1 October 1977 - The End Of An Era

On 1 October 1977, Pelé played the last match of his outstanding career - an exhibition between his two former clubs, the New York Cosmos and Santos, with Pelé playing one half for each side.

The match was played at New Jersey's Giants Stadium before a capacity crowd of 77,000 that included such luminaries as President Jimmy Carter and Muhammad Ali. After a pre-match speech in which he asked the crowd to chant "love" three times, Pelé played the first half for the Cosmos and the second for Santos.

Santos took the lead with a first-half goal from Reynaldo, but Pelé equalized for the Cosmos off a direct free kick. It was the final goal of his career. At the half, the Cosmos retired his jersey as he exchanged it for a Santos shirt. His replacement for the Cosmos, striker Ramon Mifflin, then scored the match winner in the second half.

When the match ended, several Cosmos players lifted Pelé and carried him around the stadium as he held a US flag in one hand and a Brazilian flag in the other.

30 September 1945 - Sweden Manages To Be In Two Places At Once

On 30 September 1945, Sweden played - and won - two separate matches. One was against Denmark in Solna and the other was against Finland in Helsinki.

At the time, Sweden was a rising power in football, having finished fourth at the 1938 World Cup. Unfortunately for the Swedes, however, all of their official competitions had been postponed due to the outbreak of World War II, so they had little opportunity to capitalize on the strength of their side, led by their prolific forward pairing of Gunnar Nordahl (43 goals in 33 appearances between 1942 and 1948) and Gunnar Gren (32 goals in 57 appearances between 1939 and 1958).

In place of the canceled competitions, Sweden played several friendlies during the war years. For some reason, they overbooked for 30 September 1945 and had to send full squads to both matches. As a sign of their dominance, Sweden won both matches in convincing fashion, beating Denmark 4-1 and Finland 1-6.

Sweden continued their run of success once official competitions resumed after the war, taking the gold medal at the 1948 Summer Olympics, then finishing third at the 1950 World Cup.

Wayne Rooney Sidelines For 3 Weeks

Wayne Rooney caused a big blow for Manchester United since on Tuesday (27Sept) he was informed to be sidelined for 3 weeks from an ankle injury.

His absence is adding the England players that won't be playing due to injury. Frank Lampard, Walcott, and Bobby Zamora is on the list, including Paul Scholes who recently got thigh injury and had to rest for 10 days.

It means he won't be able to perform when ManUtd visits Valencia for Champions League match tonight (29 Sept), and will also miss the England team for Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on Oct 12.

"Probably about two or three weeks," said United coach Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Champions League match Wednesday, when asked about the condition of the player.

"But depending on the circumstances, because Wayne is always quick in recovering himself," he added.

Rooney is not on his best performance this season, where he only scored once.

HEAD TO HEAD : Valencia vs Manchester United (29 September 2010)

Wayne Rooney's absence isn't the only problem that Manchester United's have to deal on tonight's match, when they meet Valencia in matchday 2 Champions League Group Stage. The Red Devils face back lines crisis, when they play on away match. Gergie admitted that the defense needs to be increased, to prevent another blunder.

Rio Ferdinand is already fit to play, but Jonny Evans, and Gary Neville don't fill the expectacy. Patrice Evra's performance is weakening after the WC 2010 scandal, while Wes Brown often has a medical problem. In other word, Manchester United is having a defense players stock crisis.

The preparation is far from their expectation. Meanwhile, Valencia shows an outstanding performance on the Spanish League and Champions League competition. They were unbeatable in their 5 last matches, while MU only has 50% chance on winning. READ THE STATISTIC HERE

Cristiano Ronaldo Pictures - Auxerre vs Real Madrid (0-1) 28 September 2010

Cristiano did fall a lot on this match, probably his new Nike shoes didn't match with the field condition. Anyway, it wasn't a night to remember for Cris, as he didn't show any significant contribution on the match...well, except for his handball incident ;p ( he got a yellow though ).

Check out more pics of him on the match HERE

29 September 2003 - The Tigers Deliver A Record Mauling

On 29 September 2003, South Korea defeated Nepal 16-0 in a qualifying match for the 2004 Asian Cup. It remains the Koreans' record victory and Nepal's record defeat.

Going into the match, which was played at Munhak Stadium in Incheon, Nepal had already lost to Oman, 0-7, and Vietnam, 5-0. Korea, meanwhile, had beaten Vietnam 5-0 and Oman 1-0, so the likely outcome was easily predictable, even if the scoreline wasn't.

It took the Koreans only 18 minutes to crack the Nepalese defense, as winger Kim Dae-Eui scored the opening goal, but the crack quickly widened into a chasm. The hosts took a 5-0 lead into the break, with another goal from Kim (37'), one from forward Woo Sung-Yong (21'), and a brace from right back Park Jin-Seop (22', 28'). Things only got worse for Nepal in the second half, with two more goals from Woo (46', 48'), three more from Park (64', 67', 89'), one each from midfielder Lee Eul-Yong (54'), midfielder Lee Kwan-Woo (57'), midfielder Chung Kyung-Ho (80'), and a hat-trick from striker Kim Do-Hoon (75', 84', 86').

Despite the record-setting performance, Korea finished second in their qualifying group after losses to Vietnam (0-1) and first-place finisher Oman (3-1). Nepal finished last having lost all six qualifying matches without scoring a single goal, resulting in a goal differential of -43.

Match Preview and Prediction : Auxerre vs Real Madrid

Tonight, Real Madrid will be facing Auxerre in Champions League match (28 Sept). This time, Mourinho changed his team players position. He will be playing Cristiano Ronaldo as a forward, along with Benzema and Higuain. On his press conference, Mou has stated that he will give Benzema a chance to play him as a starter team. That means Higuain will be a substitute players, as he always plays Ronaldo in a starter team.

Higuain and Benzema shared the same goal with Benzema, each of them collected 1 goal. However, Benzema played in a shorter time than Higuain, that's why Mou is willing to try him out for a starter.

Starting this season with a new coach, Real Madrid has failed to impressed the fans with a low number of goals they have achieved. According to the statistic, in 105 shots attempt, they only able to score 6 goals. READ MORE

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid Last Training Preparation For Auxerre Match (27 September 2010)

Real Madrid completed their second training session yesterday morning (27Sept) before the match against Auxerre (28Sept). The main novelty of the session was the return of Fernando Gago to the group, after a month of absence for recovery.

Kaka, Garay and Canales worked in the gym at the sports city of Valdebebas, while Albiol continues his recovery and now he was seen on the fields.

The team were devided into 2 groups, as usual.

28 September 1997 - The Tokyo Daechup

On 28 September 1997, South Korea upset Japan in a World Cup qualifier played in Tokyo, thanks to two late goals. The match is famous in Korea as the "Tokyo Daechup," or "Greatest Battle in Tokyo."

Japan, who had been touted at the time as the rising Asian football power, were aiming for their first World Cup appearance, while South Korea were similarly looking to earn a spot at the expense of their nearby rivals. The Koreans' hopes appeared to be dashed early in the second half as Japanese midfielder Motohiro Yamaguchi put his side ahead with a chip over Korean keeper Kim Byung-ji and the Japanese side pulled back deep into their half to protect the lead.

As the end neared, however, Korean earned a corner which midfielder Seo Jung-won managed to divert into the goal with a well-placed header to draw his team level. Then, as time was about to expire, Korean defender Lee Min-sung fired a ferocious left-footed rocket from distance. It beat the Japanese keeper and landed in the back of the net to give the underdogs a 1-2 victory. The Japanese were so disheartened that they sacked their manager after the match.

South Korea ended up securing the AFC automatic qualification spot easily, 6 points ahead of second-place finisher Japan. But Japan also made it to the tournament after beating Iran in a playoff.

27 September 1994 - Ravanelli's Record Romp

On 27 September 1994, Juventus defeated CSKA Sofia 5-1 in the second leg of their first round match-up. All five Juventus goals were scored by striker Fabrizio Ravanelli - a record single-match tally for the club in European competition.

Born in Perugia in 1968, Ravanelli played for a handful of clubs in the Italian lower divisions before signing with Juventus in 1992. He performed moderately well in his first two seasons at Juve, delivering a total of 14 goals in 52 league appearances. He flourshed in 1994, however, surpassing his previous two years' total in a single season.

His high-water mark came in the first round of the UEFA Cup, with Juventus facing off against CSKA Sofia. The Bulgarians had won the first leg at home, 3-2, but UEFA ruled that they had used an ineligible player and awarded the match as a 3-0 win to Juve. Ravanelli mooted any controversy, however, by scoring the first five goals (9', 65', 69', 81', 83'). Sofia grabbed a consolation goal in the 90th minute to finish the day's scoring at 5-1.

Ravanelli scored four more goals in the tournament as Juventus advanced to the Final only to lose to fellow Italian club Parma. His tally against CSKA Sofia remains the club record for an individual in a European competition and is only one goal behind the record for all competitions (6, set by Omar Savori in a Serie A match against Inter in 1961).

Real Madrid Goaless Draw Against Levante - Down to 3rd Place

Real Madrid had to settle with one point after a goaless draw match against Levante (25 Sept.) and collects total 11 points. The result made them lost their first position on the Spanish table list, and down to third, below Valencia (13 points) and Barcelona (12 points).

In this match, Jose Mourinho's squad have created several chances, but none of them managed to turn it into a goal.

In the 10th minute, Higuain had a golden opportunity to score the first point for El Real, but he missed. After receiving the ball from Marcelo, Higuain had a clear shot in front of the goalkeeper, unfortunately the ball was too high.

Ronaldo and Higuain both tried to attacks during 15 minutes the game started, but Manuel Rodriguez, Levante's goalkeeper was too strong...READ MORE

Cristiano Ronaldo Pictures Against Levante (25 September 2010)

Real Madrid failed to keep their position in the first place Spanish table standings when they played a goaless draw in away match against Levante (25 September 2010). They are 2 points behind Valencia (13 pts) in the first place, and one points from Barcelona (12pts) who comes second place.

Watch more Cris pictures vs Levante HERE

26 September 1990 - Bergkamp's International Career Takes Flight

On 26 September 1990, Dennis Bergkamp made his international debut for the Netherlands in a friendly against Italy. He would go on to become the Dutch national team's greatest goalscorer.

Bergkamp, a second striker (and renowned aviophobe), began his professional career four years earlier with Ajax, where he won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1987) and the KNVB Cup (1987) before winning the Eredivisie in 1990. His performance that season won him the Dutch Football Talent of the Year and earned his his first cap for the Netherlands.

The Dutch lost that first match, 1-0 in Palermo, but Bergkamp developed into a prolific striker, scoring 37 goals in 79 international appearances - enough to make him the Netherlands' top scorer by the time of his international retirement in 2000 (though he was later surpassed by Patrick Kluivert). The Dutch failed to claim any major silverware during his tenure, but he earned an individual honor by winning the 1992 UEFA Euro golden boot. He also won silverware at the club level with Ajax, Inter, and especially Arsenal, where he won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups between 1995 and 2006.

Cristiano Ronaldo Frustration Caused By Mourinho

Cristiano Ronaldo definitely is not happy and satisfy with his new role in Mourinho squad. He loses the chance to score, and it won't help him to win any trophy for this season. He can easily kiss goodbye to FIFA Best Footballer of the Year 2010.

Before became Real's coach, Mou did made it specific that the Real Madrid management must let him pull all the decision when it comes to the tactics, and players choice. That includes when he chose to play Higuain and Ozil as a scorer, instead of Ronaldo.

But will Ronaldo accept his new position which less important then the forward position which he used to play ? During Real Madrid matches early this season, Cris already shown many signs of desperation and frustrate for not able to score. And we hate to imagine what he will become next if this condition continues.

I doubt Real Madrid management will let this situation ongoing, especially for £90 million players they bought. They won't let him go, no matter what. But if Mou still refuses to play him for what he's good the most, then Real's management might have to chose between the two Portuguese, to keep the player, or the coach. Tough one !!

Cristinao Ronaldo Arrived at Valencia Airport - News and Videos

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived At 19:10 hours at Valencia airport, along with the rest of 20 Real Madrid team. Nearly 300 fans waiting to welcome them, near the bus that will take them to Hotel Vincci Lys.

Real Madrid will face Levante tonight at Cituat the Valencia. They played with one goal, to brings home another victory, and keep their first place on League standings.

Watch the Videos of the Arrival HERE>>

Cristiano Ronaldo Needs to Play Arrogant and Selfish !! Mou's Wrong Decision on Ronaldo's Position

Mourinho finally able to set his new team member to work together and bond as a solid team, but there’s still one problem left for him. His biggest problem now will be Cristiano Ronaldo. The Special One has difficulties on figured out the best position for the Portuguese player, and he must do it quickly.

He actually already find a new dream team for his starter team squad, including to placed Gonzalo Higuain up front for striker, and Mesut Ozil in the middle. But things could be hard for Cristiano, since his position is replaced by Ozil. He loves to play freely in the middle, and wait for the right moment to go through the penalty box and started scoring. Back then at ManUtd, he used to play on the right, and moved steadily to the centre to score.

Last season, Cristiano played upfront with Higuain, or behind him, but he get to moved where he pleased. And now, with Ozil on the team, Cris couldn’t have his perfect place to score READ MORE

25 September 2001 - This One Didn't Even Get A Name

On 25 September 2001, the Confederation of African Football unveiled the new trophy for the African Cup of Nations. It was the third trophy used since the competition's founding in 1957.

The first African Cup of Nations trophy, which was silver and resembled England's League Cup, was named the Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem trophy, after the first CAF president. When Ghana won the bi-annual tournament for the third time in 1978, the CAF allowed them to keep the trophy and commissioned a new one, named the African Unity Cup. That second trophy, according to the BBC, "was emblazoned with the Olympic rings and with space-age handles and a long stem. "

Cameroon won their third ACN title in 2000 and were allowed to keep the Unity Cup, so the CAF again commissioned the new trophy (pictured). It was first won by Cameroon in 2002, and has since been claimed by Tunisia (2004), and Egypt (2006, 2008, and 2010). Egypt's success meant that they now have permanent possession of the third cup, so the CAF will again have a new one for the 2012 tournament.

24 September 1922 - Crossing The Pond (And The Gender Gap)

On 24 September 1922, English women's side Dick, Kerr's Ladies opened their North American tour with a 6-3 loss to Paterson FC.

The Ladies began in 1917 as the works team for the Dick, Kerr & Co. munitions factory, located in Preston, Lancashire. They and other women's clubs soon grew so popular that the FA saw them as a threat to the men's game and issued a 1921 ban preventing the women from using league grounds. Nevertheless, they continued to play on non-league grounds and in 1922, were invited on their 1922 overseas tour.

The tour was scheduled to start in Canada, but upon their arrival on 22 September, they were informed that they were no longer welcome in Canada. They crossed the border to the US and made their way to New Jersey, where they faced Paterson FC. Paterson, a men's club, had won the 1917 National Association Foot Ball League title.

Paterson won that opening match 6-3, but it was one of only two losses Dick, Kerr's Ladies suffered in the eight matches they played against some of the strongest US men's sides of the time. They also lost to New York Centro-Hispano, won against the New Bedford Whalers, the New York Football Club, and the Baltimore Soccer Club, and drew with J&P Coats, Washington Stars, and the Fall River Marksmen. After the match against Fall River, a local paper reported "The score in no way explains how well these English lassies can play the national game of their homeland. Nor could the fans at the game tell just exactly how expert are the women tourists for the opposition was from a team of the best men kickers in the country."

Real Madrid Replace the Whole Stadium With a New Grass

After Mourinho made a comment about Santiago Bernabeu, and called it like a potato field, Real Madrid is quickly replace the turf with a new one. The new grass has been imported from Slovakia, Netherlands and Germany, and is scheduled to be ready for week 6 of La Liga, when they host Deportivo La Coruna.

It took 484 rolls of grass to cover all the field, and being carried with 22 refrigerated trucks. Around 41 workers are involved on this project.

Cristiano Ronaldo Failed Goals Season 2010/2011 - VIDEOS -

Cristiano Ronaldo is 007 Agent - Licence to Fail.
At least that what Cuatro called him. Watch the video of Cris failed goal this season HERE

Sara Carbonero Clarification About Her Critics to Cristiano Ronaldo - VIDEOS -

Sara Carbonero made a respond when asked about her cruel comments about selfish Cris. She said that she didn't mean to talk bad about Cris, instead she meant the good thing.

"I spoke the good thing about Cristiano, I did say that he wasn't depressed, and that he is an ambitious player on the field, which is not bad,... its a good thing,"

"Then I said about how he got paid a lot of money, so there's no excuse for anything(his failure). I don't know why there's so much hype on this, but I can guess why.....What happen is that everything were taking out of the context.

"I'm going to keep talking about sport as I have been doing for 7 years and I'll continue doing the same, "

"These situations are uncomfortable because they do not like to talk all the time with you, you like to inform and not vice versa,"

Watch the video HERE

Cristiano Ronaldo Photoshoot With Real Madrid New Season 10/11 - Pictures and Videos

Following the league win on Tuesday night against Espanyol, Real Madrid made the official photograph for the 2010/11 season, which was attended by director general, Jorge Valdano, the president of honor, Don Alfredo Di Stefano other than the chairman of the company, Florentino Perez.

Check out for the Video of the Photoshoot HERE

23 September 2009 - It Truly Is A Game Of Inches

On 23 September 2009, IFK Göteborg goalkeeper Kim Christensen got caught trying to gain an unfair advantage in a league match against Örebro SK - by moving the goalposts a few inches closer together.

Christensen, who had started his career in his native Denmark with Rosenhøj (1997-2002), played for Danish clubs Hvidovre IF (2002-03), Nykøbing Falster Alliancen (2003-04), and FC Nordsjælland (2004-08) before moving to Göteborg in 2008. He was their starting keeper for the entire 2008 Allsvenskan season, including a string of 6 consecutive clean sheets as Göteborg finished third in the table.

He got off to a similarly impressive start in 2009, with 13 clean sheets in their first 23 matches as Göteborg topped the table. Their 24th match was away against Örebro. Play was halted in the 20th minute as someone informed the officials that pre-match video had captured Christensen lifting the goalposts and pushing them together. The referee returned the posts to their original position and the match proceeded to a scoreless draw. In a post-match interview, Christensen admitted to moving the posts in several earlier matches.

Göteborg finished the 2009 season in second. Christensen remained with the club until June 2010, when he returned to Denmark with FC Copenhagen.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Espanyol - Another Goal Controversy

After his goal was given to Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo finally scored his first goal of the season from a penalty kick in minute 28th against Espanyol, yesterday. Unfortunately, his penalty kick was become another controversy since Espanyol coach, Mauricia Pochettino claimed that he didn’t deserve the penalty kick. He said that the jury often made a decision that gives more provit to Real Madrid.

The penalty kick was given to Real Madrid since the jury decided that Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick touched the hand of Espanyol player, Luis Garcia. Mauricio Pochettino claimed that the ball didn’t touch his hand, and that the world could see it clearly on the TV screen.

However, thanks to the goal, Real Madrid showed a better performance right after Cristiano’s goal. Early on the match, they faced difficulties on getting through the opponents defense.READ MORE

Gonzalo Higuain Pictures vs Espanyol (3-0) 21 September 2010