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The transfer window has officially closed, and several last minute deals went through involving Premier League Clubs. The most notable transfer involved Dimitar Berbatov finally moving from Tottenham to Manchester United, a deal that was in doubt when Spurs accepted a bid from Manchester City. City lost out on Berbatov, but they signed Robinho from Real Madrid, beating Chelsea to the Brazilian striker's signature. Here are all the deals from the final day of the transfer window:

In: Blackburn (Bunn), Everton (Saha, Nash), Hull (Cousin), Liverpool (Flora, Gulacsi, Riera), Man City (Robinho), Man Utd (Berbatov), Newcastle (Gonzalez, Xisco), Portsmouth (Belhadj), Sunderland (McCartney), Stoke (Higginbotham, Soares), Tottenham (Pavlyuchenko, Corluka, Campbell), West Brom (Donk)

Out: Bolton (Dzemaili), Fulham (Zakuani, John, Smertin), Liverpool (Finnan, Voronin), Man City (Corluka, Vidal), Man Utd (Saha, Campbell), Portsmouth (Cranie, Christophe), Sunderland (Higginbotham), Stoke (Parkin), Tottenham (Berbatov), West Ham (McCartney), Wigan (Bouaouzan, Nash, Sibierski)

Soccerword's Premiership Team of the Week - 03

We're going with a 4-3-3 formation for this week's team:

Goalkeeper: David James (Portsmouth)

Defenders: Callum Davenport (West Ham), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Kolo Toure (Arsenal), Vedran Corluka (Man City)

Midfielders: Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man City), Antonio Valencia (Wigan), Stephen Ireland (Man City)

Forwards: Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Amr Zaki (Wigan)

Chelsea 1 - 1 Spurs
After three weeks, there is not a single team that has a 100% record. Chelsea and Liverpool were the only clubs to win their first two matches, but they both were held to draws over the weekend. Chelsea took the lead when Darren Bent's attempted clearance went in the Spurs goal off Juliano Belletti, who was making a rare start. But Bent redeemed himself just before half time when he collected an errant pass from Frank Lampard. The draw gave Spurs their first point of the season.

Aston Villa 0 - 0 Liverpool
Liverpool were held to a goalless draw at Villa Park. Gareth Barry, whose transfer to Liverpool fell through, played for Aston Villa, but neither team found the net. Liverpool's Fernando Torres left the match in the first half with a hamstring injury and looks to miss two or three weeks. Villa's John Carew had the best chance to score, but Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina denied the striker with a fine kick save.

Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle
Arsenal pulled to within a point of the leaders with a fine attacking display against Newcastle. Robin van Persie scored two goals, the first coming from the penalty spot, and the second coming in spectacular fashion. Eboue started the move with a pass to Adebayor on the right. Adebayor's return pass found Eboue in the box, and Ebou then backheeled the ball into the path of van Persie, who slammed the ball into the back of the net. The Gunners extended their lead in the second half when Adebayor set up Denilson in the box. His shot took a slight deflection and rolled past Given into the goal. Arsenal could have scored even more, but Shay Given pulled off a few fine saves, and van Persie hit the crossbar from an acute angle.

Sunderland 0 - 3 Manchester City
Shaun Wright-Phillips marked his return to Man City with a pair of second half goals after Stephen Ireland had put City ahead in the first half. The win moves City into third place in the Premiership, and with new owners taking over the club, manager Mark Hughes may be able to bring in reinforcements before the transfer deadline.

Hull City 0 - 5 Wigan
Wigan gave Chelsea a tough fight last week despite losing 0-1 to the Blues, and they looked even better against Hull. Egyptian striker Amr Zaki scored twice, and Antonio Valencia and Emile Heskey each added a single goal. An own goal from Hull's Sam Ricketts started the scoring as Hull were thoroughly outplayed by Wigan. Valencia was the creative force in midfield and Zaki is proving to be a top class finisher.

Man United had the weekend off after losing the Euro Super Cup to Zenit St. Petersburg, and with Liverpool and Chelsea only picking up a point, the chasing pack closed in on the leaders. Currently the top six clubs are within a point of one another: Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, West Ham, and Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough kept up their improved form with a 2-1 win against Stoke, with Alves and Sanli scoring the goals. Meanwhile, West Ham scored two very late goals to win 4-1 at Blackburn in a game that was much closer than the score indicated. Down 1-2, Blackburn were denied a perfectly good goal when Matt Derbyshire was incorrectly ruled off side. Davenport, Bellamy, and Carlton Cole scored for the Hammers, while Jason Robers grabbed Blackburn's only goal with a clever turn around Davenport and a cool finish in the box. The other goal came from an own goal from Blackburn's Samba.

In one of the more intriguing contests of the weekend, Arsenal are looking to rebound from a lackluster start to the season. The Gunners struggled to defeat West Brom by a single goal in their opening match and then lost to Fulham at Craven Cottage last week.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are enjoying a fine start to the 2008-09 campaign. A 1-1 draw at Old Trafford followed by a 1-0 win against Bolton, both matches highlighted by superb play from keeper Shay Given. Newcastle's enthusiasm may be somewhat dampened by James Milner's transfer to Aston Villa, but Kevin Keegan's side are off to their best start in recent years. Tomorrow's game against Arsenal, though still very, very early in the season, could be a pivotal match for both clubs.

Cesc Fabregas is returning to the squad for Arsenal, while Michael Owen could make his first start this season for Newcastle. And both clubs feature an exciting new player, new at least to the Premiership: Samir Nasri of Arsenal and Jonas Gutierrez of the Magpies. Newcastle will have to overcame a host of injuries - Geremi, Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka, Damien Duff, Claudio Cacapa and Andy Carroll - and it's never easy playing at Arsenal. Though it should be noted that since the Gunners moved from the picturesque Highbury, that quaint Art Deco shrine, to the vast state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium, they have failed to win a trophy of any kind.

I fully expect Arsenal to win this match, especially given Newcastle's injury problems, but there are many intriguing questions to ponder. Will the return of Fabregas inspire the Gunners to play the entertaining football for which they are so well known? Will Shay Given continue his superhuman feats of goalkeeping? Is Jonas Gutierrez for real? Or Samir Nasri?

In recent years, Newcastle's downfall has been, among other things, their poor defending. So far, the central defensive partnership of Taylor and Coloccini has been solid for Newcastle. Will they get exposed by the Gunners? Or does Arsene Wenger need to sign one more midfielder to replace the likes of Hleb and Flamini?

This early in the season, there are always more questions than answers, but maybe we will find out a little bit about the relative quality of Newcastle and Arsenal on Saturday. Pay particular attention to Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy of Arsenal. They have been superb at right and left back respectively for the Gunners this season.

Champions League Group Stage Draw
Group A: CHELSEA, AS Roma, Bordeaux, Cluj
Group B: Inter, Werder, Panathinaikos, Anorthosis
Group C: Barcelona, Sporting, FC Basel, Shakhtar
Group D: LIVERPOOL, PSV, Marseille, Atletico
Group E: MAN UTD, Villarreal, CELTIC, Aalborg
Group F: Lyon, Bayern, Steaua, Fiorentina
Group G: ARSENAL, FC Porto, Fenerbahce, Dinamo Kiev
Group H: Real Madrid, Juventus, Zenit, Bate

Soccerword's Premiership Team of the Week - 02

Goolkeeper: Shay Given (Newcastle)

Defenders: Brede Hangeland (Fulham), Patrice Evra (Man United), John Pantsil (Fulham), Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Deco (Chelsea), Elano (Man City), Liam Lawrence (Sunderland)

Forwards: Djibril Cisse (Sunderland), Yakubu (Everton)

After two matches, there are only two clubs in the Premiership with 100% records: Chelsea and Liverpool. Chelsea did not match their dominant display of week 1, a 4-0 thrashing of Portsmouth, but thanks to a brilliant free kick from Deco, the Blues continued their winning ways with a 1-0 win over a scrappy Wigan side.

Liverpool's second consecutive win was even more dramatic. Trailing Middlesbrough 0-1 with less than ten minutes left, the Reds tied the match when Jamie Carragher's shot was deflected into the Boro goal by Emanuel Pogatetz for an own goal. With the score tied deep into added time, Steven Gerrard (who else?) came to the rescue with a screaming shot into the top corner of the goal. Deja vu all over again at Anfield with Gerrard playing the part of hero.

Manchester United recorded their first win of the season, a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth, and it was Darren Fletcher who once again provided the only goal of the game for United. The win lifts United into a third place tie with Blackburn, Hull City, and Newcastle. Shay Given, Newcastle's keeper, was once again the star of the match against Bolton, saving a penalty kick from Kevin Nolan that kept the score 0-0 until Michael Owen headed in the winning goal.

The four clubs at the bottom of the table - Spurs, Wigan, Portsmouth, and West Brom - are still looking for their first point of the season.

Soccerword's Premiership Team of the Week - 01

Goalkeeper: Shay Given, Newcastle

Defenders: Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea), Vedran Corlucka (Man City), Andre Ooijer (Blackburn), David Wheater (Middlesbrough)

Midfielders: Mikel Arteta (Everton), Deco (Chelsea), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Samir Nasri (Arsenal)

Strikers: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Dean Ashton (West Ham)

Honorable Mention: Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), David Dunn (Blackburn), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Julian Faubert (West Ham), Darren Fletcher (Man United), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

Premier League football is back, and the goals were flying into the net this opening weekend. Where to start?

Chelsea 4 - 0 Portsmouth
How about with Scolari's Blues as Chelsea thrashed Portsmouth 4-0. Joe Cole, Nicolas Anelka, Frank Lampard, and Deco all scored as Chelsea soared to the top of the table on goal difference. Chelsea new boys Deco and right back Bosingwa both had great debuts, and it looks like manager Scolari is having no trouble bringing an attacking style of play to the English game, even without Didier Drogba in the lineup.

Everton 2 - 3 Blackburn
There were also plenty of goals at Goodison park as Blackburn came from 1-2 down to claim victory in Paul Ince's debut as manager. Everton went a goal down when David Dunn curled in a shot for Blackburn, but Mikel Arteta curled in a free kick of his own from an acute angle just before half time. In the second half, Arteta played a perfect cross for Yakubu to head into the goal to give Everton the lead, but almost immediately, Blackburn responded. Roque Santa Cruz collected a long pass, beat Jolean Lescott, and then beat Everton keeper Tim Howard to make it 2-2. And late in injury time, Ryan Nelson's header hit the right post, but defender Andre Ooijer was first on hand to slam the ball into the open net for the winner.

Aston Villa 4 - 2 Manchester City
Gabriel Agbonlahor scored three goals in a seven minute span to highlight Villa's victory over City in goal fest at Villa Park. Carew opened the scoring for Villa. Elano evened the scoreline for City, but it was to no avail as Agbonlahor's subsequent hat-trick sealed the win. Corlucka scored a late consolation goal for City.

Hull City 2 - 1 Fulham
There was much celebrating as Hull City recorded their first ever Premiership win. Caleb Folan scored the late goal to give the home side the win. Former Man City player Geovanni scored for Hull as they came back from an early 0-1 deficit.

Manchester United 1 - 1 Newcastle
Manchester United were without several key players (Ronaldo, Tevez, Nani, Hargreaves), but they should have taken the lead in the opening 20 minutes. Frazier Campbell was denied a point blank header by Newcastle keeper Shay Given, who saved the shot with his head. Given also recorded a double save later in the first half to deny Rooney and then Scholes from close range. Newcastle took a 1-0 lead on a brilliant header by Obafemi Martins. The diminutive striker was left open in the box, and he out-jumped everyone to head the ball home. United responded right away, though, and Darren Fletcher ran onto Ryan's Gigg's cross to poke the ball past Given. But it was the only shot Given didn't save as his brilliant performance earned a much-improved Newcastle a vital point. Newcastle's newcomers Jonas Gutierrez and Coloccini were particularly impressive.

In other matches, Arsenal and Liverpool both recorded 1-0 wins, over West Brom and Sunderland respectively. The matches lacked the excitement of some of the other goal-filled games, but the wins count just the same. Samir Nasri scored on his debut for Arsenal, while Fernando Torres fired in a low shot just inside the left post for Liverpool's winner. Bolton spoiled Stoke's first taste of Premier action with a resounding 3-1 victory at the Reebok. New signing Johann Elmander scored on his debut. West Ham's Dean Ashton scored twice, before leaving the match injured, to pace the Hammers to a 2-1 win against Wigan. Finally, Middlesbrough won 2-1 at home to Spurs, with former Tottenham player Mido scoring along with defender David Wheater.

All in all, it was a most exciting weekend of action. Let's hope it continues!

After a brief managerial spell in Spain's second division, Chris Coleman is back in England, this time with Championship club Coventry City. And the club is off to a flying start, winners of their first two matches and in first place in the league.

Coleman enjoyed success at Fulham, guiding the Cottagers to their best ever finish in the top flight, 9th place in 2004. With limited resources, Coleman kept Fulham in the Premiership in each of his seasons in charge, and I think he will bring success to Coventry City as well. Coventry won their first match of the season, a 2-0 victory over Norwich. Elliott Ward opened the scoring with a penalty, and former Canary Leon McKenzie added the second.

Yesterday, Coventry won again, this time at Barnsley. New signing Freddie Eastwood scored in the 12th minute, and Julian Gray struck the winning goal in the second half.

With Coleman in charge, Coventry have added a few shrewd summer signings (Eastwood from Wolves, Clinton Morrison from Crystal Palace, Guillaume Beuzelin from Hibs) to a squad that already featured Jay Tabb and Michael Mifsud. I expect Coventry to make a legitimate run at promotion.

Football is here again, and the beginning of the season is always a time of hope as clubs start over with a clean slate. At least, that's usually how it works. But not in League Two. Not this year. Because of point deductions, Luton Town begin the 2008-09 campaign on -30 points. That's minus 30. Just a few years ago Luton Town was in the top half of the Championship League, England's second division, with the Premiership nearly in sight. But two relegations later, the Hatters find themselves in the fourth division, known in the odd naming system as League Two.

What happened? Part of Luton Town's demise was of their own making. The club went into administration and made illegal payments to agents. Accordingly, they had points deducted last season that virtually guaranteed their relegation to League Two. In fact, the club nearly ceased to exist as players weren't paid and a new ownership team was sought. Finally, a new ownership team took over and the club hoped to quickly bounce back to League One. But then, before this season began, Luton Town was hit with another point deduction, this time 30 points.

That seems incredibly harsh! Hasn't the club been punished enough? In fact, it was the previous ownership that got Luton Town into hot water in the first place. A 30 point deduction is so severe that it virtually insures a third relegation for Luton, this town out of the Football League altogether.

A small consolation is that two other League Two clubs also start the season with negative points. Rotherham and Bournemouth began at -17 points. Rotherham have won their first two games to reduce their deficit to -11, while Bournemouth currently stand on -15. Luton Town lost their first match, but were victorious at Gillingham yesterday thanks to a goal from Sam Parking. That 1-0 win takes the Hatters to -27 points. It will be a most difficult task, but to avoid relgation, they'll have to surpass both Rotherham and Bournemouth, or some other club that manages to get surpassed by all three of the negative pointers.

On a bright note, Luton was able to sign former Hatter Kevin Nicholls during the summer. Nicholls was around for Luton's championship days a few years ago, and it is refreshing that he would step down two divisions to help save his old club. Luton also retained several key players from last season like keeper Dean Brill, striker Parkin, and defenders Sol Davis and Keith Keane.

Soccerword will be watching as Luton Town struggle to make up the points on the pitch and struggle against the powers that be off the pitch. Good luck Hatters!

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)

111.7 - 51.0 - The Hackers
097.0 - 34.5 - Choke Stroke (Mickelson-7)
097.0 - 33.0 - The Drack (Rose-1.5)
095.0 - 08.5 - Jimmy's Boy
090.5 - 23.0 - Sultans of Swing (Mickelson-7)
090.0 - 06.5 - Queen of Hearts
086.0 - 06.5 - Sand Fleas
074.5 - 24.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes
073.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
061.1 - 13.5 - Fore! (Mickelson-7)

Overall Winner ($140): The Hackers!

1st Leg ($20): Jimmy's Boy - 53.5 points
2nd Leg ($20): Queen of Hearts - 34 points
3rd Leg ($20): The Hackers - 51 points

Soccerword's Premier League Predictions
1. Manchester United
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
5. Portsmouth
6. Tottenham
7. Everton
8. Aston Villa
9. Newcastle
10. Manchester City
11. Sunderland
12. Blackburn
13. West Brom
14. Bolton
15. Fulham
16. Wigan
17. West Ham
18. Middlesbrough
19. Stoke City
20. Hull City

Soccerword's Championship Predictions
1. Birmingham
2. Reading
3. Sheffield United
4. Crystal Palace
5. Queens Park Rangers
6. Ipswich
7. Bristol City
8. Watford
9. Coventry City
10. Nottingham Forest
11. Charlton
12. Derby County
13. Cardiff
14. Wolverhampton
15. Sheffield Wednesday
16. Norwich
17. Plymouth
18. Barnsley
19. Southampton
20. Preston
21. Blackpool
22. Swansea
23. Burnley
24. Doncaster.

Soccerword's League One Predictions
1. Leeds
2. Huddersfield
3. Leicester City
4. Brighton & Hove Albion
5. Colchester
6. Scunthorpe
7. Oldham
8. Carlisle
9. Peterborough
10. Northampton
11. MK Dons
12. Southend
13. Millwall
14. Tranmere
15. Bristol Rovers
16. Swindon Town
17. Walsall
18. Hartlepool
19. Leyton Orient
20. Crewe
21. Yeovil
22. Hereford
23. Stockport County
24. Cheltenham

Soccerword's League Two Predictions
1. Darlington
2. Bradford
3. Rochdale
4. Wycombe
5. Shrewsbury
6. Chesterfield
7. Brentford
8. Notts County
9. Port Vale
10. Grimsby Town
11. Gillingham
12. Lincoln City
13. Exeter
14. Barnet
15. Aldershot
16. Bournemouth
17. Morecambe
18. Bury
19. Chester City
20. Macclesfield
21. Accrington Stanley
22. Dagenham & Redbridge
23. Rotherham
24. Luton Town

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)

111.7 - 51.0 - The Hackers (Singh-15, Appleby-9)
095.5 - 31.5 - The Drack
095.0 - 08.5 - Jimmy's Boy (Goosen-6.5)
090.0 - 27.5 - Choke Stroke (Singh-15, Mickelson-6.5)
090.0 - 06.5 - Queen of Hearts (Goosen-6.5)
086.0 - 06.5 - Sand Fleas (Goosen-6.5)
083.5 - 16.0 - Sultans of Swing (Mickelson-6.5)
074.5 - 24.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes (Appleby-9)
073.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
054.1 - 06.5 - Fore! (Mickelson-6.5)

Standings sorted by 3rd Leg points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
111.7 - 51.0 - The Hackers (Singh-15, Appleby-9)
095.5 - 31.5 - The Drack
090.0 - 27.5 - Choke Stroke (Singh-15, Mickelson-6.5)
074.5 - 24.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes (Appleby-9)
083.5 - 16.0 - Sultans of Swing (Mickelson-6.5)
095.0 - 08.5 - Jimmy's Boy (Goosen-6.5)
090.0 - 06.5 - Queen of Hearts (Goosen-6.5)
086.0 - 06.5 - Sand Fleas (Goosen-6.5)
054.1 - 06.5 - Fore! (Mickelson-6.5)
073.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats

With one week remaining, it's a close race in terms of the overall standings. With 24 points today, the Hackers are in good shape heading into the final week, but 6 other teams are within 30 points of the lead. Remember, points are double for next week's PGA Championship, so that's 30 points for 1st place. Good luck everyone!

Leading golfers by points earned
71.0 - Woods
43.0 - Kim
41.0 - Cink
39.0 - Immelman
36.5 - Singh
31.5 - Mickelson
31.0 - Ogilvy
29.5 - O'Hair
24.0 - Mediate
22.0 - Imada
20.5 - Weekley

For the clubs that weren't quite good enough to get into the Champions League, there is the UEFA Cup, a consolation tournament of sorts that is analagous to the NIT Basketball tournament for American college teams. But for clubs who are not among the elite of European football, the UEFA Cup provides them with a chance to compete for silverware against other second tier clubs. This year, the second qualifying round is divided into three region sections. The complete draw is listed below. For the neutral fan, keeping up with the UEFA cup at this stage can serve as a valuable geography lesson. Do you know where the following clubs are from: Haka Valkeakoski, Vojvodina Novi Sad, or Metalurgs Liepaja? Scroll down for the answer.

NORTHERN SECTION

Djurgarden (Sweden) v Rosenborg Trondheim (Norway)
MANCHESTER CITY v Midtjylland (Denmark)
FC Honka (Finland) v Viking Stavanger (Norway)
QUEEN OF SOUTH v Nordsjaelland (Denmark)
Ghent (Belgium) v Kalmar (Sweden)
ASTON VILLA v FH (Iceland)
Stabaek (Norway) v Stade Rennes (France)
Haka Valkeakoski (Finland) v Brondby (Denmark)
FC Copenhagen (Denmark) v Lillestrom (Norway)
Elfsborg Boras (Sweden) v St. Patrick's Athletic (Ireland)

SOUTHERN SECTION

Siroki Brijeg (Bosnia) v Besiktas (Turkey)
Braga (Portugal) v Zrinjski (Bosnia)
Lokomotiv Sofia (Bulgaria) v Borac Cacak (Serbia)
Aris Salonika (Greece) v Slaven Belupo Koprivnica (Croatia)
Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus) v AEK Athens (Greece)
Vllaznia Shkoder (Albania) v Napoli (Italy)
APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus) v Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
Deportivo Coruna (Spain) v Hajduk Split (Croatia)
Litex Lovech (Bulgaria) v Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona (Israel)
Vojvodina Novi Sad (Serbia) v Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)
Maccabi Netanya (Israel) v Cherno More Varna (Bulgaria)

CENTRAL-EAST SECTION

VfB Stuttgart (Germany) v Gyor ETO (Hungary)
FC Zurich (Switzerland) v Sturm Graz (Austria)
Lech Poznan (Poland) v Grasshoppers (Switzerland)
Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic) v Zilina (Slovakia)
Metalurgs Liepaja (Latvia) v Vaslui (Romania)
Young Boys (Switzerland) v Debrecen (Hungary)
WIT Georgia Tbilisi (Georgia) v Austria Vienna (Austria)
Suduva Marijampole (Lithuania) v Salzburg (Austria)
Interblock Ljubljana (Slovenia) v Hertha Berlin (Germany)
Legia Warsaw (Poland) v FC Moscow (Russia)
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (Ukraine) v AC Bellinzona (Switzerland)

First legs to be played August 14, second legs to be played August 28.

ANSWER: Haka Valkeakoski - Finland; Vojvodina Novi Sad - Serbia; Metalurgs Liepaja - Latvia.

The 2008-09 season is fast approaching. In fact, some teams have already played their first qualifying matches in the UEFA Cup. Today, the 3rd round qualifying matches for the Champions League were announced. Here is the complete draw:

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Third qualifying round draw:

Anorthosis/Rapid Vienna v Olympiakos
Vitoria Guimaraes v IFK Gothenburg/Basel
Shakhtar Donetsk v Domzale/Dinamo Zagreb
Schalke 04 v Atletico Madrid
Aalborg/Modrica v RANGERS/Kaunas
Barcelona v Beitar Jerusalem/Wisla Krakow
Levski Sofia v Anderlecht/BATE
Standard Liege v LIVERPOOL
Inter Baku/Partizan v Fenerbahce/MTK Budapest
FC Twente v ARSENAL
Spartak Moscow v Drogheda/Dinamo Kiev
Juventus v Tampere/Artmedia
SK Brann/Ventspils v Marseille
Fiorentina v Slavia Prague
Galatasaray v Steaua Bucharest
Panathinaikos/Dinamo Tbilisi v Sheriff Tiraspol/Sparta Prague

The winners of these cup ties will enter the group stage of the Champions League.

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
95.5 - 31.5 - The Drack (Kim-2)
88.5 - 02.0 - Jimmy's Boy
87.7 - 27.0 - The Hackers (Kim-2, Na-2)
83.5 - 00.0 - Queen of Hearts
79.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
77.0 - 09.5 - Sultans of Swing (O'Hair-7.5)
73.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
68.5 - 06.0 - Choke Stroke
65.5 - 15.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes
47.6 - 0.00 - Fore!

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
93.5 - 29.5 - The Drack (Kim-2)
88.5 - 02.0 - Jimmy's Boy (Els-2)
83.7 - 23.0 - The Hackers (Kim-2)
83.5 - 00.0 - Queen of Hearts
79.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
73.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
69.5 - 02.0 - Sultans of Swing (Els-2)
68.5 - 06.0 - Choke Stroke
65.5 - 15.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes
47.6 - 0.00 - Fore!

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
91.5 - 27.5 - The Drack
86.5 - 00.0 - Jimmy's Boy
83.5 - 00.0 - Queen of Hearts
81.7 - 21.0 - The Hackers
79.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
73.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
68.5 - 06.0 - Choke Stroke
67.5 - 00.0 - Sultans of Swing
65.5 - 15.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes
47.6 - 0.00 - Fore!

No points earned this week. Remember, points are doubled for next week's Open Championship (aka, British Open).

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
91.5 - 27.5 - The Drack (Kim-15)
86.5 - 00.0 - Jimmy's Boy
83.5 - 00.0 - Queen of Hearts
81.7 - 21.0 - The Hackers (Kim-15)
79.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
73.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
68.5 - 06.0 - Choke Stroke
67.5 - 00.0 - Sultans of Swing
65.5 - 15.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes
47.6 - 0.00 - Fore!

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Euro 2008 Final

Spain 1 - 0 Germany

It wasn't the most exciting or goal-filled game of the tournament, but Spain won't mind as they held on for a 1-0 win over Germany for their first European Championship in 44 years. Fernando Torres, who was overshadowed by his strike partner David Villa in the previous rounds,
scored the winning goal for Spain. With Villa ruled out due to injury, Torres was the man of the match. Just past the hour mark, Torres raced past German full back Philip Lahm and chipped the ball over the diving Jens Lehman and into the back of the net.

Germany never threatened much after that as Spain dominated possession and created far more goal scoring chances. Jens Lehman was forced to make several saves just to keep Germany within a goal of the lead. Sergio Ramos missed an opportunity when his close range header went directly to Lehman.

In the 80th minute, Spain again could have killed off the match. Daniel Guiza headed the ball into the path of Senna, who was unmarked in front of the far post, but Senna's sliding attempt could not quite make contact with the ball. But it didn't matter as Germany was unable to mount a late charge. Spain's midfield did a fantastic job holding onto the ball and winning it back quickly on the few occasions the Germans got possession.

Finally, very late in the match, Germany started lobbing long balls into the area, but to no avail. Spain was clearly the better team on the night and over the entire tournament. Congratulations Spain!

Spain

01 Casillas -yellow card-
15 Sergio Ramos
05 Puyol
04 Marchena
11 Capdevila
19 Senna
06 Iniesta
10 Fabregas (63 Alonso )
08 Xavi
21 Silva (66 Santi Cazorla )
09 Torres -yellow card- (78 Guiza )

Germany

01 Lehmann
03 Friedrich
21 Metzelder
17 Mertesacker
16 Lahm (46 Jansen )
15 Hitzlsperger (58 Kuranyi -yellow card- )
08 Frings
20 Podolski
13 Ballack -yellow card-
07 Schweinsteiger
11 Klose (79 Gomez )

Ref: Roberto Rosetti
Att: 51428

Semi-final Results
Spain 3 - 0 Russia
Germany 3 - 2 Turkey

Check out the NHL Hockey Blog. Hockey is like soccer on ice, except with sticks and a puck.
http://www.nhlhockeyblog.com

Back by popular demand, Soccer Fan News appears on this links page for a second time. It's so nice, we linked it twice!
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Euro 08 is over and the 2008-09 season won't start for a couple of months. What is there to do? Check out this tennis blog:
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If you are a person and you like sport, this might be the site for you:
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Euro 2008 Final

Spain 1 - 0 Germany

It wasn't the most exciting or goal-filled game of the tournament, but Spain won't mind as they held on for a 1-0 win over Germany for their first European Championship in 44 years. Fernando Torres, who was overshadowed by his strike partner David Villa in the previous rounds,
scored the winning goal for Spain. With Villa ruled out due to injury, Torres was the man of the match. Just past the hour mark, Torres raced past German full back Philip Lahm and chipped the ball over the diving Jens Lehman and into the back of the net.

Germany never threatened much after that as Spain dominated possession and created far more goal scoring chances. Jens Lehman was forced to make several saves just to keep Germany within a goal of the lead. Sergio Ramos missed an opportunity when his close range header went directly to Lehman.

In the 80th minute, Spain again could have killed off the match. Daniel Guiza headed the ball into the path of Senna, who was unmarked in front of the far post, but Senna's sliding attempt could not quite make contact with the ball. But it didn't matter as Germany was unable to mount a late charge. Spain's midfield did a fantastic job holding onto the ball and winning it back quickly on the few occasions the Germans got possession.

Finally, very late in the match, Germany started lobbing long balls into the area, but to no avail. Spain was clearly the better team on the night and over the entire tournament. Congratulations Spain!

Spain

01 Casillas -yellow card-
15 Sergio Ramos
05 Puyol
04 Marchena
11 Capdevila
19 Senna
06 Iniesta
10 Fabregas (63 Alonso )
08 Xavi
21 Silva (66 Santi Cazorla )
09 Torres -yellow card- (78 Guiza )

Germany

01 Lehmann
03 Friedrich
21 Metzelder
17 Mertesacker
16 Lahm (46 Jansen )
15 Hitzlsperger (58 Kuranyi -yellow card- )
08 Frings
20 Podolski
13 Ballack -yellow card-
07 Schweinsteiger
11 Klose (79 Gomez )

Ref: Roberto Rosetti
Att: 51428

Semi-final Results
Spain 3 - 0 Russia
Germany 3 - 2 Turkey

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
86.5 - 00.0 - Jimmy's Boy
83.5 - 00.0 - Queen of Hearts
79.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
76.5 - 12.5 - The Drack (Watson-9)
73.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
68.5 - 06.0 - Choke Stroke
67.5 - 00.0 - Sultans of Swing
66.7 - 06.0 - The Hackers
65.5 - 15.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes
47.6 - 0.00 - Fore!

And then there were four: Germany, Turkey, Russia, and Spain. Germany and Spain are among the usual suspects at the European Championships, but Turkey and Russia crashed the semi-final party this year, defeating Croatia and Holland respectively.

Portugal looked to be one of the in form teams during the group stages, but Germany's height, power, and set piece precision proved too much for the fast pace and trickery of Portugal.

Holland looked unbeatable in the group matches, but they fell to Russia in extra time. Russia's manager, Gus Hiddink, has once again proven his value in international competitions, but he won't be too welcome in his home country after knocking Netherlands out of the tournament.

Turkey continued their improbable run in the tournament with another late, late goal, this time in the 120th minute to force penalty kicks. And their keeper Rustu, provided the assist on the tying goal and was the hero of the penalty kicks.

The most anticipated quarterfinal match was Italy vs. Spain, but the match ended 0-0 before Spain won on penalties. Their keeper Iker Casillas saved two spot kicks to lift Spain to their first major tournament victory over Italy in over 80 years. Here are all of the quarterfinal results:

Germany 3 - 2 Portugal

Goals (Germany): Schweinsteiger 22, Klose 26, Ballack 62.
Goals (Portugal): Nuno Gomes 41, Postiga 87.

Turkey 1 - 1 (3-1 penalties) Croatia

Goals (Croatia): Klasnic 119.
Goals (Turkey): Senturk 120.

Russia 3 - 1 (after extra time) Netherlands

Goals (Holland): Van Nistelrooy 86.
Goals (Russia): Pavluchenko 56, Torbinsky 112, Arshavin 116.

Spain 0 - 0 (4-2 penalties) Italy

Germany will face Turkey in one semi-final, and Spain will play Russia in the other.

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 3rd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
86.5 - 00.0 - Jimmy's Boy
83.5 - 00.0 - Queen of Hearts
79.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
73.2 - 00.0 - Beer Brats
68.5 - 06.0 - Choke Stroke (Singh-6)
67.5 - 00.0 - Sultans of Swing
67.5 - 03.5 - The Drack (Watson-3.5)
66.7 - 06.0 - The Hackers (Singh-6)
65.5 - 15.0 - Ben Hogan's Heroes (Cink-15)
47.6 - 0.00 - Fore!

The group stage games are over - unfortunately soccerword was not able to provide coverage of those mathces - and the quarterfinals are set for Euro 08.

Quarter-finals

Portugal v Germany
Croatia v Turkey
Netherlands v Russia
Spain v Italy

Final Group Standings

Group A
Rank - Team - P - GD - PTS
1 Portugal 3 2 6
2 Turkey 3 0 6
3 Czech Republic 3 -2 3
4 Switzerland 3 0 3

Group B
Rank - Team - P - GD - PTS
1 Croatia 3 3 9
2 Germany 3 2 6
3 Austria 3 -2 1
4 Poland 3 -3 1

Group C

Rank - Team - P - GD - PTS
1 Netherlands 3 8 9
2 Italy 3 -1 4
3 Romania 3 -2 2
4 France 3 -5 1

Group D

Rank - Team - P - GD - PTS
1 Spain 3 5 9
2 Russia 3 0 6
3 Sweden 3 -1 3
4 Greece 3 -4 0

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 2nd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
86.5 - 33.0 - Jimmy's Boy (Mediate-20)
83.5 - 34.0 - Queen of Hearts (Woods-30)
79.5 - 30.0 - Sand Fleas (Woods-30)
73.2 - 30.2 - Beer Brats (Woods-30)
67.5 - 18.5 - Sultans of Swing
64.0 - 29.5 - The Drack (Ogilvy-1)
62.5 - 30.0 - Choke Stroke
60.7 - 20.7 - The Hackers
50.5 - 16.5 - Ben Hogan's Heroes
47.6 - 33.6 - Fore!

Standings sorted by 2nd leg points
Pts - 2nd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
83.5 - 34.0 - Queen of Hearts (Woods-30)
47.6 - 33.6 - Fore!
86.5 - 33.0 - Jimmy's Boy (Mediate-20)
73.2 - 30.2 - Beer Brats (Woods-30)
79.5 - 30.0 - Sand Fleas (Woods-30)
62.5 - 30.0 - Choke Stroke
64.0 - 29.5 - The Drack (Ogilvy-1)
60.7 - 20.7 - The Hackers
67.5 - 18.5 - Sultans of Swing
50.5 - 16.5 - Ben Hogan's Heroes

Queen of Hearts wins the 2nd Leg!

The US Open will conclude on Monday with an 18 hole playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate. Standings will be updated after the playoff.

Standings sorted by overall points
Pts - 2nd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
67.5 - 18.5 - Sultans of Swing
66.5 - 13.0 - Jimmy's Boy (Immelman-9)
63.0 - 28.5 - The Drack
62.5 - 30.0 - Choke Stroke
60.7 - 20.7 - The Hackers (Weekley-5.5)
53.5 - 04.0 - Queen of Hearts
50.5 - 16.5 - Ben Hogan's Heroes (Leonard-15)
49.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
47.6 - 33.6 - Fore!
43.2 - 00.2 - Beer Brats

Standings sorted by 2nd leg points
47.6 - 33.6 - Fore!
62.5 - 30.0 - Choke Stroke
63.0 - 28.5 - The Drack
60.7 - 20.7 - The Hackers (Weekley-5.5)
67.5 - 18.5 - Sultans of Swing
50.5 - 16.5 - Ben Hogan's Heroes (Leonard-15)
66.5 - 13.0 - Jimmy's Boy (Immelman-9)
53.5 - 04.0 - Queen of Hearts
43.2 - 00.2 - Beer Brats
49.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas

Reminder: the second leg ends after the US Open, and points are doubled for the US Open, the second major tournament of the year. Looks like a tight race. Good luck everyone!

I may not have internet access for a few days. Golf standings will be updated as soon as possible.

Sorry for the delay.

Pts - 2nd Leg - Team Name (golfers earning points this week)
67.5 - 18.5 - Sultans of Swing
63.0 - 28.5 - The Drack (Rose-8, Ogilvy-2)
62.5 - 30.0 - Choke Stroke
57.5 - 04.0 - Jimmy's Boy (Mediate-4)
55.2 - 15.2 - The Hackers
53.5 - 04.0 - Queen of Hearts (Lowery-4)
49.5 - 00.0 - Sand Fleas
47.6 - 33.6 - Fore! (Kuchar-0.1)
43.2 - 00.2 - Beer Brats
35.5 - 01.5 - Ben Hogan's Heroes

Premier League
1 Man Utd
2 Chelsea
3 Arsenal
4 Liverpool
5 Everton
6 Aston Villa
7 Blackburn
8 Portsmouth
9 Man City
10 West Ham
11 Tottenham
12 Newcastle
13 Middlesbrough
14 Wigan
15 Sunderland
16 Bolton
17 Fulham
18 Reading (relegated)
19 Birmingham (relegated)
20 Derby (relegated)

Championship
21 West Brom (promoted)
22 Stoke (promoted)
23 Hull (promoted via playoffs)
24 Bristol City
25 Crystal Palace
26 Watford
27 Wolverhampton
28 Ipswich
29 Sheff Utd
30 Plymouth
31 Charlton
32 Cardiff
33 Burnley
34 QPR
35 Preston
36 Sheff Wed
37 Norwich
38 Barnsley
39 Blackpool
40 Southampton
41 Coventry
42 Leicester (relegated)
43 Scunthorpe (relegated)
44 Colchester (relegated)

League One
45 Swansea (promoted)
46 Nottm Forest (promoted)
47 Doncaster (promoted via playoffs)
48 Carlisle
49 Leeds
50 Southend
51 Brighton
52 Oldham
53 Northampton
54 Huddersfield
55 Tranmere
56 Walsall
57 Swindon
58 Leyton Orient
59 Hartlepool
60 Bristol Rovers
61 Millwall
62 Yeovil
63 Cheltenham
64 Crewe
65 Bournemouth (relegated)
66 Gillingham (relegated)
67 Port Vale (relegated)
68 Luton (relegated)

League Two
69 Milton Keynes Dons (promoted)
70 Peterborough (promoted)
71 Hereford (promoted)
72 Stockport (promoted via playoffs)
73 Rochdale
74 Darlington
75 Wycombe
76 Chesterfield
77 Rotherham
78 Bradford
79 Morecambe
80 Barnet
81 Bury
82 Brentford
83 Lincoln City
84 Grimsby
85 Accrington Stanley
86 Shrewsbury
87 Macclesfield
88 Dagenham & Redbridge
89 Notts County
90 Chester
91 Mansfield (relegated)
92 Wrexham (relegated)

Conference (Blue Square Premier)
93 Aldershot (promoted)
94 Cambridge Utd
95 Torquay
96 Exeter (promoted via playoffs)
97 Burton Albion
98 Stevenage
99 Histon
100 Forest Green
101 Oxford Utd
102 Grays Athletic
103 Ebbsfleet United
104 Salisbury
105 Kidderminster
106 York
107 Crawley Town
108 Rushden & D'monds
109 Woking
110 Weymouth
111 Northwich
112 Halifax (relegated)*
113 Altrincham
114 Farsley Celtic (relegated)
115 Stafford Rangers (relegated)
116 Droylsden (relegated)

* Halifax were demoted after going into administration. Thus Altrincham were spared from relegation. Halifax Town have been accepted to play in the Northern Premier League Division One North in the new season under the new name F.C. Halifax Town.

Stockport County 3 - 2 Rochdale
Stockport came from a goal down to win the League Two playoff final and earn promotion to League One, the third tier of English football. Rory McCardle put Rochdale in front with a headed goal in the 24th minute, but an own goal from Nathan Stanton made it 1-1 ten minutes later.

In the second half, Stockport took the lead when Anthony Pilkington's header deflected off the crossbar and into to goal. At the 67 minute mark, Stockport extended the lead through Liam Dickinson's near-post strike. Rochdale closed the gap to 2-3 when Adam Rundle volleyed home from 18 yards, but Stockport held on for the win and promotion to League One. It was Stockport's first win at Wembley in five tries.

What does a guy have to do to hold on to the manager's job at Stamford Bridge? Apparently more than finishing runners-up in three competitions. When Avram Grant took over at Chelsea following Jose Mourinho's departure, I was skeptical, especially considering Grant had never been in charge of a top European club before. But Grant led