Football United

After the duty of midfielder Almani Moreira da Silva (26) the HSV borrowed from
Standard de Liegé now Dietmar Beiersdorfer agreed with Khaled Boulahrouz on a change to Hamburg.

Boulahrouz from RKC Waalwijk will sign a contract till 30.06.2008. "He is a big talent
- I´m glad about having him in team" said headcoach Klaus Toppmöller. Khaled Boulahrouz
was appoint to netherlands national team from Marco van Basten- "I think we will take much
pleasure in him" Beiersdorfer told about the talent.



Source: HSV.de

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Setúbal 1 3
2. Belenenses 1 3
3. Benfica 1 3
4. Sporting 1 3
5. Boavista 1 3



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Metz 4 10
2. Auxerre 4 9
3. Lens 4 8
4. Toulouse 4 8
5. Bastia 4 8
...
14. PSG 3 2



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Club Brugge 4 10
2. La Louvière 4 10
3. Anderlecht 4 9
4. Mouscron 4 8
5. Westerlo 4 7



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. PSV 3 7
2. Feyenoord 3 7
3. Ajax 3 7
4. Vitesse 3 7
5. Roda 3 6
...
7. Utrecht 3 4



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Leverkusen 3 7
2. Stuttgart 3 7
3. Bremen 3 6
4. Wolfsburg 3 6
5. Bochum 3 5
...
13. Hamburg 3 3



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Basel 7 15
2. Thun 7 14
3. Grasshoppers 7 11
4. Young Boys 7 10
5. Xamax 7 9



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Trabzonspor 4 12
2. Fenerbahçe 4 10
3. Denizlispor 4 9
4. Gaziantepspor 4 9
5. Galatasaray 4 9



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Sparta 4 10
2. Teplice 4 10
3. Brno 4 9
4. Liberec 3 6
5. Slavia 4 6



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Shakhtar 6 18
2. Dynamo Kyiv 6 13
3. Metalurh 6 13
4. Dnipro 6 10
5. Metalist 6 10

Patrik Gedeon and Jiri Rychlik in the squad
It was difficult to believe the team was the same as the one which was eliminated on Thursday in Georgia from the UEFA Cup. Slavia with midfielder Patrik Gedeon and new defender Jiri Rychlik in the starting line-up outplayed Brno who were undefeated up to now, scored three spectacular goals and could have added more.

Adauto and Pavel Kuka hit the crossbar
The active play, quick and precise passing brought a lot of chances for Slavia. "We knew that the performance from Tbilisi must not be repeated, we need to pass the ball, keep running and prove we are capable of playing much better soccer," said Patrik Gedeon about the motivation before the match. The first great chances came after the shots of Lukas Dosek, Martin Latka and Patrik Gedeon. But former Slavia goalkeeper Michal Vaclavik provided very good saves and in the sixteenth minute when Adauto´s header flew behind him, he was saved by the crossbar. Subsequently Pavel Kuka sent the ball to the woodwork for the second time.

The opening goal from the best man of the match
"If I hadn´t scored the first goal, somebody else would have done it," said Patrik Gedeon whose long-distance shot ended in the net in the thirtieth minute. Patrik Gedeon turned out to be a key Slavia man, together with Michal Svec they dominated in the midfield and this led to many more chances.

Martin Latka adds the second strike
As in the match against Liberec, Martin Latka ran to the corner cross this time from Adauto, and this time to the closer post. His header directed the ball to the net for the second time. Brno did not give up and came to the second half with the aim to come back to the match. It was Lumir Sedlacek who denied their efforts twice standing on the goal line as the last man when Jan Trousil´s header almost went in.

Disallowed goal and third strike
Martin Latka was the next one to sent the ball into the Vaclavik´s net. After the free kick of Lumir Sedlacek whose shot bounced off the cross-bar for the third time in the match. But the referees disallowed the goal due to off-side position. But the third goal was to come anyway - Pavel Fort a few minutes after his substitution sent the similar shot to the opening goal. Slavia won the important match and moved up in the table. Hopefully this is a starting point from the bottom, coach Csaplar spoke about after the UEFA Cup failure in Tbilisi.



Slavia line-up: R. Cerny - L. Dosek, M. Latka, R. Bejbl, J. Rychlik - K. Pitak, P. Gedeon (88. F. Stiburek), M. Svec, L. Sedlacek - E. Adauto da Silva (83. I. Taborsky), P. Kuka (79. P. Fort)

Brno line-up: M. Vaclavik - Z. Houst, A. Schuster, J. Trousil, P. Sustr (71. J. Kowalik) - L. Balaz, K. Vecera, P. Siegl, L. Hlavaty (65. P. Mezlik) - P. Svancara (83. T. Masa), K. Kroupa

Goals: 30.P.Gedeon, 34.Martin Latka, 81.P.Fort

Source: slavia.cz

Giovanni Trapattoni made a winning start to his first Portuguese Superleague campaign at the helm of SL Benfica, watching his new charges triumph 3-2 away against SC Beira-Mar on Sunday.

Karadas double
Three goals in eight minutes either side of the break had given Benfica a handsome lead but an incredible comeback seemed on the cards once Antolín Alcaraz and Beto had significantly reduced the arrears with 22 frantic minutes left to play. Ultimately, though, a double strike from Azar Karadas punctuated by Petit's goal proved just enough for Trapattoni's men.



Beira-Mar – Paulo Sérgio; Ribeiro, Filipe, Alcaraz (Tininho 87m) e Mário Loja; Sandro, Beto, Marcelinho (Levato 61m) e Rui Lima (Pablo Rodriguez 81m); Kingsley e McPhee

BENFICA – Moreira; Miguel, Ricardo Rocha, Luisão e Fyssas; Petit e Manuel Fernandes; João Pereira (Amoreirinha 73m), Zahovic (Paulo Almeida 86m), Simão (cap.) e Karadas.

Goals: Karadas 41´ (0-1), Petit 45´(0-2), Karadas 49´ (0-3), Alcaraz 62’ (1-3), Beto 68’ (2-3)

Source: slbenfica.pt, Uefa.com

Paris Saint-Germain FC entertained AS Saint-Etienne in Sunday's game and an 88th-minute equaliser by Frédéric Piquionne denied PSG a first win. Piquionne had given St Etienne a 65th-minute advantage but two goals in four minutes from Pauleta and Bartholomew Ogbeche seemed to have put PSG on course for victory.

PSG : Letizi - Armand, Mendy, Pierre-Fanfan, Yepes - Cana (Ogbeche, 67e), Cissé, M'Bami (Boskovic, 90e), Rothen - Reinaldo (Ateba, 82e), Pauleta. Entr. : Halilhodzic.

Saint-Etienne : Janot - Hognon, Ilunga, Garrido, Camara - Hellebuyck (Gomis, 85e), Sablé, Feindouno, Zokora - Piquionne (Perrin, 90e), Le Tallec (Marin, 75e). Entr. : Antonetti.

Goal(s) : Pauleta (71e), Ogbeche (74e) for PSG ; Piquionne (64e), Piquionne (88e) for Saint-Etienne.

Source: psg.fr

In the 6th round of the Ukrainian Premier League, FC Shakhtar Donetsk confronted FC Borysfen Boryspil and won scoring 2:0. The most unexpected thing of the whole match was Jan Lastuvka’s, FC Shakhtar keeper, red card and sending off. But despite such perplexities the Miners came to be the winners today.

FC Shakhtar Donetsk: Lastuvka, Rat, Stoican (Lewandowski, 46), Barcauan, Hübschman, Duljaj, Tymoshchuk, Vukic, Vorobyey (Brandao, 46), Aghahowa (Batista, 63), Marica.

FC Borysfen Boryspil: Mykhaylov, Kotyelukh, Kovalyuk, Gonchar (Dmytruk, 78), Khomin, Melnyk, Gorodov (Annenkov, 46), Trusevych, Lytovchak, Karamushka, Derkach (Khromtsov, 85).

Goals: Aghahowa (24), Tymoshchuk (90).

Source: shakhtyor.donbass.com

FC St. Gallen: Razzetti, Zellweger, Wolf, Maric, Rathgeb, Imhof, Jairo, Fabinho, Sutter (65. Schicker), Alex (54. D. Pavolvic), Agouda (75. Marazzi)

FC Basel: Zubi, Degen P, Smiljanic, Yakin M, Kléber, Huggel, Sterjovski (83. Barberis), Delgado (61. Rossi), Chipperfield, Gimenez, Petric

Goal: 62. Gimenez 0:1

Source: fcb.ch

In a repeat of the Dutch Super Cup from earlier this month, Ajax again slipped up at home against FC Utrecht, who made the short trip to Amsterdam and left with a share of the spoils. Surinam-born Darl Douglas gave the visitors the lead only for Steven Pienaar to equalise.

FC Utrecht: Terol, Cornelisse, Di Tommaso, Schut, Braafheid, De Jong (68. Zuidam), Tanghe, Somers (70. Broerse), Douglas, Van de Haar (83. Rajcomar), Van den Bergh

Ajax: Stekelenburg, Heitinga, Escudé (61. Sonck), Maxwell, Pienaar, Ibrahimovic, Obodai, Nigel de Jong, Sneijder, De Mul (70. De Ridder), Boukhari (77. Mitea)

Goals: 21. 0-1 Douglas; 62. 1-1 Pienaar

Source: fc-utrecht.nl, Uefa.com

Belenenses started the Portuguese Superliga in the best way, beating the european Maritimo by 3 goals in Restelo.

Maritimo started better the game, but it was Belenenses that scored first with a great goal by the young Rolando, that played is first game by the blues last night.
After the first goal the team from Restelo, start controling the game and first Lourenço and after Antchouet, failed the second goal for inches.

But even before the break Antchouet score the second after a wonderfull pass by Juninho Petrolina.

In the second half the home side keep the game under control and scored once more by Lourenço (converting a penalty kick).

Carvalhal couldn t wish a best start, and Belenenses showed tonight that they can be one of the surprices of the Superliga 2004/05

BELENENSES - Marco Aurélio; Amaral, Rolando, Pelé e Cabral (Rúben Amorim, 89); Marco Paulo, Andersson, Juninho Petrolina e José Pedro; Lourenço (Neca, 85) e Antchouet (Eliseu, 81).

MARÍTIMO – Marcos; Ferreira, Tonel, Van der Gaag (Chaínho, 68) e Eusébio; Wénio, Léo Lima e Silas (Bino, 45); Luís Filipe (Zumbi, 45), Alan e Manduca.

Goals: 1-0, Rolando (25 m); 2-0, Antchouet (45 m); 3-0, Lourenço (63 m g.p.)

Source: osbelenenses.com

VS

Sporting Anderlecht defeated Gent 2-0 this Saturday evening in the Constant Vanden Stock stadium. During the first half hour Ghent threatened a few times but Anderlecht-keeper Daniel Zitka played a solid match. In the 32nd minute Anderlecht opened the score via Jestrovic. Iachtchouk doubled the lead twenty minutes before the end of the match.

Anderlecht: Zitka, Deschacht, Zewlakow, Lovre, Jestrovic, Mpenza (41' Iachtchouk, Baseggio (70' Ngalula Mbuyi), Hasi, Wilhelmsson (63' Zetterberg), Kompany, Traore

Gent: Herpoel, Peeters, Laybutt, Van Hoyweghen (72' De Brul), Lombaerts, De Coninck, Mamouni, Verschuere, Cooreman (87' Matthijs), Jbari (83' Jarakovic), Cherrad

Goals: 32' Jestrovic (1-0), 67' Iachtchouk (2-0)

Source: rsca.be

PSV have been able to extend their unbeaten run, but, in spite of a super Van Bommel first-minute goal, they had to come from behind to salvage one point, thanks to a goal scored by substitute Sibon. And, just like in previous games, two set pieces finished PSV off on a "hot" night in Breda.

PSV had a dream start: nearly sixty seconds were on the clock when captain Van Bommel put his side 0-1 up, by superbly slotting home a glorious long-distance volley just under the crossbar. NAC goalie Schollen had no chance whatsoever. PSV continued to press forward and created some excellent opportunities, but the strikers up front lacked sharpness. Vennegoor of Hesselink was put clear, but instead of slotting on target, he squared for Bøgelund, but meanwhile some NAC Breda defenders had returned to the area. Gradually the hosts got back into the game, but the level of the game did not improve. Many fouls were committed and it became a scrappy affair at times. PSV got another chance, when Van Bommel set up Vennegoor, but the forward, who was such a prolific striker in the season’s curtain riser, fired across the goal.

On the stroke of half time NAC restored parity. PSV keeper Zoetebier could not stop the header produced by Slot, from a free kick; 1-1. It was astonishing to see that Slot had been left completely unmarked: Alex marked Schenning, but Ooijer was not marking anybody. In first-half injury-time Diba was thwarted by Zoetebier.



Bouma came on at the restart for Vogel and Ooijer took over the position of Vogel in midfield. The hosts created the first dangerous moves in the second half. A free kick, easily awarded to NAC, was blasted home by Zonneveld; 2-1. On the hour mark Guus Hiddink brought on Sibon, wearing # 35, as an extra striker up front, for De Jong. It almost immediately paid off, when 30-year-old Sibon, who made a move from sc Heerenveen this summer, shot just across the goal. But soon afterwards he was on the right spot to finish a super Lee; 2-2.

The final thirty minutes it was all PSV. Vennegoor wasted a number of good opportunities and the relatively unknown NAC keeper Schollen rose to the occasion and pulled off a string of fine saves. NAC survived a barrage of attacks and just held on in an action-packed finale. PSV did not manage the score the winning goal and thus the Eindhoven team needlessly dropped two precious points. Bøgelund, Van Bommel and Stam were all booked

Goals: 1 Van Bommel (0-1); 43 Slot (1-1); 50 Zonneveld (2-1); 61 Sibon (2-2)

Source: PSV.nl

It was Pierre van Hooijdonk`s evening as he scored both goals that got us a win away to Kayserispor. The first came in the dying minutes of the first half with a header and the second through a spectacular free-kick in the 73rd.
Marco Aurelio stood out with his performance in midfield while changes made in defence also made Fabiano Lima Rodriguez shine.

The performance was significant as we approach a tough Champions League campaign. Our opponents already have an eye on us as Sparta Prague coach Miroslav Jirkal was in the stands taking notes.



Kayserispor: Metin Aktaş, Ali Turan, Serkan Damla, Levent, Müslüm Can, Alper, Johnson, Kamber, Mithat, Salim Toama, Balili

Fenerbahçe: Volkan Demirel, Önder Turacı, Fabio Luciano, Servet Çetin, Ümit Özat, Fabiano Lima Rodriguez, Marco Aurelio, Serhat Akın (69` Marcio Nobre), Tuncay Şanlı (80` Deniz Barış), Alex de Souza, Pierre van Hooijdonk

Goals: 45+1`, 73` Pierre van Hooijdonk

Source: Fenerbahçe.org

HSV entered round 3 of the new Bundesliga season bottom of the Bundesliga table. They had lost both of their opening matches and desperately needed a win to stop the rot. Coach Klaus Toppmöller made only one change top the side which lost 1-2 in Mainz last time out, Schlicke came in for the talented youngster Kling. Nürnberg's coach Wolfgang Wolf saw no reason to change his successful side, which started Saturday's game (28.8.04) in third pace in the Bundesliga table in front of 36,587 in the AOL Arena.

Perfect start

Perfect football conditions greeted the players, but both sides began the game somewhat cautiously. Neither team was able to stamp any authority on the game during the opening exchanges. Then on 12 minutes, HSV got the breakthrough that they had been hoping for, albeit out of the blue. Nürnberg failed to clear a free kick by Rahn. The big Belgian defender and HSV skipper Daniel van Buyten capitalised on the mistake to put his side in front with a right footed shot inside the area. Just what the doctor ordered for the HSV nerves!

HSV grew in confidence with the lead in their pocket and started to find cracks in the Nürnberg defence. Mpenza and Mahdavikia caused the Nürnberg defence headaches with their blistering pace. A half chance on 30 minutes by Vittek seemed to give the visitors some confidence and they came more and more into the game. Eight minutes later the visitors struck. Mintal wasn't marked closely enough by Wicky at a Banovic corner, and he equalised from close range. Luckily for HSV they weren't daunted by the setback. Five minutes before the break they drew level as Schlicke capitalised on a tangle of Nürnberg bodies involving Vittek and Bosacki. HSV went into the half time break with a slender lead.

As you were

Both sides emerged from the half time break unchanged. Mahdavikia had a chance to put HSV further ahead on 48 minutes, and Schroth could have equalised two minutes later. On 51 minutes Barbarez produced a superb pass which put Mpenza into space running into the right side of the area. The Belgian didn't need to be asked twice as he gleefully slotted home into the bottom right hand corner.

Nürnberg draw level

On 76 minutes, the former HSV player Marcel Ketelaer set up Mintal who bagged his second goal of the game to bring the visitors back into the game. Seven minutes from time, Mintal struck again to bring the newly-promoted side level, and everything looked to be working against HSV.

Happy end

The home side however, had another trick up their sleeve as a half-bicycle kick by Mpenza from foive yards out produced a reflex save by the Nürnberg keeper Schäfer. Bosacki tried to clear the danger, but the ball rebounded into the net off the knee of the second half substitute Benny Lauth, who scored his first goal for his new club and it turned out to be the winner.

1.FC Nürnberg: Schäfer - Wiblishauser (72. Ketelaer), Hajto, Wolf, Bosacki - Sven Müller (78. Kießling), Banovic (59. Lars Müller), Mintal, Larsen - Schroth, Vittek

Hamburger SV: Pieckenhagen - Schlicke, Reinhardt, van Buyten, Wicky - Rahn (56. Kling), Jarolim (89. Brecko), Beinlich, Mahdavikia - Barbarez (73. Lauth), Mpenza

Goals: 1:0 van Buyten (12.), 1:1 Mintal (38.), 2:1 Schlicke (40.,), 3:1 Mpenza (51.,), 3:2 Mintal (76.,), 3:3 Mintal (83.), 4:3 Lauth (86.)

Source: HSV.de

GROUP 1:

Lazio (Ita) - Metalurh (Ucr)
Sturm Graz (Aut) - Litex (Bul)
Hearts (Esc) - Sp. Braga (Por)
Shelbourne (Irl) - Lille (Fra)
Bodo (Nor) - Besiktas (Tur)

GROUP 2:

Parma (Ita) - Maribor (Slv)
Saragoça (Esp) - Sigma Olomouc (Che)
Partizan Belgrado (S-M) - Dínamo de Bucareste (Rom)
Áustria Viena (Aut) - Légia Varsóvia (Aut)
Bystrica (Esl) - Benfica (Por)

GROUP 3:

Newcastle (Ing) - Sakhnin (Isr)
Wisla Carcóvia (Pol) - Dínamo Tbilisi (Geo)
Utrecht (Hol) - Djurgardens (Sue)
Steaua Bucareste (Rom)- CSKA Sofia (Bulg)
Sporting (Por) - Rapid Viena (Aut)

GROUP 4:

Schalke 04 (Ale) - Metalurgs (Let)
Millwall (Ing) - Ferencvaros (Hun)
Maccabi Haifa (Isr) - Dniepr (Ucr)
Odd (Nor) - Feyenoord (Hol)
Terek Grozny (Rus) - Basel (Swt)

GROUP 5:

AEK (Gre) - Gorica (Cro)
Auxerre (Fra) - Aalborg (Den)
Sevilha (Esp) - Nacional (Por)
Estrela Vermelha (S-M) - Zenit (Rus)
Standard de Liége (Bel) - Bochum (Ale)

GROUP 6:

Levski Sofia (Bulg) - Beveren (Bel)
Panionios (Gre) - Udinese (Ita)
Trabzonspor (Tur) - Atl. Bilbao (Esp)
Maccabi Petach (Isr) - Heerenveen (Hol)
Ujpest (Hun) - Estugarda (Ale)

GROUP 7:

Brugge (Bel) - Châteauroux (Fra)
Paok (Gre) - Alkmaar (Hol)
Dínamo Zagreb (Cro) - Elfsborg (Sue)
Middlesbrough (Ing) - Banik Ostrava (Che)
Hafnarfjördur (Isl) - TSV Munique (Ale)

GROUP 8:

Rangers (Esc) - Marítimo (Por)
Hammarby (Sue) - Villareal (Esp)
Sochaux (Fra) - Stabæk (Nor)
Ventspils (Let) - Amica (Pol)
Egaleo (Gre) - Gençlerbirligi (Tur)

GROUP A
Corunha
Liverpool
Mónaco
Olympiakos

GROUP B
Real Madrid
Roma
Bayer Leverkusen
Dínamo Kiev

GROUP C
Bayern Munique
Juventus
Ajax
Maccabi Tel-Aviv

GROUP D
Manchester United
Lyon
Sparta Praga
Fenerbahçe

GROUP E
Arsenal
Panathinaikos
PSV
Rosenborg

GROUP F
Barcelona
Milan
Celtic
Shaktar Donetsk

GROUP G
Valência
Inter
Anderlecht
Werder Bremen

GROUP H
F.C. Porto
Chelsea
PSG
CSKA Moscovo

Barcelona goalkeeper Rustu Recber will join Fenerbahce on loan for a year after the three parties reached an agreement on a transfer.
The Turk only arrived at the club last summer, but was kept out of the team by young keeper Victor Valdes.

Now that Barca have off-loaded Rustu, Javier Saviola is expected to follow him out of the exit door.

Source: Goal.com

Zvonimir Vukic scored twice in a 2-2 draw to ensure ten-man FC Shakhtar Donetsk made no mistake in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round encounter with Club Brugge KV in Belgium.

Early opener
Shakhtar had strolled to a 4-1 win in the first leg a fortnight ago and went further ahead on aggregate when Vukic opened the scoring on the night after just five minutes. Brugge goalkeeper Tomislav Butina could only parry a cross-shot from Julius Aghahowa into the path of the striker, who had no trouble finding the empty net from two metres out.

Brugge fightback
Brugge upped the tempo and it paid off in the 14th minute when Nasja Ceh surprised the visiting goalkeeper by driving a 20-metre free-kick low through the Shakhtar wall to level the scores on the night. The majority of the 15,900 crowd urged on Trond Sollied's side and were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Brugge were awarded a penalty after Victor had been brought down in the area by Mariusz Lewandowski.

Twice-taken penalty
Brugge captain Timmy Simons saw his penalty attempt saved by Jan Lastuvka but the referee's assistant spotted the goalkeeper off his line and alerted the referee, who had the kick retaken. This time Ceh took the resposibility and found the net to leave Brugge needing two more goals to pull off a remarkable comeback.

Vukic second
Ceh whistled an effort past the post in search of his hat-trick as the half-time interval approached but the tie was effectively over once the scores on the night were levelled eight minutes into the second half. Shakhtar had been deploying as many men behind the ball as possible but broke forward quickly and when Francelino Matuzalem picked out Vukic with a neat pass, the striker stroked in his second goal.

Stoican off
Shaktar had the opportunity to put the result beyond any doubt when Simons brought down Vukic in the box on 67 minutes but Marica shot wide. However, despite the loss of Flavius Stoican following his second booking 15 minutes from time, Shakhtar were already home and dry.

FC Shakhtar Donetsk: 16.Lastuvka, 14.Stoican, 18.Lewandowski, 26.Rat, 4.Tymoshchuk(c), 9.Matuzalem (Batista, 66), 11.Vorobyey, 29.Marica (Brandao, 71), 10.Vukic, 17.Aghahowa (Duljaj, 46), 3.Hübschman.

Club Brugge KV: 1.Butina, 3.Simons(c), 5.Van Der Heyden, 6.Clement, 7.Verheyen, 10.Ceh, 14.Balaban, 15.Spilar (Lange, 66), 20.Stoica, 25.Cornelis, 30.Victor (Blondel, 85).

Goals: Vukic (6, 53) - Ceh (15, 35 - penalty kick).

Source: Uefa.com, shakhtyor.donbass.com

For the eighth season in a row PSV will take part in the prestigious head tournament of the Champions League. In the Eindhoven Philips Stadium they cruised to a comfortable 5-0 win over Red Star Belgrade, by which they made amends for the 3-2 loss they suffered a fortnight ago in the first leg.

Ahead of the crucial qualifying game, PSV head coach Guus Hiddink was wary of the counter attacks and the dangerous set pieces of Red Star, for which PSV paid a high price by conceding a few goals in the first leg. Tonight, however, they experienced no problems and they crushed the Serbs, as if they were Holland Casino Eredivisie minnows. After PSV enjoyed emphatic league wins over RBC and AZ, they scored another five goals, so that they took their season’s tally to as many as fifteen goals from three games, an astonishingly high number. PSV were never in danger; actually they played power play for the full 90 minutes and Red Star were sent home empty-handed.

Just like two weeks ago in Belgrade, PSV had a dream start. On eight minutes Ji-Sung Park was fouled in the area; the strict Russian referee Ivanov did not hesitate and PSV had earned a penalty. Mark van Bommel converted from the spot and keeper Disljenkovic had no chance, when the PSV captain fired a low shot into the left corner. PSV had soon achieved their fist aim: an early goal and a score that would all but ensure qualification to the head tournament.

Red Star could not produce any dangerous counter attacks and they never threatened with their notorious set pieces. PSV surged forwards and after thirty minutes Red Star were reduced to only ten men, when Milan Bisevac was shown a red card, after he had pushed down DaMarcus Beasley, who was clean on his way to the goal. Within a few minutes PSV took advantage of the new situation. Vogel superbly set up Park. The South Korean, who played an excellent game, turned provider for Beasley, who tapped home from close range. In this way the American international winger got square with the terms of abuse shouted at him two weeks ago in Belgrade. Nearly thirty thousand spectators thought it was high time to start the celebrations. PSV kept on attacking and started many a well worked move; the visitors could not impress in the first half.



In the second half PSV did not cool off. After a fine André Ooijer solo run, Van Bommel again clinically finished; 3-0. Just two minutes later PSV finished off their opponents. Young-Pyo Lee delivered a cross from the left, Beasley headed the ball on and John de Jong was in the right place to add another goal; 4-0. PSV obviously had nothing to fear from Red Star anymore, who, reduced to ten men, had no voice in things. PSV even found the net for the fifth time. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink opened his European scoring account, after he had headed home another Lee centre; 5-0.

In the break a fond farewell was said to Kevin Hofland and Mateja Kezman, who had travelled to Eindhoven for the occasion. PSV Chairman Harry van Raaij, who was present for the last time in his capacity as Chairman, made a short speech and both players addressed their fans, who rewarded them with a standing ovation, while the players were doing their final lap of honour.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League head tournament will take place in Monaco on Thursday at 16.00 hrs.

Goals: 8 Van Bommel , 32 Beasley , 56 Van Bommel , 57 John de Jong , 80 Vennegoor of Hesselink

Source: PSV.nl

FC Internazionale reached the group stage of the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 4-1 victory against Swiss champions FC Basel 1893 at the San Siro, completing a 5-2 aggregate triumph.

One change
Inter coach Roberto Mancini opted to make only one change to the side that drew 1-1 in Switzerland in the first leg of the third qualifying round two weeks ago, with Edgar Davids coming into the side instead of Esteban Cambiasso and Alvaro Recoba confirmed in attack alongside Brazilian striker Adriano.

Argentinian pair
Basel coach Christian Gross preferred Mile Sterjovski to Mattias Emilio Delgado in midfield and confirmed Argentinian forward Julio Hernán Rossi alongside his fellow countryman Christian Giménez in attack.

Adriano opener
Inter were quickly into their stride, with Recoba forcing Basel goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbühler into a good save a few seconds after kick-off. The home fans, however, had to wait just a few seconds more to celebrate as Adriano fired Inter ahead with a precise low shot inside the far post after a perfect defence-splitting pass by Dejan Stankovic.

Stankovic scores
Inter continued to control the game and scored the second goal after 13 minutes with a superb right-foot shot by Stankovic after a nice one-two combination with Adriano. But despite the two-goal lead, the home side refused to sit back and Zuberbühler had to make another good save from a left-foot shot by Recoba from long distance.

Neat combination
Francesco Toldo deflected wide a powerful free-kick by Basel captain Murat Yakin after 26 minutes but Inter went close to scoring a third goal five minutes later when Stankovic shot wide from a good position after a neat combination between Zè Maria and Adriano on the right flank. The Swiss side had another dangerous free-kick just before the break, but Mario Cantaluppi's shot finished just wide.

Rapid reply
Basel climbed back into the reckoning four minutes into the second half when Sterjovski controlled a cross from the left inside the penalty box, dribbled past Stankovic and scored with a precise right-foot shot. Inter, however, restored their two-goal lead four minutes later when Adriano received the ball from Stankovic outside the penalty box, took a few steps and fired in another wonderful low shot with his left foot.

Victory sealed
The home side scored again a few minutes later to seal victory, this time Recoba's left boot doing the damage. The Uruguayan forward received a long pass from Juan Sebastián Veron, turned towards Basel's goal and shot in from 18 metres.

Source: Uefa.com

ANDERLECHT - Zitka; Traore, Kompany e Deschant; Zewlakow, Hasi, Bassegio e Wilhelmsson; Mpenza, Jestrovic (Iachtchouk, 79 m) e Aruna (Seol, 89 m).

BENFICA - Quim; Miguel, Luisão, Argel e Dos Santos; Petit, Paulo Almeida (Ricardo Rocha, 76 m) e Manuel Fernandes (Zahovic, 65 m); Carlitos (Geovanni, 60 m), Sokota e Simão.

Goals: 1-0 por Aruna (33 m); 2-0 por Aruna (59 m); 3-0 por Jestrovic (73 m).

Swiss champions FC Basel 1893 visit Milan today knowing they stand just one positive result away from fulfiling their dream - a place in the UEFA Champions League.

Creditable draw
The only thing that stands in their way are Italian giants FC Internazionale. Most coaches at the helm of a club of Basel's size would have been delighted to have earned a creditable 1-1 draw in the home leg against the two-time European champions - but Christian Gross knows his side are only halfway to achieving a goal which he has been building towards for two years.

Perfect season
Like Arsène Wenger at Arsenal FC, Gross has told his players he wants his side to play out a "perfect season" - and part of that masterplan includes qualification to Europe's premier club competition. "We are a very strong side and there is no reason why we cannot play a perfect season," said Gross. "Playing in the Champions League is crucial for a side like us if we want to progress. It is no good just winning in your own domestic league."

Giant-killing
Gross is well aware that, outside Switzerland, few people believe Basel can topple Internazionale. Those more familiar with the stylish side he has created may disagree. Although he was openly critical of the way Basel played in the first leg, Gross saw enough to suggest they are capable of causing an upset at the San Siro tonight.

European pedigree
A draw in the first-leg at St Jakob Park, thanks to Benjamin Huggel's header, means the tie is perfectly poised going into Tuesday's match. But Gross is disappointed that Basel are not taking a lead to Milan despite Inter's European pedigree. "I don't think 1-1 is a good result for a first leg match at home," said the former Tottenham Hotspur FC coach.

Lesson to be learnt
"If we had played to our full potential we could have easily won and had them worrying ahead of the second leg. People forget that our season has been going two months and yet the Italian season has yet to start. Inter were much cleverer than us in the way they played and we must learn from this and make sure we don't make the same mistake on Tuesday," Gross added.

Off colour
The Swiss coach believes many of his key players have still to find their best form this season. The usually reliable defender Murat Yakin appeared off colour against Inter, as did playmaker Mathias Delgado and his fellow Argentine Christian Giménez. Indeed, the only player who really produced his best was forward Julio Hernán Rossi, who played arguably his best match yet in the famous red and blue of Basel.

Glory days
Last year Basel won the Swiss Super League by 13 points in a competition in which they lost only three times. The same was expected to happen this year, with no other side looking remotely capable of challenging them, especially after they added Mate Sterjovski, Cesar Carignano, Mladen Petric, Brazilian Under-20 international Kleber, and Thomas Mandl to their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Win at all costs
But, surprisingly, Swiss minnows FC Thun lead the Super League, with Basel in second one point adrift. With only six games played there is still time to put that right. There is, however, no room for error against Inter. Victory would not only give Basel the financial muscle to slug it out with Europe's élite, it will also be the perfect reward for two years of hard graft.

Source: Uefa.com

26-year old defender or midfielder Jiri Rychlik from Pribram is coming to Slavia for a loan. The representatives of the clubs have agreed on a one-year loan with an option for transfer today. The full details of the transfer will be finalised on Friday after the return of Slavia team from Georgia. Pribram agreed that Rychlik may start training with the red-whites on Monday.

Slavia coach Josef Csaplar welcomed the new player in his squad. "I am glad Jirka is coming. He is an experienced footballer, the type we needed. We will capitalize on his positive character and features. I believe he will prove this on the pitch and will become a valuable member of the team," said Slavia coach. "Jiri is one of the players Slavia needed. It is a good step in the right direction," Csaplar added.

Source: slavia.cz

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Lens 3 7
2. Toulouse 3 7
3. Marseille 3 7
4. Bastia 3 7
5. Metz 3 7
...
14. PSG 3 1



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Club Brugge 3 7
2. Mouscron 3 7
3. La Louvière 3 7
4. Genk 3 7
5. Westerlo 3 7
...
7. Anderlecht 3 6



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. PSV 2 6
2. Feyenoord 2 6
3. Ajax 2 6
4. Vitesse 2 6
5. NEC 2 6
...
8. Utrecht 2 3



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Bremen 2 6
2. Stuttgart 2 4
3. Nürnberg 2 4
4. Bayer 2 4
5. Leverkusen 2 4
...
9. Wolfsburg 2 3
...
18. Hamburg 2 0



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Thun 6 13
2. Basel 6 12
3. Grasshoppers 5 9
4. Young Boys 5 8
5. Xamax 6 8



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Trabzonspor 3 9
2. Denizlispor 3 9
3. Fenerbahçe 3 7
4. Gaziantepspor 3 6
5. Galatasaray 3 6



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Sparta 3 7
2. Brno 3 6
3. Sigma 3 6
4. Teplice 3 4
5. Baník 3 4
...
11. Slavia 3 3



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Shakhtar 5 15
2. Metalurh 5 10
3. Dynamo Kyiv 5 10
4. Dnipro 5 10
5. Metalist 5 9

In an entertaining game PSV made quick work of the team that snatched three precious points from Eindhoven last season. Opponent AZ had no other option but to along with the wishes of the hosts who earned their second win of the season. The visitors could not prevent PSV from coasting to a large 5-1 win. John de Jong was involved in all five goals; he gave three assists and scored a second half double.

By scoring five goals for the second time in succession the self confidence of new look PSV must have received a great boost, which is a favourable development, now that the crucial UCL qualifying game against Red Star will take place next Wednesday night. Last week lowly RBC were the victims, but tonight one of the Dutch top clubs were battered. Seven different PSV players have got their names on the score sheets after two league games.

Phillip Cocu and Wilfred Bouma were on the sidelines, but Mark van Bommel as unquestioned captain, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Ji-Sung Park full of passion and John de Jong as a master of efficiency, the first home game of the season was a big party. Tonight the Alkmaar based club were not equal to PSV in Eindhoven, in spite of the commendable, but hazardous tactics of AZ coach Co Adriaanse.

On twenty minutes PSV took the lead by skipper Van Bommel, who struck the crucial opening goal for the home guard from some twelve yards out. AZ could not create any single chance in the first half, but PSV began to grow in authority and were close to doubling the advantage a couple of times. Alex and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink pulled out fine saves from AZ keeper Henk Timmer. Five minutes from half time Co Adriaanse thought it was high time to change his tactical plan. Central defender Barry Opdam was taken off and forward Robin Nelisse left he bench in order to increase the pressure. It meant that AZ played man to man at the back. It turned to be a risky approach, as AZ became quite vulnerable in defence. They attempted to threaten more, but actually PSV stand-in keeper Edwin Zoetebier had an easy night.

Straight after the restart Vennegoor of Hesselink showed his skills. A super back heel pass could be stopped by Timmer only in the nick of time. The visitors took even more risks and they soon bowed before the storm. After an hour’s play André Ooijer headed home from a corner and PSV were in the driving seat.



AZ capitulated and PSV surged forward. The large crowd, the attendance was 33, 000, watched substitute Leandro cleverly set up Lee, who turned provider for John de Jong; 3-0. Soon afterwards Timmer was beaten by a subtle Park lob: 4-0. Adil Ramzi pulled one back, but by scoring his second goal of the night, John de Jong saw that it that the final score was a fair reflection of the balance of power and piled on the agony for AZ. No AZ player saw a yellow card, which is also evidence of the fact that AZ resigned themselves to their fate.

Goals: 21 Van Bommel (1-0), 58 Ooijer (2-0), 70 John de Jong (3-0), 75 Ji-Sung Park (4-0), 85 Ramzi (4-1), 88 John de Jong (5-1)

Source: PSV.nl

.


FC Utrecht: Terol, Cornelisse, Di Tommaso, Schut, Shew-Atjon (60. Braafheid), De Jong (73. Somers), Tanghe, Broerse, Douglas, Van de Haar (81. Rajcomar), Van den Bergh

RBC Roosendaal: Aerts, Lammens, Molenaar, Hesp, Hellemons (46. Guijt), Ikedia, Oliseh, De Graaf, Van de Ven (65. Daelemans), Smolders, Hartog (73. Makhout)

Goals: 35. 1-0 Van de Haar , 37. 1-1 Molenaar, 54. 2-1 Van de Haar, 62. 3-1 Van de Haar, 75. 4-1 Cornelisse, 90. 5-1 Tanghe

Attacking trio Tuncay Şanlı, Pierre van Hooijdonk and Alex de Souza scored the three goals which got us a clear win against İstanbulspor.
Alex picked up a lot of praise particularly for his second half performance as he assisted Tuncay`s goal and scored a nice one himself in the final minute.

İstanbulspor: Oğuz, Pinto (78` Ramadan), Yalçın, Saffet, Faruk, Musa Büyük, Aytekin, Cem, Iordanov (56` Emre), Musa Kuş, Bushi (56` Gökmen)

Fenerbahçe: Volkan Demirel, Fabio Luciano, Servet Çetin, Serkan Balcı (89` Önder Turacı), Ümit Özat, Alex de Souza, Marco Aurelio, Serhat Akın, Tuncay Şanlı (84` Mehmet Yozgatlı), Marcio Nobre (68` Marcio Nobre), Pierre van Hooijdonk

Goals: 50` Tuncay Şanlı, 53` Pierre van Hooijdonk, 90` Alex de Souza

Source: Fenerbahçe.org

Slavia were the better side in the first half of the match, played actively and took early lead - after the action of Sedlacek and Adauto´s cross, Karel Pitak, the traditional scorer of Slavia away goals, sent the ball to the net. While Sigma were struggling with passing and had hard time to work out a good chance, Slavia counter-attacks could have brought a second strike - unfortunately Pavel Fort wasted both of his good chances and Sedlacek´s shot was saved by Vaniak. In the 26th minute Fort ran into a great chance but decided to pass the ball to Adauto instead of a direct shot and the pass was blocked by the defender. In 44th minute he missed in a promising situation in close distance. "I should have scored, I know," said Pavel Fort after the match in sad tone. "Two-goal leading would have decided the match." Also Sigma had some opportunities, but Slavia defence worked well and prevented dangerous situations in front of Radek Cerny.



Red card starts the turn-over
The 50th minute brought one of the decisive moments of the day. Karel Pitak, who was booked in the first half for unsportsmanlike behaviour, fouled Michal Kovar and saw the red card. "It was a late challenge, I was after the ball, but Kovar managed to pass it away, I went into him," Karel Pitak described the situation. "The first yellow was stupid, though I kicked the ball after the whistle just slightly. I weakened my team and I helped Sigma to win. I am awfully sorry for this," Pitak sighed.

Reiter scores twice
It was Slovak forward Lubomir Reiter´s who scored both of Sigma goals. His first strike came in the 74th minute. He received the pass from David Kobylik in the box and sent a very precise shot to the post. The second strike came late just a minute before the end - Reiter converted a cross from Ales Bednar. Slavia concentrated on defence, being down to ten men it was not easy to counter-attack, the shots from Jakub Chleboun and Pavel Kuka were from long distance and did not endanger Sigma keeper Martin Vaniak.

Red card for Martin Latka
There were eight yellow cards and two red ones seen in the nervous match. Slavia were awarded five of the yellow ones and the second red one in the final seconds. It was Martin Latka who left the pitch earlier due to the second bookable offence.

Olomouc line-up: M. Vaniak - R. Hubnik, M. Hudec, M. Kovar, R. Kucera - R. König (46. A. Bednar), T. Randa, P. Zbozinek, D. Kobylik (86. M. Vyskocil) - P. Babnic (66. T. Bouska), L. Reiter

Slavia line-up: R. Cerny - L. Dosek, R. Bejbl, M. Latka, K. Kratochvil - K. Pitak, P. Kuka, M. Svec (30. F. Stiburek), L. Sedlacek - E. Adauto da Silva (79. J. Chleboun), P. Fort (52. D. Kalivoda)

Goals: 74. and 89. Lubomir REITER for Olomouc - 8. Karel PITAK for Slavia

Source: slavia.cz

Toulouse : Revault - Ebondo, Arribagé, Lievre - Emana, Cardy, Taider (Sirieix, 67e), Dalmat, Bedimo Nsame - Moreira, Suarez (Eduardo, 46e). Entr. : Mombaerts.

PSG : Alonzo - Pichot (Mendy, 67e), Pierre-Fanfan, Badiane (Ateba, 81e), Armand - Cissé (Ogbeche, 67e), M'Bami, Cana, Rothen - Fiorèse, Reinaldo. Entr. : Halilhodzic.

Goals: Moreira (56e), Eduardo (71e) for Toulouse ; Reinaldo (75e) for PSG.

Source: PSG.fr

Hamburger SV coach Klaus Toppmöller is fighting for his job this evening after HSV crashed out of the DFB Pokal at Regionalliga side Paderborn.
HSV have already been eliminated from the Intertoto Cup and lost twice in the Bundesliga, including last week's embarrassing 2-1 defeat at newly-promoted Mainz. However, today's 4-2 defeat in the Pokal is likely to cause consternation in the HSV boardroom, with questions being asked about Toppmöller's motivational and tactical powers.

Remarkably, HSV led 2-0 inside a half hour with Christian Rahn (13) and Emile Mpenza (30) putting the Bundesliga giants into a commanding position. However, a disbelieving Toppmöller then had to watch the regional side draw level with a penalty from Guido Spork (35) (which saw Mpenza sent off for arguing with the referee), and an equaliser from Müller (41) before the break. Cartus put the home side in front for the first time on 63, before a second Spork penalty condemned Hamburg to defeat on 83. The only bright spot of a dismal afternoon for HSV was the first appearance in club colours of new-signing Benjamin Lauth, but that will come as scant consolation for Toppmöller tonight as he tries to explain his dismal start to a season that promised much more only a month ago.

In other German Cup games today, Kaiserslautern won 15-0 (yes, fifteen-nil) at FC Schönberg, while holders Werder Bremen won 2-0 at Mario Basler's Jahn Regensburg. Freiburg, Dortmund, Bochum, and Bayern Munich also came through the first round with ease

Source: Goal.com

VS

Sporting Anderlecht have beaten Beveren 0-1 on Saturday afternoon. In the beginning of the second half Mbo Mpenza scored the only goal of the match on a good cross of Zewlakow. Before the break Anderlecht spilled their chances, but they never let Beveren get into the match. During the second half the hometeam became more dangerous, but the best chances were once again for Sporting.

Beveren: Boubacar, Seydou, Diawara, Eboué, Lardenoit (77' Seka), Mahan, Junior Djire, Né, Romaric, Tokpa, Vleminckx (81' Mural)

Anderlecht: Zitka, Deschacht, Kompany, Traore, Zewlakow, Baseggio, Hasi, Lovre (59' Seol), Wilhelmsson (80' Ngalula Mbuyi), Dindane, Mpenza (59' Iachtchouk)

Goal: 54' Mpenza (0-1)

Source: rsca.be

FC Basel: Zuberbühler, Yakin, Smiljanic, Degen P., Kléber, Cantaluppi, Huggel (46. Sterjovski), Chipperfield, Delgado (86. Carignano), Rossi (62. Gimenez), Petric

FC Schaffhausen: Herzog, Tsawa, Bunjaku (83. Ademi), Pesenti, Calo (86. Lettieri), Maric, Leu, Sereinig, Senn (80. Truckenbrod), Hengemühle, De Souza

Goals: 66. Gimenez 1:0. 75. Bunjaku 1:1.

From now on FU will follow the Czech team Slavia Praha, that finished in 4th in the last season and that is currently in the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA cup. They will play the 2nd leg, next week on Georgia (first leg result: Slavia Praha 3-1 Dinamo Tbilisi).



We will also follow the Swiss Champions FC Basel. They are currently in the Third Qualifying Round of the Champions League. They draw 1-1 at home with Inter and will play the second leg in Milan next week.

Winless HSV has a golden opportunity to feel what winning is like for the first time this season, as the Toppmöller team travels to meet the unbeaten third division North table-toppers Paderborn, in the first round of the German FA Cup. The HSV coach is without his Argentinean striker Bernardo Romeo, who has failed to recover in time from a strained adductor injury. He is also without midfielder Collin Benjamin, who broke his hand and underwent surgery this week. On the good news side, Toppi will be able to play one of the star signings of the close season Benny Lauth, who joined HSV in summer, but has yet top play for them.

Familiar face

Paderborn has a coach who used to play for HSV...called Dotchev. He has done sterling work at the club which is still unbeaten in the league. Paderborn has with Löbe, Donkov and Cartus, a few former professionals in its ranks. Dotchev can pick from a full strength squad for what promises to be the match of the season for Paderborn. Toppmöller will play a two-pronged attack consisting of Lauth and Mpenza. Sergej Barbarez will play behind the front two.

Fighting talk from Lauth

Benny lauth is burning to make his debut for his new club. The striker who turned 24 on August 4th, knows that it won't be easy, but remains upbeat regarding his side's chances at thre weekend: "We don't expect to thrash them 5 or 6 nil. But they play two divisions lower than us, so we must have enough confidence to say to ourselves that we can beat them," said Lauth, who when asked about the club's poor start to the season said: "Of course everyone is disappointed, but I plan to make a contribution to getting HSV back on track."

Probable line-ups:

SC Paderborn 07: Loboué - T. Becker, Waterink, Bollmann, Krösche - Aless. da Silva, Cartus, Spork, Schüßler - Löbe, R. Müller

HSV: Pieckenhagen - Wicky, van Buyten, B. Reinhardt, Kling - Jarolim - Mahdavikia, Barbarez, Rahn - Lauth, Mpenza

Source: HSV.de

European champions FC Porto began the new season just as they had ended the old one by collecting yet another piece of silverware, this time the Portuguese Super Cup following a 1-0 win over SL Benfica in Coimbra last night.

Baía milestone
A debut goal from Ricardo Quaresma at the start of the second half secured the victory for the SuperLiga winners, avenging their defeat by Benfica in last May's Portuguese Cup final. For Porto's captain Vitor Baía, it was the 26th title of his career, taking him past Paolo Maldini and Frank Rijkaard as the player with the most winner's medals to his name in European football history.

Unfamiliar lineup
Porto fielded an unfamiliar-looking lineup for what was Spanish coach Victor Fernández's first official match in charge. Due to the absences of suspended skipper Jorge Costa and Pepe, the Dragons played with a central defence of Pedro Emanuel and Ricardo Costa, the latter having returned from Olympic duty just 24 hours earlier.

César Peixoto goes close
With Maniche suspended, Hugo Leal and Brazilian teenager Diego took the central midfield roles. However, Diego lasted just 20 minutes before making way for César Peixoto, having been hurt in a challenge by his former Santos FC team-mate Paulo Almeida. The substitute provided Porto's two best efforts of the first half. On 29 minutes César Peixoto fired in a low cross-shot which was smothered by Quim, and two minutes later flashed the ball wide from a similar angle.

Benfica on top
Instead it was Benfica who had the better of the first period, finding some fluency despite the heavily sanded pitch. Coach Giovanni Trapattoni had made two changes from the team which defeated RSC Anderlecht 1-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie, replacing Ricardo Rocha with Luisão at centre-back, and French goalkeeper Yannick Quesnel with Quim. Save for that stop from César Peixoto, Quim had little to do as Benfica dominated.

Zahovic threat
Zlatko Zahovic threatened with a shot which deflected off Pedro Emanuel and went narrowly over the crossbar. Moments later, on the half-hour, right-back Miguel played a one-two with the Slovenian playmaker but, with Tomo Šokota waiting in front of goal, Miguel opted to shoot himself and fired into the side-netting.

Bottom corner
Porto owed their victory to Quaresma, the former FC Barcelona winger finding the bottom corner with a low shot from the left side of the area after 55 minutes. Benfica now had to chase the game. Two Petit free-kicks brought headed opportunities for Šokota and Luisão, but both directed the ball over the bar.

Next assignments
So Porto can travel to Monaco for next Friday's UEFA Super Cup against Valencia CF with 90 minutes' competitive action - not to mention a victory and another trophy - under their belts. For Benfica, meanwhile, the next assignment is Tuesday's return leg against Anderlecht in Brussels.

FC PORTO: Vítor Baía, Seitaridis, Ricardo Costa, Pedro Emanuel, Nuno Valente, Costinha, Hugo Leal, Diego (César Peixoto, 22), Ricardo Quaresma (Bosingwa, 61), Carlos Alberto e McCarthy (Hélder Postiga, 77).

BENFICA: Quim, Miguel, Luisão, Argel, Dos Santos, Paulo Almeida (Bruno Aguiar, 66), Petit, João Pereira (Everson, 85), Zahovic (Karadas, 60), Simão e Sokota.

Goal: Quaresma 56´

Source: Uefa.com, abola.pt

Two familiar foes renew acquaintances tonight as SL Benfica and FC Porto meet at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra in the Portuguese Super Cup.

Final rematch
Domestic and European champions Porto will be seeking to reverse the result of the Portuguese Cup final in May, when Benfica marked their centenary celebrations by coming from behind to defeat Porto 2-1 after extra time.

Greek glory
Simão Sabrosa scored the winning goal on that occasion and Benfica's other cup final goalscorer, Panagiotis Fyssas, will come into the match in good heart having been part of Greece's stunning success at UEFA EURO 2004™.

Coaching changes
Porto, meanwhile, are entering a new era following the departure of coach José Mourinho to Chelsea FC. Luigi Del Neri was appointed as Mourinho's successor but the Italian coach was quickly dismissed and Spanish coach Víctor Fernández took over.

Contrasting fortunes
The UEFA Champions League holders are without the suspended trio of Jorge Costa, Maniche and Pepe, and Derlei, who recently sustained a knee injury. However, Diego and Hugo Leal are fit again after minor injuries and Ricardo Costa and Bosingwa have rejoined the squad after returning from the Olympic Games.

'Team of champions'
"I know that Benfica will play with all their main players but we are a team of champions and we have to prove that on the pitch", said Fernández. "We are restricted in our options due to several absences but nothing stops us from thinking about victory in a game against Benfica."

Trapattoni role
Benfica also have a new coach, with Giovanni Trapattoni having left his post in charge of the Italy national team after their first-round elimination at EURO 2004™ to replace the Real Madrid CF-bound José Antonio Camacho. Benfica are determined to lift the Super Cup ahead of the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Belgian side RSC Anderlecht, which they lead 1-0 after the first match in the Estádio da Luz.

Luisão return
Trapattoni's team are buoyed by the return of Brazilian central defender Luisão after the Copa América, although Nuno Gomes and Pedro Mantorras are both out through injury. "There are no favourites for this match," said Luisão. "Porto might have some internal problems but they still have a strong team." Kick-off is at 22.15CET.

Source: Uefa.com

Holiday makers and PSV fans who were at the PSV training ground De Herdgang this week must have seen some new faces. Three players are on trial with PSV at the moment. The Argentine player Federico León and the two South Koreans Ji-nam Lee and Sang-hyun Ahn have joined PSV for a trial period.



19-year-old Federico León, from Boca Juniors, arrived in Eindhoven on Sunday aftrenoon. He is a central defender and made one appearance for the first team last season. He did not take part in the Vodafone Cup in Manchester. According to PSV Manager Football Affairs Stan Valckx, PSV have been interested in him for quite some time yet. The two Koreans are from FC Seoul, who participated in the Otten Cup Youth tournament last weekend.


Source: PSV.nl

Portugal winger Luis Figo has announced that he is taking a break from international football.
"The time has come to take a break. I still can’t say if this is for ever ... but at the moment I feel the need to stop," he said in a statement.

"In the recent Euro 2004, which filled us all with pride, we saw a new group of footballers emerge, who are capable of guaranteeing the continuity of the level Portuguese football has achieved in the last decade."

In many people’s eyes Figo had a disappointing Euro 2004, although came to life in the semi-final against Holland.

Source: Goal.com

RSC Anderlecht have signed Belgian Under-19 international Roland Lamah on a one-year loan.

Permanent option
The 16-year-old forward has been added to the club's youth ranks and will have 12 months to prove himself worthy of a permanent contract, with Anderlecht holding an option to buy Lamah in their deal with his second division side RCS Visé. R. Standard de Liège had also expressed an interest in Lamah but the teenager said: "When the biggest club in the country want you, you cannot turn them down."

Youngster given chance
Anderlecht coach Hugo Broos is renowed for giving young players a chance with 16-year-old Anthony Vanden Borre a part of their first-team squad for the 2004/05 season. After a promising pre-season, Vanden Borre was on the bench last week as Anderlecht lost 1-0 at SL Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie. The return match in Brussels will be played on 24 August with the winners going through to the group stage.

Source: Uefa.com

Europe becomes the final continent to commence qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup tonight as two of the eight groups get under way.

Early start
The first full programme of fixtures is on 4 September with most teams in friendly action this evening, but eight sides who missed out on the 2002 finals start their campaigns. The pool winners and two best runners-up qualify for Germany, with the six other second-placed teams facing play-offs.

Romanian record
Seven-time finalists Romania, the only nation involved tonight with genuine World Cup experience, welcome Group 1 rivals Finland to Bucharest. Romania met Finland in qualifying for the 1974 and 1986 tournaments - both times winning at home and drawing away but failing to progress.

Iordanescu vow
A number of Romania players are out of their country's 75th World Cup qualifier, with left-back Cristian Dancia withdrawing on Sunday to join Cristian Chivu, Nicolae Mitea, Ciprian Marica and Ioan Ganea on the sidelines. Midfielder Daniel Pancu is a major doubt with strained leg muscles, but coach Anghel Iordanescu, said: "Of course it is difficult, but we must not complain. I have to field the best eleven players from those who are fit and we have to beat Finland."

Finland concerns
Finland coach Antti Muurinen also has selection problems, with defender Teemu Tainio and midfielder Hannu Tihinen ruled out. Muurinen said: "We will not have time or space in Bucharest. The defensive play of the whole team is one of the major worries."

Skopje encounter
Elsewhere in the section, F.Y.R. Macedonia play Armenia in Skopje with both sides hoping to build on encouraging results in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying. However, they will need a good start in a pool completed by the Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Andorra.

Tough group
With EURO 2004™ contenders Portugal, Russia and Latvia all in Group 3, the remaining four teams will want to begin well tonight. Liechtenstein and Luxembourg, though, are more concerned with breaking ducks than getting a head start on the group favourites.

Liechtenstein run
Liechtenstein have lost all their previous 20 World Cup qualifiers. They aim to end that run when Estonia visit Vaduz, but injuries deprive them of goalkeeper Peter Jehle – meaning a recall for 34-year-old Martin Heeb - and midfielder Franz Burgmeier.

Unchanged team
However, forward Thomas Beck has recovered from a foot problem, and coach Martin Andermatt has promised "continuity" from the friendlies in June when his side only lost 2-0 to eventual EURO 2004™ winners Greece and 1-0 to Switzerland.

Estonia opener
Estonia goalkeeper Mart Poom has a back complaint, and with his understudy Martin Kaalma suffering from a shin injury, coach Arno Pijpers has called up Artur Kotenko and Rene Kaas. Striker Andres Oper is suspended and fellow forward Indrek Zelinski injured, so only captain Martin Reim survives from the lineup that won 2-0 in Liechtenstein on 26 October 1993, the nations' only previous meeting.

Luxembourg hope
Luxembourg travel to Slovakia with only one draw to show for their 55 away fixtures in World Cup qualifying. Coach Allan Simonsen, who can call on VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach's Jeff Strasser, said: "We have just one professional player and are well aware of Slovakia's strength. The hosts are clear favourites, but we hope to do our best - and maybe achieve an unexpected result."

Full-strength Slovakia
Slovakia coach Dušan Galis has a full-strength squad available as his country seek finally to achieve qualification in their third World Cup campaign since the split from the Czech Republic.

Source: Uefa.com

Sunday's game between ÍA and KR ended without goals. This result leaves ÍA in 4th place in the league, six points behind FH Hafnarfjördur.
With four games remaining in the championship, the leaders have a four point lead over second placed Fylkir.

sources: Knattspyrnufélag ÍA, iauk.

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Marseille 2 6
2. Metz 2 6
3. Monaco 2 6
4. Toulouse 2 4
5. Lens 2 4
...
14. PSG 2 1



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Trabzonspor 2 6
2. Denizlispor 2 6
3. Malatyaspor 2 4
4. Fenerbahçe 2 4
5. Diyarbakirspor 2 4



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Bremen 2 6
2. Stuttgart 2 4
3. Nürnberg 2 4
4. Bayer 2 4
5. Leverkusen 2 4
...
9. Wolfsburg 2 3
...
18. Hamburg 2 0



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Germinal Beerschot 2 6
2. La Louvière 2 6
3. Club Brugge 2 4
4. Mouscron 2 4
5. Genk 2 4
...
8. Anderlecht 2 3



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Feyenoord 1 3
2. PSV 1 3
3. Ajax 1 3
4. Vitesse 1 3
5. NAC 1 3
...
13. Utrecht 1 0



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Shakhtar 5 15
2. Metalurh 5 10
3. Dynamo Kyiv 5 10
4. Dnipro 5 10
5. Metalist 5 9



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Ferencváros 2 6
2. ZTE 2 6
3. Pápa 2 4
4. Kaposvár 2 4
5. MTK 1 3
...
16. Honvéd 2 0



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Hafnarfjördur 14 27
2. Fylkir 14 23
3. ÍBV 14 22
4. ÍA 14 21
5. Keflavik 14 21



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Wisla 2 6
2. Lech 2 6
3. Górnik 2 4
4. Amica 2 4
5. Légia 2 4



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Celtic 2 6
2. Rangers 2 4
3. Hearts 2 4
4. Dundee 2 3
5. Hibernian 2 3



Torneo Apertura

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Arsenal 1 3
2. Racing 1 3
3. Quilmes 1 3
4. River Plate 1 3
5. Veléz Sarsfield 1 3



Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Santos 24 44
2. Palmeiras 24 43
3. Ponte Preta 24 41
4. Atlético PR 24 41
5. São Paulo 24 41
...
23.Botafogo 24 22



Pos. Team Pld Pts*
1. Danubio 16 40
2. Cerrito 16 32
3. Peñarol 16 31
4. Nacional 16 29
5. Liverpool 16 26

*The Urugayan championship has been interrupted with one matchday left, due to a strike of professional players. The championship is scheduled to resume in the beginning of September. Untill them, the teams will play several friendly matches.

Mauro Galvão is no longer the Botafogo manager. After another alvinegro's defeat, the board decided to sacked the manager that took comand of Botafogo in June. under Galvão's managment, the team won 4 games, drawed 7 and lost another 7.

Paulo Bonamigo, up untill 2 weeks ago Atlético MG coach, is the name that is expected to take over Botafogo. On next wednesday's match against Santos, assistant manager Luiz Roberto Matter will lead the team, after he had already took temprary control of the team, when Levir Culpi was sacked.

The midfielder Andrés D'Alessandro could leave Bundesliga side Wolfsburg after the Argentinian participation in the Olympic Games. The 23 year old is being targeted by Deportivo La Coruña and Spartak Moscow, clubs that have officialy inquired the german team board. According to the Wolfsburg director, Peter Pander, the transfer is depending on the qualification of the two teams to Champions League group stage. D'Alessandro is linked to Wolfsburg until 2010, and, up untill now, his transfer was expected to take place after the 2006 World Cup.

Source: kicker.de

VfL Wolfsburg forward Martin Petrov will be out of action for four weeks after the 25-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-0 home defeat by SC Freiburg on Sunday. Petrov has also been forced to pull out of Bulgaria's international friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday.

Source: uefa.com

Honvéd is still to achieve its first victory in this return to NB1. Honvéd took the lead in the first half, and kept its net unbeaten until 15 minutes from the end. Then 2 goals in 5 minutes by Pécs, and the sending off of Budovinszky ended the resistance of the team from Budapest.

PÉCS: Németh; Szekeres; (Montvai), Dienes, Kóczián; Sipos, Szabados, Kulcsár, Erős (Károlyi 57'; Lantos 73'); Baumgartner, Pest, Horváth

HONVÉD: Silhavy; Vámosi, Sztamenics, Budovinszky, Horky; Bábik, Vadócz, Vén, Dancs (Takács 59'); Csobánki (Kozarek, 55'), Herczeg (Bojtor 78. p.).

Gól: 0-1, Bábik (34'); 1-1, Montvai (75'); 2-1, Pest (80'); 3-1, Szabados (89')

Wales striker John Hartson scored twice as champions Celtic FC fought back to win 4-2 at ten-man Kilmarnock FC on Saturday and move to the top of the Scottish Premier League.
Midfielder Alan Thompson netted the Glasgow side's other goals to quell a spirited effort from Kilmarnock, who had David Lilley sent off for a handball offence three minutes before half-time.

KILMARNOCK: Combe; Fowler, Dindeleux, Lilley, Hay (Dilon, 61'); MacDonald, Locks, Dodd, Murray (Greer, 46'); Wales (Naismith, 77'), Boyd.

CELTIC: Marshall; Agathe, Vargsa, Valgaeren, McNamara (Laursen, 77'); McGeady (Camara, 70'), Lennon, Petrov (Beattie, 77'), Thompson; Sutton, Hartson.

GOALS: 1-0 MacDonald (13'); 1-1, Hartson (14'); 2-1, Wales (27'); 2-2, Thompson (36'); 3-2, Thompson (43'); 4-2, Hartson (71')

Source: uefa.com, celticfc.net

Botafogo is still in the bottom of the table, after one more lose, this time against Goiás. Man of the match, Paulo Baier, score all three goals for the home team. Botafogo was able to put some pressure over Goiás, scoring 2-1 soon before half time, and started the second half determined to score more, but the sending-off of defender Renatinho with 68 minutes of play ended all hopes for Botafogo. Playing with one more, Goiás closed the scoring with Baier's third of the day.
Next wednesday, Botafogo will play, at home, against league leader, Santos.

GOIÁS: Harlei; Tiago, Renato, João Paulo; Paulo Baier, Cléber (Gustavo), Josué, Jorge Mutt, Jadílson; Alex Dias (Somália), Leandro (Aldrovani).

BOTAFOGO: Jefferson; Ruy, Rafael Marques, Gustavo, Renatinho; Fernando, Túlio, Carlos Alberto (Têti), Valdo (Daniel); Almir, Schwenck.

GOALS: 1-0, Baier (9'); 2-0, Baier (38'); 2-1, Almir (44'); 3-1, Baier (74')

Freiburg saw off Wolfsburg in the Volkswagenarena. Despite dominating long periods of the match, Wolfsburg were unable to find a goal, twice striking the woodwork. They paid the price when Freiburg stole all three points with just five minutes remaining through substitute Régis Dorn.

WOLFSBURG: Jentzsch; Rytter, Quiroga, Hofland, Weiser; Thiam; Karhan, Hristov; Brdaric, M. Petrov, Klimowicz

FREIBURG: Golz; Olajengbesi, Diarra, Mohamad; Willi, Riether, Bajramovic, Tskitishvili; Coulibaly; Iashvili, Tanko

GOALS: 0-1, Dorn (85')

Source: uefa.com; vfl-wolfsburg.de

River Plate started the Torneo Apertura the best way, in a tough match against Colón. Although the visitor took an early lead, River equalised soon after, and controlled the first half. In the second period los millionarios slowed down, wich allown Colón to pull one back, and take controll of the last 15 minutes. Nevertheless, River played very well, and showed that the good run of form that gave them the Clausura title is set to endure.

RIVER PLATE: Franco Costanzo; Juan Fernández, Cristian Nasuti, Eduardo Tuzzio, Franco Miranda; Gabriel Pereyra, Cristian Ledesma; Rubens Sambueza (Victor Zapata, 82'); Gastón Fernández (Daniel Ludueña, 74'), Nelson Cuevas (José Sand, 89'), Maxi López.

COLÓN; Laureano Tombolini; Ariel Garcé, Daniel Díaz, Alcídes Pícoli, Gerardo Bedoya; Iván Moreno y Fabianesi (Diego Chitzoff, 59'), Martín Romagnoli, Freddy Grisales, Giovanni Hernández; Darío Gandín (Ismael Blanco, 69'), Esteban Fuertes.

GOALS: 0-1, Darío Gandín (7');1-1, Nelson Cuevas (11'); 2-1, Maxi López (47');3-1, Gabriel Pereyra (55'); 3-2, Giovanni Hernández (65').

Benfica striker Tomo Sokota was a last minute call-up to the Croatian national team for their midweek friendly with Israel. However, Benfica has appealed the decision and will not allow the striker to play for his country.
According to FIFA regualtions, a national team must give a club team 15 days notice when they call-up a player.

If they do not, the club holds the right to veto the decision and thats exactly what Benfica have done.

Benfica have several injured players in attack (Nuno Gomes, Mantorras and Carlitos) and cannot afford to let the Croatian striker play for his country with the Portuguese Super Cup looming this coming weekend.

Benfica will face rivals FC Porto, and manager Giovanni Trapattoni wants to have all the clubs' healthy players at his disposal.

Source: Goal.com