Ronaldo fires Portugal into next round
June 12, 2008
Madrid president was probably watching as Cristiano Ronaldo piled on more pounds on to his transfer fee. They are talking £70-80m pounds, the way he is playing its more like £85-90m now. Ronaldo scored one and set up two as Portugal qualified for the quarters.
Portugal take lead…
Portugal started well and got an early goal. After some great one touch football Ronaldo ran after a ball in the box, Cech was out and got a foot to the ball. He could not get hold of the ball though and it ended up with Deco who scrambled the ball home to give Portugal the lead.
Czech’s fight back…
Many though the goal would mean an easy Portugal win, it wasn’t to be so easy as just 9 minutes after Deco scored the Czech’s hit back. A Plasil cross-found the on rushing Sionko to head in the leveller. Portugal could not defend corners and had numerous problems throughout the match.
Portugal regains control…
Ronaldo and Cech had a great battle with the goalkeeper making three fine saves to deny the Man Utd star. Until the 64th minute when Ronaldo found Deco on the right-hand side. He went past the fullback and squared the ball to “that boy Ronaldo” whose shot went flying into the bottom corner. 2-1 and Portugal were in total control. As they did in the first game, they killed off their opponents in injury time. Czech flew everyone up as they pressed for an equaliser. As they did that Portugal broke and a long ball found Ronaldo who ran towards Petr Cech. He could have scored on his own but with his teammate Quaresma trying to make an impression he coolly passed the ball past Cech to give Quaresma the easiest of tap-ins.
Ronaldo proved how good he and his team were and Portugal are the first team in the Quarter-finals.
Gerry Weber results
June 12, 2008
Roger Federer put his disappointment of Roland Garros behind him to ease past Michael Berrer 6-4,6-2 in The Gerry Weber Open.
Federer conceded just one point on his serve in the first set and eventually broke Berrer in the ninth game. He held serve and won the first set. The second set was straightforward for the number one and he won the match in just over an hour. The win is Federer’s 55th consecutive win on grass.
Not all-good news for the seeds as defending champion Tomas Berdych was defeated by Robin Soberling.
Berdych said…
“This was not one of my best days. I was not in the match and lost the first set easy. His game was solid and I couldn’t stay close to him - he has a great serve and the grass court suits his game.”
Hart considering exit
June 12, 2008
Manchester City are on the verge of loosing talented young goalkeeper Joe Hart. Joe had an unbelievable season and earned an England cap. The keeper wants to be paid what he is worth and does not feel he is getting that at the moment.
A source close to the club said…
“Joe is really annoyed. He wasn’t expecting fortunes but simply to be paid what he feels he is worth after establishing himself among the best around. He can’t understand why City appear to be regarding his services so lightly. He feels what was put in front of him to sign was a real insult.”
Mark Hughes has other problems with Michael Johnson also pondering a possible move to Everton. Then there is Micah Richards who is constantly being linked with a move away from Eastlands.
Shearer turns down Blackburn
June 12, 2008
Blackburn Rovers have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of a manager. Former player Alan Shearer has turned down the opportunity to manage the club.
He said…
“The situation is I was very flattered to have got a call from chairman John Williams and he asked if I would like to be included on a shortlist. I thanked him for that but declined. I have other commitments and I hope they make the right appointment. ”
Blackburn have now turned their attentions to free agent Sam Allardyce who has arrived in Lancashire for talks. Other names in the frame are Paul Ince and former Chelsea assistant Ten Cate.
Scolari named as Chelsea manager
June 12, 2008
Chelsea have finally appointed a new manager, by the name of Phil Scolari. The race had been hotting up with a number of candidates in the running, but Chelsea decided that Scolari was the man they wanted.
A club statement said…
“Felipe has great qualities. He is one of the world’s top coaches with a record of success at country and club level. He gets the best out of a talented squad of players and his ambitions and expectations match ours. He was the outstanding choice.”
Ricardo Carvalho looks set to be offered a new contract worth £90,000 a week to keep him out of Inter’s way. It also looks like Scolari’s first signing will be Barcelona playmaker Deco, who has had a good start to the Euros.
Scolari said…
“What happened at Barcelona last season was not Deco’s fault. He is an individual who dares. He’s ready to take risks and do things differently.”
“Big” Phil will have £100m to spend and has a contract worth £5m a year.
