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***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (9 Viewers)

I am surprised that no one is commenting on the Blazer - Warner item. That is some serious stuff. Blazer was in bed with this guy for 20 years and now out of the blue he stabs him in the back right before the FIFA election.

 
Looks like the corruption claim against Qatar is dead. The "whistleblower" decided not to meet with FIFA after conferring with lawyers, which likely means he did not have enough evidence to prove his claim.

 
'jonessed said:
'NewlyRetired said:
Looks like the corruption claim against Qatar is dead. The "whistleblower" decided not to meet with FIFA after conferring with lawyers, which likely means he did not have enough evidence to prove his claim.
Click to expand...
Or someone found out who he was and paid him a lot of money.
Click to expand...
With people involved of such high moral character I don't see this as a possibility,No need for a smiley here right?
 
'NewlyRetired said:
'jonessed said:
'NewlyRetired said:
Looks like the corruption claim against Qatar is dead. The "whistleblower" decided not to meet with FIFA after conferring with lawyers, which likely means he did not have enough evidence to prove his claim.
Click to expand...
Or someone found out who he was and paid him a lot of money.
Click to expand...
With people involved of such high moral character I don't see this as a possibility,No need for a smiley here right?
Click to expand...
:moneybag: = :hot:
 
Kind of interesting the almost right after the whistleblower decided to not testify, Blazer came out and shook the tree like it has never been shook before from within FIFA.

 
The FIFA election is turning into a joke. Now Bin Hamann is calling for Blatter to be a part of any bribery investigation.

And the more I read, the more I am starting to believe that Jack Warner is going to go down and go down hard. Items are starting to leak to the press that Blazer included some pretty damning emails between Bin and Warner in the evidence he provided to FIFA. The international press is calling this the biggest scandal in FIFA history which really tells how serious the evidence is purported to be.

I am dieing to know what deal Blazer cut for this.

 
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From Goff

All times are Eastern

SATURDAY

England League Two playoff, Stevenage-Torquay 10 a.m. Fox Soccer Plus

MLS, Toronto-Philadelphia 12:30 p.m. Direct Kick

Champions League pregame show 1 p.m. Fox Soccer Channel

Champions League pregame show 2 p.m. Fox (main national channel)

Champions League final, Barcelona-Manchester United 2:30 p.m. Fox (main national channel)

Uruguay, Nacional-Defensor 3 p.m. GolTV

Friendly, Mexico-Ecuador 4 p.m. Univision, univisionfutbol.com

MLS, Vancouver-New York 5:30 p.m. Direct Kick

Brazil, Botafogo-Santos 5:30 p.m. GolTV

MLS, Columbus-Chivas USA 7:30 p.m. Direct Kick

Champions League, Barcelona-Manchester United 8 p.m. (taped) FSC

MLS, New England-Los Angeles 8 p.m. Galavision

MLS, Chicago-San Jose 8:30 p.m. Direct Kick

MLS, Houston-Dallas 8:30 p.m. Direct Kick

MLS, Colorado-Kansas City 9 p.m. Direct Kick

MLS, Real Salt Lake-Seattle 9 p.m. Direct Kick

SUNDAY

England League One playoff, Huddersfield-Peterborough 10 a.m. FSP

Champions League, Barcelona-Manchester United noon (taped) FSC

Friendly, Germany-Uruguay 2 p.m. ESPN Deportes

Italian Cup, Inter Milan-Palermo 3 p.m. GolTV

France, Caen-Marseille 3 p.m. FSC

France, Lille-Rennes 3 p.m. FSP

Four Nations Cup, Ireland-Scotland 4 p.m. ESPN Deportes

Brazil, Cruzeiro-Palmeiras 5 p.m. GolTV Premiere

Champions League, Barcelona-Manchester United 5 p.m. (taped) FSP

MLS, Portland-D.C. United 5 p.m. Comcast SportsNet/DC, Direct Kick

WPS, Philadelphia-Western New York 6 p.m. FSC

Champions League, Barcelona-Manchester United 11 p.m. (taped) FSC

MONDAY

England Championship playoff, Reading-Swansea City 10 a.m. FSC

 
'NewlyRetired said:
The FIFA election is turning into a joke. Now Bin Hamann is calling for Blatter to be a part of any bribery investigation.And the more I read, the more I am starting to believe that Jack Warner is going to go down and go down hard. Items are starting to leak to the press that Blazer included some pretty damning emails between Bin and Warner in the evidence he provided to FIFA. The international press is calling this the biggest scandal in FIFA history which really tells how serious the evidence is purported to be.I am dieing to know what deal Blazer cut for this.
Click to expand...
Good. Warner is a POS of the highest order. He's done a few good things for CONCACAF, but most of it has been self serving. He's as slimy as they come IMO.
 
One-on-One: MLS Commissioner Don Garber

MLS Commissioner Don Garber sat down for a one-on-one interview yesterday afternoon to close out the first day of the AT&T Sports Franchises and Facilities conference, hosted by SBJ/SBD.

Q: Next year MLS will welcome a team in Montreal, which is the league’s 19th club. You have publicly said you support growth. What markets appear best for growth?

Garber: We are focused on New York. It’s a big market. The Cosmos have a great legacy and they have a great soccer history that so far the Red Bulls have not been able to tap into. For the most part Red Bulls fans come from New Jersey. The challenge for [the Cosmos] is to build a stadium, and as we all know New York City is not the easiest place to build. And we’ve put a high price on the 20th team. In 2007 we were asking around $7 million, and last year [teams] sold for $40 million. This could be in the $75 to $100 million [range].

Q: Is the Wilpon family still a viable option for MLS given their recent negative press?

Garber: We have talked with [the Wilpons] about MLS. They have a good situation when it comes to stadiums in the site around Citi Field. Willets Point is one of the largest pieces of undeveloped property in New York.

Q: It’s the elephant in the room. I have to ask you at television ratings. The league has had growth in attendance but in TV it has been relatively flat for the last three years. How do you grow those numbers?

Garber: I had lunch with [an NHL friend] and we spoke about their deal with NBC and Versus, and talked about our situation as a challenge and an opportunity. We have to convert those fans who are part of the global game. We are similar to the NHL; however they are not competing with Russian hockey like we are competing with the Premier League. We need a product to convert those fans, and we do it by having good stories in local markets and better promotion. You think about what has driven hockey, it was strong local teams that had great local TV deals and passionate supporters. The soccer audience is big. Chelsea versus Manchester United had 550,000 viewers this year.

Q: Kansas City will open a soccer specific stadium this year that is branded with the Livestrong brand. Are you worried that the brand may receive negative press given the [recent doping allegations against Lance Armstrong]?

Garber: It is a beautiful facility, one of our best. Think of a Midwest version of Red Bull arena. The ownership is great, they are young, technical-minded guys. They think differently. I think Livestrong was an innovative deal, and with the brand’s recognition in the cancer fight, I think they can do well with that. Clearly they will have something to manage if something does happen with Lance Armstrong. We are hopeful they won’t have to.

Q: Will they have the ability to revisit the [naming rights deal] if there is an issue with Armstrong?

Garber: Yes. I hope they don’t. Lance Armstrong has been a great story for Americans.

Q: You worked at the NFL for 16 years, and you worked alongside Roger Goodell. Did you ever envision him becoming the next commissioner?

Garber: I didn't think it would be him. He was a guy of few words and even in his mid 20's I don't think any of us thought he would be in that role. But 10 years later I think it became very apparent that [Goodell] could do it. He had great relationships with all of the owners and he really understood the brand. And he's very well spoken.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style.

Garber: I'm a walk-around-the-office type of guy. I try to be very accessible. I encourage taking risks. I remember at other jobs feeling like you were always looking over your shoulder, and that is not my style. To me, you can't win in this game or get to where you want to be by being pulled there. You have to be pushed there.

 
There are rumors that Atlético may hire Rafa for their next coach.

That would be impossibly stupid. After selling off their best talent, they bring in an overpriced coach that runs teams into the ground. Ugh. I'd rather see Schuster there.

 
Goff is reporting, unconfirmed, that Eddie Gaven was chosen for the Gold Cup but turned down the request due to first child being born soon.

 
'NewlyRetired said:
One-on-One: MLS Commissioner Don Garber

MLS Commissioner Don Garber sat down for a one-on-one interview yesterday afternoon to close out the first day of the AT&T Sports Franchises and Facilities conference, hosted by SBJ/SBD.

Q: Next year MLS will welcome a team in Montreal, which is the league’s 19th club. You have publicly said you support growth. What markets appear best for growth?

Garber: We are focused on New York. It’s a big market. The Cosmos have a great legacy and they have a great soccer history that so far the Red Bulls have not been able to tap into. For the most part Red Bulls fans come from New Jersey. The challenge for [the Cosmos] is to build a stadium, and as we all know New York City is not the easiest place to build. And we’ve put a high price on the 20th team. In 2007 we were asking around $7 million, and last year [teams] sold for $40 million. This could be in the $75 to $100 million [range].

Q: Is the Wilpon family still a viable option for MLS given their recent negative press?

Garber: We have talked with [the Wilpons] about MLS. They have a good situation when it comes to stadiums in the site around Citi Field. Willets Point is one of the largest pieces of undeveloped property in New York.

Q: It’s the elephant in the room. I have to ask you at television ratings. The league has had growth in attendance but in TV it has been relatively flat for the last three years. How do you grow those numbers?

Garber: I had lunch with [an NHL friend] and we spoke about their deal with NBC and Versus, and talked about our situation as a challenge and an opportunity. We have to convert those fans who are part of the global game. We are similar to the NHL; however they are not competing with Russian hockey like we are competing with the Premier League. We need a product to convert those fans, and we do it by having good stories in local markets and better promotion. You think about what has driven hockey, it was strong local teams that had great local TV deals and passionate supporters. The soccer audience is big. Chelsea versus Manchester United had 550,000 viewers this year.

Q: Kansas City will open a soccer specific stadium this year that is branded with the Livestrong brand. Are you worried that the brand may receive negative press given the [recent doping allegations against Lance Armstrong]?

Garber: It is a beautiful facility, one of our best. Think of a Midwest version of Red Bull arena. The ownership is great, they are young, technical-minded guys. They think differently. I think Livestrong was an innovative deal, and with the brand’s recognition in the cancer fight, I think they can do well with that. Clearly they will have something to manage if something does happen with Lance Armstrong. We are hopeful they won’t have to.

Q: Will they have the ability to revisit the [naming rights deal] if there is an issue with Armstrong?

Garber: Yes. I hope they don’t. Lance Armstrong has been a great story for Americans.

Q: You worked at the NFL for 16 years, and you worked alongside Roger Goodell. Did you ever envision him becoming the next commissioner?

Garber: I didn't think it would be him. He was a guy of few words and even in his mid 20's I don't think any of us thought he would be in that role. But 10 years later I think it became very apparent that [Goodell] could do it. He had great relationships with all of the owners and he really understood the brand. And he's very well spoken.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style.

Garber: I'm a walk-around-the-office type of guy. I try to be very accessible. I encourage taking risks. I remember at other jobs feeling like you were always looking over your shoulder, and that is not my style. To me, you can't win in this game or get to where you want to be by being pulled there. You have to be pushed there.
Click to expand...
:thumbup: very interesting stuff- for me, the TV and Cosmos at the top.

 
'The Z Machine said:
'NewlyRetired said:
The FIFA election is turning into a joke. Now Bin Hamann is calling for Blatter to be a part of any bribery investigation.And the more I read, the more I am starting to believe that Jack Warner is going to go down and go down hard. Items are starting to leak to the press that Blazer included some pretty damning emails between Bin and Warner in the evidence he provided to FIFA. The international press is calling this the biggest scandal in FIFA history which really tells how serious the evidence is purported to be.I am dieing to know what deal Blazer cut for this.
Click to expand...
Good. Warner is a POS of the highest order. He's done a few good things for CONCACAF, but most of it has been self serving. He's as slimy as they come IMO.
Click to expand...
It's sad that the first thing I think of with all of this is that Blazer made a deal with some other big-wig so that not only Bin Hamman, but also Blatter (for being at the head of the ship for all this crap) will go down. I have to figure it's a power play with a hidden next step or 10.
 
'El Floppo said:
'The Z Machine said:
'NewlyRetired said:
The FIFA election is turning into a joke. Now Bin Hamann is calling for Blatter to be a part of any bribery investigation.And the more I read, the more I am starting to believe that Jack Warner is going to go down and go down hard. Items are starting to leak to the press that Blazer included some pretty damning emails between Bin and Warner in the evidence he provided to FIFA. The international press is calling this the biggest scandal in FIFA history which really tells how serious the evidence is purported to be.I am dieing to know what deal Blazer cut for this.
Click to expand...
Good. Warner is a POS of the highest order. He's done a few good things for CONCACAF, but most of it has been self serving. He's as slimy as they come IMO.
Click to expand...
It's sad that the first thing I think of with all of this is that Blazer made a deal with some other big-wig so that not only Bin Hamman, but also Blatter (for being at the head of the ship for all this crap) will go down. I have to figure it's a power play with a hidden next step or 10.
Click to expand...
I don't think it is sad. I think it is logical. These guys make American politicians look clean. There is no way Blazer made this move with out a deal in place. I just don't know what it is. Only thing I disagree with you on is that I think Blazer cut the deal with Blatter as in the short term Blatter has the most to gain.
 
'NewlyRetired said:
'El Floppo said:
'The Z Machine said:
'NewlyRetired said:
The FIFA election is turning into a joke. Now Bin Hamann is calling for Blatter to be a part of any bribery investigation.And the more I read, the more I am starting to believe that Jack Warner is going to go down and go down hard. Items are starting to leak to the press that Blazer included some pretty damning emails between Bin and Warner in the evidence he provided to FIFA. The international press is calling this the biggest scandal in FIFA history which really tells how serious the evidence is purported to be.I am dieing to know what deal Blazer cut for this.
Click to expand...
Good. Warner is a POS of the highest order. He's done a few good things for CONCACAF, but most of it has been self serving. He's as slimy as they come IMO.
Click to expand...
It's sad that the first thing I think of with all of this is that Blazer made a deal with some other big-wig so that not only Bin Hamman, but also Blatter (for being at the head of the ship for all this crap) will go down. I have to figure it's a power play with a hidden next step or 10.
Click to expand...
I don't think it is sad. I think it is logical. These guys make American politicians look clean. There is no way Blazer made this move with out a deal in place. I just don't know what it is. Only thing I disagree with you on is that I think Blazer cut the deal with Blatter as in the short term Blatter has the most to gain.
Click to expand...
Yeah- probably so. Occurred to me after I wrote this that Blazer could be making a move on Warner's spot... but I'm still guessing bigger things afish.
 
'The Z Machine said:
There are rumors that Atlético may hire Rafa for their next coach.That would be impossibly stupid. After selling off their best talent, they bring in an overpriced coach that runs teams into the ground. Ugh. I'd rather see Schuster there.
Click to expand...
Has Atleti not been paying attention to Rafa's time at Inter or Liverpool? He could run that team into a relegation battle. I would like to see the Rojiblancos get stronger to make La Liga more competitive, but hiring Rafa would be going in the opposite direction.
 
'The Kansas Comet said:
'The Z Machine said:
There are rumors that Atlético may hire Rafa for their next coach.That would be impossibly stupid. After selling off their best talent, they bring in an overpriced coach that runs teams into the ground. Ugh. I'd rather see Schuster there.
Click to expand...
Has Atleti not been paying attention to Rafa's time at Inter or Liverpool? He could run that team into a relegation battle. I would like to see the Rojiblancos get stronger to make La Liga more competitive, but hiring Rafa would be going in the opposite direction.
Click to expand...
Totally agree. Rafa is NOT the answer.
 
Well so much for my theory that this mess was going to help Blatter. Might as well call off the election at this point.

===========================

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/05/27/fifa.blatter.ap/index.html?sct=sc_t2_a3

GENEVA—FIFA placed its own president under investigation Friday in a widening bribery scandal just days before he is scheduled to face re-election.

FIFA said Sepp Blatter, who is accused of turning a blind eye to alleged bribes being paid to Caribbean voters, must submit a statement by Saturday before facing an ethics committee hearing in Zurich on Sunday.

With both Blatter and rival candidate Mohamed bin Hammam now under investigation, it is unclear whether next Wednesday's election will go ahead.

"I cannot comment on the proceedings that have been opened against me. The facts will speak for themselves," Blatter said in a statement released by his campaign advisers.

Bin Hammam and senior FIFA official Jack Warner were summoned Wednesday to face the ethics panel on charges of bribing voters during a Caribbean campaign visit. The allegations were leveled by American FIFA executive committee member Chuck Blazer.

"In the report submitted by ... Chuck Blazer earlier this week, FIFA vice president Jack Warner would have informed the FIFA President in advance about alleged cash payments to delegations attending a special meeting of the Caribbean Football Union," FIFA said in a statement Friday.

Up to 25 delegates who have votes in the election were allegedly offered bribes at the May 10-11 conference in Warner's native Trinidad.

Bin Hammam requested Thursday that FIFA also investigate Blatter in the affair that has thrown soccer's governing body into chaos and left the scheduled election up in the air.

Bin Hammam claims Blatter broke ethics rules by not reporting apparent corruption attempts.

FIFA's ethics rules require officials to "report any evidence of violations of conduct."

Bin Hammam, Warner and two CFU officials have been summoned before the ethics panel based on Blazer's explosive file of evidence.

Blatter "had no issue" with the bribes being arranged, according to bin Hammam's formal complaint.

Warner, a senior FIFA official for 28 years, allegedly said that "the FIFA President would have had no issue" with the payments.

Support from the Caribbean has long been seen as crucial to bin Hammam's hopes of unseating former ally Blatter.

Blazer, the highest-ranking American in FIFA, has been an executive committee and CONCACAF regional body colleague of the men he accuses for more than 15 years.

 
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As Grant Wahl tweeted this morning, what a shame he was not able to get nominated. It would have been golden :)

 
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ESPN QUIZ

Arguably the biggest sporting event of the year takes place this weekend, and it doesn't involve LeBron James or cars turning left. When Manchester United and Barcelona meet in the final of the UEFA Champions League, they will play for the biggest annual title in soccer. Can you name the clubs to win the event, previously known as the European Cup, more than once?
Click to expand...
I got 11 of the 12 with that last one being out of nowhere for me. Good Luck.
 
'B Maverick said:
ESPN QUIZ

Arguably the biggest sporting event of the year takes place this weekend, and it doesn't involve LeBron James or cars turning left. When Manchester United and Barcelona meet in the final of the UEFA Champions League, they will play for the biggest annual title in soccer. Can you name the clubs to win the event, previously known as the European Cup, more than once?
Click to expand...
I got 11 of the 12 with that last one being out of nowhere for me. Good Luck.
Click to expand...
Also 11 of 12, but I think I got the hard one. I missed one I really should have gotten.
 
'scoobygang said:
'B Maverick said:
ESPN QUIZ

Arguably the biggest sporting event of the year takes place this weekend, and it doesn't involve LeBron James or cars turning left. When Manchester United and Barcelona meet in the final of the UEFA Champions League, they will play for the biggest annual title in soccer. Can you name the clubs to win the event, previously known as the European Cup, more than once?
Click to expand...
I got 11 of the 12 with that last one being out of nowhere for me. Good Luck.
Click to expand...
Also 11 of 12, but I think I got the hard one. I missed one I really should have gotten.
Click to expand...
UGH! 11 of 12 and I should have gotten the last one too. Wonder if we missed the same one?
 
10 for me... the obviously not-obvious one with 2, and one other somewhat obvious one with 2 (one of two teams from their country on the list, both with 2)... I should've gotten the latter, but no way the former.

fwiw- our nanny is from T&T, so I mentioned Jack Warner. She rolled her eyes and talked about him being pretty loathed at home.

 
'El Floppo said:
10 for me... the obviously not-obvious one with 2, and one other somewhat obvious one with 2 (one of two teams from their country on the list, both with 2)... I should've gotten the latter, but no way the former.
Click to expand...
You dare to forget to Eusebio and Brian Clough?
 
'scoobygang said:
'El Floppo said:
10 for me... the obviously not-obvious one with 2, and one other somewhat obvious one with 2 (one of two teams from their country on the list, both with 2)... I should've gotten the latter, but no way the former.
Click to expand...
You dare to forget to Eusebio and Brian Clough?
Click to expand...
Yeah exactly.Interesting (well... not really that interesting) that both that I missed were from the 60s and earlier.
 
Let's put the Fifa is corrupt and MLS is boring talk on the back burner for bit. It's Chaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmppppppppiiiiiiiiiooooooonnnnnnssssssss!!!!!!!!I am psyched for tomorrow. I don't even want to try to think about how it is going down. Both these teams are fantastic. Should be a hell of a game. I'm taking a long lunch break to watch it. Nothing but respect between these two.

Guardiola: We are not the best everMay 27, 2011 Email PrintBy ESPN staffBarcelona manager Pep Guardiola played down suggestions that his side are the best team ever, as they prepare to face Manchester Untied in the final of the Champions League.Pep Guardiola is the focus of attention after Barcelona sealed yet another titleGettyImages / JoseJordanPep Guardiola is the focus of attention after Barcelona sealed yet another title• Preview: Barcelona v Man Utd• Fergie plays down aerial threat talk• Venables on Barca and La Masia• Duerden: Asian hopes pinned on Park• Jolly: Carrick has point to prove• Jolly: Rio out to blunt Barca attack• Rewind: Cruyff builds his Dream Team• First XI: European Cup finalsGuardiola led Barcelona to an unprecedented six trophies in his first season in 2008-09, including a Champions League victory courtesy of a 2-0 win over United in Rome. He has since taken the side to two other La Liga crowns and could claim Barca's third European trophy in six years if he can emerge triumphant from Wembley.But, when asked if the current Barcelona side are the best ever, Guardiola said: "I don't think so. When the people are watching this team if they enjoy we are happy, but we have to respect Brazil, Milan, Liverpool, Manchester or even Madrid for the best moments."It is difficult to compare, it is for example to say who is better - Pele, Maradona, Messi or Beckenbauer, all these kind of players in the right moment help to make football better than before."What would we like, in the coming 10-15 years people remember that in that time Barcelona played good football and we enjoyed that time when we saw that would be the best thing, but to say right now is impossible."He added: "I think Manchester United in the last 10, 15, 20 years is always at the top, always compete very well in the Premier League and they have three times out of the last four years in the final of the Champions League."When I saw the Manchester United team two years ago my view, my impression, was it was a strong, strong team."From two years ago and the last four or five games, and the many games I have seen they are strong, they are competitive, each player knows what they have to do. It is an honour to play in the Champions League against Manchester United."Pep Guardiola also said he believes his side and opponents United have a responsibility to live up to the ''final of the decade'' billing.''We have to show tomorrow both teams playing football,'' he said. ''We have the audience of the world and we have to show we deserve this credit of 'the final of the decade'.''When you play in a final and both teams want to win and both want to play, for the rest of the world it will be a good final. They have their strength, we have our skill, and we have to see who controls the situation best.''The one unknown quantity from a Barca point of view will be United sensation Javier Hernandez, who has been arguably the signing of the season.Guardiola said: ''He's a huge surprise, he's amazing. He's amazing when arriving in the area. He has incredible movement without the ball. Manchester United have bought an enormous young talent. I am convinced that he will be an important player for the next few years at United.''United have arrived at Wembley despite being branded less than vintage but Guardiola was not buying that and insisted their history had helped create a special club.''From Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson, they've gone through everything, through plane accidents in Munich,'' he said. ''When you're lucky enough to play against rivals like Manchester, the only thing you can feel is satisfied and very fortunate.''To be sitting near Sir Alex Ferguson is an honour. So we'll try to enjoy it, enjoy the show and compete, play as well as we can.''
Click to expand...
Xavi: United success has led the wayMay 26, 2011 Email PrintBy ESPNsoccernet staffBarcelona midfielder Xavi believes Manchester United's achievements over the past two decades should be a "reference point" for other clubs to try to emulate.Xavi Barcelona celebGettyImagesXavi believes Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have been two of the best players in recent memory• Jolly: Rio out to blunt Barca attack• Rewind: Cruyff builds his Dream Team• First XI: European Cup finals• Blog: Barca travel early to LondonXavi, 31, has helped create a lasting legacy at Barca, winning six La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, one Copa del Rey and a FIFA World Club Championship during his 13-year career at Camp Nou.But the World Cup-winning midfielder feels that Manchester United's sustained period of success under Sir Alex Ferguson is the real yardstick for the Catalans to aim for."For me Manchester is the reference point - not just now but over many years," Xavi was quoted as saying in The Times. "What Ferguson has achieved deserves a lot of credit. Ferguson, [Paul] Scholes and [Ryan] Giggs are references for everyone in football throughout the world."They have been at the top for many years, playing at an extraordinary level. They have won leagues year after year and they keep reaching Champions League finals and semi-finals. They have a spectacular level and everyone in Europe still looks to them."While Xavi recognises United have some quality individuals in their ranks, the Barca star believes United's chief threat comes from their ability to pull together as an effective team unit."The key is that they don't just have talent, but they work very hard for each other," he said. "They can play in many different ways. If they score, they can sit back and defend the lead playing on the counterattack. The fact that they are so versatile again shows the great job that Ferguson has done."They are an example of how to defend from the front. They all work so hard. There is solidarity about them, they are working for each other and I suppose that comes from Ferguson. He is the reason they are what they are."Barcelona will likely be relying on Lionel Messi, who scored in the 2009 final against United, to lead their line at Wembley but Xavi believes the Spanish champions will have to be wary of the Red Devils' own talisman, Wayne Rooney."They move the ball quickly and the attacking players really stand out: Giggs, Rooney, Chicharito and [Antonio] Valencia," Xavi said. "If I had to pick one out, then it would be Rooney. I would have said Scholes for many years, but he plays a little less now."
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Scholes: We can match Barca's styleMay 26, 2011 Email PrintBy ESPNsoccernet staffManchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has hailed Barcelona as "the ultimate" team, but is confident the Premier League champions can match their opponents blow-for-blow in the style stakes at Wembley.Paul Scholes v Barcelona celebrationGettyImagesPaul Scholes scored Man Utd's winner against Barcelona in the 2008 semi-final• Preview: Barcelona v Manchester United• Venables on Barca and La Masia• Duerden: Asian hopes pinned on Park• Jolly: Carrick has point to prove• Jolly: Rio out to blunt Barca attack• Rewind: Cruyff builds his Dream Team• First XI: European Cup finalsScholes, 36, is preparing for his third Champions League final with United, having also competed in the 2008 and 2009 finals, though he missed out on the club's 1999 triumph through suspension.The former England international helped United to the 2008 final by scoring the winning goal against Barca in the semi and he was rewarded with a place in Ferguson's starting line-up against Chelsea in Moscow.But a year later it was a different story for Scholes, who was reduced to a 20-minute cameo at the end of the Red Devils' 2-0 defeat to the Catalans in Rome.The veteran midfielder is expected to start on the bench again on Saturday, but he believes United are relishing the prospect of testing themselves against Pep Guardiola's talented charges."There is no doubt the two best teams have made it to the final,'' Scholes said. "Barcelona are the ultimate. They are what we all look to and want to play like."But our football can be just as good as theirs at times. We have a lot of quality too. Both teams want to go forward and score goals, so I don't think anyone could ask for a bigger or a better final.''And Scholes says regrets over the meek surrender of their European crown to Barca in 2008 drive he and his team-mates to want to regain the title."There is a determination to make sure that doesn't happen again,'' Scholes said. "It wasn't a nice night and the summer afterwards felt very long. This time we intend to at least give it a go.''Scholes is still to reveal his intentions for next season, having so far refused to say whether he is going to accept the option of another one-year contract."I felt great until the Rangers game [in December], when I did my groin,'' he said. "I should only have been out for a week to 10 days. It ended up dragging on for six weeks and I found it quite difficult to get back in."It took me a while to get used to the fact it would take me longer to get match fit again because I was only playing every couple of weeks. It is just the way it is. Now I am looking forward to a good end to the season.''
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I really hope Puyol and Pique line up at center backs. I really don't want to see Masherano back there. Alves better keep his head out of his ###.
 
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