The New York Red Bulls crashed to a 3-1 defeat against eastern conference front runners Columbus Crew in a pulsating match at Crew Stadium.

A confident Bulls team, playing some of its best football in recent times, took a 1-0 lead courtesy of a stunning Juan Pablo Angel free kick. The ex Aston Villa striker struck a bullet free kick from all of 30 yards to put his team ahead.

Angel’s strike was his eighth goal in his last ten games for the Bulls. Alongside Landon Donovan of LA Galaxy, Angel is the hottest striker in MLS at the moment continuing his form from last season.

However, the dream start soon turned into a nightmare as the Crew produced a fight back to demolish the Bulls. MLS veteran Frankie Hejduk leveled matters just before half time with a cross that sailed over Jon Conway and into the back of the net.

Table toppers Crew then turned on the style in the second half as Robbie Rogers scored an unstoppable 30 yard rocket, leaving Jon Conway helpless.

New York were clearly missing influential Dutch midfielder Dave Van Den Bergh, who is expected to miss at least two games through a hernia injury.

Columbus wrapped up the match on the 85th minute when Eddie Gaven scored the third and decisive goal.

There was little positive after that for New York and matters went from bad to worse in the final minute when defender Kevin Goldthwaite was shown a red card.

The Bulls remain in fourth place in the eastern conference on 35 points while Columbus are out in front on 47 points.

Up next for the Bulls, a crucial home game against Colorado. Columbus make the trip to the Gillette Stadium to face New England Revolution.

Abdul Kashif

Borussia Dortmund striker, Mohammed Zidan is expected to make his long
awaited return to the Egyptian senior National team according to the
Pharaohs goalkeeping coach Ahmed Soliman.

The former Hamburg striker was slammed with a three month ban for failing to
resume to the Egyptian training camp ahead of their opening 2010 World
Cup/Nations Cup qualifying game against DR Congo in June. Zidan faked injury
and rather stayed with Hamburg forcing the Egyptian FA to impose a
suspension on him after uncovering the fake injury plot.

The Egyptian technical staff are set to give the striker an early call-up
taking into view his good conduct while serving out his punishment.

“He behaved well during that period. He didn’t make any offensive comments
towards the technical staff after being banned,” Soliman told Modern Sport
on Thursday.

“Zidan will soon return to Egypt’s squad.” he confirmed

He however pointed out that influential Al Ahly striker, Mohammed Barakat
would still remain a pariah in the team, after his continued criticism of
the Egyptian technical bench.

“We were infuriated by Barakat’s repeated criticism of us. We will not
tolerate such comments from any player,” Soliman added.

“Consequently, we decided that Barakat will not be part of our plans for the
future,” he concluded.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

Goalkeeper of the Black Stars of Ghana, Richard Kingston ensured that all
the spoils were shared in the friendly encounter between the Black Stars of
Ghana and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

The Ghanaian team was playing for the first time under their new Serbian
coach Milovan Rajevac, but there was nothing new about their game play as
they struggled to make an impact for a better part of the encounter.

It was the home side that deservedly went ahead in the 34th minute of the
encounter, after Henry Joseph nodded the ball into the Ghanaian net off a
cross by Juma Jabu to give supporters of the East African country plenty to
cheer about.

With the game looking set to end in a victory for the home side, but the
least likely individual to deliver a goal for the Ghanaians was the saviour
of the day, as Richard Kingston connected well with a cross from his brother
Laryea Kingston to ensure that New Coach Milovan Rajevac avoided a loss in
his first game in charge.

“I don’t think my players have played badly, I have just taken over and I am
still trying different formations,” Rajevac said after the encounter

The Brazilian coach of the Taifa Stars Marcio Maximo described the game as a
good experience for his wards.

“It was a good lesson for the boys, we are gaining good experience by
playing top teams like Ghana,” he said.

Ghana are scheduled to play Libya next month in Omdurman in a crucial
qualifying encounter that could either make or mar their chances of moving
to the next round of qualifiers.

The Taifa Stars on the other hand have already been knocked out of the
qualifying race and would be playing Mauritius.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

By Abdul Kashif

10 man New York Red Bulls beat Toronto FC 2-1 in a crucial eastern conference clash at Giants Stadium.

The Red Bulls, captained by ex Aston Villa star Juan Pablo Angel, controlled most of a lively first half and the deadlock was broken by Mike Magee in the 37th minute.
Although Seth Stammler will be credited with the assist, a mention must go to Angel for holding his run, allowing Magee to storm through on goal and puts the Bulls a goal up with a precision finish.

However, the second half began in the worst possible fashion for the Bulls as Gabriel Cichero was shown a straight red card. The Venezuelan defender was penalised for an elbow on Danny Dichio.

A resolute defensive display followed as Toronto failed to capitalise on Cichero’s dismissal. Sloppy play from Toronto’s midfield meant that the Bulls were able to keep possession for long periods of the game. Debutant Johann Smith, formerly of Bolton Wanderers looked lively for Toronto but was unable to find a way past an excellent Bulls defence.

The killer blow for Toronto came in the 91st minute as substitute Dane Richards set up skipper Angel for an easy tap in after a classic counter attack.

Following back to back victories, the Red Bulls continue to battle in a very tight eastern conference. They welcome MLS champions to the Giants Stadium this Sunday while Toronto entertain New England Revolution at BMO Field.

Arsenal v West Brom

Arsenal is currently lacking in creativity as Fabregas wont be playing and Nasri may still be out. Not sure Denilson and Ramsey can create as much. Arsene clearly believes in his boys and the fans can only hope their tactician is right.
West Brom would want to prove a point and announce their re arrival but I think the Emirates would overwhelm them and send them packing.

Prediction
2 - 0 victory to Arsenal

Bolton v Stoke City

Gary Megson would want to get as many points as possible early on this year to avoid the relegation type stress he faced last season. He certainly would fancy his team’s chances against newly promoted Stoke.

Stoke City however would believe Bolton is one of the teams they should be able to beat to remain in the Premiership.

Should be an exciting match for both sides and a winner should emerge. With new signings Elmander (Bolton) and Kitson (Stoke) both likely to play, I fancy either one of them netting a goal on their debut.

Prediction
2 - 2 draw

Everton v Blackburn Rovers

David Moyes has not had a good pre season by his standards and would be looking to get back to winning ways when it matters. With the sale of Andy Johnson, injury to Stephen Pineenar, Victor Anichebe at the Olympics and lack of signings at Goodison Park, Everton are likely to lack the sharpness they need going forward. Hoever, the power of Yakubu has been one they have been able to count on in the past and would certainly be counting on again in this match.

Blackburn Rovers have a new manager in Paul Ince whom all the players would be seeking to impress and stake a claim for a first team shirt regularly. Further Blackburn have signed Villaneuva, a South American wonder who is apparently going to set the Premiership ablaze. However Goodison Park has never been an easy place to get points for most teams and the loss of Brad Friedel and David Bentley may be too much to take early on and may affect performances.

Prediction
1 - 1 draw

West Ham United v Wigan Athletics

West Ham have had a quiet transfer market with only Behrami coming in so far to add to the squad which finished mid table. So not much is expected from this team at this stage. Alan Curbishley is also tipped to be one of the first managers to be sacked this season.

Wigan had a good end of season last season and would like to continue that form this season. With the arrival of Zaki, Oliver Kapo and De Ridder, Wigan possess even a stronger side and would certainly be pushing for a mid table finish. Wigan is also strong defensively and the watchful eyes of Steve Bruce should guide them well this season.

Prediction
1- 2 victory to Wigan

Hull City v Fulham

Newly promoted Hull City would be hoping to start the Premiership campaign with a victory against Fulham. Hull City has made some reinforcements with the signing of Marlon King, George Boateng,  Geovanni and Fagan who all played in the Premiership last season.

Fulham would be hoping to start afresh after narrowly escaping relegation last season. Roy has also reinforced his squad especially with the recent signing of Andy Johnson. With his continental experience, Fulham would be hoping for a mid table finish at least.

Prediction
1 - 1 draw.

Middlesbrough v Tottenham Hotspur

Gareth Southgate has had a quiet summer with Cattermole leaving and Digard joining the Riverside. Middlesborough finished 13th last season and not much is expected of this side this season.

Highly rated Juande Ramos on the other hand has brought in several signing including Bentley, Modric, Dos Santos and Gomez but has also sold many including Chimbonda, Tainio, Paul Robinson and Steed Malbranque. Also, in form striker Darrent Bent is expected to have an exciting season ahead with a top four finish predicted by many for the club.

Prediction
1 - 3 victory to Spurs.

Sunderland v Liverpool

The Stadium of Light has welcome many this summer including Diouf, Chimbonda, Malbranque and Tainio. These are all top players with Premiership experience and they will definitely add to the ambitious squad. Roy Keane would be expecting even a better finish this season and his team’s never say die attitude will help a great deal this summer.

Liverpool, as usual have bought many but the most prominent being Robbie Keane who netted 15 goals and 7 assists last season. Many are looking forward to his partnership with one of Premiership’s finest strikers in Fernando Torres. This is a partnership that will produce goals and one which many believe would break Liverpool’s inability to win the Premier League since it began in 1992. With a injury free season for play maker Steven Gerrard and those two strikers in form, Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited.

Prediction
0 - 2 victory to Liverpool

Chelsea v Portsmouth

Luiz Felipe Scolari would be itching to get his Premiership campaign going in front of the home fans at The Bridge. Since his arrival, he has brought in Deco and Bosingwa, two players whom by all standards should fit into the Premiership life seamlessly. He has also inherited a side with loads of experience as signaled by the average age of their players and they have shown they are one of the best teams in the world having only lost out to Manchester United twice in the dying stages of the competitions. With many fringe players pushing for starting shirts, one expects to see a blazing Chelsea side over the next few months.

Harry Redknapp would still be reeling the loss of the Community Shield but would be confident his side are more than capable of upsetting any of the “big four”. He has also bought intelligently has always including the arrival of Defoe last season, Peter Crouch, Kaboul and Jerome. However he has lost the thunderous left foot of Muntari and that would certainly be missed. Nonetheless, Harry would expect nothing but a fight at Stamford Bridge and would be happy to walk away with a draw.

Prediction
2 - 0 victory to Chelsea

Aston Villa v Manchester City

Aston Villa for the first time in a few seasons can boast of making more than 3 signings in a single transfer market. This season has seen the recruitment of Steve Sidwell, Cuella, Nick Shorey and Luke Young. These players would all add to the exciting talents at Villa park and this season promises to be even better than the last. Villa’s main problem last season was their inability to keep clean sheets and the recruitment of 3 defenders and 2 goalkeepers shows Martin O’Neill has got that area covered now.

Manchester City on the other hand have a new manager in Mark Hughes whom most of the players would be seeking to impress. They have also reinforced the squad with the arrival of Jo from CSKA Moscow and Bojinov from injury. Hence, they are likely to be sharper in attack and would fancy their chances against Villa’s new defence structure although Villa Park has never been an easy place to get points for most teams.

Prediction
2 - 1 win to Villa

Manchester United v Newcastle United

The Kings of the Premiership and Kings of Europe would be seeking to start the defence of their titles with a solid victory at home for their fans. Although an injury struck team at the moment with Sahar, Ronaldo, Park and Hargreaves all on the sick bed, the timely return of Wayne Rooney would be much welcomed to give Carlos Tevez the support he needs up front. The saying goes ” You never change a winning team” and Sir Alex has done just that. However I am sure he, like most Man Utd fans would welcome the moody but deadly Dimitar Berbatov.

Newcastle have added Gutierrez and Coloccini to their squad this season and would be hoping they both start to make an impact straight away. However a depleted attacking force with Owen, Martins and Viduka are all doubtful means they will approach the game more defensively than they may have wanted. Plus , in the last 3 seasons, Manchester United have been very generous in front of goal whenever they take on Newcastle and Newcastle will want to limit any early damage to their confidence.

Prediction
3 - 0 victory to Manchester United.

Blackburn Rovers of England striker, Benni McCarthy has been invited to the
Bafana Bafana Squad scheduled to tackle the Socceroos of Australia in an
international friendly encounter in London.

McCarthy has in recent times been critical about the selection process of
the South African FA, and is really a surprise feature in Coach Joel
Santana’s squad.

“This game will also afford me a chance to see the players in a game
situation.” Coach Joel Santana was quoted as saying on BBCSports website.

“I have only just come into the team and need to understand how each player
responds in a game situation.

“Unlike at club level, at national level you don’t have the luxury of having
your players day in and day out. ” he added

“We must remain focused that our main objective is to deliver a world class
team for the 2010 World Cup.

“Our pyramid scheme, which was started by my predecessor, Carlos Pereira and
approved by SAFA, must not be dismantled as it is the best model for this
country.”

Santana further stressed that he would keep building the team ahead the 2010
World Cup to be hosted by South Africa and by the end of this year he would
have fashioned out a squad that would be ready for the FIFA Confederations
Cup in 2009 and the World Cup the following year.

“We have to merge all the hard work put together in the past 16 months to
produce a Team for 2010,” Santana added

“The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are therefore important for us,
just as all the friendly games are.”

The Bafana Bafana team is in serious threat of not making it to the 2010
African Cup of Nations, and their next game against the Super Eagles of
Nigeria is very key.
Goalkeepers:

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders:

Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn Rovers, England), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport Utd),
Nazeer Allie (Ajax Cape Town), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos, Greece), Nasief
Morris (Recreativo Huelva, Spain), Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya, Israel),
Bradley Carnell (Karlsruhe, Germany), Innocent Mdledle (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders:

Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Teko Modise (both Orlando Pirates), Lance Davids
(Djurgardens, Sweden), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Matthew
Pattison (Norwich, England), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Kagisho
Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows), Siyabonga Nkosi (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), Lefa
Tsutsulupa (Moroka Swallows), Dean Furman (Rangers, Scotland), Siphiwe
Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Strikers:

Katlego Mphela and Sibusiso Zuma (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Benni McCarthy
(Blackburn, England)

Awenlimobor Sylvester

The Barclay’s Premier League is upon us once again. Long grueling months of highs and lows, mixed emotions, temper tantrums, mouthing off, waking up at odd hours in the morning to catch a game (for those living across the Atlantic), hustling for tickets to see your beloved team (for those in England), and paying out cool sums for jerseys to make a statement of loyalty and support.

With all this hype and fanatics going on as we all anticipate kickoff this Saturday and prepare our game rituals, I wish every Chelsea FC fan a mediocre season, every Liverpool FC fan a empty optimism season, every Man Utd fan a not so strong season, and every Arsenal FC fan a tense or worrying season. And to the non media proclaimed “Big Four” supporters, I wish you all the best of luck for fifth and sixth and tough luck for relegation battlers.

Please feel free to object and show your optimism and unwavering support for your team. But be warned, your team must back up your talk.

By Tunnel Vision

With so many players moving clubs, one is left to wonder if one would do better as a manager in the transfer market. Now here is your chance to name your squad based on the current crop of players still playing.

Name your dream football squad?

 

By Dapo Ajala

 

After many weeks of speculation, Chelsea finally got their man and announced on Wednesday 11 June that 59-year-old Brazilian, Felipe “Big Phil” Scolari will be taking over the reins at the West London club from July 1 2008. Once coveted by the English FA, he finally arrives to ply his trade in the self-titled best league in the world.

 

The club statement reads

“Felipe has great qualities. He is one of the world’s top coaches with a record of success at country and club level, he gets the best out of a talented squad of players and his ambitions and expectations match ours. He was the outstanding choice.

 

Out of respect for his current role as Head Coach of the Portuguese national team, and to ensure minimum disruption to this work, there will be no further comment from Chelsea FC nor from Felipe about his new role until his employment with us commences.”

 

No doubt the Chelsea fans will be excited, and not many will be surprised by the appointment; it is the double-standard approach that sounds rather ridiculous. How can you ensure minimum disruption when a club the size of Chelsea makes such an announcement a week into a tournament where the same coach is widely-expected to take his team to the final?

 

With the timing of the “low-key” announcement, one can only imagine the media circus around the Portugal training camp over the course of the following days.

 

Abramovich’s desire to see his team play a beautiful attacking game has been well documented and the choice of ‘Felipao’ fits the puzzle perfectly.

Frank Rijkaard and Roberto Mancini’s are more known for their compact style of playing than a flamboyant attacking game. I witnessed Inter painfully grind their way to the title last season by pretty much doing what Mourinho’s Chelsea did in their back-to-back league winning seasons; it was never pretty but it got the job done.

 

The English Premier League awaits the football nomad for his first club assignment in Europe; interestingly, he apparently turned down the England job because of anticipated media intrusion into his private life. Seems a reported $13.6 million has miraculously eased his worries…i’m sure as always, the move is for “footballing reasons”.