2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Libya’s AFCON history

2012 Africa Cup of Nations team profiles: Focus on Libya’s AFCON history
By Angela Asante, January 10 2012,

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The Libyans will be looking to put their country’s political problems behind them during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.Can Marcos Paqueta inspire the Mediterranean Knights to something positive this month?Libya’s best memory dates from 1982

Despite joining CAF as a member in 1965, Libya’s national team has tasted Nations Cup football only a few times. The 1982 African Cup of Nations marks, until now, the country’s greatest accomplishment on the continent.Having qualified as hosts of the tournament, the Mediterranean Knights had the honour to compete against the likes of African powerhouses Ghana, Tunisia and Cameroon. The Libyans claimed strong results.They went that close to upsetting the Black Stars but Opoku Nti’s late goal cancelled out Fawzi Al-Esawi’s strike as the game ended 2-2. Libya snatched a 2-0 win over Tunisia at the 11 June Stadium on Matchday 2, then did just enough against Cameroon to claim the top spot in Group A.In the semi-finals, the Mediterranean Knights staged a comeback to oust Zambia on a 2-1 score line. The Libyans faced Ghana again in the final.Alhassan put the Black Stars into the lead and Beshari helped Libya retaliate 20 minutes from time. However, the game remained 1-1 as a penalty shoot out was needed to declare the winners. Libya lost 7-6 in a dramatic end to the 2982 AFCON.For many different reasons, the Libyan national team only returned to the Nations Cup’s scene in 2006. This time, they drew Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and host country Egypt.

Málaga vs Real Madrid Report

Málaga vs Real Madrid Report
By Angela Asante, January 10 2012,

soccer news, football news, football articles, football articles

Real Madrid played with 10 men but still went through at the expense of Malaga.In the biggest surprise, Jose Mourinho opted for a 4-3-3 formation instead of his usual 4-2-3-1 format. Karim Benzema started from the bench as Kaka joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Higuain on the frontline.

For Malaga, Van Nistelrooy led the attack as a lone striker.
The match produced too much physical confrontation as both sides had an equal chance of going in front before the break. The scoreboard, however, displayed a 0-0 result at half time.With the introduction of Mesut Özil and Marcelo in replacement of Khedira and Kaka respectively, Mourinho made his intentions clear: Los Blancos were going to push forward a bit more while keeping their eyes open in defense.Still, nothing seemed to click for the visitors until Benzema stepped onto the field. The Frenchman quickly made effect as his 72nd goal won the match for Real Madrid.

Watch out for El Clasico in the Copa del Rey next up.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao; Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Lass; Kaka, Cristiano, Higuain.

Malaga: Caballero; Sergio Sanchez, Demichelis, Mathijsen, Monreal; Cazorla, Toulalan; Seba, Eliseu, Isco; Van Nistelrooy.

Lazio vs Hellas Verona Report

Lazio vs Hellas Verona Report
By Gregory Sica, January 10 2012,

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Hernanes sends Lazio into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia with a spectacular stoppage-time free-kick against Verona.Lazio scraped into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia after surviving a two-goal fight-back from Hellas Verona to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory thanks to a superb free-kick from Brazilian midfielder Hernanes in second half stoppage-time.Having come from a 4-0 defeat to Siena in the Serie A on Saturday, Lazio were looking to rebound against the second-division club. Despite creating several clear-cut opportunities to go ahead throughout the half they had to wait until the stroke of half-time to break the deadlock, when Brazilian defender Andre Dias tapped home a Cristian Ledesma corner-kick.It seemed that the match had been settled when Tommaso Rocchi doubled Lazio's lead in the 58th minute when his drive took a wild deflection off Giuseppe Pugliese before finding itself in the back of the net.However, Verona had different ideas and quite incredibly drew the match level within the space of thirteen minutes, courtesy of well-taken goals from Emanuele Berrettoni and Marco D'Alessandro in the 61st and 74th minutes.Lazio were clearly shell-shocked after conceding the equaliser, and would have gone behind had Verona defender Matteo Abbate not blasted the ball into the side-netting when he had the goal at his mercy.But there was a final twist in the tale, as Hernanes sent Lazio into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia with a spectacular curling free-kick right at the conclusion of the match to the delight of the home fans at the Stadio Olimpico. The Brazilian celebrated the goal with an impressive acrobatic performance.Lazio's opponents in the quarter-finals will be the winners of the tie between AC Milan and Novara, which takes place at the San Siro next week.

Atalanta vs Milan Free live Stream taly Serie A 08 January, 2012 Online Free Preview

Atalanta vs Milan Free live Stream taly Serie A 08 January, 2012 Online Free Preview

Two changes for Stefano Colantuono's side should see Ezequiel Schelotto and Simone Padoin return to replace Adriano Ferreira Pinto and Carlos Carmona in midfield. In addition, young hitman Guido Marilungo is expected to be rewarded for his brace against Cesena with a starting berth ahead of Argentine attacker Maxi Moralez once more.

However, no such luck is in the offing for Daniele Capelli, who is out for the season with an injury setback, and the indefinitely-suspended Cristiano Doni. Matteo Brighi, however, requires a late fitness test ahead of the encounterAtalanta vs Milan Live Soccer TV Channels Online, Atalanta vs Milan live streaming broadcast Online Today, Atalanta vs Milan Live Stream Online Video Coverage Now, Atalanta vs Milan live, Atalanta vs Milan live online, Atalanta vs Milan live online on pc, Atalanta vs Milan live online on your pc or laptop, Atalanta vs Milan live stream,.Regarding table-toppers Milan, coach Massimiliano Allegri will be without the services of the banned Massimo Ambrosini, as well as injured quartet Ignazio Abate, Mathieu Flamini, Mario Yepes and Antonio Cassano.Fortunately for the visitors, Alessandro Nesta comes back into the fold after missing the 2-0 win at Cagliari prior to the winter break, replacing Philippe Mexes, while Luca Antonini and Mark van Bommel should replace then-starters Taye Taiwo and Ambrosini.

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Peterhead v Celtic Free live Stream Scottish Cup 08 January, 2012 Online Free Preview

Peterhead v Celtic Free live Stream Scottish Cup 08 January, 2012 Online Free Preview

Gary Hooper and Mo Bangura have joined Celtic's injury list for the Scottish Cup fourth round tie at Peterhead.Hooper will be rested after playing through a groin strain and Bangura (knee) will be out for one or two weeks, but Adam Matthews has shaken off a thigh problem.

Peterhead v Celtic Live Soccer TV Channels Online, Peterhead v Celtic live streaming broadcast Online Today, Peterhead v Celtic Live Stream Online Video Coverage Now, Peterhead v Celtic live, Peterhead v Celtic live online, Peterhead v Celtic live online on pc, Peterhead v Celtic live online on your pc or laptop, Peterhead v Celtic live stream,Recent signing Mikael Lustig is still short of fitness while Mark Wilson, Kris Commons, Glenn Loovens, Beram Kayal and Daniel Majstorovic remain on the sidelines, with the latter also serving a one-match Scottish Cup ban.

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Manchester City vs Manchester United England FA Cup Free live Stream 08 January, 2012 Online Free Preview

Manchester City vs Manchester United England FA Cup Free live Stream 08 January, 2012 Online Free Preview

Manchester United have announced that the former England midfielder Paul Scholes has come out of retirement and will play until the end of the season. He will sit on the bench for this afternoon's FA Cup third-round match against Manchester City.A statement on the club's official website said: "Paul Scholes has rejoined the playing staff at Manchester United for the remainder of the season with immediate effect, after approaching Sir Alex Ferguson to reverse his decision, made at the end of last season, to retire.

"He has gone straight on to the bench for this afternoon's FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City."Ferguson, United's manager, said: "It's fantastic that Paul has made this decision. It's always sad to see great players end their careers, but especially so when they do it early. But he has kept himself in great shape and I always felt that he had another season in him.Manchester United,Paul Scholes,Sir Alex Ferguson,FA Cup,Manchester City,Football,Sport,Football,Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Soccer TV Channels Online, Manchester City vs Manchester United live streaming broadcast Online Today, Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Stream Online Video Coverage Now, Manchester City vs Manchester United live, Manchester City vs Manchester United live online, Manchester City vs Manchester United live online on pc, Manchester City vs Manchester United live online on your pc or laptop, Manchester City vs Manchester United live stream, It's terrific to have him back."Scholes said: "I've been pretty clear since I stopped playing that I miss it. I'm delighted the manager feels I can still make a contribution to the team and I'm looking forward to playing my part in trying to bring more success to this great club."Speaking on ITV, Ferguson said: "He came to see me and said he wanted to come back, he was missing it too much. There were no negatives as far as I'm concerned. The players were fantastic about it, the fans I'm sure will be happy and I'm happy."

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FA Cup holder Joe Hart warns Man City to forget about their 6-1 Man United win

FA Cup holder Joe Hart warns Man City to forget about their 6-1 Man United win
By Angela Asante, January 7 2012,

soccer news, football news, football articles, football articles, The last time, Manchester City, Manchester United, the derby produced, a total of 7 goals, – 6 for the Citizens, and a single, one for the ,Red Devils, Latest Football News,

The last time Manchester City faced Manchester United, the derby produced a total of 7 goals – 6 for the Citizens and a single one for the Red Devils.“That’s in the past, now. It’s gone for us but it’s also gone for them because they have produced some great form since,” goalkeeper Joe Hart said according to Manchester City’s official website.

The English shot stopper is preparing for Sunday’s big showdown against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Hart is fresh from a terrific encounter against Liverpool which ended 3-0 for his side. The Citizens have the backing of their proud supporters to defeat Manchester United yet again.The Red Devils are actually in emergency mode after losing twice on the trot in the English Premier League. Among various predictions from football fans and pundits, Manchester City have been tipped to sink Ferguson’s men in more troubles. The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium is high but despite being pleased, Joe Hart has urged his team mates not to get carried away.“It’s nice for the fans to have those memories and to have the bragging rights, but for the players, it has gone, and we move on to Sunday and another big game,” he continued.“They owe us one, but that’s for them to feel and not our concern. We have to focus on our own game and we want to win every match we play regardless of the competition because if you win games you win trophies, and that is what we are all about.”Manchester City triumphed over Manchester United last season, when both teams locked horns in the semifinals of the FA Cup. The Citizens eventually sealed their campaign on a glorious note at the expense of Stoke City in the final.Now, they are facing the prospect of a very early exit. Their only option is to overcome Manchester United’s Red Devils on home soil.

Boca Juniors open the door for out of favour Fiorentina striker Santiago Silva

Boca Juniors open the door for out of favour Fiorentina striker Santiago Silva
By Gregory Sica, January 7 2012,

soccer news, football news, football articles, football articles, The Uruguayan goal-poacher, could return to, Argentina, with defendin champions, Boca Juniors, Latest Football News,

The Uruguayan goal-poacher could return to Argentina with defending champions Boca Juniors.The agent of Santiago Silva, Pablo Betancourt, discarded any possibilities of the Uruguayan striker returning to Velez Sarsfield, opening the door for a future transfer to Argentine Apertura champions Boca Juniors.

"We spoke with Velez, we reunited with them, but they couldn't buy out his contract. Now we can negotiate with other teams," the agent explained to TyC Sports on Friday.Betancourt stated that if Boca want to purchase the striker first they would have to ask for the collaboration of the AFA so that the regulation would permit the Uruguayan to be eligible to play for three clubs in the space of a year."Knowing Boca, they won't have any problems. If they really want him, they will get him," affirmed the agent, who added "any player would like" to wear the Boca Juniors jersey.Meanwhile, Julio Cesar Falcioni, the coach of Boca, also referred to Silva on Friday, as well as the other possible strikers that could reinforce his squad for the upcoming 2012 Copa Libertadores and the Argentine Clausura championship."The president knows the interest we have for Silva. We know that it is very difficult, but there are legal possibilities to bring him here, and lawyers are working on this," Falcioni told ESPN Radio Rivadavia."Hopefully we can bring everyone, but whoever comes would be to my liking. But neither have I put a deadline for my number nine to arrive," he concluded.Santiago Silva has great possibilities of joining Boca Juniors this season, after a miserable spell in Fiorentina, where he has only scored a single goal since his arrival in August....

Man City vs Man United: Ferguson should fear punishment from recognition denial

Man City vs Man United: Ferguson should fear punishment from recognition denial
By Angela Asante, January 7 2012,

soccer news, football news, football articles, football articles, Manchester City, have been urged, by their avid fans to ,punish Ferguson’s, Manchester United, on Sunday, in the ,FA Cup, Latest Football News,

Manchester City have been urged by their avid fans to punish Ferguson’s Manchester United on Sunday in the FA Cup.The Citizens are entering this weekend’s clash with high hopes and confidence, following their recent 3-0 demolition of Liverpool. The Red Devils, meanwhile, are carrying two consecutive victories on their back.

They lost a 5-goal thriller against Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Eve before surprisingly falling 3-0 away to Newcastle United. Consequently, Manchester City opened a 3-point advantage over their local rivals and coach Roberto Mancini presumes that Alex Ferguson is struggling to face reality.“It’s difficult to say your neighbours play the best football. It’s hard. But I think until now we’ve played the best football in the Premier League,” the Italian told reporters.“In every city where there are two teams, the rivalry is very intense. Rome, Milan, everywhere it’s very strong. [AC] Milan were at the top for many years, winning the Champions League and the championship. For Inter this was very, very difficult because Milan won everything.”Pursuing the explanation of his opinion, Manchester City’s Mancini added:“Here we have the same situation. It’s clear Manchester City don’t have the same history [of winning as many trophies as United].“But when you arrive and start to build a new team, a strong team, and afterwards it becomes as strong as the other team, for me it’s the same.....

Liverpool beat Oldham Athletic 5-1 in FA Cup third round but racism again rears its ugly head at Anfield

Liverpool beat Oldham Athletic 5-1 in FA Cup third round but racism again rears its ugly head at Anfield
By Stewart Flaherty, January 7 2012,

soccer news, football news, football articles, football articles, Liverpool cruised, fourth round, FA Cup, with a 5-1 win, over Oldham Athletic, on Friday.. Latest, Football News, - Brought to you by ,Live Soccer,

Liverpool cruised into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 5-1 win over Oldham Athletic on Friday.Kenny Dalglish will no doubt be pleased with the performance of his players on te field, but the idiotic actions of one fan have again damaged the club's reputation.

On the field, Oldham threatened to produce a famous giant killing performance when an outstanding Robbie Simpson strike gave the Latics a 28th minute lead. That lead did not last long however, as Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard scored to give Liverpool a 2-1 half-time lead.Jonjo Shelvey put Liverpool 3-1 up during the second half, before Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing struck late to put a gloss on the score line.Oldham surprised the Anfield crowd by flying out of the blocks and created three early chances. Manchester City loanee Luca Scapuzzi fired wide when presented with a good chance, before leading goal scorer Shefki Kuqi fired into the side netting after a powerful run.Norwich City loanee Tom Adeyemi then headed over the bar, before Simpson gave Oldham a shock lead with a wonder-strike. After being set up by James Wesolowski 30 yards out, Simpson hammered a thunderbolt strike past Pepe Reina to send the visiting fans into raptures.The joy did not last long for Oldham, as Welsh striker Bellamy brought Liverpool level within less than two minutes. Shelvey carved out space to shoot, and Bellamy deflected the ball past Oldham keeper Alex Cisak.Just as the teams looked to be going into half-time locked at 1-1, Maxi Rodriguez was fouled in the 18-yard area by Adeyemi, and Liverpool were awarded a penalty. Captain Gerrard stepped up to confidently convert the spot kick and give the Reds a half-time lead.