Wolfsburg 2-0 Stuttgart
Dortmund 1-0 Cologne
Hertha 1-0 Hannover
Mainz 2-2 Leverkusen
Nurnberg 1-2 Schalke
Hoffenheim 1-1 Bayern
Bremen 2-3 Eintracht
Freiburg 1-1 Hamburg
Bochum 3-3 Monchengladbach
Wolfsburg started the new season on Friday night in much the same vein as they ended last. After a goalless first half, despite some excellent football from both sides, the champions forged ahead through Zvjezdan Misimovic's wicked curling effort from the edge of the box and last season's top scorer Grafite scored a trademark goal nine minutes from time, bustling his way through the Stuttgart defence and finishing in style to give his side all three points. Title favourites Bayern had fortune on their side at the Rhein-Neckar as Hoffenheim were denied a perfectly fine goal early in the first half. Josip Simunic's header clearly crossed the line by some distance before Michael Rensing clawed it out, but the officials missed it. Worse, Ivica Olic swept home Danijel Pranjic's (left back? Pranjic? What?) cross at the near post. The lead didn't last though as Chinedu Obasi scored a fine goal, set up by a deft touch from the fit-again Vedad Ibisevic.
None of the promoted clubs won, though Mainz took a very early lead against Leverkusen when Tim Hoogland headed in after five minutes. Two goals in as many minutes just before the break sent them in behind as Eren Derdiyok and Stefan Kiessling got the goals, but Mainz rescued a deserved point with Daniel Gunkel's expertly taken free-kick. Nurnberg were second best against Schalke for whom Kevin Kuranyi scored twice either side of the break, rendering Marek Mintal's late goal mere consolation. Freiburg recovered from a Jonathan Pitroipa strike in just the third minute of their game against Hamburg to share the points with Tommy Bechmann's second half equaliser ensuring a split of the points.
A game of two halves at Bochum where the visitors took a half-time lead of 3-0 with Juan Arango, Roberto Colautti and Roel Brouwers on target for Gladbach. Mimoun Azaouagh hit back five minutes after the break and then scored a belter from 25 yards for his second barely a minute later. After Danté was sent off for Gladbach on the hour, Bochum levelled it with Stanislav Sestak's header.
Tamas Hajnal's dangerous free-kick for Dortmund caused havoc in the Cologne defence and Marvin Matip was the unlucky defender who prodded it past his own keeper to hand Dortmund the win. 1-0 was enough for Hertha too who had Gojko Kacar's late goal to thank for the points at home to Hannover. Entertainment and Eintracht don't normally go hand in hand, but a five-goal thriller was served up between the Frankfurters and Werder Bremen. Eintracht were ahead after six minutes through Ioannis Amanatidis, but Mesut Ozil equalised from the spot shortly after. Amanatidis restored the lead before the break, only for Boubacar Sanogo to hit back on the stroke of half-time. Martin Fenin grabbed all three points in the 70th minute, heading home from a corner to hand Eintracht three valuable points.
A great start then for the champions, though Stuttgart look well capable of being right in there again this season. Worse news for Bayern whose squad looks ill-balanced. Players have been brought in with no thought as to how they'll operate. Mario Gomez looks like a signing purely to stop other clubs having him and Danijel Pranjic, one of Europe's better attacking midfielders/second strikers, is playing at left back.
The home of football sarcasm
Monday, 10 August 2009
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Tragedy in Italy for Espanyol
News coming in from Italy says that Espanyol's captain, Dani Jarque, has died during his club's pre-season tour of Italy. Having trained in the morning, he collapsed at the team hotel and couldn't be revived. Needless to say, the tour has been cancelled and the players are on their way home.
Jarque was an Espanyol man through and through having joined the club at the age of 12 and rising through the ranks to the stage at which he found himself, the newly appointed club captain.
Two years ago, Sevilla's Antonio Puerta suffered a similar heart failure during a league match and the deaths of Marc-Vivien Foe and Phil O'Donnell are still prominent in recent memories. No doubt that questions regarding health monitoring will be raised again and the sport as a whole may have some questions to ask. Fortunately these incidents are still very rare, though that fact does not lessen the tragedy of events in Italy.
Jarque was an Espanyol man through and through having joined the club at the age of 12 and rising through the ranks to the stage at which he found himself, the newly appointed club captain.
Two years ago, Sevilla's Antonio Puerta suffered a similar heart failure during a league match and the deaths of Marc-Vivien Foe and Phil O'Donnell are still prominent in recent memories. No doubt that questions regarding health monitoring will be raised again and the sport as a whole may have some questions to ask. Fortunately these incidents are still very rare, though that fact does not lessen the tragedy of events in Italy.
Friday, 7 August 2009
Ligue 1 round 1
Rennes v Boulogne
Valenciennes v Nancy
Auxerre v Sochaux
St Etienne v Nice
Grenoble v Marseille
Monaco v Toulouse
Montpellier v PSG
Le Mans v Lyon
Lille v Lorient
Bordeaux v Lens
Bordeaux kick off the defence of their title at home to promoted Lens and with Yoann Gourcuff signed up on a four-year deal. They also still have Marouane Chamakh available despite his none-too-subtle attempts to engineer a move. With the Moroccan able to leave for nothing in a years time, Arsenal won't improve their offer and he now looks likely to go elsewhere. Either way, he's not hanging about. Fernando Cavenaghi is back to lead the line and Cedric Carraso, probably the best French goalkeeper last season, joins from Toulouse. Last year's runners up have been subject to change with Eric Gerets moving to Saudi Arabia and being replaced with Didier Deschamps. It's all change in the boardroom too, while Gabriel Heinze, Fernando Morientes and Lucho Gonzalez all come into the side. They start up in the hills of Grenoble.
Lyon are also in a period of change. For the first time in ages, they're not defending champions and they're without Juninho and Karim Benzema, both moved on to pastures new. Michel Bastos and Bafetimbi Gomis come in as replacements, but they both look like trade-downs rather than ups. Frederic Piquionne looks to be on his way to the Premier League in England, but Lisandro Lopez is a great signing. They have a gentle start at Le Mans. PSG's main change is Antoine Kombouaré as manager and he's added Mevlut Erding and Gregory Coupet to an otherwise stable squad. Claude Makelele's legs are going to be under pressure to carry him around for another season and they're down south for the opener against Montpellier.
Toulouse fell away a bit last season, but they've managed to keep hold of André-Pierre Gignac after Lyon did their level best to unsettle the player. They're in the Principality this week, but Monaco's top target of the summer - Caen's Steve Savidan - won't be playing. His move to Monaco was called off when his medical revealed a heart defect and the French international has retired. While wishing him well, that leaves Monaco looking short of goals. Auxerre have strengthened, taking Alexandre Licata from Monaco to provide Ireneusz Jelen - very much a one-man band at times last season - some support. They're not going to win the title, but look out for them in the cups and in the frame for Europe. They begin at home to Sochaux who have held onto Vaclav Sverkos, but have little else going for them.
St Etienne have lost Gomis to Lyon, but still have Blaise Matuidi, at least for now. A target for Arsenal, he's still a St Etienne player while up front, more will rest on the shoulders of Araujo Ilan now Gomis is gone. Not that the fans will miss Gomis who had come in for some vocal criticism last season from the terraces. They play Nice who have Mamadou Bagayoko on board and have retained international striker Loic Remy. Lille's young side will miss Bastos, but players like Eden Hazard are a year older, wiser and most importantly, stronger. Mickael Landreau adds quality and experience in goal and they face Lorient this week. Valenciennes will miss their boss of the last few seasons, Kombouaré, and look to have a fight for survival at the top table and a game against Nancy will see how they measure up to their rivals while promoted Boulogne have a tough trip to Rennes for whom Jimmy Briand and the evergreen Mickael Pagis will be the main goal threats.
Valenciennes v Nancy
Auxerre v Sochaux
St Etienne v Nice
Grenoble v Marseille
Monaco v Toulouse
Montpellier v PSG
Le Mans v Lyon
Lille v Lorient
Bordeaux v Lens
Bordeaux kick off the defence of their title at home to promoted Lens and with Yoann Gourcuff signed up on a four-year deal. They also still have Marouane Chamakh available despite his none-too-subtle attempts to engineer a move. With the Moroccan able to leave for nothing in a years time, Arsenal won't improve their offer and he now looks likely to go elsewhere. Either way, he's not hanging about. Fernando Cavenaghi is back to lead the line and Cedric Carraso, probably the best French goalkeeper last season, joins from Toulouse. Last year's runners up have been subject to change with Eric Gerets moving to Saudi Arabia and being replaced with Didier Deschamps. It's all change in the boardroom too, while Gabriel Heinze, Fernando Morientes and Lucho Gonzalez all come into the side. They start up in the hills of Grenoble.
Lyon are also in a period of change. For the first time in ages, they're not defending champions and they're without Juninho and Karim Benzema, both moved on to pastures new. Michel Bastos and Bafetimbi Gomis come in as replacements, but they both look like trade-downs rather than ups. Frederic Piquionne looks to be on his way to the Premier League in England, but Lisandro Lopez is a great signing. They have a gentle start at Le Mans. PSG's main change is Antoine Kombouaré as manager and he's added Mevlut Erding and Gregory Coupet to an otherwise stable squad. Claude Makelele's legs are going to be under pressure to carry him around for another season and they're down south for the opener against Montpellier.
Toulouse fell away a bit last season, but they've managed to keep hold of André-Pierre Gignac after Lyon did their level best to unsettle the player. They're in the Principality this week, but Monaco's top target of the summer - Caen's Steve Savidan - won't be playing. His move to Monaco was called off when his medical revealed a heart defect and the French international has retired. While wishing him well, that leaves Monaco looking short of goals. Auxerre have strengthened, taking Alexandre Licata from Monaco to provide Ireneusz Jelen - very much a one-man band at times last season - some support. They're not going to win the title, but look out for them in the cups and in the frame for Europe. They begin at home to Sochaux who have held onto Vaclav Sverkos, but have little else going for them.
St Etienne have lost Gomis to Lyon, but still have Blaise Matuidi, at least for now. A target for Arsenal, he's still a St Etienne player while up front, more will rest on the shoulders of Araujo Ilan now Gomis is gone. Not that the fans will miss Gomis who had come in for some vocal criticism last season from the terraces. They play Nice who have Mamadou Bagayoko on board and have retained international striker Loic Remy. Lille's young side will miss Bastos, but players like Eden Hazard are a year older, wiser and most importantly, stronger. Mickael Landreau adds quality and experience in goal and they face Lorient this week. Valenciennes will miss their boss of the last few seasons, Kombouaré, and look to have a fight for survival at the top table and a game against Nancy will see how they measure up to their rivals while promoted Boulogne have a tough trip to Rennes for whom Jimmy Briand and the evergreen Mickael Pagis will be the main goal threats.
Bundesliga round 1
Wolfsburg v Stuttgart LIVE on ESPN Sky Ch 417 or ESPN HD Sky Ch 442 Friday 7.30pm
Hertha v Hannover
Nurnberg v Schalke
Mainz v Leverkusen
Bremen v Eintracht
Dortmund v Cologne
Hoffenheim v Bayern LIVE on ESPN Sky Ch 417 or ESPN HD Sky Ch 442 Saturday 5.30pm
Bochum v Monchengladbach
Freiburg v Hamburg
It's back. Europe's most fun league returns and champions Wolfsburg kick us all off on Friday night at home to Stuttgart. Markus Babbel missed out on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to replace Mario Gomez - wage demands for the Dutchman scuppered that deal and he's gone to AC Milan - but they did grab Pavel Pogrebnyak as a replacement. That's pretty much like-for-like. Wolfsburg replaced Felix Magath with Armin Veh, the man that Babbel replaced in Stuttgart, to manage them this season and he's kept the side together. The expected bids from Magath's new side Schalke didn't materialise as the Gelsenkirchen side adapt to a new austere lifestyle, so Misimovic, Grafite and Dzeko will reunite their amazing trio. Dzeko was interesting Milan, but the Bosnian has signed an extension to his contract. As well as Pogrebnyak, Stuttgart also brought in Alexander Hleb for a second stint at the club, on loan from Barcelona. Of all the fixtures you could have picked to open the competition, this is the tastiest.
Last year's surprise package Hoffenheim welcome Bayern in their opener. Having Vedad Ibsevic back from injury is like a new player for coach Ralf Rangnick. The Bosnian fired in 18 goals by the winter break, but a cruciate ligament injury curtailed his season. Josip Simunic arrives from Hertha and Sejad Salihovic will again be the main man. Bayern were expected to recruit strongly but instead spent the summer warning prospective suitors off Franck Ribéry. Ivica Olic and Mario Gomez arrive to add attacking options that weren't really warranted. They needed a goalkeeper, but none came. They needed defenders and only Edison Braafheid arrived from Twente. Danijel Pranjic will add options after his arrival from Heerenveen, but again it's Ribéry to whom the responsibility will fall.
The three promoted sides all have tough openers. Nurnberg go to Schalke with Felix Magath's new side undergoing something of a difficult period. They needed change and none has been forthcoming except off the field. Mainz, whose main aim is both realistic and parochial, will be to finish above Eintracht, and they start at Eintracht's home against Leverkusen who have a tiny squad, in the grander scheme of things, which the enforced retirement of Bernd Schnieder definitely didn't help. This could be a diffcult season for them while Mainz are already on their second manager of the season. Freiburg are at home to Hamburg for whom Ze Roberto is an important signing. Eljero Elia comes in from Twente to add speed to what was a remarkably one-paced side last year.
Hannover look like they'll struggle and they start against an Andriy Voronin-less Hertha. Where the goals come from for the Berliners is a mystery and that could be their undoing. Eintracht are a shambles of a club and they start in Bremen who can no longer rely on Diego to dig them out of holes now he's at Juventus. Marco Marin comes in from Gladbach and lines up alongside Mesut Ozil who starred for the U21s in the summer where Germany won the European Championship. It's a young and exciting midfield for Bremen and it's been years since that's been said. Bochum v Gladbach looks a battle of relegation candidates. Gladbach were lucky to get out of trouble last term and without Marin will struggle to create goals. Dortmund v Cologne looks an exciting fixture and both have new strikers ready to excite. Lukas Podolski returns to Cologne after an unhappy time in Munich while the Argentine Lucas Barrios comes in at Dortmund with a big reputation.
Hertha v Hannover
Nurnberg v Schalke
Mainz v Leverkusen
Bremen v Eintracht
Dortmund v Cologne
Hoffenheim v Bayern LIVE on ESPN Sky Ch 417 or ESPN HD Sky Ch 442 Saturday 5.30pm
Bochum v Monchengladbach
Freiburg v Hamburg
It's back. Europe's most fun league returns and champions Wolfsburg kick us all off on Friday night at home to Stuttgart. Markus Babbel missed out on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to replace Mario Gomez - wage demands for the Dutchman scuppered that deal and he's gone to AC Milan - but they did grab Pavel Pogrebnyak as a replacement. That's pretty much like-for-like. Wolfsburg replaced Felix Magath with Armin Veh, the man that Babbel replaced in Stuttgart, to manage them this season and he's kept the side together. The expected bids from Magath's new side Schalke didn't materialise as the Gelsenkirchen side adapt to a new austere lifestyle, so Misimovic, Grafite and Dzeko will reunite their amazing trio. Dzeko was interesting Milan, but the Bosnian has signed an extension to his contract. As well as Pogrebnyak, Stuttgart also brought in Alexander Hleb for a second stint at the club, on loan from Barcelona. Of all the fixtures you could have picked to open the competition, this is the tastiest.
Last year's surprise package Hoffenheim welcome Bayern in their opener. Having Vedad Ibsevic back from injury is like a new player for coach Ralf Rangnick. The Bosnian fired in 18 goals by the winter break, but a cruciate ligament injury curtailed his season. Josip Simunic arrives from Hertha and Sejad Salihovic will again be the main man. Bayern were expected to recruit strongly but instead spent the summer warning prospective suitors off Franck Ribéry. Ivica Olic and Mario Gomez arrive to add attacking options that weren't really warranted. They needed a goalkeeper, but none came. They needed defenders and only Edison Braafheid arrived from Twente. Danijel Pranjic will add options after his arrival from Heerenveen, but again it's Ribéry to whom the responsibility will fall.
The three promoted sides all have tough openers. Nurnberg go to Schalke with Felix Magath's new side undergoing something of a difficult period. They needed change and none has been forthcoming except off the field. Mainz, whose main aim is both realistic and parochial, will be to finish above Eintracht, and they start at Eintracht's home against Leverkusen who have a tiny squad, in the grander scheme of things, which the enforced retirement of Bernd Schnieder definitely didn't help. This could be a diffcult season for them while Mainz are already on their second manager of the season. Freiburg are at home to Hamburg for whom Ze Roberto is an important signing. Eljero Elia comes in from Twente to add speed to what was a remarkably one-paced side last year.
Hannover look like they'll struggle and they start against an Andriy Voronin-less Hertha. Where the goals come from for the Berliners is a mystery and that could be their undoing. Eintracht are a shambles of a club and they start in Bremen who can no longer rely on Diego to dig them out of holes now he's at Juventus. Marco Marin comes in from Gladbach and lines up alongside Mesut Ozil who starred for the U21s in the summer where Germany won the European Championship. It's a young and exciting midfield for Bremen and it's been years since that's been said. Bochum v Gladbach looks a battle of relegation candidates. Gladbach were lucky to get out of trouble last term and without Marin will struggle to create goals. Dortmund v Cologne looks an exciting fixture and both have new strikers ready to excite. Lukas Podolski returns to Cologne after an unhappy time in Munich while the Argentine Lucas Barrios comes in at Dortmund with a big reputation.
Eredivisie round 2
NEC v Heerenveen
AZ v Sparta
Ajax v Waalwijk
Roda v Groningen
NAC v Heracles
Vitesse v Feyenoord
Utrecht v Willem II
Twente v PSV
VVV Venlo v Den Haag
Top game in the low country this week is in Enschede where PSV are the visitors to the Arke Stadion. After a great start to their Eredivisie campaign last week, Twente were dumped out of the Champions League in midweek to a last minute goal by Sporting's goalkeeper. That's a blow, but a win over PSV will go a long way to restoring the spirit at the club. PSV have goals in them, that much is clear, but huge question marks were posed last week by promoted Venlo who pegged the Eindhoveners back in a 3-3 draw. Amrabat, Toivonen, Afellay et al are going to be a handful and ex-Twente man Orlando Engelaar will relish lining up against his former team-mates. Like every club he coached, Bobby Robson was held in great esteem in Eindhoven and emotion will run high following Robson's death in the week.
AZ will look to kick-start their defence of the title at home to lowly Sparta, presumably without Graziano Pelle and Gil Swerts who were both sent off last week. Ajax face promoted Waalwijk and shouldn't have a problem there. Of all the summer signings, Dennis Rommedahl may just prove the key one for Ajax and the veteran Dane slotted in well in his first game for the club last week. If he can get the best out of Miralem Sulejmani, they're in business. The squad does look bloated though.
Feyenoord won well a week ago and travel to Arnhem in round two. The Rotterdam side are still looking to the ageing pair of Roy Makaay and Jon Dahl Tomasson for goals, but the squad looks better equipped this time around. Relegation shouldn't stalk them this time. Vitesse don't look a great side.
Heerenveen continue to do things their way and with Danijel Pranjic the latest player they've developed to have gone on to bigger things, they'll just have to unearth another one. Pablo Henriques looks to be the main man this time around while NEC, their opponents this weekend, are in something of a transition phase. Groningen make the trip to Limburg to face Roda, week one surprise package Heracles will look to build on the win over AZ at Breda, leaders Willem II go to Utrecht and Venlo have a home game with ADO.
AZ v Sparta
Ajax v Waalwijk
Roda v Groningen
NAC v Heracles
Vitesse v Feyenoord
Utrecht v Willem II
Twente v PSV
VVV Venlo v Den Haag
Top game in the low country this week is in Enschede where PSV are the visitors to the Arke Stadion. After a great start to their Eredivisie campaign last week, Twente were dumped out of the Champions League in midweek to a last minute goal by Sporting's goalkeeper. That's a blow, but a win over PSV will go a long way to restoring the spirit at the club. PSV have goals in them, that much is clear, but huge question marks were posed last week by promoted Venlo who pegged the Eindhoveners back in a 3-3 draw. Amrabat, Toivonen, Afellay et al are going to be a handful and ex-Twente man Orlando Engelaar will relish lining up against his former team-mates. Like every club he coached, Bobby Robson was held in great esteem in Eindhoven and emotion will run high following Robson's death in the week.
AZ will look to kick-start their defence of the title at home to lowly Sparta, presumably without Graziano Pelle and Gil Swerts who were both sent off last week. Ajax face promoted Waalwijk and shouldn't have a problem there. Of all the summer signings, Dennis Rommedahl may just prove the key one for Ajax and the veteran Dane slotted in well in his first game for the club last week. If he can get the best out of Miralem Sulejmani, they're in business. The squad does look bloated though.
Feyenoord won well a week ago and travel to Arnhem in round two. The Rotterdam side are still looking to the ageing pair of Roy Makaay and Jon Dahl Tomasson for goals, but the squad looks better equipped this time around. Relegation shouldn't stalk them this time. Vitesse don't look a great side.
Heerenveen continue to do things their way and with Danijel Pranjic the latest player they've developed to have gone on to bigger things, they'll just have to unearth another one. Pablo Henriques looks to be the main man this time around while NEC, their opponents this weekend, are in something of a transition phase. Groningen make the trip to Limburg to face Roda, week one surprise package Heracles will look to build on the win over AZ at Breda, leaders Willem II go to Utrecht and Venlo have a home game with ADO.
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 17
Cruzeiro 0-2 Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo 3-1 Botafogo
Avaí 1-0 Santo André
Náutico 1-0 Corinthians
Goiás 3-2 Flamengo
Coritiba 0-1 Santos
Palmeiras 1-1 Grêmio
Fluminense 5-1 Sport Recife
Barueri 4-0 Vitória
Atlético-PR clambered out of the relegation zone after a crucial win at Cruzeiro. In a game which saw the home side win the red card count 2-1, Marchino put the visitors ahead just after half time. Gabriel Pimba made the game safe for Atlético two minutes from time. The São Paulo recovery continues after a come from behind victory over Botafogo. Lucio Flavio put the visitors ahead after 20 minutes, but São Paulo went into half time ahead. Jorge Wágner converting from the spot before Washington edged them ahead right on half time. Dagoberto wrapped things up for the Champions in the second half. Avaí made it 7 games unbeaten after a 1-0 victory over Santo André, William with the only goal of the game after 11 minutes. Santo Andre have not won now in their last 6 games.
Náutico picked up their first win since May 24 after overcoming a Corinthians side which is badly missing talisman Ronaldo. Gilmar getting the only goal of the game, converting from the spot just before half time. Goiás moved up into second after victory over Flamengo, the home side were two up in side the first 23 minutes thanks to Amaral and Léo Lima. But Flamengo hit back, Adriano scored from the sport before Serbian Dejan Petkovic equalised 10 minutes from time. Goiás stunned Flamengo though when Iarley grabbed the winner as the game headed into injury time. Coritiba dropped into the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat at home to Santos, Paulo Henrique with the only goal of the game after 20 minutes. The visitors finished with 10 men after Robson was sent off 5 minutes from time for a second bookable offence.
Palmeiras remain top after a 1-1 draws with Grêmio. Cleiton Xavier put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute but the lead didn't last long. Maxi López equalizing for Grêmio three minutes later. Barueri snapped a three game losing streak with a comfortable victory over a Vitória side that fell to it's third straight loss. Luís put Barueri two up at half time before Otacillo Neto and Thiago Humberto wrapped things up in the second half. Amazing scenes at the Maracaña as Sport Recife slumped to the bottom of the table after a humping from Fluminense. It was a first victory for Flu since June 7 as they ran riot. Kieza put "Flu" two up inside half an hour and Roni made it three before half time. Vandinho pulled a goal back for Sport but Carlos Eduardo quickly restored the three goal advantage and Maicon put the icing on the cake in injury time.
Coming up this weekend in Round 18. Internacional are back from their trip to Japan for some meaningless tournament so it's a full round of fixtures.
Botafogo x Atlético Paranaense
Santos x Avaí
Náutico x Santo André
Flamengo x Corinthians
Vitoria x Fluminense
Coritiba x Cruzeiro
São Paulo x Goiás
Barueri x Grêmio
Internacional x Sport Recife (Monday)
Atlético Miniero x Palmeiras (Wednesday)
Monday will see a round up of the first 8 games of the weekend and we'll wrap things up on Thursday with the final two games of the round.
São Paulo 3-1 Botafogo
Avaí 1-0 Santo André
Náutico 1-0 Corinthians
Goiás 3-2 Flamengo
Coritiba 0-1 Santos
Palmeiras 1-1 Grêmio
Fluminense 5-1 Sport Recife
Barueri 4-0 Vitória
Atlético-PR clambered out of the relegation zone after a crucial win at Cruzeiro. In a game which saw the home side win the red card count 2-1, Marchino put the visitors ahead just after half time. Gabriel Pimba made the game safe for Atlético two minutes from time. The São Paulo recovery continues after a come from behind victory over Botafogo. Lucio Flavio put the visitors ahead after 20 minutes, but São Paulo went into half time ahead. Jorge Wágner converting from the spot before Washington edged them ahead right on half time. Dagoberto wrapped things up for the Champions in the second half. Avaí made it 7 games unbeaten after a 1-0 victory over Santo André, William with the only goal of the game after 11 minutes. Santo Andre have not won now in their last 6 games.
Náutico picked up their first win since May 24 after overcoming a Corinthians side which is badly missing talisman Ronaldo. Gilmar getting the only goal of the game, converting from the spot just before half time. Goiás moved up into second after victory over Flamengo, the home side were two up in side the first 23 minutes thanks to Amaral and Léo Lima. But Flamengo hit back, Adriano scored from the sport before Serbian Dejan Petkovic equalised 10 minutes from time. Goiás stunned Flamengo though when Iarley grabbed the winner as the game headed into injury time. Coritiba dropped into the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat at home to Santos, Paulo Henrique with the only goal of the game after 20 minutes. The visitors finished with 10 men after Robson was sent off 5 minutes from time for a second bookable offence.
Palmeiras remain top after a 1-1 draws with Grêmio. Cleiton Xavier put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute but the lead didn't last long. Maxi López equalizing for Grêmio three minutes later. Barueri snapped a three game losing streak with a comfortable victory over a Vitória side that fell to it's third straight loss. Luís put Barueri two up at half time before Otacillo Neto and Thiago Humberto wrapped things up in the second half. Amazing scenes at the Maracaña as Sport Recife slumped to the bottom of the table after a humping from Fluminense. It was a first victory for Flu since June 7 as they ran riot. Kieza put "Flu" two up inside half an hour and Roni made it three before half time. Vandinho pulled a goal back for Sport but Carlos Eduardo quickly restored the three goal advantage and Maicon put the icing on the cake in injury time.
Coming up this weekend in Round 18. Internacional are back from their trip to Japan for some meaningless tournament so it's a full round of fixtures.
Botafogo x Atlético Paranaense
Santos x Avaí
Náutico x Santo André
Flamengo x Corinthians
Vitoria x Fluminense
Coritiba x Cruzeiro
São Paulo x Goiás
Barueri x Grêmio
Internacional x Sport Recife (Monday)
Atlético Miniero x Palmeiras (Wednesday)
Monday will see a round up of the first 8 games of the weekend and we'll wrap things up on Thursday with the final two games of the round.
Copa Sudamericana Preliminary Round 1st Legs Part 1
Universidad de Chile 2-1 Deportivo Cali
Zamora FC 0-1 Emelec Guayaquil
La Equidad Bogotá 2-2 Unión Española
The Copa Nissan Sudamericana got underway this week with the First Round games spread out over the next 6 weeks. Some ties are not scheduled to be completed until the 17th September.
Santiagó was the destination for the first tie in this years competition as Universidad de Chile entertained Deportivo Cali and it was the visitors who went ahead after Sergio Herrera scored just after half time. Juan Manuel Olivera equalised on the hour and then edged Universidad ahead from the spot seven minutes later to give them a slight advantage for the second leg in Colombia. Ecuador's Emelec Guayaquil picked up a 1-0 away win at Venezuela's Zamora, it looked like the tie would finish scoreless before Franco Mendoza scored in injury time to give the visitors a win and a very controversial away goal. Unión Española got off to a superb start at La Equidad when Gustavo Canales put them ahead with just 4 minutes on the clock. Ariel Carreño levelled for La Equidad before an own goal from Sebastian Miranda looked to have given the home side victory. Unión Española didn't give up and a second from Canales deep into injury time after a smart turn and finish levelled things for the second leg.
Zamora FC 0-1 Emelec Guayaquil
La Equidad Bogotá 2-2 Unión Española
The Copa Nissan Sudamericana got underway this week with the First Round games spread out over the next 6 weeks. Some ties are not scheduled to be completed until the 17th September.
Santiagó was the destination for the first tie in this years competition as Universidad de Chile entertained Deportivo Cali and it was the visitors who went ahead after Sergio Herrera scored just after half time. Juan Manuel Olivera equalised on the hour and then edged Universidad ahead from the spot seven minutes later to give them a slight advantage for the second leg in Colombia. Ecuador's Emelec Guayaquil picked up a 1-0 away win at Venezuela's Zamora, it looked like the tie would finish scoreless before Franco Mendoza scored in injury time to give the visitors a win and a very controversial away goal. Unión Española got off to a superb start at La Equidad when Gustavo Canales put them ahead with just 4 minutes on the clock. Ariel Carreño levelled for La Equidad before an own goal from Sebastian Miranda looked to have given the home side victory. Unión Española didn't give up and a second from Canales deep into injury time after a smart turn and finish levelled things for the second leg.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Champions off to poor start: Eredivisie reviews
Willem II 3-1 Vitesse
Sparta 0-2 Twente
Heracles 3-2 AZ
Waalwijk 0-1 Utrecht
Feyenoord 2-0 NEC
Groningen 0-2 Ajax
Den Haag 1-2 Breda
PSV 3-3 VVV Venlo
Ronald Koeman's first game in charge of the champions ended with a defeat and two players sent from the field as AZ's defence of the soup dish started in possibly the worst possible way. Having lost Demy de Zeeuw to Ajax, Koeman started with five at the back against unfancied Heracles. It didn't work. Within an hour, AZ were three goals down as, first, Everton exchanged passes with Bas Dost and burst into the box before firing in from a tight angle. That was after just eight minutes and three minutes after the break, the lead was doubled when Willy Overtoom shrugged off all three centre halves, checked back inside the cover and fired past Sergio Romero. An exquisite free-kick from Mark-Jan Fledderus made it three. AZ came back strongly as Graziano Pelle - fired in through a forest of legs inside the box - and Mounir El Hamdaoui - won the race to a near-post cross - pulled it back to 3-2. Then AZ imploded as Gil Swerts and Pelle were sent off for violent conduct in the dying moments.
Three of the main fancied runners all won 2-0. Ajax eased to a win against Groningen as Miralem Sulejmani - the subject of widespread criticism last season for failing to justofy his hefty price tag - opened the scoring as Ajax played keep-ball around the Groningen box and Dennis Rommedahl, who had set up Sulejmani, stuck the second away to kill the game off to give Martin Jol a win with his new side. Mario Been was also a 2-0 winner as Jon-Dahl Tomasson latched on the horrid defensive header to open the scoring and Leroy Fer added a late penalty. Twente also won 2-0 with Brian Ruiz's inch-perfect lob adding to Blaise N'Kufo's opener. Steve McClaren went away from the rigid 4-3-3 deployed last year to a more conventional 4-4-2 as he's yet to replace Eljero Elia - now of Hamburg - and being without Marko Arnautovic for this one. Maybe he really does have more than one trick up his sleeve.
PSV were held by promoted VVV in a hugely entertaining game. Nordin Amrabat and Ola Toivonen put PSV into a two-goal half-time lead, but Achmed Ahahaoui and Keisuke Honda had levelled it by the hour mark. With eight minute to go, Toivonen's second looked to have won it, but some comical defending was punished by Ruben Schaken's 85th minute equaliser.
NAC got off to a winning start as Anthony Lurling and Matthew Amoah's goals meant Caba Horvath's reply was just consolation for ADO. RKC Waalwijk, the other promoted club, lost at home to a third-minute Ricky van Wolfswinkel goal while Heerenveen and Roda JC couldn't muster a goal between them. Willem II top the standings after round 1 on goals scored after their 3-1 win over Vitesse. Christophe Gregoire and Said Bouthar put them into a half-time lead, but Gregoire then picked up a second yellow in the second half and was duly dismissed. Sinan Kaloglu pulled one back a couple of minutes after the incident, but Arjan Swinkels added a third for the Tilburgers in the last minute to make the game safe.
Sparta 0-2 Twente
Heracles 3-2 AZ
Waalwijk 0-1 Utrecht
Feyenoord 2-0 NEC
Groningen 0-2 Ajax
Den Haag 1-2 Breda
PSV 3-3 VVV Venlo
Ronald Koeman's first game in charge of the champions ended with a defeat and two players sent from the field as AZ's defence of the soup dish started in possibly the worst possible way. Having lost Demy de Zeeuw to Ajax, Koeman started with five at the back against unfancied Heracles. It didn't work. Within an hour, AZ were three goals down as, first, Everton exchanged passes with Bas Dost and burst into the box before firing in from a tight angle. That was after just eight minutes and three minutes after the break, the lead was doubled when Willy Overtoom shrugged off all three centre halves, checked back inside the cover and fired past Sergio Romero. An exquisite free-kick from Mark-Jan Fledderus made it three. AZ came back strongly as Graziano Pelle - fired in through a forest of legs inside the box - and Mounir El Hamdaoui - won the race to a near-post cross - pulled it back to 3-2. Then AZ imploded as Gil Swerts and Pelle were sent off for violent conduct in the dying moments.
Three of the main fancied runners all won 2-0. Ajax eased to a win against Groningen as Miralem Sulejmani - the subject of widespread criticism last season for failing to justofy his hefty price tag - opened the scoring as Ajax played keep-ball around the Groningen box and Dennis Rommedahl, who had set up Sulejmani, stuck the second away to kill the game off to give Martin Jol a win with his new side. Mario Been was also a 2-0 winner as Jon-Dahl Tomasson latched on the horrid defensive header to open the scoring and Leroy Fer added a late penalty. Twente also won 2-0 with Brian Ruiz's inch-perfect lob adding to Blaise N'Kufo's opener. Steve McClaren went away from the rigid 4-3-3 deployed last year to a more conventional 4-4-2 as he's yet to replace Eljero Elia - now of Hamburg - and being without Marko Arnautovic for this one. Maybe he really does have more than one trick up his sleeve.
PSV were held by promoted VVV in a hugely entertaining game. Nordin Amrabat and Ola Toivonen put PSV into a two-goal half-time lead, but Achmed Ahahaoui and Keisuke Honda had levelled it by the hour mark. With eight minute to go, Toivonen's second looked to have won it, but some comical defending was punished by Ruben Schaken's 85th minute equaliser.
NAC got off to a winning start as Anthony Lurling and Matthew Amoah's goals meant Caba Horvath's reply was just consolation for ADO. RKC Waalwijk, the other promoted club, lost at home to a third-minute Ricky van Wolfswinkel goal while Heerenveen and Roda JC couldn't muster a goal between them. Willem II top the standings after round 1 on goals scored after their 3-1 win over Vitesse. Christophe Gregoire and Said Bouthar put them into a half-time lead, but Gregoire then picked up a second yellow in the second half and was duly dismissed. Sinan Kaloglu pulled one back a couple of minutes after the incident, but Arjan Swinkels added a third for the Tilburgers in the last minute to make the game safe.
Monday, 3 August 2009
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Week 16
Botafogo 2-1 Barueri
Sport Recife 0-1 Palmeiras
Corinthians 0-0 Avaí
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Fluminense
Flamengo 1-1 Náutico
Vitória 0-1 São Paulo
Atlético Miniero 3-2 Coritiba
Grêmio 4-1 Cruzeiro
Santo André 1-2 Goiás
Botafogo continued their improvement with a 2-1 win over Barueri. Andre Lima put the home side ahead after a header from Batista was only parried by the Barueri keeper but the visitors were level by half time courtesy of Marcio Careca. The game was heading for a draw before Andre Lima stole all three points with his second goal of the match with a well placed shot from the edge of the box. Palmeiras guaranteed they'd remain top at the end of the weekend after a 1-0 victory in Recife, an own goal from Bruno Teles giving the Big Green a single goal victory.
Corinthians were held to a goalless draw by Avaí, the hosts did hit the bar but were grateful to goalkeeper Felipe for keeping them in the game. Flamengo and Náutico shared the points at the Maracaña in Andrade's first official game in charge of the home team. Gilmar put the visitors ahead in the first half before Leo Moura rescued a point for Fla with 9 minutes left. That was overshadowed by one of the most bizarre sendings off ever, Náutico defender Vagner Silva got a second yellow card for changing his shorts during the match without permission from the referee. After tearing up his first pair of shorts, Silva quickly made the change near to the touchline, but the referee was advised by the fourth official and showed the player a second yellow to the outrage and bemusement of the Náutico players. São Paulo's charge up the table continued with a 1-0 victory at Vitória. Dagoberto with the goal on 73 minutes to lift the Champions to up to eighth.
Atlético-MG kept up the pressure on Palmeiras after a late late show against Coritiba. 2 headed goals inside a minute from Jonilson and Diego Tardelli put Atlético-MG 2-0 up but Demerson halved the lead 5 minutes with a well taken header form a corner. Despite having a host of chances Atlético-MG let Coritiba back in the game when Leozinho broke clear and equalised with 8 minutes left. Atlético-MG weren't to be denied though and won it three minutes from time, Renan Oliveira turning in the box and firing home the winner. The Libertadors hang over continues for a Cruzeiro team that finished with 9 men against Grêmio. Jonathan had already been sent off before Wellington Paulista put Cruzeiro ahead form the spot 5 minutes before half time. Then Thiago Ribero saw a straight red for use of the elbow 5 minutes into the second half and Grêmio took full advantage of the extra players. Réver's header levelled things before Tchecho put Grêmio ahead. Jonas made it three and Maxi López wrapped things up in the last minute. With Internacional having the weekend off Goiás took advantage to move into third with a come from behind victory against Santo André. Pablo Escobar put Santo André ahead after 67 minutes after a bit of a scramble in the penalty area. Iarley levelled 10 minutes later getting in front of his defender to slot home and then Julio César stole all three points in the last minute for Goiás with a quality finish that would have graced any game.
The game of the weekend saw 18th place Atlético-PR entertain 19th placed Fluminense in a crucial 6 pointer. In a game played in driving rain. After exerting heavy pressure in the first half and forcing Flu keeper Kieza into making some crucial saves. The breakthrough though came in the 41st minute, Paulo Baier with a free kick from 25 yards out that flew into the back of the net. Atlético continued to build the pressure but Raul stupidly got himself sent off after receiving a second yellow card with 4 minutes to go. Flu then hit the post and forced Atlético-PR keeper Galatto into an amazing full stretch save to earn the points for Atlético-PR and dump Fluminense to the bottom of the table.
Again there is midweek action in Série A, do these boys ever get a rest? Anyway, here is how the line up for Rodanda 17. Atlético Miniero and Internacional have this midweek round off for whatever reason.
Cruzeiro x Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo x Botafogo
Avaí x Santo André
Náutico x Corinthians
Goiás x Flamengo
Coritiba x Santos
Palmeiras x Grêmio
Fluminense x Sport Recife
Barueri x Vitória
Sport Recife 0-1 Palmeiras
Corinthians 0-0 Avaí
Atlético Paranaense 1-0 Fluminense
Flamengo 1-1 Náutico
Vitória 0-1 São Paulo
Atlético Miniero 3-2 Coritiba
Grêmio 4-1 Cruzeiro
Santo André 1-2 Goiás
Botafogo continued their improvement with a 2-1 win over Barueri. Andre Lima put the home side ahead after a header from Batista was only parried by the Barueri keeper but the visitors were level by half time courtesy of Marcio Careca. The game was heading for a draw before Andre Lima stole all three points with his second goal of the match with a well placed shot from the edge of the box. Palmeiras guaranteed they'd remain top at the end of the weekend after a 1-0 victory in Recife, an own goal from Bruno Teles giving the Big Green a single goal victory.
Corinthians were held to a goalless draw by Avaí, the hosts did hit the bar but were grateful to goalkeeper Felipe for keeping them in the game. Flamengo and Náutico shared the points at the Maracaña in Andrade's first official game in charge of the home team. Gilmar put the visitors ahead in the first half before Leo Moura rescued a point for Fla with 9 minutes left. That was overshadowed by one of the most bizarre sendings off ever, Náutico defender Vagner Silva got a second yellow card for changing his shorts during the match without permission from the referee. After tearing up his first pair of shorts, Silva quickly made the change near to the touchline, but the referee was advised by the fourth official and showed the player a second yellow to the outrage and bemusement of the Náutico players. São Paulo's charge up the table continued with a 1-0 victory at Vitória. Dagoberto with the goal on 73 minutes to lift the Champions to up to eighth.
Atlético-MG kept up the pressure on Palmeiras after a late late show against Coritiba. 2 headed goals inside a minute from Jonilson and Diego Tardelli put Atlético-MG 2-0 up but Demerson halved the lead 5 minutes with a well taken header form a corner. Despite having a host of chances Atlético-MG let Coritiba back in the game when Leozinho broke clear and equalised with 8 minutes left. Atlético-MG weren't to be denied though and won it three minutes from time, Renan Oliveira turning in the box and firing home the winner. The Libertadors hang over continues for a Cruzeiro team that finished with 9 men against Grêmio. Jonathan had already been sent off before Wellington Paulista put Cruzeiro ahead form the spot 5 minutes before half time. Then Thiago Ribero saw a straight red for use of the elbow 5 minutes into the second half and Grêmio took full advantage of the extra players. Réver's header levelled things before Tchecho put Grêmio ahead. Jonas made it three and Maxi López wrapped things up in the last minute. With Internacional having the weekend off Goiás took advantage to move into third with a come from behind victory against Santo André. Pablo Escobar put Santo André ahead after 67 minutes after a bit of a scramble in the penalty area. Iarley levelled 10 minutes later getting in front of his defender to slot home and then Julio César stole all three points in the last minute for Goiás with a quality finish that would have graced any game.
The game of the weekend saw 18th place Atlético-PR entertain 19th placed Fluminense in a crucial 6 pointer. In a game played in driving rain. After exerting heavy pressure in the first half and forcing Flu keeper Kieza into making some crucial saves. The breakthrough though came in the 41st minute, Paulo Baier with a free kick from 25 yards out that flew into the back of the net. Atlético continued to build the pressure but Raul stupidly got himself sent off after receiving a second yellow card with 4 minutes to go. Flu then hit the post and forced Atlético-PR keeper Galatto into an amazing full stretch save to earn the points for Atlético-PR and dump Fluminense to the bottom of the table.
Again there is midweek action in Série A, do these boys ever get a rest? Anyway, here is how the line up for Rodanda 17. Atlético Miniero and Internacional have this midweek round off for whatever reason.
Cruzeiro x Atlético Paranaense
São Paulo x Botafogo
Avaí x Santo André
Náutico x Corinthians
Goiás x Flamengo
Coritiba x Santos
Palmeiras x Grêmio
Fluminense x Sport Recife
Barueri x Vitória
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Caught napping
The Eredivisie kicked off yesterday, catching your correspondent by surprise. August the 1st? That's no time for football. Anyway, Ronald Koeman got off to a losing start with AZ while FC Twente won in Rotterdam against Sparta. Today, title favourites PSV kick off their campaign at home to promoted VVV Venlo, Ajax are at Groningen and there's a quick reunion for Mario Been as his former side NEC are the first visitors to De Kuip to face his new side Feyenoord.
All will be reviewed on completion of the opening round.
All will be reviewed on completion of the opening round.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)