Despite playing much of the match a man-down, CSKA Moskva defeated Rubin Kazan to win their second consecutive Russian Cup.
The match was a cagey affair with the Army-Men painted into a tactical corner when Pavel Mamaev was sent off with a straight red-card at the thirteenth minute when he pulled down Alejandro Domínguez. Playing a man down, CSKA showed great patience, controlling the final third and rarely allowing Rubin a solid opportunity to strike at Igor Akinfeev. However in a shocking conclusion, with the match seemingly headed towards extra-time Evgeni Aldonin found the winning mark a minute into added-time. Accepting a simple pass by Daniel Carvalho, the Russian international took advantage of Rubin defenders asleep at the wheel, pushing the ball forward before lashing it to the bottom left corner of the net for the incredible victory.
Фото: ЦСКА Профессиональный футбольный клуб Photo: PFC CSKA Moskva
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Porto wins Taça de Portugal
Os Dragões season came to a conclusion as they defeated Paços de Ferreira 1-0 to win the Taça de Portugal at the Estádio Nacional in Lisbon.
With a large following of azuis e brancos supporters in the stands, Porto took the lead six minutes in as Raul Meireles lobbed the ball over the opposition defenders to Lisandro López, who made no mistake with the opportunity. For the balance of the match the majority of plan was a box to box affair with a number of golden opportunities missed, including those by Lisandro López and Hulk that were missed. However Paços de Ferreira could not find a way past veteran 'keeper and the match ended with Porto victorious 1-0.
Following the match a jubliant Jesualdo Ferreira was respectful of Paços de Ferreira, noting them a side with "great dignity" and "quality".
With a large following of azuis e brancos supporters in the stands, Porto took the lead six minutes in as Raul Meireles lobbed the ball over the opposition defenders to Lisandro López, who made no mistake with the opportunity. For the balance of the match the majority of plan was a box to box affair with a number of golden opportunities missed, including those by Lisandro López and Hulk that were missed. However Paços de Ferreira could not find a way past veteran 'keeper and the match ended with Porto victorious 1-0.
Following the match a jubliant Jesualdo Ferreira was respectful of Paços de Ferreira, noting them a side with "great dignity" and "quality".
Diego Milito's final day with Genoa
On the surface, Genoa's 4-1 victory over Lecce was a typical year-end affair with little at stake. However this was far a typical day at the office, as in-truth the purpose of the match was to bid farewell to Diego Milito, a Spring celebration of a love that will never die between the young Argentine and the people of Genova.
For the most part the match was a well constructed encounter with relegation threatened Lecce showing well early on. However little by by little, Genoa ate away at their visitors lines and begin to pry them open. Midway of the opening half Sokratis Papastathopoulos created space on the right and sent a perfect cross into the box from the right byline that Crvena Zvezda product Boško Janković flicked artistically into the back of the net giving the Rossoblu. Down by one, Lecce showed tremendous pride and a few minutes past the half hour mark Simone Tiribocchi drove the ball to the opposite corner from the top of the box bringing the match even. Still all eyes were on Il Principe and with touch of the ball, the faithful rose to their feet, hoping and wishing that their hero would give them one last memory to cling to. That would come in time and oh how would it but first seven minutes into the new half, Diego drove into the area and from the left side of the area he laid the ball back to Domenico Criscito to pound into the opposite corner of the net. Now with a 2-1 lead, the stage was sent for the final Act to be played out. Four minutes shy of the hour, from the right Giuseppe Sculli fed the ball to the man of the day and after a touch for control he deftly chipped the ball in. The crowd roared its approval with ounce of strength it could muster but still there was so much more to come. With twenty-three minutes remaining Anthony Vanden Borre split the Lecce defenders providing Diego the perfect opportunity for this second of the day and he naturally obliged to make it 4-1, sending the faithful into rapturous delight. Despite a number of fine opportunities thereafter the match concluded without further mark but that of-course was only the opening Act for the day.
The real story of the day was not of the match or even Diego Milito's "storybook" two goals but the tearful goodbye shared by fans and the player alike. There are annual "goodbyes" and even chances when teams thank their supporters but this was no typical encounter. Reaching to every corner of the grounds, his personal relationship with the fans was earnest and something rarely seen in the sport today. This wasn't merely respectful or even of a man accepting of being the idol of many but a deep love and care for the area.
The "how's" and "why" the deal to see him off to Inter Milan is one to speculate and I very much doubt I will ever believe I will ever believe this is a deal Diego Milito wished to see happen. However one thing I am positive of after witnessing this outpouring today, Il Principe will forever be at home in Genova.
For the most part the match was a well constructed encounter with relegation threatened Lecce showing well early on. However little by by little, Genoa ate away at their visitors lines and begin to pry them open. Midway of the opening half Sokratis Papastathopoulos created space on the right and sent a perfect cross into the box from the right byline that Crvena Zvezda product Boško Janković flicked artistically into the back of the net giving the Rossoblu. Down by one, Lecce showed tremendous pride and a few minutes past the half hour mark Simone Tiribocchi drove the ball to the opposite corner from the top of the box bringing the match even. Still all eyes were on Il Principe and with touch of the ball, the faithful rose to their feet, hoping and wishing that their hero would give them one last memory to cling to. That would come in time and oh how would it but first seven minutes into the new half, Diego drove into the area and from the left side of the area he laid the ball back to Domenico Criscito to pound into the opposite corner of the net. Now with a 2-1 lead, the stage was sent for the final Act to be played out. Four minutes shy of the hour, from the right Giuseppe Sculli fed the ball to the man of the day and after a touch for control he deftly chipped the ball in. The crowd roared its approval with ounce of strength it could muster but still there was so much more to come. With twenty-three minutes remaining Anthony Vanden Borre split the Lecce defenders providing Diego the perfect opportunity for this second of the day and he naturally obliged to make it 4-1, sending the faithful into rapturous delight. Despite a number of fine opportunities thereafter the match concluded without further mark but that of-course was only the opening Act for the day.
The real story of the day was not of the match or even Diego Milito's "storybook" two goals but the tearful goodbye shared by fans and the player alike. There are annual "goodbyes" and even chances when teams thank their supporters but this was no typical encounter. Reaching to every corner of the grounds, his personal relationship with the fans was earnest and something rarely seen in the sport today. This wasn't merely respectful or even of a man accepting of being the idol of many but a deep love and care for the area.
The "how's" and "why" the deal to see him off to Inter Milan is one to speculate and I very much doubt I will ever believe I will ever believe this is a deal Diego Milito wished to see happen. However one thing I am positive of after witnessing this outpouring today, Il Principe will forever be at home in Genova.
Rangers win double
The Rangers trophy case continues to expand as they collected the Scottish Cup after defeating Falkirk 1-0 at Hampden Park. Along with the Scottish Premier League title, the season wrought with so many troubles has turned quickly for the Gers.
The winning mark came from Nacho Novo a minute after the break as he collected a throw-in from Saša Papac and sent a dipping effort to the far right corner from outside the box. The goal seemed to have caught Falkirk 'keeper Dani Mallo off the line and shocked by the turn and half-volley strike. The lead would certainly leave Falkirk supporters feel hard done by as they were the debatably the dominant side in the opening forty-five minutes. However after the break, Walter Smith ushered in Nacho Novo for Kris Boyd and the result was immediate. For the balance of the match fortune fall the Rangers way as Falkirk threatened on numerous occasions, even having a goal called by with a debatable offside call. However it was not be for the Falkirk side and Walter Smith and company completed the miraculous double.
The winning mark came from Nacho Novo a minute after the break as he collected a throw-in from Saša Papac and sent a dipping effort to the far right corner from outside the box. The goal seemed to have caught Falkirk 'keeper Dani Mallo off the line and shocked by the turn and half-volley strike. The lead would certainly leave Falkirk supporters feel hard done by as they were the debatably the dominant side in the opening forty-five minutes. However after the break, Walter Smith ushered in Nacho Novo for Kris Boyd and the result was immediate. For the balance of the match fortune fall the Rangers way as Falkirk threatened on numerous occasions, even having a goal called by with a debatable offside call. However it was not be for the Falkirk side and Walter Smith and company completed the miraculous double.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
je ne regrette rien
Paris Saint-Germain's remarkable campaign came to a conclusion as the played Monaco to a scoreless draw at Parc des Princes. While it is true the fortunes of the club turned downward late in the season, it is year void of regrettable moments and one to celebrate. Pride has returned to wearing the beautiful colours of les Rouge et Bleu.
The match was of-course the final curtain call for Monsieur Paul Le Guen and as they situations often are, he is deserving of utmost respect. I cannot help forget the sorrow of last year, when the Parisians walked the razors edge of relegation only to be saved in the last gasps of the season. From survival came a new breath of air and with confidence, hope and pride in the worlds most beautiful city and despite managements horrendous decision to not extend the managers contract, his work is at the root of the clubs re-birth.
Of the match, it was a solemn affair and I suspect for PSG, the lack of venom was a carryover from the moment it was announced Paul Le Guen would not be back. Realistic scoring chances were a rare find as defending was the order of the day. However as the match wound down, the Parisians stirred with late efforts by Guillaume Hoarau, Jérémy Clément and Clément Chantôme whispering that the winning goal was near. Finally two minutes into added time Sylvain Armand struck the crossbar but that was as close as it would get.
Sadly the result leaves Paris Saint-Germain out of the Europa League and while disappointing, this is a year to celebrate. Whether it the emergence of Guillaume Hoarau, Clément Chantôme and Mamadou Sakho, the extraordinary attacking vision of Stéphane Sessegnon and of course the leadership of Claude Makélélé and Ludovic Giuly, PSG was packed full of remarkable highlights.
The match was of-course the final curtain call for Monsieur Paul Le Guen and as they situations often are, he is deserving of utmost respect. I cannot help forget the sorrow of last year, when the Parisians walked the razors edge of relegation only to be saved in the last gasps of the season. From survival came a new breath of air and with confidence, hope and pride in the worlds most beautiful city and despite managements horrendous decision to not extend the managers contract, his work is at the root of the clubs re-birth.
Of the match, it was a solemn affair and I suspect for PSG, the lack of venom was a carryover from the moment it was announced Paul Le Guen would not be back. Realistic scoring chances were a rare find as defending was the order of the day. However as the match wound down, the Parisians stirred with late efforts by Guillaume Hoarau, Jérémy Clément and Clément Chantôme whispering that the winning goal was near. Finally two minutes into added time Sylvain Armand struck the crossbar but that was as close as it would get.
Sadly the result leaves Paris Saint-Germain out of the Europa League and while disappointing, this is a year to celebrate. Whether it the emergence of Guillaume Hoarau, Clément Chantôme and Mamadou Sakho, the extraordinary attacking vision of Stéphane Sessegnon and of course the leadership of Claude Makélélé and Ludovic Giuly, PSG was packed full of remarkable highlights.
Werder wins DFB Pokal
The Green Whites salvaged their season by claiming the DFB Pokal with a 1-0 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The victory provides the club the added benefit of claiming a spot in the Europa League set to begin this summer.
With captain Frank Baumann playing in his final match for Werder before a sold-out Olympiastadion, fans of Bundesliga action were treated to a high flying encounter. The Green-Whites had ample opportunity to score early but efforts by Austria's Sebastian Prödl and Naldo fell short. Space was starting to close down but two minutes before the hour Werder would score the lone goal as Mesut Özil accepted Juventus-bound Diego's provision and drove the ball in, via a opportunistic deflection of Manuel Friedrich. Remarkably a few minutes after the goal Frank Baumann was forced out of the match due to an injury but after ten years of service the great leader waved in appreciation to the adoring fans one final time. Down by one the Leverkusen side poured forward in the final half hour and despite being a continuous threat they could not find a way past Tim Wiese.
The victory sits well for Werder as it provides great solace in a difficult season. Under the leadership of Klaus Allofs and Thomas Schaaf will rebuild and return to the heights of the Bundesliga. Their leadership and insight as Werder men is irreplaceable and should provide true supporters of the club confidence of the future.
With captain Frank Baumann playing in his final match for Werder before a sold-out Olympiastadion, fans of Bundesliga action were treated to a high flying encounter. The Green-Whites had ample opportunity to score early but efforts by Austria's Sebastian Prödl and Naldo fell short. Space was starting to close down but two minutes before the hour Werder would score the lone goal as Mesut Özil accepted Juventus-bound Diego's provision and drove the ball in, via a opportunistic deflection of Manuel Friedrich. Remarkably a few minutes after the goal Frank Baumann was forced out of the match due to an injury but after ten years of service the great leader waved in appreciation to the adoring fans one final time. Down by one the Leverkusen side poured forward in the final half hour and despite being a continuous threat they could not find a way past Tim Wiese.
The victory sits well for Werder as it provides great solace in a difficult season. Under the leadership of Klaus Allofs and Thomas Schaaf will rebuild and return to the heights of the Bundesliga. Their leadership and insight as Werder men is irreplaceable and should provide true supporters of the club confidence of the future.
Everton's FA Cup dream ends in defeat
Everton's dream of hoisting the FA Cup came to an end as they lost 2-1 to Chelsea at Wembley.
The match started perfectly of David Moyes' side as they grabbed the 1-0 lead less than thirty seconds as Marouane Fellaini provided the ball to Louis Saha for a close range finish. However down a goal, Guus Hiddink took care in providing his side a patient vision and they squared the match up twenty minutes in by Florent Malouda's cross was headed in with power by Didier Drogba. Everton was clearly on their heels now as Chelsea was in a attacking mode. At the half Lars Jacobsen was summoned in for Tony Hibbert to try and shore up the problems at the back but Chelsea was driving forward relentlessly. After a Saha header screamed just wide of the post Frank Lampard got on the end of Michael Ballack's pass and pounded the ball in with eighteen minutes left. With the goal Chelsea's confidence grew and the Toffees barely threatened as the match ended with a 2-1 loss.
Following the match David Moyes echoed his support of this side to BBC Sport:
"It's disappointing not to finish with a trophy but I'm very proud of the players. I can't fault them, they have been excellent and I've told them that," he said.
"I've got to give them credit. Last year we reached a semi-final in the League Cup, this year a final.
"Whether or not we won, it was progress for us. Hopefully the next bit, winning a cup, will come next year."
The match started perfectly of David Moyes' side as they grabbed the 1-0 lead less than thirty seconds as Marouane Fellaini provided the ball to Louis Saha for a close range finish. However down a goal, Guus Hiddink took care in providing his side a patient vision and they squared the match up twenty minutes in by Florent Malouda's cross was headed in with power by Didier Drogba. Everton was clearly on their heels now as Chelsea was in a attacking mode. At the half Lars Jacobsen was summoned in for Tony Hibbert to try and shore up the problems at the back but Chelsea was driving forward relentlessly. After a Saha header screamed just wide of the post Frank Lampard got on the end of Michael Ballack's pass and pounded the ball in with eighteen minutes left. With the goal Chelsea's confidence grew and the Toffees barely threatened as the match ended with a 2-1 loss.
Following the match David Moyes echoed his support of this side to BBC Sport:
"It's disappointing not to finish with a trophy but I'm very proud of the players. I can't fault them, they have been excellent and I've told them that," he said.
"I've got to give them credit. Last year we reached a semi-final in the League Cup, this year a final.
"Whether or not we won, it was progress for us. Hopefully the next bit, winning a cup, will come next year."
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