Roberto Mancini and Steven Gerrard row over Glen Johnson tackle

Roberto Mancini and Steven Gerrard row over Glen Johnson tackle
Thursday, 12 January 2012

Manchester City, boss Roberto Mancini, is involved, in an ,angry tunnel exchange, with Liverpool, captain Steven Gerrard, after his side's 1-0 Carling Cup, semi-final, first leg defeat,

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was involved in an angry tunnel exchange with Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after his side's 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first leg defeat.Mancini felt a Glen Johnson tackle on Joleon Lescott should have been punished for being two-footed, claiming it was worse than the challenge that resulted in a red card for Vincent Kompany in Sunday's FA Cup tie with Manchester United.

But Gerrard disagreed and made his feelings known to Mancini.While Mancini was waiting to talk to a gathering of journalists, Gerrard approached him.The Liverpool captain, pointing a finger at the City boss then waving an imaginary card, said to Mancini: "You say to the press that Wayne Rooney tried to get Kompany sent off - and you try to get Johnson sent off."While listening to him, Mancini said "I say what I want" and "yes, yes" but what he was agreeing with was unclear.Gerrard then shook his head, turned around and walked away, then Mancini shouted back at him but what he actually said cannot be understood."Gerrard came to me and said I said something," commented the Italian, who clashed twice with the England international."Steven Gerrard can say what he wants. I said what I think. That is what I am used to doing. It is not important what Gerrard or the other players have said."Mancini claimed that his anger was directed at the inconsistency of refereeing decisions more than at Liverpool defender Johnson."I said something [after the tackle]," he said. "It was not for Johnson. It is for the tackle. This tackle was worse than Vinny's. Everyone can see it."When asked if he agreed with Mancini's view on Johnson's challenge on Lescott, Gerrard told BBC Sport: "I don't think so. It was a clear winner of a tackle......

Barcelona favourites against Osasuna: El Clasico guaranteed?

Barcelona favourites against Osasuna: El Clasico guaranteed?
Isaac Asante, January 11 2012,

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Real Madrid have already booked their place in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals and Barcelona are an inch away from joining them in the Last 8. Will there be a pair of Clasicos this month?Most likely, yes… Barcelona won their first leg encounter in the on-going stage 4-0 against Los Rojillos. That result places them in perfect position to eye two meetings against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the following round.

If ever Osasuna wish to overturn their opening leg’s score line, then they will have to keep a clean sheet this evening and score at least 5 goals. Should they concede a goal, their mission will be made harder, and being realistic; success on their behalf is not very possible at this stage.For Barcelona, a terribly shocking exit would remind them of their disgusting disqualification from the Copa del Rey almost five years ago, when they got overpowered by Getafe on aggregate despite a 5-2 victory at the Camp Nou. This is not something Barca fans are currently anticipating; but then, they should hence prepare themselves to face Madrid twice this month.Seven Clasicos were lined-up last year in La Liga, the Copa del Rey final, the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the Spanish Super Cup. If Barcelona and Madrid play each other again in January 2012, then they will be going through the 8th and 9th Clasicos since April 2011.Only a single Clasico last year went in favour of Real, with three others ending as wins for Los Cules. The last Clasico resulted in an exciting 3-1 triumph for Pep Guardiola’s boys.Is the Spanish derby about to lose its value due to its excessive repetitions lately, or is it getting better and better?

Tottenham Hotspur in EPL title crusade: The pressure is on Manchester City!

Tottenham Hotspur in EPL title crusade: The pressure is on Manchester City!
By Angela Asante, January 12 2012,

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As the 2011/12 English Premier League season continues, leaders Manchester City are giving more reasons for Spurs to try their luck.The top three zone in the Premiership is not Tottenham Hotspur’s usual place – especially not during the second half of the campaign. The reality, this year, is that the London club can optimistically dream about lifting the prestigious trophy in May.

Of course, Spurs need long-term consistency to achieve such a feat. In addition, they have to fight against the historical and financial power of England’s top teams. These include Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. The competition between the English Premier League’s top six contenders is tight – both in terms of points and mental strength.As things stand, City lead the way with 48 points – three above Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea (37), Arsenal (36) and Liverpool (34) are a bit further. But for these three clubs, the fight to avoid the Europa League and to gain Champions League tickets looks more like the real situation.Incredibly, Spurs seat above these big teams in third position. Since it shouldn’t hurt to dream about winning the EPL crown, Harry Redknapp and his men should just enjoy the challenge without worrying about what tomorrow may bring.“Nothing is impossible. We are in the Champions League mix but you just don't know about the Premier League. I wouldn't put that pressure on players but they believe we've got a chance,” Redknapp told the press following his side’s vital 2-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday night.Tottenham Hotspur have absolutely nothing to lose. Looking at the way things have turned out very recently, the heat is firmly on Manchester City.

Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella compares Lionel Messi with a Scalextric toy car

Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella compares Lionel Messi with a Scalextric toy car
By Gregory Sica, January 10 2012,

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Prior to being named World Player of the Year for the third time 'La Pulga' received wide praise from his national team coach.Alejandro Sabella, the coach of the Argentine national team, praised Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi prior to being named FIFA World Player of the Year for the third consecutive year.

"I already knew that he was the best player in the world, but I was surprised when I had the opportunity to see him from up close, his change of rhythm to explosion, his technique [when running] at speed, how he controls the ball at that pace."He looks like that old game of Scalextric which we used when we were kids, those tiny cars that would start from zero right to full-speed," Sabella said to the official website of soccer's world governing body FIFA.Sabella, who replaced Sergio Batista as the coach of the Argentine national team at the conclusion of the 2011 Copa America, highlighted the fact that Messi has reached world-wide fame and super-stardom for his consistently sublime performances on the soccer field."What is most astonishing is what he represents. In India and in Bangladesh it was incredible," affirmed the coach, in reference to the attention Messi received from the locals in the two friendly matches which Argentina played in both Asian countries against Venezuela and Nigeria last year."In Venezuela and in Colombia it was also unbelievable, what he awakens in the people, the idolism, the fanaticism off the soccer field," concluded Sabella in relation to Messi, who only moments later went on to be crowned FIFA World Player of the Year for a third consecutive year in lopsided manner.

Italian 'bad boy' Mario Balotelli would only leave Manchester City to return home

Italian 'bad boy' Mario Balotelli would only leave Manchester City to return home
By Gregory Sica, January 10 2012,

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Despite his good form with the Citizens the controversial striker admitted that he has become increasingly homesick in England.Mario Balotelli admitted that if he were to leave Manchester City in the near future it would only be to return to his homeland Italy.

The controversial former Inter Milan attacker arrived in England in 2010, but although he has adapted nicely to the style of the Premier League he confessed that he has yet to make any friends in England and this makes living away from home all the more difficult."I'm 21 and have lived far from home for nearly two years now," Balotelli affirmed to L'Uomo Vogue. "I have adapted fairly well despite the clear [cultural] differences."But the truth is that I have no real friends here. If I had to move right now, I'd choose to move to Italy."Balotelli, who is often referred to as the 'bad boy' of Italian soccer, admitted that the exaggerative nature of the British press can be difficult to deal with, especially for a player of his reputation."If I buy a Fiat Uno, I would read that for a person like me it would have been more suitable to buy a Ferrari. If I choose to buy the Ferrari they would write that I should keep my feet on the ground and buy a Fiat Uno," a clearly frustrated Balotelli stated."If I laugh I'm not serious enough, but if I don't laugh, I'm not grateful for having the best job in the world. Here in England the press write about everything and always exaggerate," he concluded.Mario Balotelli has found the back of the net eight times for Manchester City in the English Premier League this season. The Citizens currently lead the competition with 48 points, three points more than city rivals Manchester United.

Carlos Tevez steps closer towards AC Milan transfer after rejecting rivals Inter

Carlos Tevez steps closer towards AC Milan transfer after rejecting rivals Inter
By Gregory Sica, January 10 2012,

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The Italian champions are the odds on favourites to secure the services of the explosive Argentine.Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is likely to continue his career at AC Milan, after reports indicated that the controversial Argentine international rejected an offer to join Inter Milan in favour of their arch-rivals.

According to Calciomercato Tevez's agent "[Kia] Joorabchian said no to Marco Branca," the sporting director of Inter, who was in charge of negotiating the striker's possible transfer to the club.It also stated that "Tevez had shown his desire to play for Milan, alongside [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic," the Swedish striker, who recently admitted that if Tevez were to join Milan he would help him "score lots of goals with the Rossoneri jersey."The fact that Joorabchian put an end to all speculation circulating about Tevez moving to Inter Milan, leaves the door wide open for AC Milan.The Serie A champions are the favourites to land the talented Argentine, despite the fact that Manchester City are only willing to sell the player at the right price after investing big money with his purchase back in 2009.Tevez, 27, hasn't taken part in a competitive match for more than three months, since being punished by Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini for refusing to enter the field of play in a Champions League match against Bayern Munich in September.If Milan have their way, the Carlos Tevez saga could soon be over. But this depends on the willingness of Roberto Mancini and Manchester City.

Arch-rivals Argentina and Brazil set to meet in high-profile friendly match in June

Arch-rivals Argentina and Brazil set to meet in high-profile friendly match in June
By Gregory Sica, January 10 2012,

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The South American rivals will fight for supremacy in the latest edition of the 'Derby of the Americas' at the MetLife stadium.The Argentine Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil will lock horns in a high-profile friendly match in the United States on June 9.

Widely regarded as the biggest international derby in the world, the one-off match will be staged at a fitting venue: the impressive $1.6 billion 83,000-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.The match will serve both sides as preparation for the 2014 World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. While Brazil have already qualified for the tournament as being the hosts, Argentina will have to fight it out during the South American World Cup qualifiers for a berth in the finals.The rivals met twice in the space of two weeks in 2011. On September 14 they played out a goalless stalemate in Cordoba and on September 28 Brazil claimed a 2-0 victory in Belem. Brazil's goals were converted by Lucas and Neymar.To add further spice to the encounter, once again both Neymar and Lionel Messi will be up against each other. For now Messi has the upper-hand over the youngster, after scoring a late winner as Argentina edged Brazil 1-0 in Doha in 2010. He also scored twice as Barcelona thrashed Neymar's Santos 4-0 in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup last December.In 92 encounters between Argentina and Brazil everything stands even, as both have won 34 matches each, with 24 draws. To further break down the derby, Argentina have scored five more goals than Brazil, with 144 compared to 139.The AFA also confirmed that Argentina will clash with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on November 14. The last time the sides met was back in 1992, with Argentina picking up a 3-1 win.

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,

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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.