Henry Unveiled at Barcelona

Thierry Henry is unveiled at Barcelona's Camp Nou.

Henry completes move to Barcelona - BBC

Barcelona Jerseys

Henry Looks to Barcelona for Final Trophy

Having won two EPL titles and three FA Cups, a Champions League crown was all that was missing from Thierry Henry's Arsenal.

But now, as the France international makes a move to Barcelona, one can't help but sense a bit of irony in the whole proceedings.

The Gunners were within 14 minutes from hoisting Europe's most prestigious club trophy in 2006, but two late goals sent the trophy to his new club.

Interestingly, it was Henry who unable to finish, and on numerous occasions the France international could have put the match out of reach.

Barcelona were very fortunate to pick up the trophy that night in Paris, and one moment of brilliance from Henry and it could have been England's 4th place Gunners that were immortalized.

Henry might have done well to have remembered that along with his own side, 5th place Liverpool were champions in 2005 and this year's 3rd place Reds were close again.

And Barcelona are by no means assured another title in the next few years. The Catalan side went out of this year's Champions League in the first knockout round and collapsed in La Liga to finish 2nd.

Now having said that, Henry is obviously a great player. And if he is healthy, Barcelona will surely be threatening to win everything next season.

And maybe it's not just about that, and perhaps Henry views the Gunners as going in the wrong direction.

Seeing the progress of Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as the constant threat of Chelsea, it would be hard to argue that Arsenal have a tough road ahead of them.

And as he turns 30 in August, Henry's time for Champions League glory is definitely starting to run out.

But still, it's hard not to think that had Henry tucked that second-half breakaway under Victor Valdes, that Arsenal's all-time leading scorer wouldn't need to go looking for that last elusive trophy in Barcelona.

-Chris


Articles on other sites:
Henry frustrated at Arsenal's CL failure - AP - FoxSoccer.com
Emotional Henry salutes Gunners - BBC

Arsenal Jerseys
Barcelona Jerseys

Henry to Barcelona - BBC

BBC is reporting Thierry Henry will leave Arsenal for Barcelona.

Arsenal announce Henry departure - BBC

Barcelona UNICEF Jerseys

La Liga Finale Will Be Exciting

Real Madrid can make it simple by winning and claiming La Liga title, but there are a host of other possibilities.

This AP article at FoxSoccer.com breaks it down:

Beckham aims for title in final appearance - AP - FoxSoccer.com

Thierry Henry, Barcelona Transfer Denied By Agent

A report that Thierry Henry has left Arsenal for Barcelona is being vehemently denied by Henry's agent.

Agent slams Henry Barca reports - BBC

Report: Henry reaches Barcelona deal - AP - FoxSoccer.com

La Liga - Thrilling Five Minutes May Decide La Liga Title

Saturday's penultimate matches in La Liga provided the most exciting five minutes of football in recent memory.

At the top of the Spanish league, Real Madrid and Barcelona were even on points going into yesterday's matches, with the head-to-head tiebreaker going to Madrid. Third-place Sevilla were only two points back going in, but their 0-0 draw with Real Mallorca would leave their title hopes on life support.

However, Barcelona and Real Madrid would play out a thrilling drama some 300 km apart that would see reigning champions Barcelona with one hand on the trophy for almost an hour. An hour that would have an absolutely breathtaking finish.

With two minutes plus stoppage time remaining at Real Zaragoza, Real Madrid trailed their hosts 2-1. At the Camp Nou, Barcelona were putting the finishing touches on a 2-1 win over Espanyol.

A win that would give Barca a commanding, and most likely insurmountable, 3-point lead going into the final week of the season.

At La Romareda, the final moments of the Galacticos era were coming to an end, and desperation was obviously taking hold as Madrid pressed forward frenetically, looking for not one, but two goals.

David Beckham had seemingly re-injured his ankle and was hobbling; Sergio Ramos was cheating further forward than usual; and Mahamadou Diarra clattered into anyone from Zaragoza who dared touch the ball in the midfield.

If you love football, it was stirring stuff.

Just when it seemed impossible, after numerous chances had gone begging, Real Madrid breathed life back into their championship dream one more time.

Just as he had rescued them a few weeks before, it was Guti who finally cracked open the Zaragoza defense with a beautifully timed ball into space to Roberto Carlos on the wing.

The Brazilian crossed to an open Gonzalo Higuain, whose snap shot was saved by keeper Cesar Sanchez, seemingly denying Madrid for the last time.

But Ruud Van Nistelrooy would have none of it and crashed towards goal, stabbing in the rebound from just a few yards out.

Still, celebrations were somewhat muted as Madrid looked to restart quickly in an attempt to score again.

But it would only take twenty seconds or so before the muted celebrations turned to all-out jubilation.

News of an Espanyol equalizer at the Camp Nou reached the Madrid bench within seconds and Raul and Robinho were seen jumping up and down excitedly on the touchline.

Minutes later, the derby in Barcelona ended. And then the final whistle in Zaragoza set off wild celebrations for Real Madrid and their traveling supporters.

The 2-2 score-lines mean Real Madrid will now only need to secure a home win, or equal Barca's result, next Sunday against Real Mallorca to become champions.

With all that drama, you would have thought someone had won a championship yesterday.

And in truth, if the fates remain true to form next Sunday, both Real Madrid and Barcelona will surely look back on those five minutes yesterday and say that somebody did.


-Chris



Also on the web:
Soccer: Zaragoza holds Real Madrid to a draw, same for Barcelona and Espanyol - by Rob Hughes iht.com

Barcelona Make Clear Thierry Henry Interest

Thierry Henry to Barcelona speculation continues.

BBC Story - Barca leave door open for Henry

Samuel Eto'o - Liverpool Rumours Continue

Although neither side admits to talks, Samuel Eto'o has revealed his interest in joining Liverpool.

It is thought Reds boss Rafael Benitez is interested in the 26 year-old Cameroon international.

Eto'o admits Liverpool admiration - soccernet.espn.go.com

Champions League 2007 - Knockout Stages

Round of 16 Results:

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Lille 0-1 Manchester United
PSV 1-0 Arsenal
Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich
Celtic 0-0 AC Milan

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

FC Porto 1-1 Chelsea
Barcelona 1-2 Liverpool
Inter Milan 2-2 Valencia
Roma 0-0 Lyon

Tuesday, 06 March 2007

Chelsea 2-1 FC Porto - Chelsea 3-2
Liverpool 0-1 Barcelona - Liverpool 2-2
Valencia 0-0 Inter Milan - Valencia 2-2
Lyon 0-2 Roma - Roma 2-0

Wednesday, 07 March 2007

Manchester United 1-0 Lille - Manchester United 2-0
Arsenal 1-1 PSV - PSV 2-1
Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid - Bayern Munich 4-4
AC Milan 1-0 Celtic - AC Milan 1-0


More from other web sites (in a new window):
BBC - Web Updates
Live - Pay-Per-View @ UEFA / ESPNsoccernet

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Michel Platini - New UEFA President Seemingly Takes Aim at England
Jose Mourinho - Chelsea Manager Hails His FC Porto Days

Samuel Eto'o, Barcelona Striker Returns Sunday as Ronaldinho Ruled Out

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o returns for Barcelona on Sunday.

It is the Cameroon international's first appearance since September.

Ronaldinho has yet to recover from a leg injury he picked up in Barcelona's Copa del Rey quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The Brazilian superstar is also not expected to be ready for the London friendly versus Portugal on Tuesday.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Eto'o returns to Barcelona squad = FoxSoccer.com - AP

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Ronaldinho Gaucho Institute - Emotional Opening Brings Tears for World's Best Player

Ronaldinho Gaucho Institute - Emotional Opening Brings Tears for World's Best Player

Ronaldinho was moved to tears at Wednesday's opening ceremony for his new school for underprivledged children.

The Ronaldinho Gaucho Institute will serve 3500 children in Ronaldinho's hometown of Porto Alegre, Brazil when it opens in March.

The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year said in his speech, "this is the most emotional moment of my life."


Tearful Ronaldinho Unveils Foundation - xtramsn.co.nz - Reuters (new window)

Ronaldinho cries during inauguration - FoxSoccer.com - AP (new window)

Ronaldinho opens school for poor - chinadaily.com (new window)

Midweek Matches Fixtures/Results 20.12.06 21.12.06

Featured Midweek Matches and Results in La Liga and Serie A.

English League Cup Quarterfinals - Tuesday and Wednesday

Wednesday 20 December 2006

Spain La Liga
Sevilla 4-0 Deportivo La Coruna
Real Madrid 0-3 Recreativo de Huelva

Serie A
Lazio 0-2 Inter Milan
Torino 1-2 Roma
Palermo 4-0 Ascoli
AC Milan 3-0 Catania

Thursday 21 December 2006

Spain La Liga

Barcelona 1-1 Atletico de Madrid


All Remaining Premiership Fixtures (new window)
All Current La Liga Fixtures (new window)
All Current Serie A Fixtures (new window)
All Current Apertura Fixtures (new window)

Internacional Defeat Barcelona to Win FIFA Club World Cup

Adriano's dramatic 82nd minute strike wins the FIFA Club World Cup for Brazil's Internacional.

Barcelona have the better of it for long stretches, but the South American-side make it two in a row over European competition. Sao Paulo defeated Liverpool 1-0 last year.

Barcelona were without Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, but Internacional were missing four regulars, due to moves to Europe, from the side that defeated Sao Paulo in August to win the Copa Libertadores.

Internacional sink Barca in final - BBC
Brazil's Internacional upsets Barcelona - FoxSoccer.com AP
FIFA CWC Wiki
Intercontinental Cup Wiki

UEFA Champions League Draw - First Knockout Stage 15.12.06

From UEFA.com:

2006 - 2007 UEFA Champions League
First knockout round
Team named first at home in first leg

FC Porto (POR) v Chelsea FC (ENG)
Celtic FC (SCO) v AC Milan (ITA)
PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Arsenal FC (ENG)
LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA) v Manchester United FC (ENG)
AS Roma (ITA) v Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
FC Barcelona v Liverpool FC (ENG)
Real Madrid CF (ESP) v FC Bayern München (GER)
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) v Valencia CF (ESP)

UEFA Details

FIFA Club World Cup Starts Sunday - 10 December to 17 December

UPDATE:
Internacional Defeat Barcelona to Win FIFA Club World Cup

Japan 2006 - The FIFA Club World Cup began Sunday, late Saturday night for areas in the far West.

Most match times are 5am US Eastern, 10:00 GMT.

Quarterfinals:

Sunday 10.12.06 - Al Ahly (Egypt) 2-0 Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
51' Al Ahly - Amado Flavio
74' Al Ahly -Mohammed Abu-Treakah

Monday 11.12.06 - Jeonbuk (South Korea) 0-1 Club America (Mexico)
79' America - Ricardo Rojas

Semifinals:

Wednesday 13.12.06 - Internacional (Brazil) 2-1 Al Ahly
23' Internacional - Alexandre Pato
54' Al Ahly - Amado Flavio
72' Internacional - Luiz Adriano


Thursday 14.12.06 - Barcelona (Spain) 4-0 Club America
11' Barcelona - Eidur Gudjohnsen
30' Barcelona - Rafael Marquez
65' Barcelona - Ronaldinho
85' Barcelona - Deco

5th Place Match 15.12.06 - Jeonbuk 3-0 Auckland City FC
17' Jeonbuk - Hyun Seung Lee
31' Jeonbuk - Kim Hyeung-bum
73' Jeonbuk - Ze Carlo penalty

3rd Place Match 17.12.06 - Club America 1-2 Al Ahly
42' Al Ahly - Mohammed Aboutrika
59' America - Salfador Cabanas
79' Al Ahly - Mohammed Aboutrika

Final 17.12.06 - Barcelona 0-1 Internacional
82' Internacional - Adriano

2005 Club World Cup:
Sao Paulo 1 - 0 Liverpool

Internacional Defeat Barcelona to Win FIFA Club World Cup


Wikipedia - Al Ahly (new window)
Wikipedia - Auckland City FC (new window)
Wikipedia - Jeonbuk Motors (new window)
Wikipedia - Club America (new window)
Wikipedia - Internacional (new window)
Wikipedia - Barcelona (new window)

Internacional looks to keep title in S. America - FoxSoccer.com - AP Report (new window)
Goalzz.com Scorelines (new window)

Champions League Knockout Stages - First Draw, Friday 15 December 2006

UPDATE 15.12.06:

UEFA Champions League Draw - First Knockout Stage 15.12.06

The draw for the first knockout stage of the 2006-2007 Champions League will be held Friday 15 December at UEFA in Nyon, Switzerland.

The draw will be broadcast live at UEFA.com.

Teams Qualified:
AC Milan, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Lille, Liverpool, Lyon, Manchester United, PSV Eindhoven, Porto, Real Madrid, Roma, and Valencia

Details of the draw @ UEFA (new window)

Barcelona UNICEF Jerseys Available

The Barcelona UNICEF Jerseys are finally going to be available.

From the Product Detail:

Barça, more than a club: a new global hope for vulnerable children. For the first time ever, FC Barcelona will wear the name of an outside organization on their shirt. Through a special alliance with UNICEF, Barcelona will give financial support to projects around the globe. In particular, those which help to protect children where there are humanitarian crises and those where AIDS is on the increase.

Order Form and More Information (new window)

Champions League Matchday 6 Live Updates

Live Updates for Champions League Matches on Matchday 6:

UEFA MatchCentre (new window)

Or try here and click MatchCentre at Upper Right

Or:

Live Updates @ the BBC (new window)

Champions League Live Streaming Webcast Video at UEFA - ESPN

Below is a link to UEFA Video and Pay-Per-View.

The matches are listed as being brought to you by ESPNsoccernet.com and ESPNDeportes.com

There is a note that the service is not available to the Mac OS and that only Windows machines running Internet Explorer 6 are supported.

This post is for information and is not an endorsement of this service.

UEFA Video - http://video.uefa.com/video/index.html (new window)

Barcelona - Champions League Title Defense On The Line

Champions League Group A:

When Barcelona kickoff against Werder Bremen today, the Champions League knockout stages will be at stake for both teams.

Barcelona's day of reckoning has arrived much earlier than anyone had anticipated, and the holders must win outright to go through.

A draw would be enough to see the German-side through.

Barcelona's bitter Champions League rivals, Chelsea are already through from Group A.

Manchester United, Arsenal, and Roma will all be playing to stay in the CL as well.

Champions League Scenarios @ the BBC (new window)