International Football
Everyone loves a skilful keeper. One of the highlights from the opening night of the Copa Libertadores group stages.
Comment & analysis round-up Quote of the day: “I was not depressed at all. I knew what I did and there is a kind of football law that says ‘what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch and that’s the end of the story’. I know against Man United it is going to be [...]
Mmm ....... Roland Martin seems quite comfortable in his ascot. Too comfortable.
Roland Martin, CNN's most vocal homophobic bigot gets all frothy and excited over the David Beckham undie ad that aired on Super Bowl. With friends like these, does Obama need any enemies?
He probably thought seeing the ad would turn half of America's menfolk gay. He let loose on Twitter, "If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him!" was followed by "Ain't no real bruhs going to H&M to buy some damn David Beckham underwear!" His political analysis is equally inciteful (sic). Would be right at home at Fox News.
This did not go down well with a number of his followers who criticized him but Martin stuck to his two bit script claiming he was mocking soccer as he routinely does. But really the issue was his homophobia and it got him into trouble with GLAAD, one of USA's largest gay rights group who took him to task.
Martin finally backtracked but he covered himself with his soccer = gay sport defense. Not his own I hate gays bigotry. Here it is:
" It was meant to be a deliberately over the top and sarcastic crack about soccer; I do not advocate violence of any kind against anyone gay, or not. As anyone who follows me on Twitter knows, anytime soccer comes up during football season it's another chance for me to take a playful shot at soccer, nothing more."
Martin who is about 100 lbs overweight but with a decidedly undernourished brain should get a scissor kick in his gonads. When he spits them out of his mouth and has a voice resembling a frog on helium, he can go and play pat a cake. But hey, maybe this is all a deflection from what he really is.
Roland Martin, CNN's most vocal homophobic bigot gets all frothy and excited over the David Beckham undie ad that aired on Super Bowl. With friends like these, does Obama need any enemies?
He probably thought seeing the ad would turn half of America's menfolk gay. He let loose on Twitter, "If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him!" was followed by "Ain't no real bruhs going to H&M to buy some damn David Beckham underwear!" His political analysis is equally inciteful (sic). Would be right at home at Fox News.
This did not go down well with a number of his followers who criticized him but Martin stuck to his two bit script claiming he was mocking soccer as he routinely does. But really the issue was his homophobia and it got him into trouble with GLAAD, one of USA's largest gay rights group who took him to task.
Martin finally backtracked but he covered himself with his soccer = gay sport defense. Not his own I hate gays bigotry. Here it is:
" It was meant to be a deliberately over the top and sarcastic crack about soccer; I do not advocate violence of any kind against anyone gay, or not. As anyone who follows me on Twitter knows, anytime soccer comes up during football season it's another chance for me to take a playful shot at soccer, nothing more."
Martin who is about 100 lbs overweight but with a decidedly undernourished brain should get a scissor kick in his gonads. When he spits them out of his mouth and has a voice resembling a frog on helium, he can go and play pat a cake. But hey, maybe this is all a deflection from what he really is.
Mirandes, the giant killing third division Liga club bowed out beaten by Athletic Bilbao, 6-2, in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey (8-3 aggregate). Fernando Llorente showed why he's on the wishlist of some of the world's biggest clubs by scoring a brace. Athletic also got goals from Iker Muniain, Markel Susaeta and defender Jon Aurtenetxe. The last goal was an own goal by Fernandez Cesar Caneda.
Mirandes managed to claim a couple through Aitor Blanco. The third division club beat Villarreal, Racing Santander and Espanyol to make it to the semi-finals but were no match for Athletic who find the Copa Del Rey happy hunting grounds entering their 36th final of which they have won 23, second only to Barca's 25 titles.
Barca will meet Valencia in the second leg tomorrow having tied the first edition, 1-1 at the Mestalla.
Mirandes managed to claim a couple through Aitor Blanco. The third division club beat Villarreal, Racing Santander and Espanyol to make it to the semi-finals but were no match for Athletic who find the Copa Del Rey happy hunting grounds entering their 36th final of which they have won 23, second only to Barca's 25 titles.
Barca will meet Valencia in the second leg tomorrow having tied the first edition, 1-1 at the Mestalla.
The world's most over rated striker receives a three match ban for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica. To be fair Aronica also indulged in some extra-curricular activities against Antonio Nocerino but Ibra's was a reputation call. He will miss crucial matches against Udinese and Juventus.
Fabio Capello showing what he thinks of the FA's decision to nix Terry's captaincy
The FA and Fabio Capello are increasingly at odds with each other over John Terry's captaincy. The Italian was vocal in his support of the Chelsea defender using the cover of the deferred legal case as a presumption of innocence till proven guilty. The FA increasingly under pressure for botching the whole racial abuse case from the get go sought a more moral imperative. Terry's continuation as a captain would prove divisive and distracting to the team.
The FA rode over Capello's objections and axed Terry. The England manager unsurprisingly did not take it well. He went on Italian TV and vented his frustration. Very unwisely, one might add.
"I told (the chairman) that I don't think someone can be punished until it becomes official," Capello told RAI. "The court will decide. It's going to be civil justice, not sports justice, to decide if John Terry committed that crime that he is accused of. And I thought it fair that John Terry keeps the captain's armband."
A public denouncement which did not go down well with the FA. They are in short very incensed.
"It is being taken very seriously by the FA because it may be that Fabio Capello has breached his contract," former FA executive director David Davies told the BBC on Monday. "You have to ask what his motive is. You have to suspect he wants to prevent John Terry retiring as a player before Euro 2012, but there are wider issues. You could have what some of the media are calling a morality circus while England are trying to win the second major tournament in football."
Today, Gordon Taylor, the CEO of the Professional Footballers' Association, called Capello's stance "bizarre and disappointing". Taylor also said that Capello should have held his counsel because the new captain would know he was not his manager's choice, creating a situation not conducive to locker room unity.
This is not the first ill conceived move made by Capello. His Capello index set up prior to the World Cup gave his own England players some very unflattering ratings which set off a firestorm of criticism and caused it to be yanked off forcing Capello onto the defensive. The current situation is far worse because he finds himself increasingly isolated and viewed with suspicion by many in the FA hierarchy. There is a familiar feel to these run of events just before one of the world's most prestigious competitions bringing back a reminder of why Capello's continuation was secured amongst uniform public disapproval.
It's quite telling that some of the more outspoken footballers have not come to his defense. But that would mean implicitly supporting a John Terry captaincy which one suspects is the last thing anyone wants.
A corollary to that would be if Terry would like to continue in the national team, which is possibly the reason why Capello made him captain heading off a potential retirement. Terry has not indicated he feels any differently, but a voluntary retirement would mean the FA and Capello get to save face. Otherwise, indications are Capello might have to re-consider his future as manager. The biggest thing in his favour is Harry Redknapp, the prohibitive favourite to take over as England manager could be a convicted felon by the time his court case gets over. Tomorrow, David Bernstein and Capello are set for a very important meeting to repair this breech.
The FA and Fabio Capello are increasingly at odds with each other over John Terry's captaincy. The Italian was vocal in his support of the Chelsea defender using the cover of the deferred legal case as a presumption of innocence till proven guilty. The FA increasingly under pressure for botching the whole racial abuse case from the get go sought a more moral imperative. Terry's continuation as a captain would prove divisive and distracting to the team.
The FA rode over Capello's objections and axed Terry. The England manager unsurprisingly did not take it well. He went on Italian TV and vented his frustration. Very unwisely, one might add.
"I told (the chairman) that I don't think someone can be punished until it becomes official," Capello told RAI. "The court will decide. It's going to be civil justice, not sports justice, to decide if John Terry committed that crime that he is accused of. And I thought it fair that John Terry keeps the captain's armband."
A public denouncement which did not go down well with the FA. They are in short very incensed.
"It is being taken very seriously by the FA because it may be that Fabio Capello has breached his contract," former FA executive director David Davies told the BBC on Monday. "You have to ask what his motive is. You have to suspect he wants to prevent John Terry retiring as a player before Euro 2012, but there are wider issues. You could have what some of the media are calling a morality circus while England are trying to win the second major tournament in football."
Today, Gordon Taylor, the CEO of the Professional Footballers' Association, called Capello's stance "bizarre and disappointing". Taylor also said that Capello should have held his counsel because the new captain would know he was not his manager's choice, creating a situation not conducive to locker room unity.
This is not the first ill conceived move made by Capello. His Capello index set up prior to the World Cup gave his own England players some very unflattering ratings which set off a firestorm of criticism and caused it to be yanked off forcing Capello onto the defensive. The current situation is far worse because he finds himself increasingly isolated and viewed with suspicion by many in the FA hierarchy. There is a familiar feel to these run of events just before one of the world's most prestigious competitions bringing back a reminder of why Capello's continuation was secured amongst uniform public disapproval.
It's quite telling that some of the more outspoken footballers have not come to his defense. But that would mean implicitly supporting a John Terry captaincy which one suspects is the last thing anyone wants.
A corollary to that would be if Terry would like to continue in the national team, which is possibly the reason why Capello made him captain heading off a potential retirement. Terry has not indicated he feels any differently, but a voluntary retirement would mean the FA and Capello get to save face. Otherwise, indications are Capello might have to re-consider his future as manager. The biggest thing in his favour is Harry Redknapp, the prohibitive favourite to take over as England manager could be a convicted felon by the time his court case gets over. Tomorrow, David Bernstein and Capello are set for a very important meeting to repair this breech.
Birmingham 1 – Portsmouth 0 (Championship, February 7, 2012) Nathan Redmond volleyed home the winner in the 86th minute to move Brum up to third.
Fluminense 1 – Arsenal Sarandi 0 (Copa Libertadores, February 7, 2012) A fourth minute strike from Fred earned Flu victory. Defensor Sporting 0 – Velez Sarsfield 3 (Copa Libertadores, February 7, 2012) David Ospina fired Velez ahead in the first half, while Ivan Obolo secured the win with a second in the 81st. There was [...]
Argentinos Jrs 3 – Racing Olavarria 0 (Copa Argentina, February 7, 2012) Juan Morales bagged a brace in the home win.
Oliveirense 2 – Academica 2 (Agg. 2-3) (Taca de Portugal, February 7, 2012) Two goals from forward Marinho fired Academica into the Portuguese Cup final for the first time since 1969. Oliveirense twice took the lead but that extra bit of experience and guile saw Pedro Emanuel's men make it to Jamor, where they will [...]
Bnei Lod 0 – Beitar Jerusalem 0 (Pens. 4-3) (Israeli State Cup, February 7, 2012) Beitar suffered a major humiliation losing to the second divisioners on penalties.
Bnei Lod 0 – Beitar Jerusalem 0 (Pens. 4-3) (Israeli State Cup, February 7, 2012) Beitar suffered a major humiliation losing to the second divisioners on penalties. Hapoel Jerusalem 1 – Maccabi Tel Aviv 0 AET (Israeli State Cup, February 7, 2012)
Athletic Bilbao 6 – Mirandes 2 (Agg. 8-3) (Copa Del Rey semi-final 2nd leg, February 7, 2012) Iker Muniain, Markel Susaeta and Jon Aurtenetxe scored inside the opening 22 minutes at San Mames, quickly extinguishing any chance of another giant-killing feat from their plucky visitors. Fernando Llorente scored twice in four second-half minutes, after Mirandes [...]
Sheffield Wednesday 0 – Blackpool 3 (FA Cup, February 7, 2012) Matt Phillips steered in a low shot on seven minutes before Lomana LuaLua curled a beauty into the top corner from the edge of the box seven minutes later. Ludovic Sylvestre put the game beyond reach when he collected Phillips’s backheel to score in [...]
The horrific events that took place in Egypt last week continue to hang like a dark shadow over the Beautiful Game, which has forced the Colombian FA to react following two violent pitch invasions last weekend. The first incident occurred after Deportivo Pereira put four past Alianza Petrolera in the second division match on Sunday. [...]
Dortmund’s superiority was asserted in the 11th minute when Robert Lewandowski put the visitors ahead, and Holstein Kiel were starring down the barrel just seven minutes later as Shinji Kawaga powered home a Piszczek cut-back.
Holstein Kiel 0 – Borussia Dortmund 4 (DFB Pokal, February 7, 2012) Dortmund’s superiority was asserted in the 11th minute when Robert Lewandowski put the visitors ahead, and Holstein Kiel were starring down the barrel just seven minutes later as Shinji Kawaga powered home a Piszczek cut-back. Lucas Barrios scored his second goal in as [...]
Rennes 3 – Evian 2 (Coupe de France, February 7, 2012) Rennes took the lead after 21 minutes when Jires Kembo took a free-kick from the left and bent the ball into the net. The home side seemed set for an easy win when Julien Feret and Yacine Brahimi both netted from outside the box [...]
In typical Arsene Wenger fashion, Arsenal fans were treated to just one new signing in the January transfer window. Few in North London, nor anywhere else in Britain, had ever heard of Thomas Eisfeld before the Professor swooped for the unknown 19-year-old from Borussia Dortmund. The teenager with big potential, limited high profile experience and [...]
It was handbags at nine paces last Saturday in Belgium in the match between Lierse and Standard Liege. 2-down, Lierse looked to stage a comeback with an 83rd minute free-kick when Macedonian defender Boban Grncarov morphed into the Cobra Kai’s Johnny Lawrence with an outrageous, unprovoked take-down on Standard defender Felipe in the Liege box. [...]
Michael Rios scores a banana-kick directly from a corner (Santiago Wanderers – Universidad Catolica)
Round two of the Chilean Apertura played out last weekend, and the big surprise saw Santiago Wanderers beat Universidad Catolica 2-1. To recap, Universidad Catolica were the only team to beat the all-conquering Universidad de Chile during the second half of 2011. Moreover, Santiago Wanderers were doing nothing much in mid-table during the same period. [...]
szólj hozzá: Liverpool Tottenham HIGHLIGHTS
Who let the cat out? A tabby provided the most excitement in the Liverpool vs Spurs match, a cagey affair. Luis Suarez came on in the 66th minute after his nine match ban and promptly plonked Scott Parker on the abdomen with a scything foot, an accident more than anything else, but with Suarez the line is finely drawn. The Uruguayan was booked but escaped more severe punishment.
Wayne Rooney, now an expert on red cards promptly tweeted his instant verdict.
"If ref sees that kick from suarez and books him for it it should be red," tweeted the Manchester United striker.
He got a reaction from Kenny Dalglish, the same as he did with Roberto Mancini. May not be the wisest move before that big Liverpool vs Man Utd game this weekend. For his part, Dalglish stuck to his guns reiterating the wrongness of Suarez's ban. In the mishandling of the John Terry racial abuse case, he may just have a point.
Spurs for all that attacking talent could not get much. Maybe they were missing Harry Redknapp who's preoccupied with fighting his tax evasion charges and missed his flight to the match after his plane developed engine trouble. It was their defense providing the biggest moment as Michael Dawson (how about an England spot in place of John Terry?) made a great tackle to take the ball away from Andy Carroll with the striker set to shoot. Liverpool's scoring drought has seen them score 14 goals in their last 12 matches with Carroll unable to take up the scoring slack.
Who let the cat out? A tabby provided the most excitement in the Liverpool vs Spurs match, a cagey affair. Luis Suarez came on in the 66th minute after his nine match ban and promptly plonked Scott Parker on the abdomen with a scything foot, an accident more than anything else, but with Suarez the line is finely drawn. The Uruguayan was booked but escaped more severe punishment.
Wayne Rooney, now an expert on red cards promptly tweeted his instant verdict.
"If ref sees that kick from suarez and books him for it it should be red," tweeted the Manchester United striker.
He got a reaction from Kenny Dalglish, the same as he did with Roberto Mancini. May not be the wisest move before that big Liverpool vs Man Utd game this weekend. For his part, Dalglish stuck to his guns reiterating the wrongness of Suarez's ban. In the mishandling of the John Terry racial abuse case, he may just have a point.
Spurs for all that attacking talent could not get much. Maybe they were missing Harry Redknapp who's preoccupied with fighting his tax evasion charges and missed his flight to the match after his plane developed engine trouble. It was their defense providing the biggest moment as Michael Dawson (how about an England spot in place of John Terry?) made a great tackle to take the ball away from Andy Carroll with the striker set to shoot. Liverpool's scoring drought has seen them score 14 goals in their last 12 matches with Carroll unable to take up the scoring slack.
Co-hosts Gabon looked like it was going to be headed to their best showing in any ACN when Eric Mouloungui shot them into the lead in the 55th minute. But Mali had other ideas as Cheick Diabate equalized in the 84th minute. At the end of extra time, with the two teams deadlocked, the fate of the match was decided on PK shootout.
The Panthers were found wanting when St Etienne's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, missed his PK as Mali proved flawless in finding the back of the net with Barca's Seydou Keita scoring the winning spot kick.
The semi-finals line up: Ivory Coast, the overwhelming favourites face off against Mali, while Ghana are pitted against the overachieving Zambians. The smart money is on an Ivory Coast vs Ghana final, which would be a repeat of the 1992 ACN final with the Taranga Lions emerging victorious after a marathon PK shootout 11-10, over the Black Stars. But this is football, upsets are part of the sport's fabric.
The Panthers were found wanting when St Etienne's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, missed his PK as Mali proved flawless in finding the back of the net with Barca's Seydou Keita scoring the winning spot kick.
The semi-finals line up: Ivory Coast, the overwhelming favourites face off against Mali, while Ghana are pitted against the overachieving Zambians. The smart money is on an Ivory Coast vs Ghana final, which would be a repeat of the 1992 ACN final with the Taranga Lions emerging victorious after a marathon PK shootout 11-10, over the Black Stars. But this is football, upsets are part of the sport's fabric.
Any time a player “kung fu kicks” an opponent, we are reminded of Nigel De Jong’s famous assault on Xabi Alonso in the World Cup final. Today is no exception, with AS reporting that “Borja Gomez does a De Jong on Diego Buonanotte,” following the incident in last night’s La Liga match. Gomez produced his [...]
“I am already preparing for the next game so that I can forget the miss. But for the next two or three days I will have to try and think about something else.” – Kevin Volland. The Bundesliga II has been a gold mine for crazy misses in 2011/2012. Who could forget Edgar Prib’s infamous [...]
Comment & analysis round-up Quote of the day: “If ref sees that kick from Suarez and books him for it, should be red” – Wayne Rooney on the Luis Suarez challenge on Scott Parker. Runner-up: “Who said that? Why don’t you tweet Wayne back and give him your answer. I don’t have a view on [...]
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was clearly irked during his post-match interviews following the 0-0 draw with Tottenham on Monday night. On the subject of Luis Suarez’s eight-match ban, Dalglish has in many ways re-opened the debate by saying in two seperate interviews that the Uruguayan should never have been suspended for racially abusing Patrice Evra. [...]
At Anfield
Harry Redknapp could not make it but Fabio Capello did. Luis Suarez, the man all Liverpool supporters came to see, arrived late but still had enough time for another brush with authority and headlines.
The stories and sub-plots proved more intriguing than a match that failed to deliver on its promise of entertainment as Liverpool and Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw that did not serve the purposes of either side.
If England coach Capello was seeking a low profile away from his public disagreement with the Football Association over its decision to depose his captain John Terry, he failed to find it at Anfield.After proving far less communicative with the English media than he was with Italian television station RAI, making no comment whatsoever as he swept into Anfield, Capello arrived in the directors' box to be greeted by a battery of photographers with lenses trained on his every move.
And once the Italian had taken his seat, the cameras switched their attention to Suarez, back on duty as a substitute for Liverpool after a nine-game absence that covered misconduct for a gesture towards Fulham fans at Craven Cottage and being found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
Suarez had an opportunity to give Liverpool the lead but couldn't find a way past Brad Friedel with his header. Photo: AFP
With Spurs boss Redknapp restricted to a night in front of his television after his flight to Merseyside failed to leave London's City Airport, it was not long before a match short on quality had Anfield calling for their hero Suarez.
The Uruguayan started the day by offering up a tweet announcing "Por Fin Llego El Dia!" - "Finally The Day Came". He ended it getting a reply from Wayne Rooney after a hefty kick to Scott Parker's midriff brought him a yellow card from referee Michael Oliver only three minutes after coming on as a 66th-minute substitute.
Rooney was on the case quickly and with a tone that may set the mood ahead of Liverpool and Suarez's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.
"If the ref sees that kick from Suarez and books him for it, it should be red" announced Rooney.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has never been slow to defend the forward and was also in defiant mood when he flatly refused to back away from his support for Suarez.
He once again cast public doubt on the FA's decision to punish Suarez when he said after the game: "It's fantastic to have him back. He should never have been out in the first place."
Not exactly acts of diplomacy from Rooney or Dalglish. It will not be a quiet Saturday lunchtime a short walk from Salford Quays.
Suarez is one of those figures who will have headlines as a companion throughout his career.
In a 24-minute cameo he announced his arrival by pinching the ball off Benoit Assou-Ekotto, flattened Parker with a wild swing of his foot that could have drawn a red card, railed against decisions from referee Oliver with some high-class theatrics and almost won the game - indeed should have won the game - with a late header he could only direct at Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
Suarez may be high maintenance but Dalglish obviously believe he is worth it. Liverpool certainly need a touch of extra inspiration from somewhere after their eighth draw at Anfield in the Premier League this season.
Suarez has a dash of the unpredictable, the wild card, about everything he does. This has, and will, court controversy but he also has that match-winning capacity - although his finishing is not as reliable as it should be for a player of such natural gifts.
As so often this season, Liverpool had possession and fashioned chances but failed to take them. It may yet be a flaw that costs them a place in next season's Champions League.
Spurs may have to settle for that achievement as they nestle comfortably in third spot - seven points ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea but seven points behind leaders Manchester City.
The pitch invasion of the cat was probably the highlight of a dull first half. Photo: Reuters
And yet, as Redknapp fulfilled his role as reluctant spectator. He will have found much value in the organisation, resilience and discipline demonstrated by his side. The old argument about being a soft touch on their travels has been redundant for years but there was still something illuminating about the way Spurs set up to contain Liverpool.
Indeed they could even have pilfered what would have been a fortuitous victory had Gareth Bale not been blocked by the legs of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina when clean through six minutes from time.
It was all watched, typically stone-faced, by Capello as he prepares to meet FA chairman David Bernstein in an attempt to mend some broken bridges later this week. And if he is training his thoughts on Euro 2012 as opposed to picking a fight with his paymasters, he will have found plenty to occupy his mind.
Scott Parker, a possible captain in the eyes of some, although Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is the firm favourite, worked tirelessly in midfield. He took the knocks from Suarez and dished a few out, particularly when he was booked for fouling Gerrard and was generally in the business-like mood that has transformed Capello's view and made him part of England's plans.
Gerrard himself was subdued but Glen Johnson performed well as an emergency left-back and Michael Dawson was a towering figure in Tottenham's defence, tackling with perfect timing and throwing his body on the line alongside the impeccable Ledley King.
Spurs may not win the title this season but they are a side of substance.
They were missing the attacking drive of Rafael van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe but still took a point at a difficult place.
There was a sense that the script was written for Suarez, back for the first time since Boxing Day, to make the decisive impact after his return from FA-imposed exile. But Liverpool's wastefulness and Spurs's refusal to yield denied Dalglish the ending he would have craved for his team and the player he treats with something akin to adoration.
Harry Redknapp could not make it but Fabio Capello did. Luis Suarez, the man all Liverpool supporters came to see, arrived late but still had enough time for another brush with authority and headlines.
The stories and sub-plots proved more intriguing than a match that failed to deliver on its promise of entertainment as Liverpool and Tottenham played out a 0-0 draw that did not serve the purposes of either side.
If England coach Capello was seeking a low profile away from his public disagreement with the Football Association over its decision to depose his captain John Terry, he failed to find it at Anfield.After proving far less communicative with the English media than he was with Italian television station RAI, making no comment whatsoever as he swept into Anfield, Capello arrived in the directors' box to be greeted by a battery of photographers with lenses trained on his every move.
And once the Italian had taken his seat, the cameras switched their attention to Suarez, back on duty as a substitute for Liverpool after a nine-game absence that covered misconduct for a gesture towards Fulham fans at Craven Cottage and being found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
Suarez had an opportunity to give Liverpool the lead but couldn't find a way past Brad Friedel with his header. Photo: AFP
With Spurs boss Redknapp restricted to a night in front of his television after his flight to Merseyside failed to leave London's City Airport, it was not long before a match short on quality had Anfield calling for their hero Suarez.
The Uruguayan started the day by offering up a tweet announcing "Por Fin Llego El Dia!" - "Finally The Day Came". He ended it getting a reply from Wayne Rooney after a hefty kick to Scott Parker's midriff brought him a yellow card from referee Michael Oliver only three minutes after coming on as a 66th-minute substitute.
Rooney was on the case quickly and with a tone that may set the mood ahead of Liverpool and Suarez's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.
"If the ref sees that kick from Suarez and books him for it, it should be red" announced Rooney.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has never been slow to defend the forward and was also in defiant mood when he flatly refused to back away from his support for Suarez.
He once again cast public doubt on the FA's decision to punish Suarez when he said after the game: "It's fantastic to have him back. He should never have been out in the first place."
Not exactly acts of diplomacy from Rooney or Dalglish. It will not be a quiet Saturday lunchtime a short walk from Salford Quays.
Suarez is one of those figures who will have headlines as a companion throughout his career.
In a 24-minute cameo he announced his arrival by pinching the ball off Benoit Assou-Ekotto, flattened Parker with a wild swing of his foot that could have drawn a red card, railed against decisions from referee Oliver with some high-class theatrics and almost won the game - indeed should have won the game - with a late header he could only direct at Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
Suarez may be high maintenance but Dalglish obviously believe he is worth it. Liverpool certainly need a touch of extra inspiration from somewhere after their eighth draw at Anfield in the Premier League this season.
Suarez has a dash of the unpredictable, the wild card, about everything he does. This has, and will, court controversy but he also has that match-winning capacity - although his finishing is not as reliable as it should be for a player of such natural gifts.
As so often this season, Liverpool had possession and fashioned chances but failed to take them. It may yet be a flaw that costs them a place in next season's Champions League.
Spurs may have to settle for that achievement as they nestle comfortably in third spot - seven points ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea but seven points behind leaders Manchester City.
The pitch invasion of the cat was probably the highlight of a dull first half. Photo: Reuters
And yet, as Redknapp fulfilled his role as reluctant spectator. He will have found much value in the organisation, resilience and discipline demonstrated by his side. The old argument about being a soft touch on their travels has been redundant for years but there was still something illuminating about the way Spurs set up to contain Liverpool.
Indeed they could even have pilfered what would have been a fortuitous victory had Gareth Bale not been blocked by the legs of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina when clean through six minutes from time.
It was all watched, typically stone-faced, by Capello as he prepares to meet FA chairman David Bernstein in an attempt to mend some broken bridges later this week. And if he is training his thoughts on Euro 2012 as opposed to picking a fight with his paymasters, he will have found plenty to occupy his mind.
Scott Parker, a possible captain in the eyes of some, although Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is the firm favourite, worked tirelessly in midfield. He took the knocks from Suarez and dished a few out, particularly when he was booked for fouling Gerrard and was generally in the business-like mood that has transformed Capello's view and made him part of England's plans.
Gerrard himself was subdued but Glen Johnson performed well as an emergency left-back and Michael Dawson was a towering figure in Tottenham's defence, tackling with perfect timing and throwing his body on the line alongside the impeccable Ledley King.
Spurs may not win the title this season but they are a side of substance.
They were missing the attacking drive of Rafael van der Vaart, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe but still took a point at a difficult place.
There was a sense that the script was written for Suarez, back for the first time since Boxing Day, to make the decisive impact after his return from FA-imposed exile. But Liverpool's wastefulness and Spurs's refusal to yield denied Dalglish the ending he would have craved for his team and the player he treats with something akin to adoration.
Captain John Mensah puts Ghana ahead through his third international goal. Saber Khelifa equalized after beating Samuel Inkoom to a lofted ball. The match headed to extra time and in the 110th minute, Abedi Pele's son, Andre Ayew scored the winner after Tunisia's goalie, Aymen Mathlouthi coughed up Inkoom's cross right into his path. The 2-1 win puts Ghana in the semi-finals pitting them against the surprising Zambians.
Ghana last won the Africa Cup of Nations in1982. Andrew Ayew's father, the legendary Abedi Pele was part of that victorious team.
Ghana last won the Africa Cup of Nations in1982. Andrew Ayew's father, the legendary Abedi Pele was part of that victorious team.
Interestingly, Suarez has previous against Scott Parker also.
Karabukspor 2 – Samsunspor 1 (Super Lig, February 6, 2012) A huge game between third bottom Karabukspor and second bottom Samsunspor proved to be one of the most thrilling matches that few will likely see this season. Ilhan Parlak scored after 15 and 55 minutes for the hosts and they held on for a 2-1 [...]
Perth Glory 4 – Gold Coast United 0 (A-League, February 6, 2012) The Glory went ahead after 18 minutes through Steven McGarry’s third goal from his past five games. Liam Miller scored eight minutes after the break before Travis Dodd added another and Adama Traore put the ball into his own net to ensure Perth capitalised [...]
Granada 2 – Malaga 1 (La Liga, February 6, 2012) Odion Ighalo headed Granada in front on on 57. A well worked move from Malaga saw Salomon Rondon equalise but Inigo Lopez won it late on after Caballero could only parry.
One of the highlights of the first 15 minutes was the cat that invaded the Anfield the pitch into Brad Friedel’s area, holding up the game for a few seconds. Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Adam, Spearing, Kuyt, Gerrard, Bellamy, Carroll. Subs: Doni, Aurelio, Suarez, Henderson, Coates, Downing, Carragher. Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Dawson, King, [...]
Liverpool 0 – Tottenham 0 (Premier League, February 6, 2012) One of the highlights of the first 15 minutes was the cat that invaded the Anfield the pitch into Brad Friedel’s area, holding up the game for a few seconds. Probably the best chance of a tight first half fell to Jay Spearing who flashed [...]
Chipping a goalie with a beauty into the top corner is a brilliant achievement in an eleven-a-side game of football. Doing it in a five-a-side game is something all-together more difficult an impressive. Enjoy Ricardinho’s golazo from the 2012 UEFA Futsal Championships here. *** Related link: Futsal stars Ricardinho (Portugal) & Rok Grzelj (Slovenia) have a [...]
When the Football Association hired Fabio Capello on £6million a year back in 2008 they thought they were paying big money for a no nonsense coach with top class judgment.
But many will argue today that the Italian has called it wrong again by going public with his views on the FA board's decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of that decision - and most people applaud the FA for finally taking such a strong stance on this issue - Capello is paid a lot of money as English football's main figurehead.
How would Capello the disciplinarian feel if one of his players went public with his views on a decision he had taken?
Fabio Capello (right) has criticised the Football Association's decision to remove John Terry (left) as England's national team captain. Photo: Getty
And, while Capello's pride will have been hurt by this apparent interference from the board in team affairs, what possible good can it do to him or the team to air his grievances as he did on RAI TV last night?
Was it a message tailored for Terry to ensure he didn't quit the team at a time when Capello is short of central defenders of his quality? Maybe.
But it would seem a very risky strategy to keep one player happy at the possible expense of so many others.
With Wayne Rooney's suspension for two group matches, England's build-up to Euro 2012 already had its problems. Capello has guaranteed that the next few months will be even more testing.
Because whoever he now chooses as captain will know he was not his first choice.
Whatever tensions may have existed inside the camp over the Terry affair will now be even more exposed - especially if, as looks likely, Capello is determined to pick him as a member of the squad for Poland and Ukraine.
Capello arrived in this country bemused with the symbolism attached to the captain's armband. He was a late convert to the importance of the position.
Given how much aggravation it has caused him he must wish he had ignored those who told him he had to pick a permanent leader.
So where does this leave Capello and his relationship with the FA? Although there was no face to face meeting between FA chairman David Bernstein and Capello at Wembley today, the pair are likely to talk in person later in the week.
But sources dismiss the idea of a showdown meeting so don't expect anything too dramatic to come out of that.
Bernstein has shown steel in forcing the issue on Terry, knowing how untenable it was to have him leading the team with criminal charges of a racial nature hanging over him. He and his board members are unlikely to change their minds now.
Equally Bernstein and the board knew that Capello probably wouldn't take kindly to being told who he can or can't pick as his team captain. They were prepared for a reaction like this.
But while Capello is paid an enormous sum of money to run the team, Bernstein and the board are paid to see the bigger picture.
On this one Capello cannot see how damaging it would have been for the FA and the England team to allow Terry to remain as captain until his trial on July 9 - a week after the European Championships end.
Some have claimed that Capello might be in breach of contract by now criticising that decision.
There may well be a technical breach but there appears to be no appetite from the FA to force him out over this matter even though some at Wembley might like to see him leave before his contract expires in July.
The time for change was in the immediate aftermath of the 2010 World Cup and the FA decided the cost was simply too great.
For Capello's part he has let it be known that he has no desire to quit over the issue and risk losing the money due to him for the remainder of his contract.
And so after 24 hours of frenzied headlines we are exactly where we were, with Capello and the FA locked in a loveless marriage of convenience which is now even more likely to end in failure.
But many will argue today that the Italian has called it wrong again by going public with his views on the FA board's decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy.
Whatever the rights and wrongs of that decision - and most people applaud the FA for finally taking such a strong stance on this issue - Capello is paid a lot of money as English football's main figurehead.
How would Capello the disciplinarian feel if one of his players went public with his views on a decision he had taken?
Fabio Capello (right) has criticised the Football Association's decision to remove John Terry (left) as England's national team captain. Photo: Getty
And, while Capello's pride will have been hurt by this apparent interference from the board in team affairs, what possible good can it do to him or the team to air his grievances as he did on RAI TV last night?
Was it a message tailored for Terry to ensure he didn't quit the team at a time when Capello is short of central defenders of his quality? Maybe.
But it would seem a very risky strategy to keep one player happy at the possible expense of so many others.
With Wayne Rooney's suspension for two group matches, England's build-up to Euro 2012 already had its problems. Capello has guaranteed that the next few months will be even more testing.
Because whoever he now chooses as captain will know he was not his first choice.
Whatever tensions may have existed inside the camp over the Terry affair will now be even more exposed - especially if, as looks likely, Capello is determined to pick him as a member of the squad for Poland and Ukraine.
Capello arrived in this country bemused with the symbolism attached to the captain's armband. He was a late convert to the importance of the position.
Given how much aggravation it has caused him he must wish he had ignored those who told him he had to pick a permanent leader.
So where does this leave Capello and his relationship with the FA? Although there was no face to face meeting between FA chairman David Bernstein and Capello at Wembley today, the pair are likely to talk in person later in the week.
But sources dismiss the idea of a showdown meeting so don't expect anything too dramatic to come out of that.
Bernstein has shown steel in forcing the issue on Terry, knowing how untenable it was to have him leading the team with criminal charges of a racial nature hanging over him. He and his board members are unlikely to change their minds now.
Equally Bernstein and the board knew that Capello probably wouldn't take kindly to being told who he can or can't pick as his team captain. They were prepared for a reaction like this.
But while Capello is paid an enormous sum of money to run the team, Bernstein and the board are paid to see the bigger picture.
On this one Capello cannot see how damaging it would have been for the FA and the England team to allow Terry to remain as captain until his trial on July 9 - a week after the European Championships end.
Some have claimed that Capello might be in breach of contract by now criticising that decision.
There may well be a technical breach but there appears to be no appetite from the FA to force him out over this matter even though some at Wembley might like to see him leave before his contract expires in July.
The time for change was in the immediate aftermath of the 2010 World Cup and the FA decided the cost was simply too great.
For Capello's part he has let it be known that he has no desire to quit over the issue and risk losing the money due to him for the remainder of his contract.
And so after 24 hours of frenzied headlines we are exactly where we were, with Capello and the FA locked in a loveless marriage of convenience which is now even more likely to end in failure.
One of the great things about the regional tournaments that kick-off every Brazilian season is that a variety of teams that are usually ignored get their moments in the sun. In that context we can bring you one of the acrobatic goals of the season so far. Sunday saw Iraty draw 1-1 with Londrina in [...]
It’s easy to fall into hyperbole, but this week’s collection of golazos is really ridonkulous. In a long list of also-runs, Matthias Lepiller (solo stunner), Ahmed Saleh (what a lob!), Matias Saurez (a half-volley par excellence), Nahuel Fioretto (halfway-line golazo) and Roberto Torres (a 40-yard lob) all have plenty of reason to be pissed that [...]
Inter's wheels are coming off. After such a strong push to within sniffing distance of Milan and Juve, they have lost to lowly Lecce, drew Palermo and yesterday, Roma took the lumber to them. Juan gets the Giallorossi on the board, Fabio Borini's lovely brace follows, and the Bojan Krkic finishes emphatically to give Roma a thumping 4-0 victory. Where was that steel trap defense that reached its heights in that victory over Barca in the CL semi-finals two years ago?
The Nerrazzuri lie in fifth but are adrift by nine points from top club Juve. They trail Milan, who lost to Lazio this weekend, by eight points. Udinese and Lazio are ahead of them. Roma follows closely behind for that crucial fourth spot. And Claudio Ranieri is under pressure again.
Today, owner Massimo Moratti warned the players, "they have to give their soul" and "some of the players must understand that the Serie is not over yet, there is a very long way to go."
The Nerrazzuri lie in fifth but are adrift by nine points from top club Juve. They trail Milan, who lost to Lazio this weekend, by eight points. Udinese and Lazio are ahead of them. Roma follows closely behind for that crucial fourth spot. And Claudio Ranieri is under pressure again.
Today, owner Massimo Moratti warned the players, "they have to give their soul" and "some of the players must understand that the Serie is not over yet, there is a very long way to go."
