The Iranian Style

Iran have demolished Singapore 6-0 in the opening Asian Cup qualifier in Tehran.

It took a while for the home team to kick into gear but after the opening goal to Majid Gholamnejad in the 43rd minute, the floodgates opened.

The Iranians job was made easier when Singapore’s Ismail Yunos was sent off six minutes before the break.

A ten-man Singapore was punished shortly after the break when goal scoring legend Karim Bagheri doubled the lead and soon after a third goal was added by Gholamreza Rezaei.

The result was put beyond doubt thanks to Mazyar Zareh who struck from long range and to rub salt into the Lions’ wounds, substitute Mohammed Nouri added two quick goals late in the piece to take the tally to six.

Iran coach Ali Daei was pleased with the result but looking forward to more challenging contests.

"The players are getting better and better in terms of tactics and organisation," Daei said.

"They are young but they will do good things. I told the players to use this as preparation for more important matches."

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Internazionale Milan must forget CR7

Marco Tronchetti Provera has urged Inter Milan not to bid for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reacting to reports last night that Inter president Massimo Moratti was preparing a £70 million offer for the new World Player of the Year, shareholder Provera, said: "I hope that it does not happen, I think that it will not happen."

The Pirelli chairman continued: "Granted this is not my responsibility. I believe that there is no need to buy him, even if Cristiano Ronaldo is a great champion and it is a joy to see him play. Inter is a very strong team which has great champions."

Provera added: "I hope that Inter does not buy him because I am a friend of Moratti, and to spend £70 million ... I hope that it does not happen, I think that it will not happen."

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Man Utd. will defeat Chelsea, it's true!!

10 Januari 2009, Chelsea akan terbungkam oleh kemenangan indah dari MU...

Ada anggapan yang menyatakan Chelsea susah menang jika lawannya adalah tim-tim nomor wahid, sepertinya minggu ini hal itu akan menjadi kenyataan.

The Theatre of Dream will be filled by demon's blood...   

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Man City boss Hughes pleased with deal for Chelsea' Bridge

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is delighted to be wrapping up the £10 million signing of Chelsea fullback Wayne Bridge.

He believes Bridge has made the right move to get back into Fabio Capello’s England team.

Hughes said: “Wayne wants to try and establish himself in the England team.

“Fabio Capello has said he needs to see players playing week in, week out. Wayne had success at his club but you come to a point in your career when you want to play every week.

“If you’re not sure you’re going to play or if you’re just having one game here or one game there, maybe your focus will drift.

"It’s credit to him when he has played for Chelsea he has been able to maintain that high standard and keep his focus.”

Hughes played alongside Bridge towards the end of his career at Southampton in the late 1990s.

And now he is looking forward to the 28-year-old bolstering City’s leaky defence as he bids to turn their season around.

Sparky said: “I know Wayne and we’re not just getting a good player but a good character, too."

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Barcelona's Henry slams media over Ronaldinho treatment

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has hit out at the media's treatment of Ronaldinho.

Ronaldinho quit Barca in the summer for AC Milan and Henry admits: "I've never known such poor treatment given to a player who had given so much to Barcelona.

"It is true that he also failed at timely moments during his last season at the Camp Nou, but at times he was treated like a murderer, like he had killed someone.

"He is a man with a big heart and we were all saddened by the way things were reported about his behaviour that were not true."

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Wenger - We can cope with economic downturn

Arsène Wenger believes that Arsenal's "naturally healthy situation" leaves them in good shape to cope with the current economic downturn.

The Frenchman has warned for some months that the repercussions of the recession will eventually be felt in football. Some clubs - particularly those which live beyond their means - could feel the pinch. However, Wenger thinks Arsenal's prudent approach will hold them in good stead in the months and years to come.

"No [the financial crisis is not a worry for me]," said the manager.

"I believe that the way we managed the Club means we have put this Club, in this crisis, in a very strong position, because we do not live on the edge.

"We live in a naturally healthy situation - we do not depend on one person, we do not depend on the banks because we make our profit. We respect our balanced budget, so I believe that we will not be in trouble."

"Fifteen clubs are for sale, it is simple. And nobody is buying. I don't know what will happen. I do not know more about the economy than specialists, who are much more knowledgeable about the economic culture.

"I just know three months ago specialists said a barrel of oil would go to $200 but now it is under $40. So do not ask us what will happen in football."

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AC Milan ace Kaka admits Real Madrid, Chelsea contact

AC Milan star Kaka doesn't see himself leaving the club in 2009.

He said: "I do not think so. It's true that my name has been approached twice by Real Madrid and then also Chelsea. There are always rumours with the market ...

"But I think that there will never be a problem between myself and Milan until my goals and those of the club are no longer the same."

Kaka admits 2008 wasn't a memorable year for Milan.

"I and AC Milan have not won anything. In 2007, however, we won almost everything ... The difference is remarkable."

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