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Tim Cahill's late equaliser delivered a serious blow to Liverpool's Premier League title hopes and earned Everton a deserved draw in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Liverpool looked to be heading back to the top of the table after captain Steven Gerrard's trademark 25-yard finish gave them the lead on 68 minutes.
But Everton were resilient throughout, and Cahill glanced home Mikel Arteta's fiercely driven free-kick with only three minutes left to give David Moyes' side a battling point.
Fernando Torres missed Liverpool's best chance in the first half, clipping a post when clean through, but Pepe Reina also had to save well from Victor Anichebe's early strike and Cahill's header.
Liverpool paid the price for a cautious approach after Gerrard's spectacular strike put them in front, and they now stay second in the table behind Manchester United - level on points but having played a game more.

Boss Benitez needed a win to restore normality to the Anfield atmosphere after his recent spats with United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson and his own hierarchy.
But Everton were in no mood to leave Anfield empty-handed and set the stage perfectly for part two of the derby double-header in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
Benitez delivered an upbeat message about Liverpool's title ambitions after watching his side squander a point, but this was a performance that merely confirmed that the title momentum has switched firmly in favour of champions United in the last 10 days.
Everton had the game's outstanding performer in defender Phil Jagielka, and once again made light of the handicap of being stripped of virtually all their striking resources.
Benitez employed his most expensive attacking weaponry by reuniting Torres and Robbie Keane up front in an attempt to breach an Everton defence who had kept six successive clean sheets.
Anichebe came in for the suspended Marouane Fellaini - and almost gave Everton a stunning start with a low 25-yard drive that had Liverpool keeper Reina scrambling to his left to save.

Degenadoit
He then provided a cross for Cahill, whose header at the far post brought a fine save from the diving Reina.
Liverpool had enjoyed plenty of possession, but with Jagielka faultless, Everton's defence was in typically miserly mood.
Everton were opened up after 27 minutes when Torres wasted a perfect opportunity to break the deadlock.
The Spanish striker swooped on to Sami Hyypia's through ball as Everton's defence hesitated, but with only keeper Tim Howard to beat - and to the amazement of all inside Anfield - he clipped the outside of the post with his finish.
Albert Riera then fired just wide from 25 yards as Liverpool finally built up some momentum as the interval approached.
Liverpool, predictably in front of The Kop, came out firing after the break and were furious when referee Howard Webb ignored their appeals for a penalty as Torres tumbled under Jagielka's challenge.

Everton keeper Howard made his first meaningful save after 55 minutes, diving to his left to deny Gerrard from 12 yards, but it still needed a magnificent saving tackle from Leighton Baines to stop Hyypia turning in the rebound.
Torres then fired in a shot on the turn from long range, but it was always rising and never threatened to trouble Howard.
It had been another bitterly disappointing night for Keane, and it was no surprise when he was replaced by Yossi Benayoun after 66 minutes. He cut a dejected figure as he departed, having once again failed to justify his £20m price tag.
Everton then had penalty claims of their own when Anichebe tumbled under challenge from Martin Skrtel, but it would have been the harshest of awards.
And their disappointment was even more acute seconds later when Gerrard picked up Riera's pass and took aim from 25 yards, before burying a low shot to Howard's right.
It gave Everton, who had showed tremendous spirit, a huge task as they attempted to work their way back into the game they had fought so hard to stay in.
And, after Benitez had fatefully substituted the tiring Torres with Lucas, they struck after 87 minutes to take a share of the spoils.
Arteta's wicked delivery was met by Cahill, who steered a header beyond the stranded Reina.
It sparked scenes of wild celebrations among the Everton fans - but the silence from Liverpool's supporters at the final whistle told the story that this was very much a missed opportunity for Benitez's side.
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Hyypia, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Gerrard, Alonso, Riera (Babel 89), Keane (Benayoun 67), Torres (Leiva Lucas 85).Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Arbeloa, Mascherano.
Goals: Gerrard 68.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Lescott, Jagielka, Baines, Osman, Arteta, Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Anichebe.Subs Not Used: Nash, Van der Meyde, Castillo, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz, Gosling, Kissock.
Booked: Pienaar, Arteta.
Goals: Cahill 87.
Att: 44,382
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Barcelona now play against Deportivo, which is the seventh in the table in Spain.

Ball Magikeren Lionel Messi sent Barca in the lead after 21 minutes with his twelfth goal of the season.

Argentinian spurred by the ball, and with four deportivospillere around him, he still manages to get the ball in the goal with a shot from fifteen feet. Six minutes later, it was Henry who increased the lead with a rare scoring on his head.

Daniel Alves had a nice post in advance. After 41 minutes it was Highscore Samuel Eto'os trip. Daniel Alves added the left, Henry header again, but the keeper saved this time.

Return dunket måltyven Eto'o easy targets. He has now scored 17 goals in la Liga this season.

3-0 remained to pause. Barcelona leads chance statistics 8-0.

United were missing the injured Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra but were boosted by Tevez and Jonny Evans both passing late fitness tests.
In the opening exchanges United dominated possession, while Bolton relied on set-pieces and long balls to trouble the visitors but found Nemanja Vidic and Evans in fine form.
Bolton started with new loan signing Ariza Makukula up front and his physical presence troubled United in the air.
Fabrice Muamba also provided muscle in midfield and he saw a long-range effort tipped over the bar by Edwin Van der Sar.
It took until the 35th minute for the first real chance of the game when Ronaldo's header was beaten out by Jaaskelainen.
The Bolton keeper was called into action twice again before half-time, first superbly stopping Ronaldo's fierce, low 20-yard free-kick and then routinely keeping out Anderson's long-range effort.
If Ronaldo troubled Bolton with his free-kicks, he was less assured with his final pass, while Tevez struggled to hold on to the ball up front.
Anderson and Michael Carrick were also erratic with their distribution and in truth United lacked the guile that Rooney, who was missing with a hamstring injury, provides.
Ronaldo again went close with a free-kick while Bolton offered very little, seemingly content to settle for a vital point.
With 17 minutes remaining Ferguson called for the cavalry and Ryan Giggs, making his 550th league appearance, and Paul Scholes entered the fray.
The veteran duo sparked United into life as they went in search of the vital goal.
Tevez went close with a header while Ronaldo also saw another powerful free-kick kept out by Jaaskelainen.
Just as it looked as if the game would end goalless, Tevez escaped the attention of two defenders before crossing for Berbatov, six yards out, to head powerfully past Jaaskelainen to win the game for United.

Villa came from behind for a dramatic late victory in a pulsating encounter, in which Ashley Young was sent off.
Sunderland had the better of the first half and led through a Danny Collins header from a Carlos Edwards free-kick.
But Young surged down the right to cross for James Milner to bundle in the equaliser, with Sunderland convinced the ball had gone in off the arm.
Young was sent off for a diving tackle but Gareth Barry slammed in a penalty after Gabriel Agbonlahor was felled.
It extended Villa's unbeaten run to 10 matches but their most recent two defeats both came in the north-east and Sunderland could easily have completed the hat-trick.
They pressed with purpose from the outset, but it was Villa who had an excellent opening opportunity.
Milner broke down the left and curled a delightful ball in with the outside of his right boot, but the on-rushing Young just failed to connect.
With Martin Laursen ruled out by an injury, Carlos Cuellar was brought into the centre of defence, but Collins soared above the Spaniard to power in the opening goal.
Skipper Dean Whitehead had a chance to make it two, but having latched on to a perfectly-weighted through ball from El-Hadji Diouf, he saw his shot from an acute angle blocked by the diving Brad Friedel.
And Anton Ferdinand, whose brother Rio was watching from the stands, glanced a header narrowly wide.
Lone striker Agbonlahor looked increasingly frustrated by his team's lack of progress going forward, but he won the free-kick which led to Villa's only other chance of the half.

Following the set-piece, Young fired in a low shot from over 20 yards, but it fizzed just wide of the left-hand upright.
The home side remained a threat and Kenwyne Jones jinked through several challenges, although his weak left-footed shot was straight at Friedel.
Villa desperately needed some inspiration and once again it came from Young, who, having been freed by Agbonlahor, burst clear down the right and squared superbly for Milner, who converted in unorthodox, prostrate fashion, sliding in under challenge from Pascal Chimbonda.
With Villa pushing for a winner, Young broke free down the right again, but another inviting ball across goal evaded his colleagues.
It appeared Villa's hopes of victory would be thwarted when their most creative player, Young, was shown a red card for a diving challenge on Whitehead.
The home side could have gone ahead when Djibril Cisse rose between his markers but headed straight at a grateful Friedel.
Referee Mike Dean's afternoon of controversial decisions continued when he decided substitute Paul McShane had brought down Agbonlahor inside the area.
There was no doubt about the resulting kick, as Barry smashed down the centre into the roof of the net and kept alive his side's dream of the Champions League.
The late strike continued a remarkable run for Villa, who have scored in the last 12 minutes in eight of their last nine matches. Following the set-piece, Young fired in a low shot from over 20 yards, but it fizzed just wide of the left-hand upright.
The home side remained a threat and Kenwyne Jones jinked through several challenges, although his weak left-footed shot was straight at Friedel.
Villa desperately needed some inspiration and once again it came from Young, who, having been freed by Agbonlahor, burst clear down the right and squared superbly for Milner, who converted in unorthodox, prostrate fashion, sliding in under challenge from Pascal Chimbonda.
With Villa pushing for a winner, Young broke free down the right again, but another inviting ball across goal evaded his colleagues.
It appeared Villa's hopes of victory would be thwarted when their most creative player, Young, was shown a red card for a diving challenge on Whitehead.
The home side could have gone ahead when Djibril Cisse rose between his markers but headed straight at a grateful Friedel.
Referee Mike Dean's afternoon of controversial decisions continued when he decided substitute Paul McShane had brought down Agbonlahor inside the area.
There was no doubt about the resulting kick, as Barry smashed down the centre into the roof of the net and kept alive his side's dream of the Champions League.
The late strike continued a remarkable run for Villa, who have scored in the last 12 minutes in eight of their last nine matches. Following the set-piece, Young fired in a low shot from over 20 yards, but it fizzed just wide of the left-hand upright.
The home side remained a threat and Kenwyne Jones jinked through several challenges, although his weak left-footed shot was straight at Friedel.
Villa desperately needed some inspiration and once again it came from Young, who, having been freed by Agbonlahor, burst clear down the right and squared superbly for Milner, who converted in unorthodox, prostrate fashion, sliding in under challenge from Pascal Chimbonda.
With Villa pushing for a winner, Young broke free down the right again, but another inviting ball across goal evaded his colleagues.
It appeared Villa's hopes of victory would be thwarted when their most creative player, Young, was shown a red card for a diving challenge on Whitehead.
The home side could have gone ahead when Djibril Cisse rose between his markers but headed straight at a grateful Friedel.
Referee Mike Dean's afternoon of controversial decisions continued when he decided substitute Paul McShane had brought down Agbonlahor inside the area.
There was no doubt about the resulting kick, as Barry smashed down the centre into the roof of the net and kept alive his side's dream of the Champions League.
The late strike continued a remarkable run for Villa, who have scored in the last 12 minutes in eight of their last nine matches. Following the set-piece, Young fired in a low shot from over 20 yards, but it fizzed just wide of the left-hand upright.
The home side remained a threat and Kenwyne Jones jinked through several challenges, although his weak left-footed shot was straight at Friedel.
Villa desperately needed some inspiration and once again it came from Young, who, having been freed by Agbonlahor, burst clear down the right and squared superbly for Milner, who converted in unorthodox, prostrate fashion, sliding in under challenge from Pascal Chimbonda.
With Villa pushing for a winner, Young broke free down the right again, but another inviting ball across goal evaded his colleagues.
It appeared Villa's hopes of victory would be thwarted when their most creative player, Young, was shown a red card for a diving challenge on Whitehead.
The home side could have gone ahead when Djibril Cisse rose between his markers but headed straight at a grateful Friedel.
Referee Mike Dean's afternoon of controversial decisions continued when he decided substitute Paul McShane had brought down Agbonlahor inside the area.
There was no doubt about the resulting kick, as Barry smashed down the centre into the roof of the net and kept alive his side's dream of the Champions League.
The late strike continued a remarkable run for Villa, who have scored in the last 12 minutes in eight of their last nine matches. Following the set-piece, Young fired in a low shot from over 20 yards, but it fizzed just wide of the left-hand upright. The home side remained a threat and Kenwyne Jones jinked through several challenges, although his weak left-footed shot was straight at Friedel.
Villa desperately needed some inspiration and once again it came from Young, who, having been freed by Agbonlahor, burst clear down the right and squared superbly for Milner, who converted in unorthodox, prostrate fashion, sliding in under challenge from Pascal Chimbonda.
With Villa pushing for a winner, Young broke free down the right again, but another inviting ball across goal evaded his colleagues. It appeared Villa's hopes of victory would be thwarted when their most creative player, Young, was shown a red card for a diving challenge on Whitehead.
The home side could have gone ahead when Djibril Cisse rose between his markers but headed straight at a grateful Friedel.
Referee Mike Dean's afternoon of controversial decisions continued when he decided substitute Paul McShane had brought down Agbonlahor inside the area.
There was no doubt about the resulting kick, as Barry smashed down the centre into the roof of the net and kept alive his side's dream of the Champions League.
The late strike continued a remarkable run for Villa, who have scored in the last 12 minutes in eight of their last nine matches.

Late goals from substitute Juliano Belletti and Frank Lampard spared Chelsea's blushes as they came from behind to beat a belligerent Stoke.
Rory Delap had earlier given City the lead, latching on to a James Beattie pass and chipping over Petr Cech.
With three minutes to go Belletti popped up at the far post to head home a Franco Di Santo cross.
Deep into injury time Lampard lashed in a fierce drive from the edge of the area to give Chelsea the win.
The ecstasy that greeted Lampard's winner, particularly the mobbing of manager Luis Felipe Scolari, was a clear expression of the spirit and unity that the Chelsea boss had called for from his players.
However, prior to the last five minutes it was Stoke who had shown arguably the greater desire and they will be bitterly disappointed to lose out on what would have been a famous result.
Scolari had praised Stoke before the match as "more dangerous than all the teams in England and the world" because of the threat they pose to his side from set-pieces, an aspect of play to which the Blues have been particularly vulnerable of late.
It was certainly looking ominous for Chelsea when skipper John Terry's involvement was ended due to an injury in the warm-up.
Within the first minute the visitors were fulfilling Scolari's prophetic warning, with Delap's long throw requiring a panicked clearance from Ricardo Carvalho as Cech uncharacteristically flapped at the ball.
After this early scare Chelsea settled and, as expected, dominated possession but clear-cut chances were few and far between.
After 22 minutes Lampard floated in a free-kick that Salomon Kalou somehow contrived to side-foot over from inside the six-yard box.
As the half wore on Chelsea's territorial dominance translated into an increase in goalscoring opportunities but Nicolas Anelka, Lampard and Ashley Cole were all denied by an inspired Thomas Sorensen in the Potters goal.
City debutant Beattie worked hard, along with the equally physical Richard Cresswell but they lacked an efficient supply line, particularly after Delap's throw-in radar deserted him later in the half.
The second half continued in the same vein with Chelsea camped in the Stoke half but failing to convert any chances with Michael Ballack's header wide on 50 minutes a particularly glaring example.
It was with Stoke's first opening of any substance, and completely against the run of play, that they scored.
Beattie expertly held up a long ball before turning and feeding Delap who held off the challenge of Cole before chipping superbly over Cech.
A visibly shell-shocked Chelsea took some time to recover, but when they did it was once again to lay siege to the Stoke goal but initially to no avail.
Lampard lashed a shot past the right-hand post in the 65th minute and Cole saw an angled drive flash wide.
With the match seemingly drifting away from them, Chelsea conjured up an equaliser as substitutes Di Santo and Belletti combined, the latter nodding in the former's cross at the far post.
With Stoke rocking, Chelsea delivered the knock-out blow deep into injury time as Lampard latched onto an Anelka pass on the edge of the area to drive home the winner past a flailing Sorensen.
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa (Belletti 78), Carvalho, Alex, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Mikel (Stoch 82), Ballack, Malouda (Di Santo 60), Anelka, Kalou.Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Mancienne, Kakuta.
Goals: Belletti 88, Lampard 90.
Stoke City: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham (Griffin 34), Delap, Whelan, Amdy Faye (Pugh 28), Etherington (Kitson 83), Beattie, Cresswell.Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Olofinjana, Lawrence, Sonko.
Booked: Amdy Faye, Kitson, Whelan.
Goals: Delap 60.
Att: 41,788
Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

To be a long fingers is one possible, but not particularly good way to wealth.

Now the researchers at Cambridge University in England still found that long fingers can provide wealth and money in legal way.

According to the researchers is the relationship between economic success and the length of the ring finger back to how much exposure to testosteron one has been in pregnancies.

The amount of the male gender hormonet may result in the survey improve the ability to make rapid decisions and is associated with aggression, writes epn.dk.

How long ring finger to David Beckham (pictured) is not ready, but he is rich.

Similar findings in sport

Earlier studies show that the same findings about the length of the ring finger is associated with success in the competition dominated sport.

Results are based on a survey in which 44 businessmen in London were tested. Over a period of 20 months it turned out that those with longer ring fingers than pekefingre, earned 11 times more than those with the shortest ring fingers, controlled for the experience.

- This suggests that success in the financial markets are just as much because of biology that experience, say researchers at the BBC.

Less social As if that was NOK has Belgian researchers found that men with long ring fingers are less socially oriented than others.

These men will in fact be less willing to give money to a colleague after viewing a violent movie. Belgierne believed also to prove that the business men with shorter ring fingers were those who gave away the most money, write epn.dk.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes says the club's big-money move for Brazilian superstar Kaka makes football and business sense.
Talks are ongoing between City and AC Milan over a reported world record £91m transfer for the 26-year-old.
"The money involved is something we feel, from a football and business point of view, works," said Hughes.
"The process has moved forward at a pace this week but people shouldn't be thinking that it is just a whim."
The sheer size of the figures involved in the proposed deal has made headlines around the world, but Hughes said it was all part of a considered plan from the club's hierarchy.
"It's been done with structure and understanding," he said.
BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher"We're all very much involved in that process; myself from a football point of view and (chief executive) Garry Cook and (chairman) Khaldoon Al Mubarak from a club and business point of view.
"It would be naive to think I have not been involved in discussions over this transfer. I have had meetings about it and have had an input."
Earlier, City assistant manager Mark Bowen claimed that the record-breaking transfer was near to a resolution.
"We believe the deal is very close," Bowen told BBC Sport Wales.
"We are selling the future plans of the club to the player.
"I've read a lot about his love of AC Milan - and that goes without saying - but even when people said the deal was dead, that was not our understanding.
"The situation has been a surprise to everyone but obviously negotiations have been going on for a fair while.

"How close we are I don't know, but our understanding is that it is very much a strong possibility that Kaka will be coming."
Some media outlets reported the deal was off because City had decided to withdraw their offer to Milan.
An AC Milan spokesman told BBC Sport on Thursday that they would not be making any further comment on the "special situation", but Kaka's adviser Diogo Kotscho said his client would be open to a move if Milan wanted to sell.
Kotecho insists any move would be done for the right reasons and not just for the reported £500,000-a-week wages.
"It is not impossible, if Milan let us talk, then we will see what City have to offer," Kotscho told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"Kaka knows about the offer but the club did not give authorisation for talks, so we did not meet.
"It was a great proposal but it's not about only money.
"We have to see if they have a project to become a Champions League team and become one of the top teams in the world, and to stay there long term."
Previously Kaka had told the website of Mediaset, a TV company owned by Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi, he wanted to stay at the club for life.
"I want to grow old at Milan," he said.
"I repeat what I have always said. Other clubs can make all the offers they want but it all depends on Milan.
"As I have said before, as long as Milan share my goals, I would like to stay here. Then if one day the club wants to sell me, than that would be a different matter altogether.
"My aim is to become at some point in the future the captain of this team."
AC Milan confirmed that their chief executive Adriano Galliani had met officials from City on Tuesday to discuss Kaka's future.
The current record for a player's signature is £46m when France's Zinedine Zidane moved from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001.
Kaka joined Serie A giants Milan from Sao Paulo in 2003 and has since won the Italian league title, Champions League and Club World Cup.

The attacking midfielder has scored 86 goals in 244 appearances for Milan. He has also picked up 62 caps for Brazil and scored 23 goals.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, estimated to be worth £15bn, took over as City owner in September 2008 and extensive funds have been made available to Hughes.
However, he has only secured the services of Wayne Bridge in January's transfer window, with bids rejected for West Ham forward Craig Bellamy and Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.
The four-man delegation that travelled to Italy to initiate talks with the Milan officials is believed to have included executive chairman Cook and two representatives of the Sheikh.
With the club struggling in 15th position in the Premier League, it would give City an incredible boost if they were to seal the deal for one of the world's best players.
Kaka is under contract at the San Siro until 2013, and although he stated last February that he wanted to remain at Milan for the rest of his career, he did hint at a desire to play in the Premier League - which he has described as the "best championship in the world".

The Argentinean legend is in Milan to look at players who can fit in the Argentinean national team. Maradona is convinced of the powerful Inter-coach José Mourinho.

- Mourinho is the coach that I had picked if I was the president of any club. José has everything. He knows how he will talk with the players, the press and in the locker room, "said Maradona.

- For me he is the best in the world, "said the Argentinean landslagstreneren. José Mourinho, even titulert that "the special one" took over Inter, having been fired as manager of Chelsea.

Sumber"vg.no"

Fotballegenden Diego Maradona was at Old Trafford when Manchester United crushed Chelsea 3-0 Sunday. But the Argentinean team boss did not see Carloz Tevez in action. United-attacker has been little time this season and has been in the shadow of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

According to Sky Sports Maradona believes that Tevez would flourished in Italian soccer.

- I saw Manchester United win the fight without Tevez. This is not good for him, "said Maradona to the Italian newspaper Corriere dello sport.

- His contract with United runs out soon. I would recommend that he go to Inter Milan. I can already see me for the cooperation between Tevez and Zlatan Ibrahimović.

High lønnskrav

Tevez is owned by an investment. United should have the opportunity to ransom for the Argentinian 320 million, but trade can wreck because Tevez has made a skyhøyt lønnskrav at 1.2 million in the week, writes Daily Mail.

It is as much as Cristiano Ronaldo gets. Inter manager José Mourinho was present at the match between Chelsea and United.

Sumber"vg.no"

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Fifa World Player of the Year for 2008.
The Portugal and Manchester United midfielder becomes the first Premier League player to win the award.
Ronaldo, 23, beat AC Milan's Kaka, Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Xavi to the prestigious title.
"It's an overwhelming moment in my career and I'd like to dedicate this award to my family, friends and colleagues," said the winger.
Ronaldo's 42 goals for Manchester United last season helped the Old Trafford club to the Premier League and Champions League double.
The Portugal international, who also picked up the European Player of the Year crown in December and the FifPro World Footballer of the Year honour in October, paid special tribute to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"It's also true that the manager always has an important role to play. It was a great season for me and for my club, and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot for him.
"His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager.
"This is the climax of a fantastic era for me. I'm happy and proud about what has been done by my team and what we have won.
"I am lucky to be part of the history of a club like Manchester United."
The coaches and captains of 155 national teams took part in the voting for the award with Messi finishing second ahead of Torres, Kaka and Xavi.
Ronaldo's triumph sees him become only the second Portuguese player to pick up the Fifa title, following Luis Figo who won the award in 2001.
Meanwhile, Brazil forward Marta collected her third successive women's award.
"This is an amazing achievement for me," said the 22-year-old.
"This game has given me so many great moments of joy. This award is fantastic and I'd like to thank you all very much."
England and Arsenal Ladies striker Kelly Smith was one of the five nominees for the title.

Manchester United turned up the heat on Premier League leaders Liverpool and manager Rafael Benitez as they closed the gap at the top of the table with a convincing win against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Nemanja Vidic headed United in front in first half injury-time after Dimitar Berbatov flicked on Ryan Giggs' corner.
Wayne Rooney then turned in Patrice Evra's cross after 63 minutes to set United on the path to a deserved three points - leaving them five points behind Liverpool with two games in hand.
Dimitar Berbatov rounded off the win by grabbing the third from close range four minutes from time, turning in Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick as United's fans finally sensed their title charge was hitting top gear.
Sir Alex Ferguson will regard the victory as the perfect response to public taunts from Liverpool counterpart Benitez that United may be "a little bit scared" at the sight of their great rivals at the Premier League summit.
United were not at their free-flowing best in a game that was too stop-start to be of the highest quality, but they showed none of the fear Benitez might have been hoping to detect.
And if this weekend was the start of psychological warfare between Benitez and Ferguson, there is no doubting that it is United's boss who has taken the first round.
They were vastly superior to a Chelsea side that lacked a cutting edge, despite coach Luiz Felipe Scolari pairing Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba together up front after the break.
It may also make Benitez question the timing and content of his tirade against United and Ferguson - who appeared inspired rather than deflated by the remarks coming from down the East Lancashire Road.
For Scolari, it was a sobering afternoon when he received further confirmation that he needs to inject threat, particularly in the shape of more width, into his Chelsea side.
Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho watched from the stands in readiness for Inter Milan's Champions League clash with United. He will have been dismayed at how Chelsea failed to trouble Edwin van der Sar and ended up losing so lifelessly.
Ferguson sprang a selection surprise by leaving Michael Carrick on the bench and choosing to go with veteran Giggs in midfield, while Drogba was handed Chelsea's lone striking role.
Aggerdoo
Referee Howard Webb was in the spotlight after Benitez's blast about Ferguson and officials - and he showed his intent to clamp down quickly with a third minute booking for Frank Lampard after he fouled Ronaldo.
It set the tone for a scrappy first 45 minutes that only truly burst into life in the closing stages as United finally exerted a measure of supremacy.
Giggs tested Petr Cech with a powerful free-kick that Chelsea's goalkeeper pushed to safety, before referee Webb produced another flurry of yellow cards.
He booked Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa for a foul on Rooney, quickly followed by Portugal team-mates Ronaldo and Ricardo Carvalho for a penalty area clash.
Berbatov has yet to win the hearts and minds of Manchester United supporters, and they were frustrated when he wasted their best chance after 30 minutes, shooting tamely at Cech after he had been played in by Rooney.
John Terry - taunted mercilessly by United's fans as a result of his miss in the penalty shoot-out in the Champions League final - then rescued Chelsea with a brilliant tackle on Ji-Sung Park as he looked poised to slide home Ronaldo's pass.
There was a flurry of action and controversy in the closing seconds of the half that led to United taking the lead.
Ronaldo's header was ruled out from Giggs' cross after Rooney had taken a short corner that went virtually unnoticed by anyone inside the stadium.
United were furious, but their pain was eased when the re-taken corner from Giggs was flicked on by Berbatov for Vidic to head in at the far post. The diving Cech got a hand on his effort but failed to keep it out.
It threw the pressure back on Chelsea to take the initiative away from United, and Scolari responded by replacing the lightweight Deco with Anelka at the re-start.
Chelsea enjoyed a period of possession without posing any serious threat, and were then hit with a killer blow when Rooney added United's second after 63 minutes.
Ronaldo's flick released Evra on the left flank, and when his cross avoided Terry and Berbatov, Rooney poked a foot beyond Ashley Cole to beat Cech.
It was Evra's last act as he limped off, to be replaced by John O'Shea.
Chelsea never mounted any serious response, and it was no surprise when the unmarked Berbatov slid in Ronaldo's free-kick late on to set the seal on a hugely satisfying afternoon for United and Ferguson.
It was a statement of intent that will leave the confrontational Benitez and Liverpool looking nervously over their shoulders after a win that would have increased United's belief that they can retain their crown.

Sumber.BBCSPORT.

(VG Nett) (Stoke-Liverpool 0-0) soccer legend Diego Maradona was in no way see any party performance when he took place in the grandstand for the following series leader Liverpool against Stoke on Saturday.

Maradona was on the Britannia Stadium in Stoke to finsikte the Argentinian Javier Mascherano for the national team.

Mascheranos effort must eventually have been the only thing that was interesting for the Argentinean landslagssjefen, for the football that was displayed was not violently much to boast of.

Liverpool had three points have been properly tetrivalene pressure on Manchester United and Chelsea who meet at Old Trafford tomorrow.It failed series leader.

- When one tops the table, it is always important to win games. But we are still on top, and we are still in a good position, "said Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.

Delap close

Liverpool have played against Stoke in the series two times this season.

Both settlements have ended 0-0.
First half of the Britannia Stadium was reasonable boring. Liverpool sleit with creativity, while Stokes dangerous weapons attack was the long innkastene from Rory Delap.

The first 45 minutes, it was mentioned Delap who were closest to scoring. He put the ball on the bottom of tverrliggeren when it was played only 12 minutes.

It was omgangens biggest chance.

Torres in

In the second half gave Dave Kitson to send Stoke in the lead again, then-Liverpool keeper Jose Reina missed an initiative.

Kitson rounded Reina, but put the ball in the net wall. Rafael Benitez began gradually to be desperate for scoring.

When is it okay to have a man like Fernando Torres to insert. The injury bothered Spaniard could still not turning on the struggle for the guests.

-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was almost completely nettsus at the end of the match, but the midfield player struck the bar. This could not move from Liverpool to the title utfordrerne.

The German rider was able to beat Tomoka Takeuchi (JPN) in the ladies final. In the small final, Heidi Neururer (AUT) crossed the finish line ahead of Michelle Gorgone (USA). On the men's side, it was time for a final of reigning World Champions in the season's third Parallel Slalom of the 2009 LG Snowboard FIS World Cup.

Under floodlight, the Swiss PSL title holder Schoch had the better end edging 2007 PGS World Champion Rok Flander from Slovenia to the second spot.

In the Slovenian duel for the last podium spot, Zan Kosir was able to successfully compete against his team mate Rok Marguc finishing with a lead of only four hundredths.

For full coverage visit http://www.fissnowboardworldcup.com/

All seven nordmenn qualified in Kulm

(VG Nett) Anders Jacobsen displays brilliant form before the weekend skiflyging two races in Kulm.

The Norwegian was over 200 meters in all three jumps Friday

- and was the longest in both training handling respectively 203.5 and 210 meters. The latter was the longest in the ground throughout the day.

- This was fun. Actually, I was a bit late and high stress.

But it was drit cult, "said Anders Jacobsen to NRK after the training.

qualification, he was the first man who jumped with reduced speed

- and jumped 203.5 meters. Finland's Harri Olli jumped like after 206 meters.

Then came hoppuke winner Wolfgang Loitzl and jumped 208 meters, before Gregor Schlierenzauer settled with 209.5.

The latter was the longest in the qualification. All qualified All Norwegian hoppere is further to the world cup ski races Saturday. And with good margin.

Landslagstrener Mika Kojonkoski is pleased with the effort.

- This was fun. Today we jump as a team again, and I am very happy, "he said, according to www.skijumping.no.

Uwe Rösler has signed a new contract with Viking stretching out 2011-season.

After prolonged negotiations on a new contract is Viking now been agreed with Rösler about an extension.

- Both I and my family is very happy. Now we look forward to three more years in Stavanger, "says Uwe Rösler to the Vikings home. Rösler signed the new contract that extends out the 2011-season on Friday.

Should compete for gold German says that the goal is to make the Viking to a gold candidate - each season.

- The ambition is to always fight for titles. This is one of three main points that made that I chose to be in Stavanger, "he said. Rösler took over the Viking front of 2007-season and took the bronze medal in his first season in the club.

Last season, however, Viking slet more. Stavanger-club, as before the season was betting that a gold candidate, ended on a disappointing 6 space.

- We have agreed to build a team for the future. We see not only in the short term, but we're working with a longer perspective, believes Rösler.

- Have done a good job Vikings sportsdirektør Egil Peterson is happy to have secured Rösler on a long-term contract.

- It was very important for us to have in place a new agreement with Uwe, because we are very satisfied with the work he has done here, brag Østenstad. He believes Rösler is the right man to lead the Viking to the titles. The club's young players are an important element in the hunt for success.

- Uwe is a coach who is committed to developing young players. As the club puts great emphasis on talent he can give us what we want over time, says sports director.

Sir Alex Ferguson looking forward to re-sight with José Mourinho.
Manchester United withdrew Friday with Inter coach José Mourinho in the tip of the Master Ligaens the different.
The fight is just one of several heavyweight showdown in Europe provides este club tournament. Hunt revansje Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looking forward like a little kid to meet José Mourinho again.
Scotsman hunt revansje from 2004
- when Mourinho and Porto sent United out of the tournament.
- It will be interesting to meet José again. It is quite a character with a good personality that I've always been comfortable with, "said Ferguson to MUTV.
- But he hit out of the tournament with Porto, so I hope not participate this time, "says Manchester United manager.
Inter have won Serie A three seasons in a row, and Mourinho is on the way to lead the giant club to NOK a triumph in the domestic series. Impressed by the Inter But Mourinho is probably the most important success in the Champion League this season.
Portugiseren namely, never managed to lead Chelsea to the top in the prestigious tournament. - Inter has had impressive results in the domestic series in recent years.
Team has achieved consistently at a high level, and has a great breadth in the stables. The strap has a variety of rutinerte players, including a couple from South America.
It is a tough challenge for us, especially considering the team is well organized defensively, notes Ferguson. Ferguson claims that he has a good overview of Inters strengths and weaknesses
- and no fear of the Series A-gigantene star players.
Nor Zlatan Ibrahimović. Fear no one
- We have played against the majority of former players, and among others met them in a friendly match at Old Trafford earlier. So we know them.
Hopefully we will do the job in the first match so that we get a good starting point for the return match at Old Trafford, Ferguson believes. Meeting a big club like Inter is an extra motivation for Ferguson.
- To play against the big teams to give us always the same, but as we showed against Barcelona last season. We must be concentrated and focused, "he said.
On their journey towards Mesterlig title in 1999 met with Manchester United Inter at San Siro. Ferguson hoping Inter can deliver a better grass carpet than last teams met at the San Siro.
Beat Inter in the quarter finals
- San Siro is a brilliant arena. We played against Inter in the quarter finals in 1999, but then there were problems with gressteppet. It had recently been changed surface. But now it is much better, "said Ferguson, who not only have good memories from the famous stadium.
- We lost two semifinals against AC Milan, where as now we will get there and do it better. It is now Master League really starts and all the English teams have a good chance to win. I am very happy with the draw, "he said.

Dimitar Berbatov explains why he rejected Barcelona and Manchester City in favor of Manchester United. Berbatov was like before the transition window closed in August last year sold to Manchester United in a transition worth around 300 million.

But Bulgaria's national tip was also wanted by Barcelona and Manchester City. In a lengthy interview with soccer magazine FourFourTwo says Berbatov now why he chose Old Trafford over the Camp Nou and the City of Manchester Stadium.

- In the course of two years in Tottenham I had achieved much. Now, I have taken a step forward, now I'm here

- the world's largest football club, "said Berbatov in the interview. Could received double salaries in the City In Manchester City could probably Berbatov doubled his salary. But he does not regret that he chose byrivalen.

- Manchester United home in Champion League. They are the reigning masters and has a glorious history. Last season United won both the Champion League and Premier League, and such a performance is a dream for every player

- but I missed it. Now that I am here I will also win the Double, the attacker.

Berbatov said that it was sad to leave Tottenham and White Hart Lane. - It was Tottenham who gave me the chance in English football, they were those who gave me the opportunity to show my qualities, boasting 27-year-old. - I'm really grateful for all Tottenham did for me and will give them a big thank you, "he continues. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson chased the attacker for two years before he finally got his Berbatov 31 August 2008.


Ferguson was critical At Ferguson wanted Berbatov so strongly make the selection easier for the attacker who has been named player of the year in Bulgaria three years in a row. - When I was told that Sir Alex Ferguson really wanted me, was my answer quickly, "says Berbatov.

(VG Nett) A Danish handball judge in stormy weather after he made a mockery of the breasts to the Elite 3000-player Kathrine Lauritsen.

Danish newspapers write about the episode that occurred during a 2 divisjonskamp where Lauritsen team, Elite 3000, was in action.

After a situation where Lauritsen said she was stopped illegally by an opponent.

- She ran straight into my chest, the player have said to the judge, according to Helsingør Dagblad.

- Humoristisk intended

The referee then came with the comment that has caused Rabalder:

- So big boobs, you have not!

Now he defends the statement that it was humorous and meant that it was clearly presented.

- She complained of high voice that she ran straight into her breasts, and with a smile on your mouth and gleam in the eye, I replied - as a kind of reflex remark - no, so the store is not. The player ran out on the bench and the other players complained, the judge explains Mads Krabbe to the same newspaper.

Rasende trener

He believes that he could have given an alternative player for two minutes usportslig appearance. Elite 3000-trainer Poul Sørensen is nevertheless furious at kamplederen.

- The kind of does not take place, not possible in a baseball game and not from a judge of a player in a woman fighting. Could anyone imagine a reverse situation, ask the coach.

It is nevertheless doubtful that Krabbe try him on similar festivities next time he judges ...

Linn Kristin Riegelhuth tempted by FCK.

Linn Kristin Riegelhuth can receive salaries that are on par with the best in the baseball world if she decides to play for FC Copenhagen.

- I am uncertain of how close we are a contract with FC Copenhagen, but we have requested an answer within a week. It is either or Larvik Copenhagen on "Link", says Larvik coach Karl-Erik Bøhn.

Also Larvik players Kari Mette Johansen, who has received offers from that is, Gog Gudme, and Karoline Dyhre Breivang, as FC Midtjylland (former Ikast) are unsure of the future in Larvik. All three will get good contracts if they decide to change the club, the coach.

- I believe that their contracts will remain at around 100 000 dollars a month. Riegelruth will get a little more and thus be in the world when it comes to salaries, continues Bøhn. Also Riegelhuths boyfriend, Einar Sand Koren, can be on the way to FCK.

- If one goes, so goes both. And it is she who decides NOK. He follows with, if she goes. We hope of course she is, but we are not concerned about the team even if the three disappear. They must be allowed to take the decision in peace and quiet, ends coach.

DUBAI (Reuters) - David Beckham made his AC Milan debut with a steady first-half run-out against Hamburg SV in a friendly on Tuesday won 4-3 on penalties by the Italians after the match finished 1-1.

Beckham, 33, has joined the Serie A club on a short loan spell from Los Angeles Galaxy to keep up his fitness and stay in contention for the England team during the U.S. close season.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was soon involved, sending a long ball into the Hamburg penalty area and seeking out Andriy Shevchenko.

He later set up Alexandre Pato to shoot straight at the Hamburg keeper before being substituted at halftime.

Ronaldinho broke the deadlock for Milan, scoring from the penalty spot in the 61st minute, but Hamburg were quick to equalise with a close-range effort from Collin Benjamin in the 66th minute.

"I'm still part of the national team now," Beckham told reporters. "When I'm playing and when I'm fit the manager has always said there's a chance he'll pick me." "I've never played in the Italian league before so it's going to be exciting for me." "To me he gave a very good impression," said Milan's coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"Dynamic quality and also he is an intelligent player." "Obviously he is not at his maximum because for two months he didn't do anything but he had a good week with us and now he is in a good condition and can make a good contribution to the team

(VG Nett) The financial crisis does not have to worry owners of the baseball club New York Yankees significant ...

For when Mark Teixeira by all indications are presented at a press conference today, the tradition-rich club has provided three new players contracts worth 2.9 billion over the next few years.

This is a small consolation that the players are free from their former clubs. ** First CC Sabathia was taken a week before Christmas. He earns older 1.1 billion over the next seven years.

** The same day, it became clear that A.J. Burnett also plays for Yankees next season. He must carefully deal with 578 million over a five-year period.

** And today made public probably agreement with Mark Teixeira, who earns just over 1.2 billion over the next eight years in New York.

But the celebrations in the Yankees do not stop there: Baseball club has played their home games at erverdige Yankee Stadium since 1923, but next year is the end. Then move the baseball surely "just over the street" to a brand new stadium.

World Soccer Jekaterina Jurjeva (25) is usually packed into topplue and much clothing. Now she dressed them for a Russian man leaves.

- Thanks for all komp paste serve as I have been for the photos in Maxim, Jurjeva writes on his blog on sports.ru.

- I am pleased with the pictures. I certainly do not quite know how they managed to persuade me to undress me. I said all along that I would not. But fotograferingen was just fun, the Russian actress star.

Record in Russia

In Russia it is very common that women idrettsstjerner be photographed with little or no clothes. But now comes the boys after. Jurjevas male colleague, Dmitrij Jarosjenko, was recently cover boy for the Russian edition of "Men's health."

It was recently known that Halvard Hane Volds boyfriend and four other Canadian actress girls threw fillene to be photographed for a calendar that would give the dollar a slunken national cabinet.

Will be role models

- Contrary to what young girls see that the ideal female body on television and in magazines, we will show healthy sports bodies that we all should try to achieve. You need not be a top athlete to be in the form, and we encourage all women to be proud of their bodies, "said Sandra Keith, Hane Volds boyfriend, in connection with the launch of the calendar.

Unlike ordinary calendars, is this over 14 months. In February 2010, it is namely the Olympics in Vancouver in Canada - and where the girls have a strong desire to show his best side.

Versatile atlet

Jekaterina Jurjeva says in Maxim that she previously ran with athletics and since rower. But after a dramatic round well with the boat, she chose instead to focus on hockey. The Russian girl was one of the best runners in the last World Cup, where she took the gold, silver and bronze.

Asked by Maxim how to get in touch with skiskyttere, responding Jurjeva cash:

- It is only to follow the sound of bullets!

Sumber: (VG 06.01.09 kl. 07:41, last updated at 06.01.09. 07:48)

Gro Hammerseng joins all those who hope that Marit Breivik will continue as landslagstrener.

- I will be glad if Marit continues, says the long-standing team captain when NTB meets her home in Ikast.

Trust

- Marit is a great coach. She is good at giving players confidence, to show that she relies on one. It gives confidence, and ultimately that is what everything is all about. Marit I owe a big thanks, "said Gro Hammerseng.

She debuted on the national team as a 20-year-old boy in 2000 and became captain three years later. In all, it now has 147 landskamper.

All Marit Breivik as manager. Motivation Marit Breivik contract that landslagstrener for the Norwegian handball women go out 30.april. In the course of February will headline-Norway response to whether she will continue to lead the golden girls, or if she gives up after 15 years with a medal picking no other Norwegian trainer can show equal.

Breivik, through 13 national handball championship led to six gold, five silver and two bronze. - I hope and believe that Marit will take a decision based on self-motivation, "said Gro Hammerseng.

In the top Gro says that she is very excited about what Marit will choose. - But no matter who the trainer made in the future, I think the Norwegian women's national team will continue to assert itself in the top, "she says.

Even Gro is ready for the national team again, after having been over EM

"VG Nett"

Jacobsen longest of all in today hoppuke kvalik Bischofshofen / OSLO (VG Nett) Once again Anders Jacobsen was the longest of all in the evening qualifying in hoppuka.

This rises the jump-optimism NOK once in the Europe. - I have certainly been an angry god training jumps, "said Jacobsen, ironically, by the very good jump. Jacobsen has impressed hugely in the last few days - although he missed when it counted most in the grooves in Innsbruck last.

- Should make it as good Today, the country he in 137.5 meters. Russian Dmitrij Vasiljeva was almost nordmannen with his jumping on the 137 meters. Martin Schmitt country for 135.5 meters, while Wolfgang Loitzl noted for 134 meters.

- I have obviously decided to make it just as well in the competition. The task tomorrow is to think that it is normal NOK.

There you have probably heard before, says Jacobsen. Together with lagkompisene charged him today with miniski before departure to Bischofshofen.

- We had a very good preparation today. First, a long breakfast before we trained technique with miniski in slalåm ground, "he said. Two of them, Simon Ammann and Gregor Schlierenzauer, who are automatically qualified, chose to sit out tonight kvalik. The duo jumped rather none of their training jumps in Bischofshofen today.

It is unusual cost front such a large Hopprenn. Only Gangnes missed Anders Bardal was second best nordmann on 6-place with a jump of 132.5 meters, Johan Remen Evensen jumped 126.5 meters and was number 18, Tom Hilde was number 23 with 125.5 meters, Sigurd Pettersen came in the space behind with 123.5 meters. Kenneth Gangnes was number 64 with a jump of 113 meters. He can not participate in Tuesday's races.

David Beckham celebrates AC Milan as the world's best football club.

It was at a press conference on Milans seminar in Dubai late on Sunday evening David Beckham talked about how he has found itself right in the Italian big club.

See Hamburger SV against Milan in the Dubai Football Challenge live on TV 2 SPORT and in our live Tuesday at. 16.00.

- I'm ready to play for the world's best club, "said the English soccer icon.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti has been impressed so much over Beckham that English man probably get his Serie A debut in the heavyweight champion of the struggle against Rome 11 January.

- It is up to the coach to decide. I've worked hard on physics in recent weeks to get back in 100 percent game shape, "said the English star.

David Beckham is on loan to Milan from the U.S. LA Galaxy until 9 March, but has hinted that he may consider to be in Italy anymore.

- I love LA Galaxy, but for me this is a very good experience. It is not all that gets the chance to play in what many believe is the world's best football club, he says.

But now Petter Northug home to rest.

Petter Northug struggled disease, but still managed to hijack an impressive 2 place in the Tour de Ski - the world's toughest skikonkurranse.

The day was thereupon Norway Perhaps the biggest skistjerne just happy - and exhausted. - It has been tough competitions. Not only physically but also mentally. I've still struggling with colds. It has been a great strain, and now I only home to rest in 4-5 days, says Petter Northug to TV 2 Sport. Dropper probably NM He could not say when he is back in top form.

- I am unsure how long it takes to get into, "he said.

- Are you coming to visit NM on Gjøvik?

It is my uncertain. For me it is a championship later in the winter that is most important. I must do what is best for your body to get fit again. After all, I have not been healthy at the end of the Tour de Ski, responding skikometen - and point to the World Cup in the Czech Republic in February.

After having delivered an impressive climb stage in Tour de Ski and asked Axel Teichmann from the last hundred meters scooped the 22-year-old second place in the world's toughest skikonkurranse. Danced in the bed of joy After celebrating him as if he had won the entire Tour de Ski. And when evening came Northug had trouble sleeping.

- There was no dancing on the tables, "he said about the celebration.

- But I danced in the bed for joy. This was a big moment for me - to be number two on the Tour de Ski, "said Northug.

I think Orson has the right approach to the national championship this year: The polls aren't out yet, but it's fair to say that regardless of what happens in the final AP ballot next Friday, this year's title is already fractured into at least three pieces. USC claimed one of the pieces Thursday (thanks to Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit's Trojan tongue bath from the second quarter on, let's call SC the "Media Champion"), and Utah (the "People's Champ") claimed another piece by finishing its perfect season Friday over Alabama. The Oklahoma-Florida winner (the "Corporate Champion") will claim the third piece next Thursday. And if it's impressive enough Monday against Ohio State, Texas (the "Aggrieved Champion") can draw and quarter the thing -- though the Longhorns' claim is at least somewhat dependent on a strong performance by Oklahoma.

Obviously, the AP can't ratify that much dissent by itself, and probably won't dissent from the OU-Florida result in the BCS Championship at all. But the basic message here is: Don't be a sucker. The BCS was created to declare a "true" national champion by matching the top two teams in the country, and clearly -- for at least the seventh time in ten years -- that mandate is impossible because more than two teams have a legitimate claim on one of those spots.

The "championship game" is just another upper tier bowl game featuring two of those teams, the same as the Rose and the Sugar, however it regards itself. Whatever the polls say Friday, there won't be any better way to distinguish between this year's candidates than there was to distinguish between Colorado and Georgia Tech in 1990, Miami and Washington in 1991, Notre Dame and Florida State in 1993, Penn State and Nebraska in 1994 or Michigan and Nebraska in 1997 ... or, for that matter, between USC and LSU in 2003 or USC and Auburn in 2004.

So split 'em up. The game will survive -- it's endured split championships for decades. But once again, the BCS and the traditional polls are totally inadequate for the reality of the circumstances. If we can't play any more games to settle it, these are the circumstances: USC deserves the championship, Utah deserves the championship, either Florida or Oklahoma will deserve the championship and, in all likelihood, Texas will deserve the championship.

There's no reason whatsoever to go about splitting hairs between these teams. The excellence of their seasons can't be defined or denied by voters, computers or any combination thereof; they stand for themselves, and there's nothing stopping anyone from regarding them based on their merit rather than the strictures of some cabal. If the trophy-makers can't give them all their due, we still can in the way we think, talk and write about them. They all deserve it. So split 'em up.

Liverpool will face Merseyside rivals Everton in the pick of the FA Cup fourth-round matches later this month.

Manchester United will host Tottenham while non-league Kettering Town will meet Premier League Fulham and giant-killers Hartlepool entertain West Ham.
There is also an east Midlands derby with Nottingham Forest being rewarded for their emphatic 3-0 win over Manchester City with a trip to Derby.

The fourth-round ties will be played over the weekend of 23/24/25 January.
North-east minnows Blyth Spartans will travel to neighbours Sunderland if they overcome Blackburn Rovers on Monday.

For new Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies the tie against Derby sees a return to the club he guided to promotion from the Championship two seasons ago.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted. It's a fantastic game for the fans, a fantastic game for the club and I'm very much looking forward to it.
"I've got lots of great friends and lots of great memories at Derby. But I've moved on to the next chapter at Forest and I'm excited by that challenge."

Holders Portsmouth have been drawn against either non-league Histon or Swansea, if they get past Bristol City.

And last season's finalists Cardiff City will host Arsenal at Ninian Park, a replay of the 1927 final between the pair which the Welsh club won 1-0.
"Clearly this is an amazing draw for us," said chairman Peter Ridsdale.

"I think in the FA Cup the glamour is all about playing the top teams, and particularly when you aspire to get promoted, you've got to pit your wits against the top teams.

"I know what can happen at Ninian Park. We've got the most passionate crowd and at home we stand a chance but let's not forget Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world."
Elsewhere, Blue Square Premier side Torquay will host Coventry following their surprise win over Blackpool.

Kettering striker Gareth Seddon is delighted that his side have drawn Premier League opposition in the shape of Fulham.
"Any Premier League side is brilliant for us, especially getting them here as well," he said.
"I think we've got a good chance; you never know, especially with the crowd behind us.
"They've got to expect a tough game and a hostile atmosphere. Maybe get a draw here, take them back to Fulham."

League One outfit Hartlepool who despatched of Premier League Stoke City in the third round get top-flight opposition again, with West Ham travelling to Victoria Park.
"It's a fantastic draw for the club," said Hartlepool assistant manager Ian Butterworth.
"We're at home, pitting our wits against a Premier League side and if the lads can produce the performance of yesterday, and the guts and character, we'll give them one hell of a game.

"The place will be full. We had to put up with the direct approach from Stoke but West Ham will play a little bit more on the deck so that will throw another challenge to us but the attitude of the players is first class so we'll be ready for them."

Roma - Kalau Lazio membutuhkan seorang playmaker handal dan berpengalaman, mereka bisa mengarahkan pencariannya pada sosok Juan Sebastian Veron. Katanya hanya pada klub lawasnya itu Veron mau kembali ke Eropa.Veron ternyata masih menjadi pemain hebat di Liga Argentina walaupun umurnya sudah 33 tahun.

Buktinya kapten Estudiantes dinobatkan sebagai pemain terbaik se-Amerika Selatan tahun 2008, mengalahkan antara lain bintang Boca Juniors, Juan Roman Riquelme. Prestasi itu kabarnya mengundang perhatian Lazio. Dengan janji presiden klub Claudio Lotito untuk mendatangkan pemain top di bursa transfer musim dingin, potensi memboyong Veron lagi ke Olimpico cukup besar.

Sebuah polling yang digagas sebuah stasiun radio di Roma juga menunjukkan kerinduan Laziale pada mantan idolanya itu."Veron ingin menetap di Argentina. Tapi kalau ada tawaran dari Lazio, siapa tahu?" cetus dedengkot transfer asal Argentina, Eugenio Ascari, seperti dikutip Goal. Lazio memang bukan klub Italia satu-satunya yang pernah diperkuat Veron karena ia pernah pula bermain untuk Sampdoria, Parma, dan Inter.

Namun ia mencapai titel scudetto saat bersama "Si Biru Langit" di musim 1999/2000."Veron masih bermain di level yang sangat tinggi. Memang benar, banyak yang lebih memilih dia ketimbang Riquelme. Ada ketertarikan yang kuat dari sejumlah klub di Brasil saat ini, tapi Seba telah menampik mereka karena niatnya adalah bertahan di Argentina," tandas Ascari lagi."Satu-satunya tawaran yang mungkin mengubah pendiriannya adalah dari lazio. Kalau dia disodori bermain lagi di Lazio, Veron akan berpikir lama dan keras."Menurut kalkulasi Ascari, transfer Veron ke Lazio takkan menemui kesulitan. Nilai jual dan standar gajinya diperkirakan dapat dipenuhi Lazio.

Sumber"detiksport"

Middlesbrough - Riverside Stadium sepertinya harus bersiap kehilangan salah satu produk terbaiknya. Stewart Downing dilaporkan telah memutuskan untuk minta dilepas Middlesbrough ke klub lain.Pemain berusia 24 tahun itu sebenarnya telah diikat kontrak baru berdurasi lima tahun pada Februari lalu. Namun, prestasi karir yang mandek sepertinya menjadi alasan kuat bagi Downing mencari peruntungan baru.

Beberapa kali winger kiri itu diincar Manchester United, tapi deal tak pernah tercapai. Sementara itu The Boro pun tak kunjung memperbaiki statusnya dari sekadar tim medioker, yang terbiasa berkutat di papan tengah bahkan kerap bermain-main dengan zona degradasi.Baru-baru ini Downing memiliki peminat lain yaitu Tottenham Hotspur. Konon klub London utara tersebut sudah mengajukan proposal pembelian senilai enam juta poundsterling, tapi kubu Boro menolaknya.

Menurut laporan Press Association, Downing akan mengajukan secara tertulis permohonan ditransfer oleh klubnya itu pada hari Senin (5/1/2009) ini. Manajer Gareth Southgate berulang kali menyatakan takkan menjual Downing. Klub pun tidak dalam tekanan finansial untuk melepas aset-asetnya yang paling berharga. Namun Southgate pernah mewanti-wanti keinginan pemainnya untuk hengkang, dan terkadang dalam hal ini klub tak bisa menghalang-halangi.

Downing menimba ilmu di akademi Middlesbrough sejak masih bersekolah. Ia mulai dijadikan pemain profesional di usia 17 tahun dan melakoni debutnya di Premier League pada 24 April 2002, saat timnya bertanding melawan Ipswich Town.Pria kelahiran 22 Juli 1984 ini mulai langganan pemanggilan timnas senior Inggris sejak 2005. Hanya saja ia belum berhasil menembus posisi starter secara reguler. Sejauh ini ia sudah membela negaranya dalam 21 pertandingan.

Sumber"detiksport"