Brazil Asserts Their Dominance in a 4-2 Victory over Ecuador

Neymar and Pato each bagged a brace in Brazil's Copa America victory over Ecuador. The victory sees Brazil progress to the next round of the Copa America, after a shakey start which saw them draw their opening two matches. Brazil will face Paraguay in the quarter finals, where they will look to record a victory after a 2-2 draw in the group stage.
The squads lined up as follows:
Brazil: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos; Lucas Leiva, Ramires, Ganso, Robinho, Neymar; Alexandre Pato

Ecuador: Elizaga. Reasco, Araujo, Erazo, Ayovi; Minda, Noboa, Arroyo, Mendez; Benitez, Caicedo

Notable inclusions Maicon and Robinho were brought in to provide some experience in a Brazilian squad which has lacked a presence going forward in their previous two clashes. Alves was dropped to the bench for Maicon.

Neymar came out with a point to prove in the first halve, the youngster being criticised for his lack of showing in the past two group matches. This point became most apparent when Neymar launched a shot within the first five minutes, being tipped just over the bar by Elizaga.

Ecuador were matching it with Brazil for most of of the first half, knocking the ball around nicely, clearly dominating the midfield in the early exchanges. It wasn't until the 30th minute until we saw the first goal, Ac Milan superstar Pato latched onto a ball by Andre Santos to calmly slot home 1-0 Brazil.
Brazil continued to press from here, until their rhythm was disrupted by a mistake from usually reliable Julio Cesar. A shot by Caicedo was fumbled, in turn leaking a goal, levelling up things on the day 1-1, as the match entered half time. It couldn't come soon enough for the Seleção, who were under the pump in the closing exchanges of the match.

Alternatively the five time World Champions came out firing yet again, scoring again through Neymar in the 48th minute of the match. A beautifully weighted pass from Ganso, was directed straight into his path. Brazil were up 2-1, and looking to cruise through the final exchanges of the match.
It proved to be Brazil who let their lead slip yet again, in similar fashion Caicedo launched a shot at Cesar who was unable to defend his near post, resulting in Ecuador levelling the match 2-2 in just the 58th minute. The travelling fans were as loud as ever, being treated to a goal scoring feast in a match where there was nothing to split the two teams.

Neymar was desperate to add to his tally and just two minutes later, tried his luck with a powerful shot, which was fumbled by Elizaga only to be tapped in by Pato, who restored Brazil's lead, securing a brace in the process. Ecuador had all the work to do with just half an hour remaining, down 3-2.
Maicon and Robinho justified their selection in the starting eleven, proving to be the catalysts for the second goal. A powerful, flowing move down the right resulted in a perfectly weighted ball straight to the feet of Neymar who put Brazil 4-2 up on the day.

In the closing minutes, Brazil were denied a goal after Robinho's effort was disallowed. Ecudaor threw everything at Brazil but were unable to get a goal back. Two keeping errors resulted in Brazil having to score four times. A great showing by Pato and Neymar, as well as Maicon and Robinho.

FINAL SCORE—BRAZIL 4 (Neymar 2, Pato 2) : ECUADOR 2 (Caicedo 2)

Bayern Munich push aside Qatar 4 - 2 in Friendly in Italy

By Marcel Abboud

German football heavyweights Bayern Munich have defeated the Qatar national football team 4 - 2 in a friendly in the Italian province of Trentino.

The Bavarian giants who had completed an absolute 15 - 0 destruction of a Trentino Select XI during their time in the province, took a three goal lead quickly into the match thanks to Daniel van Buyten, Thomas Muller and fresh recruit Nils Petersen.


The Qataris who are preparing for their two legged tie against Vietnam, made their mark on the scoresheet after naturalised Qatari/Uruguayan Sebastian Quintana added his name, before Ivica Olic and Muhammed Razak finalized the score in the closing stages in front of a 4,000 strong crowd.

Watch highlights here:

Celtic FC take down a defiant Perth Glory FC

By Marcel Abboud

Traveling Scottish side Celtic FC made up for their 1 - 0 loss to Central Coast Mariners last week after defeating fellow Hyundai A-League side Perth Glory 2 - 0 at nib Stadium in Perth.

Perth coach Ian Ferguson added six new faces to the Glory's starting XI, including Dutch defender Bas Van den Brink and high-profile New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz to liven up a previously dull and underachieving Perth side.


While the match started off tight and cagey, the Hoops eventually got the opening goal thanks to a nicely worked Gary Cooper finish in the 16th minute and claiming the game in the 51st minute, as defender Charlie Mulgrew rose and headed home a Ki Sung Yueng free kick.

The Hoops should have extended their lead many times in the game, but a new Perth Glory defense (and help from the woodwork) made sure the score stayed at 2 - 0 at the end of the game in front a healthy 15,350 strong home crowd.

It's still early days for the Glory but with some extra work and an injection of stability into the lineup, the boys from Western Australia could inflict some damage into the upcoming A-League 2011/2012 season.

Watch highlights here:

Mexico stunned as Peru are on the Verge of Copa America Quarterfinals

By Marcel Abboud

South American darkhorses Peru are on the verge of qualifying for the quarter finals of the 2011 Copa America after defeating Mexico 1 - 0 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.

In a very open and attacking match, both sides had numerous chances to stamp their authority in the game. Mexico are yet to collect a point in the group stages before this match and only a win would suffice for El Tri.


Coming out all cylinders firing, the Mexicans had an abundance of chances to kill of Peru but were made to go wanting in the second half as the Peruvians launched an assault on Mexican goalkeeper and captain Luis Michel's goal. The Mexicans can thank the woodwork as their added defense as many of the Peruvian attacks ended up hitting the post and the crossbar.

But for all of Mexico's attacking prowess, Peru struck the killer blow in the 83th minute as Humburger SV striker José Paolo Guerrero put the ball into Michel's goal after a wonderful piece of creative display for the Peruvians.
Mexico sit rooted to the bottom of Group C with no points while Peru now sit second in the group equal with Chile on four points, while Urugauy still have a chance to progress but only if they defeat Mexico. Watch extended highlights here:

The Matildas Secure their Passage into the Quarter Finals after Overcoming Norway

By Marcel Abboud

The Australian Women's National Football Team (known as the Matildas) took their tournament progression into the quarter finals by the scruff of the neck by coming back from behind to defeat Norway 2 - 1 in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Leverkusen. Coming into the game, the Matildas needed at least a draw to progress, while for the Norwegian women nothing but a win would do.

In a tight contest, The Matildas fell behind early in the second half as long standing captain and goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri failed to collect an oncoming ball due to a Australian defensive error, with young Norway striker Elise Thorsnes thrashing the ball into the net in the 57th minute.


Not even a minute had passed when Sydney FC striker Kyah Simon restored parity with a fine strike from the centre of the box, making the scores 1 - 1 after a fantastic cross from talisman striker Lisa De Vanna.

The Matildas sealed their progression into the quarterfinals thanks to yet again another goal from Simon in the 87th minute, after an over-hit corner was crossed in by Kim Carroll and met the head of Simon, evading all the Norwegian defense and into the goal.


The win sees The Matildas progress into the quarter finals, but a lot more work is needed defensively if the ladies in Green and Gold are to progress any further.

Watch the highlights of the game here:

Copa America - Argentina 1 - 1 Bolivia - Review

Argentina has succumb to a 1-1 draw with Bolivia in the opening round of their Copa America campaign. The Argentinians have a lot of work to do before their next encounter with Columbia, especially going forward. It would look as thought the combination of strikers upfront hasn't been properly tweaked.

Argentina came into the match heavy favourites, even after their 6-1 loss to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying. Argentina went into the match with a formidable attack force comprising of Messi, Higuain, Milito, Aguero, Lavezzi, Tevez and Di Maria. To the neutral spectator, the squad would seem almost perfect. All seemed to be going to plan for the Biancoceleste, holding a majority of the possession in the early part of the match.

The first half remained scoreless, with Bolivia looking the more shaky of the two teams on the pitch. To their credit they hung in their repelling most of the lacklustre Argentinian attack.

With the second half about to start, Argentinian manager Gustavo Quinteros decided to introduce Angel Di Maria for Cambiasso in the hope that his side could salvage a goal. The Madrid winger made an impact on the game, but it was Bolivia who would score the opener, when Rojas cleverly slotted the ball home from a corner.


Shocked by the goal Argentina began to press with more urgency. Lavezzi drilled two shots wide and that marked the end of his game as he was substituted for Athletico striker Sergio Aguero. The man of the match had a sudden impact on the game. With 15 minutes remaining Di Maria played a ball in from the left, Inter fullback Zanetti controlled the ball, chesting it onto Aguero's foot. From there the striker hammered home a spectacular volley, which salvaged a 1-1 draw for the Argentinians.


The final 10 minutes were dominated by Argentina but they failed to put another in the back of the net. A disappointing performance from a side favourites to win the trophy, Messi failed to fire again, which raises the question can he play without his Barca team mates?


Man of the Match - Sergio Aguero


Final Score - Argentina 1 (Aguero 75) - Bolivia 1 (Rojas 48)

One Foot into the UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester United FC and FC Barcelona Secure First Leg Wins

Perhaps two of the world's most dominant teams have each secured one foot into the UEFA Champions League final, with Manchester United and FC Barcelona each securing 2 - 0 wins over FC Schalke 04 and Real Madrid respectively.

The first of the ties saw the Red Devils travel to Gelsenkirchen in Germany to face this season's Champions League surprise packet Schalke. In a very entertaining first half which saw Manchester United squander a number of chances to take the lead, the heroics of Schalke keeper and suppossed United target Manuel Neuer was the main talking point as the 23 year old made sure nothing went past his goal.


In the 66th minute the deadlock was finally broken as Wayne Rooney slipped through a nice through ball to veteran Ryan Giggs who slotted it home. Moments later, Rooney added himself to the scoresheet thanks to a Hernandez pass making the score 2 - 0.

Watch extended highlights of the Red Devils win here:



The second tie saw the third installment of the El Classico, as Real Madrid entertained heated rivals FC Barcelona. In typical Barcelona fashion, the first half possesion was mostly dominated by the Catalan men, forcing Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas to pull off a few saves from shots thanks to Xavi and David Villa.

An on-field scuffle between the two team soon ensured and eventually Real Madrid were forced to play the game with ten men as Pepe was given his marching orders (and oddly enough, Jose Pinto the Barcelona second keeper was also given a red card...)



With under 15 minutes left, Messi breached the Madrid defense and delivered a sublime hammer-blow slotting his 51st goal of the season, before skimming past three Madrid defenders to add to the scoreline in the 87th minute with a cool Messi style finish. Watch highlights of the game here:


szólj hozzá: RM 0-2 BAR - Highlights

The two wins see Manchester United and FC Barcelona with each one foot in Wembley in May, leaving both FC Schalke 04 and Real Madrid with a hugs mountain to climb.

By Marcel Abboud

And Then There Was Two: Bolton Wanderers 2 - 1 Arsenal FC

And with a simple goal in the 85th minute Arsenal FC have ensured that they go ANOTHER season without any silverware, losing 2 - 1 to Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

Bolton were ahead in the 38th minute after on loan striker Daniel Sturridge headed home a goal line clearance and could have been further ahead if it were not for the heroic of Arsenal's Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny saving a Kevin Nolan penalty. Bolton were made to pay soon after as Robin van Persie equalized, making the scores 1 -1 at the Reebok.


But as has been for Arsenal's season, the Gunners suffered a cruel hammer blow as Israeli international Tamir Cohen slotted in the winning goal from a Bolton corner in the 85th minute. Cohen then received a yellow card for taking off his jersey revealing a picture of his late father.

This game surely symbolizes the end of Arsenal's title charge and any hope of silverware for a seventh season in a row, comdemning the Gunners to look on from the sidelines as Chelsea FC try and close the six point gap on leaders Manchester United with five games remaining.

It has truly become a two horse race, but the question is: can the red horse or the blue horse cross the line?

Watch highlights of the game here

Watch the goal that ended any hope of an Arsenal FC title charge here

By Marcel Abboud

Video - Highlights from Valencia vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid have turned on the style to back up their 1-0 vicotry over Barcelona, comprehensively defeating Valencia 6-3 to highlight the gap between second and third in the La Liga.

Higuain has been playing for just a few games since returning from injury and the Argentinian marked his return by scoring three goals in the victory.

Kaka also added to the goal fest. Benzema also got in on the action scoring the first goal in the match. Valencia still sit third, six points ahead of Villarreal but a staggering 17 points behind second.

Check out the highlights below!

Video - Highlights from Real Madrid vs Barcelona - Copa del Rey 21/4/2011

Madrid prevail in the second of the four El Clasico's 1-0 after an extra time goal by Ronaldo. The header was Ronaldo's second goal against Barcelona in a week. Madrid will face Barcelona once again in the Champions League, where they will look to qualify for the final.

Check out the goal below!

The Barclay Premier League Title Race is Blown Open: Chelsea FC 3 - 1 Birmingham City

Manchester United now have to sleep with one eye open, despite already having one hand on the EPL title.

Chelsea FC have now moved into second position on goal difference thanks to a 3 - 1 win over Birmingham. Florent Malouda got the scoring underway for the Blues in the third minute of play after firing home a Paulo Ferreira cross. Saloman Kalou added Chelsea's second midway in the second half before Malouda killed off any chance of a Birmingham revival with his second for the game and Chelsea's third.



Birmingham were given a consolation goal with David Luiz was judged to have foaled Matt Derbyshire in the box. Sebastien Larsson duly stepped up and slotted home the resulting penalty, ending the game 3 - 1 in favour of the home side.

Watch extended highlights of the game here:



By Marcel Abboud

Bolton Wanderers 0 - 5 Stoke City (FA Cup Semi Final)

In what can be only described as a complete battering, Stoke City managed to sweep aside a hapless Bolton Wanderers 0 - 5 at Wembley Stadium.

Two superb long range strikes by Matthew Etherington and Robert Huth opened the scoring for The Potters before Kenwyne Jones sealed the win, adding a third before the first half came to a close.



Rubbing salt into his former employers wounds, Jon Walters added a further two in the second half securing The Potters entry into the FA Cup final for the first time in their 149 year history.

After a strong season by the Wanderers, they bow out of the FA Cup in perhaps a most embarrasing fashion, forever consigned to the history books of being dealt the biggest loss in a FA Cup semi final.

Stoke City will now face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on the 14th of May, 2011 at Wembley Stadium.

Watch extended highlights of the hammering here:


szólj hozzá: B0-5S

By Marcel Abboud

Video - Highlights from Arsenal vs Liverpool

What a game it was, 8 minutes of extra time, two penalties in the dying minutes and overall a superb game of football. Arsenal needed to win to keep their title hopes alives, but they fell short as Liverpol equalised in the 101st minute through a penalty.

Arsenal went ahead just minutes earlier when Fabregas was brought down. Van Persie calmly converted. However the ball was quickly in the Arsenal peanlty area and this time Eboue brought down Lucas, and it was left to Kuyt to equalise.

Stunning finish to a stunning match.

Check out the extended highlights below!

Video - Highlights from Real Madrid vs Barcelona

A draw was probably the best way to start the first of four El Clasico's. Two penalties ultimately decided the fate of the two sides, from none other than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Arbeloa recieved a red card midway through the second half, however Madrid were able to scrape away with a point.

Both sides will once again face off in the Copa del Rey final.

Check out the highlights, with the full match review to follow

Manchester City 1 – 0 Manchester United (FA Cup semi-final)

Manchester United's treble hopes have coming crashing down into a sea of deafening blue and white as fierce rivals Manchester City claimed all bragging rights in the FA Cup Manchester derby. Despite a very even first half by the crosstown rivals, most of the chances fell to the red half of Manchester as United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov saw both his second half chances come agonizingly close to opening the scoring. A stern goalkeeping display by City's Joe Hart made sure than no United attack would succeed.

City came out firing in the second half and their attacking prowess paid off as Yaya Toure managed to disposses Michael Carrack in the 52nd minute and slot home the only goal of the game coolly around Van de Sar. United were faced with a mountain of a task when Paul Scholes was shown his marching orders on the 72nd minute for his very poor tackle on Zabaleta.


The final whistle blew and scenes of jubilation reigned throughout the blue half of Wembely Stadium as Manchester City had finally put one over their rivals where it truly mattered, denying the Red Devils a place in the FA Cup Final. For once the once loud roars coming from the Red half of the city were now silent with their heads down as their traditional rivals had denied them the chance of a treble for this season.

Manchester City will now face the winner between Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City in the FA Cup Final.

Watch the defining goal that ended Manchester United's treble hopes here:



By Marcel Abboud

Video - Highlights from Roma vs Parlermo

As the title race heats up Roma have missed the chance to put pressure on Lazio for a top four finish, and may have also relinquished their 6th to a rampaging Juventus who are still yet to play this week.

In a game that finished 3-2 there was alot of action, which including two penalties a number of shots and even a shot by Vucinic with an open goal that some how missed.

It looks as though the takeover of Roma did not go as smoothly as expected

Check out the highlights below:

Video - Highlights from PSV vs Benfica

After all the hype of the Champions League many had forgotten about the Europa League ties that still had to take place. All four quarter final clashes took place within moments of eachother and they did not disappoint producing high quality football throughout.

Probably the pick of the bunch was the game between PSV and Benfica. Four goals were scored throughout including a spectacular effort by Luisao.


Check out the Game Below

Video - Highlights from Schalke vs Inter Milan

Schalke have sent out a warning message to the last three teams in the Champions League after defeating Inter in both legs of their quarter final tie. The German side tore Inter apart in the first leg and did the same in the second running out 2-1 winners against a less than impressive Italian outfit. Raul was back to his best scoring the opener after dribbling around the keeper.

Inter equalised through Motta but this was no help as the Germans scored late on to sent the defending Champions out of the competition. Schalke will now face Manchester United in the final. The German side will go in as underdogs, but they did so against Inter also.

Check out the highlights below!

Video - Highlights from Shahktar Donetsk vs Barcelona

Shahktar Donestsk was ridden off in the UEFA Champions League from the very first matchday, but against all the odds prevailed to the quarter finals knocking over some big clubs on the way. However in the first leg quarter final the Ukranian team were taught a footballing lesson by Barcelona losing 5-1 at the Nou Camp. Realistically Donetsk never really stood a chance against a full strength Barcelona team, nevertheless they came out firing in the second leg. It was only a Messi goal just before half time that proved to be the difference between the two sides on the night. Donetsk made history in the 2010/2011 installment of the Champions League, doing what a number of European clubs weren't able to do - play Champions League football. Barcelona are now poised to play Madrid in an enthralling semi final - provided that Los Blancos get there.

Check out the highlights of the match below!

Video - Highlights from Manchester United vs Chelsea

Chelsea have once again failed in their attempt to win the Champions League being knocked out 3-1 on aggregate by an impressive Manchester United. Chelsea went to Old Trafford down 1-0 and their hopes of qualifying looked very slim by the end of the first half, after a Hernandez goal. A lucklustre Torres was substituted at the end of the half for Didier Drogba. A Ramires sending off didn't do much help to the Chelsea cause as United continued to press. Against the run of play Drogba gave Chelsea fans a glimmer of hope, slotting home a nicely weighted through ball. But this joy was short lived as Ji-Sung Park put the Devils ahead just one minute later. United will face the winner of Inter and Schalke.

Check out the extended highlights below!