Tag Archives: buffon

World Cup qualifying round up with Mario Balotelli and Robin van Persie both scoring twice

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Super Mario continues scoring streak with two goals for Italy… and Van Persie moves above legend Cruyff in Dutch record books

By
Charlie Skillen

PUBLISHED:

23:49 GMT, 26 March 2013

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UPDATED:

23:59 GMT, 26 March 2013

Mario Balotelli continued his hot streak in front of goals with both goals in Italy's 2-0 win over Malta.

The former Manchester City striker struck a penalty home in the eighth minute before rounding off the win with a cheeky lob inside the area on the stroke of half-time.

The victory, which also saw keeper Gianluigi Buffon deny Malta's Michael Mifsud from the penalty spot, puts Italy three points clear of Bulgaria at the top of Group B.

All smiles: Mario Balotelli celebrates scoring his second goal in Italy's 2-0 win over Malta, and in action (below)

All smiles: Mario Balotelli celebrates scoring his second goal in Italy's 2-0 win over Malta, and in action (below)

MALTA, MALTA - MARCH 26: Mario Balotelli of Italy#9 and Gareth Sciberras of Malta compete for the ball during the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifier match between Malta and Italy at Ta Qali Stadium on March 26, 2013 in Malta, Malta.

Meanwhile, Robin van Persie's season got even better as a brace in Holland's comfortable 4-0 win over Romania lifted him above Dutch legend Johann Cryuff in the national side's all-time scoring table.

Former Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart opened the scoring in the 11th minute, while after the break Van Persie struck twice, the second a penalty, and Jeremain Lens added a fourth in the final minute to leave the Netherlands seven points clear at the top of Group D.

Van Persie wasn't the only Premier League player starring in their national sides' win, as Chelsea's Eden Hazard netted the only goal of the game in Belgium's victory over Macedeonia.

Jubilation: Robin van Persie celebrates topping Johan Cryuff's scoring record, and with Arjen Robben (below)

Jubilation: Robin van Persie celebrates topping Johan Cryuff's scoring record, and with Arjen Robben (below)

RVP

The winger took the ball past two defenders before firing low with his left foot to cement his side's place at the top of Group A above Wales' conquerers Croatia.

Liverpool centre back Daniel Agger was also on target, salvaging Denmark a point against Bulgaria by converting from the spot to earn a 1-1 draw.

Watford's on-loan star Matej Vydra was another English-based player to score twice, setting the Czech republic well on their way to a 3-0 victory at Armenia before the visitors sealed the win through substitute Daniel Kolar.

On target: Chelsea's Eden Hazard scored Belgium's only goal in their triumph over Macedonia

On target: Chelsea's Eden Hazard scored Belgium's only goal in their triumph over Macedonia

In England's group, Goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Khacheridi helped 10-man Ukraine edge to a 2-1 win over Moldova, who grabbed a late consolation through Alexandr Suvorov.

Robert Lewandowski scored two penalties either side of Lukasz Piszczek's strike, while Lukasz Teodorczyk and Jakub Kosecki were also on the scoresheet as Poland hammered San Marino 5-0.

On the up: Watford's Czech Republic striker Matej Vydra celebrates after scoring his second goal

On the up: Watford's Czech Republic striker Matej Vydra celebrates after scoring his second goal

Germany moved five points clear of Sweden at the top of Group C after their Borussia Dortmund connection inspired them to a 4-1 win over Kazakhstan.

Marco Reus was on target twice with Mario Gotze and Ilkay Gundogan also scoring for Joachim Low's men.

Top of the group: Marco Reus of Germany scores his team's fourth goal in their rout over Kazakhstan

Top of the group: Marco Reus of Germany scores his team's fourth goal in their rout over Kazakhstan

Greuther Furth's Heinrich Schmidtgal scored a consolation for the visitors, who caused Germany an unexpectedly high number of problems in the second half.

Stuttering Portugal also claimed a win, with second-half goals from Bruno Alves and Hugo Almeida sealing a 2-0 Group F victory at 10-man Azerbaijan.

Celtic want UEFA answers over referee"s performance in Champions League defeat to Juventus

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Celtic demand answers from UEFA over Champions League ref with boss Lennon still furious at Juventus wrestle tactics

By
John Mcgarry

PUBLISHED:

14:01 GMT, 15 February 2013

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UPDATED:

22:56 GMT, 15 February 2013

Celtic will go to UEFA to seek an explanation as to why referee Alberto Mallenco failed to apply the letter of the law in the 3-0 defeat to Juventus on Tuesday.

Neil Lennon’s side were comprehensively beaten by the Italian champions, but much of the aftermath focused on the reluctance of the Spanish official to penalise the roughhouse tactics of the visitors while defending set-plays.

Despite Juve’s back-line repeatedly bear-hugging their opponents at the 10 corners Celtic forced, Mallenco’s actions were limited to yellow cards for Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Padoin, while Gary Hooper and Scott Brown were also cautioned.

Corner chaos: Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon got to grips with Celtic striker Gary Hooper

Corner chaos: Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon got to grips with Celtic striker Gary Hooper

NOW READ GRAHAM POLL

Celtic
were beaten by Juve – but they were let down by the referee. Big Daddy,
Giant Haystacks and Mick McManus were all that was missing from this
wrestling extravaganza

And Lennon, who does not dispute that Juve deserved to win the match, will now dispatch a DVD of the visitors’ tactics to Nyon in the coming days together with a letter seeking an explanation for Mallenco’s inaction.

‘We have DVD footage of the game and we would like someone to give us some answers,’ said the Celtic manager.

‘I am compiling it myself along with the video-analysis guys and writing a letter (to UEFA) asking for a ruling.

‘I have asked this question again and still haven’t had an answer. We played Juventus 11 years ago.

Too close: The tussle between Buffon, Hooper and Stephan Lichtsteiner was like a wrestling match

Too close: The tussle between Buffon, Hooper and Stephan Lichtsteiner was like a wrestling match

‘We were awarded a penalty from which Chris Sutton scored. What is the difference from 2001 to 2013 Can somebody please give me an answer

‘What Juventus did was way beyond the limit of the law in football.

‘This wasn’t even close to a bit of shirt-tugging. This was arms up around players preventing them from forward momentum.

‘They were basically pulling and holding them at every opportunity.

Now for the headlock: Hooper is held in the box by Lichsteiner

Now for the headlock: Hooper is held in the box by Lichsteiner

‘You may as well turn the game into a wrestling match.’

The performance of Efe Ambrose was also under close scrutiny in the wake of the defeat after the Nigerian —fresh from winning the Africa Cup of Nations — made errors that contributed to Juve’s first and third goals.

Ambrose only arrived back in Glasgow the day before the game.

Lennon, though, insists that if he had to select his side again, Ambrose would be included.

Hands off: Hooper and Lichsteiner carry on their struggles

Hands off: Hooper and Lichsteiner carry on their struggles

‘Efe is all right. He was very apologetic after the game,’ said Lennon. ‘He made basic errors but, if I had my time over again, I would still pick him.

‘Efe has been fantastic for us. He’s added a different dimension to the way we play, particularly in Europe.

‘His performances away from home in Barcelona, Lisbon and Moscow were as good as any centre-half I’ve seen at the club for a long time.’

Up in arms: Scott Brown gets the treatment too, from Simone Padoin

Up in arms: Scott Brown gets the treatment too, from Simone Padoin

Lennon stressed there was no issue between Kris Commons and Ambrose on account of the former’s outspoken remarks.

‘I would imagine he has apologised privately, yeah,’ he said. ‘I have dealt with it internally.’ Mikael Lustig, Scott Brown and Rami Gershon will miss today’s game against Dundee United, while Victor Wanyama is a doubt.

Pushing their luck: Brown has words with Andrea Pirlo after another round of shoving

Pushing their luck: Brown has words with Andrea Pirlo after another round of shoving

Graham Poll: Celtic were beaten by referee against Juventus

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Celtic were beaten by Juve – but they were let down by the referee. Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Mick McManus were all that was missing from this wrestling extravaganza

By
Graham Poll

PUBLISHED:

09:46 GMT, 13 February 2013

|

UPDATED:

14:02 GMT, 13 February 2013

Celtic's Champions League dream lies in ruins after a 3-0 defeat by Juventus in the first leg of their last-16 tie but they were not helped by the referee.

Celtic should have had a penalty for the blatant holding at corners which, had they converted, could have put a completely different perspective on the game.

Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenca chose to discipline Hoops striker Gary Hooper and Juve defender Stephan Lichtsteiner when clashes occurred and did so before the corner was taken, meaning a penalty could not be awarded.

Corner chaos: Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon got to grips with Celtic striker Gary Hooper

Corner chaos: Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon got to grips with Celtic striker Gary Hooper

Too close: The tussle between Buffon, Hooper and Stephan Lichtsteiner was like a wrestling match

Too close: The tussle between Buffon, Hooper and Stephan Lichtsteiner was like a wrestling match

Now for the headlock: Hooper is held in the box by Lichsteiner

Now for the headlock: Hooper is held in the box by Lichsteiner

Hands off: Hooper and Lichsteiner carry on their struggles

Hands off: Hooper and Lichsteiner carry on their struggles

Up in arms: Scott Brown gets the treatment too, from Simone Padoin

Up in arms: Scott Brown gets the treatment too, from Simone Padoin

Pushing their luck: Brown has words with Andrea Pirlo after another round of shoving

Pushing their luck: Brown has words with Andrea Pirlo after another round of shoving

That is a good way of letting players know you have seen the holding and blocking and will not tolerate it.

However, when it continues unabated, despite those yellow cards, you have a duty to increase the punishment. Some of it reminded me of the old ITV wrestling days.

King of the ring: Wrestler Mick McManus tries to slam Tommy Cooper in the first show of ABC TV's new series Life with Cooper. Did Juventus watch this

King of the ring: Wrestler Mick McManus tries to slam Tommy Cooper in the first show of ABC TV's new series Life with Cooper. Did Juventus watch this

Two falls, one submission, or a knockout: Big Daddy in typical ITV wrestling pose

Two falls, one submission, or a knockout: Big Daddy in typical ITV wrestling pose

Choker: In tactics Juve might have liked, Giant Haystacks defeats South African champion Danny Voges

Choker: In tactics Juve might have liked, Giant Haystacks defeats South African champion Danny Voges

So either red cards should have been shown or preferably at least one penalty awarded for the blatant holding.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon had every right to feel hard done by.

Appeal: Hooper got nothing out of Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenca - apart from a booking

Appeal: Hooper got nothing out of Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenca – apart from a booking

Fuming: Celtic manager Neil Lennon (right) was raging with referee Mallenca as the Hoops went down to Juve

Fuming: Celtic manager Neil Lennon (right) was raging with referee Mallenca as the Hoops went down to Juve

Juventus stars including Nicklas Bendtner dress up for Halloween

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The Old Lady is scary! Buffon and Bendtner lead Juventus stars with Halloween horror outfits

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UPDATED:

18:47 GMT, 30 October 2012

They could be the side that give Chelsea nightmares in the battle to progress beyond the Champions League group stages, but for now Juventus are giving us a fright for different reasons.

Following the success of a similar campaign by the Serie A champions on their Facebook page last year, the Italian outfit are back with ‘Happy Halloween II’ – where some of the club’s top stars feature in what may be potential trick-or-treat attire.

Gunner scare you: Nicklas Bendtner (left), on loan from Arsenal, features as Frankenstein's monster, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon takes on the role of Freddy Krueger

Gunner scare you: Nicklas Bendtner (left), on loan from Arsenal, features as Frankenstein's monster, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon takes on the role of Freddy Krueger

Gunner scare you: Nicklas Bendtner (left), on loan from Arsenal, features as Frankenstein's monster, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon takes on the role of Freddy Krueger

Okay, maybe not at their age, but with mock ups ranging from traditional Halloween characters to modern day movie antagonists, all are great efforts and some may take you a while to figure out who they are.

Some even seem to play to stereotypes. Andrea Pirlo as the Joker from Batman easily fits to the way the playmaker made England’s midfield looked like fools at Euro 2012.

Modern day scares: Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba masquerades as Phantom menace villain Darth Maul, while Andrea Pirlo looks a natural in the attire of The Joker

Modern day scares: Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba masquerades as Phantom menace villain Darth Maul, while Andrea Pirlo looks a natural in the attire of The Joker

Modern day scares: Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba masquerades as Phantom Menace villain Darth Maul, while Andrea Pirlo looks a natural in the attire of The Joker

While Paul Pogba’s Darth Maul appearance may reflect on a great talent departing an epic saga way too early, with the highly rated midfielder deciding to exit Manchester United last summer before he made any significant impact.

Perhaps most uncanny of them all though is Nicklas Bendtner. The striker on loan from Arsenal features as Frankenstein’s monster but some Gunners fans will argue that the slow, bumbling movement associated with one of Halloween's most favourite sons doesn’t describe the Dane’s time at the Emirates Stadium enough.

Click here to see all of the mock ups on Juventus's Facebook page.

Ballon D"Or shortlist includes Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie and Mario Balotelli

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Rooney flies the flag for England as Barcelona and Real dominate Ballon D'Or shortlist (while Messi is already celebrating)

|

UPDATED:

16:38 GMT, 29 October 2012

Five Barclays Premier League players have been shortlisted for this year's FIFA Ballon D'Or award – though only one Englishman made the cut.

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure are joined by England's Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie of Manchester United on the 23-man list for the prestigious honour.

Didier Drogba, who won the European Cup with Chelsea before moving to Shanghai Shenhua in China, is also nominated.

Golden Boy: Lionel Messi has been shortlisted for the Ballon D'Or but he's already won the Golden Boot for being Europe's top goalscorer last season

Golden Boy: Lionel Messi has been shortlisted for the Ballon D'Or but he's already won the Golden Boot for being Europe's top goalscorer last season

Impressive feat: Messi scored 50 league goals for Barcelona last season, the highest haul in Europe

Impressive feat: Messi scored 50 league goals for Barcelona last season, the highest haul in Europe

On the list: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United is the only Englishman to have made the Ballon D'Or shortlist

On the list: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United is the only Englishman to have made the Ballon D'Or shortlist

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid, who has been nominated for the Ballon D'Or

Mario Balotelli of Manchester City, who has been nominated for the Ballon D'Or

Nominated: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid (left) and Mario Balotelli of Manchester City (right) are also on the shortlist for the prestigious Ballon D'Or accolade

THE FULL BALLON D'OR SHORTLIST

Sergio Agero (Argentina & Manchester City)
Mario Balotelli (Italy & Manchester City)
Karim Benzema (France & Real Madrid)
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy & Juventus)
Sergio Busquets (Spain & Barcelona)
Iker Casillas (Spain & Real Madrid)
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast, Chelsea & Shanghai Shenhua)
Radamel Falcao (Colombia & Atltico Madrid)
Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden, AC Milan & Paris St Germain)
Andrs Iniesta (Spain & Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)
Manuel Neuer (Germany & Bayern Munich)
Neymar (Brazil & Santos)
Mesut zil (Germany, Real Madrid)
Gerard Piqu (Spain & Barcelona)
Andrea Pirlo (Italy & Juventus)
Sergio Ramos (Spain & Real Madrid)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)
Wayne Rooney (England & Manchester United)
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast & Manchester City)
Robin van Persie (Holland, Arsenal & Manchester United)
Xabi Alonso (Spain & Real Madrid)
Xavi Hernndez (Spain & Barcelona)

But Barcelona and Real Madrid dominate the list, with no fewer than eleven players shortlisted.

Inevitably, this includes the winner from the previous three years, Lionel Messi, who has already had cause to celebrate this week.

The Barcelona man picked up the Golden Boot award on Monday, recognition for scoring the most goals in Europe's domestic leagues last season.

Messi, 25, set a Spanish League record by scoring 50 goals in 2011-2012, beating Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo by four goals.

Ronaldo is in the Ballon D'Or list, along with teammates Karim Benzema, Iker Casillas, Mesut Ozil, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso.

Barcelona are represented by Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Xavi Hernandez.

Messi dedicated his latest accolade to his teammates, saying 'it is a prize for scoring goals, but without my teammates I couldn't have scored them.'

Completing the Ballon D'Or shortlist for this year are goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus, Radamel Falcao of Atletico Madrid, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Paris Saint-Germain, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich, Neymar of Santos and Andrea Pirlo of Juventus.

LAST TEN WINNERS

The Ballon D'Or was the European Footballer of the Year until 2010, when it was merged with the FIFA World Footballer of the Year

2011 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2010 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2009 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2008 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2007 – Kaka (AC Milan)
2006 – Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
2005 – Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
2004 – Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan)
2003 – Pavel Nedved (Juventus)
2002 – Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

National team coaches and captain, as well as selected journalists, will now cast their votes with a final shortlist of three unveiled on November 29.

The winner will be announced at the FIFA Gala in Zurich on January 7 next year.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's Champions League
winner Roberto Di Matteo, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and
Man City gaffer Roberto Mancini feature on the 10-strong FIFA Coach of
the Year shortlist.

The
other managers shortlisted are Vicente Del Bosque (Spain), Pep
Guardiola (Barcelona), Jupp Heynckes (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp
(Borussia Dortmund), Joachim Loew (Germany), Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid)
and Cesare Prandelli (Italy).

Familiar: Lionel Messi with the Ballon D'Or last year

Familiar: Lionel Messi with the Ballon D'Or last year

P.S. Would this be the greatest team of all time

Combined Barcelona and Real Madrid team from the Ballon D'Or shortlist (3-2-1-1-3): Casillas; Ramos/Busquets/Pique; Alonso/Xavi; Iniesta; Ozil; Ronaldo/Benzema/Messi

Juventus offer to make Arsenal target Fernando Llorente their best-paid player

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Juventus throw down gauntlet to Arsenal target Llorente, offering to make him best-paid player

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UPDATED:

21:39 GMT, 18 October 2012

Juventus have raised the stakes in the race to sign Fernando Llorente by drawing up a contract to make him their best paid player.

In a declaration of intent that will test Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s resolve, Juventus have put together a long-term 145,000-a-week package to tempt the Athletic Bilbao striker to Turin.

Sportsmail revealed last week how Wenger had vowed to land a worthy successor to Robin van Persie in the January window and placed Llorente at the top of his wish list.

Wanted man: Fernando Llorente is being courted by Juventus

Wanted man: Fernando Llorente is being courted by Juventus

But Serie A champions Juventus believe they are in pole position, after losing out to Manchester United for Van Persie at the start of the season.

Like Arsenal, they need an attacking spearhead, and behind-the-scenes activity over the past few weeks has left them guardedly optimistic that 27-year old Llorente will fill the void, either in January or when his contract runs out in the summer.

Bilbao could keep them waiting, but another training ground bust-up with Marcelo Bielsa earlier this month, when the despairing coach ordered him off the pitch before the session had ended, suggests a cut-price deal could be agreed in the New Year.

Fiery character: Marcelo Bielsa (right)

Fiery character: Marcelo Bielsa (right)

Salary figures in Serie A are always after stoppages, and Juve’s pledge to pay the Spain frontrunner 3.7million a year net works out around 145,000 a week gross, given Italy’s tax rate. With skipper Gianluigi Buffon’s current wage due to be scaled down to the same level as that pledged to Llorente, it would make them joint top earners at the club.

As Llorente’s contract is about to run out, the Turin club will offer no more than 5million to sign him when the window opens, or wait until the end of the season, if that is rejected.

Should Bilbao dig their heels in, it would give Arsenal the chance to better Juve’s bid and try and at least match the personal terms on offer.

But Juve’s chief executive Beppe Marotta recently revealed their confidence over landing their prime target by saying: ‘People keep asking if we will sign a top player in January, and we are monitoring that with great attention.’

Manchester United v Galatasaray and Chelsea v Juventus live

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LIVE: Chelsea v Juventus and Manchester United v Galatasaray – as it happens

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UPDATED:

19:00 GMT, 19 September 2012

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Champions League as Chelsea and Manchester United both open up their group stage campaigns. The holders host Italian champions Juventus at Stamford Bridge, while Sir Alex Ferguson's side welcome Turkey's top dogs Galatasaray. Celtic are also in action in Europe's premier club competition when they host Benfica. Send me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.

Champions League (7.45pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Celtic 0-0 Benfica

Chelsea 0-0 Juventus

Manchester United 1-0 Galatasaray

Click here for the latest Champions League scores and live tables

All the latest from the Championship

All the latest from League Two

19.59: Chelsea have started the better side at Stamford Bridge but Gianluigi Buffon hasn't had too much to deal with in the Juventus goal so far.

19.56: But United survive another scare after Paul Scholes gives the ball away. Galatasaray break on the counter and after Nordin Amrabat opens up his body on the edge of the box, sees his top corner effort clip the top of the crossbar.

19.53: GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 Galatasaray

No sympathy from the hosts who since the penalty claim have taken control. Shinji Kagawa's deft touch puts Michael Carrick through inside the box, and after sidestepping Fernando Muslera he taps home into an empty net.

19.50: Nearly an awful start for Manchester United as they get away with conceding a clear cut penalty.

Nemanja Vidic pokes a clumsy foot out in the box and only succeeds in tripping Umut Bulut rather than getting the ball. The referee though waves play on.

19.47: All three games are now underway.

19.45: Celtic's new signing Miku is handed his European debut for the Hoops in the Champions League Group G opener against Benfica at Parkhead.

Regular striker Gary Hooper, believed to be struggling with a knock, starts on the bench in a reshuffled home side which sees defender Adam Matthews coming in with left-back Emilio Izaguirre moving into midfield.

Benfica are without suspended captain Luisao and Maxi Pereira but surprisingly star striker Oscar Cardozo is left on the bench with Eduardo Salvio, Nicolas Gaitan and Rodrigo making up the visitors' forward line.

19.43: The teams are out in Manchester, London and Glasgow.

19.40: Another packed European night at Stamford Bridge where first out is the European Champions Cup as it is paraded around the ground – a loud reception for it I must say.

19.35: Full line-ups from Celtic Park:

Celtic v Benfica
Celtic: Forster, Matthews, Lustig, Wilson, Izaguirre, Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew, Commons, Miku. Subs: Zaluska, Ambrose, Nouioui, Rogne, Slane, Watt, Hooper.

Benfica: Artur Moraes, Almeida, Garay, Jardel, Melgarejo, Matic, Salvio, Perez, Gaitan, Aimar, Rodrigo. Subs: Paulo Lopes, Cardozo, Bruno Cesar, Nolito, Lima, Miguel Vitor, Gomes.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

19.30: The Turkish side meanwhile have been the home of goals. In their five games this season, Galatasaray matches have seen 23 goals but they have won four of them and drawn the other 3-3 at Besiktas.

19.27: These are big tests coming up for the English sides tonight.

Maybe not in the Real Madrid level but Juventus and Galatasaray have started the season on fire.

The Italian side have won all four games this season so far, including three Serie A victories over Parma, Udinese and Geona.

The fourth was a 4-2 victory over Napoli in the Italian Super Cup after extra time…the Community Shield to you and me.

Starting role: Oscar earns his Champions League debut for Chelsea

Starting role: Oscar earns his Champions League debut for Chelsea

19.22: Celtic starting XI:

Forster, Matthews, Lustig, Wilson, Izaguirre, Forrest, Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew, Commons, Miku.

19.17: From OptaJoe:

6 – Juventus have lost their last six Champions League away games in England. Dampened

4 – The Champions League title-holders have drawn their opening game of the next season in each of the last four campaigns. Deflation

19.14: Darren Fletcher is named on the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson as the Scot closes in on his Manchester United comeback following a chronic bowel complaint.

Fletcher has not featured since November but after being named in the squad for Saturday's win over Wigan, the midfielder is one step nearer to his return when as he is named amongst the substitutes for tonight's Old Trafford encounter with Galatasaray.

In addition, Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa are handed their Champions League debuts as David de Gea is chosen in goal.

19.09: Full line-ups from Stamford Bridge:

Chelsea v Juventus
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Hazard, Oscar, Torres. Subs: Turnbull, Romeu, Mata, Moses, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Bertrand.

Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah, Giovinco, Vucinic. Subs: Storari, Lucio, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Matri, Isla, Marrone.

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

19.04: Full line-ups from Old Trafford:

Man Utd v Galatasaray
Man Utd: De Gea, Da Silva, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Kagawa, van Persie. Subs: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Anderson, Hernandez, Welbeck, Cleverley, Fletcher.

Galatasaray: Muslera, Eboue, Nounkeu, Kaya, Balta, Altintop, Felipe Melo, Inan, Amrabat, Burak Yilmaz, Bulut. Subs: Ceylan, Cris, Aydin Yilmaz, Elmander, Riera, Baytar, Colak.

Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

18.59: Oscar is handed his full debut as Chelsea began the defence of the Champions League against Juventus tonight.

The Brazil star is surprisingly given the nod over Juan Mata in place of Ryan Bertrand for the Blues' Group E opener.

Italian champions Juve hand recalls to Mirko Vucinic, Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichsteiner and Arturo Vidal for their return to the competition after a near-three-year absence.

18.54: Manchester United starting XI:

De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Kagawa, Van Persie.

18.49: Chelsea starting XI:

Cech, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Lampard, Mikel, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard, Torres.

18.45: Evening all, who said the Champions League group stage dragged on After yesterday's stunning game at the Bernebau I'm hooked already, and the good news is we have more potential crackers on the way tonight. Team news is dropping so let me feed those too you now…

Reach for the stars: Fernando Torres (left) and Juan Mata train at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea aim to start the defence of their Champions League title when they host Juventus

Reach for the stars: Fernando Torres (left) and Juan Mata train at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea aim to start the defence of their Champions League title when they host Juventus

Fraser Forster is up there with Gigi Buffon – Neil Lennon

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Forster's up there with Buffon, claims Lennon after keeper's heroic display

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UPDATED:

21:39 GMT, 22 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Neil Lennon has hailed the match-winning qualities of goalkeeper Fraser Forster, placing the Englishman in the same bracket as Artur Boruc, Peter Schmeichel and Andy Goram.

As former England defender Gareth Southgate urged Roy Hodgson to cast his eye over the Celtic No 1, Lennon praised the 23-year-old’s role in propelling the Parkhead side to the brink of the Champions League group stages.

A string of top-class saves kept Helsingborgs at bay and allowed the SPL champions to take a healthy 2-0 lead into Wednesday’s second leg in Glasgow.

In fine form: Fraser Forster helped Celtic earn a first-leg lead in Sweden

In fine form: Fraser Forster helped Celtic earn a first-leg lead in Sweden

Paying tribute to his only signing of the summer so far, Lennon said: ‘We’ve had Fraser for over two years now and have bedded him down for another three at least. We feel he is a great signing for us.

‘All good goalkeepers win matches for you. Allan McGregor did it for Rangers over the years, Andy Goram before that. Artur Boruc did it for us. Peter Schmeichel and Gigi Buffon also did it. Good goalkeepers are worth their weight in gold at times.

'I’m delighted with the part he has played.

‘You need your goalkeeper to play well. Whether it is Celtic, Manchester United, Juventus — any team. You need a bit of luck as well at times.

‘Fraser was fantastic on Tuesday night and he made big saves at big moments. He was the catalyst for the result.

‘He was perfect in everything he did. We might need another good performance out of him in the home leg. I’m sure Helsingborgs will try to fly out of the blocks.’

Reiterating his calls for Hodgson to take a look at the former Newcastle keeper as a back-up for Joe Hart, Lennon added: ‘I don’t think Fraser did himself any harm on Tuesday night as far as England recognition is concerned.

Marching on: Celtic celebrate Kris Commons' opening goal

Marching on: Celtic celebrate Kris Commons' opening goal

‘The game was shown to an ITV audience, so his performance was seen down south.

‘The way he has been the last 18 months, at the top of his game, he’s only getting better. He’s still only 23 and he has all the attributes to be one of the best goalkeepers in the land.

‘It’s not for me to pick him for England. But all he can do is keep performing like that and, sooner or later, the door will open.’

Lennon received backing from Southgate, capped 57 times for England.

‘I’m a great fan of Jack Butland, who is a super, young keeper, but he has no real first-team experience,’ said Southgate of the Birmingham City rookie who won his first cap for England against Italy recently.

‘Forster, with Champions League exposure, now has a great chance to force his way into Roy Hodgson’s plans.

‘Neil Lennon has said he is good enough for England and, after a display like that, you have to agree.’

Work to be done: Neil Lennon knows Celtic have not qualified yet

Work to be done: Neil Lennon knows Celtic have not qualified yet

Helsingborgs coach Age Hareide insists the pressure to qualify is still on Celtic — despite taking a healthy lead into the home leg.

Lennon has refused to rise to his counterpart’s baiting, however, insisting: ‘We will be at home, so the onus is maybe on us to take the game to them. That’s what we will try and do. We’ve got a good cushion. That’s obviously important and the clean sheet was priceless as well.

‘I’m not going to get into a war of words. I’ll just leave it at that until next week.’

Beram Kayal is looking forward to the second leg after claiming he asked to be substituted at half-time in Sweden after sustaining an ankle injury.

The Israeli was replaced by James Forrest in a tactical move which changed the game, but he told media in his homeland: ‘I’m suffering from a light injury and asked to be substituted so that I’ll be fit for next week.’

Ki Sung Yueng, meanwhile, is likely to sign for Swansea this week after returning from South Korea for talks.

‘I don’t even know if the Ki deal is done yet,’ said Lennon. ‘I’ll talk to people in the next couple of days about it.’

Italy to rest Andrea Pirlo for England friendly

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Italy to rest Pirlo and Buffon for England friendly in Switzerland

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UPDATED:

21:43 GMT, 7 August 2012

England will be spared further torture
at the hands of Andrea Pirlo next week with Italy manager Cesare
Prandelli planning to omit some of his senior stars.

Like Roy Hodgson, Prandelli is
expected to rest most of the players from Juventus and Napoli, who will
contest the Italian Super Cup in China on Saturday.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, left, and teammate Andrea Pirlo

Left out: Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, left, and teammate Andrea Pirlo

This means no Pirlo or Gianluigi Buffon for the friendly international in Berne, Switzerland, next Wednesday. Instead, Italy are expected to give opportunities to some of their young prospects, including a possible debut for 21-year-old striker Mattia Destro, who has joined Roma from Genoa this summer in a deal which could be worth 15million.

Hodgson has vowed to use the fixture to look closely at the credentials of some of England's emerging players, with Tom Cleverley, Ryan Bertrand and Daniel Sturridge among those in his thoughts.

Both England and Italy plan to name their squads on Friday.

Les Davies named on UEFA list for Best Player in Europe

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Are you sure! 'Honoured' Welsh semi-pro joins Messi on list for Europe's best player

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UPDATED:

18:11 GMT, 16 July 2012


Inaugural winner: Messi

Inaugural winner: Messi

Les Davies, a 27-year-old winger who is a cult hero for his club Bangor City, has made it on to the 32-man list of players nominated for UEFA's best player in Europe award.

Davies is rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo on the list with the award ceremony to take place on August 30 in Monaco.

The long-list was drawn up by one selected journalist from each UEFA member country voting for their five best players, and even a single nomination – believed to be from the Welsh journalist who voted – was enough to earn Davies a place on the long-list.

Davies admitted he was stunned to be included among such illustrious company.

'I'm flattered and honoured to be on such a list. I can't get my head round what's happened in the last few days,' he told Sky Sports News.

'I don't think it is going to sink in for a long time…to be on the list with those people is unbelievable. Just to be nominated in the 32 is fantastic. I'll take that – I don't think I've got much of a chance to make the top three!'

Barcelona star Messi won the inaugural award last year, but he'll no doubt be sweating now he's seen Davies' name alongside his.

THE 32-PLAYER LONG LIST:

Aguero (Man City), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Balotelli (Man City), Blaszczykowski (Borussia Dortmund), Buffon (Juventus), Casillas (Real Madrid), Cech (Chelsea), Coentrao (Real Madrid), Davies (Bangor), Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua), Fabregas (Barcelona), Falcao (Atletico Madrid), Hart (Man City), Ibrahimovic (AC Milan), Iniesta (Barcelona), Kagawa (Man Utd), Kompany (Man City), Lampard (Chelsea), Messi (Barcelona), Modric (Tottenham), Ozil (Real Madrid), Pepe (Real Madrid), Pirlo (Juventus), Ramos (Real Madrid), Raul (Al-Sadd Sports Club), Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Rooney (Man Utd), Silva (Man City), Torres (Chelsea), Y Toure (Man City). van Persie (Arsenal), Xavi (Barcelona).