FreeGoalZ: 9/13 Goal.com News - English

Goal.com News - English - America

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger heaps praise on Dortmund's Shinji Kagawa and says Asian football is improving fast

September 12, 2011 at 11:55 PM

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the examples of Shinji Kagawa and Ryo Miyaichi show Asian football is on the way up.

The Frenchman was speaking prior to Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, which is home to Kagawa.

Wenger is a known admirer of Kagawa and told reporters he would be a key in Tuesday's encounter, before discussing the growth of Asian football in recent times.

"Kagawa is a very mobile player, he is very clever, very creative and is very quick in the box and that is why he is a proven goal-scorer," said Wenger.

The Arsenal boss also said his new Japanese signing Ryo Miyaichi did not make the trip to Germany, and also went on to affirm his belief in the rising quality of Asian football:

"Miyaichi is not here, he is just coming back from injury and is playing for the reserves on Tuesday at Bolton."

"I think it just shows what is happening all over the world at the moment, the push of Asian football towards the top quality," Wenger said. "We saw it at the World Cup last year where teams like Japan did very well, along with North and South Korea."

Brek Shea: The next American superstar?

September 12, 2011 at 11:50 PM

Brek Shea is in the midst of a breakout season, and the 21-year-old FC Dallas midfielder is one of the leading candidates for MLS MVP honors.

Shea has emerged as his team's star player following an early season-ending injury to last season's MVP David Ferreira. The Hoops currently sit in third place in the Western Conference, a position many thought would not be possible without Ferreira.

"The team has been doing well," said Shea in an exclusive interview with Goal.com. "I think that the organization and the team has stepped up. No one thought we could have success without him (Ferreira) and we've shown we can."

FC Dallas has been a team on the rise in recent years. Last season the squad lost in the MLS Cup to the Colorado Rapids. Shea has faith that his team can finish the job this season.

"We did really well up until the final (last year). We were really disappointed in ourselves, but this year I think we just gotta keep doing what we are doing and get wins," Shea said.

Recently, U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann called Shea in for friendlies against Mexico, Costa Rica, and Belgium. The youngster impressed on the left flank, including a game-tying assist to Robbie Rogers against Mexico.

While being called into the national team is a reward, it does add more minutes for Shea, who has played a lot of soccer in the past month. He says that he has his trainers' regiments to thank for his fitness.

"Each team I have been playing with has really good trainers, they help us stretch and keep us hydrated. It's stuff that is kind of annoying (in order) to keep your body ready. But they do a really good job with that," Shea said.

Shea added that he felt Klinsmann's camps went very well for the team, and despite obtaining just one draw from the new coach's first three friendly matches, he believes the team is headed in the right direction.

"I think he (Klinsmann) has been doing well. Getting a lot of practices in, getting ready for games, and getting everyone to know each other." Shea said.

The new attacking mindset of the national team also suits Shea well, as he is often utilized in a wide role. He commented on Klinsmann's new attacking mentality:

"Both games, we are playing a new style," he said. "I feel like it is a lot more attacking and possession oriented. I think it was fun, it was fast paced, and even though we didn't get the results I think we did well."

As is common for many up and coming stars of United States soccer, Shea has generated reported interest from clubs in Europe. For now he says he is committed to playing for FC Dallas, but also admits he could be lured to Europe eventually.

"I am happy playing for Dallas right now, but obviously I want to play in Europe eventually one day," Shea said. "My contract here is for three more years. If the chance comes some day and I get a chance to play over there I'd really enjoy it."

Porto's Hulk: We can go far in the Champions League

September 12, 2011 at 7:56 PM

Porto striker Hulk has confessed he is optimistic about his side's chances in this edition of the Champions League.

The Portuguese champions enter the Champions League on the back of an impressive season in which they added the Europa League crown to the Portuguese League and Portuguese Cup titles.

Porto faces Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St. Petersburg and APOEL in the group stage, with the first match scheduled for Tuesday against the Ukrainian club.

And Hulk, who played a pivotal role in Porto's success last season, says he is hopeful the club will be able to make its mark in Europe again, this time in UEFA's main competition.

"I believe we are not favorites, out of respect for the opponents who are playing in the Champions League," he is quoted by A BOLA as saying.

"Everyone will be expecting the best from Porto because of all the titles we won last season. If we continue playing like we always do, with humility, we have everything to go far in the competition."

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson expecting tough midfield contest in Champions League opener against Benfica

September 12, 2011 at 4:27 PM

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists his side face a tough midfield challenge in its Champions League group stage opener against Benfica.

"The opening game is the toughest for us. Benfica are always a handful and we always expect a difficult game. I watched a couple of their games away from home last season and they were absolutely brilliant," Ferguson told the club's official website.

Last season's beaten finalists face the Portuguese outfit on Wednesday in Lisbon and Ferguson has warned his charges that they should be prepared for a difficult encounter.

"I think the hardest part for us will be picking the midfield in that particular game. That area will be the biggest challenge," said Ferguson. "They operate with three midfield players in there. They don't play anyone off the front. They play three actual midfield players so we'll have to have a look at that."

Ferguson has hinted the more seasoned players in Europe such as Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick could be handed starting roles, in order to bolster his side's experience on the pitch.

"My team in Lisbon might be different on an issue of experience," said Ferguson. "We've also got Darren Fletcher back fit. He's looking good and did well with Scotland last week. I think we'll need to have more experience in the game."

He added, "The important thing is to qualify. Benfica away from home is the kind of the game you have to respect."

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Tim Cahill backs Everton's sale of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal

September 12, 2011 at 4:05 PM

Tim Cahill believes the sale of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal was the right piece of business for Everton, as well as the player.

Arteta left Goodison Park to join the Gunners in a 10 million pound deal, having asked Everton boss David Moyes for the opportunity to move in order to play in the Champions League.

"The whole scenario was right for everyone," Cahill told BBC Radio Merseyside. "Mikel might go on to play for his national team, he'll play in the Champions League and he raised a hell of a lot of money for Everton. He cared about this club a lot, but we have to understand we are a business and a football club."

More than 1,000 Everton fans staged a march outside Goodison Park prior to Saturday's draw with Aston Villa, in protest against current chairman Bill Kenwright, but Cahill has given his backing to how the club is being run.

"All we can do is fight for him and fight for the cause because the situation is what it is," added Cahill.

'Jose Mourinho is the best' - Diego Maradona hails Real Madrid boss

September 12, 2011 at 2:45 PM

Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona has praised Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, labelling his counterpart as the best tactician in the game.

The Argentina legend is a self-confessed admirer of Mourinho's work, having declared last year he was sure the Portuguese would guide Madrid to a Champions League trophy at some point.

With the Spanish capital club currently leading the Liga table after two games, Maradona took the time to hail Mourinho's coaching skills.

"After every match played by Real Madrid, one can draw conclusions and see Mourinho is the best, not by much difference, but he is the best," he told reporters at a press conference in Dubai.

The 50-year-old Argentine will have his first official game in charge of Al Wasl on Thursday, against league champions Al Jazira.

Americans Abroad Recap: Friedel shows he's still got it, Team America gets a win

September 12, 2011 at 3:23 AM

Brad Friedel's work at goal snuffs out a potent Wolves attack

Two weeks of rest must have done Spurs some good as the club looked sharp on Saturday, topping Wolves 2-0 behind goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe. Friedel's work at goal ensured that the side kept a clean sheet.

Friedel was active early on, halting a strong attempt from former Spurs man Jamie O'Hara before
deflecting a swirling strike from Karl Henry. Soon thereafter the keeper held onto a Michael Kightly
header, capping a busy first half.

Finally, in the 67th minute, Tottenham took the lead after Scott Parker fed Adebayor for the close range goal. 13 minutes later, Defoe sealed the win by powering in a low effort after playing a nice one-two with Niko Kranjcar.

The London club finally got out of the bottom with the win, its first points of the season, while Friedel's effort helped in getting some much needed confidence going forward.

Team America squeaks past Dundee United

The Glasgow American tag team of Maurice Edu and Carlos Bocanegra played well over the weekend, aiding Rangers as it defeated Dundee United 1-0. Edu was aggressive early, nearly setting up a Steven Naismith goal but the attempt was off target.

Dundee saw Johnny Russell sent off in the 30th minute, giving the visitors a distinct advantage, however, Rangers did not make the breakthrough until the 61st minute. Striker Kyle Lafferty scored after a nice ball from Greg Wylde.

Bocanegra and Edu both did well keeping possession for Rangers while the defender especially excelled in maintaining a clean sheet for keeper Allan McGregor.

Fellow U.S. national winger Alejandro Bedoya was an unused subsitute in the match.

Timothy Chandler plays in a tightly contested 2-1 win over Cologne

Timothy Chandler played the full 90 minutes for Nuremberg as it squeaked to a narrow 2-1
victory away to FC Cologne.

Belgian veteran Timmy Simons netted twice in less than five minutes from the penalty spot before Adil Chihi pulled one back for the hosts in the first half. Nuremberg striker Tomas Pekhart was sent off with two yellow cards just three minutes before the break.

Despite being down a man, Nuremberg looked the better of the two sides after halftime. With just fifteen minutes left, Cologne defender Miso Brecko compounded his side's problems as he picked up a red card to effectively ending the team's hopes of a comeback.

Clint Dempsey and Fulham continue winless start

Fulham nabbed an another uninspired draw on Sunday against Blackburn as both teams struggled to find the net in the second half. Dempsey had an average performance, completing 28 passes while winning eight tackles and earning two free kicks.

Rovers opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a fabulous strike from Ruben Rochina. The Spain native powered in a pretty left-footed shot that clanged in off the underside of the
bar.

The Cottagers climbed back in six minutes later when Bobby Zamora snuck in and put one past Paul Robinson. Dempsey nearly found a few chances to win late but Paul Robinson and defender Gael Givet denied the former Revs star.

Other Americans in Europe:

Michael Bradley - Chievo Verona

Bradley was on the bench for Chievo but wasn't called into the duty as the side drew 2-2 with Novara.

Jozy Altidore - AZ Alkmaar

Altidore played well for AZ in its 4-0 annihilation of Vitesse, starting and going a full 90 minutes. AZ continues its strong start to the season and is only a point behind league leaders Ajax.

Steve Cherundolo - Hannover 96

Cherundolo couldn't add much in a start as his side suffered a crushing 3-0 loss against Stuttgart.

Daniel Williams and Fabian Johnson– TSG Hoffenheim

A yet uncapped USMNT prospect, Williams came on in the 57th minute for
Hoffenheim and assisted on a goal as the club crushed Mainz 4-0 away in Bundesliga action.

His teammate, Johnson, is already in the national team picture awaiting his paperwork. He started and played the full 90 minutes.

Oguchi Onyewu – Sporting Lisbon

Oguchi Onyewu finally made his debut for Sporting over the weekend, playing well
in a start and getting 90 minutes as the Lions scored three goals in the last 15 minutes to beat Pacos Ferreira 3-2 in the Portuguese Super Liga.

Barcelona confirms Alexis Sanchez faces eight-week injury layoff

September 12, 2011 at 3:03 AM

Barcelona has confirmed that attacker Alexis Sanchez will be unavailable for eight weeks after picking up a hamstring injury in his side's 2-2 La Liga draw away against Real Sociedad at the weekend.

The Chile international sustained the knock after landing awkwardly following a sliding tackle and was forced to leave the pitch after 31 minutes of play.

"Tests have confirmed this morning [Sunday] that the Chilean player has a tear in the femoral biceps of his right leg. He will be out for approximately eight weeks," a statement on the Barca website reads.

It continues by saying, "If that happens, Alexis will miss a total of 13 matches, between league and Champions League, and won't be back until the game against Zaragoza on matchday 13."

Barcelona is currently preparing for the Champions League match at home against AC Milan on Tuesday evening.