Reds Struggle in Holland

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Liverpool find solace in Europe

Liverpool’s modest form continued as they produced a rather insipid display against Utrecht.

Fans were once again left wondering why Steven Gerrard was omitted from the whole squad for resting so early in the season, and the side unsurprisingly struggled to create anything against the Dutch.

It was the unfancied home team who had the best of the chances, having a header cleared off the line and a strong penalty claim turned down.

Fernando Torres started the game as the lone striker, but without the captain present the midfield failed to give him enough to feed on. They eventually held on for a 0 – 0 draw.

They are still in a strong position to emerge from the group, but attention must now turn to the match against Blackpool in the Premier League at the weekend, with all involved hoping for three points.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=419280

Gunners Fire in Belgrade

Arsenal looked to bounce back from a disastrous loss to West Brom in the league with a strong performance in Europe, away at Partizan Belgrade.

They started accordingly, England’s promising midfielder Jack Wilshere brilliantly setting up Andrei Arshavin to give the Gunners an early lead.

However, the hosts managed to level before the break, with Cleo converting a penalty conceded by Denilson.

Arsenal then wasted a chance to restore the advantage in the second half as Arshavin missed a penalty of his own before Marouane Chamakh found the net, and Sebastien Squillaci headed a third.

There was still time for Partizan to miss the second penalty that they were awarded, leaving Arsene Wenger’s men with a very pleasing 1 – 3 result, although big questions must remain over their consistency.

Chelsea enjoyed a comfortable 2 – 0 win at home to Marseille.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=504631

More Bad News for Rooney

Manchester United fans suffered yet more bad news on Tuesday as it was revealed that star striker, Wayne Rooney, is to miss about three weeks with an ankle injury.

The England forward has been in desperately poor form so far this season after numerous revelations about his private life. Even so, he is still regarded as his side’s key man.

He was brought off early in United’s draw at Bolton at the weekend. Originally thought to be a precaution, it is now clear that he has in fact picked up a serious injury.

The problems continue to pile up for Sir Alex Ferguson and the club, as they now must face a very difficult away fixture in the Champions League, against La Liga leaders Valencia, without Rooney and other important players.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=473629

Another Draw for United

Manchester United had another tricky away fixture in the Premier League at noon on Sunday as they visited Bolton. They would have gone into the match in a hopeful mood after results went their way on Saturday.


However, Bolton had other ideas and after just six minutes defender Zat Night managed to get his foot to a cross to steer the hosts into the lead. That was cancelled out by Nani, who scored after a long run.

Bolton took the lead again after the break through Martin Petrov, but then Michael Owen replied after coming on as a substitute. Both teams attacked in search of the three points, only for the match to finish 2 – 2.

It meant that Bolton continued their promising start in the league, whereas United will rue more dropped points on the road.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=413046

Anfield Disappointed Once More

Liverpool welcomed Sunderland to Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. Both the players and their manager, Roy Hodgson, were under huge pressure to get it right after the abysmal Carling Cup defeat to Northampton Town on Wednesday night.

It took only five minutes for controversy to arrive, as Fernando Torres pounced on confusion over a Sunderland free-kick to allow Dirk Kuyt to open the scoring for Liverpool. However, twenty minutes later, the visitors won a penalty that Darren Bent was able to convert to equalise.

Bent then headed a second after half-time to put his side ahead, but Steven Gerrard replied for the hosts. Daniel Agger missed a great chance to steal the win for Liverpool at the death, so the match finished 2 – 2.

The season has started very poorly for Hodgson and his men, and performances like this will do little to appease the fans.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=254732

City Beat Leaders Chelsea

In the Saturday lunchtime game, holders Chelsea faced their first real test of the season as they took a trip to Eastlands to play title hopefuls and big spenders Manchester City.

It was the home team who finally provided a result which warranted the huge amount of money invested in their squad over the summer, winning 1 – 0 thanks to a Carlos Tevez strike. The match was a largely dull affair with both teams offering little.

City boss Roberto Mancini was probably the most relieved man in the stadium at the final whistle, having stated before the game (rather mysteriously) that Chelsea were clear favourites for the title - a strange comment as he is under pressure to get his side to challenge.

The result was a blow for the London club, who saw their excellent start to the season stopped abruptly, and suffered their first league defeat.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=409523

Alonso Cruises to Another Win

Fernando Alonso started the Grand Prix of Singapore from pole position on Sunday afternoon in the night race.

The five title contenders occupied the first five grid positions, and in the early stages they stayed put, the track proving difficult for overtaking. Progress was also hampered by a predictable number of crashes which required the safety car to pause the race.

Alonso was able to maintain the lead fairly comfortable despite this, while in the chaos behind him, title leader Mark Webber crashed into Lewis Hamilton, causing the latter to drop out.

Alonso’s only threat was Sebastian Vettel in second place, who could not get close to passing the Spaniard until the last few laps, by which time it was too late.

So Alonso in the Ferrari closed the gap to the championship leader, Webber, even further, making himself a favourite to claim the title in a few weeks’ time.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=469230

Commonwealth Games in Jeopardy

Delhi's hosting of the Commonwealth Games next month is under serious threat as many national teams are considering whether to withdraw.

Scotland, Wales and England have all voiced concerns over the state of the facilities, and have asked for clarification that the Games will be able to go ahead.

This comes after reports of the living and performing areas failing to reach required standards, with dogs apparently roaming around, and homes and buildings incomplete and unsafe, causing serious worries over the athletes’ health and safety if they travel to compete.

Many star individuals have already decided to stay at home, and if entire countries decide to pull out, it will be hugely embarrassing for both the Commonwealth Games organisers and India.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=490481

Pakistan Tour Approaches Finale

The Pakistan team’s cricket tour of England will come to an end on Wednesday at the Hampshire Rose Bowl with the fifth one-day international. The series is even at 2 – 2, and both sides will be desperate to secure a victory after accusations that they have been involved in match fixing.

Pakistan levelled this latest series on Monday with a win at Lord’s, but the match was overshadowed by claims from Pakistan that England players had lost the previous match on purpose.

The completion of the series was in doubt while England considered what action to take. The latest allegations came after three Pakistan players had been suspended for spot-fixing in the fourth test, about a month ago.

It is hoped that the deciding match on Wednesday will create an exciting conclusion to a close contest, but the cricket itself has been all but forgotten due to the controversy off the field.

United Overcome Rivals Liverpool

Sunday afternoon provided the first major clash of the Premiership season as Manchester United hosted their bitter rivals, Liverpool, at Old Trafford. The tradition and history of both clubs and the fixture always make for an explosive atmosphere, and this match lived up to the hype.

United started much the better against a very defensive visiting side, but it took until just before half-time for Dimitar Berbatov to head them into the lead, after some terrible defending from a corner.

The Bulgarian then doubled the advantage with a spectacular overhead kick in the second period, only for Steven Gerrard to score two quick goals to bring Liverpool level – one from the penalty spot and the other from a free-kick.

But it was Berbatov who had the final say, heading in with a few minutes left to take the win for United, who will value the 3 – 2 result highly as they look for another league title.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=413046

Hodgson backs rested Torres

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is hoping that striker Fernando Torres will benefit from being rested for the midweek Europa League game when they travel to face Manchester United on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.

Despite the striker’s poor start to the season, the omission of him and captain Steven Gerrard from the team which played Steaua Bucharest drew some criticism. However, Hodgson was justified in feeling vindicated after his side won 4 – 1, with certain fringe players putting in good performances.

The manager needs Torres to find his top form quickly after the side began the new campaign in disappointing style. The huge clash against their rivals will be the perfect place and time to start the revival. Hodgson can also look forward to welcoming back playmaker Joe Cole, who has been suspended for three games.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=254732

More hope for Chilean Miners

There were further developments on Friday as the efforts continue to free the thirty-three Chilean miners trapped deep underground.

Another bore hole has reached the cavity where the men have been forced to gather, and although it will take several weeks to widen it to allow them to escape, the expected date of bringing them back to the surface has been shifted forward again to early November.

This is the result of the fastest of three plans devised to enable the rescue. The recent uplifting news comes just days after one of the miner’s wives had a baby named Esperanza, which translates as “hope”.

Despite this, the work is far from done, and many people across the globe will be following the story carefully to learn of the miners’ fates, wishing them the best.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=396069

Encouraging news for Valencia

Manchester United sources on Friday announced that the injured Antonia Valencia could return to action as early as February, much sooner than expected.

He sustained the injury during United’s disappointing Champions League draw with Rangers on Tuesday night. Initial reports suggested he would probably miss the entire season, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson said in a press conference that “we are looking at the end of February”.

United will certainly be hoping the Ecuadorian can make a speedy recovery. Having signed from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2009, he has proven a reliable attacking threat down the right wing, offering the team some much-needed consistency. With other players struggling to find form, he will prove a big miss, and the club will be desperate to have him back in time to help them achieve success come the end of the season.

Their first match without him will be the huge clash against Liverpool in the Premiership on Sunday afternoon, and it will be a good test to see how the side can cope in his absence.
http://thenewsportal.net/?p=480127

Liverpool find solace in Europe

Liverpool played their first Europa League game of the season against Romanians Steaua Bucharest at Anfield on Thursday night. The pre-match discussion had been filled by questions over the side’s poor recent performances and the commitment of players like striker Fernando Torres. He and Steven Gerrard were left out of the starting line-up.

Joe Cole took less than a minute to mark his return to the team with a goal, only for Cristian Tanase to equalise shortly afterwards. Liverpool then struggled for superiority with the absence of key players all too obvious, until they were given a penalty early in the second half that David Ngog converted tidily. Lucas hit a stunning third and Ngog hit his second late on to make the final score 4 – 1.

The result was a welcome relief as manager Roy Hodgson and his men face a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, which will surely prove to be a difficult challenge given their faltering start in the domestic league.

 

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=419280

England cricketer Flintoff retires

English cricketer Andrew Flintoff announced his surprise retirement from all forms of cricket today, after speaking to his medical advisors. He said he made the decision “with disappointment and sadness”, but that he “had no alternative”.

He played for county side Lancashire, but gathered most acclaim for his performances for the English national side, particularly when he played a vital role in the historic Ashes victory on home soil in 2005.

Since then, his career has been dogged by injuries and disappointing form, although he did play again in the Ashes win of last summer.

Flintoff was also renowned for his incredible charisma and personality, and this did have some adverse effects on his cricketing career – his time as an England player being marked by some regrettable incidents, one involving a pedalo.

He retires as one of the most successful and popular English cricketers for many years - on and off the field.

 

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=480219

Arsenal and Chelsea off to a Flyer

Arsenal welcomed SC Braga of Portugal to the Emirates to begin their Champions League campaign this season.

It only took ten minutes for the Gunners to score their first goal, with captain Cesc Fabregas converting a penalty after Marouane Chamakh was brought down in the box by the opposing keeper. By half-time it was 3 – 0, thanks to Andrei Arshavin and Chamakh.

In the second half Fabregas headed his second of the night before Carlos Vela finished an intricate passing move, and notched another with a near-post shot. The final result was emphatic: 6 – 0.

Chelsea got off to a similarly encouraging start with an impressive 1 - 4 victory against Slovakian newcomers MSK Zilina, with goals from Michael Essien, a brace from Nicolas Anelka, and Daniel Sturridge finishing the scoring.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=478836

Pope to Arrive in the UK

Scotland and England prepare to welcome the Pope on the 16th of September at the start of an historic visit, and there are many different elements which are of interest to the British media and public.

The trip comes amid a cloud of stories which appears to be tainting the image of the Church. Revelations have emerged of child abuse in Ireland and Belgium by staff and many public figures have made their displeasure clear due to the British taxpayer having to bear the cost of the Pope’s trip.

A report on Wednesday evening stated that one of his advisers has described the UK as a “third world country” characterised by “a new and aggressive atheism”. Cardinal Walter Kasper has since withdrawn from the visit because of illness.

After all of this, many people will be watching the developments over the next few days with great interest, waiting to see how the Pope will use his time in the country to address the issues currently involving the Catholic Church.

 

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=456485

United Held Again

Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Glasgow Rangers at Old Trafford in the first match of the new Champions League competition. It followed them letting a lead slip late on against Everton at the weekend.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson surprised many by making ten changes to the team from that match, only Darren Fletcher retaining his place, while Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were brought back in.

Rangers defended well throughout the ninety minutes, forming a strong defence that United were unable to break through, and the home side were left missing the creative qualities of some of the players who had been omitted, such as Paul Scholes. The game finished 0 – 0.

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur earned a heartening 2 -2 draw away against a tough Werder Bremen team.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=413046

Nadal achieves career grand slam at US Open

Spaniard Rafael Nadal won the US Open on Monday night, thereby achieving a career grand slam, having already won the Australian Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon.

The match was delayed by rain, but he eventually came through in four sets against the Serbian, Novak Djokovic, 6 – 4 5 – 7 6 – 4 6 - 2, and joins an elite club of seven men who have won all four majors.

After the match the debate started as to whether Nadal could be considered greater than his Swiss rival, Roger Federer, and whether he can overhaul Federer’s total of sixteen grand slam titles.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=446401

NYC Mosque Furore Still Burning

The controversy surrounding the proposed construction of a Muslim Centre near the Ground Zero site in New York continues as more and more figures become involved, with author Salman Rushdie the latest to have his say.

The story reached the attention of the world last week when Pastor Terry Jones, from Florida, threatened to burn Korans on the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist bombings, unless the site was moved. The stunt was eventually cancelled, but Muslims across the globe were furious when the media broadcast the argument worldwide.

America now has a very difficult decision to make. Many of their citizens are unhappy at the plans to build the centre, but to change the proposals would risk the anger of Muslims not only in America, but everywhere.

http://thenewsportal.net/?p=386855

Introduction

Hello and welcome. You can read some details about me in my personal profile. I am going to update this blog when I write a summary for a news story and it is published on the website http://thenewsportal.net/, leaving a link here which will take you to it. I may also post other things that I consider interesting. Hope you like it, and comments are welcome.