Tag Futebol

After seeing some crunching tackles in the World Cup final between Spain and Holland,  particularly from the Dutch, and to more specific from captain Mark van Bommel and Nigel De Jong. It got me thinking about some of the worst tackles that we’ve seen over the years so here are a compilation of the top 5 worst tackles ever:

1. Harald Schumacher on Patrick Battiston

In the semi-final of the 1982 World Cup between West Germany and France, Michel Platini fed a through ball is substitute Battiston, rather than attempt to catch the ball or block the shot, German ‘keeper Schumacher decided he would clothesline the player. As a result of the challenge Battiston was knocked unconscious, lost his two front teeth and had damaged his vertebra. Platini said that he thought he had died, because “he had no pulse and looked pale”. To top it all France weren’t even awarded a penalty and ended up losing the game on penalties

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2. Roy Keane on Alf-Inge Haland

After Roy Keane injured his cruciate ligament attempting to tackle Haland, the Norweigian lay over Keane and accused him of feigning injury to escape a punishment. Keane clearly wasn’ happy with these comments and four years later, after Haland had transferred to Man City he exacted his revenge with an awful tackle in the Manchester Derby.

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3. Paul Gascoigne on Gary Charles

In the 1991 FA Cup final between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, Gascoigne went in for a horrific tackle on Charles which ended up having severe repercussions on himself. The challenge ended up rupturing the cruciate ligaments in Gazza’s right knee. Many people believe that had he not suffered that injury, then he would have gone on to become a much better player than he already was. To make matters worse Stuart Pearce scored from the resulting free kick that he had given away, although Tottenham did eventually win the game after extra time.

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4. Benjamin Massing on Claudio Caniggia

How do you stop a dazzling Argentinian forward getting past your defence? Why you just take him out with a a late tackle. At least that was Cameroon defender Benjamin Massing’s idea when he took out Claudio Caniggia at the 1990 World Cup. Still despite his dismissal Massing’s team were able to hold on to a 1-0 lead and record one of the greatest World Cup shocks of all time.

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5. Francesco Totti on Mario Balotelli

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Roma icon Francesco Totti decides to take a similar leaf out of Benjamin Massing’s book here to Mario Balotelli from waltzing past his defence. Except Totti’s ‘challenge’ was a lot more blatant and as the team’s captain he should know a lot better than to do that.

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Are there any tackles that you think should be on the list?

Message me on Twitter with your suggestions

Liverpool have been told that they will not sign Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita in January according to the player,  however the Mali international refused to rule out a move in the summer according to the The Sun.

Keita; who has a £90million buy-out-clause in his contract, has struggled to establish himself as a regular at the Nou Camp since his £14million move from Sevilla in 2008; seemed keen to move away from the Catalan club but not until the season is finished.

Liverpool stated their interest in the 31-year-old midfielder earlier this month and although Keita was flattered by the interest and was keen to praise the Premier League, he could not see a January move happening.

Just nine appearances in the first four months of the season and the arrival of Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal in the summer have prompted the Mali midfielder to discuss his future.

Keita said: “Liverpool are a great club and it is fantastic to hear they are interested in me but you know how I feel about Barcelona.

“But we are in football and nothing is an absolute, so let’s wait until the end of the season.

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“I want to play more games and the Premier League is very attractive and exciting for anyone.”

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Following Arsenal’s defeat at the hands of Manchester United everyone from Bob Wilson to Emmanuel Petit is having an opinion on what is going wrong at the Emirates. While it must be frustrating in many ways it could prove a blessing in disguise for Arsene Wenger as it will enable the North Londoners to focus solely on the League title.

In the papers this morning there have been a mixed bag of stories that include Villa players remorseful over fracas; Ferguson hits back at critics, while Beckham will relish a Premier League return.

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Gunners eye Real starlet – Sky Sports

Villa players sorry for spa day fracas – Guardian

‘Arsenal lack winning mentality’ – Daily Telegraph

Beckham open to Premier League return when LA Galaxy contract ends – Daily Mail

Ferguson blasts back at Dalglish and Taylor over referee criticism – Independent

Terry to be England captain – Daily Telegraph

No way Jose will replace Fergie – Sun

Rooney wants FA Cup to complete collection – Mirror

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No 1 choice: Fergie eyes Atletico’s De Gea as £15m replacement for Van der Sar – Daily Mail

First Ade for City’s Toure – Sun

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If you think the England team has major problems, then just look what’s been going on in the French camp this summer.

The French national side look to be out of total control and in utter disarray, after several bust-ups involving staff and players has effectively ended their World Cup campaign in South Africa.

All the drama kicked off prior to the start of the World Cup when Raymond Domenech left a number of French stars including the likes of Samir Nasri, Patrick Vieira and Karim Benzema at home. Domenech omissions of these stars have left not only the French population scratching their heads, but as well as other fans around the world (including myself)

The manager has not been a popular figure amongst the players, the French press and many of the country’s fans for his tactics and team selection in the World Cup. The players body language suggest that there is a lot of friction and disharmony amongst the group, and at half-time against Mexico last week, Nicolas Anelka let rip on Domenech. The Chelsea striker is reported to have told the disillusioned manager ‘Go f*** yourself, you son of a w****’, this inevitably saw the French striker being sent home by the French Football Federation, and as such, the player will not feature in the national side any time soon.

Following Anelka’s exclusion, the French squad have since refused to train and have revolted against the FFF’s decision on sending the striker packing. The walk-out came just moments after an intense dispute between France fitness coach Robert Duverne and captain Patrice Evra boiled over, with the left-back claiming that the Anelka story had been leaked by some form of ‘traitor’.

Taking this all into consideration (and it is a lot) what would the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger make of their French stars actions in South Africa this summer?

Evra appears to be the ringleader of this ‘French circus’ following his actions and recent statements released to the media. However, with this being said, would Fergie actually care what his left-back does whilst wearing the Blue of France? It’s debatable, and this would probably be the same for Wenger with Abou Diaby, William Gallas, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna. Nevertheless, the two Premier League managers would like to see their players play football and more importantly to act in a professional manner whilst on international duty. Wenger and Fergie may be surprised to hear and see what has transpired in the French camp, although, they may have seen it coming from the start.

Many fans around the world will agree that the French players are certainly not acting in a professional manner, especially by revolting against any sort of authority, it’s just wrong to do as a footballer, period. Even if the manager is disliked and or not respected highly, it’s still the player’s job to play the game, and as such, perform well…if not for themselves then for their fans back at home and those who travelled to South Africa.

I would think that Fergie and Wenger would be slightly concerned with their player’s actions, but not overly. They would not stand for such behaviour at their clubs that’s for sure. If it were to ensue at club level at any time, then both Fergie and Wenger would unquestionably deal with the problem quickly and sufficiently. Both managers would not like to see their players in the papers for the wrong reasons, due to the fact that it may draw bad and unnecessary publicity towards their clubs. However, I would argue that whilst the players in question are not wearing their club colours, then it won’t be too much of an issue for Fergie and Wenger to worry about, but that’s just my opinion of course.

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Click image below to see a gallery of the Italian babes at the World Cup:

Arsenal goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski has admitted that he may leave Arsenal in the next transfer window, as opportunities in the Emirates first-team are becoming limited for the stopper.

The Poland international has had to play second fiddle to countryman Wojciech Szczesny for the bulk of this campaign, after a number of high-profile blunders cost him his place in the team.

The 26-year-old is motivated in trying to win the number one jersey back, but has admitted he will have to wait and see what happens in January.

“It is really difficult. Of course not playing doesn’t make me happy. I want to play, that’s my goal,” he told Mirror Football.

“But as well, sometimes you have to be patient. Like I said, I am just fighting, fighting.

“If there is an opportunity, I want to play as well as I can and help the team. We will see what happens.

“At the moment, I focus on Arsenal. There is still time until January, almost two months. We will see what happens.

“I am going to keep fighting for the place. Wojciech is doing well, but I have to fight, work hard and see what happens,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Before Hodgson starts his managerial campaign at the Hawthorns in earnest, I want to revisit one last time, the topic of his time at Liverpool.

I read this week that Roy Hodgson should receive some credit, at least, for the signing of Raul Meireles. It appears that despite his poor record, both in collecting points and playing attractive football, Roy’s legacy at Liverpool could be defined through the Portuguese player. The midfielder has scored 5 times in his last six games since Hodgson left. If Meireles goes on to become a great player, Hodgson will have to take the plaudits. His goals have pleased those in defence of Hodgson, who have criticised the Liverpool team as a whole, saying that the players have been good enough all along, but just not been up for it.

I disagree with this on two levels. Firstly I think a manager’s job in the modern game is just as much about motivation as it is about tactics, and secondly, Hodgson played Meireles out of position.

I have always been a fan of Hodgson, I think he is dignified and should be respected for a long and successful career, but I just don’t think the style of football that he was insistent on, was suited to Liverpool.

He did well at Fulham, building his side around a solid defence. But teams would go to Fulham and try to win, consequently leaving themselves more exposed and open for Fulham to score. But against Liverpool, opposing teams expectations were lower. The majority of teams are happy to draw with Liverpool, home and away, so sit back and play them on the counter, or look to defend. This was something that Hodgson proved himself unable to cope with.

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Since Dalglish has arrived, he has allowed Meireles to play a more offensive role. Firstly this lets the player, who has great technique (evidenced by his string of volleys), get into goal scoring positions. Secondly it gives Lucas a more defined role. Before Lucas was one of two deep, holding midfielders, he is now on his own. In this new system, Lucas seems surer of his defensive duties and attacking limitations, he knows what is expected of him. When both central midfielders sat back it seemed that neither was sure who’s turn it was to attack or defend.

Benitez saw great success with this tactics where he had top class players in Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alosno. Once he lost Xabi, neither Lucas nor Aquilani filled this role effectively. This is part of the reason his side failed to succeed and he was sacked. Hodgson, to his own detriment, tried to replicate Benitez’s failed tactics, but since Xabi Alonso and Mascherano had already left the club, he had no chance.

Sad as I am to say it, it seems Dalglish is more in touch of what positions and roles to play the Liverpool players in. But not only does he get the best out of them tactically, he also seems to be able to motivate them in a way that Hodgson could not. You only have to look at some of the most successful managers around, see the relationships they have with their players, to believe how important being a motivator is in a modern manager. That is why Avram Grant, despite all of his tactical knowledge has been unsuccessful at Portsmouth and now West Ham, it is also one of the reasons that Holloway, and at the other end of the spectrum Mourinho, have been so good. Tactics are one thing but motivation is equally important, especially at somewhere with expectations like that of Anfield. Rather than Meireles being a beacon of what Hodgson achieved at Anfield, he will remain as a reminder of Hodgson’s tactical flaws and lack of motivational ability.

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Despite his failure at Liverpool, it is too soon to write off Hodgson as a manager, or ‘head coach’ for that matter. He can still be a great coach at WBA and his organisation of the defence would no doubt do them wonders. I hope he keeps WBA up, which won’t be an easy task, but it is a good thing for Liverpool that he has left.

Follow me on twitter @joeaustin8

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West Bromwich Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans is determined to make his mark on the Premier League next season.

The 23-year-old Scotland international netted 18 goals to help the Baggies return to the top-flight at the first time of asking, having made little impression two seasons ago in the Premier League.

He told the Express & star:"I feel I can still develop. There were some games last season when I came off the pitch disappointed because I still felt I could give more.

"I enjoyed the season, but I still feel I've got more to come. You can always still improve and you never stop learning."

"I am confident in my own ability that I can hold my own in the Premier League.

"I came down here when the club were in the Premier League and I was confident that I would work my way in.

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"I played a handful of games in the Premier League last time and really enjoyed it, but unfortunately I picked up an injury towards the end.

"But hopefully next season I can kick on and we can do well."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email

Dimitar Berbatov has been told he can leave Manchester United this summer, with Zenit St. Petersburg appearing to be the frontrunners to land the Bulgarian, according to Metro reports.

Berbatov has endured a frustrating time at United since his £30 million move from Tottenham in 2008.

The imminent arrival of Robin Van Persie has only widened the exit door, along with Ferguson’s desire to re-invent the team with pace.

It’s a dramatic fall from grace for a player who never lived up to the expectations of being a new Eric Cantona.

His five- goal-haul in the 7-1 victory over Blackburn and a hat-trick in the 3-2 win against Liverpool are among the few highlights of his United career.

But his proven goal-scoring record, 75 goals in 178 appearances for both United and Spurs has attracted the interest of a number of clubs across Europe.

Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus have been linked with the player, along with Galatasaray, QPR and West Ham.

But Zenit seem to be the only club unfazed by Berbatov’s hefty wages, reportedly £110,000- a-week at Old Trafford.

It is understood that a move back to Eastern Europe would favour Berbatov and club officials could fly out to Manchester within the next fortnight to wrap up a deal.

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Fellow United strikers, Bebe and Federico Macheda may also be allowed to leave the club for regular first-team action, with neither players featuring prominently in Sir Alex’s plans.

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Hard-Fi, the guests of the first Football FanCast video show of the season (which you can watch here), have just released their third album, ‘Killer Sounds’. Following on from ‘Stars of CCTV’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’, ‘Killer Sounds’ is Hard-Fi’s latest offering and we’re giving you the opportunity to win a copy of the album signed by lead singer Richard Archer and drummer Steve Kemp in our Hard-Fi competition.

The four-piece have been busy working on their third studio album for the past eighteen months, which was released last month. The album was co-produced by the band’s frontman, Richard Archer, with assistance from big names such as Stuart Price (Killers, Madonna), Grey Kurstin (Lily Allen) and Alan Moulder (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Killers) and recorded in Cherry Lips Studios as well as Los Angeles.

Following a triumphant return to Glastonbury 2011 to headline the Leftfield Stage, four years after their last appearance at the festival, Hard-Fi plan to play a string of shows in September. The tour kicks off in Norwich on September 21 and includes a sold-out London Forum show on September 23. Tickets are continuing to sell fast and are not to be missed. With the band’s million-selling debut ‘Stars of CCTV’, the number 1 follow-up ‘Once Upon A Time In The West’ and two BRIT award nominations (2006’s ‘Best British Group’ and ‘Best British Rock Act’) already under their belts, Hard-Fi are set to reign the charts once again.

See what Richard and Steve have to say about their love of football…

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To win a signed copy of ‘Killer Sounds’ answer this simple question…

Where are Hard-Fi originally from?

A) Aldershot

B) Staines

C) Slough

To enter this fantastic competition, email your answer to [email protected]

The competition closes on Monday 26th September at 9am so make sure you get your answers in now!

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For the FootballFanCast.com Competition Terms and Conditions click here.

Here’s Razor asking Richard and Steve some (not so) quickfire questions…

Shakhtar Donetsk are in the box seat to make the Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-2 away win against Roma on Wednesday.

Roma took a 28th-minute lead through Simone Perrotta, but the Ukrainian side hit straight back and produced three goals in a 13-minute burst to see them head back to Donetsk with the advantage.

Claudio Ranieri’s side will have their work cut out trying to win in Ukraine, with Skakhtar unbeaten in their last 53 matches in all competitions at home. Their last loss at the Donbass Arena came in October 2008.

After successive Serie A defeats to Napoli and Inter Milan, Ranieri’s side came out firing and dominated the early stages of the contest.

Nicolas Burdisso and Mirko Vucinic went close to scoring before Roma took a deserved lead through Perotta, who nodded Rodrigo Taddei’s cross into the back of the net with Shakhtar defender Razvan Rat getting the last touch.

But the celebrations did not last long as Jadson’s right-foot shot from 18 yards took a wicked deflection of Daniele De Rossi, leaving Roma goalkeeper Doni stranded.

The goal spurred Shakhtar on and Jadson was again involved when the Ukraine side scored its second, finding countryman Douglas Costa who hit a curling left-foot strike from the edge of the area.

Things got even worse for Roma on 41 minutes when left-back Jon Arne Riise slipped on the touchline while he had the ball.

Riise’s mistake allowed Douglas Costa to steal the ball, and the Brazilian took his time before picking out compatriot Luiz Adriano to sidefoot into the back of the net.

The goal capped a horrendous spell for Roma and the hosts certainly knew what the crowd thought of their performance, with Ranieri’s men booed by the Stadio Olimpico fans as they entered the field for the second half.

But as they did in the first half, Roma began strongly and Frenchman Jeremy Menez scored a splendid goal to bring his side back into contention just after the hour mark.

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Menez beat Jadson for the ball in a show of strength before streaming forward and producing a sensational strike into the top right corner from 25 yards.

Shakhtar continued to search for a fourth as Luiz Adriano and Henrikh Mkhitaryan went close, while Roma also had a chance to score but Andriy Pyatov kept out Francesco Totti’s late effort.

The visitors held on for the victory – their first in the last 16 of the Champions League – and the 2008/09 UEFA Cup winners can feel confident of reaching the quarter-finals given their brilliant home record.