STOKE City will announce tomorrow whether they are appealing against an FA charge of violent conduct against Robert Huth. The club had actually been given a 6pm contract tonite, but that's now been extended because Stoke were late being informed of the demand. But, the club continues to be anticipated to decline the opportunity to appeal contrary to the charge when they ultimately announce their decision. TV pictures revealed Huth raising a fore-arm and getting Fulham defender Philippe Senderos on the chinAas they collided in the penalty area throughout Stoke's 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday. myprint-247 Print voucher Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk layer, FREE overnight delivery & VAT included. Select from 1000's of pre-designed templates or publish your own personal art. Instructions sent within 24hrs. Terms: Dealer of Business Cards, Compliment Slides, Letterheads, Brochures and Postcards. 24hr Transformation & FREE NEXT DAY DISTRIBUTION Contact: 01858 468192 Legitimate until: Thursday, March 07 2013 Huth, who has been on the pitch for every minute of every cup and league game to date this year, faces a three-match bar if found guilty and missingAthe fixtures would be meant by that against West Ham, Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion. If Stoke were to fail and appeal the demand, the large German might be confronted with an additional one-match bar for a frivolous appeal.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
VIDEO: Bobby Moore tribute at West Ham Vs Tottenham Hotspur, 20th ... - 3News NZ
Bobby Moore captained West Ham for more than a decade and is arguably England's most celebrated footballer, and today he was paid tribute at the club's home ground of Upton Park prior to their English Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.
England's 1966 World Cup winning captain is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, and to honour him his grandchildren Poppy (21), Freddie (16) and Ava (13) led West Ham out onto the pitch to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of the Hammers legend.
Other features of the celebration of the life of a football great included a 100-page matchday tribute programme, as well as a minute's applause and interviews screened at the park.
Club co-chairman David Gold said: "He was our England World Cup-winning captain, but also more personally for all of us here at West Ham, a legend at our club and always will be," said Gold.
"It was great to see so many West Ham fans turn out in what was bitterly cold weather. But they wanted to pay their respects to a man we hold very dear at this club."
Moore, a defender with 108 caps for his country, was born Robert Frederick Chelsea More on April 12, 1941 in Barking, Essex, and died February 24, 1993 at just 51-years-of-age.
He was West Ham Player Of The Year – 1960/1961, 1962/1963, 1967/1968, 1969/1970, appearing for the club on 544 occassions and scoring 24 goals.
Luke Shaw- Future Blue? | Chelsea FC 360
For some while now there have been wide-spread reports linking Luke Shaw to Chelsea. Without question he is one of the hottest properties in world football and I foresee him having an very successful and an illustrious career ahead of him. He has proved this season that your based on quality not age, and pundits and fans across the world have recognised his outstanding ability.
Ashley Cole's contract expires in the summer of 2014 and there's been much talk of who can replace such an instrumental figure. Of course Chelsea have a couple of options in the club with Ryan Bertrand and Patrick Van Aanholt but as we know Roman's a fan of looking elsewhere.
In my opinion Luke Shaw is the perfect option. He's proved in his short spell in the Premier League that he is an incredibly talented player who is a well-organised defender but also can cause havoc to defenders when attacking down the wings. His burst of speed is brilliant and his variety of crosses often threaten defenders. He has a wide-range of passes in his pocket and his dribbling skills are sublime. Remind you of anyone?
Nigel Adkins praised him of being a Model professional who is always willing to develop and better his game. He really is an amazing player and it scares me to think a player of this calibre is only seventeen. I predict that in the next five years he will become the best LB in the world.
Today there have been reports stating that the Blues are in pole-position to sign this future star. We will have to battle with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man U for the £10,000,000 rated LB.
Without a doubt I would love to see him at Chelsea and he's certainly one of my favourite players. It will be interesting to see if our next manager will be willing to promote youth which I hope very much that he will. If he does I think Luke Shaw would be a perfect addition to the team and it might raise Bertrand's game knowing that another LB is waiting in the wings!
I really hope to see him at Chelsea in the Summer and I'll be ecstatic to see him putting pen to paper for Chelsea! Let me know your thoughts.KTBFFH!
Tagged as: CFC, CFC 360., CFC360, Chelsea, Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC 360, Chelsea Transfer News, ChelseaFC360, Luke Shaw, Transfer
For some while now there have been wide-spread reports linking Luke Shaw to Chelsea. Without question he is one of the hottest properties in world football and I foresee him having an very successful and an illustrious career ahead of him. He has proved this season that your based on quality not age, and pundits and fans across the world have recognised his outstanding ability.
Ashley Cole's contract expires in the summer of 2014 and there's been much talk of who can replace such an instrumental figure. Of course Chelsea have a couple of options in the club with Ryan Bertrand and Patrick Van Aanholt but as we know Roman's a fan of looking elsewhere.
In my opinion Luke Shaw is the perfect option. He's proved in his short spell in the Premier League that he is an incredibly talented player who is a well-organised defender but also can cause havoc to defenders when attacking down the wings. His burst of speed is brilliant and his variety of crosses often threaten defenders. He has a wide-range of passes in his pocket and his dribbling skills are sublime. Remind you of anyone?
Nigel Adkins praised him of being a Model professional who is always willing to develop and better his game. He really is an amazing player and it scares me to think a player of this calibre is only seventeen. I predict that in the next five years he will become the best LB in the world.
Today there have been reports stating that the Blues are in pole-position to sign this future star. We will have to battle with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Man U for the £10,000,000 rated LB.
Without a doubt I would love to see him at Chelsea and he's certainly one of my favourite players. It will be interesting to see if our next manager will be willing to promote youth which I hope very much that he will. If he does I think Luke Shaw would be a perfect addition to the team and it might raise Bertrand's game knowing that another LB is waiting in the wings!
I really hope to see him at Chelsea in the Summer and I'll be ecstatic to see him putting pen to paper for Chelsea! Let me know your thoughts.KTBFFH!
Tagged as: CFC, CFC 360., CFC360, Chelsea, Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC 360, Chelsea Transfer News, ChelseaFC360, Luke Shaw, Transfer
Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo Get Head-To-Head... - Global Organization Times
March 25 2013 1:57 PM The latest conference between Barcelona and Real Madrid on Tuesday presents still another attractive battle between the worldas two biggest players, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, however both clubs have issues to overcome associated with their star men prior to the second-leg of these Copa del Rey semifinal. The first leg between the two sides, now nearly a month ago, was noteworthy to be a rare Clasico in which neither of the gameas superstars found the back of the web. It would be described as a significant surprise if the link concluded with that still being the situation, but all is not completely harmony with either Barcelona or Madrid and their individual stars. True Madridas dilemmas are more developed. Sitting 16 points behind their intense opponents in the Liga standings, any reasonable hope of retaining their title have long-since disappeared. Within the area of the next week all meaning with their period could also disappear to the Madrid night. After the Copa del Rey game comes the return-leg of these carefully balanced Champions League wrap with Manchester United, sandwiching the 2nd category Clasico at the weekend. AIt could be the cup tournaments that hold Madridas only odds of redemption this year after having a tumultuous campaign both on and off the message. While Los Blancos have lacked the power of the relentlessly consistent shows last year, there have already been popular reports of unrest between manager Jose Mourinho and a few of the clubas many skilled players. Put into these things has been growing speculation about the pleasure or not of their talisman, Ronaldo. Since the Portuguese forward confessed to being sad, and that the team knew why, back September, speculation has swirled over his future. Before week, he has been strongly linked by sections of the British press with a summer return to Manchester United. A lot of Ronaldoas unhappiness is considered to stem from what he thinks as deficiencies in public backing from his club in comparison with the help distributed by Barcelona toward Messi. The stress of the constant stream of plaudits and awards racked up by Messi appear to have, possibly naturally, got under Ronaldoas skin. He would probably love the chance to outperform the four-time Ballon daOr champion on Tuesday as he did in the key Liga concept decider last season. Indeed, Ronaldo has won on his last five visits to Camp Nou. Despite their dominance in the category in 2010, all is not going wholly efficiently at Barcelona, both. The shock first-leg Champions League beat to Milan the other day exposed a fall within their performances that has been present without significant consequence for all days. Much of the difficulties have already been negligence without the ball, but, as was shown a month before against Madrid and also in defeat to Milan, Barcelona are also having difficulty penetrating in attack. Messi was largely ineffective in both those fits and although some of that must be pay to the forward being just short of his greatest, he also experienced having less danger around him. Alexis Sanchezas famine of confidence has been increasingly, painfully evident whilst the year has advanced, Pedroa'so respected for Spain this seasona'has too usually misfired in front of goal, while David Villa has been used infrequently and has missed time lately with kidney stones. Opposition defenses have been allowed by those issues to target a lot more attention on ending the room given to Messi, on whom Barcelonaas reliability has perhaps trickled to the realm of harmful of late. There were encouraging indications on Saturday against Sevilla, got himself on the scoresheet and when David Villa began. Having been linked with a away in January after dropping down the pecking order following his return from a leg, Villa could now play a crucial part in Barcelona and Messias sort to the end of the seasona'beginning with the tantalizingly set second-leg with Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Link: HNK Cibalia Vinkovci - HNK Hajduk Split [Live Football]
Everton FC star admits interest In Chelsea FC move - SportsNewsIRELAND
Updated: February 26, 2013 Marouane Fellaini has mentioned that he's enthusiastic about a possible move to Chelsea, but reiterated that he will not drive for a move from Everton. Everton certainly are a big 9/2 with Boylesports.com to gain the FA Cup Fellainias exemplary form for the Toffees has seen him linked with a proceed to Stamford Bridge but up to now no bid has been built for the 25-year-old midfielder. As you may still find 36 months remaining on his agreement with Everton, Fellaini won't make an effort to force a move, but did declare he would welcome the opportunity to play Champions League football: aAm I thinking about Chelsea? Itas typical, right? Iave never played in the Champions League,a Fellaini is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. aIam satisfied here, everyone is known by me, I get along with my team-mates. Itas my home. On the other hand, I also wish to simply take the next thing. Fate will decide. aEverton settled A20 million and don't want to sell me for nothing. They will need certainly to spend the price.a, if I am wanted by a big club
Tottenham Hotspur-West Ham United Preview - Yahoo! Sports
LONDON (SE) - A London derby brings the curtain down on the latest round of Premier League fixtures, when West Ham United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Upton Park on Monday night. Mike Allardyce's West Ham (8-6-12) have enjoyed a successful come back to the Premier League, but a run of only two wins inside their last five games has seen them put on the bottom half of the table and only seven points free from the relegation zone with 12 matches outstanding. Nevertheless, the Hammers will wish that their amazing house form of four and six wins draws in 13 games will be enough to keep them out of trouble. "Our home form has been excellent all time and so we are planning to hopefully make certain Tottenham worry about us for a lengthy period of time on Monday night, as opposed to us worry about them too much," said Allardyce ahead of Monday's sport, that may begin to see the club commemorate the 20th anniversary of the death of club tale and England World Cup winning leader, Bobby Moore. "Hopefully we are able to win the game and that is the most useful thing that could happen to celebrate Bobby Moore. He was a magnificent effect on the planet of football - not just at West Ham." Visitors Spurs (14-6-6) have now been on a terrific run in the league, going unbeaten in twenty suits because a defeat to Everton in early December. The north London part further boosted their confidence with a last moment Mousa Dembele goal against Lyon on Thursday morning to send them through to the last 16 of the Europa League, and boss Andre Villas-Boas is wanting to use his team's European achievement to his advantage. "We have now been having some good results recently, and as an inspiration," said Villas-Boas following the 1-1 lure France hopefully this can serve. "We have helped to do well in Premier League games that have come after European suits, and we've a supplementary day to recover now before playing West Ham. "We is going to be in the right condition for that game. I don't think this opposition is a distraction for all of us, I think it may be an inspiration." West Ham have doubts over Joey O'Brien (hip), Daniel Potts (concussion), James Collins (hamstring) and George McCartney (leg). Spurs have concerns over Tom Huddlestone (knee) and Jermain Defoe (leg), but Sandro stays out with a long-term knee injury. Centre-back Younes Kaboul is back in education carrying out a long absence with his own leg injury. Spurs have conceded just five objectives within their ten-match unbeaten work (including five clean sheets), and have allowed less photos on their goal (230) than every other team in the very best flight this season. The Lilywhites have the next best absent record in the group - behind just Chelsea and Manchester United - and need just one more win on the highway to set a team Premier League record of nine in a period. Welsh opponent Gareth Bale has scored five match-winning goals this season (a combined league large with Robin van Persie) and has scored in all of Tottenham's last three league games. He has never scored in four straight group games in his career. The Hammers have managed merely a single win within their last 11 meetings with Tottenham, losing seven of the games. When these groups met at White Hart Lane in November two objectives from former West Ham striker Jermain Defoe served Tottenham to a 3-1 gain. Bale and Andy Carroll won the other goals in a game title in which Spurs centered control and racked up 27 attempts on goal.
Cazorla support sees off plucky Villa - Arsenal World
----- Pick a team -----ArsenalAston VillaChelseaEvertonFulhamLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNorwich CityQueens Park RangersReadingSouthamptonStoke CitySunderlandSwansea CityTottenham HotspurWest Bromwich AlbionWest Pig UnitedWigan Athletic----- Select a section -----Premier LeagueChampionshipLeague OneLeague Two( Convention) PremierScottish PremierScottish Division OneScottish Division TwoScottish Division ThreeInternationals
More Info: Getafe CF - Real Zaragoza [Live Football]
Blackhawks' talent at 19 after OT conquer Oilers
Detroit (AP) a' Marian Hossa won 1:44 in to overtime and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Monday night to extend their NHL-record beginning factors talent to 19 games. Patrick Sharp setup the winning goal with an instant turn across the boards and a push to the goal that led to two stops by Nikolai Khabibulin. Hossa acquired the 2nd recovery and was stuffed by Khabibulin again before he poked it in for his ninth target of the growing season. Patrick Kane and Viktor Stalberg also scored for Chicago (16-0-3), which includes won six straight and eight of 10. Claw Yakupov and Jeff Petry had the objectives for Edmonton, which had won three straight contrary to the Blackhawks.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Dembele remains confident - EatSleepSport
Last Updated: Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:33 Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele contends the side haven't any one because they prepare to defend myself against West Ham tonight to fear. Tottenham's lead over fifth-placed Arsenal is down to one point and with the 2 sides meeting next weekend in the north London derby, the force is on to reunite their four-point lead. Dembele believes the medial side get into the game along with their type - and sees no reason to worry West Ham - or other people in the dining table. He said: "We don't have to worry any staff. "People have regard for all of us. It is essential in the category If you're in a winning mood. "We have two more essential games coming up in the group therefore the confidence will remain high and that's good for us." Perhaps you have an opinion with this story? Put your cash where the mouth area is and declare a free A25 bet.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Rangers big Premier League gamble could lead to cash disaster ...
One that could even consign the club to the black hole that the likes of Portsmouth and Leeds have disappeared into.
The financial implications of their drop, parachute payment or not, are huge given their expensive outlay on transfer fees and wages.
Players paid huge salaries and not enough of them looking like they have the ability or desire to fight for the club the supporters love.
Is it really just 21 months ago that QPR came up on a wave of huge optimism for their first taste of top-flight football in 15 years?
They topped that Championship table of 2010-11 with 88 points, four ahead of Norwich and eight ahead of Swansea, who needed the play-offs to join them in the Premier League elite.
Compare how the three clubs have fared since then. The first season up, and while Swansea finished 11th and Norwich just a place behind, QPR required a result elsewhere to go their way, so they could survive on the final day.
In Norwich's case they stabilised and are still 12th after a dramatic late win at Carrow Road against Everton on Saturday.
Swansea, under Brian Laudrup, have pushed on again, lie ninth and yesterday won the League Cup for the first time in their history.
QPR have remained in crisis, currently staring into an uncertain future, seven points adrift of safety with just 11 games to go.
I wonder what Neil Warnock must be thinking. He was the man who in less than two years delivered the promotion to the top flight that the club had craved for so long. But changes of management and big-money signings did not signal a revival in the club's fortunes — in fact, things have got worse.
The demise has come at a cost of around £60million in net transfer spending alone and that's before you lump in the huge contracts, which range from £50,000 to £120,000 A WEEK for the top-paid players.
To think it was QPR who were the club that went up with the stronger squad — yet the tinkering at the other teams has been far more delicate.
Norwich's net spend in their time since promotion has been £15m with Swansea's even less at £5m, that includes the £2m spent on Michu.
They got rid of Warnock too early, Mark Hughes changed too much too quick and Harry Redknapp, try as he might, has been unable to bail out a ship that was already sinking.
He is not one to criticise his own players but even he was startled at how much certain players were earning for what they gave in return.
Still Fernandes has backed his man to try and dig the club out of the mess they are in with the big-money signings of Loic Remy and Christopher Samba.
But the decline is terminal. The cushion of cash has been enough for too many players to fall back on, while the pain of relegation digs deep into the Loftus Road faithful.
Gareth Bale: Tottenham are a lot better than Arsenal - GiveMeFootball.com
Tottenham Hotspur have knocked Arsenal off their perch as the most useful group in north London, according to Gareth Bale, reports The Sun. The 23-year-old Welsh winger has stoked the fires ahead of next weekend's Premier League derby clash between your two opponents, by claiming that Spurs have exceeded the Gunners when it comes to quality. Andre Villas-Boas's part stay one point before Arsene Wenger's in the competition for last position this year, and may extend their advantage to four items with triumph over West Ham at Upton Park on Monday evening. Collection claimed a 2-1 conquer struggling Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium yesterday, to keep tension on Spurs and Everton who're also in the race for Champions League qualification. "I think five or 10 years before Arsenal were always miles in front of Tottenham," Bale told Sunlight. "But that's changed lately. "Over the past few seasons we have closed that gap and I do believe now we've overtaken them on the pitch. I believe we've the stronger group. "Hopefully we are able to continue steadily to do that off the message as well, with the new ground that is being developed. But, as a team and on the pitch now we're a lot more reliable as a club - we are moving in the right direction." And, ahead of next weekend's meeting between Tottenham and Arsenal at White Hart Lane, Bale added that the Premier League dining table is proof of exactly how far his area attended this season. "Arsenal might say they're still before us. But whatever people's opinions I do not think anyone can deny we're up there fighting using them on merit."
Chelsea Hamilton Academical compared to Sparta Praha STAY Criticism - Goal.com Asia
Rubin Atletico de Madrid CFR Cluj Inter FC Metalist Kharkiv Newcastle Genk VfB Stuttgart Hamilton Academical Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk Basel Lazio MAnchengladbach E. Lyon Tottenham FenerbahAe FC BATE Borisov Olympiakos Piraeus Levante Liverpool Zenit Bordeaux Generator Kiev Benfica Bayer Leverkusen Steaua Ajax Hannover 96 Anzhi Makhachkala Chelsea FC Sparta Praha Hamilton Academical Viktoria PlzeA Napoli 2010/2011 German Bundesliga
Safety on everyone's mind at Daytona 500
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Raymond Gober parked his motorcycle outside Daytona International Speedway, climbed off and briefly considered bringing his helmet into the track.
"I was about to wear it in, but I knew everyone would be laughing at me," said Gober, a pastor from outside Atlanta.
Safety was on everyone's mind before and during the Daytona 500 on Sunday, a day after a horrific wreck in a second-tier NASCAR series race hurled chunks of debris, including a heavy tire, into the stands and injured nearly 30 people.
With small spots of blood still soaked into the concrete seating area, the accident raised questions about the safety of fans at race tracks. Should fences be higher and sturdier? Should grandstands be farther from the track?
NASCAR has long been a big draw because of its thrilling speeds, tight-knit racing, frantic finishes and the ability to get so close to the action.
And after Saturday's 12-car melee on the final lap of the Nationwide Series opener, some questioned whether that risk outweighed the reward.
Gober was one of thousands of fans who returned to Daytona less than 24 hours after Kyle Larson's car flew into the fence, crumbled into pieces and sprayed parts at spectators.
The wreck started when Kasey Kahne let off the gas to slow as they neared the first turn at Daytona International Speedway — not too far from Saturday's near-disaster. Kyle Busch tried to do the same, but couldn't avoid contact.
Busch sent Kahne spinning across the track. Juan Pablo Montoya, 2010 race winner Jamie McMurray and defending series champion Brad Keselowski also were involved.
Thankfully, the wrecking cars stayed on the track. Things would be considerably different had they done the same Saturday.
"You don't have time to react, but I just remember thinking, 'This is gonna hurt,'" said Steve Bradford, of Dade City. "We were showered with debris."
Gober picked up a bolt that landed next to his left foot and plans to take it home as a souvenir from a crash that could have considerably worse.
He and Bradford have been coming to races at Daytona for years, always seeking out scalped tickets so they can get ultra-close to the cars zooming by at 200 mph.
John and Andrea Crawford, of Streetsboro, Ohio, love sitting a few rows up. They were there Saturday and back again Sunday, just like so many in that seating section.
The area had rubber marks on seats hit by the tire. Several fans pointed out a chair bent backward, the spot one man was sitting when he got pummeled by the 60-pound tire and wheel.
When Rick Barasso arrived at his seats, he noticed a few reporters and some tire marks. He asked what was going on and then couldn't stop smiling as he waved his friends over and shared details with them.
Maybe small, but there's little doubt the latest fallout could prompt NASCAR and track officials to consider changes — at Daytona and elsewhere.
Daytona has plans to remodel the grandstands. Track President Joie Chitwood said Saturday's wreck could prompt sturdier fences or stands farther from the action.
"It's tough to connect the two right now in terms of a potential redevelopment and what occurred," Chitwood said. "We were prepared yesterday, had emergency medical respond. As we learn from this, you bet: If there are things that we can incorporate into the future, whether it's the current property now or any other redevelopment, we will.
Daytona reexamined its fencing and ended up replacing the entire thing following Carl Edwards' scary crash at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama in 2009. Edwards' car sailed into the fence and spewed debris into the stands.
"We've made improvements since then," Chitwood said. "I think that's the key: that we learn from this and figure out what else we need to do."
Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford said Sunday that things should be done across auto racing. It was just 16 months ago that IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon was killed when his car crashed into a fence at Las Vegas.
"Maybe we need a double fence, one behind the other, with maybe a space in between to do something to stop this," Rutherford said. "There's a lot of things. I'm sure NASCAR and the IndyCar series are looking at everything to make it safer. What happened yesterday was a terrible thing.
"The drivers, we accept that. That's part of the game. We have to roll the dice and move on. But you don't want to involve the fans."
Chitwood said any fans who felt uncomfortable with their up-close seating for the Daytona 500 could exchange their tickets for spots elsewhere.
"If fans are unhappy with their seating location or if they have any incidents, we would relocate them," Chitwood said. "So we'll treat that area like we do every other area of the grandstand. If a fan is not comfortable where they're sitting, we make every accommodation we can."
"Real NASCAR fans ain't scared," said Zeb Daniels, who was attending his fifth Daytona 500 with his daughter. "If we see anything coming to the fence, we'll hit the floor and pray."
More Info: Kayserispor - Tavsanli Lunyitspor [Live Football]
Early wreck in Daytona 500 takes out favorites
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An early wreck in the Daytona 500 has knocked out several top contenders, including three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and 2007 race winner Kevin Harvick.
The nine-car wreck started when Kasey Kahne let off the gas to slow as they neared the first turn at Daytona International Speedway. Kyle Busch tried to do the same, but couldn't avoid contact.
Busch sent Kahne spinning across the track. Juan Pablo Montoya, 2010 race winner Jamie McMurray and defending series champion Brad Keselowski also were involved. So were Kurt Busch and Casey Mears.
The accident ended Harvick's attempt to become the first in NASCAR history to win the exhibition Sprint Unlimited, a twin qualifying race and the Daytona 500 in the same Speedweeks.
More Info: Rouen - Girondins Bordeaux [Live Football]
All-American ultimate at Match Play Championship
MARANA, Ariz. (AP) a Hunter Mahan and Matt Kuchar offered the Match Play Championship its first all-American closing in five years Sunday at Dove Mountain. Mahan extended his ability to 166 holes without following and defeated Ian Poulter on the potency of his chipping. Mahan won, three and 4, giving a chance to him to join Tiger Woods since the only back-to-back winners in 15 years with this event. Mahan twice struck hard chips to get the hole and build a 2-up guide at the turn, and he chipped in for birdie on the 12th hole to get control. Kuchar higher level to the final match for initially. He won three holes late on leading nine and was never questioned after that in a triumph over Jason Day of Australia.
More Info: Paris Saint Germain - Olympique Marseille [Live Football]
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Iker Casillas healing from surgery wants with getting title this season
Iker Casillas says his recovery from a broken bone in his hand goes better than expected and he might be right back involving the Real Madrid posts the moment late March.
Casillas' finger was broken by an accidental kick from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa during Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final recreation at the Mestalla on January 23.
It absolutely was feared he would experience three months on the sidelines, and the club moved quickly to signal Diego Lopez for 3.5 million from Sevilla to perform in their likely season-defining activities against Barcelona in the Copa and Manchester United in the Champions League.
The Madrid club chief told reporters on Thursday evening, at the beginning of a new club shop at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, that the original timeframe had just been a worst-case scenario.
"I am feeling really positive," Casillas said. "The surgeon gave the worst-case scenario to me, he said it could get 90 days. But when the splint was removed yesterday, I was told I had one month left. Now I'm doing effective exercises to obtain freedom and strength back in the finger."
Casillas said he'd been spending so much time at Madrid's Valdebebas training center to have straight back playing the moment possible.
"Until now I've maybe not had much energy in it, but I am receiving it back little by little," he explained. "We are at the halfway point of the injury. I have still got per month to go. I'll have to work more and experience more to obtain straight back the flexibility of before. I am looking towards returning. It is worse being off the message than on it."
The function was also joined by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, although coach Jose Mourinho was missing.
Alonso told reporters that he didn't know yet whether he'd recover from his crotch issue with time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
"I am in the healing stage," the midfielder said. "I am looking to get better the moment possible, to obtain reduce the distress and reunite in top form. Plenty of people ask when I'll get ready. I hope to manage to perform against Barca, but I do not have an answer right now."
Former Liverpool player Alonso said that, with the link balanced at 1-1, whoever scored first in the Champions League last 16 reunite game at Manchester United on March 5 will be favourites to advance.
"They could have the help of the fans," he said. "It will be a challenge. The side that scores first is likely to be favourites. Old Trafford is a superb floor and it is the type of match we all prefer to play. The link is extremely open."
Di Maria said that it may fit Madrid to be playing away from home in both of the upcoming, perhaps season-defining, games.
"Things are going well and hopefully to carry on this way," he said. "We know that we've to have major matches in both tournaments and that it'll perhaps not be easy. Maybe playing away is going to be in our favour since we do well when things are against us. We've had this week to work with the best way to approach the games. I hope everything goes well."
Benzema, who remains question for Saturday evening's La Liga sport at Deportivo La Coruna, said he was not concerned about his recent poor form facing target.
"I hope than I've to date that I score more goals, however the important things could be the team and to win the upcoming matches," he said. "We need certainly to interact to get. We have a fantastic team and we are all in good form."
Ricardo Kaka played excellent in the game against Deportivo La Coruna
"From the very first second of the 2nd half we found a change of attitude. We didn't get because of the alternatives, that have been made in the twelfth minute of the second half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all of the people that started the comeback.
"It holds true that honestly he [Kaka] is playing well. His state of mind helps him and this is very important to the group, that he's another alternative and that he is playing well. That is always good.
Kaka's performance also received the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who had been happy with the result of the squad after going behind to a Riki strike on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo weren't playing well and saw us being an chance to change their fortunes. But in the 2nd half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we could get the three items home with us."
The win moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona, before Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla afterwards Saturday morning. Despite the profit remaining exactly the same, Kaka thinks success over Depor can boost Real's likelihood of claiming carpet this period.
"I am better. What we have nearby is fascinating and it's the important the main period and if the boss wants me to play I will be there to help in these matches."
"The group is playing well and things are receiving better for me too. In soccer everything changes quickly and I'm pleased to help the team win.
"[It was] an important success in a very hard match. In the first half we were a little troubled and a few mistakes were made by us. In the 2nd half we increased and we won three points that are important for us and for what's in the future over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officials site.
Real came from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the guests. After enduring a difficult cause with minimal sport time, Kaka now thinks he can help his staff because they look to keep their Manhattan project Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed joy at his recent change in fortunes, as the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo Manhunter Coruna.
Kaka performed well in the game vs La Coruna
"From the very first moment of the 2nd half we found an alteration of attitude. We didn't win because of the alternatives, which were made in the second of the second half, but because of the change we made. It was the attitude of all of the participants that sparked the recovery.
"It is true that seriously he [Kaka] is playing well. His frame of mind helps him and this is very important to the staff, that he is playing well and that he's another alternative. That is usually good.
Kaka's performance also earned the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who was happy with the reaction of the group after planning behind to a Riki reach on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us being an chance to change their fortunes. But in the 2nd half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we could actually just take the three things house with us."
The gain moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona, before the Blaugrana surrounded out Sevilla down the road Saturday night. Despite the margin remaining the same, Kaka believes success over Depor could boost Real's likelihood of claiming silverware this period.
"I am much better. What we've around the corner is interesting and it is the important part of the season and if the manager wants me to play I will be there to help in those matches."
"The group is playing well and things are receiving better for me personally too. In baseball every thing changes quickly and I am happy to help the team win.
"[It was] a significant success really difficult match. In the very first half we were just a little anxious and a few mistakes were made by us. In the second half we improved and we won three points that are important for us and for what's in the future over the next several weeks," Kaka told the club's officials website.
Real came from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the readers. After enduring a difficult spell with limited sport time, Kaka now feels as they check out hold their La Liga and Champions League hopes alive he can help his group.
Kaka has expressed pleasure at his recent change in fortunes, while the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback win over Deportivo Manhattan project Coruna.
Friday, February 22, 2013
The Result: AC Milan 2-0 FC Barcelona|totalBarAa
RESULT: AC Milan: 2 FC Barcelona: 0 GOALSCORERS: AC Milan: Boateng (57a), Muntari (81a) Hamilton Academical Barcelona: (nothing) LINEUPS: AC Milan: Abbiati, Abate, MexAs, Zapata, Regular, Montolivo, Ambrosini, Muntari, Boateng, Pazzini, and El Shaarawy Hamilton Academical Barcelona: ValdAs, Alves, PiquA, Puyol, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, FAbregas, Iniesta, Messi and Pedro SUBSTITUTES: AC Milan: Amelia, P Sciglio, Yepes, TraorA, Christante, Niang, and Bojan Krkic FC Barcelona: Pinto, Montoya, Mascherano, Song, Thiago, Alexis, and Tello SUBSTITUTIONS: AC Milan: Niang on for Pazzini (75a), TraorA on for El Shaarawy (87a) FC Barcelona: Alexis on for FAbregas (62a), Mascherano on for Puyol (88a) CAUTIONS: AC Milan: MexAs (25a), TraorA (91a) Hamilton Academical Barcelona: Busquets (54a), PiquA (58a) Photograph credit: Felice Calabro a' AP
System 1-3 Bayern Munich - Survey|Fittings & Effects|Arsenal.com
Tue, 19th, Feb 19:45 Emirates Stadium Podolski 54 Kroos 7, Muller 21, Mandzukic 77 Collection Podolski 54 Bayern Munich Kroos 7, Muller 21, Mandzukic 77 By Richard Clarke at Emirates Stadium Arsenal have to be able to reach the Champions League quarter-finals it all to do in Munich on March 13. ArsAne Wengeras side were beaten 3-1 by Bayern on Tuesday night at Emirates Stadium in the initial leg of the last-16 tie. The German part scored twice in an exemplary starting 21 minutes through Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller. System did well to wrestle right back get a grip on of the game and Lukas Podolski reduced 10 minutes to the deficit after the restart. The home area pushed hard for an equaliser but the nearest they got was when Olivier Giroudas travel bounced cool off keeper Manuel Neuer. A couple of minutes later, Mario Mandzukic looped home a notably fortuitous third for the visitors. As as Bayern good have been, that strike was hard on Arsenal, who battled manfully for small reward. The goal makes their task in Germany much more complicated in three weeksa time. But Arsenal should visit Bavaria with the fact they can turn this link around. Before kick-off, a much-changed side had been named by Wenger. Laurent Koscielny retrieved from the affect to go back to central defense. That helped Thomas Vermaelen to maneuver out to left right back as Nacho Monreal was cup-tied. Theo Walcott was at the start while Aaron Ramsey, Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere made for a combative trio in central midfield. Podolski and Santi Cazorla were on the flanks. Bacary Sagna came back at back. Bayern had been crushed in last seasonas closing, possibly unfortunately, and they'd improved ever since then. They came with a number of impressive research to aid the declaration that they were Europeas best team right now. In the initial half, further evidence would be added by them to the controversy. Their early goal really came contrary to the grain of first eight minutes a but it was medical when it appeared. Walcott and Cazorla had damaged glaringly as the house side tried to impose themselves. But Bayernas first genuine chance found Muller whip in a cross from the proper. It was inches away from the extending Ramsey and Kross fulfilled the ball with a clean finish from the edge of the region. The target was exactly what Arsenal did not want and, understandably, they went 'safety first' in answer. But Bayern were not willing to take a backward step. They quickly first got it and went for a second. The genesis of the target arrived from Franck Riberyas appealing pass from the left flank to the proper which found Philipp Lahm in full flow. His cross was blocked for a large part. Kross swung it to the near post where Daniel van Buyten rose above the Arsenal protection to power in a header. It is beaten by wojciech Szczesny away but Muller poked the ball home from close range. Emirates was shaken. The first purpose had been a human body blow and the second had followed quickly in its wake. System needed seriously to shore up the game before they ventured forward and their sleeves were rolled up by them for another quarter-hour. In the 34th second, Wilshere lofted a free-kick to the place and the ball ultimately fell to Mertesacker, whose snap-shot was blocked. Arsenal ended the half having built up a modicum of stress on the Bayern purpose. However they were nearly caught out in the ultimate minute. Again the shift began down the proper. Lahmas super cross was nodded inches wide by Mandzukic. As the field was left by their team at the break the Emirates crowd chanted acome on Arsenala with gusto. The tie was only a quarter gone and already felt just like a long way back but everyone with a red-and-white center had to believe. And the followers would soon get their reward. The next half began like the first half had finished, even and open. System needed the crutch of an early on goal and it arrived in the 55th minute. Wilshereas spot found a path through the Bayern region and enticed Neuer forward. Though the owner missed it, allowing Podolski to jerk house the moving ball in to an unguarded net. It absolutely was the initial away goal Bayern had conceded in exactly 10 hours, ten minutes of competitive basketball. The attack stung Bayern in to greater offensive action. Kroosa hiking shot forced Szczesny to tip over at the from the part and, near post, Javi Martinez nodded just inches over. But Arsenal now fancied their odds of an equaliser and they would come near to finding it. First through Podolskias low cross-shot and then, in the second, Walcottas right-wing mix found Giroud, who'd just think about it. The Frenchmanas link was sure and his shot had power. It hit the feet of an unsuspecting Neuer and shifted away. It had been the type of moment where Arsenal needed a splash of fortune. A spot that has been brought into sharp focus four minutes later by the manner of Bayernas next. Change Arjen Robben fed Lahm down the proper. His low mix was achieved by both Sagna and Mandzukic rushing towards the post. A positive connection was made by neither however the ball looped high and fallen into the net before it could be scooped by the backtracking Szczesny away. As as Bayern good had been, great prices had emphasized the scoreline It could have now been worse fleetingly afterwards when Luiz Gustavoas deflected chance very nearly wrong-footed Szczesny. The keeper saved and Mario Gomez planted the rebound over the bar. The conclusion of the overall game was muted. Bayern had a really practical cause, Arsenal desired to prevent further damage. The home crowd stuck making use of their team and, sportingly, clapped Bayern off the message after ward. The German side had lived as much as their exalted status around Europe on a frustrating evening for Arsenal. However it is half-time and therefore, as the excellent Wilshere said in his TV interview afterwards... "This link is not over yet." 'Weave got some good talent in that dressing room, itas just all about putting that into one dish'
Link: Eintracht Braunschweig - TSV 1860 München [Live Football]
FC Barcelona stars come out to play in new Nike Sportswear collection
Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Thiago and Bartra take to the streets of Barcelona in a collection inspired by the iconic club.
Set against the backdrop of their home city, FC Barcelona players Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Thiago and Bartra are the stars of a new campaign to debut a Nike Sportswear collection inspired by the iconic club. The collection highlights FC Barcelona's classic colors and includes key details of the club's history and some of its most emblematic symbols.
The NSW collection is a mix of style and innovation, featuring a vintage design ethos combined with Nike technologies. An example of thisof past-present juxtaposition is the Nike FCB Covert Vintage 73 Throwback T-shirt—worn by Bartra—which incorporates Nike Dri-FIT technology and pays homage to the club's past with a retro look.
The Nike FCB Covert Vintage polo worn by Busquets features signature FCB detailing, while the Nike FCB Authentic AW77 Full Zip hoody boasts striking embroidery that allows the wearer to boldly express his support for the team.
(Video) Benfica 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen: Europa Group Illustrates...
Get the CaughtOffside iPad application. Obtain the number 1 Free Sports Software from the App Shop. Every one of the latest footie information and much, much more. Benfica beat Bayer Leverkusen to book a spot in the last 16 if the Lisbon area show up against Bordeaux. Check in to Manchester United vs True Madrid
Man Utd 2-1 Reading: Match report, pictures and video highlights ...
A goal and an assist from the Portuguese winger in three devastating minutes last night after coming on as a sub booked United a quarter-final date with either Middlesbrough or Chelsea.
Left out the squad for the big one against Real Madrid last Wednesday, he was then shaken up back in Manchester when his Bentley was hit by an unmarked police car on Friday.
Nani's appearances even before a hamstring injury robbed him of two months of this season had been intermittent and little to write home about.
His chances since his return have been few. The problem with the winger since he came to Old Trafford is that he has been consistently inconsistent.
He can be brilliant one day but then you have to wait another month for him to be brilliant again. Last night it was the latter.
An ankle injury for Phil Jones opened the door for him to enter the fray after 42 minutes and within two more he woke a slumbering Old Trafford.
First he rocked the post with a stunning volley from the edge of the box. Then he had another pop from 18 yards, this time forcing Adam Federici into a fingertip stop.
Antonio Valencia provided the cross, Nani took one touch with his left foot to kill the ball then fired home low with his right past Federici into the far corner.
The same foot that brought the goal provided some wonderful balls into the box and in the 72nd minute a whipped cross into the near post found Javier Hernandez who glanced home a header.
It was the little Mexican's 15th goal of the season. Moments like these make you wonder why the club are stalling on offering Nani a new deal, with his current one up at the end of next season.
The problem is he can frustrate more than he delights and his decision-making can leave the coaching staff exasperated.
Perhaps with his first goal since Halloween his recent nightmares will be over, but nobody will be holding their breath.
Reading made it a nervy finale when Jobi McAnuff seized on a loose ball, after Chris Smalling failed to clear, and poked home in the 81st minute.
The visiting fans chanted for 'Fergie time' and got four minutes of it, in which they had a free-kick and corner that saw the ball pinging about the box.
By the end he was pointing at his watch and rarely do you hear the home crowd whistling to encourage the referee to end it.
Brian McDermott had made six changes to his Reading side from their defeat at Stoke with a relegation six-pointer against Wigan coming up on Saturday. But they put up a real fight, as they have of late, to seriously worry United.
More Info: HNK Rijeka - HNK Cibalia Vinkovci [Live Football]
Arsene Wengers trophyless run goes on as Arsenal lose to Bayern ...
The Gunners, whose trophy drought will now extend to eight years, were taught a Champions League lesson by brilliant Bayern.
But under-fire boss Arsene Wenger was backed by midfielder Jack Wilshere, who said: "The players have to take responsibility. We are man enough to take it.
"The manager can motivate us but we have to do it when we are on the pitch and at the moment we are starting badly."
Gunners striker Olivier Giroud added: "We kept going in the second half but I think that the third goal really changed the tie.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Loic Remy set to miss Manchester United clash | The Sun |Sport ...
The £8million January signing from Marseille has been nursing a groin injury and only returned to full training on Monday.
Boss Harry Redknapp is refusing to risk the French ace for fear of losing him for the rest of the campaign if he breaks down.
And the matches against Southampton, Sunderland and Aston Villa could be more important to them in their relegation battle.
Remy, 26, made an explosive start by scoring on his debut against West Ham but was injured in training on February 3.
FC Barcelona stars come out to play in Nike Sportswear collection
Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Thiago and Bartra take to the streets of Barcelona in a collection inspired by the iconic club.
Set against the backdrop of their home city, FC Barcelona players Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Thiago and Bartra are the stars of a new campaign to debut a Nike Sportswear collection inspired by the iconic club. The collection highlights FC Barcelona's classic colors and includes key details of the club's history and some of its most emblematic symbols.
The NSW collection is a mix of style and innovation, featuring a vintage design ethos combined with Nike technologies. An example of thisof past-present juxtaposition is the Nike FCB Covert Vintage 73 Throwback T-shirt—worn by Bartra—which incorporates Nike Dri-FIT technology and pays homage to the club's past with a retro look.
The Nike FCB Covert Vintage polo worn by Busquets features signature FCB detailing, while the Nike FCB Authentic AW77 Full Zip hoody boasts striking embroidery that allows the wearer to boldly express his support for the team.
More Info: Chamois Niortais - Le Mans [Live Football]
Bundesliga struggler Fuerth fires coach Bueskens - Football news
FUERTH, Germany (AP) — Bundesliga bottom side Greuther Fuerth fired coach Mike Bueskens on Wednesday because the promoted team has won only twice this season.
Fuerth spokesman Immanuel Kaestlen told The Associated Press that Bueskens, a former Schalke midfielder, was informed of the club's decision in the afternoon. Assistant coach Mirko Reichel subsequently decided not to continue.
Former under-23 coach Ludwig Preis and club manager Rouven Schroeder will take over on an interim basis until a permanent replacement can be found, Kaestlen said. The 44-year-old Bueskens led Fuerth to its first-ever promotion to the top flight after winning the German second division last year — following several near misses.
"This has historic dimensions for us," Bueskens said at the time. "So many thought: They don't want it, they can't do it. And now we've shown everyone." But Fuerth has struggled in the Bundesliga where it was last with 12 points from 22 games.
"It was a very hard decision for us because we know what we have to thank Mike Bueskens for," Fuerth president Helmut Hack said. "We've still got a chance of (Bundesliga) survival. That's why we want to try giving the team new impetus."
Bueskens' dismissal came after a 1-0 defeat last weekend by Fortuna Duesseldorf, another promoted side. Fuerth next plays on Sunday, at home against third-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Bueskens is the fourth Bundesliga coach to be dismissed this season following Felix Magath at Wolfsburg, Markus Babbel at Hoffenheim and Huub Stevens at Schalke.
Real Madrid 1-1 Manchester United: Real dominate but United ...
Sir Alex Ferguson named a very positive starting XI, with four outright attacking players in the side – Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa both started. Jonny Evans played at centre-back rather than Nemanja Vidic.
We knew how Real Madrid would play, and this was about how Ferguson would respond. Manchester United's strategy might have reminded Jose Mourinho of his Inter side that were victorious in this competition three years ago – there may have been four attackers in the side (three forwards and a number ten) but two of the forwards were placed on the flanks and asked to play very defensive-minded roles, protecting the two United full-backs.
Wayne Rooney and Welbeck both offer great attacking ability, of course, but this wasn't about Ferguson trying to cram as many attackers into his side as possible, more about choosing the best men for a particular, defensive-minded job. A younger Ryan Giggs, an on-form Antonio Valencia or Park Ji-Sung, who specialised in counter-attacking displays away at big clubs in his prime, would probably have started here.
United's performance was cautious and patient. They sat back and invited Real pressure (a little too much for Ferguson's liking, judging by his post-match interview) before attempting to play on the counter-attack, and providing their main goalscoring threat from set-pieces. That caution was crucial, because it meant Real were unable to attack the space in behind on the counter-attack, which is Mourinho's side speciality. It's difficult to remember Real launching any particularly dangerous breaks.
The one way United were brave was when attacking corners – Real are ruthless in the way they transfer the ball quickly into attack having defended set-pieces, and they score an astonishing number of goals in this manner. There was one briefly dangerous Real counter-attack that came to a halt on the left touchline from United's first corner, but Ferguson's decision to put plenty of men into the opposition box at corners was justified when Welbeck headed in.
The specific question, of course, was how United would go about stopping Cristiano Ronaldo. As expected, Ferguson used Phil Jones up against him, and told Jones to follow Ronaldo pretty much wherever he went. Jones' main position, however, was in a right-sided defensive midfield role, the same position he played against Gareth Bale a few weeks ago, which stopped Ronaldo cutting inside and shooting with his right foot.
Now, while Ronaldo scored the equaliser with a superb header, it's fair to say United's approach against him worked reasonably well. Yes, he had a typical number of attempts from goal, but the majority were from long-range, with three attempts from free-kick situations. By forcing Ronaldo over to the opposite side, United had moved him away from his preferred position – and he plays on the left because he's most prolific from that zone. His tendency to drift away from that flank was also helpful to Rafael, who had an extremely nervous period towards the end of the first half, but was rarely tested after half-time.
Jones stuck tight to Ronaldo, and although his job was unglamorous, scrappy and depended on Ronaldo missing half-chances, it was overall a pretty good performance.
United had two problems, however. The first was from the other side, where Angel Di Maria was also cutting inside to shoot with his left foot – he was probably the game's brightest player, which made it surprising Mourinho removed him midway through the second half.
We should have known United would have been troubled by him – it was essentially the same situation as in the game against Tottenham (see the headline of the report from that game) – by using Jones so far to the right, and with Michael Carrick forced to stay central and watch Mesut Ozil, Patrice Evra was left exposed. Aaron Lennon was the most dangerous player in the Spurs game, Di Maria was most dangerous here.
Evra started off sticking extremely tight to him (at one point, he followed him so far across the pitch that they ended up tangling on the opposite touchline) but kept his position more regularly in the second half, and Di Maria had two shots from centre-right positions that went close. That space, in the right-sided channel, was also exploited by Sami Khedira moving forward from midfield – he's not an overly creative player, but the statistics show he created five chances (no other player created more than three) purely because he was given time and space to play simple passes.
The other problem with focusing on Ronaldo was that Fabio Coentrao got space on the overlap. Rooney didn't look comfortable in his right-sided role – he sometimes appeared too keen to move up the pitch as if trying to start counters (when Real hadn't yet lost possession) and his passing was frequently wayward.
But more problematic was Rooney's defensive mistakes. There were three in particular. In the first ten minutes, he charged back to help defend against Ronaldo (despite the fact Rafael and Jones were already doubling up against him) and left Coentrao free – the left-back hit the post.
Next was a poor piece of play for Real's goal – Rooney had enough time to get out to Di Maria, but he gave the Argentine space to whip the ball into the box for Ronaldo at the far post, after Real's two wingers had briefly swapped sides.
Finally, midway through the second half, Rooney allowed Coentrao to run past him towards the far post, and diverted the ball towards the goal, where David De Gea made an unconventional save with his feet. They were probably Real's best three efforts of the game, and all stemmed from poor positional play by Rooney.
On the other flank, Welbeck was much better. He was up against a weaker full-back, admittedly, but he had the acceleration to sprint past Alvaro Arbeloa on the break, and got himself into good goalscoring positions.
Ahead of him, Kagawa wasn't permanently involved but did attempt a couple of neat one-twos with Van Persie, and his overall contribution when he received possession was good. He showed an understanding of his role – playing in midfield to deny Real's midfielders complete freedom on the ball, and then darting in behind on the break. That was what he did so well at Dortmund, and although he's not yet up to full speed at Real, it was encouraging to see Ferguson use him in his proper position.
That said, Ferguson switched Kagawa and Welbeck after the break. This was an understandable move – United could afford to 'experiment' in the zone against Arbeloa, and Welbeck's pace had looked so promising that it was worth moving him into a more advanced position. Besides, Kagawa's link-up play could theoretically help United retain possession in the centre of the pitch.
The second half situation was an exaggerated version of the first half – Real played higher up the pitch, United dropped deeper and still tried to break. In fact, the away side's best moment of the game came shortly after the break, when a classic 'up, back and through' saw Evra racing through on goal, where he was halted by a slightly clumsy Varane challenge.
There were essentially three stages to the substitutions. The first was a straight Real swap – Benzema off, Gonzalo Higuain on. Neither offered a significant threat, which both summarises Real's main weakness, and highlights how impressive United's centre-back pairing was.
Next, Ferguson added fresh legs to the flanks, with Giggs and Valencia playing the final 20 minutes in the wide midfield positions – considering how exhausting those roles were for Rooney and Welbeck, two players who prefer playing upfront anyway, it made sense.
Finally, Mourinho seemed to introduce extra caution to his midfield zone. Luka Modric replaced Di Maria with Ozil going right – that's usually a substitution you'd associate with ball retention rather than penetration, and Di Maria had been very lively. Mourinho then brought on Pepe for Xabi Alonso – maybe in the knowlegde that Alonso was one booking away from a suspension. Still, Mourinho was hardly going for the win – Kaka, for example, remained on the bench.
The scoreline owed much to individual contributions in the penalty box. Van Persie could have won it with two late chances, which came about following a quick United attack – but the real star was De Gea. His centre-backs did well, but the Spaniard was still forced to make at least two top-class saves, and a succession of other decent stops.
His performance tonight showed exactly why Ferguson signed him, but in a way this was a demonstration of the fact De Gea isn't a natural Manchester United goalkeeper. He's always been capable of these brilliant saves, but it's extremely rare United require their goalkeeper to make a succession of fine stops (previous goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar wasn't as agile, but had more of a presence about him when taking aerial balls, and playing the ball with his feet, which is the kind of thing United require more consistently from their keeper).
By playing for such a dominant side, De Gea is unable to show his best attribute on a regular basis within one game – but when United do have their backs against the wall, he's a fine safety net.
"The disappointing thing for me was that in the first half, we sat back off them too much," said Ferguson. "They got a lot of play around the box – it's not healthy, it's not good to watch."
That proved United conceded more pressure than he intended, and their draw depended too much on De Gea's display to consider this a fine tactical display from United. Still, they did certain things well – Ronaldo was not invisible but certainly not at his best either, the centre-backs performed excellently, and Welbeck's pace was a threat.
"They changed the way they play," said Mourinho. "Their block was very very low…they were waiting for a set-piece or a counter-attack to score a second goal, but they defended well."
Real didn't do enough to break down the deep United defence, and the lack of a genuinely top-class centre-forward in these type of situations is perhaps Real's biggest weakness.
(I'm away to watch some football in Italy this weekend, so no updates until the CL action next week. It also means that (a) I don't have time to cover Shakhtar v Dortmund – will do the second leg, of course and (b) I can't moderate the comments so will have to leave this one closed. Sorry!)
More Info: Millionaires - Tijuana [Live Football]