http://www.infoazzurra.it Il soccer è lo sport più bello del mondo! Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:10:48 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/06/liverpool-0-0-totenham-highlights/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/06/liverpool-0-0-totenham-highlights/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:10:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=31893507b77341e25949a593d9ac5861 Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have to be willing to share one point in the Premier League. They both could not score and ended the match with a 0-0 draw.

In a match at Anfield on Monday (06/02/2012), relying on a trio of Dirk Kuyt Liverpool, Andy Carroll, and Craig Bellamy up front. Meanwhile, the Spurs appeared without Aaron Lennon, Rafael van der Vaart, and manager Harry Redknapp.

In the first half, both teams look carefully enough and did not create many chances. Until halftime, the score is still glasses.

Luis Suarez entered in the second half to increase the power on for the home team. However, the presence of Uruguay striker was also unable to break the deadlock until the long whistle sounded.

A draw is not changing the position of the two teams in the standings. Liverpool is ranked seventh with 39 points from 24 matches, while the Spurs in third place with 50 points.

The game

The home team had a penalty claim in the fifth minute when Andy Carroll Michael Dawson was dropped. However, referee Michael Oliver did not grant it.

The first clear chance came in the minute-32 for the Spurs. However, Niko Kranjcar kick from outside the box can be secured easily by Pepe Reina.

A minute later, Liverpool almost shot lead through Jay Spearing. Bad luck for Spearing, the ball is still thin.

The home team get the opportunity again in the final minutes of the first half. But, kick Glen Johnson could still be blocked by Brad Friedel with his legs.

Until halftime, the score still 0-0.

At the 59th minute, Martin Kelly tested Friedel with a shot distance away. Friedel readily anticipate the arrival of the ball and dropping it off yourself.

Friedel re-secure the goal of the invasion of the hosts in the 67th minute. This time, he caught the ball with a deft header from a corner of Carroll result.

Five minutes later, Spurs spread threats through the action of Gareth Bale. However, Bale shot from outside the box was wide.

Carroll wasted the chance that he gets a few moments later. Mature getting feedback from Kelly, his shot from inside the penalty box even soar.

Entering the 85th minute, Spurs get the best opportunities. Bale, who escaped the offside trap faced with Reina, but the solution can still be defeated by the Spanish goalkeeper.

Two minutes later, Suarez effort also was fruitless. His header from close range was not too difficult for Friedel.

Until the end of the game, no goals are created.

Team Line-up:
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Kelly, Agger, Skrtel, Spearing, Kuyt (Suarez 66 '), Gerrard, Adam, Carroll, Bellamy (Downing 73')

Tottenham: Friedel; Walker, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto; Livermore, Parker; Kranjcar (Rose 88 '), Modric, Bale; Adebayor (Saha 71')

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/06/liverpool-0-0-totenham-highlights/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/chelsea-3-3-manchester-united-rooney-double-chicharito-header-de-gea-superb-save/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/chelsea-3-3-manchester-united-rooney-double-chicharito-header-de-gea-superb-save/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=4b93b40dc27eda63bcb215feffcb0ac7 Manchester United managed to force a draw at home to Chelsea. After a lag of up to three goals, MU is able to hold the Blues with a final score of 3-3.

In the match at Stamford Bridge ended Sunday (02/05/2012), Gary Cahill made his debut with the position of the injured John Terry.

Chelsea ahead in the 36th minute own goal by Jonny Evans ended until halftime. At the beginning of the second half, Chelsea's success increased his lead through Juan Mata and David Luiz 46 minutes five minutes later.

Wayne Rooney's two penalties in minutes 58 and 69 MU revive hope. Javier Hernandez before finally equalized in the 84th minute to force the match ended in a draw.

Gained one point does not change the position of the two clubs in the standings board. Chelsea remain in fourth with 43 results 24 times the value of play, while Manchester United in second place with a value of 55, two points adrift of Manchester City at the top.

The game

At the beginning of the game, Gary Cahill dropped Danny Welbeck on the edge of the penalty box. However, the referee considers it not a violation. Manchester United were not awarded a penalty.

After escaped the offside trap, Wayne Rooney to send feedback to Welbeck in the penalty box. However, Branislav Ivanovic managed to cut it to force a corner kick.

Goal! Chelsea now lead 1-0 in 36 minutes. Goal was initiated from the puncture Daniel Sturridge. Sodoran ball from a narrow angle to try to anticipate the ball, but David De Gea Evans instead of the chest and into his own net.

MU got a chance now. Hard kick Ashley Young goalkeeper Petr Cech could be anticipated. The keeper returned to the rescue of the ball joint partnership with Rooney Welbeck.

Towards the end of the first half, Manchester United returned to the pressure by launching a flat hard kick Rooney. Cech tipped the ball and just end up with a corner kick.

Chelsea kicked off early in the second half. In minute 46, the home team successfully extended the score to 2-0. Fernando Torres of the cross, which was guarded eyes tight kick off the nest in the top goalkeeper David De Gea guarded.

Just a four minute, Chelsea's goal re-broken. David Luiz's header the ball free kick and Ferdinand Eyes of a body inside. 3 Chelsea, Manchester United 0.

Manchester United finally be able to reduce the score to 1-3. Rooney execute a penalty after Patrice Evra violation of Sturridge.

Rooney again diluting the position to be 2-3 again through the white point due to contact between Ivanovic with Welbeck. England striker netted the right of goalkeeper Petr Cech while moving in the opposite direction.

Chelsea threatened again. Michael Essien hard kick from the center of the box can be pushed over by De Gea. Torres throw away the chance to score a goal. He menggocek ball too long before the box can be secured at MU defender.

Goal! The match 3-3 thanks to Hernandez is now balanced. After the kick the ball tipped Rooney, Ryan Giggs who controlled the ball off the bait into the middle of the box. The ball then gored by the Mexican striker.

Violations led to Paul Scholes to Luiz tendagan free for Chelsea. The eyes of a hard kick into the left corner of the goal, but De Gea successfully dismissed.

Brilliant rescue took place De Gea before the last minute. Cahill had brushed hard kick to force a corner kick.

The match was disbanded, Chelsea and Manchester United share a score of 3-3.


Teams Line-up:
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, David Luis, Cahill, Bosingwa, Meireles, Essien, Malouda, Sturridge (Romeu 70 '), Torres, Mata

Man United: Ge Gea, Rafael (Scholes 64 '), Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Young (Hernandez 52'), Rooney, Welbeck (Park 84 ')

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/chelsea-3-3-manchester-united-rooney-double-chicharito-header-de-gea-superb-save/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/as-roma-4-0-inter-borini-double-krkic-great-finish/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/as-roma-4-0-inter-borini-double-krkic-great-finish/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:19:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=e24d69050957ad3999cc4c7a75b44848 AS Roma recorded a resounding result against Inter Milan in Serie A. The match continued The team from the capital was crushed Inter four goals without reply.

Nerazurri entertain at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday (02/05/2012), Juan had brought hosts ahead in the 13th minute. Fabio Borini Roma then doubled the lead four minutes before halftime.

Two-goal lead did not make Rome loosen the attack. Borini once again listed his name on the scoreboard in the 49th minute. Bojan Krkic then completed the victory with his goal in hosting the 89th minute.

This victory still puts Roma in the top six with a collection of 34 points. While Inter is in fifth position with 36 points.

The game

Roma opened up opportunities through Fabio Borini in the 5th minute. Receiving a through pass from Fernando Gago, Borini kicking off in front of goalkeeper Julio Cesar. But the kick was wide to the left of goalkeeper Cesar.

The hosts continued to press back the opportunity seven minutes later. Unfortunately the shot Miralem Pjanic utilizing the heat in front of goal Inter can still be saved by Cesar.

Goal! Juan finally bring Roma ahead 1-0 in the 13th minute. Starting from the corner Francesco Totti, Juan headed the ball into the top right corner and could not be reached by Cesar.

Left behind one goal, Inter reacted. Diego Milito tries to open fire of Rome in the penalty box after doing a solo run from midfield. But the ball kick was saved by Maarten Stekelenburg.

Roma who master the game again pose a threat to the Inter goal. From the left side of the field, Jose Angel release bait into the front of goal. Unfortunately the ball header from Erik Lamela is still hovering over the Inter goal.

Borini! The hosts doubled their advantage on 41 minutes. Pjanic send feedback on Borini. After a little trick Samuel, Borini fired a shot that goalkeeper Cesar merobak. 2-0 score lasted until halftime.

The second half has been running for four minutes, Borini again listed his name on the scoreboard. This time Juan the bait well resolved by Borini to re-rip the Inter goal.

Winning three goals did not make Rome loosen the attack. Receiving feedback Totti, Pjanic kick from the left side. But the ball is blocked and only managed to produce a corner for Roma.

In the 85th minute, Inter had the opportunity through a free kick. Obi's header but the ball went on a free kick Angelo Palombo can still be caught by Stekelenburg.

Bojan Krkic came on Borini widen the host advantage in the 89th minute. The ball shot from outside the penalty box goalkeeper Cesar managed to tear. Roma closed the game with a 4-0 victory.

Teams Line-up:
Rome: Stekelenburg; Taddei, Heinze, Juan, Jos Angel; Gago (Simplicio 70 '), De Rossi, Pjanic; Totti, Lamela (Bojan 73'), Borini (Piscitella 80 ')

Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon (Faraoni 67 '), Lucio, Samuel (Cordoba 45'), Nagatomo; Zanetti, Palombo, Cambiasso, Obi; Pazzini (Poly 45 '), Milito

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/as-roma-4-0-inter-borini-double-krkic-great-finish/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/newcastle-2-1-aston-villa-ba-keane-score-cisse-superb-strike/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/newcastle-2-1-aston-villa-ba-keane-score-cisse-superb-strike/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:55:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=52789550916fd4bace6056d44f814051 Papiss Demba Cisse had a dream debut as his goal gave Newcastle United a 2-1 win at home to Aston Villa, putting his side fifth in the Premier League.
Cisse, signed from Freiburg in January but unavailable until now because of the African Cup of Nations, rifled in an expert half-volley with 18 minutes left to add to Senegal team-mate Demba Ba’s opener, which had been cancelled out by Robbie Keane's 150th goal in English football.

The result sees Toon move above Arsenal into fifth, behind Chellsea only on goal difference: Alan Pardew's men will hope that Manchester United get a positive result at Stamford Bridge as the Magpies chase an unlikely Champions League place.

An entertaining game was marred by apparently serious injuries to Newcastle pair Leon Best and Ryan Taylor.

Both incidents yielded positive notes for Toon though as Best’s 13-minute withdrawal saw new signing Cisse make his hotly-anticipated debut, while Taylor’s brave intervention resulted in the opening goal.

That strike - Ba’s 16th in the Premier League this season - came about when Davide Santon’s cross was only half-cleared by the erratic Richard Dunne: the loose ball fell invitingly for Taylor, who flew into a blood-and-thunder 50-50 with Stephen Warnock, flicking it inside for Ba to rifle in the finish from close range.

It came at a cost as Taylor was hauled off on a stretcher, his right knee heavily strapped having been caught by Warnock, but Newcastle later said it was likely to be heavy bruising.

Until that point Villa had been the better side as Darren Bent’s clever runs off the last man caused problems, but Tim Krul was twice on hand to save well from the England striker.

But if the Magpies scored somewhat against the run of play, so did Villa: after their goal Toon had chances through Cisse and Ba, the former denied by Alan Hutton’s block while the latter flicked a clever finish just over.

So it was karma that, five minutes into injury time, Keane was rewarded for his fine touches and movement with a close-range volleyed finish after former Magpie Charles N’Zogbia silenced the boo-boys with a fine run and cross from the left. It was the Irishman's 150th goal in England and his third in four league matches since joining Villa on loan from LA Galaxy.

The second half started scrappily, though. Villa were forced to withdraw their main ball-playing midfielder Stephen Ireland, but that suited the naturally more direct hosts, who - led by the all-action Danny Guthrie - went close through Cisse and Obertan, who headed over and had a shot blocked respectively.

Cisse really should have buried that free header from Santon’s excellent cross, but he made up for it in style with a debut goal on 72 minutes.

Jonas Gutierrez’s centre was missed by Dunne, who yet again kicked air rather embarrassingly: he could not have accounted for what followed though, as Cisse controlled expertly before rifling a left-foot half-volley into the top corner from the edge of the box.

It was the dream debut the home fans had been urging since they cheered his entrance, and the goal boosted his confidence further: he was denied a second half-volleyed goal by Carlos Cuellar’s block.

Villa rallied late on as Krul was forced to bat away Ciaran Clark’s long-range strike, while Clark’s replacement Gary Gardner should have done better than fire well wide when Stiliyan Petrov put him in.

Gardner, recalled from his loan at Coventry City, was having a real impact with his runs from deep, denied a goal when his close-range header from Barry Bannan’s cross was somehow kept out by Krul despite a deflection off Mike Williamson.

But Ton stayed calm, defending in numbers and running the ball into the corners as they held on for yet another win at home to boost their run for European football next season.
Source: Eurosport

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/newcastle-2-1-aston-villa-ba-keane-score-cisse-superb-strike/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/barcelona-2-1-real-sociedad-tello-messi-vela-great-finish/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/barcelona-2-1-real-sociedad-tello-messi-vela-great-finish/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:15:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=921bc2ce8abb08572dec53307f013038 Barcelona won a narrow victory 2-1 in home games cons Real Sociedad. This win back their distance with Real Madrid at the board table to seven points.

Competed at the Camp Nou on Saturday (04.02.2012), Barca keep a number of major players. Instead, young players like Cristian Tello, Isaac Cuenca, Thiago Alcantara and Jonathan Dos Santos became the starter.

In the first half, the home side a goal ahead. Tello scored his first success in the Spanish league.

In the second half, Lionel Messi scored Barca's second goal. One goal was created by Carlos Vela Sociedad.

Additional three points did not change the position of Barca in second place standings with 48 points from 21 matches. They were still within seven points of Madrid which sits at the top. Sociedad are in position to 13th with 24 points.

The game

Barca immediately get a golden opportunity in the fifth minute. Messi, who controlled a loose ball directly dealing with goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. However, the settlement can still be dammed Bravo Messi.

Moments later, a terrorizing turn Sociedad Barca goalkeeper. Of a counter-attack, Diego Ifran do a solo run up to the penalty box Barca. However, the kick can be thwarted by Victor Valdes.

Barca opened the scoring in the ninth minute goal by Tello. Utilizing breakthrough bait Messi, Tello with a cool beat Bravo with a flick pelannya.

Messi again fails to maximize the chances that he can. His shot from close range in the 17th minute Bravo could be blocked with his legs.

In the final minutes of the first half, Dani Alves experiments also have led to goals. Shot was wide.

Into the second half, Messi has not been too sheltered luck. Action in the 58th minute was a goal because his shot was too weak and easily tamed by Bravo.

Five minutes later, Messi once again throw opportunities. Despite the fool Bravo, he could not put the ball into the goal because the ball can kick dammed Sociedad defender.

Tello had Sociedad goalkeeper in the 68th minute. But the referee did not validate this goal because it considers Alves, who had touched the ball before entering the goal, to be in an offside position.

Four minutes later, Messi was finally able to record his name on the scoreboard. Alves welcomed the feed side, left-foot shot is the world's best players not dammed Bravo.

But the score 2-0 only lasted less than two minutes as Sociedad dropping soon. Vela who escaped alone to the penalty box Barca coolly Valdes.

In the remaining time, Sociedad trying to equalize. But their efforts failed and Barca still won 2-1.

Team Line-up:
Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Adriano, Puyol (Abidal 76 '), Mascherano, Fabregas, Thiago, Tello, Cuenca, Jonathan (Busquets 76') (Pique 83 '), Messi

Real Sociedad: Bravo, Martinez, Cadamuro, Gonzalez, Berridi, Markel, Aranburu, Prieto, Pardo (Llorente 78 '), Griezmann, Ifran (Vela 58')

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/barcelona-2-1-real-sociedad-tello-messi-vela-great-finish/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/getafe-0-1-real-madrid-ramos-great-heder/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/getafe-0-1-real-madrid-ramos-great-heder/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:02:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=b1b989e7c072f824d5b8f88b06deb9a9 Real Madrid continued the positive trend in the Spanish league. Los Merengues thin with 1-0 win over Getafe host and temporarily far enough ahead of Barcelona in the standings board.

At the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Saturday (04/02/2012), Madrid dominated the game. Soccernet statistical record of ball they reach 61 percent.

Despite many opportunities, Jose Mourinho's team is just a kernel of a goal can be struck. The only goal came in the first half of the name of Sergio Ramos.

An additional three points to make Madrid the more firmly on top of the standings with 55 points from 21 matches. Them for 10 points while winning over Barca, who had a few moments will face Real Sociedad.

Meanwhile, Getafe are still stuck in ninth position with a collection of 27 points.

The game

The home team first to threaten in the third minute. Abdel gentleness came close to goalkeeper Iker Casillas from close range through the flick, but the ball was still rising.

Madrid hit back seven minutes later. From a corner of Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo's header is still not lead to the target.

Oezil corner in the 18th minute goal to fruition eventually. This time, Ramos managed to pass the ball into the goal with his head Getafe.

Ronaldo back to get a chance when the game entered the 35th minute. However, the shot could still be secured by Moya.

Until halftime, the score was 1-0 for excellence Madrid.

When the game was an hour, Ronaldo returned to try his luck. He was a hard kick from outside the box, but Moya can still be dismissed.

A few moments later, Karim Benzema's turn to waste the opportunity. After getting feedback from Oezil breakthrough, he is already dealing directly with Moya. But, sontekannnya be met by Getafe's goalkeeper.

Moya saves back in the 78th minute. He rejected Gonzalo Higuain left foot shot from inside the box.

In the remaining time, not many opportunities that are created. Madrid eventually won it 1-0.

Team Line-up:
Getafe: Moya, Gomez, Diaz, Masilela, Valera, Casquero (Lacen 65 '), Juan Rodriguez, Gimenez, Rios (Gavilan 58'), Miku, Barrada (Arizmendi 70 ')

Madrid: Casillas, Ramos, Pepe, Coentrao, Arbeloa, Xabi, Lass Diarra, Ronaldo, Oezil (Granero 88 '), Kaka (Callejon 63'), Benzema (Higuain 73 ')

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/05/getafe-0-1-real-madrid-ramos-great-heder/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/manchester-city-3-0-fulham-aguerro-penalty-dzeko-scores/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/manchester-city-3-0-fulham-aguerro-penalty-dzeko-scores/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:40:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=1966bc41ef8cb69bba4b4fa8647c6d71 Manchester City finished the game with Fulham with a convincing victory; 3-0. The result leaves away from the pursuit of The Citizens of Manchester United.

In a match that took place at Etihad Stadium on Saturday (02/05/2012) , the City is performing with Edin Dzeko and menduetkan Aguero in attack ahead when Adam Johnson puncture of the right side of fruit violation in the penalty box.

In reruns, Johnson seemed the foot collided with the foot Chris Baird. Referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot immediately and Aguero advanced to the executioner.

Aguero kick leading to the upper right corner next to Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer can be driven without. Score changed to 1-0.

The position grew to the host when the game entered the 30th minute. A cross from the left side, was received by Johnson who then proceeded to forward feedback to the Fulham goal.

Unfortunately for Fulham, bait is released by Baird and Johnson instead of turning the ball into his own net. City a 2-0 lead until the first half finished.

Fulham tried to get up early in the second half. They began to dare to launch an attack to the defense of City. At the 64th minute, Baird kicks off flat to the host's goal, but Joe Hart deftly managed to block it.

However, the City proves that they do not want to leave Fulham up. At minute 72, they increase the advantage to 3-0.

Aguero started the goal was by an attack from the left side. He outwit some Fulham defender, before finally giving the ball to Dzeko. Attackers numbered 10 was also direct the ball into the Fulham goal. The Cottagers have now a high mountain to climb.

In the end, Fulham could not climb the mountain. City ended the match with a 3-0 victory. The results were enough to stay away from Manchester United while.

City is now firmly at the top with a value of 57 or three points ahead of the 'Red Devils'. These conditions will inevitably have an obligation to make MU win over Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Fulham remain in the order of 14 with a collection of 27. Clint Dempsey et al. just seven points from the relegation zone.

Teams Line-up:

Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Savic, Lescott, Kolarov, Nasri (Milner '55), Barry, Silva, Johnson (Pizarro 90), Aguero (De Jong '80), Dzeko.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Senderos (Riise '73), Baird, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu (Ruiz '68), Duff, Dembele (Gecov '85), Dempsey.

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/manchester-city-3-0-fulham-aguerro-penalty-dzeko-scores/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/westbrom-1-2-swansea-fortune-sigurdsson-graham-score/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/westbrom-1-2-swansea-fortune-sigurdsson-graham-score/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:13:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=afa119a825323008059b8093aec280ce Swansea City came from behind to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at The Hawthorns in the Premier League thanks to two goals in five second-half minutes.
Marc-Antoine Fortune put the home side ahead with his first Premier League goal in 12 months, but Gylfi Sigurdsson equalised almost immediately for Swansea.

The impressive Icelandic midfielder then crossed for Danny Graham to score the winner in the snow at The Hawthorns.

Baggies manager Roy Hodgson made two changes from the 1-1 draw with Fulham, Jerome Thomas returning from injury to replace Simon Cox, and Steven Reid starting in place of Gabriel Tamas, who was not included in the squad. New signings Keith Andrews and Liam Ridgewell were among the substitutes.

Brendan Rodgers's Swansea, by comparison, were unchanged from the team which drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Tuesday.

The visitors, who moved up to 10th on the back of this victory, had much the better of the first half, although they could not convert their territorial advantage into clear-cut chances.

West Brom had a strong shout for a penalty turned down after 17 minutes when Nicky Shorey's inswinging cross hit Ashley Williams on the hand as he went up for a header with Gareth McAuley. Williams's arm was high in the air and there was clear contact with the ball but referee Jon Moss gave only a goal kick as the ball rolled behind.

At the other end Nathan Dyer's subtle cross into the box was cleared out for a corner by Ben Foster as Scott Sinclair closed in, before Graham beat Jonas Olsson to a Joe Allen cross and blasted wide.

West Brom almost took the lead when Fortune's header was cleared off the line by Sigurdsson and then Peter Odemwingie's follow-up was blocked by Neil Taylor as West Brom ended the half strongly.

Graham Dorrans's free-kick was then turned goalwards by Olsson but Foster was able to hold on to his attempt.

Sinclair went down in the area under a challenge from Youssuf Mulumbu moments before the half-time whistle, leaving both sides to reflect on penalty shouts that had been denied.

West Brom took the lead after 54 minutes when an Olsson corner skimmed off Steven Caulker's head and landed at the feet of Fortune who controlled before drilling across goal and past Michel Vorm.

But Swansea's response was immediate. Sinclair played in Neil Taylor down the left and the defender's cross was inch perfect for Sigurdsson who calmly slotted past Foster.

Within five minutes, Rodgers's side were ahead. Sigurdsson, catching the eye in his advanced midfield role, played a beautiful pass across the area to Graham who was on hand to dispatch the ball left-footed past Foster from close range.

Swansea could have extended their lead when Graham cut the ball back to Dyer whose shot was deflected inches wide for a corner.

West Brom, though, were enjoying far more possession in the second half and should really have equalised after 70 minutes.

Dorrans played the ball across the area and into the path of Odemwingie who blasted well over from close range with only Vorm to beat. It was a poor miss from the Nigerian who has not been able to match his excellent 2010-11 campaign with the Baggies this term.

Foster saved from Dyer before a Sigurdsson shot was blocked by Olsson as Swansea threatened on the counterattack.

West Brom almost claimed the equaliser in stoppage time when Fortune's shot squirmed under Vorm's body and rolled just wide of the post as Swansea survived late pressure to claim only their second away win of the season in the Premier League.

The final whistle was greeted with a chorus of boos from the home supporters who have witnessed just two Premier League victories at The Hawthorns this season and whose side sit 15th in the table.
Source: Eurosport

TEAM LINE-UP:
WEST BROM: Foster; Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Shorey; Dorrans, Morrison, Mulumbu, Thomas; Odemwingie, Fortune. Subs: Fulop, Cox, Andrews, Ridgewell, Tchoyi, Jones, Scharner. /// SWANSEA: Vorm, Rangel, Caulker, Williams, Taylor, Allen, Britton, Sigurdsson, Dyer, Graham, Sinclair. Subs: Tremmel, Monk, Agustien, McEachran, Routledge, Moore, Lita.

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/westbrom-1-2-swansea-fortune-sigurdsson-graham-score/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/stoke-0-1-sunderland-mcclean-great-finish-huth-sent-off/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/stoke-0-1-sunderland-mcclean-great-finish-huth-sent-off/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:10:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=5a969154022e919b375efa21a8d6306d Sunderland's run continued in snowy conditions as they beat 10-man Stoke 1-0 in their Premier League clash at the Britannia Stadium.
Heavy snow fell throughout the game to make football virtually unplayable at times, and a match of few chances was decided when James McClean stumbled through the Stoke defence on the hour mark to lash home past Thomas Sorensen from point blank range.

The victory sees Martin O'Neill's incredible run continue, with the Black Cats now having picked up 22 points from their last 10 matches since the Northern Irishman took the helm.

But Stoke boss Tony Pulis was left furious, perhaps rightly blaming the defeat on the decision to send off Robert Huth for a two-footed challenge at the end of the first half.

Sunderland arrived at the Britannia Stadium level in the table with Stoke on 30 points apiece, but with all the momentum in their favour after amassing 19 of those points in the nine matches since the arrival of O'Neill.

That record made Sunderland the form team of the top flight, but you wouldn't have known it from the early exchanges as Tony Pulis's men controlled the game well.

Yet while the hosts dominated possession, it led to little. The horrendous weather clearly made life difficult for both sets of players, with the ball occasionally drawing to a bizarre halt as it hit a patch of uncleared snow.

The two sides both resorted to speculative long balls up field and occasional pot shots from distance, but with the two sets of defenders clearly up for the challenge there were precious few even of those.

Jermaine Pennant - the best player on the park in the first half - was lively for Stoke up the right flank, and he even got a shot away just before the 10-minute mark only to see it come straight back off the shins of the first defender.

After that efforts were limited, but Sunderland came the closest to breaking the deadlock on the half-hour mark when solid work from Jack Colback made space for Frenchman Stephane Sessegnon to shoot.

His shot fizzed low, just missing the left upright; it was the only true chance of the half, and Thomas Sorensen probably had it covered in any case.

Yet the complexion of the match was changed just a few minutes later when three players left the field. First, the lively Cameron Jerome was replaced by Ricardo Fuller after landing badly in a mid-air tussle with Michael Turner.

Then, just before half-time Rob Huth was given a straight red card for a two-footed challenge on David Meyler. The decision seemed harsh but fair, in the light of recent red card challenges.

Yet it seemed that it would cost Stoke any chance as they effectively lost both Huth and also their most creative player in Pennant, sacrificed as Pulis - furious with the referee - brought on Jonathan Woodgate to plug the defensive gap.

As the second period got under way, Stoke's players endeavoured to make the deficit irrelevant, however.

Pushing forward at every opportunity they tried to take charge of the match, but given their man disadvantage that left Sunderland with chances to break.

The Black Cats almost broke the deadlock on 56 minutes from just such a counter-attack, but successive crosses from Seb Larsson and Colback merely slid across the box.

Just four minutes later Sunderland made up for those missed chances. McClean made a run into the box and should have been closed down by either Woodgate or Ryan Shawcross - but both Stoke defenders, perhaps overly wary of conceding a penalty in the conditions, misjudged their challenges.

That allowed McClean to stumble through, slipping as he did so but regaining his balance in time to slot home from nine yards past the defenceless Thomas Sorensen.

The goal was scarcely merited on the run of play, but as the ball hit the back of the net it seemed there was no way back for Pulis's men.

Not that the Stoke players lay down - far from it - they came forward at every chance, with Fuller causing problems on the left and getting away an excellent shot that drew a fine save from Simon Mignolet on 75 minutes.

Stoke continued to throw everything at their guests, with Rory Delap and Peter Crouch both having chances in the final few minutes.

Sunderland's vigorous defence held firm however, with Kieran Richardson in particular outstanding, as O'Neill's Black Cats continued their astonishing progress up the Premier League table.
Source: Eurosport

TEAMS LINE-UP:
Stoke: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson, Pennant, Whelan, Delap, Walters, Jerome, Crouch. Subs: Begovic, Jones, Fuller, Diao, Whitehead, Shotton, Woodgate //// Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, O'Shea, Turner, Richardson, Larsson, Gardner, Meyler, Colback, McClean, Sessegnon. Subs: Westwood, Bridge, Campbell, Wickham, Ji, Kyrgiakos, Elmohamady

]]> http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/stoke-0-1-sunderland-mcclean-great-finish-huth-sent-off/feed/ 0 http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/norwich-2-0-bolton-surman-pilkington-great-finish/ http://www.infoazzurra.it/2012/02/04/norwich-2-0-bolton-surman-pilkington-great-finish/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:06:00 +0000 admin http://www.infoazzurra.it/?guid=234954fbbecf20b24eb16b71f990176c Andrew Surman and Anthony Pilkington each scored in the final 20 minutes as Norwich beat Bolton 2-0 in the Premier League at Carrow Road - after the Canaries lost both centre-backs to injury in the first half.
Norwich would have led sooner but for Surman's glaring miss before defenders Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread limped off with hamstring injuries, forcing Paul Lambert into a tactical reshuffle.

Bolton failed to take advantage and Norwich went ahead when Surman fired into the roof of the net from close-range.

The Trotters struggled to create clear chances and Norwich made the points safe five minutes from time when Pilkington pounced after Adam Bogdan had spilt Russell Martin's shot.

Norwich had the better of the first half as Grant Holt caused the visitors problems at the back, and predictably the skipper was involved in Norwich’s best chance of the half – a glaring miss from Surman.

Laying the ball off to Surman seven yards out, Holt looked to have assisted the opener, but Surman managed to fire his shot against the bar with his weaker right foot with just Bogdan to beat.

Lambert’s problems were compounded when, barely 15 minutes after losing Daniel Ayala to a hamstring injury, he lost his other centre-back Whitbread to the same complaint.

But rather than exploit Norwich's weakness, Bolton continued to look timid in attack and created their best chances when Chris Eagles found space to run at the Canaries back line.

And Bolton should have gone ahead when Eagles delivered a perfect ball in from the right, only for substitute Kevin Davies to fail to connect with a tentative swing of his boot.

Bolton, who could have moved five points clear of Blackburn in 19th place with victory at Carrow Road, were finally punished for their shyness in front of goal when Surman put the home side ahead.

The lively Simeon Jackson, preferred to Steve Morison in attack, found space down the right and cut back to Surman, who fired in after his first shot had been blocked by David Wheater.

Bolton pushed forward with greater urgency as the clock ticked down, but the closest they came was a couple of wayward efforts by Martin Petrov.

Norwich then sealed the points with just five minutes to play, when Pilkington tapped in Bogdan's spill after Bolton had failed to clear a corner.

The win leaves Norwich with 32 points and comfortably in mid-table, but for Bolton, their long journey towards Premier League survival has become a little more arduous.
Source: Eurosport

Team Line-up:
NORWICH: Ruddy, Naughton, Whitbread, Ayala, Drury, Fox, Pilkington, Surman, Hoolahan, Holt, Jackson. Subs: Steer, Martin, Johnson, Morison, Crofts, Bennett, Wilbraham /// BOLTON: Bogdan, Mears, Wheater, Knight, Ricketts, Eagles, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Mark Davies, Ngog. Subs: Jaaskelainen, Sanli, Kevin Davies, Klasnic, Pratley, Boyata, Sordell

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