Smacchat World Soccer Blog

Chelsea gets stung in extra time, must watch another final from home

2009-05-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

One of the things that makes tournament soccer so great is the how quickly you can have a reversal of fortune. The Blues had their date set with their perpetual foes from the EPL in the finals of the Champions League but saw everything slip away almost 3 minutes into EXTRA time. FC Barcelona snatched a remarkable UEFA Champions League semi-final win through Andrés Iniesta's goal three minutes into added time to earn a showdown with Manchester United FC in Rome on May 27. Chelsea FC thought they had done enough to earn a repeat of last season's final as they defended Michael Essien's breathtaking ninth-minute strike with great resilience only for Essien to then err in failing to clear his lines in the dying moments. Lionel Messi squared to Iniesta and he cut his shot skilfully away from Petr Čech to give the 2006 champions – playing with ten men after Eric Abidal's second-half dismissal – victory on away goals and the chance to reclaim their crown, although they will have to do it without the suspended Abidal and Daniel Alves. Since “the special one left, Chelsea has not been able to close the deal and their frustration is beginning to show in their mannerisms off the pitch. Arguing the refs, looking for calls when the issue would have been a moot point if they “manned up” and played some D for four minutes of extra time after holding them scoreless for over 180 minutes of game time. The truth is that the Blues are quickly becoming the best second place finisher in Europe, but without the intestinal fortitude to finish. Does Chelsea need to make a fundamental change in order to return to their old glory? Let us know here and in the World Soccer Chat rooms.

Premier League Table - May 11 2009
Team............P.......W.......D.......L.......GD......Pts
Man United......35......26......5.......4.......42......83
Liverpool.......36......23......11......2.......46......80
Chelsea.........36......23......8.......5.......41......77
Arsenal.........36......19......11......6.......28......68
Aston Villa.....36......16......10......10......5.......58

Liverpool finishes the year without any hardware
End the end it wasn't the amount of losses on the pitch for Liverpool as they had half as many as the side that will hoist the trophy Manchester United, but when the Reds look back on the EPL 09 campaign surely it will the points that they let slip away in the course of totaling 11 draws. Two of those converted to victories would have made the difference between adding some hardware to the storied cupboard and dusting an empty space for six months. Most of all, adding some distance between themselves and the afore mentioned Man U at the top of the all time table 19-17, rather that sharing the honor with the Red Devils at 18. Man U now need just four points from their remaining three fixtures to claim their 11th Premier League crown, and third in succession, to match the achievements of their bitter Anfield foes, whose own wait for top-flight glory is now almost certain to extend into a 20th year. Perhaps too content with sitting on leads throughout the season or adding some much needed defenders could bridge that gap next season. What changes do you think Liverpool needs to make to stem the tide? Let us know here and in the World Soccer chat rooms.

Gunners look strong as they move into semis

2009-04-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Arsenal produced an impressive performance to overcome Villarreal 3-0 at Emirates Stadium and win their UEFA Champions League quarter-final 4-1 on aggregate. Theo Walcott gave the Gunners a perfect start when he coolly chipped the ball past Diego Lopez after 10 minutes, although Emmanuel Adebayor missed a good chance to make it 2-0 before the break. Villarreal improved after half-time and enjoyed a brief spell of pressure, but Adebayor's fine finish on the hour-mark eased Arsenal's nerves.
Any chance of a Villarreal fightback then disappeared nine minutes later when Walcott won a penalty after being brought down by Diego Godin, and Sebastian Eguren was sent off for protesting too much. Robin van Persie stepped up to smash the spot-kick home and Arsenal coasted through the closing stages to set up a meeting with defending champions Manchester United in the last four.

EPL top squads trying to focus as there are multiple task at hand

2009-04-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

In an unprecedented display of consistency and excellence, the top four EPL sides are simultaneously battle with each other to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League while being separated by only one point at the top and 10 points between fourth place in the EPL table. Rarely has there ever been so much resting on each game as there will be over the next two weeks. Although their focal point was off his game Chelsea still sent an impressive message in their quarter final let one victory over Liverpool and returns to friendly confines of ‘The Bridge’ where they should close the Reds out. Also returning home will be Arsenal need just to hold serve to move on to the semis. The current EPL leaders will have to get some road work done if they are to keep hopes alive as a trip to Porto will not be easy with two away goals presenting a high hurdle. No doubt the two home sides have a great opportunity to advance but what about what about the other two? Who do you think will advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League? Let us know here and in the World Soccer Chat Rooms.

Barcelona 4 - 0 Bayern Munich
Liverpool 1 - 3 Chelsea
Man Utd 2 - 2 FC Porto
Villarreal 1-1 Arsenal

EPL comes down the home stretch with much to be decided

At the top, defending champions Manchester United are wobbling. It has been suggested the jelly feeling has been due, too many scrapes indicating a collapse was on the horizon. And so it has proved. Sir Alex Ferguson, though, has a habit of turning the tide, of avoiding the self-destruct button. The talent is there, and one would prefer not to be Sunderland come 3pm.

Liverpool will no doubt have the taunt of a midweek Chelsea defeat fresh in their smarting minds. It will be intriguing viewing to see how the Reds respond in their quest for the title against a rough and ready Blackburn Rovers still grappling for survival.

Meanwhile Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League showing against Liverpool reminded all of their horsepower, and they'll need all they can muster if they're going to overtake the leaders. Gary Megson's bullish Bolton Wanderers have fared well at Stamford Bridge in the past, but be warned of Michael Essien and co. That Merseyside injection was no short-term fix.
The return of Newcastle United hero Alan Shearer on Tyneside last Saturday proved an anticipated anticlimax, but perhaps the occasion got the better of the 'Messiah' - a pseudonym which ultimately defines as saviour, and screams much expectation for a former television pundit to bear. Do you think Man U can hold off the other three Champions League participants to raise the cup? Let us know here and in the World Soccer Chatrooms. Here are the EPL standings going into the final weeks.

Premier League Table - April 5 2009
Team.............P.......W......D.......L.......GD.....Pts
Man U ....... 30......21..... 5...... 4..... 32......68
Liverpool ......31......19......10......2.......34......67
Chelsea.........31......19......7.......5.......34......64
Arsenal.........31......16......10......5.......23......58
Aston Villa.....31......15......7.......9........6......52

EPL teams continue to dominate Champions League

2009-03-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

The self proclaimed ‘best league in the world’ made a major statement this week as all four EPL sides continued to advance in the Champions League tournament with Liverpool looking the most dominant in their disposal of Real Madrid. Chelsea eliminated the defending Italian Champions on aggregate, while Man U won the other British/Italian matchup with a 2-0 shutout of Inter at Old Trafford. The match of the day, and tournament thus far was Arsenal’s 7-6 pk win over Roma, completing the English sweep over Italy. Meanwhile, lost in the shuffle was Barcelona who continued to live up to their billing as the side most likely to sample success in Rome on 27th May as they brushed aside Lyon 5-2 to wrap up a 6-3 aggregate win. Thierry Henry set Pep Guardiola's side on their way in the Camp Nou in the 25th minute as he collected Rafael Marquez's pass to stride into acres of space and slot past Hugo Lloris. Another formidable opponent, Porto advanced after a goalless stalemate they with Atletico Madrid in Portugal, allowing the home side to progress on away goals following a 2-2 draw in the first leg. A tense night at the Estadio Dragao saw a game of few chances. Fernando had an effort for Porto in the first half, while Sergio Aguero turned down the opportunity to pass as Atletico's best attack went to waste. The Spanish side introduced Diego Forlan in the second half after the striker had surprisingly been left on the bench, but it was Porto who almost snatched the win on the night as Lisandro hit a post in the dying minutes. So don’t start engraving the trophy just yet as there is plenty of football left to play and some other countries still might have something to say about the British ‘dominance’ before it’s all said and done. Who is your pick to win the Champions League? Let us know here and in the world soccer chat rooms.

UEFA Champions League Results
Wednesday 11th March
------------------------------
FC Porto 0 - 0 Atletico Madrid
Roma 1 - 0 Arsenal
Man Utd 2 - 0 Inter Milan
Barcelona 5 - 2 Lyon

Tuesday 10th March
------------------------------
Juventus 2 - 2 Chelsea
Liverpool 4 - 0 Real Madrid
Bayern Munich 7 - 1 Sporting
Panathinaikos 1 - 2 Villarreal

As March approaches, Champions League begins ‘sweet 16’ of their own

2009-02-25T13:22:00.000-08:00

After the winter layoff the Champions League has begun the ‘knockout stage’ with several big names still left the field, promising an exciting final. The story of the tournament thus far has been the strong showing by the EPL sides, representing 25% of the remaining clubs. On the first leg of knockout play Arsenal held serve and put Roma on the spot requiring the Italian side to better the cannons by a goal when they return home, but they looked poised to advance to the final eight. Man U didn’t put anything on the board but looks good to advance as well as they head back to Old Trafford needing just a victory to advance. Both Italian sides (Inter and Madrid) will have to go on the road and get tough wins in order to advance. Meanwhile, Barcelona continues to slip under the radar needing just a victory at home to advance. Here are the match day one results as well as the day two fixtures

Inter Milan 0 – 0 Man U
Arsenal 1 – 0 Roma
Athletico Madrid 2 - 2 FC Porto
Lyon 1 – 1 Barcelona
-------------------------------------------
Real Madrid – Liverpool
Chelsea – Jeventus
Villarreal – Panathinaikos
Sporting – Bayern Munich

Champions League Reaches Knockout Stage

2008-12-11T16:19:00.000-08:00

Group A ----------Played Pts
1 Roma..............6.....12
2 Chelsea...........6.....11
3 Bordeaux..........6......7
4 CFR Cluj-Napoca...6......4

Group B ----------Played Pts
1 Panathinaikos.....6.....10
2 Inter Milan.......6......8
3 Werder Bremen.....6......7
4 Anorthosis Fam....6......6

Group C ----------Played Pts
1 Barcelona.........6.....13
2 Sporting Lisbon...6.....12
3 Shakhtar Donetsk..6......9
4 Basle.............6......1

Group D ----------Played Pts
1 Liverpool.........6.....14
2 Atletico Madrid...6.....12
3 Marseille.........6......4
4 PSV Eindhoven.....6......3

Group E ----------Played Pts
1 Manchester Utd....6.....10
2 Villarreal........6......9
3 Aalborg BK........6......6
4 Celtic............6......5

Group F ----------Played Pts
1 Bayern Munich.....6.....14
2 Lyon..............6.....11
3 Fiorentina........6......6
4 FC Steaua Buch....6......1

Group G ----------Played Pts
1 FC Porto..........6.....12
2 Arsenal...........6.....11
3 Dynamo Kiev.......6......8
4 Fenerbahce........6......2

Group H ----------Played Pts
1 Juventus..........6.....12
2 Real Madrid.......6.....12
3 Zenit St. Pet.....6......5
4 BATE Borisov......6......3

Champions League Completes First Round

2008-09-18T01:39:00.000-07:00

Group A Team.........P Pts
1 Chelsea............1 3
2 CFR Cluj-Napoca....1 3
3 Roma...............1 0
4 Bordeaux...........1 0

Group B Team.........P Pts
1 Inter Milan........1 3
2 Anorthosis Fama....1 1
3 Werder Bremen......1 1
4 Panathinaikos......1 0

Group C Team.........P Pts
1 Barcelona..........1 3
2 Shakhtar Don.......1 3
3 Basle..............1 0
4 Sporting Lisbon....1 0

Group D Team.........P Pts
1 Atletico Madrid....1 3
2 Liverpool..........1 3
3 Marseille..........1 0
4 PSV Eindhoven......1 0

Group E Team.........P Pts
1 Aalborg BK.........1 1
2 Celtic.............1 1
3 Manchester U.......1 1
4 Villarreal.........1 1

Group F Team.........P Pts
1 Bayern Munich......1 3
2 Fiorentina.........1 1
3 Lyon...............1 1
4 FC Steaua B........1 0

Group G Team.........P Pts
1 FC Porto...........1 3
2 Arsenal............1 1
3 Dynamo Kiev........1 1
4 Fenerbahce.........1 0

Group H Team.........P Pts
1 Real Madrid........1 3
2 Juventus...........1 3
3 Zenit St. Pet......1 0
4 BATE Borisov.......1 0

Euro 2008 Reaches it’s Final Four

2008-06-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

Many of the usual suspects will be absent from this year’s Euro 2008 final most of the pre-tournament favorites are home for the summer, including the side that looked the best in the group stage, Holland, winning all three matches and having the best goal differential of any team in the tournament. Ironically NONE of the sides that were group winners are left standing. The Dutch played their worst game of the four when it mattered most as Russia game out more aggressive and had them on their heels early, only a late goal from “Van the Man” extended the match to extra time where they once again could not keep the Russians out of their net. Also not present are the defending world champions Italy, who quite frankly, never looked like a team that would get out of the group stage and didn’t find their rhythm at all during the tournament. Another pre-tournament fav not present will be the French, as Henry is beginning to show his age Benzema has not lived up to the hype. The team with the most fire power up front and the consensus pick was Portugal, similar to 04’, but couldn’t manage to get Golden Boot winner Ronaldo enough space to score when it counted. With the dust settled and we look at who is left, under the radar Germany has slipped again. They find themselves with a semi-final match that is MORE than winnable, going up against a depleted Turkish side that will be missing a total of NINE normal starters due to injury or yellow card restrictions. The last big name left in the dance, they have found away to survive and advance and are in position to take down their fourth title. On the other side pits Russia and Spain, who seem to be finally living up to their potential. For many years the Spanish have fielded potentially the best squad but have not been able to put it all together and now they find themselves in a position that they have not seen since 1984. Their opponent is a quality Russian side that disposed of the top side in the tourney thus far, the Dutch. Perhaps they are just plain good, as they survived a group stage that easily could have been considered the ‘group of death’ with Sweden, Spain, and defending champions Greece. Last but not least we have not even brought up the sleeper of this years’ tournament, the Turks, who have defied all odds and found themselves short handed, injured, and facing an old nemesis, Deutschland. It they could pull off the monumental upset, and that is not hyperbole, it would truly go down in the archives as the biggest ever. However after the Greek run in 2004 I think the universe has already overdrawn their karma account. Either way there will be at least one unfamiliar face in the finals next week and probably the sentimental favorite.

Germany stuns Portugal to cliam first spot in semi-finals

2008-06-20T00:11:00.000-07:00

Germany got out to a quick 1-0 lead and when Portugal tried to press it was 2-0 before the match was a half-hour old. Portugal gave themselves hope four minutes before the break through Nuno Gomes, who became just the third man behind Jurgen Klinsmann and Vladimir Smicer to score in three European Championships. But Michael Ballack restored Germany's two-goal lead in the 61st minute from another Schweinsteiger free-kick, and although substitute Helder Postiga pulled another one back for Portugal with three minutes left, Germany held on. In the end the German air superiority proved to be the difference as despite trying to prevent them from getting frivolous corners and set piece opportunities, two of the goals came from the air, one in particular where there was so much clearance that Klose could use his shoulder rather than his kopf. So let the controversy begin on Ballack’s header, how is the call not made? Yes, it was a slight push but he only need a sight advantage to get enough space for a clear shot, and that proved to be the difference. A similar play was call in favor of the host Austria giving them a penalty kick in extra time to earn a draw. If a foul on Ballack was called it would not have changed the flow like the result of the non-call, which gave the Germans an insurmountable lead. Needless to say Portugal’s score with less than 5 minutes to play would have taken on entirely new significance. Once again the lack of consistency of the refs takes center stage.

Italy suffers worst lost in history of Euro but can still advnce

2008-06-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

Italy, the defending world champions, suffered their worst lost in European Cup history with a 3-0 loss to Holland. Although they are the reigning World Cup champions the Italians haven’t won the Euro Cup in 40 years and now their task just got dramatically more difficult as a 3 goal loss in the “group of death” will be tough to overcome. They must now win their remaining two games in the qualifying round. The controversial call was pivotal despite the final score as an Italian player lay on the ground, out of bounds, but was ruled to still be a participant, meaning no off sides could be called and Van Nesteroy was there in his normal ‘goal poaching’ style to knock it in. Only one goal, but one that set the tone for the landslide. The Italians now must come up with victories against Romania and France or they will be home before their postcards.

Italy

Ronaldo, Portugal look stron in first game of Euro 2008

2008-06-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

In the second match in group A Portugal opened their Euro 2008 account with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Turkey in Geneva. Cristiano Ronaldo, who hit the post with a sensational free-kick early on inspired his side to victory as they scored two second half goals to kill of a Turkish threat which never materialized. After having a first-half effort disallowed, Pepe made no mistake on the hour as he gave Portugal the lead with a stunning individual effort. Nuno Gomes hit post and crossbar before the second goal arrived in stoppage time when substitute Raul Meireles finished off a fine counter-attack. Portugal now sit on top of Group A after Czech Republic's 1-0 win over Switzerland earlier on Saturday. With Deco, Ronaldo, and all of that speed in front, can Portugal hoist the cup for the second time in the last three tries?

In an amazing all English final Man U held of Chelsea to win the Champions League Final 1-1(6-5pk), as Captain John Terry and Nicolas Annelka were denied on consecutive shots to seal the victory. It was the 4th time in eight years that the finals have gone to PK’s. Had it not been for such an amazing performance from Pete Cech the Blues would not have even made it that far. On two separate occasions in the second half Cech made saves on shots that mere mortals find in the back of the ol’ onion bag. What can’t be forgotten when everyone speaks of the drama of the extra period and PK’s, is that Man U really outplayed Chelsea for most of the match, from possession pct. to real opportunities. Even with that effort, Cech was asked to more during the shootout and he answered the call, stopping Golden Boot winner Ronaldo on the third shot in Pk’s and that SHOULD have been enough. I understand the pitch was wet but everyone shot on the same one and you gotta knock those down during crunch time. Moreover, you have got to keep your composure when the world is watching and how the best striker on the club can tossed in a game like this is beyond recourse. Drogba’s little flick to chin was surely felt when you need your five best to stand on the line and make one for all the marbles. The Blues didn’t and Man U gets the double.

Man U left standing in the end. Zenit joins fellow Russian side CSKA as champs

2008-05-20T01:39:00.000-07:00

When all of the dust had settled, and the last clock stuck approximately 4pm on the final day of play, it was Manchester United that stood atop the EPL two points clear of the nearest challenge from Chelsea. With the goal differential being decidedly in Man U’s favor the Blues knew they needed a win at Stanford Bridge and hope that United get tripped up, but the exact opposite result happened as a desperate Chelsea club watched the clock as much as their opponent and as it became academic surrendered the tying goal just before extra time. Meanwhile Man U was putting the finishing touches on a clinching victory and an EPL title. Now the two will square off with more chips in the center of the table on Wednesday, as the scene shifts to Moscow and the Champions League Final. Will does taking home what used be known as the European Club Championship mean more than an EPL title? Is it just compensation for failing down the stretch? Does a Man U sweep display the dominance the club has shown all year?

Meanwhile at the home of Manchester City, FC Zenit was hoisting the UEFA Cup trophy with an impressive 2-0 victory over Rangers, becoming the first Russian side since CSKA Moskow to win the cup. A very partisan Rangers crowd left disappointed as the 72nd minute goal from Dennishov proved to be the difference. The final culminated the seasons for both clubs as neither was expected to get there, but which one will parlay the tournament into perpetual deep tournament appearances?

EPL race tightest in years as Chelsea tie for lead going into last weekend

2008-05-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

Chelsea ensured the Premier League title race will go down to the last game of the season after a 2-0 win against Newcastle. Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda were on target for the Blues as they ground out three valuable points at St James' Park. As if Chelsea could handle anything else on their plate at the moment, without fail the EPL title will title will be decided next weekend as the Blues will host Bolton and the Man U travels to Wigan. Who do you like to take the crown? Because of all of the attention an all EPL Champions League final has drawn many have forsaken one the tightest and exciting finishes to the EPL in years. With little to go in the season, the top of the table looks like this:

Premier League Top 6 Plyd Points
1 Man Utd.....37.....84
2 Chelsea.....37.....84
3 Arsenal.....37.....80
4 Liverpool...37.....73
5 Everton.....37.....62
6 Aston Villa.37.....59

Chelsea will try to hold serve Monday night as they travel to Newcastle. Who do you think will survive, persevere, and come out on top? Let us know here and in the world sport chat rooms.

2008-04-30T00:49:00.000-07:00

Liverpool escaped to the semi-finals with a 4-2 win over Arsenal. Make no mistake about it despite the score, with less than 10 minutes to go they were out of the tournament all together with a 2-2 draw as Arsenal drew level. Then a the controversial penalty and the back-door score late in the game sealed the deal. The Blues on the other hand solidly took care of business vs. Fenebahce 2-0, as the staples of Ballack and Lampard came through with goals.

Man U took it’s time but scored in the 70th minute on a great header by Tevez to advance 1-0 over Roma. It was more formality than anything else as United were two-nil up from the first leg and Sir Alex Ferguson rested several players for the game. His policy may have back-fired as in the 28th minute when Alessandro Mancini went down under a Wes Brown challenge for a dubious penalty. But Daniele De Rossi skied the resulting spot-kick over to the relief of Old Trafford. From there is was all over but the singing.

A 43rd-minute strike by Yaya Toure gave Barcelona an unconvincing 1-0 win over Schalke and sealed their passage into the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Barca were firm favourites at the Nou Camp having won the first leg 1-0 in Germany, but the visitors gave them a real scare as they went close to levelling the tie on numerous occasions during the opening half-hour. Toure pounced just before the break to give Barca an undeserved lead and that proved to be enough for the Spanish giants as Schalke offered little resistance in the second half.

previous champions league post

2008-04-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

Liverpool came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners dominated early on and they deservedly went ahead on 23 minutes as Emmanuel Adebayor rose unchallenged to head home a corner. Arsenal were the better team thereafter but they could not find a breakthrough. They should have had a second-half penalty after Kuyt appeared to tug back Alexander Hleb in the box but the ref only gave a corner. Now Liverpool go into next week's second leg as slight favorites thanks to their away goal.
Fenerbahce fought back from a goal down to claim an unlikely 2-1 success over Chelsea in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League clash. Avram Grant's side had been in firm control of the contest early on courtesy of Deivid's own goal from Florent Malouda's cross after just 13 minutes. The Blues dominated the remainder of the first half, but crucially, they failed to add to their early advantage despite peppering Fener keeper Volkan Demirel. With the Blue’s back against the wall it sets up an intriguing second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United are in a commanding position to qualify for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a 2-0 win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney grabbed the goals for the Premier League leaders to give Roma a mountain to climb in the second leg at Old Trafford next week. United look poised to move on to the final next week where they will face the familiarity of a Premiere League side. This sets up to be Man U’s best chance at the trophy in quite some time.

Barcelona will take a narrow lead to Camp Nou after securing a 1-0 win against Schalke in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final. Bojan Krkic grabbed the only goal of the game for the visitors and ensures that the Catalan giants will be the favourites to progress to the last four when the two sides meet again next week. It took just 12 minutes for the visitors to take the lead, when 17-year-old striker Krkic handed them the advantage. Thierry Henry troubled Schalke down the left and when his snap-shot was parried back to his feet from Manuel Neuer, he squared for his young team-mate to tap home. Only a trip to the finals will save Frank Rijkaard’s job and with the talent he’s working with it should be doable. The question is should he be asked to step down either way?

2008-03-26T02:34:00.000-07:00

For the first time in the history of the Champions League one country has 4 sides among the remaining 8. Liverpool became the 4th EPL side to advance to the quarterfinals in the Champions League with a 1-0 (3-0) aggregate victory over Inter Milan. Already down 0-2 to start the evening with a mountain to climb, Milan gave up the decider early in the second half.

EPL powerhouse Liverpool and Champions League Staple Inter Milan will battle to see who will punch the last ticket to the final 8 sides of the knockout stage. However Inter face an almost impossible task already being down 0-2 on aggregate. They will have to play a perfect match otherwise 50% of the remaining sides will reside in the EPL. 5 of the other 7 are familiar faces with Fenervache and Shalke 04, being the newcomers to the “great 8”, with Real and Milan the conspicuous no shows at the final table. From here on expect the cream to rise with powerful EPL sides Man U, Arsenal, and Chelsea still in the mix.

Champions League Update

2008-03-11T01:16:00.000-07:00

Arsenal succeeded in becoming the first team to beat Milan on their home turf with a 2-0 victory (2-0 on agg.) Fabergas converted from 26 yards away and when it was all over but the shouting Adebyor got a great feed from Walcott to seal the deal. So the question now, “is it finally time for AC to make some changes as age catches up with them?
After a series of Bundesliga losses, Schalke clinched a 4-1 win on penalties against Porto thanks to a star performance from its young goalie Manuel Neuer. He hopes the win will boost the team's flagging morale. The win was sealed with three successful shots in the penalty shoot-out from Schalke after a 1-1 aggregate deadlock and a round of extra time.

The most successful team in Champions league history Real Madrid was shown the exit by Roma in a stunner 2-1 as a ruthless AS Roma got the win over 10-man Real Madrid at the Bernabeu to clinch their place in the Champions League quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate. Real took the initiative for most of the game, but suffered a major setback when Portugal centre-back Pepe was sent off for picking up a second booking 19 minutes from time.

Schalke beat 10-man Porto 4-1 on penalties to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time after drawing 1-1 on aggregate on Wednesday. An 86th minute Lisandro Lopez strike cancelled out Kevin Kuranyi's first-leg goal while the Germans had young goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to thank for knocking out the former champions.

Chelsea cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a comprehensive 3-0 (4-0 agg) victory over Olympiacos at Stamford Bridge.

Who is poised to make it to the semi finals? Talk about it here or in the World Soccer chatroom.

Champions League Reaches the Knockout Phase

2008-02-19T23:17:00.000-08:00

Late goals from Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt helped Liverpool see off 10-man Internazionale at Anfield, while Chelsea drew with Olympiakos in Greece. Chelsea will be happy enough with a 0-0 scoreline from the first leg of their last-16 meeting with Olympiakos in Piraeus. Roma came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Real Madrid and give themselves a slender advantage to take to Spain for the second leg. Real dominated possession for long periods and took a deserved lead through an opportunist strike from Raul in the eighth minute. Schalke and Porto's UEFA Champions League tie remains on a knife-edge after the German side beat the Portuguese champions by a narrow 1-0 margin. Germany's only representatives left in the competition went in front in the fourth minute of the first-leg of the last 16 stage thanks to Kevin Kuranyi's goal.
Following day matches include:

Arsenal vs. Milan Fenerbahce vs. Sevilla
Celtic vs. Barcelona Lyon vs. Man Utd

FA Cup match-ups for the 4th round

2008-01-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

Game of the Day**********************************
What: FA Cup Third Round Replay
Who: Newcastle Utd (11th EPL, 26/66 pts) v Stoke (4th Championship, 44/81 pts)
When: Wednesday 16 January, Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Where: St James' Park, Newcastle
Winners away to Arsenal in Fourth Round. Result Newcastle 4 - 1

Other Results:
Man City 1-0 West Ham
Havant and W 4-2 Swansea City
Hereford United 1-0 Tranmere Rovers
4th round up coming where things REALLY get interesting.
*******************************************************************************
Barclays Premier League this weekend:
15:00 Birmingham vs Chelsea
15:00 Blackburn vs Middlesbrough
15:00 Fulham vs Arsenal
15:00 Portsmouth vs Derby
15:00 Reading vs Man Utd
15:00 Tottenham vs Sunderland
17:15 Newcastle vs Bolton
******************************************************************************

FA Cup Third-Round Match-ups

2008-01-04T22:55:00.000-08:00

Aston Villa v. Manchester United
Barnsley v. Blackpool
Blackburn v. Coventry
Bolton v. Sheffield United
Brighton v. Mansfield
Bristol City v. Middlesbrough
Burnley v. Arsenal
Charlton v. West Brom
Chasetown v. Cardiff
Chelsea v. QPR
Colchester v. Peterborough
Derby v. Sheffield Wednesday
Everton v. Oldham
Fulham v. Bristol Rovers
Huddersfield v. Brimingham
Ipswich v. Portsmouth
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The big-spending Championship outfit will be looking to make their mark against the Stamford Bridge side, who are no strangers to spending big in the transfer market.
Chasetown, the lowest ranked team to reach the third round, will be out to savour the biggest day in the history of the British Gas Business Division One Midlands outfit as they play host to Cardiff City.
There is an all-Premier League showdown at Villa Park as Manchester United are the visitors, the fourth time in seven seasons the two clubs have met in the competition.
Premier League strugglers Fulham and Derby will be hoping the cup can provide some cheer as they come up against Bristol Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday, respectively. Burnley will be dreaming of an upset as they welcome table-topping Arsenal to Turf Moor, while Middlesbrough face a tricky trip to Championship side Bristol City.
Blackburn host Coventry, Bolton welcome Sheffield United to The Reebok Stadium and Everton are at home to Oldham. Birmingham travel to Huddersfield and Portsmouth face Ipswich at Portman Road in other ties involving Premier League clubs.
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EPL Boxing day mile post/Fulham makes a change

2007-12-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Former Blackburn boss Roy Hodgson has been named as the new Fulham manager. Lawris Sanchez paid the price for a disappointing first half to the season as he was sacked before Christmas. Ray Lewington has been in caretaker charge for the last two matches but The Cottagers have continued to struggle. Fulham were keen to make a swift appointment and John Collins had been tipped to take the reins. The questions is will it be enough to keep them from regulation?

After 19 games in the EPL it is shaping up to be one of the most highly contested campaigns in quite some time. The top of the table looks like this:
1. Man. Utd 14 - 3 - 2/ 45 (winners of 5 out of 6 setting a tough pace)
2. Arsenal 13 - 5 - 1/ 44 (2 ties and 1 lost in last 6 have cost them)
3. Chelsea 11 - 5 - 3/ 38 (4 wins w/1 draw last 6 but are 3 wins shy)
4. Liverpool 10 - 6 - 2/ 36 (4 wins but two costly losses in last 6)
5. Man City 10 - 5 - 4/ 35 (only 6pts last 6 matches 10pts may be too far back)

Carling Cup update/EPL match day 17

2007-12-18T18:26:00.000-08:00

Ten-man Tottenham Hotspur ended Manchester City's 100 per cent home record and booked a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup with a 2-0 away win. Jermain Defoe opened the scoring before Didier Zokora was sent off for a challenge on Elano. City dominated much of the second half, but Spurs clinched the contest in the dying moments through a superb break-away goal after 83 minutes.
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EPL Update 17 games in:

Arsenal 17 40
Man Utd 17 39
Chelsea 17 34
Man City 17 33

the match of the weekend has to be Portsmouth traveling to Anfield to take on Liverpool with both clubs sitting on 30 points.
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Chelsea have won the race to sign Argentine hot-shot Franco Di Santo. The Blues have agreed a deal worth $7million (£3.4million) with his club - Chilean outfit Audax Italiano, and the 18-year-old will move when the transfer window opens in January.

Champions League/EPL Update

2007-12-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

In Champions League action, marquee clubs Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Chelsea advance in convincing fashion, with Schalke also advancing but backing in with a draw. Meanwhile Olympiakos quietly went about their business and also moved on. Scores for the day included:

Meanwhile the only surprise in the EPL this weekend was a shocker as Arsenal suffered its first defeat of the year to Middlesbrough 2-1. This tightens the noose at the top of the table and going into this weeks matches, looks like this:

	Team	P	Pts
1	Arsenal	16	37
2	Manchester United	16	36
3	Chelsea	16	34

Champions League/EPL Update

2007-12-04T20:27:00.000-08:00

The EPL is now 14 games in and Arsenal is looking for a little breathing room, but all of the top five clubs have upcoming matches they should win. The top of the table looks like this: Played Points

Arsenal	14	36
Man Utd	15	33
Chelsea	15	31
Liverpool	14	30
Man City	15	30

Champions League
Celtic booked their place in the knockout round by "backing in" after a 1-0 loss in San Siro. Celtic went into the game needing a point to be certain of finishing second in Group D, but with Shakhtar Donetsk going down 2-1 at home to Benfica, the Scottish giants were able to celebrate regardless of their own result, but they don't look like they have the fortitude necessary to go much further. The rest of the Champions League fixtures for December 11.

FC Porto Vs. Besiktas
Marseille vs. Liverpool
Chelsea vs. Valencia
Schalke vs. Rosenborg
Real Madrid vs. Lazio
Olympiakos vs. Werder Bremen

The fallout of England’s loss begins as Steve McClaren sacked as manager

2007-11-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

The expected carnage, introspective, and accusations are in full force as Steve McClaren being sacked as manager of English national team appears to be just the beginning. A heart wrenching Craig Johnston critiqued everyone from the FA, to the players, and believes that the kids of today are not prepared to work hard to become better footballers. The FA itself requested a complete “a full root and branch” examination of the whole England senior team center. The fans claim that the FA is at the center of the problem themselves, believing they pick up their paychecks regardless of the outcome or performance on the pitch. Roy Keane believes there are too many egos on the England squad. What do you think? Was it coaching? Was it the players themselves? Lack of training from the very bottom? Post your thoughts here and on the soccer chat room.

Smacchat World Soccer Blog

Chelsea gets stung in extra time, must watch another final from home

Gunners look strong as they move into semis

EPL top squads trying to focus as there are multiple task at hand

EPL teams continue to dominate Champions League

As March approaches, Champions League begins ‘sweet 16’ of their own

Champions League Reaches Knockout Stage

Champions League Completes First Round

Euro 2008 Reaches it’s Final Four

Germany stuns Portugal to cliam first spot in semi-finals

Italy suffers worst lost in history of Euro but can still advnce

Ronaldo, Portugal look stron in first game of Euro 2008

Man U left standing in the end. Zenit joins fellow Russian side CSKA as champs

EPL race tightest in years as Chelsea tie for lead going into last weekend

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Champions League Update

Champions League Reaches the Knockout Phase

FA Cup match-ups for the 4th round

FA Cup Third-Round Match-ups

EPL Boxing day mile post/Fulham makes a change

Carling Cup update/EPL match day 17

Champions League/EPL Update

Champions League/EPL Update

The fallout of England’s loss begins as Steve McClaren sacked as manager