Pellegrini turns on ref as City lose to Barca in Champions League

Pellegrini turns on ref as City lose to Barca in Champions League - Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini risks a UEFA sanction after launching a scathing attack on the match referee after his side's 2-0 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League.

Barcelona took charge of the last 16 tie thanks to a second-half penalty from Lionel Messi and a late Dani Alves strike at the Etihad Stadium in Tuesday's first leg, and Pellegrini blamed match official Jonas Eriksson for his side's defeat.

In a wide-ranging attack, Pellegrini accused Eriksson of making two mistakes over the penalty decision and even questioned why a Swedish official had been given control of the game.

He also said that Eriksson should not have been in charge because he had been criticised by Barcelona following his performance in their 0-0 draw at AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the 2011-12 competition.

Eriksson sent off City defender Martin Demichelis for bringing down Messi in the incident that yielded the 54th-minute penalty and Pellegrini said: "I think that the referee decided the game.

"Before the penalty there was the foul on (Jesus) Navas, when he (Eriksson) was three metres from the player, so he saw it without any problem.

Manchester City's Belgian defender Vincent Kompany (2nd R) reacts after Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes makes a save near his line at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England on February 18, 2014 (AFP Photo/Paul Ellis)

"From the beginning I felt that the referee was not impartial to both teams. The penalty on Martin Demichelis was not a penalty -- it was outside the box."

Asked why he had spoken to Eriksson at the final whistle, Pellegrini replied: "Just to tell him that he had decided the game. He must be very happy, because he decided the game."

The Chilean added: "He didn't have any control of the game. He decided for Barcelona from the beginning until the end.

"I think it was not a good idea to put a referee from Sweden in such an important match and a referee that made such important mistakes against Barcelona (in an earlier match)."

When he was asked to explain his reservations about Eriksson's nationality, Pellegrini said: "I think there are more important football (nations) than Sweden in Europe.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring from a penalty kick at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, on February 18, 2014 (AFP Photo/Paul Ellis)

"It was a big game with two important teams. I think maybe in that kind of game, you need a referee with more experience.

"I think the best (biggest) mistake was to put a referee that damaged Barcelona in the stage of group (sic).

"This referee whistled the Barcelona-Milan game and he made an important error against Barcelona. Today he arranged (atoned for it)."

With Pellegrini preoccupied by his gripes about Eriksson's performance, it was left to captain Vincent Kompany to vow that City had not given up on the tie.

"If the tempo was in this game, it would have been to our advantage," he told ITV.

Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi's successfully takes a penalty kick at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England on February 18, 2014 (AFP Photo/Paul Ellis)

"If the game is the same as today, and we manage to stay away from some fouls, we have got a chance."

Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino felt that the outcome of the game was "fair", but he warned against complacency ahead of the second leg at Camp Nou on March 12.

"I'm not necessarily confident (about going through), but it's true that we've done a good game in the away leg," he said.

"We just have to repeat the same performance."

Media focus prior to the game had centred on the extent to which Barcelona have lost their mantle in the light of their 7-0 demolition by eventual champions Bayern Munich in last season's semi-finals.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho described Martino's side "as the worst Barcelona of many, many years" and Barca midfielder Cesc Fabregas said that he and his team-mates were pleased to have silenced their critics.

"We had a point to prove, and we did it very well," he told ITV.

"Some people were talking a bit too much before the game and now they have to shut up for a few days." (AFP)

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World Cup success a lift for troubled Egypt

World Cup success a lift for troubled Egypt - The impressive run of Egypt in World Cup qualifying over the last fortnight has much more significance for the country than just moving the tournament dream a step closer, coach Bob Bradley told Reuters.

"At a time when the country is looking for things that are good, this is very important," he said of Egypt's seamless progress to the last phase of African qualifiers for next year's tournament in Brazil.

Victories in Zimbabwe and Mozambique over the last fortnight in preliminary competition ensure Egypt kept up a 100 percent record in their group, the only African side with five wins from five matches.

  

Zimbabwe's Khama Billiat (C) fights for the ball between Egypt's Wael Gomaa (L) and Mohamed Ibrahim during their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match at Borg El Arab "Army Stadium", west of the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, 230 km (143 miles) north of Cairo, March 26, 2013. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

They have one more to play but are guaranteed top place in their section and will take part in the playoffs in October and November which determine places for Brazil.

"This team has a strong belief, we have finished the group and now we begin to think about how to be ready for the playoffs because the goal for everyone in Egypt is of course the World Cup," Bradley said.

"To finish the group early was very important. To come away on the road and take six points says a lot about the mentality of the group," said the American after the latest triumph, a 1-0 win over Mozambique in Maputo on Sunday. They also beat Zimbabwe 4-2 in Harare.

"We have a lot of belief in what we are doing, it showed that we can win at home and on the road and now we only think about how to be ready for the playoffs," Bradley added.

Egypt's political and social upheaval in the wake of the Arab spring, has impacted dramatically on football in the country where the league only restarted six months ago after a year-long hiatus and where most matches are still played behind closed doors for security concerns.

Bradley, coach of the United States team at the last World Cup in South Africa, was an unusual choice as Egypt coach when he took the job in October 2011.

But has made a good impression in Cairo with his decision to stay on despite the turmoil of the last 18 months since a stadium riot in Port Said caused 74 deaths and led to the near shutdown of the game in the north African country.

Egypt has been increasingly obsessed by the team's failure to qualify for the World Cup since their last appearance in Italy in 1990, despite record-breaking dominance in the African Nations Cup finals over the last decade.

"Brazil is two games away. We must keep focus. One game at a time," Bradley said.

Reuters

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Balotelli caught smoking on train to Fiorentina match

Balotelli caught smoking on train to Fiorentina match - AC Milan is set to fine Mario Balotelli after the striker was caught smoking in a train toilet on Saturday en route to Florence for the club's clash with Fiorentina on Sunday morning.

The striker has been hitting the headlines for all the right reasons since moving from Manchester City at the end of January and has scored seven goals in as many Serie A games; however, several reports in Italy said the club was ready to crack down on the 22-year-old after a conductor caught him red-handed smoking on the train this weekend, which is prohibited by Italian law.

Balotelli caught smoking on train to Fiorentina match

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani was also on the train and had initially been having fun during the journey, trying on a hat belonging to one of the guards and joking with members of the squad. That was until he was told of Balotelli's indiscretion by the train's most senior guard, who, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, said, "Maybe you have to pull Balotelli's ears, because he was smoking in the toilet."

As a result, Galliani informed the teenage winger M'Baye Niang, who was in the group of players he was with, to tell to his teammate that he would be fined. He then rang the player's agent Mino Raiola to report his client.

The Rossoneri squad was taking the Frecciarossa service ahead of its clash with the fourth-placed Viola with the chance to extend the gap between the top three to nine points with a win or see it crumble to three points with a loss.

Despite the incident, Balotelli was selected to lead the line from the start for Massimiliano Allegri's men.

Balotelli was regularly snapped by photographers with a cigarette in hand during his two-and-a-half year spell with Roberto Mancini's men - a pastime that is frowned upon by many coaches for obvious health reasons.

Balotelli was in the headlines more often for his mischief and disobedience than his goalscoring during his time in England, which played a part in the Premier League champions selling the striker on deadline day in January.
 

Goal.com

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Barcelona says injured Messi to miss league game

Barcelona says injured Messi to miss league game -- Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona's Spanish league match this weekend because of a hamstring injury, but may play in the Champions League return leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi was substituted at halftime of Tuesday's 2-2 draw against PSG in Paris, having scored the first goal of the game before injuring his right leg.

Barcelona said Messi will definitely miss Saturday's game against Mallorca and ''his availability after that will depend on how the injury progresses.''

Fellow Argentina player Javier Mascherano ruptured a right knee ligament Tuesday after teammate Jordi Alba fell on top of his leg late in the second half. Barcelona said he was expected to be sidelined for an ''estimated six weeks.''

 

View PhotoBarcelona's Lionel Messi, center, escales Paris Saint Germain's Ezequiel Lavezzi, left, and Alex, during their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first …

 

View PhotoBarcelona's Lionel Messi scores the opening goal while Paris Saint Germain's goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu of Italy looks on during their Champions League … 

''I will return soon, thankfully it was not so serious,'' Messi said on his Facebook page. ''We are so sorry for Masche (Mascherano), we will give our support.''

Messi suffered a similar injury to his current one in March 2008 against Celtic in the Champions League quarterfinals, and was then sidelined for five weeks. // The Associated Press

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Eintracht Frankfurt - Bayern Munich

Eintracht Frankfurt - Bayern Munich - With the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie with Juventus looming large, Bayern is set to shuffle the pack once more. Rafinha, Jerome Boateng and Diego Contento all should get run-outs in defense in the places of Philipp Lahm, Dante and David Alaba, respectively, as Bayern can clinch the Bundesliga title with a draw or win.

In midfield, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk will get a rare start as Bastian Schweinsteiger is given a rest, while Franck Ribery should make way for Xherdan Shaqiri, who will form an attacking midfield trio with Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben in Toni Kroos' absence.

Finally, Mario Gomez is likely to play up front ahead of Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Pizarro. Holger Badstuber remains out for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, for the hosts, goalkeeper Kevin Trapp is unavailable due to a broken hand, giving Oka Nikolov a rare opportunity to impress in the Bundesliga.

Elsewhere, though, they have no fresh injuries or suspensions, though Pirmin Schwegler and Martin Lanig will be competing for a spot in midfield, with the former returning from injury.

Bundesliga Preview: Eintracht Frankfurt - Bayern Munich

PROBABLE LINEUPS

FRANKFURT Nikolov Jun, Zambrano, Anderson, Oczipka Schwegler, Rode Aigner, Meier, Inui Lakic

BAYERN Neuer Rafinha, Van Buyten, Boateng, Contento Tymoshchuk, Martinez Robben, Muller, Shaqiri Gomez

DID YOU KNOW?

• Eintracht Frankfurt has the best home record against Bayern of any team in the Bundesliga, having won 18 games against the historical giants and losing just nine.

• What's more, no team has ever claimed a 1-0 victory over the Bavarians more times in their history than the Hessians.

• Frankfurt coach Armin Veh made all 65 of his Bundesliga appearances playing under Bayern counterpart Jupp Heynckes (pictured, right) at Borussia Monchengladbach.

• Bayern Munich can win the title with six games to spare for the first time in their history, beating its record of matchday 30 from 1973 and 2003.

• Furthermore, no team has ever won the Bundesliga title during the first half of April.

• Claudio Pizarro's four goals against Hamburg last week were his first of the Bundesliga season, coming in his 14th appearance. // Goal.com

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Olympics-Rio stadium roof problems serious, say engineers

Olympics-Rio stadium roof problems serious, say engineers - The damage which has forced the abrupt closure of Rio de Janeiro's Joao Havelange stadium is serious and it will take up to two months just to find a solution, engineers said on Wednesday.

The six-year-old arena, scheduled to host the athletics events at the 2016 Olympic games, was shut on Tuesday because of structural damage to the roof in a major embarrassment for Brazilian sporting authorities.

"We've received a report about the stadium and it did not come with any solutions attached," said Armando Queiroga, president of the city government's public works department RioUrbe.

"It's a serious problem and we can't forecast when it will open again. We need from 30 to 60 days to find the solution and after that we will have some perspective."

Authorities said the roof could present a risk for spectators if the wind reached over 63 kilometres per hour.

The stadium is currently the city's main soccer venue as the Maracana is rebuilt for the Confederations Cup this year and the 2014 World Cup.

Although the stadium will host the athletics events in 2016, the opening and closing ceremonies will take place at the Maracana in a break with Olympic tradition.

The Joao Havelange stadium was built for the 2007 Panamerican Games and opened just one month before the event after being plagued by delays.

Afterwards, it was leased to local soccer club Botafogo although it is frequently used by other teams.

The Maracana is due to re-open at the end of April, four months behind the original schedule. Brazil's preparations for the 2014 World Cup have been plagued by delays.

The closure of the Joao Havelange stadium, alternatively known as the Engenhao, forced the Carioca championship match between Fluminense and Macae on Wednesday to be switched to Sao Januario at one day's notice. (Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Writing by Brian Homewood; Editing by Alison Wildey)

Reuters – Wed, Mar 27, 2013 5:34 PM EDT

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Soccer-FIFA chooses German-based GoalControl for goal-line technology

Soccer-FIFA chooses German-based GoalControl for goal-line technology - FIFA has approved the appointment of GoalControl GmbH as the official provider of goal-line technology for the Confederations Cup in Brazil this year, world soccer's governing body said on Tuesday.

GoalControl will also be used for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 "provided that the performance of the system during this year's Festival of Champions meets all necessary FIFA requirements".

FIFA approved the use of technology to see if a ball has crossed the goal-line last year following a number of controversial incidents.

"The Germany-based company, which uses 14 high-speed cameras around the pitch as part of its GoalControl-4D system, was selected ahead of the three other FIFA-licensed GLT providers who participated in the tender," FIFA said in a statement.

"While all four companies had previously met the stringent technical requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme, the final decision was based on criteria relating more specifically to the tournaments in Brazil, including the company's ability to adapt to local conditions and the compatibility of each GLT system in relation to FIFA match operations."

FIFA said the use of GoalControl-4D in Brazil was subject to a final installation test at each stadium.

Reuters – Tue, Apr 2, 2013 10:15 AM EDT

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Zulham Zamrun, Bintang Yang Bersinar Terang

Zulham Zamrun, Bintang Yang Bersinar Terang - Sinar Terang Zulham Zamrun - Zulham Malik Zamrun, pemuda kelahiran Ternate, 19 Februari 1988, sedang hangat diperbincangkan setelah tampil mengesankan di awal musim Liga Super Indonesia bersama Mitra Kukar. Sejauh ini, Zulham Zamrun sudah mencetak lima gol dari delapan laga awal yang telah dilakoninya bersama tim asal kabupaten Kutai Kartanegara tersebut.

Sejauh ini Mitra Kukar telah melesakkan 19 gol dan tujuh diantaranya merupakan kontribusi dari Zulham. Selain lima gol yang telah dicetaknya, Zulham tercatat memberikan dua assist.

Zulham Zamrun (kiri). ANTARA/Ari Bowo Sucipto)

Kontribusi Zulham semakin kentara karena ketika ia tampil trengginas, timnya selalu menang. Saat menjamu Sriwijaya (sang juara bertahan) di stadion Haji Imbut Kutai Kartanegara, Zulham berhasil mencetak hattrick sehingga timnya menang 4-2.

Zulhma mencetak dua gol lainnya kala membenamkan Persegres Gresik United 3-1 di kandang mereka. Itu merupakan kekalahan pertama Gresik di rumah sendiri. Oleh karenanya, wajar jika pelatih Stephen Peter Hanson selalu mempercayainya sebagai pemain sayap kanan Mitra Kukar untuk membantu Esteban Herrera dan Jajang Mulyana mendobrak pertahanan lawan.

Zulham telah sejak lama diprediksi menjelma sebagai salah satu pemain terbaik Indonesia. Ayahnya, Malik Zamrun, seorang pencari bakat Persiter Ternate, berjasa besar mendidiknya menjadi pemain bola dengan keahlian dan kecepatan mumpuni. Kedua kakinya bisa berfungsi sama baiknya sehingga walau berposisi asli sebagai gelandang sayap kanan, Zulham kerap kali bergeser ke sisi kiri. Kepalanya juga lumayan bisa diandalkan, sejauh ini dia telah mencetak satu gol melalui sundulan kepalanya.

Zulham mengawali karir profesionalnya di tahun 2006 dengan bergabung bersama Persiter Ternate. Hanya semusim, Zulham lantas bergabung dengan Persigo Gorontalo. Di sini, Zulham bermain selama dua musim dan menorehkan enam gol dalam 29 pertandingan. Selepas dari Persigo, Zulham lalu pindah ke Pro Titan (Pro Duta) pada musim 2009-2010 tempat dia bermain dalam 18 pertandingan dan mencetak tiga gol.

Karier Zulham semakin melejit setelah bergabung dengan klub kebanggaan LA Mania, Persela Lamongan. Sepanjang musim 2010/2011, dia bermain dalam 22 pertandingan serta mencetak enam gol. Penampilan gemilangnya menarik minat Mitra Kukar yang sedang bersiap membangun tim impian. Zulham berada dalam kerangka tim yang dipersiapkan menghadapi Liga Super Indonesia 2011/2012 dengan pemain bintang sekaliber Ahmad Bustomi, Hamka Hamzah, hingga Nemanja Obric.

Zulham, pemain bertinggi 172 cm, bermain cukup baik musim lalu dan mampu mencetak tujuh gol. Pemain bernomor punggung 7 ini pun dipertahankan manajemen untuk musim 2012/2013. Pilihan yang tepat, lantaran penampilan Zulham semakin baik. Di awal musim saja, dia sudah mencetak lima gol dan mengantarkan Mitra Kukar untuk sementara ini menempati posisi pertama klasemen Liga Super Indonesia dengan 16 poin.

Di tim nasional, adik Zulvin Zamrun (pemain Persiba Balikpapan) pernah bermain sebagai pemain pengganti dalam pertandingan persahabatan antara timnas Garuda menghadapi Arab Saudi asuhan Frank Rijskaard 7 Oktober 2011 lalu. Zulham juga masuk timnas U-23 asuhan Rahmad Darmawan yang meraih perak di SEA Games 2011.

Perjalanan karier Zulham masih panjang dan sepertinya sinarnya akan semakin cerah jika dia tidak cepat puas dan terus bersikap profesional. Jika keadaan sepak bola Indonesia semakin membaik, tenaga Zulham jelas akan bisa sangat bermanfaat bagi tim Merah Putih. Dan jika Zulham terus menunjukkan penampilan terbaiknya, sepertinya Mitra Kukar tidak perlu lagi mengontrak Andriy Shevchenko.

Oleh Football Fandom | Arena – Sel, 26 Feb 2013 15:51 WIB

READ MORE - Zulham Zamrun, Bintang Yang Bersinar Terang

Misteri Helm Suporter Sepak Bola

Misteri Helm Suporter Sepak Bola - Jika Anda biasa menyaksikan Persib Bandung bertanding, tentu Anda memperhatikan betapa gemarnya para bobotoh menggunakan helm saat mendukung tim kebanggaan mereka di stadion — baik di stadion Siliwangi maupun Si Jalak Harupat.

Memakai helm saat menonton pertandingan sudah jadi ciri khas mereka. Tetapi mengapa?

Ada yang bilang, para bobotoh memakai helm sebagai pertanda mereka sudah siap tawuran. Jadi begitu ada aksi lempar batu, kepala mereka sudah aman terlindung. Tetapi anggapan ini dibantah salah seorang bobotoh bernama Andreas Marbun. Alasan bobotoh memakai helm sederhana saja, agar helm tidak hilang, kata Andreas.

Pendukung Persib tidak hanya tinggal di wilayah Bandung, tapi juga banyak daerah sekitarnya misalnya Ciwidey, Garut, Pengalengan, Lembang, Cimahi, dan daerah-daerah di sekitaran Bandung. Banyak dari mereka datang mengendarai sepeda motor sehingga apabila helm hilang, akan jadi masalah besar. Mereka akan kesulitan pulang. Selain bisa ditilang polisi, berkendara tanpa helm juga berbahaya bagi keselamatan.

Kondisi ini berbanding terbalik dengan Semarang. Di kota ini, justru banyak keluhan terhadap banyaknya suporter PSIS — baik Panser Biru maupun Snex — yang tidak memakai helm saat berkendara ke stadion Jatidiri.

Ketua Panser Biru Mario Baskoro menjelaskan, banyak suporter PSIS yang meninggalkan helm mereka di rumah sebab beberapa waktu lalu terjadi kasus kehilangan helm di stadion. Ketua Snex, Rendra Kusworo bahkan mengatakan, anggota Snex yang tidak tertib berlalu-lintas ketika menonton terancam dicabut keanggotaannya.

Persoalan helm bagi suporter ini bagai buah simalakama. Di satu sisi, meninggalkan helm di rumah tentu berbahaya. Di sisi lain, memakai helm terus-menerus ke dalam stadion tentu jadi bahan olok-olok. Perlu ada sinergi antara aparat keamanan, panitia pertandingan, dan suporter untuk bersama-sama menjaga keamanan.

Polisi dan aparat keamanan internal stadion (di Liga Inggris disebut Steward) saat pertandingan perlu juga diingatkan agar serius menjaga keamanan jalannya pertandingan. Seperti di Eropa, tugas mereka adalah memantau suporter dengan menghadap ke tribun untuk memastikan tidak ada gesekan antarsuporter selama pertandingan. Bukannya malah menghadap lapangan, menonton pertandingan secara gratis.

Kembali ke persoalan helm. Sebenarnya, ini potensi bisnis bagus untuk manajemen klub. Banyaknya suporter sepak bola yang menggunakan helm menunjukkan sepeda motor menjadi moda transportasi utama suporter. Nah, jika digarap dengan jelas, manajemen bisa menjajaki kerjasama dengan perusahaan sepeda motor agar mereka bisa jadi sponsor klub.

Semoga sepak bola Indonesia bisa lebih baik dan aman bagi siapa saja.

Oleh Football Fandom | Arena – Sel, 2 Apr 2013 18:36 WIB

READ MORE - Misteri Helm Suporter Sepak Bola

Beckham was in cruise control against Messi and Co... so, should England really bring him back?

Beckham was in cruise control against Messi and Co... so, should England really bring him back? - Say what you like about David Beckham’s return to the Champions League in Paris on Tuesday night but one thing is beyond question. There was never any doubt that, at 37, the former England captain would look entirely at home.

As the dust settled on PSG’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Barcelona at the Parc des Princes the debate over Beckham’s influence on the game began.

Some thought the midfielder's contribution had been enough to catapult him straight back in to the England team. Others – rather less generously – suggested PSG had actually improved once he was substituted with 20 minutes left.

Greatness: Lionel Messi and David Beckham shake hands before the game

Holding his own: There was never any doubt that Beckham could handle this kind of occasion

BUT IT'S A 'NON' FROM L'EQUIPE

Beckham seemed to hold his own against the celebrated Barcelona midfield last night, but he failed to impress leading French sports newspaper L’Equipe.

In the player ratings he was given only three out of 10 – the worst of any player on the pitch. The verdict claimed: ‘He sometimes found some precision with his right foot to create an opening or two. But he didn’t make much impact, he lacked rhythm and he is was sometimes off the pace.

'He lost the ball to allow Barca to open the scoring (38th minute). He was replaced by Verratti (70th), who was more resolute.’

Personally, I was somewhere in the middle.

Beckham certainly did enough to warrant his surprising selection. It remains a privilege to witness him pass a football and his understanding of time and space remains sharp.

For what it’s worth, I thought the late PSG rally that came after his removal was merely a home team summoning one last push and gaining some momentum, as often happens

Nevertheless, I think the argument – if indeed there is one – about a return to the England set up remains fatuous. Beckham is no longer an international footballer. It’s as simple as that.

To really help England – and goodness they need it – Beckham would perhaps need to be a few years younger and a little more mobile. He would need to be able to play a couple of games in short succession. Are we back to the Rio Ferdinand debate again? Maybe we are.

Beckham would not look out of place. He can still play. He can still find a pass. His presence in an international dressing room and on the training field may certainly lift a few chins.

Quarterback: Beckham operated from a deep position and helped PSG reduce Barcelona's attacking threat

Deep-lying playmaker: Beckham spent most of his time against Barcelona in his own half but covered a lot of ground

But England coach Roy Hodgson needs to look forwards. He needs to look beyond a World Cup in Brazil for which we may not even qualify.

Beckham has already given his country more than it ever asked of him, certainly more than it ever deserved. The memories of his stellar moments remain pin sharp. He has his place in the pantheon and he certainly worked hard for that.

Let us leave it there, though. Let’s not sully the legacy.

Taking names: Beckham receives a yellow card from Wolfgang Stark

Seeing Beckham returning to the Nou Camp – scene of his greatest club moment with Manchester United in 1999 – next week will be a wonderful thing. As only he can, Beckham has managed to stage manage one last farewell to some of football’s greatest venues.

But let us leave it at this. Let Beckham eek the last drops of energy and life out of his club career. That is entirely his prerogative. But let us not see him in the white of England again.

We perhaps do not quite need him, no matter how mundane we are. And – just as pertinently – he surely does not need us.

Eek it out: Beckham should continue at club level but England do not need him - and he does not need them

Dailymail.co.ukBy Ian Ladyman : 08:58 GMT, 3 April 2013 | : 12:33 GMT, 3 April 2013

READ MORE - Beckham was in cruise control against Messi and Co... so, should England really bring him back?

The curious case of Nicolas Anelka

The curious case of Nicolas Anelka - When Fabio Quagliarella opened the scoring in the Derby d'Italia with a trademark spectacular strike on Saturday, he made a point of running over to the Juventus dugout at San Siro to celebrate with one of his team-mates. It was Nicolas Anelka.

More acknowledgment was to come later in the game too.

After restoring Juventus' lead in the second half, Alessandro Matri also sought Anelka out. They embraced. It was as if he had played a part in another Juventus goal and their 2-1 victory.

And yet, how could he have done? He was on the bench as is nearly always the case.

"I prefer a difficult assist to an easy goal," Anelka told Hurrà Juventus shortly after joining the club. Managing two without even being on the pitch is certainly difficult, an unprecedented accomplishment perhaps.

After the game, the assembled journalists were understandably curious to know why Quagliarella and Matri had credited their goals to Anelka.

"He told us that we would score," Quagliarella revealed. "We're only too happy to dedicate them to him."

Earlier in the week France Football had asked on their front page: "What is [Anelka] doing [at Juventus]?" Bringing them powers of prediction maybe?

Seriously, though, Anelka has played just 23 minutes since his arrival in Turin at the end of the January transfer window.

Whether the situation suits him or not has been a matter of some debate. Judging by his post on Twitter last Thursday denying a report that he was considering rescinding his contract, one can assume that it does.

Anelka was under no illusion about what his role at Juventus would be. General manager Beppe Marotta laid it out in no uncertain terms.

"Anelka is a stop-gap reinforcement," he said. "We have to patch up an emergency situation."

The emergency Marotta was referring to arguably wasn't really worthy of the status. True, Juventus were experiencing difficulty scoring at the time Anelka's private jet landed at Caselle airport on January 26.

Frustratingly, they had drawn three of their last four games 1-1 and would be knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Lazio the following evening.

This led some to labour under the misapprehension that Anelka was signed to solve that problem. He wasn't. Until Fernando Llorente completes his move from Athletic Bilbao in the summer, Juventus are prepared to make do in the meantime.

Far from being identified as a possible number one striker, Anelka was brought in as their number five. Unlikely though it is that it was sold to him in these terms, he was simply a replacement for the injured on loan Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner.

As you can maybe imagine the response to Anelka's arrival was pretty underwhelming, particularly when it looked at one point like Juventus would be signing his former Chelsea and Shanghai teammate Didier Drogba.

A poll in La Gazzetta dello Sport showed that 76% of readers thought Juventus didn't need him. Two months later, they probably feel justified.

But as became apparent in the Derby d'Italia, Anelka has brought something to Juventus and that believe it or not is peace of mind, both, and I jest, in his predictions and, above all, in knowing that they're covered should anything happen to Quagliarella, Matri, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco. Saturday's opponents Inter don't have that.

When Diego Milito suffered a horrific season-ending injury in February, they were caught short. The purchase of Tommaso Rocchi as a deputy had been a token gesture and so unconvinced were Inter by him that they even gave a brief and unsuccessful trial to John Carew. He hadn't played in nearly a year.

"His present physical condition would need a lengthy period of fitness work not compatible with the needs of the club," a statement read.

Anelka wasn't exactly fit and raring to go for Juventus after a year in Shanghai either. Marotta admitted as much at his official unveiling: "We know that at the moment [his] physical condition isn't excellent."

The difference was that Juventus had greater depth in the position than Inter. They could afford Anelka the time to get in shape and in sync to be ready should he ever be called upon.

Even taking that into account, it still beggared belief, though. Anelka had signed a five-month contract. What was the point of it if he were to spend much of that time working on his fitness?

His last goal of any note in a major league was on August 20, 2011. In a worst case scenario, would he have been in a state to help Juventus? Fortunately for them, it hasn't come to that. But at least in the event that it does they have an option.

That Anelka is happy to be that guy has led some to question his motives. He's 34 and could still contribute on a regular basis somewhere if he wanted to. Does not doing so make him a mercenary? To some, yes. Juventus legend Zibi Boniek is one of them.

"To me, he stopped being a footballer two years ago," he told France Football, "but he's very smart and very good.

"He always finds a club. He succeeds in finding what he wants. It's amazing how you can manage a career, still earning money when you're no longer a footballer.

"Too bad I'm not Anelka's agent, who I always liked as a footballer. Because you're selling a product you don't see. It's beautiful, is it not?"

Behind the cynicism, Boniek makes a good point, even if Anelka is earning approximately seven times less at Juventus what he was at Shanghai Shenhua, his monthly wages dropping from €920,000 net to a reported €120-140,000 net. It's still not bad, though, is it?

In fairness to Anelka, he presumably could have gone to play in Qatar and made more money if he'd instructed his agents to find a club there. Instead he told them to look for one in Italy.

When Juventus were offered his services and replied that they'd be interested, why wouldn't he want to go to the champions of Italy, play in a new stadium in a new country and in one of the best leagues in the world?

"I wanted to be at all the teams that I've played for," Anelka told Hurrà Juventus. In this case, you get the feeling he's being sincere.

"I haven't come to take anyone's place," Anelka insisted. That's not a lack of ambition but the sort of selflessness that Juventus coach Antonio Conte demands of his players.

To his credit, by all accounts he has been a consummate professional, a team player too. He trains, goes home and keeps his head down. A leader of one of Juventus' fan clubs likes how he's never seen out at night.

He has been respectful and hasn't taken the mickey like someone who was there simply for the money might be.

He even lives in Turin, not outside the city like the other players, instead choosing an apartment in via Filadelfia of all places, the street where Torino's hallowed old ground resides. It's a working class part of town. Not exclusive by any means.

It has led to the impression that Anelka is human, humble even despite his wealth. It's all rather bizarre.

Anelka is in Juventus' squad for tonight's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. One wonders what his prediction is.

By Eurosport | Pitchside Europe – 9 hours ago

READ MORE - The curious case of Nicolas Anelka

Is elite tennis now just a case of last man standing?

Is elite tennis now just a case of last man standing? - Tennis has become steadily more gladiatorial and it is losing a lot of quality because of the ‘last man standing’ nature of the matches at the highest level.

Many of the ATP finals are about one player outlasting another, and the concept of pure tennis does not come into it, sadly. It is a great shame that players have to concentrate all of their efforts on simply surviving physically.

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, winners in Miami and Indian Wells

A classic example was at the Miami Masters when the final between Andy Murray and David Ferrer simply came down to conditioning and the two players taking themselves to their limits in terms of fitness.

I am a Murray fan, but it was not great tennis: it was an error-strewn contest decided by the Brit’s astonishing levels of fitness and strength; it was a difficult match to watch with two players giving absolutely everything in tough conditions.

Novak Djokovic and Murray are the top two players in the world right now because they are fitter than anyone else and can outlast their opponents under all sorts of difficult situations and in testing match after testing match.

Rafael Nadal has relied upon his superior intensity and fitness levels for a long time at the top of the game, and his strength and power continues to see him thrive despite a spate of long-term injury problems.

But is this all we want from the game that we love? Do we just want to see marathon finals decided by one player outlasting another?

I am far from the biggest purist, but I sometimes despair when I see this survival tennis becoming such a theme in the modern game.

The last couple of tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami have left me increasingly concerned for the future of the sport, with American TV networks even cutting away from matches because of their seemingly endless plodding.

There has to be a solution, however, and I believe that it is to quicken up the courts – to shorten the rallies and to restore the game to be focusing primarily upon shot-making and not purely on fitness levels.

The sport is fast becoming a question of ultra fit players slogging it out on desperately slow courts, and the benchmark of a so-called good match is how long it lasted. This has to change, because spectators and TV networks are fast losing interest.

The courts at Indian Wells and Miami were shockingly slow, and this is becoming an issue across the board. Even at Wimbledon, the courts are slower by the year and that is not conducive to pure, attacking tennis.

No one wants to see consistently defensive play from the top players, and the issue of fitness should be a secondary aspect behind the quality of the shots that are produced at the top level. After all, why do we watch tennis if it is not to admire the play of the best in the world?

The talent is being taken away from the tennis, and incredibly gifted shot-makers are being crushed due to them not having enough strength or stamina – we will never again see a young player burst onto the scene in an exciting way because of how difficult it is to compete physically. An immensely talented player such as Grigor Dimitrov has not had a sniff of a Grand Slam, whereas in other eras perhaps he could have stunned the world.

The players have to put so much into matches that it is impossible for them to maintain such a high intensity throughout the season – this means that there are always going to be very serious blips in form and drops in quality. It has to be a real concern.

Tennis at the very highest level has totally changed, even in the last five years, and it is far too attritional now. We want to see the very best of the top players, and the courts and the approach has to change, because the game is only going in one direction.

By Eurosport | Simon Reed – 12 hours ago

READ MORE - Is elite tennis now just a case of last man standing?

Balotelli is the cherry on top

Abate: Balotelli is the cherry on top - Ignazio Abate has hailed teammate Mario Balotelli as the "cherry on top" of the AC Milan squad.

The former Inter starlet has been in scintillating form since returning to Italy in January, netting seven times in as many games, a run of form which has propelled the Italian giant to third in Serie A and made the club a favorite to achieve Champions League qualification.

Abate, speaking to the club's official website, says the Rossoneri are benefiting from boasting a spine through the team which understands the core values of Milan and that is fronted by the prolific new striker.

Abate: Balotelli is the cherry on top

"The president gave us Balotelli in January. He's the cherry on top our cake, he makes the team dangerous," he said.

"Now the spine of [a lasting] team is being built and it’s an Italian one that understands what it means to wear these colors."

The 26-year-old then turned his attention to Fiorentina ahead of next week's trip to Florence.

Milan is currently in pole position to secure the third and final Champions League spot ahead of the Viola, who trail Massimiliano Allegri's men by six points.

Abate says the team is well prepared for the clash due to the significance of the fixture.

"This is a team that plays with a knife between its teeth and we can make life difficult for any team," he added. "[The match against Fiorentina is a] big game for Champions League qualification, but right now we're in good shape both physically and mentally."

By Shane Callaghan | Goal.com – Sun, Mar 31, 2013 3:54 PM EDT

READ MORE - Balotelli is the cherry on top

Soccer-Little respect for Saints from Easter Sunday visitors

Soccer-Little respect for Saints from Easter Sunday visitors - Newell's Old Boys spoilt San Lorenzo's Easter Sunday with a 1-0 win in the Saints' first Argentine championship home match since Pope Francis became their most famous fan.

Argentina winger Maxi Rodriguez did the damage with a superb goal in the 37th minute of a match at the Nuevo Gasometro that had begun in a party atmosphere.

Striker Ignacio Scocco was inside the Newell's half when he received a clearance from his goalkeeper and he threaded a fine low ball that split the defence for Rodriguez to run onto and steer home under Saints keeper Pablo Migliore.

Newell's went joint top on 16 points from seven matches in the "Final" championship standings, although Lanus can pull three points clear again if they beat Quilmes at home on Monday. San Lorenzo are in mid-table with nine points.

The Saints lined up for a team photo before kickoff in front of a large red and blue banner adorned with a picture of Jorge Bergoglio, the Argentine pope who has been a club member since his childhood.

The Saints had enjoyed a victory, 1-0 away to Colon in Santa Fe, in their first match after the papal annoitment but league action was interrupted last weekend for World Cup qualifiers.

Martin Palermo's Godoy Cruz are third with 14 points after they came from behind to beat San Martin 3-2 away in an exciting Andean "clasico" in San Juan.

Ten-man Boca Juniors held Independiente 1-1 in Sunday's big derby at the Libertadores de America stadium in the capital between two of Argentina's top clubs.

Boca had defender Cristian Cellay sent off in the 11th minute, then had goalkeeper Agustin Orion to thank for saving a 17th minute penalty from midfielder "Rolfi" Montenegro before striker Santiago Silva gave them the lead in the 38th.

Independiente, beset by relegation worries, equalised through Paraguayan defender Claudio Morel Rodriguez in the 63rd minute.

River Plate are fourth with 13 points after being held 0-0 at home on Saturday by title holders Velez Sarsfield, winners of the "Inicial" championship in the first half of the season.

Diego Cagna resigned as coach of Estudiantes after their 1-0 home loss to Racing Club in La Plata on Saturday. Estudiantes have picked up only three points from three draws.

Reuters – Sun, Mar 31, 2013 8:32 PM EDT

READ MORE - Soccer-Little respect for Saints from Easter Sunday visitors

Chelsea has had a 'great' season

Chelsea has had a 'great' season - Chelsea is enjoying a "great" season which could get even better, claims manager Rafa Benitez.

The 52-year-old is in a fine mood after his side overcame Manchester United in their FA Cup quarterfinal replay on Monday to set up a Wembley clash with Manchester City, while the team remains in the hunt for Champions League qualification and faces Rubin Kazan in the Europa League.

"It's a great season. It could be even better. It's important for everyone here. We worked so hard at Old Trafford [in the first game] and we deserved to win in the end," Benitez told reporters after the win.

"Against a very good United team, we had one or two chances to settle the game. They had one or two to score but we deserved it."

Benitez: Chelsea has had a 'great' season

The Spaniard was criticized for making a number of changes to the side which fell to a 2-1 loss at Southampton on Saturday but insists that he did what he had to do to negotiate a schedule of six games in 16 days and warns against overreaction over a single result.

"Before the international break, we played against United, Steaua Bucharest and West Ham. We were the best in the world after those games," Benitez added. "Then we lost against Southampton on Saturday and we're the worst in the world. You have to have balance.

"The priority for us is to finish in the top four, we know that, but at a top side you have to win each competition."

By Husmukh Kerai | Goal.com – 1 hour 9 minutes ago

READ MORE - Chelsea has had a 'great' season