Saturday, October 26, 2013

Messi and Ronaldo’s last chance to stop Ribery's Ballon d’Or pursuit

Saturday's El Clasico has extra significance for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the duo look to halt Franck Ribery's pursuit of the Ballon d'Or.

The France international's scintillating form inspired Bayern Munich in their treble-winning campaign last season and so far this term the 30-year-old has picked up where he left off, which makes him a strong contender to scoop Fifa's highest individual accolade ahead of the Barcelona star and the Real Madrid ace.

Will Messi or Ronaldo be able to put in a Ballon d'Or-winning display at Camp Nou?

Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic & Ribery leave trail of destruction

Wednesday marked another string of scintillating displays in the Champions League, the best of which came from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Sweden international notched four of Paris Saint-Germain's five goals in a comfortable win over Anderlecht, one of which, a 30-yard thunderbolt, will be a frontrunner for the best strike in the competition this season.

Elsewhere, Franck Ribery netted twice in Bayern Munich's 5-0 rout against Viktoria Plzen, while Cristiano Ronaldo's double fired Real Madrid to a 2-1 victory over Juventus.
Thursday, October 24, 2013 12:00


Friday, October 25, 2013

Neymar & Co watch Pepe horror show

Neymar is set to make his El Clasico bow as Barcelona host Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Saturday and the Brazilian insists he is suitably prepared for the inevitable threat posed by Pepe.

The 30-year-old has been involved in his fair share of feisty encounters with Barcelona players, the most notable being when he stamped on Lionel Messi's hand in January 2012.

But Neymar claims he is up to speed with the defender's tricks after he received a video of Pepe's antics from the Brazil Football Confederation before his nation's friendly against Portugal in September.
Friday, October 25, 2013 12:00

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ferguson’s pen mightier than the sword

Former Manchester United players, managers and referees were among those on the receiving end of stinging criticism in Sir Alex Ferguson's newly released autobiography.

The 71-year-old claimed relief swept the dressing room the day Roy Keane left Old Trafford, described Owen Hargreaves as one of the most disappointing signings of his career, and labelled Rafa Benitez a 'silly man' for his infamous 'facts' rant.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013 12:00

Ibrahimovic vs Ronaldo - who will miss the World Cup?

Following Monday's World Cup play-off draw which saw Sweden paired with Portugal, we already know one superstar will not will heading to Brazil next summer.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo, two of the game's current greats, are both in danger of missing out on international football's pinnacle competition.

Let us know who you would prefer to see at the World Cup.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 12:00

Wenger the pinball wizard

It has already been labelled the goal of the season and there will be few Premier League observers up in arms if the award was doled out now to Jack Wilshere after Arsenal's phenomenal opening goal in their 4-1 win over Norwich.

The combination play was typical of Arsene Wenger's side but the improvisation and flicks by Olivier Giroud and Wilshere made for a magnificent one-touch goal.

Santi Cazorla was involved somewhere down the line and there were appeals for offside but such was the speed of the move, it is still difficult to piece together what happened.

Pass, pass, flick, flick, pass, shot, goal seems to do the trick.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 08:16

Monday, October 21, 2013

Rampant Rossi trips up Old Lady

Juventus may have thought they had another Serie A victory in the bag when 2-0 up against Fiorentina with 25 minutes remaining. But oh no.

A Giuseppe Rossi hat-trick and a further strike from Joaquin handed the Viola a famous and much-celebrated win against one of their most hated foes.

It is a remarkable return from Rossi, who missed over a year with serious knee problems. The Italy striker has scored eight goals in as many matches and looks set to play a major role in his team's fortunes this season.
Monday, October 21, 2013 12:00

Saturday, October 19, 2013

'Tarzan' Puyol swings back into action

Carles Puyol is set to return to action for Barcelona against Osasuna on Saturday.

The club captain is likely to feature for Gerardo Martino's side for the first time this season after recovering from a knee injury.

And Martino is hoping Puyol - nicknamed Tarzan - will quickly get back into the swing of things.

"Puyol's enthusiasm surprises me," Martino said. "He acts as if he's about to make his debut. Seeing him has gotten me all excited too.

"Carles' return is a great joy for the team and even more for him. He couldn't wait to get back."
Saturday, October 19, 2013 12:55

Omar Momani interviews "the Running man" Vu Xuan Tien




In 490 BC, Pheidippides a Greek hero ran from the battle of Marathon to Athens to give the people the news in a story reflects loyalty and sacrifice. Vu Xuan Tien a gunner fan from Vietnam, ran a 5 kilometers on foot to chase the bus of his favorite team on their visit to his country, in a move which let Arsene Wenger that Tien is an inspiration to his team. I made a cartoon on this incidence last July and recently contacted with "the Running Man" and asked him for a special interview which he agreed.

1 - Can you give us a short brief on you?
My name is Vu Xuan Tien, I was born in 6th May, 1993 and I’m the last year student of Pharmacy Central College. I became a fan of Arsenal at the age of 5, I think I was effected by my grandfather and my father. All members of our family love Arsenal and Professor Arsene Wenger.

 2 - When you met Arsenal stars in the bus, were you surprised of their characteristic?
Certainly. I was so surprised because the players look tall and muscular, especially friendly. I was happy when Professor Wenger smiled at me. That was fantastic!!!


3 - Who is the best gunner player to consider as a buddy?
All the players are buddies ‘because I can feel their spirit, their passion for Arsenal.

4 - Where there any funny or bizarre moments?
When I was invited to get in the bus, they made applause and asked me to name the players. I named all the players (in the first and second squad).

5 - If Wenger asked for your advice what would you advice him?
 My advice? It’s very simple: “We all love Arsenal and always support the club even they had 8 years without any trophy and I think Arsenal will achieve triple this season for their endeavor.


6 - Can Arsenal win trophies this season, especially with the arrive of Ozil?
Yes, I do believe that Arsenal will win triple this season after such a long time of effort and sacrifice. I’m sure this year will be Arsenal’s year. Regarding Ozil, he’s a great player and deserved with what Arsenal spent for. But Arsenal is successful for its consolidation, every player plays important role in the club and that’s the most important.

5 - Who is your favorite Arsenal player at the moment and in history?
It’s Mikel Arteta. I was impressed by Henry and Bergkamp too. They devoted for the success of the club and helped the club get over their difficulties. That’s why I love them.


6 - Do you follow Goal.com news and of course Cartoon of the day, and what was your reaction when you saw a cartoon on you?
Yes, I follow goal.com and I watch cartoon there as well. I’m so happy and excited about a cartoon on me. Thank you so much.


7- If I want to visit Vietnam where do you recommend me to visit and what is the best food?
There are so many nice places and good food to recommend. Just contact me, I will take you at the airport and show you around to nice places and try delicious foods.


And I will of course J

Tien told me also that he is been invited by Danish Ambassador John Nielsen, and he just joined in a mount marathon competition in Sapa town, 42km challenging distance together with many professionals from other countries. Tien the Pheidippides of Arsenal will always surprise us J.

Further reading:


 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Bayern chief issues Gotze sponsor warning

Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze has caused a stir between sponsors for the second time since moving to the Allianz Arena.

Upon moving to Bayern, Gotze was pictured wearing clothes made by Nike while holding the club's shirt, made by rival kit manufacturers adidas.

And the former Borussia Dortmund man has again been photographed sporting Nike clothing.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the Bayern chief executive, has offered some advice to Gotze.

"Maybe [it was a publicity stunt], I do not know," the 58-year-old told Bild. "But maybe there is also an intention by the company to annoy another competitor. I imagine that could be the case.

"But he should not let them abuse him. That would be my advice to him."
Friday, October 18, 2013 12:30