King gives Bahrain a lift ahead of decider

DOHA: A phone call from King Hamad Isa al-Khalifa has left Bahrain’s players in buoyant mood as they attempt to record a first victory over Australia and reach the Asian Cup quarter-finals.

Bahrain need to beat the best FIFA ranked side in the 16-team tournament if they are to reach the quarter-finals with Australia requiring only a point at the Al Sadd Stadium today to make the last eight.

Bahrain, who have lost all four previous meetings against Australia, will be without goal-scoring midfielder Faouzi Aaish who is suspended after being sent off in their 5-2 win over India on Friday, but hopes are high they can reach the last eight for only the second time following the royal call.

“The call raised the level of moral and spirit amongst the players. This call is a decoration on our chest,” Bahrain coach Salman Shareeda told reporters yesterday ahead of the Group C clash.

“His majesty’s call was very much impressive and expressive and shows his majesty is following up on his sons and his citizens. He is satisfied with our performances.”

Shareeda cut a grumpy figure at yesterday’s media conference where he offered vague replies to questions about how his team will overcome Australia, who will replace Aaish and how he will shore up the team’s leaky defence.

“We are unlucky we have had many injuries so far and these have been injuries in the past few days,” Shareeda, who has only been in charge of the team since October, revealed.

Although when asked which players had suffered the injuries and, if necessary, who would replace them, a secretive Shareeda replied:

“We, as a technical management, have agreed with our own substitutes. We are prepared to meet and face Australia, the substitutes are already there and have already been selected.”

Australia’s coach Holger Osieck was in far more jovial mood when he spoke with the media earlier.

“We are in a position where we have our fate in our own hands if we put in a good performance we will definitely achieve our target,” Osieck said.

“We don’t consider anything other than a victory. When you try and play a tactical game (for a draw) you lose your direction, strength ... you definitely should avoid this.”

South Korea, seeking their first title since 1960, are expected to easily sweep aside the tournament’s lowest ranked side India and join either Australia or Bahrain in the last eight.

Manchester United midfielder and Korean captain Park Ji-sung is being troubled by toothache but it should not prevent him from lining up at the Al Gharafa Stadium today. 

  

Tevez and new boy Dzeko look perfect City couple

MANCHESTER: Aleksandar Kola­rov believes that Manchester City’s strike-force of Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko could prove to be the most potent in the Premier League.

City host Leicester in the FA Cup third round replay today, fresh from a second spell at the top of the Premier League this season after a 4-3 victory over Wolves.

That was the first time Tevez and Bosnian forward Dzeko, a £27mil signing from German club Wolfsburg, have partnered each other in attack.

Tevez scored twice and Dzeko also played a key role in the victory over their struggling opponents.

Manager Roberto Mancini has allow­ed Roque Santa Cruz to join Blackburn on loan for the rest of the season and doubts remain about Emmanuel Adebayor’s future at East­lands.

But with Mario Balotelli set to return from a knee problem in three weeks, Serbian defender Kolarov, who arrived from Lazio in the summer, thinks that City’s attack has to be feared.

“Edin is a great player and he was very good in his first game,” he said.

“It’s a shame that he didn’t score against Wolves, but he made one for Yaya (Toure) and he is very happy about that. We scored four goals as a team, and Edin and Carlos already look good together in attack – they may be the best in the Premier League. But we have all to keep on working hard and building on what we do in training.”

City have suffered just one defeat in their last 16 matches in all competitions as they prepare for their replay against former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Leicester.

But after keeping three consecutive clean sheets, they conceded two poor goals in the 2-2 draw at Leicester, before letting in three against lowly Wolves.

Kolarov admits Mancini’s side cannot afford to be so slack if they are to end their trophy drought this season.

He added: “It’s never, never over in the Premier League until the 90 minutes has gone and you have to stay focused. We made a couple of mistakes against Wolves, and you just can’t do that at this level. We can’t be making mistakes like that.”

Judging by his selection from the first game at the Walkers Stadium, Mancini is likely to pick a strong side against the Second Division team for the replay.

David Silva made a brief substitute appearance against Wolves and may be given a start against Leicester and Mancini may also take the chance to give Dzeko another taste of English football. Micah Richards is unlikely to be risked after a back injury, while Balotelli is still on the sidelines.

  

Kenny is still up for the fight

LONDON: Kenny Dalglish showed he has lost none of his passion as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw in the Mersey derby.

Kop King Kenny, back in charge at Anfield for the first time since 1991, roared at ref Phil Dowd over both Everton goals.

Liverpool took the lead against their neighbours with a fine strike from Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles.

But in the space of six minutes after half time, Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford gave Everton the lead before Dirk Kuyt’s penalty earned a point.

Dalglish said: “Their first goal should not have been a corner, even if I had got lenses in I could have seen that!

“For the second one, Martin Kelly got battered and we got turned on the edge of the box when we were about to clear it.

“Maybe on another day you’d get them given in your favour. But the thing we can do something about is the way we play.

“And the way we committed ourselves was a great credit to the players – and the supporters responded to that.

“We were a wee bit unfortunate to come in at half-time only 1-0 up.

“They got two quick goals but we showed a real desire to get back into the game.

“Overall I’m disappointed because we had the most shots, efforts and clear-cut chances and you could say we deserved more.”

In contrast with Dalglish’s upbeat mood, Everton boss David Moyes groaned: “I’m disappointed we didn’t take all three points.

“But I am delighted we went in at half-time only 1-0 down. Liverpool had been the better team. We had some youngsters playing in their first derby and they looked as if they were a bit overawed by the game – they didn’t really recognise what was required.

“But they soon found out, didn’t they? And I tell you what – they didn’t half respond in the second half.” 

  

Qatar, Uzbekistan into Asian Cup quarterfinals

DOHA, Qatar (AP) - Host Qatar reached the Asian Cup quarterfinals for the second time in its history Sunday following a 3-0 victory over Kuwait, and Uzbekistan advanced with a 2-2 draw that sent opponent China home.

Qatar, flying high following its winning bid to host the 2022 World Cup, needed a victory against winless Kuwait to ensure it advanced. Two first-half goals in five minutes set coach Bruno Metsu's side on its way and sent the crowd of 28,000 at Khalifa Stadium into delirious celebrations.

Across town, China fought back from a goal down to draw with Uzbekistan, but the team still finished third in Group A. The early exit was the latest disappointment for the Chinese, which have struggled since qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, having also left the Asian Cup early in 2007.

Uzbekistan topped the group with seven points, one more than Qatar. China has four points and Kuwait has zero.

"We were not good in the first match, but our real matches started with China," said Qatar defender Bilal Mohammed, referring to a 2-0 loss to Uzbekistan followed by a 2-0 win over the Chinese. "In the previous tournaments, we were out from the first round. But now we are better and deserve to qualify and go to the final."

Mohammed powered in a header from Ibrahim al-Ghanim's deep cross in the 11th minute to give Qatar the lead.

Five minutes later, Mohamed El Sayed took advantage of a goal-mouth scramble to make it 2-0. El Sayed appeared to push his marker out of the way to reach the long ball out of defense, but no whistle came.

His initial header was saved and Sebastian Suria's follow-up was blocked, but El Sayed got to the loose ball and sent it into the top corner with goalkeeper Nawaf al-Khaldi stranded.

Qatar substitute Fabio Cesar wrapped up the victory in the 86th, curling a left-footed free kick around the wall and into the top corner past a static goalkeeper.

Metsu admitted he and his players have been under pressure to match the well-organized tournament with a display on the pitch that showed they are better than the team's position of No. 105 in the FIFA world rankings.

"The team was influenced by the importance of the opening match and it had an impact on the mentality of the players," Metsu said. "With today's performance and victory, they have reached the point they were aiming at."

Kuwait's best chance came right at the end of the first half when a cross found Walied Ali in space at the far post, but his angled shot was diverted behind by goalkeeper Qasem Burhan.

Qatar's qualification should give the tournament a boost and keep the host nation interested, especially in light of the poor performances of most neighboring Gulf teams. Thousands of Qataris, often wearing the team's maroon-and-white colors, have watched their team live in action.

"This is the team that we all know," said Mohammed al-Merri, a 24-year-old student. "Today we proved that we can win the cup and beat all the teams. We are so happy about the way they played. This is a big result which we will never forget."

Yu Hai gave China the lead against Uzbekistan in the sixth minute with a diving header that only just beat the goalkeeper.

Odil Akhmedov equalized in the 30th, and Alexander Geynrikh's booming drive from outside the area gave Uzbekistan a 2-1 lead in the 46th. Hao Junmin leveled for China with a curling free kick in the 56th.

"This Asian Cup was a great experience for our young team," China coach Gao Hongbo said. "We could learn a lot. We had many chances in this match, but we were unfortunate."

Uzbekistan now plays the Group B runner-up on Friday, when Qatar plays the top team in the same group.

"It was a good game. We won the group, everyone is pleased," Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov said.

  

Barcelona smashes Malaga and records in Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Barcelona extended its unbeaten run to a club-record 28 games on Sunday, strolling to a 4-1 win over Malaga to open up a four-point lead in the Spanish league after second-place Real Madrid drew 1-1 at last-place Almeria.

Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Pedro Rodriguez scored in the first half and Villa added another after the break to set the record in the 111-year history of Barcelona, which had previously gone 27 games unbeaten in the 1973-74 season.

Barcelona has 52 points, a league record for halfway through a season, breaking the mark it set two seasons ago by two points.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola downplayed his team's lead over Madrid.

"They (Madrid) will drop very few points in the second round," he said. "We have to take each game as a step forward."

Earlier at Juegos Mediterraneos stadium, Almeria's Jose Ulloa fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the 60th-minute opener.

Esteban Granero equalized for Madrid with a rising strike off a pass from fellow second-half substitute Karim Benzema in the 77th.

"The league is very open. Under normal conditions, a four-point difference is an open league," Madrid coach Jose Mourinho said.

The problem is that Barcelona is not playing like a normal team.

The Catalan club is demolishing league opponents, outscoring them 51-6 in its 13-match winning streak.

To add to Madrid's pain, its fierce rivals' 17th win at the season's midway point has broken Madrid's record from 1960-61.

Barcelona is also two wins away from equaling Madrid's league record of 15 straight wins that has stood since the same season.

Malaga's starting 11 featured five of its winter signings, including forward Baptista on debut. But Barcelona showed why it is the favorite to lift a third straight league title.

Iniesta opened the scoring in the eighth minute, half-volleying the ball in off the post from a pass by Dani Alves with goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo looking on.

Villa doubled the advantage in the 18th. Xavi Hernandez's curling shot hit the crossbar, and Villa converted after midfielder Sergio Busquets had stolen possession.

Pedro Rodriguez hit his sixth goal in four games and 10th this season, getting the rebound from Iniesta's shot in the 36th that Asenjo did well to save but could not hold.

Asenjo twice denied Lionel Messi from close range, before Sergio "Duda" Barbosa pulled one back for Malaga in the 68th with a left-footed free kick that bent over the wall and into the top corner.

Villa capped the historic win when Xavi put him through in the 74th minute to score his 14th goal of the season.

"We knew we could increase our lead after (Madrid) drew," Villa said. "But there is a long way to go."

In Madrid's match, the visitors failed to find its rhythm in attack and were limited to long-range attempts from Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Nobody thought we could do it," said Ulloa. "We controlled the game and they did not create many chances."

Kaka, who started a match for Madrid for the first time since surgery on his left knee in August, linked up with Ronaldo for Madrid's best chance in the first half. The Brazil star played Ronaldo through with a lob into the center of the Almeria defense, but goalkeeper Diego Alves reacted quickly.

Benzema replaced Kaka in the 59th, and Madrid pushed for a winner to continue its run of five straight league wins, but Almeria earned a point after Ronaldo hit the crossbar with a free kick in extra time.

"There is a long way to go and we are convinced there is time to catch Barcelona," said Granero.

Also, Jeremy Mathieu and Pablo Hernandez scored late goals to give Valencia a 2-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday to strengthen its hold on fourth place in the Spanish league.

Mathieu raced down the left flank to reach a pass from Tino Costa and shoot past goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia from a difficult angle in the 77th. Hernandez then caught the Deportivo defense pressing forward for the equalizer to score the second goal just before the final whistle, as Valencia extended its winning streak to four games.

Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita saved a low shot by forward Lassad Nouioui at the 50-minute mark in Deportivo's best scoring chance.

"We have to improve our attack from the wings, but a victory lets you see things in a more positive light and you can polish your mistakes," Valencia coach Unai Emery said.

Valencia has scored late winners in its past three wins to move three points clear of fifth-place Espanyol.

Deportivo remained 13th, five points above the relegation zone.

Atletico Madrid plays Mallorca on Monday.

  

Tottenham, United play to scoreless draw in league

LONDON (AP) - Manchester United survived the second-half sending-off of right back Rafael to hold Tottenham to a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane on Sunday and remain unbeaten in the Premier League.

The Brazilian defender picked up a second booking for tripping Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the 74th minute but the visitors hung on to remain atop the standings, above Manchester City on goal difference.

Tottenham needed a win to go above Chelsea into fourth place and almost took maximum points when Rafael van der Vaart's curling shot in the 80th flew narrowly over.

Liverpool drew 2-2 with local rival Everton to leave Kenny Dalglish still without a win in his second spell in charge of the Reds, while Birmingham-Aston Villa and Sunderland-Newcastle both finished 1-1.

City beat Wolverhampton 4-3 on Saturday and third-place Arsenal also won, 3-0 at bottom side West Ham, to move two points behind the joint leaders. United has two games in hand over City and one over Arsenal.

United manager Alex Ferguson refused to comment on Rafael's red card but said he was happy with the point after a scrappy match.

"It was a tough game but they didn't create many chances against us," Ferguson said. "It's a decent point for us. We can't complain."

The top five are separated by eight points with a little more than half the season gone.

"It could be a real thrilling end to the season. All five have got chances - it's about winning games and keeping your nerve," Ferguson said.

United maintained its decade-long unbeaten run against Tottenham but created few clear-cut chances, with fit-again striker Wayne Rooney twice denied by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

Van der Vaart, Spurs' top scorer, headed wide another opportunity in a match that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp felt was a fair result.

"If anyone was going to win, we were the more likely to," Redknapp said. "They've come here today and are difficult to beat. It was an interesting game without being a classic."

The Liverpool fans gave Dalglish a rousing reception as he emerged from the tunnel prior to kickoff as the former Scotland striker made an emotional return to Anfield, 20 years after his last match there as manager of the 18-time champions.

Dalglish's side had lost two matches since he took over last weekend - to United in the FA Cup and Blackpool in the league - and a win against Everton would have been the ideal way to kickstart Liverpool's stuttering season.

The Reds went to sleep, though, after Portugal midfielder Raul Meireles gave them the lead in the 29th, and Dalglish was staring at a third straight defeat when Sylvain Distin headed in a corner in the 46th and Jermaine Beckford curled home a neat finish after good work by Leon Osman in the 52nd.

Tim Howard gave Liverpool a chance to draw level after bringing down Maxi Rodriguez and Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt didn't pass up the opportunity, sending the United States goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

The draw kept the teams level just below midtable, on 26 points.

"I can see the belief coming back into those players and that's great news," Dalglish said.

Under-pressure Villa manager Gerard Houllier saw his team perform well at St. Andrew's, with Wales center back James Collins deservedly equalizing for the visitors in the 72nd. That canceled out the opener scored by Roger Johnson in the 49th.

Villa, whose point lifted it out of the relegation zone and into 17th place, hit the woodwork three times.

"It is a plus point, psychologically, to be out of the bottom three," Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister said.

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan scored a dramatic equalizer in the fourth minute of second-half injury time to rescue a point for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Kevin Nolan put Newcastle ahead in the 52nd for his 10th goal of the season.

The end of the match was marred by crowd trouble, with a Sunderland fan running onto the pitch after Gyan's goal and appearing to push Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper to the ground. Rival sets of supporters were seen hurling seats at each other after the final whistle.

  

Liverpool and Everton draw 2-2 in Merseyside derby

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) - Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish is still searching for a first victory since his return to Anfield and needed Dirk Kuyt's penalty to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw Sunday in the Merseyside derby with Everton in the Premier League.

Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson last weekend and has since lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup, and Blackpool.

Raul Meireles put Liverpool ahead just before the half hour in Dalglish's first game in charge at Anfield since resigning as manager in 1991, but goals from Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford in the space of six minutes at the start of the second half put Everton ahead.

Kuyt converted a penalty in the 68th minute to deny Everton a first win at Anfield in nine attempts and keep the teams level on 26 points from 22 matches with Everton 12th, one place above Liverpool.

"(Everton) got two quick goals but we showed a great deal of desire and determination to get back into the game," Dalglish said. "I can see the belief coming back into those players and that's great news ... I have not been surprised negatively by anyone since I came here. I've been really pleased with attitude."

After scoring in the 2-1 defeat at Blackpool on Wednesday, Fernando Torres again looked sharp. The striker came close to adding to his tally in the first half when he held off a challenge from Distin, but his shot come back off the post before Kuyt's effort was deflected wide.

The hosts were dominant and took the lead in the 29th minute through Meireles.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard pushed away Kuyt's header and then saved the Dutchman's shot before Meireles drove in from the edge of the area for his first goal for the club.

Maxi Rodriguez and Torres had opportunities to double Liverpool's lead and Howard also denied Meireles before half time.

But Everton responded just 39 seconds after the restart, with Distin getting the better of Martin Skrtel in the air to head in from Mikel Arteta's corner for the Frenchman.