Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Alonso out to emulate Schumacher

Fernando Alonso is besieged by the media at the Japanese Grand Prix, following the announcement that he will drive for Ferrari in 2010
Alonso is swamped by the media at the Japanese Grand Prix

By Sarah Holt
BBC Sport at Suzuka

New Ferrari signing Fernando Alonso says he would like to follow in Michael Schumacher's footsteps and win multiple world titles for the team.

The Spaniard has signed for three years and will partner Felipe Massa in 2010.

"It will not be easy but I would like to do the same as Michael and win many championships with Ferrari," he said.

"It is going to be very difficult but I am in the best team for my career. We share many things, like the passion for competition and giving 100%."

Asked if he woulod be able to live up to the legacy of Schumacher, who won five of his record seven titles with Ferrari, Alonso said he was not going to Ferrari "to do the same as Michael, but I would like to do the same."

Ferrari have this season had their least competitive year since 1995, and have won just one race, courtesy of Kimi Raikkonen, who is leaving the team to make way for Alonso.

ANDREW BENSON BLOG

The team have abandoned developing their current car to concentrate on next year's model, and Alonso said he was optimistic Ferrari would be competitive from the first race of 2010.

"Hopefully we can fight for races and championships from next year. I do not know what we can do together but I will put all my input and experience there and I will be working for Ferrari 365 days a year.

"I know there will be pressure to win titles. It is not enough one win a year. In the next few years hopefully there will be one at least. Hopefully we can fight until the last race.

"You're never sure. We saw in F1 this year it is difficult to predict what is going to happen the year after but Ferrari has been dominating F1 for the last 10 years.

"It is the most famous, most popular team in the world and you become a legend when you drive that car whatever the performance is. It is very attractive to drive for Ferrari."

The 28-year-old is the most successful active driver in F1, with two world titles and 21 wins to his name, and he said he would ideally like to see out his career with Ferrari.

"I really think that Ferrari will be my last team," he said. "Leaving Ferrari to change teams is always a step backwards. It has to be a step backwards because Ferrari is more than a team and I want to finish my career with them.

Robert Kubica
Kubica has signed to join Renault as a replacement for Alonso

"The contract is three years, now, and then with some options to continue. So hopefully I can continue as long as they want and I can finish the career here with a lot of wins."

Alonso's last move away from Renault ended prematurely in 2007 when he left McLaren just one year into a three-year contract after a tempestuous season.

He fell out with the team management, with an intense battle with team-mate Lewis Hamilton as the back-drop.

But he said he did not expect history to repeat itrelf with his new team-mate, the Brazilian Felipe Massa, at Ferrari.

"It will not happen again," Alonso said. "I am more prepared than I was two years ago. And Ferrari is more important than any driver in that car.

"We arrive in a team that it is a pleasure and we are proud to drive for that car. It doesn't matter if you are quicker or slower than your team-mate. The people want to see a Ferrari car in front.

"Felipe is a great driver and also has a very good personality. It will be fine, we will both work for the team to score points for the team."

Alonso's move to Ferrari will trigger a series of other driver switches throughout F1.

BBC Sport understands BMW Sauber's Polish driver Robert Kubica has already signed to replace Alonso at Renault, although the French team said on Thursday they would not announce their new driver until next week.

Raikkonen is hotly tipped to move back to McLaren, for whom he drove from 2002-6, as team-mate to Hamilton.

World championship leader Jenson Button is reportedly in a contract stand-off with his Brawn team, but is expected to stay and is likely to be joined by German Nico Rosberg.

Button's current team-mate and title rival Rubens Barrichello is said to be replacing Rosberg at Williams.

More to follow.

Thursday's gossip column

Transfers Other gossip And finally

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has edged closer to a move to West Ham after refusing to play for the German side's reserves.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United and Liverpool are battling it out for Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies will consider his future at the club in January over a contract row.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Sheffield United are handing a trial to French striker Vincent Pericard, who is a free agent. (Daily Mirror)

Leeds are targeting Oldham winger Chris Taylor and are offering defender Alan Sheehan in exchange.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Notts County are hoping to pip Sheffield United and Coventry to the loan signing of Birmingham winger Gary McSheffrey.
Full story: Daily Star

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth players will demand answers from new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim after they were not paid their wages this month.
Full story: The Sun

AND FINALLY

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio has revealed how manager Rafael Benitez erupted with fury like never before after their Champions League defeat to Fiorentina on Tuesday.
Full story: The Guardian

Middlesbrough defender David Wheater has conceded the Championship club, who were relegated from the Premier League in May, are struggling with the physical nature of life in English football's second tier and are also finding it hard to cope with 'flying elbows.'
Full story: Daily Mirror

Brighton defender Jim McNulty has been welcomed back to the squad after spending eight months on the sidelines following the removal of a kidney.
Full story: Daily Star

Montgomerie marks Ryder countdown

The Ryder Cup
Europe want to regain the Ryder Cup next year at the Celtic Manor

Exactly one year from today Colin Montgomerie will lead his Europe team out at the Celtic Manor in a bid to wrest the Ryder Cup back from the USA.

For a few short days the world's golfing spotlight will centre on Newport as golf's finest players clash.

"When you talk about the first of October, it links in with Wales, Celtic Manor, Ryder Cup," Montgomerie said.

"Now we are within a year and it's amazing how quickly that year will pass and I look forward to every moment."

Montgomerie admits that so far the bulk of his involvement has involved making decisions on the minutiae of preparations - clothing, bags, waterproofs, shoes, accommodation, locker rooms.

But the Scot, an ever-present Ryder Cup player between 1991 and 2006 who was undefeated in eight singles matches, is now looking forward to team matters.

"We're just ready to look after the team now and view their qualifying process really to see who's going to make that top nine and give me a good idea of who I'm going to select as my chosen three," Montgomerie said.

It's in their own interests to play in [the Wales Open] and... show me what they can do round the Ryder Cup course

Europe captain Colin Montgomerie

Montgomerie's team will comprise the leading four players from the world points list, plus the leading five players - not otherwise qualified from the worlds list - from the European points list.

Those nine automatic selections will be joined by three captain's picks to complete a 12-man squad that will be finalised by the end of next August.

The recent Vivendi Trophy that pitted Britain and Ireland against Continental Europe was an ideal environment for Montgomerie to look at potential players in a team environment.

The 46-year-old made his disappointment known publically that Ian Poulter had pulled out, while other European luminaries such as Lee Westwood, Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia did not play.

Montgomerie realises that players have many options when it comes to choosing what tournaments to compete in, but has pinpointed three that he hopes potential Ryder Cup players will attend.

Huggett predicts special Ryder Cup

"I have nothing against Ian, I think he's a worldwide player," Montgomerie said.

"It was a message to everybody that... there are three tournaments next year that I would really wish those players that are potential Ryder Cup players and potentially part of my team to participate in.

"One is our flagship event - the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth - the other is the last counting event - which of course is the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles - and the third is the... Wales Open."

The Wales Open is played on the new Twenty Ten course at Celtic Manor that will be used for the Ryder Cup and Montgomerie says his selections may be swayed by one strong showing in the dry run at Newport next June.

"Wouldn't it be great if one of those players, one of those potential candidates, goes to Wales and wins the tournament by 10 shots - it would be very difficult to leave him out!

"It's in their own interests to play in that event and... show me what they can do round the Ryder Cup course."

Welsh golfer Bradley Dredge - currently second in the European points list - has said he is determined to grasp a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to represent Europe on home soil.

The same will be true of Dredge's fellow World Cup-winner Stephen Dodd, while Philip Price - one of Montgomerie's fellow heroes of the 2002 triumph at The Belfry - could possibly figure in the backroom staff.

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However, it may well be that - despite Montgomerie's wishes for a Welshman to force his way to selection - there is no home-soil player in the European team next October.

But the organisers are determined that next year's event will push golfing excellence in Wales to try and ensure that Ryder Cup teams of the future always have a Welsh element.

Andy Morgan, a board member of Ryder Cup Wales 2010 and chairman of Golf Development Wales, wants the event to spark a golfing renaissance.

"When the Ryder Cup was in Spain in Valderamma [in 1997], when they left there, there really wasn't anything left apart from the roadway," Morgan said.

"We were very keen, and the Welsh assembly government was very keen, to have a real legacy from the Ryder Cup.

"The Welsh assembly government put forward a £2m fund that was part of our bid that won the Ryder Cup.

"With that we want to create beginner facilities all around Wales... so it really isn't just the Celtic Manor, this Ryder Cup is going to bring developments throughout the whole of Wales."

Schemes in place include free taster sessions, reduced or free golf lessons and trial memberships to attract more players to the game, while individual golf clubs have been able to access funds to improve facilities.

Despite the Ryder Cup still being 12 months away, golf participation among 11 to 16-year-olds has risen an impressive 70% in the last two years, with juniors and adults up a healthy 20%.

Those figures include a sharp rise in female participation, so the women's Solheim Cup team may also reap future benefits.

The efforts to promote grassroots golf are set to continue for "years" beyond next October, so it seems the future of the game is bright regardless of the result at the Celtic Manor next October.

But if Europe avenge their 16½-11½ defeat in Valhalla to the USA in 2008, the momentum could prove unstoppable.

Nadal recovers for Beijing return

Rafael Nadal
Nadal beat Chile's Fernando Gonzalez to win Olympic gold last year

World number two Rafael Nadal returns to action at next week's China Open after recovering from a stomach injury.

The Spaniard pulled out of this week's Thailand Open with the complaint, but is fit enough to compete in Beijing.

The China Open will be the first played at the Olympic Green Tennis Centre where Nadal won the men's singles gold medal at last year's Games.

The 23-year-old will then play at the Shanghai Masters 1000, the Masters in London and the Davis Cup final.

Nadal was hampered by the injury at the US Open, where he reached the semi-finals, and withdrew from the Spanish squad that beat Israel to reach the Davis Cup final.

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World number one Roger Federer had already pulled out of the Shanghai Masters, but he has qualified to play at the Masters in London - the ATP World Tour Finals - at the end of November alongside Nadal, Britian's Andy Murray, US Open winner Juan Martin del Potro and Novak Djokovic.

Derbyshire release Hinds & Lawson

Wavell Hinds
Hinds played 45 Tests for West Indies before joining Derbyshire

Derbyshire have released batsman Wavell Hinds and leg-spinner Mark Lawson.

West Indies international Hinds, 33, has spent two seasons at the County Ground, while Lawson, 23, joined from Yorkshire at the beginning of 2009.

Head of cricket John Morris said: "Wavell has added some international class to our batting.

"However, with our young batsmen coming through and the Kolpak penalties to be taken into account, we have decided to look at different options for 2010."

Morris added: "Mark has given his all for the cause in 2009 and he is a talented bowler who performed well for us at times.

"However, his opportunities to play first-team cricket became few and far between during the second half of the campaign and, again, we have elected to explore different options ahead of next season."

Hinds two seasons with Derbyshire brought him 1248 first-class runs at an average of 33.72, including two centuries.

Lawson took six wickets at an average of 83.25 in his four first-class games.

The "Kolpak" name comes from the Slovakian handball player Maros Kolpak, who won a ruling in the European Court of Justice in 2004 allowing him to play professionally in Germany without being classed as a foreigner.

The term has been tagged on to cricketers from South Africa and the West Indies, who were able to come into the UK and play county cricket without being classed as overseas players.

But last year the European Commission changed its interpretation on a key employment agreement - the Cotonou Treaty - which meant it should not be regarded as free movement of labour and instead focus on the free trade of goods and services.

Holyfield queries Haye experience

By Ben Dirs

David Haye (right) and Nikolay Valuev
Haye (right) is giving away a massive weight and height advantage

Evander Holyfield has questioned David Haye's heavyweight credentials ahead of the Londoner's bout against WBA champion Nikolay Valuev in November.

Like Haye, Holyfield was an undisputed cruiserweight champion before moving up to claim the heavyweight crown.

Unlike Haye, who has had just one tune-up bout at heavyweight, Holyfield had six before fighting for a world title.

"We're different, I didn't have one fight and then get my opportunity," Holyfield told BBC Sport.

"I moved up in 1988 and had six fights in two years before I was finally ranked number one and got the opportunity to fight the winner of Mike Tyson-Buster Douglas.

"When people try to compare David Haye to me, I say, 'wait a minute, I fought six heavyweights and beat them, they didn't make me number one contender straightaway'.

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shenglong

"I fought my way in to prove I could win the heavyweight title. I fought more as a heavyweight than I did in any other division.

"David Haye only fought one fight, and it will only tell you how good he is by how well he does in the fight against Valuev.

"He's a very skilful fighter, but he's moving up to the heavyweight division and he's fighting against a giant, a guy who's 100lb heavier and has a huge reach advantage."

The 47-year-old Holyfield, the only man to win a heavyweight title four times, fought Valuev last December, losing on points when many observers felt he should have been awarded the decision.

Haye has fought as a heavyweight on three occasions, but only once since relinquishing his cruiserweight belts, against American Monte Barrett last November.

Haye, 28, knocked Barrett out in the fifth round, but did not have it all his own way, finding himself on the canvas at the start of round five.

He will come up against the 7ft 2in Russian at the Nuremberg Arena on 7 November, and Holyfield has not ruled out fighting him should he emerge victorious.

Evander Holyfield (left) and Nikolay Valuev
Holyfield fought well against Valuev but lost by a majority points decision

"I'll be fighting in November and hopefully in February or March I'll be fighting for a world title," said Holyfield.

"It's not a dream, it's a reality, it just hasn't happened yet. If I become world champion I won't fight him [Haye], but if he gets the belt first I will.

"I just need to go and do what I need to do and then I can sit down, and everyone can be happy, because obviously nobody's happy with me standing up.

"I'm just saying, why don't you let me fight for the title! And in February or March, there's a good chance that might happen."

Chelsea must improve - Ancelotti

Nicolas Anelka celebrates his goal with his Chelsea team-mates
Chelsea's only goal came after 18 miinutes from Anelka

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says his side need to improve after a disappointing performance in their Champions League win at Apoel Nicosia.

The 1-0 victory in Cyprus puts Chelsea top of Group D with six points from two matches - three points ahead of Porto.

But Ancelotti said: "I'm not satisfied. I wanted us to play better, to take more control and to play with courage.

"I think that, in this moment of the season, it is normal. We have to change, for sure."

Nicolas Anelka produced the one moment of Chelsea quality to earn the Stamford Bridge side three points against the Cypriot champions when he scored after 18 minutes.

But it was in contrast to a poor second half by Ancelotti's players and he added: "It was a good result but perhaps not a good performance.

"We started with good control, scored a goal and we had opportunities to do quick counter-attacks after that, but we didn't do this.

"In the second half it was different. We tried to control the game with possession, but we made a lot of mistakes.

"Nicosia played very well in the second half and deserved to draw this game. This is football.

"We have to play better. In the first half, the team showed good application of the system and of their defensive duties.

"We took good control in defensive positions, but the second half was totally different. We lost a lot of balls. We allowed Nicosia to get back into the game."

Ancelotti's side went into the game on the back of their first defeat of the season following their 3-1 defeat by Wigan.

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However, the Italian is remaining calm and insists he has confidence in his players to turn things around as Chelsea prepare to play Premier League rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

"I'm not angry with the players. I have a lot of faith in this team and these players. I was a player for a lot of years myself, and I know when things don't go well," he said.

"I'm not afraid, not angry with the players. The only thing is that I'd like Chelsea to play better than we did.

"We have time to rest and to prepare well for an important game against Liverpool.

"We will not play like we did today. We will play better, for sure."

Apoel coach Ivan Jovanovic says his side's first-half showing cost them the chance of causing an upset.

"I want to congratulate Chelsea on their win," said Jovanovic. "It was easy for Chelsea in the first half.

"They scored and then they controlled the game. We played well in the second half and are satisfied with the way the team played.

"But we wasted a lot of possession in the first-half but could not get a goal in the second."

Radcliffe set to race in New York

Paula Radcliffe
Radcliffe celebrates her victory in the New York half marathon

Britain's Paula Radcliffe will race in the New York City Marathon in November.

The 35-year-old world marathon record holder has competed once in 10 months - in the New York half marathon - because of bunion surgery and a broken toe.

She withdrew from the Athletics World Championships in Berlin in August four days after her victory in New York.

Radcliffe, who is due to return to action in Birmingham on 11 October, will be seeking her fourth New York Marathon win and third in succession.

"I think the motivating thing here is that no one since Grete Waitz has been in a position to go for four victories here," race director Mary Wittenburg told the New York Times.

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The newspaper's report of Radcliffe's participation in the 2009 event was carried on her official website.

Norwegian Waltz won nine New York City Marathons between 1978 and 1988.

"It is very difficult to dominate an event, or even win more than one especially one as competitive as this one, let alone four times," added Wittenberg.

"I think Paula is the ultimate competitor. She rises to the major challenges. She's not going to waste an effort. The trophy has to make the quest worthwhile."

Her comeback in the World Half Marathon in Birmingham marks the start of a mission that she hopes will culminate with the 2012 Olympics in London.

Owen out after new injury setback

Michael Owen
Owen sits in the stands at Old Trafford after his substitution

Manchester United striker Michael Owen could be out of action for up to three weeks after injuring his groin in the Champions League win over Wolfsburg.

Owen limped out of Wednesday's 2-1 Group B victory after only 20 minutes.

England boss Fabio Capello was in the crowd but the injury looks to have ended Owen's chances of being selected for the match in Ukraine on 10 October.

"Groin injuries are difficult to say. He could be out two or three weeks," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"His fitness levels are good so we shouldn't need to worry too much about it. We will treat it as a normal groin injury."

Ferguson also revealed that Owen had been troubled by his groin prior to the match.

"The amazing thing about Ryan (Giggs) is the incredible youthfulness about his performances

Sir Alex Ferguson

"He felt his groin after training on Sunday and he trained a little bit on Monday but had a rest day on Tuesday and he thought he was fine," added Ferguson.

With England travelling to Ukraine for the World Cup Group 6 qualifier on 10 October, Owen's latest injury once again puts pay to his chances of selection when the squad is announced next week.

England coach Capello is regularly quizzed on Owen's chances of featuring for his country again and stipulates that the striker, who has scored 40 international goals in 89 caps, must be playing regularly to even be considered for a recall.

The 29-year-old has been trying to shake off his reputation as injury prone since signing for United on a free from Newcastle in the summer and was granted a rare start to prove himself in Wednesday's match at Old Trafford.

However, his contribution was minimal before he limped off to be replaced by Dimitar Berbatov.

United though, had more concern in defence during the first half of the match as they looked uncharacteristically shaky against a lively Wolfsburg attack.

It was the German champions who eventually broke the deadlock in the second half through Edin Dzeko but United showed grit and guile to overturn the scoreline through goals from Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick.

Giggs's goal was his 150th for the club and also means he joins Raul as the only two players to have scored in 14 separate Champions League campaigns.

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Ferguson was full of praise for the 35-year-old Welshman.

"The amazing thing about Ryan is the incredible youthfulness about his performances," said the Scot.

"It's as if he is just starting his career. He is continuing like a young man enjoying his football and it's wonderful to see."

Giggs himself chose to focus instead on the significance of the victory itself, which leaves United top of Group B with six points, three clear of both Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow, who beat Besiktas 2-1 on Wednesday.

"The goal doesn't represent anything," said Giggs. "Obviously I'm proud to do it but it was more important that we got back in the game so soon after they scored.

"We showed great character to come back."

Rio hit back in 2016 Olympics row

Pele promotes Rio's bid to host the 2016 Games
Brazil football legend Pele is in Denmark to boost Rio's bid hopes

Rio de Janeiro's 2016 Olympic bid team have lodged a complaint against rivals Madrid after a Spanish Olympic official criticised the city's credentials.

The Brazilian city was labelled as "the worst of the four candidates" by Spain's Olympic vice-president Jose Maria Odriozola.

The Madrid bid team have swiftly apologised for Odriozola's comments.

Chicago, Madrid, Rio and Tokyo are fighting it out, with the decision to be announced in Copenhagen on Friday.

The row is likely to heighten the tension between the four rivals as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prepares to reveal its decision.

Odriozola also highlighted the Brazilian city's security issues as well as dismissing its marketing strategy to host "the first South American Games".

His comments prompted organisers of Rio's bid to officially complain to the IOC's ethics committee.

MATT SLATER BLOG

"We are disappointed at these comments which don't correspond with the conclusions of the IOC's evaluation commission," said a Rio spokesman.

While Odriozola insisted his comments were his own and did not reflect the official bid, Madrid 2016 chief executive Mercedes Coghen was forced to apologise for to their Brazilian counterparts.

"Whatever happened, we want to apologise to Rio," said Coghen.

"We believe that all four bids are very good bids. We have tried throughout to have fair play.

"I believe all four cities are very, very good cities. All four can win this race but hopefully Madrid will be the winner."

The complaint is Rio's second to the IOC ethics committee this week following remarks from Chicago mayor Richard M Daley, who said that hosting the 2014 football World Cup was not the same as hosting the Games.

Under IOC rules, host cities are not allowed to criticise each other's bids.

Newcastle 1-1 QPR

Newcastle   1 - 1   QPR

Ben Watson scores
Watson outs QPR into an early lead via a deflection

Newcastle extended their lead at the top of the Championship to three points courtesy of a draw against QPR.

Ben Watson's 30-yard strike deflected into the net off United's Steven Taylor to give QPR a seventh minute lead.

Shortly after QPR defender Damion Stewart's handball gave the home side a penalty but Danny Guthrie's spot-kick was saved by Radek Cerny.

Substitute Marlon Harewood bundled in United's equaliser following a knock-back from fellow striker Andy Carroll.

It was Harewood's first goal for the Tyneside outfit following his loan move from Aston Villa and earned his new side a point after a tough test by QPR.

Winger Wayne Routledge and midfielder Watson were particularly impressive for the visitors and the latter was rewarded with his opening goal.

Guthrie's penalty miss almost came back to haunt him when Stewart powered a header just wide of the post.

But Carroll drove a 66th-minute free-kick straight at the keeper as the Magpies pressed for a leveller before he helped set up Harewood's goal.

Carroll headed down Danny Simpson's cross for Harewood to stab home at the far post.

Live text and stats

 

Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Championship

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Newcastle 1 - 1 QPR R
(HT 0 - 1)
  • Harewood 70
  • Watson 7

Newcastle

  • 01 Harper
  • 03 Jose Enrique
  • 12 Simpson
  • 13 Khizanishvili
  • 27 Taylor
  • 04 Nolan
  • 08 Guthrie (Lovenkrands 88)
  • 22 Butt (Gutierrez 46)
  • 17 Smith yellow card
  • 24 Carroll
  • 30 Ranger (Harewood 61)

Substitutes

  • 26 Krul,
  • 28 Kadar,
  • 18 Gutierrez,
  • 20 Geremi,
  • 10 Harewood,
  • 11 Lovenkrands,
  • 42 Donaldson

QPR

  • 24 Cerny
  • 03 Stewart yellow card
  • 13 Gorkss
  • 29 Borrowdale
  • 06 Leigertwood yellow card
  • 07 Routledge
  • 10 Buzsaky yellow card
  • 14 Rowlands
  • 15 Watson
  • 08 Vine (Faurlin 87)
  • 23 Simpson (Taarabt 72)

Substitutes

  • 22 Heaton,
  • 02 Ramage,
  • 18 Faurlin,
  • 25 Ephraim,
  • 39 Taarabt,
  • 11 Agyemang,
  • 12 Pellicori
Ref: ShoebridgeAtt: 38923
NEWCASTLE
QPR

Possession

  • Newcastle 49%
  • QPR 51%

Shots on target

  • Newcastle 6
  • QPR 2

Shots off target

  • Newcastle 5
  • QPR 10

Corners

  • Newcastle 1
  • QPR 7

Fouls

  • Newcastle 12
  • QPR 15
  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+3:35 The referee ends the match.
  • 90:00+3:02 Jonas Gutierrez is penalised for handball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Radek Cerny.
  • 90:00 Free kick crossed by Sanchez Jose Enrique. Steven Taylor challenges Ben Watson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Radek Cerny takes the free kick.
  • 90:00 Booking Akos Buzsaky is shown a yellow card for not retreating ten yards at a set play.
  • 89:58 Booking Booking for Mikele Leigertwood.
  • 89:12 Mikele Leigertwood challenges Andrew Carroll unfairly and gives away a free kick.
  • 87:36 Substitution Danny Guthrie leaves the field to be replaced by Peter Lovenkrands.
  • 87:23 The ball is delivered by Mikele Leigertwood, Alan Smith manages to make a clearance.
  • 86:09 Substitution (QPR) makes a substitution, with Alejandro Faurlin coming on for Rowan Vine.
  • 83:58 Akos Buzsaky produces a left-footed shot from outside the box and misses left.
  • 83:14 Andrew Carroll is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Damion Stewart takes the indirect free kick.
  • 81:58 The referee blows for offside. Radek Cerny takes the free kick.
  • 78:28 Jonas Gutierrez sends in a cross, Effort from inside the area by Marlon Harewood misses to the right of the goal.
  • 77:51 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kaspars Gorkss on Andrew Carroll. Direct free kick taken by Zurab Khizanishvili.
  • 77:08 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Zurab Khizanishvili by Damion Stewart. Steve Harper takes the direct free kick.
  • 76:40 Kevin Nolan challenges Adel Taarabt unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ben Watson restarts play with the free kick.
  • 75:54 Sanchez Jose Enrique crosses the ball.
  • 75:10 Free kick taken by Zurab Khizanishvili.
  • 75:10 Booking Damion Stewart goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour.
  • 75:01 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Alan Smith by Damion Stewart.
  • 72:57 Shot from just outside the penalty box by Adel Taarabt misses to the left of the target.
  • 71:52 Indirect free kick taken by Radek Cerny.
  • 71:52 Substitution Adel Taarabt comes on in place of Jay Simpson.
  • 71:52 The referee blows for offside.
  • 71:24 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Wayne Routledge by Kevin Nolan. Wayne Routledge restarts play with the free kick.
  • 69:14 The assist for the goal came from Andrew Carroll.
  • 69:14 GOAL - Marlon HarewoodNewcastle 1 - 1 QPR Goal scored by Marlon Harewood from inside the six-yard box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Newcastle 1-1 QPR.
  • 68:25 Rowan Vine has shot on goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
  • 67:35 Gary Borrowdale restarts play with the free kick.
  • 67:35 Booking Alan Smith is shown a yellow card.
  • 67:26 Alan Smith concedes a free kick for a foul on Akos Buzsaky.
  • 67:02 The ball is sent over by Rowan Vine, Sanchez Jose Enrique manages to make a clearance.
  • 64:17 Martin Rowlands challenges Andrew Carroll unfairly and gives away a free kick. Andrew Carroll shoots direct from the free kick, Radek Cerny makes a save.
  • 63:34 Free kick awarded for a foul by Rowan Vine on Jonas Gutierrez. Danny Guthrie crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, clearance made by Damion Stewart.
  • 63:09 The ball is delivered by Sanchez Jose Enrique, Damion Stewart makes a clearance.
  • 61:55 Free kick awarded for a foul by Andrew Carroll on Kaspars Gorkss. Direct free kick taken by Martin Rowlands.
  • 60:33 Substitution Marlon Harewood on for Nile Ranger.
  • 60:07 Ben Watson takes the inswinging corner, Nile Ranger manages to make a clearance.
  • 59:07 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Akos Buzsaky, Damion Stewart takes a shot. Zurab Khizanishvili gets a block in.
  • 58:45 Kevin Nolan gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Martin Rowlands. Martin Rowlands restarts play with the free kick.
  • 58:22 Rowan Vine produces a right-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that misses to the left of the target.
  • 57:04 A cross is delivered by Danny Guthrie, save by Radek Cerny.
  • 55:11 The ball is swung over by Sanchez Jose Enrique.
  • 54:53 Mikele Leigertwood delivers the ball, Steve Harper makes a save.
  • 54:26 Andrew Carroll takes a shot. Save by Radek Cerny.
  • 52:02 Wayne Routledge gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Jonas Gutierrez. Danny Guthrie delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from left channel.
  • 49:15 The ball is delivered by Akos Buzsaky, save made by Steve Harper.
  • 48:08 Andrew Carroll concedes a free kick for a foul on Mikele Leigertwood. Mikele Leigertwood restarts play with the free kick.
  • 47:31 Rowan Vine crosses the ball, Headed effort from inside the area by Damion Stewart misses to the right of the goal.
  • 47:01 Corner taken right-footed by Ben Watson from the left by-line, save by Steve Harper.
  • 46:40 Akos Buzsaky takes a short corner.
  • 45:05 Nile Ranger is adjudged to have handled the ball. Mikele Leigertwood takes the direct free kick.
  • 45:01 The second half kicks off.
  • 45:01 Substitution Jonas Gutierrez comes on in place of Nicky Butt.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+1:32 The half-time whistle blows.
  • 45:00+0:50 Danny Guthrie crosses the ball, Andrew Carroll takes a shot. Kaspars Gorkss manages to make a clearance.
  • 45:00+0:13 Akos Buzsaky has an effort at goal from a long way out that misses to the right of the target.
  • 43:30 Centre by Sanchez Jose Enrique.
  • 43:08 Handball decision goes against Martin Rowlands. Free kick taken by Nicky Butt.
  • 42:31 Akos Buzsaky has an effort at goal from long range that misses to the right of the goal.
  • 41:28 Unfair challenge on Wayne Routledge by Nile Ranger results in a free kick. Free kick taken by Radek Cerny.
  • 40:47 Danny Simpson sends in a cross, Mikele Leigertwood makes a clearance.
  • 39:17 Jay Simpson concedes a free kick for a foul on Zurab Khizanishvili. Direct free kick taken by Steve Harper.
  • 38:17 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Akos Buzsaky by Danny Simpson. Akos Buzsaky crosses the ball from the free kick right-footed from left wing, Andrew Carroll manages to make a clearance.
  • 37:12 The ball is delivered by Andrew Carroll, Headed effort on goal by Nile Ranger from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the goal.
  • 36:44 Akos Buzsaky gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Danny Simpson. Direct free kick taken by Steven Taylor.
  • 36:14 Andrew Carroll produces a left-footed shot from outside the penalty box and misses right.
  • 35:43 Damion Stewart gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nile Ranger. Alan Smith takes the free kick.
  • 35:32 The ball is sent over by Wayne Routledge, clearance made by Zurab Khizanishvili.
  • 34:56 Effort from outside the box by Ben Watson goes wide right of the target.
  • 34:43 Wayne Routledge delivers the ball, Steven Taylor manages to make a clearance.
  • 33:22 The assistant referee signals for offside against Rowan Vine. Steve Harper takes the free kick.
  • 33:00 Sanchez Jose Enrique sends in a cross, Kevin Nolan takes a shot. Save by Radek Cerny.
  • 32:06 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Danny Guthrie, Andrew Carroll takes a shot. Clearance by Gary Borrowdale.
  • 31:05 Danny Guthrie takes a shot. Save by Radek Cerny.
  • 30:40 Free kick awarded for a foul by Ben Watson on Nicky Butt. Alan Smith takes the free kick.
  • 28:08 Wayne Routledge fouled by Nile Ranger, the ref awards a free kick. Mikele Leigertwood restarts play with the free kick.
  • 27:06 Damion Stewart concedes a free kick for a foul on Andrew Carroll. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Danny Guthrie from left wing, save made by Radek Cerny.
  • 26:03 Corner taken right-footed by Ben Watson from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Nicky Butt.
  • 25:14 Ben Watson takes a outswinging corner to the near post, Alan Smith makes a clearance.
  • 24:24 Free kick awarded for a foul by Kaspars Gorkss on Nile Ranger. Danny Guthrie crosses the ball in from the free kick, Damion Stewart makes a clearance.
  • 21:49 Alan Smith concedes a free kick for a foul on Rowan Vine. Free kick taken by Martin Rowlands.
  • 19:43 Corner taken right-footed by Ben Watson from the right by-line, Wayne Routledge produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the area and misses to the left of the goal.
  • 18:05 A save by Radek Cerny from penalty by Danny Guthrie. Newcastle 0-1 QPR.
  • 18:05 Mikele Leigertwood is penalised for a handball.
  • 17:03 Kaspars Gorkss concedes a free kick for a foul on Nile Ranger. Danny Guthrie delivers the ball, Steven Taylor takes a shot. Blocked by Mikele Leigertwood.
  • 15:14 Mikele Leigertwood sends in a cross.
  • 14:20 The ball is sent over by Rowan Vine, Steven Taylor makes a clearance.
  • 11:10 Kaspars Gorkss gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Andrew Carroll. Danny Guthrie crosses the ball in from the free kick, Kaspars Gorkss makes a clearance.
  • 7:35 Nicky Butt crosses the ball.
  • 6:09 GOAL - Ben WatsonNewcastle 0 - 1 QPR Ben Watson fires in a goal from just outside the penalty area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Newcastle 0-1 QPR.
  • 3:35 Steven Taylor gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Rowan Vine. Direct free kick taken by Ben Watson.
  • 2:51 Rowan Vine takes a shot. Save by Steve Harper.
  • 0:29 Rowan Vine is ruled offside. Steve Harper restarts play with the free kick.
  • 0:00 The match begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.

Man Utd overcome Wolfsburg test

Man Utd   2 - 1   Wolfsburg

Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick celebrate Man Utd's winner
Berbatov congratulates Carrick on scoring the Man Utd winner

By Jonathan Stevenson

Manchester United came from behind at Old Trafford to beat an impressive Wolfsburg side and take command of Group B in the Champions League.

The Germans played their part in a lively game and went ahead when Edin Dzeko headed in Makoto Hasebe's cross.

But United hit back immediately, Ryan Giggs scoring his 150th goal for the club as his free-kick was deflected in.

Wayne Rooney fired narrowly over before Michael Carrick kept his cool to curl in the winner from the edge of the box.

It was what United deserved for a powerful display against very capable opponents, with victory sending them three points clear at the top of their group.

But they did not have it all their own way and had to match Wolfsburg's powerful physical threat before their superior quality could show.

606: DEBATE
carlos_who

In the build-up to the game, the Bundesliga champions had vowed to attack, coach Armin Veh promising they would not wait until they fell behind to impose their style on the game.

And he was true to his word as the visitors almost got off to a flier, Nemanja Vidic's lazy header seized upon by Grafite and Christian Gentner firing at keeper Tomasz Kuszczak when he should have done better.

Zvjezdan Misimovic was pulling the strings for Wolfsburg, Grafite was proving more than a match for both Vidic and Rio Ferdinand and the Germans looked dangerous.

Dzeko fired wide from long range after another defensive lapse, but soon after there was a turning point at the other end as Michael Owen - in front of the watching England manager Fabio Capello - limped off after 20 minutes with a groin injury.

His replacement, Dimitar Berbatov, had a dramatic impact on proceedings, immediately enlivening United with his clever touches and visionary passing.

One audacious backheel sent Luis Valencia through, but the Ecuadorian dragged badly wide of the far post, before Berbatov sublimely slipped in Carrick only for Diego Benaglio to save his shot with his outstretched right foot.

It was all United and they continued their assault on the Wolfsburg goal after the break as Rooney teed up Anderson, the Brazilian's curling shot brilliantly parried away by Benaglio.

Edin Dzeko celebrates putting Wolfsburg ahead
Dzeko's thumping header put Wolfsburg in front after the break

To their credit Wolfsburg never stopped attacking, and with 56 minutes on the clock they stunned Old Trafford by taking the lead as Hasebe clipped in a cross for the towering Dzeko to thump in a header.

Far from panicking, United continued to press and it took them only three minutes to equalise, albeit in fortuitous circumstances.

Anderson was brought down 20 yards out and Giggs' free-kick took a wicked deflection off Gentner, completely wrongfooting Benaglio and bouncing into the far corner.

United sensed a chance to compound Wolfsburg's frustration and Rooney almost delivered, curling a right-foot cracker only inches over from the edge of the box.

Instead they had to wait until 12 minutes from time, Giggs laying the ball off to Carrick for the midfielder to calmly slot past Benaglio from the edge of the area.

Wolfsburg continued to plough forward as they had done all night, but their search for an equaliser ended in vain.

Live text and stats

 

Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Champions League

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Man Utd 2 - 1 Wolfsburg R
(HT 0 - 0)
  • Giggs 59
  • Carrick 78
  • Dzeko 56

Man Utd

Substitutes

Wolfsburg

  • 01 Benaglio
  • 04 Schafer
  • 05 Ricardo Costa yellow card
  • 17 Madlung
  • 20 Riether
  • 07 Josue
  • 10 Misimovic
  • 13 Hasebe (Ziani 73)
  • 25 Gentner
  • 09 Dzeko
  • 23 Grafite (Martins 82)

Substitutes

  • 12 Lenz,
  • 19 Pekarik,
  • 43 Barzagli,
  • 14 Santana,
  • 15 Ziani,
  • 11 Martins,
  • 24 Dejagah
Ref: KassaiAtt: 74037
MAN UTD
WOLFSBURG

Possession

  • Man Utd 53%
  • Wolfsburg 47%

Shots on target

  • Man Utd 11
  • Wolfsburg 3

Shots off target

  • Man Utd 6
  • Wolfsburg 7

Corners

  • Man Utd 4
  • Wolfsburg 5

Fouls

  • Man Utd 10
  • Wolfsburg 13
  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+2:13 The referee blows for the end of the match.
  • 90:00+1:46 Corner taken right-footed by Karim Ziani from the right by-line to the near post, clearance made by Nemanja Vidic.
  • 90:00+0:18 Effort from 20 yards by Wayne Rooney. Save by Diego Benaglio.
  • 89:19 Oliveira Anderson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Zvjezdan Misimovic. Direct free kick taken by Zvjezdan Misimovic.
  • 88:13 The ball is crossed by Wayne Rooney.
  • 86:36 Unfair challenge on Edin Dzeko by Nemanja Vidic results in a free kick. Zvjezdan Misimovic crosses the ball in from the free kick.
  • 86:06 The official flags Darren Fletcher offside. Anunciado Josue takes the indirect free kick.
  • 85:48 Dimitar Berbatov concedes a free kick for a foul on Anunciado Josue. Free kick taken by Anunciado Josue.
  • 83:52 Effort from the edge of the penalty box by Marcel Schafer goes wide of the right-hand upright. Shot from just outside the box by Anunciado Josue misses to the left of the goal.
  • 82:22 Wayne Rooney is caught offside. Alexander Madlung takes the free kick.
  • 81:11 Free kick taken by Tomasz Kuszczak.
  • 81:11 Substitution Obafemi Martins comes on in place of Libano Batista Grafite.
  • 81:11 Substitution Darren Fletcher replaces Antonio Valencia.
  • 81:11 Libano Batista Grafite challenges Rio Ferdinand unfairly and gives away a free kick.
  • 77:30 Ryan Giggs provided the assist for the goal.
  • 77:30 GOAL - Michael CarrickMan Utd 2 - 1 Wolfsburg A fantastic goal is scored by Michael Carrick from outside the penalty box to the top right corner of the goal. Man Utd 2-1 Wolfsburg.
  • 76:47 The ball is sent over by Ryan Giggs, Alexander Madlung makes a clearance.
  • 76:11 Free kick awarded for a foul by Karim Ziani on Patrice Evra. Free kick taken by Patrice Evra.
  • 74:53 Zvjezdan Misimovic gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Oliveira Anderson. Michael Carrick takes the free kick.
  • 73:08 Zvjezdan Misimovic decides to take a short corner. Marcel Schafer produces a cross, comfortable save by Tomasz Kuszczak.
  • 72:19 Substitution Karim Ziani replaces Makoto Hasebe.
  • 71:21 Antonio Valencia sends in a cross, clearance made by Anunciado Josue.
  • 69:09 Patrice Evra gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Libano Batista Grafite. Sascha Riether takes the free kick.
  • 68:39 The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by Diego Benaglio.
  • 68:09 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Save made by Diego Benaglio.
  • 67:36 Zvjezdan Misimovic concedes a free kick for a foul on Michael Carrick. John O'Shea restarts play with the free kick.
  • 66:28 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Antonio Valencia by Marcel Schafer. Ryan Giggs shoots direct from the free kick.
  • 66:13 Free kick awarded for a foul by Libano Batista Grafite on Nemanja Vidic. Oliveira Anderson restarts play with the free kick.
  • 64:09 Ryan Giggs takes a shot. Save by Diego Benaglio.
  • 62:14 Corner taken right-footed by Zvjezdan Misimovic, Edin Dzeko produces a header from inside the area that goes over the bar.
  • 61:19 Short corner taken by Ryan Giggs, Effort on goal by Wayne Rooney from just inside the penalty area goes over the target.
  • 61:14 Ryan Giggs produces a cross, Miguel Ricardo Costa manages to make a clearance.
  • 60:25 Free kick crossed left-footed by Ryan Giggs from left channel, clearance made by Christian Gentner.
  • 60:25 Booking Miguel Ricardo Costa receives a caution.
  • 60:18 Unfair challenge on Wayne Rooney by Miguel Ricardo Costa results in a free kick.
  • 58:44 GOAL - Ryan GiggsMan Utd 1 - 1 Wolfsburg Ryan Giggs scores a goal direct from the free kick from outside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Man Utd 1-1 Wolfsburg.
  • 57:51 Unfair challenge on Oliveira Anderson by Anunciado Josue results in a free kick.
  • 57:02 Centre by Christian Gentner, clearance by Nemanja Vidic.
  • 56:24 Ryan Giggs produces a cross, clearance made by Alexander Madlung.
  • 55:03 Assist by Makoto Hasebe.
  • 55:03 GOAL - Edin DzekoMan Utd 0 - 1 Wolfsburg Edin Dzeko finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the penalty area. Man Utd 0-1 Wolfsburg.
  • 54:17 Oliveira Anderson has an effort at goal from 20 yards. Save by Diego Benaglio.
  • 52:48 Oliveira Anderson has an effort at goal from outside the penalty box which goes wide right of the target.
  • 51:58 Christian Gentner takes a shot. Save made by Tomasz Kuszczak.
  • 50:10 The assistant referee signals for offside against Wayne Rooney. Indirect free kick taken by Diego Benaglio.
  • 49:15 Nemanja Vidic concedes a free kick for a foul on Edin Dzeko. Zvjezdan Misimovic takes the free kick.
  • 48:08 The ball is crossed by Ryan Giggs, save by Diego Benaglio. Outswinging corner taken left-footed by Ryan Giggs from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Anunciado Josue.
  • 47:27 The ball is delivered by Antonio Valencia, clearance by Miguel Ricardo Costa. Short corner taken by Ryan Giggs.
  • 45:53 Centre by Marcel Schafer, Patrice Evra manages to make a clearance. Outswinging corner taken by Zvjezdan Misimovic from the right by-line, Effort on goal by Miguel Ricardo Costa from inside the penalty box misses to the right of the target.
  • 45:16 Foul by Libano Batista Grafite on Nemanja Vidic, free kick awarded. Nemanja Vidic restarts play with the free kick.
  • 45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+1:04 The whistle is blown to end the first half.
  • 43:35 Centre by Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick takes a shot. Save by Diego Benaglio.
  • 42:15 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Save made by Diego Benaglio.
  • 38:53 Free kick taken by Sascha Riether.
  • 38:53 Booking Nemanja Vidic shown a yellow card.
  • 38:42 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Libano Batista Grafite by Nemanja Vidic.
  • 37:57 Free kick awarded for a foul by Makoto Hasebe on Michael Carrick. Free kick taken by Oliveira Anderson.
  • 36:47 The referee blows for offside. Diego Benaglio takes the indirect free kick.
  • 35:23 Oliveira Anderson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Makoto Hasebe. Makoto Hasebe takes the direct free kick. Effort on goal by Dimitar Berbatov from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar.
  • 34:30 Foul by Michael Carrick on Christian Gentner, free kick awarded. Free kick crossed left-footed by Zvjezdan Misimovic from left channel, clearance by Dimitar Berbatov.
  • 33:01 Corner taken by Anunciado Josue from the right by-line to the near post, Close range headed effort by Christian Gentner misses to the right of the goal.
  • 31:50 Centre by John O'Shea, save by Diego Benaglio.
  • 30:24 Wayne Rooney takes a shot. Blocked by Alexander Madlung. Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Ryan Giggs played to the near post, Edin Dzeko manages to make a clearance.
  • 30:00 Sascha Riether sends in a cross, Nemanja Vidic manages to make a clearance.
  • 29:24 Dimitar Berbatov takes a shot. Miguel Ricardo Costa gets a block in. Michael Carrick takes a shot. Save by Diego Benaglio.
  • 26:58 The assistant referee flags for offside against Dimitar Berbatov. Diego Benaglio restarts play with the free kick.
  • 26:46 The ball is sent over by Patrice Evra, clearance by Anunciado Josue.
  • 26:05 Effort from outside the penalty box by Edin Dzeko goes wide right of the goal.
  • 25:43 Foul by Ryan Giggs on Makoto Hasebe, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Zvjezdan Misimovic.
  • 24:46 Antonio Valencia has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.
  • 23:17 A cross is delivered by Ryan Giggs.
  • 22:47 Dimitar Berbatov is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Diego Benaglio.
  • 21:35 Unfair challenge on Patrice Evra by Anunciado Josue results in a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by Ryan Giggs from left channel, clearance by Libano Batista Grafite.
  • 19:44 Substitution Dimitar Berbatov comes on in place of Michael Owen.
  • 18:12 Free kick awarded for a foul by Zvjezdan Misimovic on Oliveira Anderson. Shot on goal comes in from Wayne Rooney from the free kick.
  • 10:20 Edin Dzeko has an effort at goal from outside the box which misses left.
  • 7:05 Marcel Schafer crosses the ball. The ball is swung over by Sascha Riether, clearance made by Nemanja Vidic.
  • 6:19 Foul by Ryan Giggs on Miguel Ricardo Costa, free kick awarded. Miguel Ricardo Costa restarts play with the free kick.
  • 3:59 Zvjezdan Misimovic takes a shot. Save made by Tomasz Kuszczak.
  • 1:37 Free kick awarded for a foul by Makoto Hasebe on Oliveira Anderson. Rio Ferdinand takes the direct free kick.
  • 0:00 The game kicks-off.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association.