Updates of Barcelona and Real Madrid Match: 29 November 2009

Barcelona (1) vs Real Madrid (0)

With this victory, Barcelona has moved to the top of the table with a 2-minute advantage over Real Madrid.

90+3 minutes: The match has finished with Barcelona winning the game 1-0.

90 minutes: Red card shown to Lass. So, Real Madrid is also now 10-men team.

89 minutes: Barcelona came close to the second goal, but Messi's shot was saved by Real keeper superbly.

88 minutes: Free kick for Barcelona.

86 minutes: Corner for Real Madrid, but poorly-taken.

82 minutes: Real Madrid is looking for an equalizer.

79 minutes: Puyol was cautioned for tackling Marcelo.

76 minutes: Eric Abidal had a shot at goal, but it just went off the target.

72 minutes: Corner for Real Madrid. Real threatened couple of times in the last few minutes.

69 minutes: Barcelona got a free kick, but Pique's header just missed the target.

67 minutes: Ronaldo goes out, Karim Benzema comes in.

66 minutes: Another miss by Ronaldo as his header went off the target.

63 minutes: Free kick for Barcelona, but Real defense was up to the mark.

59 minutes: Free kick for Barcelona.

56 minutes: Ibrahimovic scored for Barcelona.

55 minutes: Cristiano Ronaldo had a good run in the left flank, but nothing happened.

53 minutes: Barcelona had a very good attack and got a corner, but nothing happened. Real also had a threatening attack, but Higuain failed to take the shot.

51 minutes: Ibrahimovic comes in place of Thierry Henry.

50 minutes: Sergio was shown yellow card for fouling on Ronaldo.

48 minutes: Both sides are trying to create scoring chances. Real Madrid's Lass was shown yellow card. Free kick for Barcelona.

46 minutes: Second half started now.

Half time. We will be back with the second half action. Till then be with us.

45 minutes: It is now half time at Camp Nou. Real Madrid had the best chance in the match which Ronaldo wasted.

43 minutes: Real Madrid had an attack, but it was cleared.

40 minutes: Goal has not come in the game yet, even though some of the best players of the world are playing in the match.

37 minutes: Another attack from Barcelona. Corner for the home side. Well-taken, but was cleared by Real defense.

34 minutes: Dani Alves was on attack in the right wing, but nothing happened. Goal kick for Real Madrid.

30 minutes: Barcelona is now on attack.

28 minutes: Henry was offside. Barcelona is trying to create chances on long pass, while Real Madrid defenders are making the offside traps successfully.

26 minutes: Another threatening attack from Real Madrid, but Marcello failed to hit it properly.

24 minutes: Barcelona is on attack now.

22 minutes: Goal kick for Real Madrid.

20 minutes: What a miss by Ronaldo and WHAT a save by Valdes. Ronaldo got the Kaka pass and was required to beat only Valdes to open the scoring in the match. Valdes saved it in a superb fashion for corner.

17 minutes: Barcelona is dominating now.

16 minutes: Messi was off side.

14 minutes: Iniesta sent a dangerous pass for Xavi, but Real Madrid keeper was up to the mark.

12 minutes: Foul on Ronaldo by Sergio, so free kick for Real Madrid from just outside the box. Poorly taken by Ronaldo as the it hit the human wall.

10 minutes: Barcelona has played a bit better than Real Madrid in the first 10 minutes. However, neither side dominated the first 10 minutes.

8 minutes: Both sides are trying to create chances. Henry's shot was blocked by Real keeper.

7 minutes: Ronaldo had a brilliant run on the left side, but it was wasted in the end.

4 minutes: Higuain failed to reach Kaka's pass in the box.

3 minutes: Barcelona is now on attack. Neither side is dominating at the moment.

1 minute: The match has started now.

Barcelona and Real Madrid will take on each other today in a La Liga match. In this entry, we will be giving live score and updates of the match. So, be with us to get the live updates of the match. The match kicks off at 18:00 GMT.

Ryan Babel Wants to Join Bayern Munich Looking for More First Team Football

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is now desperate to clinch a move away from Liverpool in January looking for more first team football ahead of the next year’s world cup. The striker is unhappy for not getting enough first team football at Liverpool and he has recently talked about his dissatisfaction over Rafael Benitez’s decision of not handing him a place in the regular squad. Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk already said that for next year’s world cup squad he would consider only those players who regularly play for their clubs. So, Babel now wants to leave Anfield and join where he would be assured of first team football.

Reports available in the media claim that Liverpool could let Ryan Babe join Bayern Munich on a loan deal in January transfer window and the deal may also have a £9 million clause by which the Bundesliga giants would be able to secure the player’s service permanently.

Related article:

Goal.com

Four Barcelona Players among the Top Ten Contenders of European Player of the Year Award

This year’s European Footballer of Year Award has four Barcelona players in the top ten nominees. Earlier, 30-men shortlist for the award was announced last month. Four Barcelona players who have made it to the top ten are: Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Ibrahimovic who moved to Barcelona last Summer from Inter Milan. Barcelona rivals Real Madrid has 2 players in the top ten and they are Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka. Both the players joined Madrid last Summer for record breaking transfer fee. That means there are 6 La Liga players in the top ten. Only 3 premier league players: Steven Gerrard, Drogba and Rooney- are in the top ten nominees. Samuel Eto'o is the only Serie A player in the list.

Well, I am not surprised to see four Barcelona players among the top ten contenders of the Ballon d'Or award. They are the reigning champions of Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey, and they became the first ever Spanish club to win the treble last year. Ronaldo is the current winner of FIFA World Player of the Year and European Footballer of the Year awards, but Barcelona’s Lionel Messi seems to be favorite for both the awards this year.

Related article:

RTE Sport

Arsene Wenger on Chelsea Youngster Gael Kakuta

Gael Kakuta has impressed on his Chelsea debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Chelsea is still facing a transfer ban for the problem associated with Kakuta’s transfer deal. So, the expectation from Kakuta is huge, and given his performance against Wolverhampton, it seems that Kakuta has the potential to live up to the expectation.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that time has not come to evaluate Kakuta. He thinks that the player needs to perform regularly before being recognized as a good player.

Related article:

tribalfootball

Updates of Arsenal and Chelsea Match: 29 November 2009

Arsenal (0) vs Chelsea (3)

Chelsea has won the game 3-0 and with this victory they strengthened their position at the top.

90+5 minutes: The match has finished with a Chelsea victory.

90+2 minutes: Arshavin was in attack, but nothing happened.

90 minutes: Arsenal players seem to have given up now.

88 minutes: Drogba has been replaced by Malouda.

87 minutes: Drogba scored the 3rd goal of Chelsea from free kick. It is a superb goal.

85 minutes: Free kick for Chelsea as Fabregas illegally tackled Essien.

83 minutes: Time is running out for Arsenal.

80 minutes: Arsenal had another attack, but goal kick for Chelsea.

77 minutes: Chelsae is now on attack, but Arsenal defense was up to the mark.

74 minutes: Arshavin got the pass from Walcott, but failed to take the control of the ball.

72 minutes: Arsenal is attacking one after another. No doubt, Gunners are dominating the game now. Ashley Cole has been replaced by Ferreira.

68 minutes: Deco replaced Joe Cole.

65 minutes: Another good attack by Arsenal, but it was off side.

62 minutes: Arsenal got a free kick, but it did not look dangerous for the visiting side. Another good attack initiated by Fabregas.

59 minutes: Free kick for Chelsea as Traore fouled Ivanovic.

57 minutes: Eduardo comes in, Vela goes out.

55 minutes: Arsenal in in attack now.

52 minutes: Arsenal is trying to score, but Chelsea defense looks very strong.

49 minutes: Arshavin scored, but referee turned it down because Eduardo fouled on Chelsea keeper.

48 minutes: Arsenal was in attack, but nothing happened.

46 minutes: Second half has just started.

Chelsea is lading by 2-0 and it is now half time at Emirates stadium. We will be back with the second half updates.

45+2 minutes: This is the half time and both the goals came against the run of the play.

45 minutes: Another goal for Chelsea. It is a own goal. Vermaelen intended to clear it, but rather pushed it into the goal.

41 minutes: Drogba scored for Chelsea by tapping a left side cross home. The goal has come just against the run of play.

37 minutes: Drogba was shown yellow card for pushing Vermaelen illegally.

35 minutes: Arsenal had another good attack, but Nasri's shot was blocked by Peter Cech.

32 minutes: Cole got a warning from the referee, but no card.

29 minutes: Eduardo was off side, otherwise it could have been an opener for Arsenal.

27 minutes: Arsenal threatened on counter attack, but nothing happened.

26 minutes: Traore shown yellow card. Free kick for Chelsea, but was cleared for throw-in.

24 minutes: Arsenal has better ball possession than Chelsea.

22 minutes: Chelsea got a corner, well-taken, but nothing happened in the end.

20 minutes: Chelsea is on attack now.

18 minutes: Chelsea came close to score, but Anelka failed to beat Arsenal keeper alone in the goal.

17 minutes: Corner for Arsenal, but Arshavin's shot was gripped by Chelsea keeper.

16 minutes: Arsenal had another good attack, but nothing happened in the end. Arsenal players claimed for penalty, but referee turned it down.

14 minutes: It is now raining heavily at the Emirates stadium. Drogba looked dangerous, but was off side.

11 minutes: Free kick for Arsenal. Home side is playing better at the moment.

8 minutes: Arsenal got the first corner of the match, but poorly taken.

5 minutes: Arsenal is in attacking mode. Essien and Eduardo are little injured, but not serious.

3 minutes: Arsenal is on attack now. Arshavin threatened in Chelsea box.

1 minute: The match has started just now.

Two ‘big four’ clubs of English Premier League: Arsenal and Chelsea- are going to face each other today at the Emirates stadium. Football fans are waiting for the afternoon fixture and it will be interesting to see who between the two sides, who have so far been paying mesmerizing football this season, would win the match.

The match kicks off at 16:00 GMT. We will be giving live score and updates of the match in this entry. So, be with us and enjoy the live text commentary of the match.

Michael Ballack Looks for a Confidence Booster Victory at Arsenal

Michael Ballack is saying that today’s match against Arsenal is very crucial for Chelsea in the title run. Chelsea is leading the tablet with a 5-point advantage over Manchester United. He admits that a defeat at Arsenal would not be the end story for Chelsea as the Blues would still be at the top.

However, the Germany captain believes that a victory over the teams like Manchester United or Liverpool gives a massive boost to the confident and it helps to continue the winning momentum in the coming weeks. Yes, I also agree with Ballack on this regard. Chelsea will go into the match looking for 3 points in what would create an 8-point lead at the top.

I am not sure if Michael Ballack will be in the starting line up of Chelsea against Arsenal because Frank Lampard is now available for the game after recovering from his injury. Michael Essien is also there to show his talent in the Chelsea midfield. So, it is a welcome problem for the manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Related article:

Espnstar.com

New Zealand got a thrilling 32-run victory on last day

New Zealand cricket team won their first test match against Pakistan in their own soil. They bet touring side by 32 runs. New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond became player of the match for his best bowling performance. New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori is very happy for this victory. Match between New Zealand and Pakistan became much competitive. Almost 80,000 people came to see this match as their home team won a test match after a long time. I think that Daniel Vettori will look for series win now.

If you did not watch the match live then I will tell you that you missed an exciting match to enjoy. Home team won the match in the last day. It seems that they were supposed to loss the match but a dramatic spell changed the match result. After Daniel Vettori took Mohammad Aamer’s wicket, he started celebrating threw the ball into air.

New Zealand could make 250 runs target in front of Pakistan cricket team. It was not so big target. But Pakistan failed again to reach the milestone. They lost all wickets and scored 218 runs.

Shane Bond finished the match with 8 wickets. Iain O'Brien also played well and supported his team with taking 3 wickets in the second innings. Daniel Vettori did not forget to praise his pace bowlers. Now, let us come to see if they can continue their winnings streak or not.

Related article:

nzherald.co.nz

Will Chelsea Survive against Young Arsenal Side?

Knowing that a win at Arsenal would increase their lead at the top, Chelsea will be looking to capitalize on their excellent form of recent and Arsenal’s injury blows. You know that Arsenal is missing some of their regular players like Robin van Persie, Clichy, Diaby, Bendtner and Gibbs who was doing the job for injured Clichy. That means, Wenger would have to do the job without his two first choice left back players, and feature Armand Traore who generally plays in the Cups.

On the other hand, Chelsea will have their playmaker Frank Lampard available for the trip to North London and it will definitely add to their already high confidence level. Chelsea has been in good form recently and it seems that they might be slightly favorite over the injury-hit Gunners, despite Arsenal’s home advantage. However, one thing is for sure that Arsene Wenger would try to ensure that his young Gunners would give their best shot against the league leaders. Chelsea may be leading the table, but they should also know that Arsenal has been playing spirited football so far this season and their scoring form is in evident of that.

Well, it is true that Arsenal is going through a tough time as they are without some of their key players, but given their squad strength and potential, there is every possibility Wenger boys could pull off a confidence booster victory at the Emirates stadium in the weekend. They still have the players like Fabregas and Arshavin who have the ability to win matches single-handedly. So, there are lots of reasons Chelsea should be wary of young Arsenal team who has a mentor like Arsene Wenger. Even a little mistake from Chelsea’s part could be lethal for the visitors. This match will be telecast live on Sky Sports 1 and Super Sports 3 television channels.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid who will win: 29 November 2009

Tomorrow, Real Madrid and Barcelona are going to play in a very crucial match in La Liga 2009-10. At this moment, the two teams are very close in the title rase with just one point separating them. Real Madrid is the leader but I have just told you that they are leading by just one point and tomorrow’s match is a home match for Barcelona. So, Barcelona fans are expecting that their team will win the match and go at the top of La Liga table this season.

If we look at the performance of the two teams then it is very difficult to say who will win the match. Barcelona has played 11 matches and scored 29 goals whereas Real Madrid scored 27 goals from same amount of matches. Here, I like to mention that in England, Arsenal has scored 36 goals from 12 matches. So, you can understand that Arsenal is even better conditioning in scoring goals this season. Anyway, there is one good news for Barcelona. Their top striker Lionel Messi is going to return in this match after recovering from an injury that kept him out for the last few matches.

The come back of Messy will give the club Barcelona a lot of boost and his presence is always dangerous for the opponent side. If Messy returns to form then he will be a very big headache for defense of Real Madrid club.

If Barcelona has Messy then Real Madrid has Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was also injured for long time and in the previous match, he just played twenty minutes for Real Madrid. So, Real Madrid fans are also expecting that Ronaldo will be in good form tomorrow and he will cause the same kind of problem for Barcelona that depends like Messy. I think that Barcelona has a very strong midfield and quality attacking option. Henry is in good form and also there are some quality midfielders. Real Madrid are also a very strong and solid team.

You can find a good analysis of the match here:

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Preview, Live Score: La Liga 2009-10

I think that the match will be draw or Barcelona win because it is a home match for Barcelona and in their home stadium, Barcelona is always very strong. Anyway, I have noticed in the last few years then El Clasico happens then the player two sides suffer from nervous stress. As a result, the matches do not become very dutiful and the players all the time under pressure. I hope that tomorrow the same thing will not happen and we able to enjoy a very good match. 

Carlo Ancelotti Facing a Selection Dilemma ahead of Arsenal Clash

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has to pick up 3 midfielders among 5 quality players available for Sunday’s visit to Arsenal. Chelsea will go into the match with a 5-point lead and will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the point table. Frank Lampard is now reportedly available for the match as he recovered from injury sustained while on international duty with England national team in Qatar.

NY Times reported:

The Italian, who has taken Chelsea five points clear at the top of the Premier League in his first season in charge, said on Friday he was also very wary of third-placed Arsenal's own talented midfield.

"I have five midfielders in very good condition - (Michael) Ballack, Lampard, (John Obi) Mikel, (Michael) Essien, (Florent) Malouda -- and I have to put on the pitch only three players," he said after a session at the training ground near London.

If you were the manager of Chelsea, then what would you do?

Barcelona Handed Eric Abidal a Contract Extension of 1 Year

Eric Abidal has now extended his contract with Barcelona for a year. Under the new contract, the defender would remain at Camp Nou until 2012. He was already under contract till 2011 and now added one more year to his deal.

Eric Abidal suffered from swine flu last week and was not expected to feature in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Inter Milan in Champions League. However, the defender was included in the starting line up and played very well. He said that Barcelona showed their best performance against Inter Milan this season, even though they were without two key players Messi and Ibrahimovic.

Barcelona is going to host Real Madrid in the first el classico of the season on Sunday. It is a crucial game and Abidal is expected to play a huge role in the Catalan defense, if Barcelona wants to nullify Real Madrid attacks.

Related article:

ESPN Soccernet

Valencia Could Sell David Villa to Manchester United for £35m in January

David Villa has been a target of a number of European football giants. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City all were interested to acquire his service in Summer transfer window. However, Valencia was not keen to sell their best player, but the club is now looking to capitalize on the heavy demand for the player by making some quick cash in. Valencia is now under a huge debt of £450million and it is trying to decrease its debt ahead of January transfer window by selling some of its best players like David Villa and Juan Mata.

Manchester United is now reportedly ready to shell out £35m from their purse to get David Villa signed in January and there is every possibility Valencia would not mind letting Villa move to Old Trafford. Manchester United would like to get someone like Villa as a replacement of Cristiano Ronaldo who left for Real Madrid last Summer.

Well, it is true that Manchester United has a very good offer and Valencia is also in need of money, but the thing is that the departure of David Villa, besides Silva and Mata, could have a clear impact on the overall performance of Valencia who has been doing very well over the last few seasons. At this moment, Valencia is now in the fourth position with 24 points, just 4 points behind leader Real Madrid. So, they are very much in the title race. However, the departure of the star trio could result in the fall of their performance in the second half of the season.

Anyway, La Liga fans are going to experience the first el classico of the season between Barcelona and Real Madrid on Sunday. The result of the match could bring out some changes in the top four of the standings. Now, it is yet to see if the result of the match lets Valencia move up in the point table.

Top Ten European Footballers of All Time

Football is undoubtedly the biggest global sport which has millions of supporters around the world. However, Europe is the region which has produced most great players of the game. Many great footballers came from Europe who dominated world football by their own. So, making a list of top ten European footballers was not very easy. I admit that many great players, who have been excluded from the list, could have made it to the list. For instance, I was in a dilemma to decide whom should I choose among Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Gerd Muller. So, before you go through the list, I would like to say that the list of players given below is of my personal opinion and you do not necessarily need to agree with me. You can rather share your personal opinion in the comment section. So, let us go through list and I hope you will enjoy it:

Johan Cruijff

Johan Cruijff is one of the greatest footballers the game has ever seen. Though Ferenc Puskas-led Hungary of 50’s first showed the glimpses of ‘Total Football’, it was Johan Cruijff who popularized this style of play 20 years later with Netherlands national team. Along with coach Rinus Michels, Cruijff led the Dutch side to reach the 1974 world cup final before losing to eventual champion West Germany 2-1.

His superb pace and technical as well as tactical skill made him an incredible player on the pitch. Johan Cruijff could speed up the game and his versatility as a player helped him confuse the opponent by dint of abrupt change in position. Three time winner of European Footballer of the Year ((1971, 1973 and 1974) and the best player of 1974 world cup, Johan Cruijff scored 33 goals in his 48 appearances for Netherlands.

Johan Cruijff got most of his club successes with Ajax and Barcelona, the two clubs whom he later on coached with sheer success. Guiding Barcelona to win the 1992 champions league, Cruijff became one of the very few players to win Champions League both as a player and manager.

Ferenc Puskas

No doubt, Cruijff popularized “Total Football”, but Ferenc Puskas’ Hungary of 1940’s and 50’s first adopted this trick successfully. Ferenc Puskas was the captain of the legendary ‘Mighty Magyars’, the national team of Hungary in 1950’s and was instrumental behind Hungary’s extraordinary display in 1954 world cup where they stormed into the final before losing to champions West Germany.

With his leadership and magnificent skill and talent, Puskas led Hungary to remain unbeaten for a then-record of 32 games in early 50s, and along the way he helped them win the gold medal in 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games. For Hungary, he scored 84 goals in 85 matches. During his 8-year stint at Real Madrid, Puskas along with another great Alfredo di Stéfano formed a lethal forward line up and won 3 European Championship titles alongside 5 Spanish league titles. He was a top scorer of European Championship in 1960 and 1964.

Franz Beckenbauer

This German legend is the only defender placed in this list. If Cruijff and Puskas are the finest ever players of “Total Football,” then Franz Beckenbauer is the pioneer of the role of modern sweeper. Started as a midfielder, Beckenbauer ended up becoming perhaps the best defender of all time. Nicknamed Der Kaiser (The Emperor), he was the captain of West Germany’s 1974 world cup winning team, and later on coached Germany’s world cup winning team of 1990. He scored 14 goals in 103 appearances for West Germany and represented his country in three world cup tournaments. Beckenbauer is also very successful in his club career as he captained Bayern Munich in three consecutive European Cup triumphs in 1970s. He is the two-time winner of European Player of the Year award.

Michel Platini

There are many who believe that Michel Platini is the best ever footballer France has ever seen. Well, there are enough reasons too. His excellent skill in passing and free kick, besides his consistent scoring ability as a midfielder made him a different player from others. Representing France in 72 matches including 3 world cup tournaments (1978, 82, 86), Platini scored 41 goals. Platini was instrumental behind France’s triumph in 984 European Championship. During his illustrious club career, he played for AS Nancy, Saint-Étienne and Juventus. With Juventus he won European Cup and Intercontinental Cup in 1985. He was awarded the European Player of the Year in 1983 while playing for Juventus. Michel Platini is the current president of UEFA.

Alfredo di Stefano

Alfredo di Stefano is undoubtedly one of the best footballers of all time and he is perhaps the best player in the history of football who did not take part in any world cup finals. Born in Argentina, he represented three countries at international level: Argentina, Columbia and Spain. Alfredo di Stefano helped Spain qualify for 1962 world cup by his impressive performance in the qualification phase, but a muscle injured ruled him out of world cup finals. In his 31 appearances for Spain, he scored 23 goals.

Actually, most of his success in football came at club level. Nicknamed Saeta rubia (blond arrow), Di Stéfano has been a legend of Spanish club Real Madrid with whom he won five consecutive European Cup titles in 1950s and 8 La Liga titles. Outstanding technical and tactical skills as well as magnificent stamina were the strengths of Alfredo di Stefano. The two-time European Player of the Year, Di Stéfano is still the fourth highest goal scorer of Spanish La Liga with 216 goals in 282 league games. A vote conducted by France Football, a weekly French magazine, placed Alfredo di Stefano at the fourth place, just behind Pele, Diego Maradona, and Johan Cruijff, in a list of best footballers of the century.

Eusébio

Mozambique-born Eusébio is regarded as the best ever footballer of Portugal. Because of his dark complexion, he is nicknamed ‘The Black Panther’. A prolific goal scorer, Eusébio led Portugal to win the third place of 1966 world cup, scoring highest 9 goals in 6 games of the tournament. Scoring 41 goals in 64 appearances, Eusébio is one of the all-time leading scorers of Portugal. In his club career, he played for many clubs, but his 15-year stint with Portuguese side Benfica saw his best years. Eusébio won two European Cup and 11 Portuguese league titles with Benfica, and in the process, becoming the all time highest scorer of Benfica. While playing for Benfica, he was awarded European Player of the Year award in 1965. Eusébio is also the two-time European golden boot winner.

George Best

George Best is another great player who did not play in world cup finals. The Northern Irish player is famous for his success with English premier league club Manchester United with whom he won two league titles as well as European Cup title in 1968, the year he was awarded European Footballer of the Year award. He scored 137 goals in 361 appearances for Manchester United. Alcohol may have affected the midfielder’s career a lot, but still he is arguably considered as the best British footballer of all time. Best is one of the all-time best footballers when it comes to dribbling. His excellent speed, technique and vision made him an instant threat for the opponent.

Lev Yashin

The only goalkeeper placed in the list, Lev Yashin is considered by many as the best goalkeeper the game has ever seen. It is not a mare claim, if you consider his glorious career. If Beckenbauer is credited for inventing the role of modern sweeper, then Yashin is the pioneer of goalkeeper sweeping role. His style was marked by excellent athleticism and he was adept at reflex saves. Moreover, his height (6 and 1/2 inch) also helped him become more dominant in goal.

Lev Yashin was part of Soviet United (USSR) squad in 4 world cup tournaments including 1966 world cup where he helped his team reach the semi final.

Moreover, Yashin also helped USSR to win Olympic Gold medal in 1956 and European championship in 1960. A one-club player, Yashin played for Dynamo Moscow throughout his illustrious career. During his 22-year stint with Dynamo, he won five Soviet Championship titles. Yashin received European Footballer of the Year award in 1963, and in 1988, he was awarded the highest FIFA award FIFA Order of Merit. In 2000, Lev Yashin was honored with FIFA World Keeper of the Century.

Zinedine Zidane

Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner, Zinedine Zidane is considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time. In fact, there are many who even believe that Zidane is the greatest footballer of all time. The Algeria-born French international is a playmaker with extraordinary technical and tactical skills. His lethal passes, superb free-kicks, and above all his ball controlling and balance made him a magnificent player.

Zidane is successful both at international and club level. He has 31 international goals to his car in his 108 appearances for France national team. He was instrumental behind France’s triumph in 1998 world cup and his superb performance earned him FIFA World Player of the Year and European Player of the Year award that year. Zidane also helped France to win the UEFA European Championship in 2000. Starting his career at Cannes, Zidane played for Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid during his glorious career. He won two Italian league titles with Juventus and two Spanish league titles as well as a UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid.

Marco van Basten

Another great player from Netherlands, Marco van Basten did not have a very long career due to recurrent injury problems, but he could successfully show his talent and skill during his short but glorious career. Marco van Basten retired from football at the age of just 29. He won the European Footballer of the Year award on three occasions in 1989, 1990 and 1992 and won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1992.

A prolific goal scorer, Marco van Basten played for Ajax and AC Milan and won many titles with the two clubs. Specially, his stint with AC Milan was highly successful as he won 3 Serie A and 3 Champions League titles during his 6-year stay at the club. For Netherlands, the striker scored on 24 occasions in 58 appearances. His biggest success with Netherlands came when he helped the Dutch side win their first and so far only European Championship title in 1988, scoring highest 5 goals in the tournament. His goal against USSR (Soviet Union) in the tournament final is considered as one of the best goals in the history of football.

Some Other Great Players from Europe:

Ruud Gullit, Gerd Muller, Bert Trautmann, Luis Figo, Roy Keane, Bobby Charlton, Gianluigi Buffon, Bobby Moore, David Beckham, Raúl, Michael Laudrup, Brian Laudrup, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roberto Baggio, Frank Rijkaard, Dennis Bergkamp, Dino Zoff, Paolo Rossi, Gheorghe Hagi, Peter Schmeichel, Duncan Edwards, Pavel Nedvěd, Kevin Keegan, Gordon Banks, Gary Lineker, Rinat Dasayev, Alan Shearer, Éric Cantona, Gianfranco Zola, Hristo Stoichkov, Davor Šuker, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andriy Shevchenko, Kenny Dalglish, Kevin Keegan, Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Frank Lampard and many others.

Source:

RSSSF

Ruud van Nistelrooy Looking to Join Liverpool in January Transfer Window 2009

Real Madrid’s Dutch forward Ruud van Nistelrooy is now interested to join Liverpool in January transfer window. Reports also claim that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also interested to sign the player. However, given Arsenal current forward line up, it is less likely that Ruud van Nistelrooy will be able to get enough first team football at the North London club.

The Netherlands international is now looking to get more first team football as he has his sight on getting into next year’s world cup squad of Netherlands. That is why, he now wants a move to Liverpool who are struggling for form both in Champions league and Premier league. In fact, Liverpool is currently without their prime striker Fernando Torres who is currently out of action with injury. So, Liverpool is also interested to get the service of an experienced striker like Nistelrooy.

However, it seems that Real Madrid is not interested to let him move in January, even though the club is not giving him enough chances in the regular squad. However, a desperate Nistelrooy could force a move in January transfer window because he needs to perform regularly to claim his place back in the Netherlands squad and for that he needs to play regularly.

Related article:

Telegraph