The Soccer Blog: Sporting

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Friday, 6 May 2011

Chelsea to Appoint West Ham Boss Avram Grant as Sporting Director

West Ham boss Avram Grant set for shock return to Chelsea if Guus Hiddink turns down sporting director job
The under pressure Hammers manager still speaks regularly to Blues owner Roman Abramovich and is the only other candidate if the Turkey boss rejects Stamford Bridge offer

Avram Grant will make a shock return to Chelsea as sporting director if Guus Hiddink turns the role down at the end of the season.

Goal.com understands Grant expects to lose his job as West Ham manager at the end of the season and has held regular conversations with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about a return to Stamford Bridge.

Frank Arnesen, Chelsea’s current sporting director, is leaving for Hamburg in the summer, with Turkey coach Hiddink the club’s first choice as his replacement.

But the Dutchman, who managed the Blues for three months in 2009, is expected to stay in charge of Turkey if they keep alive their Euro 2012 hopes by avoiding defeat against qualification rivals Belgium on June 3. Even if he leaves Turkey, the 64-year-old will also give consideration to offers from Ajax and PSV.

Grant has had a close relationship with Abramovich for many years and was himself Blues boss for most of the 2007-08 season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. According to sources familiar with the situation, Grant is the only alternative candidate after Hiddink and could be set for a return to Stamford Bridge.

Saturday, 2 April 2011

Real Madrid 0-1 Sporting Gijon: La Liga Highlights (Video)

1 comment by Mad Dog and Glory on April 2nd, 2011

Miguel de las Cuevas scored the only goal of the game to complete a memorable win for Sporting Gijon and help Barcelona closer to the La Liga title.

Sunday, 27 March 2011

MLS wrap: Ill-discipline costs Vancouver, Sporting

Heroes turned to villains in losses for Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver in the MLS on Saturday, while newboys Portland remain pointless.

After romping to a 4-2 win over Canadian rivals Toronto FC in their first MLS game last Saturday, new franchise Vancouver were dumped back to earth after slipping to Philadelphia Union 1-0 at PPL Park.The game changed in the 57th minute when the Whitecaps’ French striker Eric Hassli – scorer of a double on debut against Toronto – received a second yellow card for a late tackle on Philadelphia defender Carlos Valdes.Veteran striker and former MLS Golden Boot winner Carlos Ruiz then scored the game’s only goal on 77 minutes to send the Whitecaps back to Canada with a loss.Hassli’s fate mirrored that of Omar Bravo, with the Mexico striker sent off in the 31st minute of Sporting’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Fire.Bravo scored a double on his MLS debut in Round 1, but found himself making the wrong sort of headlines when he was forced to scramble back to defend a Sporting corner gone wrong and brought down Gaston Puerari in the penalty area as the last man.Diego Chaves put away the consequent penalty, with fellow Uruguayan striker Puerari adding a double. Kansas City replied with strikes from Matt Besler and Teal Bunbury.The Portland Timbers’ quest for their first ever MLS point continues after they were beaten 2-0 at Toronto, with Dutch striker Javier Martina scoring twice and the Canadian side surviving the late dismissal of Belgian midfielder Mikael Yourassowsky.Elsewhere, missing seven players due to injury and international call-ups and forced to turn to third-choice goalkeeper Alex Horwath, the New York Red Bulls pulled off a credible 0-0 draw at Columbus Crew.Former New York striker Juan Pablo Angel scored the first goal of his LA Galaxy career but it mattered little as his side lost 4-1 to Real Salt Lake, while New England edged DC United 2-1 at home after scoring two goals in the opening 16 minutes.American striker Chris Wondolowski struck a double in San Jose’s 2-0 win over Dallas.

Sun 27 March, 2011

MLS wrap: Ill-discipline costs Vancouver, Sporting

Heroes turned to villains in losses for Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver in the MLS on Saturday, while newboys Portland remain pointless.

Sun 27 March, 2011

Saturday, 26 March 2011

Sporting, Vasco to contest beach soccer final

Sporting Lisbon and Vasco da Gama will face off in the Beach Soccer Club World Cup final after both posted semi-final victories on Friday.

Sporting edged Lokomotiv Moscow 5-4 despite a late charge from the Russians, who rallied from 5-2 down to draw within a goal with four minutes remaining.Alan nodded Sporting into the lead on four minutes, and produced a sublime lob to double the Portuguese club’s lead nine minutes later.Belchior got in on the act with a header one minute later and Lokomotiv were reeling.The Russians pulled a goal back through Ilya Leonov, but Madjer found the net at the far post to keep Sporting ahead 4-1.Shaykov’s powerful strike reduced the deficit to 4-2, but Fernando got one back for Sporting with a magnificent volley in the 31st minute.That proved to be enough for Sporting, though Lokomotiv made the finish interesting as Igor Borsuk and Shaykov both produced late goals.Meanwhile, Vasco da Gama saw off fellow Brazilian club Flamengo 5-4 to join Sporting in Saturday’s final.Flamengo striker Andre, who leads the tournament in scoring, improved his tally to 13 with an impressive four goals, though his individual feat was not enough to lead his side to the final.Betinho broke the deadlock for Vasco in just the third minute, and Bruno Xavier’s header saw Flamengo fall two goals behind.Andre nabbed his first in the sixth minute, but Pampero’s powerful effort put the score 3-1 in favour of Vasco seven minutes later.Andre and Xavier then traded goals as score reached 4-2, and Andre’s hat-trick goal drew Flamengo within a goal.Pampero’s second gave Vasco some breathing space, and Andre was only able to add one more as time expired.

Sat 26 March, 2011

Sporting, Vasco to contest beach soccer final

Sporting Lisbon and Vasco da Gama will face off in the Beach Soccer Club World Cup final after both posted semi-final victories on Friday.

Sat 26 March, 2011

Sunday, 20 March 2011

Liga Sagres: Sporting Lisbon 0 Uniao de Leiria 0

Stuttering Sporting Lisbon were held to a goalless draw at home by Uniao de Leiria in Saturday’s sole Liga Sagres fixture.

It was a battle of two out of-form sides that have struggled in the last couple of months, highlighted by the fact Sporting, who sit third on the table, entered the game with just one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Uniao have fared no better and entered the encounter with just one win from their last nine matches and had amazingly only found the back of the net twice in that period.

Both managers rung the changes throughout the match, mainly to their attacking players, but the substitutions from Jose Couciero and Pedro Caixinha yielded no benefit as both sides were forced to share the spoils.

Sun 20 March, 2011

Liga Sagres: Sporting Lisbon 0 Uniao de Leiria 0

Stuttering Sporting Lisbon were held to a goalless draw at home by Uniao de Leiria in Saturday’s sole Liga Sagres fixture.

Uniao have fared no better and entered the encounter with just one win from their last nine matches and had amazingly only found the back of the net twice in that period.

Sun 20 March, 2011

Tuesday, 15 March 2011

Video: Andy Carroll v. Sporting Braga

By: Noel | March 15th, 2011
Tweet

With the return engagement against Sporting Braga coming on fast and Liverpool needing to win by a pair to ensure advancement, the hopes are high for Andy Carroll’s first start and that his presence might at least go some way towards making up for the absences of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez. So, a £35M transfer and everybody counting on you to save Liverpool’s European campaign–and likely their slim hopes for any football on the continent next season. No pressure, kid.

Certainly it can’t be denied that the team looked much better after his introduction last Thursday, which offers a contrast to when he came along against United and his introduction appeared to signal to his teammates that the game was done and dusted and that they could switch to autopilot, though on the whole neither could be considered a truly dominating performance. Clearly he does have the ability to control the air, but even in his cameo against Braga there were signs that with European officials he may have somewhat more than his fair share of calls go against him no matter if he’s fouled the defender or not–or even if the defender has clubbed him clear across the face. It would be easy to write it off as one bad official in this case, except that ex-Red and fellow High & Mighty shopper Peter Crouch’s European campaign for Tottenham this season has been noteworthy largely for the number of calls that don’t go his way, perhaps offering an ominous omen for Carroll’s future in continental competition.

In any case, it’s easy to imagine a fully fit and on form Carroll running into a unique set of obstacles even after he’s finished working out the rust. He does clearly feel comfortable with the ball at his feet, however, and appears willing to drift into wide areas and run at defenders. He may not be likely to beat a defender with guile, but on occasions when that is brought up as something lacking in his game it would be wise to remember that the number nine he’s replacing was hardly a technical magician, mainly relying on pace and the ability to accelerate, either using his speed and strength to muscle past backpedaling defenders or catching them flat-footed and beating them on the turn. Assuming Carroll doesn’t become too beloved a target for the referees, it’s not a stretch to think that both are skills that he already has in his locker, even if clearly not yet at the level Torres did in his prime. On this front at least, so as long as Liverpool doesn’t treat him like a one-trick pony and Carragher’s favourite target for aimless hoofs there’s no reason to believe he can’t be a great deal more than said novelty juggling equine.

With equine meaning forehead, I guess. And novelty juggling being the ability to knock down long balls. Or something. As long as over the long term Liverpool don’t find themselves becoming too dependent on an overly agricultural style of football, the early returns at least suggest promise.

Also important on Thursday, of course, will be that he reduces the need for at least one of Cole, Poulsen, or Spearing to be on the pitch, and given the relative performances against Braga by Cole and against a much tougher opponent in Manchester United by Maxi Rodriguez, there’s really no reason we should have to see any more than one of the bit part players. Andy Carroll may not have single-handedly torn Braga apart, and in truth he may never be the sort of striker to do that, but it was clear that Liverpool’s game became more cohesive after he came on. It’s hard to believe that if Liverpool advances it will be because Carroll puts them on his back and carries them, at the very least not on this Thursday, and so expecting him to do so would be misplaced and foolish. Still, there is already some reason to hope he’ll be able to make the rest of the side look at least a little bit better, and over the length of an entire home match that just might even be enough for this weakened Liverpool side to get the job done.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:Andy Carroll, Defensive Pairings, and Other Wednesday NotesMatchday: Liverpool v. BragaVideo: The Liverpool GrooveMatch Preview: Liverpool v. SC Braga, 03.10.11Braga 1, Liverpool 0: The Magic of the Europa League

Category: Europa League, Miscellaneous, Premier League

Tags: Andy Carroll, Europa League, Liverpool v. Braga, Miscellaneous, Premier League, Through the Looking Glass, Video Highlights, Video Killed the Radio Star, Welcome To Hoofghanistan
Tweet « Squad Depth, Silver Linings, and Other Monday Notes | Home | paulCarroll may give Kuyt someone to work with. Kuyt doing a solo forward's job doesn't work, he does much better when Suarez is weaving his magic. If Carroll can do half the job, we're in with a chance. But we've been so poor in Europe this year, I'm less than convinced. Here's hoping!cheekyfellowWe have 2 guys that can make something happen out of nothing now, March 20th cannot come any soonerredtrev73I reckon Carra's already curling his big toe upwards in anticipatory glee withh the prospect of a few of his patented hail-mary-hoofballs finding big Andy's pony-tailed pate....JasonGreat article, you never fail to make me have a good laugh after a long days work:
- "so as long as Liverpool doesn’t treat him like a one-trick pony and Carragher’s favourite target for aimless hoofs"
- "As long as over the long term Liverpool don’t find themselves becoming too dependent on an overly agricultural style of football"

Cheers
New Zealand Liverpool FC FanNoelTa. Though of course now all I can focus on is that I used the phrase "As long as" twice in quick succession, which was rather sloppy of me.EdAs long as nobody else notices, it should be fine.SeansterTo be honest me and some of my colleagues noticed it also, its the talk of the office in here. Sloppy is not the word.Smitty_wAs long as no one try,s to be funnyblog comments powered by Disqus

Harry Redknapp, England manager? (Awful writing) Is It Too Early to Get Excited About Sturridge? Denmark 1 - 2 England (Via Hamlet) more news...

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Saturday, 12 March 2011

US chiefs offer Marcelo Bielsa sporting director role

Former Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa has received an offer to take over the role of the sporting director in the US national team.

The US national team chief Sunil Gulati contacted the Argentine coach to send a formal proposal, as the federation want Bielsa to help United States climb to the forefront of the American football.

Bielsa would be responsible for working closely with coach Bob Bradley as well as be in charge of the various youth programs of the US Soccer Federation, based in Bradenton, Florida.

The national team spokesman, Neil Buethe confirmed that the federation is searching for a sporting director.

Thursday, 10 March 2011

Sporting Braga v Liverpool Europa League Live Streaming

no comments by Mr Neutral on March 10th, 2011

Kenny Dalglish’s in form side travel to Portugal

Watch Sporting Braga v Liverpool live streaming with GetSport.TV

Sporting Braga 1-0 Liverpool: Europa League Round of 16 Highlights (Video)

3 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on March 10th, 2011

Liverpool were narrow losers in this first leg in Braga where the hosts ran out winners thanks to a penalty awarded for a clumsy Sotirios Kyrgiakos tackle.

Premier League Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Sporting Braga vs Liverpool Highlights 2011 Video

Mar 10, 2011

Sporting Braga vs Liverpool

10th March 2011- 10/3/11

Europa League Round of 32- 18.00 UK kick off

Braga vs Liverpool is one of the early Europa League Round of 16 clashes. Liverpool will look to carry the momentum from their 3-1 win over Man United into this fixture against their Portuguese opponents. Highlights video from Braga vs Liverpool 2011 to follow after the game.

Sunday, 27 February 2011

Manager latest departure at Sporting

Sporting Lisbon’s season of tumult took another turn on Saturday when the Liga Sagres club sacked manager Paulo Sergio.

The 18-time league champions’ financial problems have led to the sale of several key members of the playing squad, while things have hardly been better off the pitch.

President Jose Eduardo Bettencourt and football director Costinha have both departed the club in the past month, with the former resigning and the latter sacked.

Key midfield pair and youth-team products Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso were both offloaded prior to the season to raise much-needed funds, while long-time leading scorer Liedson was sold back to Corinthians in January.

Despite the key departures and the club’s inability to match the spending of rivals Benfica and Porto, Sergio had guided Sporting into third on the Liga Sagres table and into the last 32 of the Europa League.

But bowing out of the continental competition at the hands of Rangers on Thursday and a winless streak extending back to January 24 in all competitions ultimately led to the end of Sergio’s 10-month spell at Sporting’s helm.

Sergio was philosophical about his sacking at a press conference on Saturday: “I leave without bitterness but disappointed because I did not manage to be champion at this club, which was my ambition, my dream and the reason I embraced this project,” he said.”We thought this was the right moment to end our working relationship. We had a sensible conversation and concluded that at this point in time it was better for another face to lead the group and lend the team the discernment necessary to win games. I hope a new discourse will bring immediate success to the team.”"I want to say thank you for the opportunity I was given. It was a privilege and an honour to serve this institution. I leave with a stronger bond to Sporting and I will root for a brilliant future for the club.”

General manager Jose Couceiro will guide the side for the remainder of the season, with stints at Porto and Lithuania on his managerial resume.

Sun 27 February, 2011

Comment on Sporting Gijon show Arsenal the way to tame Barca by jerry akpan

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Manager latest departure at Sporting

Sporting Lisbon’s season of tumult took another turn on Saturday when the Liga Sagres club sacked manager Paulo Sergio.

The 18-time league champions’ financial problems have led to the sale of several key members of the playing squad, while things have hardly been better off the pitch.

President Jose Eduardo Bettencourt and football director Costinha have both departed the club in the past month, with the former resigning and the latter sacked.

General manager Jose Couceiro will guide the side for the remainder of the season, with stints at Porto and Lithuania on his managerial resume.

Sun 27 February, 2011

Friday, 25 February 2011

Sporting Lisbon v Rangers 2-2 Highlights 2011 Video

Feb 25, 2011

Sporting Lisbon v Rangers

Europa League Round of 32- Portugal- February 24, 2011- Second Leg

Final score:- Sporting Lisbon vs Rangers 2-2 ( Mendes, Djalo/ Diouf, Edu)

Rangers progress to the Round of 16 of the Europa League on away goals after beating Sporting Lisbon on the away goals rule thanks to Maurice Edu’s late goal.

Sporting v Rangers 0-1 ( Diouf 20′ goal)

Sporting vs Rangers 1-1 ( Mendes 42′ goal)

Sporting Lisbon v Rangers 2-1 ( Yannick Djalo 83′ goal)

Sporting Lisbon v Rangers 2-2 ( Maurice Edu 90

Tuesday, 22 February 2011

Liga Sagres: Sporting Lisbon 0 Benfica 2

Benfica survived the first-half sending off of defender Sidnei to win a physical city derby against Sporting Lisbon 2-0 on Monday.

The win illustrated the gulf in quality between the two Lisbon sides this Liga Sagres season, with second-placed Benfica now 15 points ahead of their bitter rivals in third.

It took just 15 minutes for Benfica to take the lead. A cross from the right was only cleared by Sporting’s defence into the path of Eduardo Salvio – one of five Argentine players on the pitch – who took one touch before firing past goalkeeper Rui Patricio from close range.

Sporting quickly went about seeking an equaliser, with striker Yannick Djalo flashing a right-footed drive just wide and new Brazilian signing Cristiano finding the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for off-side.

Their job was made easier when Benfica central defender Sidnei was dismissed for his second yellow card inside five minutes as the first half drew to a close.

And Sporting almost restored parity in the 52nd minute when strike duo Helder Postiga and Djalo drew a double save out of Benfica shot-stopper Roberto Jimenez.

Cristiano needed attention after coming off second best in an aerial challenge with Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo in the lead up to the double chance, highlighting the increasingly bruising tone of the match.

Sporting – still struggling to adapt to life without regular top-scorer Liedson, who was sold back to Brazilian club Corinthians in January – had the majority of their chances to draw level from outside the area, with Djalo again firing wide from distance in the 59th minute.

And their inability to find a way through their opponents’ now-three man defence was punished when Nicolas Gaitan volleyed home from inside the box.

Benfica had won a free kick on the edge of the area, with Sporting captain Anderson Polga perhaps fortunate not to join Sidnei in the dressing room after he brought down a theatrical Gaitan as the last man.

The free kick was initially cleared, but Maxi Pereira’s cross back into the area was volleyed first time by Gaitan, though Rui Patricio’s efforts to save the shot were not helped by a wicked deflection.

Substitutes Diogo Salomao and Maniche both tried to their luck for Sporting as time ran out, but bragging rights emphatically belonged to Benfica.

Sporting must now attempt to hold on to third place on the Liga Sagres table, with Vitoria Guimares just one point in arrears.

Benfica’s win puts them 15 points above their Lisbon rivals, though they still trail league-leaders Porto by eight points.

Tue 22 February, 2011