3716: MLS Diary: Flirting with Beckh
by : Bill Urban
Peter Crouch’s 11th goal in 14 England appearances ensure that it is two wins out of two for Steve McClaren’s men on the road to Euro 2008, but the former Yugoslav Republic arguably deserve more for their efforts. Crouch strikes just after half-time, but rather than press home their advantage England retreat in a desperate bid to protect their lead, surviving several late scares to just about hold on to the three points;
“We knew we would learn about the players in an atmosphere like this and we have.” offers McClaren, looking on the bright side;
“We could have played better football.” he admits;
“The referee was a bit bitty, he stopped the game too much and we couldn't get flowing.”
In Group E’s other game England’s main challengers Russia and Croatia play out a dull 0-0 draw, while Israel cruise past Andorra 4-1.
If Northern Ireland’s 3-0 defeat to Iceland on Saturday (September 2) was a shock, then their 3-2 victory over Spain this Wednesday qualifies as a tremor. Leeds front man David Healy helps himself to a hat-trick as Lawrie Sanchez’s side strike back in spectacular fashion. The Spaniards take the lead through midfielder Xavi and are back in front after Healy’s first when David Villa strikes. Healy notches a second equaliser with 25 minutes left before sealing victory with 10 minutes on the clock.
Stung by criticism following the weekend debacle, Sanchez declines to face the press leaving Healy to comment;
“We let down people on Saturday but what was written got a little bit out of hand. We wanted to put a bit of pride back in the Northern Ireland jersey.”
Elsewhere in Group F Iceland are busy undoing much of the good work put in against Northern Ireland as they suffer a 2-0 reverse against Denmark, while the group’s third Scandinavian outfit Sweden secure a 3-1 win over Liechtenstein.
Trying hard not to think about the prospect of France and Italy on the Group B horizon, Scotland continue their winning start to the campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win in Lithuania. Walter Smith’s side take a 2-0 lead through Christian Dailly and Kenny Miller, with Darius Miceika’s late free-kick not enough to salvage anything for the hosts;
“Everybody knows we have very difficult games ahead of us against teams above us in the rankings.” whispers Smith, trying not to spoil the celebratory mood;
“But we go into those in good spirits.” he adds. Not to mention a much needed six points out of six so far.
All of which leaves the Scots sitting pretty for now, especially since world champions Italy again stutter. In a re-run of this summer’s World Cup final Roberto Donadoni’s side are beaten 3-1 by France, while elsewhere in the group Ukraine overcome Georgia 3-2.
Finland produce a creditable 1-1 home draw with World Cup semi-finalists and all round bad boys Portugal in Group A, while Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan come up with the same result. There’s also a 1-1 draw between Poland and Serbia, and Belgium beat Armenia by the only goal.
Norway top Group C after a 2-0 home win over Moldova, while Hungary beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1. Turkey make a winning start to their campaign, albeit with a rather modest 2-0 triumph over Malta.
Group D produces one of the more embarrassing shellackings in international football history as Germany thunder thirteen goals past San Marino without reply. Czech Republic cannot quite keep up with that goal ratio, but still find themselves in a good position in the group after a 3-0 win over old friends Slovakia.
Group G action sees Holland setting the early pace after a 3-0 win over Belarus, with both Bulgaria and Romania in contention. Bulgaria see off Slovenia 3-0 while Romania secure a 2-0 victory in Albania.
The Premiership makes an event-filled return on September 9 with many of the headlines surrounding the Merseyside derby. Everton wallop Liverpool 3-0 at Goodison Park, with Andy Johnson on the mark aswell as Tim Cahill.
Arsenal still can’t win at The Emirates Stadium as they are held 1-1 by Middlesbrough, while Ryan Giggs’ headed goal is enough for Manchester United to beat Tottenham Hotspur. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scores for Charlton against his former club Chelsea but cannot prevent the Addicks falling to a 2-1 defeat, and Portsmouth’s early season form continues with a 1-0 home win over Wigan Athletic.
Fulham win 2-1 at Newcastle United but lose Jimmy Bullard for the foreseeable future with an horrific knee injury, while Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers share a goalless draw. Bolton Wanderers beat Watford courtesy of a last-minute Gary Speed penalty.
Roll up, roll up, the West Ham United Big Top officially opens on September 10, with Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa first in town.
Yet the long awaited debuts of Argentine international pair Carlos Tevez and Javier Maschereno are further delayed by Hammers boss Alan Pardew as he keeps faith with the men who established West Ham as a Premiership force last term.
Much good it does him early on, as Liam Ridgewell reacts first to tap home following Roy Carroll’s reaction save from Luke Moore. Worry not, as seven minutes into the second half Bobby Zamora gets in the way of a Paul Konchesky header to claim his fifth Premiership goal of the campaign. The goal makes Zamora the top flight’s leading scorer, and he is soon joined up front by Tevez who replaces a decidedly fearful Marlon Harewood on the hour. One or two good runs aside, the former Corinthians striker has little impact on the game, and appears to be carrying a few spare tyres. For his part, Maschereno remains seated throughout;
“At half-time I said 'Come on, you're the guys who have done everything to get us here. Let's not think that the circus is going to affect us.’.” reveals Ringmaster Pardew, before admitting;
“I think without a doubt it did in the first half. I know my players better than anybody. I thought we looked a bit sluggish.”
Slugs at the circus? Who’d have thought it?
Staying out of the debate slugs and stars at West Ham, O’Neill feels his side fared well enough but could have done a little more;
“I thought we created some great chances and we could have put ourselves in a strong position.” he offers;
“I thought we got tired towards the end but overall I am really pleased with the team.”
More problems for Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce as his side go down 1-0 against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on September 11.
Ivar Ingimarsson’s 23rd minute header is enough to give the Royals their second Premiership win of the season, leaving former City boss Steve Coppell to reflect;
“We've still got an awful lot to work on and it's hard to know where we are really, but we're certainly competing.”
Coppell is particularly pleased with the efforts of his defensive unit, claiming mystical powers are at work;
“The back four have been terrific. Once a group of players are together for this long there's a certain amount of telepathy between them.” he argues, lining up a shock move for Derren Brown in the January transfer window.
City’s Ousmane Dabo is controversially sent off for an alleged elbow on Steve Sidwell ten minutes from time, and Pearce has to deal with a petulant response from Micah Richards who throws his shirt off in disgust after being substituted. Nevertheless, the former Nottingham Forest star is upbeat about his side’s performance;
“We're disappointed but I thought that was the best we've played this season.” he suggests. Meanwhile, of Richards he adds;
“I have to educate him, simple as that. I want to see spirit in all my players.”
Chelsea begin their Baggins-like quest for the European title with a 2-0 home win over Werder Bremen on September 12. Michael Essien puts the Premiership champions in front before Chelsea’s definitive, undisputed penalty taker Frank Lampard hands the ball to Michael Ballack to smash home the second from the spot;
“I have 100% confidence in Lampard but I said if the next penalty was crucial, it's better for another player to take it.” says Jose, displaying perhaps a shade under 100% confidence in the England man.
Elsewhere in Group A reigning European champions Barcelona make an impressive start, brushing Bulgarian outfit Levski Sofia aside 5-0 at the Nou Camp. Andreas Iniesta, Ludovic Giuly, Carlos Puyol, Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho are all on the mark for the Catalan club.
Liverpool’s priority in Eindhoven appears to be to avoid the kind of flaying received at Everton at the weekend, a feat they duly achieve by drawing 0-0 with PSV. Much of the talk on the night surrounds Rafa Benitez’s decision to make six changes for the game, and in particular naming Steven Gerrard among his substitutes along with Xabi Alonso, Peter Crouch and Sami Hyypia;
“We must accept nobody can play at 100% for every match.” explains Benitez, using Mourinho mathematics.
Group C is an entirely goalless affair on the night as Galatasaray and Bordeaux play out a similar draw.
In Group B Inter Milan find themselves the victims of the shock of the night. The much fancied Italians are downed 1-0 by Sporting Lisbon, for whom Marco Caneira curls in a sensational winner. Inter’s misery is compounded by the second half dismissal of Patrick Vieira. All of which leaves group rivals Bayern Munich to steal a march early on as they stroll past Spartak Moscow 4-0. Claudio Pizarro, Roque Santa Cruz, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Hasan Salihamidzic are all on the mark as the Germans make an authoritative start.
Group D sees a surprise as former Liverpool misfit Fernando Morientes bags a hat-trick in Valencia’s 4-2 win at Olympiakos. Roma underline their intentions with a 4-0 win over Shakhtar Dontesk, with Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi on the score sheet.
Manchester United claim the expected victory over Celtic in the Champions League Group F opener on September 13, but are made to fight all the way by Gordon Strachan’s SPL champions.
Jan venegoor of Hesselink capitalises on a defensive lapse by Rio Ferdinand to put the Bhoys in front, but a Luis Saha penalty is closely followed by the Frenchman’s second to swing the game back towards the English side. Shunsuke Nakamura curls in an expert free-kick to level matters again before half-time, before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer strikes moments into the second period to give United the win;
“We could have scored a lot of goals, but great credit to Celtic.” observes Sir Alex;
“Many teams come here and shore things up at the back and hope to steal something near the end. They came and had a go, which is typical of their club.”
“Our problem is waking up tomorrow and having regrets. But our mistakes were honest. I won't be angry.” promises Strachan.
In the group’s other game there are no goals between FC Copenhagen and Benfica, giving United a two-point lead over both after the first round of fixtures.
Arsenal secure a more than useful 2-1 win at Hamburg, for whom goalkeeper Sascha Kirschstein is sent off on 10 minutes for bringing down Robin van Persie in the box. Gilberto Silva converts the resultant penalty before Tomas Rosicky rifles in a spectacular second on 53 minutes. Boubacar Sanogo’s last-minute goal is purely consolation for the Bundesliga outfit;
“I have not seen a replay but it looked a penalty.” suggests an unusually attentive Arsene Wenger.
Other Group G action sees FC Porto and CSKA Moscow play out a goalless draw.
Group E sees a clash between two sides expected to go well in this year’s competition, with Lyon handing Real Madrid a repeat of the defeat they inflicted on them at this stage last season. Brazilian star Fred opens the scoring for Gerard Houllier’s men before former Chelsea midfielder Tiago wraps up all three points.
That result may or may not qualify as a surprise, but it cannot match Steaua Bucharest’s 4-1 win in Kiev over Dynamo elsewhere in the group for shock value.
Recently re-instated AC Milan make a flying start winning 3-0 against AEK Athens, while Group H’s other combatants Anderlecht and Lille draw 1-1.
There is plenty of British interest in the UEFA Cup on September 14, with West Ham United, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers and Hearts all in first round action.
It’s going to be uphill in the second leg for West Ham after they go down 1-0 to Serie A side Palermo at Upton Park, while Hearts will find it even tougher after a 2-0 home defeat to Sparta Prague. Better news for Newcastle United and Spurs who record 1-0 wins away at Levadia Tallinn and Slavia Prague respectively, while Blackburn travel to Red Bull Salzburg and record a creditable 2-2 draw. Rangers earn a goalless draw against FC Molde of Norway while Irish minnows Derry City enjoy their moment in the spotlight holding Paris St.Germain 0-0 at home.
Portsmouth refuse not only to lose a game in the Premiership but to even concede a goal, winning 1-0 at Charlton Athletic on September 16 thanks to Lomana Lua Lua’s goal 16 minutes from time. Everton are also unbeaten after drawing 2-2 with Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park, as are Aston Villa despite a disappointing goalless draw at Watford.
There are no goals at Bolton either where Middlesbrough are the visitors, while the battle of last year’s top two in the Championship is won by Reading who triumph 2-1 at Sheffield United.
The running order for the diary is difficult enough to decide upon without some bright spark scheduling two clashes between the so-called ‘big four’ for September 17.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford just gets the nod, principally because it brings to an end the 100% start to the season made by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. Emmanuel Adebayor slides home the winner four minutes from time, that after debutant United keeper Thomas Kuszczack gives away and then saves a first half penalty.
Gilberto Silva is a relieved man after his fluffed spot-kick, and can be most grateful to Arsenal custodian Jens Lehmann who produces a string of fine saves to preserve the win;
“A loss could have been decisive but this win reinforces the belief that we are a very strong side.” says Arsene Wenger, dealing in absolutes.
Down at Stamford Bridge those old friends Chelsea and Liverpool clash once more. It is the champions who come out on top with a 1-0 win, the fifth time in a row that Jose Mourinho has got the better of Rafa Benitez in Premiership meetings. The decisive moment is provided by Didier Drogba, who swivels on the edge of the box to fire a sublime shot past a static Jose Reina on 42 minutes.
German star Michael Ballack receives the first straight red card of his career early in the second half for stamping on Momo Sissoko, but despite a point blank save by Petr Cech from Steven Gerrard the Reds cannot force a way back into the game;
“You need these matches where you feel you are a team ready to fight. My players were very brave and the team fought very hard.” offers a proud Jose Mourinho;
“I think that we deserved more because we created clear chances.” counters Benitez;
“It's a long race and the most important thing is that the team is improving. If we can win the next three points we will be closer and we will see what happens.” he adds, dismissing suggestions that his side cannot now mount a serious title charge.
Away from the top brass of the Premiership there are three other top-flight squabbles to be settled. Newcastle United will be pleased with their efforts, winning 2-0 at West Ham United. Glenn Roeder puts one over on his old club courtesy of first goals for the club for each of Damien Duff and Obafemi Martins;
“Damien is very experienced and great guy to work with. Oba is a different class in training and we'll see some great goals from him.” promises Roeder;
“It looked like our Uefa Cup match sapped us.” claims Hammers boss Alan Pardew, resorting to the oldest of chestnuts.
Tottenham cannot manage a win to get their season back on track, drawing 0-0 at home to Fulham. Both sides have plenty of chances, but it is a frustrating day for Spurs boss Martin Jol in particular;
“A draw is always frustrating at home because we need a win. It is a concern.” he admits;
“Really, we had half a team out there on the pitch but we have a good work ethic, physically we are very strong and it is all credit to the players.” says Cottagers boss Chris Coleman, rubbing it in just a little.
Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Arsenal seems a lifetime ago, as their worryingly poor form continues with a 4-2 defeat at Blackburn Rovers. Trevor Sinclair’s own goal gives Mark Hughes’ men the lead, before Joey Barton’s 39th minute equaliser. Both sides score within a minute of the half-time whistle, with first Morten Gamst Pedersen’s speculative free-kick curling into the corner of the net before Andre Ooijer inadvertently turns a cross into his own goal
Benni McCarthy puts Rovers back in charge on 66 after some comedic defending from Richard Dunne, before Paul Gallacher seals victory a minute from time;
“With this win we've moved up several places in the table, but it's still very early days and no-one should get too excited or too anxious at this stage of the season.” observes Hughes, offering sound advice for those getting carried away with events at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge also;
“It would have been a different story if we had taken those chances in the first half.” claims City boss Stuart Pearce.
Bryan Robson’s exit from West Bromwich Albion on September 18 comes as something of a surprise. The former Manchester United and England captain parts company with The Hawthorns club by alleged mutual consent. Yet reading between the lines the decision appears to have been that of chairman Jeremy Peace and the board;
“In view of the results since early 2006, it's been decided a change is necessary if the club is to achieve its aims.” explains Peace, as the Baggies sit ninth in the Championship table, a mere five points off an automatic promotion spot;
“This is a very important time for the club with promotion a priority and the best way forward is to make a change.” continues the chairman, who may or may not have something or someone else already in mind;
“I've really enjoyed the short time I've been at Albion. The fans here have been different class.” remarks Robson, resisting any temptation to criticise the club or the timing of its decision;
“I do think there's a really good squad at the club. It's only a matter of time before they get it right, climb the table and win promotion.” he adds, leaving the club after just two years in charge.
There’ll be no repeat of last year’s run to the Carling Cup final for Wigan Athletic, as Paul Jewell’s men are humbled 2-0 at Crewe Alexandra on September 19.
Goals by Rodney Jack and Nicky Maynard put Latics out at the second round stage, leaving Jewell to explain;
“We just lacked the bedevilment in their box and a little bit of determination in our box to stop them scoring.”
Victorious Crewe boss Dario Gradi is just relieved that the tie is settled inside 90 minutes;
“The last thing I wanted was extra-time. I really would rather have lost than gone into extra-time because the young boys are finding it hard this season.”
There are no other Premiership casualties on the night, but newly promoted pair Reading and Watford need penalties to overcome Darlington and Accrington Stanley respectively. Steve Coppell’s Royals are involved in a six-goal thriller with the north east outfit, coming from behind three times to draw 3-3 after extra time, finally emerging with a 4-2 shoot-out win.
There are less fireworks at Vicarage Road, where the Hornets prevail 6-5 on spot-kicks after 120 goalless minutes against the Football League’s newest addition.
Everton make hard work of their trip to Peterborough United, despite taking the lead through a Jude Stirling own goal. Posh are level around the hour mark when Trevor Benjamin’s header just crosses Richard Wright’s goal-line, and are three minutes away from extra-time when Tim Cahill settles matters.
There are single goal victories for Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United over Carlisle United and Bury respectively, while Portsmouth record a 2-1 win at Mansfield Town. Contrary to reports elsewhere Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has no trouble with Money, his Trotters outfit recording a 3-1 win over Richard Money’s Walsall thanks to late goals from Ivan Campo and Nicolas Anelka.
Barnsley’s 2-1 home defeat by Milton Keynes Dons is a mild surprise, and the list of Championship fallers grows with the exit of QPR via a 3-2 loss at Port Vale. Birmingham City fall behind and need extra time to overcome Wrexham, but eventually do so by a handsome 4-1 scoreline. Managerless West Bromwich Albion also lose the first goal in their tie with Cheltenham Town but hit back to win 3-1. Hull City survive a scare too, beating Hartlepool 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Leeds United secure a comfortable 3-1 win over Barnet to ease some of the pressure on manager Kevin Blackwell, while Luton Town dispatch Brentford 3-0 at Griffin Park. Southampton are big winners, trouncing Millwall 4-0 in London, and Leicester City see off Hereford 3-1. Norwich City are 4-2 winners at Rotherham United while Southend United squeeze past Brighton and Hove Albion by the odd goal in five after a remarkable finish at Roots Hall. Brighton lead 1-0 with just three minutes remaining before a late goal-fest sends them crashing out.
There’s no shortage of shocks in the Carling Cup action the following night, with three Premiership sides dumped out by lower league opposition.
Of those three Manchester City are arguably the biggest name to fall, beaten 2-1 by League One Chesterfield. Stuart Pearce’s side capitulate after taking the lead through Georgios Samaras, as the home side hit back through Caleb Folan and Derek Niven;
“I will not bury my head in the sand, I will come out fighting.” promises Pearce;
“I still have belief in these players.”
Middlesbrough are humbled by the only goal at home to Notts County of League Two, with Tcham N’Toya’s goal enough to separate the sides;
“I have to take responsibility because I put a team out with lots of changes, but a team I felt was good enough to win the match.” admits Boro boss Gareth Southgate;
“It's a cup I wanted to be in but we're out.” he concludes as another route to European football is blocked.
Fulham suffer a 2-1 home defeat to League two high flyers Wycombe Wanderers, for whom Jermaine Easter and Tommy Mooney are on target. Heidar Helguson responds early in the second half but the Cottagers cannot haul themselves level;
“At half time some of the lads looked like they were on the night shift when they really wanted to be on the afternoon shift on Saturday.” reflects Fulham boss Chris Coleman, possibly in need of a couple of days off.
Derby County’s exit to Doncaster Rovers might have made more headlines on any other night as the Rams come from 3-0 down to force extra time before ultimately losing out 8-7 on penalties. The only result which goes to form in the Carling Cup tonight is Aston Villa’s 2-1 win at Scunthorpe United.
Premiership action sees Liverpool get back to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle United at Anfield. Rafa Benitez keeps on ringing the changes, making two alterations from the team which lost 1-0 at Chelsea on Sunday (September 17). Yet the tinkering works out on this occasion, as Dirk Kuyt’s first goal for the club and an audacious effort from inside his own half from Xabi Alonso seal the points for the Reds;
“I was waiting for Alonso to pass and I would have spoken to him about it, but after he scored I said to him 'good, fantastic goal'.” admits wise after the event Benitez.
Off the field the fallout from the BBC’s Panaroma investigation into corruption in football begins. Broadcast on Tuesday (September 19) the programme alleges that Bolton manager Sam Allardyce took illegal payments from agents during transfer deals at the Reebok Stadium club. Yet Allardyce immediately vows to clear his name;
“I am very angry at the lies told about me.” blasts Big Sam;
“The individuals who appeared in the programme making accusations against me have already confirmed in writing to my lawyers they lied to the BBC. As a result of their greed, my good name has been tarnished by deceit and innuendo.”
As Allardyce clings to his Bolton future the game is up for Kevin Blackwell at Leeds United. The 47 year-old is sacked after two-and-a-half years in charge at Elland Road with the club second from bottom in the Championship;
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Kevin for the work he has put in over the past three-and-a-half years, the past two and a half of which were as manager.” says a club statement, carefully avoiding the vacancy at West Bromwich Albion and the impending availability of Alan Curbishley.
Chelsea jump ominously back to the top of the Premiership on September 23 after beating Fulham 2-0. Frank Lampard resumes penalty taking duties in the absence of Michael Ballack to notch his first, before driving in the second from the edge of the box.
Manchester United falter at Reading, going behind to Kevin Doyle’s penalty before Cristiano Ronaldo salvages a point. There are resounding 3-0 home wins for Arsenal and Liverpool against Sheffield United and Tottenham respectively.
Aston Villa stay unbeaten after beating Charlton 2-0 at Villa Park with goals from Gabriel Agbonlahor and Luke Moore, while two Georgios Samaras goals earn Manchester City a much needed win at home to troubled West Ham United. Shabani Nonda grabs his first goal for Blackburn and it is decisive in their win at Middlesbrough, and there’s a 1-1 draw at Wigan where Watford are in town.
A day later Everton maintain their unbeaten start to the season by virtue of a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at St.James’ Park.
The Toffeemen find themselves in a sticky situation on 14 minutes when a ludicrously offside Shola Ameobi opens the scoring. Justice is served four minutes before half-time when Tim Cahill arrives to nod home at the far post. Both sides have chances to win in an open second half, but neither can edge in front. Both Titus Bramble and Tony Hibbert are dismissed late on for challenges which could at best be described as ill-advised;
“We obviously prepare and watch the opposition and I noticed that on a few games recently Everton came screaming out on wide free-kicks.” screams Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder, explaining how he loves it when a plan comes together;
“We knew how to take advantage of Everton playing the offside trap.” he goes on, promising to top it next week by having one of his players pick the ball up and run it into the goal in the style of William Webb Ellis;
“It happens. I make mistakes and today the referee's assistant made one.” shrugs Everton top man David Moyes, not half as angry as you would expect a red-haired Scottish football manager to be.
Portsmouth’s inexorable march towards the Premiership title hits the buffers on September 25 as they are beaten 1-0 by Bolton Wanderers at Fratton Park.
Kevin Nolan volleys home the only goal of the game on 21 minutes, earning the Trotters a first away win in the league since December. Pompey have several chances before and after Nolan’s strike, but appear paralysed by the decision to include Benjani Mwaruwari up front;
“I couldn't have asked for any more from them (the Portsmouth players), they pummelled away and if we play like that we will be OK.” shrugs Harry;
“We needed to stick a chance away before they scored and it may have opened up, but it wasn't to be. They hung in there and full credit to them.” he concedes.
Trying manfully to deflect questions about bungs, Bolton boss Sam Allardyce comments;
“It was a typical backs-to-the-wall performance from 11 very committed, determined players. We've been slightly missing that edge and tonight we didn't slip up. We stuck to the basics and they (the Bolton players) were terrific.”
Earlier, Allardyce confirms that he intends to take legal action against the BBC following last week’s Panorama documentary on corruption in football;
“I have had lengthy discussions with my lawyers and I am planning to sue the BBC over the false and highly damaging allegations.” he announces;
“My lawyers have advised me that I have a very strong case in relation to the programme.” he adds.
Nigel Spackman cannot make a strong enough case to save his job at Millwall. The former Sheffield United and Barnsley boss leaves the troubled London club after just four months as manager. Assistant Willie Donachie is placed in temporary charge, with the club only spared bottom spot in League One by the 10-point deduction imposed on Rotherham United for going into administration;
“Naturally I am very disappointed that results have not gone for us so far this season.” says Spackman, no doubt hurtling towards a return to drab punditry;
“In my short time at The Den, I very much enjoyed my association with Millwall and I wish the club all the very best for the future.” he adds, having outlasted fellow drab pundit Steve Claridge as Millwall manager by at least ten weeks;
“This has been a very difficult decision for both parties.” confirms Millwall chairman Stewart Till;
“Unfortunately circumstances have dictated that things have not worked out as either he or we anticipated in the first 10 games of the season.” he concludes, impatiently.
Manchester United return to the scene of last season’s Champions League exit on September 26, this time emerging from the Stadium Of Light with a 1-0 win in Group F.
No, not Sunderland. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men take all three points against Benfica courtesy of Louis Saha’s second half strike, earning a first away win in the competition in three years;
“It was a magnificent strike by Louis. It was a good bit of football down the channel. He came in on his left foot - marvellous goal.” says Sir Alex, auditioning for a place in the gantry.
Elsewhere in Group F Celtic record a first win of the competition, seeing off FC Copenhagen by virtue of Kenny Miller’s first half penalty. In slotting home from 12 yards Miller becomes the first player to score for both Rangers and Celtic in the Champions League, and more importantly lifts his side into second in the standings;
“The first half was excellent, in the second there were bits and bobs right.” offers the never too excited Bhoys boss Gordon Strachan.
Arsenal make it a hat-trick of British wins on the night, cruising past FC Porto 2-0 at The Emirates Stadium in Group G. Thierry Henry nods the Gunners in front before Alex Hleb doubles their money;
“He (Henry) proved he can score headers. So you always learn something about your players.” jokes Arsene Wenger, as his compatriot adds to his headed goal against Sheffield United at the weekend.
CSKA Moscow are in closest proximity to Arsenal at the top of the group after they beat Hamburg by the only goal in Russia. Brazilian Dudu heads home from a corner in the second half before a miserable night for the Germans is capped by the dismissal of substitute Benjamin Lauth.
Real Madrid are back to winning ways in Group E, thrashing Dynamo Kiev 5-1 at the Bernabeu. It’s the Ukranians’ second heavy defeat in succession in the competition following their 4-1 pasting by Steaua Bucharest on opening day. Steaua cannot follow up that success at home to Lyon however, the French side adding to their 3-0 win over Real Madrid last time out with another by the same score in Romania.
AC Milan will be disappointed with their inability to beat Lille in Group H, the French side holding out for a goalless draw. Yet the Italians remain top of the group after AEK Athens and Anderlecht draw 1-1 in Greece.
There’s more Champions League success for English sides 24 hours later, with both Chelsea and Liverpool grabbing three points.
The Premiership champions dispose of Levski Sofia easily enough, Didier Drogba scoring his first hat-trick for the club in a 3-1 victory. The Champions League debutants from Bulgaria hit back through Mariyan Ognyanov but remain bottom of Group A without a point from two outings;
“When we are winning 3-0 we have to keep a better control of the game. Petr Cech had to make four or five saves.” huffs a dissatisfied Jose.
All of which is good advice for Liverpool too, who see their 3-0 lead at Anfield whittled away to a tenuous but ultimately sufficient 3-2 by Galatasaray in Group C. Peter Crouch scores either side of a Luis Garcia header, the second of which is a spectacular overhead volley before Umit Karan nods a brace of his own to set Red hearts all of a flutter;
“We were under pressure because we couldn't score a fourth. It was more difficult than we were expecting at the end.” comments Rafa Benitez, for once agreeing with the Chelsea manager on the pitfalls of sitting on a three-goal lead.
Chelsea’s Group A cause is helped by Barcelona’s inability to beat Werder Bremen in Germany. The European champions are held 1-1 in a game which sees Samuel Eto’o stretchered off with a serious looking knee injury. Carlos Puyol turns the ball into his own net before Lionel Messi’s late, late equaliser spares the blushes of Frank Rijkaard’s men.
Liverpool won’t be too disappointed with happenings elsewhere in Group C either, with PSV Eindhoven emerging from Bordeaux with a 1-0 win. With another deathly Group C goalless draw on the cards Mika Varyrynen fires the Dutch side into a decisive lead.
Inter Milan’s Group B misery continues as they are shot down 2-0 at home by Bayern Munich. Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is sent off for the Italians along with World Cup-winning full-back Fabio Grosso. Claudio Pizarro and Lukas Podolski put six points between the Bavarians and the San Siro outfit. Bayern’s nearest challengers at present are Sporting Lisbon, who recover from Denis Boyarintsev’s early goal to earn a 1-1 draw at Spartak Moscow through Luis Nani‘s well taken leveller.
Group D’s big clash on the night is between Valencia and Roma, with the Spanish side earning a 2-1 win. Miguel Angulo’s opener is cancelled out by Francesco Totti before David Villa fires the winner on 28 minutes. Both Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympiakos trail in the wake of their group rivals after playing out a 2-2 draw in Ukraine. Michalis Konstantinou and Neri Alberto Castillo are on the mark for the Greeks but replies from Francelino Matuzalem and Ciprian Marica ensure the spoils are shared.
West Ham United’s involvement in the UEFA Cup is all too brief as the Hammers are bounced out by Palermo on September 28.
The Serie A side cruise through to the competition’s group stage with a resounding 3-0 victory in Sicily, completing a 4-0 aggregate rout. Fabio Simplico’s brace puts the tie beyond any doubt before David Di Michele rubs a little salt into the wound;
“The difference was quality in forward areas.” argues Hammers boss Alan Pardew, who could easily buy the entire Palermo front line if he sold Carlos Tevez. What? Oh…………
Getting the bad news out of the way first seems like the most humane way of doing this, so the details of West Ham’s demise are followed by those from Hearts’ exit from the competition. The Edinburgh club draw 0-0 in Prague against Sparta, thus bowing out after a 2-0 first leg defeat;
“If we had had a full squad with no injuries for suspensions, then we would still be in the Champions League.” argues Jambos boss Valdas Ivanauskas pointlessly.
Let’s make things a bit cheerier then with the news that three English sides and even one Scottish team will take their place in the group stages. Tottenham Hotspur need a late Robbie Keane goal to settle the nerves at White Hart Lane against Slavia Prague, going through 2-0 on aggregate;
“If you don't score you make it hard for yourself.” says Martin Jol rather obviously.
Newcastle United enjoy a 3-1 aggregate triumph over Lavidia Tallinn of Estonia after a 2-1 win at St.James’ Park. Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins helps himself to both Toon goals, before Steve Harper adds to his impressive collection of recent gaffes in failing to stop Indrek Zelinski’s tame header;
“Andriy Shevchenko and Craig Bellamy are not scoring many goals at new clubs but it was a matter of time for Oba.” points out Magpies boss Glenn Roeder, gloating a little prematurely.
Completing the trio of successful Premiership sides in Europe on the night are Blackburn Rovers, whose 2-0 win at Ewood Park over Red Bull Salzburg takes them through 4-2 on aggregate. Benni McCarthy and David Bentley are the men on the mark for Rovers;
“In the second half my only fear was that we were playing so well and were so comfortable that we might over indulge and get caught out.” claims Rovers boss Mark Hughes, painting a picture of Robbie Savage playing like Kaka.
Rangers fly the flag for Scotland after squeezing by FC Molde of Norway. Thomas Buffel and Barry Ferguson score the goals which secure a 2-0 aggregate win after a goalless first leg;
“I am relieved. It was important to qualify and it is fine even though we conceded too many chances.” offers Gers boss Paul Le Guen.
To the round-up now and some big names find themselves dumped out at this ludicrously early stage. Chief among them are Marseille, who at one stage find themselves 3-1 up on aggregate but contrive to lose 4-3 after conceding a last minute goal to Czech side Mlada Boleslav.
Former winners Schalke also crash, going down 3-2 on aggregate to French side Nancy, while Chievo of Serie A are put out by the same aggregate score by Portuguese outfit Braga. Hertha Berlin might have expected better than a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Odense, and there’ll be no repeat of Liteks Lovetch’s run in last year’s competition. The Bulgarian side are beaten by Israel’s Maccabi Haifa 4-2 over the two legs. Lokomotiv Moscow’s claims to be an emerging European force are pooh-poohed as they go down 3-2 on aggregate to Belgian club Zulte-Waregem.
Holders Sevilla are safely through after overcoming Atromitos 6-1 on aggregate, while Ajax record a whopping 9-2 aggregate win over IK Start of Norway. Basle are also big winners with a 7-2 overall passage at the expense of Rabotnicki Kometal of Macedonia.
Feyenoord need away goals to sneak past Lokomotiv Sofia, while La Liga’s Osasuna rely on a similar method to dispose of Turkey’s Trabzonspor.
Lastly, Derry City fail to build on their goalless draw at home to Paris St.Germain, going down 2-0 in the French capital.
September 30 is a day which sees winning runs come to an end, with leaders Chelsea held 1-1 by the still unbeaten Aston Villa, and Liverpool’s recent resurgence halted by a 2-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers.
Everton’s 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City keeps them unbeaten but may feel like a defeat after Micah Richards’ last-gasp equaliser. Post-game headlines are made by Joey Barton who bares his backside to supporters at the end.
Robin van Persie rattles in a frighteningly good volley in Arsenal’s 2-1 win at hapless Charlton Athletic, adding to his earlier equaliser of Darren Bent’s opener. Sheffield United earn a first win in the Premiership since promotion as Phil Jagielka combines Micah Richard’s-like timing with Robin van Persie-like audacity to volley home the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough.
By Stephen Orford
2 October 2006
Yet another rumour, with about as much substance as an attempt at intellectual discussion with any random reality television “star,” the Beckham to America gossip has made another frankly unwelcome return, this time courtesy of his failure to get into either the respective England or Real Madrid first elevens, a touch of marketing masquerading as journalism from The People and The New York Post, and a strange, frankly unwise yearning for the poshest of media and marketing circuses this side of the pond.
The Beckham is Coming rumours float freely around the US soccer community, with ardent message board posters and putatively sober-minded MLS supporters who see business boon in bringing Becks stateside raising the prospect every few months of the Major League Saviour coming to rescue US professional soccer. The player, ever mindful of the substance of his image, a wonderful, modern contradiction in terms, is careful never to contradict the rumours, delivering a series of well-chosen public comments about the “possibility of playing in the States” at some mythical point in the future.
As far as tabloid paper sales are concerned, the future is now...
A failure to agree a new deal at the Bernabeu, rumours of discussions with Phillip Anschutz, owner of four Major League Soccer clubs, and the prospect of media icon Beckham in either New York or Los Angeles must mean a chance to sell a few fish and chip covers, but precious little else in terms else in terms of either the likelihood of the transfer occurring, or tangible benefit for Major League Soccer should Becks favour the US with his presence.
Throwing the greasy mess out, now, and at any later date as well, would be the wisest course of action for supporters and league officials alike.
From a purely logistical standpoint, the likelihood of David Beckham leaving Real Madrid to sign for either the New York Red Bulls or the Los Angeles Galaxy must rank just behind the odds of Graham Poll being selected as a future English World Cup match official. Despite the visions entertained by MLS officialdom of Beckham pulling the endorsement cash register lever and causing a cascade of corporate cash to pour into league coffers, the player is only 31 years old, and still by all accounts holds enough ambition to look to attempting to re-gain his place in both the Madrid first eleven and the England squad as well.
The second one might be a touch difficult running about playing in a foreign league on a field turf surface with two bulls rampant on the front of one’s kit.
Never mind playing alongside Danny O’Rourke...
Whether the league wants to admit it or not, if Beckham ever comes to play in MLS, it will be because he knows his career is on its downward slope, all ambition gone or played out, a comfortable, well-paid virtual vacation stateside beckoning.
Which brings us neatly round to the major objection that those of us who might be subjected to Beckham, or players like Himself, if the league chooses to institute what has become known as “the Beckham Rule.”
Interlude: The Beckham rule is a proposal for permitting MLS teams to circumvent the league’s collective entity mechanism for keeping player salaries in check, the salary cap. While there is in fact nothing hard about the league’s salary cap, by and large, clubs hew relatively closely to the line of keeping player salaries close to the suggested level, courtesy of the league office. The Beckham Rule is a motion, still under discussion, which would allow each club to sign one “star” player, whose salary would not count against the salary cap.
In other words, the Red Bulls could sign Beckham, but his wages would not be considered when totalling up the team wage packets in relation to the proposed MLS salary cap.
If this sounds confusing, welcome to the World of Wage Packets, MLS-stylee. Reliable financial information from MLS clubs is harder to find than calories on Nicole Richie’s lunch plate.
Return: We Americans are, of course, the most consumerist of cultures. With such a cultural predilection towards consumption, or presumably high quality merchandise, Major League, remember, the simple question must be addressed: Where is the value in the “star” attraction of your football league being, for lack of a better expression, remaindered goods?
“Major League Soccer, it’s fantastic! Come look at Real Madrid/England reject David Beckham! Don’t forget his wife, too!”
Quite frankly, there is something a touch desperate in such an approach.
At 31 years of age, Beckham’s football career is most definitely not over. In his, and one supposes the league’s and Beckham Rule proponents’ defences, his ability to strike a ball and precisely to place a cross onto the head/foot/back-side of any striker remains unchanged, and for the most part, unequalled.
But is this really the sort of skill that the league should be breaking its stringent financial limitations to pursue?
