LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!

TRICKY DRAWS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!

After several dramatic weeks in the group stages, the next round of the Champions League is finally here! The games are as follows, AC Milan against Arsenal, Porto versus Schalke 04, Chelsea play Olympaicos, the unfortunate Liverpool play Internazional, Celtic play Barcelona, Lyon play the English giants Man Unt., Roma play Real Madrid and underdogs Fenerbeche play Sevilla. Both Liverpool and Arsenal didn't do well in the group stages and are now paying the price. Sevilla and Chelsea are almost certain of a quarterfinal position since they play the two weakest teams but Barcelona should be cautious of Celtic who have beaten some of Europe's best teams. Porto should beat Schalke 04 since the German team just scraped through the first round. All of these games should be entertaining.

A TRUE TALENT:CESC FABREGAS

Although for the past eight years Arsenal's star has been Thierry Henry, but after he has left for Barcelona they still have a talented star in Spaniard Cesc Fabregas. He has propelled Arsenal to title fighters in the Premiership by putting on some incredible displays and scoring amazing goals. Bought from Barcelona as a teenager he was always overlooked by Arsenal fans as a young player because of the huge talent of Thierry Henry but now he is the club's most talented player and is hugely popular. With a strong left foot, a knack for dribbling and a great passing range he is a perfect striker. And he is still quite young.

A YEAR TO REMEMBER

Although they were defeated in the final, the hugely talented Brazilian womens team were by far the best team in the 2007 Women's World Cup. In an interview before the tournament an
English player quoted "the United States, China and Germany are favorites but anything can happen". But nobody thought of Brazil. They beat the Chinese calmly in a stunning 4:0 display. Brazil then demolished Denmark and New Zealand who where dealt with 5:0. They then overcame a talented Australian team to come face to face with favorites and tournament giants the United States. The United States underestimated the powerful Brazilians. They were crushed 4:0. In that game the United States scored an own goal early on. For the rest of the game Brazilian star Marta took the stage scoring twice. Then as overwhelming favorites in the final they lost crushingly to Germany's aging team. But although they didn't win the Brazilians had played hugely entertaining soccer and played extremely well.

AC MILAN COLLAPSE!

After winning the Champions League last year, few expected that soon afterward the Italian league giants would be struggling to get a win. AC Milan are a team of global superstars like Brazilian midfielder Kaka who ended the Champions League as top scorer. They also have one of the best defenders of all time, captain Paolo Maldini.
Struggling in ninth place in the Italian league with terrible home games such as a recent 0:0 draw with Torino. Although they crushed Sampodria 5:0 away they have lost at home to Italian push overs Palermo. A humiliating 1:0 loss to Italian rivals Roma in Milan has taken things from bad to worse. If the Italian team hope to participate in next season's Champions League they need to play better and win a few games.

AMAZING PREMIERSHIP GAMES!

Manchester United finally lead the table after crushing lowly Middelsbro 4:1 in old Trafford after a spectacular display of attacking soccer. Now ahead of Arsenal they might be able to retain their trophy. Carlos Tevez scored twice, Nani scored an amazing goal and Rooney scored. But there victory is nothing compared to Chelsea's 6:0 crushing of a tough looking Manchester City. Didier Drogba scored twice and Andiry Shevchenko scored his first goal this season which sends them to fourth in the league. Arsenal's fate is in Liverpool's hands for the moment who will play them tommorow at Anfield.

UNITED CRUSH ASTON VILLA!

Today in Villa Park a tough looking encounter with Aston Villa was turned into a show of Manchester United skill. Wayne Rooney made a large spectacle as did Ryan Giggs who scored a goal. After going behind on twelve minutes United Dominated and when Wayne Rooney scored superbly most thought of a draw, but Rooney scored again to lead the Red Devils to victory by halftime. Then in the second half they dominated completely Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs scored to make it 4:1. Even though Aston Villa defended admirably Manchester United, still unbeaten fully deserve this victory. They draw ever nearer to beating Arsenal and retaining the premiership.

CHELSEA IN TURMOIL!

Chelsea are struggling in the Premiership. In a lowly seventh place finish, they are threatened by the loss of the talented Ivorian striker Didier Drogba and the loss of coach Jose Mourinho hasn't helped matters. A terrible draw with Fulham in which Didier Drogba received a red card, a humiliating loss to Manchester United where there strike force was nonexistent and a draw with Blackburn have been very discouraging for a team of global talent. The loss of Dutch play maker Robben over the summer could have effected things but his replacement, tricky French winger Florent Malouda is truly just as talented. Most who hoped they would win the Premiership have now switched there faiths to Arsenal who are first. There mysterious downfall is strange for such a talented team.

UPCOMING PLAYER: VAGNER LOVE

ARSENAL ON TOP!

Arsenal are a fantastic team but with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City all in top form and without amazing French striker Thierry Henry few gave them hope of winning the Premiership. But they have had a number of stunning performances which have propelled them to the top of the Premiership, where they wait for a challenge from Manchester United or Liverpool. Their stars so far have been the Togo-born Adebayor, Spanish star Fabregas and the greatly talented Brazilian born Croatian national Eduardo. They hope to avoid the challenge of Manchester United who are second.

ENEMIES MEET: MANCHESTER UNT. VRS CHELSEA

Yesterday premiership holders Man Unt. beat the Chelsea of temporary coach Grant. The first half saw Man Unt. take the lead after amazing attempts by Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. Chelsea mostly defended although Andiry Shevchenko should have scored. Late in the first half Mikel of Chelsea collected a red card for a violent tackle on Evra but the game wasn't very violent. Teves's amazing flying header after a superb play by Ryan Giggs was good and in the next half Man Unt. dominated like before. Very late on a clumsy challenge by Chelsea resulted with a penalty taken smoothly by Saha to round of a great game full of individual efforts and great team plays.

MLS CRACKER

Ritz has become the new official MLS cracker for some strange and uknown purpose. Such a thing is strange enough without Ritz crackers being it. The question is why would Ritz want to be the official cracker of the MLS in the Usa? It is strange and unexplained. Probably Ritz's aim is only to get soccer moms to buy them for team snacks.

AMAZING SYRIAN GOAL!

NIGERIAN VICTORY

Nigeria have triumphed in the U17 World Cup! Against Spain in the Final the africans won there third title heroically beating the Spaniards in a penalty shootout. The U17 World Cup is now officialy over though its legacy lives on. The highlights include an ecstatic Nigeian team in the final, an amazing win for Tajikstan against the USA, a great Syrian goal against Honduras, Brazils goal avalanche of goals in the first round and England crushing loss against Germany. The Golden Boot goes to Chrisantius of Nigeria while the Golden Ball goes to Toni Kroos of Germany while the allstar team is likely to be a mix of German, Ghanain, Nigerian and Spanish players. Its sad that such a good tournament had to end but it wont be forgotten.

RUDI VOLLER

A superb forward for Germany, Rudi Voller had it all. An interesting hairstyle, headers and a bad boy character. The German star appeared in three world cups (1986, 1990 and 1994). His performances led Germany to victory in 1990 and runners up in 1986. He will never be forgotten in Germany or at Roma were he led the club to high suces.

PERU BEAT TAJIKSTAN IN ROUND TWO

U17:EUROPE OR AFRICA

In Korea a determined Nigerian team knocked out Argentina. Also Peru were beaten by Ghana, who trickily knocked out Brazil. The favorites at this stage are Spain who easily cruised to the semifinals after beating some of the top teams and are challenged by Ghana tomorow. The other team is Germany. They may have a rematch with Ghana who they drew in the group stage. A tight matchup coud go either way. Europe or Africa?

U17 WORLD CUP STEP 2

A dramatic first round ends in a tough looking second round. Belgium, the Korean Hosts and Togo are out along with secret favorites Japan while Syria, Tajikstan, North Korea and Costa Rica are through. The strong Tunisians have topped their Group with surprising and well played victories over the USA, Tajikstan and Belgium. Some stars early on some stars arre under peforming such as Alex Nimo of the USA. The Second round is going to be a hard fought affair, and a classic tournament is far from done.

U17 A CONTINUED SURPRISE!

Costa Rica stunned Korean hosts 2:0. Spain beat Syria but a close game might let Syria go through. Africa are having a great season. Nigeria are a masterclass while Ghana and Tunisia won there first games. Togo are third in their group and might even progress. Brazil and Argentina have started well although on different levels. Brazil are the favorites having scored 13 goals in two games while Argentina's two games resulted in a draw with Syria and a win over Honduras. and the tournaments not done.

U17: A USA NIGHTMARE

A talented American team wholey favorites to progress. But in the first game the unfavored Asians of Tajikistan beat them 4:3 in an epic clash between a huge nation and a small country from Asia. And the underdogs won. A huge upset may leave dead meat in the Americans place. All I can say is good job Tajikistan.

Barcelona 2007

The Catalan team's big season purchase was Thierry Henry from Arsenal. The French star with great ball control, a fierce shot and a pacy run is now as vital a player at Barcelona as he was at Arsenal. One of Barcelona's best players ever, Ronaldinho's partnership with Messi stayed them alive last season and Henry has adapted to the two stars and Eto'o plays well with Henry. Barcelona's wonderful midfield is enforced by Toure from A.S.Monaco who joins Deco, Ronaldinho and Dutchman Gio. Also their strong deffense is joined by two newboys Diego Millito from Zaragoza and Eric Abidal a fullback from Lyon. There second place in La Liga is certain to improve and major force Lionel Messi is a his peak. The team are champions league favorites and their is more to come from the Spaniards.

Surprises in the U17 World Cup

With the U17 tournament in Korea starting suprisingly in the form of a loss for the host against Peru. Also in Group A, Costa Rica and Togo played a tough game (right) ending in a draw. Also North Korea and England drew. Also a heavily favored Argentine side drew with Syria. This high pressure tournament favores Brazil who beat New Zealand 7:0 but if these suprises continue maybe even Tajikstan can win.

WORLD CUP 2006 FINAL

WORLD CUP 2006 FINAL

In a contreversial final Italy beat France but the referees seemed convinced to let Italy win. They had played well but France were better. Up until Zidane's sending off France dominated largely and Italy had played to survive. France were being fouled continously and although this did not justify Zidane's headbutt they should have won. In a penalty shootout luck won it for Italy seeing french veteran Trezeguet hitting the crossbar. So, Italy won justly though France deserved of victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a highly succesful 22 year old. A skilled freekick taker with high morale and speedy fineshes, his high celebrity profile and good looks have made an idol in the premiership and there is more to come from Ronaldo. His great preformance in the world cup helping Portugal come 4th had proved his endurance. His goals are spectacular and this Portugese star is a alltime great.

Welcome

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