Bayern’s Misery

 

Frank Ribery, the French international has come into the spotlight after his admission that he will not see out his contract at Bayern Munich which runs until 2011. This has alerted several top clubs of the continent. Ribery moved to Munich from Marseilles in 2007 in a reportedly 25 million pounds deal. Although, he is currently happy at the Bavarian club but might want to seek European glory which looks difficult to come for the side from Allianz Arena.

 

Another possible departure is that of Lucas Podolski, who signed for the club three years ago from Cologne. His playing time has been greatly reduced due to the arrival of Miroslav Klose who along with Toni is higher than him in the pecking order. Cologne are ready to get their player back but Bayern are not ready to allow Podolski to leave for scrap. The German international might leave during this transfer window with both clubs close to the deal. It seems Bayern’s hope of getting European glory might suffer hugely by the two high profile exits.

Arshavin to arrive Emirates next week

Arsenal is ready to land Zenit star Arshavin at the Emirates Stadium next week according to his agent. Although in start the deal seemed to be difficult as Arsenal wanted to buy him around 10 million pounds and the player might leave for Arsenal rival Tottenham Hotspurs. But according to reports Arsenal is now buying him for 15 million pounds which is good for Arsenal looking at the talent of the player.

United was also linked with the player in Summer but they got hold of Berbatov who has proved to be stunning for them. Arsenal needed a striker after the injury of Eduardo and they were depending on Adebayor. Bendtner also played the striking role for Arsenal but now after the arrival of Arshavin they can do much better. Arshavin wants to go to Arsenal and Zenit are happy with it. The deal has turned out to be perfect for both the clubs.

MLS Players Suspended

Jeff Parke of the NY Red Bulls made his public apology Saturday after being suspended for 10 games from Major League Soccer because of taking up a certain substance which is banned by the league.

A substance called androstatriendione and boldenone metabolites were positively found with both Parke and Jon Conway during a routine check up. According to the two, they bought the supplemental vitamin in a local store.

Parke admits he was careless that he had not consulted the proper team personnel before taking those vitamins. He also said that he is willing to take full responsibility of his acts and hopes that it would serve as a lesson to other players.

It was the first time that an MLS player has been suspended due to a banned substance. There has been no official statement from Conway since the suspension has been released.

Juan Carlos Osorio who is the coach of Red Bulls was really shocked when he heard the suspension. He reiterated that both players are sorry for what happened but they didn’t intend to embarrass anyone and it was an honest mistake which they have accepted.

With the suspension, both players are not allowed to play in any competition within the 10 game suspensions. In addition, each of the players would be fined 10% of their basic salary.

Coach Basile of Argentina Resigned

According to Argentina’s national soccer association, Coach of Argentina Alfio Basile has rendered his resignation when they were beaten by Chile last Wednesday.

Chile defeated Argentina with a score of 1-0. This has led Argentina to be behind Paraguay for seven points in a qualifier for the World Cup.

Coach Basile’s career with the national team is closed upon his resignation.

Basile is previously responsible in leading the Argentineans to the 1994 World Cup in the United States but were defeated by the Romanians which have prompted his first resignation with the national team.

He again took the responsibility as a coach following the resignation of Jose Pekerman. Basile managed to reach the team in the finals of the Copa America in 2007. Argentina failed again against Brazil with a final 3-0.

Sergio Batista is being eyed as a replacement since he is part of the winning during the Word Cup in 1986 as well as responsible in leading the team to bring home the gold during the Olympic Games.

Sergio said, “I’m convinced I can coach the senior team. If it’s my turn, I will take it.”

Lionel Messi admits that the team didn’t play well including himself. He expressed that there are many things that the team must put into track.

With Basile’s resignation it has not yet been confirmed who will take charge of the Argentineans team.

Spain makes it a perfect Euro 2008

Spain today ended what has to be said “a perfect Euro 2008 campaign” with a 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final, in the Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna, Austria. It took a 33 minute strike from Liverpool’s EL Nino, Fernando Torres to give Spain their first major title in 44 years.

The game started slowly but the Spanish were characteristic in maintaining majority of the possession but never made any major in rodes in the German defense. Germany came into their own with some teasing crosses but no real chance on goal.

On the 33 minute mark; Torres out ran Germany’s left back Phillip Lahm to win a ball that was not supposed to be his and staired his shot over the onrushing Jens Lehmann, to make it 1-0 to Spain at half time.

The second half did not produce much excitement as it seemed Spain was content with their 1-0 lead. The Germanys tried relentlessly to find the equalizer but all their efforts proved futile. It was not be for Michael Ballack and Germany. Ballack who has never won a major final in his career, has lost the second final in this year following his club Chelsea’s loss to Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final in May.

It has indeed been a very disappointing career for the German # 13 who either not featured in the final for his team or lose the final when he plays. Maybe its his #?

Spain are Euro 2008 Champions and it must be said they have been the most consistent team in the Euros as well as the only undefeated team in the competition.

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