Barack Obama's spokesman fired off a fast criticism of Republican John McCain's new running mate Friday, but the Democratic candidate himself quickly stepped in to offer her congratulations and praise.
Obama, who is eager to win over female voters who backed his rival Hillary Rodham Clinton in the primaries, blamed the mixed messages about McCain's choice, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, on campaign aides with a "hair trigger."
He and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, followed up with congratulatory phone calls to Palin.
McCain made his surprise announcement moments before Obama flew from Denver with Biden and their wives. Fresh off Obama's nomination acceptance speech before 84,000 people Thursday night, the foursome launched a three-day bus tour of crucial industrial states, which began with a visit to a biodiesel fuel plant near Pittsburgh.
This story continues below
Advertisement
GA_googleFillSlot("Article-300x250-A");
As the plane was lifting off from Denver, Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton issued a statement calling Palin an abortion-rights opponent and "the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience."
Soon thereafter, with the plane over the Midwest, a spokeswoman gave reporters on board a much kinder statement from Biden and Obama.
"Her selection is yet another encouraging sign that old barriers are falling in our politics," their statement said. "While we obviously have differences over how best to lead this country forward, Gov. Palin is an admirable person and will add a compelling new voice to this campaign."
After touring the steamy biodiesel fuel plant in Monaca, Pa., Obama offered reporters still another comment on Palin.
He has not met her, he said, but "she seems like a compelling person. Obviously a terrific story, personal story. And I'm sure that she will help make the case for the Republicans. Unfortunately, the case is more of the same," an allusion to his theme that McCain will continue Bush administration policies.
Palin's selection, Obama said, "is one more indicator of this country moving forward. The fact that you've got a woman" as the "vice presidential nominee of one of the major parties, I think, is one more hit against that glass ceiling."
Clinton often says she made "18 million cracks in the glass ceiling," a reference to the number of votes she won in primaries as she sought to become the nation's first female president.
Asked why Burton's statement had been far more critical of Palin, Obama said, "I think, you know, campaigns start getting these hair triggers. And the statement that Joe and I put out reflects our sentiments."
In his telephone call to Palin, Obama "told her she would be a terrific candidate," campaign spokesman Robert Gibbs said later. "He also wished her good luck, but not too much luck."
Spokesmen said Biden also called Palin to congratulate her.
When Obama named Biden his running mate earlier this month, McCain congratulated the Delaware senator while many of his surrogates criticized Biden. Since then, the barbs between Obama and McCain have grown sharper.
In Monaca, Obama, Biden and their wives stopped at an industrial warehouse where chicken fat is converted to tractor fuel. The visit made two things clear: Western Pennsylvania, where Clinton easily bested Obama in the primary, will be hotly contested in the fall campaign, and energy will be a top campaign issue, because the two parties disagree over which new energy sources should be pursued hardest.
At an evening rally with several thousand people in Beaver, floodlights bathed a bunting-draped bandstand where Obama repeated several of his themes from Denver.
He noted that McCain has vowed to purse Osama bin Laden "to the gates of hell."
"Well, he should start by going to where Osama bin Laden actually lives," Obama said, in mountain caves "between Afghanistan and Pakistan."
Kenya's Wanjiru wins men's Olympic marathon
BEIJING - Samuel Wanjiru already had made a name for himself in the heady world of Kenyan distance running. Now he stands alone.
He pulled away over the final few miles Sunday to become the first Kenyan to win an Olympic marathon — and he did it faster than anyone ever has.
Wanjiru negotiated the 26.2-mile course through the Beijing streets in bright morning sunshine in anOlympic record of 2 hours, 6 minutes, 32 seconds.
"In Kenya we have many medals," Wanjiru said, "but I'm glad I have this one."
His name was listed on the official results sheet as Wansiru, but the Kenyan said that spelling was incorrect.
Kenyans had twice won men's marathon silver, most recently in 2000, but never a gold.
At the Beijing Games, Kenya won 14 track and field medals, behind only the United States (23) and Russia (18). Five of them were gold.
The biggest concern about this race leading to the Olympics was the quality of the air. World record-holder Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia decided not to run because of the pollution. But on Sunday, after an overnight thunderstorm, a glorious blue sky greeted the final day of these games.
The women's marathon a week earlier was run in a light rain, and the air quality posed no problems for the runners.
The race began at the edge of Tiananmen Square, then wound around the Temple of Heaven before turning toward the Olympic Green and the Bird's Nest, where colorful dancers, drummers and cyclists entertained the crowd as it awaited the runners.
This was just the third marathon for the 21-year-old Wanjiru, who first set the world half-marathon record at age 18, then broke it twice again last year.
Two-time world champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco won the silver in 2:07:16. Ethiopian Tsegay Kebede, winner of this year's Paris Marathon, took the bronze in 2:10:00. Ethiopian Deriba Merga led much of the race but faded badly at the end to wind up fourth.
The crowd roared as Wanjiru entered the Bird's Nest, and he responded by raising his left hand, then clapped several times. The final lap in the last event of track and field at the Beijing Olympics was run around an infield painted blue for the night's closing ceremony.
Just across the line, Wanjiru — all 112 pounds of him — kneeled and crossed himself several times. He had just broken the Olympic mark of 2:09:21 set by Carlos Lopes of Portugal in the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
As Wanjiru was still on one knee, Gharib crossed the line for the silver.
"I had to push the pace to tire the other runners," Wanjiru said. "I had to push the pace because my body gets tired when I slow down."
Wanjiru, who trains at 7,600 feet on a trail that runs alongside spectacular Thompson Falls, won the Fukuoka International Marathon in Japan last December and was runner-up at the London Marathon in April.
Americans Dathan Ritzenhein and Ryan Hall finished ninth and 10th, respectively.
Defending Olympic champion Stefano Baldini of Italy, in his final marathon, finished 12th, then praised those who finished at the front.
"In the last 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) it was unbelievable what the ... Africans were able to do under these conditions," he said.
The temperature was 75 degrees with 52 percent humidity when the race began at 7:30 a.m. and it heated up steadily through the morning, reaching 86 degrees by the finish.
The lead pack began to separate through the first three miles. By the halfway mark, eight were grouped at the front, led by Eritrean Yonas Kifle.
After almost 19 miles, the pack had dwindled to three — Wanjiru, Merga and Gharib.
Reigning world champion Luke Kibet of Kenya stayed with the leaders through the early stages but fell back and finally pulled out of the race shortly past the halfway mark. He later said he had a stomach problem.
Beijing Olympics
Kenya's steeplechase star eyes gold in Beijing Olympics
NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Africa 3,000 meters steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong has expressed confidence that Kenya will continue its tradition of winning the steeplechase at the Beijing Olympics.
"I stepped up my training and avoided much of the cross-country season. That's why I am running well. I am aiming to secure my place in the national team at the trials and from there, anything is possible," Mateelong told journalists late Thursday.
Kenya has won every Olympic gold medal in the steeplechase since 1968 and Mateelong says the tradition should continue in Beijing.
"I will compete in the 5,000m race for my endurance build-up before the national trials. This year they will be very tough since we have good runners invited to try for a place in the national team," he added.
Mateelong, an instructor at Kiganjo Police Training College who arrived for the Inter-Provincial Kenya Police Championships that start on Friday in Nairobi said he has been training at the Athletics Kenya (AK) mid and long distance camp in Eldoret since returning from Hengelo where he won the city's grand prix in 8:13.00 last month.
"The training conditions at the camp are good and morale is high. I support the initiative but they should have set much earlier," he noted.
The steeplechaser who set his seasonal best of 8:07.64 on May 9 while winning the lucrative Doha Grand Prix said his aim was to get the top medal in Beijing after playing second fiddle to Brimin Kipruto and Olympic champion, Ezekiel Kemboi.
"One cannot say that he will win for a fact but I believe that it can be achieved if the form I have now and physical condition remains the same. I will not relent on training until I achieve my goal," he said.
"According to the way we have been running, we are progressing well and I don't see why we should be the generation to let go of that great tradition of winning gold," said Mateelong.
"I am confident we shall do well despite the fact that we shall have opposition especially from Kenyan athletes running for other countries, we shall work hard and win the gold again."
The Kiganjo based policeman has been in great form this season winning three races last month.
He won the African title and followed it up with a win at the Doha Super Grand Prix on May 11 before winning in Hengelo.
While expressing satisfaction with his form so far, Mateelong said that his main concern right now to ensure he makes the Beijing team at the July 4-5 national athletics trials in Nairobi.
"Going by my results in Addis, Doha and Hengelo, I am hoping to do well because I am currently in great shape. The toughest part will be the trials which are always so competitive. I am praying that I stay injury free ready for them and hopefully I will make it and only after that shall I think of Beijing," he said.
He attributed his great form this season to having started his season early. "I took part in the cross country season and that helped me get into good shape early in the season and it has continued since."
But Mateelong will not compete in his specialty at the forthcoming Kenya Police Championships.
"I will not compete in the steeplechase at the police championships. I will run 5,000 metres race instead because I want to build on my speed and endurance hence the longer race. I will revert to steeplechase at the trials," said Mateelong.
Mateelong, 24, began the season with victory at the national trials for the African Championships where he ran a quick 8:16.7 to lead All Africa Games champion, Willy Komen and Bernard Kipyego to the podium.
NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Africa 3,000 meters steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong has expressed confidence that Kenya will continue its tradition of winning the steeplechase at the Beijing Olympics.
"I stepped up my training and avoided much of the cross-country season. That's why I am running well. I am aiming to secure my place in the national team at the trials and from there, anything is possible," Mateelong told journalists late Thursday.
Kenya has won every Olympic gold medal in the steeplechase since 1968 and Mateelong says the tradition should continue in Beijing.
"I will compete in the 5,000m race for my endurance build-up before the national trials. This year they will be very tough since we have good runners invited to try for a place in the national team," he added.
Mateelong, an instructor at Kiganjo Police Training College who arrived for the Inter-Provincial Kenya Police Championships that start on Friday in Nairobi said he has been training at the Athletics Kenya (AK) mid and long distance camp in Eldoret since returning from Hengelo where he won the city's grand prix in 8:13.00 last month.
"The training conditions at the camp are good and morale is high. I support the initiative but they should have set much earlier," he noted.
The steeplechaser who set his seasonal best of 8:07.64 on May 9 while winning the lucrative Doha Grand Prix said his aim was to get the top medal in Beijing after playing second fiddle to Brimin Kipruto and Olympic champion, Ezekiel Kemboi.
"One cannot say that he will win for a fact but I believe that it can be achieved if the form I have now and physical condition remains the same. I will not relent on training until I achieve my goal," he said.
"According to the way we have been running, we are progressing well and I don't see why we should be the generation to let go of that great tradition of winning gold," said Mateelong.
"I am confident we shall do well despite the fact that we shall have opposition especially from Kenyan athletes running for other countries, we shall work hard and win the gold again."
The Kiganjo based policeman has been in great form this season winning three races last month.
He won the African title and followed it up with a win at the Doha Super Grand Prix on May 11 before winning in Hengelo.
While expressing satisfaction with his form so far, Mateelong said that his main concern right now to ensure he makes the Beijing team at the July 4-5 national athletics trials in Nairobi.
"Going by my results in Addis, Doha and Hengelo, I am hoping to do well because I am currently in great shape. The toughest part will be the trials which are always so competitive. I am praying that I stay injury free ready for them and hopefully I will make it and only after that shall I think of Beijing," he said.
He attributed his great form this season to having started his season early. "I took part in the cross country season and that helped me get into good shape early in the season and it has continued since."
But Mateelong will not compete in his specialty at the forthcoming Kenya Police Championships.
"I will not compete in the steeplechase at the police championships. I will run 5,000 metres race instead because I want to build on my speed and endurance hence the longer race. I will revert to steeplechase at the trials," said Mateelong.
Mateelong, 24, began the season with victory at the national trials for the African Championships where he ran a quick 8:16.7 to lead All Africa Games champion, Willy Komen and Bernard Kipyego to the podium.
Katy Perry's kiss hate
Katy Perry is tired of girls wanting to kiss her.
The 'I Kissed a Girl' singer insists that despite her raunchy lyrics, she is not interested in locking lips with her female fans.
"Girls now keep asking for a kiss. After every show on my tour I stay behind to do an autograph signing. But about a dozen women will want a snog. I just sweetly say, 'No, thank you'. If I kissed everybody who asked I'd probably go away with something I don't really want."
Katy, 23, has also revealed her same-sex crushes on Hollywood stars inspired her to write the song.
She added: "I was reading a magazine and opened it up to a picture of either Scarlett Johansson or Megan Fox, and I turned to my boyfriend and said, 'You know, if they walked through the door and asked me to pucker up, I would just do it.' "
Katy - the daughter of two pastors, who refused to let her listen to rock music or watch music TV - has enjoyed number ones in the US and UK singles chart with 'I Kissed a Girl', and has already acquired some celebrity fans.
At the weekend, Lindsay Lohan - who is dating DJ Samantha Ronson - reportedly requested the track at a Los Angeles nightclub.
The 'I Kissed a Girl' singer insists that despite her raunchy lyrics, she is not interested in locking lips with her female fans.
"Girls now keep asking for a kiss. After every show on my tour I stay behind to do an autograph signing. But about a dozen women will want a snog. I just sweetly say, 'No, thank you'. If I kissed everybody who asked I'd probably go away with something I don't really want."
Katy, 23, has also revealed her same-sex crushes on Hollywood stars inspired her to write the song.
She added: "I was reading a magazine and opened it up to a picture of either Scarlett Johansson or Megan Fox, and I turned to my boyfriend and said, 'You know, if they walked through the door and asked me to pucker up, I would just do it.' "
Katy - the daughter of two pastors, who refused to let her listen to rock music or watch music TV - has enjoyed number ones in the US and UK singles chart with 'I Kissed a Girl', and has already acquired some celebrity fans.
At the weekend, Lindsay Lohan - who is dating DJ Samantha Ronson - reportedly requested the track at a Los Angeles nightclub.
RONALDO DECISION MADE A MONTH AGO?
Careful reading of the exclusive interview, published on Wednesday night, in which Cristiano Ronaldo announced his decision to stay at Manchester United indicates that both the interview and decision were made up to a month ago.
At the start of the interview, conducted with Bruno Prata of the Portuguese newspaper Publico, Ronaldo is quoted as saying: "My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago, which I think is common knowledge."
In fact, although the exact date is not known, it is understood that Ferguson met with Ronaldo during the second week of July - something which the Scot acknowledged in his response to Ronaldo's announcement when he remarked, "We knew this would be the case because I flew to Portugal some weeks ago and we cleared the air."
That Ronaldo, who made no secret of his wish to join Real Madrid, apparently confirmed he would stay at Old Trafford for another season just "a few days" after meeting Ferguson indicates that the u-turn was forced upon him by United's refusal to sell.
The delay in announcing the decision is curious but has an obvious explanation for those of a cynical mind. Releasing the interview during the week in which the forward is due to return to England would apparently signal the start of a choreographed attempt by the Ronaldo camp to win back the hearts and minds of the United supporters who have turned against their former hero in the wake of his attempts to wrangle a move out of Old Trafford.
The hitherto unknown Prata should not have required much persuading in agreeing to delay the publication of his exclusive interview: he is the husband of Manuela Brandao, an employee of Jorge Mendes, the agent of Ronaldo.
At the start of the interview, conducted with Bruno Prata of the Portuguese newspaper Publico, Ronaldo is quoted as saying: "My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago, which I think is common knowledge."
In fact, although the exact date is not known, it is understood that Ferguson met with Ronaldo during the second week of July - something which the Scot acknowledged in his response to Ronaldo's announcement when he remarked, "We knew this would be the case because I flew to Portugal some weeks ago and we cleared the air."
That Ronaldo, who made no secret of his wish to join Real Madrid, apparently confirmed he would stay at Old Trafford for another season just "a few days" after meeting Ferguson indicates that the u-turn was forced upon him by United's refusal to sell.
The delay in announcing the decision is curious but has an obvious explanation for those of a cynical mind. Releasing the interview during the week in which the forward is due to return to England would apparently signal the start of a choreographed attempt by the Ronaldo camp to win back the hearts and minds of the United supporters who have turned against their former hero in the wake of his attempts to wrangle a move out of Old Trafford.
The hitherto unknown Prata should not have required much persuading in agreeing to delay the publication of his exclusive interview: he is the husband of Manuela Brandao, an employee of Jorge Mendes, the agent of Ronaldo.
RONALDO: `I`LL TELL MANYOO I`M OFF`
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedy sent a message to Real Madrid to promise that he will tell Manchester United that his transfer to Spain is "non-negotiable".
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Ronaldo's exact message to Madrid was as follows: "It's ok. Next week, I'll fix everything. I'll go to Manchester and tell them my only desire is to play for Real Madrid and that the decision is non-negotiable."
Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated that Ronaldo will not be leaving United but he could be put in a very difficult position if Ronaldo returns to Manchester demanding a transfer. He will know that Ronaldo's value will only fall if he is playing below his capabilities or not playing at all.
AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'.
Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson.
Your Comments
Muffy
"This is supposedly a message between Ronaldo and Real. But somehow along the way it has come via an agent (always the most honest and dependable characters) and is "according to Spaninsh newspaper AS" (a Spanish rag worse than the Daily Star). Er, yeah, right. Let's put it in big letters and state it as fact. Good journalism again F365."
03bault
"im sure this is true. its all rubbish - what is AS anyway. anyone who takes this seriously lacks some sort of mental capability. quote - "Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson." - what the hell? haha he will come and confront ferguson will he. take a look on the sky sports website see if they have this message from ronaldo. the article looks like it written as a joke , "AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'." lol this is a loaddd of rubbishhh !!! "
hatchking
"This 'story' is a joke. I'm at the end of my teather with F365. I'm off to TeamTalk.com. Awful work guys. really disappointing!"
Number6
"If this latest report happens to be true, when the worm asks Sir Alex for a transfer it should be granted......but to any other club than Real. Then he can say goodbye to his "dream" (for a while at least). True professionals at the club like Giggs and Charlton must be disgusted. "
charley
"Is Football365 so bad now that they print rubbish stories from AS? Look at the AS.com website. The story is hidden away because they know it's rubbish. They don't even claim they got the quotes direct from Ronaldo in their "story". It's what they claim is in the message Ronaldo has somehow trasmitted to Madrid. There must be some dodgy Spanish journalist p***ing himself at how easy it is to wind up the UK "news" media. "
wigclyne
"I agree with fla5hboy. England fans crying and making a scapegoat. Its unfortunate we have fans like utd4life. And jamiifer aswell seems to have lost the plot, I see it now Ronaldo goes to Madrid and they spend 10million on jamiifer's gran!"
THESPUR1
"He is a total preening little pillock who deserves nothing short of the firing squad."
arye
"boring news...spanish newspaper try to make news to increase their sales again...i don't care he is going to real madrid or not even i'm manutd fan, but this news is another example that to hurt other people in order to get what they want. "
silentbob
"GOOD RIDDENCE FOR BAD LOVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
mutdgloryhunter
"boring as fcuk now. i've an idea - screw real madrid and ruud the reject and give barca a ring to ask if they'd consider swapping ronnie for messi?? i think that'd be just the ticket. rooney tevez up front with messi just behind then anderson carrick and nani midfield, wes right back, rio, vida and evra at left back..... AWESOME!!!! "
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Ronaldo's exact message to Madrid was as follows: "It's ok. Next week, I'll fix everything. I'll go to Manchester and tell them my only desire is to play for Real Madrid and that the decision is non-negotiable."
Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated that Ronaldo will not be leaving United but he could be put in a very difficult position if Ronaldo returns to Manchester demanding a transfer. He will know that Ronaldo's value will only fall if he is playing below his capabilities or not playing at all.
AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'.
Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson.
Your Comments
Muffy
"This is supposedly a message between Ronaldo and Real. But somehow along the way it has come via an agent (always the most honest and dependable characters) and is "according to Spaninsh newspaper AS" (a Spanish rag worse than the Daily Star). Er, yeah, right. Let's put it in big letters and state it as fact. Good journalism again F365."
03bault
"im sure this is true. its all rubbish - what is AS anyway. anyone who takes this seriously lacks some sort of mental capability. quote - "Reports suggest that next Tuesday is the day that Ronaldo will return and confront Ferguson." - what the hell? haha he will come and confront ferguson will he. take a look on the sky sports website see if they have this message from ronaldo. the article looks like it written as a joke , "AS claims that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to tell Real that his client had 'decided more than ever to make the promised step and make clear that his determination to play for Real Madrid, next season, remains intact'." lol this is a loaddd of rubbishhh !!! "
hatchking
"This 'story' is a joke. I'm at the end of my teather with F365. I'm off to TeamTalk.com. Awful work guys. really disappointing!"
Number6
"If this latest report happens to be true, when the worm asks Sir Alex for a transfer it should be granted......but to any other club than Real. Then he can say goodbye to his "dream" (for a while at least). True professionals at the club like Giggs and Charlton must be disgusted. "
charley
"Is Football365 so bad now that they print rubbish stories from AS? Look at the AS.com website. The story is hidden away because they know it's rubbish. They don't even claim they got the quotes direct from Ronaldo in their "story". It's what they claim is in the message Ronaldo has somehow trasmitted to Madrid. There must be some dodgy Spanish journalist p***ing himself at how easy it is to wind up the UK "news" media. "
wigclyne
"I agree with fla5hboy. England fans crying and making a scapegoat. Its unfortunate we have fans like utd4life. And jamiifer aswell seems to have lost the plot, I see it now Ronaldo goes to Madrid and they spend 10million on jamiifer's gran!"
THESPUR1
"He is a total preening little pillock who deserves nothing short of the firing squad."
arye
"boring news...spanish newspaper try to make news to increase their sales again...i don't care he is going to real madrid or not even i'm manutd fan, but this news is another example that to hurt other people in order to get what they want. "
silentbob
"GOOD RIDDENCE FOR BAD LOVERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
mutdgloryhunter
"boring as fcuk now. i've an idea - screw real madrid and ruud the reject and give barca a ring to ask if they'd consider swapping ronnie for messi?? i think that'd be just the ticket. rooney tevez up front with messi just behind then anderson carrick and nani midfield, wes right back, rio, vida and evra at left back..... AWESOME!!!! "
OWEN TO LEAVE ON A FREE?
Owen's current contract expires next summer, and is in talks to extend his deal at St James' Park.
However, The Guardian reports that Newcastle are reluctant to match or increase his current £105,000-a-week wage as they look to cut costs.
Owen and his representatives know that he could get a better deal elsewhere should he not sign a fresh contract, and could begin negotiations with other clubs from January.
The paper claims Owen would rather stay at Newcastle, but is negotiating from a position of considerable strength considering the offers he might receive from elsewhere.
MAN U AGREE TEVEZ DEAL
Hopefully you'll have spotted the news that Manchester United have agreed a deal for Mr Carlos Tevez.
If not, firstly I'd pay more attention, but secondly, click here.
VILLA OPEN TO SPURS MOVE
And you also may have seen those juicy quotes from David Villa's agent saying he might be interested in moving to Spurs.
No? Click here then.
KEANE SET FOR LIVERPOOL MEDICAL
Speculation continues apace about Robbie Keane's impending move to Liverpool.
The Daily Mail claims Keane is due at Anfield at the start of next week for a medical, ahead of a move that will cost £18million intially, but could rise to £20million should Liverpool win the Premier or Champions League. No sniggering at the back.
The Sun reports similar news, and goes on to claim that Rafa Benitez will turn his attention away from Gareth Barry, and instead make a bid for Valencia's David Silva.
With Los Che in oodles and oodles of debt, Silva will apparently be a smidgen cheaper than Barry, and will provide a hell of a lot more hassle.
NEW SUITORS FOR XABI?
However, should Liverpool find someone else to stump up for Xabi Alonso, they might come back in for Barry.
And The Daily Mirror reckons they have found someone, and that someone is Fenerbache.
Now, whether it's another textbook piece of 2+2=5 rumour-mongering we're not sure, what with Luis Aragones being Fener's new boss, but hell - we're just the messenger.
ROBINHO 'DESPERATE' TO JOIN CHELSEA
The Independent reports that Brazilian party-boy Robinho is 'desperate' to leave Real Madrid and sign for Chelsea.
They claim a deal is more or less in place to take the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge in exchange for the meaty sum of £25million.
The paper quotes a 'source' (him again) as saying Robinho will do whatever it takes to secure the move, including making a - gasp! Shock! Horror! - statement against the Spanish champions.
That's right kids - you read right - a statement.
If you listen carefully, you can probably hear Ramon Calderon quaking in his boots.
POMPEY TO NICK KABOUL?
Who thought that Younes Kaboul's transfer from Spurs could be so very interesting?
Sunderland thought they had their man on Thursday, only for him to ask for more time as Aston Villa came in with a late bid.
Now, The Sun claims that Portsmouth will gazump the pair of them and take the French 'defender' to Fratton Park.
The cheeky scamps.
CITEH TO NICK FRIEDEL?
And in more cheeky news, The Independent reports that Manchester City will nip in ahead of Aston Villa to sign Brad Friedel from Blackburn.
The big American was given permission to speak to Villa on Friday as Paul Robinson completed his move from Spurs to Ewood Park.
However, if Citeh fail then The Sun reckons they will go for Fulham's Antti Niemi instead.
Complicated it may be, but at least something is bloody happening.
AND THE REST...
Everton boss David Moyes will use the Andy Johnson transfer cash to buy Sporting Lisbon's Joao Moutinho...Middlesbrough have blocked Rangers' bid to sign Adam Johnson...Hull have signed Tottenham's Anthony Gardner on a six-month loan...Michael Mifsud's £1m switch from Coventry to Bristol City has hit a snag...Portsmouth have snatched Younes Kaboul from under the noses of Sunderland and Aston Villa...Leicester have signed Liverpool centre-back Jack Hobbs on a season-long loan...Birmingham are lining up a new £2m bid for Crystal Palace's Ben Watson...Nottingham Forest have signed Carlisle striker Joe Garner for £1.2m...Roque Santa Cruz wants clear-the-air talks with Blackburn after being linked with a £15m move to Manchester City...Sulley Muntari's £12m move to Inter Milan means Portsmouth can go for Shaun Wright-Phillips and Nickey Shorey...West Brom are in talks with Bolton to sign Abdoulaye Meite...Andy Johnson's £10.5m move to Fulham has moved a step closer...Rangers inability to agree terms with Fulham's Steven Davis could signal a move for him by Blackburn.
Arsene Wenger believes Aaron Ramsey is the key to resolving Arsenal's midfield problems
Arsenal could turn to summer recruit Aaron Ramsey to solve their central midfield quandary. Manager Arsene Wenger admitted he fought off fierce competition to sign Ramsey, 17, from Cardiff City and following the departures of Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva, there is an urgent need for a midfielder.
Ramsey, ordinarily, is a winger, but Wenger, talking exclusively in the official Arsenal magazine, revealed that he believes the Welshman could be the answer.
"We watched him throughout the whole season," said Wenger. "We were always on the case, but unfortunately we weren't the only ones because Liverpool, Man United and Everton were strongly behind the case."
Ramsey is set to make his first-team debut in a friendly at Barnet today and Wenger added: "It was a big satisfaction for us that we were able to beat these teams to signing him.
"Overall he can play wide, he can play centrally. I think in the future he will be a central midfielder. How is down to him and down to us on how well we work with him. In my mind though there are no restrictions on his development, because he has played a lot already."
Wenger, who has signed only one other player, Marseille's Samir Nasri, has also criticised the way some clubs have conducted their transfer business in the open, with particular mention of Real Madrid and their courting of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.
"If you don't show respect to other clubs football is moving in the wrong way. You cannot come out like [president Ramon] Calderon has done at Real Madrid with Manchester United and tell them you cannot stop a player from leaving."
From Liverpool Fans On Their 'Grotesque' Club
To Jan de Clare; no, you might not be the only one who thinks Liverpool have been 'grotesque' in their half-arsed (and half-funded) pursuit of Barry, but you are certainly the only United fan who would dare to criticise another club for tapping up players!
Sir Red Nose literally invented manipulation of the media for the benefit of himself and his club, to the extent that he now cherry picks who he will talk to based on whether or not they will toe his party line. It is utterly disgraceful and has contributed to the current environment where the media has far too much influence.
Apart from your hypocrisy Jan, there is also the fact that you appear to be brain dead: 'Clubs complain about lack of loyalty and player power but they are all hypocrites and whenever it suits them they try to envoke player protest etc to force moves' - your words. This tirade seems to acknowledge that all clubs use the media, although perhaps you meant 'red clubs on merseyside' instead of 'all', in the same way that you meant 'invoke' instead of 'envoke'? Muppet.
Morgan (United fans. Can't live with them, can kill them. Food for thought) Goford
P.S. Do not compliment Robert Melia on his sinister pursuit of Kelly Brook - I used to go to school with him and can report that he is definitely not joking.
...Someone might want to point out to Jan De Clare what 'tapping up' is. Liverpool have approached Villa and Spurs about signing their players, and in the case of Villa, a willingness to do business was expressed by them, therefore the term 'tapping up' is completely erroneous. While the whole Barry saga has been embarrassing for all, Villa have said they are willing to sell, and all Liverpool have done wrong is being unwilling/unable to meet the exorbitant fee demanded by Villa. In the Keane case, Liverpool made a bid for the player and mentioned to the press that they had and that it was rejected. Perhaps a little underhanded, but a tactic that's used by clubs all over the world, so hardly 'grotesque'.
The real reason we're interested in Barry and Keane is because, shock of shocks, they're both quite excellent players. And delightfully, they both qualify for home-grown status with the new regulations for Europe next year, where Liverpool are caught short, after letting Crouch and Kewell depart and with reports of Carson and Pennant heading for the exit door as well. It's also a sign that, in a year that Benitez must challenge for the Premiership if he wants to stay in the job, he doesn't want to take risks on foreign imports who may take time to settle and instead wants to bring in proven Premiership class and experience.
Finally, I wonder was Jan De Clare quite so outraged with United's public courting of Owen Hargreaves for over a year, or the delightful timing of Alex Ferguson declaring he would quite like to sign Karim Benzema the week before a crucial Champions League clash with Lyon, and that he liked the look of Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios the week before a rather important League clash with Wigan last year. People on glass houses shouldn't throw stones, the pot calling the kettle black, do as I say not as I do etc. etc.
The (first three-paragraph compliant mail) Geek
...I don't think I can agree with Jan de Clare that Rafa Benitez has been out of order in his attempts to sign Gareth Barry. Liverpool have put in FOUR offers for Barry, and Villa have never moved an inch in their valuation. Does Jan think that Liverpool should pay Villa's "grotesque" over-valuation for the player when they don't think he's worth that much?
To my mind, it's Martin O'Neill that has acted the most unreasonably. He didn't want to sell Barry at all so he set the asking price artificially high and expected that to be that. I'm certain he didn't expect Liverpool to get as close to the asking price as they did. So now it's become a pride thing. He thinks if he gets the asking price it will prove he has the biggest bollocks in the Premier League. Well good for him, but don't expect Barry to be impressed as he watches his chance of Champions League football receding into the distance.
Vaughan Davies
...I know it's a wind-up, but having a ManYoo fan tell us we've behaved 'grotesquely' in terms of tapping up players is bloody hilarious.
Also, and I may be wrong, but wasn't it the lovable Martin O'Neill that highlighted our first Barry bid - criticising us for publishing in the press our intent when no-one could actually find a statement from the Pool actually doing so? Even after our first bid he seems to have spoken to the press more than Rafa.
And surely you should be allowed to say whatever the heck you like (especially if actually asked about it first by some hack) as long as you continue to put in reasonable bids.
As for your suggestion that we should sell first, then bid, that makes so little business sense it barely warrants a comment, but I'm bored so I will. What happens if you want a player, but before making contact ensure you've the money by selling a central squad player. Then make first contact and he goes 'actually mate I'm happy being the perennial understudy to Fat Frank and have no ambition to dislodge him...' You'd be a bit stuck wouldn't you. Muppet.
Tom (still think Rafa should keep it down a bit, and leave the soap-boxing to Carra) G
Blame Barry, Not Benitez
I think it is a little unfair to label Liverpool's behaviour over the Gareth Barry affair as 'grotesque'. Lets be fair, they did actually back up their interest with a number of bids and if one of those bids had been accepted I'm sure Barry would be a Liverpool player regardless of whether Alonso had gone to Juventus or not. In the end the two clubs failed to reach an agreement and now Liverpool are turning their attentions elsewhere. I don't see the problem.
The reason Barry is now in limbo is because he opened his big mouth and slated O'Neill before a deal was done. If he had kept his mouth shut there would be no reason why his Villa career couldn't just carry on as normal, Ok he may have been privately disappointed a bid was not accepted but that's life! Even now I don't hear him coming out saying 'of course I would have been interested in playing Champions League football but if it doesn't happen I'll continue to give my best for Villa' I really do feel that Barry has created this situation he finds himself in on his own.
Martyn, Loyal Royal
Villa Fans Should Not Diss Barry
I cant believe the treatment being meted out to Gareth Barry by Aston Villa fans. I am an Arsenal fan and can understand when people get angry with Adebayor as he is completely motivated by monetary reasons. He has hardly been at Arsenal a couple of seasons and the first good season he has he starts thinking of himself as the best striker in the world.
Barry on the other hand has been a very loyal servant of AVFC for a decade and his reasons for moving to Liverpool is all about progressing in his career as a footballer. He will get to play Champions League football (if AVFC had gotten that, I am sure Barry wouldn't have left). I cant see why someone who has served you so well and helped AVFC get where they are right now being slated so badly by his fans. All of us would do exactly the same, or even worse, in our day-to-day jobs.
No wonder footballers dont care about fans nowadays. If footballers know you are going to slate them for leaving, for any and every reason, why the hell should they care about what fans think. Might as well make all the $$ you can. Aston Villa fans could have done a lot worse than having a Barry who served them for a decade before leaving to fulfill his career ambitions (and not for money).
Shantanu
Villa Fans: Not All Stupid
To Conor Byrne in this morning's mailbox; it's unfortunate that you seem to be the most consistent Villa supporter to write into 365 to bang on about the club, as you seem to have an unenviable propensity for talking utter bollocks - "It has made my day, now lets keep his valuation at 18mil so nobody will buy him and let him rot in the reserves, then maybe let him be a squad player if we get some injuries". What on earth are you talking about? This is shaping up to be a nightmare scenario for the villa - Barry wants to leave but unless wenger has a punt (very unlikely) or Benitez wrings out some transfer funds from somewhere (again unlikely unless alonso goes, but even then their interest in Keane might scupper it), we are stuck with a prize asset to the club, worth 15-18million quid, who doesn't want to play and can't be sold! Barry leaving could have funded the transfer of someone like David Bentley, or the big-name signing we're all crying out for (which Sidwell, ahem, is not).
Also, the greediness of Gareth's behaviour in the last three months does not (for me at least) tarnish the last ten years of service he has put in, from floppy-haired left back to tenacious midfield dynamo, and your delight in the idea of him sitting on the bench shows you have neither any concept of what is best for the club or any appreciation or knowledge for the career Barry has had as a player. Unless you forgot that when we were s**t (not so long ago) - Barry and Mellberg were the only bright sparks in an otherwise bleak few seasons. Or I suppose being before our 'billionaire' takeover it may have been before your time...
Jim (just realised ludicrous notion of Villa 'glory' hunters! whoops.), AVFC
Competition? What Competition?
So Rafa's trying to destabilise his rivals for 4th spot right? If my undrerstanding is correct, over the past five seasons Everton, Spurs and Villa have trailed the Reds by an average 14, 15 and 18 points respectively. Last season the nearest of these so-called rivals was 11 points adrift, the Reds were just as close to the top as the Toffees were to the Reds. So please help me understand just why Rafa's quaking in his boots at the prospect of these rivals and has gone on a crusade to destabilise them?
AfricanScouser
Barca Should Have Held On To Ronnie
So today's news in the wacky world of pre-season sees arguably one of the brightest lights of this century, Ronaldinho, depart Barçelona for, if Gazetta dello sport are to be believed, a mere £14.6million. And as fate has it, his replacement has finally stumbled through the revolving door on the same day: Alex Hleb, an £11.8million signing from Arsenal.
Now, the extent of the little Ronnie's downfall cannot be understated: with countless reports of the Brazilian being spotted out in the nightclubs of Catalonia until very late; which, in Catalan terms is probably lunchtime the next day. Even the rosiest-tinted Barça fan will admit that, aside from the odd flash in the pan, his performances have not been anywhere near the stellar heights that himself and Barça were treading over 2004-05 and 05-06.
But I can't help feel that, despite all this, the powers-that-be at the club are giving up on him a little too easily. After all, form is temporary, class is permanent. As a United fan, I remember the reasonably vociferous backlash against Ryan Giggs' place in the side in 97-98, and look what happened shortly after. I know it's not like-for-like, but having faith in a player, particularly one of your greatest, doesn't always turn out to be foolhardy.
And in his place will be Alex Hleb, who hasn't exactly drawn out the kind of 'b*stard for leaving' or 'better off without him anyway' responses that you might expect from fans of a club losing one of their better players. I know which I'd rather have anyway.
Andy Suggitt
Dissing Dating365
With all respect to Pam/Mrrion (not having a go at you), I always thought this was a football website, not a dating one. Are most of your readers that sad, ugly or desperate that they can't find a girl? If your trying to find a gf, go on a dating website, go out to a nightclub, etc. Get out! It's not impossible to find someone of the opposite sex who likes football. It's like setting up a date for your ugly mate with an ugly bird who you know because you feel sorry for your ugly mate.
I support Wolves and my gf (bless her) supports Forest. Living in Nottingham, most of my mates support Forest. Last season, watching Forest against Southend (on a Tuesday night and tickets being a fiver) with my mates I managed to start chatting to this girl next to me who was with her girly mates. After chatting to her during the game, she gave me her number. Get in! Since then, met up with her few times and started going out with her. It's not difficult and it's not as sad.
I don't need a football website to set me up with someone.
Martin (Football365 Reader, Not Blind Date contestant) Brez, Nottingham
...You know what? I think I prefer the vapid, mind-numbing transfer sagas to the bilious whoring by the mailbox's male audience to the women who have written in of late. A distraction to a boring close season it might be, but then so too is Boris Johnson's barnet. Or the new season of Top Gear. Hell, even the credit crunch fits the bill.
So men - and I use the word liberally - re-read your messages and have a word with yourselves (not with the mailbox... ever). I wonder how many of these boring, stodgy sycophants would continue writing in with their pathetic pleas for any kind of female contact if were it known that Marion and Pamela were complete mingers?
Actually...don't answer that.
Daniel Parncutt, North London
A Warning About Gooner Sex
A word to the Wise for Marion and Pamela...
If you're thinking of hooking up with any Arsenal fans, be warned, if their love making is anything similar to how they support their team, they will turn up after you've started, leave before you've finished, and then when you dump them for someone better, despite being madly in love with you, claim they never thought much of you in the first place.
That is all.
Gary Sargent
Pam Is Back...
If I had known (and being quite a clever girl, I certainly should have thought of it) that a footballing website could yield such rich pickings, I certainly would have at least feigned an interest in the beautiful game some time ago (or at least taken the time to find out what the off-side rule is).
Albeit as someone who knows absolutely nothing about football (except what Marion has taught me!) - and has nary a sensible cardie to her name (think Ibiza, think Mustique, think music biz chick) - so there, Miss 'I'm-not-being-mean-honest!' - Marion and I would be delighted to accept all your lovely offers of a drink or two.
Pamela, London (NO, NOT BIRMINGHAM)
German/ Chealsea football skipper Ballack weds
Chelsea and German soccer ace Michael Ballack married Simone Lambe in a small register office ceremony in Germany on Tuesday.
They are due to exchange vows again on Wednesday in front of about 400 guests at a church near Munich.
According to The Sun , the couple would be holding two days of celebrations at an exclusive yacht club on idyllic Lake Starnberg, where German captain Ballack, 31, had a house when he played for Bayern Munich.
He now lives in Wimbledon, South West London, with Simone, 30, and their three young sons.
Hleb targets Barca success
The Arsenal midfielder is expected to complete his move to Camp Nou within the next 24 hours and is having a medical on Wednesday.
He is looking forward to a new challenge after recently admitting he had become 'tired' of living in London.
Hleb has spoken to Pep Guardiola to discuss the Barca coach's plans for him next season and is determined to be a success in the Primera Liga.
Giving his best
"I love this club," the Belarussian told the club's official website.
"I spoke with Guardiola and it's good to know that he wants me.
"I will give my best to this team and I want to win everything with Barca."
When asked about the qualities he will bring to the Barcelona team following three years at Arsenal, Hleb sidestepped the question.
He added: "I cannot speak for me. I will give my best on the pitch, but it is better that people and the coach talk about me."
Ronaldinho 4 AC
The Barcelona president was locked in talks with the Rossoneri's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, on Monday and Tuesday before emerging with a deal finally sealed.
Manchester City's offer had been much higher, but Ronaldinho had always wanted to go to Milan and from then on it was a case of negotiating with the Serie A side.
Barca appear to have lowered their demands from earlier in the summer after new coach Pep Guardiola stated that the player was not part of his plans.
From then on it was difficult for the Blaugrana to consider holding out for their highest valuation and in the end a deal was struck with Milan that suits all three parties.
Satisfied
"We have reached the principle of an agreement and Ronaldinho will go to Milan to have a medical with the club," Laporta told reporters."I want to thank the effort made by Milan and the player in order for us to be able to reach this agreement. Everyone has done what we had to do."
Blatter - Let Ronaldo leave
"The important thing is, we should also protect the player," he told tell it like it is news.
"If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found because if he stays in a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it's not good for the player and for the club.
"I'm always in favour of protecting the player and if the player, he wants to leave, let him leave.
"I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere.
"We are trying now to intervene in such cases. The reaction to the Bosman law is to make long-lasting contacts in order to keep the players and then if he wants to leave, then there is only one solution, he has to pay his contract."
Forget '39th game'
Meanwhile, Blatter has reiterated his stance over the Premier League's proposal to play a '39th game' overseas.
He said: "The 39th game as presented will never happen. To my knowledge what they (the Premier League) want to do is perhaps to play some of the League Cup matches somewhere outside of England. That's the last information I got.
"They should just forget about that."
Its Spain 4shizzo
Spain claimed their first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a deserved victory over Germany!
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was Spain's goal hero, striking after 33 minutes when he cleverly lifted Xavi's pass over Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.
Spain dominated the final throughout, with Torres heading against the post and Marcos Senna almost adding a second from close range after 80 minutes.
Michael Ballack came close for Germany, shooting narrowly wide after the break.
 | 606: DEBATE SM |
Spain have long had a reputation as under-achievers on the big occasions, but this was a richly-merited victory for veteran coach Luis Aragones and a team that played outstanding football throughout the tournament.
Germany were outclassed, and for captain Ballack his catalogue of misery in major finals continues having lost two Champions League finals and also been suspended for the 2002 World Cup final when they lost to Brazil.
Match-winner Torres enhanced the reputation he forged at Liverpool last season, but this was an all-round effort for a side that is young enough to already be marked down among the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Germany were lifted by Ballack declaring himself fit after a calf injury - but he had little impact on a first 45 minutes in which Spain were the vastly-superior side.
Andres Iniesta almost created the opening goal for Spain in the 13th minute when his driven cross took a deflection off Christoph Metzelder, but Lehmann pulled off a fine reflex save.
And they came even closer nine minutes later when Torres rose to meet Sergio Ramos's cross, but his header bounced to safety off the post.
But he was not to be denied and put Spain ahead with a trademark piece of sharpness in front of goal after 33 minutes.
Xavi's pass created uncertainty for Germany defender Philipp Lahm and Torres shrugged him off the ball to lift a superb finish beyond Lehmann.
Germany's problems threatened to worsen when Ballack needed lengthy treatment for an eye wound after a clash of heads with Marcos Senna.
David Silva then wasted a perfect opportunity to double Spain's advantage when he was set up by Iniesta, but he rushed his finish and shot wildly over the top.
Germany made a change at half-time, sending on Marcell Jansen for Lahm, but it was still Spain who dominated.
Xavi and Silva were both off target - but Germany were sticking to their task and almost grabbed an equaliser when Ballack shot just wide after Carles Puyol had conceded possession in a dangerous area.
Spain continued to look the more threatening side, but there was still the lingering prospect of Germany's refusal to accept defeat yielding an unlikely equaliser.
Casillas lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy for Spain
Silva was fortunate to stay on the pitch when he appeared to motion to head-butt Germany's Lukas Podolski, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti decided against taking any action.
Ramos should have put the game beyond Germany's reach after 66 minutes when he headed straight at Lehmann from point-blank range as he got on the end of Xavi's free-kick.
Iniesta then had a shot cleared off the line by Torsten Frings and another effort saved by Lehmann as Spain looked in the mood to add a second.
And Germany had a remarkable escape after 80 minutes when substitute Daniel Guiza - on for Torres - headed the ball straight into Senna's path right in front of goal, but he could not apply the final touch.
Spain were not made to pay for their generosity in front of goal and ran out worthy winners.
What are your thoughts on Spain's success? Does their stylish brand of football demonstrate that a bucannering approach can work in what is normally a more defence-orientated international arena? No-one can deny Spain deserved to win on the night, but were they the best side in Austria and Switzerland over the course of the whole tournament?
Russia Crushed
Its spain 4 shizzo now and from what i can see i think they deserve to be crowned the CHAMPIONS!
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas was the driving force behind the win after coming on as substitute for injured David Villa.
Xavi turned home Andres Iniesta's cross after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza converted a superb pass from Fabregas with 17 minutes left.
Fabregas played in David Silva for a simple third after 82 minutes as a disappointing Russia ended well beaten.
The only cloud on Spain's horizon was the first-half injury to Villa, who will now miss the final clash with Germany in Vienna.
| 606: DEBATE FB |
Russia never threatened to produce the attacking firepower that saw them dump out Holland in the last eight, and playmaker Andrei Arshavin was an anonymous figure throughout.
Arshavin entered the game with a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders, as well as transfer interest from Barcelona, but failed to deliver.
Spain were outstanding as they inflicted another heavy defeat on Guus Hiddink's side, as they had done in the group stages and were rarely under pressure.
Veteran coach Luis Aragones now looks to have put together a side capable of ending the years of under-achievement, even making light of that injury to the influential Villa.
Spain made a positive start, with the partnership of Villa and Torres demonstrating their threat early on.
Villa slipped in Torres for a shot that was saved by Igor Akinfeev, then forced the Russia keeper into a smart save down at his post with a long-range drive.Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 pens)
Marcos Senna came closest in normal time when Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon fumbled his shot on to a post.
Spain keeper Iker Casillas was the hero in the shoot-out, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale.
Daniel Guiza saw his spot-kick saved by Buffon, but Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas slid home the crucial penalty to set up a last four clash with Russia.
| 606: DEBATE |
The game never touched the heights and penalties was an almost inevitable outcome given the approach of both sides.
There will now be an intriguing backdrop to the semi-final in Vienna on Thursday, with Spain having beaten Russia - admittedly minus the inspirational Andrei Arshavin - 4-1 in a group game earlier in the competition.
And it was a change of fortune for the Spanish, who have gone out of three major championships on 22 June, the World Cups of 1986 and 2002 and Euro '96 - all in the quarter-finals on penalties.
The opening 45 minutes was a cautious affair, with chances - and quality - at a premium. David Villa, predictably, was the first player to pose a serious threat with a low drive drive from long range that was comfortably held by Italy keeper Buffon.
Fernando Torres had been kept quiet by some trademark Italian defending, but he escaped the shackles after 31 minutes to help set up a chance for David Silva, who curled a shot only inches wide from 25 yards.
Spain tried to break the stalemate by making a double substitution on the hour, sending on Fabregas and Santi Cazorla for Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
But it was an Italian substitute, Mauro Camoranesi, who almost made the breakthrough seconds later when he ended a chaotic goalmouth scramble with a shot that was blocked by the legs of Spanish keeper Casillas.
It had been a frustrating evening for the much-vaunted Spanish strike force of Torres and Villa - and the latter was booked for diving by referee Herbert Fandel after 71 minutes when he tumbled under challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.
Italy keeper Buffon suffered an anxious moment with 11 minutes left when he was forced to punch away a long-range free-kick from Senna.
He had an even bigger scare seconds later when he fumbled a routine shot from Senna, and was relieved to see the ball bounce back into his arms off an upright.
Torres had been disappointing, but it was still a surprise to see him hauled off again by Spain coach Luis Aragones with six minutes left and replaced by Guiza.
Spain had the first chance of extra time, with Silva sweeping an effort just wide with Buffon beaten.
Italy's response saw swift as Casillas turned over a header from Di Natale and Luca Toni headed just over the top.
The stalemate was soon resumed, although Cazorla shot across the face of goal with seconds left as the last chance of avoiding penalties was wasted.
Villa and Fabio Grosso exchanged successful penalties and Cazorla scored for Spain before Casillas saved brilliantly from De Rossi.
Senna and Camoranesi scored, but when Buffon saved from Guiza Italy were back in contention - only for Casillas to repeat his heroics to stop Di Natali's spot-kick.
Fabregas, on as substitute, was left to settle the affair and calmly beat Buffon to spark wild Spanish celebrations.
Italy goes thro as France Exit
So whos gonna be the Euro champion 2008. Iz it one of the teams in the Group of death? What went wrong with the France team?
FRANCE STILL HopeFUL
France striker Thierry Henry said Friday's 4-1 humbling by the Netherlands was "difficult to accept" but insisted Les Bleus will pick themselves up before Tuesday's vital match against Italy.
Missed chance
Goals from Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Schneider inflicted the heaviest defeat on a French side in UEFA European Championship history, although the contest was closer than the scoreline suggests. Indeed, had Henry's 54th-minute lob over Edwin van der Sar dropped under the crossbar, France would have been level and back in the contest. It sailed over, however, and despite the FC Barcelona man later converting a Willy Sagnol cross, the Oranje ran out comfortable winners.
'A strange game'
With France's destiny now no longer in their hands, Henry was struggling to hide his disappointment. "It's difficult to accept," he told euro2008.com. "We didn't get the breaks. I missed a good opportunity, but then I put the next chance away to make it 2-1. At that point I really thought we'd come back. There were 20 minutes left and we felt the Dutch were vulnerable. It was a strange game because we had a lot of chances, but we were behind from an early stage and never managed to get back."
Govou regret
Fellow forward Sidney Govou was equally perplexed by the way the evening panned out. "It's difficult to say what went wrong," the Olympique Lyonnais man mused. "We feel really frustrated because we created a lot of chances and could have come back a number of times. They were more efficient than us in front of goals and they also got some breaks at important times. The score leaves us with a real headache, but overall the biggest regret is that we didn't covert more of our chances. We were a bit too indecisive when it mattered."
Henry vow
Raymond Domenech's side can still salvage their campaign with a victory over world champions Italy on Tuesday, providing Romania do not defeat the Dutch on the same night. Henry remains determined to keep fighting until the end, saying: "We have to give everything against Italy to make sure we aren't left with any regrets. We've beaten Italy before and we can do it again. If Romania win [against the Netherlands] then they'll deserve to go through, but we have to beat Italy before worrying about anything else."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Your Comments
THFC6061
"I think it's a huge mistake for Spurs to off-load Younes Kaboul. He was brought-in last year for his potential, not as the finished article, and due to unforseen circumstances he was thrown-in at the deep end and played almost the entire first half of the season. It takes time to develop as a good centre-half - the best don't reach their prime until their late 20s or early 30s - which is why I believe Spurs are being unduly hasty in getting shot of Kaboul. The fact that at least three other Premier League clubs are vying for his services must say something about the lad. "