empower-sport magazine

A Remarkable Transformation

Resurrection
A season that had threatened to be disastrous just 2 months ago will end in success for interim Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo thanks to his Ivorian marksman. Di Matteo famously scored a fantastic goal in an FA Cup before injury forced him to retire early. He has now managed a cup-winning team. “I’m very happy for the players,” di Matteo said. “We’ve had a difficult season and a lot of criticism. Today the players reacted to all the adversity. We scored 2 very nice goals as well.” Di Matteo also credited his predecessor André Villas-Boas for the win. “I think AVB should get some credit for this because he started this run.”

Di Matteo refused to be drawn on whether the win made him the front-runner for the full-time post as Chelsea manger, but owner Roman Abramovich must surely give him serious consideration now. “It’s totally irrelevant as it was irrelevant 8 weeks ago,” he said. “”I’m very pleased with my position and then the boss will make his decision and we will all respect that.” When pressed further later, di Matteo added, “It’s irrelevant.” A year ago di Matteo was out of work, sacked by West Bromwich Albion. He was chosen by AVB to be his number two and succeeded the Portuguese two months ago.

Works In Progress
Didier Drogba’s liking for Wembley continued as Chelsea’s Ivorian talisman grabbed his 4th Cup Final goal 7 minutes into the second half. It proved to be the winner in the FA Cup Final, giving. Ramires had given Chelsea a deserved lead after a horrible miskick by Jay Spearing gifted possession to the Blues. Man of the Match Juan Mata, a revelation in his first season in English football, released the Brasilian midfielder Ramires, who outpaced Liverpool’s left-back José Enrique and burst into the area to shoot from past Pepe Reina at his near post. Liverpool’s keeper was wrong-footed could only palm it into his own net after 11 minutes.

From a defensive point of view it was an awful goal for Liverpool to concede.
Manager Kenny Dalglish conceded that some players would move on in the summer. It remains an expensive ‘work in progress’. He was gracious in defeat. “We were excellent for the last half hour, but the game lasts 90 minutes,” Dalglish said phlegmatically. “You cannot give Chelsea a 2 goal start.”  Ramires’ goal was the highlight of a poor first half which ended with a poor tackle by John Obi Mikel on Steven Gerrard, earning the Nigerian the game’s first yellow card from referee Phil Dowd,  on the day that Mikel’s countryman and football legend Rashidi Yekini sadly passed away aged just 48. “I was not aware of this [Yekini’s death] before the game, so we didn’t talk about it,” di Matteo said regarding preparing Mikel for the match.

A Change of Approach
Within 2 minutes of the restart John Terry got a shot away from Frank Lampard’s corner despite Martin Skrtel’s tugging him. Terry looked bemused. Five minutes later Drogba got his almost obligatory Wembley goal. Lampard’s pass found Drogba just inside the area. He shot across Pepe Reina just inside the far post to double Chelsea’s lead. It spurred Dalglish to replace the ineffective Jay Spearing with £35m man Andy Carroll, who despite the detractors had 3 goals in 5 matches in the FA Cup compared to 4 in 33 in the league.

It soon paid off as Carroll profited from Stewart Downing’s sliding tackle on Chelsea’s right-back José Bosingwa looped into Carroll’s path on the edge of Chelsea’s area. The much-maligned striker turned and shot into the roof of the net to halve the deficit after 64 minutes. Despite recovering his form Fernando Torres did not get a run out against his former team. His evening was confined to being booed by Liverpool supporters as he warmed up in the first half.
Goal-line Controversy
Liverpool pressing for an equaliser another controversy over technology emerged. Carroll though t he’d scored. His 82nd minute header brought a reflex save from Petr Čech, who clawed it onto the bar. “Maybe they had a bit of good fortune when they denied us an equaliser,” Dalglish said. “I’ve not seen it. Sometimes they give it sometimes they didn’t. If the officials have got it right, I hope they get the credit they deserve.”

Di Mateo credited his keeper for a fantastic save, but like Dalglish he hadn’t seen if it crossed the line. “From where I was standing I couldn’t see,” he said. “I looked at linesman.” He was relieved that it was not given. It definitely bounced in play and not over the goal-line. However, replays never showed that the whole of the ball had crossed the line before Čech clawed it out as well. Even if it had there was no way that even an eagle-eyed referee’s assistant could be sure if it had crossed the line or not and would have had to not give it. Goal-line technology and even goal-line officials like those used in the Europa League cannot come soon enough.

Luis Suárez was lucky not to have talked himself into Dowd’s book for his protests – another reason to bring in technology and extra officials rapidly. The Uruguayan almost made headlines for the right reasons shortly afterwards as a neat move culminated in a shot from just outside the area, but Čech saved well with his right hand at his near post. Despite 5 minutes of injury time Chelsea held on to win and celebrate a remarkable turnaround with the possibility of the biggest prize 2 weeks away.

Chelsea Cruise into Final

Emphatic
The memory of André Villas-Boas’ failed revolution at Stamford Bridge is fading fast as a resurgent Chelsea reached at least one final with a chance of another. Care-taker manager, Roberto di  Matteo saw controversy turn to joy as his team thrashed Harry Redknapp’s Spurs 5-1 with goals from Didier Drogba, Juan Mata, Ramires, Frank Lampard and substitute Florent Malouda. Gareth Bale scored Spurs’ response in a second half that defied prediction.

Spurs supporters derided Ivorian icon Drogba as a he failed to control David Luiz’ through ball after 12 minutes, but Drogba silenced them in style as the half time whistle beckoned. With his back to goal Drogba outwitted William Gallas, with a deft right-foot flick to make space for a thunderous left foot strike that gave former Chelsea keeper Carlo Cuddicini no chance. John Terry’s long pass earned Chelsea’s skipper an assist, but that goal was due to Drogba’s brilliance –  the highlight of a Man of the Match performance.

Drogba was a constant threat and proved too much for Spurs’  defence to handle. “We were the better team in the first half,”  Cuddicini  said, before conceding that Chelsea deserved their win due to their second half performance. Rafael van der Vaart came closest to giving Spurs the lead with a cross that turned into a shot, beating both Emmanuel Adebayor and also Petr Čech, but not the keeper’s right-hand post.

Rout
5 minutes into the second half, referee Martin Atkinson made a howler that will add to demands for the use of technology. Cuddicini said that he wasn’t sure if the ball had crossed the line himself – it hadn’t – but the referee has to be 110% certain that it crossed the line before giving a goal. If Atkinson was sure that it was a goal, replays proved him wrong. Cuddicini saved Luiz’ header and Juan Mata shot was goal-bound, but Benoit Assou-Ekotto clearly kept the ball from crossing the line. John Terry was lying on the goal-line in front of Assou-Ekotto, but behind Cuddicini. Terry was certainly interfering with play and was off-side.

Atkinson did not consult his assistant. He gave a goal and was surrounded by Spurs players. Mata concede that it was not a goal, but Spurs were 2-0 down. The deficit was halved after 56 minutes. Luiz was injured in the build-up and had to be substituted with a hamstring problem. Emmanuel was clean through with just Čech to beat. The Czech international brought him down, but Bale was on hand to tap into an unguarded net. But for that a penalty and red card for Čech would surely have followed.

Mata turned provider for third with a delightful reverse pass to Ramires, who chipped the advancing Cuddicini as the keeper went to ground to restore Chelsea’s two-goal cushion with less than quarter of an hour remaining. Two minutes later former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas was booked for tripping the excellent Drogba. Frank Lampard lined up the free-kick and struck it sweetly, giving Cuddicini no chance. Spurs supporters filed out of Wembley, missing the last ten minutes.

Drogba was substituted, but his replacement Fernando Torres was denied a goal by team-mate Florent Malouda. The Frenchman’s industry won the ball on the left wing and cut into the area. Spurning a gap at the near post and an unmarked Torres, Malouda blazed wide of the far post. There was just enough time for Mata to earn another assist with a chip into Malouda’s path. The Frenchman tucked the chance away between Cuddicini’s legs. Meanwhile, John Obi Mikel was lucky to escape a caution for a bad tackle on Scott Parker, who reacted – both were booked.

Barcelona visit Stamford Bridge next week for the first leg of the semi-final of the Champion’s League, while Spurs return to the battle for Champion’s League football next season.

Carroll Sends Liverpool back to Wembley

Triumph
A turbulent week at Anfield ended in £35m misfit Andy Carroll scoring the vital goal that sent Liverpool back to Wembley on May 5th for their second final in a season that disappointed in the league, but not in the cups. “As a group of players it was fantastic,” manager Kenny Dalglish said. “That’s two Cup finals. One we’ve won; the other we’re looking forward to. It’s a time for us to enjoy the moment. If you can’t enjoy winning you might as well put the lid on the box; it’s time up for you.”

Liverpool’s American owners Fenway Sports Group, headed by Boston Red Sox owner, John W. Henry decided to wield the axe at Anfield this week. Dalglish got the dreaded vote of confidence while Director of Football, Damian Comolli, who secured the players Dalglish wanted, including this afternoon’s goal-scorers Carroll and the ever controversial Uruguayan Luis Suárez Díaz was the biggest casualty. To his credit, Dalglish took his share of the blame for a poor league season, which has seen the once great team far off the pace of Champion’s League football. Liverpool have spent over £100m on Comolli’s watch to bring Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Suárez and Carroll to Anfield, although Comolli brought the impressive José Enrique to Liverpool for the bargain price of around £6m.

Zero to Hero
Misfiring or not, Carroll emerged the hero this afternoon even though he didn’t know much about it. Having missed a sitter two minutes into the second half, Carroll showed the right attitude. Liverpool dominated the second half. “Liverpool certainly improved a lot in the second half,” Everton manager David Moyes said. Downing found space on the right-hand edge of Everton’s area and crossed top the back pace. It begged for a finish, but with Tim Howard’s goal gaping Carroll somehow contrived to head wide.

In the first half he produced a better effort as Downing’s cross was misdirected. Leaning backwards Carroll directed his header onto the roof of the net. The former Newcastle striker didn’t try to hide after his miss, His hustle 20 minutes after that miss won possession and a chance that he dragged just wide from the edge of the area.
Substitute Seamus Coleman conceded a needless free-kick on the left flank by treading on Steven Gerrard’s foot. Craig Bellamy’s free-kick found the back of Carroll’s head. Howard was beaten and so it turned out were Everton.

Comedy of Errors
A comic-book mix-up in Liverpool’s defence gifted local rivals Everton a 24th minute lead. Slovak defender Martin Skrtel’s back-header caused veteran Jamie Carragher and Daniel to leave it to each other before Carragher’s attempted clearance hit Tim Cahill and rebounded into the path of Nikica Jelavić. The Croatian – an instant hit on the Blue side of Stanley Park since his January move from crisis-torn Rangers needed no second invitation to beat Liverpool’s third choice keeper Brad Jones from 10 yards out to the Australian’s left.

Not to be outdone, 35 minutes later Sylvain Distin returned the favour. The Frenchman’s misplaced pass gifted possession to the ever controversial Luis Suárez Díaz. The Uruguayan had more to do than his Croatian opponent in the first half, but dribbled into the area and shot to Tim Howard’s right to level the scores.

Lacklustre
A below par Liverpool should have taken an early lead through Jay Spearing in the 2nd minute, but Everton proved the better side in the first 45 minutes. Liverpool’s next effort of note was bought cheaply by Suárez, who went to ground too easily after turning Distin sharply. Daniel Agger’s free-kick was wasted, but it eventually rebounded to Skrtel, whose shot was easily gathered by Howard. At the other end Jelavić posed greater danger. A bicycle kick was easily saved and his sighters got closer before he deservedly got his goal, even if it required a bit of luck. Gerrard’s 30 yard shot flew well over the crossbar, summing up a half that gave Liverpool what they deserved – nothing.

Suárez was lucky not to find his way into Howard’s Webb book in a petulant first half display. Before the match he told the Sun that he would repeat his World Cup misdemeanour for Liverpool if need be. No stranger to controversy, Suárez’ timing could not have been worse. This weekend is the 23rd anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy. 96 Liverpool supporters lost their lives that afternoon, only for the Sun to blame the victims. Sales of Rupert Murdoch’s paper have never recovered in Liverpool.

A minute’s silence was immaculately observed by both sets of supporters. Everton supporters held up posters saying “The Truth: 96 Dead. Don’t buy The $un.” Moyes summed it up. “Support was great today,” he said. “I thought it was great that everyone observed the minute’s silence.”  It is shameful that Evertonians had more respect for the 96 than Liverpool’s talisman this season.

Dutchman Johnny Heitinga took a leaf out of Suárez’ book as he went to ground far too easily. Pots, kettles and black spring to mind as the Uruguayan angrily remonstrated with Heitinga to get up. Moments later Suárez wrestled the Dutchman to ground by grabbing his midriff and pulling him down. Nevertheless, the talent and threat is obvious and Suárez looked the most likely to find an opening if anyone could. He was later named Man of the Match.

Setting The Record Straight

Indiscipline Costs
A Frank Lampard penalty after 21 minutes and an injury time pile-driver by former Porto stalwart Raul Meireles set Roberto di Matteo’s Blues on their way to renewing acquaintances with Pep Guardiola’s Barçelona. Benfica, needing to overturn a 1-0 home defeat last week failed to produce a shot on Petr Čech’s goal. Javi García’s foul on Ashley Cole was disputed by the Portuguese outfit, led by their captain Maxi Pereira. Nevertheless, an unmarked Javi García was given the freedom of Chelsea’s 6-yard box to nod Pablo Aimar’s corner past Petr Čech to set up an intriguing last 5 minutes against a ten-man Benfica.

“Chelsea is a great team,” Aimar said, “but Barcelona is the best team.” The former Valencia play-maker still loves his former team and rates Spanish football as the best league in the world.

Comfort Zone
John Terry’s 30 yard punt into the area was chased by left-back Ashley Cole who was bundled over clumsily in the box by García, but Benfica skipper Maxi Pereira protested long and hard until referee Damir Skomina had no choice but to brandish the yellow card – a caution that would cost the Portuguese dear. Artur guessed correctly, but couldn’t keep Lampard’s spot kick out.

Jorge Jesus’ team took the best part of half an hour to test Chelsea’s defence. A neat free-kick routine carved a highly presentable chance for Óscar Cardoza to demand a fine save from Petr Čech at his left-hand post from 8 yards out. A difficult task for Benfica became Herculean when Pereira received a second yellow card and had to go for a foul on John Obi Mikel.

Benfica rarely came close to threatening after that until the last 5 minutes, but Chelsea failed to convert their man advantage into goals, even though Salomon Kalou, Juan Mata and Mikel went close to cementing their semi-final berth.  Ramires missed a sitter from Kalou’s pass. Substitute Rodrigo brought the best out of Čech on 84 minutes. The Czech international keeper clawed the header round his post with a firm right-hand, but Javi García ensured a nervous last 5 minutes with a precious away goal until an excellent run and fierce 20 yard shot from Meireles silenced the Portuguese supporters’ jeers. Chelsea faces the Catalan giants in the semi-final. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the other.

Fabrice Muamba Fighting for his Life

The 23-year-old remains in hospital seriously ill after collapsing during an FA Cup quarter-final tie against Tottenham.

He is being treated in the intensive care unit of the heart attack centre at the London Chest Hospital.

Everyone at Empower Sport wishes him a speedy and full recovery

Teenage Sensation Exposes Absurdity of Rules

Football pays an emotional tribute to Gary Speed, but Costa Ricans hadn’t read the script

Robben at the Double

On a mild Leap Year night Holland visited Wembley and left on the right side of a dramatic 3-2 victory in this friendly meeting between two Euro 2012 contenders. After a run of two defeats and a goalless draw, Bert van Marwijk’s players came into this match in need of a result; while England- under new caretaker coach Stuart Pearce were hoping to extend a nine game unbeaten run with a youthful side containing a number of fringe players.

However it was the visitors who possessed the greater threat, with both Robben and Sneijder in the mood. In a first half in which neither goalkeeper was seriously tested, the Dutch managed the best chance when Bayern Munich winger Robben forced a good save from Joe Hart. England, who lost Gerrard after half an hour threatened the Dutch defence sporadically, without finding much penetration. With new skipper Parker a busy figure in midfield, they were unable to put the black shirted visitors under any degree of sustained pressure despite occasional flashes of danger from Johnson and later Sturridge. The break duly arrived with the match locked at 0-0.

The young Sturridge, a substitute for Gerrard carried the attack for England who began the second spell in livelier fashion. However, the match was turned on its head with a memorable sixty yard dribble through the heart of the home defence by the impressive Robben who rifled home a powerful low left footed shot that beat Hart all ends up just before the hour mark.

It was a strike of true quality, one of the best individual goals witnessed at the new Wembley and was then followed just minutes later by a headed goal from halftime substitute Huntelaar from a measured Kuyt cross.

An unfortunate clash of heads saw a bloodied Huntelaar walking off, while Smalling went off on a stretcher, both ending up in hospital later. With a 2-0 lead, the Dutch were not quite finished and pushed hard for a third goal as both managers brought on a string of substitutes. With the 76,000 crowd rather muted, chances came and went at both ends as the visitors eased off a bit, allowing England to respond.

With time running out, Pearce’s side came back with a late strike, defender Cahill joining the attack to round Matijsen’s challenge and stab home an 85th minute goal from close range. As the game moved into injury time the home side fashioned an unlikely equaliser as Jones released Young inside the box who lifted the ball neatly over Stekelenberg to restore parity.

Their shock equaliser however did not phase the Dutch, who responded by going down the other end before finding Robben on the edge of the penalty box. Crowded out by five defenders, the Dutch star bent a fine left footer around the defenders, past the grasp of a despairing Hart for a finely worked late winner.

So Holland came away with an impressive and deserved 3-2 away victory, England’s first home defeat since France came to Wembley in November 2010. With less than 100 days before the start of Euro 2012, England have much to do in a short space of time both on and off the pitch. With just two friendlies left at the end of the season (against Norway & Belgium), whoever may step in to manage the England side faces a major task to rejuvenate tired bodies and minds if they are to have any chance of progressing against the likes of France, Ukraine and Sweden.

Holland themselves face an even bigger challenge of facing Germany, Denmark and Portugal in Poland & Ukraine this summer, but their coach van Maarwijk- in charge since 2008- can only have been pleased with an enterprising display that owed much to Robben and Sneijder, their best players on the night. Fielding a more experienced unit, it was the visitors who found the right answers from this match, while England are left to ponder selection options on both pitch and bench.

Football Unites – RIP Gary Speed

Advance ticket sales indicate that Welsh supporters intend to honour the memory of the man who put Welsh football back on track. Speed tragically took his life last November. The reasons will never be known, but tonight Colombian coach, who joined the Central American outfit from Juniors de Barranquilla, Jorge Pinto brings his Costa Rica side to Wales, boasting the talents of Fulham’s Bryan Ruiz and Arsenal’s on loan youngster Joel Campbell to Cardiff to participate in the tribute match for Speed.

Huddersfield Town 0 - Sheffield United 1

Kevin Sinfield and the Rhinos

Zambia seal Dramatic win to claim first Cup of Nations Title

Football Destiny
When Didier Drogba skied his penalty badly in normal time, it seemed as if nothing was being left to chance. The neutrals wanted Zambia to win their first African Cup of Nations title, especially after all that footballing nation had suffered. No other country had lost their national team in a plane crash and it had happened in Gabon in 1993. It was fitting that the Chipolopolo claimed their first title here and did it in the presence of the great Kalusha Bwalya – currently President of Zambian Football Association. Holland and was due to meet his team-mates in Senegal. They never arrived.

“We went to see the site and it was emotional,” goal-keeper Kennedy Mweene said. “Their spirits can rest now, because of what we have done – what they were about to do – so I think those people can rest in peace now.”

The 1993 Effect
So how important was that crash to this generation of Zambians? “I think we as players sat down and discussed what happened in 1993,” Mweene said. “We had to come back here and help them to rest and this is what we came to do.”

He also paid tribute to Bwalya's contribution. “There are so many way of winning the Africa Cup. He was a great player, but he never won the cup as a player. He is the President now and he's won the cup now as the President of the Football Association, so he missed it as a player, but he's got it now. He's very important to us. He's an inspiration to us. He's part of the young and upcoming players. We look up to him. Off-field and on-field we look up to him.”

The 1993 team never got the chance to live their dream, but a Bwalya led team almost achieved the impossible dream, reaching the final a year after the crash only to lose 2-1. There was no disappointment this time. “It was important for this team,” Mweene said. “We've been together for almost six years and we had to do it because people said a lot of things. It was our team-work. I think now they will start taking notice because they can see and it was a good demonstration of our national team. There are no big names. That's the most important thing. With determination and the team spirit you go a long way.”

Congratulations

Keita's Call for Peace

Keita
In a few hours time Mali's talented midfielder Seydou Keita may call time on his international career. If he does that he will be sorely missed. “Seydou Keita, he says he's going to be playing there[South Africa],” Ousmane Berthé told us. “I don't know he may change, because he says he's tired now. No I like Seydou Keita. He can give more, because he can give experience for young players. He can give it, because he is a leader in football you know. Can give for young players for South Africa and World Cup and African Cup. I like Seydou Keita playing for Mali.”

Mali's skipper Cédric Kanté echoes those sentiments. “He is our leader – technical leader you know – he play in maybe the biggest team of all time. We need him. As our leader he play in national team for 40 years – 14 years now – and he is one of the best midfielders in the world, so we need him and he showed the way to play.

Seydou Keita – An Exemplary Footballer and African

The Essential Cog
Footballers often get a bad press – sometimes deserved, but the good they do often goes uncredited. Seydou Keita is nearing the end of a distinguished international career, but for once there is no lack of appreciation. Frustration recently ended the Mali career of French-born Frédéric Kanouté despite the best efforts of coach Alain Giresse, but Seydou Keita remains committed to the Eagles after 14 years.

The retirement of Kanouté and injury suffered by Momo Sissoko, along with a shocking campaign by their high standards in Angola two years ago. Giresse had to rebuild. Keita was an important part of that process. “Regarding the feelings of Keita who is a leader in this team, of course his involvement in the national team is important; even though he sometimes goes beyond it with his emotions,” said Giresse, who knows a fair bit about midfield qualities, having been part of the fantastic French triumvirate of the 1980s along with current UEFA President Michel Platini and Jean Tigana. “It is important to have him as a leader. Humility, humbleness in football is essential. You have to question yourself every time. The biggest champions have to humble.”

The Leader
23-year-old central defender Ousmane Berthé is in no doubt of the importance of SeydoKeita as Mali rebuilds. “Seydou Keita is doing everything for me and every player, you know,” Berthé says. Seydou Keita is a big player for Mali – a motivation for young players. He talk nice to everybody and he say every game we play we can win.”

Berthé credits Keita with inspiring and assisting him. “I like Seydou Keita,” Berthé continues. “His heart is very nice. He give the players love for your country. I'm 23. He talk to me every time, 'Ousmane you're young, one day you can go big, go to a big club,' you know. No, I like Seydou Keita because Mali is like this because of Seydou Keita. I like Seydou Keita.”

He's not alone. Keita still plays for the best club side in the world, Barcelona, displacing Yaya Touré in the line-up prior to Yaya's departure for Manchester City. His international captain, Cédric Kanté is no doubt of Keita's importance. “He is our leader – technical leader you know,” Kanté says. “He plays in maybe the biggest team of all time. We need him. As our leader he plays in the national team for 40 years – 14 years now – and he is one of the best midfielders in the world, so we need him and he showed the way to play.”

But there is far more to Keita than just football. He has a social conscience and cares about his country. After defeating hosts, Gabon, in the quarter-final, Keita made an emotional appeal for the killing in northern Mali to stop and for the President of the country to intervene to end the killing.

	Terms of Use

Empower-Sport Magazine asserts our right to be identified as the originator of the content of all articles that appear in the magazine. The individual authors retain copyright to their work and assert their moral right to be identified as the source of their work. Publication of all or part of these articles requires the written permission of Empower-Sport Magazine - The editor