View Full Version : Matchday Reports 06/07
Scarface
12-11-2006, 04:24
This is where all the old match reports will be copied to. All the threads have also been copied and merged in the 'Press Room', and the original threads can be found in the archive.
Matchday 1
D1 Matchday 1: Alizee Lyonnais 1-2 Galaxy FC
Alizee XI
GK: Gregory Coupet
LB: Eric Abidal
CB: Daniele Bonera
CB: William Gallas
RB: Willy Sagnol (sub 75)
CM: Gennaro Gattuso
CM: Francesco Totti (c)
LM: Florent Malouda
RM: Joaquin Sanchez
AM: Kaka
CF: Louis Saha (sub 88)
Subs used:
Sidney Govou (sub 75)
Giorgios Samaras (sub 88)
Galaxy FC XI:
GK: Timo Hildebrand
LB: John O'Shea
CB: Alex da Costa
CB: Per Mertesacker
RB: Johnny Heitinga (sub 72)
DM: Owen Hargreaves
CM: Michael Essien
CM: Wesley Sneijder
CM: Steven Gerrard http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
LWF: Arjen Robben
ST: Fernando Morientes (sub 72)
Subs used:
Ivan Klasnic (sub 72)
Nigel de Jong (sub 72)
Scoring summary:
GAL - Gerrard (42)
ALI - Totti (55)
GAL - Sneijder (73)
Bookings:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png GAL - M. Essien
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png ALI - G. Gattuso
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png GAL - J. O'Shea
Comments:
With both sides desperate to start off the season in good stead, it came as a big surprise that both teams fielded weakened sides in this exciting season opener.
Galaxy dominated the early proceedings, with Essien and Gerrard shining in particular, as they bossed the centre of midfield. The game seemed to bypass Alizee skipper, Francesco Totti, and the WCL finalists were made to pay, when inspirational Gerrard broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time, rounding off a slick team-move, involving Essien and Morientes, by slotting the ball under the body of the advancing France #1, Gregory Coupet.
Knowing a much improved performance was required, Alizee started the second half brighter, and were rewarded for their good play, when ten minutes into the second half, Sagnol and Joaquin combined down the right to draw Hargreaves out of position. The ball was centred to Totti, who spectacularly volleyed into the top corner from 25 yards out.
The goal seemed to spark Galaxy back into life, with Gerrard again stamping his authority on the game. In the 73rd minute, Bonera was adjudged to have fouled Robben, and from the resulting free kick, Sneijder curled home a fine winner.
MOTM: Steven Gerrard
http://www.lfctoronto.com/blog/Steven%20Gerrard%201.jpg
A superb performance from the England midfielder. Dominating proceedings in the centre for the majority of the match, and getting the better of the out-of-sorts, Reno Gattuso.
--------------------------------------------
D1 Matchday 1: Newton Heath 3-1 Racing Combine Harvester
Newton Heath XI
GK: Iker Casillas
LB: Arthur Boka
CB: Rio Ferdinand
CB: Fabio Cannavaro (c)
RB: Giourkas Seitaridis
DM: Mahamadou Diarra
CM: Yaya Toure
CM: Julio Baptista
LW: Joe Cole http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
RW: Robin van Persie (sub 68)
CF: Klass Jan Huntelaar (sub 86)
Subs used:
Damien Duff (sub 68)
Andriy Shevchenko (sub 86)
RCH XI:
GK: Carlos Kameni
CB: Jorge Andrade
CB: Kolo Toure
CB: Gonzalo Rodriguez
LWB: Sylvinho
RWB: Hatem Trabelsi (sub 65)
CM: Thiago Motta
CM: Mark van Bommel
RWF: Pablo Aimar (sub 65)
LWF: Lukas Podolski (sub 73)
ST: Luca Toni
Subs used:
Sebastien Deisler (sub 65)
Simone Perrotta (sub 65)
Nihat Kavehci (sub 73)
Scoring summary:
HUN -Baptista (29)
HUN - Huntelaar (54)
HUN - Joe Cole (65)
RCH - Toni (68)
Bookings:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png RCH - G. Rodriguez
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png NEW - R. Van Persie
Comments:
The WCL winners started their campaign against newly promoted, Racing Combine Harvester, in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter.
With both teams being reknowned for their tight defence, the game was surprisingly open, with chances at either end.
However, it was Newton Heath who would take the lead, courtesy of a thumping header from Julio Baptista, after good work down the left flank by Arthur Boka.
RCH hit back, with a Lukas Podolski effort stinging the hands of Iker Casillas, prior to Cannavaro clearing the ball out of play.
Matters were made worse, though, when Joe Cole played in Huntelaar with a clever chipped pass, and the Dutchman made no mistake, firing the ball past Kameni into the back of the net.
The newcomers were then given a warning of how tough life can be in the top tier, when Joe Cole swivelled and placed a shot into the far corner - which the goalkeeper could only stand and watch - to give the hosts a somewhat flattering 3 goal advantage.
Luca Toni managed to pull a goal back soon after, by linking up with Lukas Podolski and then prodding home from 12 yards, but it was too little, too late, as Newton Heath hung on for an opening day victory.
MOTM: Joe Cole
http://www.football.co.uk/shared/images/players/england_world_cup/joe_cole.jpg
A vibrant performance from the flamboyant winger. Causing the newcomers defence problems from start to finish, and having a hand in Huntelaar's first goal of the season, aswell as getting on the scoresheet himself.
Other scores:
Nedy 3-0 Ronaldo
(Villa 20, 73)
(Terry 52)
MOTM - John Terry
Reyes 3-0 Barry
(Henry 15, 79)
(Lampard 65)
MOTM - Thierry Henry
Minof 2-1 vanNistelrooy
(Ronaldo 4)
Riquelme (74)
(Stankovic 84)
MOTM - Deco
Team Of The Week
----------------------------Landreau--------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
------Miguel----------Ayala--------Terry--------------Boka---------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
-----Joe Cole---------Deco---------Gerrard----------Stankovic-----
--------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------Ronaldo--------Henry---------------------------
Match reporter: Reyes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Division 2: Matchday 1
The first kick off of season 3 was finally upon us this past weekend and all the hard work and dedication of the managers in D2 was finally realized.
The pictures that were once blurry have now come into focus.
There were shocking victories and hard fought matches all across the board. Let us go over the happenings and see where we stand after Matchday 1.
Just a reminder:
0-4 = 0 goals
5-8 = 1 goal
9-12 = 2 goals
13-16 = 3 goals
17-20 = 4 goals
Match of the Day:
Rafa vs The G: 2 - 1
Long time Fantasy League Manager Rafa earned his first league victory in over two years. The win shows the amount of hardwork and dedication that the manager has put in to turn his program around.
Rafa's men started out flying getting an early goal off the head of big target man Jan Koller. The goal came off a curling set-piece service off the foot of Roberto Carlos.
Rafa F.C. doubled their lead when -G- Squad left back Patrice Evra got beat by Luka Modric and was forced to pull him down in the box. The veteran Carlos stepped up to take the shot which caught the cross bar, Ricardo Oliveira was opportunistic, however, and converted the rebound for the 2-0 lead.
Rafa F.C. looked keen to get the clean sheet but Chris Kirkland muffed a long shot of the foot of Jean Makoun which Salomon Kalou was able to stuff into the back of the net.
The win has been long coming for Rafa F.C. and has their fans optimistic for the first time in a long time.
Goals
Koller (7)
Olivera (34)
Salomon Kalou (84)
Assists
Roberto Carlos (7)
MOTM:
http://www.ftd.de/asset/Image/2005/09/21/koller.jpg
Koller
Other Results
Highway Penguin vs. Preki 1 - 1
SC Heracles (HP) opened the precedings in the first half with a quality finish by hitman Hernan Crespo. The goal was set up by a great individual effort by Yoann Gourcuff who streaked down the right wing showing skill to beat both Didi Zokora and John Arne Riise. His ball was spot on to Crespo's feet right outside the six and he left no doubts with the finish.
With Gigi Buffon making 12 saves Merseyside USA looked destined to lose but some late minute heroics from Peter Crouch gave the Merseysiders the point. Clint Dempsey skinned SC Heracles left back Capadevilla and sent in a cross that Crouch met with his head and converted into a goal.
Goals
Crespo (25)
Crouch(87)
Assists
Gourcuff (25)
Dempsey (87)
MOTM:
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/getty/57625972rm070_final_italy_v.h2 .jpg
Buffon
Del Piero vs. Martin_Cranie 2 - 1
In one of the more highly anticipated contests of the day Del Piero's boys came out on top.
Martin_Cranie came out early and netted a goal off the foot of Eidur Gudjohnsen. He forced a turnover off the foot of Douglas Maicon and chipped keeper Andreas Isaksson.
Bastian Schweinsteiger made the second goal all on his own with an incredible streaking effort and powerful shot that equalized the score.
Two minutes later Rafael Van der Vaart set up Gilardino to finish with a sliding volley.
Daniel Van Buyten and the rest of Del Piero's defence held out for the victory.
Goals
Gudjohnsen (18)
Schweinsteiger(37)
Gilardino (39)
Assists
Van der Vaart (39)
MOTM:
http://www.teamtalk.com/Images/66347.jpg
Schweinsteiger
Phatmann03 vs. Charlie 9 2 - 1
In a tightly contested match between two veteran managers saw an injury time goal make the difference.
Gary Neville sought out Miroslav Klose on a long ball through the center that the striker latched on to, dribbled the keeper and slotted home for the early 1-0 lead.
Charlie saw Dede team up with Mortan Gamst Pedersen to beat the defense down the field and feed Roy Makaay for the goal.
This match also seemed destined to end a draw when Fred recieved a service at his feet from Kevin Nolan, who was a true work horse all day. The Brazilian striker then turned Davies and finished low and to the corner in injury time to shock the fans and the players alike.
Goals
Klose (33)
Makaay(57)
Fred (90+)
Assists
Neville (33)
Dede (57)
Nolan (90+)
MOTM:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/images/2005/09/30/290905_bolton_nolan2_470x300.j pg
Nolan
Jamster vs. Rasheed Sharq 2 - 0
The final game of the day saw Jamster and his squad defeat Rasheed Sharq.
They recieved two goals from the foot of goal poacher Fillipe Inzaghi and displayed suffocating defence that never looked like conceding to Rasheed's side.
Goals
Inzaghi (39)
Inzaghi(57)
Assists
Baraja (39)
MOTM:
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41523000/jpg/_41523352_inzaghi416.jpg
Inzaghi
BEST XI of the WEEK
----------------Buffon------------------
----Mathijsen--Van Buyten--R. Carlos----
----------------------------------------
-------------Nolan--Diop----------------
-Schweinsteiger------------Gourcuff-----
----------------------------------------
--------Koller---Inzaghi---Crouch--------
Keeper
Buffon: Made 12 clutch saves in the tightly contested draw.
Defence
Mathijsen: Contributed to a shutout without taking a wrong step.
Van Buyten: Flawless in victory.
R. Carlos: Despite missing penalty was dangerous, assisting on one and made problems for opposition's defence.
Midfield
Nolan: influencial in victory, a true difference maker.
Diop: Rafa F.C. captain showed great leadership in famous win.
Schweinsteiger: absolute dynamo in victory, unstoppable.
Gourcuff: just scratching the surface for this future star, great assist.
Forwards
Koller: Did great in win, scored inspirational goal, kept possesion.
Inzaghi: atop the score sheet after matchday 1.
Crouch: Dramatic goal to tie match.
Match reporter: Preki-USA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Division 3
Division 3-Results
CC 1-2 Greenegg
Dimitri 0-3 Dragonfly
Top Gun P-P Rafalutionary
Grimmer 1-2 Cali
Game of the day.
Captain Cabinet 1 - 2 greenegg
This was a game of football that will be remembered for all the right reasons and a performance from both teams that will leave both sets of fans optimistic for the promotion push ahead.
It started off very lively with both teams making early statements of intent and creating some very good chances. The deadlock was breached just before half time when Obi Mikel gathered the ball for The Green Army just inside the oppositions half and headed goalward. He went past Renato and then glided past Cacapa before unleashing a thunderbolt from the edge of the box. Ricardo got finger tips to it but the power was too much. Both teams emerged out of the tunnel after half time in the same way, attacking with flair. The equaliser came from a great team move started from a defending corner. The ball was punched by Ricardo and picked up by Valdez who held the ball up and played it out wde to Pasqual. Pasqual then galloped down the wing before playing a defence splitting ball to Dos Santos who beat De Cler and whipped in a cross perfectly for the head of Valdez, he started and finished a stunning move. The winner came after 79 minutes and was a dubious penalty for a suspected handball from Muller. Viduka cooly slotted home the spot kick.
Teams:
CC:-Ricardo-Rafinha-Muller-Cacapa-Pasqual-Renato-Gago-Tiago-J.Dos Santos-Valdez-D.Milito
Egg:-Amelia-Cherundolo(c)-Gabbidon-Barzagli-De Cler-Murphy-Ambrosini-Obi Mikel-Iaquinta-Viduka-Anelka
Goals
Obi Mikel-43
Valdez-61
Viduka-79 (pen)
MOTM
Obi Mikel- Scored one and did everything right.
Dimitri 0-3 Dragonfly
Dragonfly is a favourite for promotion this year and it was easy to see why. Dimitris team never had an answer for the unrelentless Pauleta who scored a first half hattrick. After the break both teams played some good football and it seemed as if Dragonflys team took their foot off the gas a bit and for all the trying of Dimitris team the score line remained untroubled for the second half.
Teams
Dimitri:-Abbondanzieri-Radoi-Bovo-Owomoyela-Baines-Petit-Lincoln-Cardozo-Tuncay-A.Kone-Frei
Dragnfly:-Pelizzoli-Álvarez(c)-Naldo-P.Degen-Moretti-Muntari-Kallstrom-Benayoun-D'Alessandro-Vučinić-Pauleta
Goals
Pauleta-12,31,40
MOTM
Pauleta-A marvelous hattrick makes this an early shout for individual performance of the season.
Grimmer 1-2 Cali
Both teams set out with strong 4-4-2 formations and in a fairly even encounter Cali came out on top but only just. Grimmer took the lead from a Theo Walcott free kick midway through the first half. Cali equalised straight away through a Yakuba header after some good wing play from Bowyer. The Winner came in the 88th minute after both teams were searching a winner Konchesky broke free down the left and played a 50 yard cross field ball to Bowyer who chested it down and hit a half volley into the roof of the net.
Teams
Grimmer:-Kiely-Young-Haim-N'Gotty-fellipe-Adu-Maresca-kieran dyer-Robert-Theo walcott-sergio aguero
Cali:-O.Sanchez-Opdam-Dellas-Konchesky-N.Kovac-Costinha-Bowyer-Regueiro-Liedson-Yakubu
Goals
Walcott-25
Yakuba-26
Bowyer-88
MOTM
Kovac-Controlled the midfield and set up many chances.
Top Gun P-P Rafalutionary
Match postponed due to heavy snow.
Match reporter: Greenegg
Scarface
22-11-2006, 00:04
Division 1
Matchday 2
Game Of The Week
D1 Matchday 2: La Naranja Mechanica 1-1 Newton Heath
La Naranja Mechanica XI
GK: Heurelho Gomes
LB: Fabio Grosso
CB: Jonathan Woodgate http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
CB: Jamie Carragher
RB: Arne Friedrich
DM: Momo Sissoko
CM: Xavi Hernandez (c)
CM: Ivan De La Pena
LWF: Ronaldinho
RWF: Martin Petrov (sub 70)
CF: Dirk Kuyt (sub 70)
Subs used:
Robinho (sub 70)
Samuel Eto'o (sub 70)
Newton Heath XI:
GK: Iker Casillas
LB: Arthur Boka
CB: Rio Ferdinand
CB: Fabio Cannavaro
RB: Giourkas Seitaridis
DM: Mahamadou Diarra
CM: Yaya Toure (sub 75)
CM: Julio Baptista (sub 79)
LWF: Joe Cole
RWF: Robin van Persie (sub 87)
ST: Andriy Shevchenko
Subs used:
David Pizarro (sub 75)
Klaas Jan Huntelaar (sub 79)
Damien Duff (sub 87)
Scoring summary:
HUN - Shevchenko (32)
BAR - Grosso (67)
Bookings:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png HUN - J. Baptista
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png BAR - F. Grosso
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png BAR - J. Carragher
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png BAR - A. Friedrich
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.pngHUN - M. Diarra
Comments:
Mixed fortunes for these two clubs on the opening weekend, added extra emphasis on the outcome of this match, in what already looked like a mouth-watering clash.
Both sides started off sluggishly, and looked off the pace, until a fierce shot from Ronaldinho livened the crowd. Newton Heath stepped up a gear, and their impressive looking trio in the middle, started to up the ante with fierce challenge after challenge, which did little to impress below-par La Naranja skipper, Xavi Hernandez. Julio Baptista was booked for a strong tackle on Ivan De La Pena, which left the Spaniard limping, and that set the tone for the rest of the match.
While Newton Heath's rough house tactics were one of the main talking points in the post-match interviews, it would be hard to forgot some of the splendid football which was played by both teams, who should have their eyes set on more silverware this season.
It was Andriy Shevchenko who would break the deadlock, latching on to a fine pass from Yaya Toure, and slotting the ball past the hesistant, Heurelho Gomes, just past the half-hour mark.
Shevchenko almost grabbed a second on the stroke of half-time, after a fine solo run was brought to a sudden halt by a superb block by Jonathan Woodgate, just in the nick of time.
It was a familiar pattern at the start of the second half to that of the first, with the teams taking some time to settle. This brief lull in play was to the advantage of La Naranja, whose slower, more methodical approach started to pay off. A one-two from Xavi and Ronaldinho left Mahamadou Diarra standing, as the Brazilian played a pass to the feet of Dirk Kuyt, who let leash with a thundering 25 yard shot, which flew into the side netting, as many supporters cheered for what they thought was an equaliser.
Robin van Persie and Julio Baptista both went close to giving Newton Heath some breathing space, before a magnificent swerving cross from Martin Petrov was met by the head of Fabio Grosso. Iker Casillas managed to get a hand to it, but could not keep it out, as the Italian world cup winner wheeled away in delight.
Both sides pressed for a winner, and despite multiple attacking substitutions, a goal could not be found. In the final few minutes, Huntelaar had a goal frustratingly ruled out for offside, but in the end, both sides seemed fairly content with a point, in the knowledge that there's a long way to go in this season.
MOTM: Jonathan Woodgate
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42178000/jpg/_42178169_woodgate203.jpg
Fantastic defensive performance by the 26 year old. Made a number of vital interceptions and blocks. Without him, Newton Heath may have run away comfortable winners.
D1 Matchday 2: Galaxy FC 4-0 Minof's Gang
Galaxy FC XI
GK: Heurelho Gomes
LB: Rincon
CB: Alex da Costa
CB: Per Mertesacker
RB: Johnny Heitinga (sub 74)
DM: Owen Hargreaves
CM: Michael Essien (sub 88)
CM: Steven Gerrard (c)
AM: Tomas Rosicky (sub 79)
RWF: Cristiano Ronaldo http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
CF: Fernando Morientes
Subs used:
Vincent Kompany (sub 74)
Arjen Robben (sub 79)
Wesley Sneijder (sub 88)
Minof's Gang XI:
GK: Jose Moreira
LB: Mariano Pernia
CB: Sami Kuffour
CB: Presas Oleguer (sub 81)
RB: Cafu
LM: Juan Roman Riquelme
CM: Deco (sub 75)
CM: Lucho Gonzalez (sub 60)
RM: Clarence Seedorf
ST: Raul
ST: Ronaldo
Subs used:
Olivier Dacour (sub 60)
Stilian Petrov (sub 75)
Marco Materazzi (sub 81)
Scoring summary:
GAL - Morientes (13)
GAL - Gerrard (pen 25)
GAL - C.Ronaldo (62)
GAL - Rincon (87)
Galaxy maintained their league momentum by hitting four past Minof's Gang without reply, to climb into second position. Debutant goalkeeper Oscar Ustari had little to do against the Gang's ineffective attacking play, bar a save from Clarence Seedorf.
The home side controlled proceedings from the first half, after a bright start. Early pressure told as Steven Gerrard's right side corner was only partially cleared. Tomas Rosicky swung a cross in from the left for Fernando Morientes to glance a header in.
Galaxy doubled their lead in the 25th minute, thanks to good pressure in midfield. Mikael Essien intercepted Oleguer's attempted clearance and beared down on goal before getting bumped over by Samuel Kuffour. Surprisingly, referee Stefano Farina opted to show only a yellow, but no matter. Gerrard cooly dispatched the penalty for 2-0.
The Gang's first opportunity stemmed from a familiar source. Raul escaped the offside trap and scooped the ball over Ustari, only to see it land on the roof of the net. Deco went to ground after a scything challenge from Owen Hargreaves minutes before half-time, but Seedorf's fiercely-hit free kick was straight at the Argentine stopper.
The tempo slowed down in the second period as Galaxy sat on their two-goal lead, while the Ronaldo and Raul failed to match the Gang's killer passes. On the hour, Ronaldo was sent tumbling on the edge of the area by Per Mertesacker but Farina waved away his claims, and Cristiano Ronaldo capitalised on the counterattack by darting between Milan duo Cafu and Seedorf on the left, before checking infield and drilling his shot into the far corner.
Brazilian left-back Rincon then capped his first FL appearance with a goal three minutes from time. A lungbursting run from defence and a neat one-two with substitute Wesley Sneijder left him to place it high beyond Valdes to round off Galaxy's second win this season. Minof's Gang will hope for a much improved performance next week against La Naranja.
Credit to Figo10 for the match review
MOTM: Cristiano Ronaldo
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/06/06/28/29_sport_wcup_cristiano_4.jpg
The Portuguese flying winger was at his imperious best, as he ran rampant down the right wing, and tore Mariano Pernia to shreds, to sum up a miserable afternoon for Minof's Gang.
D1 Matchday 2: Prohawks 2-1 Alizee Lyonnais
Prohawks XI
GK: Jens Lehmann
LB: Mikael Silvestre
CB: Walter Samuel CB: Lillian Thuram (c)
RB: Michel Salgado (sub 81)
DM: Claude Makelele http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
CM: Jermaine Jenas
CM: Juninho Pernambucano (sub 81)
LWF: Ryan Giggs
RWF: Luis Figo
CF: Ruud van Nistelrooy (sub 90)
Subs used:
Ivan Cordoba (sub 81)
Gilberto Silva (sub 81)
Kevin Kuranyi (sub 90)
Alizee Lyonnais XI:
GK: Gregory Coupet
LB: Eric Abidal
CB: Daniele Bonera
CB: William Gallas
RB: Willy Sagnol
DM: Lassana Diarra
CM: Gennaro Gattuso
RMF: Joaquin Sanchez (sub 77)
AMF: Francesco Totti (c)
SS: Kaka (sub 77)
ST: Louis Saha (sub 77)
Subs used:
Florent Malouda (sub 77)
Sidney Govou (sub 77)
Giorgios Samaras (sub 77)
Scoring summary:
PRO - Van Nistelrooy (19)
ALI - Gallas (36)
PRO - Van Nistelrooy (73)
Comments:
Francesco Totti would have an unsatisfactory return against his old club, in a bad-tempered game, for Quique Sanchez Flores first match as Prohawks manager.
It was Flores who was seen clenching his fists in delight at the final whistle, however, after a Ruud van Nistelrooy brace sealed the points for the Hawks.
Van Nistelrooy made no doubt of his intentions early on, as he raced onto a through ball from Ryan Giggs, only for William Gallas and Willy Sagnol to crowd him out.
It wouldn't take the Dutchman too much longer to score the opener. In the 19th minute, he flung himself towards a cross from Luis Figo, and knocked the ball into the back of the net. A scruffy goal, but a very important one at that.
Kaka tried to respond with a longe range effort which was well handled by Jens Lehmann, but a midfield which appeared unbalanced from the offset, denied Alizee of any chance of a major fightback.
Indeed, they could consider themselves fortunate not to fall further behind as Giggs missed the goal by inches, and Jermaine Jenas scuffed his glorious chance wide.
Louis Saha's attempt at goal was deflected wide by Makelele. From the resulting corner, William Gallas managed to leap above Mikael Silvestre, and head home, for what was a somewhat undeserving leveller.
The Prohawks were like a wounded animal at this point, and the points were well and truly up for grabs. Gattuso and Lassana Diarra failed to find an understanding with Totti and Joaquin, as Prohawks midfield started to retain their domination through the centre.
It appeared to be heading towards a frustrating afternoon for Flores' men, as chance after chance went begging, Juninho going the closest when his free kick clipped the outside of the post.
It was the Brazilian again, who was at hand for the next attempt at goal. His long range shot being well saved by Coupet, who then managed to fling himself across to the right to save the rebound from Jenas, which looked destinated for the corner of the net, but it was third time lucky, as Van Nistelrooy pounced and hammered the ball high into the roof of the net. The emphatic finish sent the crowd into a frenzy, as the Dutchman ran towards his adoring fans, and was quickly booked for his trouble.
Paul Le Guen called upon the cavalry, and brought on Sidney Govou, Florent Malouda and Samaras, to spark the side into life.
It wasn't to be, as the Prohawks hung on for a fine victory, which saw them climb the table.
MOTM: Claude Makelele
http://www.4thegame.com/media/00/02/84/claude_makelele_chelsea_profil e.jpg
Lead the midfield in style. The veteran midfielder was the heartbeat of the side from start to finish.
Other results:
vanNistelrooy 1-2 Nedy
Tim Cahill (22)
Michael Owen (28)
David Trezeguet (90)
OJ 0-3 Reyes
Franck Ribery (5)
Thierry Henry (40)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (83)
Team Of The Week
--------------------------------Gomes--------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----Chimbonda-----Woodgate-----------Chivu---------Lahm----------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------Makelele-----------Baptista----------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
------C.Ronaldo---------------------------------------Ribery----------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------van Nistelrooy-------Trezeguet-------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Division 2: Matchday 2
The difference in most of the matches for matchday two was razor thin. The results showed the true parody in the division where pundits saw as many as 6 teams with realistic promotion chances. Without further delay, lets get to the matches.
Just a reminder:
0-4 = 0 goals
5-8 = 1 goal
9-12 = 2 goals
13-16 = 3 goals
17-20 = 4 goals
Division 2
Preki 2-2 Del Piero
Sheed 1-2 Rafa
Cranie 1-1 Phat
Jamster 2-2 HP
The G 0-1 Charlie
Match of the Day:
Preki vs Del Piero: 2 - 2
This was a highly anticipated match-up going before kick-off and it when it was all said and done it could be said that it lived up to the hype.
The match, however, appeared to be something of a dud with Preki's Merseysiders going ahead 2-0 inside of 25 minutes.
The first goal came off a Simao corner that Didier Drogba powerfully headed home inside the front post.
DP's side appeared to still be reeling five minutes later when Michael Ballack unleashed a 30 yard wonder strike that found the back of the net.
The match then found a level point for a while as both teams went back and forth giving their best shot. Bastian Schweinsteiger did yeoman's work down the right flank for DP causing Giorgio Chiellini many problems. These problems, however, could not be converted into goal as Gilardino appeared at a complete loss in front of goal.
The game took a drastic turn once four minutes of stoppage time was announced and Preki appeared to have bagged the first victory of the young campaign.
Collocini had the ball on his foot but misplayed it right iinto speedy striker Obafemi Martins. Martins went straight to goal but was denied by a charging Morgan De Scantis. The rebound came out to Rafael Van der Vaart and he converted for a goal. Almost immediately the DPs were scrambling to get the ball from the net and restart play.
Just over 2 minutes later Schweinsteiger was fouled by Chiellini along the right wing. The resulting free kick was delivered by Pirlo right on the head of Daniel Van Buyten who made no mistake in converting the equalizer.
The stunned Merseysiders and their fans were left to think about what could have been, while the DPs were happy with their scraped point.
Goals
Drogba (17)
Ballack (22)
Van der Vaart (91)
Van Buyten (93)
Assists
Simao (17)
Pirol (93)
MOTM:
http://i.eurosport.com/2006/10/08/312217-1463620-458-238.jpg
Ballack
Other Results
Rafa vs. Sheed 2 - 1
Rafa FC continued thier suprising season by picking up their second victory after having none the past two years. They are now positioned atop the table.
The game got underway when Papa Boba Diop picked out a streaking Migi Gonzalez for the first goal of the game. The young chilean got in behind the defense and showed some cool finishing.
Sheed's side showed they were no pushovers however when Andy Johnson converted from the spot after Robert Kovac conceded a penalty by taking down a dangerous Harry Kewell.
Rafa showed that this season they have the killer instinct when Roberto Carlos found Luka Modric trailing the play at the back post. Modric converted the half-volley and sealed the deal.
Goals
Gonzalez (15)
Andy Johnson(44)
Modric (66)
Assists
Diop(15)
Carlos (66)
MOTM:
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/fifa/afp/20020531/i/134963239.jpg
Diop
Phat vs. Martin_Cranie 1 - 1
In a bit of a stale bore draw Martin_Cranie's men tied Norway Utd. 1-1. Both teams convereted their only real opportunities on the day.
Goals
Gudjohnsen (22)
Klose(39)
Assists
Zambrotta (39)
MOTM:
http://img.lenta.ru/news/2006/08/14/zambrotta/picture.jpg
Zambrotta
Jamster vs. HP 2 - 2
All over the tv and radio the pundits were calling for a blowout by Heracles SC but Jamster's men showed they are no push overs and have as much a right as any to the D2 crown.
The teams swapped goals twice and the 1 point was a fair result.
Fillipo Inzaghi kept his incredible scoring run going by netting both of Jamster's goals, the first off of a Bonaventure Kalou cross and the second coming on a mistake by Ricardo Carvahlo that he slipped into the net.
HP's scoring came after a great individual run by youngster Yohan Gourcuff who beat two defenders and slotted Crespo through on goal for his second goal of the season. Mutu was on the board once again as he got behind the defence and ran onto a Kaladze clearance.
Goals
Inzaghi (39)
Crespo(57)
Inzaghi (70)
Mutu (77)
Assists
Kalou (39)
Gourcuff (57)
Kaladze (77)
MOTM:
http://i.sportitalia.com/2006/09/10/307127-1405861-458-238.jpg
Inzaghi
Charlie vs. The -G- 1 - 0
Charlie's men got the three points and will be happy, although they could have been more clinical in front of goal only winning 1-0.
Roy Makaay made no mistake with the service from Mancini and took the lead early. Makaay and strike partner Robbie Keane can count at least three other occasions when they should have scored again if it weren't for the heroic goalkeeping of Sebastian Frey.
Goals
Makaay (22)
Assists
Mancini (22)
MOTM:
http://www.elecash.org/blog/wp-images/imagenes/marquez.jpg
Marquez
BEST XI of the WEEK
----------------Frey------------------
----Marquez--Van Buyten--R. Carlos----
----------------------------------------
-------------Ballack--Diop----------------
-Schweinsteiger------------Gourcuff-----
----------------------------------------
--------Klose---Inzaghi---Drogba--------
Keeper
Frey: Was impressive in giving up just one to lethal attack force.
Defence
Marquez: Contributed to a shutout without taking a wrong step.
Van Buyten: Netted a great late goal and gave Adriano fits.
R. Carlos: Proving to be real creative force for table toppers with his second assist.
Midfield
Ballack: pure inspiration on his goal.
Diop: Rafa F.C. captain showed great leadership in another win.
Schweinsteiger: absolute dynamo once more, proving to be a real treat.
Gourcuff: just scratching the surface for this future star, great assist again.
Forwards
Klose: Scored with a agreat shot.
Inzaghi: continues reign atop score sheet with a brace.
Drogba: On form and on target with header
http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/1079/d2tablead9.png
http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/7126/d2goalscorersandassistedy8.jpg
Credit to Preki-USA
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Division 3-results
Dragonfly 4-1 Grimmer
Greenegg 3-1 Dimitri
Captain 2-1 Mufcsean
Cali 2-1 Rafalutionary
Game of the day
Cali 2-1 Rafalutionary
A very bad tempered affair took place at Old Trafford on match day 2. Rafalutionary travelled here after a defeat on the opening game and he was looking for something here. Cali came into this after a great win. Straight from the kick off the tone was set when Costinha went in knee high on Aquilani and recieved a yellow card after only a minute. The first goal came after 20 minutes when the impressive Nedved played a great one-two with Defoe and delicately chipped it over the advancing Butt with aplomb. Still a few wreckless challenges came in before half time and luckily nobody got injured. After the restart Agger had a free kick some 30 yards from goal. He majestically ran up and thumped the ball into the top corner. 1-1. The game carried on in tough fashion with grit and determination in abundance. Then 5 minutes from time when the result looked like it would end in a draw Defoe had other ideas. He collected a pass from Nedved and went past Jagielka before slotting the ball through Butts legs. It came out of nothing and was enough to earn Cali the victory.
Teams:
Cali:-Kahn(7)-Zaccardo(6)-Dellas(7)-Opdam(6)-Konchesky(8)-Costinha(5)-Schneider(6)-Appiah(6)-Nedved(9)-Defoe(8)-Yakubu(6)
Rafalutionary:-Butt(6)-Jagielka(6)-Rozehnal(5)-Agger(7)-Emanuelson(6)-Mavuba(7)-Oubina(6)-O'Neil(5)-Aquilani(7)-Vagner Love(7)-Sobis(6)
Goals
Nedved-20
Agger-49
Defoe-85
MOTM
Nedved- Was the heart of Calis team. Scored and got an assist.
Dragonfly 4-1 Grimmer
Another comfortable win for the promotion favourite here. Pauleta scored twice, Barry and Naldo were also among the scorers. Pelizzoli had anything to do all game apart from pick a Walcott conselation out of his net late on. Just who can stop this team of Dragonflys?
Teams
Dragonfly:-Pelizzoli(7)-Álvarez(7)-Naldo(8)-P.Degen(6)-Moretti(6)-Muntari(7)-Kallstrom(6)-Benayoun(5)-G.Barry(9)-D'Alessandro(7)-Pauleta(8)
Grimmer:-Carson(4)-Young(5)-Haim(5)-Jaidi(6)-fellipe(3)-v.Hleb(6)-Maresca(5)-Dyer(4)-Robert(5)-Walcott(7)-sergioaguero(5)
Goals
Pauleta-13,60
Barry-29
Naldo-72
Walcott-83
MOTM
Barry- Pulled all the strings and even got on the score sheet.
Greenegg 3-1 Dimitri
Two solid looking teams played out a very fast attacking match of football. Greenegg took the lead just after half time with a 20 yard screamer from Mikel. Viduka doubled the lead shortly after with a tap in after some good work from Iaquinta. Frei reduced the defecit but straight after Viduka restored the two goal margin. A flurry of goals then fizzled out but the chances kept coming.
Teams
greenegg:-Amelia(6)-Cherundolo(8)-Gabbidon(6)-Barzagli(7)-De.Cler(5)-Landzaat(6)-Ambrosini(7)-Obi.Mikel(8)-Iaquinta(7)-Viduka(9)-L.Fabiano(6)
Dimitri:-Abbondanzieri(7)-Radoi(6)-Bovo(6)-Owomoyela(5)-Baines(7)-Petit(6)-Lincoln(6)-Cardozo(6)-Tuncay(7)-A.Kone(5)-Frei(6)
Goals
Mikel-46
Viduka-52,58
Frei-57
MOTM
Viduka- Lead the line well.
Captain 2-1 Mufcsean
MufcSean played his first game of the FL but could't prevent a loss. A strong team took the field for CapCab. Both teams played some fancy football and MufcSean took the lead through Barton after some determined work from the energetic midfielder. the lead lasted for a long time but after 81 minutes CapCab equalised with a route one goal finished by Valdez. MufcSean was reeling after leading for so long and this allowed Milito a chance to beat a poor offside trap and he rounded the keeper and scored the winner.
Teams
Captain:-Ricardo(8)-Rafinha(6)-Muller(6)-Cacapa(7)-Pasqual(6)-Renato(6)-Gago(7)-Tiago(7)-Julio.Dos.Santos(6)-Valdez(8)-D.Milito(7)
MufcseanAbbiati(6)-G.Johnson(6)-Tudor(5)-Hofland(7)-Alex.dos.Santos(6)-Poulsen(6)-Barton(8)-Guti(7)-Arteta(6)-Neuville(5)-Kezman(6)
Goals
Barton-17
Valdez-81
Milito-84
MOTM
Barton-Never gave up and was unfortunate to be on the losing team.
Team of the week
Manager-Dragonfly.
---------------------------Ricardo(CC)----------------------------------
Cherundolo(GE)--------Naldo(DF)------Agger(RA)-----------Konchesky(CA)
Mikel(GE)--------------Barton(MS)-----Barry(DF)--------------Nedved(CA)
-----------------------Viduka(GE)-----Pauleta(DF)--------------------
Seasons top scorers
Pauleta-5
Viduka-3
Valdez-2
Walcott-2
Mikel-2
D3 Reporter: Greenegg
Scarface
05-12-2006, 23:46
Division 1
Matchday 3
Game Of The Week
Newton Heath 3-2 Chacarita
Newton Heath XI
GK – Iker Casillas
RB – Andreas Hinkel
CB – Fabio Cannavaro
CB – Rio Ferdinand http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
LB – Gabriel Heinze
DM – Mohamadou Diarra
CM – Yaya Toure (-67’)
CM – Julio Baptista (-72’)
RWF – Robin van Persie
LWF – Joe Cole (-72’)
ST – Andriy Shevchenko
Jose Reina
Phillipe Mexes
David Pizarro (+72’)
Damien Duff (+72’)
Klaus-Jan Huntelaar (+67’)
Chacarita XI
GK – Mikael Landreau
RB – Pascal Chimbonda
CB – John Terry
CB – Gabriel Milito
LB – Gio van Bronckhorst
DM – Javier Mascherano
DM – Hedwiges Maduro (-78’)
AM – Andreas Iniesta
RWF – Ricardo Quaresma (-74’)
LWF – Lionel Messi
ST – David Villa
Sebastian Viera
Cris
Daniel Carvalho (+78’)
David Trezeguet (+74’)
Yellow Cards:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 48’ - Andreas Hinkel
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 53’ - Ricardo Quaresma
Goals:
Robin van Persie 17’
David Villa pen 48’
Lionel Messi 57’
Klaus-Jan Huntelaar 75’
Andriy Shevchenko 90’’+1
A stoppage time winner from Andriy Shevchenko was the mere difference in a matchup between the previous two Division 2 Champions, as Newton Heath brought Chacarita’s 100% season start to an abrupt end.
The match began at a frantic pace, the first opportunity falling to David Villa in the fourth minute. Picked out by Messi in the centre, the Spanish striker’s low shot evaded the dives of Cannavaro and Ferdinand but international teammate Casillas gathered comfortably.
Newton Heath was first on thee scoresheet when van Persie checked in from the right wing, past van Bronckhorst. His snapshot from 20 metres found the bottom corner, beyond the reach from Landreau. It ended 1-0 at half time, but more was to come in the second half.
Three minutes after the break, Hinkel’s hand made contact with the ball as he challenged Maduro in the air. Minimal contact, but a spot kick nonetheless. David Villa sent Casillas the wrong way to haul Chacarita level.
Iniesta then saw his goal-bound effort blocked by Cannavaro, while Diarra’s header crossed the wrong side of the post. John Terry strode forward for Quaresma’s outswinging corner and flashed in a free header, which was handled on the line then cleared by Diarra. A livid Quaresma was later booked for dissent.
Chacarita were ahead on 57 minutes. Psychic ball manipulation by Messi teleported him past three defenders in the area, and a swiveled shot completed the move.
Heath manager Sir Alex Ferguson brought on Damien Duff for the ineffective Baptista with 18 minutes remaining and almost immediately, the Irish winger whipped in a low cross for another substitute, Klaus-Jan Huntelaar to tap in.
Both sides were aiming to snatch all three points at this point, with Pizarro, Daniel Carvalho and Trezeguet all coming on. But the most crucial moment in the match was reserved for last, in a goalmouth scramble. Diarra picked out Andriy Shevchenko through the fog, and the Ukrainian side-footed home to clinch victory.
http://www.leedsfans.org.uk/leeds/images/RFerdinand1.jpg
MOTM: Rio Ferdinand - Despite conceding two goals, Ferdinand put in another fine performance at centre-back, winning a high percentage of headers and intercepting crucial through balls which would have led to goals.
Offside Athletic 1-2 RC Combine Harvestor
Offside Athletic XI
GK – Dida
RB – Javier Zanetti
CB – Wes Brown
CB – Lucio
LB – Philip Lahm
DM – Emerson (-69’)
CM – Michael Carrick
CM – Paul Scholes
AM – Juan Valeron (-45’)
ST – Michael Owen
ST – Carlos Tevez (-87’)
Carlo Cudicini
Marek Jankulovski (+69’)
Dejan Stankovic (+45’)
Alessandro del Piero
Dean Ashton (+87’)
RC Combine Harvestor XI
GK – Carlos Kameni
RB – Hatem Trabelsi
CB – Kolo Toure
CB – Jorge Andrade
LB – Marcelo
CM – Sebastian Deisler (-76’)
CM – Simone Perrotta http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
CM – Mark van Bommel
AM – Pablo Aimar (-71’)
ST – Lukas Podolski
ST – Luca Toni
Ben Foster
Gonzalo Rodriguez
David Albelda (+76’)
Luis Anderson (+71’)
Nihat Kahveci
Yellow Cards:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 8’ - Mark van Bommel
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 36’ - Paul Scholes
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 55’ - Wes Brown
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 86’ - Dejan Stankovic
Red Cards:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 89’ - Wes Brown
Goals:
25’ – Sebastian Deisler
27’ – Luca Toni
62’ – Carlos Tevez
Offside Athletic badly needed a result to follow up their achievements of last season, but all they got was a third consecutive league defeat by visiting newcomers Racing Club Combine Harvester.
The game largely progressed through the middle where both sets of midfielders were equal to each other in the opening exchanges. Van Bommel received the first caution after hacking down Tevez near the touchline as he prepared to speed off.
RCCH were enjoying the better chances, with Toni and Podolski proving a handful for Lucio and Wes Brown. With 25 minutes gone, they raced ahead with two quickfire goals, Sebastian Deisler’s angled shot from the edge of the area putting the away side ahead, followed by Toni’s header from Podolski’s crossed free kick.
Stunned into action, Offside kept plugging away for the rest of the first half, but RCCH exerted good zonal pressure, which limited the home team to long-range shots and intercepted through. Boos were echoing around the stadium as the team entered the tunnel.
They emerged for the second half with Stankovic replacing the faultering Valeron. The deficit was halved on the hour mark when Tevez created space for himself after controlling Carrick’s long pass with his left foot and put his shot away for 1-2. Offside Athletic then threw on attacking substitutes Jankulovski, Stankovic and Ashton to try rescue something from the match.
Brazilian defender Lucio took a short goal kick from Dida and stormed forward into the opponent’s penalty area, passing it to Owen who had his shot palmed away by Kameni. The resulting Carrick corner was well-placed for a volley from Scholes but Toure cleared off the line.
The equalizer never came after that. To sum up Offside Athletic’s disappointment on the night, they ended the match with ten men after Brown received his marching orders for illegally haulting Podolski’s breakaway.
http://www.miqiu.com/tuku/inter/Simone%20Perrotta.jpg
MOTM: Simone Perrotta – Brought into the side tonight, the Italian World Cup winner was instrumental in most team moves while also making several crucial tackles to distort the opponent’s rhythm.
Minof's Gang 0-2 La Naranja Mechanica
Minof’s Gang XI
GK – Victor Valdes
RB – Daniel Alves
CB – Sergio Ramos
CB – Marco Materazzi
LB – Mariano Pernia (-74’)
RM – Raul Gonzalez
LM – Lucho Gonzales
RAM – Deco (-56’)
LAM – Juan Riquelme
ST – Ronaldo
Cafu
Richard Dunne
Aldo Duscher (+74’)
Stilian Petrov
Henrik Larsson (+56’)
La Naranja Mechanica XI
GK – Heurelho Gomes
RB – Arne Friedrich
CB – Jamie Carragher
CB – Paolo Maldini
LB – Fabio Grosso
CM – Hernandes Xavi (-90’)
CM – Mohamed Sissoko
CM – Ivan de la Pena (-84’)
RWF – Robinho
LWF – Jesus Navas (-81’)
ST – Samuel Eto’o http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
Stijn Schaars (+84’)
Dirk Kuyt (+81’)
Stefano Okaka Chuka
Alex (+90’)
Yellow Cards:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 31’ – Mariano Pernia
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 35’ – Marco Materazzi
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 87’ – Jamie Carragher
Goals:
Samuel Eto’o pen 35’
Samuel Eto’o 88’
La Naranja Mechanica played out a comfortable 2-0 win over Minof’s Gang, with Samuel Eto’o’s double putting them back on track.
Fabio Grosso mapped out a passage into the area and tumbled over Marco Materazzi’s trailing leg. The Inter Milan centre-back got a yellow card for his trouble and Eto’o blasted his spot-kick high into the net.
His second on 88 minutes sealed an away win for the Dutch side. From Arne Friedrich’s cross, the Barcelona forward dashed in ahead of Sergio Ramos to head home.
http://i.eurosport.com/2006/09/28/310541-1445255-458-238.jpg
MOTM: Samuel Eto’o
RC Avenido 3-0 Alizee Lyonnais
RC Avenido XI
GK – Petr Cech
RB – Miguel
CB – Carles Puyol
CB – Roberto Ayala http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
LB – Ashley Cole
CM – Cesc Fabregas (-70’)
CM – Esteban Cambiasso
RM – Franck Ribery
LM – Vicente Rodriguez (-83’)
ST – Wayne Rooney (-79’)
ST – Thierry Henry
Shay Given
Alessandro Nesta
Frank Lampard (+70’)
Jose Antonio Reyes (+83’)
Fernando Torres (+79’)
Alizee Lyonnais XI
GK – Gregory Coupet
RB – Willy Sagnol
CB – Sebastian Squillaci
CB – William Gallas
LB – Eric Abidal
DM – Gennaro Gattuso
DM – Lassano Diarra (-84’)
RM – Joaquin Sanchez
LM – Florent Malouda (-76’)
AM – Kaka (-60’)
ST – Louis Saha
Tomasz Kuszczak
Daniele Bonera
Francesco Totti (+60’)
Sidney Govou (+76’)
Georgios Samaras (+84’)
Yellow Cards:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 62' - Eric Abidal
Goals:
Vicente Rodriguez 22’
Roberto Ayala 59’
Thierry Henry 78’
Defending D1 Champions Racing Club Avenido maintained their perfect start to this season’s campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 win over WCL finalists Alizee Lyonnas. The contrast in standards could not have been clearer shown, despite a full-strength line-up put out by Lyonnais at the Emirates Stadium.
Vicente got things going in the 22nd minute, smashing Ribery’s hooked cross past Coupet on the half-volley. Lyonnais tried to respond but despite good wing play from the visiting side, crosses to the centre seldom reached their targets.
Argentine defender Ayala doubled the lead four minutes after half-time, rising unchallenged to head home Henry's corner. Regular Lyonnais skipper Francesco Totti came on with 30 minutes remaining, and almost got on the scoresheet – his fearsome free kick thundering off the crossbar and bouncing out of play, preserving Petr Cech’s string of clean sheets.
Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry then got his customary goal 12 minutes from time, giving his French international teammate Coupet no chance with a pinpoint free kick.
http://www.bbv-net.de/layout/showbilder/17015-ddp_0169BC00B46094C344a55c5c15 a5.jpg
MOTM: Roberto Ayala - Made crucial tackles against the Lyonnais attackers and instinctively blocked several goal-bound shots. Capped off a fine performance with his first goal for the club.
ProHawks 1-1 Galaxy
ProHawks XI
GK – Jens Lehmann
RB – Michel Salgado (-63')
CB – Lilian Thuram
CB – Walter Samuel
LB – Mikael Silvestre
DM – Claude Makelele
CM – Jermain Jenas (-74')
CM – Juninho
RWF – Luis Figo
LWF – Ryan Giggs
ST – Ruud van Nistelrooy
Vitor Baia
Ivan Cordoba (+63')
Patrick Vieira
Gilberto Silva
Kevin Kuranyi (+74')
Galaxy XI
GK – Timo Hildebrand
RB – Johnny Heitinga (-72’)
CB – Per Mertesacker
CB – Alex da Costa
LB – Asier del Horno
DM – Owen Hargreaves
CM – Mikael Essien http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
AM – Steven Gerrard
AM – Christian Wilhemsson
WF – Cristiano Ronaldo (-77’)
ST – Fernando Morientes (-83’)
Vincent Kompany
Nigel de Jong (+72’)
Tomas Rosicky
Arjen Robben (+77’)
Ivan Klasnic (+83’)
Yellow Cards:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 56’ - Michel Salgado
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png 56’ - Asier del Horno
Goals:
Per Mertesacker 77’
Ruud van Nistelrooy 82’
All eyes were on the Santiago Bernabeu as ProHawks 'welcomed' an in-form Galaxy side, which had collected six points from two league games so far. With new manager manutd4ever at helm following a 3-0 opening day defeat, ProHawks started the same eleven players who had defeated Lyonnais 2-1 last weekend.
But the eagerly-awaited derby in the city of Madrid turned out a dull affair, only sparked by a goal from either team in the last quarter hour. Per Mertesacker reacted quickest to Cristiano Ronaldo’s dipping free kick to nudge it across the line, but the ProHawks replied just minutes later. Time seemed to stand as van Nistelrooy followed Giggs’ floated free kick and put it in, with everybody in the stadium ball-watching. 1-1 it ended, and neither side could have had any complaints.
http://www.svz.de/wmspezial/html_img/essien-210805_11666286.onlineBild.jpg
MOTM: Mikael Essien – Exerted his influence in midfield by frequently dispossessing opponents and performing admirably at both ends of the pitch.
XI of the Week
----- Robinho ----- Eto'o ------ Figo -------
----- Iniesta ---- Essien ---- Perrotta ------
A.Cole ---- Ayala ---- Ferdinand ---- Sagnol
---------------- Lehmann -----------------
Match Reporter: Figo10
----------------------------------------------------
Division 2
Matchday 3
This week saw yet another set of great matches in Division 2 for the third Matchday. This week’s matches included a first against second clash between Rafa F.C and Club Athletico Independiate. The race for the title is beginning to hot up as this weekend was filled with shock, horror and happy fans leaving home happy.
Reminder for all:
0-4 = 0 goals
5-8 = 1 goal
9-12 = 2 goals
13-16 = 3 goals
17-20 = 4 goals
:Match of The Day:
Old London Town 4 – 1 Dubai Faithful Soldiers
The Old London Town fans left the ground happy as they witnessed their team thrash Dubai Faithful Soldiers 4-1. Old London seemed to be in control throughout the whole match and ended up comfortable winners in the end.
The first goal came when Pirlo delivered a great long pass towards the un-marked Gilardino who had no trouble drifting past Keeper Santiago Canizarez and simply taped the ball into the net.
Old London doubled their tally after they were awarded a free-kick 30 yards away from the goal. Being the great free-kick master he is, Andrea Pirlo slotted the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. From here on, Dubai Faithful soldiers seemed doomed for a beating.
Eight minutes after half time, Old London Town made it 3-0 when Reo Coker made a great through ball to Javier Saviola but Mellberg seemed to trip him and Old London were awarded a penalty. Saviola placed the ball on the spot and comfortably placed the ball into the back of the net, making it 3-0.
On the 78th minute, Dubai Faithful midfielder Harry Kewell was running down the left flank before the ball was taken from his feet by Daniel De Rossi who from then made a 40 yard pass to Rafael Van Der Vaart. Van Der Vaart then ran past the defence and scored a incredible solo effort which made it 4-0. You would think this was game over for Dubai Faithful but...
On the 89th minute, after a long goal kick by Santiago Canizarez Old London Town’s defence seemed to be napping and Andy Johnson was left one-on-one against Weise who never saw the ball fly past him into the net but this was only a consolation goal.
Dubai Faithful seem to be on a losing streak at the moment, will they be able to get their first win of the season next week or will their streak of loses continue?
Old London Town XI
GK: Weise
RB: Perea
LB: Jansen
CB: Van Buyten
CB: Juan
CMF: Pirlo
CMF: Reo Coker ( Sub 66 )
RMF: Valencia
LMF: Van Der Vaart
ST: Saviola ( Sub 72 )
ST: Gilardino#
Subs Used:
Daniel De Rossi ( Sub 66 )
O.Martins ( Sub 72 )
Dubai Faithful Soldiers XI
GK: Santiago Canizarez
RB: Oddo
LB: Van Den Borre
CB; Ismael
CB: Mellberg
DMF: Bresciano
RMF: Marchionni
LMF: Kewell
AMF: Aissati
FWD: Bojinov ( Sub 69 )
ST: Johnson
Subs Used:
Karim Benzema ( Sub 69 )
Scorers:
OLT Gilardino
OLT Pirlo
OLT Saviola
OLT Van Der Vaart
DFS Johnson
Assists:
OLT Andrea Pirlo
MOTM
Rafael Van Der Vaart
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e216/Dorota1981/vandervaart.jpg
A vintage performance from the Holland international who Caused the opposition’s defence problems throughout the whole match
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Division 2 – Rafa F.C 2 – 2 Club Athletico Indpendiate
This match saw first verses second with both teams evenly matched. This was poised to be a close game and it proved to be like that throughout the whole 90 minutes with both teams cancelling out each other’s attacks for most of the match.
As the match began In the sold out stadium, Rafa FC left back Roberto Carlos earned a free kick for his team after Ruben Baraja Tackled him. At 35 yards, Carlos was able to turn the ball into the goal and make it one nil. The Rafa FC supporters went crazy as Carlos celebrated his wonderful long rage free-kick.
At 39 minutes of play, Jerome Rothen ran down the left wing and sent in a swerved ball into the six yard box before it was volleyed into the back of the net by Filippo Inzaghi who was ecstatic about the goal. Going into half time, it seemed it would be one all.
As the clock said 59 minutes on it, Rafa F.C managed to go back in the lead after Papa Boupa Diop delivered in a corner kick and Jan Koller headed it homer, beating Marchena to the ball.
Just three minutes before the whistle, Gonzalez managed to break down the right flank and centered the ball into the six yard box. The ball was met by the head of Filippo Inzaghi who got his second of the game and sixth of the season. The Rafa F,.C faithful were cursing their luck as their dreams of a win were damaged.
Rafa F.C XI
GK: Sorensen
RB: Neil
LB: Carlos
CB; Yobo
CB: Kovac
CMF: Diop
CMF: Bodmer
RMF: Modric
LMF: Nani
ST: Koller
ST: Cisse ( Sub 69 )
Subs Used:
Ricardo Oliviera ( Sub 69 )
Club Athletico Independiate XI
GK: Leo Franco
RB: Scaloni
LB: Leo
CB: Mathijsen
CB: Luisao ( Sub 58 )
DMF: Baraja
DMF: Tacchinardi
LMF: Rothen
RMF: Gonzalez
ST: Lucarelli ( Sub 72 )
ST: Inzaghi
Subs Used:
Marchena ( Sub 58 )
Bellamy ( Sub 72 )
Scorers:
RFC Roberto Carlos
CAI Inzaghi
RFC Koller
CAI Inzaghi
Assists:
CAI Jerome Rothen
RFC Papa Boupa Diop
CAI Gonzalez
MOTM
Filippo Inzaghi
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/Italian_Soccer_06/Filippo%20Inzaghi/Inzaghi.jpg
Three games gone and three man of the match awards for Inzaghi who delivered yet another two goals for his team. He surely is a contender for The Golden Boot.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Division 2 – Merseyside USA 0 – 0 FC Corleone
A goalless draw was the end result here as both teams left frustrated that they could not win the game with several chances going begging. Over thirty chances between both teams in this match-up yet not any of the teams could get a goal.
FC Corleone XI
GK: Friedel
CB: Taylor
CB: Boulahrouz
CB: Ujfalusi
RB: Richards
LB: Clichy
CMF: Demichelis
CMF: Frings
LMF Pedersen
RMF: Stelios
ST: Carew
Merseyside USA XI
GK: Keller
CB: Vlaar ( Sub 62 )
CB: Campbell
LB: Chiellini
RB: Finnan
DMF: Ballack
DMF: Flamini
LMF: Beasley
RMF: Simao
ST: Dindane ( Sub 70 )
ST: Drogba
Subs used:
Colloccini ( Sub 62 )
Adriano ( Sub 70 )
MOTM
Michael Ballack
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h166/lad_rack11/2508997733.jpg
---------------------------------------------------------------------
A good performance by the Merseyside USA midfielder who stopped out most attacks by the opposition and created moves for his team-mates.
Other Results:
Asgard Utd 1 – 1 AFC Chelsea
(Gudjohnson 63 ASG)
(Cassano 43 AFC)
Alicante De Club Futbol 0 – 2 Norway United
(Fred 24 NUD)
(Solskjaer 85 NUD)
XI of the week
--------------------Friedel--------------------
Finnan—Campbell-----Mathijsen—Carlos
-------------------------------------------------
Simao----Ballack----Pirlo---Van Der Vaart
--------------------------------------------------
----------------Inzaghi---Gilardino-----------
GK: Friedel : Made several important saves for his team
RB: Finnan : Kept out attacks down the right and made attacks when needed to
LB: Carlos : Scored an incredible free-kick and displayed good defensive tackles
CB: Campbell : Made two very important tackles to save his team from conceding.
CB: Mathijsen : Shutout the opposition’s attacks.
RMF: Simao : Made good balls to strikers and contributed to attacks
LMF: Showed good team-work and delivered killer balls to Saviola and Gilardino
CMF: Ballack : Contributed to defending for his team and stopped out attacks
CMF: Pirlo : Scored and was Flawless
ST: Inzaghi : Got yet another Two goals and is topping the top goal scorers chart.
ST: Gilardino : Made an incredibly performance this week. Scored a tap in and helped his team to a comfortable win this week.
Hope you all like as my hands are hurting.
Match Reporter: Jamster
Scarface
13-12-2006, 23:10
Division 1
Matchday 4
Game Of The Week
D1 Matchday 4: Alizee Lyonnais FC 2-2 Racing Club Combine Harvester
Alizee Lyonnais FC XI
GK: Gregory Coupet
LB: Eric Abidal
CB: William Gallas
CB: Daniele Bonera
RB: Willy Sagnol
DM: Gennaro Gattuso
DM: Lassana Diarra (sub 65)
CM: Rodrigo Taddei (sub 65)
AM: Francesco Totti (C)
AM: Ricardo Kaka
CF: Louis Saha
Subs used:
Joaquin Sanchez (sub 65)
Florent Malouda (sub 65)
RCCH XI:
GK: Carlos Kameni
LB: Nicolas Burdisso
CB: Kolo Abib Toure
CB: Jorge Andrade
RB: Sylvinho
DM: Simone Perrotta
CM: Mark van Bommel (sub 75)
CM: Sebastien Deisler (sub 81)
AM: Pablo Aimar
ST: Luca Toni
ST: Lukas Podolski http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
Subs used:
David Albelda (sub 75)
Anderson (sub 81)
Scoring summary:
ALI - Kaka (12)
ALI - Saha (48)
RCCH - Podolski (85, 89)
Bookings:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png ALI - W. Gallas
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png ALI - G. Gattuso
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png RCCH - J. Andrade
Comments:
Racing Club Combine Harvester were on the verge of the defeat by conceding two goals without reply late into the game. However, after Aidy Bothroyd's team produced a battling display to come from two goals down to draw with French boys Lyon in a thrilling encounter in Rhone, RCCH can continue their title ambitions.
Goals from Kaka and Louis Saha had put Lyon firmly in control at the Stade Gerland stadium until the 85th minute, when RCCH striker Lukas Podolski blasted home to claw the English back into contention.
Then the German International with a minute in regular time to go, scored another peach goal that set up a last few thrilling minutes.
Despite pressure from the home side, aiming to collect their first win of the season, the English team stood firm and went home the happier side.
Both sides displayed nerves in a tense first ten minutes with plenty of passing but few clear chances.
But on the turn of the 12th minute, Brasilian talisman Kaka stood out as he attempted a shot from an audacious 28 metres. With one swing of his gifted right foot, Kaka put Lyon ahead 1-0.
RCCH goalkeeper Carlos Kameni made a superb save from Totti's free-kick just after the restart, fisting the ball to safety. It was an ominous sign as the hosts moved 2-0 ahead three minutes after the second half when Saha turned in a rebound with a powerful strike following Kameni's point-blank save from a Luca Toni shot on the turn.
That goal looked to signal curtains for RCCH but they were back in the match with 5 minutes left when an unmarked Podolski latched onto a perfect Deisler cross and made no mistake one on one against Coupet.
The German striker then again produced a minute of sensational of football as he dribbled past two defenders before slotting the ball home past the on rushing Coupet.
It completely silenced the home fans who had their hopes raised high after their team went 2-0 up in a seemingly comfortable way, however, the RCCH frontline had different plans.
MOTM: Lukas Podolski
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3665/podoju6.png (http://imageshack.us)
Lukas Podolski was undoubtedly the man of the match and probably performer of the week. His two late goals saw an almost depleted RCCH gain a precious point in what looked to be three points for the home side.
D1 Matchday 2: Chacarita FC 2-2 Minof's Gang
Chacarita FC XI
GK: Mickael Landreau
LB: Y.P. Lee
CB: John Terry
CB: Cris
RB: Anthony Reveillere (sub 64)
DM: Javier Mascherano
DM: Benoit Pedretti
CM: Tim Cahill (sub 77)
LWF: D. Carvalho (sub 79)
RWF: Ewerthon
CF: David Trezeguet
Subs used:
Johan Djourou (sub 64)
Ricardo Quaresma (sub 77)
Hewiges Maduro (sub 79)
Minof's Gang XI
GK: V. Valdes
LB: Mariano Pernia
CB: Marco Materazzi
CB: Sergio Ramos http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
RB: Daniel Alves
LM: Lucho Gonzalez
DM: Olivier Dacourt (sub 55)
RM: Raul Gonzalez
AM: Deco (sub 85)
AM: Juan Roman Riquelme
ST: Ronaldo (sub 85)
Subs used:
Aldo Duscher (sub 55)
Stilian Petrov (sub 85)
Henrik Larsson (sub 85)
Scoring summary:
CHA - Trezeguet (9)
MIN - Ronaldo (29)
CHA - Trezeguet (31)
MIN - S. Ramos (90+1)
Bookings:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png MIN - M. Materazzi
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png NED - J. Mascherano
Despite two goals from Chacarita's hitman David Trezeguet, it was Minof's Gang who would travel back home the more happier of the teams.
A scintillating display from the beginning to the end, with both teams creating a lot of chances for themselves. The scoreline was 2-2, which reflected a high scoring game, and rightly so.
The action kicked off early and a blossoming start for Chacarita was on the horizon. On the 9th minute, in-form Trezeguet did what he does best by positioning himself and poking in a Daniel Carvalho cross.
The home side were then pushing for another goal in which would give them a comfortable cushion, but after the two golden chances missed, it was the away side that got the goal and the equalizer. Brasilian striker Ronaldo collected the ball into his path from Raul from the left side, in where Ronaldo bursted straightforward beating his man in the process, and then simply chipping the ball over Landreau, giving the keeper no chance.
After Minof's Gang seemed to have settled into the game, they were tp be proved wrong, as their equalizing goal was short lived when David Trezeguet got his second goal of the game just 2 minutes later. A sprint from Ewerthon saw Materazzi tackle him hard in which gained him a booking. The following free kick which Carvalho took, hit the post bar, but once again Trezeguet was in the right place and the right time to have a simple tap in to claim his second goal. It was the Frenchman's third goal in as many matches.
The home team looked comfortbale going into the second half as yet they posed threats throughout the rest of the first half.
When the second half began, Chacarita FC pushed right again in which led to Bianchi making a substitute. Bringing in hardman Aldo Duscher for the unimpressive Olivier Dacourt.
It seemed to have spark very little into the life unfortunately though as it the home team still pressing. Despite Duscher cancelling most of Chacarita's midfielding oppurtunities, he couldn't contain the midfield power for a long period of time. Vincent del Bosque then made himself a change, bringing in Djourou in place of French Anthony Reveillere on the 64th minute.
Two more changes for the Argentinian based team as they brought on talented pair Maduro and Quaresma in place of Tim Cahill and the impressive Carvalho respectively.
The game was then brought back to life as teams started trading chances on each ends. Minof's Gang hero Ronaldo almost got his second goal but was scratching his head after being placed in a one on one position, after one turn and twist, Ronaldo beat Landreau but couldn't beat the bar as his shot rattled off the post.
On the other end, sub Ricardo Quaresma flaunted his skills and put in a signature cross only for captain John Terry missing an open header just narrowingly.
However, a very late goal saved Minof's Gang a point. Once again, Quaresma in the thick of it, delivered a teasing cross which perfectly landed for substitute Henrik Larsson. The Swede blasted a shot from 8 metres out but Landreau was equal to it, the ball rebounded though to Sergio Ramos as he made most of the chance and made a simple tap in. An unlikely source of goals, but the Spaniard hard work and his late goal earned him the man of the match award on the night.
MOTM: Sergio Ramos
http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/5596/ramosic1.png (http://imageshack.us)
Spanish international Sergio Ramos took home the man of the match award after a scintillating work on the defensive area and then the goal that won Minof's Gang a point in the dying seconds of the game.
D1 Matchday 2: Galaxy FC 3-2 La Neranja Mechanica
Galaxy FC XI
GK: Timo Hildebrand
LB: Nigel de Jong
CB: Vincent Kompany
CB: Alex (the bald PSV one)
RB: Diego Rincon
DM: Owen Hargreaves
CM: Mickael Essien http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/4407/staruh7.png
CM: Tomas Rosicky (sub 65)
CM: Steven Gerrrard (c)
CF: Fernando Morientes
Subs used:
Arjen Robben (65)
La Neranja Mechanica XI
GK: Francesco Toldo (c)
LB: Serginho
CB: Jonathan Woodgate
CB: Arne Friedrich
RB: Cicinho
DM: Mohammed Sissoko
CM: Xavi Hernandez
CM: Alex
RWF: Martin Petrov
LWF: Jesus Navas (sub 64)
CF: Samuel Eto'o
Subs used:
Ronaldinho (64)
Scoring summary:
GAL - Mickael Essien (33)
GAL - Mickael Essien (pen 44)
BAR - Samuel Eto'o (69)
BAR - Ronaldinho (70)
GAL - S. Gerrard (80)
BAR - Samuel Eto'o (83 miss pen)
Bookings:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png GAL - Tomas Rosicky
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9251/yellowcu1.png GAL - Fernando Morientes
Comments:
A classic encounter was witnessed at the Bernabeu. Little did they know that the thousands of fans were to be treated into a feast of football.
The game proceeded with a couple of decent chances in the first few minutes for both teams. But the match sparked into life as a spirited Mickael Essien got the show on rolling.
His 25 metre run signalled intentions of an opening goal for Galaxy FC, but was unfortunate when he finished poorly after attempting a shot just outside the box. Essien again though, got a goal this time around on the cusp of the 33rd minute as he played a one-two with Rosicky which eventually led to the home team's first goal after Essien shook the net with a powerful right foot shot.
It got the game going for the home team as La Mechanica were looking to place their foot into the match.
Just before half time though, things got worse for the away team as they gave away a controversial penalty. A telling cross from Steven Gerrard from the right saw Tomas Rosicky go down in the penalty area after Arne Friedrich was caught shirt pulling, however, replays showed otherwise. Rosicky, persistent to asking the referee to pull out the yellow card got himself one in the process.
Essien once again stepped up, and his right boot had scored again when he sent Toldo the wrong way. 2-0 on halftime.
The second half started much better for La Mechanica as they switched plots and formations. They introduced Ronaldinho on the 64th minute for the ineffective Jesus Navas and on the other side, Arjen Robben came in for Tomas Rosicky.
The introduction of 'Dinho' seemed to bring back life into the team of Mechanica as he was the strings behind the team.
The talented Brasilian sprinted and his trickery got the better of both Alex and Mertesacker as Dinho threaded a perfect through pass in which Eto'o made no mistake at close range.
Ronaldinho just a minute later, got the away team a goal and brough them back into the game. A free-kick of quality was on the agenda for Dinho as he calmly curved the ball away from the wall and into the top right corner of Hildebrand's post. The Brasilian, also the man who won the free-kick.
Galaxy were brought back down to Earth and it seemed Mechanica were in control of the game.
But at the 80th minute, once again Mickael Essien changed the complex of the game as it was his him this time, that provided a delicious pass to Steven Gerrard who, from outside the box made a spectacular goal. Arjen Robben dribbled past Cicinho and saw Essien unguarded in the middle, and then the Ghanain visionised Gerrard as the Englishman made no mistake with his chance of the game.
There was to be late drama though as a penalty was awarded to Mechanica. Morientes of all players foolishly tackled Eto'o inside the penalty box and the referee didn't hesitate to point to the spot. Morientes earned himself a yellow card. Unfortunately for the away team though, Eto'o himself couldn't beat his own nerves as his shot went way over the bar and into the stands. A dissapointing night for the away team, as they could have left the Bernabeu with atleast a point.
For the home team though, they march on with big ambitions and a great performance like this tonight, can take them a long way.
MOTM: Mickael Essien
http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5390/essts4.png (http://imageshack.us)
Mickael Essien had a game to remember. The Ghanain midfielder put his side 2-0 up and looking comfortably going into the second half. And despite the spirited comeback from La Neranja, Essien was again there nemesis as he provided a sublime through pass which lead to captain Gerrard grabbing the winner in an enthralling finale.
I will do the other two soon. This for now though.
Team Of The Week
--------------------------------Cech--------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-----Ramos--------Cannavaro-----------Chivu---------Lahm----------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------Essien-----------Alonso----------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------Ronaldinho-------
-------------------------------Kaka--------------------------------
-------------------Trezeguet-----------Podolski-------------------
Goal of the week
Thierry Henry - The crafty Frenchman got a goal that proved to be the winner for the FL champions as he beat Dida from close range on the 80th minute was greeted with wild cheers at the Emirates Stadium.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B58o8Es648Y&mode=related&search=
For some reason, the embedded code isn't working. Well, atleast it's trying to be realistic. :)
Manager quote of the week
Jose Mourinho after the Galaxy-La Neranja Mechanica thriller - I sink zat ze players were in good shape. Maybe we could have scored more, but at ze end I am happy with the sree points and on top of that ze performance of my players. I thought at the beginning we were pushing very well and that eventually led us to victory. It was very nize to see Essyen on the scoresheet and him working very hard. He was fantastic tonight, and in the ze pitch you could see him all over. It was a job well done, I am khappy.
Match Reporter: Nikos24
Division 1: Matchday 7
Game Of The Week: Scarface vs Hunter
Starting XI:
Scarface (Racing Club Avenido)
-------------------------------Given--------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
-------Nélson---------Nesta-------------Chivu--------Sorin----------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------Alonso------------Fabregas-------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
----Maxi Rodriguez-----------------------------------Vicente--------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------Ibrahimovic--------------------
-----------------------Henry----------------------------------------
Bench: Cech, Puyol, Reyes, Cambiasso, Rooney
Hunter (Newton Heath)
Starting XI:
---------------------------Casillas------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------F.Cannavaro--------Ferdinand-------------------
-----Hinkel-------------------------------------------Boka------
----------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------Y.Toure-------D.Pizarro---------------------
-----J.Cole-------------------------------------------Duff------
----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------Van Persie-------------------------------------
----------------------------------Shevchenko------------------
Subs: Reina, Seitardis, Ryan Babel, Park Ji-Sung, Huntelaar
The top two took to the Emirates Stadium, with Newton Heath hoping to cut the League Champions lead to a solitary point. The visitors switched to a 4-4-2 formation, with Damien Duff and David Pizarro coming in for the rested Julio Baptista and Mahamadou Diarra. The League leaders adopted a familiar system, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic partnering Thierry Henry in attack.
The game got off to a slow start, with both sides seemingly getting a feel of one another, and adopting a tactical, cautious approach. A late, crunching tackle by Cesc Fabregas left Joe Cole in a heap, as the game suddenly exploded into life. Yaya Toure, Rio Ferdinand and Fabio Cannavaro showing their anger towards the young Spaniard's challenge, as he pleaded his innocence. Kim Milton Nielsen, however, brandished a yellow card, as the game reached it's first flashpoint.
Both sides began to get into a passing rhythm, with Yaya Toure and Joe Cole cleverly working the ball down the right, before Hinkel's overlapping run led to a cross towards Andriy Shevchenko, which Alessandro Nesta misread, however the Ukrainian failed to connect with the ball, as the first real chance went begging.
Moments later, David Pizarro fired off a thunderbolt from fully 35 yards, which forced Shay Given into an alert reaction save, as he took no precautions and palmed the ball out of play for a corner. Rio Ferdinand and Fabio Cannavaro both trotted forward, and it was the former who almost connected with the ball, however Nesta showed great agility and timing as he headed the ball clear to setup a counter. Alonso fed the ball to Cesc Fabregas, who then returned the ball back to his fellow spaniard. Xabi Alonso pinged a 25 yard pass across field to attacking full-back Nelson Marcos, who zipped past Damien Duff, before cutting the ball back to the impressive Zlatan Ibrahimovic; the Swede checking inside, before unleashing a drive from just outside the D, which had Iker Casillas scrambling across his goal.
As the game reached the half hour mark, the game was evenly setup, when Vicente Rodriguez superbly dribbled down the left wing, past the despairing challenges of Andreas Hinkel and David Pizarro, and whipped in a delightful cross towards the head of Thierry Henry, who directed the ball goalwards, but his header lacked power, however Casillas opted to parry the ball clear. As the ball dropped from the air, Ibrahimovic attempted an audacious overhead kick, but failed to make considerable contact. Newton Heath failed to clear their lines, and Fabregas picked up possession just outside the box, dropping his shoulder and then playing in Vicente, who knocked the ball back to Xabi Alonso, who had found space, and fired an unstoppable shot from 25 yards, which crashed against the underside of the bar and came back out into play, with the ball falling kindly for Zlatan Ibrahimovic who nodded the ball home from 5 yards, with Iker Casillas grounded. The Champions took the lead, and with their defensive record, you could almost feel the optimism and confidence around the stadium now.
However, Newton Heath were not to go down without a fight - perhaps with a sense of belief from their 2 wins against Racing Club Avenido last season, they showed belief and hunger. Joe Cole displayed tremendous close control in a tight area, and skillfully played the ball into space, before spraying a pass out to Yaya Toure, who immediately cushioned his pass to Robin van Persie, who spun, and attempted a reverse pass, which Shevchenko latched onto in a dangerous position, but failed to shoot on target, with Cristian Chivu deflecting the attempt wide.
The second half exploded into life almost straight from kick-off, with Juan Pablo Sorin in the thick of the action. First, his headed backpass to Shay Given lacked power, and van Persie was inches away from reaching the ball, as he desperately stretched his left boot towards the ball. Shay Given hacked the ball away in a panic. Then, down the other end, Sorin had a chance to put the hosts two in front. Vicente, ever impressive on the left flank, crossing towards the near post, where Sorin leapt and connected with a vicious half volley, which was saved spectacularly by Casillas, as he fisted the ball to the left of his post.
The clock ticked on, with Racing appearing fairly comfortable to sit back on their one goal lead. Those tactics were to well and truly backfire, when Newton Heath had a 10 minute spell of pressure, with David Pizarro pulling the strings in midfield, with a fine passing exhibition. Robin van Persie looked the livelier of the two in attack, and it was indeed he who equalised in the 65th minute. Drifting out to the left side, the Dutchman showed some nice touches, before passing to Arthur Boka, who found Damien Duff tight on the touchline. The Irishman dribbled inside, and with the outside of his left foot, played a throughball for Van Persie. The Dutchman had timed his run to perfection. Leaving Nesta hopelessly flailing his arms in the air appealing for offside, Van Persie raced clear, and confidently lifted the ball over Shay Given to equalise for the WCL Cup Holders. Van Persie slid along the floor in delight, with his goal setting up an exciting finish.
Visually shocked by the goal, Racing found it hard to get out of their own half for the next 5 minutes, but Shay Given managed to keep them level, pulling off two fine saves, first from Joe Cole, and then from Shevchenko at point black range. Fabio Capello responded by bringing on calming influence, Esteban Cambiasso for the tiring Xabi Alonso.
7 minutes were left on the clock, when substitute Jose Antonio Reyes (on for the outstanding Vicente) drilled a pass along the floor to Thierry Henry, whose first touch was sublime, taking the ball away from Fabio Cannavaro with his right foot, and then curling with his left foot a delicious effort that just drifted wide.
The Frenchman again led the Champions attack soon after, as he played a one-two with Ibrahimovic before finding Cambiasso alone in the area, with the goal at his mercy. With time to shoot, to the surprise of the watching spectators, the Argentine decided to pick out Ibrahimovic, who fiercely struck towards the far post, but Casillas managed to save with his legs, despite having dived the wrong way, although he was helpless as Maxi Rodriguez latched onto the rebound and tucked the ball into the back of the net to pick up 3 priceless points for the Champions.
The game were not to finish without incident, when Cesc Fabregas - a livewire all game - dived into a challenge with Arthur Boka, earning a second yellow card to equal a red, as he receiving his marching orders, meaning he will miss the next League fixture.
At the final whistle, Iker Casillas thumped the ground in disbelief, knowing the chance had gone begging to put real pressure on the leaders. RCA now guaranteed to lead the table going into the mid-season break.
MOTM: Vicente Rodriguez
http://image.fussball.com/artwork/news/14596/jpeg-1w194813-20051116-img_10270130.onlineBild.jpg
Wonderful display by the Spanish left winger. Repeatedly having the beating of Hinkel, and playing a big part in the majority of his sides attacking play.
Goals:
RCA - Zlatan Ibrahimovic (31)
NEW - Robin van Persie (65)
RCA - Maxi Rodriguez (84)
-----------------------------------
Top Gun
-------------------------Dida-------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Zanetti----------Lucio-----------Worns-----------Lahm
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------Emerson----------------------
------------------------------------------------------
------------Scholes----------------Stankovic----------
------------------------------------------------------
Lennon----------------------------------------Del Piero
-------------------------Owen-------------------------
Subs, Cudicini, Jankulovski, Carrick, Veron, Tevez
Vs
Nikos
-------------------------------Coupet--------------------------------
------Sagnol----------Bonera------------Gallas-----------Abidal--------
--------------------------------Gattuso--------------------------------
------Joaquin----------------Kaka----Totti------------------Malouda----
------------------------------Saha------------------------------
Subs: Kuzczak, Clerc, Govou
This was one of the most important matches in both teams seasons so far, they are the two bottom teams and both put out very strong formations. Both teams went for 4-5-1 formations as they didn’t want to give the other team any advantage.
Before the game our panellist Andy Gray had this to say, “This should be an absolute cracker of a game, I predict that the key players will be Dejan Stankovic for T.G United and Kaka for Alizee Lyonnais, they will have the job of picking through the midfield and creating chances for the front men.”
The game began in a fashion which everyone thought it would, it was very cagey as neither team wanted to make a mistake, the first chance occurred in the 12th minute as William Gallas broke out of defence before sliding a ball out wide to Joaquin who whipped in a ball which was met by the head of Louis Saha and thundered back off of the crossbar leaving Dida with no chance.
After that the game became cagey once again with T.G United dominating possession but failing to pick through Alizee’s team with Gattuso proving what a world class player he was as he cut short many United attacks. The only chance in the rest of the 1st half was when Del Piero broke down the wing and cut inside before trying to curl a shot into the far corner but this ended up well wide.
Half time analysis from Andy Gray, “The game has been very close like we predicted but I can see goals in this game and when the first goes in it will open up”.
The second half opened with a bang, T.G United obviously got the hairdryer treatment at half time as they looked extremely sharp and from kick off they forced a corner. From the resulting corner Dejan Stankovic floated one of his textbook corners to the edge of the area where Scholes met it with a thundering volley which was brilliantly saved by Coupet but he could only parry it out to Michael Owen, who had the simple job of tapping it into the back of the net. You could see the relief on Owens face as this was his first goal in a while.
The pace of the game quickened after the goal with Kaka going close with a shot from the edge of the area. But it was United which capitalised, Lennon picked up the ball just inside his own half and went past Abidal with ease before floating a ball into the box, it looked as though it had missed everyone but at the last minute Phillip Lahm arrived at the back post with a diving header which flew past Coupet to give United a 2-0 lead.
They could of put the game out of reach when Stankovic found himself unmarked in the box but he could only put the ball well over. From the resulting goal kick Coupet drove a ball deep into Uniteds half which both Lahm and Worns went to head but Louis Saha got there first with the flick which left Joaquin in acres of space and all he had to do was put the ball into the far corner past a struggling Dida.
This goal gave Lyonnais the initiative and they went for the win with 10 minutes to go, the game was evened up in miraculous style when Kaka picked up the ball just inside Uniteds half before rounding Emerson and Worns and chipping it over the outstretched arms of Dida. The Lyonnais fans went crazy as Kaka sprinted off towards there corner of the stand. The final whistle went very shortly after and both teams looked satisfied with the result.
The draw didn’t really help either team as they both stay in the bottom 2. Andy Gray had this to say, “I said at half time that after a goal the game would open up and it did, it was possibly one of the most exciting halves of football I have ever seen.”
The man of the match award was given to Kaka after a solid performance at the heart if Lyonnais midfield and also scoring a special goal to give his team a draw.
The Alizee Lyonnais manager had this to say “The result isn’t the greatest but I am happy with the way in which they fought back, overall I am happy to be part of such a spectacle.”
The T.G United manager failed to comment as he was furious with his players and kept them in the changing room for one and a half hours after the game.
Match Overview
T.G United 2-2 Alizee Lyonnais
Goalscorers
Michael Owen 47’
Phillip Lahm 60’
Joaquin 81’
Kaka 90' + 1
Man of the Match
Kaka
Coming Up…..Figo vs Nedy
Figo10
http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/6316/figoformationes0.png (http://imageshack.us)
Mertesacker, de Jong, Hargreaves, Rosicky, Klasnic
vs
Nedy
---------------------Landreau-----------------------
Chimbonda-----Terry-----------G.Milito------------Gio
----------------------------------------------------
----------Mascherano--------Maduro----------------
----------------------Iniesta------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
-----Quaresma-------------------------Messi-------
-----------------------Villa-------------------------
Subs: Viera, Cris, Pedretti, D.Carvalho, Trezeguet
In this match was a battle between two of the best teams in the division, they were 3rd and 4th before this match and were both looking for a good result against one of their rivals. Nedy went for a 4-3-3 with an incredible amount of pace in his side, Figo went for a 4-3-3 as well but it was less conventional, he also has a lot of pace and with players like Gerrard and Sneijder he has the ability to pick them out.
Before the game the match pundit Andy Gray had this to say, “This should be a very interesting game, both teams playing at the height of their game and their league positions show that, the key player for Nedys team will be Lionel Messi as he has the ability to break any team down. Figos key player will be Cristiano Ronaldo, at the moment he is playing world class football at the minute and could easily win the game for Figo.”
The game started a quite a pace with Quaresma making good progress against Heitinga on the right wing but they couldn’t capitalise on this as Figos defence held strong with Kompany playing especially well. There was a goal in the 14th minute but it was for Figo unexpectedly, there was a quick break down the left with Rincon and Robben playing a nice 1-2 before Rincon delivered a perfect ball where Morientes had the easy task of heading in from 4 yards out.
The game became very cagey after this with neither team creating much apart from a half chance for Sneijder where he shot well wide from just outside of the box after a good nod down from Fernando Morientes.
In the 30th minute there was a goal for Nedy when Messi went down the left wing with real venom before checking back onto his right foot, he then feigned a cross before laying the ball into the path of Iniesta who slammed the ball into the top of the net. He instantly ran to Messi to celebrate as it was his good work out wide which created the goal.
5 minutes later Chacarita F.C took the lead, after having possession for a few minutes they made the decisive breakaway. Maduro laid a nice ball to the feet of Iniesta who span on the ball before picking out an inch perfect pass to the onrunning David Villas feet, this pass left him clear and as he advanced on the keeper he rolled the ball to the side and rounded Ustari with exceptional ease before laying the ball into the back of the net.
Half time came with no more action worth mentioning, Andy Gray had this to say, “It has been a great first half with Chacarita F.C gaining the advantage, I wouldn’t rule Galaxy out of this as they have sufficient players to get some goal.”
The second half started and Galaxy came out fighting, they quickly grabbed the initiative and Morientes hit the post with another header after a good ball from deep by Rincon. Chacarita also had their chances though with David Villa hitting the side netting with a half volley on the turn.
The game totally changed on the turn of the hour, Cristiano Ronaldo made a lung bursting run down the right and was picked out by Gerrard he quickly dinked the ball over the onrushing Milito before going down in a heap. There was a hopeful look up at the referee from Ronaldo and to even his surprise it was given. There was a lot of arguments from Chacarita as it looked suspiciously like a dive. Ronaldo quickly ran to the ball and placed it on the spot, the Chacarita fans were doing there best to put of Ronaldo but he ran up and arrogantly chipped the ball past the despairing Landreau. Ronaldo went to the Chacarita fans and gave them a little wink before running to his own fans to celebrate.
The rest of the game was pretty calm with a selection of chances the best of which fell to Galaxys Robben after a good cross from Gerrard went through everybody and a surprised Robben could only manage to hit it into the keeper’s chest. The final whistle blew and the players walked off the pitch with feverish complaints by the Chacarita players.
The draw might have been a fair result but there will be a lot of controversy surrounding the game after the diving incident. Both teams stayed in the top 4 but would have liked a win to progress them up the table.
The man of the match award went to Iniesta after an inspired game having a part in both goals and general good play.
The Chacarita manager has this to say “I am disgusted to have lost this game, it was a blatant dive from Ronaldo and I think the referee should be fired for such a poor decision.”
The Galaxy manager added this, “I have yet to see the incident but I have been told by the player it wasn’t a dive and I believe him, that is all I have to say on the matter.”
Match Overview
Galaxy F.C 2-2 Chacarita F.C
Goalscorers
Morientes 14’
Iniesta 30’
Villa 36’
Ronaldo (Pen) 62’
Man of the Match
Andres Iniesta
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