In light of the WNBA playoffs

Oh god... you're killing me. OH GOD YOU'RE KILLING ME!

Chelsea wants Ronaldinho, so does Spain

Fox Sports - Chelsea are being linked with an audacious late transfer swoop for Barcelona's two-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho. According to a report in The Daily Mail, the 27-year-old Brazil international midfielder's brother and adviser Roberto de Assis Moreira has held two recent meetings with Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

The second is said to have been held at the weekend, with Abramovich flying Moreira to London on his private jet and putting him up at an exclusive Mayfair hotel. With money no object, the Russian billionaire is reputedly prepared to make Ronaldinho the highest-paid player in football and smash the world's transfer record.

A £85million buyout clause is included in Ronaldinho's current contract at Barcelona, which is due to expire in 2010.However, Abramovich is reportedly desperate to inject more flair into the Blues squad and is prepared to eclipse the £47million that Real Madrid shelled out to Juventus six years ago for the services of Zinedine Zidane.

Chelsea would be unstoppable with Ronaldinho, GO BLUES!!!!

AND IN OTHER RONALDINHO NEWS....

MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Barcelona's Brazil forward Ronaldinho was granted dual nationality by Spain on Monday, the Primera Liga club said. The move frees up a place for another non-European Union player in Frank Rijkaard's squad.

Mexican forward Giovanni dos Santos is set to take up the vacant slot alongside Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure in the non-EU berths permitted under Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rules.However, dos Santos is also expected to be granted dual nationality this week.Barcelona opened its league campaign with a goalless draw away to Racing Santander on Sunday.

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS, OH MY GOD!

Can you locate the U.S. on a map? I don't think she can.

http://cousinsofronmexico.blogspot.com/

The legend Bobby McMahon's links (all worth looking at)

Cathal Kelly writing about Baseball GM Billy Beane and his love of soccer.

Champions League reform? This one is guaranteed to be divisive.

Gabriele Marcotti on Tottenham’s managerial debacle.

Graham Hunter takes a dim view of Real Madrid’s summer buying spree.

Jason Burt speaks with Obefemi Martins.

David James on goalkeeping.

Rob Hughes takes a look at the captains of Inter, Milan, Roma and Juventus and loyalty.

Klinsmann to LA Galaxy story – don’t be surprised if this move happens very soon.

An extract from Sir Bobby Charlton’s latest autobiography. I still have one he wrote in 1964 called "My Soccer Life" so it will be interesting to contrast it with the book that is about to be published. This piece is for the old timers. The last chapter of the 1964 book Charlton picked his best British eleven. The side he picked in the old 2-3-5 was - Bert Trautmann; Jimmy Armfield, Ray Wilson; Danny Blanchflower, Neil Franklin, Duncan Edwards; Stanley Matthews, Wilf Mannion, Tommy Taylor, Denis Law and Tom Finney.

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/BobbyMcMahon

Best Indoor Soccer Goal Ever

YEAH BOI!

FC Dallas signs Denilson

FC Dallas just signed former Brasil World Cup winner Denilson. He's only 29 -- two years younger than that Beckham fellow. No matter how you spin it, this is an excellent move by the club and the MLS in general. For the Giorgio Chinaglias of the world who say the league needs, "100 Beckhams" -- here is one.

This move will receive a milli-fraction of the attention of the Beckham arrival. On the field, this is just as important as it instantly nudges the level of the league up a little. Considering Denilson moved from Real Betis to Bordeux to Saudi club Al-Nasr now to Dallas in the span of four years, perhaps he might be a little bit of a headache.

The track record of Brasilian players in MLS hasn't been anything to write home about. The first thing that popped into my head was the famous flop Branco with the Metrostars about a decade ago. Yes, Fred and Luciano Emilio have been very solid this season for DC United and Thiago has been useful with Chicago for the last couple years. But overall, the flair that Brasil and his exports are famed for has escaped the league.

Who knows how much Denilson has left in the tank and how much effort he'll bring to Steve Morrow's team. He won't be the headline, gate attraction like Becks, but if Denilson can pull off a few moments of dribbling flair, he'll convert some more non-believers. A definite score for the league, although I doubt it leads the next edition of 'Sportscenter.'



GO FC DALLAS!!!!!!!

Give some love to That's on Point

Landy Cakes is a wimp and I hate Steve McClaren

So good I had to put this in its entirety (first half of this post), and plus I completely agree.
(Landy Cakes portion) From Throughball.com

I’m going to skip all the usual Donovan banter about him not being able to handle playing club ball in Europe and just ask why he did not start last night for LA. Donovan played 64 minutes against Sweden, he is 25 years old and is not currently carrying any injuries.

Beckham, on the other hand, played 90 minutes against Germany, is 32 years old, and is carrying a months-old ankle injury. Are you kidding me?

Let’s do some math:

Beckham: 90 (min) + 32 (age) + 1 (injury) = 123

Donovan: 64 (min) + 25 (age) + 0 (injury) = 89

This complex mathematical equation is proof that Donovan is a wimp.

Now my opinions.... I personally want to add that I hate Steve McClaren. McClaren defended Beckham's trans-Atlantic trip to play 90 minutes (for what?!) to lose a friendly just so he could come back and be so tired that he would not be a factor in a crucial L.A. Galaxy game, who by the way are dieing. The midfielder had to put in a 10,000-mile round trip from America to play two matches in 24 hours. Seriously, WTF?

"I'm Steve McClaren and I'm the biggest tool in the world"

LONDON (AFP) - "It would have been daft for us not to bring David over," said McClaren."He needed a full 90 minutes, especially at this level. It was good preparation for the (Euro 2008) games against Israel and Russia in two weeks' time. "We wanted to expose him to that quality pace of game and he also created chances for us."

In addition, Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has expressed concern about the amount of miles Beckham will be required to travel over the next few months as he combines his commitments to both club and country. Another game has now been added to the schedule following confirmation England will tackle European Championship co-hosts Austria in a friendly in Vienna on November 16. While that trip will not impact on Beckham too much given the Major League Soccer season ends in October, there are concerns about the 32-year-old's well-being. Given England are facing five crucial qualifiers over the next three months which will determine whether they reach next summer's finals, Wednesday's friendly was one Beckham might have missed, especially given his fitness levels and the fact he was also due to play the following night.

Way to go McClaren, Beckham is one of the top footballers in the world, but I don't think he can even save your job. Maybe you shouldn't have cut him off of the England national squad after the World Cup you f*ck face. You will not qualify for Euro 2008 and you will lose your job because you have made some horrible decisions while staying one of the biggest tools involved in football. Thanks.

I hope I am not right about England not qualifying, by the way, I want them to.

4621741368

Frank Lampard's Chelsea contact demands are straight ballin'

Those of you familiar with the EPL and Chelsea probably know that star Frank Lampard has had some trouble agreeing to a new contract. And while this is almost undoubtedly satire, it's pretty good. We may now know why they're having trouble agreeing on a contract. The UK web site Chicken Dinner - which despite it's name is a sports news and gossip site - somehow managed to get their hands on Lampard's contract demands.

The Guardian newspaper's blog, seems to think the demands might be true - which means nothing of course. It'd be fun if the demands are true, because they are AWESOME.

Let's look at some of the more fun demands:

Mr. Lampard is to be addressed as "Mr. Lampard" at all times, including in the match day programme, by the match announcer and by all other players, including on the pitch, with the exception of Mr. John Terry. In addition: The match day announcer is to read Mr. Lampard's name in a louder and more enthusiastic voice than the other players, with the exception of Mr. Terry.

Employees of Chelsea Football Club, including the playing staff, are not to make eye contact with Mr. Lampard in the dressing room or on the field of play, even when celebrating goals or congratulating Mr. Lampard on his exceptional play, with the exception of Mr. John Terry.

Upon scoring a goal, Mr. Lampard is to be unmolested by fellow players for at least five ("5") seconds, in order to perform a celebration as he deems appropriate. When the rest of the team then embraces him, they may not touch him below the waist.

Mr. Lampard is to be provided with a separate dressing and changing area both at Stamford Bridge and away grounds, of four-star hotel quality or better. The lavatory seat is to be new and sealed.

Mr. Lampard's dressing room is to be painted white or off-white and decorated with two ("2") vases of white lilies and a baby grand paino (white or off-white).

Thank goodness he'll accept an off-white baby grand piano. White can be awful hard to find.

Lamps is straight ballin'

From 100% Injury Rate

Spurs sign 2005 pick Ian Mahinmi from France and release Spanoulis

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The San Antonio Spurs signed French power forward Ian Mahinmi, who they drafted in 2005, on Thursday.

The defending NBA champion Spurs picked Mahinmi, a 6-foot-11 power forward, with the 28th selection in the first round of the NBA draft in 2005. Mahinmi, 20, has been kept by the Spurs in France, where he played in the 2006 French League All-Star game. During the 200-07 season, he averaged 4.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 12.7 minutes in 33 French League games. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds in 12.7 minutes in 18 Euroleague games.

Also Thursday, the Spurs announced they released guard Vassilis Spanoulis from his contract. The Spurs got Spanoulis and a 2009 second-round pick in July from the Houston Rockets in exchange for center Jackie Butler and the rights to Luis Scola. Spanoulis, 25, said in July that he wanted to play next season in his native Greece. Spanoulis averaged 2.7 points and 0.9 assists in 31 games last season as a rookie.

I'm glad we released Spanoulis, which we were obviously going to do after he came out and said he wanted to go home and not cry himself to sleep every night. Cool, the Spurs get another Frenchman. Also, with that Spanoulis trade, it sucks that we lost Jackie Butler and especially the giant prospect Luis Scola. I think Scola will do great in the NBA and for the Houston Rockets.

Arsenal Crossbar Challenge

"American goalkeeper Kasey Keller joins Premier League team Fulham"

WHOOO HOOO! One more American in the Barclay's Premier League. Oh wait. It is Kasey Keller and he isn't even the U.S. Men's National Team number one goalkeeper anymore.

LONDON (AP) -- United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller has joined Premier League team Fulham and could make his first start Saturday. He becomes the fourth American on the team, joining defender Carlos Bocanegra, midfielder Clint Dempsey and injured captain Brian McBride.

Tony Warner had been playing in the goal for Fulham during the first three, but seriously has been doing horrible. Warner is basically the reason for two of Fulham's loses this year after mishandling balls on two different opposing goals in two separate games.

I hope Kasey Keller does well because I like to see Americans do well abroad, but honestly I don't think he will do all that great. He will do better than pathetic Warner, but Keller looked pretty slow himself for the U.S. National Team during their short stead in this year's Copa America.

Comments from a Michael Vick and Starbury admirer

I kinda had to censor it....

James says...

"Marbury is f****** ridiculous. I'm not trying to sound racist here, but I mean I'm just so sick of these famous black athletes and members of the f****** NAACP coming out and supporting Vick just because he is a black man in trouble. I would love to ask these people if they would have the same love and respect for Jerry Seinfeld if he had been accused of dogfighting. I bet they would support him too, after all, its the dogfighting these f****** ignorant a**h**** love right? Not the black man doing it. May Vick rot in a f****** jail cell, and if the NFL ever allows this man back, then they are just as f******* stupid. "

Whoa buddy... Someone sounds very passionate about this topic and it's not surprising because most people do have intense feelings about this issue. I may not be as intense as James here, but I do have to somewhat agree with him. No one should really support Michael Vick as this point in time other than maybe his family.

People, such as Marbury and certain NAACP members like the Atlanta chapter, should realize that this is not a question of race, but rather a question of how Michael Vick violated the sanctity of humanity and did something unspeakably horrible. Finally, I don't see how Starbury can equate hunting deer to killing a dog by soaking it in water then electrocuting it and finishing by pummeling the dog on the ground. Good P.R. move Stephon.

Starbury thinks dog fighting is a sport

The NBA's Stephon Marbury supports Michael Vick and dog fighting because ya know "all 'roun' tha world peapa stil' support Mike Vick," ya know what I'm saying?

(Fox Sports) - Embattled Atlanta Falcon Michael Vick has a friend — and fellow doggie dis-respecter — in Stephon Marbury.

"I think we don't say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals," the Knick point guard told Capital News 9, an Albany TV station. "You know, from what I understand, dogfighting is a sport. It's just behind closed doors."

Hahahahhahahha..... Starbury... WTF? This is coming from a dude who also thinks that he is the best and most talented point guard in the NBA. This is just too funny and ironic. Starbury could possibly be the most ignorant, arrogant, non-talented jew-tool in history. Dog fighting is a sport... WHAT?!?!?!?!... JUST SHUT UP!

Bettis said he faked injury to keep Steelers from cutting him

(AP) - Jerome Bettis, the No. 5 rusher in NFL history, claims in a new book that he faked a knee injury during training camp in 2000 so the Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn't cut him and install Richard Huntley as the starter.

Bettis was worried offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride favored Huntley over him and the Steelers were ready to let Bettis go, partly so they wouldn't have to give him a new contract. Huntley had just signed a $4 million, three-year contract.

"Man, did I do a nice job of acting," Bettis wrote in the book, "The Bus: My Life in and Out of a Helmet." "The thing is, I wasn't faking that I had an injury. I was just faking that the injury happened on that short-yardage play. I had to fool the coaches and the team's medical department into thinking the injury had occurred on that play. Otherwise, the Steelers would have had their reason to cut me and my salary."

Swweeet... Jerome Bettis is the man, and a large one at that. Also, I am not positive about this, but I believe Tiki Barber has somewhat taken Bettis' spot on NBC's Football Night in America pregame show on Sunday nights. If this is the case than I'm truly pissed. Jerome Bettis is a Superbowl Champion baby and one of the best running backs of all time who will definitely be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Tiki Barber is one of the biggest tools on this planet. Jerome doesn't really call out former teammates or make ridiculous remarks on how Michael Vick will still get the respect of future teammates like Tiki. Jerome just says, "hey, I'm 'The f*cking Bus', and there is nothing you gonna do about it." CHUUUUUUCH!!

The Daily Show on Michael Vick, again

The Daily Show on Michael Vick

"World Cup looks good for Africa, apart from on the pitch"

LONDON (Reuters) - Everything is on course for a wonderful first World Cup in Africa, apart from on the pitch where the continent's teams continue to struggle at the top level, the local head of the 2010 tournament said.

Danny Jordaan, chief of the South African event's organizing committee, said stadium development was on schedule, sponsorship and TV rights income was already guaranteed to surpass that of 2006 and tourism in the country continued to grow despite one of the world's highest crime rates.

"Yes we have crime, there are challenges, but our ability to safeguard all of our visitors coming to our major events has been tested over last 13 years and there has not been a single incident and tourist figures have grown every year." Jordaan said the 2010 tournament had already secured $3.2 million worth of sponsorship, compared to the $2.8 million for the 2006 event in Germany, while the TV rights had surpassed the $1 billion of last year's tournament.

South Africa, struggling internationally since their peak in the mid-1990s, have followed many of the continental partners by employing a foreign coach -- Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira -- but Jordaan said he felt that trend was one of the reasons for the teams' failures.

Quoting a "professor of football" he met in Cuba, Jordaan said:

"You cannot beat anyone who you admire, who you have as an idol. You have to find your own heroes. When a team stands there with hands on heart and sings the national anthem and the coach can't sing it, the players know."

David Beckham's massive effect on American soccer

This actually might be a little bit of a misrepresentation, but who cares?

"Use Crestfield wax paper"

Materazzi discloses his World Cup insult

MILAN, Italy (AP) --

Italy defender Marco Materazzi finally disclosed what he said to Zinedine Zidane in the World Cup final that provoked the French star to retaliate with a head-butt. "I prefer the whore that is your sister," Materazzi wrote in his yet-to-be-released autobiography, according to Italian news reports Saturday.

Materazzi, who received a two-game ban for incitement, has since apologized to Zidane. France coach Raymond Domenech this month lauded Materazzi's strategy for getting Zidane out of the game. "I say 'bravo' to him," the coach said. (good job coach... you better be being sarcastic).

Let me just close in saying that Zidane is probably my favorite footballer of all time and the incident at the 2006 World Cup final against Italy in no way tarnishes his incredible legacy. He was indeed one of the all time greats and is truly "The Wizard".

Now Ronaldo whines about himself

Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't think he should have received a red card for his apparent violent actions on the pitch last week against Pompey. "Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to condemn any reaction from his players, Ronaldo refused to accept that the red card he was given was justified."

According to Ronaldo, "The replays show there was nothing, but I don't need to look at the pictures, because I know exactly what I did - and that's nothing to justify a red card. I was pushed in the area. He came straight to me, put his hand on my neck and I opened my arms in a 'that's enough' way. We pushed each other but nothing serious. We leaned heads against each other but that was all. Absolutely nothing else happened. When I saw the red card, I couldn't believe it, the situation was so surreal. And it's absurd because I'm aware that now I'll sit out a ban for something I didn't do. I feel dejected and very sad."

AWWWWWW, such a sad Ronaldo. However, after Ronaldo "protested his innocence" someone tapped him on the backside to get his attention and Ronaldo flopped to the ground and looked for a foul.

Fergie the Vampire Whines about Ronaldo

Here is what Sir Alex Ferguson (a.k.a. the red devil vampire) said...

'My fear is, and I don't whether there is a directive, but maybe referees are a bit more tolerant of the physical contact'
'I've noticed this in the last few months -- late challenges are going unpunished. I thought these things were black and white. Late challenges are not allowed.

'We saw it again on Wednesday night, the referee letting it go unpunished time and time again. If you have got weak referees then you are going to be suffering.'
'There is a concern players like Ronaldo are going to be the victims... because it will end up with someone getting a serious injury.'

'It's very difficult to completely punish Ronaldo or be angry with him,' Ferguson said. 'Some of the things that are happening to him are not right.' 'We are dropping points and that's frustrating because the performance levels were very good.'

'The important thing is just to be patient now.
'The players will come right. It's frustrating, but it's recoverable of course.'

WAHHHH WAHHH WAHHHH!!!!

San Antonio Spurs sign free agent Ime Udoka

(AP) - The San Antonio Spurs signed free agent swingman Ime Udoka on Thursday.
Ukoka, who was undrafted out of Portland State, averaged 8.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 75 games with the Portland Trail Blazers last season.
He ranked 19th in the NBA in 3-point shooting, making 89 of 219 attempts.
Udoka played in the NBA Development League and internationally before spending one season each with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. He returned to his hometown of Portland for the 2006-07 season.

Very good pick up for the Spurs.

Feilhaber gets Derby clearance

Derby have received international clearance for American midfielder Benny Feilhaber to make his debut for the Premier League newcomers.
The 22-year-old agreed a three-year £1million move from German Bundesliga side Hamburg earlier in the week.
And the relevant paperwork has now arrived to give the USA international the green light to get his Rams career under way, which could be against Tottenham on Saturday.
Manager Billy Davies said: "Obviously we're very pleased to get international clearance for Benny.
"He is a tremendous young talent with excellent potential so now we're looking forward to introducing him into the Premier League and life in England."

More Daily Show: Everyone loves Caddyshack

"Hey everybody! We're all gonna get laid!"

Rice and Ripkin

Straight Ballin' VIDEO: Rooney's ad, behind the scenes...

The Beautiful Game

South Carolina Inmate Hits Michael Vick With '$63,000,000,000 Billion Dollar' Lawsuit Alleging Al Qaeda Ties

Here's the inmate's handwritten lawsuit. (IS THIS REAL!?!?!?!?)

Embattled NFL quarterback Michael Vick, facing federal charges related to his alleged participation in dogfighting, has been hit with a "$63,000,000,000 billion dollar" lawsuit filed by a South Carolina inmate who alleges the Atlanta Falcons star stole his pit bulls and sold them on eBay to buy "missiles from Iran," FOX News has learned.

Jonathan Lee Riches filed the handwritten complaint over "theft and abuse of my animals" on July 23 in the U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va.

Riches alleges that Vick stole two white mixed pit bull dogs from his home in Holiday, Fla., and used them for dogfighting operations in Richmond, Va. The complaint goes on to allege that Vick sold the dogs on eBay and "used the proceeds to purchase missiles from the Iran government."
The complaint also alleges that Vick would need those missiles because he pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda in February of this year.

"Michael Vick has to stop physically hurting my feelings and dashing my hopes," Riches writes in the complaint. Riches wants $63 billion dollars "backed by gold and silver " delivered to the front gates to the Williamsburg Federal Correctional facility in South Carolina. Riches is an inmate at the facility serving out a wire fraud conviction.

David Beckham - First Goal for LA Galaxy - Free Kick v's DC

Eva Longoria launching after-school center in S.A. for disabled children

Eva's Heroes, a local nonprofit organization founded by actress Eva Longoria, will soon open the group's first after-school program for developmentally challenged children and young adults.

More than 40 volunteers from the Valero Energy Corp. Volunteer Council will be on site at the Eva's Heroes Center on Saturday to help paint interior walls, doors, cabinets and provide other final touches for the facility.

The center is located at St. Matthew's Catholic Church and is slated to open in mid-September 2007. This particular center will provide the foundation of what could be a network of similar centers throughout San Antonio, the state, even the nation.

"Eva's Heroes is an organization that strives to enhance the lives of the young adults that are served under the charity," Executive Director Christiane Perkins-Garcia says, adding that the work performed by the Valero Volunteers will help make the center ready for the new school year. Valero Volunteers is made up of employees of San Antonio oil refiner Valero Energy (NYSE: VLO).

Speaking of Eva's Heroes, Longoria says, "This organization is extremely important to me and close to my heart. I was fortunately to grow up with an intellectually disabled sister, so I am very passionate about the opportunity to help young adults with development disabilities by offering a place for them to enrich their lives."

bizjournals

FIRST OFFICIAL EA FIFA 2008 TRAILER

This is for all of you FIFA addicts out there, on the eve of the release of that other football game... what's it called again??? oh yeah Madden. But this is the real football game. And of course the player in it is dressed in those ugly blue and reds of that crappy spanish side, Barcelona.

U.S. to play Brazil Sept. 9, replacing match against Mexico. WE ARE SCARED!!!

From the AP: "The U.S. soccer team will play South American champion Brazil in an exhibition game Sept. 9 in Chicago, replacing a match against Mexico that was called off because of financial problems."

"The Americans had been scheduled to play Mexico at Azteca Stadium on Sept. 9 in a rematch of the Gold Cup final. The game was canceled because of what the U.S. Soccer Federation said were "contractual and financial considerations ."

WTF, My opinion is that we are just scared. When will U.S. soccer realize that matches such as these in hostile environments are so important to the experience of our national team and how well we will do in major competitions such as the World Cup. I can not believe we are so scared.

On the Brasil match, of course we will play Brasil in the US, most likely where not many first team Brasilans will even play. But if this game was scheduled to be played in Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro we would probably say that we had "contractual and financial considerations" to make. I mean, when doesn't a national soccer team have "contractual and financial considerations" to make?

Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool (Gerrard)

Perfection

EPL: GAMEWEEK 1

The English Premier League started this weekend and I think I watched about 14 hours of great football, not including the MLS FC Dallas game I went to last night, which was one of the best games I had ever seen. Thank God football is back! There were so many incredible games and several magnificent individual performances. There are also many great new faces of talent that should make huge impacts this year.

Even though there were numerous stunners in week one that included the newly promoted three teams doing quite well and the defending champs Man United drawing with a Reading team that finished the game down a man, in my opinion the biggest news of the week is just coming out right now, which is that Wayne Rooney has fractured his foot, again, and will be out most likely for about two months.

According to BBC, Skysports, ESPN and others: In attempting to make a tackle, Michael Duberry accidentally trod on Rooney's foot. It was clear instantly Rooney had a problem, as he went down and removed his boot. Although he was able to continue briefly, he did not reappear for the second half, with Ferguson sending the 21-year-old for a scan. Although the United boss expressed the hope the damage would not be too bad, his worst fears now appear to have been confirmed, although the precise extent of the injury is not known.

In all probability England coach Steve McClaren will also be without his first choice striker for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia at the beginning of next month. With Rooney out and both Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only returning to training after long-term injuries last week, Ferguson seems certain to hand Carlos Tevez his debut at Fratton Park on Wednesday.

I can't wait for that, but this is seriously a huge disappointment for the England national team because of the lack of top strikers they have and the fact that they are still struggling with EURO 2008 qualifying.

Finally, if you haven't seen Steven Gerrard's game winner, check it out... it is amazing. Other great goals and/or game winners by Obafemi Martins, Hleb, Essien, Malouda, Benjani (Pompey), Andy Todd (Derby), Stuart Downing (M'brough). Even though Arsenal ended up winning a stunner, Jens Lehmann had an incredibly embarrassing moment. Also, it looks like Essien was injured as well on Sunday with a leg ligament problem.

Sidenote: the FC Dallas game on Saturday night was one of the best I have ever seen and certainly the best that I have attended. They should be replaying it on FSC this week.

What to watch for tonight: Will David Beckham play when the LA Galaxy take on the New England Revolution? Answer is NO!

As always, neuter your Tottenham Hotspur fans as well as those Red Devil vampires.

GO BLUES!!!

Stephen Colbert's Sport Report

little old, but good

Liverpool v. Feyenoord fight

Watch Gerrard come in with that punch

Robin Van Persie - Rockin' Robin

Van Persie is a key player to watch for Arsenal this coming season, this skilled youngster has true potential to become a worldwide acclaimed star in no time.

He is going to have an amazing year, if you play fantasy put this guy on your team.

Bonds ties Aaron and ESPN and drugfree.org have steriod commercial

After Barry Bonds tied Hank Aaron for the all time MLB home run record there was a commercial during the mid-inning break sponsored by drugfree.org about the harm of steroids..... hahhaha.... The commercial was actually just played right before Bonds went up to bat in before the 8th inning (to possibly pass Hank Aaron), which I am pitifully watching right now. He walks and bond's squirrelly kid gives the sign of a chicken to the pitcher, sweet. Anyways, my hat is off to ESPN, MLB, and drugfree.org for playing that commercial during the game where Barry Bonds tied Hank Aaron and possibly will surpass him as well.

Best TIME Magazine Cover Ever

Rhain Davis the Whiz Kid joins Manchester United

He is 9 and is actually an Aussie. Man united is playing it down because they usually sign about 40 kids at his age a year. I hope they put him on the first team right now so John Terry can rip his head off.

STRAIGHT BALLIN'

WORD UP TO THE BEAUTIFUL GAME & THE OFFSIDE

SuperLiga 2007 night 5 FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy 5-6

In case you missed it... LA got lucky... insane game though... I bet those fans who came in 30 minutes late wondered what happened, 4-0 to start. And Landy Cakes... your not that good, as you quite the crowd and scream "game over"... oh yeah, I live in Dallas.

Even though Becks was absent the fans got a great show. Probably made some life-long MLS fans out of it, I am glad we are in the second stage of growth and popularity in MLS. It is very exciting... watch.

Ron Artest on KG and Tim Duncan

Now that KG is back in the news, I thought I would bring back this memorable quote from none other than, yes, Ron "hit the wrong guy in the face" Artest.

"I remember one time Kevin Garnett was mushing him, and shoving him in the face; and Tim Duncan didn't do anything, he didn't react. He just kicked Kevin Garnett's ass, and won the damn championship. You know what I'm sayin'? That's gangsta. Everybody can show emotion, dunk on somebody, scream and be real cocky; but Tim Duncan is a ... he's a pimp."
-Ron Artest

All things aside, now that KG is on the Celtics along with Ray Allen, Boston is an immediate contender in the Eastern Conference and I expect them to actually be in the finals... but you know where my heart is at... GO SPURS GO! And yes, it is good that KG is as far away from T-Dunc as possible because you know, Tim Duncan is a p.i.m.p.

NAACP and Reverend Al Sharpton on Michael Vick

An opinion from a FOR THE LOVE OF SPORTS reader, DD2:
Rev Al said that we shouldn't be in such a rush to Judge poor Michael Vick. Hummm, Is this a "race" issue? When did it become that?

Very, very true. This has become somewhat of a race issue among some groups such as the NAACP and people such as Reverend Al Sharpton. Earlier this week the NAACP and Reverend Al Sharpton urged people to reserve public opinion on Michael Vick until the legal process has played out. I do agree with this notion because people in the United States of America are innocent until proven guilty. My only problem with this is that where were these remarks from the same high ranking people to urge the public not to rush judgement when the three men were charged of rape in the Duke Lacrosse case. The same people, such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, condemned these three kids when they were charged, yet did not apologize when they were PROVEN innocent. Sounds like a Double Standard.

The Colbert Report Sports Report: Bonds, Iraq Soccer, and Dog Racing?

I'm a soccer fan first and a person second