Author Archives: tramnguyen

National team to begin training for World Cup

With just 19 members, the national team will start their World Cup campaign today in Ha Noi.Coach Toshyia Miura surprised everyone with his short list, which has included only two strikers, Le Cong Vinh (Becamex Binh Duong) and Nguyen Hai Anh (Dong Nai).

With just 19 members, the national team will start their World Cup campaign today in Ha Noi.

Coach Toshyia Miura surprised everyone with his short list, which has included only two strikers, Le Cong Vinh (Becamex Binh Duong) and Nguyen Hai Anh (Dong Nai).

The Japanese coach refused to take Le Van Thang of Can Tho and Hoang Dinh Tung of Thanh Hoa, one of the leading scorers at the domestic league, in the team.

He has lured four goalkeepers, six defenders, and seven midfielders. Among them, Dang Khanh Lam (Hai Phong) is the most unexpected entrant as he is 33 and nearly retired before signing a contract with Hai Phong this season.

Miura decided to pick Lam after seeing his performance in a V.League 1 match last week, when Hai Phong played Dong Tam Long An.

Although Hai Phong lost 0-1, Lam’s performance stood out and Miura immediately noted his name.

Apart from Lam, Miura also chose unknown names such as Vuong Quoc Trung (Hai Phong), Le Van Hung (SHB Da Nang) and Michal Nguyen (Becamex Binh Duong), who have often been seen on the benches at V.League. Michal Nguyen has not played a match this season.

The names of best attacking midfielders, Vu Minh Tuan of Quang Ninh, Pham Thanh Luong and Nguyen Van Quyet of Ha Noi T&T, and Nguyen Trong Hoang of Becamex Binh Duong, make for a near-perfect list.

Miura is rumoured to add some names from the U23 squads to make his national team the strongest one.

As planned, the team will start training in about 20 days and will have a test match with the U23 players on May 20. The day after that they will fly to Bangkok to play Thailand in the first Group F match of the World Cup qualifiers on May 24.

At the same time and same venue today, the U23 players will also start training for the Southeast Asian Games. Miura coaches this team as well.

A 30-strong team will work hard for 43 days and will play several friendly and warm-up matches.

Before playing the national team, the young squad will face South Korean U23 this Saturday and another match with a regional team a week later. They will also play two more matches with local teams.

The U23 players are expected to leave for Singapore’s Games on May 25.

Viet Nam will play Brunei in their opener in Group B on May 29.

Source VNS

Valencia take charge of Champions League chase

Valencia moved three points clear of Sevilla in the fight for the fourth Champions League place in La Liga with a comfortable 3-1 win over Eibar on Sunday.

valencia-1

Valencia moved three points clear of Sevilla in the fight for the fourth Champions League place in La Liga with a comfortable 3-1 win over Eibar on Sunday (May 3).

Nicolas Otamendi headed the hosts in front from Jose Gaya’s cross midway through the first-half. Captain Dani Parejo then made the points safe for Valencia with a deflected effort just before the hour mark.

Paco Alcacer tapped home the third into an empty net after Xabi Irureta had made a fine save from Parejo’s free-kick before Mikel Arruabarrena pulled a goal back for the visitors late on.

Valencia could still catch Atletico Madrid for the final automatic Champions League place in third. Atletico are just four points ahead. However, they face a daunting trip to play Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend in a game that could also have serious repurcussions in the title race.

A 14th defeat in 16 games leaves Eibar just one point above the relegation zone with three games remaining.

Granada boosted their survivial hopes with a first victory in nine games under new coach Jose Ramon Sandoval thanks to a double from Youssef El-Arabi to win 2-1 at Getafe.

Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano’s hopes of claiming the final European place in seventh both suffered a blow earlier on Sunday as they drew 1-1.

 

Source AFP

Ibrahimovic sparks Paris Saint Germain’s title thrust

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, fresh from a three-match ban, sparked Paris Saint Germain’s 2-0 win at Nantes in Ligue 1 on Sunday, moving them a step closer to third straight French title.

zlatan-psg

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, fresh from a three-match ban, sparked Paris Saint Germain’s 2-0 win at Nantes in Ligue 1 on Sunday (May 3), moving them a step closer to third straight French title.

The Swede had a hand in both goals, notably playing the ball between Nantes’ captain Oswaldo Vizcarrondo’s legs to set up Blaise Matuidi’s clincher on the half-hour.

Edinson Cavani had pounced as early as the third minute after the Swede had sparked a goalmouth scramble with a snap shot. The 2-0 win puts PSG on 74 points at the top with Lyon three points behind with three games to play.

Having already won the League Cup, and with a French Cup final to come against Auxerre on May 30, Lauren Blanc’s side are on track for a domestic clean sweep.

“We came for three points and that’s what we’re going home with. So congratulations to my players,” said PSG coach Laurent Blanc. I don’t know if we’ll end up champions but over the last five or six games we’ve been tough to play against.

“It’s all about concentration and determination to win the ball back. In matches where we were losing the ball, you saw players start to get at each-other,” he explained.

Vizcarrondo was left red-faced when Ibrahimovic produced the cheeky pass through his legs before he turned in a panic to see Matuidi race through anc clip a slick finish round the onrushing Remy Riou in the Nantes goal.

The Swede was playing his first game since starting a three match ban stemming from comments describing France as a “shit country” when he thought he was off camera after a defeat to Bordeaux.

Nantes worked hard all night with relentless support from a packed stadium but Paris dominated throughout. Cavani might have had a hatful but for a string of first-half saves from Riou.

While Serge Gakpe and Johan Audel both forced fingertip saves from Paris ‘keeper Nicolas Douchez, who continued to impress in the absence of Salvatore Sirigu, their chances were few and far between.

Thanks to a hugely industrious Paris engine room led by Marco Verratti, Nantes were largely reduced to hopeful punts from the wing.

Nantes coach Michel Der Zakarian described Paris as almost unbeatable on this form. “When they’re up for it and concentrate like that and when they have everyone fit they’re almost unbeatable,” said Der Zakarian.

It was PSG’s sixth straight league win and their remaining fixtures appear eminently winnable – they must visit Montpellier and welcome Guingamp and Reims to the Parc des Princes, where they are unbeaten domestically in a year.

Lyon for their part beat strugglers Evian 2-0 on Saturday to maintain their challenge for a first league title since 2008. A superb free-kick from Clement Grenier and an Alexandre Lacazette penalty gave Lyon the three crucial points.

Earlier on Sunday, Monaco’s Portuguese duo Bernard Silva and Joao Moutinho set up a 4-1 hammering of Toulouse that took their team five points clear of their closest pursuers for Ligue 1’s third and final Champions League spot.

Marseille had looked good for a Champions League place, having led Ligue 1 at Christmas. But a classy Monaco run has seen a 15 point turnaround between the two clubs. Monaco are now on 65 points, with Marseille and Saint Etienne on 60.

Monaco had a great run in the Champions League this season only getting knocked-out 1-0 on aggregate in a close run affair with Juventus.

Third place in France offers a place in the third qualifying round for next season and all the aces now seem to be firmly in Monaco’s hands.

 

Source AFP

2015 HCMC Women’s futsal tournament

On May 4th, Ho Chi Minh football federation ( HFF) is going to open the 2015 HCMC women’s futsal tournament.

Giải ngày có chất lượng chuyên môn cao There are six teams: Tao Dan district 1, Tea Ghosts, district 8, Passion SG FC, Truong An bread company and  PouYuen VN who will compete in one round to chose the best one. This is an yearly tournament hold by HFF sothat the talents will be chosen for other tournament.
Games happens at Thai Son Nam gymnasium (district 8) and tournament will end on May 10th.

Tran Anh

Pellegrini silent over Manchester City futur

The Citizens manager avoided the topic of his future following his side’s 1-0 win at White Hart Lane on Sunday after Chelsea lifted the title earlier in the day

manuelpellegrini-cropped_av0keww6n7vn1g7rvp0qish9r

Manuel Pellegrini refused to discuss his future after Manchester City’s victory over Tottenham before aiming apparent criticsm at newly crowned Premier League champions Chelsea.

The Blues sealed the title with three games remaining after beating Crystal Palace 1-0 at Stamford Bridge as City reacted to being dethroned by beating Spurs by the same scoreline later on Sunday.

Pellegrini has overseen a trophyless season following last year’s domestic triumph and his team now sit 13 points adrift of Jose Mourinho’s side, leading to speculation over his job security.

And, when asked if he will still be in charge at the Etihad Stadium next season, the Chilean told the BBC: “I’m not going to answer that question.

“I said before we were going to see a beautiful game because both teams play offensive football so I expect the fans enjoyed the game. It was a close game and Sergio scored a great goal. I am happy about that.

“You must remember against Tottenham that Chelsea conceded five goals, we have a clean sheet. Tottenham create chances with offensive players, but I think we have as many chances as Tottenham.

“We have to finish the season now and then we will analyse it. I think it’s important to finish as near the top as possible and see where we need to improve.

“Maybe Chelsea are more consistent this year and they won the league but we scored more when we did it.”

Source Goal

Pirlo: I don’t regret rejecting Real Madrid

The Juventus midfielder had the chance to join Los Blancos nine years ago but elected to stay at AC Milan, with whom he won the Champions League the following season

andrea-pirlo-juventus-serie-a-20022015_1v1nu6mp8xdwy17nqh5zbprpp9

Andrea Pirlo says that while he regards Real Madrid as “the biggest team in the world”, he does not regret turning down the chance to move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2006.

The Juventus midfielder, who will face Los Blancos in Turin on Tuesday, was plying his trade at AC Milan at the time and considered leaving the Rossoneri after they were implicated in Calciopoli, an infamous refereeing scandal that rocked Italian football.

However, Pirlo ultimately decided against accepting erstwhile Madrid coach Fabio Capello’s offer to join him in the Spanish capital that summer.

“Capello called me in 2006,” the playmaker is quoted as saying by AS. “Milan had problems with the Calciopoli scandal and the deal was nearly done.

“But then everything was sorted out and my contract was renewed.

“Madrid is Madrid. There’s nothing more to say. It’s the biggest team in the world.

“But regrets? No. That following season, in fact, we won the Champions League at AC Milan.”

Current Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was in charge of the San Siro side at the time and Pirlo is looking forward to being reunited with his former coach at Juventus Stadium.

“He’s like a father to me,” the 35-year-old stated. “We spent many years together.

“He got me playing my best football in a different position, further back. He changed my role on the pitch.

“I lived indescribable times with him.”

However, Pirlo is now intent on helping Juve end Ancelotti’s bid to lead Madrid to a historic second successive Champions League title at the semi-final stage.

“We must remember that there’s a second leg,” the Italian international added. “It’s 180 minutes.

“The first leg is vital and needs to be played intelligently, with prudence and confidence.

“We have a dream to follow, and there’s nothing to lose, but we can’t get carried away because of that.”

Source Goal

Vietnam beat Myanmar in opener of regional women’s football event

A late goal from Huynh Nhu gave Vietnam a narrow victory over Myanmar in their Group B opening game of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Football Championship 2015.

13152842814

AFF Women’s Championship 2015 kicks off Nhu headed home defender Bui Thi Nhu’s left-wing cross in the 84th minute after the two sides tied at 2-2 for most of the match at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on May 2.

The win put Vietnam in a favourable position to win the group and a ticket to the semi-finals, given that they are favourites for upcoming matches against Philippines and Malaysia.

In the other match of the group the same day, Philippines beat Malaysia 3-0 to temporarily top the group thanks to a better goal difference over Vietnam.

In group A, Australia U20 got off to a good start with a convincing 3-0 win over Thailand to lead the group. Laos sit second with a 2-0 victory over Indonesia.

Source VNA

Inzaghi: I’m the right man for Milan

The Rossoneri coach is under intense pressure after a run of five games without a win in Serie A but he feels he is building something at San Siro

filippo-inzaghi-napoli-milan-serie-a_1o9np7czlfo681jbj3hfqiy4p1

Filippo Inzaghi still believes he is the right man for AC Milan – despite seeing his side slump to another resounding defeat at Napoli on Sunday.

Fresh from back-to-back losses at Udinese and at home to Genoa, the Rossoneri saw their hopes of ending a five-game winless run all but end after just 45 seconds of action at the San Paolo, with Mattia De Sciglio seeing red for a professional foul on Marek Hamsik.

Diego Lopez saved Gonzalo Higuain’s penalty but Milan eventually folded midway through the second half when Napoli struck three times in six minutes through Hamsik, Higuain and Manolo Gabbiadini.

Inzaghi was reluctant to be drawn on his job prospects but suggested that it would be unfair if a game in which his side had to play over 89 minutes with 10 men would be a factor in determining his future.

“I have been able to turn everything around since taking charge last summer,” the Rossoneri coach told Sky Sport. “We had four great months and then we struggled.

“But there’s something good there. The club will make their evaluations but I have a contract.

“But it was a game shaped by the dismissal. I saw a good team for 70 minutes. Maybe a yellow would have been fairer than a red, because Gabriel Paletta was also there.

“We fought hard with 10 men. I can’t say anything bad about our spirit.

“We even had a chance to score through Bonaventura when the midfielder grazed the post with a header in the first half. We definitely didn’t deserve to suffer such a heavy defeat.”

Source Goal

AFF Women’s Championship 2015 kicks off

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Football Championship 2015 kicked off in the Ho Chi Minh City’s Thong Nhat Stadium on May 1 with the opener between Australia and Thailand.

Các cầu thủ U20 Australia (áo vàng) đã xuất sắc đánh bại Thái Lan ở trận mở màn. Ảnh: Quang Thắng 

Tranh chấp bóng quyết liệt

anh-1

Also in Group A, Laos faced Indonesia the same day.

Group A comprises the four teams from Australia, who are the guest at the event, Indonesia, Laos and Thailand. Meanwhile, those from Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and host Vietnam compete in Group B. Teams compete under the round-robin format.

Vietnam is scheduled to face Myanmar on May 2 before competing against Malaysia on May 4 and the Philippines on May 6.

The event will run until May 10.

This year’s tourney is said to be of importance since women’s football is not included in competition categories at the 28th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 28) in Singapore this June.

Vietnam hosted the VFF Women’s Football Championship for three times (in 2006, 2008, and 2012) since it was first held in 2006. It won the trophy in 2006 and 2012.

Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca passes away after cancer battle

The 36-year-old paid tribute to his wife in a statement released by Queens Park Rangers on Saturday

rio-ferdinand-qpr-christian-eriksen-tottenham_1tnu24pv2xr8w16vk7wvbd4195

Rebecca Ferdinand, wife of QPR defender Rio, has passed away following a short battle with cancer.

The former England centre-back issued a short statement through QPR’s official website paying tribute to a “wonderful wife”.

The couple have been married since 2009 and have three children.

“My soulmate slipped away last night. Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London,” he wrote.

“She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.

“Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca’s parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months.

“I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden. Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca’s all-too-short life will not be forgotten.

“Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately.”

QPR players wore black armbands as a sign or respect during their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

Source Goal