Manchester United Vs. Sunderland: Full Match Report

It seems so far this season that it is a delicate rarity to see Manchester United take an advantage early into a game. Today, so far, it has been full throttle from United's goal scoring threats.

Earlier on this day, Manchester City brought their deficit down to only a wins difference after a 3 - 1 victory over Newcastle United.

Well it would appear Manchester United are taking Sunderland by storm during this first half with a hefty 59% of possession an two goals from the brilliance of Robin van Persie and Tom Cleverly.

15:06 GOAL MANCHESTER UNITED - Robin van Persie - 1:0

Ashley Young was able to pick out an open RvP who skillfully brought it up to the top left corner from inside the Sunderland penalty box. It was a show of patience that proves van Persie is the goal scoring talent worth the heavy investment. Arsenal, thank you very much.

It was only three and a half minutes later before Thomas Cleverley showed the home faithful why they have so quickly adopted him.

18:36 MANCHESTER UNITED - Tom Cleverley - 2:0

Cleverley, from the left hand side of the Sunderland penalty box, delivers a back pass to Carrick who quickly sends the ball back to the young talent, who brilliantly picks out a curling shot into the right bottom side of Mignolet's goal.

It's on the twenty third minute and Sunderland have picked up their game after a constant hampering at the Sunderland defense. James McClean takes a shot on but it was an easy save for David de Gea.

Twenty-fifth minute and again from Sunderland, Craig Gardner sending in an on target shot that makes it as far as Micheal Carrick, blocking it away for a Sunderland corner. Adam Johnson, left footed corner aimed at the nearest post, saved by De Gea.

I'm sure by now, David de Gae is regarded as Manchester United number one in goal. His recent form has not been perfect, but his willingness so far to keep a clean sheet is working wonders today.

Forty-second, a little play in the back from the Manchester United defense, keeping the ball from the Sunderland attack and now, Steven Fletcher has gone down, it appears his hip or back is in pain. If Sunderland have any chance back into this game I'd say that man is their best bet into it. He takes his leave towards the bench to be checked out.

Manchester United back on the ball, thirty seconds of normal time until the break and United have been the dominant force in play, De Gea taking on a shot from McClean. One minute added and United are keeping that ball from the visitors but lose it to the right touchline, but the whistle has blown.

First half complete, a lovely goal from Van Persie and a WONDERGOAL from Cleverley keep United ahead 2-0 (should be 4-0).

SECOND HALF KICK OFF

Second half kick off gets ready and Paul Scholes has been announced to come on for Micheal Carrick. It has been confirmed that Steven Flether is now on Sunderlands injury list.

Forty-sixth minute, Robin van Persie on the right side and tries to pass to Rooney but the pass was missed and Sunderland send it down the pitch.

Wayne Rooney makes a convincind attempt but off the cross bar and Ashley Young makes an attempt on rebound but misses.

Sunderland down the pitch, Gardner takes a shot towards mid goal but De Gea saves it and sends it for a corner. United's keeper punches away.

Martin O'Neal seems anxious to see his side equalize.

Van Persie was on sides but seemed hesitant before he attempts to chip the Sunderland keeper, sending it wide right. Cleaver to try for a chip, but sadly unsuccessful.

Cross in from the right towards the United box, but it's sent out midfield by the United defense who take the ball in for a spell of possession. Playing it in the back Rio passes to smalling, who delivers it into th middle towards Young who is fouled by Gardner, United Free Kick.

Smalling to Cleverly who runs down the left side but the pass was to strong, goal kick Sunderland.

Chris Smalling fouled by Ceullar after he stumbled to make an attempt on goal but forced by Smalling to work the ball back.

Sunderland still on the attack, ball sent wide right but out of play. Goal kick United.

Dea Gea sends it towards the front but Sunderlands defense are quick to it, sending it mid field bu O'Shea. Dea Gea saves a shot from McClean.

Corner......... Sunderland. The ref approached the corner to make a check then it comes in towards O'Shea, deflected mid field then sent out of play by the United defense.

Fifty-six minutes played, Sunderland are gaining their possession back and a foul has been committed by Valencia, free kick to Sunderland.

The ball is sent back to the goal keeper who lobs it mid field. McClean with a shot and off target but only just above!

Van Persie to Young, left side, RvP swaps left and takes the pass, sending it in to the middle and GOAL!

59:00 MANCHESTER UNITED - Wayne Rooney 3:0

Old Trafford at full blast, the Red Army are cheering in joy after Wayne Rooney helps United make this another easy game, though just.

The pass from van Persie seemed it may just not be enough, but Wayne Rooney was at it just in time to send the ball into Mignolet's net. Martin O'Neal's side are for sure out of this game.

Sunderland trying hard to retaliate but the Manchester United defense is standing tall and tackling hard.

Ashley Young on side to send a left side cross to van Persie who stumbles to get it, loosing the chance to pass back to Rooney.

Sixty Fourth, Sunderland on the attack with some decent front of goal play but the shot was sent high above into the crowed. They are passing well, but when it comes to taking the right chance Sunderland are just not in form.

United with another good spell of possession, keeping a good midfield to back half play.

67:27 Substitution for Manchester United. Nemeja Vidic comes on for Rio Ferdinand. The Serbian defender and United captain is back after what seems an eternity on the side lines. Cambell comes on for Johnson for Sunderland.

O'Shea fouls van Persie, pulling him back over his own leg, an obvious foul. Should merit a card to me, but free kick United. Sunderland retake possession and play right to left through the mid field, going wide right but only to the legs of Dea Gea as he clears it out. Shot on target from Sessegon but saved.

72:00 GOAL SUNDERLAND - CAMBELL 3:1

Sessegon sends in a right side cross that is directed into the net by a header from Cambell.

Ryan Giggs comes on to replace goal scorer Cleverley. Valencia in with a chance to cross from the right but takes it to far into touch. It appears it may have been a foul but it was deemed a goal kick.

Sunderland with possession in the United half, Phil Jones makes a challenge on Sessegon from the left, kicking the ball into the Sunderland attacker that deflects towards Jones who dodges it in time for it to go out as a goal kick.

Cambell comes in from the right, walking it in before passing it to the left, sent over the goal by a United defender, the corner leads to nothing.

Giggs delivers a free kick towards the center of the penalty box, but it's send mid field by the defense.

United on the attack with Evra from the left, sending it high but only to the opposition.

Rooney goes down and it appeared to be a foul once again but play goes on, United taking the ball back as its sent towards Rooney, running mid right but the bal was cleared just in time for a United Corner.

Paul Scholes now with an almost perfect play, good quick passes almost lead to him getting a tap in as he stormed into the box.

James McClean crosses but it bounces off the legs of Phil Jones, Sunderland corner. Vidic sets up the defense in preparation.

The corner cross comes in and De Gae punches away! The ball comes back toward him and its a catch.

De Gea another save, deflecting the ball with his knee, the attack continues but Young takes possession and allows Giggs to take the left, sending it in to be deflected on to Valencia. A pass is attempted towards Giggs but it's missed and sent out of play.

Activity on the Sunderland bench. Valencia commits a foul on the right side to Colback. Sunderland send out James McFadden.

Bramble sends away a cross but United still on the attack, a cross now sent out by Jones towards van Persie who makes an attempt with the header, just wide to the left.

Sunderland counter attack on the left wing, cross sent in low but out of reach from the mid field attack.

Free Kick Sunderland, Lawson sends it towards the post and the header is sent over the cross bar.

88th minute and Sunderland have surely brought in more this second half then the previous first half. However it just does not seem enough as the better team takes possession, Evra up front but looses to McClean. Corner for United as Vidic looks to make his way up field.

Rooney sends a short corner pass to Young, then to Giggs and back to Young who takes it down field, reversing the play to the right side with Jones. Jonest to van Persie, back to Giggs, then Rooney then Scholes, loosing it to Mc Fadden. Smalling takes the ball from Sessegon, sending it to the advancing Evra sending in a cross that is just missed by Valencia.

United are showing their attacking play is second to non within the premier league.

Corner for Sunderland after play made forward by Cambell. Lawson makes the conrner but O'Shea looses it to the United mid field, sent to Young then Rooney. Rooney is challenged and looses the ball abck the the Sunderland mid field. McFadden sends in a wide right attempt on goal.

Ferguson comes down from his seat with thirty second left, and the whistle blows! Manchester United go six points on top with a plus 2 to goal difference. Win number 14, 43 goals, this team can surely be the champions before the end of the season.

Euro 2012

Today marks the start of the Euro 2012, Football Tournament that is starting in Poland. It'll be hosted by Poland and Ukraine, with matches ranging all over their countries. The first and opening match will be Poland versus Greece, at the National Stadium in Poland.
The second of today, will see Russia taking on Czech Republic at the Stadion Miejski, a couple of hours later after the first game.
Here is the layout for the first match of the day and of the tournament!


Group of Life (Group A)



Group A is home to one of the hosts, Poland. It also has Russia, Czech Republic, and Greece in the group. So far, the bookies are betting on Russia and Poland to take the group stages, but Czech Republic has been known to pull of some amazing surprises, and you cannot ignore their goal keeper, Petr Čech.

The top two positions of Group A can easily be fought by both Russia and Poland, though Russia is currently becoming a huge favorite, there is a chance host nation Poland can pull off a good win against Russia to claim the top of the group. We'll see how it plays out today as all of the Group A teams will be playing their first match.
"All four teams felt blessed by the draw. All four believe they have a real chance of emerging victorious. Two will discover they are deluded, but until the first round has been played, the competitors appear too close to call. This is a group in which Warren Buffet's wise words may register: "If you've been playing poker for half an hour and you still don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy.""


Group of Death (Group B)





Dubbed the Group of Death, which houses the national teams of The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Portugal. With some many teams level on team strength and FIFA rankings, this group will (hopefully) produce some of the biggest and best matches during this tournament.

Germany

"German steel, German resilience or German mental toughness. Call it what you want, but when it comes to major tournaments, Germany usually finds a way to land in the latter stages."

It's amazing to think of the German team, who managed to get third place at the 2010 World Cup in Africa, and continue to dominate throughout their friendlies and qualifying matches. They are looking to take the first place of Group B, but it's unknown at this point.

Netherlands

"Big things are perennially expected from the Dutch, and they almost delivered in 2010. A game away from bagging a maiden World Cup title, they were beaten 1-0 by Spain in extra time. While most everyone will remember Andres Iniesta’s winner, a fair few will also recall Arjen Robben not capitalizing when one-on-one with keeper Iker Casillas."

Netherlands were so close to taking home the World Cup in Africa, but they weren't able to beat current champions Spain. It'll be interesting to see how Robben will do this go at the Tournament, especially after his dismal display at the Champions League Final against Chelsea, where Bayern Munich lost on penalties. It'll be a tough challenge, but if the Netherlands can get a foot up over Germany, they may be able to win the first position and go into the knock out stages strong.

Portugal

"If Portugal triumphs at the European Championships and Cristiano Ronaldo plays a significant role, the suave Ronaldo would be doubly delighted. Portugal, habitually pleasing to the eye, has never won Europe’s top international competition. Agonizingly for its supporters, Portugal lost the final at home in 2004."

Portugal has always been an interesting team to watch. At one hand, they have arguably one of the two best players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, but his national team hasn't really produced anything special. If Ronaldo can take charge of his team, and dominate early they may be able to get a hand up on the groups two favorites, Germany and Netherlands.

Denmark

"Even as the lowest-ranked nation in the group, Denmark shouldn’t be discounted.

For starters, Denmark topped Portugal in qualifying, giving the Danes a psychological advantage when they meet. Denmark is solid and compact under venerable coach Morten Olsen. At the 2010 World Cup, Denmark hung on in the first half against the Netherlands, coming unstuck only following an own goal early in the second half. After South Africa, the Danes faced Germany, a match that ended 2-2. Germany didn’t field a full-strength squad, but Denmark will only choose to remember the final result."

Denmark is the team that is viewed at the bottom of the group, at any bookie or website that is ranking each group stage, but YOU shouldn't believe that. Denmark has been surprising been a stronger team since the World Cup of 2010. They looked strong during their pre-qualifiers and they will be the team to watch for major upsets.

The "other" group of Death (Group C)

"When the Euro 2012 draw was held last December, Group B was tagged as the “Group of Death,” seeing as it had Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Denmark. But upon further inspection, Group C was tagged as “the other Group of Death” with Spain, Italy, Croatia and Ireland making for a formidable quartet in its own right."

Spain

"At the outset, that didn’t stop Spain from being heavily tabbed to progress. The reigning world and European champions are aiming to become the first national team to win three major tournaments in a row, and remain stacked with talent. But the arrival of Euro 2012 sees some questions surrounding La Furia Roja. All-time leading scorer David Villa was unable to recover from the broken leg he sustained during the FIFA World Club Championship last December. Central defender and captain Carles Puyol has also been ruled out due to injury, and all of a sudden, Spain doesn’t look quite as imposing as it once did.

“The question is: How hungry is Spain still?,” said former German national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who won the European title as a player in 1996. “[Opponents] will lock them in so they can’t play, will try to make them frustrated. They will be very physical. And it depends how much that Spanish team still wants to go through that grind.”"

It'll be interesting to see what the current world cup champions will do when they play, with a couple of important players out, but it doesn't mean much since they have such a slew of players they can use, most of them with world-wide proving skills. You'll see the likes of Xavi and the others from Barcelona coming out for their national team, hoping to win it all again.

Right now as it looks, Spain can easily secure the group stages if they play as strong as they did during the 2010 World Cup.

Italy

"With Spain still looking impressive, the rest of the teams in the group appear to be playing for second place. At first glance, Italy is the favorite to emerge, but as difficult as the run-up to the tournament has been for Spain, it pales in comparison to that of the Azzurri."

Italy seems to have the most up and down history when it comes to their national team, but have proven they have the skills to win. It all comes down to now is if the team can work together and the coach keep control of the team throughout the tournament. Right now, they sit as the number two favorites, but a interesting draw against Spain can make it an interesting end to the group stages.

Croatia

"Given the upheaval in the Italian camp, Croatia could be the team that benefits the most. After failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, Slaven Bilic’s side certainly has the creativity to trouble opponents, with Luka Modric acting as midfield orchestrator and Darijo Srna providing another attacking conduit. Bilic also appears to have a glut of capable forwards. Ivica Olic and Mario Mandzukic have been penciled in as the starters, but Eduardo and Everton’s Nikica Jelavic are available to step in if needed."

Croatia can be one of the bigger wild cards in this group, given why this group is also another "Group of Death", because like the quote above says, they have a pretty great slew of players, including Modric. If they play strong in their opening matches and if they can claim a good win against either Italy or Spain, it can easily see this team heading towards the top of the group.

Ireland

"That leaves Ireland to play the role of ultimate underdog. On paper, Ireland possesses few, if any, truly world-class players, although Robbie Keane, Aiden McGeady, Richard Dunne and emerging Sunderland midfielder James McClean are talented. For that reason, it seems a stretch to think that Ireland will progress."

Ireland is a surprise inclusion to EURO 2012, as a team that many view undeserving to be playing in the group stages and not having a chance. It will be very interesting to see if they can pull of some upsets, which seems likely if any of the recent qualifying and friendlies have shown us. With world-class manager Giovanni Trapattoni behind the helm of the team, he can easily guide this team past the group stages. They need wins though, against some stronger opponents in the group. They could get a surprise draw against Spain, and wins against Croatia and Italy to give them that extra boost they need.

Group D: The Unpredictables

England

Probably one of the biggest upsetting teams in recent history, England on paper should be number two, if not number one. They have so many world class players, some young and some older, yet they have been plagued by troubles, losing early in the 2010 World Cup to Germany, and barely getting out of the group stages.

With a new manager in, England has shown they are showing some of their power during the qualifying. When they play their first two games, they will be out with head striker Wayne Rooney, but Manchester United team mate Danny Welbeck has shown he wants to score, and will continue to do so.

If they keep strong and fight each game like it's the most important, it can see them move onto the knock out stages, but they will have to fight off the rest of the group.

France

Probably the second biggest story, next to Spain winning, was France's national team and the break down that happened. The whole team broke apart during training, a few scuffles ensued, and players were fined and banned from the team. France fans are hoping after two years, the French team will come back with a vengeance in their heart to prove to all that they are not a bunch of "cry babies" and they will prove it.

Their first match will be a historic one, against England, which has always proved as a very interesting match. They have a handful of star power that they plan on using as much as possible, and if they can get a early win out against England it can see them take the group.

Sweden

Sweden will be a interesting team to watch. In previous tournaments, they have always tried the "Ten men and Zlatan" with Zlatan up front, but it never really worked well for the team. Now, they have shaked things up a bit, hoping to see something different produce from the team and it has!
They will be the team that if their formation and chemistry can work, they can get a few good draws and wins to see them grab a higher position in the group, especially if either France or England fail horribly.

Ukraine

The other host of the Euro 2012, Ukraine showed they deserved to host after giving a very well display during their qualifiers. It'll be interesting as there are not many people who believe they will move past the group stages, after dropping a couple of losses already to Sweden and France, but they could be the biggest surprise of the tournament, riding on the back of their Nation's pride. If they start out winning, they may finish like that. Watch for interesting tactics!



Closing Statements

The kick-off has just started for the Euro 2012, and so begins this great tournament. I hope it will not be plagued by racism, as a few stories have already emerged, and I know it will produce some great football games. Post your comments, tell us your predictions and all in all, Enjoy the games!

English Premier League Week 31

With the Premier League games done for the week, the world waits to see the results for tomorrows UEFA Champion's League results between Manchester United and Chelsea.

United's victory against West Ham was crucial for the team, knowing that if Arsenal achieved a win against the Rover's would show they we're still for a challenge to earn the title Premier League champions, however Arsenal were unable to be in top form against the lower table team Blackburn, drawing with a 1:1.

Newcastle made sure the Wolves were unable to advance from the relegation zone with an immense win of 4:1 at St. James Park.

Liverpool were unable to advance, the better team ending up the worst when they took on West Brom. Though Liverpool were able to make the first goal after a less then exciting first half, courtesy of defender Martin Skrtel, West Brom's midfielder Chris Brunt was able to make both awarded penalty kicks into the net, ending the game with a score of 2:1, a victory for West Bromwich Albion at home.

Birmingham City advanced from the relegation zone thanks to a win against Bolton, ending at 2:1 at St. Andrews.

Other then the games stated above, the rest were all draws on Saturday's fixtures. As stated, Arsenal drew with Blackburn with much surprise, neither team able to make a goal. This was the same result for Wigan and Tottenham, the Hotspurs also defeated in the EUFA CL game against Real Madrid, losing 4:0 at Santiago Bernabeu.

Everton and Aston Villa drew with a score of 2:2, Leon Osman making the only goal in the first half. During the second it would have seemed Villa were going to win as they picked their game up with two goals made by Darren Bent, however a penalty kick was awarded from an unneeded challenge made by Jean Makoun against Phil Jagielka within the box. Leighton Baines stood before the goal, able to make the PK giving them the equalizer.

Stoke City hosted Chelsea at Britannia Stadium, the game ending with an amazing 1:1 draw as well. Stoke started the game off with a goal only 8 minutes in, only to have an equalizer made at the 33ed by Didier Drogba. Both teams used all three of their substitutions in the second half, as well three yellow cards being issued. Neither team were able to get an advantage over the other however, the second half ending goalless.

Sunday's two games were very one sided for the two teams that saw victory.

Manchester City went above and beyond against Sunderland, winning 5:0 thanks to goals made by Johnson, Tevez with a penalty kick, Silva, Vieira, and Yaya Toure. They are now a point above Chelsea on the PL Table.

Fulham took on Blackpool at home, giving Fulham fans the joy of a 3:0 victory. Bobby Zamora scored two goals within the first half, the only thing given to Blackpool being a yellow card to striker Charlie Adam. Though Fulham was given two yellow cards within the second, Dickson Etuhu was able to seal the deal with a third goal at the 72ed minute.

For more information and next weeks fixtures, visit the link provided or check out www.fifa.com. http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/premierleague/fixtures

Cheers!

England vs Ghana

England took on Ghana at Wembly today, which proved to be a fantastic game as both teams played ferociously against each other, making one forget it was only an International Friendly.

The game went on for a while without any goals being produced by either team, the first half very much on the favor of Fabio Copello's English team. Just before halftime, Andy Carrol was able to put in his first international goal, this being only his second appearance for England's team.

Only a minute into stoppage time in the second half, Asamoah Gyan of Sunderland was able to equalize the game. The Ghana fans went wild at the sight as a good portion of the team jumped over the barriers to celebrate with the fans.

''It was very tough to play England at Wembley,'' Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic said. ''In three days we traveled a lot and I think tonight we did our best.''

They sure did do there best, able to keep up with a much higher ranked team then them. Congratulations goes out to Ghana, able to prove they may have what it takes!

Barcelona have announced that Dani Alves has agreed a new contract until 2015.

Brazil full-back Alves, 27, has been in discussions over a deal for some time as his current agreement was set to expire at the end of next season.

Manchester City have been repeatedly linked with the player, and Johan Cruyff gave credence to the rumours in January when he said it may be in Barca's best interests to allow Alves to move on to Eastlands.

However, a statement on the club's official website on Tuesday read: "FC Barcelona is pleased to announce an agreement with Dani Alves to extend his contract with the club for another three seasons, until June 30, 2015.

"The document will be signed on Wednesday at around 19.00. There will then be a photograph session open to the media by the doors to the FC Barcelona offices. "

Club president Sandro Rosell wrote on Twitter: "Very good news for Barca. Dani Alves has renewed his contract."

Alves joined Barcelona from Sevilla in 2008.

From ESPN.

Chelsea defender John Terry has been reinstated as permanent England captain by boss Fabio Capello.

Terry will lead England out against Wales in next week's European Championship qualifier after succeeding Rio Ferdinand with immediate effect.

There had been confusion over whether Terry would remain captain beyond that game with Capello apparently having misunderstood the meaning of the word 'permanent', and the Italian has faced heavy criticism in the English tabloid press over the way the affair has been handled.

Speaking at a Wembley media, though, he has now reiterated that the Chelsea skipper will be taking the role full-time.

"I decided John Terry would be the captain for this game [against Wales] because, after the game in Copenhagen, the way the armband was moved around was upsetting for him," Capello said.

"Also, I said my decision would be the day before the [Wales] game because I wanted to speak with the players, I wanted to speak with John Terry. I also knew the England doctors spoke with the doctors of Manchester United and Liverpool and I knew that Rio and Steven Gerrard were injured.

"But I have decided that John Terry, after one year of punishment, will again be the permanent captain. I think one year's punishment is enough. He was my first choice when I [initially] decided on the permanent captain."

The 30-year-old was stripped of the armband 13 months ago after an alleged affair with a former girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.

Terry was first made the national team skipper under Steve McClaren in 2006, before being reinstated by Capello in 2008 after the Italian initally decided to share the duty between several players.

From ESPN.

Wayne Rooney's View



Wayne Rooney has backed John Terry as England captain, saying the Chelsea defender is a "massive leader".

Terry was reinstated as permanent captain on Saturday, coming 13 months since his removal due to his off-field antics. Fabio Capello insisted Terry has been punished enough for his indiscresions.

Rooney says he is content to see Terry take the armband back - even if it means his Manchester United colleague Rio Ferdinand has lost the job.

Capello's move to make Terry skipper once again has universally angered the English press, with back pages declaring a mutiny within the squad over the way Ferdinand has been treated. But Rooney, who also said he would like to be captain one day, paints a different picture.

"I have said many times that John Terry - even when he isn't the captain - is a massive leader for us," Rooney told the Sunday Mirror. "He has showed in the last year that you don't have to wear the armband to be a leader.

"For us as players it's down to the manager who he picks as captain. There is absolutely nothing we can do to influence Fabio Capello's decision. Rio Ferdinand isn't going to be fit anyway.

"He hasn't played for a while, so I don't think he will be in the squad for the Wales game. The manager has a decision to make."

Terry would have been captain at the World Cup in South Africa but for Terry's alleged relationship with Wayne Bridge's girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel. Rooney says that the issue, which led to Steven Gerrard wearing the armband with Ferdinand out injured, did not overshadow their campaign.

"I don't think the captaincy issue overshadowed the World Cup," he said. "Rio got injured, Steven Gerrard took over and did a good job. I hope the World Cup finals is out of the ­system now - it's definitely out of mine."

Although Rooney would one day like to skipper his country, he believes he is too young for the role at the moment.

"It's a massive thing to captain your country. I have done it once and it's something I will never forget.

"I don't really think about being captain on a permanent basis, but if I ever manage to do it, it would be a big honour.

"Right now I think I am way too young to do the job."

From ESPN.

Manchester City Drops Out

Ten-man Manchester City's brave effort to reach the Europa League quarter-finals failed after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Dynamo Kiev with striker Mario Balotelli cast in the role as villain.

Two goals down from the first leg in Kiev, Balotelli left his team-mates to battle on for almost an hour without him after he was sent off for planting his studs into Goran Popov's chest and thigh.
Although they quickly made light of Balotelli's absence to pull a goal back through Aleksandar Kolarov, City eventually ran out of steam and ideas against a team content to soak up pressure.

It leaves Roberto Mancini's men to look ahead to maintain the fight for a Champions League spot, knowing their only realistic chance of silverware now lies in the FA Cup, where they will face Manchester United in a Wembley semi-final next month.

Having suffered an allergic reaction to the grass in Kiev, Balotelli was restored to the City starting line-up, with Mancini doubtless expecting a more meaningful contribution.

The controversial Italian should have achieved that aim after only three minutes.

David Silva has edged even Carlos Tevez as City's man-of-the-season so far this term and the brilliant Spaniard flicked a superb pass to Micah Richards, who quickly curled a low cross to the far post.

The only words of redemption were that Balotelli ended up with less time than it initially appeared he would have as Dynamo defenders closed in.

Still, inside the six-yard box, the 20-year-old should have found the net instead of lifting a woefully disappointing effort over the bar.

What a difference that would have made to the tie.

It allowed Kiev to settle into a rhythm of soaking up pressure, whilst attempting to hit their opponents on the break to grab an away goal that would kill the contest.

Balotelli nodded Kolarov's corner over from close range, then got in the way of a Silva piledriver that was off target anyway.

It was an eventful half hour for a player who seems to attract attention like paper clips to a magnet.

And it came to a suitably ridiculous conclusion with his red card.

Balotelli expressed surprise when Cuneyt Cakir dispatched him to the dressing room, and Mancini was not very impressed either.

However, after sticking his studs into Popov's chest, very much in the manner of City team-mate Nigel de Jong on Xabi Alonso in the World Cup final, then planting them on the defender's thigh for good measure, it was difficult to see what alternative the Turkish official had been left with.

It seemed like the end of any City hopes of progressing. Such is the quirky nature of this club they instantly halved the deficit.

Kolarov strode onto a short free-kick with relish and belted a low shot through a posse of defenders, catching goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi totally by surprise as it flew through his dismal attempt to save.

After spending so long complaining of the tiredness being felt by his squad, Mancini was now faced with the prospect of urging his remaining 10 men for greater effort.

Richards powered a header over after climbing to reach Silva's free-kick, before the Spain star attempted to check back onto his left foot after an opening had been created that invited an effort with his right.

The more desperate City became, the easier Kiev found it to make chances amid a growing number of yellow cards.

Joleon Lescott headed a Denys Garmash effort off the line, not long after the Kiev man had replaced Andriy Shevchenko.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Mancini had claimed he did not have another player who could change a game like Adam Johnson.

He must have spent the intervening period mulling this over because not only did Mancini name the former Middlesbrough man on the bench after previously declaring it would be better to let his ankle injury recover fully during the international break, he brought him on with 20 minutes to go.

Edin Dzeko followed soon afterwards as Mancini shed his cautious image.

But with legs tiring badly, the urgency had disappeared from City's play.

Dzeko did create one last chance for himself in stoppage time but neither he, nor Yaya Toure with his even later free-kick could not prevent the Blues from bowing out.

From ESPN