Dudek into action with a powerfully-struck free-kick that the Polish keeper got down well to palm away for a corner.

Mourinho responded by bringing on Marteja Kezman for Tiago and introducing Arjen Robben for the disappointing Cole.

Robben threatened an equaliser that would have sent Chelsea through on 74 minutes, but his shot from inside the box was blocked by the outstanding Jamie Carragher.

Moments later he shot over as the Blues finally showed signs of life.

With seven minutes to go Robben found space on the left to fire in a dangerous cross that neither Drogba nor Kezman could get on the end of.

The late drama was heightened when the fourth official indicated six minutes of injury time.

Djibril Cisse could have made the game safe when he broke free but was denied a second goal by Cech.

With over 95 minutes on the clock Chelsea's best chance of the game fell to Gudjohnsen after Dudek had came to punch and failed to clear, but he volleyed wide from close range.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Hamann (Kewell 72), Biscan, Luis Garcia (Nunez 84), Riise, Gerrard, Baros (Cisse 59).
Subs Not Used: Carson, Smicer, Warnock, Welsh.

Booked: Baros.

Goals: Luis Garcia 4.

Chelsea: Cech, Geremi (Huth 76), Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Gallas, Tiago (Kezman 68), Makelele, Lampard, Cole (Robben 68), Drogba, Gudjohnsen.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Johnson, Forssell, Nuno Morais. Agg (1-0)

Att: 42,529.

Ref: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).



 

384

Football / Beenhakker and company checks out Pro League action

« on: May 01, 2005, 09:12:51 PM »

Beenhakker & company checks out Pro League action.
By: Shaun Fuentes.

National Senior Team Head Coach Coach Leo Beenhakker wasted no time in getting his first up close look of players in this country when he attended Saturday’s Pro League encounter between Vibe CT 105 W Connection and Tobago United at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
A day after their arrival in Trinidad, Beenhakker and his two assistants Theo de Jong and Wim Rijsbergen were on the scene with the latter two attending the match between National Quarries North East Stars and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground.
In the squad called for the first training session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 10:30 am on Monday, nine players are from Jabloteh, five from W Connection and one from Tobago United.
And after viewing the clash in Sangre Grande, Theo de Jong and Wim Rijsbergen added National Under 20 player Kendell Jagedeosingh and Anthony Wolfe to the training squad.
Meantime, experienced home-based pro Angus Eve said he expected that Beenhakker would get a group of players hungry to work under him from Monday.
“We possess a lot of talented players who I think don’t get the type of experience to really show themselves up and now that they are getting a first time opportunity to work under the new coach I am pretty sure that they will be all eager to do well under him,” Eve told TTFF Media on Sunday. “We know that several of the recent players on the team from the overseas leagues are going to be coming back later in the month but as of now, it’s a fresh slate and the coach is going to be making judgments on what he sees and not just on what he’s heard. Hopefully everyone can make that sort of contribution to assist him in making the right decisions in terms of team selection for the next two games against Panama and Mexico.”
“None of us have worked with him before but we all know what’s been happening and we know his reputation. He’s coming with loads of experience and pedigree and hopefully he can transfer that onto our football. We are a country which has players with good technique and skill but we need some organization and hopefully he can bring that to the team now,” Eve said adding that he didn’t think it was a situation where the team will be needing to start from scratch again because of the fact that several of the players which drew 0-0 with Costa Rica in the last qualifier should be able to show themselves up again with Beenhakker at the helm.
The Dutch-born coach has also indicated that he hopes to see the list of overseas-based pros by May 18 in order to have a final team by the closing two weeks leading up the match against Panama at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Saturday June 4.

Squad For Training:

Derek Phillips (Shamrock Rovers), Densill Theobold (Caledonia AIA Fire), Keon Daniel (St Clair Coaching School), Gary Glasgow (Unattached), Hasely Holder (Unattached), Anton Pierre (Defence Force), Dwayne Jack (Tobago United), Jan Michael Williams, Arnold Dwarika, Andre Toussaint, Kendall Davis, Atiba Charles ( W Connection), Keyeno Thomas, Nigel Daniel, Angus Eve, Daurance Williams, Kerry Baptiste, Trent Noel, Aurtis Whitley, Michael Celestine, Nigel Pierre (CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh), Karlon Murray (Unattached), Kevin Graham, Derek King (Joe Public), Radhanfan Abu Bakr (Queens Royal College), Anthony Wolfe, Kendall Jagedeosingh (National Quarries North East Stars).

385

Football / Tycoon brings black empowerment to S.Africa soccer

« on: May 01, 2005, 02:19:31 PM »

Tycoon brings black empowerment to S.Africa soccer
 
By Manoah Esipisu

JOHANNESBURG, May 1 (Reuters) - Irvin Khoza has consigned to the grave the days when South African clubs were impoverished outfits and players lived on handouts.

Khoza is chairman and owner of Orlando Pirates FC, one of South Africa's most recognisable brands, which he has built into the number two commercial sports brand behind the Springboks -- the national rugby team adored by corporate South Africa.

ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
His negotiating skills have also brought millions of rands to South African soccer, helping develop one of the continent's most competitive leagues and laying the groundwork for the country's successful bid to host the 2010 soccer World Cup.

Sport has not gained from the government's Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy that seeks to redress the ills of apartheid by handing blacks a bigger role in the economy. Leaders in the field have developed their own initiatives, but are still hoping sport can benefit from empowerment deals.

"We have not been involved in any of the deals. But we have to find in-roads, we are talking to government, we are talking to business, there must be a way in which sport becomes part of the package to empower blacks," Khoza added.

The economy is still firmly controlled by whites 11 years after democratic elections that brought Nelson Mandela to power.

Although soccer clubs and their players have not been visible in BEE deals, they have blossomed in the past decade thanks to growing interest from corporate South Africa, better management, and sales to European sides, analysts say.

Khoza rescued Orlando Pirates from the brink of collapse in the early 1990s. He negotiated a lucrative sponsorship deal with cell phone operator Vodacom and began a brand merchandising campaign modelled on UK premier league clubs Manchester United and Chelsea that have turned his club into a 500 million rand a year ($82 million) business.

"We've had to show Africa that sport can be a successful business, it's no longer just a social thing," said Khoza, a tough soccer administrator nicknamed "Iron Duke".

Pirates and their main rivals Kaizer Chiefs in January teamed up with the huge Zionist Christian Church to sell mobile phone cards at matches and religious services for Vodacom. Brand manager Zodwa Khoza, Khoza's daughter, said they had met their 10-year target in six months but offered no financial details.

WORLD CUP DREAM

Khoza surprised his colleagues at the South African Football Association (SAFA) in 1997 when he told them it was time to bid to host the World Cup -- a global sporting showpiece.

He put his own cash into the campaign for a year before corporate South Africa warmed up to the idea, resulting in a gallant but failed effort to bring the 2006 World Cup to the country once considered a pariah because of apartheid.

Disappointment was quickly forgotten when South Africa was awarded the 2010 event, which FIFA says will raise billions of rands in tourism earnings, television rights and gate takings.

Commentators say the World Cup will leave a legacy of new soccer stadiums in a country where the sport has often relied on rugby or cricket facilities, as well as training venues and improved roads and rail systems.

Orlando Pirates runs an academy to nurture young talent, some of them orphans rescued from abject poverty. Their choir is a major feature at national events in South Africa.

"Through the World Cup, through Orlando Pirates, we are giving back to our communities, growing the disadvantaged, helping share the spoils of the economy," Zodwa Khoza said.

SOCCER TITANS

Cricket and rugby are still largely managed by whites, but blacks have grabbed a foothold in soccer clubs, reflecting the sport's widespread popularity in the black population.

Kaizer Chiefs owner Kaizer Motaung, and former national team coach Jomo Sono who owns Jomo Cosmos football club both once played for Orlando Pirates. While they may not always agree with Khoza it is at his club they learned to commercialise the sport.

Motaung and Sono, considered two of the best soccer players ever produced by South Africa, are multi-millionaires with vast and diverse business interests.

Khoza, who was a township soccer official at the age of 14, was a major shareholder in black-led downstream oil company Exel, which was bought by petrochemicals firm Sasol .

The venture brought him a small bundle of cash and he is negotiating other deals in energy, real estate including a shopping complex in the township of Soweto, construction and tourism. A game reserve he is developing will open before the 2010 World Cup "so some of my friends can go there and relax."

Khoza, a sometimes controversial figure in the business world, was investigated in 2002 for non-payment of tax.

Revenue officials took a year to separate his personal liabilities from those of Orlando Pirates and other businesses and he settled a claim of 7.2 million rand.

Born in the impoverished Alexandra township north of Johannesburg and expelled from South Africa's Fort Hare University because of anti-apartheid student activism, Khoza says business must learn from the mistakes of the past.

"We've got to work hard in sport to make an impact in business, I certainly have and it is fulfilling to see that Orlando Pirates can commercially run itself," Khoza said.

 

386

Football / The most talked about knee in the UK

« on: April 28, 2005, 06:58:53 PM »

The most talked about knee in the UK
28-Apr-2005


Celtic striker Craig Bellamy has praised Marvin Andrews for his courage in playing last Sunday at Ibrox on a miracle comeback from a damaged cruciate knee which still recovers surgery in order for a full recovery.

"He has got personal beliefs and everything like that and that is up to him. Credit to him, he is a strong guy. You definitely need that because if you have a cruciate and you are playing football then it is impossible,” said Bellamy who suffered a similar injury in 1999.

 Andrews suffered the blow on March 13 this year and the Scottish Press has now dubbed it as the “most talked about left knee in the United Kingdom”.

 

Inside the first minute on Sunday, all eyes were on Andrews as he went in for a tackle on Bellamy and both men clashed before the big man was back on his two feet.  Rangers boss Alex McLeish was breathing a sigh of relief that he was not forced to make an early change.

 

The Ibrox PA announcer had cheesily played ‘I’m A Believer’ as Andrews warmed up with his team-mates before the match and he went on to do well in his 83 minutes with the only fault being understandable rustiness, according to the Daily Record.

 “I was speaking to Steve Watford (Celtic coach) and he couldn’t believe Marvin’s performance," said McLeish. "The injury wasn’t a problem but we were worried about his legs in terms of fitness. That’s why I took him off and maybe could have done so five minutes earlier. He was running on empty."

Meantime, defender Brent Sancho twisted his ankle in Dundee’s 1-0 loss to Kilmarnock on Saturday and is fighting to be fit for Saturday’s derby with Dundee United.


 

387

Football / AlbertaTrini

« on: April 28, 2005, 09:35:35 AM »

AlbertaTrini can I ask you a couple of question why is it when someone post something in which you don’t agree with you attack there post, I guest you trying to be some kind of guru or something I know for a fact that you new to this forum and this is not the way to go about things. quit rankly I don’t read your post any more because your  annoying, are you retired or something you seem to have a lot of time on your hands.   

388

Football / Romario scores in farewell match for Brazil

« on: April 28, 2005, 09:25:43 AM »

Romario scores in farewell match for Brazil
 
SAO PAULO, April 28 (Reuters) - Brazil striker Romario celebrated his international farewell with a goal as the world champions beat Guatemala 3-0 in a friendly international on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old, who was brought back for a one-off game four years after his making last appearance for Brazil, headed into an empty net in the 17th minute after Ricardinho pounced on a poor clearance by goalkeeper Miguel Klee, who was left stranded.

The former PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona and Valencia player was then booked for removing his shirt as he celebrated.

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Romario was substituted in the 38th minute by Grafite and escorted off the field by Rai, Branco, Viola and several other team-mates from Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning team, when he spearheaded the attack and scored five goals.

He then completed a lap of honour at the Pacaembu stadium, holding up play for several minutes.

"Unfortunately, it's over, but I'm very happy with everything I've conquered," said Romario, who wept through the Brazilian national anthem before kickoff.

Romario, whose international career began in a friendly away to the Republic of Ireland in 1987, will continue his club career with Vasco da Gama at least until the end of the year.

Brazil, fielding a team of home-based players for the game which was arranged to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a television station, went ahead when defender Anderson beat Klee to Cicinho's cross and headed home after five minutes.

Romario, who scored Brazil's goal when the teams drew 1-1 in their only previous meeting in 1998, was twice close to opening his account before his goal. He also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 26th minute.

Grafite, one of 11 Brazilian players to make their international debuts, scored the third in the 65th minute.

Guatemala, missing five first-team regulars, gained in confidence after Robinho and Romario were taken off.

They played some neat football in midfield but missed Carlos Ruiz and Dwight Pezzarossi, two of the absentees, in attack.

 

389

Football / Rangers 1-2 Celtic

« on: April 24, 2005, 04:27:22 PM »

Rangers 1-2 Celtic 
 
O'Neill insists title is not won
McLeish not ready to concede
Superb goals from Stilian Petrov and Craig Bellamy gave Celtic a victory at Ibrox that virtually ensures the champions another Scottish title.
Petrov powered a header into the corner of the net from a Didier Agathe cross and Bellamy broke clear to curl the second goal home before the break.

A Marvin Andrews header struck the bar and Sotirios Kyrgiakos had an effort cleared off the line for Rangers.

Steven Thompson fired home late on, but Celtic held on to go five points clear.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish had gambled on recalling defender Andrews, who has refused to undergo an operation for a cruciate ligament injury.

Thomas Buffel was relegated to the bench after remarks suggesting he did not like the combatative nature of Scottish football and was replaced with Hamed Namouchi in midfield.

French wing-back Agathe returned to the Celtic side for the first time since January's Old Firm derby.

Rangers won 2-0 at Celtic Park that day, but signs that the story would be reversed came in the opening minute, when Ronald Waterreus had to save at the feet of Bellamy.

Nacho Novo blasted well over after racing clear to the edge of the Celtic penalty box.

He paid for that miss when Petrov opened the scoring after Agathe swung in a cross and the midfielder stole in front of Andrews to score.

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The scorer was struck by an object thrown from the stand and booked for over-celebrating as the match threatened to turn ugly.

Kyrgiakos missed a great chance for an equaliser, diving to head straight at goalkeeper David Marshall from five yards.

The Greek defender's misery was quickly compounded when he allowed Bellamy, gathering a through ball from Alan Thompson, to turn inside him and fire the second goal home from the edge of the box.

Marshall was forced into a superb, finger-tip save when Dado Prso let fly from the edge of the Celtic box.

And Andrews' effort struck the face of the crossbar after Marshall failed to cut out a Ricksen corner kick.

Beattie, on early in the second half for the injured Bellamy, forced Waterreus into a point-blank save and ought to have done better than blast over after being put clear.

Novo came close at the other end, Marshall blocking one poked effort and then being rescued by Jackie McNamara on the goalline after being rounded by the Spanish striker.

Waterreus saved well from a Stan Varga shot on the turn, but it was Rangers piling on the pressure and Agathe hacked a Kygiakos header off the line.

Substitute Thompson gave McLeish's side some late hope, blasting home from four yards following a goalmouth scramble, but it was Celtic who secured a deserved victory.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rangers: Waterreus, Ross (Buffel 45), Andrews (Malcolm 83), Kyrgiakos, Ball, Namouchi, Ricksen, Ferguson, Vignal (Thompson 76), Novo, Prso.
Subs Not Used: McGregor, Alex Rae, Burke, McCormack.

Booked: Vignal, Novo, Kyrgiakos.

Goal: Thompson 88.

Celtic: Marshall, Agathe, Balde, Varga, McNamara, Petrov, Sutton, Lennon, Thompson, Bellamy (Beattie 48), Hartson, Beattie (Wallace 90).
Subs Not Used: Douglas, Henchoz, Lambert, Maloney, McGeady.

Booked: Petrov, Bellamy, Agathe, Hartson.

Goals: Petrov 21, Bellamy 34.

Att: 49,593

Ref: S Dougal



 

390

Football / Fenwick is back

« on: April 24, 2005, 09:42:25 AM »

Fenwick is back
23-Apr-2005
S Fuentes

English man Terry Fenwick returned to Trinidad on Friday to take up duties once again.

The 1986 England World Cup team member arrived here to take up position of head coach of CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh for the current Pro League season.

Jabloteh is currently in 5th spot after two games having lost their opener to Vibe CT 105 W Connection. Technical Director Michael Grayson with Angus Eve had been in charge of the team but Fenwich has been recalled to lift the team. Jabloteh previously enjoyed success under him including the 2002 Pro League title before he returned to England to take up duties with Northampton Town. Fenwick was also a popular television football announcer during his earlier stay in Trinidad.