De ce sa cumparati o BANDA de ALERGARE?

Progresul tehnologiei combinat cu costurile de productie reduse ? toate acestea va spun ca puteti acum sa cumparati o banda de alergare pentru uz la domiciliu cu control gradient, cu programe presetate si o functionare care este extrem de apropiata de benzile de alergare comerciale de calitate pentru mai putin de 1000Euro!

Ceea ce este foarte bine, pentru ca alergatul si urcatul dealurilor reprezinta forme foarte bune de antrenament cardiovascular si ambele sunt eficiente atat in controlul greutatii cat si in reducerea grasimii din corp. O banda buna de alergare poate oferi un nivel de amortizare atat de ridicat incat face ca cei mai exotici pantofi de sport sa dea senzatia unui flip-flop, fara sa trebuiasca sa cauti rutele fara trafic si poluare, dar sigure, mai ales pentru femei in serile de iarna.

Dar benzile de alergare presupun o tehnologie mai complexa decat celelalte tipuri de echipament? (cum ar fi cross trainers (bicicletele), ceea ce inseamna ca trebuie sa te gandesti bine inainte de a te repezi sa cumperi acel produs)

Foarte important cand cumparati o banda de alergare:

Asigurati-va ca banda de alergare se vinde impreuna cu o garantie a service-ului, pentru ca multe marci de import se vand doar cu garantia pieselor (doar nu vreti sa schimbati un nou motor chiar d-voastra, etc). Asigurati-va ca garantia nu se ofera cu intoarcerea la baza (d-voastra platiti transportul), intrebati daca inginerul vine la d-voastra acasa sa faca reparatia.

Este important sa cumparati un produs cu nume de marca cunoscut “high street” pentru care se ofera service adecvat in toata tara. Astfel, daca vanzatorul cu amanuntul dispare, garantia d-voastra este totusi valabila la producator. Acum multi producatori ofera garantii pentru toata viata aparatului pentru motor si o garantie prelungita pentru structura si componente.

* Dimensiuni generale – Verificati daca se incadreaza in locul in care doriti sa-l puneti (langa o sursa de energie) cu destul loc pentru a va urca si coborati de pe aparat. Daca locul este mic, ganditi-va si la benzile de alergare rabatabile.
* Puterea motorului – Ar trebui sa aiba cel putin 2.0 cai putere si sa aiba un bun efort de torsiune (la viteze foarte mici, cureaua nu trebuie sa incetineasca cand pasiti pe ea)
* Amortizarea si stabilitatea benzii – Cum te simti cand alergi pe banda de alergare? O banda buna de alergare ar trebui sa ofere o amortizare excelenta, dar sa nu scuture, sa nu agite, sa nu faca zgomote sau sa vibreze la fiecare pas.
* Cureaua sau banda de rulare – verificati daca banda este destul de lata (se recomanda de la 40cm in sus) si destul de lunga pentru a se adapta stilului d-voastra de alergat fara sa aveti crampe si sa se miste lin pentru punte, chiar si cand mergeti la viteza mica.
* Viteza maxima – Asigurati-va ca este cu cel putin 3Km/ora mai mare decat pasul d-voastra obisnuit de alergat? pentru ca motoarele benzilor de alergare care sunt folosite la viteze maxime pe perioade lungi nu vor rezista prea mult.
* Gradientul maxim (inclinarea) -? Gradiente maxime mai mari, de ex. 12%+ sunt folositoare pentru exercitiile de mers. Mai verificati si cat de repede se schimba gradientul cand apasati butonul!
* Pupitru feedback si usurinta utilizarii – cat de clare si inteligibile sunt informatiile de pe afisaj? Cat de usor este accesul la programe (daca exista)? Daca sunt butoanele destul de vizibile si usor de folosit?
* Programele – multe benzi de alergare ofera antrenamente la intervale anume, curse de alergat in panta sau va dau posibilitatea sa va creati propriul d-voastra program de alergat/ mers. Unele mai afiseaza si controlul ritmului cardiac.
* Zgomotul – cat de zgomotoasa este banda de alergat mai ales la viteze mai mari? Benzile de alergare mai silentioase de obicei au un standard mai ridicat de structura si motor.
* Rabatarea – Se rabateaza banda de alergare pentru a putea fi depozitata?
* Standardul structurii – Structurile sudate sunt mai bune decat structurile prinse cu suruburi (suruburile se pot desprinde sub presiune si greutate mare) iar banda de alergare nu trebuie sa se scuture vizibil cand calcati pe ea (este semnul unei constructii fragile)!

Hamšík hauls Napoli into second

SSC Napoli reduced AC Milan's Serie A lead to three points with a 1-0 victory at Genoa CFC on a day when US Città di Palermo and Udinese Calcio enjoyed home victories.

SSC Napoli reduced AC Milan's Serie A lead to three points as they moved into second place following their 1-0 win at Genoa CFC.

There was little to choose between the two sides at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and the visitors rode their luck during an open second half, in which Michele Pazienza was dismissed (85), but Marek Hamšík's first-half header (25) proved sufficient to earn the Partenopei their sixth league win in eight matches. Walter Mazzari's side are now above S.S. Lazio, who travel to Juventus on Sunday, on goal difference.

US Città di Palermo's promising league campaign also continued with a fourth win in five league fixtures, against Parma FC. Though the visitors took an early lead through Alessandro Lucarelli (7), Mauricio Pinilla levelled the scores (51), before captain Fabrizio Miccoli (61) added a second and former Rosanero defender Cristian Zaccardo (89) put through his own net to seal a 3-1 success. Fifth-placed Palermo are seven points behind Milan.

Udinese Calcio also came from behind to clinch a 2-1 home victory against ACF Fiorentina, who had broken the deadlock when Mario Santana's long-range effort (31) squirmed under Samir Handanovič. The Friulani rallied after the break, however, as Pablo Armero (63) thundered in a long-range equaliser and Antonio Di Natale (80) settled the match with his tenth league strike of the season, making him Serie A's leading goalscorer.

Results

Standings

Photo gallery

City reject Tevez transfer request

Manchester City have rejected a transfer request from Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez, the Barclays Premier League club have confirmed.

The Eastlands club have also expressed their disappointment at the "actions of his representative" over the matter.

The relationship between Tevez and City manager Roberto Mancini has reportedly deteriorated in recent weeks although the player is understood to be unhappy at being apart from his two daughters who live in Argentina.

Clichy: We want to make fans proud- Arsenal web

Gael Clichy maintains it is about time Arsenal got the results their performances against Barclays Premier League title rivals deserved and not just credit for playing nice football.

The Gunners head to Old Trafford on Monday night looking to keep themselves top of the table, having made the most of Manchester United's postponement at Blackpool last weekend, but it has been four years since Arsenal beat the Red Devils on home soil, and their recent record against Chelsea does not stand up much better either.

"We know that if we win this game we will go four points ahead of Manchester United," the full-back told Arsenal TV Online. "We will try to win the game by playing well, but at the end of the day playing well and losing the game is not giving you anything."

Arsene Wenger's side put on a decent display against the Blues in October, creating several chances before nemesis Didier Drogba struck again and they eventually went down 2-0.

However, that was the only away match Arsenal have lost in the league so far, recording impressive victories at Manchester City, Everton and Aston Villa.

Clichy - now recovered from the virus which forced him to miss the midweek Champions League win over Partizan Belgrade - feels the Gunners must now continue that form and deliver in Monday's televised showdown.

He added: "Okay (playing well), it gives you credit you are a good player and you play for a good side, but at the end of the day if you can be four points ahead of the second place, that is all that matters.

"We just want to win and make our fans proud. We have been training hard every day and will show them we are up for this game."

Lloris focused on stealing top spot for Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais may have already secured their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League but there is no chance of them playing their final group fixture against Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC in second gear, according to Hugo Lloris. "You'll see a true Champions League match," said the goalkeeper, and with good reason.

Lyon are playing for first place in Group B against a visiting Israeli side who, though bottom of the pool, are still in contention for a UEFA Europa League berth. Claude Puel's team are a point behind section leaders FC Schalke 04 and need to beat Hapoel and hope the German club fail to win against third-placed SL Benfica in Lisbon to wrest first place.

"The stakes are high," said France No1 Lloris. "Even if we are behind Schalke, we have to do our best to get first place, knowing that Benfica have still not qualified for the Europa League. We have the fortune to play our last game at home, so it wouldn't be a good idea to fail."

Lloris, 23, is well are aware of the significance of finishing first and avoiding some of the tournament's big guns in the 17 December draw for the next round. "I've never finished first in Champions League. I know that it could be an advantage, avoiding teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona for instance." It is fitting he mentions the two Spanish giants – two years ago, Lyon lost to FC Barcelona in the first knockout round, while they beat Real Madrid CF last year at the same stage.

Top spot would also mean Lyon being at home for the second leg in the last 16 and their form at the Stade de Gerland is a cause for optimism for Lloris as he looks ahead to the immediate challenge against Hapoel – they have won their two previous home games in Group B without conceding a goal while Hapoel have lost their two away matches. 

Yet Hapoel did win away twice in the qualifying rounds and forward Etey Shechter said that, while their task was daunting, the desire was there. "We know that we'll have it tough against a great club. Lyon will probably dominate the game, but with the right willpower, we can win," he said.

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Moisés urging Braga to write history

Defender Moisés is hoping SC Braga can "make history" by forging their way through to the UEFA Champions League knockout phase, though their prospects hang in the balance ahead of their final Group H outing away against leaders FC Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

Braga travel to Ukraine knowing even a win could prove insufficient as much will also depend on Arsenal FC's result against FK Partizan in north London. Level with the Gunners on nine points – three behind Shakhtar – the Portuguese side are nonetheless determined to extend their maiden campaign at this level. "It would make history for the club," said Moisés. "We've already made history by playing in the Champions League, but I think we're good enough to get through. We're good enough and I think we deserve it after everything we've done this season – all the difficulties we've gone through and overcome."

Qualification would certainly represent a supreme achievement for the centre-back and his colleagues, given that they kicked off with a humbling 6-0 reverse at Arsenal on Matchday 1. "I think that made the team learn fast," said Moisés, who has previous experience of UEFA Champions League action from his time with FC Spartak Moskva. "We run the risk of getting 12 points and still not qualifying, but I think this debut in the Champions League has only been positive for Braga and we're still trying to qualify. There are still good things to come for us and we can only give ourselves a pat on the back for what we've done so far."

Heads were certainly turned when Domingos Paciência's men earned a measure of revenge by downing Arsenal 2-0 last time out, and victory against Shakhtar would represent their fourth consecutive success in the section. "There's no doubt that we'll go for the win," added Moisés. "We know we're up against a team who are very strong on their own ground, but I think we proved ourselves away against Sevilla and Celtic [in qualifying], so the players are used to this type of game and we'll do everything to get a good result."

Signed from CR Flamengo in 2008, the Brazilian-born stopper has attracted plenty of praise for his own displays in the competition, and he underlined that these are inspiring times for the club that finished runners-up in the Portuguese Liga last term. "It's very satisfying to be part of an era at Braga where we can all feel the change in the air," he said. "That's what's great about football, you know that you're doing your job but also being appreciated for it. I think [the UEFA Champions League] has been important for both the city and the club."

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Müller tipping Bayern to bounce back

Much like his club side, Thomas Müller has experienced a chastening few months since the summer. A revelation at the FIFA World Cup, the Germany midfielder has been part of a FC Bayern München team struggling for consistency. Yet he is backing himself and the German champions to turn their season around and begin challenging for titles once again.

Müller plundered 13 goals as Bayern clinched the Bundesliga crown last term, and before his breakthrough campaign was over they had also added the German Cup and finished runners-up in the UEFA Champions League. The 21-year-old then scooped the Golden Boot and Best Young Player award at the World Cup, but the story since then has been of momentum stalled.

Beaten 2-0 at FC Schalke 04 on Saturday, Bayern now lie 17 points shy of Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund; Müller's goal against Eintracht Frankfurt on 27 November was his first league strike in two months. "It had been eight games without a goal and I must say things were not ideal for me," said the Bayern youth product, who registered five times in South Africa but has hit just three goals in 15 league outings since then.

"We're in a difficult period; things haven't been going too well, and that's true for me personally as well. I just tried to stay calm and didn't look at things too dramatically. It's normal that things don't always go as they did during the World Cup. You find yourself back to your normal life and you can experience a loss of form, especially young players like me. But I always give my best and don't let myself get dragged down by critics."

Domestic woes notwithstanding, he and his colleagues need not look too far for positives, and they go into Wednesday's concluding game of Group E against FC Basel 1893 safe in the knowledge they have been assured a UEFA Champions League last-16 place since Matchday 4.

Indeed, they were arguably in even hotter waters this time last year. Seventh in the Bundesliga at the start of December 2009, they needed victory in their final group assignment at Juventus to keep their European adventure alive. "The situation is not as bad as the media or newspapers are saying," explained Müller.

"We haven't been playing badly; it's just that the results haven't come. We need to be more consistent and score some goals." With two of his own in this year's UEFA Champions League, he is confident Bayern possess the mental steel required for another run through the knockout phase. Last season they saw off ACF Fiorentina, Manchester United FC and Olympique Lyonnais en route to their final loss to FC Internazionale Milano.

"We hope we can go a long way in the competition again," he said. "Last season we had a critical moment in Florence and in Manchester we were 3-0 down, but we were very strong mentally. This season we've been mentally very solid as well, but once you get to the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the Champions League, it's all down to details because all the teams are very strong and you just need a bit of luck."

Retaining some of the qualities that fired their challenge last term must be due in part to continuity at the helm, and Müller praised coach Louis van Gaal for his influence on the side. "He has his own philosophy and not every coach has such a clear approach," said the player. "He's taught me a lot of things, in personal talks as well, and he's helped me improve my game. As a young player, you have to be very grateful for his advice."

Van Gaal's faith in Müller has been key to the latter's rise, and the youngster admitted to still feeling amazed at how quickly his career has taken off. "The short time in which everything has happened has been really extreme," he said. "My goal was always to become a professional player and then to be a professional at Bayern, because I recognised that was possible. But I never imagine it would happen so fast and that I'd become an international and play in a Champions League final. I'm very happy it's all turned out the way it has."

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Team of the week - Matchday 6

Ten different sides are represented in our Matchday 6 Player Rater Team of the Week, which includes a UEFA Champions League debutant, a hat-trick hero and the unlikeliest of scorers.

Goalkeeper

Vicente Guaita (Valencia CF)
Valencia’s third-choice goalkeeper shone on his first UEFA Champions League start. He set the tone by thwarting Dimitar Berbatov in a one-on-one – the first of a series of saves which limited United to just the one goal, prompting Sir Alex Ferguson to describe it as a "golden day" for the 23-year-old.

Defenders

Sebastian Prödl (SV Werder Bremen)
Bremen’s 3-0 win against champions FC Internazionale Milano owed much to vim and endeavour, qualities no more evident than in Prödl. He also got them on their way with a towering header from a Torsten Frings corner just before half-time.

Toby Alderweireld (AFC Ajax)
It is no mean feat going to San Siro, scoring twice and keeping a clean sheet. Ajax did just that on Wednesday to ensure themselves of a UEFA Europa League berth and Alderweireld was influential at both ends, scoring a superb second from outside the box midway through the second half.

Benedikt Höwedes (FC Schalke 04)
Up until Luisão’s goal three minutes from time, SL Benfica had been superbly kept at bay by Schalke. Höwedes was particularly pivotal at the heart of the German side’s defence and capped a fine night’s work with a goal of his own – his second in as many matches.

Răzvan Raţ (FC Shakhtar Donetsk)
The unlikeliest of heroes for the Ukrainian titleholders, Raţ found the net for the first time in 83 UEFA club competition appearances – going back over a decade – to break the deadlock and then set up Luiz Adriano to assure Shakhtar of victory against SC Braga and a first appearance in the last 16.

Midfielders

Franck Ribéry (FC Bayern München)
The French international had not scored twice since February 2009 before two cool finishes either side of Anatoliy Tymoshchuk’s close-range strike ensured Bayern of a comfortable victory against FC Basel 1893.

William Kvist (FC København)
Captain Kvist led his team through to the last 16 with a display of impressive composure in midfield against Panathinaikos FC, spreading the ball to the flanks with superb precision to launch attacks, and slowing the play down whenever necessary.

Christian Eriksen (AFC Ajax)
Only 18, but you would never have guessed it. Old hands such as Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini and Clarence Seedorf were all overshadowed by Eriksen, the heartbeat of an impressive Ajax performance at San Siro.

Eran Zahavi (Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC)
As willing and as enterprising as his Hapoel team-mates against Olympique Lyonnais, Zahavi’s goal will take some beating – a sensational overhead kick which scarcely looked feasible until the very last second.

Forwards
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid CF)
Benzema continues to shine in this season’s UEFA Champions League, producing the ’perfect hat-trick’ in Madrid’s win against AJ Auxerre. Scoring with a left-footed drive to add to his headed opener, the France striker then chipped in exquisitely with his right before the night was done.

Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur FC)
More than two months out through injury meant Defoe had not found the net since registering a hat-trick in England’s 4-0 win against Bulgaria on 3 September. Two predatory strikes at FC Twente soon saw to that.

Balonare

Balonare

Balonarea este cauzata de o anumita afectiune sau este o consecinta a unui stil alimentar dezordonat. Daca senzatia de balonare este repetitiva, in ciuda regimului alimentar optim, este important sa va adresezi unui medic specialist pentru a depista daca exista probleme digestive si cum pot fi tratate. Balonarea se manifesta prin gaze in exces in tubul digestiv, in special in stomac si intestine. In cazuri de balonare persistenta, este recomandata o detoxifiere de 2-3 ori pe an, necesitate prezenta in special dupa varsta de 35 de ani, cand problemele digestive devin mai frecvente.

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Newcastle bring end to Hughton reign

Newcastle United FC have sacked manager Chris Hughton following the club's 3-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion FC on Sunday.

The defeat, Newcastle's third in five games, left the north-east team in 11th place in the Premier League, four points clear of the bottom three. The 51-year-old initially joined the Magpies as a coach in February 2008 and, after two spells in caretaker charge, was offered the post permanently in October 2009.

Hughton, who guided the club back into the top flight as Championship winners following their relegation in 2008/09, is the first Premier League manager to be dismissed this term. Former England forward Peter Beardsley, a youth coach at the club, has taken caretaker charge.

A club statement read: "Regrettably the board now feels that an individual with more managerial experience is needed to take the club forward. An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a successor." Newcastle are at home to Liverpool FC on Saturday. 

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Fear factor frustrates Ancelotti

 Angry Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti labelled his side "frightened" after a shocking second half display cost them the chance to go back to the top of the Barclays Premier League as they recorded a 1-1 draw with Everton.

Chelsea looked to be on course for three points thanks to Didier Drogba's 42nd-minute penalty but Toffees substitute Jermaine Beckford headed an equaliser four minutes from time.

"The problem is on the pitch and we have to work to resolve this. First half the spirit was good. I saw the players in focus and concentrated with good tactical discipline. But in the second half they were scared, afraid and played the long ball," said Ancelotti.

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Puel wants final push from Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais coach Claude Puel is eager for the Ligue 1 side to reproduce their recent domestic displays on the UEFA Champions League stage as he underlined what it would mean for second-placed Lyon to finish top of Group B and gain a "significant advantage" in the round of 16. Yet he is expecting no favours from a Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC side who, in the words of visiting coach Eli Gutman, have "improved a lot" since Lyon's 3-1 victory in Israel in September and still have a UEFA Europa League spot to play for.

Claude Puel, Lyon coach
It's an important game for us. Hapoel are a good team, who like playing good football. They have some up-and-coming young players, and they are less naive defensively than at the beginning of the competition. We are looking to finish in first place, not to avoid a big team in the next round, because every opponent is strong at this level, but because having the second leg at home is a significant advantage. I would like the team to repeat their performances against [Paris Saint-Germain FC, a 2-2 home draw] and Montpellier, and show a different side compared with the defeats at Schalke and Benfica [on Matchdays 4 and 5].

Eli Gutman, Hapoel coach
It's our last match and we know Lyon and Schalke have already qualified. We'll try and build on our last performance [the 3-0 win over Benfica] but I think Lyon are the best team in the group so it is by no means going to be easy. But we'll play without pressure. In the first game against Lyon, we had a bad start, but my team have improved a lot since.

Team News
• Lyon
Cris returned on Saturday after three weeks out with a knee injury while Jérémy Toulalan is available after recovering from a thigh problem. However, Yoann Gourcuff will miss out because of an Achilles injury while Clément Grenier remains sidelined after suffering a damaged thigh in training on 10 November. Ederson and César Delgado have been out since August, also with thigh problems.

• Hapoel
Sidelined since Matchday 3, Gal Shish returned on Saturday along with Salim Taoma, out since sustaining a calf problem on 14 November. Romain Rocchi (stomach and groin) and Mahran Lala (ruptured knee ligaments) are long-term absentees.

Weekend results
04/12/10 Montpellier Hérault SC 1-2 Lyon
(Spahic 80; Lisandro 5, 90+4)
Lisandro's goals assured Lyon of their highest placing of the campaign, fifth, and extended their unbeaten Ligue 1 run to nine games. Puel's side were 18th at the start of that sequence, having picked up five points from their first seven matches.

04/12/10 Hapoel Petach-Tikva FC 1-5 Hapoel
(Fransman og 37; Tamuz 5 52, Da Silva 23, Zahavi 27, Abutbul 75)
Toto Tamuz took his tally to four league goals in three games as Hapoel equalled their biggest league win of the campaign.

Did you know?
While Lyon have reached the knockout rounds for the eighth season in a row, they have not finished as group winners since 2006/07.

See the match background for more information.

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Rubin still wary of under-strength Barcelona

FC Rubin Kazan may well have to repeat last season's win at Camp Nou to have a chance of pinching the Group D runners-up spot from the current incumbents FC København, who go into Matchday 6 a point ahead. Yet while it could help the Russian side's prospects that FC Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola has left out a handful of first-teamers including Xavi Hernández and will start with José Pinto in goal, visiting coach Kurban Berdyev anticipates a tough evening regardless of how many regulars the home side rest. "Tactically Barcelona won't change their style. I don't think the player changes will affect that," he said.

Josep Guardiola, Barcelona coach
We have no goal tomorrow because we've already completed our task. We've done the job and qualified and nobody can take that away from us. Out of respect for the public we'll try to play a good, dynamic football and create as many chances as possible.

We were also going to rest [Andrés] Iniesta and [Lionel] Messi as well as Xavi but as the B team also have an important match this week, we couldn't take any more players from them so Messi and Iniesta won't rest. I don't know if you can find better players than these ones [the trio have been shortlisted for the FIFA Ballon d'Or]. You can achieve great things, yes, but so many times? So I am very proud of them and we know the fans are proud and that's a good enough prize. It'll be tough to find a generation like this one. The club is very lucky to have them and to enjoy their football and I am lucky to be able to coach them. This is the third year they are playing at this level and that's really difficult.

Kurban Berdyev, Rubin coach
The players understand that it's a football fiesta and this is the second time we will play at this great stadium. We have prepared very well. The season is coming to an end but this doesn't affect us. Playing against Barcelona, we have to think about defending our goal. If we leave open spaces, well, we have seen what happens to other teams who have done that against Barcelona.

The whole team and I are proud not to have lost here at the Camp Nou. Barcelona teach us all lessons and we have learned a lot from them. We saw Barcelona v Real Madrid of course. Barcelona were at their highest level and wanted to achieve an important result. It's the first time I have see them play with so much motivation.

If we don't qualify, it'll be disappointing, but I think we will leave with our heads held high. Tactically Barcelona won't change their style. I don't think the player changes will affect that. The players don't make them strong, because all the players are very good and they prepare well whatever the starting XI is.

Team news
• Barcelona
As well as Xavi, Guardiola has rested Daniel Alves, Pedro Rodríguez and David Villla, while Seydou Keita has a knee problem. Jeffren made a scoring return in last week's 5-0 win against Real Madrid CF after more than a month out with a dislocated shoulder. Gabriel Milito tore a muscle in his right thigh on 10 November.

• Rubin
Roman Sharonov played Rubin's last two league games after recovering from a knee injury that had kept him out for four days shy of a year. Carlos Eduardo faces a late fitness test having been out for a month with a knee injury, while a similar problem has sidelined Aleksandr Orekhov.

Weekend results
04/12/10 CA Osasuna 0-3 Barcelona
(Pedro 26, Messi 65, 84pen)
Guardiola's team secured their seventh successive win to stretch their unbeaten run to 19 games in all competitions. Barcelona had to find alternative travel arrangements for the game in Pamplona after a strike by Spanish air traffic controllers. Kick-off was delayed by 45 minutes.

• Champions in 2008 and 2009, Rubin ended their Premier-Liga campaign in third after a 0-0 draw at FC Lokomotiv Moskva on 28 November.

Did you know?
Barcelona will look to beat Rubin at the fourth attempt. Their two games in Kazan both ended in draws while last season, Aleksandr Ryazantsev and Gökdeniz Karadeniz scored to secure a shock 2-1 win at Camp Nou.

See the match background for more information.

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Rubin's Ryzhikov wary of Barcelona backlash

Only one team managed an away win against FC Barcelona in Europe or the Spanish Liga last season – FC Rubin Kazan. On Tuesday they may need to do so again if they are to stay in the UEFA Champions League.

If Rubin want to progress from Group D, they must pick up more points at Camp Nou against section winners Barcelona than second-placed FC København manage at home to eliminated Panathinaikos FC. However, the Russian side's 2-1 success in Barcelona last October – when despite having just three goal attempts to the Blaugrana's 24, goalkeeper Sergei Ryzhikov stood firm – offers hope.

"That match was one of the most memorable of my life," Ryzhikov told UEFA.com. "That win was top class. A lot of teams dream about beating Barcelona at Camp Nou, but not many succeed. Even Real Madrid were not able to do it recently. Nevertheless I believe our best matches are still to come both in terms of performances and results."

Rubin, who kept their chances alive with a 1-0 defeat of København a fortnight ago, have not played since their Russian Premier League campaign ended with a 28 November draw at FC Lokomotiv Moskva. Their two-year reign as domestic champions closed with a third-place finish, considered disappointing by some but not by Ryzhikov.

"We have taken a small step forward compared with last year but it is very important nonetheless in terms of Rubin establishing themselves as a big club," said the 30-year-old, who has extended his contract until 2014.

Last season, despite their victory at Camp Nou, competition debutants Rubin came third in the group after a 2-0 Matchday 6 loss at eventual champions FC Internazionale Milano. This term, they are again guaranteed at least a UEFA Europa League round of 32 berth.

"I would say both our campaigns have been successful," said Ryzhikov. "After five games we have six points – the same as last year. Maybe the group was stronger last year but this time three teams have been fighting for second place. Whatever, we have already booked our European place for the new year."

The result Rubin may come to rue was their opening loss at København, falling to an 87th-minute Dame N'Doye goal. "On the one hand I feel we were unlucky that evening," the keeper said. "On the other we lost concentration and were punished. As a result we are now in third place, where we are likely to finish."

They can yet do even better if they extend their unbeaten record against Barcelona, having also held the Catalans at home both this season and last. "I think they have a grudge against us and will try to do everything to take Rubin down a peg," Ryzhikov warned.

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Davies dismayed by City conduct

 Bolton striker Kevin Davies has branded Manchester City's conduct as "embarrassing" and written them off as potential Barclays Premier League title winners.

Carlos Tevez's early goal sealed the game for the Blues, although the Argentinian's petulant reaction to being substituted late in the game was an even bigger discussion point. Davies is not convinced that gave off the correct signals and he was even less impressed at so many of the City players collapsing in mock agony during a keenly-fought duel.

"When there is not much contact and they go down screaming, it is embarrassing from a man's point of view," Davies told the Manchester Evening News.

Man City Forum

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Ferguson realistic over Hargreaves

 Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he harbours serious concerns about the career of Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The 29-year-old arrived from Bayern Munich three years ago, but unfortunately he also brought a chronic tendinitis problem that after a stellar 2008 - which saw Hargreaves win both the Premier League and Champions League - required surgery on his knees that kept him out for over 19 months. A further setback followed this summer before he tore his hamstring in November.

Ferguson's concern is obvious and he said: "He has not played for over two years so we would have to be super-optimistic to think everything in the garden was rosy about him making comebacks."

Man Utd Forum

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Henderson provides hammer blow

 Jordan Henderson's first goal of the season sent West Ham back to the foot of the Barclays Premier League table as Sunderland ended their recent revival with a 1-0 victory.

The 20-year-old England international struck 11 minutes before the break to give his side an advantage they refused to surrender despite second half pressure from the visitors.

Victor Obinna came closest to snatching a point with a 79th-minute effort which hit the outside of the post, but the Black Cats were good value for a victory which left them in seventh place.

Sunderland Forum

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Hughton leaves Newcastle

 Newcastle have parted company with manager Chris Hughton, the Barclays Premier League club confirmed on Monday afternoon.

The 51-year-old leaves the club just seven months after guiding them back into the top flight and with them sitting 11th in the table.

They were beaten 3-1 at West Brom on Sunday, a result which looks to have brought Hughton's time with the club to an end, just over a month after they beat bitter rivals Sunderland 5-1 and won 1-0 at Arsenal.

Newcastle Forum

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Skopje hosts anti-racism conference

A conference organised by the Football Federation of Macedonia (FFM) together with the Macedonian Centre for Culture and Development (MCKR) has tackled the question of overcoming racism and ethnic discrimination in the Balkan region.

The event in the Macedonian capital Skopje on 14 and 15 October was attended by representatives of UEFA, the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport, the Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation and other organisations.

The conference was opened by the director of youth and sport in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Spasov Dime. Meanwhile, FFM general secretary Igor Klimper gave the following message to delegates: "For the last ten years, the FFM has supported the activities of the MCKR and FARE [Football Against Racism in Europe] Action Week, with all domestic championship matches held under the banner of anti-nationalism and anti-racism.

"The FFM takes part in all UEFA activities and has already begun the process of full implementation of all standards related to the total elimination of discrimination in sport."

Last year, the FFM arranged the first national conference on eliminating violence off the sports field. It brought together representatives of the country's leading sports federations in taking a firm stand against violence. A ground-breaking book was also published on the subject.

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Stekelenburg still hungry as Ajax adjust aim

For Maarten Stekelenburg, AFC Ajax's UEFA Champions League ambitions dimmed the moment they were placed in the same group as AC Milan and Real Madrid CF. But if things have turned out largely as anticipated by the Dutch international goalkeeper, he hopes they can at least claim the consolation of a UEFA Europa League berth when they complete their Group G programme at Milan on Wednesday.

"When you draw Real Madrid, Milan and Auxerre, you know it will be very difficult," said Stekelenburg. "Of course you focus mostly on third place, for the Europa League, and you hope for what everybody thinks would be an upset. It was possible for a long time. We have to forget the first match because at Madrid we weren't ourselves and deservedly lost. But then Milan came to visit and we took a good point and after that we won against Auxerre, so we were in good shape."

Unfortunately for Stekelenburg and Co, the picture soon changed with an "unnecessary" defeat at AJ Auxerre, followed by the 4-0 home loss to Madrid on Matchday 5 in which he and his team-mates were "outclassed". He added: "Then it looked completely different. The second round of the Champions League won't be possible, but the Europa League is the highest thing we can achieve at the moment, so we'll go for that."

To hold on to third place, Ajax – a point ahead of Auxerre – need only better or match the French side's result in Madrid. "I don't expect Auxerre to win in Madrid, but you never know, so actually we need to try to get a good result against Milan," explained Stekelenburg, who hopes Ajax can apply the lessons learned in September's 1-1 home draw with the Rossoneri.

"If you go back to the match here at the ArenA, we started well and were actually trying to put them under pressure. That comes with risks, because you can't forget that Milan have fantastic players and they can outplay you or you can suffer on a counterattack. We got to 1-0 and you wonder 'should we go on or should we drop back? Should we first take more control?' At a certain point, there was a mistake when we tried to play offside, which completely failed and which got punished almost immediately. We hope we've learned from that for the return match."

The goalkeeper believes that the entire campaign has provided an important learning curve for a club competing in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2005/06. "You know that the Champions League is the highest thing. The level is much higher than the Dutch league and mistakes will be punished immediately, so you have to be even more focused and try to give away even less.

"It's just a learning curve for the young kids," he added. "We have a very young team, with many players in their early 20s. I'm only 28 and for a goalkeeper that's quite young, but I'm already one of the oldest on the pitch. I experienced it myself when I first came to Ajax – I also played a lot of Champions League games and that makes you stronger. It's a good way of learning for the boys."

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Jol exits Ajax

 Ajax have confirmed coach Martin Jol has left the club by mutual consent.

Jol, who only took charge of Ajax in May last year, claimed the expectations at the Amsterdam ArenA were too high. The club have announced on their official website that former Holland defender Frank de Boer will take temporary charge until the winter break.

Former Hamburg and Tottenham boss Jol told www.ajax.nl: "With pain in my heart I say goodbye to this wonderful club. We started something last summer that I would have finished. But I have come to realise that the expectations after last season were too high."

International Forum

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Redknapp in England running

 Tottenham's Harry Redknapp is in the running to be the next England manager, according to Football Association general secretary Alex Horne.

Horne expects Redknapp to be on the list of contenders when Fabio Capello's successor is chosen. But the FA insist the next England boss could still be foreign.

"Harry Redknapp is a great manager," said Horne. "Tottenham are playing great football and to qualify well for the Champions League (knockout stage) from a position of being fourth favourites in the group is huge testimony to that."

Tottenham Forum

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Templeton wins monthly award

 Hearts winger David Templeton has won the ''Clydesdale Bank Premier League young player of the month''- award for November. The 21-year-old Scottish Youth International scored three goals in four wins for Hearts last month.

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Wenger: Nasri an exceptional talent

 Arsene Wenger declared there was even more to come from Samir Nasri after the midfielder's two magical goals sent Arsenal top of the Barclays Premier League.

France star Nasri showed jaw-dropping composure to prevent his side dropping yet more points at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners beat Fulham 2-1. Both goals - his 10th and 11th of the season - were fit to win any game and manager Wenger was delighted with the midfielder.

"It was a combination of touch, intelligence, special talent and calmness as well," he said. "He needed to be patient to finish on both occasions and he did that very well. Many people questioned me when I took him here but he is showing that he is an exceptional talent and I think there is more to come from him."

Arsenal Forum

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Twente and Tottenham to shuffle their packs

FC Twente coach Michel Preud'homme and Tottenham Hotspur FC's Harry Redknapp have both promised changes for their final match in UEFA Champions League Group A. Preud'homme will give a group-stage debut to 40-year-old goalkeeper Sander Boschker, while Redknapp was slightly more expansive in his plans for a match which the English club must win to be certain of topping the section.

Michel Preud'homme, Twente coach
I don't know what to expect from Tottenham but whether they win the group or finish runners-up can make a difference for them. For Spurs it is also a new story to play in the Champions League and they want to make the best of it. Normally I wouldn't reveal the starting XI but I can tell you that Sander Boschker will start the match.

I have two excellent goalkeepers and in these circumstances I can give Boschker a game. I have also spoken with [Nikolay] Mihaylov and we all agreed to give Sander this opportunity. The scoreline was harsh in the away game against Spurs [a 4-1 loss] and we weren't as bad as that suggested. In general, we have competed in all our matches. We have learned that we can do better. Everybody would have been happy with a third-place finish when we started the campaign.

Harry Redknapp, Tottenham manager
I might just make one or two changes. We've one or two players who are desperate to play and have been unlucky not to. We've lots of important games coming up so it's important we don't overstretch one or two of the lads.  If we make changes, whoever comes into the side will do a great job for us. It's important to try to finish top of the table. For sure there's an advantage in finishing top because you will not play against other group winners like Madrid and Barcelona.

I don't know if Twente are looking for revenge. We were fortunate in the home match. You don't win the title in Holland if don't have a good team. It will be a good game tomorrow. With our results other teams will look at us and say that Tottenham is a dangerous place to go. An away win would be a good message from us.

Team news
• Twente
Mihaylov and Dwight Tiendalli (both knee) returned against De Graafschap. Nicky Kuiper (knee) and Emir Bajrami (ankle) have been out since October, while Bryan Ruiz is sidelined until mid-January (knee).

• Tottenham
Younes Kaboul (thigh) and Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring) are sidelined with the injuries which forced them to miss out at Birmingham City FC on Saturday, when Michael Dawson was on the bench after more than three months out with sprained knee ligaments. Redknapp confirmed that Robbie Keane (ankle) and Jermaine Jenas (calf) did travel to the Netherlands along with Luka Modric, who has a touch of flu. Ledley King (groin) is still unavailable.

Weekend results
04/12/10 Twente 2-0 De Graafschap
(Janssen 8 69)
Theo Janssen, back from suspension, scored both of his goals direct from free-kicks. At the halfway point of the Eredivisie season, Twente are level on 37 points with leaders PSV Eindhoven.

04/12/10 Birmingham 1-1 Tottenham
Gardner 81; Bassong 19)
Tottenham's four-match winning run in all competitions was ended by Craig Gardner's late equaliser and denied them just a second clean sheet in their last 20 games.

Did you know?
Van der Vaart played for AFC Ajax from 1999 to 2005, winning two Eredivisie titles. He was a team-mate of Boschker during the Twente goalkeeper's one season at Ajax in 2003/04 and later in the Netherlands' 2010 World Cup squad.

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United face Valencia leadership challenge

After a free weekend, Manchester United FC are looking forward to the visit of Valencia CF for a contest which will decide who finishes top of UEFA Champions League Group C. United lead the Spanish club by three points and will win the section by not losing – something Sir Alex Ferguson is keen they achieve in order to "avoid the big hitters" in the round of 16. Valencia, meanwhile, must win to leapfrog United and their coach, Unai Emery, believes doing so would "send out a warning" to the rest of Europe.

Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager
In one way it's a plus [that the game against Blackpool FC was postponed] in that we don't have any more injuries. But the players would rather have played because it's been ten days since we had a game. The sensible approach to try and avoid big hitters like Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid is by finishing top, because they're all leading their groups at the moment. I will play my strongest side tomorrow. We'll then have six days to prepare for Arsenal.

Historically against Valencia we've always had very tough, tight games and I think that will be the case. Let's see how they set themselves out, because at Real Madrid on Saturday they were very compact, didn't show much in the way of positive intentions but were very difficult to beat. In their previous away game against Villarreal they went with five attackers and very nearly won.

Unai Emery, Valencia coach
We've got two objectives: the first was to qualify, the second was to finish top of the group. We've achieved the first and now we're going for the second. We want to taste victory at a place like this, which would set our stall out and send out a warning sign to the other clubs. There are lots of big clubs left in the competition and a good result here would give us confidence for the challenges ahead.

Though currently Madrid and Barça are arguably the two best sides in the world, Manchester [United] are not far behind. The fact we're already qualified means we can stay composed and go about trying to get a victory in a calm, controlled manner. We've got to show character, play with a certain freedom and express ourselves.

Team news
• Manchester United
Michael Owen will not feature despite returning to training following a hamstring injury. Wes Brown and Jonny Evans both missed Monday's session, while Paul Scholes and Patrice Evra (both groin) had only a light workout. Owen Hargreaves (hamstring) and Antonio Valencia (ankle) are long-term absentees.

• Valencia
Miguel came on a substitute on Saturday for his first appearance since picking up a thigh injury on 20 November. No1 César Sánchez (hamstring) has made just two appearances since Matchday 3 while second-choice Miguel Ángel Moyà is out with a torn thigh . Valencia's absentees also include David Navarro (thigh), Manuel Fernandes (bruised hip), Mehmet Topal (bruised shin) and Jérémy Mathieu (torn calf).

Weekend results
• United's game at Blackpool FC, which was due to take place on Saturday evening, was postponed on Friday because of a frozen pitch.

04/12/10 Real Madrid CF 2-0 Valencia
(Ronaldo 73 87)
David Albelda was dismissed after 65 minutes as Valencia's five-game unbeaten run in all competitions – including four wins – ended in Madrid.

Did you know?
The Spanish club are unbeaten on their last five trips to England although they have still won only once on English soil – 1-0 at Liverpool FC in the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League group stage. Their overall record is W1 D8 L4.

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Business as usual for derby clash

 Birmingham are confident Wednesday's Carling Cup clash with local rivals Aston Villa will go ahead despite another night of sub-zero temperatures.

The undersoil heating at St. Andrew's has been in operation to ensure the pitch will be playable and the first-team squad trained on it on Tuesday with no problems.

In addition, City staff have been ensuring the concourses and seating areas are free of snow and ice to avoid any concerns over them being a safety hazard.

Aston Villa Forum

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England miss out on 2018 World Cup

 England's roller-coaster campaign to host the 2018 World Cup ended in bitter and controversial defeat in Zurich.

FIFA's executive committee voted to give the tournament to Russia ahead of England, Spain/Portugal and Holland/Belgium.

England looked to have suffered from a backlash against corruption investigations into FIFA members by BBC Panorama and the Sunday Times over the last two months. These investigations were criticised both by Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin and Spain/Portugal bid president Angel Villar Llona in his presentation to fellow FIFA members on Thursday.

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Exquisite Barca rout Real

 A second-half brace from David Villa led Barcelona to an incredible 5-0 rout of Real Madrid in the Clasico and saw the Catalans leapfrog their fierce rivals - who lost for the first time under Jose Mourinho - at the top of the Primera Division.

Mourinho had gone unbeaten in his first 19 games in all competitions since joining Madrid in the summer, but the Portuguese was unable to avoid defeat in the biggest one of all as Pep Guardiola maintained his perfect record as Barca coach in the Clasico with a fifth straight victory over Real.

Xavi and Pedro put Barca two up within 17 minutes, while Villa made it a night to remember at a packed Nou Camp with two goals early in the second half and substitute Jeffren Suarez added a fifth before Sergio Ramos was sent off.

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FIFA members accused

 BBC Panorama have accused three FIFA executive committee members of taking bribes in a programme which England's 2018 World Cup bid leaders fear could further harm their chances of winning the tournament later this week.

The three men are all part of the 22-man committee which will vote on the 2018 and 2022 hosts on Thursday.

African confederation president Issa Hayatou, whose vote England 2018 had high hopes of capturing, Brazil's Ricardo Terra Teixeira and Nicolas Leoz of Paraguay have all been named by Panorama.

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Hammers hammering shocks Ferguson

 Sir Alex Ferguson was shocked by the manner of Manchester United's Carling Cup exit at Upton Park on Tuesday night.

The holders crashed to their worst defeat since 2001 when they were thrashed 4-0 by West Ham, a first loss of the season that ended their 29-match unbeaten run. Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole struck two goals each amid a snow storm in east London that failed to dampen the Hammers' determination to reach the semi-finals.

"I didn't expect that, that's for sure. If you analyse it the goals we gave away were absolutely too soft," Ferguson told MUTV.

Man Utd Forum

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Cavani hat-trick keeps Napoli hopes alive

An inspired Edinson Cavani scored a hat-trick to help SSC Napoli battle back from two goals behind and earn a 3-3 draw that ends FC Utrecht's hopes of advancing from Group K.

The home side had earlier established a 3-1 lead, before Cavani halved the deficit just before half-time. The Uruguayan international's third after 70 minutes earned a point for Napoli who remain tied on four points with Utrecht, two behind second-placed FC Steaua Bucuresti. Napoli will go into their final fixture at home to Steaua knowing victory will take them through.

In a frantic opening, Cavani gave Napoli a fifth-minute lead when he guided the ball beyond Michel Vorm into the top right-hand corner from what seemed an impossible angle. Utrecht hit back immediately through rising star Ricky van Wolfswinkel. The imposing forward showed all his predatory instincts to nip in front of Morgan De Sanctis and score.

The hosts then took the lead when Tim Cornelisse was fouled by Luigi Vitale, Van Wolfswinkel keeping his composure with the ensuing spot kick as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. Ten minutes before the break, Utrecht had a third and Cornelisse was once again the catalyst, crossing for an unmarked Frank Demouge to power an unstoppable header past De Sanctis. A pulsating first period culminated with Cavani's second of the match, however. As he attempted to cut inside his marker, the ball fell rather fortuitously to the striker who nevertheless finished with aplomb.

Although Demouge and Edouard Duplan had half-chances early in the second period, Napoli completed their comeback when Alje Schut's foul on Ezequiel Lavezzi resulted in the game's second penalty. Cavani confidently slotted in to complete his hat-trick and Napoli might have taken all three points but defender Emilson Cribari's header rattled a post and Hassan Yebda was foiled by Vorm.

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PSG progress has Camara purring

Paris Saint-Germain FC defender Zoumana Camara told UEFA.com the French club felt "untouchable" after clinching their UEFA Europa League round of 32 place but insisted they would not rest on their laurels.

Antoine Kombouaré's men maintained their unbeaten record in Group J by overcoming Sevilla FC 4-2 to assure themselves of a top-two finish in the section, while the side are also enjoying an excellent domestic campaign – sitting fourth in Ligue 1, two points off pole position. Despite their impressive form, though, Camara was adamant there would be no let-up.

"For the moment things are going well, but the hardest thing is to maintain this form – we have to try and keep it going," said the 31-year-old centre-back, whose team are unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions. "We have to be careful not to take anything for granted. We have to try and recover quickly, because we play Brest on Sunday. But it's true that we feel as if nothing can touch us at the moment. It's up to us to ensure we maintain this forward momentum."

Midfielder Nenê was at the heart of PSG's Parc des Princes triumph. The Brazilian sent over successive corners from which Mathieu Bodmer and Guillaume Hoarau gave the hosts a comfortable cushion before easing any nerves with a superb 45th-minute strike after Frédéric Kanouté had brought Sevilla level with a quick-fire double.

"We had a little scare when they got back to 2-2 but we managed to dig deep enough to get ourselves back in front," said midfielder Christophe Jallet, who saw Hoarau claim his second goal two minutes into the second half to ease PSG through. "We've picked up the three points we needed to qualify before the final match at Karpaty Lviv and that's what we wanted."

PSG's victory leaves two-time UEFA Cup winners Sevilla requiring a point against former European champions and Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund in Spain in a fortnight; one of the group heavyweights will miss out on the knockout stage. "Perhaps people didn't expect us to get out of this group," added Jallet. "We're still in all competitions and the most important thing is stay in them for as long as possible. We're going to try and continue in the same vein until Christmas before having a well-earned rest."

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Rossi thinks big after Villarreal success

Having put NK Dinamo Zagreb to the sword on Matchday 5, Villarreal CF's players are crystal clear about the next two objectives – finishing top of UEFA Europa League Group D and then winning the tournament.

The Yellow Submarine's 3-0 victory over their Croatian visitors on Thursday clinched qualification and showcased Giuseppe Rossi's immense talent and stunning form. The striker scored or created all the goals, demanding a first-class display from Dinamo keeper Ivan Kelava to prevent an even firmer defeat. Italian international Rossi told UEFA.com: "This was a very important performance because we felt it was vital to go through to the next round tonight.

"Now we want to qualify in first position so we will keep working hard," the 23-year-old added. "We also want to win this tournament and our playing style – keeping the ball, playing one-twos and getting lots of shots in – means great football. Villarreal have a strong enough team to go far, but we must keep our feet on the ground and stick with the hard work if things are to go that well."

Dinamo left-back Leandro Cufré was sure that his side had let a great chance slip after two goals from Rossi and a Marco Ruben strike punished Vahid Halilhodžic's men for missing early opportunities. He explained to UEFA.com: "We knew Villarreal would pressure us in the first 15 minutes so we tried to do the same to them. We created two or three clear openings to score but lacked the final touch or a perfect pass in order to convert them. Then when the penalty went in [on 25 minutes] it felt like the game just slipped away from us."

The night's most experienced campaigner, 34-year-old Marcos Senna, who also had a late Villarreal spot kick saved, confirmed to UEFA.com: "Thankfully Dinamo didn't score first because they looked like they were going to. Once we went ahead we took control and put in a great performance. This team has the ability to go all the way so let's see whether we can achieve that."

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Russia ready to get to work immediately

If Russia's selection to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup was mission accomplished for the country's successful bidding team, the real mission has only just begun. That was the message from Russian Football Union (RFS) president Sergei Fursenko and national team coach Dick Advocaat as they welcomed the news that Russia had been chosen as the first eastern European country to stage the world football showpiece.

Fursenko spoke of the work required to ensure the tournament is a success as he looked ahead to 2018: "Now we need to concentrate on fulfilling our tasks – that is, building 16 new stadiums and 72 training camps. All that became reality in one single moment today."

Advocaat, Russia's Dutch coach, said: "The most important thing is not to think that eight years is a long time. The building and preparations have to start now. New stadiums, infrastructure, transport – the country is facing a huge job. I am happy that not only the national team will benefit from it but also the clubs."

Russia's bid was chosen by the FIFA Executive Committee on Thursday. The other candidates were Belgium/Netherlands, England and Portugal/Spain. The Russian World Cup will feature 14 host cities in Moscow, St Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Nizhni Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Saransk, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Ekaterinburg, Podolsk, Yaroslavl and Sochi.

There will be 16 stadiums – with plans to construct 13 of the arenas from scratch and upgrade the other three. The sheer size of the country and long distances between the cities could make transport a key area for the tournament organisers. There are planned improvements to the rail and air networks, though with government guarantees, the RFS is confident of its ability to complete the necessary work.

The president of the Russian federation Dmitri Medvedev posted a short message on his Twitter account after the FIFA announcement, saying: "We are hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Now we have to prepare thoroughly for the tournament and of course give a decent performance in it."

"Our players have to prepare," Medvedev added. "A home World Cup imposes a big responsibility on our national side. I am sure all our players will put in a great effort to produce great results." Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin did not travel to Zurich with his country's bid delegation, but did set off for Switzerland as soon as the decision was confirmed, promising before he left that the World Cup "will be organised at the highest level".

Russia's delegation in Zurich included the nation's vice-president Igor Shuvalov, the sports, youth and tourism minister Vitaly Mutko, RFS president Sergei Fursenko, 2018 bid CEO Alexei Sorokin, Arsenal FC midfielder Andrei Arshavin, former USSR goalkeeper Rinat Dasaev, the head of the national academy and Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich, two-time Olympic pole-vault champion Elena Isinbaeva, and model Natalia Vodyanova.

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Vivacious Villarreal ease into next stage

Villarreal CF powered into the round of 32 thanks to a 3-0 win against NK Dinamo Zagreb.

Two goals from Giuseppe Rossi and one for Marco Ruben left the Yellow Submarine top of Group D and looking strong UEFA Europa League contenders. The victory could have been greater had Marcos Senna not missed an 86th-minute penalty for which Igor Bišcan was dismissed. Given the plethora of chances it was remarkable that the hosts took until after the hour to seal the win. Rossi, in particular, fought a duel with Ivan Kelava during which the goalkeeper made a number of fine saves.

That domination followed a hectic spell in which Dinamo should have taken the lead. Borja Valero failed to clear in the 14th minute and Tonel's shot looped off Bruno Soriano, evading Diego López and deflecting on to the post. Chaos resulted from the corner. Milan Badelj's shot landed at the feet of Fatos Beciraj on the goal line but somehow the Villarreal goalkeeper stuck out his foot behind him and scooped the chance away.

Villarreal reacted with top-class ruthlessness and, once pardoned, took the lead. Ruben buzzed clear of the offside trap and Kelava cut him down. From the penalty, Rossi won one instalment of his mini battle, sending the keeper the wrong way. Before the break it should have been two, at least, with an audacious one-two between Mateo Musacchio and Santi Cazorla leaving Kelava saving bravely at the former's feet before Šime Vrsaljko's last-ditch block denied Rossi on the rebound.

To his credit the Italian international would not accept his ill fortune. Before he created Ruben's goal, Rossi forced Kelava to excel and a pass to Cani led to the midfielder hitting the post. Ruben then showed calm to slide the ball under the Dinamo No1 in the 62nd minute when sent clear by his strike partner. Rossi won extra rewards when substitute Nilmar set him up with ten minutes left.

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„The club has big plans“

 Kevin Kuranyi dared a big step by moving from the Bundesliga to Moscow, Russia, where he´s scoring his goals for Dinamo now. With Marius Klatt he talks about the Russian football his leaving of Schalke 04 and about rumours that on Moscow´s streets Kalashnikovs are business as usual.

Transfermarkt.co.uk: Strasdvudje Mister Kuranyi, What is life like in Moscow?

Kevin Kuranyi: It´s a quite big and beautiful city and actually really safe. You can move around freely and you don´t have to afraid – against some adventurous rumours – to walk into people with kalashnikov´s in their hands. The people are alright and I´m feeling well here.

Transfermarkt.co.uk: How well do you already speak Russian?

Kevin Kuranyi: I´m learning slowly. I can´t speak a lot yet, but I´m improving steadily.

Transfermarkt.co.uk: You moved from the German Bundesliga to the Russian league. Do you consider yourself a pioneer whom many will follow in the near future, or do you think you will stay exotic as a German in Russia?

Kevin Kuranyi: I believe it is possible, that many will follow soon, since the league has become more competitive and attractive in recent times. I think at first many players are afraid of taking such a big step, but I can take that fear away. Everything is the same and really good football is being played here.

Transfermarkt.co.uk: And you can earn a lot of money....

Kevin Kuranyi: Of course, there is also a lot of money to be earned here, but you have also to accept the mentality and you have to come here willing to work hard. You can´t just come here and think everything is going to be very easy now. You have to prove yourself in every training.

Transfermarkt.co.uk: The season in Russia is already over. When you came here, Dinamo wasn´t on an international spot and that hasn´t changed since. How disappointed are you not to have reached the qualification for the Europa League let alone the Champions League?

Kevin Kuranyi: First of all I have to say, that we have progressed already. When I got here we were 12th in the league. Now we have finished 7th. Since I´m here we haven´t lost any match against one of the big teams. We have played good games and developed quite well.

Transfermarkt.co.uk: Nevertheless it wasn´t enough for an international spot...

Kevin Kuranyi: Yes, we have made mistakes as well of course. We have lost too many points against the smaller teams. We have to improve in that respect. But we still have the chance to get into the Europa League by winning the national cup. But overall it´s true, that it´s disappointing not to have achieved this through the league. Transfermarkt.co.uk: What do you believe is possible for Dinamo next season?

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Award joy for Eremenko

 Kilmarnock midfielder Alexei Eremenko has been named the SPL player of the month for November. The 27-year-old Finnish international with Russian descent, who's on loan from Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv, set up both Killie goals last saturday.

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Beckham - We can trust FIFA members

 David Beckham has faith that FIFA's executive committee will judge England's 2018 World Cup bid on its merits.

England's bid is thought to be running behind those of Russia and Spain/Portugal ahead of Thursday's vote of the committee's 22 members in Switzerland. There have been fears the actions of some of the British media in exposing corruption within the world governing body could jeopardise hopes, but Beckham has tried to allay concerns.

The former England captain, part of the bidding team's final presentation party in Zurich, said: "I think we can trust every one of the members. At the end of the day they are football people. They are going to want a World Cup in the best country that they think could host the biggest sporting event in the world. Without a doubt we can trust them."

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Chimbonda free to leave Rovers

 Blackburn have told full-back Pascal Chimbonda he can leave the club in the January transfer window.

Rovers have decided not to renew the Frenchman's contract when it expires at the end of the season and are happy to let the player leave now. The 31-year-old, who was linked with West Ham last summer, was at fault for one of Dimitar Berbatov's five goals in last week's 7-1 thrashing at Manchester United.

Manager Sam Allardyce said: "We are not going to renew his contract. His determination is to find a new contract and we feel for both concerned it is better to let him see what he can get in January."

Blackburn Forum

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Keane keeps focus on the league

 Roy Keane maintains Ipswich must treat their Carling Cup semi-final date with Arsenal as a "bonus" and get back up the npower Championship table.

Town have slumped to 17th following a dire run of form which resulted in a 4-1 mauling in the East Anglia derby at Norwich last weekend. However, despite being short on numbers through injuries and on-loan players being ineligible, Keane's men battled their way past West Brom at Portman Road on Wednesday night via a second-half penalty from Grant Leadbitter

"Getting into semi-final is a real bonus but that is all it is, a bonus," the former Manchester United midfielder said. "In terms of the draw it is the hardest we could have got, but it will be great for the players. The league, though, is our bread and butter and we need to get up that table."

Carling Cup Stats

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McGhee sacked as Aberdeen boss

 Aberdeen have sacked manager Mark McGhee (53), his assistant Scott Leitch and goalkeeper coach Colin Meldrum with immediate effect. The Dons are currently 11th in the Scottish Premier League and have lost the last 6 matches in a row.

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Moses could face lengthy lay-off

 Wigan fear forward Victor Moses could be out for up to three months after dislocating his shoulder in Tuesday's defeat at Arsenal.

The club initially anticipated a four to six-week lay-off for the 19-year-old after he injured himself landing awkwardly in a tackle during the 2-0 Carling Cup loss.

Further examinations have now shown the injury to be worse than thought and the former Crystal Palace playmaker is likely to be out until spring.

Wigan Forum

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Schwarzer signs new Cottagers deal

 Mark Schwarzer has finally ended speculation about his future by signing a new two-year contract at Fulham.

Schwarzer looked certain to quit Craven Cottage after expressing a desire to join Arsenal, who had more than one bid rejected for him in the summer.

But the 38-year-old Australia goalkeeper, whose previous deal expired next summer, has now committed himself to Fulham until the end of the 2011-12 season, with his new deal containing the option of a one-year extension.

Fulham Forum

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Scottish fixtures called off

 There will probably no professional football be played this weekend in Scotland. After the call-off for most of the SFL games already on Tuesday, the SPL fixtures have been postponed as well today because of travel chaos, due to the weather.

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Tamas signs long-term contract

 West Bromwich Albion defender Gabriel Tamas (27) has signed a new and improved three-and-a-half-year contract until June 2014 as reward of playing a major part since joining from Auxerre last January.

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Wenger urges fans to keep the faith

 Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal fans to "keep faith" in his vision as he looks to guide the young Gunners into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

Wenger maintains his side have the quality needed to come good in the end as they look to secure a first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup by staying on course for Wembley with victory against Wigan at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

"For over two months we have played every three days, and part of that is sometimes you have ups and downs. It is how you respond to that," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

Arsenal Forum

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Zigic and Larsson put Blues through

 Nikola Zigic put Birmingham through to their first Carling Cup semi-final for nine years and earned his side revenge over Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier as the hard-fought 2-1 derby game was marred by ugly scenes at the end.

Thousands of Blues fans charged towards the Villa supporters and dozens of missiles and some flares were thrown before order was restored and City can expect to face Football Association action.

Zigic's deflected shot five minutes from time settled the tie after Gabriel Agbonlahor had cancelled out Sebastian Larsson's early penalty.

Carling Cup Stats

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Williamson agrees five-year deal

Newcastle defender Mike Williamson has agreed a new five-and-a-half year deal which ties him to the club until 2016.

Williamson has been instrumental in Newcastle making a solid return to the Barclays Premier League with manager Chris Hughton rating the 27-year-old as one of the finest central defenders in the top flight this season.

Former Portsmouth defender Williamson told the club's official website: "Playing in the Premier League with a club like Newcastle has been a dream for me, and I was delighted to agree a new contract to continue doing that until 2016."

Newcastle Forum

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Sparta stride on against nine-man Palermo

AC Sparta Praha twice came from behind to draw with nine-men US Città di Palermo and advance from UEFA Europa League Group F.

The result consolidated Jozef Chovanec's side's four-point advantage over Palermo, thus ending the Italian team's campaign. Second-half strikes from Jirí Kladrubský and Juraj Kucka – cancelling out goals from Nicola Rigoni and Mauricio Pinilla respectively – assured Sparta of their place in the round of 32. Their hosts ended with nine men following the dismissals of Dorin Goian and Javier Pastore.

It was a tentative start, however, with both sides struggling to gain a foothold in the match. The contest eventually came to life in the 23rd minute when Fabio Liverani's floated free-kick was only half cleared. The ball fell to Rigoni whose bullet of a shot found its way through a crowded penalty area and left Jaromír Blažek with no chance.

It was a half in which Sparta struggled to create any clear openings, often relying on set pieces to pressure the Palermo defence. Five minutes into the second period, though, Wilfried Bony robbed Goian of possession, before being brought down in the penalty area by the defender, who received his second yellow card.

The resulting spot kick was confidently converted by Kladrubský, despite Francesco Benussi guessing correctly. Eight minutes later, Palermo were awarded a penalty of their own, Pinilla powering in to put his side back in the ascendancy.

Kamil Vacek then crossed for Kucka – who rose majestically at the back post to guide his header past Benussi – to restore parity once again with 28 minutes still remaining. It was a subdued close, however, Fabrizio Miccoli going closest with an effort which whistled just wide. Palermo's misery was complete when Pastore was dismissed for a second yellow card in added time.

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The FC Twente story: away days

In the sixth episode of the FC Twente story, striker Luuk de Jong takes UEFA.com behind the scenes to show how he and his team-mates prepare for a UEFA Champions League game – the Dutch champions heading to Italy on Matchday 5 to face holders FC Internazionale Milano.

"Every match in the Champions League is special and the excitement is always a bit more because these are very big and beautiful matches you really look forward to and have dreamt about," De Jong says of the trip.

• UEFA.com follows the team as they gather at their Hengelo training base before joining them on the plane to Milan.

• Twente chef Jacques Bosch invites UEFA.com into the kitchen at the hotel in Milan to reveal the secrets behind the perfect pre-match meal.

• We are then off to San Siro for training as Twente's players get a first glimpse of the famous arena.

• UEFA media officer Timo Walden talks us through the clubs' media requirements on the eve of the match before Twente coach Michel Preud'homme and captain Peter Wisgerhof meet the press.

• On the matchday itself we link up with Twente fans living the dream on the Piazza del Duomo as the excitement builds.

• With kick-off approaching De Jong speaks to UEFA.com about the tense final moments before taking the field. Suddenly the waiting is over.

"The moment you hear the Champions League anthem before the game, you realise you are really standing there and that you are playing. You know it's really true and that it's not a dream."

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UEFA delivers warning about unauthorised tickets

UEFA issued a reminder to the public on Friday that it remains the sole and exclusive seller of tickets for UEFA EURO 20102 amid concerns about the sale of unauthorised tickets and corporate hospitality packages for the event.

The European governing body and the local organising committees (LOCs) of UEFA EURO 2012 have recently become aware of several unauthorised activities relating to the sale of tickets and corporate hospitality packages, particularly in the two host countries Poland and Ukraine.

There are companies offering hospitality packages for the tournament which do not have the right to do so and, moreover, do not actually have the tickets they are offering to sell. Furthermore, they are selling these packages at hugely inflated prices.

UEFA believes that by centralising the sales of any type of tickets, it can guarantee the cheapest prices on the market. Martin Kallen, the UEFA Events SA operations director, said: "It is extremely important that people and companies are aware that tickets and corporate hospitality packages can only be purchased directly from UEFA.

"There is absolutely no other entity having any ticket in its possession. We therefore urge everyone not to be tempted by such deals, as they will simply end up being denied access to the stadium as individual checks will be made at the stadium entrance. We want to protect the interest of fans and companies, and by centralising all tickets sales we make sure that tickets will be available at the fairest prices. Tickets for the fans will be on sale in March 2011 and the sales of corporate hospitality packages will follow in April 2011."

Companies interested in hospitality packages for UEFA EURO 2012 can already express their interest by emailing hospitality.euro2012@uefa.ch, while fans interested in buying tickets can register on UEFA.com/uefaeuro2012 to receive the latest ticketing information and be notified when sales start.

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Polga promises no let up from Sporting

Sporting Clube de Portugal may have secured top spot in UEFA Europa League Group C and their place in the round of 32 with a 1-0 win against LOSC Lille Métropole, but according to matchwinner Anderson Polga there will be no let up in their final game.

Polga scored on 28 minutes to secure Sporting’s 100th UEFA club competition win and ease the pressure ahead of their final group game at PFC Levski Sofia on 16 December. "We want to win in Sofia," the 31-year-old Brazilian international stressed after scoring his first goal of the season.

"We must continue to work and try to win at Sofia as we did at Lille in the first round. It will be a difficult environment but we want to win." He added: "Maybe I'm a bit happier than my colleagues because I was able to score a goal and help to get a very important victory. It was an important goal, because it gave us an historic win in a European competition."

Defender João Pereira took pride in the team ethic that resulted in a fourth win in the section. "We were very consistent defensively throughout the team, not just in defence," he said. "Fortunately we were able to score and got a well deserved victory. Now we will try to win at Sofia. Some say our group isn't very strong but the truth is these teams are all very well placed in their leagues so credit to us."

Lille go into their final game at KAA Gent trailing the second-placed Belgian side by two points and needing a win to join Sporting in the last round. "We now have to give everything in the last match to qualify," defender Emerson said.

"We did everything to avoid defeat today against a very strong side and we knew it was very difficult to play them here. A draw would have been good and we had several chances to score but we conceded very early in the game and that affected us. Now we must beat Gent to go through."

Goalkeeper Mickaël Landreau is looking forward to that decider. "We lost today and now we will have a true final at home against Gent. This is what we wanted, to decide our fate at home."

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PSV sail on at Sampdoria's expense

Two second-half goals from Ola Toivonen rubber-stamped PSV Eindhoven's progress from UEFA Europa League Group I, ending the hopes of UC Sampdoria in the process.

Giampaolo Pazzini struck for the fifth time in three matches for the hosts when he arced a header into the top corner seconds before half-time. The lead was short-lived, however, as the unmarked Toivonen headed in Ibrahim Afellay's centre six minutes after the restart and fired in a loose ball in added time, moments after Sampdoria's Guido Marilungo had been dismissed.

Goals have been hard to come by for Sampdoria of late - only Pazzini has now scored in eight matches since the end of October - yet they almost bucked that trend early on when Marilungo, running on to Pazzini's flick, rattled the outside of the post.

PSV responded with Toivonen missing his kick following Afellay's low, right-wing cross before the hosts lost centre-back Stefano Lucchini to a leg injury. That did little to disrupt a rearguard whose main concern in the first half was that of Balázs Dzsudzsák down the left, and they struck first when the in-form Pazzini stooped to head in Reto Ziegler's left-wing delivery.

With PSV's status atop the group potentially in jeopardy, the Eredivisie leaders upped the tempo, levelling when Toivonen, all alone at the far post, headed past Gianluca Curci. Massimo Volta then spurned a glorious chance to restore the Blucerchiati's lead, somehow glancing Ziegler's corner wide from all of a couple of metres out.

Dzsudzsák was the next to threaten with a free-kick which Curci did well to beat out. Despite Sampdoria needing a goal to prolong their campaign, it was PSV who continued to look the more menacing, and after Marilungo picked up a second yellow card a minute from time, Toivonen was on hand to sweep in the winner late on.

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Sam seals safe passage for Leverkusen

Bayer 04 Leverkusen secured their round of 32 berth as Sidney Sam's 35th-minute drive was enough to edge Rosenborg BK 1-0 in Trondheim.

A Patrick Helmes hat-trick had inspired the German outfit to a 4-0 success in the reverse fixture, but a single strike proved sufficient for Jupp Heynckes' charges this time around. Club Atlético de Madrid's surprise home defeat by Aris Thessaloniki FC in Group B's other contest ensured Leverkusen also sealed top spot in the section with a game to spare and eliminated Rosenborg.

The Norwegian champions, who completed an unbeaten league campaign following Matchday 4, twice went close to prising an early advantage. Morten Moldskred's fierce effort from distance flew just wide before the striker's header clipped the post following a precise cross from Per Ciljan Skjelbred.

Leverkusen then established command, however, with Nicolai Jørgensen's header bringing out the best from Daniel Örlund and Helmes also calling the goalkeeper into action moments after he had a goal disallowed for offside. The breakthrough finally arrived, though, when Sam was afforded time and space to control and turn 20 metres out before unleashing a veering shot into the bottom corner.

The formative stages of the second half mirrored the first with the home team in the ascendancy but again two chances went begging. Steffen Iversen met Moldskred's cross only for Sami Hyypiä to clear off the line then Rade Prica unhinged the offside trap, but could not beat Fabian Giefer when one on one.

Vadim Demidov was next to spurn a presentable chance as he rose to head wide Mikael Dorsin's free-kick, then Prica scythed through the visitors' rearguard only for his shot to somehow evade Iversen and the far upright. Giefer grasped Prica's looping header at full stretch as time ran out on Rosenborg's aspirations.

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Sporting qualify with landmark victory

Sporting Clube de Portugal secured their place in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 as Group C winners thanks to a narrow victory against LOSC Lille Métropole.

The Lisbon club made their first-half superiority tell on 28 minutes when Anderson Polga volleyed in his first European goal of the season. Lille responded after the break, hitting a post late on through David Rozehnal, but, despite their efforts, were unable to find the goal which would have prevented the hosts from recording their 100th win in UEFA club competition.

It was Lille who created the first opening when Emerson's cross from the left was met by the head of Túlio De Melo, but Rui Patrício saved well. Polga hit the crossbar in the 12th minute following Pedro Mendes's corner from the left but was not be denied a little over a quarter of an hour later, volleying another Mendes delivery past Mickaël Landreau.

Landreau then denied Yannick Djaló after the Sporting striker had escaped the clutches of the Lille defence, before De Melo and Aurélien Chedjou, both with headers, threatened an equaliser. The Ligue 1 high-fliers were on the front foot again after the break with De Melo directing another header off target, this time from the lively Eden Hazard's delivery.

Try as they might, Lille came up short, their luck being typified eight minutes from time when Rozehnal's shot was deflected on to a post and Rui Patrício thwarted Franck Beria on the rebound. They will hope for better when they host second-placed KAA Gent on 16 December needing a win if they are to leapfrog their opponents and qualify for the knockout stage.

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