Sporting Lisbon coughed up a 2-0 lead to draw with Olhanense, while Uniao de Leiria beat Nacional to move to fifth on the Liga Sagres table.
Heavyweights Sporting seemed to be cruising after much-travelled striker Helder Postiga scored his second goal on 62 minutes with a close-range finish.
But Brazilian defender Ismaily pulled a goal back and Sporting’s Daniel Carrico put the ball through his own net to have Olhanense level within four minutes.
Both sides had their chances to win the match, with Sporting’s veteran midfielder Maniche sending a long-range strike whistling over the cross bar as the game ticked into extra time.
But – save Olhanense striker Adilson’s red card for a high boot in the dying moments – there was no late drama as the game finished 2-2.
Sporting stay third on the table, while Olhanense move into a credible seventh.
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In the earlier game, a 43rd-minute goal from Indonesian forward Fabricio – his first for the club since his January move from PSMS Medan in his homeland – was enough to secure all three points for Uniao de Leiria against Nacional.
The win means Leiria leap over Nacional into fifth, with the latter sinking to seventh.
Managing in football is always a difficult job. The media limelight is fixed firmly on the man in the dugout and the pressures of coaching a team can often take its toll on the person in question. This often leads to clashes with sections of the media, be it in a press conference or an interview after a match. We often see a manager storming out of a press conference or replying irritably to pointless questions. Other individuals take a more humorous approach to answering the journalist’s questions, using sarcasm or funny anecdotes to lighten the mood somewhat.
It isn’t always the managers who produce quality answers for the media, as players can often produce pearlers of their own and there’s nothing better than watching someone in the footballing world take on the media at their our game. We’ve compiled a list of 25 press conference/interview answers that either made us giggle, dropped our jaws or made us shake our heads in disbelief:
25. Mick McCarthy – Wolves had just survived on the final day of the 2010/11 season, but Mick McCarthy got a soaking he didn’t quite expect. His response? Sheer optimism.
24. Kevin Keegan – King Kev resigned as England manager after a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final game at the old Wembley. Although Keegan’s demise was expected, what the media didn’t understand is why he chose the Wembley toilets as the perfect place to break the news.
23. Eddie Mitchell – Bournemouth Chairman Mitchell had an unpleasant spat with Mark Chapman on a 606 Phone-in after he rather unfairly sacked his manager, Lee Bradbury. Mitchell took offence to the line of questioning and resorted to a rather fouled-mouthed way of responding.
22. Mario Balotelli – Imagine one of the worst things that could happen during your announcement as the new caretaker manager of Inter Milan. Microphone not working? Journalists throwing tomatoes? Nobody showing up? Well, having former Inter star Mario Balotelli turning up uninvited can’t be much better. Yep, that’s what the Manchester City star gets up to on his day off.
21. Harry Redknapp – They say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Well, not in the case of Mr Redknapp who dismantled a hack who asked him a daft question after Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Leeds in the 2010 FA Cup.
20. John Terry – Player revolution? What player revolution? John Terry did nothing at the 2010 World Cup to mask claims of a revolt against coach Fabio Capello and the rumours started all over again.
19. Alberto Malesani – What better than an extreme meltdown from a foreign manager who goes absolutely ballistic with his national press? Alberto Malesani of Panathinaikos, take a bow.
18. England 1998 – With Glenn Hoddle as your coach, a sense of humour is most certainly necessary at a major tournament. The England team had a wager on who could fit the most song titles into press conference answers during the 1998 World Cup and left many members of the media a little red in the face when they realised.
17. Jose Mourinho – You could almost produce an entire list of quotes from one Mourinho press conference, but the Portuguese manager has produced some exceptional lines over the years. After ranting about referees, Jose then goes on to question Mr Ferguson’s wine cellar. Priceless.
16. Sir Alex Ferguson – Sir Alex is well known for getting tetchy with reporters during interviews and one tested his patience a little too much before the Champions League final with Barcelona. For the record, I’m not sure Sir Alex really wanted to pick Javier Mascherano out of all the Barcelona team.
15. Cristiano Ronaldo – After Manchester United won the title, Ronaldo proved that he could literally do anything, turning from star player to star reporter. He even translated Anderson’s poor English and made a quip about the midfielder’s lack of playing time.
14. Harry Redknapp – Another classic from Mr Redknapp who seemed to take offence at being struck on the back of the head during his time in charge of West Ham. Had it been Tottenham, I’m sure Darren Bent would have got the blame.
13. Ray Hudson – One of the more bizarre press conferences was conducted by Miami Fusion’s English manager Ray Hudson who seemed rather unsatisfied after his side beat Tampa Bay Mutiny 5-0. He stormed into the media room, saying ‘I’ve got nothing to say’ before paradoxically asking ‘Any questions?’ and then storming out. Temper, temper.
12. Kenny Dalglish – The Luis Suarez race row got taken to a new level after the Uruguayan petulantly refused to shake Patrice Evra’s hand before United and Liverpool clashed in the Premier League. Dalglish seemed to borrow Arsene Wenger’s eyesight in regards to the insight, before losing his rag when questioned about the incident.
11. Roberto Mancini – The pressure seemed to show occasionally last season as Roberto Mancini chased a first Premier League title, but he still found the time to enjoy the odd giggle with the media. Mario Balotelli was often the subject of his attention towards the end of last year, but he was the butt of Mancini’s joke here.
10. Joe Kinnear – Want to watch the world record for most amount of swear words used in a minute? Look no further than Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear who did his dodgy heart no favours with his one-man crusade against the media.
9. Roy Keane – Roy Keane is a scary man to cross. So it’s probably not a clever idea to leave your phone tuned on in his press conferences. Do so at your peril.
8. Gordon Strachan – The Scot was a difficult man to get a straight answer out of at the best of times, so it’s not a good idea to ask him stupid questions. Otherwise you’ll get the response you deserve.
7. Ian Holloway – Football’s greatest interviewee. Ollie’s as mad as a box of frogs and always provides anecdotes that have the press in stitches. Just don’t try and make any sense of what he says. Here’s just one example.
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6. Sir Alex Ferguson – Was the Ryan Giggs affair a touchy subject for Sir Alex? You betcha. Operating on a Gestapo level of censorship, the Manchester United boss acted swiftly to remove the offending reporter.
5. Kevin Keegan – Football’s greatest rant ever? Look no further than Mr Keegan who provided one of football’s funniest moments when he got slightly annoyed in the run-in of Newcastle United’s title challenge. Who says Fergie’s mind games don’t work?
4. Ian Holloway – Ollie’s best piece of work? Well, no other manager in the history of football has ever compared a scrappy win to a night on the pull. He sounds well practised in the art!
3. Jose Mourinho – This simply needs no introduction. Arrogance at it’s greatest, but Mourinho’s supreme confidence won him many plaudits.
2. Sir Alex Ferguson – Need to capture a manager’s emotion after the greatest triumph of his career? Think this should suffice…
1. Harry Redknapp – Sky Sport’s Rob Palmer rather hit a nerve during an interview with Redknapp, but what else what you call his transfer dealings?
Harry Redknapp revealed that he would be happy to see David Beckham at Tottenham, when the player’s contract expires at the LA Galaxy. Harry says he is still a quality Premier League player and would welcome him with open arms should he wish to move to North London.
Elsewhere in the papers the Everton board hits out at protest; Villas-Boas reveals he won’t be afraid to wield the axe, while Roberto Martinez believes that Manchester City are unplayable.
Harry open to Beckham return – Sky Sports
I could drop both Torres and Lampard, admits Villas-Boas – Guardian
Dalglish backs Carroll after criticism – Guardian
Pardew frustrated over failure to buy a striker – Guardian
Pearce wants to get his Phil for kid Lions – Sun
De Gea keeping the faith despite mistakes – Daily Telegraph
Everton board hit back at angry fans in row over sale of cash-strapped Toffees – Daily Mail
Martinez: Manchester City are ‘unplayable’ title contenders – Sun
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Arsenal scouts keeping tabs on Anderlecht’s midfield anchor Biglia – Daily Mail
QPR manager Warnock hits out at ‘pathetic’ internationals – Daily Mail
AC Milan join Liverpool in chase for Ajax teen sensation – Talksport
Uzbekistan goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov claims he does not need to practise penalties as Australia will not make it that far on Tuesday.
Uzbekistan face the Socceroos in the Asian Cup semi-finals on Tuesday evening, with the winner set to face either Japan or South Korea in the final of Asia’s premier football tournament.
Australia came within two minutes of a penalty shootout in Saturday’s quarter-final against Iraq before Harry Kewell nodded the Socceroos into the last four in the 118th minute.
But Nesterov has shrugged off suggestions he should be practising stopping penalties ahead of the game, insisting Uzbekistan will finish off their opponents well before then.
“No. We are not practising any penalties. I am confident that we can wrap it up within the allotted time,” the shot-stopper told the Asian Football Confederation’s official website.
“They are also humans like us. We are not afraid of anyone.”
The 27-year-old, who has conceded four goals in four games in the tournament so far, pinpointed accuracy at set-pieces as the key to Uzbekistan reaching the Asian Cup final, and added that he believes the Central Asian nation have the quality to take the title over Japan or South Korea.
“There is no doubt about it. We have to be very accurate (when it comes to set-pieces),” he said.
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“And we have to keep ball possession. If we play our normal passing game it should be okay. We should not make silly mistakes.”
“There is a belief that we can win the title. The mood is very good and everybody is looking forward to the match.”
Repetition is boring. Every season Arsenal fans have to read about players on their way out of the club, they have to read about what they’ve lost over the summer. So, instead of focusing on the impending doom and crushing depression of losing another captain, why not look at something Arsenal have gained this summer?
The first of Arsenal’s summer signings, which was actually announced in spring, was Lukas Podolski. The former Bayern Munich and FC Koln striker, who was signed for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £10m, had an exceptional final year at his boyhood club.
Podolski may not have been able to save Koln from relegation but he cannot be accused of not giving his all. On the final day of the season, a banner inside the Rhein Energie Stadion translated as “We don’t blame you for leaving, Poldi. If we could leave too, we would.”
So just what will Podolski, who has over 100 caps for the German national side, bring to Arsenal? Last season was undoubtedly one of his finest seasons, individually that is. He scored 18 goals, which ranked him as the league’s second highest German scorer, and provided 7 assists in the Bundesliga; he also had a pass success rate of over 75%.
Many fans will argue that his scoring record has not been as impressive as that of others, what should be remembered though is that Podolski scored these goals without the help of world-class players around him.
Podolski may have a reputation in the national team for being an industrious, consistent performer but that shouldn’t disguise the fact that he is capable of truly exceptional moments. Podolski currently holds the record for the most ever ‘goal of the month’ victories, with nine to his name; the previous holder of the record was Jurgen Klinsmann with eight.
At just 27, Podolski will bring a level of experience to the Gunners that belies his age. Apart from being an international centurion, Podolski has also won the top two German leagues, the German Cup and the German League Cup. He has also played in a final of the European Championships and was voted ‘best young player’ at the 2006 World Cup, beating the other nominees – Ronaldo, Messi and Fabregas – to the award.
His fortunes may have differed slightly to those considered his peers in 2006, yet Podolski has matured since his return to Koln from Bayern Munich. His disappointing time spent at the German giants was, for some critics, indicative of the fact that he could not succeed if he wasn’t the focal point of a team.
However, the striker has admitted that he was immensely immature whilst in Munich and, regardless of that, his success and longevity in the national side has proved that he needn’t be the main man in order to earn acclaim.
Indeed, his previous coach, Frank Schaefer, believed that the environment at Arsenal was ideal to bring the best out of Podolski.
“I think he could score lots of goals next season. Arsenal is one of the clubs that is absolutely right for Lukas…for lots of reasons.”
“First of all, he has the right coach in Arsene Wenger. It will be excellent for Lukas to have a quiet, experienced coach with good psychological abilities. It is also good for Lukas because Arsene speaks such good German.”
“Secondly, I think Arsenal play the type of football which suit Lukas. They play good, offensive football. Physically, Lukas is very strong so he will have no problems in this area.”
“Thirdly, Per Mertesacker being at the club is extremely helpful. He is a great person, an intelligent man, and he will be good for Lukas to have around at Arsenal. Per is a good influence.”
And, Schaefer could be right. In the last five seasons Podolski has, including international appearances, scored an average of one goal every 2.17 starts. Not bad for a player who is often deployed on the wing.
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As his former coach stated, Podolski has both the strength and the pace to deal with the physical rigours of the English game and, with so much international experience, Podolski has had to pit himself against the best players in the world on a reasonably consistent basis.
His versatility will also be a valuable asset to Arsenal.The Polish born striker prefers to play centrally but is equally adept, as he has shown for Germany, at playing out wide.
He may not have come with a price tag that excites many fans yet you would be hard pressed to find such an exciting player for less. Arsenal have bought a physically impressive, technically astute, versatile player who is proven at every level and has experience of winning big trophies. He may not be able to replace van Persie’s goal scoring feats of last season but he will be a valuable player next season – equally capable of playing in Arsenal’s characteristic attacking style as well as providing a more direct option.
QPR have completed the signing of forward DJ Campbell from Blackpool on a two-year deal.Campbell, who joined for a fee believed to be worth about 1.25 million pouds, will once again ply his trade in the English Premier League, having scored 13 goals last campaign for the relegated Blackpool.
The 29-year-old joins a club he supported as a boy and he was delighted to be at Loftus Road, having knocked back interest from other clubs in the top flight.
“It’s a massive club and it means a lot to me to be back here where it all began,” Campbell told the club’s official website.
“There were other clubs in the Premier League that showed an interest but when I heard QPR were in for me it was an offer I couldn’t refuse – this is my club.”
Manager Neil Warnock said he was excited by what Campbell could bring to the club, including pace up front.
“He is someone I have admired for a while now and he had a fabulous season in the Premier League with Blackpool last year,” Warnock said.
“He is a QPR fan and you can tell he has a great desire to do well for the club he supports. That shone through when I met up with him – he can’t wait to play for us.”
“He also gives us that extra element of pace which we need and I am sure he will prove to be a big hit with the fans at Loftus Road this season.”
Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has high hopes signing Darren Bent will score on debut for the club against Manchester City on Saturday.
The French boss said the former Sunderland goal scorer has a knack of finding the back of the net when he starts afresh at clubs, and he is hopeful history can repeat on Saturday at Villa Park.
“Regarding his debut, all I can say is that he has a good habit, that when he starts somewhere, he scores,” Houllier said.
“Maybe a warning to Roberto Mancini and Manchester City, but if he starts, maybe he will score.”
Bent said he wanted to vindicate Villa’s decision to sign him for the sum of 18 million pounds.
“I want to help Villa get some points on the board. They are in a false position. They have shown great faith in me, which I’m very proud of,” Bent said.
City midfielder Adam Johnson said his side was still on track to challenge for the English Premier League title, despite their struggles in a grittty 4-2 win over Championship side Leicester in a FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday.
“We are improving week-in and week-out and I am sure there is a lot more to come. Sometimes the final passes have let us down but some of the football has been different class and it all seems to be clicking for us,” he said.
“We are getting better with each game. Every game we win is a step closer. Excitement is building now; all the lads can feel it. We just want matches to keep coming now. Hopefully, it will lead us to win one of the cup competitions or the Premier League.”
City are level with rivals Manchester United at the top of the table, but the Red Devils have two games in hand on Roberto Mancini’s men.
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It means City must continue picking up full points if they are to stay in the title race.
Villa will be hoping to avenge their 4-0 thumping at the hands of the Eastlands club in late December, but may not have to worry about the threat of another Mario Balotelli hat-trick.
The Italian teenager may miss a starting spot, with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko likely to trump him in the 11.
Manchester United and England star Tom Cleverley may have not featured on the sports pages recently due to his ankle injury, but gossip pages are rife with his new relationship with The Only Way is Essex hotty Georgina Dorsett. The 22 year old is said to be in a relationship with the TOWIE star after a string of dates, and Dorsett has helped Cleverley lift his spirits after an injury ridden year.
Cleverley even went on an end of season holiday with mates to Marbella in Spain, the holiday destination made famous by The Only Way is Essex. We wonder if Cleverley had been following Dorsett’s lead with the ‘no carbs before marbs’ diet!
United fans will be looking forward to seeing their midfielder back in action come August, and no doubt new WAG Dorsett is eagerly waiting to check out her new boyfriend in action from the VIP seats at Old Trafford.
Georgina Dorsett may be famous for her role in the ITV reality show, but announced she would never date any of the guys on the show. Presumably Cleverley, five years her senior, is more her type. Our gallery looks at our 27 year old WAG of the week in action.
Click on Miss Dorsett to see her in all her glory
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Sergio Batista has been sacked as coach of Argentina’s national football team, it was announced on Monday.Batista took over the reins at the South American powerhouse from legendary player Diego Maradona 12 months ago – initially in a caretaker position, before being handed the role proper.
The Argentine Football Association’s executive committee met on Monday, and made the decision to move on the 48-year-old former Argentina international.
The move comes swiftly following Argentina’s failure to fire at their hosting of the Copa America, registering just one victory and bowing out in the quarter-finals, despite holding aces such as Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain.
Lasting in the job just under one year (he was hired on July 27, 2010, and fired on July 25), Batista most memorably steered Argentina to a 4-1 win over World Cup holders Spain and also to a 1-0 win over Brazil.
His luck ran out at the recent Copa, which Uruguay won for the 15th time in their history, when pressure on his star-studded side saw Messi struggle to enforce his influence, and resulted in Tevez missing the decisive penalty in the shootout against the eventual champions.
2010 has been a sensational year for Tottenham Hotspur, qualifying for the Champions League and participating in Europe’s premier competition for the first time since 1961/62. It has ended with them still being in the competition, winning their group after six thrilling games (8 if you include the qualifiers against Young Boys) including two pulsating ties against the European Champions. Added to this their exploits in Europe have so far not adversely affected their domestic form as they go into 2011 within touching distance of the Champions League place and, albeit it quite an ambitious and over strenuous touch, of the Premier League leaders. So here we give homage to the players who in particular have brought about this fantastic year. And give late Christmas presents to those selected to be part of the FootballFanCast.com Tottenham Hotspur Awards.
Player of 2010
I’m giving it to Luka Modric. I know the obvious choice is Gareth Bale, who by all accounts has had an exceptional year. But I just prefer watching Modric on the ball and think he really keeps the team ticking and always seems to know exactly what he’s doing with the ball at feet. He first thought and move is instinctively to go forward, he nearly always retains possession and looks composed, effortless and a class above. His contributions in the recent 10 men victories against Aston Villa and Newcastle United were phenomenal. The pass out to Hutton on the right for the opener against Villa scythed their defence apart and against Newcastle he rampaged up the pitch on the counter to unleash Bale to finish and secure the points. Added to this in the last ten minutes of the first half against Villa he led the master class of keep ball. Throughout the year he has been central to Tottenham’s attacking impetus and is also far less of a pushover than many originally expected in the centre of midfield.
Most Improved of 2010
This is the award Gareth Bale is taking home. Again I know it might be a bit controversial as the bulk of his improving was accomplished in the first three or so months of the year and indeed it was clear he had the talent all along. But to go from at the start of the year having not won a single Premier League match and being second choice left back, to at the end being possibly the most desired British talent in football and scoring a hat-trick in the San Siro is a remarkable turnaround. I say most of his improvement was done in the first few months as for me his standout performances of the year were in April against Arsenal and Chelsea where he instigated two vital victories on Tottenham’s journey to finishing fourth. He started the new season in equally scintillating form, catching a lot of media and public attention, and is the club’s joint top scorer for the season. Honourable mentions must also go to Younes Kaboul and Jermaine Jenas, who I’ve never really liked but has really impressed recently with a fantastic work rate.
Most Disappointing player of 2010
Robbie Keane takes it as has been unable to recapture his previous form that he showed for Tottenham since rejoining from Liverpool. He is now definitely the club’s fourth choice striker and will in all likelihood be shipped out in January. As his fall has come about so quickly it must be seen as a severe mistake to bring him back in the first place and as the highest paid player as well. Less than honourable mentions go to Giovani Dos Santos, who I was impressed with at the World Cup and genuinely thought could start to have an impact at the club. How wrong I was, his brief outings for the team have been distinctly unremarkable. Also Tottenham are still awaiting David Bentley to live up to a £16million transfer fee.
Most important signing of 2010
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I couldn’t ignore the contribution made by Rafael van der Vaart just because he has only been at the club for four months. In those four months he has been a revelation. And this award I think is not just specific to Tottenham or even the Premier League, globally his signing has been the best bit of football business of 2010.