Topics

121

Football / Most Wanted

« on: October 10, 2008, 09:37:41 PM »

I just saw this tonight and don't know if it have been posted before. If it has been posted feel free to merge or delete.

http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikefootball/en_GB/

122

General Discussion / Magic faked AIDS

« on: October 10, 2008, 08:48:50 PM »

I came across this article. You have to say it's have crossed your mind.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8661614?MSNHPHCP&GT1=39002

123

General Discussion / Lingerie Football

« on: October 08, 2008, 02:10:48 PM »

 

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/10/07/sotvo.komo.lingerie.football.komo

I don't mind getting sacked in this game. 

124

General Discussion / Mom says daughters' remains in freezer

« on: September 30, 2008, 11:00:03 AM »

This is really sad     


http://www.wtop.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=1487445

125

General Discussion / Baggy pants ban "unconstitutional," rules US judge

« on: September 17, 2008, 08:18:47 AM »

MIAMI (AFP) - A Florida judge has deemed unconstitutional a law banning baggy pants that show off the wearer's underwear, local media reported Tuesday.
 
A 17-year-old spent a night in jail last week after police arrested him for wearing low pants in Riviera Beach, southeast Florida.

The law banning so-called "saggy pants" was approved by city voters in March after supporters of the bill collected nearly 5,000 signatures to put the measure on the ballot.

The teen would have received a 150 dollars fine or community service, but he spent the night in jail due to a history of marijuana use, the Palm Beach Post newspaper said.

"Somebody help me," said Palm Beach Circuit Judge Paul Moyle, before giving his decision.

"We're not talking about exposure of buttocks. No! We're talking about someone who has on pants whose underwear are apparently visible to a police officer who then makes an arrest and the basis is he's then held overnight, no bond."

"Your honor, we now have the fashion police," added public defender Carol Bickerstaff, who asked the law be declared "unconstitutional."

The judge agreed with Bickerstaff immediately, reported the Post.

Laws that ban low-slung pants are on the books in several US cities, including Delcambre, Louisiana, where offenders can be fined up to 500 dollars or jailed for up to six months.

Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia are among the larger US cities considering similar measures.



So what else they will ban next, dreadlocks, men with earrings? Why they eh ban them tight ass Shirts and pants them lil boys wearing?


This should be illegal.

126

General Discussion / Excessive Celebration????

« on: September 14, 2008, 09:49:39 PM »

I don't know if you guys saw this, but I believe that this call was BS big time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q96NNj0xpE

127

General Discussion / Speak English or Be Suspended

« on: August 26, 2008, 09:48:49 PM »

LPGA to require English for intl players
 
      Buzz Up PrintORLANDO, Fla. (AP)—The LPGA Tour boasts players from all over the world, and it wants all of them to be able to speak English.

The LPGA will require players to speak English starting in 2009, with players who have been LPGA members for two years facing suspension if they can’t pass an oral evaluation of English skills. The rule is effective immediately for new players.

“Why now? Athletes now have more responsibilities and we want to help their professional development,” deputy commissioner Libba Galloway told The Associated Press. “There are more fans, more media and more sponsors. We want to help our athletes as best we can succeed off the golf course as well as on it.”

The tour held a mandatory meeting with South Koreans last Wednesday at the Safeway Classic to inform them of the new policy, which was first reported by Golfweek magazine. There is no such rule on the PGA Tour.

There are 121 international players from 26 countries on the LPGA Tour, including 45 players from South Korea.

The South Koreans were informed of the rule, however LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens has not given them—or anyone—a written explanation, Galloway said.

But the message already appears to be lost in translation. The magazine said every South Korean player it interviewed believed she would lose her card—not be suspended—if she failed the English evaluation.

Angela Park, born in Brazil of South Korean heritage and raised in the United States, said the policy is fair and good for the tour and its international players.

“A lot of Korean players think they are being targeted, but it’s just because there are so many of them,” Park told the magazine.

Galloway said the LPGA is a “global tour and is not targeting any specific player or country.”

Seon-Hwa Lee, the only Asian with multiple victories this year, said she works with an English tutor in the winter. Her ability to answer questions without the help of a translator has improved in her short time on tour.

“The economy is bad, and we are losing sponsors,” Lee said. “Everybody understands.”

The policy was endorsed by at least one tournament director, Kate Peters of the LPGA State Farm Classic.

“This is an American tour,” Peters said. “It is important for sponsors to be able to interact with players and have a positive experience.”

Galloway denied the move was based on sponsors and said interest in the tour has never been stronger.

“We are connecting with fans and sponsors like never before,” she said. “But we want things to continue to get better, to continue to grow.”

128

General Discussion / 9 Year Old Pitcher Banned from League

« on: August 25, 2008, 08:42:55 PM »

9-year-old boy told he’s too good to pitch
By JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN, Associated Press Writer

 
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP)—Nine-year-old Jericho Scott is a good baseball player— too good, it turns out.

The right-hander has a fastball that tops out at about 40 mph. He throws so hard that the Youth Baseball League of New Haven told his coach that the boy could not pitch any more. When Jericho took the mound anyway last week, the opposing team forfeited the game, packed its gear and left, his coach said.

Officials for the three-year-old league, which has eight teams and about 100 players, said they will disband Jericho’s team, redistributing its players among other squads, and offered to refund $50 sign-up fees to anyone who asks for it. They say Jericho’s coach, Wilfred Vidro, has resigned.

But Vidro says he didn’t quit and the team refuses to disband. Players and parents held a protest at the league’s field on Saturday urging the league to let Jericho pitch.

 
“He’s never hurt any one,” Vidro said. “He’s on target all the time. How can you punish a kid for being too good?”

The controversy bothers Jericho, who says he misses pitching.

“I feel sad,” he said. “I feel like it’s all my fault nobody could play.”

Jericho’s coach and parents say the boy is being unfairly targeted because he turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league’s administrators.

Jericho instead joined a team sponsored by Will Power Fitness. The team was 8-0 and on its way to the playoffs when Jericho was banned from pitching.

“I think it’s discouraging when you’re telling a 9-year-old you’re too good at something,” said his mother, Nicole Scott. “The whole objective in life is to find something you’re good at and stick with it. I’d rather he spend all his time on the baseball field than idolizing someone standing on the street corner.”

League attorney Peter Noble says the only factor in banning Jericho from the mound is his pitches are just too fast.

“He is a very skilled player, a very hard thrower,” Noble said. “There are a lot of beginners. This is not a high-powered league. This is a developmental league whose main purpose is to promote the sport.”

Noble acknowledged that Jericho had not beaned any batters in the co-ed league of 8- to 10-year-olds, but say parents expressed safety concerns.

“Facing that kind of speed” is frightening for beginning players, Noble said.

League officials say they first told Vidro that the boy could not pitch after a game on Aug. 13. Jericho played second base the next game on Aug. 16. But when he took the mound Wednesday, the other team walked off and a forfeit was called.

League officials say Jericho’s mother became irate, threatening them and vowing to get the league shut down.

“I have never seen behavior of a parent like the behavior Jericho’s mother exhibited Wednesday night,” Noble said.

Scott denies threatening any one, but said she did call the police.

League officials suggested that Jericho play other positions, or pitch against older players or in a different league.

Local attorney John Williams was planning to meet with Jericho’s parents Monday to discuss legal options.

“You don’t have to be learned in the law to know in your heart that it’s wrong,” he said. “Now you have to be punished because you excel at something?”

129

Football / Man United v New Castle

« on: August 17, 2008, 09:28:21 AM »

NU 1 - Man United 0

1 min later

NU 1 - Man United 1


They show C. Ronaldo after Man United equalize he give a lil gay clap and checked his text msg...lol. Appears to not be impressed at all.

130

General Discussion / Paris Respond to McCain

« on: August 05, 2008, 07:59:45 PM »

You old fart...

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d

131

Football / 100 years of football in T&T

« on: July 27, 2008, 10:56:49 AM »

100 years of football in T&T
Trinidad Express Letters
 
 

On July 27, 1908, Scottish-born Thomas Boyd along with representatives from Casuals, Clydesdale, Local Forces, Queen's Royal College, Shamrock and St Mary's College met and decided to form the TAFA (Trinidad Amateur Football Association).

Today, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of that event, we are indeed extremely proud to not only pay tribute to those pioneers, but most definitely, to the countless others who have made invaluable contributions to the development, growth and success of the game over the past 100 years.

We can begin with the clubs, players, officials and supporters of the POSFL, NAFL, SAFA, SAFL, East St. George FA, Arima FA, Central FA, and Tobago FA, all inter-league, North-South, Youth and Senior National selections, the Women's, Colleges, Secondary and Primary Schools' Leagues, as well as every parent, teacher and sports master.

Next would be the organisers of the Sunday-morning and Minor Leagues all across this twin-island Republic, that included people like 'Pin' Smith, Mervyn 'Mervina' Alleyne, Linton Brown, Ivan Williams, Eddie Hart, Vernon Seales, 'Lad' Seymour, John Thomas and Paul Castillo.

Then there were those remarkable and selfless individuals like Kelvin 'Pa' Aleong, Bertie Thompson, Joffre Chambers, Rex Dewhurst, Horace Springer, J. Hamilton Holder, A. J. DeFour, Hugo Gunning, Hugh McDavid, Dom Basil Matthews, John Camacho, Cyril Lopez, Ernie Hinds, Leroy Morris, Joseph Correia, Eddie Furlonge, Roy Joseph, Mark Moody-Stuart, Lieut. Comm. Charles Hayward, Eric James, Ken Galt, Percy Knox, Frederick Martinez, Robbie Greenidge, Tony Gouveia, Sonny Vincent Brown, 'Fix-up' Lopez, the NAFL's Groundsman Stanley, the 'Scotsman' John Miller, and Suriname's August Wooter, to name just a few among the many.

We also had the good fortune of having fair, experienced and competent referees, who contributed in no small measure to the proper administration and control of games.

Men with integrity like George Cumberbatch, Harold Burnett, Tommie Nathaniel, Carlton Dore, Alvin 'Golden Boy' Rodrigues, Prior Jones, Len Jardine, Lloyd DeGouville, Roderick Yeates, Osmond Downer, Eric Marache, Victor Noel, 'Vap' Prizgar, CZ Bain, George Chin Cheong, Felix Borde, Eric Monteil, John Alleyne, and many others too numerous to mention.

Eighty-one years ago, the English FA donated the Trophy that is today competed for in the oldest, most prestigious competitive knock-out tournament in local football, but there is also an extremely long list of Individual and corporate trophy and cup donors, whose contributions were equally important in establishing and supporting the numerous League and Knock-out competitions all across this country.

And last, but definitely not least, we were blessed with very knowledgeable and informed Sports editors and journalists in both the print and electronic media.

Finally, as we celebrate this centennial with the highest tribute to our first-ever World Cup Finalist team, we also recognise and acknowledge the tremendous contribution of all those who paved the way before them, and we look forward with renewed confidence and optimism to the game's next 100 years.


Veteran Footballers' Foundation

praymond@cima-ae.com
 

132

Football / Thread for the T&T U-17 Women vs USA (22-Jul-2008).

« on: July 22, 2008, 10:02:05 AM »

T&T U17s tackle USA
By: Ian Prescott (Trinidad Express)




'PRINCESS' TACKLES: Trinidad and Tobago's Stephanie Williams, right, battles with Costa Rica's Maria Barquero for the ball during their CONCACAF Under-17 Women's World Championship qualifier at the Marvin Lee Stadium on Sunday. The game ended 0-0. -Photo: CURTIS CHASE

RANDY WALDRUM might well be trying to figure out how to scale Mt Everest without getting killed. But, at least Trinidad and Tobago's American technical director now has a clear view.

Following Sunday's second round of Group A matches in the CONCACAF Women's Under-17 Championship taking place at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, it is now apparent that the USA have the top team.

The top three in this tournament will qualify for the inaugural FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup, to be held in New Zealand later this year.

The Americans hammered El Salvador 9-0, making the team which gave T&T's Soca Princesses a fight before losing 5-1 last Friday look inept.

In the second game of Sunday's double-header, it took a Herculean defensive effort to earn Trinidad and Tobago a 0-0 draw with the same Costa Ricans who fell 6-0 to the Americans in their opening match.

The scenario is that the USA have six points from two matches and have qualified for the semi-finals, along with Mexico and Canada from Group B, which is being played in Tobago. Â Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica are battling for the final semi-final spot.

The Soca Princesses are second in Group A on four points, but have the unenviable task of facing the Americans from seven o'clock tonight at the Marvin Lee Stadium, while Costa Rica, with one point, face the group's weak team, El Salvador, who may or may not be competitive.

With the possibility that Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago could finish on the same amount of points, coach Waldrum is aware that goal-difference may well decide the final spot.

Costa Rica need to defeat El Salvador handsomely and hope the Americans do the same to the hosts.

Trinidad and Tobago (+4) hold the advantage of a  ten-goal swing with Costa Rica (-6) and Waldrum's task is to ensure that his girls do not get "killed" tonight against the Americans.

"It's a formidable challenge, no doubt about it," Waldrum admitted. "But what we have going for us is that we are working with quite a large goal-differential right now. We need to understand that there are quite a few ways we can advance, so we have to be smart about how we play.

"We are still in it," the American insisted. "I think we still have an opportunity...and a very good opportunity, for this team to advance. I still believe very strongly that this team will advance to the second round."

Trinidad and Tobago went into Sunday's match looking to secure automatic qualification for the semis by beating Costa Rica. But their opponents played with a hunger for victory.

The home team controlled the opening moments, but the Costa Rican midfield took over the game.

Costa Rican coach Juan Diego Quesada said afterwards that his team perfectly executed their plan to shutdown T&T's central midfielders Stephanie Williams and Cassie McKenzie, both of whom were substituted by the half.

With several players not producing their best, it was a great test of character for Trinidad and Tobago to earn the draw.

The Soca Princesses had just one good chance in the match, Karyn Forbes' corner-kick forcing goalkeeper Priscilla Tapia to keep the ball out of the Costa Rican net.

The ball fell nicely to Jessica De Leon, the first T&T player to have a good look, but her shot was blocked by a defender.

 Costa Rica's midfield created plenty chances for their team and Trinidad and Tobago central defender Arin King and 13-year-old goalkeeper Saundra Baron worked overtime to keep the Ticos out.

Twice in the first half, striker Raquel Vasquez got past the T&T defence, but failed to find the net. With her defenders continually stretched, Â Baron kept the hosts in the match with a series of saves.

Then when Daniela Cruz collected a cross while free on the back post in the 66th minute, it looked like the end for Trinidad and Tobago. But Baron brought off a wonderful reflex save by deflecting the powerful shot over the bar.

And when Baron did make a mistake and raced out of her area a few minutes later, Costa Rica's Mariela Campos dragged the ball wide of the open net.

Coach Waldrum knew his team had dodged a bullet.

"I thought we were very fortunate at times to come away with a draw. I felt Costa Rica were very good tonight," he said. "They looked a completely different team than they did against the US and we knew they would be because they had a lot to fight for as well."

Now, Trinidad and Tobago have all to play for against the USA this evening.


TEAMS:

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: 1-Saundra Baron, 2-Taylor Mims, 4-Rhea Belgrave, 5-Arin King, 7-Jessica De Leon, 9-Stephanie Williams (46th, 6-Tiana Bateau), 10-Mariah Shade, 11-Sidonia Hoareau, 13-Natasha Prentice (76th, 3-Latifa Kelly), 14-Karyn Forbes, 17-Cassey McKenzie (36th,15-Natasha St Louis)

TD: Randy Waldrum


COSTA RICA: 1-Priscilla Tapia, 4-Maria Barquero, 7-Mariela Campos, 8-Raquel Rodriguez Vasquez (79th, 6-Jazmine Guzman), 10-Katherine Alvarado, 11-Raquel Rodriguez Cedeno, 12-Daniela Cruz, 13-Jacqueline Mata (67th, 16-Krickshia Spence), 15-Adriana Guzman, 17-Yocxelin Rodriguez, 19-Fabiola Sanchez

TD: Juan Diego Quesada





Trinidad and Tobago - USA (19:00)  22:07


TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: They are hosting the inaugural CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship ... Under the direction of Randy Waldrum, the Soca Princesses earned a place in the CONCACAF Final Round after hosting and winning the Caribbean First Round Group B with victories over Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis and Surinam ... Trinidad & Tobago's highest finish in a CONCACAF Women's Tournament was taking third place in 1991.

Trinidad & Tobago U-17 WNT Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): 1-Saundra Baron, 21-Daystar Swift
DEFENDERS (7): 2-Taylor Mims, 3-Latifa Kelly, 4-Rhea Belgrave, 5-Arin King, 6-Tiana Bateau, 14-Karyn Forbes, 18-Rebecca Cuthbert
MIDFIELDERS (7): 8-Afiyah Matthias, 9-Stephanie Williams, 11-Sidonia Hoareau, 12-Camille Pereira, 13-Natasha Prentice, 17-Casey McKenzie, 19-Shakira Salandy
FORWARDS (4): 7-Jessica De Leon, 10-Mariah Shade, 15-Natasha St. Louis, 16-Shahamin Nunes
Head coach: Randy Waldrum


USA: Coached by Kazbek Tambi, the USA are one of the three North Zone teams to progress directly to the Final Round of the CONCACAF Women's Under-17 Championship ... The Stars & Stripes have so far won nine of the 12 overall CONCACAF Women's Tournaments since 1991, and have qualified for all FIFA events in all three categories: Women's World Cup (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007); Women's Olympic Football (2004, 2008); Under-19 (2002, 2004); U-20 (2006, 2008).

U.S. Under-17 Women's National Team Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Alexa Gaul (Naperville, Ill.), Taylor Vancil (South Elgin, Ill.), Kelsey Wys (Coral Springs, Fla.)
DEFENDERS (6): Morgan Brian (St. Simons Island, Ga.), Amber Brooks (New Hope, Pa.), Cloee Colohan (West Point, Utah), Crystal Dunn (Rockville Center, N.Y.), Alexis Harris (Plano, Texas), Julia Roberts (Fredrick, Md.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Kathryn Bennett (Clyde Hill, Wash.), Olivia Klei (Pleasanton, Calif.), Kristen Mewis (Hanson, Mass.), Samantha Mewis (Hanson, Mass.), Sydney Payne (Lutz, Fla.), Erika Tymrak (Bradenton, Fla.)
FORWARDS (5): Tani Costa (Honolulu, Hawaii), Victoria DiMartino (Massapequa, N.Y.), Samantha Johnson (Palmdale, Calif.), Rachel Nuzzolese (Melville, N.Y.), Courtney Verloo (Tualatin, Ore.)

 
 

 
 
U.S. Under-17 Women To Take on Trinidad & Tobago at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 22, In Final Group A Matchup     
www.ussoccer.com
 
 
 
2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship
Macoya, Trinidad
July 21, 2008
Pre-Game Notes

SEMIFINAL BOUND: The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team earned a place in the semifinals of the 2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship with a 9-0 win against El Salvador in their second Group A match. With the win, the U.S. tops the Group A table with six points and has one game left to play in the group phase. Up next for the U.S. U-17 WNT is hosts Trinidad & Tobago, who must win or draw to advance to the tournament semifinals after tying Costa Rica, 0-0, in their second group game. The final Group A match date will determine the first-place team in the group, who will face the second place team from Group B in the semifinals.

Group A Standings
Team    GP  W   L    T   GF    GA      GD   PTS
USA        2    2    0    0   15    0     +15     6
TRI         2    1    0    1    5     1      +4      4
CRC         2    0    1    1    0     6       -6      1
SLV         2    0    2    0    1    14    -13       0

2008 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship
Group A Schedule
Date      Matchup                                 Venue; City                                            Time (ET)     
July 18 Costa Rica 0, USA 6             Marvin Lee Stadium; Macoya, Trinidad      --
              T & T 5, El Salvador 1       Marvin Lee Stadium; Macoya, Trinidad      --
July 20 USA 9, El Salvador 0             Marvin Lee Stadium; Macoya, Trinidad      --
              T & T 0, Costa Rica 0        Marvin Lee Stadium; Macoya, Trinidad      --
July 22 El Salvador vs. Costa Rica      Marvin Lee Stadium; Macoya, Trinidad                5 p.m.
              T & T vs. USA                 Marvin Lee Stadium; Macoya, Trinidad                7 p.m. 

HOMETOWN HEROINES: Trinidad & Tobago had their hometown fans hanging on the fences in suspense at Marvin Lee Stadium as the team battled to a scrappy, 0-0, draw against Costa Rica in the second match of Group A. The Soca Princesses won their first group game, 5-1, against El Salvador and currently sit in second place in the group with four points. A win or a draw in the final group match against the USA will clinch a spot in the semifinals of the 2008 CONCACAF Women’s Championship. Trinidad & Tobago is coached by Notre Dame University women’s soccer coach Randy Waldrum. Trinidad & Tobago has nine U.S.-born players on the squad, including Jessica De Leon, from Arizona, whose father, Leroy, starred for the Trinidad & Tobago Men’s National Team. The Soca Princesses also count on the services of five Canadian-based players.


CARIBBEAN QUALIFYING: Trinidad & Tobago advanced to the 2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship by virtue of winning Group B of Caribbean Zone qualifying. The Soca Princesses kicked off Caribbean qualifying with a 6-0 win against St. Kitts & Nevis on Valentine’s Day, followed by a 4-0 win against Grenada two days later. The team closed out qualifying with a 7-0 win against Surinam on Feb. 18, 2008.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

133

Football / Brilliant or bullies?

« on: July 20, 2008, 10:53:19 AM »

Brilliant or bullies?
...Warriors battle mediocrity
By: Lasana Liburd Express

Unknown to most Trinidad and Tobago football fans, W Connection goalkeeper Marvin Phillip is quietly building a remarkable resume in his national colours. On Thursday night, Phillip enjoyed his fifth clean sheet from as many outings in a fixture so comfortably won that his central defender, Makan Hislop, spent the closing minutes lurking outside the Netherlands Antilles penalty area taking pot shots.

The final score read 2-0 to the "Soca Warriors" at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. But the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago's preparation games will only be discovered when the Warriors travel to Cuba on August 20 for their opening CONCACAF semi-final round 2010 World Cup qualifying match. Netherlands Antilles, like Guyana, Barbados and Grenada, have already been eliminated from the qualifiers and no one at Macoya on Thursday night would wonder why.

Mobile but naïve up front and shambolic at the back, the Dutch-speaking islanders are the lastest in a string of inferior teams to test coach Francisco Maturana's men. FIFA vice-president and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) special adviser Jack Warner justifiably moaned that the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs should adjust their stadium rental fees according to the opposition.

Yet, surely the same criteria should apply to gate prices as fans were asked to pay $100 to see an opponent who would struggle to match any of our ten Pro League teams.

Even worse, for long stretches of the match, the Warriors seemed to be trying to match their opponents' unimpressive display. It was not until the second half that substiute Andre Toussaint opened the score summary with a clever finish, while the insurance item did not arrive until stoppage time courtesy an Anthony Wolfe header. For the opening 45 minutes, in particular, the Warriors' ball movement was ponderous. It meant more T&T players were challenged on the ball in their own half than would normally be healthy.

Teenaged midfielder Khaleem Hyland, who is negotiating a move to England Premiership club Portsmouth, was particularly culpable in that regard. Hyland has 12 national caps now and, apart from one outing against England and two to Jamaica, he might be misled into thinking international football is a leisurely stroll. There were positives too, of course.

Maturana's full backs seemed more willing to join the attack, which provoked more crosses. The central midfield trio, perhaps unaccustomed to such service, rarely charged the opposing penalty box to cash in. It was a positive sign regardless.

W Connection holding midfielder Clyde Leon gave a fair impersonation of Argentina and Liverpool bolt Javier Mascherano. He was always ready to take the ball off his defenders or support his more advanced midfield partners while he never delayed in switching the point of attack.

Leon rarely leaves his feet to tackle either, although, considering the calibre of our last guests, he surely committed too many fouls. So he can still improve his timing.

2006 World Cup standout Cyd Gray gave a decent account too. He only played ten minutes of reserve football this season before his start on Thursday, with the armband to boot. But then Maturana's selection policy has become so farcical that it no longer lends itself to intelligent debate.

Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA midfielder Densill Theobald, for instance, was told-according to T&TFF Media-that he was left off the squad for the past four months for declining the captain's armband in Maturana's first game in charge against Guadeloupe.

Better to leave that one alone too. A poor, unsuccessful penalty apart, Theobald's passing range was a tasty addition to Maturana's midfield. Although he will rarely have as much space to deliver those Hollywood passes in the future. And that is the whole point. It is nigh impossible to gauge the readiness of the Warriors against such paltry opposition.

Phillip is a perfect case in point. He has been virtually flawless so far under the present administration and has not conceded a single goal against El Salvador, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana and the Netherlands Antilles.

Maturana must be pleased. When testing opposition beckons, though, the Colombian promptly summons either of the foreign-based duo of Clayton Ince or Jan-Michael Williams. Perhaps it is an indication of the value of these warm-up games. Go figure.



IN THE WAY: Trinidad and Tobago striker Cornell Glen, right, holds off Stewerd Sambo of the Netherlands Antilles during Thursday night's friendly international at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. The home team won 2-0.

134

Football / 20 Questions WITH Brent Sancho

« on: June 23, 2008, 12:05:56 PM »

20 Questions WITH Brent Sancho
Saturday, June 21st 2008
Trinidad Express - Woman







CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Brent Sancho was a prime pick for the Trinidad and Tobago 2006 World Cup squad for Germany. Most of us would remember his tenacious tackles and dazzling defensive skills in the World Cup games against Sweden and England, his unfortunate clash with English striker, Peter Crouch, one of the more noteworthy moments!


1. Your greatest joy?

Finding and knowing God and seeing how richly he has blessed me!


2. Your secret fear?

Failure!


3. The best advice you have received and from whom?

Get to know God My mom.


4. Your most embarrassing moment?

When I was 13, I was going on my first date and I wanted to make an impression, so I decided to pick a hibiscus flower from across the street. By accident I slipped and fell on some moss- to make matters worst I was wearing white pants!


5. Your happiest moment?

Playing for Trinidad and Tobago at the World Cup - there is nothing in life that can measure up to that experience, it was like living dream


6. The biggest turn-on in a woman?

Nice long legs!


7. The biggest turn-off?

Smoking.


8. The part of your body you like the most?

My upper arm!


9. The body part you would like to change if given the chance?

My toes, football has done some work on them!


10. The best book you ever read?

The long walk to freedom by Nelson Mandela.


11. On a second chance, what would be your dream profession?

Something in entertainment perhaps a Calysonian!


12. The thing most people do not know about you?

That I'm approachable after all the football fame!


13. Your pet peeve?

I hate when people put stuff on the dash board of a car, a weird peeve but it irritates me!


14. Your favourite food?

Thai curry.


15. The woman you most admire apart from your mother, wife or lover?

All three of my sisters; they've been my pillars of strength and inspiration.


16. Your secret personality weapon?

My charisma!


17. Your personal credo?

Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it (advice given to me by my old University Coach at St. Johns University, New York).


18. Your irresistible temptation?

A beautiful woman.


19. The one place you would like to visit before you die?

Japan, there is something about Asia that excites me!


20. Your most elusive goal?

Perfection in every aspect of life!
 

135

Football / FIFA ask Peru striker Pizarro to drop lawsuit

« on: April 24, 2008, 09:36:12 AM »

Updated: April 24, 2008
FIFA ask Peru striker Pizarro to drop lawsuit

LIMA, April 23 (Reuters) - Peru striker Claudio Pizarro, banned by his country for 18 months for indiscipline, has been asked by FIFA to withdraw a lawsuit he has taken out against the Peruvian federation over his suspension.

 
Pizarro's agent Carlos Delgado said in a radio interview that soccer's governing body wanted the Chelsea player to keep his case to the sporting tribunals.


'We asked the player Pizarro to immediately withdraw his case from the civil courts and use the sporting tribunals,' said the letter, according to Delgado.
'We remind all the parties involved that if one of them is not satisfied with the final decision, they have the option of turning to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).'

Pizarro was banned along with Jefferson Farfan, Andres Mendoza and Santiago Acasiete for the alleged incidents at the team hotel following a World Cup qualifier with Brazil in November.

The federation admitted at the time that its case was built on the reports of a television journalist and hotel employees.

Pizarro denied taking part and accused the Peruvian federation of using the incident to cover up what he described as its poor management.

Pizarro, who has struggled at Chelsea since his move from Bayern Munich, welcomed the development, Delgado said.

'Pizarro has the chance to defend himself internationally with judges who are isolated from the local environment,' Delgado told the RPP station.

Peruvian football has been plagued by in-fighting among the directors for years and the country has not qualified for a World Cup since 1982.

The players are often accused of indiscipline but in turn complain of harassment by the country's tabloid newspapers and television stations.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=528604&cc=5901


How come FIFA does get involved with almost all the other federations except for our? Why should this matter be of any interest to them? I wouldbelieve that this would be an internal matter between player and federation discipline issues. Our situation on the other hand involve FIFA monies, sponsors monies, government monies, and a FIFA Vice President.


 

136

Football / Man United vs The rest of the League

« on: April 22, 2008, 12:38:10 PM »

Updated: April 22, 2008
Hleb faces FA charge after Murty clash

Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb has been charged with violent conduct.

Hleb was involved in an incident with Reading defender Graeme Murty during the second half of the match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, April 19.

The incident was not seen by referee Peter Walton. Having now watched video footage of the incident, Walton has informed the FA that, had he seen it at the time, he would have shown Hleb a red card for violent conduct.

Hleb has until 6pm on Wednesday, April 23 to admit or deny the charge. A regulatory commission will hear the case on Thursday, April 24



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=528134&cc=5901



So what about the Challenge from Rooney over the weekend at Blackburn. No one can say that it was not intentional (retaliation) and from behind none the less. It's funny that no one is making a fuss about this. All other players have been penalized, but if you're Man United player you are safe....do what you want.

137

Football / USA vs Argentina Ticket Prices

« on: April 11, 2008, 06:56:58 PM »

  Ticket Prices:

$295 Sideline Seating in Lower Front Two Rows (limit four per purchaser)
$195 Mezzanine Midfield
$110 Mezzanine Sideline / Lower Midfield
$80 Mezzanine Primary Corner / Lower Sideline
$65 Mezzanine Corner / Lower Corner / Upper Primary Sideline
$50 Lower Endline / Mezzanine Endline / Upper Sideline
$40 Upper Corner
$35 Upper Endline


http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_5963784.html


Will T&T vs England cost this much? Will JW get any ideas?

138

Football / Fenerbahce v Chelsea CL Quarters

« on: April 02, 2008, 08:27:42 AM »

Fenerbahce  v  Chelsea




Zico: Fenerbahce must win
Updated: April 1, 2008, 7:14 AM ET

ISTANBUL, April 1 (Reuters) - Coach Zico says it is imperative Fenerbahce beat Chelsea in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
'Fenerbahce are facing one of the most important matches in their history,' said the former Brazil captain. 'We definitely have to win the first match at home. If we concentrate properly we can achieve our goal.'

Zico will be pinning his hopes on playmaker Alex in his team's debut appearance in the last eight.



Alex scored twice in Saturday's 2-1 victory over city rivals Besiktas, a result that gave Fenerbahce renewed confidence in their battle to win the Turkish title.
'I don't want anyone to talk about the Besiktas game any more,' said Zico. 'Another very big test awaits us on Wednesday.'



Since joining the club four years ago, Alex has scored 70 goals in 116 league matches.
He could be joined in Wednesday's team by fellow Brazilian Roberto Carlos, who has been out injured since the first leg of their last-16 tie with Sevilla.

Midfielder Ugur Boral, injured against Besiktas, is likely to be fit while Onder Turaci will probably play at right back in place of the suspended Gokhan Gonul.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant finds himself in a peculiar position despite collecting five wins and a draw from his last six Premier League games.

A fortunate 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Sunday means the Londoners are still the closest challengers to Manchester United in the title race but there are grumblings of discontent among the fans.

The League Cup final defeat by Tottenham Hotspur and a humiliating defeat by Championship (second division) side Barnsley in the FA Cup have reduced Grant's chances of winning a trophy in his first season.

Midfielder Frank Lampard should return after missing Sunday's victory with a stomach upset.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is doubtful with an ankle injury but Didier Drogba is expected to be fit after picking up a knock at the weekend.


Probable teams:


Fenerbahce: 1-Volkan Demirel; 19-Onder Turaci, 2-Diego Lugano, 36-Edu Dracena, 3-Roberto Carlos; 20-Alex, 15-Mehmet Aurelio, 33-Claudio Maldonado, 25-Ugur Boral; 99-Deivid, 9-Mateja Kezman.


Chelsea: 23-Carlo Cudicini; 20-Paulo Ferreira, 26-John Terry, 6-Ricardo Carvalho, 3-Ashley Cole; 8-Frank Lampard, 4-Claude Makelele, 5-Michael Essien; 10-Joe Cole, 11-Didier Drogba, 21-Salomon Kalou.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=238306&cc=5901

139

Football / Scotland scores again Warrior ignores injury.

« on: March 09, 2008, 10:29:56 AM »

Scotland scores again Warrior ignores injury.
By: Lasana Liburd (Express).

Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland ignored a dislocated toe to score his 22nd goal in all competitions for new English employers, Swansea, on Friday night.

Swansea lost 2-1 to Millwall, thereby losing the chance to match a club record 19 unbeaten games, but Scotland reinforced his worth to the Wales-based England League One team.

The former Malick schoolboy and Defence Force player notched the winner last weekend before being stretchered off with a dislocated toe. Regardless, Swansea manager Roberto Martinez begged the 2006 World Cup player to suit up on Friday, although Scotland did not need much urging.

"I am in good form and the goals are coming," Scotland told the Sunday Express. "So I don't want to miss any games right now."

The skillful striker halved Swansea's deficit from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute for his 16th league goal this term--only Leeds' Jermaine Beckford, with 17 items, has done better thus far in League One this season--but could not conjure an equaliser.

Still, the "Swans" are eight points clear of second placed Doncaster and seem certain to earn automatic promotion to the Championship Division.

If Swansea emerge as League One champions, Scotland would lift his first trophy since moving to Britain in 2003.

"I reached the Scottish Cup final (with Dundee United)," said Scotland, "but I never won anything.

"It will be exciting to win (the title) and go up in my first season with the Swans, but I'm just looking forward to getting promoted. It will be nice to achieve and extra special because it will be my first."

The "Soca Warrior" compared the standard of England League One football favourably with the Scotland Premiership and First Division. He expressed his delight with the style employed by Swansea's Spanish boss, Martinez.

"Swansea play good football with wingers who run at men," he said. "I think the standard of the league here is better (than what I experienced before) and, outside of Celtic and Glasgow Rangers, the rest of the SPL teams would struggle to beat us."

He hopes to bring his club form with him on international duty and is anxious for the chance to show his ability despite fierce competition up front from Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland), Stern John (Southampton), Darryl Roberts (Sparta Rotterdam) and Scott Sealy (Kansas City Wizards).

"I never really got a good run in the national team, apart from probably under (Hannibal) Najjar," said Scotland. "I can't remember the last time I played up front either. I usually played on the left flank or behind the striker for (Leo) Beenhakker, but I am happy to play wherever is suitable for the new coach."

There has been a downside for Scotland at Swansea, though, as, despite his stream of goals, he has struggled to replace former club hero Lee Trundle in the hearts of some supporters. Trundle left for Championship club, Bristol City, last summer.

A fan favourite at Dundee United and St Johnstone, Scotland has not enjoyed the same level of appreciation thus far in Wales, although his goals have buoyed Swansea's promotion chances.

"The fans are tougher to please than at Dundee United and St Johnstone," he said, "but I am trying to win them over with my goals. Swansea is a nice place with great facilities and everything has been outstanding since I came.

"I think I can score more but I am happy with my form. I really can't ask for more."

140

Football / 100 youth teams for Trinidad & Tobago Cup.

« on: March 05, 2008, 09:29:49 AM »

100 youth teams for Trinidad & Tobago Cup.
T&T Express Reports.[/size]

Some 100 youth teams are expected to participate in 180 matches over the six days of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs Trinidad & Tobago Cup, which take's place between March 24 and 29 at venues throughout the country.

The football tournament caters to under-15 and under-17 boys teams, as well as under-18 girls teams. Six years ago, Alvin Corneal launched the tournament, which is expected to get a major boost this year thanks to sponsorship from the Ministry of Sport. A $300 entrance fee has been waived.

Last year's winners were La Foucade FC (under-14), Superstar Rangers (under-16) and Waterloo Soccer Academy (girls under-18). This year, organisers are expecting wider participation, including teams from Toco, La Brea and Point Fortin. The champions will receive a challenge trophy and $3,500.

141

Football / Bigger Teams Treated Differently

« on: February 27, 2008, 12:54:40 AM »

Boro rage after Aliadiere ban is increased

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=511391&cc=5901

Middlesbrough have launched a furious broadside at disciplinary chiefs after Jeremie Aliadiere's appeal against his sending-off at Liverpool was dismissed as 'frivolous'.

 

The 24-year-old Frenchman was red carded by referee Lee Mason for striking out at Javier Mascherano after the Argentinian appeared to grab his face during Saturday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Anfield.


Aliadiere immediately incurred a three-match ban for violent conduct, against which his club decided to appeal to the Football Association yesterday.


However, a regulatory commission this afternoon rejected his claim for wrongful dismissal and decided instead to hand him an extra game on the sidelines.


Boro chief executive Keith Lamb was fuming at the decision, branding it 'a travesty of justice'.


Lamb said: 'We are furious and totally astounded that the commission, without consultation, should consider our appeal to be frivolous.


'Who are they to know our minds when we made this appeal?


'We are appalled at the decision and the entire process. How can nameless, faceless people on a commission decide that our genuine claim for equality and justice be dealt with in such a flippant manner?


'It is a disgraceful comment to suggest our claim was frivolous. We agonised over it before deciding to submit a claim for wrongful dismissal.


'The Oxford Dictionary definition of frivolous is `not serious, shallow, silly or trifling', while in fact we spent more than two days considering whether or not to appeal the incident.


'It seems strange that only recently Chelsea's appeal against Michael Essien's three-match ban was rejected but not considered `frivolous'.

'It appears that there is one rule for the big boys and another for the rest of us.'


Lamb insisted Boro had decided to appeal only after studying television replays and canvassing opinion on the decision.


He said: 'We considered Jeremie's dismissal to be extremely harsh.


'We find the inconsistency displayed in this whole incident unacceptable and quite unbelievable.


'According to the referee's report, he had a `good, clear view' of the whole incident, including Javier Mascherano grabbing Jeremie Aliadiere's face and Jeremie's subsequent reaction.


'However, he decided that while Mascherano's actions were acceptable and needed no further action, our player's light flick was `violent conduct' and merited a straight red card.

'How can it be fair that one player receive a straight red card while the other receives no punishment at all?


'To further quote the Oxford Dictionary, the adjective `violent' is defined as `involving great physical force', which anyone who has seen the incident hardly describes Jeremie's actions.'


Aliadiere will miss the FA Cup fifth round replay against Sheffield United, Saturday's league clash with Reading and the trip to Aston Villa a week later.


Should Boro make the FA Cup quarter-finals, Aliadiere would sit out the last-eight showdown with Cardiff, but if they go out tomorrow night, he would be suspended for the return to former club Arsenal on March 15.


Lamb said: 'If anything in this whole farcical affair was frivolous, it was the original incident.


'How on earth can Jeremie Aliadiere think he has been treated fairly in this whole charade when the outcome is clearly a travesty of justice?'


FA rules dictate that the regulatory commission can only rescind a red card when the referee has made a 'clear and obvious error', and appeals where that is not found to be the case are regarded as frivolous.


It is understood Mr Mason saw the whole incident, but took no formal action against Mascherano.


Anyone saw the incident? What's your take on this? I know many people have been saying that Top teams (mainly Ma U  ) get a lot of calls their way that other lowly team would not recieve. Does bias truly exist among the referees and big teams?

142

Football / We Need Beenhaker!?

« on: December 06, 2007, 02:16:38 PM »

http://www.soccercoachinginternational.com/index.php?page=magazines&magazinepage=showmagazine&mid=67


The man getting nuff pips. Should he return to take us to SA?

143

Football / Nuff licks

« on: November 14, 2007, 02:09:16 PM »

If this was posted before feel free to merge it. I did a search and could not find it.


Jean hits hat-trick as W Connection crush Sanuva
Wednesday, November 14th 2007

St Lucian Earl Jean and Jonathan Frias of the Dominican Republic both scored hat-tricks as T&T Pro League club Vibe CT105 W Connection crushed Central Football Association representatives Sanuva FC in their FA Trophy round-of-16 match on Sunday.

The Savonetta Boys turned in an unforgiving second-half display to slam the Central-outfit 14-0, after leading 4-0 at the half.
Frias got his goals in the 57th, 70th and 75th minutes while Jean, who came on as a second-half substitute for T&T World Cup midfielder Aurtis Whitley, got his items in the 55th, 89th and 90th minutes.

Dwight Scott added a double, scoring in the 16th and 49th, while Andre Toussaint, Clyde Leon, Whitley, Brazilian Gefferson Goulart, T&T defender Atiba Charles and Christian Viveros of Colombia chipped in with one apiece.

 W Connection were joined in the quarter-final round by fellow T&T Pro League clubs United Petrotrin and North East Stars, who won their matches in a double-header at the Palo Seco Recreation Ground.

 The Oil men, led by a Jerol Forbes treble, drilled Queen's Park of the Northern Football Association 4-0, with Kelvin Hernandez adding the fourth item for the winners.

But Stars, last year's FA Trophy beaten finalists, were made to work hard for their last-eight spot and needed a goal in extra-time from Soca Warriors striker Anthony Wolfe to beat Palo Seco Sports Club of the Southern Football Association 1-0.

On Sunday, Pro League team CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh will meet Eastern Football Association FA winners Real Maracas at Maracas Valley from 3.30 p.m. while defending Pro League champions Joe Public come up against Strikers of the Eastern Counties Football Union at the Brooklyn Recreation Ground in Sangre Grande.

Results of matches played in the round-of-16 in the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation FA Trophy Sunday.

W CONNECTION 14 (Jonathan Frias 57th, 70th, 75th, Earl Jean 55th, 89th, 90th, Dwight Scott 16th, 49th, Andre Toussaint 23rd, Clyde Leon 33rd, Aurtis Whitley 44th, Gefferson Goulart 56th, Atiba Charles 64th, Christian Viveros 87th) beat SANUVA FC 0

UTD PETROTRIN 4 beat QPCC 0

NORTH EAST STARS 1 beat PALO SEC SC 0


http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=161235049

144

Football / English Soccer vs You Tube

« on: August 10, 2007, 07:13:33 PM »

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=49750&cl=3661886&ch=49799&src=news

145

Football / Let Jack Warner Lead........

« on: July 21, 2007, 12:07:09 PM »

I know that this not directly related to football but I was truly impressed  by the argument for JW as a leader to any thing.

Let Jack Warner lead the UNC

Saturday, July 21st 2007
 
 
 Soon the decision will be made about who will lead the UNC. Among the many contenders are Jack Warner, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Mikela Panday and even Winston Dookeran.

Among them the most appropriate to fit the bill as leader of the UNC is Jack Warner.

Mr Warner has all the qualities of a great leader. He is tried, tested and proven. It was because of Mr Warner's resources and astute leadership that Trinidad and Tobago became globally recognised when its national football team reached World Cup last year.

Mr Warner possesses golden hands. Within the recent past and under his leadership the UNC has successfully staged the One Dollar Fete which attracted over 18,000 patrons, the Indian Arrival Day celebrations, a family day and the appreciation award ceremony.

Mr Warner is also the individual who has the capacity to bridge the gap among the races, especially the Afro and Indo population.

His proactiveness added to his down-to-earth ability is also an asset to his leadership qualities. The other contenders have a place in the party and can play a pivotal role in the UNC forming the next government of T&T.

Let Warner lead.

Shanti Singh

Marabella

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_opinion?id=161179138
 

146

Football / Copa America Thread

« on: July 05, 2007, 02:24:48 PM »

Do you think that the T&T team from the Gold Cup would have won group A  (Venezuela, Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia), and advanced to the quarter finals?

147

Football / England's the Best?

« on: March 31, 2007, 10:57:03 AM »

Ferguson: English clubs now best in Europe

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Premiership is now the best league in the world.

  
The Manchester United manager's comments may appear a little hollow given the sub-standard nature of some of the domestic action this term but, with three quarter-finalists, England has a greater representation in the Champions League than Italy or Spain.


And Ferguson would not be surprised in the least if the May 23 final in Athens was a battle between two English clubs.

'There is a chance of an all-English final,' he said.

'Six or seven years ago, the Spanish league was the best but now I really believe we have caught it up.

'Liverpool's result against Barcelona in the last round is a good case in point.

'Real Madrid got knocked out as well, which tells you Spain's two biggest teams are not at their best.

'Right now, English football is probably the best in Europe.'

Certainly England's chances of landing some silverware at club level are a lot more plausible than they are in the international arena.

And, following a tortuous week in which Steve McClaren's side were booed by their own fans in Israel and Barcelona, Ferguson accepts Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick were probably glad to get back to the sanctuary of Old Trafford.

'It was a mixed bag in terms of our players' success at international level over the past week but, when you look at the results, the English lads are probably glad to be back - and we are happy to have them here,' he observed.

For an all-English final to materialise, United would have to navigate their way through a tricky draw which pits them into a quarter-final meeting with Roma and a last four clash with either AC Milan or Bayern Munich.

Although Roma are trailing Inter Milan by some distance in the battle for Serie A, Ferguson has not been fooled into thinking progress into the semi-finals will be automatic for the Red Devils.

Chief problem for United ahead of Wednesday's first leg in the Olympic Stadium is how to set up defensively against a team that does not have an out-and-out striker.

With Brazilian duo Mancini and Taddei looking to spring inside from the wing positions and Francesco Totti dropping deep, virtually into a midfield slot, Ferguson's men are faced with a puzzle which does not often present itself in the Premiership.

If they are not careful, United could end up with four orthodox defenders marking no-one, a situation Ferguson is anxious to avoid.

'Their system is a key factor for us because Roma play without a central striker,' he said.

'The issue is what we do about our central defenders, whether we push one onto Totti or whether we let him drift and control the game.

'We have the players who can adapt but tactically we have to get it right.

'It is not a game that is giving me sleepless nights but if we don't get ourselves sorted out, it could be a very hard evening for us.'

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=417797&cc=5901



Do you agree with Sir Alexs' comment if so why, or why not?

148

Football / The Special One

« on: March 06, 2007, 02:18:07 PM »

Chelsea v FC Porto: Preview

Jose Mourinho insists he will walk away with £1million in his pocket and land another job inside a couple of months if Chelsea sack him.

The Chelsea coach, preparing for Tuesday`s last 16 return leg against Porto at Stamford Bridge, is adamant he is under no extra pressure to win another trophy this season.

The Portuguese coach has already bagged the Carling Cup with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal last month and the Blues remain in the Champions League, the last eight of the FA Cup and in the race for a third successive Premiership crown.

But even though Chelsea's season has been blighted by injuries to goalkeeper Petr Cech, captain John Terry and England midfielder Joe Cole, Mourinho is full of praise for the way his squad has kept the team in the hunt for success on four fronts.

Mourinho's own future has also been the subject of intense speculation this season with rumours persisting that he will quit Stamford Bridge in the summer instead of seeing out his contract.

The Blues chief is tied to the club for a further three years and despite rumours of a rift between him and billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, Mourinho insists he is under no pressure to win another trophy this season.

Indeed, he already appears to have mapped out his future if Abramovich should decide to call time on Mourinho's managerial tenure.

Mourinho declared: 'I am not under any pressure to win something else because the only pressure I am under is from the pressure I put on myself.

'I don't accept pressure from other people. I don't get depressed. If the club decides to sack me because of bad results, that's part of the game.

'If that happens, I will be a millionaire and I will get another club a couple of months later. I cannot win every week, every year. But I have family, my kids are healthy, I have a lot of friends, I have a good life - pressure of what? I put myself under pressure, just like I did when playing three against three in the street as a kid. I like to win - but pressure? No way.'

But Mourinho is desperate for his players to take the credit for keeping their hopes of a quadruple alive during a season when they have lost three of their most influential players for long periods.

Mourinho added: 'I am not saying it is a miracle or something like superman but my players deserve respect and credit.

'To be where we are in the Champions League after getting through a very difficult group with Barcelona and Werder Bremen, and without Petr Cech and John Terry for half-a-season and Joe Cole for the whole season, I am more than happy with the players.

'Our supporters know the effort and commitment the team is putting in during every game. That is the motivation. This team deserves to win, and not just the League Cup, this team deserves to win more.

'My confidence and motivation is that at the end of the season, my players will have another cup in their hands and they have got something for the effort they have put in.'

Chelsea's England left-back Ashley Cole believes they have a better chance of winning the Champions League than the Premiership but Mourinho is not of the same opinion.

He added: 'At the moment in the Champions League, 16 teams can win it and only two can win the Premiership. From that aspect, it looks more difficult to win the Champions League because the 16 teams have the same chances.

'At this moment in the Premiership, Manchester United are in front and because of that they have more chances to win it than us. But Chelsea is alive in the three competitions we are involved with and we want more than the league cup.

'That competition is finished, it is over and the trophy is in our room. We are in three other competitions and out of the three, we want something more to stay with us.'

Mourinho is keen to avoid hyping up the return leg against his former club after a 1-1 draw in the first.

Mourinho said: 'I respect our opponents and I expect they will be strong but I have good players and I expect that will perform well.

'I don't think it is an issue any more. One day I will play against Chelsea. I cannot make my career thinking about how I was once in this club or that club.

'I have to play the game without such emotions. This is just another game. I just want to be in the quarter-final.'

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=211920&cc=5901


I don't think they will get rid of him. Even if they do, who will replace him?

149

Football / Becks sent packing

« on: February 17, 2007, 06:37:52 PM »

La Liga: Becks walks as Real stagger to Betis draw

MADRID, Feb 17 (Reuters) - David Beckham was sent off in the final minute of Real Madrid's 0-0 home draw with lowly Real Betis in the Primera Liga on Saturday.


The former England captain, making his 150th appearance for the club, was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Isidro. It was his fifth dismissal with Madrid and the eighth of his career.
Once again Madrid left the field to whistles from an angry crowd who have seen only one goal in four home league matches.

Madrid remain third with 42 points, one behind second-placed Sevilla who host Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

Leaders Barcelona, on 46 points, visit fourth-placed Valencia on Sunday.

Beckham and Brazilian Robinho started on the flanks against Betis, who knocked Madrid out of the King's Cup last month.

Although the home side dominated, chances were hard to come by. The hosts had keeper Iker Casillas to thank for keeping the scores level.

Five minutes from halftime, a rare Betis attack led to Fabrice Pancrate going through on a one-on-one with Casillas, who got his hand to the midfielder's shot.

Raul joined Ruud van Nistelrooy in the home attack for the second half but little changed.

Beckham crossed low for Van Nistelrooy in the 63rd minute and the Dutchman's shot skimmed off the top of the crossbar.

Soon after, Betis defender Nano's shot from a corner cannoned off the far post and in the 75th minute Pancrate broke clear before shooting wide with only Casillas to beat.

Tempers flared towards the end and Beckham lost his cool after being dispossessed in the Betis area, chasing back and lunging into a challenge from behind on Isidro.

Beckham only returned to the team last weekend after being banished to the stands by coach Fabio Capello following his decision to join Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season.

In Saturday's later game, Diego Milito hit the only goal as Real Zaragoza saw off the challenge of Villarreal to move to within a point of Valencia who are in fifth place.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=409334&cc=5901

150

Football / Wall Bangers

« on: February 14, 2007, 01:02:06 PM »

I don't know how many people know about this site yet, but I saw a commercial for it last night. Checked it out and the posters looked pretty good.

http://www.wallbangers.co.uk/catalog/