EUROPEAN FOOTBALL SEASON

Rubin Kazan Shocks Barcelona As Lyon Surprises Liverpool.

2009-10-20T22:57:00.000-07:00

Rubin Kazan defeated Barcelona FC in yesterday's UEFA Champions League match played in Camp Nou.

Lionel Messi was simply a shadow of himself as the match ended 2 goals to 1 in favour of the visitors.

FC Olympique Lyon of France also handed down a 2 - 1 defeat to Liverpool in Anfield as Steven Gerrard limped off the pitch following an injury believed to be the re-occurrence of his groin trouble. This is a continuation of Liverpool's woes as they have conceded four straight defeats in all competitions this season.

Spain Tackles Nigeria: FIFA U20 World Cup Egypt 2009

2009-09-28T02:56:00.001-07:00

The Spaniards will be aiming at recording a second successive victory in the on-going U20 FIFA World Cup in Egypt this afternoon as the trade tackles with Nigerian Flying Eagles.

Going into this match, Spain thrashed Tahiti 8 nil while their Nigerian counterparts were pipped 1 nil by Venezuela during the opening game of the Group B.

Nigeria will be seeking their first win in this tournament as they look forward to progress to the second round of the tournament.

English Premier League Weekly Round-up

2009-09-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Chelsea was defeated yesterday by Wigan Athletics. Carlo Ancelloti received his first defeat as Chelsea Manager away from home. Petr Cech was sent off during the match.
The match ended 3-1 in favour of the home side.

Manchester United defeated Stoke 2-0.
Liverpool whitewashed Hull City by 6 goals to 1.
Arsenal pipped Fulham by a lone goal.

Manchester United and Chelsea are now tied on 18 points after 7 games but Manchester United leads the English Premier League on goals difference.

Arsenal and Liverpool Move Closer to Carling Cup Next Round

2009-09-23T02:03:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger's youngsters defeated West Brom at the Emirates Stadium yesternight to advance to the next round of the Carling Cup in England. The match ended 2 -0 in favour of the Gunners.

In the other fixture, Liverpool escaped with a goal as they pipped Leeds 1 - 0.

Today, Manchester United will trade tackles with Wolves at Old Trafford while Chelsea hosts Queens Park Rangers at the Stamford Bridge.

Abel Resino Is Staying At Atletico Madrid - Enrique Cerezo

2009-09-22T04:53:00.000-07:00

Abel Resino Is Staying At Atletico Madrid - Enrique Cerezo

Atletico's president says he trusts the coach to turn things around...

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has insisted that Abel Resino will coach the club for the remainder of the season, despite a bad start to the campaign for Los Colchoneros.

Atleti began the season in fine style beating Panathinaikos 5-2 on aggregate to qualify for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League but since then have suffered a 3-0 defeat at Malaga, two draws against Racing Santander and APOEL respectively and most recently a 5-2 hammering at the hands of Barcelona at Camp Nou.

Despite this run of results Cerezo insists that Resino is the man for the job at the Vicente Calderon.

"Abel is the man we wanted and will be with us for the season," he told Marca adding that a poor run does not allow for "mistrust" of the coach.

Cerezo also said that the Rojiblancos need to start picking up points, starting at home on Wednesday night.

"On Wednesday we must win [against Almeria] and gradually return to the leadership positions," Cerezo added.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Villarreal Are Not Afraid Of Real Madrid - Joseba Llorente

2009-09-22T04:49:00.000-07:00

Villarreal Are Not Afraid Of Real Madrid - Joseba Llorente

The striker is not convinced by los Merengues' result at the weekend...

Joseba Llorente has stated his belief that Villarreal can pick up a result against Real Madrid, as they will have the backing of their own fans to help the fearless players along.

While los Blancos cruised past Xerez on Sunday, Llorente is aware that the scoreline was not a true reflection on the game.

"It seems that they were strong, but I have heard that they were not as convincing as the [5-0] scoreline suggests," he announced in an interview with Marca.

"We don't fear anyone. We have respect, of course, but not fear."

With the match taking place in El Madrigal, the Basque striker is hopeful that the fans can urge the team on to a vital win.

"We are not asking anything of the fans, it's us who must motivate them and we will do so. But it would be nice to have the intensity and support from the stands that we had last year, and even more so when Real Madrid come.

"If we play well and the fans support us, we can win - a victory against Madrid could be worth six points," he concluded, echoing the words of Joan Capdevila. The full-back has already stated that a win on Wednesday would be a massive psychological boost to el Submarino Amarillo.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Title Race Not Just Between Barcelona & Real Madrid - Guardiola

2009-09-22T04:46:00.000-07:00

Title Race Not Just Between Barcelona & Real Madrid - Guardiola

Pep says it can't be seen as a two horse race yet...

As both Real Madrid and Barcelona prepare for their fourth game of the 2009/10 Primera Division campaign, Barca coach Pep Guardiola has said that the two giants of Spanish football cannot be called the only contenders for the title at such an early stage.

Outside of Real and Barca, only Athletic Bilbao have maintained a 100 per cent record while would-be challengers Valencia, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid have all dropped points.

"It's too early to say the league will be a duel between us and Real Madrid. We have started well in the league and the Champions League but it's too early. The good sign is we have room for improvement," Guardiola told AS.

The Blaugrana coach believes that one of the biggest obstacles his players face is the amount of games as the fixture schedule is already a busy one.

"The calendar will be one of our main enemies. We know already, no Wednesdays are free, but last year was the same and ten and fifteen years ago too, Barca has always had this," he added.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Brazilian Ace Luis Fabiano To Return For Sevilla Against Real Mallorca

2009-09-22T04:29:00.000-07:00

Brazilian Ace Luis Fabiano To Return For Sevilla Against Real Mallorca

The international star sat out the weekend win after picking up a knock...

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano will return to the starting lineup when the Andalusian outfit take on Real Mallorca in their Spanish Primera Division clash tonight.

The Brazilian was absent as Los Nervionenses completed a 2-0 win over Osasuna on Saturday, with both Frederic Kanoute and record signing Alvaro Negredo on the score sheet for the visitors.

Luis Fabiano has been in typically prolific form so far this season having scored five goals in his last three games for Sevilla and Brazil.

His return, after recovering from a minor physical complaint, will most likely see Negredo drop to the bench.

Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez will be looking for three points tonight at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium as the home side look to make it three league wins on the bounce ahead of a tough trip to San Mames to take on the in-form Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.

That will be followed by an trip to Glasgow to take on Rangers in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday in a busy couple of weeks for Sevilla.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Samuel Eto'o Seeking Share Of Barcelona To Inter Transfer Fee - Report

2009-09-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

Samuel Eto'o Seeking Share Of Barcelona To Inter Transfer Fee - Report

The striker is reportedly looking for 15 percent of the fee...

Inter striker Samuel Eto'o is reported to be demanding 15 per cent of the transfer fee from the deal that saw him leave Barcelona for the San Siro during the summer, according to Sport.

Eto'o has apparently requested a share of the transfer from the Catalan giants but as yet his request had not had a response. It is understood now that if the two parties do not come to a settlement the matter could go before the courts.

According to Catalunya Radio, which Sport quotes as its source, Eto'o opted to lodge a formal complaint after failing to get a response to several attempts to make contact with Barcelona officials.

The Cameroon international joined Inter as part of the deal that saw Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic join Barca.

It is believed that Eto'o's value in the deal was in the region of €20 million which would entitle him to compensation in the region of €3 million if his complaint is upheld.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Annoyed At Xerez Substitution

2009-09-22T04:18:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Annoyed At Xerez Substitution

The Portuguese forward has the Pichichi in his sights...

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have been annoyed at being substituted with ten minutes remaining in the 5-0 win over Xerez on Sunday, according to AS.

The Portugal international is reportedly targetting the Pichichi Trophy by topping the goalscorers list in his first season in the Primera Division.

Madrid were three goals to the good when Ronaldo, who scored Madrid's first two, was replaced by Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker managed to score Madrid's fifth goal late in the game.

Ronaldo is keen to make his mark on Spanish football by pipping the likes of Barcelona's Lionel Messi to the Pichichi and the report suggests that he is also keen to make a late show to beat the Argentinian to this year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA Player of the Year prizes, both of which the Portuguese star won last year.

Cristiano is currently top of the goalscorers charts, level with Valencia striker David Villa on four league goals, while Barca stars Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Roberto Soldado of Getafe all have three.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Inter’s Samuel Eto’o Keen To Prove A Point To Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola

2009-09-15T01:26:00.000-07:00

Inter’s Samuel Eto’o Keen To Prove A Point To Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola

The Nerazzurri hitman still doesn’t understand why his former coach had a problem with him.

Inter and Barcelona will meet this week, to kick start their respective campaigns for the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League.

It promises to be an enthralling battle between two of Europe’s heavyweight clubs and the stakes have been raised even higher with the recent comments made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left the Italian club in the summer to join the Spanish outfit, and now Samuel Eto’o who went the other way.

The Cameroonian international is determined to do some damage this week, mainly to get back at former coach Pep Guardiola.

“Since the moment I joined Barcelona and since my very first game for them, I did all I could to do the job asked of me,” Eto’o explained to Catalunya Radio.

“I never refused to do anything, unlike some of the other players at Barca who said no, and refused to play there.

“I have always helped everyone, and for me last season was a good year, as we all worked together for the good of Barcelona.

“I didn’t have any problems, but okay, if Guardiola said that I had no feeling for the club, that’s his opinion. I always committed myself, and I will show him that this week.

“My only problem now is that I still have no idea what he means by this 'feeling.'”

The Nerazzurri and Blaugrana kick-off on Wednesday at 20:45 CET at the San Siro. Eto'o notched 34 goals in all competitions last season, including one in the 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final.

Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com

Carlo Ancelotti: Chelsea Can Cope In Champions League Without Suspended Didier Drogba

2009-09-15T01:09:00.000-07:00

Carlo Ancelotti: Chelsea Can Cope In Champions League Without Suspended Didier Drogba

Italian wants Blues to reach final...

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is relaxed over the unavailibility of suspended striker Didier Drogba for tonight's match against FC Porto, and has declared that he wants his side to reach the Champions League final.

The controversial finger-waving tirade the Ivorian directed at Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the Blues crashed out against Barcelona in last year's Champions League semi-finals has resulted in Drogba missing the first three games of the new European campaign.

Ancelotti admitted that Drogba's presence would be missed but insisted that the Pensioners could perform without his services.

"Didier has been going very well, he scores goals and works very hard for the team," said the Chelsea manager in The Guardian.

"But we can’t think of him now, we think only of the players going on the pitch to work and play. We can play well without Didier."

Chelsea are heavily favoured to top a group that also contains Porto, Atletico Madrid and Apoel FC. However, they will have to play half their group matches without the talismanic hitman, who has already scored four league goals in his five apperances this season.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has boldly declared his ambition to guide the Blues into the Champions League final.

"The first objective is to arrive at the final," revealed the Italian.

"That’s what we want to do. It’s not easy but we have the possibility to do this because we have a very strong team, a very good squad and a fantastic mental attitude."

Phillip Wen, Goal.com UK

Steven Defour Injury Blow For Standard Liege

2009-09-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

Steven Defour Injury Blow For Standard Liege

The midfielder has picked up a foot injury and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines...

Reigning Belgian champions Standard Liege have been dealt a cruel injury blow in the build up towards their Champions League match against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Highly-rated midfielder Steven Defour sustained a foot injury in the Belgian side's 3-0 league victory against Mechelen on Saturday evening and will miss the match against the London side.

The 21-year-old Standard skipper visited the hospital immediately after the match and has already undergone surgery on his fractured foot. He will be unavailable for about three months due to the injury, according to Sporza.

Meanwhile, attackers Igor de Camargo and Wilfried Dalmat are expected to be match fit in time for the clash against Arsenal. Both players also left the pitch injured on Saturday, but their injuries appear to be much less serious.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

Franck Ribery To Snub Real Madrid And Renew Bayern Munich Contract - Report

2009-09-14T02:25:00.000-07:00

Franck Ribery To Snub Real Madrid And Renew Bayern Munich Contract - Report

The Frenchman may not be heading to the Bernabeu after all, according to new reports...

The Franck Ribery transfer saga took another unexpected twist today with the player announcing that he would consider renewing his contract with Bayern Munich and insisted that he is enjoying working with Louis van Gaal.

Ribery was benched for the first few Bundesliga matches of the season amid rumours that the player and the coach did not see eye to eye in the dressing room.

However, Ribery made a goal-scoring appearance as a substitute in yesterday’s 5-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund and Spanish publication Marca quotes the player as saying that he would be willing to negotiate a deal to remain at the Allianz Arena.

It had previously been reported that Ribery would move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 after the World Cup, but the Frenchman allegedly said, “We have not yet discussed my contract renewal, but it is something that can be discussed very quickly.

“I feel wanted here and the confidence the club has placed in me is very important. The club knows what I want and have a rough idea of what can happen. In football, sometimes things can go too fast.”

In addition, Ribery clarified that he has patched up any differences with coach Van Gaal and that their relationship has greatly improved.

He said, “It was hard, the coach has his own philosophy but all the players have seen that he is very smart and experienced. He needed time to adapt but we are beginning to see the reward and that makes the players feel good.”

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

Del Bosque Set To Juggle Strike Force For Spain's Clash With Estonia

2009-09-09T01:06:00.000-07:00

Del Bosque Set To Juggle Strike Force For Spain's Clash With Estonia

The coach has announced that he will rotate some of his players for the World Cup qualifier tomorrow...

In a press conference prior to Spain's World Cup qualifier against Estonia tomorrow, Vicente del Bosque revealed that the same team that eased to victory against Belgium would not take to the field in Merida tomorrow.

"From midfield backwards [there are] no changes, although there are in attack," the coach announced to AS.

The news is ominous for Liverpool's Fernando Torres, who was hauled off after 66 minutes in La Coruna. 'El Nino' did not have his best game for La Furia Roja on Saturday, while David Villa and David Silva were both excellent in attack.

Del Bosque found time to praise Silva, revelling in the fact that the Valencia player was fit again and ready to light up La Furia Roja.

"Now he's good, he's feeling well physically and that's the most important thing, because we did not doubt his technical qualities."

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Juventus Will Not Be Dragged Into Adrian Mutu Case - Alessio Secco

2009-09-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

Juventus Will Not Be Dragged Into Adrian Mutu Case - Alessio Secco

The Bianconeri's director declared that the club has already prepared their lawyers, just in case that they are involved in the issue between their former player and Chelsea...

Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco wanted to reassure the fans that the club will not be drawn into the issue involving Fiorentina forward Adrian Mutu and Chelsea.

The player has been asked to pay €17m for the drug scandal he was involved in during his days in the Premier League and the Bianconeri do not want to be dragged into the issue, despite signing the Romanian attacker on a free transfer after this story broke.

"So far, we have not received any type of announcement but in the meantime, we have already alerted our lawyers, who are monitoring the situation," explained the Old Lady's director to Il Giornale della Toscana.

"In the moment that we are asked about an official involvement by Juventus in this issue, we would know how to reply.

"I remain of the idea that this story is only about a player, and not our club."

In the meantime, Juventus will be hoping to extend their perfect start to the season with another win against Lazio on Saturday evening at in the third matchday of the Italian season.

Glenn Debattista, Goal.com

I Will Play Any Role: David Beckham

2009-09-08T02:36:00.000-07:00

David Beckham: I Will Play Anywhere England Manager Fabio Capello Wants

The LA Galaxy midfielder is content with his Three Lions role...

David Beckham has maintained that he is happy to fulfil any role that England coach Fabio Capello asks of him, underlining that he will be happy as long as he is on the plane to South Africa.

“The manager has always said I offer many different things. He will always pick a team and players who will win games or competitions,” Beckham said, according to The Daily Mirror.

“I’m happy to be in the squad. That’s my position even if it means just playing the last 20 minutes, so I’m happy to be involved in this squad with these players, this qualifying campaign.”

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder spoke highly of the players competing for his spot, but firmly emphasised that he had a lot to offer with his experience.

He continued: “I’ll always speak highly of the young players we’ve got coming through, whether in my position or not.

“They’re all very good players. Theo [Walcott] has done remarkably well for Arsenal, but has been unlucky with injuries. Same with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Aaron [Lennon]. They’ve got pace that I never had, personally. And they’re all different types of players."

The England midfielder concedes that he will not start many matches under Capello; however, he is more than happy to make an impact as a substitute towards the end of matches.

“But of course I have that experience at the end of matches. That’s what the majority of substitutions are for, whether the players are 25 or 35, like myself,” he said.

“If I can come on with the experience I have and help the team, I will.

“It’s a new position for me to be in, as a more senior player.

“But I have the experience of what I’ve done through my career, playing for England and in some big competitions and for some of the biggest clubs.

“If that brings something to this squad and to the young players, that’s great.

“Without a doubt, it’s still a big challenge for me to get into the squad. The players have all realised that nothing’s certain now, that every player has to work hard to get the manager’s attention.

“If you’re playing well, you’ve got a chance. If you’re not performing, you haven’t got a chance.

“But if I got in ahead of anybody else, I wouldn’t have any reason to feel guilty. The manager will pick a squad he thinks he needs for games. If I’m in it, then great. If I’m not, it’s good for the other players.”

Philip Wen, Goal.com

Harry Redknapp Is The Man: Carlo Cudicini

2009-09-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

Harry Redknapp Is The Key To Tottenham's Success - Carlo Cudicini

The Italian goalkeeper says the boss has inspired confidence in his players...

Carlo Cudicini has heaped praised on Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, attributing the revival in fortunes of the club to Redknapp's ability to inspire confidence in his troops.

"When players believe in themselves you get results, it’s the best mix," the goalkeeper said, according to Spursweb.com.

“Every manager has got good aspects.

“Harry is doing a great job here at Tottenham, since he arrived here the team seems to have taken off. This season we are doing very well, so hopefully we are on the right way.”

The ex-Chelsea custodian described the difficulty of returning to first-team action after a long absence. Cudicini has had little match time after losing his starting spot to Peter Cech at Stamford Bridge. Since his switch to Spurs last season, he has also found himself warming the bench behind Huerelho Gomes.

“It is difficult when you don’t play for a while to come back into the team, just to get your rhythm back. It’s difficult for a goalkeeper but also an outfield player as well," he said.

“Maybe for us it’s just the mental aspect that is a bit different from an outfield player. You need to get your concentration back and so on. But I’ve played four games in 10 days, which is quite a short period of time.”

Philip Wen, Goal.com

Messi & Iniesta Set To Sign Contract Extensions At Barcelona

2009-09-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Messi & Iniesta To Sign Contract Extensions At Barcelona

The key players will remain at Camp Nou until 2016....

Barcelona officials are currently working on contract extensions that will keep Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta at the club until 2016, according to Sport.

The Catalan club are reportedly keen to extend the buy-out clauses of both players in an effort to dissuade potential bids from the likes of Manchester City.

Messi's negotiations are said to be at a more advanced stage with the player set to become the highest earner in world football, earning in the region of €10 million per-year plus performance-based incentives.

The buy-out clause is set to increase from €150-200 million however the club is confident that it is Messi's desire to remain at the club that would overrule any potential bid. It is expected that Messi will sign the improved deal later this month.

Andres Iniesta has already publicly stated that he would never ask Barcelona for "even one euro" but it is understood that the club seeks to reward the player for his efforts.

The players desire to retire from football at Camp Nou may well be realised as the new deal will conclude when he is 32-years-old.

Iniesta's agent Ramon Sostres has been in talks with the club since the end of last season and it appears that a deal will be struck, with the player set to become one of the clubs top earners and the contract will include a buy-out clause similar to that of his Argentine team-mate.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Portugal Will Qualify: CR9 Assures Fans

2009-09-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid Star Cristiano Ronaldo Confident Portugal Can Qualify For World Cup

The winger admits there is pressure on his side...

Real Madrid star and the world's most expensive footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, insists that Portugal will qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, despite being seven points adrift of leaders Denmark in European Qualifying Group 1.

With four games remaining Portugal must beat the Danes and hope the leaders drop more points in their remaining fixtures, otherwise the best they can hope for is a play-off place.

Group leaders Denmark are so far undefeated and produced a stunning late show last September, scoring two stoppage-time goals, to beat Portugal 3-2 in Lisbon.

Portugal have four games remaining, starting in Copenhagen on Saturday, followed by a trip to second placed Hungary before hosting Hungary and Malta in October.

"There is great pressure, that is true. It's normal, with everything at stake but I am sure we will achieve victory and my team will be at the World Cup in South Africa," Ronaldo told AS.

"I am convinced Portugal will be at the World Cup. For sure."

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Super Eagles of Nigeria Vs Carthage Eagles of Tunisia: Predict The Scoreline & Win!

2009-09-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's your turn to be a WINNER!

Predict CORRECTLY the scoreline of the match between Nigeria Super Eagles and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia come 6th of September,2009 and win NGN1,000 worth of recharge card of any mobile network in Nigeria.

How to Predict

Just click on the "Comment" link, type your name, location, phone number and your line-up. For example:

Full name: Tunde Yusuf
Location: Lagos State, Nigeria
Phone number: 08036758992

Scoreline: Nigeria 2 Tunisia 1

The prediction closes Sunday, 6th September, by 4pm Nigerian time.

Start predicting now!

Super Eagles Starting Line-up Against Tunisia: Predict & Win

2009-09-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

It's your turn to be a WINNER!

Predict CORRECTLY the starting XI of the Nigeria Super Eagles against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on the 6th of September,2009 and win NGN1,000 worth of recharge card of any mobile network in Nigeria.

How to Predict

Just click on the "Comment" link, type your name, location, phone number and your line-up. For example:

Full name: Tunde Yusuf
Location: Lagos State, Nigeria
Phone number: 08036758992

Line-up: Enyeama, Onyekachi Apam, Taye Taiwo, Sani Keita, Joseph Yobo, Obinna Nwaneri, Ikechukwu Uche, Kalu Uche, Obasi ogbuke, Mikel Obi, Osaze Odenwinge.

The prediction closes Friday, 4th September, by 12 midnight Nigerian time.

Start predicting now!

European Football Yearbook Becomes Available

2009-09-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

The new 2009/10 edition of the European Football Yearbook, with more than 1,000 packed pages of comprehensive information looking back at the 2008/09 UEFA and domestic league competitions, is now available.

Reference
The book has existed for over two decades, and this is the third time that it has been produced under the uefa.com banner with general editor Mike Hammond. UEFA's involvement gives this invaluable publication added authenticity and credibility as a reference book.

Every major match
The European Football Yearbook 2009/10 provides details of every major match played across the continent last season at club and international level. The book is a must for statisticians, containing full details of every European league's premier division – with each club individually analysed. Facts and figures are complemented by a narrative seasonal review of football in each country.

From strength to strength
"I'm delighted with this year's edition," said Mike Hammond. "With UEFA's support the book continues to go from strength to strength. I believe that even in this internet-dominated media age there is no substitute for an all-encompassing printed work of reference. I feel sure that every follower of European football will find something of interest to them in the thousand-plus pages, whether it's the graphics, the photos, the player profiles, the reports and reviews, or the exhaustive, exclusive statistics."

UEFA competitions
All the UEFA competitions contested in 2008/09 are covered, both at club and international level, together with the major youth, women's and futsal events. Each nation's domestic season is reviewed in all its facets. These include the national team – with individual appearances by every player – how the clubs performed on the European stage, the league tables of the top two divisions, together with each club's results, goalscorers and player appearances.

100 most influential players
There are pen portraits and statistics for the 100 most influential players to feature in European football in 2008/09. Details are also given on all 53 UEFA member associations, the national colours and change strip, the clubs playing in the two major UEFA club competitions – the UEFA Champions League and new UEFA Europa League – with logos, national maps and club locations included as an attractive graphic accompaniment.

Reported by UEFA.com

Ibrahimovic Scores His First Goal For Barcelona

2009-09-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'Very Happy' With First Goal For Barcelona

The Swedish forward is delighted to have found the net for his new club...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who joined Barcelona from Inter this summer, scored his first goal for the Blaugrana yesterday, in a 3-0 league victory over Sporting Gijon.

The Sweden international, who scored his side's third goal, headed home from close range at the back post on 82 minutes and was immediately congratulated by his club colleagues.

After the game, Ibrahimovic confessed he was full of joy to have scored his first goal for the Catalan club.

"I thank the fans, who are being great with me," he told Sport. "They did not stop cheering me up and that makes me be even more motivated.

"I have finally scored and I am very happy with the goal, and especially with the victory.

"Although we are not at our best yet, we have started the season very well and we already have two trophies in our pocket.

"Therefore, when we are at 100 per cent, I am sure we will make better games and we will please the fans a lot more. But there is no need to be in a hurry."

Luís Mira, Goal.com

Arshavin Misses Next World Cup Qualifier

2009-09-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

Russia To Face Liechtenstein Without Andrey Arshavin

The tricky attacker has sustained a thigh injury...

Dutch manager Guus Hiddink will not be able to field star player Andrey Arshavin in Russia's World Cup Qualifier Against Liechtenstein on Saturday September 5 as the Arsenal attacker is not yet fully match fit and has sustained a slight knock in his club's 2-1 league loss against Manchester United last weekend.

Arshavin will be unavailable for the match against Liechtenstein due to the thigh injury, but the creative forward could be part of Russia's starting XI four days later when they meet Wales.

"It's hard to predict whether he will be available for the match against Wales. He will definitely not make it for Saturday's game though. I hope that a couple of days rest will benefit him enough," Hiddink was quoted as saying at a press conference.

Russia sit second in the table in group four with fifteen points from six matches. They trail number one Germany by four points, but have played one game less.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

UEFA Ban Arsenal's Eduardo

2009-09-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

UEFA Hand Arsenal Striker Eduardo Two-Game Ban For Diving

The Croatian international will be suspended for his simulation at the Emirates last week...

Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva has today been handed a two-game ban after being charged with deceiving the referee in last week's Champions League play-off against Celtic at the Emirates Stadium.

A statement on UEFA's official website confirmed the punishment, reading, "The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body today examined the case of the Arsenal FC player Eduardo 'for deceiving the referee' during the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg match on 26 August against Celtic FC, and has suspended the player for two UEFA club competition matches."

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger had reacted angrily to the news that his player was to be charged last week, calling it a "witchhunt" and hinting that he felt his club and players were being unfairly targeted, and even that the amount of Scottish influence at UEFA had contributed to Eduardo being singled out.

Arsenal will be given an opportunity to appeal, with UEFA's statement continuing, "This decision may be appealed against by the club or player within three working days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com