Impassable Enyeama continues streak

Vincent Enyeama was once again ‘Man of the Match’ for Lille against Marseille on Tuesday (December 3) in the French Ligue 1. The Nigerian crossed the 1000 minute mark without letting in a goal at the 57th minute of the encounter which his side triumphed by a lone goal.The goalie took his record to 1035 minutes, inching closer to the all-time record held by Gaetan Huard, formerly of Bordeaux, who went 1176 minutes without conceding during the 1992-93 season.Since September 15, Enyeama has yet to pick the ball from his net capping it with high class and decisive saves.

 Impassable Enyeama continues streak

Born on August 29, 1982 in Aba, located in the southeast part of Nigeria, he began his career at Ibom Stars before signing for Enyimba then Iwanyanwu (now Heartland FC).In 2005, he left Nigeria for Israel, signing for Bnei Yehuda FC and later Hapoel Tel Aviv with whom he played 164 games in four years. In 2011, he was transferred to Lille but quickly joined Maccabi Tel Aviv on-loan after failing to break into the first team.The experience at Tel Aviv did count and he returned to Lille as custodian of the position between the sticks.For the national team, he has made over 80 appearances, appearing at four Africa Cup of Nations, 2004 (third), 2006 (third), 2008 (quarter-finalist), 2010 (third) before finally laying his hands on the trophy in 2013.He was at the FIFA World Cup in 2002 as a substitute but was in the post for the Super Eagles during 2010 edition in South Africa.His talent and exploits was celebrated on the cover page of renowned French sports daily, L’Equipe on Wenesday, December 5 issue.

Read More

BUNDESLIGA STARS ON UEFA 2013 SHORTLIST

Nyon, Switzerland - 2013 has been a year of undoubted success for German football, and for FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund in particular. The two sides dazzled Europe by reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League at Wembley in May, which the Reds won 2-1.Now, a host of stars from both sides, including seasoned veterans as well as first-time nominees, have been recognised for their efforts by European football’s governing body with a place on the shortlist for the UEFA.com user’s Team of the Year 2013.

 BUNDESLIGA STARS ON UEFA 2013 SHORTLIST

Bayern dominate

Of the 40 players shortlisted in total, no fewer than 13 ply their trade in the Bundesliga. From quadruple-winners FC Bayern, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Müller have all made the cut, as have debut nominees Mario Mandzukic, David Alaba and Dante.

Dortmund are represented by Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gündogan, Marco Reus andRobert Lewandowski, all of whom are in the running to feature in a UEFA.com team of the year for the first time. Voting is now open and will close on Thursday 9 January 2014, with the definitive team set to be named on UEFA.com on Wednesday 15 January.

More about: FC Bayern München >

More about: Borussia Dortmund >

Everything about the Bundesliga > Bundesliga table > Bundesliga matchdays and fixtures >

Read More

Casemiro to stay at Real Madrid

Real Madrid youngster, Casemiro, will not be allowed to leave Madrid in the January transfer window, to rubbish any rumors.Casemiro has found game time at the Bernabeu difficult since making his move from Sao Paulo permanent this summer after impressing on his loan move to the B team.Real Scoidad and many other teams have been looking at the 19 year old, but with Sami Kherdia out injuried for the Spainsh giants, Casemiro will kept for cover in the midfield position, reports FootballEspana.Casemiro made his first appearance for Real in the last round of Champions League action and impressed his coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Read More

LANDREAU BREAKS RECORD AS BASTIA HELD

Mickaël Landreau made a record 603rd top-flight appearance on Wednesday but his SC Bastia side were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man AC Ajaccio in the Corsican derby.

AC Ajaccio 1 - 1 SC Bastia


Florian Raspentino gave Bastia an early lead in a game played behind closed doors on neutral territory at the Stade Parsemain, home of second-tier side FC Istres. But Ajaccio hit back to earn a point through Eduardo late on, the result lifting them a point clear of bottom side Sochaux but still six points shy of safety. Meanwhile, Bastia, who could have gone sixth with a win, instead end the evening still in eighth place.Having equalled fellow goalkeeper Jean-Luc Ettori's previous record mark of 602 appearances in Sunday's win against Evian-Thonon-Gaillard, the veteran Landreau set a new mark as he captained Bastia in what was the second successive Corsican derby played away from the island itself.In October, Bastia won 1-0 in Martigues when the sides faced off in the Round of 32 of the Coupe de la Ligue. This time, Ajaccio, officially the hosts, arrived with just one win to their name all season and coach Christian Bracconi made a host of changes following Sunday's 4-0 hammering at Bordeaux, six in total.Raspentino gets breakthroughBastia knew a win could take them into the top six, and they also knew that it would be the perfect way to mark Landreau's record-breaking evening. But it was Raspentino, making his first start since the end of September and just his 32nd Ligue 1 appearance overall, who got the breakthrough.The game was just nine minutes old when Guillermo Ochoa boxed out a Ryad Boudebouz strike, and the on-loan Marseille forward Raspentino followed in to score through the legs of the Mexican goalkeeper.Bastia were dealt a blow soon after when Wahbi Khazri was forced off with a thigh injury, with his place being taken by Adama Ba. And Ajaccio then tried unsuccessfully to get back into the game before the break, their struggles in front of goal being summed up by an Eduardo strike that flew well wide of the target. Nadeau off, Eduardo levelsAjaccio did not trouble Landreau in the first half, although they remained in the game and were let off the hook five minutes after the restart when Raspentino struck the bar from six yards out, with Milos Krasic sending the rebound well over the bar.However, Bracconi's side were very much up against it in the 61st minute when 19-year-old defender Joshua Nadeau, making just his third Ligue 1 start, was shown a straight red card by referee Alexandre Castro for a high challenge on Ba.But despite that they battled back to equalise with just eight minutes remaining when a pass from captain Johan Cavalli cut open the Bastia defence and Eduardo latched onto the ball before beating Landreau with a delightful chip for his first goal of the campaign. And they held on to take a point, with Ochoa, so often their saviour over the last two and a half years, making a decisive save in injury time to deny Ilan.

Read More

Suarez hits four in big Liverpool victory

Liverpool's Luis Suarez scored four goals as his virtuoso performance overwhelmed Norwich at Anfield.The Uruguayan opened the scoring with a 40-yard lob over John Ruddy before sweeping in Philippe Coutinho's corner.Suarez slammed in a fierce half-volley to complete his hat-trick and grabbed his fourth with a dead-eyed free-kick.Bradley Johnson nodded in a consolation for Norwich before Raheem Sterling swivelled to fire in the hosts' fifth, but the match belonged to Suarez.The striker was withdrawn late on by manager Brendan Rodgers to a standing ovation and received a second as he returned after the final whistle to retrieve the match ball.It was a performance that kept Liverpool in the top four and on course for the Champions League qualification that Suarez will surely demand as the minimum required from his club this season.The 26-year-old, who has now scored 11 goals in his last four meetings with Norwich, busied himself from the off, demanding the ball from his team-mates and making runs. Unfortunately for Liverpool their early chances fell to Jordan Henderson rather than Suarez and the midfielder twice sent shots into the stands when he had sight of goal.After a toothless display in defeat by Hull at the weekend, Reds fans, deprived of the services of the injured Daniel Sturridge, may have feared more frustration.

But in 20 minutes Suarez had devastated Norwich and finished the game as a contest.In contrast to Henderson's tentative attempts from good positions, Suarez proved he did not even need a half-chance to score.There appeared little danger as he turned on a bouncing ball midway into the Norwich half, but Suarez detected a slight error in Ruddy's positioning and ruthlessly punished it with a dipping shot that crashed over the goalkeeper into the bottom corner.Ruddy may have remembered being beaten from similarly long range by Suarez in a 3-0 defeat at Carrow Road in April 2012 as he retrieved the ball from the back of his net.Suarez's second exhibited his predatory instincts as he hooked Coutinho's skidding corner into the roof of the net, before another sublime strike completed his hat-trick six minutes later.

See more here>>>>

Read More

Everton win at Manchester United

Everton scored a late winner to secure the Toffees' first victory at Manchester United in 21 years - and make it a night of misery for their former manager David Moyes.Costa Rican defender Bryan Oviedo struck four minutes from time to ensure Everton manager Roberto Martinez achieved a result at the first time of asking that avoided Moyes in his 11-year managerial career at Goodison Park.Moyes was taunted throughout by the visiting supporters unhappy at the manner of his departure and his subsequent summer transfer pursuit of Marouane Fellaini - whom he signed - and Leighton Baines.Oviedo was standing in for the injured Baines, who Moyes may again try to capture in January.Moyes and United were out of luck as both Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck hit the woodwork - but nothing should take away the significance of this victory for Martinez and his players.

Everton followed the Spaniard's instructions to the letter, with captain Phil Jagielka and midfielder James McCarthy outstanding.Martinez was hailed by his exultant supporters at the final whistle as Everton stay fifth in the Premier League table whereas Moyes heard the derision of United's followers with their team now ninth and 12 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.The hosts were once again without the injured Robin van Persie, but Fellaini was given a start against the club he left for United in a £27.5m deal on deadline day in September.Everton, as has been their style this season, opened playing incisive passing football and United keeper David De Gea was forced to turn over an early rising shot from Kevin Mirallas. United, after a hesitant start, worked their way into the game and keeper Tim Howard twice came to Everton's rescue with good blocks from Rooney and Shinji Kagawa.

And as pressure mounted on the Everton goal Ryan Giggs glanced a header just wide from Rafael's cross and Rooney was desperately unlucky to see a shot deflected off the post via Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, allowing Howard to clear with his feet.It was end to end, however, and De Gea blocked from Romelu Lukaku, whose muscular presence was providing difficulties for United captain Nemanja Vidic.As the hour mark approached, Moyes decided on a double change with Nani and Adnan Januzaj coming on for Rafael and Kagawa.Martinez introduced Spanish teenager Gerard Deulofeu for Ross Barkley after 68 minutes and he wasted Everton's best chance seconds later. The youngster's pace took him away from United's defence and on to Lukaku's pass but he shot straight at De Gea's legs.The biggest escape of the night came at the other end almost immediately as Howard first saved brilliantly from Patrice Evra and Welbeck could only hit the bar with a header on the stretch from the rebound.In keeping with the ebb and flow of such an entertaining game Everton were back with a response of their own and Mirallas saw his free-kick from just outside the area hit the woodwork with De Gea scrambling.

  See more here>>>>>

Read More

EVIAN DOWN PSG

Evian-Thonon-Gaillard ended Paris Saint-Germain's 26-game undefeated streak with a shock 2-0 win at the Parc des Sports d'Annecy. Goals from Clarck N'Sikulu (75') and Modou Sougou (87') shocking the Ligue 1 leaders.

Evian TG FC 2 - 0 Paris Saint-Germain

PSG took a 26-game unbeaten run in Ligue 1 with them to Annecy to take on Evian in Wednesday's late kick-off, and such is the strength in depth that the capital club can boast, coach Laurent Blanc was able to make six personnel changes from the team who coasted past Olympique Lyonnais 4-0 at the weekend - a result which sent the Parisians four point clear at the top.Pascal Dupraz made only one change from his Evian team that lost 2-0 in Bastia last time. Djakaridja Koné replaced Aldo Angoula, so Jonathan Mensah moved from right-back to centre-back, with Brice Dja Djédjé starting the game on the right side of the home defence. Such was PSG's attacking intent - particularly down the left flank through Lucas Digne - that Dja Djédjé was kept there for much of the opening period.   Profligate PSGEdinson Cavani could have had a brace in the opening ten minutes. Digne raced down the channel early on and crossed for the Uruguayan, but his header deflected off Cédric Mongongu and out for a corner (4'). On the other flank, Christophe Jallet did well to take a quick throw-in, finding the nearby Zlatan Ibrahimović. The Swede controlled sharply before crossing for Cavani, but this time his strike partner headed over the bar unchallenged (9').Dja Djédjé had Evian's best chance of the first-half, on a rare foray upfield. Ibrahimović saw his header cleared from a corner, and Les Roses broke away on the counter-attack. Sougou and Dja Djédjé found themselves two-on-one on the edge of the PSG box, but after a beautifully weighted pass from the former, the latter was unable to convert against his former employers (15').Soon after, Digne restored his ascendancy on that side of the Parc des Sports pitch. Blaise Matuidi's pass was meant for Ibrahimović, but having bombed past Dja Djédjé, Digne was on hand to pick up the pass. After working space for a shot, the former LOSC Lille man could only blaze wide of Jesper Hansen's far post though (16'). The chance that fell to Jérémy Ménez ten minutes before the interval summed up a profligate first half. Once again it was Ibrahimović who provided the opportunity, drilling the ball into the Evian box. Ménez stooped to head the ball home when a volley would perhaps have been easier, and Hansen didn't even need to make the save (35').Super-subBlanc has been lauded for his man-management and tactical wisdom since succeeding Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, and after an hour of fruitless toil, the former France captain threw on South American attacking midfielders Javier Pastore and Lucas Moura - over 80 million euros-worth of talent - for the final phase (62'), but it was opposite number Dupraz who was to take the plaudits. 21-year-old N'Sikulu had only been on the pitch for four minutes when he dealt a hammer blow to PSG. Pastore tried to trick his way past Mensah on the edge of the Evian box but lost possession. One, quick-fire, Daniel Wass pass later and the visitors were rushing to get men back to defend. Sougou saw a shot blocked by Marquinhos, but N'Sikulu was on hand to slam home the rebound for just his second Ligue 1 goal (75').Pastore had the chance to make amends soon after when Ibrahimović picked out the Argentine with a pin-point chip. Pastore was unmarked and got power behind the header, but Hansen was well placed to make the save (86'). PSG's bid for a domestic double last season came to an end here at the Parc des Sports, crashing out of the Coupe de France quarter-finals with ETG winning through on penalties, and desperate to avoid a repeat disappointment they threw everything forward in the dying minutes.Evian were to have the last word though. Wass and Sougou combined brilliantly down the left-hand side with PSG right-back Jallet posted missing. Wass then nutmegged Thiago Motta in order to find his partner in crime once again, and this time Sougou danced past Thiago Silva before slotting the ball past a helpless Salvatore Sirigu (87') and Evian held on to seal a shock 2-0 win - PSG's first league defeat since March. The Qatari-backed giants remain a point clear of Lille at the top, while Evian climb to 15th with their fifth win of the season.

Read More

Chelsea's Oscar compared to a gazelle

In the light of Fulham coach, Rene Meulensteen, saying his Fulham team needs more animals in their squad, the Daily Mail have compared players to animals.Seleção youngster, Oscar, who signed at Chelsea in 2012 and has impressed the London crowd with his impressive performances.The Daily Mail, have compared the 21 year old to a gazelle, due to the way he moves on the field and his speed off and on the ball.Chelsea team mate Peter Cech, was compared to an octopus.

Read More

BAYERN EDGE PAST AUGSBURG, FRANKFURT LEAVE IT LATE

Munich - FC Bayern München took the next step towards the retention of their DFB Cup title by prevailing in a feisty Bavarian derby over FC Augsburg. Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt saw off a spirited SV Sandhausen thanks to Joselu's hat-trick to join Bayern in the last eight.bundesliga.com rounds Wednesday's late kick-offs...

FC Augsburg 0-2 FC Bayern München

Bayern, unbeaten in this competition since May 2012, made clear their intentions of extending that run early on. Arjen Robben added to his two goals at the weekend with an excellent solo strike after all of four minutes, latching onto Mario Mandzukic’s cushioned through-ball. Robben was the first casualty of Augsburg’s physical approach, being taken off after 17 minutes as the hosts looked to disrupt the holders’ rhythm.

Augsburg almost added incision to their organisation after half-time, Andre Hahn tested Manuel Neuer from distance while David Alaba was called into action far more than an animated Pep Guardiola would have liked. Even the introduction of Franck Ribery couldn't rouse Bayern, but eventually Guardiola was calmed. Following a corner, Jerome Boateng dinked the ball towards the back post where Robben’s replacement, Thomas Müller, stretched to head Bayern into a two-goal lead. Raphael Holzhauser and Raul Bobadilla carved out threatening late chances, but they were unable to prevent Bayern reaching the last eight.

Eintracht Frankfurt 4-2 SV Sandhausen 1916

Suffering from patchy domestic form, cup runs have been Frankfurt’s panacea, and their strong knockout performances continued after 19 minutes when Joselu provided a sliding finish to Vaclav Kadlec’s low cross. The hosts didn't have it all their own way however, as moments before the opener Sandhausen’s Marco Thiede had missed a golden opportunity in front of an open goal but somehow failed to find the target.

Joselu netted again four minutes after the break by powering his penalty into the bottom right-hand corner of Manuel Riemann’s goal. Frankfurt threatened to throw their quarter-final place away when Sebastian Rode put past his own keeper, before Sandhausen levelled when Simon Tüting’s left-footed volley beat Kevin Trapp from the edge of the box. As it was, Rode teed up Kadlec 20 yards out, and his rasping drive put the Eagles back in the lead. Joselu completed a hat-trick late on to enable Frankfurt to pen another chapter in their cup fairytale.

More about: Eintracht Frankfurt >

More about: FC Bayern München >

Everything about the tournaments >

Read More

Ahly, Zamalek separated for Egyptian League

Rivals Ahly and Zamalek have been drawn apart for the 2013/2014 Egyptian Premier League which kicks off on Thursday, December 26, 2013.The country’s most successful clubs were separated in the draw conducted by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) on Monday (December 2) in Cairo.Twenty-two (22) clubs will take part in the league, eleven each for Group A and Group B.From the draw; Ahly, Arab Contractors, Al-Rajaa, El-Entag El-Harby, ENPPI, El-Dakhleya, Ghazl El-Mahalla, Gouna, Ittihad Alexandria, Maqassa and Smouha are in Group A; whilst Beni Suef, Canal, El Gaish, El Masry, Haras El-Hodoud, Ismaily, Ittihad El-Shorta, Menya, Petrojet, Wadi Degla and Zamalek.

After the round-robin of matches, the winner and runner-up from each group advances to the semi-final, with the eventual winners progressing to the final.According to the EFA, five clubs will be relegated with three moving up from the second-tier.The Egyptian League has been abandoned twice, since February 2012 when scores of fans lost their lives during a league match between Ahly and El Masry in Port Said.

Read More

ROUX, ENEYAMA STAR AS LILLE LATE SHOW TRUMPS OM

Nolan Roux's last-gasp strike may have stolen the headlines, but Lille owed just as much to 'keeper Vincent Enyeama's breathtaking display - denying André-Pierre Gignac a hat-trick - as they won 1-0 on Tuesday night.

LOSC Lille 1 - 0 Olympique de Marseille

Marseille handed Lille's league-topping defence as torrid a time as they have had this season in this pulsating match, dominating for long stretches and creating a host of chances, but Lille's indomitable spirit and knack for winning by the narrowest of margins prevailed in dramatic fashion as Nolan Roux headed home the winner with just seconds left on the clock.

Enyeama vs Gignac: Round 1

The first half was a tight affair as Lille and Marseille - who came into the match placed second and fourth respectively - circled each other, neither side prepared to take too many risks. The best chance fell for André-Pierre Gignac, but the France international, played into the area by a superb through pass from Benoît Cheyrou, couldn't get his shot past Enyeama, who had raced off his line as Gignac took a touch around Simon Kjaer (25').

The duel between the Nigeria 'keeper - who has now kept 11 clean sheets in a row (14 in 16 Ligue 1 outings this season) - and OM's central striker played a crucial role in the final result, and unfortunately for the lively Gignac, it was Enyeama who came out on top.

Marseille upped the tempo in the second half and spent much of the time in Lille's half, and Elie Baup's men - who had regained confidence after ending a catastrophic month of October with three wins in a row - used their dominance to create several chances.

Enyeama on fire

On the end of a well-worked team move involving the France trio of Gignac, Mathieu Valbuena and Dimitri Payet, Gignac had a golden opportunity at the near post to hand Marseille a deserved lead, but Enyeama had it what it took to clear the volley off his line (54').

But Enyeama had saved the best for last. Ten minutes later, Payet set up youngster Florian Thauvin - who received a cold welcome after leaving Lille for OM in the summer before having played a single game for the northern club - for a fierce shot from the edge of the area. Not only did Enyeama turn the shot away with a superb reflex parry, he somehow dived low to his left to fend off Gignac's goal-bound follow-up (64').

Soon after, as Lille had penalty claims waved away after Roux had gone down in the box (68'), Marseille lost both Valbuena (73') and Payet (78') to injury, but still managed to keep the upper hand as the tension rose in the final minutes.

Roux stuns OM

But then with Lille's only real chance of the half, Nolan Roux made the absolute most of a fine cross from the indefatigable Florent Balmont, getting the jump on OM's central defensive pairing of Nicolas Nkoulou and Souleymane Diawara to head across Steve Mandanda and in at the far post (90'+1).

Not only did the last-gasp win sent the crowd at the Grand Stade into raptures, it also assured Lille of hanging onto second place, at least a point above Monaco, and still just four points behind leaders PSG. For Marseille, the heartbreak could also have ramifications in the race for a Champions League place, with Baup's men now eight points adrift of third and just one ahead of fifth-placed Nantes.

ROUX, ENEYAMA STAR AS LILLE LATE SHOW TRUMPS OM

Read More

David Moyes expecting ‘mixed’ reception from Everton fans

David Moyes is expecting a "mixed" reception from Everton fans when he faces his old club for the first time since becoming Manchester United boss.Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford this summer after 11 years in charge at Goodison Park.United host Everton at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in the Premier League."They know their football and they know exactly where the club has gone and will understand I took a lot of good players there," said Moyes.“I'm not an emotional person, I'd rather get on with the game”
David Moyes

"But it's football and you never know. It could be mixed."Moyes took over at Everton in 2002 when the club were facing relegation from the Premier League.Over the next decade, he transformed them into a team who regularly finished in the top eight.However, after joining United, he riled fans when he made what Everton described as a "derisory and insulting" joint bid of £28m for Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines during the summer.Fellaini eventually joined United for £27.5m in the final minutes of transfer deadline day.
David Moyes expecting ‘mixed’ reception from Everton fans

Read More

Liga MX: What Club America Need to Win the Title

CClub America have the chance to defend their title in the 2013 Apertura tournament, after drawing both games of the two-legged quarterfinal against Tigres.The 3-3 aggregate score was enough to put Las Aguilas on track to becoming the second club to win back-to-back titles since the Mexican Football Federation established a new tournament system for the Liga MX in 1996.Under the management of Miguel Herrera, Las Aguilas won the Clausura 2013 tournament, their first league title since 2005, when they beat Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, now playing in the Ascenso MX tournament, Mexico’s promotion league.

Las Aguilas had a shaky start this season. After three matchdays they sat 15th, however they managed to overcome adversity and by the seventh week they were already leading the tournament.It was clear that the squad was in great shape. They were the first team to qualify for the playoffs when there were four matchdays still to play.They were doing so good that the Mexican Football Federation decided to appoint Herrera as Mexico's interim coach in hope that he could overturn El Tri’s dreadful year and qualify them to the World Cup.Herrera took the job and capped 10 of his footballers for the two-legged playoff against New Zealand.

The physical wear is evident. Some of the players who traveled to Wellington have not been at their best, especially the defenders.Francisco Rodriguez and Juan Carlos Valenzuela made childish mistakes in both games, but Aquivaldo Mosquera was at his best and he even scored the equalizer.The weakest line is the defense. There is a lot of room for improvement ahead of the game against Toluca, a team that has not lost in the last 10 games.Club America’s strength lays on the attack, especially through the flanks, and they need to take advantage of it.

Miguel Layun has given the team flexibility with long runs and perfect crosses, Rubens Sambueza has been a cornerstone in set pieces and Raul Jimenez’s aerial game gets better week after week.The 5-3-2 system suits Club America perfectly. The midfield is key because Herrera has always been the kind of coach who emphasizes the importance of ball possession.It is very important that Las Aguilas put emphasis on possession in the next couple of games. Toluca will be a tough rival because they are strong, fast and accurate.

Liga MX: What Club America Need to Win the Title

Read More

Crystal Palace 1:0 West Ham

New Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis earned his first win as a rare Marouane Chamakh goal helped beat West Ham.After the Hammers had early control with Mohamed Diame heading over, Chamakh headed in his first goal since August from Barry Bannan's cross.Palace could have extended their lead as Jussi Jaaskelainen made two saves to deny Jason Puncheon and Cameron Jerome.But Pulis's side defended stoutly and the three points helped them move off the bottom of the Premier League.The Eagles are still three points behind fourth from bottom Cardiff, yet the manner in which they held onto their lead will give Pulis hope as he bids to maintain his record of never having been relegated in 21 years of football management.

For West Ham, a disappointing evening ended in controversy as Ravel Morrison appeared to shove Palace defender Joel Ward in the face after the final whistle, earning the Hammers 20-year-old a booking.He will miss West Ham's next game at Liverpool after collecting five yellow cards this season.The fact he did not receive a red card may be considered fortunate, but there was nothing lucky about Palace's second victory in three games, which was hard-fought, if not exactly pretty.Chamakh, who criticised West Ham boss Sam Allardyce after playing only three games while on loan at Upton Park last season, scored his second goal of the season.And his header came against the run of play in a first half in which West Ham had started to take control.

Palace were playing their first home game since Pulis took charge and began brightly as Jason Puncheon tested Jaaskelainen with a stinging shot.
But with Morrison back in the Hammers line-up, the visitors were better in possession than their opponents.That led to a glut of opportunities around the half-hour mark as Kevin Nolan miscued a volley from Mark Noble's free-kick and Diame headed over from Stewart Downing's cross.Carlton Cole, who replaced Modibo Maiga in attack after scoring in the 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, also created another chance for Downing, which he mis-controlled.The Hammers have only scored three of their 12 goals this season in the first half, and they went behind in a manner which would have infuriated Allardyce, who spoke proudly about his side's defensive record before the game.

Barry Bannan's poor corner was cleared back to the Scot, and he had time to pick out the unmarked Chamakh, who glanced his header into the goal from five yards out.Whatever Pulis said at half-time, his players came out in the second half like a team transformed.They had three great chances to score in the space of two minutes as Jaaskelainen tipped Puncheon's shot around the post, watched Kigasho Dikgacoi head over from the resulting corner and then blocked Jerome's effort when the striker was clean through.That period had the home supporters bouncing and they were mocking their West Ham counterparts soon after as Downing was denied a goal as the referee's assistant saw Joey O'Brien foul Chamakh after they challenged for a cross at the back post.

With Joe Cole and Maiga introduced, the visitors pressed for an equaliser with Downing's free-kick saved well by Julian Speroni.But Palace came closest to scoring the next goal as Dikgacoi had a shot saved before substitute Jimmy Kebe fired over with the goal gaping.West Ham manager Sam Allardyce:"I haven't got the words for it [the goal] when everybody has a marker and the ball comes in from the corner, you still have your marker, you don't lose your marker but we did and being in the middle of the goal with a free header they're not going to miss."That's the most disappointing thing for me today because that's lost us the game effectively."On such a crucial game we should not have let that slip. A point at the end of the day wouldn't have been a bad result."It's all our fault today."

Crystal Palace 1:0 West Ham

Read More

MONACO ADD TO NICE’S WOES

Monaco produced a dominant attacking display to beat Nice 3-0 on Tuesday night, goals from James Rodriguez, Emmanuel Rivière and Lucas Ocampos condemning Les Aiglons to a sixth-straight defeat.

OGC Nice 0 - 2 AS Monaco FC

With a thigh injury to club top scorer Radamel Falcao arriving after a mini-form slump for the principality club, Monaco's trip to struggling Nice on Tuesday night was the perfect forum for Claudio Ranieri's men to prove they have the strength-in-depth in their squad to keep pace with Lille and PSG, and that's exactly what they did at the Allianz Riviera.



Rodrigues gets the ball rolling

Colombian international James Rodriguez has taken some time to settle in Ligue since his summer move from Porto, but after scoring his maiden Ligue 1 goal last week with a superb free-kick, he picked up where he left off by scoring an early opener with a deft angled shot (5').Nice have had their own injury worries to overcome - most notably that of Colombian superstar 'keeper David Ospina (knee) - and his replacement Luca Veronese has had a torrid time of it, shipping seven goals in Nice's last three matches.

Rivière, Martial combine

Veronese didn't have long to wait before he was once again picking the ball out of his net, this time thanks to Emmanuel Rivière. Set up by some fine work from Falcao's replacement Anthony Martial - who, at 17, became the youngest player to score this season when marked his first full start with a goal last week - Rivière seemed to hang in the air as he produced a looping angled header that left Veronese no chance (23').Nice had no answers for the pace, vision and passing of the excellent Rodriguez, who was at the heart of all Monaco's moves going forward (86 per cent successful passes and six shots on goal). However, Claude Puel's men - who slip to 15^th after sitting as high as sixth in Week 10 - are known for their fighting spirit and carved out some chances of their own.Club top scorer Dario Cvitanich drew a sharp save from Danijel Subasic with a shot on the turn as he looked to reply quickly to Rivière's goal (26'), and former Lille and PSG man Mathieu Bodmer headed just wide early in the second term (46').

Ocampos caps it off

Other than that though, it was more or less one-way traffic for a Monaco side whose pressing, tough tackling and slick passing and movement kept Nice with mainly defensive tasks on their minds. In fact, Monaco should perhaps have made more of their chances, with only one of their clear-cut second-half chances - Rodriguez's stinging shot after Martial had sliced through the Nice defence (67') - requiring Veronese to save.Their other chances were narrowly off-target, but there was no lack of killer instinct shown by Ocampos when Bodmer over-cooked his touch on the edge of his own area. The Argentine teenager pounced in lightning fashion, dispossessing Bodmer easily and the rounding Veronese with a step-over combination before hammering home to round out the scoring in the 3-0 win.

MONACO ADD TO NICE’S WOES

Read More

Gomes feels that AVB could have done more for him at Spurs

In an exclusive interview with Sambafoot, the Tottenham goalkeeper reveals all about his time at Spurs, PSG defender Alex and his feelings on the Julio Cesar affair.You are now the third Tottenham goalkeeper. How do you live this phase of your career?“This is not a simple situation because during the last 9 years I have played at a high level, I've played in Seleção. I know that it can happen in football. I continue to work hard every day. I hope that my situation will be resolved in the coming time. I want to play, regardless of the club, I am physically”.

Why haven't you left Spurs in the past?

“I often tried to leave Tottenham, but has always kept from me going. I had several proposals but insufficient for the club. It's very complicated. They want to recover the € 10 million they invested in me 5 years ago. It is not possible. I am ready to go to Germany (Hoffenheim). Hoffenheim wanted to buy me permanently but Tottenham blocked the move for financial questions. I always tried to leave, but Tottenham has never helped me.”

What is your relationship with the other goalkeepers at the club, Lloris and Bradley?

“Our relationship is very good, we never had the slightest problem together. With thekeepers, it is always easy, there are a lot of respect in the profession. I am now third goalkeeper because my teammates are better than me at the minute.”

What do you think of Hugo Lloris and his initial difficulties with Tottenham?

“I did not understand at first. The guardian of the French team comes and he does not play. I was surprised by the behavior of Tottenham. Lloris told me he wanted to change clubs. He told me that if he had known that I stayed, he would not come. He had a hard time. Lloris is a spectacular goalkeeper.”

How does André Villas-Boas work with you on a daily basis?

“Very little has changed. I had few opportunities with him. When the coach changes, you think positive things will happen to you. It has not been the case. The fact that he speaks Portuguese did not change anything for me. He couldn’t help me anymore, I regret it. I am part of the club's history. When we played the quarterfinals of the Champions League, I was the goalkeeper. In two years since, I have hardly played.

You played for several years alongside PSV defender Alex, who currently plays for Paris Saint-German. Tell us a few words about this player?

“We played together for three years in the Netherlands. He is very quiet. Even the interviews, he does not like.” Laughs Gomes. “He is a fantastic person, a real talent. He's older now, but he is a player of great quality, with lots of power. We formed a very good partnership with PSV. We played three Dutch championships and we even got to the semi-finals of the Champions League together. We contact each other by more messages, email, SMS today. He is a friend to me, a great player.”

Alex has not been called by Luiz Felipe Scolari, as he holds the defence of PSG with Thiago Silva. Do you find it fair?

“I think he deserved a new opportunity. But I think that in his position, the Seleção is already well served. I think, Alex deserved a new opportunity before, not necessarily now, it's already too late. Mano Menezes, if had chosen last year for example, he would become part of the group with Scolari. It would not be fair to integrate him now, out of respect for the other defenders. But if we look at his features, yes he has the qualities to compete in the 2014 World Cup.”

Seleção goalkeeper Julio Cesar, is in a similar situation to yours, a few months before the World Cup in Brazil. Have you traded with him on his situation?

“Julio Cesar is upset by the situation. He needs to play to become the first choice to gain confidence. The QPR coach is the one who had rejected me at the time. I warned him. But he did not listen to me. I am sure he will find a way out in January to play.”

So what is next for Gomes? Do you leave Tottenham in January?

“Yes, I have two offers from Brazil. I have negotiated with Tottenham to go for free, so the possibility is high that I find my home country. I'm 32, I feel good, it is at this age that the career of a goalkeeper actually begins. If I find the competition in January, I still think my chances for World Cup 2014 are high.”

Gomes feels that AVB could have done more for him at Spurs

Read More

NEUER MAKES FIFPRO WORLD XI SHORTLIST

Hoofddorp, Netherlands - FC Bayern München goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been shortlisted for a place in the 2013 FIFPro World XI.The 27-year-old helped Bayern to unprecedented success in 2013, with the Reds winning an historic treble of Bundesliga, DFB Cup and UEFA Champions League trophies. In the current campaign he has also been ever-present, as Pep Guardiola's team sit top of the league amidst a record-breaking run of 39 Bundesliga matches unbeaten.

Stiff competition

FIFPro - the International Federation of Professional Footballers - has collated votes from professional players across the world, with Neuer emerging as one of five potential entrants to the organisation's team of the year.The other candidates for the goalkeeper's position are Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus, Iker Casillas of Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona's Victor Valdes and Chelsea FC's Petr Cech.The winner will be announced at a cermony in Zurich, Switzerland on 13 January 2014, at which the winner of the prestigious FIFA Ballon D'Or will be unveiled, an award for which Neuer, as well as six of his team-mates, have also been nominated.

More about: FC Bayern München >

Everything about the Bundesliga >
Bundesliga table >
Bundesliga matchdays and fixtures >

NEUER MAKES FIFPRO WORLD XI SHORTLIST

Read More

African players in Europe : Ba scores for Chelsea to cap comeback

Demba Ba was on the scoresheet for Chelsea against Southampton at the weekend, coming on for Michael Essien who struggled early on. The Senegal striker notched his side's third goal in a 3-1 come-from-behind win against the visitors at Stamford Bridge.There were goals also for Africans Moustapha Bayal Sall for St Etienne and Vincent Aboubakar for Lorient in France.

ENGLAND

MICHAEL ESSIEN (Chelsea)
The Ghana star's first Premier League start since his return from a season-long loan at Real Madrid got of to just about the worst possible start when his mishit backpass set up Southampton's Jay Rodriguez for a goal barely 15 seconds in to Sunday's match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea recovered to win 3-1 but by then Essien had long since been substituted.

DEMBA BA (Chelsea)
Senegal striker Ba was the man Portuguese boss Mourinho brought on for Essien and the forward rounded off the Premier League title-contenders victory with a goal in stoppage time, having already caused the Southampton defence problems. Ba finished in style, volleying home a cross from Ramires.

KOLO TOURE (Liverpool)
The Ivory Coast defender had his own reasons for wanting to forget Liverpool's first defeat by Hull after being responsible for the second of the home side's goals in a 3-1 win that haltered the Reds' title push. His failure to clear a ball into the Liverpool box paved the way for David Meyler's 72nd minute goal that made it 2-1.

YAYA TOURE (Manchester City)
More than played his part in title contenders City's comprehensive 3-0 win at home to Swansea, their latest impressive display at 'Fortress Eastlands'. It was his precise pass that set up Samir Nasri to score City's match-clinching second goal in the 58th minute.

MOHAMED DIAME (West Ham)
Sent West Ham on their way to a 3-0 win over Fulham by breaking the deadlock at Upton Park on Saturday with a 47th minute shot from outside the box that was cruelly deflected past Fulham's Dutch goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg. It was the first goal of the season for the 26-year-old Senegal midfielder who arrived at Upton Park in 2012 after three seasons with Wigan and a prior spell in Spain with Rayo Vallecano.

FRANCE

MOUSTAPHA BAYAL SALL (St Etienne)
Senegalese international defender Mustapha Bayal Sall turned goal scorer on Saturday when he netted the first of four goals in 26 second half minutes in St Etienne's 4-0 rout of Reims at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium. Bayal Sall, 28, broke a 0-0 deadlock after 62 minutes to opening the floodgates to a goal spree that would set the home side on their way as they sit fifth.

SABER KHELIFA (Marseille)
Tunisian international striker Saber Khelifa helped give Marseille a third straight win to keep them fourth in Ligue 1. Khelifa scored three minutes into injury time in a 2-0 win at Montpellier to seal victory after Florian Thauvin's first half goal. It was a welcome boost for Elie Baup's team, who were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday, ahead of their trip to second-placed Lille this coming Tuesday.

VINCENT ABOUBAKAR (Lorient)
Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar was on target for Brittany side Lorient scoring in injury time in a 3-0 win at home against Nice. After having a first half header hit the woodwork, Aboubakar scored the final goal four minutes into extra time as Lorient move up from the drop zone after their second straight league win. The 21-year-old also played a role in the second goal when Nice's Jordan Amavi deflected a shot into his own goal after 71 minutes.

GERMANY

MAME DIOUF (Hanover 96)
Senegal striker scored his first Bundesliga goal since August as Hanover broke their seven-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over ten-man Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.Diouf helped ease the pressure on Hanover coach Mirko Slomka when he headed home on 24 minutes for the opening goal, his third of an injury-ravaged season.Hungary midfielder Szabolcs Huszti then swung in a superb free-kick on 68 minutes for his sixth goal of the season as Hanover picked up their first win since September to go ninth.

ERIC CHOUPO-MOTING (Mainz 05)
The 24-year-old Cameroon forward converted a penalty, eleven minutes from time, to equalise and claim his fifth goal of the season as 10-man Mainz 05 lost 3-1 at home to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.Choupo-Moting came on after the break and stepped up to convert the first of three penalties in the last 20 minutes after a foul by Dortmund defender Lukasz Piszczek. But Poland striker Robert Lewandowski converted two penalties in the last 11 minutes to give third-placed Dortmund their first win in three league games while Mainz dropped to eighth.

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (Borussia Dortmund)
Gabon star netted his eighth goal of the season when he curled his superb free-kick just inside the near post on 70 minutes to give Borussia Dortmund the lead in their 3-1 win at 10-man Mainz 05 on Saturday.Although Mainz equalised through Eric Choupo-Moting's penalty, Dortmund went onto claim the three points with two Robert Lewandowski penalties in the last 11 minutes.

SPAIN

SOFIANE FEGHOULI (Valencia)
Algerian Feghouli started and set up the second goal of Jonas Goncalves' hat-trick as Valencia beat 10-man Osasuna 3-0 on Sunday.

YACINE BRAHIMI and YOUSSEF EL-ARABI (Granada)
Algerian midfielder Brahimi scored his first Granada goal from the penalty spot, however the Andalusians still lost 2-1 at home to Sevilla on Sunday.Moroccan El-Arabi also started the match, but was withdrawn 22 minutes from time after having a first-half goal ruled out for offside.

ITALY

SAPHIR TAIDER (Inter Milan)
Taider had an unremarkable first half for Inter, who scored through Fredy Guarin in the 18th minute, but the Algerian international midfielder came within a whisker of his Colombian teammate's cross just after the restart while in a scoring position. He was replaced with Mateo Kovacic just before the hour with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

OMAR EL KADDOURI (Torino)
A week after scoring a brace in a comprehensive 4-1 win over Catania, Moroccan El Kaddouri was close to getting back on the scoresheet twice in a 1-1 draw away to Genoa. In the first minute El Kaddouri's strike came off the upright and six minutes later the midfielder played a key role in Torino's opener, deflecting Alexander Farnerud's 20-metre drive past Mattia Perin. El Kaddouri was initially credited with the goal although league bosses later credited Farnerud.

RUSSIA

GERARD GOHOU (FC Krasnodar)
The Ivory Coast forward was the only African player, who played in the Russian league matches at weekend. He came as a substitute in the match at Samara with 10 minutes to go but failed to make an impact.

African players in Europe : Ba scores for Chelsea to cap comeback

Read More

Yaya Toure named 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year

Yaya Toure has won the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year award.The Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder, who had been nominated in each of the past four years, beat Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Victor Moses, John Mikel Obi and Jonathan Pitroipa to this year's crown.The 30-year-old told BBC Sport: "I think I've been nominated for five years in a row and finally winning the award is amazing.Continue reading the main story-“I'm very happy as it is the fans who have given it to me - so I'm very appreciative”-

Yaya Toure

"It's a fantastic achievement because I don't think there has ever been as many quality African players in top-level international football as there are now: Aubameyang, Pitroipa, Mikel, Moses, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho... we have fantastic players."I also think African football is improving and that means a lot to us. And as an African, I'm very happy."The shortlist for the award was drawn up by 44 football experts across Africa, who based their choices on players' skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency and fair play.A record number of fans then voted for their favourite either online or by text message.And those fans have considered Toure to be the standout African player over the past year, in recognition of the Ivorian's displays of power, pace, creativity and goals.Toure said: "Thank you to all the fans around the world who continue to support me. It shows how much fans love you and appreciate your job as well.

"It's something special because it's not the vote of the manager or the club or the captain of the national team, it's just the fans."When you have a lot of fans behind you, it's always amazing. And I'm very happy as it is the fans who have given it to me - so I'm very appreciative."While 2013 was not the most successful in terms of silverware for Toure - he did not manage to win anything with club or country - he still impressed hugely with his consistently high level of performances.And after the disappointment of failure to defend the Premier League title with City, Toure came back stronger at the start of the new season and has added a new dimension to his game in the form of free-kicks.He curled in a sublime effort against Newcastle United on the first day of the season and repeated the feat against Hull in his side's next home match. Toure has scored four times direct from a set-piece so far in the league this term in a total of seven goals for his club.

In 2013 to date, Toure has found the net 13 goals for club and country - a very respectable figure for a midfielder.Allied to his clinical finishing, Toure's drive and leadership have helped City to fourth in the league table.He was also a key figure in Ivory Coast's successful qualification for next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.The Elephants needed to shrug off a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations Campaign earlier in the year - they lost in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Nigeria - and Toure has been inspirational.Off the field, Toure has led the fight against racism after suffering abuse during a Champions League match against Russia's CSKA Moscow in October - demonstrating a strength of character to match his sporting ability.The unsavoury episode might have affected the form of lesser players, but Toure has been exceptional ever since.And in the fifth consecutive year he has been nominated for the BBC African Footballer of the Year award, Toure has finally been voted the best player on the continent.

Yaya Toure named 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year

Read More

‘TINTIN’ BRÜLS HAS TALENT TO BURN

Christian Brüls, the small, popular midfielder is known to his Nice team-mates as Tintin and is a Belgian heading for fame in Ligue 1.Sharing a nationality and hair colour with the fictional reporter made the sobriquet inevitable and Brüls doesn't mind one bit-He told BeIN Sport's The Ligue 1 Show: "Tintin is a young and intelligent boy, who became very famous so I don't see anything wrong with that nickname."

On loan from Belgian club Gent, Brüls has been a key figure for Nice this season. Alongside captain Didier Digard, the 25-year-old midfielder has played all fourteen games for the Mediterranean club, developing a fruitful partnership with top scorer Dario Cvitanich and establishing himself as a fans' favourite.Excitingly for Les Aiglons fans, Nice coach Claude Puel believes there's more to come from the 25-year-old who's scored once and contributed three assists so far this season, all of them for Cvitanich goals including the last two goals Lille conceded in the league back in mid-September (see above video).Puel said: "Christian is a special talent who still needs to work on his consistency and get a bit stronger. But he's made good progress since the start of the season. He's a player who really listens and wants to get better. He does a lot of extra work after training. At some point it's going to pay off. There's nothing to worry about."

An area he could definitely improve is his goal-scoring. In 262 career appearances Brüls has only scored 25 goals, with only one in 14 so far for Nice.Brüls admitted: "I've never scored a lot, everywhere I've been. It's not my main strength but I want to work hard at it and improve. Scoring is the most important thing in football so it's obviously something I need to work on."Hard-working on the pitch and and likeable off it, Brüls has already made a positive contribution. The playmaker is going to have to have a sensational season to force his way into a strong Belgium squad for next summer's World Cup. But for now, his priority is his club future and sealing a permanent move to Nice. He said: "I'm on loan but my aim is to stay here for a longer period."

‘TINTIN’ BRÜLS HAS TALENT TO BURN

Read More

Ronaldinho dreams of World Cup place

Ronaldinho believes that a good run of form will see him into Scolari’s plans for the Seleção in 2014.The 33 year old has a very good working relationship with coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, and feels that could be his way into the World Cup squad.Ronaldinho was last seen for Brazil in April, where he made an appearance in friendly against Chile."He is a very direct person and is always open with me. I know that there are still opportunities available for those who are playing well," speaking to, FIFA.com.

"He seems to have the core of his squad decided, but whoever is in good form at the right time will go too."I'm always working hard to improve. If there is a chance of playing in the World Cup, I'll be ready, and I'll be at my peak. My goal is to always be at my best."It was great to be back with the national squad [earlier this year]. Luiz Felipe Scolari and I have won so much together and we have a good relationship."If picked it would be Ronaldinho’s third World Cup, after the heartache of being left out of the Seleção in 2010.

Ronaldinho dreams of World Cup place

Read More

ANDREASEN: ‘WIN WAS VITAL’

Hanover – Hannover 96 midfielder Leon Andreasen was a relieved man followingdie Roten’s first league victory in eight league matches against Eintracht Frankfurt, while the Eagles’ players were left despondent after their ninth Bundesliga game without a win.bundesliga.com rounds up the players’ full-time thoughts…

Hannover 96

Leon Andreasen: It was very important for the fans, the club and the players that we managed to get the win today. Of course the coach is under pressure after seven games without victory – he still is – but I think we’ve done very well.Edgar Prib: I think that, all in all, it was a deserved win for us today.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Pirmin Schwegler: We were never in the game. We were running around like little lambs. We really have to stand up for ourselves more. There’s no point complaining now and then getting relegated, we have to do something.Martin Lanig: I don’t think [the red card] was a foul at all. You can see I clearly got the ball, so I don’t understand the sending off whatsoever.

More about: Hannover 96 >

More about: Eintracht Frankfurt >

Everything about the Bundesliga >
Bundesliga table >
Bundesliga matchdays and fixtures >

ANDREASEN: ‘WIN WAS VITAL’

Read More

South Sudan clubs to play in CAF Inter-clubs competition

The newest Member Association of The Confederation of African Football (CAF), South Sudan will be fielding two clubs in the 2014 CAF inter-clubs competition. South Sudan Football Association , General Secretary, William Okot de Toby informed CAF that , Atlabara FC winners of the 2013 South Sudan championship will participate in the Orange CAF Champions League while, Malakia FC the winner of the 2013 South Sudan Cup will compete in the Orange CAF Confederation Cup.

South Sudan clubs to play in CAF Inter-clubs competition

Read More

Miguel Herrera Named Manager of Mexican National Team

It looks like ensuring a sixth straight World Cup appearance was good enough to get Miguel Herrera the long-term nod as the Mexican national soccer team manager.Mexico soccer writer Tom Marshall reported Monday evening that Eli Tri have officially named Herrera as their manager, ending a process that has seen them go through three bosses in the past three months:Herrera was named the temporary Mexican boss in October, taking over for Victor Manuel Vucetich for the stretch run of World Cup qualifying. The situation has been in a massive state of upheaval for much of 2013, with Vucetich having replaced the sacked Jose Manuel de la Torre, who was fired after Mexico’s 2-1 loss to Honduras in September.

With their qualification in danger, FMF decided to take a chance on Herrera, a former national team defender who had never managed an international squad before. Mexico then earned the next-to-last bid to Rio de Janeiro under Herrera, capping off their comeback effort with a 9-3 aggregate win over New Zealand in November.Now, Herrera will have plenty more opportunities to prove his international acumen. Per Marshall, the expectation is that he will lead El Tri through each of the next two World Cups:It’s a blatant attempt to create some much-needed stability that wasn’t apparent under de la Torre. Mexico started 2013 by not recording a win in any of their first eight matches, a streak that only concluded with a 2-1 defeat of Japan in the Confederations Cup.

Still, the structure of Herrera’s deal is a little unorthodox. Gonzalez Inarritu told Marshall that Herrera signed an “open contract,” rather than one that binds the two sides together. With the deal signed, though, Herrera can begin structuring the team in his image, which includes taking a more widespread view in recruiting players.”(The doors are open) to everyone,” Herrera said, via Marshall. “When they say on Monday (that I’m the new coach), I’ll be open to the national team and I’ve promised the Europe-based player that I would go search them out.”Herrera has also served as the boss of América of Liga MX since 2011.

Miguel Herrera Named Manager of Mexican National Team

Read More

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester United

Two Wayne Rooney goals earned Manchester United a point at White Hart Lane as they fought back twice to deny Tottenham a much-needed victory.Kyle Walker put Tottenham ahead with a free-kick that flew under the United wall, but his mistake from a Phil Jones cross saw Rooney pounce to level.Sandro fizzed a 25-yard shot into the top corner to restore Spurs’ lead.But United responded quickly when Hugo Lloris fouled Danny Welbeck in the box and Rooney fired home from the spot.Rooney, who also played in Welbeck in the move that led to their penalty, has now scored five goals in his last five Premier League games and was a bustling, buzzing menace throughout.The England striker’s form, and the fact their unbeaten run in all competitions now stands at 12 games, gives United genuine reason for optimism, despite them sitting nine points behind leaders Arsenal at the start of December.

Tottenham are only a point below David Moyes’ side in the table but came into the game with manager Andre Villas-Boas under growing pressure after a run of three games without a win, including last weekend’s 6-0 mauling at Manchester City.Spurs’ response against United, who they have not beaten at home since 2001, will not have answered all of Villas-Boas’s critics but they showed plenty of spirit and far more attacking verve than they have mustered in recent weeks.Both sides had spells on top in an open and entertaining game, but it was Spurs who struck first.Jones let the ball drop over his head on the edge of the area before Jonny Evans sent Paulinho tumbling. From the free-kick, United’s wall jumped over Walker’s shot and it flew past David De Gea.Tottenham’s fans roared their side on in search of more goals but £26m striker Roberto Soldado blazed a good chance wide and the lively Aaron Lennon was denied by De Gea.United had done little going forward in the first half hour but were gifted an equaliser with their first real sight of goal.Walker did not expect Jones’ searching cross to reach him at the back post and inadvertently played the ball into the path of Rooney, who slotted home.

United looked stronger at the end of the first half but found themselves behind again after the break when Sandro escaped Tom Cleverley and beat De Gea with an explosive strike.Typically, Rooney led their fightback and had a pivotal role in their second equaliser three minutes later, playing in Welbeck and then drilling his penalty down the centre of the goal.Both sides could have won the game in the final half hour, with Rooney seeing two chances to complete his hat-trick come and go, and Walker flashing another free-kick inches wide.Welbeck should have done better after leaving Michael Dawson in his wake near the corner flag but could not pick out Rooney after skipping into the box.In the closing moments, a delicious, bending Walker cross only just eluded substitute Andros Townsend at the far post.It meant Tottenham missed out on the win they craved, but a draw was a fair outcome from a pulsating match.

Manchester United manager David Moyes:
“We had a great win in midweek and, but for a minute in Cardiff near the end, you would have been saying that Manchester United had a really good week. It is not an easy place to come, Tottenham.”They had their own pride which they showed in their performance.
“United have to win. That was why in the end we were trying to get a third goal, but we could not quite do it.”

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester United

Read More