New No.10 for Manchester United

Wazza has been given the cherished No. 10 Manchester United shirt. I'm actually suprised it hasn't been retired yet. Nevertheless, good for him.

The Scoop

Robert Earnshaw has become a Premiership player yet again, now with Derby, for £3.5M.

Are Barcelona about to raid the cookie jar again with a £15M bid for Frank Lampard? If they do who are these teams going to replace these fine players with? Not to mention Barcelona are going to be stronger than they were when they won the Champions League. At least for a few years. Then again Real Madrid tried this practice and didn't win anything for 5 years. Let's wait and see.

Copa America

Wow, we've had some results here in Copa America. Mexico took a liking to Brazil with a 2-0 victory and the United States put up a great fight for 75 minutes with a "B" team against Argentina. I have to say though, I think Bob Bradley is doing a FANTASTIC job with the United States. I mean, they really played well until they broke down in the final 20 minutes and Tevez came in for Messi (that is a nice option if you ask me...hell, ask anybody!) Given the young and inexperienced team Bradley had, those boys played well ad should be proud. Next time, give em' hell!
UPDATE: Castillo scores a brilliant first goal here and there was an awfully great free kick goal to boot...
Mexico 2- 0 Brasil (sorry about the French commentary)
(Argentina 4-1 U.S.A: to come)

UPDATE: Here are the goals from the Argentina vs. USA match

"Safety First" laddy...we know that doesn't apply...

David Beckham will make his Los Angeles debut on Friday the 13th! Yikes! Watch your knees my man! Take care of those toes as well!
P.S. I see America has another great number 23 to add to the books. I like that.

Also, make sure to check out the Adidas spot below...I thought it was done well and shows that a professional athlete is to be respected for their hard work, no matter what you personally fancy, world wide. It's life...something always fits in somewhere.

"It was a good day" That has a nice ring to it, coming from those two doesn't it?

Capello gets the sack

This sounds like the Del Bosque fiasco...

"Real Madrid sacked coach Fabio Capello on Thursday, 11 days after he led them to their first Primera Liga title in four years."

The Scoop

If Fernando Torres set for a Liverpool transfer?
UPDATE: It seems the Torres deal is pretty much sealed up for Liverpool. Nice one Rafa!

Jose Mourinho has tabled a £12M bid for Florent Malouda.

Carlitos Tevez may be at Inter Milan next year.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to pay Charlton Athletic £16.5M for England striker Darren Bent, according to reports.

Finest Foreign Player

Whilst I'm at it....

Thierry Henry, that is...He is a foreign import to the Premiership, so I found this little article about Foreign Stars who lit it up in England. Oh yeah, Liverpool's very own Jaime Redknapp wrote it (insert Liverpool footballer being able to write joke here!)

What will happen to the Arsenal we know?

Now that their talisman has dropped the English dictionary for a Spanish one (here is a nice little slideshow for Thierry through his Arsenal years), what will happen next with the Gunners? I have a feeling Wenger is about to leave as well, not to mention Fabregas. I do not know if it will happen this summer but, I wouldn't be suprised. Robin VanPersie will jump ship too then. All of this implosion of Arsenal due to the fact that Mr. Dein has left the building. I supposes he was a good man and the glue that held that great team together. Now they will tumble down the table.

Gold Cup

United States 2 - 1 Mexico
Benny Feilhaber had a goal as good as any I've seen this year. Wow, that is a way to put away a match winner. Video to come.
UPDATE: Video of the volley is in...check it!

The Scoop

Thierry Henry has signed a four-year deal with Barcelona. So says Cadena Ser radio.

Alan Smith looks set to sign a contract with Newcastle United.

New Nike Kicks

No photos for these, but here is a commercial for the upcoming Nike Air Max PSG, yes that is right, Paris St. Germain! It's a pretty cool spot too.

Shocka Green

Since it is summertime and colors are all the rage, check out the new one piece Adidas Gazelle. These are like tennis balls for your feet!

Shocka Yellow

I kind of like the new Chelsea away kit. What do you think (besides why is Ballack in that picture?)

YET ANOTHER ARGENTINIAN MIDGET CRIMINAL!!!!

Must be their national export, because they produce more of these than they do corned beef!


http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=204130&cc=5739

Barcelona 2-2 Espanyol
BARCELONA, June 9 (Primera Liga) - Espanyol captain Raul Tamudo denied Barcelona an important victory in the Catalan derby to ensure the Primera Liga title race will go down to the wire.
Tamudo also became the club's all-time top league goalscorer, scoring twice at the Nou Camp after Lionel Messi had looked certain to fire the hosts to a third consecutive title success with a brace of his own.
Barca went behind on the half-hour mark following Tamudo's opener, but responded just before half-time thanks to a controversial Messi effort.
The Argentinian struck again after the break, but Barcelona were denied in the dying minutes as Tamudo equalised and Real Madrid also came from behind to draw at Real Zaragoza and stay on top of the Primera Liga with just one game remaining.
Espanyol began brightly and after Luis Garcia had threatened in the very first minute, Tamudo saw his fierce shot well saved by Victor Valdes.
At the other end, Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta sent a long-range effort well wide and Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen was off target from 12 yards as Barca searched for an early advantage.
But Espanyol were looking more dangerous and Tamudo forced Valdes into a fine low save with an angled drive.
Luis Garcia also forced a corner for the visitors, but Barca soon came back into the game and Messi sent a low shot just past the post on 16 minutes.
Gudjohnsen, in the side for the suspended Ronaldinho, then sent a header just wide for Frank Rijkaard's side three minutes later.
The Spanish champions were enjoying the majority of the possession and won a free-kick just outside the area on 28 minutes.
However, Deco's effort was deflected wide and a minute later, Espanyol took the lead.
Ivan De La Pena released Tamudo with a brilliant threaded through-ball and the veteran forward smashed his shot past Valdes and into the top right-hand corner to equal Espanyol's all-time scoring record of 111 goals set by Rafael Maranon.
Barcelona looked lost at this point, but levelled in controversial fashion just before the break when Messi pushed the ball past Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni with his hand.
The Argentinian winger produced a repeat of Diego Maradona's sensational dribbled strike against England in the 1986 World Cup against Getafe last month and came up with a carbon copy of the first goal Maradona scored that day - the so-called ``Hand of God'' goal - against Espanyol by diverting Zambrotta's deflected cross past a hapless Kameni.
Despite the protests from the Espanyol players, the goal stood and the Argentinian winger was to do even more damage after the break.
Messi set up Gudjohnsen on 55 minutes, but the former Chelsea striker was unable to get his shot on target.
However, a minute later, the young midfielder struck again for Barcelona with a clinical low finish from 10 yards out after a flowing team move.
The Nou Camp faithful then realised that title rivals Real Madrid had gone down 2-1 at Zaragoza and celebrated the announcement of Diego Milito's goal as if they had won the title.
They should have waited though, because after Samuel Eto'o squandered a great chance for Barcelona to make it 3-1, Tamudo equalised in the dying seconds.
A minute later, things were even worse for Barcelona as news came through of Madrid's equaliser at Zaragoza, which leaves things as they were going into the last match of the season, when Barca will need their bitter rivals to slip up if they are to win the title.
Sevilla remain two points off the pace after drawing 0-0 against Mallorca.

Here is something a little different

...here is a little screenshow. Have a look at the señoritas who spice up the Mexican league every weekend.. Enjoy!

Ouch!

Ben Foster's hopes of ousting Edwin van der Sar as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper next season are in ruins after it was confirmed the England international needs surgery on a cruciate ligament injury. Foster had been suffering knee problems during the latter half of last season, which he spent on loan at Watford.

Transfer Likeliness

The Times rates some of the big time transfers this summer.

The Scoop

We were right! Franck Ribery seals deal with Bayern Munich. Bad move Franck. You should have gone to England.

Real Madrid are 'tapping' up Arjen Robben.

Florent Malouda is one step closer to an Anfield move. Is Arsenal about to step in and give it a go?

Pepe Reina has signed on at Anfield for another five years.

Mark Viduka will partner Michael Owen for Sam Allardyce's Magpies next season.

Yossi Benayoun is understood to be hoping for a bid from Liverpool despite agreeing an improved five-year contract at West Ham United.

Miroslav Klose is set for a move to Bayern Munich as well. Bad move Miroslav. You should have gone to England and get a different experience.

What is going on in South Africa?

What is going to happen with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? Will it be taken away? A must read.

Top 10 Premiership Players

...this is a mathematical list and not opinion though. I'm sure it's about as revealing as the FIFA rankings as well.

1. C. Ronaldo
2. F. Lampard
3. G. Silva
4. P. Cech
5. J. Lehmann
6. P. Scholes
7. T. Howard
8. N. Vidic
9. B. McCarthy
10. A. Hleb

The Scoop

Fanning the flames of a Thierry Henry move to Barcelona, Fabregas weighs in with this

"I think that it's difficult to say no to Barca. I know Henry likes Barca, the problem is he loves Arsenal a lot for what the club have given him and the experience he has had at the club..."

Dimitar Berbatov handed Tottenham a major scare by admitting he dreams of playing for Manchester United.

Marlon Harewood will be leaving West Ham United this summer.

The other day we eluded to this, but now it is confirmed, Aston Villa have tabled a £7M bid for West Ham's want away skipper Nigel Reo-Coker.

Now AC Milan are interested in getting their grubby, stubby and sticky fingers on Eto'o.

Pen meet Paper now go play football

Steven Gerrard and Jaimie Carragher have both signed new four year deals. Nice work guys! Ok, enough pats on the back...now go get some goal poachers.

Wigan have signed Antoine Sibierski on a two year deal from Newcastle United.

Claudio Ranieri has taken over the reigns at Juventus for three years.

Liverpool have the worst fans in Europe

...so says UEFA. I say screw you UEFA!

The Scoop

West Ham are set to offer Everton £13M for Andrew Johnson's services. Everton say "No way, he's not for sale"

Troubled ex-Manchester City midfielder and thug, Joey Barton is set to make a move to Newcastle for £5.5M.

Aston Villa are joining the race for West Brom's Jason Koumas.

Breaking News Alert: Wigan sign Titus Bramble.

Inter Milan are ready to open talks for Hard as Nails Metrosexual™.

Claude Makalele states case for MLS move and uncertain status at Chelsea.

Real Madrid are admirers of Daniel Alves these days too.

Another Riise to come to Liverpool? This one is the younger brother of John Arne Riise, Bjorn Helge Riise, who set up three of the four goals Norway scored over the weekend.

New Chelsea Kit

...and Frank Lampard was not involved in the promos for it! Perhaps he will be off to Barcelona after all.

Favorite Player

If yours isn't in here, please put your favorite in the comments. Thanks alot!


So far Marco VanBasten is the favorite player...

UPDATE: Wow! Now a few days later and our handful of readers have, overwhelmingly, named Marco VanBasten their favourite player. I think that is pretty interesting considering to the others on the list. Perhaps it's because he played during our lifetime and we actually saw him? Although, I'm sure most of us also saw Maradonna when he was great.

The Scoop

So, now we have Franck Ribery joining Arsenal, Bayern Munich (which seemed to be wrapped earlier this week) but now, he is linked with Real Madrid with this pictures' caption. I thought pictures, at least, were in the business of news and not opinion? I should have known better than that though.

I can put this breaking news in one five words. Roy Kean wants Diego Forlan. I say get him! I'm really looking forward to Sunderland in the the Premiership next year. Yes he did have a dodgey year at Manchester United. On the other hand he earned La Pachichi (where I learned how brilliant Hugo Sanchez was in his time) in Spain the following year with 25 golasos the following year. If he's with you Roy, take him. I bet it will pay off, I mean Christ, he's still only 28! I suppose that was more than five words, but you get the point. He's also looking to beef up his midfield with Paul Scholes for £2M. I bet they will end up in the top 10 next year.

♫ Sammy Lee...tells Sir Alex Fergie...to come and get...Nichie ♫

Real Madrid are making a fresh bid for Chelsea's Arjen Robben.

Middlesbrough are set to take Jeremie Aliadiere off of Arsenal's hands.

Manchester United's New Gentleman

Manchester United's new recruit, and Gentleman to boot, Anderson, is definitely not afraid to talk about himself. I personally like that in a person. Most do not. Either way, your man Anderson says proudly

"I am called Anderson. Ask me what you want. I have already played in Spain, France, Germany, England. I play for Brazil juniors. I have scored more than 40 goals."

On a similar note, I know a fine artist who fancies himself a male stripper on the side (well not any more, he's a married man now) and he once had this to say...I'll paraphrase this one for you...

"London, Paris, Milan...I've done it all mate!"

Having said that, I suppose we'll have to wait and see what happens on the pitch next season. I mean, good for SAF and his lot...which, unfortunately includes some of the "FootballRoundtable" editors at large! Ugh, can you imagine?

Uh Oh!

I have to say, I do not like any type of 'legislative' branch of any form of government trying to make new laws. First of all, because most of the time they can prosecute and determine penalties directly from laws that are already on the books. Now, the Premier League want to make a "Tevez Law" I think this is complete rubbish.

It is no fault of ANYONE else in football except themselves (The FA)....PERIOD! End of the story one might think. Noooo, of course not. The problem is that this wasn't properly (whatever that means, although the punishment did not fit the crime in my opinion, in this case) dealt with. I think EVERYBODY knows this. There is No need for any new law. Nothing needs to be 'cleared' up. Please, just enforce the existing laws and make clubs who break them pay a REAL penalty. Do not get me wrong, I've said it before and I'll say it again here, I'm a big fan of West Ham United. Saying that, I still think they should have been fined and docked points. That is the ONLY way it will deter other teams in the future from attempting anything so dubious. The blame lies on them and nobody else besides the guilty party, but they new that when they made the deal.

England 1 - 1 Brasil

Becks, upon his return, gave John Terry an early Christmas gift complete with a perfect bow and postage paid box onto his head, which needless to say he put away easy peasey. Diego scored a lovely equalizer at the dying minute. Topsy-Turvy ending, almost like a Hitchcock film. I thought it was a bit interesting, although, that doesn't mean much coming from me as I'll watch a boring match first whistle to last any day of the week. I may fit in a bit of Boston Legal in there when time permits I must admit.

Our very own 'Double O' aka 'The Gaffer' was right...can you say "McStupid"?

The Scoop

Thierry Henry is becoming a bit 'put off' at Arsenal these days. Perhaps Barcelona are waiting in the shadows, check book and pen in hand.

Chelsea will have to look for 'African Cup of Nations' cover up front this summer as Hernan Crespo is set to stay in Milan.
UPDATE: It looks as if Claudio Pizzaro will be able to fill one of the open spots.

While Sir Alex Ferguson is making signings that will supposedly make a difference in his squad, our Rafa is signing unheard of 15 year old Swedes. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to build the youngsters, but please seal some substantial deals here.

AC Milan and Brazil star, Kaka, is 'flattered' that Real Madrid are interested in him. I wonder what the Italians will be able to stash away from a deal like this...if it happens? A referee's summer home on the Adriatic, no doubt!

Egg-head is looking to spend some dosh this summer. After losing out to Newcastle for Mark Viduka, as reported here yesterday, West Ham United are going to make a big money move for Everton's Tim Cahill. I have a feeling that this olive branch clustered with Great British Pounds will bear no fruit.

Sir Becks?

David Beckham could be in line to receive a knighthood, it emerged today.
UPDATE: Already people are questioning! Don't they have anything else to do?

Fernando Morientes

Here is an interview with ex-Liverpool (Real Madrid, AS Monaco) and Spain striker Fernando Morientes.