Robert Green is the MAN

Robert is the man that makes the differences. His superb saves is the main reason that West Ham United can grab a point at fratton park today. I admit that Portsmouth is not playing their best football today but overall they are awesome but too bad for Pompeys that Robert is on form. His final minute save from the penalty spot has to be brilliant. Benjani did nothing wrong but Robert Green confuse the current Premier League top striker and then save it with style.

Here is some artcle about Robert Green. :

Progressing through Norwich's schoolboy and youth teams, Chertsey born Robert Green made his first team debut in the 0-0 home draw with arch rivals Ipswich on 11th April 1999, keeping a clean sheet and pulling off some spectacular saves.

In May 2000, Robert and colleague Danny Gay traveled out to Parma to train under their goalkeeping coaches as part of the agreement between Norwich and the Italian side to share resources, exchange training tips, loan players etc. This added to the international experience he gained whilst playing for England's Under-18s

With Andy Marshall's departure in July 2001, Robert took over as Norwich's first choice keeper, missing just 5 games in 2001/02. His fine performances between the sticks was a major contribution to Norwich's play-off place, and his one-handed save from Birmingham's Geoff Horsfield in the Division One Play-Off final at Cardiff was maybe the most impressive.

Impressive form in the 2002/03 season led to rumours of an international call-up, especially after Liverpool's Chris Kirkland was ruled out of the friendly clash with Australia due to a torn posterior cruciate knee ligament sustained in the FA Cup fourth round tie at Crystal Palace on January 26th. England scouts Ray Clemence and Ken Brown have already watched Green, with Clemence commenting in a national newspaper article to pinpoint the three young keepers he felt had a bright international future ahead of them."We have good keepers around 30 like David James and have fine young lads coming through like Kirkland and Robinson and Robert Green at Norwich but no one in between," said Clemence.

Former Norwich favourite Bryan Gunn was quite happy to stake a bet on Green winning international honours in the next five years with bookies offering 20-1. "I think that's easy money," said Gunn, ideally placed to judge Green's claim to the England No 1 throne after his own long and illustrious reign as Norwich's No 1."I've watched him over the last two seasons since he came in for Andy Marshall and he's just gone from strength to strength," said City's corporate sales chief."He's definitely got all the qualities you need to be a top goalkeeper. Should he be in the England squad? I think he should be and, hopefully, he will be..."

Gunn firmly believes that a change of guard is afoot and that Green is ideally placed to benefit. "For a long while you had David Seaman, Nigel Martyn and David James one-two-three in the England set-up. Now all three must be looking over their shoulders," said Gunn."I know Ray Clemence has been up here to watch him on a number of occasions and Ken Brown is one of the England scouts, so there must be good reports on Robert getting back to Sven at Soho Square."

Robert was ever-present in 2002/03 adding another 50 appearances to his career total.

Robert's form saw him linked at the end of October 2003 with a £3million move to Manchester City to replace David Seaman who intends to retire at the end of the 2003/04 season. Supposedly an exchange for Darren Huckerby was part of this agreement. Green was also linked with a move to Leeds to replace their highly marketable young keeper Paul Robinson.

Robert's fine form in the 2003/4 season saw him called up to the England squad for the friendly against Sweden on 31st March 2004, although he didn't play. The following month saw Norwich win promotion to the Premiership and Green named in the PFA Division One Team of the Season.

Norwich fans were horrifed to read in The Mirror on June 15th that Arsenal were preparing a £4million bid for Green. This was quickly denied by both Green and Nigel Worthington. Robert's impressive clean sheets against Tottenham and Aston Villa in September 2004, saw him linked with a multi-million pound transfer to either Manchester United or Arsenal. Middlesboro were also linked in November 2004 with Green supposedly lined up as a replacement for Mark Schwartzer. On Boxing Day 2004, the Sunday Express renewed the link with Arsenal suggesting a move for Green during the January transfer window although Green then denied that he was looking to move from Norfolk. On 3rd April 2005, the People reported that Manchester United were lining up a record-breaking bid for Tottenham's Paul Robinson and that Spurs would replace him with Green.

Called up for England's tour of the USA in May 2005, his high profile could result in a transfer with Everton, Aston Villa and Wigan all linked according to the Sun on May 20th 2005. His international debut came as a half-time substitute in England 3-2 victory over Colombia in New Jersey on 31st May 2005 - with Green conceding one goal. He was later linked with Fulham, to replace Old Trafford-bound Edwin Van der Sar, and with Celtic whose new manager Gordon Strachan was linked with a double swoop on Carrrow Road which would see Green and Huckerby head to Celtic. Both the News of the World and the People linked Green on 19th July with a switch to Everton but this was denied by David Moyes who was content to keep fielding Nigel Martyn and Richard Wright. The following weekend saw both papers linked Green with a £3million switch to Portsmouth whose manager Alain Perrin admitted Green was on their list of targets. However the following day saw Pompey linked more closely with free agent Ian Walker.

In November 2005, Robert and colleague Dean Ashton were linked with a January 2005 transfer to Everton after David Moyes was spotted in the crowds during Norwich's 2-0 defeat to Wolves. At the beginning of 2006, The People suggested that Robert Green was Charlton's prime target during the January 2006 transfer window with the Addicks needing to strengthen in that position. The Mirror reported on 7th January that Charlton would offer £750,000 plus former loan signing Kevin Lisbie in return for Green. The following week saw plenty of speculation in the media suggesting that Portsmouth would attempt to sign Green.

On 16th March 2006, the Daily Mirror linked Everton with a double Championship swoop for Green and Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson.

On May 9th 2006, Green was named by Sven Goran Eriksson in the England squad for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. He made his second appearance for his country coming on as a half-time substitute in the B international against Belarus on 25th May 2006. Unfortunately he suffered a groin injury within the first fifteen minutes of the second-half, was substituted and will be out of action for a number of months missing the start of the 2006/7 season and of course the World Cup.

After being publicly linked with Charlton Atheltic on 14th August 2006, Green was snatched by West Ham manager Alan Pardew for a fee that will rise to £2m. “I'm delighted to have secured Robert's signature,” said Hammers boss Alan Pardew. “He already has Premiership experience and is an established member of the England squad, so it is obviously fantastic to have him here. At 26, he still has his best years ahead of him, and we are all excited about what he can bring to the club. He is another young English talent who will be pushing to continue his international career this season, and I am sure he can achieve that aim at West Ham

Robert Green is the MAN

Rangers , Blue is the Colour !

The Blaugrana duo disagreed over the reward their side took from a tough encounter, but were in unison about their desire to defeat the Scottish giants at Camp Nou in two weeks.

Despite drawing a blank, Puyol was content with a share of the spoils and pleased with the team's commitment and industry against Walter Smith's side.

“Although we did not score, the point will do us good," Puyol said. "We went looking for the win at all times, we worked very hard. I liked our attitude.

"It was a game in which we had a lot of the ball because the opposition played it tight at the back, we were just missing a goal.

“At home we hope we can get three points, I hope it is a similar game to this one."

Iniesta agreed that if Barça can win in a fortnight's time then the draw will have been useful, but given the clear chances created he was disappointed not to have won.

“If we win at home it will be a good point. In European competition it is important to draw away from home," he explained.

“In games like this, if you are lucky enough to score you can do more, but we were unlucky in front of goal.

“It is important that we are still leaders, but especially considering the first half, we have the feeling we have dropped two points."

VAn Persie OUT again =..=

In fact, he is no doubt a very talented player with stunning skills and good shot technique that scored various magical goal. But i am very sad to find out that most of his time recently is sitting on the bench. This is an article about he injured in a friendly match.

This is About the Video of World Cup Highlight

This is a video that i found from newsroom about the world cup highlights that happened in the earlies. I watched and find it that it's quite nice and interesting. Hope that you all will enjoy. ^^

Juan Román Riquelme , the forgotten one ?

Juan Román Riquelme (born June 24, 1978 in San Fernando, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) is a football player, who currently plays for Villarreal CF of Spain.

Growing up in Don Torcuato, Riquelme grew up in a family of ten in strict poverty. Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate spotted him when he was a youth player for Argentinos Juniors. He chose to move to Boca in 1995 as he had grown up supporting them. The club paid US$800,000 for his signature. A year later, on November 10, 1996, Romy played his first professional match (Boca Juniors 2 - 0 Unión de Santa Fe) and two weeks later he scored his first senior goal (Boca Juniors 6 - 0 Huracán).

In 2002, after seven successful seasons with Boca Juniors, the central midfielder was transferred t0 FC Barcelona for a reported £10 million. It's predicted that this would be a new challenge for him and he would take it well. However, this is a tough stage for him. Shortly after his departure from Boca, his brother, Cristian, was kidnapped. Riquelme negotiated for his brother's release and eventually paid the ransom. He has stated before this was one of the reasons why he chose to leave Boca although it has also been noted Riquelme was in dispute with Boca over his contract at the time. Instead, his arrival and his time at barcelona was a disaster for him. Due to the club's struggling fortunes, there was intense pressure on Riquelme to perform well. The coach of Barca at that moment was Luis Van Gaal and he describe him as a political signing. He used him on rare occasions and put him on the flank ( his best position is to play as the middle area that behind the striker) and this had done some damages to him. He was unable to find his form during a period of largely substitute appearances, losing his place in the first team as well as his confidence. After somewhile, the coach put him into the B-team and he made appeareance in Spanish King's Cup and Champions league which he is able to play at his best position and produce some stunning football that attracts fans to find out what is he capable of, included almost solo 1-0 win over Anderlecht. However, his general playing form made him redundant, and he was loaned to Villareal a year later.

At Villarreal he was surrounded by fellow Latin and South American players, including fellow Argentine international and captain Juan Pablo Sorin . Expectations were also much lower at Villarreal and Riquelme began to display the talents that now make him so sought after.

Riquelme' is often cited as the main factor in Villarreal's ascendancy in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League through the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. At the end of the 2004-05 campaign, Spanish sports newspaper Marca awarded him the title of Artistic Player. As a result of his influential play, he earned a nomination for the FiFa World Player of The Year 2005 award. In an effort to keep hold of him, Villareal bought up 75% of Riquelme's rights from Barcelona for 5 million Euros, and gave the player a 4-year contract.

It's almost a nice good ending for Riquelme but a misunderstanding between the coach Pellegrini and Riquelme cost him the starting line up and the coach expressed to the press that he would never play him during his day as the coach of Villareal. Riquelme was loaned to Boca Juniors of Argentina at January of 2007 and there he is back to his best and lead Boca to Copa Libertadores 2007, scoring against Vélez Sársfield in the round of 16, Club Libertad in the quarter finals and Cúcuta Deportivo in the semis, earning Boca a place in the finals. In the first leg of the final against Grêmio, Riquelme scored a goal and in the return leg, scored two more, crowning Boca as the 2007 Copa Libertadores Champions. He also won the award for the Copa Libertadores' Most Valuable Player.

During the 2006 World Cup Riquelme was an integral part of the Argentina side which notably dispatched Serbia and Montenegro 6-0. They entered the second round in top form. However, they were defeated in the quarter-final by Germany on penalties, after a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Germany equalised moments after Riquelme was substituted off the pitch. Riquelme had delivered the corner from which Roberto Ayala scored Argentina's goal.

Following the loss of Argentina and Pekerman's resignation as head coach, Riquelme was tipped by many to take over the reins of skipper for the Albicelestes in place of the outgoing Sorín. However, after captaining the team for the first friendly match under new coach Alfio Basile, he announced on September 13,2006 his decision to retire from the "Selección". Even though praised by some, he claimed that the frequent critics from sectors of the press and public have negatively affected his mother's health, who was hospitalized twice in two months after the 2006 World Cup.

At that point, Riquelme had played 37 matches for Argentina, scoring 8 goals. He had also won the South American Youth Championship, and the Football World Youth Championship, both in 1997 with coach Jose Pekerman.

Riquelme has achieved alot and these are the honours that he gained so far.

2007 Copa Libertadores' Most Valuable Player
2007 Copa Libertadores (Boca Juniors)
2006 Nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year
2005 Nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year
2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup (Villarreal CF)
2001 Copa Libertadores (Boca Juniors)
2001 South American Footballer of the Year
2000 Argentine Apertura Championship (Boca Juniors)
2000 Intercontinental Cup (Boca Juniors)
2000 Copa Libertadores (Boca Juniors)
1999 Argentine Clausura Championship (Boca Juniors)
1998 Argentine Apertura Championship (Boca Juniors)
1997 FIFA's World Youth Championship (under-20)


These are some stuns from the net about his skills and stunning performances, and some articles about riquelme

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98YSGszcPy0

Didier Drogba to leave Chealse ???

According to sources in the French media, the striker has sensationally revealed that he feels the time is right to move on from Stamford Bridge.

He told the publication, "I'm not at a point where I don't feel I have anything else to prove at Chelsea.

"I need to look elsewhere. I love this club, but now I think it's time to move on."

This is all because all the sudden shocked departure of his "good friend" Jose Mourinho at September 2007. It's obvious that Drogba and Mourinho have good relationship and Mourinho is the man that make Drogba develope from a normal player into a world recognised lethal striker.

The lethal striker has hit 43 league goals since his arrival from Marseille and, with the powerful hitman set to leave London, some of Europe's biggest clubs are monitoring the situation closely. His decision is final and he revealed that "My decision has been made."

In fact, AC Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid are the favourites to get his signature but you will never know what's going to happen in the future.

AC ? Real ? Barca??
=)

Russia 1-2 England

I have been watching the whole game in front of tv and to be honest, being a loyal England fans, i am very disappointed at their performances. Their position only about 40% and the first half is good and smooth but the 2nd half is terrible. England do not have any nice attack and they just keep defence defence and defence. With the likes of Micheal Owen, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard etc... It's very unacceptable for this to be happened.

It's a very bad game for england which i doubt their chances of qualifying the Euro 2008 ( but i hope they can seriously bounce back ASAP). Obviously Steve McClaren does not qualify to coach the Lions and left them under performances.

What do you think about this ?

Kaka favourite for world cup ??

His full name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite but often known well by the world with KAKA, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Brazil and the Serie A club A.C. Milan. Without doubt he is one of the best or maybe arguably the best player now (2007-2008) because of his effort that lead A.C. Milan to the 2006-2007 UEFA Champion League victory against Liverpool and his solo effect that clashed Manchester United during the semi-finals.

International Career

Kaká made his international debut in January2002 against Bolivia. He was a part of the national squad at the 2002 World Cup, but did not see much action even as Brazil won the World Championship, playing just 19 minutes of a first round match against Costa Rica.

Later, he was in action at the 2004 Copa América and the 2005 Confederations Cup, which were both won by Brazil, with Kakà scoring in the Confederation Cup final win over Argentina. He finished in joint tenth place in the voting for the 2004FIFA World Player of the Year award.

In the 2005 competition he finished two places higher. More recently, he has helped Brazil qualify for the 2006 World Cup. Kaká has matured as a player and is currently considered one of the best Brazilian footballers. Now he remain a very important international members to his country and keep on improving.

Club Career

Kaká made his debut at S?o Paulo FC in 2001 when he was only 19 years old. That season he scored 12 goals in 27 appearances, and a further 10 goals in 22 appearances the following season, soon attracting attention from European clubs, and it was Milan who won the race to sign him. He joined Milan in 2003 for an €8.5m fee. His first appearance came in a match at Ancona, which Milan won 2-0. In all, he scored 10 goals in 30 appearances that season, winning the Italian Serie A Championship and the European Super Cup.

Kaká was an integral part of the team in the 2004-05 season, usually playing in a withdrawn role behind team-mate and good friend, striker Andriy Shevchenko, in a five-man midfield. He scored 7 goals in 36 league appearances, and also won the the Italian Super Cup with the club. Milan finished second to Juventus in the Serie A, and lost the UEFA Champions League final to Liverpool on penalty kicks. He was, however, voted the best midfielder in the European tournament. He also ended up ninth position on the 2005Golden Ball standing, earning 19 votes.

One of his more famous goals was the one against Fenerbah?e SK, in AC Milan's first game in the 2005-06 Champions League, won 3-1 by the Rossoneri . Kakà started his run from midfield and skipped past three tackles before entering the area and finishing with a low shot under the goal-keeper.
He wears the number 22 shirt for the club and he is the idol in Milan nowadays. However, during the 2007-2008 pre-season, there are rumours that Real Madrid is going to get his signature and lure him with huge wages compare to what he earning in A.C. Milan but he shut all the rumuors by playing for AC Milan.

This is a site about his comment saying that he feels that he is the favorite for the FIFA player of the year.

Ferenc Puskas ( Legend , Hungary/Spain )

Ferenc Puskas

One of the finest ever players in the game, Ferenc Puskas never was able to fulfil his true potential in a World Cup, despite being silvermedalist in 1954. He began his career in 1943 in Kispest a suburb of Budapest, and at the age of 18 in 1945 he made his debut for Hungary against Austria in his country's first post-war international match. Puskas played in the fabulous Hungary side that trashed England 6-3 at Wembley in 1953, the first team outside Britain to beat England at home.

Born in 1927, Puskas was an odd looking footballer. He was short, stocky, barrel-chested, overweight, couldn't head and only used one foot. Known as "The Galloping Major", a reference to the fact that he was an army officer playing for an army team, he had huge success in Hungarian football with Kispest Honved. He won four league championships with them before moving to Real Madrid. He would enjoy even more success in the Spanish capital. Partnering the great Alfredo di Stefano up front, they formed the most feared duo in international football. Puskas was topscorer four times in the Spanish league, helping his team to win six domestic trophies and three European Cups. In the 1960 European Cup final he hammered home four goals in Madrid's 7-3 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Puskas and Hungary were unbeaten in four years of international football when they arrived in Switzerland to play in the World Cup in 1954. It looked like their record would remain after beating South Korea 9-0 and the strong Germans 8-3! Puskas missed the quarter- and semifinal through injury, but his teammates took care of the business beating Brazil 4-2 in the "Battle of Berne" where fighting seemed more interesting than football for the players. Defending champions Uruguay were beaten after extra-time and the stage was set for a final against West Germany. Puskas insisted on playing in the final despite not being fully fit. The Galloping Major took over the captaincy and after only eight minutes Hungary were two goals up, with Puskas getting one of the goals. However, The Germans characteristically came back and won 3-2. It was a shock result and Hungary's four year unbeaten record came to an end. The team broke up a couple of years later during the revolution in Hungary. Puskas later played four times for Spain in his time in Real Madrid but failed to score. For Hungary he played 84 times and scored a world record 83 goals! No player, not even Pelé, has scored that many goals for a national team.