Archive for 2012
Getafe Wins
Getafe 3 - 1 Valencia
Valencia's indescribable slump continued as they were beaten 3-1 in the capital by Getafe.
Unai Emery`s men have won just three games since the turn of the year and were humbled by Real Zaragoza in midweek, meaning all eyes were on them.
They failed dismally, though, with their defence parting on three occasions as Jaime Gavilan`s delivery proved too hot to handle.
He laid on goals for Pedro Rios, Miku and drew an own goal out of Bruno - all after Roberto Soldado had given Valencia an early lead.
Valencia`s fragile confidence was visible from the off as Getafe looked to get at them.
Diego Castro tried his luck from distance and then, with four minutes on the clock, Pedro Rios took aim from inside the box and saw his effort smothered by Vicente Guaita at his near post.
The visitors clearly decided attack was the best form of defence and took the lead after five minutes.
Jonas` reverse pass found Soldado and the former Getafe man crunched a drive into the top right-hand corner for his 16th league goal of the season.
He opted not to celebrate at his former home, but his old supporters were cheering themselves with 12 minutes gone.
Gavilan`s cross stood up nicely for Rios and he arrived right on time to nod an unstoppable header beyond Guaita.
Soldado went back on the offensive and dribbled his way into the box but, just as he was about to pull the trigger he was foiled by Miguel Moya and the ball sprayed away from goal.
The missed chance was a costly one, with Miku putting Getafe 2-1 up with 24 minutes gone.
Again it was a cross into the box that proved to be Valencia`s undoing, with Gavilan`s ball in finished off by Miku`s head.
Two quickly became three as some more shambolic defending cost Valencia.
Gavilan`s looping free-kick was being shepherded out by Bruno but, he somehow got his body in the way, the ball hit him and ballooned over Guaita for an own goal.
The pressure continued after the break, with Mehdi Lacen taking aim from distance and nearly making it four.
Seemingly tired of setting up others, Gavilan then looked to score himself but saw his 35-yard effort kept out by Guaita.
Valencia`s fortunes were summed up by the normally lethal Soldado nodding wide from six yards and, when Jeremy Mathieu wildly sidefooted away from goal when well set, it was clear it was not their night.
Madrid trash Sociedad 5-1
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Real Madrid got back to winning ways as they brushed aside Real Sociedad 5-1 as Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals apiece.
League leaders Madrid had dropped points at home to Malaga and away at Villarreal in the past six days, but any lingering doubts from those games were extinguished within seven minutes as Gonzalo Higuain swept home Benzema's pass.
Ronaldo made it two just after the half hour as he latched onto Kaka's through ball to calmly slot past Claudio Bravo for his 100th Primera Division goal, and Benzema added a third with a wonderful lob over Bravo five minutes before the break.
Xabi Prieto's deflected effort pulled a goal back for the visitors a minute later, but Real continued to dominate and Benzema and Ronaldo doubled their tallies after the break thanks to more great build-up play from Sami Khedira and Higuain respectively.
Barcelona had earlier claimed their seventh straight league victory as a goal in either half gave them a 2-0 win against Mallorca at the Iberostar Stadium.
Alexis Sanchez claimed he got the last touch to an inswinging Lionel Messi free-kick for the first, although there was still debate at the final whistle as to whether it should actually go down as the Argentinian's 55th of the season instead. Defender Gerard Pique settled the match by firing into an open goal after a Messi shot rebounded off the post.
Barca played the last 33 minutes with ten men after Thiago Alcantara was shown two yellow cards, while for Mallorca the result brought an end to their four-match unbeaten run.
Valencia's indescribable slump continued as they were beaten 3-1 in the capital by Getafe.
Unai Emery's men have won just three games since the turn of the year and were humbled by Real Zaragoza in midweek, meaning all eyes were on them at Getafe.
They failed dismally, though, with their defence parting on three occasions as Jaime Gavilan's delivery proved too hot to handle. He laid on goals for Pedro Rios, Miku and drew an own goal out of Bruno - all after Roberto Soldado had given Valencia an early lead.
Mallorca 0 - 2 Barcelona - Barca record seventh straight win
Barcelona kept the pressure on Primera Division leaders Real Madrid as a goal in either half earned them a seventh straight league win - 2-0 against Mallorca at the Iberostar Stadium.
Alexis Sanchez claimed he got the last touch to an inswinging Lionel Messi free-kick for the first, although there was still debate at the final whistle as to whether it should actually go down as the Argentinian's 55th of the season instead. Defender Gerard Pique settled it by firing into an open goal after a Messi shot rebounded off the post.
Barca played the last 33 minutes with 10 men after Thiago Alcantara was shown two yellow cards, while for Mallorca the result brought an end to their four-match unbeaten run.
Messi was presented with an early chance to score league goal number 35 of the campaign, but Israeli goalkeeper Dudu Aouate came out to block the Argentinian superstar's effort.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Sanchez was fouled by Ivan Ramis on the right flank, and after Messi's teasing left-footed free-kick evaded the head of Sergio Busquets, the Chilean winger claimed he had got the faintest headed touch to the ball at the far post as Aouate flapped at it.
Sanchez almost added a second in the 33rd minute when he was released into the box and fired in a shot which took a slight deflection off Jose Carlos Nunes, hit the underside of the bar and bounced out.
Barca's evening was made slightly more tricky as talented midfielder Thiago was shown a second yellow card for an apparent handball, but they eased any nerves they may have had with a second goal 11 minutes from time.
Carles Puyol found himself in an uncustomary advanced position and rolled the ball across the area to Messi, whose low left-foot shot had the beating of Aouate but bounced back off the goalkeeper's left-hand post, and Pique was on hand to bury the rebound.
Aouate came out to deny Cristian Tello from a tight angle, and Messi then produced a sublime ball to find Martin Montoya in space, but rather than volley goalwards he hacked the ball sideways. Substitute Tomer Hemed headed over a clear chance for the hosts in injury time.
LIVE LA LIGA
Mallorca vs Barcelona Live nOW
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Live @ 3:00PM (GMT)
Getafe vs Valencia Live @ 5:00PM (GMT)
Getafe VS Valencia Preview
21:00 +00:00, March 24, 2012
Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Spain
Valencia have won just three of their 12 league games since the winter break and were surprisingly beaten at home by Real Zaragoza on Wednesday night, but Garcia expects a similar performance to the one they showed in beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 last weekend when they travel to the capital to face his side.
He told the club's website, "I expect the Valencia that won 3-0 in San Mames against Athletic, that last year finished third and won here thanks to four goals from Roberto Soldado and that is still the best team in Spain behind the two giants.
"I expect the best Valencia, but I also expect a good Getafe, a competitive side and one that is continuing the good dynamic we have. We have 10 games left, six of them at home and we have to take advantage of them.''
Pedro Leon remains out injured and Abdel Barrada is a doubt so Pedro Rios and Jaime Gavilan could retain their place from the side that drew 0-0 with Osasuna in midweek.
Valencia boss Unai Emery has called on the club's fans to show the players more support.
The final whistle has been met by boos in each of Los Che's last three home games and Emery believes that could be affecting his players.
He told Marca, "They need to move forward. Demand yes, but we have to see if one day they are going to lift us in a game. I have never said anything against my bosses, and those are they fans, but at times their constant nature can cost the players.''
Emery is also less concerned about Valencia's away form as they have won their last two matches on the road.
"The team is on two paths. Away from home, where we are solid in our play and above all in our results and the other at home where, curiously, in the last two games where we have had more of the play and created more, we haven't won.''
Victor Ruiz should return to partner Adil Rami in defence as Angel Dealbert has been left out of the squad, whilst Tino Costa is also back from suspension.
Real Madrid VS Real Sociedad Preview
Real Madrid director of football Miguel Pardeza remains convinced the club can overcome what they believe to be unfair treatment at the hands of referees and regain the Primera Division title.
Madrid's lead at the top of the standings has been cut to six points over defending champions Barcelona after a tricky week which started by conceding an injury-time equaliser to Malaga at the Bernabeu and continued with a stormy 1-1 draw at Villarreal.
Cristiano Ronaldo put the visitors ahead at El Madrigal before they imploded, with Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil both sent off, along with coach Jose Mourinho and fitness coach Rui Faria.
Defender Pepe could also face disciplinary action from the Spanish federation for directing abuse at referee Paradas Romero in the tunnel after the game.
Mourinho and his assistant Aitor Karanka refused to speak to the media afterwards and have cancelled Friday's scheduled press commitments over what they perceive to be victimisation.
Pardeza did raise his head above the parapet, however, and insisted the club will battle through the controversy and win the league.
"We will continue to fight for our goals because we are still in an enviable situation,'' he told Marca.
"We will continue with the same spirit and attitude. Nothing and nobody is going to give up.
"The club would like to reassure the staff that our wish is to fight under the same conditions as others.
"That's what we want, to play on an equal basis.''
Although Barca have cranked up the pressure by winning their last six La Liga games, Pardeza believes Mourinho's men can prevail.
"The strength and mental toughness of this team is unquestionable and the Madrid fans should not worry because this is a squad with tremendous character,'' he added.
Sociedad have been dragged back towards the relegation spots in recent weeks after a run of three defeats in four games, the latest of which came on Wednesday when Levante left San Sebastian with a 3-1 victory.
And defender Mikel Gonzalez is hoping the match official Turienzo Alvarez is not swayed by this week's high-profile incidents.
He said at a press conference: "I hope he is not influenced.
"We know the impact of everything that happens around Real Madrid and Barcelona. They can fill an entire newspaper putting pressure on referees.
"But the refs are professionals and they know what is at stake for others. Not only are Madrid playing for things, so are we.''
Gonzalez admits the midweek setback was disappointing.
"We lost against Levante which was an important opportunity to move away from the places below and it is true that it may cost us.
"Now we have to try to obtain a positive result in the Bernabeu.
"They have some important players out as do we, but obviously we are playing one of the best teams in the world and we will have to concentrate until the final minute of the match.''
Sociedad will be missing Dani Estrada and Gorka Elustondo through suspension but Antoine Griezmann returns.
Mallocrca VS Barcelona Preview
Real Mallorca striker Emilio Nsue believes a four-match unbeaten run has brought a new level of confidence to the squad as they prepare to face Barcelona.
Two draws were followed by back-to-back wins over Atletico Madrid and Sporting Gijon, lifting the islanders 12 points clear of the Primera Division relegation zone.
The 3-2 midweek victory over Sporting was particularly pleasing for Nsue, who scored the second goal, and he sees no reason why they cannot challenge in-form Barca.
"Why not? We are playing well and you never know in football,'' the 22-year-old told www.diariodemallorca.es.
"Winning gives us more confidence now to enjoy the Barcelona game and we will see if we can get something from it now we have very high morale.''
Mallorca are just four points from the 40-point barrier which is usually enough to secure top-flight status.
However, Nsue sees no reason why they cannot aim above and beyond that over the last 10 matches of the season.
"This team should be ambitious, if we are we can look at going as high as possible,'' he said.
"We just have to stay calm, take it one game at a time and look at achieving our aims as soon as possible.
"Winning is important for the team. We're working well together, becoming a very close-knit and strong squad and we must continue on this path.
"Personally I've been working hard for months. I feel great, I'm improving all the time and I've grown in confidence. But the most important thing is to help the team.''
Mallorca coach Joaquin Caparros has doubts over the fitness of left-back Pablo Caceres (foot) and forward Alvaro (muscle) for the match.
Barca have also put together an impressive run of form, winning their last six league matches in a row.
That has allowed them to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to six points, although coach Pep Guardiola continues to play down their title hopes.
"Winning the last 10 games is not an easy task at all,'' he said. "There are many tough opponents.
"We have to carry on winning, nothing's changed. We are six points behind now and we will continue trying to win.
"It's better for us that Madrid aren't winning, but we have to continue winning.''
Dani Alves will miss the trip to Mallorca through suspension, while Adriano is sidelined with a thigh injury.
I-LEAGUE > PRAYAG UNITED VS MUMBAI FC PREVIEW
Prayag United along with Pune FC are two clubs who have turned a lot of heads with their performances this season in the I-League. Prayag who were enjoying a brilliant run of form had a sudden dip in their performance levels in the last week before the break as they suffered two back to back defeats from the hands of Salgaocar and Pune respectively. Both these were away fixtures but their match against Mumbai is at the Salt lake Stadium and Prayag are the only side who have not lost at home so far this season so the odds are stacked heavily in their favour ahead of the fixture. Their manager Sanjoy Sen must be proud of the fact that along with Salgaocar and Pune, his side has the least number of defeats this season; the worrying factor being that two out of these four came in their last two matches. Josimar will return for Prayag which will add a lot of depth to their strike force which already looks quite potent with Yakubu and Kayne Vincent. Defender Justin Stephen is also expected to return from suspension while Lalkamal, Jayanta and James will have to do most of the running in the midfield and on the flanks in order to feed the balls to their frontline.
Prayag United Probable Starting Lineup: Abhijit Mondal (GK), Chinta, Bello, Arnab, Justin, Denson, James, Jayanta, Lalkamal, Josimar, Yakubu
HAL Bangalore will most likely get relegated but it is still not certain which club will join them in the 2nd division of the I-league next season. Along with Chirag United, Mumbai FC are the other club who are running in contention to get relegated along with HAL. This makes these last few matches a whole lot more important for the Mumbai side. Barring a shocking win against Churchill in round 19, their only other win in the recent past came almost eight matches ago in round twelve of the I-league against Prayag United. The win came in late December but because it came against Prayag, it will definitely instil a lot of confidence in side from Maharashtra. One can only hope that Khalid Jamil’s side would have done a lot of introspection during the international break and would come out all guns blazing in order to open up the gap from Chirag United who have a game in hand. With a full squad available for selection, Khalid Jamil’s men have to put their best step forward during all their remaining fixtures in order to keep floating in the first division of the I-league.
Mumbai FC Probable Starting Lineup: Nidhinlal (GK), Dane, Amiri, Peter Siddiquii, Kima, Kuttimani, Cavin, Noel Wilson, Ebi Sukore, Abhishek, G. Friday
THE SOCCERTUB PREDECTION:
PRAYAG 1-2 MUMBAI FC
I-LEAGUE > DEMPO SC VS HAL BANGLORE PREVIEW
Dempo Probable Starting Lineup: Subhasish, Debabrata, Samir, Creson, Mahesh, Peter, Anthony, Densill, Climax, Ranti, Koko.
Indian winger Clifford Miranda is a doubtful starter for this game after picking up an injury during the India camp forcing him to miss the AFC Challenge Cup. In his absence Armando Colaco may field Peter Carvalho on the left although he may be tempted to play Anthony on the left and young Romeo Fernandes on the right who has been brilliant for them in the Goa League. The defense will remain unchanged with Samir, Debabrata, Mahesh and Cresson making the flat back four. Climax and Densill will start in the middle of the park while Koko and Ranti will play upfront with Japanese Yusuke Kato- who scored a brace in his first start in the Goa League coming in on as a substitute. This is a must win game for Dempo especially with their three closest rivals facing potentially tricky encounters. Third placed Salgaocar take on East Bengal away while Mohun Bagan face a potentially tricky away tie against AirIndia. HAL are currently seven points away from safety buy Pailan Arrows’ certainty of finishing among the bottom two and their insulation from relegation means that HAL are technically ten points away from safety and avoiding the drop looks a huge ask for the Bangalore based side. They will also be missing P. Pramod due to suspension. However they cannot be written off especially after they defeated Dempo in their final game of the season at this very ground last year to avoid the drop. R.C Prakash will once again be their trump card as they hope to do an encore against Dempo and secure their second win of the season.
HAL Bangalore Probable Starting Lineup: Amar, Biju, Debnath, Chand, Kenneth, James, Jagaba, Karthikeyan, Mutath, Joseph, Prakash.
THE SOCCERTUB PREDECTION:
DEMPO 2-2 HAL
I-LEAGUE --> CHIRAG UNITED CLUB KERALA VS SHILLONG LAJONG FC PREVIEW
With just one win, Chirag United’s home form has been of a big concern for them this season but with a full strength squad available Biswajit would be hoping to come out with a win in his first I-League match, in charge of the southern outfit.
The Ghanaian pair of Dzisah and Boakye will be marshalling the men at the backline while Asif, Vineeth and Sukhwinder are expected to provide the spark in the middle of the pitch. Meanwhile, Sunday along with Jimshad will be present up ahead of the park and would be hoping to repeat their performance against Air India.
Chirag United Probable Starting Lineup: Arindam (GK), Issac, Jagdeep, Faisal, Gurjinder, Charles, Sukhwinder, Asif, Vineeth, Jimshad, David Sunday.
The north eastern side went into the break on the back of a hat trick of wins with the last one coming against the mighty East Bengal. Placed in tenth position the “Reds” will hope to carry forward their winning streak in order to finish in the top half of the league.
A come from behind win over East Bengal will give the side from Meghalaya a lot of self belief. The pair of Menyongar and the latest signing-Mayora up ahead of the field might prove to be a really lethal strike force as they might be fielded with an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Their manager Pradyum Reddy is expected to field in Renedy Singh while Sushil Singh might be on the bench as he had a horrible stint in the recently concluded 2012 AFC Challenger Cup in Nepal. Also, W. Passah returns to action after serving his suspension against East Bengal and will be taking his right back position in the starting eleven against Chirag United.
Shillong Lajong Probable Starting Lineup: Soram (GK), Passah, Z. Ralte, C.Lallawmzuala Romenjit, Lyngdoh, Renedy Singh, Lalchhuanmawia, Matthew, C. Lalnunmawia, Menyongar.
The Soccertub Predictions:
Chirag United 2-1 Shillong Lajong
The world reacts to Venkatesh's demise
Millions of fans around the globe watched in horror as Fabrice Muamba collapsed at White Hart Lane on Saturday, in a grim reminder of the potential for on-field tragedy to strike anywhere in the football world.
 | ON-FIELD TRAGEDY Recent cases of SCD |
| June 2003 | Marc-Vivien Foe, Cameroon [pictured] |
| Oct 2004 | Serginho, Sao Caetano |
| Aug 2007 | Antonio Puerta, Sevilla |
| Dec 2007 | Phil O'Donnell, Motherwell |
| Aug 2009 | Daniel Jarque, Espanyol |
| Aug 2011 | Naoki Matsuda, Matsumoto Yamaga |
The Bolton Wanderers midfielder, enormously popular among his fellow professionals, suffered a heart attack during the first half of his team's FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham Hotspur.
The use of a defibrillator and the vital work of attending medical staff saved the 23-year-old's life, and he is now recovering in hospital.
Four days later, 28-year-old Bangalore Mars player D Venkatesh was not so fortunate, suffering a heart attack in an Indian district league match.
With no ambulance present, an auto-rickshaw was needed to take Venkatesh to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
As the contrasting examples of Muamba and Venkatesh demonstrate, the curse of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) does not discriminate on the basis of talent, or professionalism.
Other high-profile victims of SCD include Marc Vivien Foe, who collapsed while playing for Cameroon in a Confederations Cup match in 2003.
Attempts to resuscitate the 28-year-old former Manchester City player tragically failed.
Four years later, Sevilla fullback Antonio Puerta suffered a cardiac arrest in a La Liga match against Getafe, and passed away in the intensive care unit of a local hospital, aged 22.
SCD can strike any young athlete, amateur or elite, anywhere in the world, raising the spectre of a similar tragedy occurring at the highest level in Australia.
Indeed, former Socceroo Tony Vidmar may have narrowly avoided such a fate, when an irregular heart beat caused by a blood clot - later successfully treated - prompting his withdrawal from Australia's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad.
The first step in attempting to reduce SCD from occurring is regular screening, with Football Federation Australia and the Professional Footballers' Association confident in the thoroughness and effectiveness of their prevention process.
In 2004, a working group on the subject of SCD - conducted under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee - published its "Lausanne Recommendations".
The report was an attempt to develop a medical consensus on the most effective, consistent process for screening and detecting potentially fatal cardiac issues in athletes under 35.
According to PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab, under the terms of the latest collective bargaining agreement signed between the PFA and the FFA, the implementation of the Lausanne Recommendations became mandatory for all A-League clubs from this season onwards.
Speaking to Goal.com, FFA head of medical services Dr Jeff Steinweg confirmed the screening methods detailed in the Lausanne Recommendations formed a key aspect of the A-League's prevention process.
"It is part of what the clubs have to do," Steinweg said.
"It's in the collective bargaining agreement that [the players] need to be medically assessed [in the form of a cardiac screening process] by a doctor.
"You take the history [of the player and his family], you do an examination and you do an ECG [electrocardiogram]... if there are any red flags, follow that up.
"We're well aware of sudden cardiac death. FIFA has a conference on screening, they had one two years ago and there's another one I'm going to in May.
"The FFA stance is that we take it very seriously. All A-League clubs undergo screening, all national training centre and institute players in the program also do it."
While the Lausanne Recommendations offer a unified process for attempting to reduce the risk of SCD, medical experts acknowledge screening is not guaranteed to detect all underlying issues.
In October 2010 - three years after Puerta's death - Spanish footballer Miguel Garcia suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Las Palmas against Real Betis.
"[Muamba] probably wouldn't be here today if there wasn't a defibrillator there."- Dr Jeff Steinweg on the measures taken against SCD.
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Then 31, the midfielder was revived through a combination of cardiac massage and the use of a defibrillator.
As with the case of Muamba, Garcia's survival demonstrates the crucial need for the presence of properly equipped medical personal.
While ambulances were not a mandatory requirement at English Premier League matches until after 2006, Steinweg believes the FFA and A-League have the necessary facilities in place to try and avert potential tragedy.
"We have ambulances at each of our A-League matches which are equipped with defibrillators," Steinweg said.
"We also have a policy where each team has their own doctor [at matches]. So we have two doctors on the sidelines, as well as paramedic and ambulance back-up.
"Sudden cardiac death does occur - screening does not prevent sudden cardiac death, but it decreases the risk.
"And having a defibrillator at matches also is help, as we know from the Bolton incident ... [Muamba] probably wouldn't be here today if there wasn't a defibrillator there."
PFA chief executive Schwab confirmed both his organisation and FIFPro [the International Federation of Professional Footballers] consider the issue one of paramount importance.
"Football doesn't have the same resources as the AFL and the NRL, but we take the health of the players not just seriously, but as a fundamental requirement," Schwab told Goal.com.
"As we understand, [based on] the Lausanne Recommendations, the best approach is to test the players and find out the health of each player in advance, so that the appropriate treatment and preventative steps can be taken.
"One of the big debates after the death of Vivien Foe was whether such testing was reasonable... as a consequence every player [in Australia] can and must be tested on an annual basis.
"And the best advice we have received is that the nature of illness... [means] that frequency of testing is appropriate.
"Obviously we need to take advice on these things, that's the advice we've received and that's what has been signed off with the FFA."
Each year, participants across a variety of sports and football codes sadly pass away after suffering cardiac arrest in competition or training.
Regrettably, many amateur and some semi-professional competitions lack the resources to guarantee the presence of an ambulance and a defibrillator at every match.
But when a competition's finances are sufficient to do so, ensuring the presence of appropriate medical care is an absolute necessity.
And the bodies which administer and govern professional football in Australia deserve to be commended for leaving nothing to chance in - with apologies to the great Shankly - what is truly a matter of life and death.
England Euro 2012 tickets unsold
Tickets still available for England games at Euro 2012, Uefa confirms
Tickets remain available for all of England's group matches at Euro 2012, Uefa has confirmed.
Sales of tickets from England's allocation for their Group D encounters, which are all in Ukraine, are going slowly but Michel Platini, the Uefa president, said he was confident all the fixtures would be sell-outs.
"The stadia are sold out apart from four matches. It takes some time and has been a bit slow for some matches in Ukraine, including England v France [in Donetsk on 11 June]," he said. "But we have no concerns that the stadia will be completely full to the rafters."
Tickets for England verses Sweden in Kiev on 15 June are also available on the Euro 2012 ticket website.
Tickets already sold but being offered for resale via Uefa include the game with Ukraine in Donetsk on 19 June and "follow your team" tickets that would enable England fans to see any knockout matches the side reach as well as the three group games.
Tickets are being offered for resale for nine other games in Ukraine, including the co-hosts' matches with Sweden and France and the two quarter-finals the country is staging.
Fear of failure drives on Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho's side, who tackle Real Sociedad on Saturday, have dropped four points in the past week after two 1-1 draws at home to Malaga and away to Villarreal, where they also had two players sent off.
Defending champions Barcelona, meanwhile, go to in-form Mallorca, unbeaten in four games.
Madrid were surprised by a last minute leveller from a free-kick by Malaga's Santi Cazorla last Sunday, before losing Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil to red cards against Villarreal on Wednesday after Marcos Senna had equalised with another late free-kick.
Mourinho and assistant Rui Farias were sent from the bench in a sign that nerves may be creeping in as Madrid get closer to breaking Barca's dominance of the last three La Liga titles.
After the game Mourinho refused to speak to the press or allow anyone else from his camp to discuss the match.
Having lost only once in 22 league games -- 2-1 at home to Barcelona in December -- it was a major shock for 'Los blancos' to drop points twice in a matter of days.
But Madrid president Florentino Perez sent out a message of defiance in the wake of Wednesday's setback.
"Madrid and their fans never give up," he said at the presentation of a Real Madrid theme park set to open in the United Arab Emirates in 2015.
Real Sociedad lost 3-1 at home to Levante in midweek, having to play the second-half with 10 men after midfielder Gorka Elustondo was sent off.
Centre-half Mikel Gonzalez believes the feeling of injustice will spur them on in the Santiago Bernabeu.
"There is no point in complaining about referee decisions, both teams have a lot at stake on Saturday but if we can survive to the last period of the game alive, we have a chance of getting something from Madrid," he said.
Barcelona will go to Mallorca in good spirits.
Lionel Messi will be in celebratory mood after becoming the club's all time leading goalscorer on Tuesday with a hat-trick in the 5-3 win over Granada, taking his tally to 234 career goals.
The little Argentinian will also be defending his position for the prize of 'Pichichi' at the top of La Liga's goalscoring charts, where he now leads Cristiano Ronaldo by one with 34 league strikes.
Third-placed Valencia go to Getafe with coach Unai Emery under pressure despite their league position and good form in the Europa League.
The 2-1 defeat at home to bottom club Zaragoza on Wednesday means the gap to city neighbour Levante in fourth position has been reduced to three points. Levante entertain sixth placed Osasuna on Sunday.
Also in the race for European football next season are Malaga in fifth who go to eighth-placed Espanyol.
Atletico Madrid, currently in seventh, go to rejuvenated basement side Zaragoza who are finally in touching distance -- within two points -- of Racing Santander and Sporting Gijon after being stranded at the bottom for the last 14 rounds of games.
Saturday
Mallorca v Barcelona (1700 GMT), Real Madrid v Real Sociedad (1900 GMT), Getafe v Valencia (2100 GMT)
Sunday
Zaragoza v Atletico Madrid (1100 GMT), Levante v Osasuna (1500 GMT), Espanyol v Malaga (1500 GMT), Atletic Bilbao v Sporting Gijon (1700 GMT), Real Betis v Racing Santander (1845 GMT), Rayo Vallecano v Villarreal (1845 GMT)
Monday
Granada v Sevilla (2000 GMT)
Football death: AIFF official says Indians are just not fit enough
If Fabrice Muamba’s case sent ripples across European football, then D. Venkateshan’s death in an A-division match hosted by the Bangalore District Football Association made Indians realise how important medical facilities are during a sporting event.
Muamba, who is now recovering, was given immediate treatment on the field before being stretchered off and transported to a hospital.
India's Singh and Lawrence lie on the ground next to goalkeeper Paul during their 2011 Asian Cup Group C soccer match. Reuters
But with Venkateshan, that was not meant to be. There was no ambulance on the scene and the players and a physio had to perform basic treatment to try and revive him.
However, the All India Football Federation believes that they alone can’t be blamed for such incidents.
“Take any player – Baichung (Bhutia), (Sunil) Chhetri, be it anyone, they are just not fit enough. One side of the story is that the clubs and the federations are blamed. But it is also up to the players to maintain themselves. Some of them have a very undisciplined life. These are supposed to be the most fit athletes, but it is far from that.,” said an unnamed source in the AIFF.
“To be very frank, even when the Indian team went to the AFC, our players were unfit. They need to be at their peak during the middle of the season.”
He also compared athletes from other sports: “Cricketers are not dying, hockey players are not dying… why are only football players dying? I don’t think they take enough care of themselves. The coaches have to work really hard to push them to peak fitness before a season.”
Venkateshan is not the first Indian player to suffer from such a Sudden Death Syndrome. Sanjib Dutta, midfielder for Mohun Bagan, lost his life after a player’s elbow sank into his chest during a tackle in 1993.
Dempo’s Cristiano Junior, who collapsed after a collision with Subrata Paul in 2004 is also one of the high-profile incidents. Even at that time, hospital officials said that there was no request made for doctors to be at the match.
In another incident, HAL goalkeeper Arun Kumar had died of a heart-attack after a collision during training in 2011.
“I am not saying that the federations are not partly responsible. The AIFF makes sure there are two ambulances and one doctor before kick-off in tournaments that we host. What happened with Venkateshan is regrettable and we have asked for an explanation from the federation responsible for the tournament.”
No ambulance around, Indian footballer dies on pitch
New Delhi: An Indian player died after collapsing on the pitch during a district-level league match, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Wednesday.
Local media reported 27-year-old Bangalore Mars striker D Venkatesh collapsed following a cardiac arrest at the Bangalore Football Stadium.
With no ambulance around, his Bangalore Mars team mates hired a an auto-rickshaw to take him to a local hospital where Venkatesh was declared dead, one report said.
27-year-old Bangalore Mars striker D Venkatesh collapsed following a cardiac arrest at the Bangalore Football Stadium. AFP
“Venkatesh came on as a substitute in the second half for his club against South Western Railway in a Bangalore District Football Association ‘A’ Division match and collapsed during the fag end of the match,” the AIFFsaid on its website.
Federation officials, however, were not available for further details.
The death coincides with the English Premier League’s decision to review its medical procedures following Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s cardiac arrest while playing against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Muamba is recovering in hospital.
It was in Bangalore that top Indian club Dempo’s Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior died after colliding with Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul in the final of the 2004 Federation Cup.
Reuters
APOEL's Pardo voices disapproval of Mourinho's 'violent attitude'
Mourinho was accused of poking Barcelona assistant coach Vilanova in the eye at the end of this season's Supercopa clash at Camp Nou.
Pardo has the utmost respect for the Portuguese's managerial ability, having gotten to know the former Inter boss during their respective stints at Camp Nou, but he believes that Mourinho regularly oversteps the mark when it comes to winding up opponents.
"He started from the bottom and I think he plays the media well," the former Blaugrana B team player told El Mundo Deportivo. "But Mourinho has exceeded the limits [of what is acceptable].
"Although this is a business, I still see football as a sport. I am against his kind of violent attitude, like putting his finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova."
Mourinho referred to APOEL as Anorthosis during a press conference after last week's draw for the Champions League quarter-finals but passed it off as a slip of the tongue.
However, Pardo believes that the two-time European Cup winner knew exactly what he was doing.
"It was no mistake," the 29-year-old argued. "He did it on purpose. It's all part of his game."
APOEL will host Madrid in the first leg of their last-eight clash in Nicosia on March 27.
SOURCE: GOAL.COM
Ribery welcomes l'OM draw
Franck Ribery has expressed his delight at seeing current charges Bayern Munich pitched against former employers Marseille in the UEFA Champions League.
The draw for the quarter-finals of this season's competition has seen the cream of the crop from Germany and France placed in direct competition.
A two-legged tie will see the two sides compete for a place in the last four and the opportunity to move a step closer to a final that it is set to be staged at Bayern's Allianz Arena home.
While the importance of the contest is clear for all to see, Ribery has added incentive to do well.
It was during his time with Marseille that he really came to the fore and the France international admits he is relishing an opportunity to return to familiar surroundings and reacquaint himself with the club that helped to put him on the road to superstardom.
Pressure
"Obviously I will be under more pressure than other players, but it will be two very important matches for us," Ribery told L'Equipe.
"I know Marseille and their fans very well. There will be a lot of emotion there.
"I experienced two very good years at Marseille. It was then that I broke into the France team. My relationship with the fans was wonderful. I was an idol.
"Playing the return leg at home will be good for us. Marseille are a difficult side to play against, but we are Bayern and we have set big targets this season that we intend to reach."
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Monday
Tuesday
Saturday
Getafe Wins
Getafe 3 - 1 Valencia
Valencia's indescribable slump continued as they were beaten 3-1 in the capital by Getafe.
Unai Emery`s men have won just three games since the turn of the year and were humbled by Real Zaragoza in midweek, meaning all eyes were on them.
They failed dismally, though, with their defence parting on three occasions as Jaime Gavilan`s delivery proved too hot to handle.
He laid on goals for Pedro Rios, Miku and drew an own goal out of Bruno - all after Roberto Soldado had given Valencia an early lead.
Valencia`s fragile confidence was visible from the off as Getafe looked to get at them.
Diego Castro tried his luck from distance and then, with four minutes on the clock, Pedro Rios took aim from inside the box and saw his effort smothered by Vicente Guaita at his near post.
The visitors clearly decided attack was the best form of defence and took the lead after five minutes.
Jonas` reverse pass found Soldado and the former Getafe man crunched a drive into the top right-hand corner for his 16th league goal of the season.
He opted not to celebrate at his former home, but his old supporters were cheering themselves with 12 minutes gone.
Gavilan`s cross stood up nicely for Rios and he arrived right on time to nod an unstoppable header beyond Guaita.
Soldado went back on the offensive and dribbled his way into the box but, just as he was about to pull the trigger he was foiled by Miguel Moya and the ball sprayed away from goal.
The missed chance was a costly one, with Miku putting Getafe 2-1 up with 24 minutes gone.
Again it was a cross into the box that proved to be Valencia`s undoing, with Gavilan`s ball in finished off by Miku`s head.
Two quickly became three as some more shambolic defending cost Valencia.
Gavilan`s looping free-kick was being shepherded out by Bruno but, he somehow got his body in the way, the ball hit him and ballooned over Guaita for an own goal.
The pressure continued after the break, with Mehdi Lacen taking aim from distance and nearly making it four.
Seemingly tired of setting up others, Gavilan then looked to score himself but saw his 35-yard effort kept out by Guaita.
Valencia`s fortunes were summed up by the normally lethal Soldado nodding wide from six yards and, when Jeremy Mathieu wildly sidefooted away from goal when well set, it was clear it was not their night.
Madrid trash Sociedad 5-1
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Real Madrid got back to winning ways as they brushed aside Real Sociedad 5-1 as Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals apiece.
League leaders Madrid had dropped points at home to Malaga and away at Villarreal in the past six days, but any lingering doubts from those games were extinguished within seven minutes as Gonzalo Higuain swept home Benzema's pass.
Ronaldo made it two just after the half hour as he latched onto Kaka's through ball to calmly slot past Claudio Bravo for his 100th Primera Division goal, and Benzema added a third with a wonderful lob over Bravo five minutes before the break.
Xabi Prieto's deflected effort pulled a goal back for the visitors a minute later, but Real continued to dominate and Benzema and Ronaldo doubled their tallies after the break thanks to more great build-up play from Sami Khedira and Higuain respectively.
Barcelona had earlier claimed their seventh straight league victory as a goal in either half gave them a 2-0 win against Mallorca at the Iberostar Stadium.
Alexis Sanchez claimed he got the last touch to an inswinging Lionel Messi free-kick for the first, although there was still debate at the final whistle as to whether it should actually go down as the Argentinian's 55th of the season instead. Defender Gerard Pique settled the match by firing into an open goal after a Messi shot rebounded off the post.
Barca played the last 33 minutes with ten men after Thiago Alcantara was shown two yellow cards, while for Mallorca the result brought an end to their four-match unbeaten run.
Valencia's indescribable slump continued as they were beaten 3-1 in the capital by Getafe.
Unai Emery's men have won just three games since the turn of the year and were humbled by Real Zaragoza in midweek, meaning all eyes were on them at Getafe.
They failed dismally, though, with their defence parting on three occasions as Jaime Gavilan's delivery proved too hot to handle. He laid on goals for Pedro Rios, Miku and drew an own goal out of Bruno - all after Roberto Soldado had given Valencia an early lead.
Mallorca 0 - 2 Barcelona - Barca record seventh straight win
Barcelona kept the pressure on Primera Division leaders Real Madrid as a goal in either half earned them a seventh straight league win - 2-0 against Mallorca at the Iberostar Stadium.
Alexis Sanchez claimed he got the last touch to an inswinging Lionel Messi free-kick for the first, although there was still debate at the final whistle as to whether it should actually go down as the Argentinian's 55th of the season instead. Defender Gerard Pique settled it by firing into an open goal after a Messi shot rebounded off the post.
Barca played the last 33 minutes with 10 men after Thiago Alcantara was shown two yellow cards, while for Mallorca the result brought an end to their four-match unbeaten run.
Messi was presented with an early chance to score league goal number 35 of the campaign, but Israeli goalkeeper Dudu Aouate came out to block the Argentinian superstar's effort.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Sanchez was fouled by Ivan Ramis on the right flank, and after Messi's teasing left-footed free-kick evaded the head of Sergio Busquets, the Chilean winger claimed he had got the faintest headed touch to the ball at the far post as Aouate flapped at it.
Sanchez almost added a second in the 33rd minute when he was released into the box and fired in a shot which took a slight deflection off Jose Carlos Nunes, hit the underside of the bar and bounced out.
Barca's evening was made slightly more tricky as talented midfielder Thiago was shown a second yellow card for an apparent handball, but they eased any nerves they may have had with a second goal 11 minutes from time.
Carles Puyol found himself in an uncustomary advanced position and rolled the ball across the area to Messi, whose low left-foot shot had the beating of Aouate but bounced back off the goalkeeper's left-hand post, and Pique was on hand to bury the rebound.
Aouate came out to deny Cristian Tello from a tight angle, and Messi then produced a sublime ball to find Martin Montoya in space, but rather than volley goalwards he hacked the ball sideways. Substitute Tomer Hemed headed over a clear chance for the hosts in injury time.
LIVE LA LIGA
Mallorca vs Barcelona Live nOW
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Live @ 3:00PM (GMT)
Getafe vs Valencia Live @ 5:00PM (GMT)
Getafe VS Valencia Preview
21:00 +00:00, March 24, 2012
Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Spain
Valencia have won just three of their 12 league games since the winter break and were surprisingly beaten at home by Real Zaragoza on Wednesday night, but Garcia expects a similar performance to the one they showed in beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 last weekend when they travel to the capital to face his side.
He told the club's website, "I expect the Valencia that won 3-0 in San Mames against Athletic, that last year finished third and won here thanks to four goals from Roberto Soldado and that is still the best team in Spain behind the two giants.
"I expect the best Valencia, but I also expect a good Getafe, a competitive side and one that is continuing the good dynamic we have. We have 10 games left, six of them at home and we have to take advantage of them.''
Pedro Leon remains out injured and Abdel Barrada is a doubt so Pedro Rios and Jaime Gavilan could retain their place from the side that drew 0-0 with Osasuna in midweek.
Valencia boss Unai Emery has called on the club's fans to show the players more support.
The final whistle has been met by boos in each of Los Che's last three home games and Emery believes that could be affecting his players.
He told Marca, "They need to move forward. Demand yes, but we have to see if one day they are going to lift us in a game. I have never said anything against my bosses, and those are they fans, but at times their constant nature can cost the players.''
Emery is also less concerned about Valencia's away form as they have won their last two matches on the road.
"The team is on two paths. Away from home, where we are solid in our play and above all in our results and the other at home where, curiously, in the last two games where we have had more of the play and created more, we haven't won.''
Victor Ruiz should return to partner Adil Rami in defence as Angel Dealbert has been left out of the squad, whilst Tino Costa is also back from suspension.
Real Madrid VS Real Sociedad Preview
Real Madrid director of football Miguel Pardeza remains convinced the club can overcome what they believe to be unfair treatment at the hands of referees and regain the Primera Division title.
Madrid's lead at the top of the standings has been cut to six points over defending champions Barcelona after a tricky week which started by conceding an injury-time equaliser to Malaga at the Bernabeu and continued with a stormy 1-1 draw at Villarreal.
Cristiano Ronaldo put the visitors ahead at El Madrigal before they imploded, with Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil both sent off, along with coach Jose Mourinho and fitness coach Rui Faria.
Defender Pepe could also face disciplinary action from the Spanish federation for directing abuse at referee Paradas Romero in the tunnel after the game.
Mourinho and his assistant Aitor Karanka refused to speak to the media afterwards and have cancelled Friday's scheduled press commitments over what they perceive to be victimisation.
Pardeza did raise his head above the parapet, however, and insisted the club will battle through the controversy and win the league.
"We will continue to fight for our goals because we are still in an enviable situation,'' he told Marca.
"We will continue with the same spirit and attitude. Nothing and nobody is going to give up.
"The club would like to reassure the staff that our wish is to fight under the same conditions as others.
"That's what we want, to play on an equal basis.''
Although Barca have cranked up the pressure by winning their last six La Liga games, Pardeza believes Mourinho's men can prevail.
"The strength and mental toughness of this team is unquestionable and the Madrid fans should not worry because this is a squad with tremendous character,'' he added.
Sociedad have been dragged back towards the relegation spots in recent weeks after a run of three defeats in four games, the latest of which came on Wednesday when Levante left San Sebastian with a 3-1 victory.
And defender Mikel Gonzalez is hoping the match official Turienzo Alvarez is not swayed by this week's high-profile incidents.
He said at a press conference: "I hope he is not influenced.
"We know the impact of everything that happens around Real Madrid and Barcelona. They can fill an entire newspaper putting pressure on referees.
"But the refs are professionals and they know what is at stake for others. Not only are Madrid playing for things, so are we.''
Gonzalez admits the midweek setback was disappointing.
"We lost against Levante which was an important opportunity to move away from the places below and it is true that it may cost us.
"Now we have to try to obtain a positive result in the Bernabeu.
"They have some important players out as do we, but obviously we are playing one of the best teams in the world and we will have to concentrate until the final minute of the match.''
Sociedad will be missing Dani Estrada and Gorka Elustondo through suspension but Antoine Griezmann returns.
Mallocrca VS Barcelona Preview
Real Mallorca striker Emilio Nsue believes a four-match unbeaten run has brought a new level of confidence to the squad as they prepare to face Barcelona.
Two draws were followed by back-to-back wins over Atletico Madrid and Sporting Gijon, lifting the islanders 12 points clear of the Primera Division relegation zone.
The 3-2 midweek victory over Sporting was particularly pleasing for Nsue, who scored the second goal, and he sees no reason why they cannot challenge in-form Barca.
"Why not? We are playing well and you never know in football,'' the 22-year-old told www.diariodemallorca.es.
"Winning gives us more confidence now to enjoy the Barcelona game and we will see if we can get something from it now we have very high morale.''
Mallorca are just four points from the 40-point barrier which is usually enough to secure top-flight status.
However, Nsue sees no reason why they cannot aim above and beyond that over the last 10 matches of the season.
"This team should be ambitious, if we are we can look at going as high as possible,'' he said.
"We just have to stay calm, take it one game at a time and look at achieving our aims as soon as possible.
"Winning is important for the team. We're working well together, becoming a very close-knit and strong squad and we must continue on this path.
"Personally I've been working hard for months. I feel great, I'm improving all the time and I've grown in confidence. But the most important thing is to help the team.''
Mallorca coach Joaquin Caparros has doubts over the fitness of left-back Pablo Caceres (foot) and forward Alvaro (muscle) for the match.
Barca have also put together an impressive run of form, winning their last six league matches in a row.
That has allowed them to close the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to six points, although coach Pep Guardiola continues to play down their title hopes.
"Winning the last 10 games is not an easy task at all,'' he said. "There are many tough opponents.
"We have to carry on winning, nothing's changed. We are six points behind now and we will continue trying to win.
"It's better for us that Madrid aren't winning, but we have to continue winning.''
Dani Alves will miss the trip to Mallorca through suspension, while Adriano is sidelined with a thigh injury.
Friday
I-LEAGUE > PRAYAG UNITED VS MUMBAI FC PREVIEW
Prayag United along with Pune FC are two clubs who have turned a lot of heads with their performances this season in the I-League. Prayag who were enjoying a brilliant run of form had a sudden dip in their performance levels in the last week before the break as they suffered two back to back defeats from the hands of Salgaocar and Pune respectively. Both these were away fixtures but their match against Mumbai is at the Salt lake Stadium and Prayag are the only side who have not lost at home so far this season so the odds are stacked heavily in their favour ahead of the fixture. Their manager Sanjoy Sen must be proud of the fact that along with Salgaocar and Pune, his side has the least number of defeats this season; the worrying factor being that two out of these four came in their last two matches. Josimar will return for Prayag which will add a lot of depth to their strike force which already looks quite potent with Yakubu and Kayne Vincent. Defender Justin Stephen is also expected to return from suspension while Lalkamal, Jayanta and James will have to do most of the running in the midfield and on the flanks in order to feed the balls to their frontline.
Prayag United Probable Starting Lineup: Abhijit Mondal (GK), Chinta, Bello, Arnab, Justin, Denson, James, Jayanta, Lalkamal, Josimar, Yakubu
HAL Bangalore will most likely get relegated but it is still not certain which club will join them in the 2nd division of the I-league next season. Along with Chirag United, Mumbai FC are the other club who are running in contention to get relegated along with HAL. This makes these last few matches a whole lot more important for the Mumbai side. Barring a shocking win against Churchill in round 19, their only other win in the recent past came almost eight matches ago in round twelve of the I-league against Prayag United. The win came in late December but because it came against Prayag, it will definitely instil a lot of confidence in side from Maharashtra. One can only hope that Khalid Jamil’s side would have done a lot of introspection during the international break and would come out all guns blazing in order to open up the gap from Chirag United who have a game in hand. With a full squad available for selection, Khalid Jamil’s men have to put their best step forward during all their remaining fixtures in order to keep floating in the first division of the I-league.
Mumbai FC Probable Starting Lineup: Nidhinlal (GK), Dane, Amiri, Peter Siddiquii, Kima, Kuttimani, Cavin, Noel Wilson, Ebi Sukore, Abhishek, G. Friday
THE SOCCERTUB PREDECTION:
PRAYAG 1-2 MUMBAI FC
I-LEAGUE > DEMPO SC VS HAL BANGLORE PREVIEW
Dempo Probable Starting Lineup: Subhasish, Debabrata, Samir, Creson, Mahesh, Peter, Anthony, Densill, Climax, Ranti, Koko.
Indian winger Clifford Miranda is a doubtful starter for this game after picking up an injury during the India camp forcing him to miss the AFC Challenge Cup. In his absence Armando Colaco may field Peter Carvalho on the left although he may be tempted to play Anthony on the left and young Romeo Fernandes on the right who has been brilliant for them in the Goa League. The defense will remain unchanged with Samir, Debabrata, Mahesh and Cresson making the flat back four. Climax and Densill will start in the middle of the park while Koko and Ranti will play upfront with Japanese Yusuke Kato- who scored a brace in his first start in the Goa League coming in on as a substitute. This is a must win game for Dempo especially with their three closest rivals facing potentially tricky encounters. Third placed Salgaocar take on East Bengal away while Mohun Bagan face a potentially tricky away tie against AirIndia. HAL are currently seven points away from safety buy Pailan Arrows’ certainty of finishing among the bottom two and their insulation from relegation means that HAL are technically ten points away from safety and avoiding the drop looks a huge ask for the Bangalore based side. They will also be missing P. Pramod due to suspension. However they cannot be written off especially after they defeated Dempo in their final game of the season at this very ground last year to avoid the drop. R.C Prakash will once again be their trump card as they hope to do an encore against Dempo and secure their second win of the season.
HAL Bangalore Probable Starting Lineup: Amar, Biju, Debnath, Chand, Kenneth, James, Jagaba, Karthikeyan, Mutath, Joseph, Prakash.
THE SOCCERTUB PREDECTION:
DEMPO 2-2 HAL
I-LEAGUE --> CHIRAG UNITED CLUB KERALA VS SHILLONG LAJONG FC PREVIEW
With just one win, Chirag United’s home form has been of a big concern for them this season but with a full strength squad available Biswajit would be hoping to come out with a win in his first I-League match, in charge of the southern outfit.
The Ghanaian pair of Dzisah and Boakye will be marshalling the men at the backline while Asif, Vineeth and Sukhwinder are expected to provide the spark in the middle of the pitch. Meanwhile, Sunday along with Jimshad will be present up ahead of the park and would be hoping to repeat their performance against Air India.
Chirag United Probable Starting Lineup: Arindam (GK), Issac, Jagdeep, Faisal, Gurjinder, Charles, Sukhwinder, Asif, Vineeth, Jimshad, David Sunday.
The north eastern side went into the break on the back of a hat trick of wins with the last one coming against the mighty East Bengal. Placed in tenth position the “Reds” will hope to carry forward their winning streak in order to finish in the top half of the league.
A come from behind win over East Bengal will give the side from Meghalaya a lot of self belief. The pair of Menyongar and the latest signing-Mayora up ahead of the field might prove to be a really lethal strike force as they might be fielded with an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Their manager Pradyum Reddy is expected to field in Renedy Singh while Sushil Singh might be on the bench as he had a horrible stint in the recently concluded 2012 AFC Challenger Cup in Nepal. Also, W. Passah returns to action after serving his suspension against East Bengal and will be taking his right back position in the starting eleven against Chirag United.
Shillong Lajong Probable Starting Lineup: Soram (GK), Passah, Z. Ralte, C.Lallawmzuala Romenjit, Lyngdoh, Renedy Singh, Lalchhuanmawia, Matthew, C. Lalnunmawia, Menyongar.
The Soccertub Predictions:
Chirag United 2-1 Shillong Lajong
The world reacts to Venkatesh's demise
Millions of fans around the globe watched in horror as Fabrice Muamba collapsed at White Hart Lane on Saturday, in a grim reminder of the potential for on-field tragedy to strike anywhere in the football world.
| ON-FIELD TRAGEDY Recent cases of SCD |
| June 2003 | Marc-Vivien Foe, Cameroon [pictured] |
| Oct 2004 | Serginho, Sao Caetano |
| Aug 2007 | Antonio Puerta, Sevilla |
| Dec 2007 | Phil O'Donnell, Motherwell |
| Aug 2009 | Daniel Jarque, Espanyol |
| Aug 2011 | Naoki Matsuda, Matsumoto Yamaga |
The Bolton Wanderers midfielder, enormously popular among his fellow professionals, suffered a heart attack during the first half of his team's FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham Hotspur.
The use of a defibrillator and the vital work of attending medical staff saved the 23-year-old's life, and he is now recovering in hospital.
Four days later, 28-year-old Bangalore Mars player D Venkatesh was not so fortunate, suffering a heart attack in an Indian district league match.
With no ambulance present, an auto-rickshaw was needed to take Venkatesh to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
As the contrasting examples of Muamba and Venkatesh demonstrate, the curse of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) does not discriminate on the basis of talent, or professionalism.
Other high-profile victims of SCD include Marc Vivien Foe, who collapsed while playing for Cameroon in a Confederations Cup match in 2003.
Attempts to resuscitate the 28-year-old former Manchester City player tragically failed.
Four years later, Sevilla fullback Antonio Puerta suffered a cardiac arrest in a La Liga match against Getafe, and passed away in the intensive care unit of a local hospital, aged 22.
SCD can strike any young athlete, amateur or elite, anywhere in the world, raising the spectre of a similar tragedy occurring at the highest level in Australia.
Indeed, former Socceroo Tony Vidmar may have narrowly avoided such a fate, when an irregular heart beat caused by a blood clot - later successfully treated - prompting his withdrawal from Australia's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad.
The first step in attempting to reduce SCD from occurring is regular screening, with Football Federation Australia and the Professional Footballers' Association confident in the thoroughness and effectiveness of their prevention process.
In 2004, a working group on the subject of SCD - conducted under the umbrella of the International Olympic Committee - published its "Lausanne Recommendations".
The report was an attempt to develop a medical consensus on the most effective, consistent process for screening and detecting potentially fatal cardiac issues in athletes under 35.
According to PFA chief executive Brendan Schwab, under the terms of the latest collective bargaining agreement signed between the PFA and the FFA, the implementation of the Lausanne Recommendations became mandatory for all A-League clubs from this season onwards.
Speaking to Goal.com, FFA head of medical services Dr Jeff Steinweg confirmed the screening methods detailed in the Lausanne Recommendations formed a key aspect of the A-League's prevention process.
"It is part of what the clubs have to do," Steinweg said.
"It's in the collective bargaining agreement that [the players] need to be medically assessed [in the form of a cardiac screening process] by a doctor.
"You take the history [of the player and his family], you do an examination and you do an ECG [electrocardiogram]... if there are any red flags, follow that up.
"We're well aware of sudden cardiac death. FIFA has a conference on screening, they had one two years ago and there's another one I'm going to in May.
"The FFA stance is that we take it very seriously. All A-League clubs undergo screening, all national training centre and institute players in the program also do it."
While the Lausanne Recommendations offer a unified process for attempting to reduce the risk of SCD, medical experts acknowledge screening is not guaranteed to detect all underlying issues.
In October 2010 - three years after Puerta's death - Spanish footballer Miguel Garcia suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Las Palmas against Real Betis.
"[Muamba] probably wouldn't be here today if there wasn't a defibrillator there."- Dr Jeff Steinweg on the measures taken against SCD.
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Then 31, the midfielder was revived through a combination of cardiac massage and the use of a defibrillator.
As with the case of Muamba, Garcia's survival demonstrates the crucial need for the presence of properly equipped medical personal.
While ambulances were not a mandatory requirement at English Premier League matches until after 2006, Steinweg believes the FFA and A-League have the necessary facilities in place to try and avert potential tragedy.
"We have ambulances at each of our A-League matches which are equipped with defibrillators," Steinweg said.
"We also have a policy where each team has their own doctor [at matches]. So we have two doctors on the sidelines, as well as paramedic and ambulance back-up.
"Sudden cardiac death does occur - screening does not prevent sudden cardiac death, but it decreases the risk.
"And having a defibrillator at matches also is help, as we know from the Bolton incident ... [Muamba] probably wouldn't be here today if there wasn't a defibrillator there."
PFA chief executive Schwab confirmed both his organisation and FIFPro [the International Federation of Professional Footballers] consider the issue one of paramount importance.
"Football doesn't have the same resources as the AFL and the NRL, but we take the health of the players not just seriously, but as a fundamental requirement," Schwab told Goal.com.
"As we understand, [based on] the Lausanne Recommendations, the best approach is to test the players and find out the health of each player in advance, so that the appropriate treatment and preventative steps can be taken.
"One of the big debates after the death of Vivien Foe was whether such testing was reasonable... as a consequence every player [in Australia] can and must be tested on an annual basis.
"And the best advice we have received is that the nature of illness... [means] that frequency of testing is appropriate.
"Obviously we need to take advice on these things, that's the advice we've received and that's what has been signed off with the FFA."
Each year, participants across a variety of sports and football codes sadly pass away after suffering cardiac arrest in competition or training.
Regrettably, many amateur and some semi-professional competitions lack the resources to guarantee the presence of an ambulance and a defibrillator at every match.
But when a competition's finances are sufficient to do so, ensuring the presence of appropriate medical care is an absolute necessity.
And the bodies which administer and govern professional football in Australia deserve to be commended for leaving nothing to chance in - with apologies to the great Shankly - what is truly a matter of life and death.
Thursday
England Euro 2012 tickets unsold
Tickets still available for England games at Euro 2012, Uefa confirms
Tickets remain available for all of England's group matches at Euro 2012, Uefa has confirmed.
Sales of tickets from England's allocation for their Group D encounters, which are all in Ukraine, are going slowly but Michel Platini, the Uefa president, said he was confident all the fixtures would be sell-outs.
"The stadia are sold out apart from four matches. It takes some time and has been a bit slow for some matches in Ukraine, including England v France [in Donetsk on 11 June]," he said. "But we have no concerns that the stadia will be completely full to the rafters."
Tickets for England verses Sweden in Kiev on 15 June are also available on the Euro 2012 ticket website.
Tickets already sold but being offered for resale via Uefa include the game with Ukraine in Donetsk on 19 June and "follow your team" tickets that would enable England fans to see any knockout matches the side reach as well as the three group games.
Tickets are being offered for resale for nine other games in Ukraine, including the co-hosts' matches with Sweden and France and the two quarter-finals the country is staging.
Fear of failure drives on Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho's side, who tackle Real Sociedad on Saturday, have dropped four points in the past week after two 1-1 draws at home to Malaga and away to Villarreal, where they also had two players sent off.
Defending champions Barcelona, meanwhile, go to in-form Mallorca, unbeaten in four games.
Madrid were surprised by a last minute leveller from a free-kick by Malaga's Santi Cazorla last Sunday, before losing Sergio Ramos and Mesut Ozil to red cards against Villarreal on Wednesday after Marcos Senna had equalised with another late free-kick.
Mourinho and assistant Rui Farias were sent from the bench in a sign that nerves may be creeping in as Madrid get closer to breaking Barca's dominance of the last three La Liga titles.
After the game Mourinho refused to speak to the press or allow anyone else from his camp to discuss the match.
Having lost only once in 22 league games -- 2-1 at home to Barcelona in December -- it was a major shock for 'Los blancos' to drop points twice in a matter of days.
But Madrid president Florentino Perez sent out a message of defiance in the wake of Wednesday's setback.
"Madrid and their fans never give up," he said at the presentation of a Real Madrid theme park set to open in the United Arab Emirates in 2015.
Real Sociedad lost 3-1 at home to Levante in midweek, having to play the second-half with 10 men after midfielder Gorka Elustondo was sent off.
Centre-half Mikel Gonzalez believes the feeling of injustice will spur them on in the Santiago Bernabeu.
"There is no point in complaining about referee decisions, both teams have a lot at stake on Saturday but if we can survive to the last period of the game alive, we have a chance of getting something from Madrid," he said.
Barcelona will go to Mallorca in good spirits.
Lionel Messi will be in celebratory mood after becoming the club's all time leading goalscorer on Tuesday with a hat-trick in the 5-3 win over Granada, taking his tally to 234 career goals.
The little Argentinian will also be defending his position for the prize of 'Pichichi' at the top of La Liga's goalscoring charts, where he now leads Cristiano Ronaldo by one with 34 league strikes.
Third-placed Valencia go to Getafe with coach Unai Emery under pressure despite their league position and good form in the Europa League.
The 2-1 defeat at home to bottom club Zaragoza on Wednesday means the gap to city neighbour Levante in fourth position has been reduced to three points. Levante entertain sixth placed Osasuna on Sunday.
Also in the race for European football next season are Malaga in fifth who go to eighth-placed Espanyol.
Atletico Madrid, currently in seventh, go to rejuvenated basement side Zaragoza who are finally in touching distance -- within two points -- of Racing Santander and Sporting Gijon after being stranded at the bottom for the last 14 rounds of games.
Saturday
Mallorca v Barcelona (1700 GMT), Real Madrid v Real Sociedad (1900 GMT), Getafe v Valencia (2100 GMT)
Sunday
Zaragoza v Atletico Madrid (1100 GMT), Levante v Osasuna (1500 GMT), Espanyol v Malaga (1500 GMT), Atletic Bilbao v Sporting Gijon (1700 GMT), Real Betis v Racing Santander (1845 GMT), Rayo Vallecano v Villarreal (1845 GMT)
Monday
Granada v Sevilla (2000 GMT)
Football death: AIFF official says Indians are just not fit enough
If Fabrice Muamba’s case sent ripples across European football, then D. Venkateshan’s death in an A-division match hosted by the Bangalore District Football Association made Indians realise how important medical facilities are during a sporting event.
Muamba, who is now recovering, was given immediate treatment on the field before being stretchered off and transported to a hospital.
India's Singh and Lawrence lie on the ground next to goalkeeper Paul during their 2011 Asian Cup Group C soccer match. Reuters
But with Venkateshan, that was not meant to be. There was no ambulance on the scene and the players and a physio had to perform basic treatment to try and revive him.
However, the All India Football Federation believes that they alone can’t be blamed for such incidents.
“Take any player – Baichung (Bhutia), (Sunil) Chhetri, be it anyone, they are just not fit enough. One side of the story is that the clubs and the federations are blamed. But it is also up to the players to maintain themselves. Some of them have a very undisciplined life. These are supposed to be the most fit athletes, but it is far from that.,” said an unnamed source in the AIFF.
“To be very frank, even when the Indian team went to the AFC, our players were unfit. They need to be at their peak during the middle of the season.”
He also compared athletes from other sports: “Cricketers are not dying, hockey players are not dying… why are only football players dying? I don’t think they take enough care of themselves. The coaches have to work really hard to push them to peak fitness before a season.”
Venkateshan is not the first Indian player to suffer from such a Sudden Death Syndrome. Sanjib Dutta, midfielder for Mohun Bagan, lost his life after a player’s elbow sank into his chest during a tackle in 1993.
Dempo’s Cristiano Junior, who collapsed after a collision with Subrata Paul in 2004 is also one of the high-profile incidents. Even at that time, hospital officials said that there was no request made for doctors to be at the match.
In another incident, HAL goalkeeper Arun Kumar had died of a heart-attack after a collision during training in 2011.
“I am not saying that the federations are not partly responsible. The AIFF makes sure there are two ambulances and one doctor before kick-off in tournaments that we host. What happened with Venkateshan is regrettable and we have asked for an explanation from the federation responsible for the tournament.”
No ambulance around, Indian footballer dies on pitch
New Delhi: An Indian player died after collapsing on the pitch during a district-level league match, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said on Wednesday.
Local media reported 27-year-old Bangalore Mars striker D Venkatesh collapsed following a cardiac arrest at the Bangalore Football Stadium.
With no ambulance around, his Bangalore Mars team mates hired a an auto-rickshaw to take him to a local hospital where Venkatesh was declared dead, one report said.
27-year-old Bangalore Mars striker D Venkatesh collapsed following a cardiac arrest at the Bangalore Football Stadium. AFP
“Venkatesh came on as a substitute in the second half for his club against South Western Railway in a Bangalore District Football Association ‘A’ Division match and collapsed during the fag end of the match,” the AIFFsaid on its website.
Federation officials, however, were not available for further details.
The death coincides with the English Premier League’s decision to review its medical procedures following Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s cardiac arrest while playing against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
Muamba is recovering in hospital.
It was in Bangalore that top Indian club Dempo’s Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior died after colliding with Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul in the final of the 2004 Federation Cup.
Reuters
APOEL's Pardo voices disapproval of Mourinho's 'violent attitude'
Mourinho was accused of poking Barcelona assistant coach Vilanova in the eye at the end of this season's Supercopa clash at Camp Nou.
Pardo has the utmost respect for the Portuguese's managerial ability, having gotten to know the former Inter boss during their respective stints at Camp Nou, but he believes that Mourinho regularly oversteps the mark when it comes to winding up opponents.
"He started from the bottom and I think he plays the media well," the former Blaugrana B team player told El Mundo Deportivo. "But Mourinho has exceeded the limits [of what is acceptable].
"Although this is a business, I still see football as a sport. I am against his kind of violent attitude, like putting his finger in the eye of Tito Vilanova."
Mourinho referred to APOEL as Anorthosis during a press conference after last week's draw for the Champions League quarter-finals but passed it off as a slip of the tongue.
However, Pardo believes that the two-time European Cup winner knew exactly what he was doing.
"It was no mistake," the 29-year-old argued. "He did it on purpose. It's all part of his game."
APOEL will host Madrid in the first leg of their last-eight clash in Nicosia on March 27.
SOURCE: GOAL.COM
Ribery welcomes l'OM draw
Franck Ribery has expressed his delight at seeing current charges Bayern Munich pitched against former employers Marseille in the UEFA Champions League.
The draw for the quarter-finals of this season's competition has seen the cream of the crop from Germany and France placed in direct competition.
A two-legged tie will see the two sides compete for a place in the last four and the opportunity to move a step closer to a final that it is set to be staged at Bayern's Allianz Arena home.
While the importance of the contest is clear for all to see, Ribery has added incentive to do well.
It was during his time with Marseille that he really came to the fore and the France international admits he is relishing an opportunity to return to familiar surroundings and reacquaint himself with the club that helped to put him on the road to superstardom.
Pressure
"Obviously I will be under more pressure than other players, but it will be two very important matches for us," Ribery told L'Equipe.
"I know Marseille and their fans very well. There will be a lot of emotion there.
"I experienced two very good years at Marseille. It was then that I broke into the France team. My relationship with the fans was wonderful. I was an idol.
"Playing the return leg at home will be good for us. Marseille are a difficult side to play against, but we are Bayern and we have set big targets this season that we intend to reach."
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