Jika Jebol Gawang Newcastle, Carroll Enggan Selebrasi

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012 - Liverpool - Meski sudah meninggalkan Newcastle sejak Januari tahun lalu, Andy Carroll masih menaruh respek pada mantan klubnya itu. Karena itu ia tak akan melakukan selebrasi jika mencetak gol ke gawang bekas klubnya itu.

Liverpool akan melawat ke Sports Direct Arena pada Minggu (1/4/2012) malam WIB. Ini akan jadi kunjungan kedua Carroll ke markas klub yang pernah dibelanya itu sejak berseragam The Reds.

Carroll berharap bisa mendapat sambutan yang baik dari fans Newcastle. Ia juga menyatakan jika ia menjebol gawang Tim Krul, ia tak akan melakukan perayaan.

"Jika aku mencetak gol di hari Minggu maka aku tidak akan merayakannya," ujar penyerang berusia 23 tahun itu pada Newcastle Evening News seperti dilansir oleh Daily Mail.

"Aku berharap mendapat sambutan yang baik dari fans, mereka juga akan mendapatkannya dariku."

Carroll berseragam Newcastle pada tahun 2006-2011. Selama membela The Magpies, Carroll menyumbang 31 gol.

"Aku pikir aku bermain baik ketika di sana dan mencintainya. Aku punya beberapa memori yang bagus ketika bermain di sana."

"Aku selalu punya hubungan yang baik dengan fans Newcastle dan itu karena aku bermain untuk mereka," tutupnya.

sport.detik.com

Luis Enrique: Roma Tidak Bisa Meniru Barcelona

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012, Pelatih Luis Enrique mengatakan sangat tidak mungkin membuat Roma bisa bermain seperti Barcelona.

"Saya juga tidak sedang meniru gaya melatih Pep Guardiola, dan membuat Roma bermain seperti Barcelona," ujar Luis Enrique.

"Roma memiliki tipe pemain berbeda dengan pemain Barcelona. Kultur Roma juga berbeda. Jadi sangat tidak mungkin menyulap Roma sama dengan Barcelona," lanjutnya.

Menjawab pertanyaan wartawan soal peluang Roma mengakhiri musim di tempat ketiga, Luis Enrique mengatakan ada tim yang berada di atasnya. Sehingga sulit bagi siapa pun untuk mengatakan Roma akan mengakhiri musim ini di tempat ketiga.

"Tugas kami adalah memenangkan laga. Itu pun tidak mudah. Kami harus selalu siap," kata pelatih asal Spanyol itu.

Luis Enrique juga mengatakan dirinya lebih suka membicarakan seberapa banyak peluang yang bisa dibuat timnya saat melawan Novara. Pelatih, katanya, harus khawatir ketika tim tidak bisa menciptakan banyak kesempatan mencetak gol.

"Saya akan meratap jika Roma tidak bisa menciptakan banyak peluang. Jika Roma bisa melakukannya, saya tidak khawatir akan kalah," demikian Luis Enrique.

Luis Enrique sangat menikmati kehidupannya di Roma. Ia menjalin persahabatan dengan siapa pun, bahkan dengan wartawan.

"Saya mungkin akan bertahan di sini selama sepuluh tahun," Luis Enrique mengakhiri. 

goal.com 

Wenger confident of keeping key duo

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident that key duo Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott will sign new deals at the club.

Van Persie has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Emirates, with Real Madrid and Manchester City believed to be keen on the striker.

Walcott's time in north London has also come under increasing scrutiny from the club's fans.

However, Walcott’s form has taken a turn for the better over recent weeks, and Wenger remains sure that both players will commit themselves to the club.

"With Theo and Van Persie, that will be sorted out at the end of the season," Wenger told reporters.

"Theo is playing very well. He has improved his technical level a lot, his links with other players and his calmness in front of goal. He is developing very well.

"It is something I will look to sort out very early. Yes, I am confident they will sign. To say that I am always confident, yes I am.

"We want to keep our best players."

soccerway.com

Neymar: Dirty play will not stop me

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Santos star Neymar will not leave the club because of the excessive physical playing style in South America.

The teenage sensation has become a constant target for opposing defenders over the years, with the 20-year-old saying that the Copa Libertadores match against Juan Aurich "looked more like Ultimate Fighting Championship than football".

Jorge Fucile has advised Neymar to learn how to deal with such challenges, and the Brazil international says that a move away from Santos is not an option right now.

"Fouls are made everywhere," he told reporters.

"Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo also suffer them.

"In order to stop them, you have to make a foul. But it is not just me: Sao Paulo's Lucas has also been suffering a lot in the league.

"I do not think about leaving Brazil only because of this."

Neymar has always indicated that he will not further his career abroad before 2014, when his Santos contract expires.

Mancini: I do not trust Balotelli

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Mario Balotelli cannot be trusted in Manchester City's crucial title run-in, admitted manager Roberto Mancini.

The Italian boss, who lost top scorer Sergio Aguero to an Achilles injury this week, is facing a striker crisis with Edin Dzeko only hitting the net twice in his last 17 games while Carlos Tevez is returning to match fitness after a three-month absence in Argentina.

And the burden could be left upon Balotelli, although Mancini is unsure whether the fiery 21-year-old can be trusted in such an important time of the title race.

"I don't trust Mario, but he is like this. I don't think anyone can trust Mario," he said.

"He could easily score two goals tomorrow or in the next game at Arsenal. But we can't trust him."

The 47-year-old, however, has no doubts over the former Inter Milan's ability but questioned his recent form after he took the striker off at half-time in City's home win against Chelsea.

"He is a top player, he can do everything in a game. He can score three goals, but he can also take a red card," Mancini said.

"It's his job, he needs to work, he needs to rest, but he is young. I just hope he can score five or six important goals in the last eight games.

"I was disappointed with his performance against Chelsea, but not against Stoke."

The pair were pictured earlier in the week having a disagreement, but the former Sampdoria man played down the argument.

"I spoke with him during training because I explained some situation on the pitch, this is all," he said.

But there were further problems for Mancini this week when Balotelli returned back to Milan during his two days off.

The Sicily-born star unexpectedly burst into an Inter Milan press conference to greet new boss Andrea Stramaccioni, who has replaced Claudio Ranieri, and promptly left after a matter of seconds.

Mancini, however, hopes that the 20-million-pound star can spend his time more wisely and act maturely.

"I can't take him and put him in his house for two days! Probably the moment will arrive when he understands what he should do when he has two days off," he said.

"I hope for him he grows out of it because he needs to improve in this."

soccerway.com

Del Piero´s loyalty to Juve revealed

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Alessandro Del Piero's former agent said he turned down chances to join Barcelona and Manchester United to stay with Juventus.

The striker's contract with Juve is expiring at the end of the season, and the Serie A giants have made it clear that the 37-year-old's deal will not be renewed.

However, Claudio Pasqualin has spoken of Del Piero's loyalty to the club, and feels that the striker should stay at Juventus.

"Del Piero is Juventus," the agent told TMW on Friday.

"During the prime of his career he rejected Manchester United and Barcelona. He did that for love.

"His future has to be Juventus. I hope that (president Andrea) Agnelli will make a U-turn on the decision made.

"I hope he can play for another season and then take up a role as a director at the club. Juventus wouldn't be making a mistake in keeping him.

"That happened with Pavel Nedved too. Del Piero is part of Juventus history and therefore he should also remain," he said.

Del Piero scored in the recent 2-0 Derby d'Italia win over Inter, much to the delight of the Juventus supporters.

soccerway.com

Ronaldo fires warning shot to rivals

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has declared that he has yet to reach his peak as a player.

The Portugal international has been an ever-present figure in Madrid's attack since his 94-million-euro transfer from Manchester United in 2009, having so far scored 131 goals in 132 appearances for Los Blancos.

And despite entering his 30s in just three years' time, Ronaldo noted that there is still a lot more to come from him.

"I just hope I will keep seizing the moment year after year," he told TVI. "I have not yet reached the peak of my career.

"This is all just relative. Next year, I could be at a higher mental level and not score as many goals.

"Who I am today reflects all that I have been through. I have earned all that I have, because I have worked so much.

"Nothing has happened by chance. It was all effort, dedication and a bit of luck."

Ronaldo stressed he is happy with life at the Santiago Bernabeu and guaranteed he will not leave the club if coach Jose Mourinho decides to embark on a new challenge.

"I want to have a great season and finish it in great style," he said. "I want to continue at Madrid.

"I have three years left on my contract, let's see what the club want to do.

"Mourinho? I do not follow anyone, I always follow my own path and what I do is not based on friendships."

However, Ronaldo was full of praise for Mourinho, saying that his countryman is the best coach in the game.

"His titles speak for themselves. He has won things wherever he has been. Not all coaches have the privilege to do what he has done," he said.

"That is why I consider him the best. All great coaches need to succeed in different countries and he has done that.

"Many coaches are considered to be amongst the best and they could not succeed in different countries. I do not agree."

Portugal have been drawn in the 'Group of Death' for Euro 2012, along with Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands, but Ronaldo refused rule out progression for the Seleccao.

"We need to have a winning ambition and mentality," the 27-year-old said. "If we go with a losing mentality, we will not achieve anything.

"I think this will be a complicated group, but we have a good team and a good coach and we will have the support of our fans, which is an extra source of motivation.

"I am confident. We will have to go step by step. The group stage is complicated, but if we go through anything is possible."

soccerway.com

FIFA Masih Beri Kesempatan Kepada Indonesia

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012, Otoritas sepakbola dunia ini memberi kesempatan kepada PSSI hingga 15 Juni bila tidak mau terkena sanksi.

FIFA memberikan waktu hingga pertengahan Juni nanti agar PSSI pimpinan Djohar Arifin Husein bisa menyelesaikan semua permasalahan, terutama berkaitan dengan adanya Superliga Indonesia (ISL).

“PSSI diberi kesempatan hingga 15 Juni 2012 untuk menyelesaikan berbagai permasalahan, terutama mengendalikan breakaway league,” demikian putusan Exco FIFA yang dilansir di laman resmi mereka.

“Jika gagal menuntaskan permasalahan tersebut, maka akan dibawa ke komite darurat FIFA untuk menjatuhkan sanksi langsung.”

Pada akhir tahun 2011, FIFA telah memberikan batas waktu hingga 20 Maret kepada PSSI untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan mereka. Saat itu FIFA juga menyatakan akan melaporkan permasalahan PSSI kepada komite asosiasi FIFA, dan terancam mendapatkan sanksi.

goal.com

Muamba posts picture on Twitter

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012, Fabrice Muamba has thanked fans for their support, as the first picture of the Bolton midfielder since his on-field collapse against Tottenham appeared on his Twitter feed.
The picture, which shows Muamba smiling in his hospital bed, was posted on the 23-year-old's behalf on his page on the social networking site.
The accompanying message read: "Fab wanted me to post this pic for you all and to also say thank you for such overwhelming support."

soccernet.espn.go.com

Arteta rues key absentees

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal could have enjoyed a more successful campaign if players such as Jack Wilshere had avoided long-term injuries.

Arsenal have climbed to third on the English Premier League table thanks to a run of six victories in succession, helping to banish memories of a dire start to the season.

Midfielder Jack Wilshere has not played for Arsenal this term, while key men Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna have also spent long spells on the sidelines.

And Arteta, an off-season arrival from Everton, believes the team could have done much better without those absences.

"We have been hit with important, long-term injuries the whole season that really, really affect the team," he told Sport Magazine.

"I would like to see this team playing with the same 11 for 10 to 15 games - then we could talk about if we were good enough or not.

"Now we are starting to do it and we are starting to get really good results, so for me the biggest concern is to stop the injuries."

Arsenal are away to Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Saturday.

soccerway.com

Dzeko staying put at City

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Edin Dzeko is happy at Manchester City and is not questioning his future in the English Premier League, according to the player's agent.

Dzeko, 26, moved to City from Wolfsburg in January 2011 but has found himself a peripheral figure in recent months, with his previously impressive goal-scoring record dropping since a strong start to the 2011/12 campaign.

Dzeko's agent, Irfan Redzepagic, has dismissed claims the striker is looking for a move away from Manchester and insisted his client is committed to Roberto Mancini's side.

"There is no news about his future," Irfan Redzepagic told tuttomercatoweb.com.

"Now, Edin has to think about the Premier League, he is focused on Manchester City. He is thinking about this, about England, he's happy and will end his season here.

"I don't want to talk about the future. I cannot say anything about Juventus' interest because he's only thinking about City.

"We will talk about it in due course, but not now."

Dzeko could be in line for a start when City host Sunderland on Saturday, as fellow striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out with a foot injury.

soccerway.com

Alves: Messi friendship key to success

koclokindoblog, 31 maret 2012,

Dani Alves believes Barcelona are reaping the benefits of his close friendship with team-mate Lionel Messi.

Brazil international Alves and Argentine Messi have developed an excellent understanding in the attacking third of the field for Barca.

And former Sevilla man Alves has attributed their productivity to the amount of time they spend together away from football.

"Since the first contact we had with one another, we have had a very good friendship," Alves told Globoesporte.

"This rapport has also produced results on the field of play. What we have done together has greatly helped our team.

"We have no need to even look up as we already know where one another are.

"But the most important thing is the kind of person he is. I've had the pleasure of meeting his family, which consists of humble, working-class people."

Alves, 28, feels the two men's friendship is not unusual, even though they come from countries which have long been adversaries on the football field.

"The Brazilians and the Argentines only have a rivalry when they're facing each other," he said.

"Off the field, we are people who identify strongly with one another. What separates us is football.

"They have a hunger to win and we have that too. I would say this is the only downside to this good relationship that we have."

Barcelona will be hoping the pair are on the same wavelength once again in Saturday's vital La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao at Camp Nou.

soccerway.com

Robson: Jose can succeed Fergie

koclokindoblog, 30 maret 2012, Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes Jose Mourinho has the right credentials for the ''near impossible'' task of one day succeeding manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson has celebrated his 70th birthday and the 25th anniversary of his appointment at Old Trafford this season and is showing little sign of slowing down.

Because of that, Robson, Ferguson's former captain, does not think the club have even thought about the identity of their next manager. But Robson knows the time will come when the issue has to be dealt with and he feels Real Madrid's former Chelsea boss would be a good fit.

The former England captain, speaking at the Soccerex forum in Manchester, said: ''As far as I am concerned, and from what I know about Manchester United, they are not considering that at the moment.

''How do you replace Sir Alex Ferguson? It is near enough impossible. But they are going to have to do that and Mourinho is definitely one who would be up at the top of the list. His record speaks for itself.''

Aside from the suitability of Mourinho, who has won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, Robson feels United might have other candidates closer to home.

Robson has been impressed with the work of Ferguson's assistants Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen and would consider them as good options.

He said: ''Whoever goes in there they will have their opinions and ideas, but because of the success United have had over the last 20 years, you can't go in and rip everything apart and try to rebuild the way you think it should be.

''How can you do that after so much success? Why not Mike Phelan and Rene take over from Sir Alex Ferguson when he does decide to pack in.

''That never gets mentioned but they know how it works. It has always has to be someone who is really well known with a track record.''

soccernet.espn.go.com

Real Madrid launch Dubai resort

koclokindoblog, 30 maret 2012,

La Liga giants Real Madrid are set to build a billion-dollar island resort complex in the United Arab Emirates.

Real president Florentino Perez and club legend Zinedine Zidane have laid the foundation for the club's expensive development in the Middle East.

Speaking ahead of a ceremony attended by the ruler of emirate Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Perez said he hoped the Real Madrid Resort Island project would bring fans together from around the globe.

The Spanish club unveiled plans for the Dubai-based complex last week, with the project due for completion by January 2015.

The 500-hectare themed resort aims to attract more than a million visitors a year, and will feature a 10,000-seat stadium with one side open to the sea, luxury hotels and villas, as well as an amusement park with a rollercoaster and a hologram display showing Real Madrid's greatest goals.

"Just a few days ago at the Santiago Bernabeu we saw the exciting links that we have established to make an extraordinary dream possible - a fascinating project that today becomes a reality with the laying of the first stone," Perez said.

"No doubt this will become a meeting point for millions of fans around the world whose passion for Real Madrid is a fundamental aspect of their lives.

"Here we will have an extraordinary stadium, several football fields, a sports clinic, a port for pleasure boats and for other water sports, luxury hotels, a large theme park, villas and a museum where visitors will experience the fascinating history and wonderful present of Real Madrid.

"Real Madrid Resort Island will be a symbol of pride for all our fans. Each visitor will be part of a club which is eternal and never rests in our efforts to realize the dreams of millions of people who share the same passion."

soccerway.com

Europa League wrap: Inspired Bilbao sink Schalke, AZ power past Valencia

koclokindoblog, 30 maret 2012, 

Athletic Bilbao continued their dream run in the Europa League on Thursday with a 4-2 away win over Schalke in their quarter-final first leg.

Late goals to Oscar de Marcos and Iker Muniain ensured the La Liga side will take a major advantage into the second leg against their Bundesliga opponents.

Braces from Bilbao's Fernando Llorente and Schalke's Raul saw the game level with few minutes remaining, before de Marcos and Muniain scored to give the visitors victory.

The opening breakthrough for Bilbao arrived on 20 minutes, when Llorente knocked home a dropped ball from Schalke goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand.

But the hosts at Veltins-Arena managed to respond in the 22nd minute when young Japanese defender Atsuto Uchida played a direct ball to the front post, where Raul got a little touch to beat Gorka Iraizoz to make it 1-1.

In the second half, Kyriakos Papadopoulos appeared to have earned the hosts the advantage off a set piece, heading on a cross from Jose Manuel Jurado from the middle of the box, but the Greek player's effort just slid by the right post.

Moments later, Raul - the top scorer in the history of UEFA competition - gave the hosts a slim advantage when he controlled the ball from 30 yards out, looking to play Klaas-Jan Huntelaar into the box, where Fernando Amorebieta got a touch on it, sending it into the air.

Raul followed up, drilling a volley from outside the box into the right side of the goal with thunderous power, leaving the Bilbao custodian Iraizoz with no chance, and cementing a fantastic double with his 76th goal in Europe.

Llorente would match his fellow Spaniard's effort, heading home at the front post off a corner 17 minutes from time to make it 2-2, using his strength and height to rise above Schalke's Joel Matip.

De Marcos then tapped home a rebound from a few yards out after Mathias Schober could not control a shot from Susaeta in the 80th minute, before Muniain drilled Bilbao further in front in the tie with an easy finish.

The other three quarter-final first legs saw each of the hosts claim 2-1 victories on Thursday.

Atletico Madrid snuck past Hannover courtesy of an 89th-minute winner to Eduardo Salvio, after Radamel Falcao and Mame Biram Diouf traded first-half goals.

AZ Alkmaar produced a stirring late rally to beat Valencia and increase the pressure on Los Che coach Unai Emery.

Australia international Brett Holman opened the scoring against the run of play from a corner, but the hosts were pegged back early in the second half through a Mehmet Topal header.

Maarten Martens struck the winner late in the game, leaving the Spanish side needing a victory at the Mestalla to make the semi-finals.

Metalist Kharkiv could not avoid defeat away at Sporting Lisbon, but managed to earn a late away goal which could prove vital.

The Portuguese outfit led 2-0 after goals to Marat Izmailov and Emiliano Insua shortly after the interval, but a Cleiton Xavier penalty gave the Ukrainians hope heading to their home second leg.

soccerway.com

Sergio Aguero pantang mundur

koclokindoblog, 30 maret, 2012, London, Penyerang Manchester City Sergio Aguero mengobarkan revolusi diri dengan bertekad pantang mundur menantang Manchester United sampai akhir musim kompetisi.

Ini bukan sekedar janji, tapi bukti dari seorang Aguero yang menghidupi laga bola sebagai laga kehidupan sarat onak berduri.

Aguero yang kini berusia 23 tahun itu terus memotivasi diri dengan menumbuhkan kepercayaan diri untuk membuktikan bahwa City bukanlah tetangga berisik, melainkan tim yang memaknai perjuangan dalam merebut kemenangan.

Keteguhan hati Aguero itu terpulang kepada keputusan pelatih City Roberto Mancini mengenai susunan pemain di setiap laga, sebagaimana dikutip dari laman SkySports.

Baik City maupun United tinggal melakoni delapan laga ke depan sebelum memperoleh gelar Liga Premier.

"Mengapa menunggu sampai musim depan jika memang kita bisa menang sekarang ini," kata Aguero kepada laman klub.

"Saya berjanji kepada anda bahwa kami akan berjuang sampai akhir musim kompetisi. Kami akan mewujudkannya dan meyakini bahwa tekad itu tidaklah mudah. Kami yakin bakal dapat memenangi Liga Premier musim ini," katanya.

"Memenangi gelar harus pantang menyerah. Kami tidak akan menyerah. Kami ingin menang di musim ini dan memberi sejumlah gelar kepada City," katanya.

Pemain timnas Argentina itu telah melesakkan sebanyak 24 gol. "Saya mampu beradaptasi dengan cepat di Liga Premier. Segalanya ditujukan kepada klub dan fans," katanya.

"Kami telah menjalani musim gemilang. Saya juga belajar untuk pentingnya menghargai proses dan kemajuan," katanya.

 antaranews.com

Yohanes Ferinando Pahabol, Mutiara Dari Yahukimo

koclokindoblog, 30 maret 2012, Boaz Solossa belum habis, Patrich Wanggai dan Tibo masih bersinar kini muncul lagi dua Pahabol, Ferinando di Persidafon dan Josua di Semen Padang. Dua Pahabol ini mulai menunjukan kepiawaiannya mengolah si kulit bundar.

Yosua memang sudah memperkuat Timnas U21 dan mampu menjebol gawang  lawan. Ferinando Pahabol belum bermain di Timnas tapi soal kualitas individunya jangan ditanya. “Mitra Kukar sudah merasakan kehebatan Ferinando Pahabol dalam membikin gol,” tutur Ferdinando Fairyo pelatih Kepala Tim PON Papua kepada GOAL.com Indonesia di Jayapura, Kamis (29/3).

Dia menambahkan sebelumnya berminat merekrut Pahabol Ferinando memperkuat tim PON Papua tapi keburu bergabung dengan tim Persidafon. ”Saya sudah melihat kemampuan dan skill individunya sejak lama  saat perkuat Persiwa U21,” kata Fairyo. Dia berharap dalam putaran kedua nanti di Persidafon, Pahabol Ferinando sudah pantas dipertahankan  dalam skuad utama atau minimal masuk dalam bench. Pahabol juga mendapat julukan Lukas Mandowen dari Persidafon yang sama-sama memiliki tubuh mungil.

“Salut dengan keberanian assisten pelatih Persidafon, Erens Pehelerang  menduetkan Ferinando dan Patrick, kedua darah muda ini masih perlu mendapat suplai dari lini tengah,”papar Fairyo seraya menambahkan sebaiknya pemain-pemain muda berkualitas jangan terlalu lama duduk di bangku cadanngan harus bisa masuk dalam starting eleven. Dia menegaskan jam terbang yang banyak mampu memperkuat mental bertanding agar semakin matang dalam kompetisi ISL 2012.


Sebenarnya Fairyo sudah lama mengamati Pahabol saat masih memperkuat Persiwa U21 dan hendak merekrut masuk ke Tim Sepak Bola PON Papua tetapi Pahabol sudah ke Persidafon hingga upaya menggaetnya ke PON Papua gagal.

Hal senada juga dikatakan pelatih Kepala Akademi Sepakbola Emsyk Uni Papua Johanes Songgonao menilai kemampuan individu Ferinando Pahabol. Bagi Songgonao kalau muda seperti Ferinando dan Josua tumbuh secara alamiah tetapi mampu mengembangkan kemampuannya untuk berkiprah di sepakbola Indonesia. ”Saya berharap Ferinando Pahabol agar tetap mempertahankan trendnya biar terpilih masuk skuad timnas,” tutur Songgonao mantan striker PKT Bontang era 1990an.

Asisten Pelatih Persidafon Erens Pehelerang  menilai pemain asal Pegunungan Yahukimo ini meski berpostur kecil  hanya setinggi 157 cm memiliki potensi bermain bola yang bagus.

Kepercayaan dirinya mulai bertambah saat Persidafon melawan Arema lanjut Pehelerang dan terus menunjukan kemampuan individu yang semakin mumpuni. Buktinya saat melawan Mitra Kukar gol tunggal Ferinando Yohanes Pahabol pemain kelahiran Anggruk Kabupaten Yahukimo, 1 Januari 1990 ini  mampu membawa Persidafon raih tiga poin penuh.

goal.com

Drago Mamic Mundur Dari Persib Bandung

koclokindoblog, 30 maret 2012, Drago Mamic akhirnya secara resmi telah mengundurkan diri dari jabatannya sebagai pelatih kepala Persib Bandung, seperti yang dilansir oleh laman resmi Persib.

Manajer Persib, Umuh Muchtar, menyatakan surat pengunduran diri Drago Mamic telah diterimanya hari Rabu malam (28/03) kemarin. Ia mengaku lega masalah yang terjadi terkait kursi kepelatihan Persib sudah usai.

Surat pengunduran diri Drago  sudah saya tandang tangan dan akan secepatnya diserahkan  kepada PT PBB. Saya lega akhirnya permasalahan terkait pelatih Persib ini berakhir dengan baik. Pokoknya, semuanya sama-sama enak," ujar Umuh.

Umuh Muhtar juga mengucapkan terima kasih atas kerja keras pelatih asal Kroasia tersebut dalam putaran pertama kompetisi Superliga Indonesia musim ini. "Drago pelatih yang baik, saya berharap setelah mundur dari Persib dia bisa segera mendapatkan klub baru," katanya.

Mengenai siapa pelatih yang akan menggantikan posisi Drago Mamic, Umuh mengaku memang sudah ada calon namun ia tidak ingin terburu-buru dan menyerahkannya keputusannya kepada PT PBB.

goal.com 

Progress in Brazil World Cup plans

koclokindoblog, 29 maret 2012,

Preparations for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil took a further step forward on Wednesday.

Government officials passed a bill that provides the legal framework for the tournament and lifts the nationwide ban on sales of alcohol in football stadiums.

However, the so-called World Cup bill, which also includes the allocation of discounted tickets to students, pensioners and indigenous people and creates regulations for the sale of FIFA, still needs to be debated in the Senate.

The vote in favour of the bill has been long-delayed in Congress, with lawmakers arguing it gives FIFA too much power.

It forced President Dilma Rousseff to bow to pressure on a number of controversial issues in hope of easing tensions in congress with a little over two years until kick off in Sao Paulo.

Passing of the bill, which also covers the curtain-raising 2013 Confederations Cup, may go some way to help manage strained ties between the Brazilian government and FIFA whose secretary-general Jerome Valcke reportedly said tournament organisers needed "a kick up the backside".

Valcke apologised soon after and both sides have since improved relations, but FIFA executives remain alarmed that the lack of urgency in Brazil over transport and key infrastructure will prove disruptive for thousands of fans.

The sale of all alcoholic beverages was banned in Brazilian football stadiums in 2003 in an effort to curb fan violence, however FIFA is determined to serve beer at the 2014 World Cup and honour its sponsorship agreements with Budweiser Anheuser-Busch.

The 2014 World Cup will return to South America for the first time since Argentina hosted the tournament in 1978 and to Brazil for the first time since 1950.

soccerway.com

Messi blames Milan pitch for draw

koclokindoblog, 29 maret 2012,

Barcelona striker Lionel Messi was disappointed with the 0-0 draw against AC Milan on Wednesday.

The Catalans created a number of chances in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, but failed to find the net at San Siro, and Messi feels that the poor condition of the pitch made things difficult for Barca.

"It was a tough match that we should have won. We played our game but it was difficult because of the pitch, and because they (Milan) are very strong," Messi told the club's official website.

The Argentine then admitted that Barca face a perilous scenario in the return leg at home as the tie remains delicately poised.

"It’s a dangerous situation. Either team could go through. We hope we can score in the return so it will be us. We deserved to win (the first leg)."

Meanwhile, Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf felt his team should have done better in front of goal.

The Serie A champions put in a strong defensive display to shut out the Catalans, but were also unable to find the net themselves.

"We’re satisfied with the result even if we have to be more clinical in front of goal. We had three big chances and that could make the difference," Seedorf told the Milan website.

"It’s a good result that leaves qualification open. We’ll need courage, quality and tactical awareness in the return.

"You can’t press for 90 minutes, but we did well and Barcelona respect us. The pitch at San Siro is the way it is. We have Catania next and then we'll think about the second leg. Now we need to rest."

The second leg is at Camp Nou on April 3.

soccerway.com

Ribery hails ´perfect result´ against Marseille

koclokindoblog, 29 maret 2012,

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery was delighted to beat old side Marseille in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.

The Germans have one foot in the semi-finals after Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben gave Bayern a comfortable 2-0 advantage from their trip to the Stade Velodrome, and Ribery said it was their ideal result.

"This is a very good situation for us. The result is perfect, it is better than a goalless draw or a 1-0 victory," Ribery told Sky Sport Germany.

"We played with a lot of discipline and we deserved to win."

Ribery said he felt for Marseille's third-choice goalkeeper Elinton Andrade, who was unable to stop Gomez's shot as the ball squirmed under his body and into the net.

"I think it was a hard blow for him and Marseille. He had not played this season," Ribery said.

The France international also reiterated that he is happy with life at Bayern and admitted he does not feel comfortable playing in his homeland.

"It is always difficult for me to play in France. But now I play for Bayern, who are a great family," the 28-year-old said.

"I have been here for five years. I feel just fine, everything is perfect for me."

soccerway.com

Bayern to open Japan academy

koclokindoblog, 29 maret 2012,

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich will open a football academy in the western Japanese prefecture of Hiroshima next month, according to Kyodo News.

Based in the city of Fukuyama, the school will enroll 320 children ranging from three to 15 years of age, with fees ranging from 270 to 900 euros per term.

The four-time European champions are one of the more popular German clubs in Japan, having won the 2001 Intercontinental Cup in Tokyo in addition to a pre-season tour against J.League clubs in 2005.

However, Bayern's popularity has waned recently; Japanese loanee Takashi Usami has failed to break through to the top team at the same time that stars such as Shinji Kagawa, Shinji Okazaki, and Atsuto Uchida have made waves with their Bundesliga clubs.

With even more Japanese players expected to head to Europe after the 2012 London Olympics, the school represents a prime opportunity for the current Champions League contenders to expand their reach into one of Asia's deepest talent pools.

soccerway.com

Ibrahimovic happy to grab draw against Barca

koclokindoblog, 29 maret 2012,

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was satisfied with a draw against Barcelona in their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

The Swede missed a great chance to score against his former club in the first leg of the tie, but with Milan able to shut out the Catalan giants and prevent an away goal, Ibrahimovic remains in good spirits for the second leg at Camp Nou next week.

"We had some opportunities but, unfortunately, we unable to score," Ibrahimovic told Sky Sport 24.

"However, the result is very good for us. I am optimistic for the second leg."

Fellow forward Urby Emanuelson is also looking to move on quickly to the return leg, after spurning a great opportunity within seconds of his arrival as a substitute during the second half.

"My appearance was a bit unlucky. In my first action I could have scored but forgot the ball. That can happen," Emanuelson told NOS.

"I know that was a very important moment, but what can I do about it right now after the match? Let's try better next time.

"I think we will get chances next week. Barcelona always play their own game, so we will have opportunities."

Emanuelson - a Netherlands international - was also relieved that his side were able to keep Barca maestro Lionel Messi at bay during the game, with the Argentine forward unable to add to his 12 Champions League goals in the current campaign.

"Messi played like Messi. He's always dangerous and never plays a bad match. We're glad he did not score tonight," the Dutchman said.

Goetze commits to Dortmund

koclokindoblog, 28 maret 2012, 

Borussia Dortmund star Mario Goetze has extended his stay at the Westfalenstadion, the German champions have revealed.

Dortmund announced on their official website that the 19-year-old had signed a two-year contract extension that will see him stay at his hometown club until 2016.

"Everyone knows how comfortable I feel in Dortmund," Goetze said.

The playmaker said Dortmund's recent resurgence is far from over and he added: "I want to be part of this development."

Sporting director Michael Zorc was thrilled to announce the new deal for Goetze, who has attracted the interest of Arsenal and Manchester United, with Dortmund having turned down an offer in excess of 30 million euros from the London club last year.

"We are very happy that we will take the next step with Mario in the future," Zorc said.

Goetze first joined Dortmund at the age of nine. He made his first appearance with the club's first team aged 17, and within a year earned his first senior international cap for Germany.

soccerway.com

Prediksi / preview AC Milan Vs Barcelona

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 28 maret 2012, Duel bertajuk rivalitas tanpa batas bakal tersaji di Stadion San Siro, saat tuan rumah AC Milan menjamu raksasa Spanyol, Barcelona dalam leg pertama babak perempat final Liga Champions, Kamis (29/3) dini hari WIB.

Head to Head AC Milan vs Barcelona :
24 Nov 2011 : Milan vs Barcelona                     2-3  (Champions)
14 Sep 2011 : Barcelona vs Milan                      2-2  (Champions)
26 Apr 2006 : Barcelona vs Milan                      0-0  (Champions)
18 Apr 2006 : Milan vs Barcelona                      0-1  (Champions)
02 Nov 2004 : Barcelona vs Milan                     2-1  (Champions)

Lima Pertandingan Terakhir AC Milan :
25 Mar 2012 : Milan vs Roma                           2-1  (Serie A)
21 Mar 2012 : Juventus vs Milan                       2-2  (Coppa Italia)
18 Mar 2012 : Parma vs Milan                          0-2  (Serie A)
11 Mar 2012 : Milan vs Lecce                          2-0  (Serie A)
07 Mar 2012 : Arsenal vs Milan                        3-0  (Champions)

Lima Pertandingan Terakhir Barcelona :
25 Mar 2012 : Mallorca vs Barcelona                   0-2  (La Liga)
21 Mar 2012 : Barcelona vs Granada                    5-3  (La Liga)
18 Mar 2012 : Revilla vs Barcelona                       0-2  (La Liga)
12 Mar 2012 : Racing Santander vs Barcelona      0-2  (La Liga)
08 Mar 2012 : Barcelona vs Bayer Leverkusen     7-1  (Champions)

Saat ini kedua tim sedang onfire, konsisten dalam pertandingan domestik ataupun eropa.

Pada pertemuan lima pertandingan terakhir, AC Milan tidak pernah memenangkan pertandingan melawan Barcelona, tetapi head to head tidak bisa menjadi patokan, apalagi AC Milan juga sedang di posisi onfire, dengan kondisi pemain yang siap fisik dan mental, kemungkinan hanya bek Thiago silva dan Allesandro Nesta yang bakal absen karena cidera.

Di kubu Barcelona sendiri, tidak ada masalah dengan starting elevennya, Pep Guardiola sangat Jenius dalam menangani teamnya, walaupun kekurangan pemain penyerang, setelah cederannya David Villa, Pep bisa menyulap pemain pemainnya menjadi multi posisi, sebagai contoh : cech fabregas yang seharusnya bermain di posisi gelandang, bisa tangguh juga bermain menjadi penyerang.

faktor2 di atas menunjukkan bahwa pertandingan akan berlangsung seru, dan mental akan menjadi salah satu penentu dalam pertandingan tersebut. 

Max Allegri saya rasa tidak akan memainkan gaya catenaccio atau pertahanan gerendel ala Timnas Italia. Allegri bahkan bakal bermain menyerang lawan El Barca dan tak akan meniru permainan Inter Milan era Jose Mourinho yang meladeni permainan Barca dengan cara menumpuk sembilan pemain lalu menyerang balik untuk meraih kemenangan.

Prediksi ala koclokindoblog : Pertandingan akan diwarnai dengan banyaknya gol, faktor fisik pemain AC Milan menjadi kendala di kala meladeni permainan man to man yang diperagakan oleh barcelona.

Barcelona akan memenangkan pertandingan ini dengan selisih 1 gol, dengan jumlah gol  >3.

 

Champions League preview: Marseille v Bayern Munich

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 28 maret 2012,

Marseille must try to shake off an eight-game winless streak as they prepare for their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

The club from the French south coast have not won since their round of 16 first leg against Inter Milan as they have plummeted to ninth in Ligue 1.

In fact, in that eight-game period, Marseille lost seven in a row, ending that run with a 1-1 draw against Nice on Saturday.

Playing away from home, Didier Deschamps' side threw away a one-goal lead when Nice defender Luciano Monzon's penalty cancelled out Andre Ayew's goal.

Ayew is the clear star in Deschamps' squad, providing creativity, speed and goals from midfield.

The 22-year-old Ghana international has been crucial in the Champions League, having scored four goals for Marseille, including the late winner in Marseille's 1-0 victory over Inter on February 22.

Marseille face a tough test to continue their European adventure, with Bayern especially keen to make the final because it will be played at their home stadium in Munich in May.

Bayern are in ominous form having scored over six goals in three of their past five matches, including a 7-0 demolition of Basel in their Champions League round of 16 second leg.

Jupp Heynckes' team is second in the Bundesliga and trail Borussia Dortmund by five points.

Bayern beat Hannover 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Toni Kroos and Mario Gomez.

Gomez has had a brilliant season, averaging a goal a game for Bayern across all competitions, including 10 goals in seven Champions League matches.

The 26-year-old striker scored four against Basel and will be looking forward to taking on a Marseille side that has conceded an average of two goals per game over their last four matches.

soccerway.com

Ben Arfa earns Cisse´s praises

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 27 maret 2012,

Papiss Cisse has praised his Newcastle United team-mate Hatem Ben Arfa, comparing the attacker to Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

The Frenchman produced a man-of-the-match performance in a 3-1 victory over West Brom on Sunday, providing two assists and getting on the scoresheet.

And the display has encouraged Senegal forward Cisse to compare the 25-year-old to the Argentine, who is widely heralded as the best player in the world.

"He is a great player with a great range of skills," the forward said.

"Sometimes with the ball at his feet, he is like Lionel Messi. The ball really sticks to his feet.

"I really like that kind of player. He is the kind of player who can make the difference and that is really good for us.

"He is really good to play with. He played really well against West Brom and that is why we took the three points."

Cisse is also backing the midfielder to prove himself at international level this summer and become a vital member of the France squad at Euro 2012.

"I am certain Hatem is capable of going to the Euros because he is really talented," he said.

"He is showing it every weekend. He did it at Arsenal and again against West Brom. If I were in the coach's place, I would take him."

The 26-year-old himself has been in blistering form and has scored five goals in England since his January move from Freiburg.

"English football seems to suit me - that is five goals now and I hope to score even more," he said.

"The whole team played well and gave the attackers the chances to score a lot of goals. I always pray to God to give me the strength to be good on the pitch and do what I have to do."

Cisse also revealed his dream to play on the continental stage with Newcastle and feels the Magpies have what it takes to qualify for the Champions League.

"My dream is to play in the Champions League. Right now we are on the right path to do that. We have to continue like this, keep picking up victories," he said.

"We have got Liverpool at home at the weekend. It won't be an easy match but we are going to do everything we can to win it."

soccerway.com

Di Matteo defends Chelsea stature

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 27 maret 2012,

Chelsea interim boss Roberto Di Matteo has jumped to the defence of his players after midfielder Frank Lampard claimed his side were in decline.

Lampard provided a withering assessment when asked about Chelsea's season, telling Chelsea TV: "We're not as good as we used to be."

But despite his side sitting five points behind Tottenham in fourth place and in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League next season, Di Matteo denies his team lacks quality.

"The numbers say that, so there is no point in denying it's been a difficult season," Di Matteo said.

"But we have quality in this team and many good players. I still think this Chelsea team is a very good team.

"I am positive about the team, but my players are positive too.

"We have great belief in our abilities. That's what we're going to try and express tomorrow."

Chelsea face Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday and Di Matteo believes his side can secure an advantage to take back to Stamford Bridge next month.

"It's a very fine line between success and failure, this team has the ability to play a good game tomorrow night," he said.

"Benfica play with great intensity and good pressure, have some excellent players, wouldn't be in the quarter-finals if not."

soccerway.com

Google adsense kena banned (disabled) lagi, cape dee..

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 27 maret 2012,

GA kembali menonaktifkan akun saya, dan kembali saya tidak tahu alasan kesalahannya, klik sendiri ga pernah, ikut forum untuk saling klik juga ga pernah.
pagi2, sewaktu saya mau membuat postingan sambil berkunjung ke blog2 sahabat, saya bingung karena iklan di blog saya tidak muncul, setelah saya cek di rancangan, ternyata tidak ada yang salah, dan beberapa saat saya kepikiran untuk membuka gmail, dan eng ing eng.. :

Hello al hery harjanto,

While going through our records recently, we found that your AdSense
account has posed a significant risk to our AdWords advertisers. Since
keeping your account in our publisher network may financially damage
our advertisers in the future, we've decided to disable your account.

Please understand that we consider this a necessary step to protect the
interests of both our advertisers and our other AdSense publishers. We
realize the inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you in
advance for your understanding and cooperation.

If you have any questions about your account or the actions we've
taken, please do not reply to this email. You can find more information
by visiting
https://www.google.com/adsense/support/bin/answer.py?answer=57153&hl=en_US .

Sincerely,

The Google AdSense Team
------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------
This message was sent from a notification-only email address that does
not accept incoming email. Please do not reply to this message.

 

Sungguh teganya teganya teganya teganya.. wkwkwkwk.

mau tanya jawab di forum pun sepertinya percuma, jawabannya itu2 saja, untuk melindungi pihak pengiklan.

satu2nya jalan untuk mengaktifkan kembali akun adsense cuma ke form banding : https://support.google.com/adsense/bin/request.py?hlrm=en&contact_type=appeal_form

(yang dalam bahasa indonesia aja ah, pusing bacanya ), hehe

Setelah mengisi form tersebut, bla bla bla sampai membuat kata kata yang bisa meluluhkan team google adsense... huakz, tidak lama kemudian, kira2 3 jam sudah mendapat balasan dari team GA, dan jawabannya adalah :

Pelanggan yang terhormat,

Terima kasih atas pengajuan keberatan yang telah diberikan. Kami
menghargai informasi tambahan yang Anda berikan, dan atas kepercayaan Anda
pada program AdSense selama ini. Namun, setelah meninjau kembali data akun
secara saksama dan mempertimbangkan umpan balik Anda, pakar kami telah
memastikan bahwa kami tidak dapat mengaktifkan kembali akun AdSense Anda.

Sebagai pengingat, jika ada pertanyaan atau keluhan tentang akun, tindakan
yang telah kami ambil, kegiatan yang pada umumnya tidak valid, informasi
selengkapnya tentang hal itu dapat Anda temukan dengan membuka
http://www.google.com/adsense/support/bin/answer.py?answer=57153 .

 

Ternyata, susah juga meluluhkan hati team google adsense. capee deeee... wkwkwk semangaaaaaaaaat !!!!!

Jokowi Bakal Nonton Dream Theater, Ahok pilih Dangdut

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, Jakarta,  Bakal cagub DKI Jakarta Joko Widodo (Jokowi) sudah kesemsem dengan musik rock. Bahkan Wali Kota Surakarta ini akan menonton konser Dream Theater, grup metal progresif asal AS ini, dalam waktu dekat.

"Saya sudah punya tiket Dream Theater. Tapi tiketnya yang paling murah. Nanti kalau mau bareng ayuk," ujar Jokowi di Thamrin City, Thamrin, Jakarta Pusat, Sabtu (24/3/2012).

Jokowi mengaku gemar menonton konser musik rock sejak dulu. Selain Rock, dia juga senang menonton campur sari.

"Saya juga kemaren nonton Lamb of God. Dari dulu saya senang band rock seperti Depp Purple, Scorpion, Genesis, Metallica, Napalm Death, sampai campur sari," kata Jokowi.

Dream Theatre akan menggelar konser di Jakarta pada Sabtu, 21 April 2012. Konser ini akan digelar di Mata Elang International Stadium, Pantai Carnival Ancol Jakarta.

Harga normal tiket konser Dream Theatre, mulai dari Rp 750 ribu sampai Rp 4 juta. Tiket termahal adalah untuk platinum yakni Rp 4 juta. Sedangkan tiket termurah yaitu kelas tribune Rp 750 ribu.

Berbeda dengan pasangan Jokowi, Basuki T Purnama (Ahok). Mantan Bupati Belitung Timur itu memilih musik dangdut. Bahkan dari kecil dia suka dangdut.

"Dari kecil saya suka dangdut. Kalau ada film Rhoma Irama kita nonton bareng," kata Ahok di tempat yang sama.

Jokowi dan Ahok diusung PDI Perjuangan dan Gerindra untuk maju di pilkada DKI. Mereka telah mendaftar ke KPU DKI beberapa waktu lalu. Pemungutan suara akan digelar pada 11 Juli 2012 mendatang.

news.detik.com

Champions League preview: APOEL vs Real Madrid

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 26 maret 2012,

Real Madrid have a huge chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals when they travel to Cyprus to play APOEL on Tuesday.

Madrid have seemingly drawn the easiest quarter-final opponent in the Champions League and are considered huge favourites ahead of Tuesday's first leg in Nicosia.

The La Liga leaders are the most successful club in the history of the Champions League and, the competition's predecessor, the European Cup, having been crowned champions nine times.

Madrid's manager Jose Mourinho will be wary, however, of complacency, which has seemingly been an issue for his star-studded squad over the past couple of weeks.

Since the club from Spain's capital beat CSKA Moscow to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Champions League, they have been held to surprising draws in two of their three subsequent matches.

Madrid conceded late goals against Malaga and Villarreal in 1-1 draws last week before getting back on track with a 5-1 thumping of Real Sociadad on Saturday.

But if Mourinho's side slackens off on Tuesday they could be in for a rude shock.

APOEL are the first Cypriot club to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Their success in this season's Champions League has been built on tight defence and good home form, with five wins from seven games in their own stadium.

In their round of 16 match-up, APOEL managed only one shot on goal in their 1-0 away leg defeat against Olympic Lyon as they focused on restricting the French side.

The Cypriots increased that statistic to three in the home leg as they beat Lyon 1-0 on the night and then 4-3 on penalties to reach the quarter-final stage.

While Madrid have won seven of their eight Champions League games this season, APOEL have shown they can compete against Europe's big clubs having beaten Lyon, FC Porto and Zenit St Petersburg in their run to the quarter-finals.

APOEL head into Tuesday's game in third position in their local competition. They drew 0-0 with local rivals Omonia Nicosia on Saturday.

soccerway.com

Champions League preview: Benfica vs Chelsea

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 26 maret 2012,

Benfica will hope to extend their unbeaten home streak when they face Chelsea in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.

The Lisbon-based team have not lost at home for 10 matches in European competitions and Benfica's coach Jorge Jesus will hope that form can help his side through to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 1990.

Chelsea have not won away from home in this season's Champions League.

Jesus will expect a lot of striker Oscar Cardozo, who is the only Benfica player to have reached double figures in goals so far this season.

Cardozo has scored four times in seven Champions League matches this season, including one in Benfica's 4-3 aggregate quarter-final win over Zenit St Petersburg.

Chelsea reached the quarter-finals stage with a 5-4 aggregate victory against Napoli.

Benfica goes into the game second in Portugal's Liga Sagres, one point behind FC Porto.

Jesus' team drew 0-0 with seventh-placed Olhanense on Friday.

The Benfica manager started 32-year-old midfielder Pablo Aimar on the bench against Olhanense and the Argentine should be well-rested for Tuesday's game.

Chelsea also drew 0-0 over the weekend, having been held at home by Tottenham on Saturday.

That result leaves Chelsea five points behind Spurs on the English Premier League table, in serious danger of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League again next season.

The two clubs have never played each other in a competitive match, but Chelsea will go into the game with plenty of knowledge of Benfica, thanks to Ramires and David Luiz's recent stints at the Portuguese club.

Roberto Di Matteo's men are the only English side remaining in the competition and go into Tuesday's game with all players available.

Defender Branislav Ivanovic suffered a thigh injury in Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday and did not play against Tottenham, but is expected to be fit against Benfica.

soccerway.com

Lopez and Lazio dreaming of Europe

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 26 maret 2012,

Lazio will 'continue to dream' of the Champions League according to assistant coach Giovanni Lopez after they beat Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday.

The Rome club took until the 85th minute of the match to break Cagliari's resistance, when Mobido Diakite's header sealed a 1-0 win.

With other results going their way, Lazio are now three points clear in third place, and on track to claim Champions League qualification.

With head coach Edy Reja serving a touchline ban in the stands, his assistant Lopez undertook the post-game media duties, and could not hide his delight after picking up three vital points.

"With this victory we can continue to dream of third place, especially considering the results of the other teams," Lopez said.

"There are many games to go and we'll have to see how we all go into the final sprint.

"This is an important goal, as it allowed us to win and put the run of two consecutive defeats behind us.

"We played well, with patience and concentration, creating quite a few scoring opportunities."

Rivals Napoli and Udinese remain three points adrift of Lazio after being held to draws, while Roma (seven points behind) lost to leaders AC Milan.

With a host of players unavailable through injury, including Miroslav Klose, Senad Lulic, Andre Dias, and Francelino Matuzalem, Lopez admitted the extra load of Europa League fixtures earlier in the campaign was beginning to take its toll.

"We suffered a great deal when playing in the Europa League, especially as we had no strength in depth," he said.

"We are in better shape physically even if there are still important players on the treatment table. Hopefully when they return we'll still be in the race for third."

soccerway.com

Ibra: "Bukan Milan vs Messi"

koclokindoblog.blogspot.com, 26 maret 2012,

Milan - Lionel Messi adalah bintang Barcelona yang seperti tak kunjung henti menebar pesona. Messi memang hebat, tetapi AC Milan diingatkan kalau yang akan mereka hadapi di Liga Champions bukanlah Messi seorang.

Usia Messi masih 24 tahun, namun sederet prestasi sudah ia capai. Bersama Barca, ia sudah meraih semua trofi di level klub.

Secara individu pemain yang baru memastikan diri menjadi pencetak gol terbanyak Barca di dalam kompetisi resmi, dengan 234 gol, tersebut juga sudah tiga kali menjadi pemain terbaik dunia.

Aksi-aksinya di lapangan, baik ketika menggiring bola, melewati pemain lawan, maupun menjebol gawang, juga sering menghadirkan momen-momen "wah" yang bikin orang tak kuasa berdecak kagum.

Maka tak ayal, ketika menghadapi Barca tim lawan mesti mewaspadai Messi. Pun begitu, penyerang Milan Zlatan Ibrahimovic mewanti-wanti kalau Barca justru lebih berbahaya sebagai satu-kesatuan ketimbang tim yang mengandalkan Messi seorang.

"Kami harus menghentikan Barcelona, bukan Messi, sama halnya seperti Barca mesti menghentikan Milan," seru pemain yang juga pernah membela Barca itu kepada Aftonbladet yang dikutip Football Italia.

Milan dan Barca diharuskan berebut tiket semifinal di Liga Champions musim ini. Rossoneri akan menjadi tuan rumah perempatfinal leg I di San Siro, Kamis (29/3/2012) dinihari WIB.

Di fase grup, Milan dan Barca juga sudah berhadapan. Di Camp Nou kedua tim bermain imbang 2-2 dan kemudian di San Siro Barca menang 3-2, dengan Messi menyumbang satu gol.

sport.detik.com