mardi 31 décembre 2013

Stoke City FC Everton FC Live Stream Watch Online Free

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How To Watch Swansea City AFC Manchester City Free Live Stream 01.01.2014

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dimanche 29 décembre 2013

Giroud steers Arsenal back to Premier League summit

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Olivier Giroud ended a seven-game scoring drought to help Arsenal beat Newcastle United 1-0 and return to the top of the Premier League while Everton moved back into the top four with a 2-1 defeat of Southampton on Sunday.

France striker Giroud, who had not scored in all competitions since Nov. 23, got the faintest of touches to glance a Theo Walcott free kick into the net midway through the second half.

Romelu Lukaku, who had not scored for Everton in five games, scored the winner for Roberto Martinez's side three minutes after Gaston Ramirez cancelled out Seamus Coleman's early opener.

Arsenal, with 42 points, are one point clear of Manchester City after 19 games. Everton, in fourth on 37, leapfrog rivals Liverpool, who play Chelsea later on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur host Stoke City in Sunday's other match.

Arsenal's visit to Newcastle promised goals after the North Londoners won 7-3 when the teams clashed on the same day last year, but this encounter soon descended into a more stolid affair with both defences well on top.

Arsenal kept possession neatly, but without injured playmaker Mesut Ozil, lacked incision and failed to create a chance of note in the first half.

Newcastle came close to taking the lead in first-half injury time when Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny palmed a shot from Moussa Sissoko over the bar and defender Mike Williamson hit the crossbar with a header from the resulting corner.

It looked to be heading towards a draw when Arsenal struck the decisive blow. Walcott's free kick was perfectly angled into the box and Giroud got in between the Newcastle centre backs to feather a delicate header into the net.

It could have been 2-0 moments later but Walcott missed two chances to put the game to bed, with Newcastle keeper Tim Krul saving his first shot while his follow-up effort was cleared off the line by Mathieu Debuchy.

There was a frenetic finale but Arsenal's defence held out to ensure they go into the New Year on top of the table for the first time since 2007-08, to provide manager Arsene Wenger with some festive cheer.

"There was a big satisfaction because we surprised many people and we want to go on from here," he said.

"We played two away games and got six points against West Ham and Newcastle and as you can see the team is ready for a fight. Let's keep fighting and trying to develop the team."

Everton, who played more than 60 minutes of their defeat to Sunderland on Thursday with 10 men, seemed to be rejuvenated with their full quota on the field and took the lead after nine minutes.

Seamus Coleman, cut inside, switched the ball to his right foot and fired an angled shot into the net for his fourth goal in his last seven Premier League games.

Ross Barkley missed an easy chance to make it 2-0 early in the second half from eight metres and that appeared costly when Ramirez levelled with a thundering shot from distance.

Parity lasted only a few minutes as Lukaku ran onto a pass from James McCarthy and the Belgium striker took one touch and fired home from 12 metres.
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Ozil out for up to three games with shoulder injury - Wenger

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 Arsenal's Germany international Mesut Ozil will be out for up to three matches with a shoulder injury, manager Arsene Wenger said on Sunday.

Ozil, who joined Arsenal from Real Madrid for a club-record fee on the final day of the close-season transfer window, suffered the injury in their 3-1 win over West Ham United on Thursday.

Ozil misses Sunday's match at Newcastle United and their match against Cardiff City on Jan. 1. He is also a doubt for their FA Cup third round clash against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Jan. 4.

"I would have loved him here (at Newcastle) but he had a shoulder problem, he fell on his shoulder. He will be out for two-to-three games," Wenger told Sky Sports.
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samedi 28 décembre 2013

Stoke manager Hughes charged with improper conduct

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 Stoke City manager Mark Hughes has been charged with improper conduct for his coat-throwing touchline tantrum during the 5-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle United on Thursday, the FA said.

In a statement on their website (www.thefa.com) on Friday, the FA said: "It is alleged that his behaviour in or around the 40th minute of the fixture amounted to improper conduct".

In an ill-tempered contest, Stoke had two players, Glenn Whelan and Marc Wilson, sent off.

Hughes reacted histrionically to the dismissal of Irish international midfielder Whelan in the first half and threw his coat behind him into the air when he was sent to the stands by referee Martin Atkinson.
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Everton FC - Southampton FC, 29 Dicembre 2013 Premiere league

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On Sunday, 29th December at 14:30 (CET), Everton FC will host Southampton FC at Goodison Park for Round 19 of the 2013/2014 English Premier League. The Toffees look to rebound after a disappointing Boxing Day loss against the visiting, injury-riddled Saints

Everton dropped a golden opportunity last week to pick up some points towards a top 4 finish, instead losing to last place Sunderland after Tim Howard was rightly shown red in the first half. That loss snapped a 10-game unbeaten streak. However, the Toffees have still lost only 3 of their last 37 league games at Goodison Park where they've also gone undefeated in their last 7 matches against the Saints in all competitions. While the loss on Boxing Day was disappointing for Roberto Martinez, he is confident his side will respond well here against the surprise team of the season. Howard and Gareth Barry sit suspended, joined on the sidelines by injured Gibson, Deulofeu, and Kone. Baines is unlikely to return but Mirallas is expected back.
Southampton romped to an impressive Boxing Day win at Cardiff City 3-0. Jay Rodriguez continued his torrid form by netting an early brace, which saw his side snap a 6-game winless streak. Pochettino's men now face a stern few tests against Everton and then Chelsea and will want to prove their credentials as a top 8 club. Injuries/suspensions are piling up for the Saints, however, and they'll be without the services of Wanyama, Boruc, Guly, Fox, and Schneiderlin, while Osvaldo, Clyne, K Davis and Lovren are doubts. The Saints would love a draw here and may play for one, so expect Everton to control much of this game from the outset.
 
Everton FC - Southampton FC

2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 19
Date: 29.December.2013 - 14:30 CET
Stadium: Goodison Park - Liverpool
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
 
Possible line-ups
 
Everton:
Keeper: Robles
Defenders: Coleman, Oviedo, Jagielka, Distin
Midfielders: Osman, McCarthy, Barkley, Mirallas, Pienaar
Forwards: Lukaku
Manager: Roberto Martinez
Injured: Kone, Gibson, Deulofeu
Booked: -
Southampton:
Keeper: Gazzaniga
Defenders: Chambers, Fonte, Shaw, Yoshida
Midfielders: Schneiderlin, Rodriguez, Cork, Davis, Lallana
Forwards: Lambert
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Injured: Osvaldo, Wanyama, Boruc, Guly
Booked: -
 
Head-to-Head
 
 Last Meeting: 21.01.2013, Southampton - Everton 0:0
Wins Everton: 36
Wins Southampton: 20
Draws: 16
 
Betting tip/prediction
 
The unfortunate loss of Tim Howard last game meant Everton would lose their first home match of 2013. However, they were down to 10 men for most of the match. With a near-full squad eager to bounce back after Thursday's defeat, the Toffees should claim a positive result against the Saints
 
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Newcastle United - Arsenal FC, 29 Dicembre 2013 Premiere League

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Newcastle maintained their electric form on Boxing Day with a 5-1 thumping of Stoke City. That game looked to be a trap for the Toons at the outset, but 2 red cards from Stoke saw the game turn into a frenzy of opportunities for the home side. They've now won 7 of their last 9 Premier League games. Alan Pardew's side rarely experience a draw, so this game could get very entertaining as both sides will fancy their ability to win. Loic Remy netted another 2 goals on Boxing Day and his good form will be needed here as he plays against long-time admirer Arsene Wenger. Newcastle fans will be all up for this one, so expect a stadium in full voice as the game gets underway, lending the home side a welcome boost. Ryan Taylor is out, while Jonas Gutierrez faces a late fitness test.
Arsenal enter the weekend in first place after capturing a 3-1 comeback win to West Ham. Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski starred, grabbing all the goals and handing their team a much-needed boost after lengthy injury spells. The Gunners had been winless in their previous 4 games in all competitions, but to be fair, they faced the likes of Chelsea, Napoli (CL), Everton, and Man City. The next 5 or so games look very favorable for the away side as their schedule lightens up a bit before their February stretch of Liverpool, Man United, and Bayern Munich (CL). Thus, emphasis for a result here Sunday will be paramount as they could very well take a stranglehold on first place for the foreseeable future. Aaron Ramsey limped off on Boxing Day and will join Oxlade-Chamberlain, Diaby, and Sanogo on the sidelines. Koscielny is a doubt but is very close to a return.
Newcastle United - Arsenal FC
2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 19
Date: 29.December.2013 - 14:30 CET
Stadium: St. James Park - Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Referee: Lee Probert
 
Possible line-ups
 
Newcastle:
Keeper: Krul
Defenders: Santon,, Coloccini, Williamson, Debuchy
Midfielders: Gouffran, Cabaye, Tiote, Sissoko, Ben Arfa
Forwards: Remy
Manager: Alan Pardew
Injured: R. Taylor
Booked: -
Arsenal:
Keeper: Szczesny
Defenders: Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs
Midfielders: Walcott, Wilshere, Arteta, Ozil, Podolski
Forwards: Giroud
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Injured: Chamberlain, Ramsey, Sanogo, Diaby, Koscielny
Booked: -
 
 
Head-to-Head
 
Last Meeting: 19.05.2013, Newcastle - Arsenal 0:1
Wins Newcastle: 58
Wins Arsenal: 59
Draws: 34
 
 
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Chelsea v Liverpool 29 Dicembre 2013 Premiere League

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Chelsea v Liverpool Betting Preview
A treat on Sunday at the top of the table as just one point separates these two sides who both have their noses in the title race. Chelsea are one point to the good over Liverpool and will at least be hoping that their unbeaten home record this season stays in tact. The Reds continued to struggle away from home as they were beaten by Man City at the Etihad on Boxing Day. Will there be a sting in their tail as they head to Stamford Bridge in search of a response
 
Chelsea v Liverpool Betting Tips:
Jose Mourinho of course has never lost a home game in the Premier League with Chelsea, and he may have his work cut out here to maintain that record. Chelsea have done tactically well on the road against title rivals this season, taking a point away at Manchester United and at Arsenal, setting up to get a point from the outset in those games. They are a different animal at home, when they attack a lot more, but how much can he open up, because Liverpool bring the pace to trouble them at the back. So Mourinho’s tactical prowess is really going to be put on the line here. The Blues took a 1-0 home win over Swansea on Boxing Day, and yet again it was another case of total dominance with the ball, but unable to put up a convincing scoreline. A goal from Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s top scorer this season, was enough to settle the game. They should have had a lot more though. After a defensive display at Arsenal, Chelsea have scored just the one goal in their last two games. What a difference a player like Luis Suarez, who can put the ball in the back of the net, would make to the Blues.
Their form at home, if not always the performances, has been convincing, having posted eight wins and no losses from their nine Premier League home games so far. In a big defensive improvement too, Chelsea have kept back to back clean sheets. There has to be an air of caution from Mourinho here, because Chelsea have had their problems at the back against quick attacks, and it could mean that this game will go under 2.5 goals at a price of 6/5, even though 66% of their home games have gone over this season. There’s a lot at stake here to suggest a tight game will happen. Mourinho would be happy with a 1-0 win and that is trading at 9/1 with Paddy Power in the Correct Score market, while a 1-1 draw at 6/1 would see a repeat of last season’s corresponding fixture. What could help Chelsea, who haven’t won in their three previous home games against Liverpool in the league, is that the Reds have struggled on the road this season. Brendan Rodgers’ men have lost three and won just one of their last five away games.
They were celebrating on their last trip to London though, as they beat Spurs 5-0. They head to the weekend down in fourth place after starting Boxing Day at the top of the table. Despite taking the lead at the Etihad, Liverpool came undone, not helped by some dodgy looking decisions by the officials, it has to be said. Still, the defeat ended a four game winning streak and they are still a side with plenty of form. They really went hammer and tong at Man City in a great open, attacking game on Boxing Day. They look very dangerous on the break with pace and can trouble Chelsea. Luis Suarez failed to find the back of the net for the first time in five league matches, but still he is trading as the best option at 5/4 in the Anytime Goalscorer market. What will give Liverpool some confidence is they haven’t lost on their last three visits to Chelsea in the league, taking two wins and a draw. Both Teams To Score could be a good option as Liverpool haven’t been great with the clean sheets this term, having conceded fifteen in nine on the road
 
 
Chelsea FC - Liverpool
Premier League: Round 19
  Sunday, December 29, 5:00 p.m.
  Stamford Bridge
  Referee: Howard Webb
 
 
 
Chelsea FC:
  Guardian: P. Cech
  Defenders: C. Azpilicueta, J. Terry, David Luiz, A. Cole
  Backgrounds: Ramires, F. Lampard, Oscar
  Forwards: E. Hazard, Fernando Torres, J. Mata
  Coach: José Mourinho
  Absent: R. Bertrand, M. Van Ginkel

Liverpool:
  Guardian: S. Mignolet
  Defenders: G. Johnson, M. Skrtel, M. Sakho, A. Cissokho
  Backgrounds: Lucas Leiva, J. Allen, P. Coutinho, J. Henderson, R. sterling
  Forwards: L. Suarez
  Coach: Brendan Rodgers
  Absent: S. Gerrard, D. Sturridge, J. Enrique
 
External Influences / Referees
In recent years, Liverpool is success at Stamford Bridge, yet the Reds rank has often been disappointing compared to Chelsea. The Blues could restore the situation, especially since they have not lost at home since January 2013. Premier League for almost two years, Chelsea FC was beaten only 4 times on his land!
 
 
Head-to-Head
Last confrontation:
April 21, 2013: Liverpool - FC Chelsea - Liverpool 2-2

  Last 10 Duels
  Chelsea wins: 3
  Liverpool Wins: 5
  Draws: 2
 
predictions
 
In this clash at the top, Chelsea FC could take a serious advantage as Liverpool just drop this week and most importantly, the Reds linked together a 2nd big sign in the space of a few days. With a bench and provided more due to the absence of Gerard and Sturridge in the camp Reds FC Chelsea should achieve a good result on this day!
 
 
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vendredi 27 décembre 2013

Negredo keeps up scoring run as Man City sink Liverpool

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 Alvaro Negredo kept up his sparkling home scoring record, grabbing the winner as Manchester City came from behind to beat title rivals Liverpool 2-1 in a rip-roaring Premier League showdown on Thursday.

City moved up to second in the table, one point behind Arsenal, after rallying from a goal down thanks to a header from Vincent Kompany and a first-half stoppage-time strike from Negredo.

Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet was at fault for Negredo's goal as he palmed his 18-metre effort up and into his own net. It was the ninth consecutive home game in all competitions in which the Spaniard has scored.

Third-placed Liverpool, who gave as good as they got in a pulsating game, went ahead after 24 minutes when Raheem Sterling rounded keeper Joe Hart and Philippe Coutinho slotted the ball into an empty net.
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jeudi 26 décembre 2013

Male players deserve more recognition than women, says Ibrahimovic

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Players in the men's soccer team deserve to get more recognition than their female counterparts in Sweden and people should stop whipping up a gender storm about it, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said.

The Sweden captain spoke out after his country's FA was slammed for presenting midfielder Anders Svensson with a new Volvo for breaking Thomas Ravelli's record of 143 international caps.

However, when women's midfielder Therese Sjogran failed to get similar recognition at the same soccer gala despite earning a record 187 caps, the move was widely criticised.

"With all respect for what the ladies have done, and they've done it fantastically well, you can't compare men's and women's football. Give it up, it's not even funny," the Paris Saint Germain striker said in an interview with the Expressen newspaper published on Wednesday.

"When I come out in Europe they compare me to (Lionel) Messi and (Cristiano) Ronaldo. When I come home they compare me to a female player.

"With all respect for the ladies, they should be rewarded in relation to what they generate (financially).

"I was asked (by Swedish media) in the summer who was the better player, me or (Sweden striker) Lotta Schelin.

"You're joking with me, right? When I've broken all these records, this goal record, the goals in the national team, who shall I compare it to? Shall I compare it to whoever has the record, or the ladies?"
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Manchester City vs Liverpool 2-1 Highlights 26.12.2013

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Manchester City vs Liverpool FC 2-1 All Highlights And Goals 26-12-2013 

Manchester City Goals

Vincent Kompany '31

Alvaro Negredo'45

Liverpool Goals

Philippe Coutinho '24


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mercredi 25 décembre 2013

Suarez is best player in world, says Gerrard

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England captain Steven Gerrard has acclaimed Liverpool team mate Luis Suarez as the best player in the world on current form.

In 12 appearances this season the red-hot Uruguay striker has scored 19 goals to fire Liverpool to the top of the Premier League. That is six more than his nearest rival, Argentina and Manchester City forward Sergio Augero.

Suarez's prolific streak has earned him a new long-term contract at Anfield where he has overcome widespread misgivings after several controversial incidents including one last season when he bit the arm of Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

"On current form he's the best player in the world," Gerrard said of Suarez.

"Lionel Messi's out injured and Cristiano Ronaldo's had a bit of an injury of late," the Liverpool skipper told Sky Sports television, referring to the number one players at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

"He (Suarez) is certainly the best striker out there. He's proving that with his minutes-to-goals ratio."

The Ivanovic incident resulted in a 10-match domestic suspension that meant the Liverpool striker missed the start of this season.

The 27-year-old Suarez has this season become the first Liverpool player to score at least twice in five consecutive home matches.

He is on course to surpass the Premier League record of 34 goals shared by former England strikers Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.

Cole achieved his haul with Newcastle United in 1993-94. Shearer's was with Blackburn Rovers in 1994-95.

"He will certainly push it close," said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers after Suarez bagged two goals in a 3-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday. "He looks like he can score a hat-trick in every game."

Liverpool visit Manchester City, who are one point behind the leaders in third place, on Thursday.
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samedi 21 décembre 2013

Messi slams Barca vice president over contract comments

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Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has hit out at Javier Faus over comments the club vice president made questioning the need to improve the Argentine World Player of the Year's contract.

In unusually strong language for the mild-mannered 26-year-old, Messi told Catalan radio broadcaster RAC1 Faus knew "nothing about football" and denied demanding improved terms to the deal he signed in February that ties him to the Spanish champions until June 2018.

Faus, who oversees economic affairs at Barca, told RAC1 this month he did not understand why Messi would need a better contract given that he had only recently agreed a new one.

"Mr. Faus is a person who knows nothing about football and he wants to run Barcelona as if it were a company and it is not," Messi said from Buenos Aires, where he is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury.

"Barcelona is one of the biggest clubs in the world and deserves to be represented by the best managers as well," he added.

"And apart from that, I remind you that neither I nor anyone in my circle has ever asked for either an increase (in salary) or a contract renewal. And he (Faus) knows that very well."

The spat between Messi and Faus is unlikely to have any lasting repercussions, particularly as the player has denied wanting more money.

Club president Sandro Rosell sought to calm the waters on Thursday, telling reporters he had not discussed the issue of an improved contract with Messi but adding that his office door was "wide open" any time Messi wanted to talk.

"I have no doubt that Messi should be the best-paid player in the world because he is the best footballer on the planet," Rosell said.

Messi's wages are the highest of any soccer player at up to $21.2 million a year, according to a list compiled by Forbes magazine in May.

He was the third-highest earner overall including sponsorship deals behind number one David Beckham and second-placed Cristiano Ronaldo
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Bayern Munchen vs. RCA Casablanca 21.12.2013 Club World Cup final

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German giants Bayern Munchen are hot favourites to win the Club World Cup, but they will have to be wary of hosts Raja Casablance, who are looking to produce another major upset and win the trophy on home soil. The Bavarians were seen as the number one candidates for the title even before the tournament started, and they arrived in Morocco in confident mood in spite of suffering the first defeat of the season to Manchester City. However, having won their Champions League group, while creating a seven-point advantage at the top of Bundesliga standings, Pep Guardiola’s side were looking to finish the 2013 in style. And while they did not have an easy job against Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, the Bavarians recorded a 3-0 victory to set up a clash with Raja Casablanca in the final. Raja Casablanca didn’t exactly do much to deserve an appearance at such a big tournament, apart from winning the Moroccan championship last term and qualifying as a representative of the host country. And with the team sitting in 9th place in the new league campaign, nobody really expected they would be able to go far at the Club World Cup. Nevertheless, Faouzi Benzarti’s side impressed to defeat Auckland City and Monterrey, reaching the semi-finals in the process. And just when everybody thought the game against star-studded Atletico Mineiro side would be the end of the road for them, Raja Casablanca recorded a 3-1 victory to reach the final. They did all they could to meet Bayern, but a heavy defeat are waiting them. Good luck to you!
-Probable Lineups:Raja Casablanca: 61 Askri, 03 El Hachimi, 21 Kerrouchi, 28 Guehi, 27 Benlamaalem, 16 Oulhaj, 08 Chitibi, 99 Erraki, 20 Iajour, 05 Moutouali, 18 Hafidi
Bayern Munchen: 1  Manuel Neuer, 17 Jerome Boateng, 5  Daniel van Buyten, 27 David Alaba, 13 Rafinha, 21 Philipp Lahm, 39 Toni Kroos, 6  Thiago Alcantara, 7  Franck Ribéry, 19 Mario Götze, 9  Mario Mandzukic
Prediction: 0-4
 
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vendredi 20 décembre 2013

Falcao misses penalty as Monaco fail to go top

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Monaco spurned the chance to lead Ligue 1 when they slumped to a 2-1 home defeat by lowly Valenciennes on Friday after Eric Abidal scored an own goal and Radamel Falcao missed a penalty.

Abidal netted after 30 minutes before Valenciennes' David Ducourtioux made it 2-0 in the 58th. James Rodriguez pulled a goal back in the 84th a minute after Falcao's wasted spot kick.

It was Monaco's first home loss of the season and left them second with 41 points from 19 matches, two behind Paris St Germain who host third-placed Lille (3

Monaco fell behind when their France defender Abidal beat his own goalkeeper Danijel Subasic after the stopper had parried a cross into the path of the former Barcelona player.

The principality team, who were on a five-match winning run, started with Colombia striker Falcao on the bench after a thigh injury had kept him on the sidelines for three weeks.

Falcao eventually came on in the second half but it was Valenciennes who scored again when Ducourtioux beat Subasic from close range at the end of a sharp counter attack.

Rodriguez's goal was too little, too late for Claudio Ranieri's side who were left ruing Falcao's missed penalty.

The result left Valenciennes third from bottom on 14 points but they are now only two points from the safety zone.
9) on Sunday (2000 GMT).
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Milan derby ends 2013 in front of empty stands

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Inter Milan will be out to heap further misery on struggling city rivals AC Milan but unfortunately for the 18-times Serie A champions, their most passionate fans will be absent from the Sunday's much anticipated derby showdown.

Serie A's disciplinary tribunal ordered the closure of the San Siro's Curva Nord section for two games to punish Inter's hardcore supporters for the offensive chants directed at Napoli fans during last weekend's 4-2 defeat.

The decision has outraged both sets of Milan fans, who argue the encounter will now be devoid of its usual vibrant atmosphere, and many have suggested boycotting Sunday's game in protest.

"Inter were right to suggest appealing the decision because a derby without the curvas loses a bit of its appeal. I hope there's news on this before the game," Inter captain Javier Zanetti told reporters.

Despite the muted atmosphere, Inter will be keen to confirm their recent revival under new boss Walter Mazzarri after a miserable campaign last season left them out of Europe.

With one round of games to go before the winter break, Inter are fifth on 28 points having scored 36 goals in 16 games, the most in the league.

However, they are seven points behind third-placed Napoli after losing in San Paolo last Sunday, and they will be hoping Rafael Benitez's side drop points at Cagliari on Saturday (1945 GMT) to keep them in touch with a return to the Champions League.

Milan unexpectedly are floundering in 10th place on 19 points, nine behind their local rivals and 24 points behind leaders Juventus, after winning only four league games.

Despite their mediocre displays, they are the only Italian side to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League and there are hopes that a derby win could launch a similar comeback to last season's, when they came from nowhere to snatch Champions League spot on the final day.

There campaign has been rocked by injuries to strikers Giampaolo Pazzini and Stephan El Shaarawy, boardroom unrest and constant uncertainty over the position of coach Massimiliano Allegri.

On Thursday Silvio Berlusconi said that he will start to have a closer relationship with the club again following his expulsion from the Italian parliament.

"Remember when I arrived we were in Serie B and I promised that I was going to make Milan the best team in the world. No one believed me, not even the players," said Berlusconi.

"Now I will go back to working personally on the team in order to revive it in the league and Champions League."

Unbeaten AS Roma also have to do without their own hardcore support after the Curva Sud section of the Stadio Olimpico was closed for two games following alleged racist abuse directed at Mario Balotelli during their 2-2 draw at AC Milan last week.

Rudi Garcia's side host bottom side Catania on Sunday (1400 GMT).
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mercredi 18 décembre 2013

Barca stroll past Cartagena into King's Cup last 16

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Barcelona eased into the King's Cup last 16 when goals from Pedro, Cristian Tello and Neymar secured a 3-0 second-leg victory at home to third-tier Cartagena on Tuesday for a 7-1 aggregate success.

Barca had to come from a goal down to win the last 32, first leg at the modest club on the south coast, who compete in a division one below Barca's B team, 4-1.

They totally dominated the return at the Nou Camp and breached the massed ranks of the Cartagena defence three times through Pedro's fine 31st-minute effort, Tello's deflected shot with just over 20 minutes left and Neymar's header two minutes from time.

Pedro arrived in the penalty area at the perfect moment to clip a Martin Montoya cross high into the net, before Tello sped on to a Neymar pass and his attempted cross hit defender Mariano and spun past goalkeeper Savu inside the near post.

Spain playmaker Andres Iniesta came off the bench with 15 minutes remaining and it was his perfectly-weighted cross that set up Neymar to score his sixth goal in his last three appearances in all competitions.

Barca, the record winners with 26 Cups, will play top-flight rivals Getafe in the next round after they thumped second-division Girona 4-1 at the Coliseum in the Madrid suburbs to advance 5-2 on aggregate.

Osasuna survived late pressure to see off La Liga rivals Malaga on away goals and will play last season's runners-up Real Madrid or third-tier Olimpic de Xativa in the last 16.

Osasuna came from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Malaga in the first leg and were ahead inside the first minute of the return match at their El Sadar stadium in Pamplona.

Eliseu levelled for Malaga with around half an hour left but the Qatar-owned club, who are struggling in La Liga, were unable to find another goal and the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate.

EASIER PATH

Villarreal won 1-0 at fellow La Liga side Elche to go through 3-2 on aggregate and Levante thrashed second-division Recreativo 4-0 for a 4-1 success over the two legs.

Real still have work to do at home to Olimpic on Wednesday after the tiny club from near Valencia held them to a 0-0 draw on their artificial pitch in the first leg.

Atletico Madrid, who beat Real 2-1 to win the Cup last season, have a 4-0 advantage when they host third-tier Sant Andreu, also on Wednesday.

Barca look to have an easier path to the final, with Real and Atletico on the other side of the draw and on course to meet in the last four.

The last-16 ties and the quarter-finals are in January, the semi-finals in February and the final is at a yet-to-be-determined venue on April 19.
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Arsenal's Wilshere charged over hand gesture at Man City

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Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been charged with making an offensive gesture at the end of the 6-3 defeat the Premier League leaders suffered at Manchester City on Saturday, the FA said.

The England international is alleged to have made an abusive hand gesture towards City supporters at the Etihad stadium.

The incident went unnoticed by match officials but was caught on video and Wilshere has been charged retrospectively by the FA under a new pilot project for potential 'not seen' incidents in Premier League matches.

"Under the new process if an incident has not been seen by the match officials, a three-man panel will be asked by the FA to review it and advise what, if any action, they believe the match referee should have taken had it been witnessed at the time," the FA said in a statement on Tuesday.

"For an FA charge to follow all three panel members must agree it is a sending-off offence. In this instance the panel were unanimous."
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Olympiakos, Zenit handed partial stadium closures

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 Olympiakos and Zenit St Petersburg will play their Champions League round of 16 home games in partially closed stadiums because of racist behaviour by their fans, UEFA said on Tuesday.

The Greek side will have to close the lower tier of the north stand of their stadium in the first leg match against Manchester United on Feb. 25 and have also been fined 30,000 euros.

UEFA said the sanctions were imposed for "the racist conduct of supporters, insufficient organisation, the setting-off of fireworks and the use of a laser" during the group stage match at home to Anderlecht on Dec. 10.

Zenit were sanctioned for incidents during their 4-1 defeat at Austria Vienna and will have to close the area of the stadium which usually houses their ultras when they host Borussia Dortmund, also on Feb. 25.

UEFA said the Russian club had been punished for "the racist behaviour of fans - namely the displaying of a banner - the setting-off and throwing of fireworks and crowd disturbances".

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mardi 17 décembre 2013

Ki unlocks Chelsea with late winner, City cruise

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Substitute Ki sung-Yueng drove in an extra-time winner to take the Premier League's bottom club Sunderland into the League Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday.

Ki smashed home in the 118th minute after being teed up by Fabio Borini, who had come off the bench to force extra time with an 88th-minute equaliser.

In the night's other quarter-final, Edin Dzeko scored twice as free-scoring Manchester City booked their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win at second-tier Leicester City.

Chelsea looked on course to reach the last four after taking the lead when goalline technology adjudged that a combination of Frank Lampard and Sunderland's Lee Cattermole had bundled a cross over the line.

But they were pegged back two minutes from time when on-loan Borini steered an expert finish past two Chelsea defenders on the line from a tight angle.

The hosts then laid siege to the Chelsea goal and were rewarded two minutes from time when Ki smashed home a low drive to send the home crowd wild.

Dzeko made his case for a more regular starting spot in City's star-studded line-up with goals either side of halftime after Aleksandar Kolarov had given the visitors an early lead.

Lloyd Dyer grabbed a consolation for Leicester.

Stoke City host Manchester United and managerless Tottenham Hotspur take on West Ham United in the last two quarter-finals on Wednesday
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Bayern stroll to easy win over Guangzhou at Club Cup

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Bayern Munich made predictably light work of Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande, dispatching the Chinese side 3-0 in their Club World Cup semi-final and hitting the woodwork five times on Tuesday.

Franck Ribery and Mario Mandzukic, aided by poor defending, scored twice in a five-minute spell before halftime to put Bayern in control and Mario Goetze completed the win early in the second half against determined but lightweight opponents.

Guangzhou goalkeeper Zeng Cheng prevented further goals with some good saves in the second half and his team mates defended doggedly to keep the score respectable.

The Bavarians will face either South American champions Atletico Mineiro or Moroccan champions Raja Casablanca, who meet on Wednesday, in Saturday's final.

Bayern completely dominated the first half, with 70 per cent of possession, and sometimes gave the impression they could score at will.

Thiago Alcantara hit the post with a shot on the turn and Toni Kroos blasted a long-range shot against the underside of the bar. The ball bounced down on to the line, back into the play and the referee, with the aid of goal line technology, played on.

The European champions broke through five minutes before halftime when the Guangzhou defence failed to clear the ball and Ribery scored with a shot which went under the goalkeeper.

Four minutes later, Huang Bowen lost possession on the edge of the area and Thiago Alcantara chipped the ball across to the far post where an unmarked Mandzukic stooped to head the second.

The second half had barely started when Goetze added a third with a looping shot from outside the area which took a slight deflection off a defender.

Goetze, Ribery and Xherdan Shaqiri all hit the post as Guangzhou avoided a complete humiliation.
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City suffer blow as Aguero ruled out for a month

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Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out for a month with a calf injury sustained in Saturday's 6-3 win over Arsenal, manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Monday.

The Argentina international hobbled off early in the second half at Etihad Stadium, having opened the scoring with his 13th league goal in 15 matches.

"Sergio has a calf injury," Pellegrini was quoted on the BBC ahead of Tuesday's League Cup quarter-final against Leicester City.

"The doctor can say how many weeks he will be out. I don't know at the moment. I think he will be out for at least one month."

Aguero has scored 48 league goals in 79 matches since joining City in 2011, and is second highest scorer behind Liverpool's Luis Suarez this season.

He has struck up a strong partnership with Alvaro Negredo since the Spaniards arrival from Sevilla, and his absence will give Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, who is returning from injury, an opportunity for a run in the side over the crowded Christmas period.

City's next league match is against Fulham on Sunday, while they have drawn Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.
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Guangzhou Evergrande v Bayern Munich 17.12.2013 FIFA Club World Cup

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Pep Guardiola's side have already lifted the Bundesliga, the UEFA Champions League, the DFB-Pokal and the UEFA Super Cup this year, but could face a tough test against their Chinese counterparts.
Guangzhou have had one of their most successful years as well, they claimed their third Chinese Super League title in October and secured a first AFC Champions League crown a month later.
Marcello Lippi's side have only lost four times in 2013 and will be full of confidence following their 2-0 quarter-final victory over Al Ahly on Saturday.
Bayern are playing in the competition for the first time in its current format and arrive in Morocco top of the league, where they will remain heading into Germany's mid-season break.
Guardiola has won the competition twice before – with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 - and despite their successes this year he has urged his side to remain focused after being disappointed with their performance against Hamburg on Saturday.
"We're flying to Morocco to win the last title this year," he told the club's official website.
"(Against Hamburg) the players already had Marrakech on their minds, we've got to correct that (so) I'll be trying to convince the players that there is still a lot of work to be done."
Like their German opponents, Guangzhou are making their debut in the tournament, and will look to their three South American stars to help them cause an upset.
Muriqui, Elkeson and Dario Conca all shone in their victory over Al Ahly in Agadir, with the latter two scoring the goals in their win.
Brazilian striker Elkeson opened the scoring in the 49th minute, but he knows it will be a tough challenge to overcome the European champions.
"It's going to be a very difficult task," he said. "After all, they won the UEFA Champions League and are the favourites for the Club World Cup.
"We'll need to prepare really well to be in with a chance of knocking the Germans out, because the match is sure to be tricky."

watch match live here link 1 link 2
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Champions League draw reaction

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Reaction to Monday's Champions League last 16 draw:

Manchester City v Barcelona

Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain told Sky Sports: "It's very tough, but we are happy because we are here and we will fight for the trophy.

"It's a wonderful draw and these are two big teams so it's going to be great, great matches.

"The last game we played in Munich, winning against the champions of Europe [Bayern Munich] and that has given us a lot of confidence. We have shown we can score in all matches."

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said to Canal Plus: "It's a tie of exceptional quality to get the competition going again in February.

"They are two teams that attack very well and have a huge amount of talent right from the goalkeepers through to the forward line.

"It seems like it will be a match with everything and it is going to be a tough fight."



Olympiakos Piraeus v Manchester United

Olympiakos coach Michel said: "We are excited and enthusiastic about playing Manchester United at Old Trafford.

"It's a nice destination for our fans and our team to go to. United are a massive club and have a great team so we are expecting two very tough matches.

"We aim to continue our strong performances in this competition in order to stay in it as long as we can."



Manchester United club secretary John Alexander said to Sky Sports: "Once we knew the five possible opponents we were quite relaxed and whoever came out of the pot would have been a good lot for us.

"Manchester United are a very popular club in Greece so there will be big United support when we go to Athens."



AC Milan v Atletico Madrid

AC Milan director Umberto Gandini told la Gazzetta dello Sport: "It could have been worse for us.

"We're going back to Spain to take on a team which we are not used to, as opposed to Real and Barcelona, who we have faced so many times recently.

"We will face Atletico in two months, so we'll have to see how both teams are then. Atletico are very good, are having a great season and will be very tricky opponents."



Atletico Madrid director Clemente Villaverde said to Canal Plus: "We are not talking about just anyone here but a great team with a very significant history that will make them a force in any competition they are part of.

"We obviously have a lot of respect for all the teams but we do not fear anyone.

"We also have our potential and our weapons and we will try to exploit them against any opponent."



Bayer Leverkusen v Paris St Germain

Bayer Leverkusen managing director Michael Schade told BeIN Sport: "We are the underdogs of course. We are already happy we have reached this round. Paris are a top team."



Paris St Germain coach Laurent Blanc told a news conference in Paris: "I don't have to say whether it's a good or a bad draw. It could have been more complicated.

"We avoided (Manchester) City, who, like Arsenal, were the team to avoid. But it's not because we avoided them that we will not be professional in the way we will prepare for the tie.

"Bayer Leverkusen are a team we have a lot of respect for."



Galatasaray v Chelsea

Chelsea club secretary David Barnard told Sky Sports: "We last played them in the Champions League group stage in 2000 and we were successful then, we won 5-0.

"Obviously things are going to be different now. But having looked at that pitch against Juventus I think that might give us a little bit of concern.

"To play at home in the second leg, I think, is always an advantage and if we can go there and get a good result it takes a bit of pressure off us for the home leg."

Regarding the return of Didier Drogba to Stamford Bridge, Barnard added: "Didier will become a Chelsea legend because he gave everybody at the club and the supporters probably their finest moment by stroking that penalty home in Munich, so he will get a fantastic reception.

"We hope that when he soaks up that adulation he'll be too tired to actually play the game. We are looking forward to having Didier back."



Schalke 04 v Real Madrid

Schalke coach Jens Keller said: "This is a fantastic draw, for us as well as for our fans.

"To be able to go up against the most famous club in the world and the likes of Ronaldo, Bale and Casillas is something we are already looking forward to."



Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno told Canal Plus: "It's true that in theory there were stronger rivals in the draw but that's the lottery.

"We have always suffered a lot against German teams and so we have to approach the tie very respectfully and cautiously, prepare well and attend to all the details.

"The return match is at the Bernabeu which in principle is an advantage but we know what can happen in this competition. One bad night in Europe and you are out."



Zenit St Petersburg v Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said: "If you reach the knockout stage you cannot expect an easy draw but if you see the other matchups ours is one we can live with, but it is not easy.

"It does not matter at this point that we play the return game in Germany. They are top in their league and it will be hard."



Arsenal v Bayern Munich

Arsenal club secretary David Miles told Sky Sports: "We always seem to get the rough end of the draw but nevertheless we're optimistic. We're looking forward to both games.

"We ran them (Bayern Munich) very close last year and don't forget we only lost on away goals in the end, so we are hopeful we can turn the tide and actually come through this one."



Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: "They are the leaders in the Premier League and so we have been warned.

"A few months ago we had lost to them in Munich. They are a very tough team.

"We have to take it as it comes. This is not about getting an attractive matchup." (Editing by Kieran Barry)
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lundi 16 décembre 2013

Klose stops Lazio rot with a brace of goals

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Two goals from Germany striker Miroslav Klose, on his return after more than a month out injured, helped Lazio to a 2-0 win over Livorno in Serie A on Sunday.

Fiorentina closed in on the Champions League places with a 3-0 home win against Bologna with Giuseppe Rossi scoring his 13th goal of the season.

Klose struck twice in the space of seven first half minutes, relieving the pressure on coach Vladimir Petkovic who had looked like facing the sack after six league games without a win.

Lazio climbed to eighth place on 20 points and Vincenzo Montella's Fiorentina went fourth on 30 points, only two behind Napoli in third.

Inter Milan will go back into fourth and close the gap on Napoli if they beat Rafael Benitez's side in Sunday's late game (1945 GMT). Leaders Juventus are home to Sassuolo (1730).

Klose's first for Lazio came in the 19th minute when he broke the offside trap and, after fluffing his first effort, slotted home on the rebound.

He pounced again in the 26th minute when a week effort from Hernanes was deflected into his path.

"We talk about Klose as added value not only for his goals but the push he gives the team. The other players benefit from that," said Petkovic. "With a champion like him everything becomes easier."

Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito said Petkovic could rest easier: "I was at Formello (the team training ground) for three days and I realised that the team needed a win to get going again," he said.

"I don't think that we are now in the position where we should fire the coach."I

Fiorentina had no problems with lowly Bologna and opened the scoring after 13 minutes through Josip Ilicic, who fended off two defenders to fire his first goal of the season.

Borja Valero doubled the hosts' lead just before the half hour and chipped the ball to Giuseppe Rossi who lobbed Livorno keeper Giancarlo Curci for the third in the 64th minute.

Torino moved to within six points of European football after goals from Alexander Farnerud and Ciro Immobile gave them a 2-0 win at Udinese.

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin suggested he might quit if results did not improve.

"If it turns out that I am the problem then I am prepared to walk away. I have done it before in my career and I'm ready to do so again if needed," he said.

Genoa failed to build on their recent good run under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, dropping points at home when an injury-time header from Giuseppe De Luca earned Atalanta a 1-1 draw after Andrea Bertolacci had put the hosts in front.

A goal from Eder early in the first half moved Sampdoria four points from the drop zone with a 1-0 win at relegation rivals Chievo while Parma drew 0-0 with Cagliari.

Juventus will look to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to six points with a win against Sassuolo, while second placed Roma travel to AC Milan on Monday night (1945 GMT).
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dimanche 15 décembre 2013

Sociedad hit five, Sevilla hold Bilbao

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Real Sociedad bounced back from their Champions League exit with a resounding 5-1 win over bottom side Real Betis in La Liga and Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Bilbao, fresh from beating leaders Barcelona last time out, were looking to consolidate fourth place but conceded an early goal from Alberto Moreno, who finished well from the edge of the area after four minutes.

Athletic were level moments later when Gaizka Toquero picked up a short back-pass from Federico Fazio and crossed for Markel Susaeta to prod the ball home from close range.

It was a game played at a high tempo and with plenty of goalmouth action, and Sevilla had keeper Beto to thank when he saved a penalty at the end of the first half.

Carlos Bacca handled the ball in the area but Beto guessed right with Susaeta's spot-kick.

Bilbao stayed fourth on 30 points and Sevilla, who came into the game on the back of three league wins, climbed to seventh on 23.

Sociedad lie sixth with 26 points after their win and Betis are two points adrift at the foot of the table with 10 points.

The Basque side struggled with the demands of Europe's top competition, picking up just one point from their group, but they put the disappointment behind them with their third successive league win.

Imanol Agirretxe scored the first of his two goals early on for the hosts before Jorge Molina equalised after 19 minutes.

Ion Ansotegi headed Sociedad back in front soon after the break, while Betis's misery was further compounded through further second half goals by Antoine Griezmann, Agirretxe and Xabi Prieto.

Later on Sunday Atletico Madrid will look to maintain their 100 per cent home record and rejoin Barcelona at the top the of the table on 43 points when they take on Valencia.

Neymar scored twice for Barcelona in a 2-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday as they continued to set the pace but Real Madrid lost ground following a 2-2 draw at Osasuna
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Ronaldo museum opens with space for another 'Ballon d'Or'

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Real Madrid and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo opened a museum in his honour in his birthplace on Sunday, which he said had extra room for the Ballon d'Or and many other trophies to come.

Standing next to his 2008 Ballon d'Or and 125 other individual and team awards dating back to his Madeira childhood, the 28-year-old told reporters the CR7 Museum was a gift to his fans.

"Of course it's a special day, it's the opening of my museum and I am proud," the Portugal forward, who has scored 33 goals this season, said.

"I have room for more trophies. I don't really want to mention specific ones. All I want is to win more awards and if the Ballon d'Or comes, there is extra room here."

Soccer's world governing body named him, Barcelona's Lionel Messi of Argentina and Bayern Munich's French winger Franck Ribery as the three finalists for the 2013 Ballon d'Or award, formerly known as FIFA World Player of the Year.

Ronaldo, this year's World Soccer magazine's player of the year, said he was not desperate to win the most prestigious individual award in the sport.

"The World Soccer magazine's player of the year award was another important trophy but it does not mean I will win the Ballon d'Or. I hope that happens but I am not obsessed about it." The Ballon d'Or results will be announced on Jan. 13.

Despite the frenzy of reporters and fans at the opening, the space is more humble than your average museum.

It occupies the ground floor of a discreet five-storey building, a few hundred metres from the Funchal city centre and with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

With an idyllic sunny day greeting him back, it is easy to understand why Ronaldo took the chance to remember that leaving this place remains his hardest moment as a footballer.

"You can't win anything without sacrifice. Mine was to leave Madeira when I was 11 and try it out at Sporting. To move out to the mainland was the hardest thing in my career".

Curious neighbours stood on their balconies to witness the ruckus, unusual on the quiet island with 260,000 inhabitants, famous for its luxuriant biodiversity, strong-flavoured bananas and fortified wine.

CHIPPED TROPHY

It is not any 28-year-old that has the chance to cut the ribbons to a museum in their name but Ronaldo said his treasure cove deserved it.

"Here is the evidence of what I have won, no one will take it away from here and these were things I wanted to share with my fans, show them what I have already achieved," Ronaldo said.

The first piece on display, probably the smallest, dates back to when Ronaldo was eight and top-scored in a tournament with his first club Andorinha, Portuguese for swallow.

The next youth trophy misspelled his first name, attributing it to 'Christiano', and was half broken, contrasting sharply with the two shiny Golden Boots - won as Europe's top marksman - and a lifesize wax figure of him in a Portugal shirt dominating the main room.

"Does the statue look the same or what?" he asked reporters. "No, I think it looks more handsome (than me)," Ronaldo joked.

Ronaldo paid tribute to Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, who oversaw his rise to stardom over a six-year spell at the English Premier League club, his family and agent Jorge Mendes as some of those who helped him succeed.

All the match balls from games in which Ronaldo scored at least a hat-trick are also on display, the last from a stunning performance in Portugal's 4-2 win over Sweden that earned them a berth at Brazil's World Cup.

The front page of local newspaper Diario de Noticias da Madeira' showed what the museum means to his people back home.

It displayed an eight-year-old Ronaldo wearing an oversized pink shirt while receiving his first trophy with a shy smile under the headline: "Trophies for the world to see".
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samedi 14 décembre 2013

Pantomime season arrives at Newcastle as ref is floored

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Pantomime season arrived at St James' Park on Saturday as Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with Southampton in the Premier League ended in scuffles and the match referee receiving an accidental blow to the face.

Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko sent referee Mike Jones tumbling to the turf with a bloody nose after inadvertently striking him while remonstrating with a Southampton player.

Then near the final whistle a tackle by Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin on Massadio Haidara ended with the goalkeeping coaches of both clubs being sent off after an outbreak of pushing and shoving which had to be stopped by stewards.

"It was a bit of panto season at the end," said Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, who was once in charge of Southampton. "It was tense. One of the players probably didn't act in the best way. We move on."

His Southampton counterpart Mauricio Pochettino was not amused, however, having seen his goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez sent off along with Newcastle's Andy Woodman.

"I think what happened at the end of the game is not a good example. It's not good for football," the Argentine was quoted as saying by the Southampton Daily Echo.

"From our point of view we are going to try our best not to let it happen again because it's not good for anyone, not good for the sport.

"I think it is avoidable but also in a high intensity game such as that any little spark can lead to something else and I think that's what happened."

Newcastle had taken a first-half lead through Yoan Gouffran but Southampton's England hopeful Jay Rodriguez caught the eye again and finished off a flowing move after 65 minutes to earn his side a point.

The draw lifted Newcastle into sixth place on 27 points, four behind fourth-placed Everton, while Southampton are three points further back in eighth.
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vendredi 13 décembre 2013

Monaco exempted from super tax in latest twist

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Monaco were exempted from a super tax on salaries exceeding one million euros on Friday just hours after being told they would have to make the payment.

The National Assembly voted late on Thursday that Monaco, backed by a Russian billionaire, would be required to pay the tax despite falling outside France's tax regime.

But the French government had that amendment suppressed on Friday in the latest twist of the long-running saga.

The government felt that the amendment carried the risk of being unconstitutional and asked the assembly to suppress it, which it did by a vote of 12 to eight.

"We did not want to take a judicial or constitutional risk," Budget minister Bernard Cazeneuve told reporters.

Thursday's amendment, presented by deputy Annick Girardin and voted on overnight, stated that the tax would be collected by the French league on behalf of the State.

The 75 percent tax rate, a 2012 campaign promise of president Francois Hollande, was initially imposed on individuals who earned over one million euros ($1.38 million) a year but after protests by top French executives and actors such as Gerard Depardieu, the government changed the law and made companies offering such salaries liable for the payment.

The tax is applicable to annual revenues above one million euros although there is a five percent cap of a company's turnover.

Top clubs complain it will add up to 20 million euros to their tax bill, although Monaco's turnover is not expected to be sky high.

In 2011-12, when they played in Ligue 2, their turnover was only 21 million euros - compared to PSG's expected 400 million euros in 2013.

Fourteen of the 20 Ligue 1 clubs are expected to be affected by the tax, with Qatar-funded Paris St Germain the hardest hit.

PSG, who have spent more than 200 million euros on transfers since being taken over by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, is expected to pay some 20 million euros.

Last month, the Union of French professional soccer clubs put off a planned strike in protest against the tax.
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mercredi 11 décembre 2013

Borussia Dortmund grab late salvation at Marseille

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 Borussia Dortmund scraped through to the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday when they scored a late winner against 10-man Marseille to triumph 2-1 in Group F.

Defender Kevin Grosskreutz scored in the 87th minute to keep last year's losing finalists in the competition.

Souleymane Diawara cancelled out Robert Lewandowski's early opener as bottom club Marseille looked set to snatch their first point in the group stage.

Dortmund top Group F on 12 points ahead of Arsenal who lost 2-0 to Napoli. All three clubs finished on 12 points but Napoli missed out on head-to-head records.
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Neymar hits hat-trick as Barcelona crush Celtic

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Neymar finally showed the goalscoring touch he has been threatening with a hat-trick as Barcelona shrugged off their recent dip in form with a 6-1 win over Celtic on Wednesday to seal top spot in Champions League Group H.

Gerard Pique stabbed home with seven minutes on the clock and, with Celtic stretched at the back, Pedro and Neymar both finished clinically before half-time.

Neymar had never scored before in Europe but got two more after the break, with Adam Matthews unable to stop the Brazilian's third from going over the line. Cristian Tello completed Barca's scoring with another deflected shot.

Celtic grabbed a consolation goal through Giorgios Samaras two minutes from time.

Barca finish top of the section with 13 points, four ahead of second-placed Milan and five ahead of Ajax, who drew 0-0 at the San Siro.9218
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Porto out after defeat at group winners Atletico

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 Porto will have to settle for a place in Europe's second-tier club competition after their Champions League campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat at Group G winners Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Zenit St Petersburg lost 4-1 at Austria Vienna in the other match in the group but the Russians went through to the last 16 in second place behind Atletico.

The Portuguese side's luck deserted them at the Calderon as Josue had a penalty saved after Raul Garcia's 14th-minute opener and four efforts bounced away off the frame of the goal during the match.

Diego Costa made it 2-0 to Atletico in the 37th minute when he sped clear onto an Oliver Torres pass, rounded goalkeeper Helton and clipped the ball into the net.

Atletico finished with 16 points from six matches, Zenit on six, and Porto and Vienna on five. Porto qualified for the Europa League ahead of the Austrian side due to a superior head-to-head record.

"We had to focus on our match and win," Porto captain Lucho Gonzalez said in an interview with Spanish television broadcaster Canal Plus.

"But unfortunately we conceded some very naïve goals and against a team like this you pay heavily for that," he added.

"We played well and created chances but sadly this wasn't our Champions League this time around and we were justly eliminated."

Needing a win to progress, Porto immediately went on the attack against a second-string Atletico and Jackson Martinez crashed a volley against the crossbar in the eighth minute.

Already assured of first place in the group, Atletico scored from their first genuine chance when Garcia controlled the ball on his thigh and lashed an angled shot into the net off the bar.

Porto came close to a leveller when a Silvestre Varela header bounced off the top of the bar in the 21st minute before Daniel Aranzubia felled Martinez in the area.

The Atletico reserve keeper atoned for his mistake by blocking Josue's tame effort but Porto continued pressing and a deflected Martinez effort hit the outside of a post in the 36th.

A minute later Costa doubled Atletico's lead and although Porto dominated the second half they were unable to breach an Atletico defence that has leaked only three goals in the latest edition of Europe's elite club competition.
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Decisive Galatasaray goal crowns difficult year for Sneijder

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Wesley Sneijder ended a year of contrasting fortunes by scoring the winning goal against Juventus on Wednesday that propelled Galatasaray into the Champions League knockout stages.

Six months ago Sneijder's career was at a crossroads after he was stripped of the captaincy of the Dutch national team, then left out of the side because of a lack of fitness.

His 85th-minute goal is a payback for Galatasaray who paid a reported 10 million euros ($13.8 million) for the Inter Milan midfielder in January. Sneijder admitted recently that the Turkish champions had yet to see the best of him.

The 29-year-old's winner in the snow-delayed Group B tie allowed Galatasaray to progress to the knockout phase at the expense of the Italian champions.

"That goal is very important for me but even more important for the club," said Sneijder, who started his career at Ajax Amsterdam before moving to Real Madrid. "It's great, we fought really hard and deserved to win."

In his first 15 games at Galatasaray, where he arrived to a great reception from supporters, Sneijder was substituted 12 times. He scored only three goals and delivered just one assist last season after his move from Inter, where he had fallen out of favour after refusing to take a pay cut.

"The expectation at Galatasaray was huge but, if I'm honest, I did not live up to it," he said in a recent interview. Sneijder has also had to deal with a litany of injuries that sidelined him in each of the last four seasons.

His confidence was battered when Louis van Gaal took away the captain's armband in June and handed it to Robin van Persie, and this was followed by Sneijder's omission in August for the Netherlands' friendly against Portugal.

The Dutch coach said at the time: "I'm only selecting Sneijder when he is completely fit. He won't be helped by my calling him up now, it's better he stays at the club and continues training."

But, ironically, injury to others propelled Sneijder back into the Dutch side sooner than expected. He helped his country secure World Cup qualification, reasserting his influence and value to his country, just as he has now done with his club.

"This goal, this victory will give me a lot of strength," Sneijder said after Wednesday's narrow win, before stressing that his future lay in Turkey.

Media reports had linked him with a possible move to Manchester United in the January transfer window.

"I am happy here. I have heard the rumours too, but I know as much about it as you," he told Dutch radio.

"It's a recurring ritual - when the transfer market opens, I am immediately linked with all sorts of clubs."
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