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Article 5 – Jan 2009
Across Europe a seasonal cold snap caused mayhem forcing many of the games in England and France to be postponed. The highest profile match was the relegation battle between Portsmouth & Manchester City at Fratton Park. But the lower leagues in England suffered significantly with over ten games being called off in League 2.
The frosty weather in Spain, amusingly lead to a snow ball fight during the Atletico Madrid and Atletico Bilbao game. The game had to be halted for a minute, as the Atletico Bilbao keeper Gorka Iraizoz was being pelted by snow balls by the home fans. A quick announcement over the speaker system put stop to the impromptu fight and the game then went ahead. Unfortunately the actions of the home fans did not serve to help Atletico as they crumbled to a 3-2 defeat. Elsewhere in Spain a resurgent Real Madrid dispatched with Mallorca with a comfortable 3-0 victory goals coming from Raul, Arjen Robben and a first goal of the season for Spanish defender Sergio Ramos.
However, Barcalona struggled away from home, to overcome relegation threatened Osasuna, winning by only 3-2. In a foggy night in Pamplona, Barcelona looked comfortable with Argentine ace Lionel Messi prominent in attack. They soon took the lead a minute before the half time interval courtesy of Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto. However in the second half Osasuna took the game to Barca and consequently equalised and took the lead through goals from Miguel Flano and Walter Pandiani.
With Barcalona staring defeat in the face, they rallied again and equalised through Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez in the 80th minute. Barcalona won the game thanks to a superb effort from Lionel Messi whose individual flare is a real joy to behold. He ran unchallenged for over 30 yards before cutting back onto his left foot and delivering a blistering shot into the top corner. The performance underlined the prominence of the young Argentine who looked unstoppable at times. At only 21, the Argentine is expected to be on the world stage for some time.
The big game in the Premier League at the weekend was a 2nd verses 4th battle as Manchester United took on Chelsea at Old Trafford. The first half was a relatively cagey affair with Chelsea passing the ball all over the pitch, but with no real cutting edge in the final third. The Red Devils seemed subdued and surprisingly registered making their first shot in the 20th minute. But they quickly took the lead at the stroke of half time. Thanks to a well worked corner, Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic was on hand at the back post to nod past Chelsea keeper Peter Cech.
The second goal came just after the hour as Wayne Rooney turned in left back Patrice Evra’s cross to put Manchester United on the right track for a deserved three points. But the game was put into little doubt when Bulgarian Striker Dimitar Berbatov scored from close range with only four minutes to go. The result sees Manchester United five points behind league leaders Liverpool with two games in hand.
Across the continent, footballers and their careless driving habits have been making the headlines once again. In England, Manchester United winger Christiano Ronaldo was involved in a crash that saw him totally write off his Ferrari sports car. Luckily teammate Edwin Van Der Sar was behind him to pick him up and get him to training on time. It’s not just Christiano who has been making the headlines for reckless driving. Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery decided to pull a prank on his team mates which back fired in spectacular fashion. Ribery decided to scare his team mates who are currently on tour in the U.A.E by jumping onto the team bus and proceed to start driving it. Whilst driving around the hotel complex Ribery managed to crash the team bus a fantastic three times.
Over in Italy, David Beckham made his A.C Milan debut against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti surprised everyone by starting Beckham, having previously indicating that he would be starting on the bench. However the game seemed to pass Beckham by, as he looked lacking for pace against left back John Arne Reiise for Roma’s first goal. However Beckham did get back into the game by delivering a number of dangerous crosses but was replaced in the 89th minute and looked a little jaded for his efforts. The final score was 2-2, thanks in part to a well taken brace by Brazilian wonder kid Pato.
Elsewhere in Europe, Russian side CSKA Moscow have snapped up former Japanese coach Zico on a three year contract. The legendary Brazilian coach had recently left Uzbek champions Bunyodkor last month, who in his first season lead them to a league and cup double. He replaces Valery Gazzayev who quit CSKA at the end of the season after leading them to second place in the league.
In Asia, the revamped A.F.C champions league draw saw some interesting ties being created in the group stage. In group E, Nagoya Grampus will make their first appearance in the competition, facing the likes of China’s Beijing Guoan, Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai and A-League side Newcastle Jets. Group F sees reigning A.F.C champions league winners Gamba Osaka take on K-League’s FC Seoul, China’s Shandong Luneng and Indonesia side Sri Wijaya. The first round of matches takes place over on the 10th and 11th of March.
Finally, Portuguese winger Christano Ronaldo has been named the 2008 World Player of the Year in Monaco. Ronaldo beat the likes of Leo Messi, Fernando Torres and Xavi Hernandez to the prestigious award. “It’s an overwhelming moment in my career and I’d like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues.” said Ronaldo on receiving the award. The high paced wingers record tally of 42 goals helped Manchester United sweep to a European and domestic double. Ronaldo is only the second Portuguese player to win this award after Luis Figo’s win in 2001.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Futera or www.futera.com
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