As Samuel Eto’o’s reaches the tail-end of his current contract with Barcelona, rumours about his future have began circulating frantically.
A whole host of clubs big and small, from Inter to Chelsea to PSG and Marseille, have all expressed their interest to snap up the Cameroonian, while Barca themselves are weighing up their options whether to extend his stay or head for a fresh direction in the form of David Villa or Karim Benzema.
As for Eto’o himself, he is desperate to remain at the Camp Nou, but he also wants his Catalan employers to make him one of the best paid players in the world. His current term runs out on June 30, 2010 and he wants the club to consider him an indispensable player, alongside Lionel Messi, and grant him a huge pay rise.
Although the Blaugrana have never made exact figures of player wages available to the public, a study from a Portuguese website, www.futebolfinance.com believes that Eto’o is asking for around €7.5 million net per season, compared to Messi, who is the third best paid footballer in the world behind only Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kaka with an estimated annual salary of €8.4 million.
Meanwhile, AS believes that the Barca boardroom are in fact trying to speed up negotiations to tie down Eto’o. The club want his future sorted before the start of next season, so as not to distract the striker’s focus on the football pitch and also to prevent any potential suitors from enticing him with bigger offers.
It is also understood that president, Joan Laporta is eager to use the possible success of securing Eto’o’s long-term future as a means of winning votes ahead of the club’s presidential elections in the spring of 2010.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Five Great International Soccer Rivalries
The Top Five FIFA Rivalries (in no particular order)
Argentina v. Brazil
Easily two of the best footballing nations in the world, and two of the biggest countries in South America, this pair have been providing riveting battling since as long as anyone can remember with classic matches seemingly happening every year.
Between them, they have seven world cups, with Brazil leading the way with five. The talent levels are off the charts as many of the world’s top footballers come from this region, so it’s not a surprise that the teams are successful.
The first match between the two sides took place almost 100 years ago, back in 1914 and they have played a total of 93 matches against each other. The gap in the record is barely visible given that Brazil have won 35 of the matches, while Argentina have 34, the rest being ties.
Most recently, the two teams battled in the Olympics at the semifinal stage, a match that Argentina won handily and went on to win the gold medal, beating Nigeria in the final.
Key matches: 2008 Olympics Semi-Final (3-0 Argentina), 2004 Copa America Final (Brazil won on PKs), 1990 World Cup round of 16 (1-0 Argentina)
England v. Germany
Two countries with quite a significant political history, England and Germany have always been heated rivals on the football pitch. Their earliest and most significant encounter came in the final of the 1966 World Cup, a match that was won by England but still is regarded as controversial.
An extra time goal by England has often been debated whether it actually went in, with the people on the German side citing the Russian lineman’s prejudice given the fact Germany had knocked out the USSR in the previous round.
Besides the classic final in 1966 the teams have met 26 other times with Germany winning 12 times, the same amount that England has won. There have been three ties in the series.
Key matches: 1966 World Cup Final (4-2 England), 1990 World Cup semi-final (Germany won on PKs), 2001 friendly match (5-1 England)
France v. Italy
The two teams in blue have always been fierce rivals, given their shared border and passionate football cultures. Italy currently holds a distinctive edge in the rivalry, having won 18 of the 36 matches between the two sides. France has won 10, while the other eight matches have obviously ended in draws.
Meeting in two of the last three World Cup knockout rounds, the rivalry has certainly been stoked in recent years. Both matches went to penalty kicks, with France taking the 1998 quarterfinal en route to a World Cup title, while Italy won in the 2006 final.
The 2006 World Cup Final will forever be remember as the match that the talismanic French captain Zindeine Zidane headbutted Italy defender Marco Materazzi, which resulted in Zidane receiving a red card, with less than five minutes remaining before penalty kicks.
Key matches: 1998 World Cup Quarterfinal (France won on PKs), 2006 World Cup Final (Italy won on PKs), 1938 World Cup Quarter Final (3-1 Italy)
Portugal v. Spain
Similar to the U.S.-Mexico and Brazil-Argentina, these two countries share a very distinct border. In fact, Spain is the only country Portugal touches, so the animosity is obviously going to be there.
The teams first met in 1921 with Spain winning the contest 3-1. After that first match, Spain didn't lose for 15 straight matches against Portugal, over 25 years. The Selecção das Quinas finally tasted victory in 1941 defeating Spain 4-1.
One of the most lop-sided matches came during the 25 year unbeaten run by Spain, when they defeated Portugal by a score of 9-0.
The most recent competitive match came in Euro 2004 when Portugal effectively knocked Spain out of the tournament with a 1-0 win in the last match of the group stage.
Key matches: 2004 Euro group stage (1-0 Portugal), 1934 World Cup qualifier (9-0 Spain)
Ghana v. Nigeria
Two of the most successful African teams in history share the biggest rivalry on the continent. One of the tamer of the rivalries as far as the fan support goes, these two teams are linked together more because of their overall success in football, and not the animosity between them.
The rivalry is also a relatively new one, having been born in 1954, which makes it still an adolescent compared to the other duos on the list. Despite its age, the teams have played meaningful matches against each other, particularly in the African Cup of Nations.
There was also a stretch from 1994 until 2002 (six matches) when Nigeria didn’t allow Ghana to score a goal against them.
Key matches: 2008 African Cup of Nations Quarter Final (2-1 Ghana), 1984 African Cup of Nations group stage (2-1 Nigeria), 2001 World Cup qualifying (3-0 Nigeria)
Argentina v. Brazil
Easily two of the best footballing nations in the world, and two of the biggest countries in South America, this pair have been providing riveting battling since as long as anyone can remember with classic matches seemingly happening every year.
Between them, they have seven world cups, with Brazil leading the way with five. The talent levels are off the charts as many of the world’s top footballers come from this region, so it’s not a surprise that the teams are successful.
The first match between the two sides took place almost 100 years ago, back in 1914 and they have played a total of 93 matches against each other. The gap in the record is barely visible given that Brazil have won 35 of the matches, while Argentina have 34, the rest being ties.
Most recently, the two teams battled in the Olympics at the semifinal stage, a match that Argentina won handily and went on to win the gold medal, beating Nigeria in the final.
Key matches: 2008 Olympics Semi-Final (3-0 Argentina), 2004 Copa America Final (Brazil won on PKs), 1990 World Cup round of 16 (1-0 Argentina)
England v. Germany
Two countries with quite a significant political history, England and Germany have always been heated rivals on the football pitch. Their earliest and most significant encounter came in the final of the 1966 World Cup, a match that was won by England but still is regarded as controversial.
An extra time goal by England has often been debated whether it actually went in, with the people on the German side citing the Russian lineman’s prejudice given the fact Germany had knocked out the USSR in the previous round.
Besides the classic final in 1966 the teams have met 26 other times with Germany winning 12 times, the same amount that England has won. There have been three ties in the series.
Key matches: 1966 World Cup Final (4-2 England), 1990 World Cup semi-final (Germany won on PKs), 2001 friendly match (5-1 England)
France v. Italy
The two teams in blue have always been fierce rivals, given their shared border and passionate football cultures. Italy currently holds a distinctive edge in the rivalry, having won 18 of the 36 matches between the two sides. France has won 10, while the other eight matches have obviously ended in draws.
Meeting in two of the last three World Cup knockout rounds, the rivalry has certainly been stoked in recent years. Both matches went to penalty kicks, with France taking the 1998 quarterfinal en route to a World Cup title, while Italy won in the 2006 final.
The 2006 World Cup Final will forever be remember as the match that the talismanic French captain Zindeine Zidane headbutted Italy defender Marco Materazzi, which resulted in Zidane receiving a red card, with less than five minutes remaining before penalty kicks.
Key matches: 1998 World Cup Quarterfinal (France won on PKs), 2006 World Cup Final (Italy won on PKs), 1938 World Cup Quarter Final (3-1 Italy)
Portugal v. Spain
Similar to the U.S.-Mexico and Brazil-Argentina, these two countries share a very distinct border. In fact, Spain is the only country Portugal touches, so the animosity is obviously going to be there.
The teams first met in 1921 with Spain winning the contest 3-1. After that first match, Spain didn't lose for 15 straight matches against Portugal, over 25 years. The Selecção das Quinas finally tasted victory in 1941 defeating Spain 4-1.
One of the most lop-sided matches came during the 25 year unbeaten run by Spain, when they defeated Portugal by a score of 9-0.
The most recent competitive match came in Euro 2004 when Portugal effectively knocked Spain out of the tournament with a 1-0 win in the last match of the group stage.
Key matches: 2004 Euro group stage (1-0 Portugal), 1934 World Cup qualifier (9-0 Spain)
Ghana v. Nigeria
Two of the most successful African teams in history share the biggest rivalry on the continent. One of the tamer of the rivalries as far as the fan support goes, these two teams are linked together more because of their overall success in football, and not the animosity between them.
The rivalry is also a relatively new one, having been born in 1954, which makes it still an adolescent compared to the other duos on the list. Despite its age, the teams have played meaningful matches against each other, particularly in the African Cup of Nations.
There was also a stretch from 1994 until 2002 (six matches) when Nigeria didn’t allow Ghana to score a goal against them.
Key matches: 2008 African Cup of Nations Quarter Final (2-1 Ghana), 1984 African Cup of Nations group stage (2-1 Nigeria), 2001 World Cup qualifying (3-0 Nigeria)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Nigeria Hold Jamaica To A Draw
It was the third draw between the two teams in six matches.
The Super Eagles capped Tunisia-based striker Michael Eneramo late in a game which produced few chances between both teams.
The main talking point of this encounter was the sending off in the 44th minute of Jermaine Johnson of Jamaica and Nigeria's Taye Taiwo after both players were involved in an altercation.
After a tentative start, mostly due to the bitterly cold weather in London, the Reggae Boys of Jamaica gradually warmed up to take control of the game but could not get behind the Nigerian defense.
Nigeria's best chance of the first half fell to Russia-based Osaze Odemwingie in the 28th minute when his glancing header missed target narrowly.
Otherwise, it was a largely disappointing shift for the Eagles as they struggled to put together passes among themselves, and relied more on their individual skills to get around.
Jamaica came closest to taking the lead on 50 minutes when Norway-based striker Luton Shelton exploited slack defending by Danny Shittu but his final effort let him down.
In the 56th minute, Uche's shot off a right-wing cross by Nsofor was scrambled away by the Jamaica goalkeeper. And moments later Shittu's goal-bound header was tipped away by the Jamaica goalkeeper.
Getafe striker Uche produced a downward header from a cross by substitute Onyekachi Apam only to be denied again by Sawyer.
In the end though, the draw was a fair outcome for both teams.
Nigeria Line-up:
Austin Ejide - Chidi Odiah, Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu - Seyi Olofinjana, Nwankwo Kanu (Onyekachi Apam 46), Obinna Nsofor, Mikel Obi - Ikechukwu Uche (Michael Eneramo 85), Osaze Odemwingie (Kalu Uche 75)
The Super Eagles capped Tunisia-based striker Michael Eneramo late in a game which produced few chances between both teams.
The main talking point of this encounter was the sending off in the 44th minute of Jermaine Johnson of Jamaica and Nigeria's Taye Taiwo after both players were involved in an altercation.
After a tentative start, mostly due to the bitterly cold weather in London, the Reggae Boys of Jamaica gradually warmed up to take control of the game but could not get behind the Nigerian defense.
Nigeria's best chance of the first half fell to Russia-based Osaze Odemwingie in the 28th minute when his glancing header missed target narrowly.
Otherwise, it was a largely disappointing shift for the Eagles as they struggled to put together passes among themselves, and relied more on their individual skills to get around.
Jamaica came closest to taking the lead on 50 minutes when Norway-based striker Luton Shelton exploited slack defending by Danny Shittu but his final effort let him down.
In the 56th minute, Uche's shot off a right-wing cross by Nsofor was scrambled away by the Jamaica goalkeeper. And moments later Shittu's goal-bound header was tipped away by the Jamaica goalkeeper.
Getafe striker Uche produced a downward header from a cross by substitute Onyekachi Apam only to be denied again by Sawyer.
In the end though, the draw was a fair outcome for both teams.
Nigeria Line-up:
Austin Ejide - Chidi Odiah, Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo, Danny Shittu - Seyi Olofinjana, Nwankwo Kanu (Onyekachi Apam 46), Obinna Nsofor, Mikel Obi - Ikechukwu Uche (Michael Eneramo 85), Osaze Odemwingie (Kalu Uche 75)
Adebayor Named African Player Of The Year
Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor was Tuesday night named CAF African Player of the Year for 2008 at an elaborate awards ceremony in Lagos.
Adebayor beat Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt and Ghana’s Michael Essien to win the prestigious award, which involved voting by the national team coaches of CAF’s member-nations.
“This is a special night for me. I dedicate this award to my mum, without her, I would be nothing. My father is no more but where ever he is, he will be proud of me,” said Adebayor, who was accompanied by his mother.
Adebayor took away a crystal trophy and a cash prize of $20,000.
This is the first time that a Togolese will be voted as Africa’s best player.
The Arsenal star's exploits of the past year were mainly with his English Premier League club. In the absence of France international Thierry Henry, who moved to Spanish club Barcelona, the Togo star stepped up to finish the season with an impressive tally of 30 goals.
The striker also inspired Togo to reach the final qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
The awards night was graced by many dignitaries including FIFA president Joseph Blatter and CAF president Issa Hayatou.
Ahly’s Aboutrika got a consolation prize as the Inter-Club Player of the Year.
Several other Egyptians won various award categories. Egypt coach, Hassan Shehata was Africa’s Coach of the Year, and the team he led to successfully defend the Nations Cup in Accra last year were picked as the best national team on the continent.
Ahly were crowned Club of the Year ahead of Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, who defended the CAF Confederation Cup, and beaten CAF Champions League finalists, Cotonsport from Cameroon.
Salomon Kalou of Ivory Coast and Chelsea was the CAF Young Player of the Year ahead of Cameroon’s Stephane Mbia and Nigerian forward Victor Obinna Nsofor.
The list of award winners:
CAF Player of the Year
Emmanuel Adebayor - Togo/Arsenal
CAF Young Player
Salomon Kalou - Ivory Coast/Chelsea
CAF Female Player
Alice Matlou - South Africa
National Team of the Year
Egypt
Coach of the Year
Hassan Shehata - Egypt
Best Club
Ahly - Egypt
Inter-Club Player of the Year
Mohamed Aboutrika - Al Ahly
African Legend
Christian Chukwu - Nigeria
Adebayor beat Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt and Ghana’s Michael Essien to win the prestigious award, which involved voting by the national team coaches of CAF’s member-nations.
“This is a special night for me. I dedicate this award to my mum, without her, I would be nothing. My father is no more but where ever he is, he will be proud of me,” said Adebayor, who was accompanied by his mother.
Adebayor took away a crystal trophy and a cash prize of $20,000.
This is the first time that a Togolese will be voted as Africa’s best player.
The Arsenal star's exploits of the past year were mainly with his English Premier League club. In the absence of France international Thierry Henry, who moved to Spanish club Barcelona, the Togo star stepped up to finish the season with an impressive tally of 30 goals.
The striker also inspired Togo to reach the final qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
The awards night was graced by many dignitaries including FIFA president Joseph Blatter and CAF president Issa Hayatou.
Ahly’s Aboutrika got a consolation prize as the Inter-Club Player of the Year.
Several other Egyptians won various award categories. Egypt coach, Hassan Shehata was Africa’s Coach of the Year, and the team he led to successfully defend the Nations Cup in Accra last year were picked as the best national team on the continent.
Ahly were crowned Club of the Year ahead of Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, who defended the CAF Confederation Cup, and beaten CAF Champions League finalists, Cotonsport from Cameroon.
Salomon Kalou of Ivory Coast and Chelsea was the CAF Young Player of the Year ahead of Cameroon’s Stephane Mbia and Nigerian forward Victor Obinna Nsofor.
The list of award winners:
CAF Player of the Year
Emmanuel Adebayor - Togo/Arsenal
CAF Young Player
Salomon Kalou - Ivory Coast/Chelsea
CAF Female Player
Alice Matlou - South Africa
National Team of the Year
Egypt
Coach of the Year
Hassan Shehata - Egypt
Best Club
Ahly - Egypt
Inter-Club Player of the Year
Mohamed Aboutrika - Al Ahly
African Legend
Christian Chukwu - Nigeria
Monday, February 9, 2009
Chelsea Sack Scolari
After a series of underwhelming and unsatisfactory performances and results, Chelsea have been quick to ensure the rut does not continue by relieving Brazilian boss Luiz Felipe Scolari of his managerial responsibilities.
Chelsea's numerous weaknesses all over the park: from their static movement from defending set-pieces, to their midfield's inability to accelerate with the ball, to the forward line spurning the chances in front of goal, have been exposed and the club have won just seven points from a possible 15 in 2009.
Assistant manager Ray Wilkins - who was appointed to the role in September - will temporarily take control of first team affairs while the club search for a more permanent recruit.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club today (Monday) with immediate effect.
"The board would like to record our gratitude for his time as manager. Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.
It continued: "In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.
"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible.
"While that continues Assistant Coach Ray Wilkins will take charge of the team on a temporary basis," the statement concluded.
Sky Sports are speculating that Guus Hiddink - of the Russian national team - and Avram Grant, who guided the club to the League Cup final, the Champions League final, and second place in the Premier League, are understood to be forerunning candidates, possibly together, with the former as Director of Football and the latter as head coach.
Chelsea's numerous weaknesses all over the park: from their static movement from defending set-pieces, to their midfield's inability to accelerate with the ball, to the forward line spurning the chances in front of goal, have been exposed and the club have won just seven points from a possible 15 in 2009.
Assistant manager Ray Wilkins - who was appointed to the role in September - will temporarily take control of first team affairs while the club search for a more permanent recruit.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Luiz Felipe Scolari has been dismissed as manager of Chelsea Football Club today (Monday) with immediate effect.
"The board would like to record our gratitude for his time as manager. Unfortunately the results and performances of the team appeared to be deteriorating at a key time in the season.
It continued: "In order to maintain a challenge for the trophies we are still competing for we felt the only option was to make the change now.
"The search for a new manager has already started and we hope to have someone in place as soon as possible.
"While that continues Assistant Coach Ray Wilkins will take charge of the team on a temporary basis," the statement concluded.
Sky Sports are speculating that Guus Hiddink - of the Russian national team - and Avram Grant, who guided the club to the League Cup final, the Champions League final, and second place in the Premier League, are understood to be forerunning candidates, possibly together, with the former as Director of Football and the latter as head coach.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Mikel charged with drink-driving
The 21-year-old was stopped by police at 5.30am on Saturday, after being seen driving his Range Rover "erratically" near his club's ground in London's Fulham Road.
Later the same day, Chelsea beat Ipswich 3-1 in the fourth round - although Mikel was not part of the squad.
The Nigerian midfielder has since been charged and will appear in court on April 3.
He faces a year's driving ban or a jail term if the offence is deemed exceptionally serious.
A Chelsea spokesman told The Sun: "We are aware (Mikel) was arrested and charged. We want to establish the facts before we comment."
Later the same day, Chelsea beat Ipswich 3-1 in the fourth round - although Mikel was not part of the squad.
The Nigerian midfielder has since been charged and will appear in court on April 3.
He faces a year's driving ban or a jail term if the offence is deemed exceptionally serious.
A Chelsea spokesman told The Sun: "We are aware (Mikel) was arrested and charged. We want to establish the facts before we comment."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Blackburn Snap Up The "Egyptian Beckham"
It was reported just days ago that Blackburn Rovers were interested in signing the Egyptian international Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, from the Engineering for the Petroleum and Process Industries (ENPPI) in the Egyptian Premier League.
The British tabloid, the Daily Mirror, reported that the English outfit were prepared to offer around £1.5 million to acquire the player’s services, which would not be a bad investment, considering the fact that he is known as his country’s very own David Beckham.
According to the latest reports coming from Sportsmediaset, the Riversiders have taken the next step however, as they have made an offer to the player in person.
The details of the offer are yet to be officially released, however the 21-year-old winger has confirmed that he is ready to accept the offer made by the English club, which would thus allow him to follow in the footsteps of those such as Amr Zaki and Mido, who currently play for Wigan in the same competition.
The Beckham of Egypt has managed to make 20 appearances for the Egyptian national team over time, and as a result, he may prove to be the key to avoiding relegation for the club that finished in seventh place last term.
The British tabloid, the Daily Mirror, reported that the English outfit were prepared to offer around £1.5 million to acquire the player’s services, which would not be a bad investment, considering the fact that he is known as his country’s very own David Beckham.
According to the latest reports coming from Sportsmediaset, the Riversiders have taken the next step however, as they have made an offer to the player in person.
The details of the offer are yet to be officially released, however the 21-year-old winger has confirmed that he is ready to accept the offer made by the English club, which would thus allow him to follow in the footsteps of those such as Amr Zaki and Mido, who currently play for Wigan in the same competition.
The Beckham of Egypt has managed to make 20 appearances for the Egyptian national team over time, and as a result, he may prove to be the key to avoiding relegation for the club that finished in seventh place last term.
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