Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
2012 French Ligue 1 Champion Montpellier HSC Hd Wallpaper
* 2012 French Ligue 1 Champion Montpellier HSC Hd Wallpaper
Monday, May 21, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
John Terry Congratulates Fernando Torres After His Goal At Stamford Bridge
* John Terry Congratulates Fernando Torres After His Goal At Stamford Bridge
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Ronaldo Scores as Real Madrid Clinch La Liga Title
* Cristiano Ronaldo scores on a header to help give Real Madrid a 0-3 win vs. Athletic Bilbao and clinch La Liga for Madrid.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
UEFA Champion League Final 2012
The 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, the 57th season of the UEFA Champions League football tournament and the 20th since it was renamed from the European Champion Clubs' Cup. The match will be played on 19th of May 2012, kick off 20:45 local time , at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.Home of Bayern Munich, one of the finalists, and 1860 Munich, although the stadium will be referred to as "Fußball Arena München" for the match, as UEFA does not recognise sponsorship by companies that are not among its partner organisations.
Chelsea swap out Barcelona in the semi-finals, 3–2 on aggregate, while Bayern Munich edged Real Madrid 3–1 on penalties after a 3–3 aggregate score. It will be the first time that a team will play at home during the UEFA Champions League Final, and the fourth time in the history of the European Cup, after 1957, 1965 and 1984. The winner of the final will play the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League winners in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup, and also enter the semi-finals of the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup as the UEFA representative.
Both clubs will have to face problems due to suspensions. Bayern will be missing David Alaba, Holger Badstuber and Luiz Gustavo, while Chelsea will be play without Branislav Ivanović, Raul Meireles, Ramires and John Terry.
UEFA Champion League Final 2012
The 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, the 57th season of the UEFA Champions League football tournament and the 20th since it was renamed from the European Champion Clubs' Cup. The match will be played on 19th of May 2012, kick off 20:45 local time , at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.Home of Bayern Munich, one of the finalists, and 1860 Munich, although the stadium will be referred to as "Fußball Arena München" for the match, as UEFA does not recognise sponsorship by companies that are not among its partner organisations.
Chelsea swap out Barcelona in the semi-finals, 3–2 on aggregate, while Bayern Munich edged Real Madrid 3–1 on penalties after a 3–3 aggregate score. It will be the first time that a team will play at home during the UEFA Champions League Final, and the fourth time in the history of the European Cup, after 1957, 1965 and 1984. The winner of the final will play the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League winners in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup, and also enter the semi-finals of the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup as the UEFA representative.
Both clubs will have to face problems due to suspensions. Bayern will be missing David Alaba, Holger Badstuber and Luiz Gustavo, while Chelsea will be play without Branislav Ivanović, Raul Meireles, Ramires and John Terry.
FC Bayern vs Real Madrid CF
FC Bayern reached in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final on home ground, against Chelsea FC, after defeating Real Madrid CF on penalties after 210 minutes of a great semi-final.
Bastian Schweinsteiger converted the decisive strike kick, Also Manuel Neuer's excellent stops Cristiano Ronaldo and Kakà were just as crucial. David Alaba and Mario Gomez goaled for Bayern before Iker Casilla did not send the ball into polls, Toni Kroos and Philipp Lahm to drag Madrid back in match. Yet when Sergio Ramos kicked the ball high over the bar, Schweinsteiger had the chance to catch it , he did not disappoint, giving his side an inexpugnable 3-1 lead.
Bayern's celebrations were understandably spirited; their emotions were different after 14 minutes, by which time their 2-1 first leg advantage had become a 3-2 deficit. Ronaldo did the damage as the hosts thrown out of the blocks, scoring twice, the second a penalty. The Bundesliga visitors regrouped and Arjen Robben's own spot kick before the half-hour ultimately set up the dramatic conclusion.
It had been all Madrid in those opening skirmishes, with Xabi Alonso and Ángel Di María continued well down the right. The time came with a cross from the other flank by Marcelo, however, which was met by Di María's volley and struck the hand of Alaba. A booking followed, ruling the Bayern defender out of a possible final – Luiz Gustavo and Holger Badstuber would also faced similar fate.
Ronaldo sent Neuer the wrong way with his 25th consecutive successful spot kick for the club ,what he would have given for No26? Bayern should have equalised when former Madrid man Robben skied a shot over from point-blank range after connecting with Alaba's excellent centre. Casillas was sent into ground soon after, spilling Gomez's low drive and looking on in relief as Álvaro Arbeloa cleared off Franck Ribéry's toe.
The pace continued unabated and the nine-time European champions soon made it 2-0 on the night. Looking to clear under pressure from Khedira, Kroos inadvertently skewed the ball into Mesut Özil's path, and the playmaker teed up Ronaldo to rifle in his tenth UEFA Champions League goal in as many games this season.
A 90th-minute effort from Gomez earned Jupp Heynckes's side victory last week and the striker was again in the thick of it as Bayern replied here, being pushed over by Pepe to win the penalty. Casillas reached Robben's effort from the spot but could only tip it onto the post and in, and momentum gradually shifted in the visiting team's favour.
After the break and the hosts were thankful that Casillas was quickest to the ball after Robben burst clean through on goal. As extra time beckoned Gomez fluffed a chance to settle the tie when – with the goal at his mercy – he miscontrolled, allowing Ramos to make a saving challenge. Gomez made no mistake when it really mattered, however; nor did Bayern, and Chelsea now await on 19 May. thanks to (uefa.com)
FC Bayern vs Real Madrid CF
FC Bayern reached in the 2012 UEFA Champions League final on home ground, against Chelsea FC, after defeating Real Madrid CF on penalties after 210 minutes of a great semi-final.
Bastian Schweinsteiger converted the decisive strike kick, Also Manuel Neuer's excellent stops Cristiano Ronaldo and Kakà were just as crucial. David Alaba and Mario Gomez goaled for Bayern before Iker Casilla did not send the ball into polls, Toni Kroos and Philipp Lahm to drag Madrid back in match. Yet when Sergio Ramos kicked the ball high over the bar, Schweinsteiger had the chance to catch it , he did not disappoint, giving his side an inexpugnable 3-1 lead.
Bayern's celebrations were understandably spirited; their emotions were different after 14 minutes, by which time their 2-1 first leg advantage had become a 3-2 deficit. Ronaldo did the damage as the hosts thrown out of the blocks, scoring twice, the second a penalty. The Bundesliga visitors regrouped and Arjen Robben's own spot kick before the half-hour ultimately set up the dramatic conclusion.
It had been all Madrid in those opening skirmishes, with Xabi Alonso and Ángel Di María continued well down the right. The time came with a cross from the other flank by Marcelo, however, which was met by Di María's volley and struck the hand of Alaba. A booking followed, ruling the Bayern defender out of a possible final – Luiz Gustavo and Holger Badstuber would also faced similar fate.
Ronaldo sent Neuer the wrong way with his 25th consecutive successful spot kick for the club ,what he would have given for No26? Bayern should have equalised when former Madrid man Robben skied a shot over from point-blank range after connecting with Alaba's excellent centre. Casillas was sent into ground soon after, spilling Gomez's low drive and looking on in relief as Álvaro Arbeloa cleared off Franck Ribéry's toe.
The pace continued unabated and the nine-time European champions soon made it 2-0 on the night. Looking to clear under pressure from Khedira, Kroos inadvertently skewed the ball into Mesut Özil's path, and the playmaker teed up Ronaldo to rifle in his tenth UEFA Champions League goal in as many games this season.
A 90th-minute effort from Gomez earned Jupp Heynckes's side victory last week and the striker was again in the thick of it as Bayern replied here, being pushed over by Pepe to win the penalty. Casillas reached Robben's effort from the spot but could only tip it onto the post and in, and momentum gradually shifted in the visiting team's favour.
After the break and the hosts were thankful that Casillas was quickest to the ball after Robben burst clean through on goal. As extra time beckoned Gomez fluffed a chance to settle the tie when – with the goal at his mercy – he miscontrolled, allowing Ramos to make a saving challenge. Gomez made no mistake when it really mattered, however; nor did Bayern, and Chelsea now await on 19 May. thanks to (uefa.com)
Chelsea dump out holders Barca to reach final
BARCELONA - An heroic Chelsea survived the dismissal of captain John Terry to eliminate holders Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate and clinch a place in the Champions League final after an action-packed last-four clash on Tuesday in which Lionel Messi missed a penalty.
The dramatic semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp ended 2-2 and meant Chelsea, chasing a first European title, will play Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the May 19 final with the Germans holding a 2-1 lead ahead of Wednesday's Bernabeu game.
A victory for Real would pit coach Jose Mourinho against former club Chelsea, who were in disarray just a few weeks ago.
Tuesday's match first swung Barca's way when they opened a two-goal lead through Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta and Terry was sent off for lifting a knee into the back of Alexis Sanchez off the ball.
Chelsea's John Terry argues with Barcelona's Carles Puyol as he receives a red card during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 24, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]
The home side appeared in total control but Chelsea hit back unexpectedly when Frank Lampard sent Ramires clear in first-half added time and he lifted the ball brilliantly over the onrushing Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes into the empty net.
Barca, who dominated possession throughout as they had done in losing the first leg in London 1-0, squandered a chance to make it 3-1 early in the second half when the referee awarded a penalty for a debatable Didier Drogba foul on Cesc Fabregas.
World Player of the Year Messi, also denied by a post late on, crashed his spot kick against the crossbar with Petr Cech beaten and has now gone eight games without scoring against Chelsea - by far his worst record against any club in Europe.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi takes a penalty kick and fails to score during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match against Chelsea at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 24, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]
Substitute Fernando Torres, who had an impressive record against Barca when at Atletico Madrid but has repeatedly misfired for the Premier League side, then netted for Chelsea in stoppage time after racing clear and rounding Valdes.
"Football is like that, the favourite, the best team does not always win," a jubilant Torres told Spanish TV.
"We knew that was the way we had to play against Barca and often it's not the prettiest spectacle but those are our weapons," added the former Liverpool forward.
"We have a great deal of respect for Barca, for us they are the best team in the world and that's an extra motivation."
Rearguard action
Chelsea's incredible rearguard action over the two legs is all the more remarkable given they sacked coach Andre Villas-Boas last month and Roberto Di Matteo is in charge only on an interim basis. They lie sixth in the Premier League.
"This year the league has been disappointing but now we are through to two finals," said Torres, whose side play Liverpool for the FA Cup on May 5 before heading to the Munich showpiece.
"A bad season could still turn into a memorable one."
Barca's elimination, meanwhile, is a fresh setback for Pep Guardiola's side after they crashed to a 2-1 La Liga reverse at home to Real on Saturday that left them seven points behind their bitter rivals with four games left and all-but ended their bid for a fourth straight Spanish crown.
Guardiola has led Barca to 13 titles since taking over in 2008, including Champions League triumphs in 2009 and 2011, but Tuesday's failure will inevitably lead to further speculation about the former midfielder's future.
He has yet to agree an extension to his contract beyond the end of this season and reports have suggested he might take a rest or join another club.
Chelsea, who fell to Manchester United in the 2008 final, will head to the Munich showpiece with Terry, defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielders Ramires and Raul Meireles all suspended.
Gary Cahill, who limped off with an apparent muscle strain in the 12th minute, faces a race to be fit as does fellow centre back David Luiz, who missed Tuesday's match through injury.
"It was hard when you lose both centre halves like that," left back Ashley Cole said.
"But at the end of the day we all believed. Not many people did, but we all did.
"Three or four months ago no one thought we had a chance. We lost a few games in the Premier League. We've been lucky, but it shows you can't beat our desire and fight."
Barca, who lost Gerard Pique to concussion midway through the first half, knocked Chelsea out on away goals at the same stage in 2009 thanks to a last-gasp Iniesta strike but could not repeat the feat three years on.
Chelsea's Didier Drogba and team mate Ramires celebrate after defeating Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 24, 2012.
(Agencies)
The dramatic semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp ended 2-2 and meant Chelsea, chasing a first European title, will play Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the May 19 final with the Germans holding a 2-1 lead ahead of Wednesday's Bernabeu game.
A victory for Real would pit coach Jose Mourinho against former club Chelsea, who were in disarray just a few weeks ago.
Tuesday's match first swung Barca's way when they opened a two-goal lead through Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta and Terry was sent off for lifting a knee into the back of Alexis Sanchez off the ball.
Chelsea's John Terry argues with Barcelona's Carles Puyol as he receives a red card during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 24, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]
The home side appeared in total control but Chelsea hit back unexpectedly when Frank Lampard sent Ramires clear in first-half added time and he lifted the ball brilliantly over the onrushing Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes into the empty net.
Barca, who dominated possession throughout as they had done in losing the first leg in London 1-0, squandered a chance to make it 3-1 early in the second half when the referee awarded a penalty for a debatable Didier Drogba foul on Cesc Fabregas.
World Player of the Year Messi, also denied by a post late on, crashed his spot kick against the crossbar with Petr Cech beaten and has now gone eight games without scoring against Chelsea - by far his worst record against any club in Europe.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi takes a penalty kick and fails to score during their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match against Chelsea at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 24, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]
Substitute Fernando Torres, who had an impressive record against Barca when at Atletico Madrid but has repeatedly misfired for the Premier League side, then netted for Chelsea in stoppage time after racing clear and rounding Valdes.
"Football is like that, the favourite, the best team does not always win," a jubilant Torres told Spanish TV.
"We knew that was the way we had to play against Barca and often it's not the prettiest spectacle but those are our weapons," added the former Liverpool forward.
"We have a great deal of respect for Barca, for us they are the best team in the world and that's an extra motivation."
Rearguard action
Chelsea's incredible rearguard action over the two legs is all the more remarkable given they sacked coach Andre Villas-Boas last month and Roberto Di Matteo is in charge only on an interim basis. They lie sixth in the Premier League.
"This year the league has been disappointing but now we are through to two finals," said Torres, whose side play Liverpool for the FA Cup on May 5 before heading to the Munich showpiece.
"A bad season could still turn into a memorable one."
Barca's elimination, meanwhile, is a fresh setback for Pep Guardiola's side after they crashed to a 2-1 La Liga reverse at home to Real on Saturday that left them seven points behind their bitter rivals with four games left and all-but ended their bid for a fourth straight Spanish crown.
Guardiola has led Barca to 13 titles since taking over in 2008, including Champions League triumphs in 2009 and 2011, but Tuesday's failure will inevitably lead to further speculation about the former midfielder's future.
He has yet to agree an extension to his contract beyond the end of this season and reports have suggested he might take a rest or join another club.
Chelsea, who fell to Manchester United in the 2008 final, will head to the Munich showpiece with Terry, defender Branislav Ivanovic and midfielders Ramires and Raul Meireles all suspended.
Gary Cahill, who limped off with an apparent muscle strain in the 12th minute, faces a race to be fit as does fellow centre back David Luiz, who missed Tuesday's match through injury.
"It was hard when you lose both centre halves like that," left back Ashley Cole said.
"But at the end of the day we all believed. Not many people did, but we all did.
"Three or four months ago no one thought we had a chance. We lost a few games in the Premier League. We've been lucky, but it shows you can't beat our desire and fight."
Barca, who lost Gerard Pique to concussion midway through the first half, knocked Chelsea out on away goals at the same stage in 2009 thanks to a last-gasp Iniesta strike but could not repeat the feat three years on.
Chelsea's Didier Drogba and team mate Ramires celebrate after defeating Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final second leg soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 24, 2012.
(Agencies)
Ex-soccer chief Nan Yong charged with taking bribes
Nan Yong is taken to the court by police on Wednesday.[Photo/CFP]
Nan Yong, the former director of the Chinese Football Administrative Center, went on trial Wednesday in a court in the northeastern Chinese city of Tieling, a day after court proceedings opened against his predecessor Xie Yalong on similar charges.
The 50-year-old Nan, named as a vice chairman of the Chinese Football Association at the age of 35, was instrumental in China's only appearance in the World Cup finals as he hired Serbian coach Bora Milutinovic despite voices of opposition and oversaw the qualifying campaign as the team's chef de mission.
Nan was arrested in 2010 with his associates Yang Yimin and Zhang Jianqiang, who had been sentenced in February's bribery trials to 10 1/2 years and 12 years in prison respectively.
In Dandong, Li Dongsheng, the former head of the CFA's referees committee, faced charges of bribery and embezzlement.
Qi Hong and Jiang Jin, the key players in China's successful run to the 2002 World Cup finals, were on trial with Shen Si and Li Ming.
The four former Chinese national team members were accused of taking bribes to fix a 2003 Chinese league game, in which their team, Shanghai Guoji, lost 2-1 to Tianjin Teda.
The result sent their crosstown rival Shanghai Shenhua to the league title and prevented Tianjin from being relegated.
Sources said that the four players received bribes totaling 8 million yuan ($1.27 million).
Nan and Xie Yalong are the highest ranking officials caught in China's ever-widening crackdown on soccer corruption, which has brought down dozens of high-ranking soccer officials, referees and players.
Tuesday's trial against Xie lasted nearly 11 hours and was eventful as his defence team moved to have all his confessions abandoned since they were obtained "illegally".
Xie, charged with taking over 1.7 million yuan ($273,000) in bribes, told the court that he had confessed to some of the alleged charges since someone had "forced him" during earlier interrogations.
Xie's lawyer Jin Xiaoguang told People's Daily official website that his defendant feared for his life during the interrogations and confessed to crimes he did not commit "because he wanted to stay alive."
Factfile of Nan Yong:
Born: June 16, 1962
Graduated from Shenyang Physical Education Institute
Career:
1984 - Human Resources Department of State Physical Culture and Sports Commission
1997 - Vice chairman of the Chinese Football Association
2001 - Chef de mission of the Chinese team which qualified for the 2002 World Cup finals
2005 - Party secretary and deputy director of the Chinese Football Administrative Center, head of the Chinese Super League
2009 - Director of the Chinese Football Administrative Center, vice chairman of the Chinese Football Association
(Xinhua)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Adrian Lopez Alvarez HD Image and Wallpapers Gallery
* Adrián López Álvarez, simply Adrián (born 8 January 1988 in Teverga, Asturias), is a Spanish footballer who plays for Atlético Madrid as a forward.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
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