AC Milan 2-0 Barcelona: Boateng and Muntari leave Catalans on brink
The former Portsmouth pair struck in the second half of a memorable victory for the Rossoneri, who defended with their lives to clinch a priceless first-leg victory. A textbook smash and grab display from AC Milan was enough to upset Barcelona 2-0 in the opening leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash at San Siro on Wednesday.
Kevin-Prince Boateng opened the scoring during the second half in controversial circumstances after an apparent handball by Cristian Zapata in the buildup, and Sulley Al Muntari finished off a counter attack for the second goal with nine minutes to go.
Much like last season's 0-0 quarterfinal first leg meeting between the two sides, Barca monopolized possession, but was unable to convert its dominance into goals in the face of a def
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Category: News
Views: 754
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Date: 21.02.2013 - 02:05
Sigurdsson backs Spurs to advance
Tottenham Hotspur's Gylfi Sigurdsson is confident his team are capable of reaching the Europa League round of 16 at the expense of Lyon.
Two long-range free kicks from Gareth Bale earned English Premier League outfit Spurs a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane last Thursday, although the French visitors did grab an important away goal thanks to Samuel Umtiti's stunning half-volley from the corner of the penalty area.
Nevertheless, Sigurdsson has backed Tottenham to finish the job when the return leg kicks off at the Stade de Gerland on Thursday.
"We always look capable of scoring, especially away from home and we've done that in almost every game," Sigurdsson told the club's official website.
Category: News
Views: 864
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Date: 21.02.2013 - 00:31
Belgian First Division: Sporting Charleroi 2 Cercle Brugge 1
Sporting Charleroi have fought back to beat Belgian First Division cellar-dwellers Cercle Brugge 2-1 at home on Wednesday.
The hosts at Stade du Pays de Charleroi fell behind early, when Brugge centre-back Gregory Mertens scored his first league goal since May last year in the fifth minute.
But while early signs pointed to Foeke Booy's men going some way to digging themselves out of their hole at the foot of the Belgian top flight, they would be denied by a brace in the space of 13 minutes from David Pollet before half-time.
The former Lens striker was on target in the 23rd and 36th minutes to send Brugge packing without a point for their efforts - leaving them six points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Category: News
Views: 808
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Date: 21.02.2013 - 00:28
Hoeness dampens Bayern transfer talk
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says incoming coach Pep Guardiola is yet to identify any players he wants to bring to the club.
The former Barcelona coach will take over at Allianz Arena next season, prompting a wave of speculation linking the club with the likes of Neymar and Robert Lewandowski.
However, Hoeness has claimed the reports are all untrue, and hinted Bayern may not be tempted to enter the transfer market, having spent heavily prior to the 2012/13 campaign.
"The rumours about the players Guardiola desires are false," Hoeness told Bild.
"Guardiola has still not called a player he would have liked. There was talk about positions which he considers could be improved on if possible, but he ha
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Category: News
Views: 707
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Date: 20.02.2013 - 23:52
Stimac tips Modric to recapture form soon
Croatia coach Igor Stimac believes that Luka Modric will begin to reproduce his best form for Real Madrid over the coming weeks.
The former Tottenham man has been struggling to assert himself since moving to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, but his national team boss is confident he will soon prove his worth.
"I said at the start of the season that he wouldn't be at his best until the end of February," Stimac told Marca.
"It was to be expected when you consider that he had to get into top physical shape which, without a pre-season, he did not have.
"Now, at the end of the month, you'll see an improvement. He has grown stronger from playing matches and training.
Category: News
Views: 690
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Date: 20.02.2013 - 23:50
CONCACAF U20 wrap: Corona powers Mexico, Jamaica cruise
Three first-half goals have powered Mexico to a comfortable 3-0 win over Curacao in the CONCACAF U20 tournament.
Midfielder Jesus Corona scored a brace in the 22nd and 34th minutes before striker Marco Bueno rounded out the scoring following some excellent team passing on 36 minutes.
This was the first game in Group D with El Salvador the other side in the three-team group.
In Group C, Jamaica scored three times in the second half on their way to a 4-1 win against Puerto Rico.
Jamaica's Omar Holness opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Puerto Rican striker Reid Strain tied the game up on 22 minutes with the score remaining deadlocked at the break.
Category: News
Views: 803
Added: Sky
Date: 20.02.2013 - 23:48
Van der Vaart: We must be better
Rafael van der Vaart says Hamburg must improve if they are to remain in the European places come the end of the season.
Thorsten Fink's side have been in fine form of late, climbing to sixth place on the Bundesliga table.
But the Dutchman believes they must keep up the pace if they are to stay there.
"Of course I look at the table," Van der Vaart told Kicker.
"Each of us looks at the table and it gives us a good feeling. We need to improve though if we want to get to Europe, we must grow mentally."
Sporting director Frank Arnesen also believes that the current side is the best he has seen during his two years at the club.
Category: News
Views: 719
Added: Sky
Date: 20.02.2013 - 23:43