SOCCER FANS

Beckhams extend at AC Milan??

2009-02-05T23:42:00.000-08:00

England soccer superstar David Beckham is in talks to extend his stay at Italian giants AC Milan.

The former Manchester United midfielder’s lawyers are in talks with his current club Los Angeles Galaxy to sort out a deal.

Becks current loan deal with AC Milan is due to expire in March.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani confirmed: “Beckham’s lawyers are talking to the LA Galaxy who are the rightful owners of his registration.

“If they show themselves to be ready to look at a deal, we would be really happy to do so.

“At the moment there’s neither optimism nor pessimism.

“The player belongs to Galaxy. We hope they decide to release him but if they don’t change their minds the player is theirs.

“We are looking to get him either on loan until the end of the season or on a permanent basis.

“Otherwise, with the greatest regret from everyone - starting with me - Beckham will have to go.”

Galliani added: “Players can make their choices but their clubs can refuse their wishes.

“Moreover, the Los Angeles Galaxy have always been very nice to us and have behaved in a very gentlemanly manner.In any case at this moment there are no dealings and we haven’t made an offer, but Beckham’s lawyers are talking with Los Angeles.There is time until March 8 to get us round a table and close a possible deal."

Keegan banned for speeding

2009-02-05T23:29:00.000-08:00

You're too fast Keegan!!!

Former England Manager,Kevin Keegan was Thursday banned from driving for six months after telling a court he had been in “turmoil” over his future as Newcastle manager when he was caught speeding last August.

Because of that,he reached the legal maximum of 12 penalty points on his licence when he was clocked travelling at 36mph (57.6kph) in a 30mph (48kph) zone on August 27, 2008.

That was the week before the 57-year-old left Newcastle in acrimonious circumstances and the court heard that “his head was in turmoil” after a stressful meeting with club owner Mike Ashley.

Magistrates have the power to waive a ban for motorists who reach 12 points if it would cause exceptional hardship but Keegan, in a written submission, accepted he could not make such a case. As well as his ban, Keegan was fined 750 pounds.

Messi is Like Maradona

2009-02-03T01:29:00.000-08:00

Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi’s style is very similar to that of legendary footballer Diego Maradona, his Barcelona teammate Thierry Henry said Monday.

“I don’t want to put pressure on Messi, but you have to say it, he is very similar to Maradona, the best player I have ever seen. He enters the pitch and does things that only he knows how to do,It is normal to depend on Messi but we are not going to die without him, even if it is better to have him on the pitch,” added Henry, who has scored 12 times in the league so far this year, the same number as during all of last season.

Messi, 21, scored twice on Sunday in Barcelona’s 2-1 away win over Santander after coming on as a second half substitute, allowing the club to maintain its 12-point lead in the Spanish league.

Last week the Barcelona winger was named by Maradona in an Argentina squad for the first time. The Argentine coach included him in his 20-man squad for a February 11 friendly against France in Marseille.

Messi has scored ten times in 34 appearances for Argentina.

Robinho arrested in sex assault

2009-01-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

Brazilian Manchester City striker, Robinho has been arrested over allegations of a serious sexual assault in a nightclub.

The Brazil international’s spokesman, Chris Nathaniel, confirmed Robinho met with police on Tuesday “as part of a criminal investigation” but said he denied any wrongdoing.

“We can confirm that Robinho met the police today, as pre-arranged and as part of a criminal investigation,He strenuously denies any allegation of wrongdoing or criminality and is happy to cooperate with the police if required further” Nathaniel said in a statement on Robinho’s personal website.

West Yorkshire police in northern England confirmed a man was arrested on Tuesday and was questioned in connection with a serious sexual assault in a Leeds nightclub on January 14.

Will Beckham Permanent at Milan??

2009-01-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

Serie A and and Italian Soccer Team AC Milan are hopeful of luring David Beckham from LA Galaxy on a permanent basis.

The England midfielder is due to rejoin LA Galaxy in March after his loan deal is completed at Milan, but the 33-year-old has made such an impact in his first few games that the San Siro management are desperate to keep him in Milan.

The former England captain scored his first goal for AC Milan last week and would see the move as an ideal route back into the England squad under Fabio Capello.

“I can’t say what will happen. My contract says that I’ll be here until March. We’ll have to see,At the moment I’m enjoying this experience. I’m at one of the biggest clubs in the world.” said Beckham.

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti and owner Silvio Berlusconi are both hopeful that Beckham will make the decision to move to Italy on a permanant basis.

AC Milan club lawyer Leonadro Cantamessa has also spoken out over the proposed Beckham transfer “After March anything can happen, The situation is complicated and will depend on the player, but if there was a common interest, the English player could remain at Milan, but not on loan.”

Fabio Capello, the England manager, is expected to fly to Milan on Wednesday to watch Beckham play against Genoa and Beckham is hoping to be included in Capello’s squad for the friendly against Spain next month to equal Bobby Moore’s record of 108 international caps for an outfield player.

Brazil will face Italy in Friendly Match

2009-01-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

Brazil Coach,Carlos Dunga will called all their star player to play in a friendly match against Italy.

Former European footballer of the year Ronaldinho was on Monday recalled to Brazil’s squad by coach Carlos Dunga for a friendly international against Italy in London next month.

The 28-year-old striker,is part of a Europe-based squad also including his AC Milan team-mates, midfielder Kaka, striker Alexandre Pato and keeper Thiago Silva.

Manchester City’s Robinho and Inter Milan’s Adriano are also in the squad, adding to Dunga’s attacking options for the fixture at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium on February 10.

Dunga called up 25-year-old Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo for the first time after praising the player in recent performances.

Manchester United midfielder Anderson was also on Dunga’s list although just three days ago it was announced he would be out for three weeks with an ankle injury after being stretchered off in the League Cup semi-final win over Derby on January 20.

Brazil squad for friendly against Italy on February 10

Keepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan/ITA), Doni (AS Roma/ITA)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan/ITA), Daniel Alves (Barcelona/ESP), Lucio (Bayern Munich/GER), Juan (AS Roma/ITA), Thiago Silva (AC Milan/ITA), Luisao (Benfica/POR), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP), Adriano Correia (Sevilla/ESP)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos/GRE), Josue (Wolfsburg/GER), Anderson (Manchester United/ENG), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina/ITA), Elano (Manchester City/ENG), Julio Baptista (AS Roma/ITA), Ronaldinho (AC Milan/ITA), Kaka (AC Milan/ITA)

Strikers: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan/ITA), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla/ESP), Adriano (Inter Milan/ITA), Robinho (Manchester City/ENG)

Florent Malouda on way out...

2009-01-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

Florent Malouda may finally be on his way out at Chelsea after Spanish side Villarreal plan a £9 million bid for the midfielder.

Beside Villareal,other european club also interested on Malouda including Bayern Munich who were said to be interested in the former Lyon winger, however Malouda has publicly stated that he wishes to fulfil his four-year contract at Stamford Bridge and stay until 2011.

Malouda was brought to Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho but has found it difficult to cement a place in the first team under both Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The bid is said to be short of Chelsea’s valuation however as the London club are hopeful of regaining the full £13.5 million they paid for the winger. However, with Scolari publicly stating that all his players would be for sale at the right price, Villarreal are sure to test Chelsea’s resolve with this bid.

City sign Nigel de Jong

2009-01-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

Rich EPL soccer team,Manchester City still searhing for a new star for their club.The latest one,they have signed Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong from German side Hamburg for an undisclosed fee.

Nigel de Jong,24 years old, capped 29 times by his country, has signed a four-and-a-half year contract with City, now transformed into one of the world’s wealthiest sports clubs under the ownership of Abu Dhabi-based Sheikh Mansour.

City have bid two players join this week with de Jong following former West Ham striker Craig Bellamy to Eastlands.

De Jong missed much of the first half of the Bundesliga campaign with a knee injury but recently returned to training.

He had been with Hamburg for three years after joining from Ajax/

Kaka remain at Milan

2009-01-19T21:22:00.000-08:00

AC Milan president,Silvio Berlusconi ended transfer speculation surrounding Kaka.Berlusconi said on the TV programme that he 26-year-old Brazilian will be staying at Milan.

The former World Player of the Year had been offer for 100 million euro bid from Premiere League rich club,Manchester City in a transfer saga that had been picking up pace over the last week.

But he seems to have changed his mind and he had intervened personally to ensure the fans’ favourite will be staying in Italy.

“Both I and he have intervened,When I heard him say that he prefers to stay, that he doesn’t feel like he has lost the opportunity to earn a higher salary and that he feels privileged to wear the shirt, he values the closeness and the friendships, the heat and affection that all the fans have shown him even in these last two days, I said ‘hallelujah’ and we hugged,Kaka is and is staying at Milan.” said Berlusconi who is also a Italian Prime Minister

However, Berlusconi then opened up a little doubt.

“I give my word on the things that depend on me. At the end of this affair I don’t know if I will still be president of Milan, as much as I am not any more,” he said cryptically.

Man accused of sexually abusing Eto´o son acquitted

2009-01-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

A friend of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o was acquitted Thursday by a Spanish court.He was charge because of sexually abused the Cameroonian international’s six-year-old son while acting as a babysitter.

The incident was alleged to have taken in 2006 when the man would look after the boy on the weekends that Eto’o had custody of his son but was busy with matches or training sessions.

The boy’s mother ,who does not live with Eto’o had filed a complaint with police after he told her about the abuse in August 2006.At that time the boy was about four years old, prosecutors said.

The Barcelona court ruled that there was insufficient evidence that the man, described by prosecutors as a close friend of the player, “made any type of touching or other acts of a sexual nature” when he looked after the child.

“The responses given by the minor to questions posed by expert psychologists do not allow for establishing that the touching and acts of a sexual nature attributed to the accused took place,” it said.

Public prosecutors had asked that the man be slapped with a six-year jail term and a fine of 60,000 euros.

Eto’o, a three-times African Player of the Year, testified in court as part of the man’s trial, which was held in December.

Man City closing in on Kaka

2009-01-15T23:44:00.000-08:00

Man City assistant manager,Mark Bowen said they are close to signing Brazillian soccer superstar, Kaka from seria A club, AC Milan.

A reports says Man City have made an offer of £100million to bid for the 26-year-old .

“We believe the deal is very close,We are selling the future plans of the club to the player.” said Bowen. I’ve read a lot about his love of Milan,and that goes without saying but even when people said the deal was dead that was not our understanding.”

“We are still hopeful of signing Kaka,the situation has been a surprise to everyone but obviously negotiations have been going for a fair while.How close we are I don’t know, but our understanding is that it is very much a strong possibility that Kaka will be coming to Manchester City” added Bowen.

City are ready to offer Kaka £15million in wages, according to reports.

Man City interested on Kaka

2009-01-14T03:32:00.000-08:00

An English soccer team,Manchester City is currently insterested to bring brazillian,Kaka to their club.According to newspaper reports,Manchester City have offered AC Milan for 100 million pounds in cash in bid former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka.

Manchester City has send delegation led by chief executive Garry Cook met top officials at Milan’s headquarters Tuesday, where they offered to make the Brazilian player the highest paid in the world on 15 million pounds a year after tax.

Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s prime minister and Milan’s owner, has resisted previous attempts to lure Kaka away. But the player has said he is unhappy with his role in the AC Milan team and would love to play in the English Premier League.

Slow start for beckham at AC Milan

2009-01-12T04:44:00.000-08:00

On loan player and Former England captain, David Beckham was surprised to be handed a start on his debut for AC Milan in their 2-2 draw at AS Roma.

It wasn’t the dream start that Beckham would have wished for but he gave an industrial performance on the right of a three-man midfield and showed several glimpses of his passing range, crossing ability and even his sterling defensive work.He had one shot on goal but his curled effort from outside the area lacked the pace to trouble Doni in the Roma goal.

Beckham began the match by staying deep and often leaving his team-mates to forage forward but as the game wore on and he found his feet, he increasingly started to make typical bursting runs down the right flank, whilst also coming inside to see more of the ball.

“It’s similar, of course there’s more of a tactical level in Italy, there always has been that and there always will be but I think I adapted pretty well and I enjoyed it.Tactically we like to keep the ball in midfield and play the ball forward as much as we can and once you get into the game it opens up more.” comment Beckham on the I

Beckham didn’t get a chance to strike one of his trademark free-kicks despite Milan having two opportunities around the edge of the box.

But with Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo in the side, the Englishman admitted he might have to bide his time before getting to set his sights.

Beside that,Beckham also do not having problem to communicate with other player.“The majority of the players speak very good English and football is an easy language to learn.”

“We talk English all the time, we’re also together in the bus,We connected well and I said I will help him as much as possible to feel good and to be sure he can add value to the team for the couple of months that he’ll be here.” comment seedorf on Beckham

Crisis Looms for Chelsea manager

2009-01-12T04:31:00.000-08:00

Chelsea manager,Luiz Felipe Scolari is only one defeat away from the first full-blown crisis of his reign at Chelsea ,but the Brazilian and former portugal coach insists he will not seek be plunging into the transfer market in search of a remedy.

Scolari still confident that Chelsea’s current squad have sufficient reserves of quality to prevent United from claiming a third consecutive title.

“More players? I don’t want more players,I have very good players. Either we got to the top with these players or I go down.” said scolari

Chelsea are far from out of the title battle but the fact that, under Scolari, they have earned just one point from their four match with United,Liverpool and Arsenal.

“If we play three or four games as now, we’re sure not to win (the title) but now it is the time for me and the players to think about our future,” Scolari said. “Either we lose everything or we are men and we improve.”

Scolari shrugged off the presence of the man whose record he will inevitably be judged against. “Mourinho came here to watch Manchester United, that is normal,” the Brazilian said. “Mourinho is an intelligent man. He didn’t come here to tell me he loves me.”

Lazio interested on Veron

2009-01-10T05:09:00.001-08:00

Serie A soccer club,Lazio is currently interested on Juan Sebastian Veron.

Lazio star,Lorenzo De Silvestri has revealed he would be delighted to see Juan Sebastian Veron return to the club. Currently,Lorenzo De Silvestri played as a defender at Lazio

Meanwhile,Lazio chief Claudio Lotito also admitted he is interested in signing Veron after the Argentine midfielder hinted that he would be interested in a move earlier this week.

“Veron returning? It can only mean Lazio are a great squad,If someone like Veron wants to return it means that he has all the right motivations.This club is like a big family and Veron has left something behind. It would be nice if he returns.” Said De Silvestri

De Silvestri also commented on his own situation at the club.

He added: “I don’t know about an extension, I take each day as it comes. I am a Lazio player and I hope this continues; we will see what happens.

“We have to speak with Lotito, but you never know what could happen in football.”

Portuguese will bid for 2018 world cup

2009-01-09T16:45:00.000-08:00

Portuguese government backs join World Cup bid with Spain

The federations concerned have recently stated their availability for a joint bid, adding to interest from Netherlands, Japan, China, Qatar, Mexico, USA, Russia and Australia to organise the four-yearly event.

“is available to receive plans for a bid,Concerning a joint bid from Spain and Portugal for the 2018 World Cup, it is undeniable that Portugal already has a full, sporting infrastructure.” said Laurentino Dias,Portugal's sports minister.

The executive committee of football’s world governing body FIFA has announced a simultaneous bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 events, with the hosts for both events revealed in December next year.

Beckham Fever arrived at Mania

2009-01-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

Fanatic soccer fans are in a panic when the celebrity and soccer star,David Beckham sticker for the Panini albums will not be freely available, Ansa reported on Friday.

The sticker will only be sold on request rather than in the usual packets leading.

“It a real obsession. Since early this morning, we have been submerged by telephone calls and e-mails. I think we have had a 1,000 in a single day," said allegra as a spokesman.

Former England captain Beckham is set to make his league debut for AC Milan, on-loan from LA Galaxy, in Sunday’s match at AS Roma following a midweek friendly and weeks of anticipation.

Buffon ready to action

2009-01-07T01:16:00.001-08:00

Italian World Cup goalkeeper Gianlugi Buffon made his long awaited return from back injury on Tuesday as his team Juventus only drew 1-1 with French outfit Monaco but Juventus lost 6-5 on penalties.

Buffon , widely regarded prior to his absence as the best goalkeeper in the world, had been out since the beginning of October, only playing in four out of Juve's 16 league matches

Buffon played for a full half of the match against the once proud but now modest French league side.

Aston Villa targeting young Spanish left back

2009-01-07T01:10:00.000-08:00

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill may extend his search to the Spanish Primera Division for a new defender.

The player that has been monitoring carefully is left back Roberto Canella from Sporting de Gijon.

The twenty-year-old Canella is a fast and attacking left back, He is rapidly moving up the international ladder.

He first represented Spain’s Under 19 side during the 2006/7 season before moving to the Under 21 side during the 2007/8 season.

AC Milan seek for Liverpool star, Pennant

2009-01-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Italian soccer club,AC Milan are interested in signing Liverpool star, Jermaine Pennant, according to reports in the Italian media.Pennant played as a winger in a Liverpool team.

Pennant is out of contract at the end of the season and reports says the 25-year-old is close to signing a pre-contract with AC Milan.

Beside AC Milan,other prestiges soccer club Real Madrid,Atletico and Juventus also interested and have all been linked with the highly rated winger in recent weeks.

Corriere Dello Sport claims Pennant’s pre-contract with the Rossoneri could be announced by AC Milan this week.

Wolfsburg sign Japanese player

2009-01-03T18:39:00.000-08:00

German Bundesliga soccer team,VfL Wolfsburg have signed new Japanese striker Yoshito Okubo from Vissel Kobe. This was announced by the player’s current club on Saturday.

Yoshito Okubo,26-year-old does have some International experience including playing in european country.Okubo had played at Real Mallorca in the 2005-06 season when he scored 5 goals in 39 games.

During year 2006, Okubo returned back to his country to rejoin his old club Cerezo Osaka but a year later he were sell to Vissel Kobe. With 25 goals in 62 games, the player attracted Wolfsburg’s interest.

In Germany, the Asian is to strengthen the attack currently formed by Dzeko, Grafite, Saglik and Caiuby.

Veteran German soccer striker extends at Monchengladbach

2009-01-03T18:27:00.000-08:00

Veteran German international soccer player Oliver Neuville is extending his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach till 2010, the Bundesliga club said on Saturday.

The 35-year-old Neuville,who play as a striker with Monchengladbach,has 69 caps and scored 10 times for his country.He has been at Gladbach since 2004.However his club lie bottom of the league on their return to the top flight.

Neuville, born in Italian-speaking Switzerland, has previously played for Spanish first division side Tenerife, Hansa Rostock and Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester United search Serbia players?

2009-01-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

Amongst the thousand of transfer rumours around the soccer world,this transfer make by Manchester United(MU) is quite interesting.

A reports from The Times say that Manchester United is looking forward to set and finalase the £16.3 million deal to bring Serbian duo Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic to Old Trafford.

Zoran Tosic and Adam ljajic are both from Partizan Belgrade.Zoran Tosic,21 years old play as winger meanwhile Adem Ljajic is a 17 years old attacking midfielder.

Beckham will be at Milan??

2008-12-31T22:43:00.000-08:00

English midfielder and sports celebrity,David Beckham ,33 is set to make his appearance with Serie A giants club AC Milan, who will facing Hamburger SV in a friendly match on this coming January 6th.

Milan manager said “He will get a spot somewhere in midfield,”

Beckham, a former Manchester United and Real Madrid star had agreed to be loaned out to Milan in order to retain fitness. However,he should return to the United States next summer, but rumours mention a permanent stay in Italy.

David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007, and has scored five goals.

John Carew could miss rest of the season

2008-12-30T20:40:00.000-08:00

Norway and Aston Villa striker John Carew’s back injury will take longer to heal than previously thought.

Carew, who last player played for Aston villa on 22 November, told Norwegian media last month that he will be rest for four to five weeks.

“It is hard to say when John will be back. Maybe in February, maybe in March or later”

“This is an injury that will take time. It is important that John is completely healed.”

Stuttgart sign young midfielder,Timo Gebhart

2008-12-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

German soccer team, VfB Stuttgart have secured the Under-19 international Timo Gebhart from TSV 1860 Munich who already ply for TSV 1860 Munich since 2004.

The 19-year-old boy midfielderr already have 37 appearances and five goals, he attracted the interest of several Bundesliga teams.

“Timo has several offers from rival sides, but we are delighted he chose us,” said Stuttgart’s sporting director Horst Heldt.

Gebhart himself praised Stuttgart’s habit of giving young players a chance: “They have always trusted in young players, and I want to improve and be part of their first team.”

Stuttgart haven’t been able to convince this season and currently occupy tenth place in the Bundesliga.However,they manage to reach the UEFA Cup until round of 32, face Zenit St Petersburg.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard arrested

2008-12-30T06:09:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL FC captain Steven Gerrard,28 was one of six men being arrested by police after officers were called to a Merseyside bar.He was arrested this morning,after EPL leaders Liverpool won 5-1 away to Newcastle United on Sunday following a disturbance at the Lounge Inn, in Bold Street, Southport.During that match,Gerrard scoring two goals.

One 34 year-old Southport man was taken to hospital with facial injuries.However his injuries are not too serious.

Police arrested six people on suspicion of section 20 assault in nearby Lord Street.

Beside Gerrard,another four men, aged between 19 to 33 all from Huyton, and an 18 year-old from Litherland were arrested.

The Liverpool FC star spent the rest of the night in the cells and was still being quizzed about the allegation this morning.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "We are investigating an assault in the early hours of the morning.

"Officers attended a licensed premises where they detained six people on suspicion of Section 20 assault. They are still being questioned."

Valencia’s Miguel linked to AS Roma

2008-12-29T23:40:00.000-08:00

Serie A soccer team AS Roma are reportedly interested in signing Valencia’s Miguel, as Cicinho might be on his way out at the Giallorossi.

Roma manager Luciano Spalletti are planning to aims to strengthen their defender by attracting a new player to replace Cicinho.Miguel is a good defender but he also has attacking abilities. The Brazilian has never managed to live up to expectations since joining the side in 2007.

Miguel or his full name is Luis Miguel Brito Garcia Monteiro born in 1980 in Lisbon.a Portugal’s capital city.His had spent five years of his career at Benfica before decided to joining Valencia in 2005. So far, he already played 99 games for the Spanish side and had scored twice.

Berbatov - "The worst week of my life"

2008-12-29T23:36:00.000-08:00

In an interview after last night’s EPL encounter against Middlesbrough,MU striker Dimitar Berbatov spoke that how this week had been the worst week of his life

The famous Bulgarian striker tell how he was miss his club’s success in the FIFA Club World Cup success after a virus had struck him down.

However, everything appears to be coming normal again with his winning goal against Middlesbrough in their 1-0 victory at MU hometown, Old Trafford.

Berbatov also said that the title chase for United lay exclusively in their own hands and if they can gain maximum six points with their two games in hand, they should be right there in May.

Handanovic remain at Udinese

2008-12-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

Slovenian soccer star Samir Handanovic will not be leaving Udinese, according to his agent Danilo Caravello.

“Samir is staying in Udine,” noted Caravello. “At least until an important club approach Udinese with an offer. It will then be up to the Bianconeri to evaluate the situation.

“As far as I know, we are not aware of any interested parties in his services. And Samir isn’t interested either as he’s just concentrated on Udinese and his teammates.”

Handanovic’s contract expires in June 2012 and in recent weeks he has been linked with a move away from the club.

“You often become a desirable object on the market when you play for Udinese,” the agent underlined.

“It’s obviously pleasing to hear such stories because it is acknowledgement of the player’s ability. However, for now, nobody has come forward for him.”

Soccer Star Gerrard stars in rout of Newcastle

2008-12-28T07:09:00.000-08:00

Reds captain and soccer superstar Steven Gerrard scored twice and had had it not been for Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, the hosts could have been on the wrong end of a double-figure disaster after being completely outclassed.

Within a minute England midfielder Gerrard weaved his way around three United defenders only to see his left foot shot palmed away by Given.

However, the onslaught had only just begun and in the 14th minute the Magpies No 1 denied Gerrard again as he sprung to his right to claw away a rising left footed shot.

When the former Gremio player saw his header, from a Gerrard corner, beaten away by the Newcastle goalkeeper moments later, the visitors must have begun to fear this would be no easy win on Tyneside.

Final score Liverpool beat Newcastle 5-1