tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43061768233320802832024-02-20T08:44:04.927+08:00Kanzler's Tales: Football. Writing. Blog.Passionate about football, ardent about writing: Kanzler's Tales is one man's blog on recent football news from around the globe (especially Manchester United) as well as his dabbling on prose and poetry.Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-31939623052678224282013-04-23T04:56:00.002+08:002013-04-23T04:57:12.706+08:00Silencing the Noisy Neighbors: Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BIeoRTXCEAAIVzi.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BIeoRTXCEAAIVzi.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Goal-scoring drought? Robin van Persie rolls on the goals and scores a hat-trick in the first-half</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from the official <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/326414513207382016/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barclays Premier League Twitter Page</a></span></div>
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<div>
<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>Manchester<br />
United</th><th>Aston Villa</th></tr>
<tr><td> De Gea<br />
Evra (<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b style="background-color: #bf9000;">Y</b></span> 27')<br />
Rafael<br />
Jones<br />
Evans<br />
Giggs<br />
Valencia<br />
Carrick<br />
Kagawa<br />
Rooney<br />
(<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">SUB</span></b> Welbeck 72')<br />
Van Persie (<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">GOAL!</span></b> 2', 13', 33')<br />
<br />
<b>Unused subs: </b><br />
<b> </b>Lindegaard<br />
Ferdinand<br />
Buttner<br />
Nani<br />
Cleverley<br />
Hernandez</td><td> Guzan<br />
Vlaar<br />
Bennett<br />
(<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">SUB</span></b> Clark 80')<br />
Baker<br />
Lowton<br />
N'Zogbia<br />
(<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">SUB</span></b> El-Ahmadi 46')<br />
Westwood<br />
Delph<br />
Agbonlahor<br />
Benteke<br />
Weimann<br />
<br />
<b>Unused subs: </b><br />
<b> </b>Given<br />
Holman<br />
Sylla<br />
Bent<br />
Bowery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
</div>
<div>
<br />
MANCHESTER IS RED - that is the message Manchester United have sent towards their neighbors Manchester City, with the Reds winning their 20th league title by defeating Aston Villa 3-0.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Manchester United made a high-octane start in the first-half, with Robin van Persie finishing off a pass from Wayne Rooney at the left in under 82 seconds. From then on, it was the Dutchman's show. A minute later he would've made it 20 but his shot just grazes over the bar.<br />
<br />
The Old Trafford faithful held their breath for quite a while when Villa caught the home side on the break, with Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke creating Villa's only clear-cut chance of the half.<br />
<br />
Rooney's long-range pass to Robin van Persie, reminiscent of Ryan Giggs' beautiful long ball to the Dutchman during their FA Cup match against West Ham earlier in the season, set the stage of goal number two. The Netherlands international, on the half-volley from the edge of the box, rockets home the second goal.<br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BIep7-kCIAEWjuA.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BIep7-kCIAEWjuA.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Van Persie slots home a long-range goal from the edge of the box</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from the official <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/326416345870770176/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barclays Premier League Twitter page</a></span></div>
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Some minutes later, Ryan Giggs manifest a moment of selflessness, opting to make a short pass to Robin van Persie inside the box, with the Dutchman finishing off the first half with a hat-trick.<br />
<br />
The home side loosened their step on the gas come the second half, with Aston Villa having a bit more of the ball than earlier in the game. Paul Lambert's men had a few half-chances of their own, but nothing as precise as they would've liked.<br />
<br />
The Reds, on their part, had a few chances of their own, and Shinji Kagawa almost made it 4-0 with good passing play made from the front line inside the box. The Japanese international adjusts the ball on his feet to lose goalkeeper Brad Guzan but just when everything was poised for goal, Kagawa kicks the ball high.<br />
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In the end, United simply held on the ball, ran down the time, and after the full time, the Reds are crowned champions.<br />
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Agony from the last day of last season now replaced by cheers of joy and celebration, as the Reds soared to their 20th league title.</div>
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Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-23009119414861742092013-04-14T23:11:00.004+08:002013-04-14T23:13:33.504+08:00Muscling Their Way In: Stoke 0 Manchester United 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BH0bWnMCAAA94C4.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BH0bWnMCAAA94C4.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Manchester United's Robin van Persie ends his goal drought, scoring his 20th of the season</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/323444823518478336/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Barclays Premier League Twitter page</a></span></div>
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<div>
<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>Stoke</th><th>Manchester<br />
United</th></tr>
<tr><td> Begovic<br />
Cameron<br />
(<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">SUB </span></b>Jerome 71' (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 85'))<br />
Huth<br />
Shawcross<br />
Wilkinson<br />
Shotton<br />
Whelan<br />
Nzonzi<br />
Adam<br />
Jones<br />
(<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">SUB </span></b>Crouch 84')<br />
Walters<br />
(<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">SUB </span></b>Owen 77')<br />
<br />
<b>Unused subs: </b><br />
<b> </b>Sorensen<br />
Palacios<br />
Whitehead<br />
Kightly</td><td> De Gea<br />
Evra<br />
Jones<br />
Ferdinand<br />
Vidic<br />
Valencia (<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b style="background-color: #bf9000;">Y</b></span> 63')<br />
Carrick (<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">GOAL!</span></b> 3')<br />
Kagawa<br />
Rooney<br />
Van Persie (<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">GOAL!</span></b> 66' PG)<br />
Hernandez<br />
(<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">SUB </span></b>Welbeck 77')<br />
<br />
<b>Unused subs: </b><br />
<b> </b>Lindegaard<br />
Evans<br />
Smalling<br />
Buttner<br />
Giggs<br />
Cleverley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
</div>
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Manchester United endured a physical and robust Stoke offensive at the Britannia Stadium, with Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie etching their names in the scoresheet.</div>
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The Reds had two feet on the gas pedal at the very start of the first half, with Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez providing the goal threat early on. And United cashed in on their first corner of the game. Van Persie's corner kick landed the ball square in the Stoke box, causing a scramble for the ball. Michael Carrick ultimately got his foot on it, propelling the Reds to the lead.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/14/article-2308862-1949E9D6000005DC-917_634x406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/14/article-2308862-1949E9D6000005DC-917_634x406.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Michael Carrick taps in United's first goal of the game</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2308862/Stoke-0-Manchester-United-2-Premier-League-match-report--Michael-Carrick-Robin-van-Persie-inspire-victory.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The league leaders would somehow slow the game down a bit but still got a few shots on goal, with the prolific Van Persie getting close a couple of times. Stoke, for their part, haven't done anything to constitute a solid threat. They got closest to a goal in a free kick when Robert Huth's header grazes the ball just wide.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But it was United who certainly had the ball more, with Kagawa doing really well to keep the ball in Reds' possession. Rooney, deployed in central midfield, is doing decently as well to steer the play United's way.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/14/article-2308862-1949EBFC000005DC-598_634x402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/14/article-2308862-1949EBFC000005DC-598_634x402.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Chicharito's challenge opens up Wilkinson's left brow</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Image retrieved from </span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2308862/Stoke-0-Manchester-United-2-Premier-League-match-report--Michael-Carrick-Robin-van-Persie-inspire-victory.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">the Daily Mail UK</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Potters upped the ante in the second half, with the likes of Charlie Adam, Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters all creating chances. Walters came close to equalizing for the home side when he received the ball inside the box and tried to shoot the ball home but couldn't direct it.</div>
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The two sides traded chances but none could get a clear-cut chance at goal until the 66th minute. Robin van Persie receives the ball from the left but defender Wilkinson made a late challenge on the Dutchman. Referee Jon Moss gave the penalty and the Dutchman finally broke his goal drought from the spot, scoring his 20th league goal of the season. Stoke actually latched in a quick response on the break when Ryan Shotton made a blistering shot, but David de Gea coolly saves the ball.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/14/article-2308094-194A1AAB000005DC-322_306x363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/14/article-2308094-194A1AAB000005DC-322_306x363.jpg" width="336" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Robin van Persie hugs boss Sir Alex as both celebrate the Dutchman's goal</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Image retrieved from </span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2308862/Stoke-0-Manchester-United-2-Premier-League-match-report--Michael-Carrick-Robin-van-Persie-inspire-victory.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">the Daily Mail UK</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stoke went on full ambition, with Glenn Whelan and Ryan Shotton now making long 30-yarders but none are making it towards the target. Ferguson's men run down the clock and seal in the win soon after.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
United's win hands Sir Alex Ferguson his 900th win as a manager and propels the team back to 15-points clear at the top the table. The Red Devils are now just seven points away from clinching their 20th top-flight title.</div>
</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-35002809449715359592013-04-09T05:08:00.001+08:002013-04-14T21:18:51.248+08:00Prolonging the Wait: Manchester United 1 Manchester City 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BHW3t0KCAAI9PTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BHW3t0KCAAI9PTH.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">City's Sergio Aguero celebrates the winning goal at Old Trafford</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://t.co/g2AIhL3UYA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Barclays Premier League Twitter page</a></span></div>
<br />
<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>Manchester<br />
United</th><th>Manchester<br />
City</th></tr>
<tr><td><div>
De Gea<br />
Rafael (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 90+2')</div>
<div>
Evra</div>
<div>
Jones</div>
<div>
Ferdinand </div>
<div>
Giggs</div>
<div>
Carrick</div>
<div>
Young<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span> Kagawa 90+1')</div>
<div>
Rooney (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 32')<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span> Hernandez 85') </div>
<div>
Welbeck<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span> Valencia 82' (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 90+3')) </div>
<div>
Van Persie<br />
<br />
<div>
<b> Unused subs: </b></div>
Lindegaard<br />
Buttner<br />
Nani<br />
Cleverley</div>
</td><td> Hart<br />
Zabaleta (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 90+1')<br />
Kompany (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 42') (<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-small;">OG</span></b> 58')<br />
Clichy<br />
Nastasic<br />
Milner (<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">GOAL!</span></b> 50')<br />
Nasri<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span> Aguero 71' (<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">GOAL!</span></b> 78'))<br />
Barry (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 89')<br />
Silva (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 29')<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span> Lescott 88')<br />
Yaya Toure<br />
Tevez (<span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b>Y</b></span> 84')<br />
(<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SUB</span></b> Garcia 90+2')<br />
<br />
<b>Unused subs: </b><br />
<b> </b>Pantilimon<br />
Kolarov<br />
Kolo Toure<br />
Dzeko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Manchester United, who were poised to win the title should they have won this game and their next, would have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the Premier League trophy as they didn't exhibit the performance champions are supposed to do and slumped with a 2-1 loss against fierce rivals Manchester City at the Theatre of Dreams.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The two rivals started off the match with gusto as the game was played openly, with both sides having half-chances. Welbeck got an early chance at the 2nd minute, which was comfortably saved by City keeper Joe Hart. Dutchman Robin van Persie also had a couple of half-chances but the Blues defense was tight and rigid. For their part, City conjured efforts on goal of their own, with Spaniard David Silva pulling the strings, servicing the likes of James Milner and Carlos Tevez.</div>
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But soon the half turned into a war of attrition as both sides made intricate, gritty passes from short-quarters that brought frustration to all players, with fouls flying left and right. The frustration notched up a couple of degrees in a matter of seconds when the half-time whistle was blown just as City was able to send the ball into United's penalty area. The half-time break was barely able to contain Mancini's men from boiling over.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/08/article-2304058-192EDFD9000005DC-977_634x382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/08/article-2304058-192EDFD9000005DC-977_634x382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">City's James Milner (first from left) celebrates with Nasri for his opening goal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2304058/Manchester-United-v-Manchester-City-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The tension-filled action continued on in the second half, with chances still few and far between for both sides, until a crucial mistake from no less than veteran United man Ryan Giggs. The evergreen Giggs made the mistake of back-passing the ball with his heels, with Barry in close pursuit behind him. This allowed Barry to lob the ball to Milner who rocket the ball home.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But the lead was short-lived. Six minutes later, Yaya Toure clattered Rafael at the right wing, putting the ball out of play for a corner kick. The kick lobs the ball towards Phil Jones, who heads the ball towards the back of Kompany and through the deflection, scores the equalizer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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City looked demoralized but things turned around with a snap at the arrival of Sergio Aguero, who ran past three defenders to slot the ball in to the back of the net just seven minutes after he came in.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
From then on, it was a matter of running the clock, with City happy to defend in their half. United poured on the attacks but chances never came. Crosses were poor from Young and Giggs. Robin van Persie has lost his touch. And when United didn't kick the ball out for a pleading David Silva, tensions rose to the breaking point, with both sides' players trading verbal barbs. It took a while for referee Mike Dean to take control but when the coast cleared, it was all too late.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Sir Alex Ferguson's 13th title is still secure, with the Reds 12 points clear. But now they have to wait a little longer to hold the coveted trophy, as Roberto Mancini won a consolation that is better than the title itself in some regard - the thought that he stopped the veteran Scotsman from his tracks is good enough for this season.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-16727748936580707462013-04-04T14:31:00.003+08:002013-04-04T14:39:05.300+08:00Champions League Wrap: Mourinho's Madrid Stomp Over Galatasaray, Solid Malaga Holds Dortmund<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/03/article-2303623-19123648000005DC-118_634x745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/03/article-2303623-19123648000005DC-118_634x745.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ronaldo's 9th minute goal turned out to be the eventual winner for Real Madrid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2303623/Real-Madrid-3-Galatasaray-0-match-report--Cristiano-Ronaldo-scores.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>MATCH RESULTS:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
Real Madrid 3 : 0 Galatasaray <br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid</span></span></th><th> Malaga 0 : 0 Dortmund <br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">La Rosaleda, Malaga</span></th></tr>
<tr><td><div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> Ronaldo 9' --</span></div>
Benzema 29' <br />
Higuain 73' </td><td> -- -- <br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
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<b>The history of football is full of miracles - Mourinho</b></center>
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Fatih Terim's Galatasaray were completely overpowered by Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid at the Bernabeu yesterday evening, with three different goal-scorers for Los Blancos and none for the Turkish giants.</center><br />
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Cristiano Ronaldo struck early in the first-half, smartly collecting a Mesut Ozil pass and chipping the ball past Gala keeper Fernando Muslera into the back of the net. Twenty minutes later, it was Frenchman Karim Benzema who got a goal, collecting a cross from Michael Essien. Galatasaray, for their part, couldn't quite string a decent chance as all but two of their efforts in the first half were off-target.</center><br />
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Any chance of Fatih Terim's side getting something out of the game disappeared in the second half, when Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain pounced on a loose ball created by a Xabi Alonso free-kick to score the coup-de-grace.</center>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/03/article-2303623-19127F37000005DC-350_634x423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/03/article-2303623-19127F37000005DC-350_634x423.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gonzalo Higuain's glancing header puts the ball past Fernando Muslera into the back of the net</span></center>
<center style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Image retrieved from </span><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2303623/Real-Madrid-3-Galatasaray-0-match-report--Cristiano-Ronaldo-scores.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></center>
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But Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho refused to be carried away by their dominating finish. "If we score a goal [in the second leg] they have to score five, but in football I have seen so many incredible things that nothing can surprise me.</div>
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"They will do everything to do something historic and I know Fatih Terim will try. The history of football is full of miracles."</div>
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Turkish boss Fatih Terim admitted that his side were clearly outgunned. "We faced a massive team who are aiming to win the UEFA Champions League. You just have to congratulate them. The quality between the sides wasn't equal</div>
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"Real Madrid were the dominant side and I accept that."</div>
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<b>The tie is absolutely open - Pellegrini</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Despite their chances, Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund are held goalless at La Rosaleda yesterday evening thanks to Malaga's goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero.</div>
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Mario Gotze went one-on-one with the Argentine keeper three times, but the German forward just can't seem to get the ball past Caballero. Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski also had their chances to put Dortmund ahead, but the sturdy Malaga back-line, coupled with Caballero's brilliant saving capabilities made sure Jurgen Klopp's men had no goal to celebrate in Spain.</div>
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<a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/71/32/1937132_w2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/71/32/1937132_w2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Malaga's goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero saves the ball from Dortmund's Lewandowski</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2013/matches/round=2000349/match=2009600/postmatch/photos/photo.html#1937170" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the UEFA official website</a></span></div>
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Manuel Pellegrini's men had chances of their own. Once they shook off the rapid-fire pace of the defending Bundesliga champions in the first half, Malaga got to their groove and started putting pressure on the visitors. Julio Baptista, Jeremy Toulalan and Isco were all on target for the home side, but none managed to score.</div>
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"It was an open game and the tie is absolutely open," Malaga boss Pellegrini said. "It was a very good game from both teams, who each tried to get into the opposition box. The crowd were happy."</div>
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Klopp was also satisfied with his side's performance, saying, "We gave a good performance against a good team. We had the better chances and a 0-0 draw is a result we can live with."</div>
</center>Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-36709496512678886162013-04-03T14:45:00.000+08:002013-04-03T15:38:58.043+08:00Champions League Wrap: 11th Hour Matuidi Goal Keeps PSG Alive, Rapid-Fire Alaba on Target vs Juve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/66/47/1936647_w2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/66/47/1936647_w2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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PSG's Blaise Matuidi (not in picture) forced goalkeeper Valdes to try and save the ball in a precarious position to no avail</div>
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Image retrieved from the <a href="http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2013/matches/round=2000349/match=2009602/postmatch/photos/photo.html#1936647" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UEFA Champions League official website</a></div>
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<b>MATCH RESULTS:</b></div>
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<table border="1"><tbody>
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PSG 2 : 2 Barcelona<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Parc des Princes, Paris</span></span></th><th> Bayern 2 : 0 Juventus<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal;">Allianz Arena, Munich</span></th></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> Ibrahimovic 79' Messi 38'</span></div>
Matuidi 90+4' Xavi 89' (Pen) </td><td><div>
Alaba 1' -- <br />
Muller 63'</div>
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<b>The price we paid to achieve [the result] is high - Roura</b></div>
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Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi had a moment of brilliance yesterday night at the Parc des Princes when, in the very last minute of the game, managed to slot in a crucial second goal past Barca keeper Victor Valdes to bring the scoreline 2-2 against Catalan giants Barcelona.</div>
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Lionel Messi struck early in the first half, who magnificently collected Dani Alves' cross to put the La Liga side in the lead. The enigmatic Argentine would unfortunately suffer from a knock that will see him get substituted before half-time.</div>
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<a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/65/41/1936541_w2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/65/41/1936541_w2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Barca's Lionel Messi slots the ball in past PSG keeper Sirigu</div>
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Image retrieved from the <a href="http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2013/matches/round=2000349/match=2009602/postmatch/photos/photo.html#1936647" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UEFA Champions League official website</a></div>
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PSG got their break on the 79th minute when striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic pounced on the loose ball created from Thiago Silva's header - a goal that was given even if replays show the Swede was offside. Twenty minutes later, the French side's keeper, Sirigu, commits to the ball going his way and causes Alexis Sanchez to fall inside the box. Xavi slotted in the penalty in what they thought was the winning goal of the night. But youngster Matuidi forced a draw in the end, making Valdes bend on his back just to save the ball, to no avail.</div>
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Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura said the result was not as good as his club would've liked, adding, "While the priced we have paid to achieve it is high."</div>
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PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti, for his part, admitted the results was not good for his side. And yet his was proud of his players, saying, "I'm proud of what my players produced. I'm proud of their bravery and of the good attitude they showed."</div>
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<b>We took Pirlo out of the equation - Heyneckes</b></div>
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Bayern Munich forward David Alaba's rapird-fire goal in the 30th second of the first half followed by Muller's score in the second half crippled Antonio Conte's Juventus as the Italian club did not manage to put a dent on the scoresheet.</div>
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<a href="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/65/59/1936559_w2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://www.uefa.com/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/Comp_Matches/01/93/65/59/1936559_w2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bayern's Thomas Muller slotted in the second goal</div>
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Image retrieved from the <a href="http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/season=2013/matches/round=2000349/match=2009603/postmatch/photos/photo.html#1936559" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">UEFA Champions League official website</a></div>
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Munich boss Jupp Heyneckes was particularly delighted with the result, adding that it was the result of their good homework. "Our preparation was very good and you could clearly see our tactical plan. We attacked very early and so managed to take [Andrea] Pirlo out of the equation.</div>
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"Our aim was to put pressure on them early and take Pirlo out of the game, which worked really well," the German manager added.</div>
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Conte, for his part, admitted that despite having a good team, Bayern were simple the better side. "I have to be honest and admit that we simply faced a better side."</div>
</center>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-63510258808208214482013-04-01T22:04:00.000+08:002013-04-01T22:04:04.297+08:00A Decade-Long Drought: Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/01/article-0-1907F65F000005DC-152_634x376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/01/article-0-1907F65F000005DC-152_634x376.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Demba Ba's half-volley shot proved to be the eventual winner</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image taken from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2302333/Chelsea-1-Manchester-United-0-Demba-Ba-Petr-Cech-heroes-Blues-FA-Cup-replay.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>Chelsea</th><th>Manchester<br />
United</th></tr>
<tr><td><div>
Cech<br />
Azpilicueta (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 77')</div>
<div>
Ivanovic</div>
<div>
Luiz</div>
<div>
Cole<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Bertrand 22' (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 58')) </div>
<div>
Mikel </div>
<div>
Ramires</div>
<div>
Hazard</div>
<div>
Mata (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 89')</div>
<div>
Oscar (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 90')<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Moses 90+1')</div>
<div>
Ba (<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">GOAL!</span></b> 49')<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Torres 90+3')<br />
<br />
<div>
<b> Unused subs: </b></div>
Lampard<br />
Terry<br />
Turnbull<br />
Benayoun</div>
</td><td><div>
De Gea</div>
<div>
Jones<br />
Smalling</div>
<div>
Ferdinand</div>
<div>
Evra</div>
<div>
Valencia</div>
<div>
Carrick </div>
<div>
Cleverley (<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;"><b style="background-color: #bf9000;">Y</b></span> 54')<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>van Persie 61') </div>
<div>
Nani<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Giggs 65')</div>
<div>
Welbeck<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Young 80')</div>
<div>
Hernandez</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b> Unused subs: </b></div>
Lindegaard<br />
Vermijl<br />
Powell<br />
Kagawa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
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Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United crashed out of the FA Cup in the narrowest of margins, but the scoreline failed to depict the lack of steel the Reds exhibited as they lost to Chelsea in their FA Cup replay, extending the Mancunian giants FA Cup trophy drought to a decade.</div>
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The first half-started lethargically, in a fashion unexpected of two top-four teams. Sloppy passes from both passes saw the ball exchange possession swiftly and intermittently. Both sides didn't have much efforts on goal until later in the half, when Hernandez collected the ball from the edge of the box, only for him to decide to switch to his preferred right foot. The time it took would prove costly. </div>
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The Blues, on their part, sparked with a charge from Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard. He crossed the ball towards Ba who tried to sneak it past De Gea, but the Spaniard kicked it away. Cech would respond with a foot save of his own, saving Chicharito's attempt with a bicycle kick on the follow-through.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/01/article-0-1907F8F6000005DC-596_634x465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/04/01/article-0-1907F8F6000005DC-596_634x465.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Chicharito's second-half header from close range was denied by Petr Cech</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image taken from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2302333/Chelsea-1-Manchester-United-0-Demba-Ba-Petr-Cech-heroes-Blues-FA-Cup-replay.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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Second-half saw Rafa Benitez' men switch on grandiosely as early as the 49th minute, when Mata's long pass from the middle of the pitch saw the ball fall in front of Demba Ba, who bashed it in towards the back of the net.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Alex Ferguson tried to revitalise his chances of staying in the FA Cup by bringing in van Persie, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young, but the Reds just couldn't create a decent chance. Their best attempt came just at the hour mark, when Welbeck's cross from the right was headed in by Chicharito in the same fashion as he did when the two sides last met. Cech made a fine save.</div>
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At that point, United succumbed to fatigue and lack of confidence as midfield maestros Mata, Oscar and Hazard trudged over United's shape on the pitch.</div>
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In the end, United, the Comeback Kings of lore, just couldn't get that crucial equalizer to stay in the competition. Sir Alex Ferguson will now have to be content with the promise of a 20th League title as the Red Devils go on to their 10th year without an FA Cup trophy.</div>
</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-1283185106115777142013-03-30T22:57:00.001+08:002013-03-31T12:15:32.065+08:00Homing in on Number 20: Sunderland 0 Manchester United 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGm6m_UCUAAnWBf.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGm6m_UCUAAnWBf.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Robin van Persie celebrates as he brought United the eventual winning goal for his side</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/317990427691208704/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page</a></span></div>
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<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>Sunderland</th><th>Manchester<br />
United</th></tr>
<tr><td><div>
Mignolet<br />
Bardsley (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 74')<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Larsson 78')</div>
<div>
Bramble (<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">OG</span> 27') </div>
<div>
O'Shea (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 48')</div>
<div>
Rose<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Colback 84')</div>
<div>
Johnson<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Wickham 75') </div>
<div>
Gardner</div>
<div>
N'Diaye (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 26')</div>
<div>
McClean</div>
<div>
Sessegnon </div>
<div>
Graham<br />
<br />
<div>
<b> Unused subs: </b></div>
Kilgallon<br />
Mangane<br />
Westwood<br />
Mandron</div>
</td><td><div>
De Gea</div>
<div>
Rafael<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Evans 33')<br />
Vidic</div>
<div>
Smalling</div>
<div>
Buttner</div>
<div>
Valencia</div>
<div>
Anderson<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Cleverley 84') </div>
<div>
Carrick</div>
<div>
Young</div>
<div>
Kagawa<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Welbeck 78') </div>
<div>
van Persie (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> 57')</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b> Unused subs:</b></div>
Evra<br />
Lindegaard<br />
Nani<br />
Powell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
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Manchester United, at least for a couple of hours, will relish their dominating 18-point lead at the top of the table as the grinded out a win against Martin O'Neill's Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this Easter Saturday.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sunderland started the first-half with gusto, threatening to do efforts on goal. One attempt came from Gardner in the sixth minute, and it was destined for the net if not for a block from United captain Nemanja Vidic. Quickly after that, the Reds sparked at the break with Young's cross sending the ball towards Phil Bardsley, whose both hands clearly blocked the ball.</div>
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At that point, Alex Ferguson's side suddenly got control of the game, with their left-hand side pouring punishment on Sunderland's defense. After dishing out a battering, the Red Devils finally got their goal. Given a lot of space, van Persie managed to squeeze into the box from the left side, who then took the shot. The ball deflected off Bramble, who made a last-ditch tackle, and in towards the back of the net.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGm8eZeCAAAVsCz.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGm8eZeCAAAVsCz.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Robin van Persie's (second in dark blue from left) shot deflected off Sunderland's Bardsley (in red, on floor) which sent the ball past goalkeeper Mignolet</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/317990427691208704/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second half was seeing more of the same United dominance in possession in the first half. But try as they might, the Reds just couldn't get that second goal. Frustration perhaps showing itself, the Dutchman van Persie made an unfair challenge on Sunderland's Gardner, prompting a yellow card. It was at this point the Martin O'Neill's men started to put some pressure. Blistering runs and quick passess from Sessegnon, Gardner and Bardsley on the right saw Sessegnon receive the ball. He lobbed it towards the six-yard box and De Gea made a punch of it but clashes with Vidic along the way. Both got dazed from the collision and it prompted a short break from referee Kevin Friend.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Black Cats continued to pull the strings on attack and possession as the Stadium of Light faithful churned their team on. McClean, Johnson and Gardner did well to exert pressure on the United defense, but stalwart Vidic, together with Jonny Evans, made sure goals were not conceded.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNeyL2tuGjW_slN3WtDwlCICax2B7cxxBdhYQ5exGAhrcCax4JmoFrPHPQj-aTzWUA5B1U42vvGyTMukIzl5cNk_4Ye_VJjB324GGbggdTM_n-P_XorujQO4pnqC2iX1aYcmOvN1ThAs/s1600/asdasdasdas.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNeyL2tuGjW_slN3WtDwlCICax2B7cxxBdhYQ5exGAhrcCax4JmoFrPHPQj-aTzWUA5B1U42vvGyTMukIzl5cNk_4Ye_VJjB324GGbggdTM_n-P_XorujQO4pnqC2iX1aYcmOvN1ThAs/s1600/asdasdasdas.PNG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/317990427691208704/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page</a> later confirmed that the RVP effort was indeed credited as a Titus Bramble own goal</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
United, for their part, continued to hunt for that closing second goal, to no avail. Buttner shot a screamer from the edge of the penalty box at the 81st minute, but it was saved by Sunderland's Mignolet. The Black Cats replied with an effort from Graham, but that too was saved, this time by De Gea.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the end, both sides didn't get that crucial goal in the second-half, despite the six-minute stoppage time. But regardless of the narrow result, Sir Alex Ferguson would take the win anytime as they are now eighteen points clear at the top of the table, at least until Manchester City finish their game against Newcastle later on in the night, putting the Red Devils ever so closer to their 20th league title.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-21841004341780383442013-03-17T03:42:00.000+08:002013-03-31T11:47:49.666+08:00Edging Towards the Title: Manchester United 1 Reading 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/16/article-2293366-18B73866000005DC-27_634x405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/16/article-2293366-18B73866000005DC-27_634x405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rooney's opening goal proved to be the winner against a stubborn Reading</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2293366/Manchester-United-v-Reading-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
<br />
<center>
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th>Manchester<br />
United</th><th>Reading</th></tr>
<tr><td><div>
De Gea</div>
<div>
Smalling</div>
<div>
Ferdinand</div>
<div>
Vidic</div>
<div>
Buttner</div>
<div>
Welbeck</div>
<div>
Giggs</div>
<div>
Anderson<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Kagawa 85') </span></div>
<div>
Young<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Carrick 74') </span></div>
<div>
Rooney (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>GOAL!</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">21')</span></div>
<div>
van Persie<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div>
<b> Unused subs:</b></div>
Lindegaard<br />
Evans<br />
Valencia<br />
Hernandez<br />
Powell</div>
</td><td><div>
Taylor</div>
<div>
Kelly (<b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">55')</span> </div>
<div>
Pierce</div>
<div>
Mariappa</div>
<div>
Shorey</div>
<div>
Karacan</div>
<div>
Leigertwood </div>
<div>
McAnuff </div>
<div>
Robson-Kanu<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Blackman 70')</div>
<div>
McCleary</div>
<div>
Hunt (<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: xx-small; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"> </span>41')</span><br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Wingdings 3;"> </span>Le Fondre 70') </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b> Unused subs:</b></div>
McCarthy<br />
Gunter<br />
Morrison<br />
Harte<br />
Akpan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
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With David Moyes' team beating Manchester City 2-0 earlier in the day, United's gritty 1-0 win against resolute Reading meant the Red Devils edge closer to their 20th league title as they now hold an emphatic 15 point lead at the top of the table.</div>
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The first minutes of the first half saw a steady, unmoving deadlock between the two teams, with few clear-cut chances being made between the two. Then, somewhere in the fifteen-minute mark, the United attack started to tick. Ashley Young recorded an effort on goal; Welbeck, Rooney and van Persie would soon follow, but all would drift amiss. Then, a moment of fortune arrived. Ferdinand made a blistering run in the center, crossing the ball towards Rooney who made a shot towards goal. The ball bounces off Reading's Alex Pearce and it lobs past keeper Taylor and towards the net.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/16/article-2293366-18B73804000005DC-917_634x349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/16/article-2293366-18B73804000005DC-917_634x349.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1616326363"></span><span id="goog_1616326364"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rooney broke the deadlock as his shot deflects past Reading's Pearce</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2293366/Manchester-United-v-Reading-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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Reading would respond with attacks from Robson-Kanu, Shorey and McAnuff, but the Royals just couldn't get that equalizing goal.</div>
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The second-half saw the deadlock reinstated at Old Trafford. Ashley Young and Welbeck had shots in for the Reds; Karacan, McAnuff and Robson-Kanu replied for the visitors. With Reading seemingly in the driver seat, United looked as if they had once again switched off their game. Until they lit back up and exchanges from Welbeck, Kagawa and Rooney saw the ball just over the bar. Robin van Persie also had a shot on goal. Ryan Giggs also kept the ball up, but all efforts are all in vain.</div>
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A five-minute stoppage time was greeted by boos from the Old Trafford faithful but in the end, the Royals just couldn't get the leveler and Sir Alex Ferguson's men get the job of the day done and the crucial win propelled them to fifteen points off the table and the league title may surely be already in the bag.</div>
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Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-35580056737630842922013-03-11T02:43:00.000+08:002013-03-31T11:58:14.262+08:00Dropping the Ball: Manchester United 2 Chelsea 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D859F000005DC-327_634x346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D859F000005DC-327_634x346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Chelsea's no. 7, Ramires, scores the equalizer six minutes after the hour mark</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2290299/LIVE-Manchester-United-v-Chelsea-Liverpool-v-Tottenham-Newcastle-v-Stoke-Millwall-v-Blackburn.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>STARTING LINEUPS</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<center>
<table border="1">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th>Manchester<br />
United</th>
<th>Chelsea</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><div style="text-align: left;">
De Gea</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rafael</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Evans</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ferdinand</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Evra</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Carrick</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cleverley</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Nani<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Valencia 46') </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kagawa<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Welbeck 76')</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rooney (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>GOAL!</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">10')</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hernandez (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>GOAL!</b></span><span style="text-align: center;"> 4') </span><br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">van Persie 61')</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div>
<b> Unused subs:</b></div>
Amos<br />
Anderson<br />
Vidic<br />
Young</div>
</td>
<td><div style="text-align: left;">
Cech </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Azpilicueta (<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span>39')</span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Luiz (<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span>54')</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cahill</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cole</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ramires (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>GOAL!</b></span><span style="text-align: center;"> 66')</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lampard<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"> </span>Mikel 51') </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Moses<br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"> </span>Hazard 51' (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><b>GOAL!</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">58') </span>(<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; text-align: center;">74')</span>) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mata</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Oscar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ba<span style="text-align: right;"> </span><br />
(<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB</b></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"> </span>Torres 77')</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b> Unused subs:</b></div>
Turnbull<br />
Ivanovic<br />
Terry<br />
Bertrand</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Manchester United's bid for the FA Cup trophy took a stumble after Sir Alex Ferguson's team squandered a two-goal lead when they dropped the ball and gave Chelsea the upper-hand with the Blues picking up a vital 2-2 draw.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first half saw a rapid-fire start from both sides, with Ba getting the first chance at a goal. He shot it wide. The Reds countered with Carrick, who made a serene long pass to Hernandez, who headed the ball home, with Cech caught off-guard. Six minutes later, Rooney's free-kick from the edge of the box curled past everybody towards the far corner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D35EC000005DC-959_634x459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D35EC000005DC-959_634x459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Chicharito's header in the 4th minute gave United the early lead</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2290299/LIVE-Manchester-United-v-Chelsea-Liverpool-v-Tottenham-Newcastle-v-Stoke-Millwall-v-Blackburn.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
United kept the foot on the gas for the next fifteen minutes with Nani, Chicharito and Cleverley all having chances. But Chelsea steadily crawled in to hold on the ball and as United lightened on the pedal, the Blues pounced on their opportunities, to no avail. Errors from Rafael and Carrick lead to counter-attacks from Chelsea's Ba, Mata and Lampard. All tried to get a goal back, but all attempts went wide.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Reds picked up just before half-time, with Nani leading the plays. United's third goal would've to wait as their attempts went nowhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D3BA3000005DC-626_634x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D3BA3000005DC-626_634x286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rooney's brilliant free-kick placed United two goals up after just eleven minutes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2290299/LIVE-Manchester-United-v-Chelsea-Liverpool-v-Tottenham-Newcastle-v-Stoke-Millwall-v-Blackburn.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A turn-face happened on the second-half, as Chelsea got their stranglehold on the possession and kept the pressure on United. Mata proved to be mercurial late on as he made fabulous plays to help his teammates get shots on goal. United completely lost their momentum in the first half, reminiscent of their game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season at the League.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early in the second-half, Chelsea had the possession but not the goals. Interim manager Rafa Benitez made a seemingly controversial change when he took out Lampard and replaced him with Mikel to compound his other substitution, Hazard on for Moses. But it turned out to be the correct decision as Hazard made a blistering run at the break and slotted the ball home. Fifteen minutes later, Ramires pounced to level the scores between the two teams.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D835D000005DC-501_634x416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/03/10/article-2290299-188D835D000005DC-501_634x416.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">David Luiz celebrate with Eden Hazard for the latter's goal at the 58th minute</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2290299/LIVE-Manchester-United-v-Chelsea-Liverpool-v-Tottenham-Newcastle-v-Stoke-Millwall-v-Blackburn.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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With Sir Alex Ferguson's men rattled, Chelsea knew they had to look for the killshot. Torres was brought on to help bolster the Blues' attack. The Spaniard did get a shot on target, but it was comfortably saved by De Gea. A last gasp came from Juan Mata at the 89th minute, who pounced from a mess-up inside the United box. The shot went begging.</div>
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In the end, both teams had to settle for a draw and wait for the replay match, which will be squeezed in a very tight schedule for both teams. Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, will find himself very frustrated as he watched his team lose their grip on a game that was supposed to have been won. With United travelling to Stamford Bridge for the replay, a defeat may be in the cards, and that would lead to a decade of not winning the FA Cup that will surely bring much ire to the United manager.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-66474571006319778782013-03-01T11:52:00.000+08:002013-03-31T12:00:59.588+08:00Kanzler's Shorts: The Doctor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from PD.com | Created by PuЪLiㄷEиəℳy#1</span></div>
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<i>Note: The following short story is an entry in the 13th installment of PD.com's Epics & Legends Writing Battle competition, where it finished <b>first</b> out of seven entries. To view the original entry of the competition, click <a href="http://www.playdota.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7987720&postcount=150" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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<i>All rights to this story are reserved to the author and owner of this blog.</i></div>
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Nathan fidgeted uncomfortably as he sat on the witness stand. He never liked being on the spotlight, despite having some experience with it from various TV and radio interviews he had done in the past. It made him feel vulnerable.</div>
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There was more than your usual courtroom crowd in the gallery today. The media people, in particular, came in groups. After all, it’s not every day that they get to see one of the more popular doctors in the country sit in the witness stand and defend himself of a murder charge.</div>
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“Doctor Linniell?”</div>
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Nathan quickly moved his head towards the direction of the voice. It was his defense lawyer, Richard De Hesus, sitting directly across Nathan in the defense table. “Yes?” Nathan managed to ask.</div>
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“I know this is hard for you but please try to focus on what we’re doing here, doctor,” De Hesus said to his client.</div>
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“Sorry.”</div>
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“That’s alright.” De Hesus said. He then scribbled something in his legal pad. “Let me ask you again: What is your relationship with the victim, Mrs. Elizabeth Hernandez?”</div>
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Nathan cleared his throat and said, “Mrs. Hernandez was my patient in the oncology department of St. James Medical Hospital in Quezon City from February 18, 2012, last year until January 3 of this year.”</div>
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“And what did you treat her for?”</div>
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Nathan rearranged the eyeglasses. “At the time of admission, Breast cancer, stage three.”</div>
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“February last year to January this year. That’s quite a long time for hospitalization, isn’t it?”</div>
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“Yes, it is. Mrs. Hernandez suffered great pain during those times.”</div>
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“I can only imagine,” De Hesus remarked. “Have you known her before admission?”</div>
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“Yes. She was a very close family friend. I considered her as my godmother.”</div>
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De Hesus shifted his weight from left to right on his chair. He then cleared his throat before continuing. “You told me she had stage three cancer when she was admitted. Did this change over the course of treatment?”</div>
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Nathan nodded. “Around September last year, despite progressive interventions, the cancer escalated to stage four. Metastasis spread beyond her lymph nodes.”</div>
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“Did this force you to change her therapy?”</div>
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“I had to. I went to more aggressive modes of action. Higher chemotherapy doses, more radiation administrations, everything.”</div>
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“I understand,” De Hesus said. He flipped through some pages of his legal pad and animatedly looked like he found what he was looking for. “Did you, in any time during treatment, consider dropping the aggressive interventions and proceed to palliative care?”</div>
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Nathan shook his head. “N-No. Never. Mrs. Hernandez was still early in stage four and I really thought we had a chance of combating the illness.”</div>
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“And yet she died, despite your best efforts.”</div>
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“Objection!”</div>
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Both Nathan and De Hesus spun their head towards the prosecution table, where the district attorney (more commonly called the fiscal in the Philippines) was already on his feet. “Objection, your Honor. My colleague’s last statement was not a question for the witness to answer.”</div>
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De Hesus stood up and raised his hand. The judge nodded at him. “I withdraw my last statement, your Honor.”</div>
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“Alright,” the judge said while she brushed back her hair with her right hand. “Proceed.”</div>
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The two lawyers sat down. Nathan looked at the people in the gallery. The media people started scribbling hastily on their notebooks – cameras were banned inside the courtroom. A few of the watchers began to whisper to each other. The fireworks have begun.</div>
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“Tell me, Doctor Linniell, did Mrs. Hernandez ever talk to you about dying?”</div>
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Nathan’s eyes narrowed. “I-I don’t know what you mean.”</div>
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“Did she ever tell you about ‘ending it all’?”</div>
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Nathan looked at the tiled floors of the courtroom, deep in thought. Without looking back at his lawyer, Nathan said, “Many times. It was a struggle for her. Despite her strong personality, she can only endure the pains of cancer so much.”</div>
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“What did you advise her?”</div>
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“To fight on. I told her I wasn’t giving up on her, so she should at least not give up on me.”</div>
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De Hesus let Nathan’s last statement hang in the air for a few seconds, with the media people in the gallery at the back of the lawyer’s head. He then took out three sheets of paper from a file folder. He then stood up and gave the fiscal, the judge and Nathan a copy. “Presenting Defense exhibit number eight,” De Hesus said as he walked back to the defense table. After he took his seat, he looked at Nathan and said, “Could you please tell us, Doctor Linniell, what that sheet of paper is and what it’s for?”</div>
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“It’s a DNR or ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order sheet. When this sheet is accomplished the patient with his immediate family consents that the medical team will no longer intervene should he suffer a fatal circumstance brought about by his disease.”</div>
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“So you’re saying the medical team will no longer intervene with the process of dying.”</div>
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“Yes.”</div>
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“Alright, doctor,” De Hesus continued. “Can you verify who accomplished that form you’re holding dated December 27, 2012?”</div>
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“I did. My signature is on the bottom of the form.”</div>
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“Good. Did you do this with the consent of the patient’s immediate family?”</div>
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“Yes. They signed the attached consent form, all three children of Mrs. Hernandez.”</div>
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“Very well.” De Hesus took out another set of papers and gave it to the same persons he gave the exhibit number seven earlier. “Defense exhibit number eight and nine, your Honor,” the defense lawyer said as he sat in his chair. “Mrs. Hernandez’ death certificate and a third-party autopsy report on Mrs. Hernandez, respectively.”</div>
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De Hesus waited for the judge and the fiscal to examine the papers before he continued. “Doctor Linniell, from those two documents, what was the cause of Mrs. Hernandez’ death?”</div>
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After scanning through the papers, Nathan said, “Congestive heart failure secondary to cardiotoxicity brought about by complications of cancer.”</div>
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“Basically, she died of a natural heart attack?”</div>
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“In layman’s terms, yes.”</div>
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“And there was nothing you could do about it?”</div>
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“No. The DNR was in place. There was nothing I could do.”</div>
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* * *</div>
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Nathan sighed deeply. The judge did not order a recess after De Hesus’ direct examination so Nathan had no choice but to remain in his seat and endure another round of questions, this time likely to be more hostile, from the fiscal. The doctor rubbed his forehead as he looked at the tiled floor below. It was only ten-thirty in the morning and yet he already felt exhausted.</div>
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“Doctor Linniell,” called the fiscal, Anton Arkimedes, from his chair. “Let me cut to the chase. Do you believe in a person’s unalienable constitutional right to life?”</div>
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“Objection!” Nathan’s defense counsel quickly stood up from his seat. “Irrelevant.”</div>
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Arkimedes stood up from his chair and raised his hand. “I’m laying the predicate here, your Honor. If only Mr. De Hesus wouldn’t jump the gun too early.”</div>
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The judge tapped her podium with a pencil. “Hmm… I’ll overrule the objection, provided the prosecution would quickly wind up his line of questioning.”</div>
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“Thank you, your Honor,” both lawyers replied.</div>
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The judge looked at Nathan and said, “Doctor Linniell, you may answer.”</div>
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“My answer,” Nathan said, “is yes.”</div>
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Arkimedes nodded and fired another question. “How about the right to liberty? The freedom to choose under any circumstance?”</div>
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Nathan could see his defense lawyer’s eyes grow wide at the fiscal’s question. Perhaps he knew something Nathan didn’t? De Hesus stood up. “Objection, your Honor! Calls for expert opinion. We have established Doctor Linniell as an expert in the field of medicine, not of law.”</div>
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“This is a simple yes or no question, your Honor,” Arkimedes said as he stood up to respond. “I am not asking for a legal opinion here.”</div>
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The judge glared at De Hesus and said, “Overruled.”</div>
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De Hesus slowly sat back on his chair. Arkimedes, who remained standing, prodded Nathan. “Your answer, doctor.”</div>
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“Y-yes.”</div>
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“Good,” Arkimedes interjected. “So that means you also believe that the person has the unalienable right to die?”</div>
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Nathan felt a lump form inside his throat. He just fell into a trap. “I-I… Yes, but this doesn’t—“</div>
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“Yes or no answers only, doctor,” Arkimedes interrupted. “Let’s move on.”</div>
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Nathan darted his gaze at his defense lawyer. De Hesus simply shrugged sympathetically at Nathan, as if to say, “I did what I could.”</div>
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“Now, doctor. Tell me, where were you the evening before Mrs. Hernandez’ death?”</div>
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“I was at the hospital, checking on Mrs. Hernandez.”</div>
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“Did you do this often, check on her?”</div>
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Nathan’s eyes narrowed. “Y-yes! I’m her doctor, after all.”</div>
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Arkimedes quickly took out two relatively thick stacks of paper from an envelope on his table and gave each to De Hesus and the judge. “People’s exhibit twenty-four, doctor’s orders sheets from Mrs. Hernandez’ patient records covering the dates August 2012 to January 2013.” The fiscal then looked at Nathan and asked, “Doctor, aren’t you required to fill up this sheet every time you visit a patient?”</div>
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Nathan nodded. “It’s s-standard procedure, yes.”</div>
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“Well, judging from these documents, you didn’t really visit her often until late December.” Arkimedes flipped through his copy of the doctor’s orders sheets “From once every four, five days starting August to early December to almost every day starting December 15th. Either you were lying about your answer earlier or you suddenly developed a mutual feeling for her during the holiday season.”</div>
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Some people in the gallery chuckled.</div>
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“Objection! Objection, your Honor!” De Hesus rose angrily from his seat, pushing his table on the way.</div>
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Arkimedes grinned, raised his hands in surrender and said, “Withdrawn, your Honor.”</div>
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“Let’s move on!” The judge ordered. While De Hesus slumped back on his chair, the fiscal went back to his questioning. “I’m curious, doctor. What exactly did you check with Mrs. Hernandez the night before her death?”</div>
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Nathan looked at his defense lawyer, eyes asking for help. De Hesus simply nodded Nathan on. “I-I just checked on her general condition.”</div>
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“I see,” Arkimedes replied nonchalantly while reading some document. “Anything else you did while with her?”</div>
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“I don’t under—”</div>
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Arkimedes stood up, the documents he was reading earlier in hand and gave copies of it to De Hesus and the judge. “Your Honor, People’s exhibit twenty-five, nurse’s notes dated January 2, 2013, day before victim’s death. Night-shift report states that Mrs. Hernandez was hooked to a new bottle of IV fluid despite her having hooked with a full two-liter bottle just two hours earlier, which was precisely the same time as Doctor Linniell’s visit, if you look at exhibit twenty-four of the same date. That bottle’s flow rate was set to be emptied after ten hours, not two.”</div>
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The fiscal looked at Nathan and said, “You’re the medical expert here, Doctor Linniell. Tell me how that was possible.”</div>
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Nathan remained silent at the witness stand, apparently engrossed at some speck in the wall. His defense counsel was as stationary in his chair.</div>
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“Never mind that,” Arkimedes said as he stood up to give another sheet of paper to both De Hesus and the judge. “People’s exhibit twenty-six. Nurse’s notes dated January 3, 2013. Nurse’s reports from the 10PM-2PM shift state that Doctor Linniell personally gave Mrs. Hernandez her daily IV infusion of tramadol, a potent analgesic, at three AM. An hour after that, Mrs. Hernandez peacefully went into ‘code blue’ status as she went into ventricular tachycardia, basically cardiac arrest. What can you say to that, Doctor Linniell?”</div>
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“Uhm… I…” Nathan began.</div>
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“Objection, your Honor! Objection!” De Hesus rose from his chair. “Not only is the prosecutor’s question vague, but his earlier statement on cardiac arrest is hearsay for it hasn’t been verified by an established medical expert!”</div>
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Arkimedes stood up and replied, “Your Honor, Doctor Linniell can answer that himself. This court has established him to be a medical expert, after all!”</div>
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“But your Honor, Doctor Linniell cannot testify on grounds of conflict of interest! Besides, that will violate his right against self-incrimination!”</div>
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The judge raised both her hands. “I understand the case you’re presenting, Mr. Arkimedes. But don’t you have another way to send your point across?”</div>
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“I do, your Honor.” Arkimedes grabbed another document from his table and again gave De Hesus and the judge copies each. “People’s exhibit twenty-seven. A sworn statement from the Quezon City Health Department officer himself, Doctor John Osmundo. He states that ‘fluid overloading – more than two liters in a span of one hour at minimal activity – can trigger heart failure in patients suffering from chronic cardiac conditions in a span of hours.’ A full explanation on this is included in his dossier.”</div>
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“Your Honor,” De Hesus, who was still standing, interrupted. “We still have to hear Doctor Osmundo’s testimony here in court so that question can be propounded to him!”</div>
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Arkimedes quickly countered. “Don’t worry, your Honor. He will be available in the next hearing as our first witness in our rebuttal presentation.”</div>
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“Enough!” The judge bellowed. “Both of you, sit down. Having heard all arguments and developments, the defense’s pending objection is overruled. The prosecution may continue.”</div>
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De Hesus shook his head as he sat down on his chair. Arkimedes, meanwhile, stood up and said, “Nevertheless, your Honor, I’ll rephrase my question.”</div>
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Audibly clearing his throat, the fiscal looked at Nathan and said, “My case is now pretty obvious to you, isn’t it? You just had to help Mrs. Hernandez, didn’t you?”</div>
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“I d-don’t know what you’re talking about.”</div>
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“Don’t play dumb, doctor. You had to help her die, right? Because it was her <i>unalienable, constitutional</i> right! So what did you do? You overloaded her with fluids, knowing she already had a weak heart, all that cardiotoxicity mumbo-jumbo!”</div>
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Nathan shook his head. “N-No!”</div>
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“Objection! Badgering the witness!” De Hesus roared from his chair.</div>
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“Sustained!” the judge ordered.</div>
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With the media people at the gallery on the fiscal’s mind, he continued. “Then, to make sure she didn’t feel anything other than peace during her final minutes, you gave Mrs. Hernandez a shot of tramadol, didn’t you?”</div>
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“No!” Nathan shouted.</div>
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“Objection!” De Hesus was on his feet.</div>
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With the judge banging her gavel, Arkimedes went for the coup-de-grace. He paced towards the witness stand and confronted Nathan. “Then Mrs. Hernandez was off to meet her maker, thanks to you! Now answer me, Doctor Nathan Linniell, did you or did you not kill Mrs. Hernandez?”</div>
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This time, De Hesus was now past his table and a few paces away from Arkimedes. “Objection! Objection!”</div>
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The judge vehemently banged her gavel. “That is enough, Mr. Arkimedes!”</div>
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Arkimedes looked at the reporters and other people in the gallery, who were enjoying the climactic drama. The fiscal then looked at Nathan, who was slouched on his chair, eyes red and teary. Arkimedes finally looked at the judge, who was red-faced, and said. “No further questions.”</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-79824528970699329532013-02-24T01:06:00.002+08:002013-03-31T12:01:51.047+08:00King of the Hill: QPR 0 Manchester United 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/23/article-2282983-18382005000005DC-664_634x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/23/article-2282983-18382005000005DC-664_634x454.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">United's right-back Rafael celebrates his 25-yard screamer and eventual winning goal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2282983/PREMIER-LEAGUE-LIVE-QPR-v-Manchester-United-Arsenal-v-Aston-Villa-Reading-v-Wigan-Norwich-v-Everton-West-Brom-v-Sunderland.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span><br />
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<b><u>Starting Lineups</u></b></div>
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<b>Manchester United:</b> De Gea ; Rafael (<b style="color: red; font-size: small;">GOAL!</b> 22'), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra ; Nani, Carrick, Giggs (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>GOAL!</b></span> 80'), Young (<b style="color: blue; font-size: small;">SUB</b><b style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></b><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Valencia 68')</span>; Van Persie (<b style="color: blue; font-size: small;">SUB</b><b style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Welbeck 41')</span>, Hernandez (<b style="color: blue; font-size: small;">SUB</b><b style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rooney 60')</span><br />
(Bench: Lindegaard, Evans, Anderson, Cleverley)</div>
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<b>QPR: </b>Julio Cesar ; Traore, Samba, Hill, Bosingwa ; Taarabt, Granero (<b style="color: blue; font-size: small;">SUB</b><b style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jenas 45+1'), </span>Townsend (<b style="color: blue; font-size: small;">SUB</b><b style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hoilett 72')</span>, M'bia ; Mackie, Zamora (<b style="color: blue; font-size: small;">SUB</b><b style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remy 60')</span><br />
(Bench: Green, Onouha, Park, Wright-Phillips)<br />
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The Reds' 2-0 away win against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road will certainly be a welcome for Alex Ferguson as this win might just be the one that will bring the Scot the 20th league title. Manchester United are now King of the Hill with a wide 15-point lead at the top of the table.</div>
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United get to business early at the start of the first half. Nani got the first glance for the Reds with a missed close-range header. QPR responded with Taarabt, whose shot goes wide. The exchange stopped there as United churned on the attack. Attempts from Chicharito and van Persie all came close, to no avail. However, it would be the Brazilian Rafael who strikes from 25 yards out to put his team in the lead. </div>
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The United lead was immediately put to the test when QPR answered with Townsend, Samba and Taarabt all having a go at goal, with no success. A scare for United came when van Persie had to be substituted for what appears to be a pelvic injury. With Madrid not far away, the Reds staff will sure to keep an eye on the prolific Dutchman.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/23/article-2282983-18383EBE000005DC-984_634x403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/02/23/article-2282983-18383EBE000005DC-984_634x403.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Robin van Persie receives treatment as he hit his back in a tumble with the cameraman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2282983/PREMIER-LEAGUE-LIVE-QPR-v-Manchester-United-Arsenal-v-Aston-Villa-Reading-v-Wigan-Norwich-v-Everton-West-Brom-v-Sunderland.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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The start of the second-half seemed to be a first-half encore with United having the initiative. Young and Hernandez pounced on their opportunities, but both missed. Substitute Remy had the first chance for the Rangers in the second-half with a drilled shot from 12 yards. David de Gea made a fantastic save. But when all seemed in a deadlock, the veteran Ryan Giggs entered the fray. A brilliant pass in from Nani saw Giggs take the ball with a masterful composure as he struck in and got the coup-de-grace for United in the 80th minute.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ryan Giggs' shot takes the ball past the veteran Julio Cesar into the net to seal United's win against Rangers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BDzalmhCcAEz3Ld.jpg:large" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Account</a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17px;">Ryan Giggs almost made it two for two when he hit the bar a minute later from his goal. From then on, it was just a matter of grinding out the opposition. QPR lost their confidence once the Welshman got his goal in and Harry Redknapp's body language told volumes.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17px;">United's comfortable win put them a whopping fifteen points clear off nearest rivals and noisy neighbors City, who are yet to face an in-form Chelsea with Rafa Benitez hell-bent on proving his prowess as a manager. This thought would certainly put a wide grin on the face of Sir Alex Ferguson and the millions of United fans around the world.</span></div>
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Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-28466062019422436452013-02-12T14:32:00.000+08:002013-02-12T14:32:58.657+08:00The Peril of Writing Off Manchester United<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://drupal-images.tv2.dk/sites/images.tv2.dk/files/t2img/2012/07/23/988x555/287379-fbl-eng-pr-sunderland-manutd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://drupal-images.tv2.dk/sites/images.tv2.dk/files/t2img/2012/07/23/988x555/287379-fbl-eng-pr-sunderland-manutd.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"How dare you write us off?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://sporten.tv2.dk/2012-07-23-sir-alex-afviser-lucas-indk%C3%B8b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sporten.tv2.dk</a></i></span></div>
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I was browsing the net, reading the different football news and other stuff when I stumbled upon <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2276506/Paddy-Power-pay-Manchester-United-winning-Premier-League.html#axzz2Keo7gkMe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this article</a> from the Daily Mail UK. It seems betting agency Paddy Power has decided to pay out bettors who placed their money on United winning the league. A Paddy Power spokesperson told the Daily Mail, "The fat lady might not be singing yet but she’s definitely getting warmed up. We can’t see United letting their lead slip and, with Real Madrid to come midweek, we thought we’d take some of the pressure off Fergie and give punters an early payday."</div>
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With twelve games to go, United's race for their 20th league title certainly isn't over yet. Red fans like me can certainly never forget last season, when United dropped a seven point lead and lost the title to noisy neighbors Manchester City on the last seconds of the season. It's simply precarious to be complacent at this stage.</div>
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Then again, twelve points is still twelve points, and that margin will certainly bring some comfort to Sir Alex Ferguson, <a href="http://kanzlerstales.blogspot.com/2013/02/manchester-united-2-everton-0.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">who played a full-strength team against Everton last Sunday</a> despite a midweek Champions League clash against Spanish giants Real Madrid.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285229_10151317341622746_1957943992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285229_10151317341622746_1957943992_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Manchester United are twelve points clear at the top of the table</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151317341622746&set=a.411767862745.195597.7724542745&type=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Manchester United Official Facebook Page</a></span></i></div>
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I can still vividly recall my annoyance last August. Like every other football fan, I hungered for the English football season to return. Euro 2012 had ended two months prior and the Olympics was nothing more than a blip. Without those two, a fan satisfied his football cravings by reading new on the latest transfers as well as the predictions for the upcoming season.</div>
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Pretty much everyone wrote United off during pre-season. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/aug/09/premier-league-previews-manchester-united" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Guardian UK had United at only 36% (13/5) to win the title</a>. ESPN's <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature/_/id/1135807/espn-fc-premier-league-preview-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Roger Bennett predicted United will struggle to finish third</a>. Phil McNulty of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2012/08/my_premier_league_2012-13_pred.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBC predicted United may win a trophy, but it certainly won't be the League title or even the Champions League</a>. And then there was <a href="http://www.premierleague.com/content/premierleague/en-gb/news/news/ea-sports-fifa-13-predicts-city-retain-title.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FIFA 13's engine, which predicted that Manchester United will end up in second, six points adrift of City</a>.</div>
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Yet now, with a little more than twelve games left, Manchester United pretty much took a stranglehold at the top of the table.</div>
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The team cannot afford complacency now, more than ever. The pain of last season is a scarring reminder of that. But to those who wrote United off before the season began, then you must realize United is a team that you simply never neglect. The Reds will march on, and possibly, this time, ever closer towards the 20th title.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-41882304309357957172013-02-11T01:59:00.000+08:002013-03-31T12:05:14.601+08:00In The Lead: Manchester United 2 Everton 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BCwriCMCUAArvTs.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BCwriCMCUAArvTs.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">RVP's form bring United to victory as the Reds go 12 points clear</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/300663138821492737/photo/1/large" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Page</a></span></div>
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<b><u>Starting Lineups</u></b></div>
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<b>Manchester United:</b> De Gea ; Rafael, Vidic, Evans (<span style="color: blue; font-family: Wingdings 3; font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Smalling 80')</span>, Evra ; Valencia, Cleverley, Jones (<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>SUB </b></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Carrick 57') </span>Giggs (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>GOAL!</b></span> 12') ; Rooney, Van Persie (<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><b>GOAL!</b></span> 45')</div>
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(Bench: Amos, Anderson, Hernandez, Nani, Welbeck)</div>
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<b>Everton: </b>Howard ; Neville, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines ; Mirallas <b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span>(<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SUB </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Naismith 70')</span>, Osman, Gibson, Pienaar, Fellaini <b><span style="background-color: #bf9000; color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Y</span></b> ; Anichebe (<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">SUB </span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jelavic 56')</span></div>
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(Bench: Mucha, Duffy, Oviedo, Hitzlsperger, Stones)</div>
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With Manchester City registering a shock loss against newly-promoted team Southampton, Sir Alex Ferguson knew he had to win against Everton. And despite a Real Madrid CL fixture in midweek, the Reds played a full strength team against Everton, taking the stakes of the game into heavy consideration, which paid off as they saw the Toffees off 2-0 at Old Trafford and placed themselves 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.</div>
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United pumped the pace quickly in the opening minutes of the first half, winning their first free kick at the edge of the box just before the two-minute mark. They kept the pressure going until Rooney made a brilliant pass to Robin van Persie who missed the empty goal as he hit the post. The Dutchman tried to redeem himself three minutes later, causing a scramble inside the box. Enter Ryan Giggs, who chipped the ball in to give United the lead.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ryan Giggs shrugged his age away as his goal gave United the lead</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/300640575277920256/photo/1/large" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Page</a></span></div>
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From that point on, United seemed content and stepped off the gas a bit, inviting pressure from the Toffees. Everton responded appropriately as attempts from Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas all blocked away. The Reds have Vidic to thank, who remained stalwart in defense as the Blues dominated possession for a good amount of time.</div>
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But United caught David Moyes' side at the break when Rafael's through ball towards Robin van Persie paid dividends. The Dutchman made sure he made no mistakes this time round as he outsmarted keeper Tim Howard yet again for the goal just at the 45th minute mark.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Robin van Persie makes no mistake as he rounds Tim Howard to slot the ball into the empty net</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/300651883025006594/photo/1/large" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Page</a></span></div>
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United start off the second half the way they did the first. They maintain good possession of the ball for a good amount of time but Everton's back line did well to parry the chances. A header from Giggs at the 65th minute was kept out by Howard but the keeper spilled it, causing a scramble in front of the net. Giggs tried to bring it in but they had to settle for a corner. The succeeding corner saw Cleverley pull off a Scholes-like strike from the edge of the box, which was superbly tipped out by Tim Howard.</div>
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Everton staged a few chances, but they had simply lost heart. The Reds saw the game off with Sir Alex Ferguson's side moving a whopping twelve points clear against noisy neighbors City.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-30433085885788811802013-01-21T02:22:00.000+08:002013-01-21T02:23:58.392+08:00Buckling Under the Blizzard: Spurs 1 Manchester United 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/20/article-2265447-170E2998000005DC-904_634x380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/20/article-2265447-170E2998000005DC-904_634x380.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Clint Dempsey clinches the late equalizer for Spurs</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2265447/Tottenham-1-Manchester-United-1-match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/20/england/premier-league/tottenham-hotspur-football-club/manchester-united-fc/1293907/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Courtesy of Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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<b><u>Goals of the Game</u></b></div>
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Tottenham Hotspur: Dempsey (90+2')</div>
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Manchester United: van Persie (25')</div>
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Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United dropped their overall lead to just five points after his side weathered a blizzard-esque second-half showing from Andre Villas-Boas' Tottenham as an at-the-ultimate-death Clint Dempsey equalizer made sure both sides shared the spoils in a thrilling game amidst a shivering snowstorm at White Hart Lane.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/20/article-2265447-170D8656000005DC-719_634x404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/20/article-2265447-170D8656000005DC-719_634x404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Match officials decided to give the match a go amidst the snow at White Hart Lane</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2265447/Tottenham-1-Manchester-United-1-match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></i></div>
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The Spurs took hold of the ball for the first ten minutes as they dominated possession. Both had half-chances at goal, to no avail. The first clear chance came from Tottenham in the 13th minute as Lennon made a blistering run followed by shot from the right side of the box. De Gea parried the attack unconvincingly with Defoe attempting to do a rebound from the six-yard box. De Gea managed to save the ball, which was deemed offside ex post facto.</div>
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The Red Devils responded magnificently as Welbeck made a run of his own from left to center at the edge of the box. He passed to Cleverley, who brilliantly crossed it to RVP. The prolific Dutchman made no mistakes as he headed the ball in at the 25th minute.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie glances a head on the ball to guide it to the back of the net</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/293032965724839936/photo/1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Barclays Premier League Twitter Account</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tom Cleverley provides Robin van Persie the assist for the latter's 25th minute goal</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9808381/Tottenham-Hotspur-v-Manchester-United-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></i></span></div>
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The home side tried to respond with urgency. At the 28th minute, their lone striker Jermaine Defoe's 30-yard screamer almost beat De Gea. The Spaniard keeper loses control of the ball and managed to give Spurs a corner. United would clear. Twelve minutes later, they were at it again as a Bale shot from the edge of box gets parried by De Gea, who went to the ground. Lennon and Parker scrambled to equalize but the United defense blocked each rebound attempt successfully.</div>
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Spurs began the second half in breakneck fashion as Defoe took business at the 46th minute with a shot going just wide. United replied with Evra as he made a run at the wing. He passed to Kagawa, who gave it to Welbeck inside the box. The attempt was blocked by Caulker.</div>
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From there, just as the snow stormed in came Tottenham's aggressive and fervent search for the equalizer. In the 50th minute, Dempsey beat United's back line but his shot saved by De Gea. Bale's cross at the 63rd minute was cleared but only as far as Dempsey who once again missed. United tried to stage a counter but Welbeck shot wide a cross from Rooney at 67th minute.</div>
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But then, the home side just kept on pressing as United did spectacularly in defense. A Defoe attempt was blocked by an astute Ferdinand tackle at the 77th minute; A Bale right-footed screamer from outside the box went just wide at the 80th. A shot from 30 yards was riskily headed away by Ferdinand at the 85th.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bale launches in the air as his side pressed on for an equalizer</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2264625/Tottenham-v-Manchester-United-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></i></div>
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The Reds' looked spot-on to defend their lead and regain their seven-point advantage at the top of the table when Clint Dempsey, who has been missing his shots all game long, finally got his goal at the 92nd minute as he beat Ferdinand and Vidic to the ball.</div>
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At the end of the 90, Tottenham was grateful to split the points as their blizzard attack finally paid off in a Comeback style usually reserved for their rivals. Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, could be assured of his side's defensive capabilities now as United showed great resoluteness but will now have to look over their shoulders as nearest rivals City edge closer with just five points separating the two sides.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-63735645199245515272013-01-13T23:39:00.001+08:002013-01-13T23:40:10.502+08:00Precarious: Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02450/evra_2450406d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02450/evra_2450406d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Patrice Evra's second-half header proved to be the winning goal for his side</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9798655/Manchester-United-v-Liverpool-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></span></i></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/13/england/premier-league/manchester-united-fc/liverpool-fc/1293895/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Courtesy of Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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<b><u>Goals of the Game</u></b></div>
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Manchester United: van Persie (19'), Evra (54')</div>
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Liverpool: Sturridge (57')</div>
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With Jose Mourinho watching on the stands, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed a victory against long-time rivals Liverpool, content in keeping a formidable lead at the top of the league table.</div>
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The first half started with not much flare compared to the previous meetings of these two sides. The teams engaged in a sparring game until tides would turn to United's favor. Lovely passing play from Kagawa, Cleverley and Evra brought Robin van Persie the ball, who smashed the ball in from just outside the 6-yard box. Cleverley almost made it 2-0 when a Kagawa attempt was poorly cleared. The young Cleverley would attempt a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball drifted wide. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie celebrates as he scores the first goal of the match for United.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/290457825832992768/photo/1/large" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Barclays Premiere League Twitter account</a></span></i></div>
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Liverpool tried their best to put some offense, but it wasn't happening. Mishaps from Joe Allen and captain Steven Gerrard, including a poor return ball, made Suarez unable to latch an attack. Then, on the counter-attack, Carrick makes a similar pass made by Ryan Giggs to van Persie in the West Ham FA Cup match, but this was to Rafael. The Brazilian was unopposed as he brought the ball towards the 6-yard box and passed it to RVP who was unable to finish. Kagawa tried to pounce on the rebound but he stumbled with Liverpool's keeper Pepe Reina.</div>
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Liverpool carried their unspectacular run in the second half. Sterling and Johnson provided some threats in the wing, but the Liverpool side just wasn't making any progress. Their defense proved ever flimsier when a free kick from Robin van Persie was collected by Patrice Evra, who outran his marker and made the score 2-0. Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool's signing from Chelsea and their halft-time sub, made sure he had some say in the match's affairs when he collected a rebound with authority three minutes later, when De Gea unconvincingly parried Gerrard's attempt.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Daniel Sturridge makes the impact off the bench by pulling a goal back for Liverpool</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2261379/Manchester-United-v-Liverpool-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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Liverpool would soon put United on edge, as the home side lost their composure amidst the pressure. However, they kept their lead, and the Old Trafford faithful breathed a sigh of relief as their side won a fidgety victory against age-old rivals Liverpool. For a brief moment, The Red Devils are ten points clear of nearest rival City.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-36789087042455440892013-01-06T03:30:00.001+08:002013-01-06T03:32:00.498+08:00At The Death: West Ham 2 Manchester United 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/05/article-2257558-16C4BAD7000005DC-321_634x407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/05/article-2257558-16C4BAD7000005DC-321_634x407.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie scores the dramatic equalizer at the death</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2257558/West-Ham-2-Manchester-United-2-match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/05/england/fa-cup/west-ham-united-fc/manchester-united-fc/1417809/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Courtesy of Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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<b><u>Goals of the Game</u></b></div>
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West Ham: Collins (27', 58')</div>
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Manchester United: Cleverley (23'), van Persie (90')</div>
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Sir Alex Ferguson's side scraped off a drama-filled draw to keep their FA Cup race alive against West Ham United after a moment of brilliance from Ryan Giggs helped Robin van Persie smashed in the equalizing goal at the death.<br />
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Manchester United kicked off the first half with an irongrip control on possession, with Paul Scholes dictating the pace for his team. Chances from Welbeck, Hernandez and Smalling almost gave United the lead. West Ham responded with chances of their own. The Hammers' Alou Diarra and Ricardo Vaz Te had their attempts on goal. The game would pick up to the Reds' favor when a counterattack opened Hernandez and Welbeck. The Mexican opted to make a deceitful cross towards the unmarked Tom Cleverley who smashed the ball in from the edge of the box. Sam Allardyce's men responded four minutes later. New signing Joe Cole made a brilliant cross towards James Collins, who only needed to nudge the ball in for the equalizer.<br />
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/05/article-2257558-16C46D6B000005DC-61_634x335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/05/article-2257558-16C46D6B000005DC-61_634x335.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tom Cleverley opens the scoring with a brilliant goal</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2257558/West-Ham-2-Manchester-United-2-match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/05/article-2257558-16C47276000005DC-51_634x349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/05/article-2257558-16C47276000005DC-51_634x349.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">West Ham's James Collins pulls one back for his side</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2257558/West-Ham-2-Manchester-United-2-match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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West Ham started the second-half off with urgency as they quickly linked up with their forwards, but the chance went wide. United also had chances from Welbeck and Kagawa, to no avail. West Ham, however, took the lead at the 58th minute. Joe Cole, the man the Hammers bought from Liverpool, made another stunning cross to James Collins, who headed the ball home for the second time in the night. West Ham would then take a tyrannical control of the possession, with the Reds having no chances whatsoever.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Collins replicates his first-half header to give West Ham the lead at Upton Park</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2257558/West-Ham-2-Manchester-United-2-match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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With time slowly running out, it seemed it wasn't United's day... until the 90th minute, when a first-touch cross from Ryan Giggs was sent towards the in-form Robin van Persie, who emphatically rocketed the ball home to make sure the Reds keep their challenge for the FA Cup title alive.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-30000267596231803672013-01-02T01:08:00.000+08:002013-01-02T01:10:53.316+08:00Double Double: Wigan 0 Manchester United 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A_iW4QJCMAAH31a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A_iW4QJCMAAH31a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie celebrates his 2nd goal against Wigan, as he made that tally 4-0 for United</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/286144469479337984" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Barclays Premier League Twitter page</a></i></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2013/01/01/england/premier-league/wigan-athletic-football-club/manchester-united-fc/1293890/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Courtesy of Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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<b><u>Goals of the Game</u></b></div>
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Wigan: --</div>
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Manchester United: Hernandez (36', 63'), van Persie (43', 88')</div>
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Two goals from both Robin van Persie and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez made sure Sir Alex Ferguson's side was not to have a repeat of last year's failure at the DW Stadium as his side start of 2013 with a dominating win against Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic.</div>
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The first half started off slow for both teams as they tried to get a feel from their opponents. Chances went by for both teams, to no avail. United's Rafael, Young and Hernandez would all get some chance at goal, while Wigan's Beausejour, Kone, Maloney and Di Santo all threatened the Reds' defenders. Hernandez almost got a goal on his name, but the score was disallowed as the Mexican was offside.</div>
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The pace picked up at the 36th minute when Patrice Evra's attempt on goal was parried by Wigan's Ali Al-Habsi, only to have the ball roll towards Chicharito Hernandez, who smashed the ball in for the first goal. Seven minutes later, Robin van Persie, with a touch of master class, went past two defenders and shot the ball in from the left.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hernandez kicks off United's score tally at the DW stadium</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/9774216/Premier-League-action-in-pictures.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02440/rvp-reut_2440257k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02440/rvp-reut_2440257k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie scores his first goal of 2013 against Wigan</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/9774216/Premier-League-action-in-pictures.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></i></span></div>
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The second half started with the same urgency as the first half. Wigan was being frustrated by the Reds' passing. However, the wait for the pace to pick up was shorter. Kone would get a goal disallowed as well, after he buried in Di Santo's brilliant cross. United responded with another superb goal from Hernandez, who picked up the pieces from van Persie's mistimed free kick.</div>
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Wigan would keep up the pace at the latter end of the second half as Stam, Jordi Gomez and Beausejour all tried their best to get something back, but their back line had been the problem. Danny Welbeck went through the Wigan defense with no problem, teeing up Robin van Persie who made it 4-0 for United.</div>
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The Red Devils' dominating win at the DW Stadium asserted their 7-point lead against nearest contenders, local rivals Manchester City, who also won their match against Stoke. Sir Alex Ferguson and his side will be satisfied as they started off 2013 with a bang.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-5712949911582030322012-12-30T01:15:00.000+08:002012-12-30T01:17:03.115+08:00End-to-End Action: Manchester United 2 West Brom 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://e1.365dm.com/12/12/660x350/Robin-van-Persie-celeb-Manchester-United-v-We_2879552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://e1.365dm.com/12/12/660x350/Robin-van-Persie-celeb-Manchester-United-v-We_2879552.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie celebrates as his late goal seals United's win over West Brom</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2254524/Manchester-United-2-West-Brom-0--match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2012/12/29/england/premier-league/manchester-united-fc/west-bromwich-albion-football-club/1293875/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> (Courtesy of Soccerway.com)</div>
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<b><u>Goals of the Game</u></b></div>
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Manchester United: McAuley (9' OG), van Persie (90')</div>
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West Brom: --</div>
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Goals from both ends of the game sealed the win for United, who had an edge-of-the-seat match against in-form West Brom.</div>
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Manchester United kicked off the game in a lucky strike fashion as they captured the lead as early as the 9th minute. An Ashley Young cross found itself bouncing off West Brom defender Gareth McAuley and into the back of the net. After their defensive mishap, they would toughen up their back line and weather through the whole half stopping United's attack. Close chances from Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young and Michael Carrick were all blocked and taken care off by West Brom's keeper Ben Foster. West Brom, in all of this, placed little pressure on the United defense, as two free kicks from Chris Brunt went nowhere.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/29/article-2254524-16AF1163000005DC-406_634x333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/29/article-2254524-16AF1163000005DC-406_634x333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">West Brom defender Gareth McAuley (second from left) is left in shambles after he puts the ball in his own net</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2254524/Manchester-United-2-West-Brom-0--match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/29/article-2254524-16AED26D000005DC-722_634x384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/29/article-2254524-16AED26D000005DC-722_634x384.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ashley Young's cross proved the pivot that caused McAuley's defensive error</span></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;">Image retrieved from the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2254524/Manchester-United-2-West-Brom-0--match-report.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daily Mail UK</a></i></div>
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Second half saw West Brom clean up their act as they tightened their shape. United tried to close the game early on with half-chances from Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young, to no avail. This prompted Steve Clarke's Baggies to do something about it. Chris Brunt, Shane Long, Peter Odemwingie and Gareth McAuely would all have close chances on goal, but the stellar form of Jonny Evans together with the return of the defensive stalwart Nemanja Vidic proved rock-solid.</div>
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Then, at the 90th minute, United get their break.</div>
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Paul Scholes' shot got saved by keeper Ben Foster. The ball got deflected towards Danny Welbeck, who smartly passed it to Robin van Persie at the edge of the box. The Dutchman found the crucial space and launched a rocket-blast shot towards the back of the net. Foster had no chance.</div>
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The Dutchman's goal sealed the win for United, who maintain their seven-point lead over rivals Manchester City.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-63832807481301602752012-12-28T00:09:00.000+08:002012-12-28T00:09:58.866+08:00Kanzler's Random Rhyme: The Patriarch<br />
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<a href="http://techiebros.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tips-for-healthy-lifestyle-to-keep-old-age-away-longer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://techiebros.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/tips-for-healthy-lifestyle-to-keep-old-age-away-longer1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from techiebros.com</span></i></div>
<br />
In a world full of movements<br />
where every moment is defined<br />
by countless activity,<br />
you could only remain still -<br />
your memories filled<br />
with the blur of people<br />
passing by.<br />
<br />
You see it as a sign of weakness,<br />
where everyday is marred by<br />
masquerading marauders<br />
who feign sympathy and<br />
steal your solitude<br />
for their own satisfaction.<br />
<br />
But you are never weak.<br />
Your immobility is not a liability<br />
but a sign of your<br />
lionhearted strength.<br />
You're the ever-constant rock,<br />
while others are swept away<br />
by the winds,<br />
you remain unhinged,<br />
resolute;<br />
your inner will - absolute<br />
through the times.<br />
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-9967629764044509712012-12-27T01:26:00.004+08:002012-12-27T01:34:53.184+08:00Never Boxed In: Manchester United 4 Newcastle 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="296" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/26/article-2253298-16A84BF2000005DC-700_634x470.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson arguing with the referees at half time regarding a decision involving an own goal by Jonny Evans</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2252555/Manchester-United-v-Newcastle-Norwich-v-Chelsea-Sunderland-v-Manchester-City-Evrton-v-Wigan-Fulham-v-Southampton-QPR-v-West-Brom-Reading-v-Swansea--Boxing-Day-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2012/12/26/england/premier-league/manchester-united-fc/newcastle-united-football-club/1293865/" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(courtesy of Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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<b><u>Goals of the Game</u></b></div>
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Manchester United: Evans (25'), Evra (58'), van Persie (70'), Hernandez (90')</div>
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Newcastle United: Perch (5'), Evans (OG 29'), P. Cisse (68')</div>
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Boxing Day was not the smoothest of days for the Red Devils, who had to recover from a controversial switcheroo decision, on top of having to draw level three times, in order to win against a resilient Newcastle side.</div>
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United's leaky defense immediately took center stage in the start of the first half. Newcastle's Demba Ba had a rocket shot from 25 yards parried poorly by David de Gea, with James Perch collecting the rebound. Newcastle would sit deep for some duration as United searched for the equalizer, which they did. A Van Persie free kick caused a scramble inside the box. Hernandez would take the first shot but the Toon's keeper Krul would punch it out, only to have Evans slot it in.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/26/article-2252555-16A82329000005DC-965_634x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/26/article-2252555-16A82329000005DC-965_634x286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Man United defender Jonny Evans taps in the rebound to equalize. He would, however, net an own goal later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2252555/Manchester-United-v-Newcastle-Norwich-v-Chelsea-Sunderland-v-Manchester-City-Evrton-v-Wigan-Fulham-v-Southampton-QPR-v-West-Brom-Reading-v-Swansea--Boxing-Day-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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Then the controversy came in.</div>
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Five minutes after Jonny Evans acquired the equalizer, Newcastle were on the counter-attack. Danny Simpson took a shot from somewhere in the 25-yard range when Papiss Cisse was called offside. Evans, however, tried to clear it, only to deflect it to his own net. The goal was disallowed at first, but after a talk between the referees, the goal had been given and Newcastle break for half-time leading the game.</div>
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02436/1owngoalpa_2436977k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02436/1owngoalpa_2436977k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">After ruling it out, referee Mike Dean allowed the Evans own goal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/9766325/Premier-League-action-in-pictures.html?frame=2436977" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02437/evra_2437009b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02437/evra_2437009b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Patrice Evra powers in the ball to get United their second equlizer of the night</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/9766325/Premier-League-action-in-pictures.html?frame=2436977" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></i></span></div>
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Patrice Evra literally kickstarted the second-half with a smashing goal at the 58th minute. After Tim Krul made a poor clearance, Evra pounced from the left wing towards the edge of the penalty area with gusto, and smashed the ball home. Cisse would be Newcastle's reply ten minutes later, after he controlled Obertan's cross and shot in from 15 yards. United would climb the mountain for the third time when United's prolific Dutchman, Robin van Persie, struck and hit the back of the net after a second attempt.</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1293452080"></span><span id="goog_1293452081"></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/26/article-2252555-16A8624A000005DC-865_634x391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/26/article-2252555-16A8624A000005DC-865_634x391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Papiss Cisse (most left, in light green) drives in a magnificent goal that put his side on the lead for the third time in the night</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2252555/Manchester-United-v-Newcastle-Norwich-v-Chelsea-Sunderland-v-Manchester-City-Evrton-v-Wigan-Fulham-v-Southampton-QPR-v-West-Brom-Reading-v-Swansea--Boxing-Day-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02437/persie_2437024k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02437/persie_2437024k.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie's goal helped United draw level for the third time</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/picturegalleries/9766325/Premier-League-action-in-pictures.html?frame=2436977" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></i></span></div>
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United was on the prowl. Hernandez would knock on Krul's door twice with two headers, to no avail. Then came the magic moment, the ultimate proof that the Red Devils are the Ultimate Comeback Kings. Michael Carrick's cross put the ball on Hernandez' foot. From there, the Mexican talisman would bolt the ball in and score the winning goal for the reds.</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/15393_448815248500418_67405051_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/15393_448815248500418_67405051_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicharito kicks in the emphatic winning goal for Manchester United. Full time score was 4-3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=448815248500418&set=a.447566311958645.91697.179714675410478&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stretford End Arising Facebook Page</a></i></span></div>
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While the red side of Manchester celebrated in their exhilarating triumph over Newcastle, the blue side was mourning. Somewhere in the Northeast, Sunderland just beat Manchester City 1-0, with the former City player Adam Johnson scoring the emphatic winner.</div>
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Boxing day came to a close with Manchester United refusing to be boxed in. They fought and cemented their place on the top of the league with seven points clear over their rivals Manchester City.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-71585250758337198062012-12-20T10:50:00.001+08:002013-04-02T11:38:08.103+08:00Kanzler's Shorts: The Defector<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://is.gd/rBLRbi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://is.gd/rBLRbi" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Background image retrieved from filmgabwithwerthandwise.blogspot.com</i></span></div>
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<i>Note: The following short story is an entry in the 11th installment of PD.com's Epics & Legends Writing Battle competition, where it finished <b>first</b> out of ten entries. To view the original entry of the competition, click <a href="http://www.playdota.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7402063#post7402063" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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<i>All rights to this story are reserved to the author and owner of this blog.</i></div>
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<i>============</i></div>
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24 July 1960</div>
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East of Kremlin, Moscow</div>
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A soft drizzle started to fall on the cobbled streets of Moscow. It was just a few hours after dusk, and people were rushing to get home. The weather in the capital city had been variable at best in the recent days and the people no longer waited for the rain to go away, or worsen. Inside a local restaurant, sitting just beside the windows, were two American college students. They had just finished dinner and were now enjoying coffee and desserts when they noticed the frantic people outside.</div>
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“Look, its just a mild shower and yet people are scurrying away as if the plague was coming,” said Andrew while he gazed outside.</div>
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His classmate, Mike, was sitting opposite him across the table and was reading a pocketbook on Tsarist Russian history. Without putting the book down, he said, “This isn’t Massachusetts, Drew. They have their own thing. Perhaps the Commies are afraid of water or something.”</div>
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Andrew shrugged and took a bite of his Pirozhok. With food still in his mouth, he garbled, “Yeah, seeing how cold it is here, even in the summer.”</div>
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Mike did not give a reply to his friend’s last comment. He instead flipped a page on his book and continued reading. Andrew knew then that the conversation was officially over. He turned his attention to his unfinished pie.</div>
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A flash of lightning flickered across the sky as Andrew took in the last piece of his pie. By now, the streets were drenched and deserted. Andrew decided they should take their leave as the rain might get worse. “Let’s go, Mikey.”</div>
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Mike looked at his classmate, nodded, and put his pocketbook inside his duffel bag. The two then stood up, put on their overcoats and walked towards the counter while they reached for their wallets. “Let’s split the bill, Mike,” Andrew said, to which Mike silently agreed. They paid for their dinner and left the restaurant. Both didn’t bring umbrellas with them so they settled with just raising the collars of their overcoats to protect themselves from the rain.</div>
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“I shouldn’t have left my umbrella back at the hotel,” Mike muttered as they walked across the Moskovretsky bridge.</div>
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Andrew patted his friend on the back. “Hey, they said July was the hottest month of the summer here. Who’ve thought it’d rain like this, eh?”</div>
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Mike looked at his friend and shrugged.</div>
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As they continued their walk back to their hotel, Andrew noticed a bearded man wearing a black windbreaker coming towards them. Andrew looked at Mike, who appeared to be engrossed on the cobbled pavement as he walked. Andrew judged that his friend had not yet noticed the bearded man. Andrew made no fuss of it and continued walking. By then, the man was just roughly ten feet from them when he said, “You Americans?”</div>
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Both students stopped in their tracks. Mike quickly raised his head and looked at the man. He removed his glasses, wiped the moisture off them, then wore the glasses back on. Andrew was the first to respond. “Y-Yeah. And who are you?”</div>
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“Who I am does not matter. What matters is this,” The man replied while he held up a manila envelope covered in plastic for the students to see.</div>
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“W-what is that?” Andrew said.</div>
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“Something your government would love to have.”</div>
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The rain intensified as the students looked at each other, silently debating about whether to take the man’s package or not. The sound of gushing water towards the pavement ground was deafening. Their overcoats were now soaked and as a result, got heavier. In the end, seemingly in exasperation, Andrew nodded and told Mike to take the envelope. Mike reluctantly obliged.</div>
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The stranger nodded as the student took his package. He then reached inside his jacket and took out a pistol. The two students quickly raised their hands. Mike almost dropped the envelope he just received. The man said, “Do not, under any circumstances, open the envelope and peruse its contents.” He raised the pistol so that the business end of the gun now pointed straight towards Mike. “Do I make myself clear?” Mike frantically nodded. The man then pointed the gun towards Andrew, who responded as his classmate did.</div>
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From the dim light of the incandescent lamp posts, the students could make out a smile on the stranger’s face. “Good,” he said. Then, as inconspicuously as he approached the two young men earlier, he left.</div>
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Two days later</div>
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Langley, Virginia</div>
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Samuel Fischer sat on his worn-out chair inside his small office at the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Virginia. The huge pile of papers stacked haphazardly on his desk were making him sleepy and lazy. He rubbed his eyes as he struggled to keep himself awake.</div>
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Fischer had been busy the past three months. Being the agent-in-charge of the Office of Soviet Union and European Analysis (OSUEA) was not easy. He had ordered the charter of a reconnaissance flight mission over USSR three months ago. The mission failed. The U-2 plane was shot down and the pilot was captured. CIA chief Allen Dulles had been pressuring him since to produce better results when it came to intel coming in from the Soviets, as well as to find a way to retrieve the U-2 pilot and basically clean up the mess.</div>
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He was about to fetch himself his fourth cup of coffee when someone knocked on the door. “Come in,” Fischer shouted.</div>
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The door opened and one of the agents in his division, Lara Auburn, came in and dropped a plastic-covered manila envelope atop the stacks of paper on Fischer’s desk. “From Moscow.”</div>
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“And good morning to you, too, Lara. I see you still haven’t worked on your subtlety skills,” Fischer said as he eyed the woman’s choice of clothing for the day: a black, pinstripe blazer paired with slim-cut black slacks and black high-heels.</div>
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Ignoring Fischer’s barely audible remark, Auburn went to business. “That package,” She pointed to the manila envelope she brought in, “came to us from one of our field agents in Moscow this morning. Apparently, two students from Harvard were in Moscow for a field trip when a stranger came to them and gave them the envelope.” </div>
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Without waiting for Fischer to respond, Lara continued, “When asked about the appearance of the man, the two students couldn’t give any specific details as it was night and raining when they saw the man, although they did give general descriptions. The stranger was roughly six feet tall, sported a thick beard and spoke in a distinct Russian accent.”</div>
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“Well that narrows the suspects list down,” Fischer quipped.</div>
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Auburn went on. “Initial testing on the package indicate that apart from our people, three people had handled it in the past days. Two sets of fingerprints were identified to be those of the students. Another set of prints were available, but they revealed wool marks, suggesting the man who gave this package to the student wore gloves when he handled the envelope. No testing was done inside the envelope as the agent decided this was to be labeled FYEO, for hierarchal reasons.”</div>
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Fischer’s eyes narrowed at the sound of ‘FYEO’. The ‘For Your Eyes Only’ label was never placed in a document for mere hierarchal reasons. Obviously, the agent in Moscow thought the package was from a possible Soviet defector. The OSUEA chief looked at Lara and said, “Okay, thanks. You can leave now.” This time, Sam’s voice was sober. Lara took the hint and quickly left.</div>
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Sam grabbed the package from his table and examined it. From what he saw at first glance, there were marks of condensation in the inside lining of the plastic cover. A few markings on the surface suggested the package had indeed been tested for fingerprints, as Lara said earlier. Sam cleared his throat while he opened a drawer in his desk. From it he took out a paper cutter and used it to slice the envelope along with its plastic cover open.</div>
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Inside the envelope was a thirty-page document which contained specifications on a number of Soviet rockets, armaments as well as aircrafts and tanks. While many of the information listed in the pages were already known to the CIA, some specifications were new to Sam and could prove to be vital. As Sam flipped through the pages, he stumbled upon combat and mission reports, as well as reconnaissance reports and even flight plans. These were originals. One had to be a very high-ranking official inside the USSR’s Armed Forces, GRU or KGB to get such documents.</div>
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As good as the documents were, Sam noticed there wasn’t a single name listed in the document. All data given were generalities, and while they could be put to good use, Sam needed intel on the people who worked or headed these missions so he could take them out. As Sam reached the last page, he noticed a single name scribbled on its bottom corner: Oleg Penkovsky.</div>
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Fischer rubbed his face with his right hand and let out a long sigh. The lack of names were suspicious and Sam was having trouble getting rid of his gut-feel on this, that these documents were too good to be true. Sam shrugged, placed the file back inside the manila envelope and got up. He exited the room and looked for Lara. He found her in her cubicle. She was reading some documents. Fischer tapped on Lara’s desk and said, “Get me MI6.”</div>
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19 September 1962</div>
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Westminster, London</div>
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Oleg tapped his feet repeatedly on the bare, wooden floor as he waited for his visitor to arrive. The ten-by-eight rental room he had stayed in for the past two days had no radio or television. In it were just a single bed, a small wooden table and a foldable steel chair he was now sitting on. </div>
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Oleg looked at the sky outside through the only window in the room, which was about three paces from where he sat. He had grown wary of windows – after all, he was a spy, a Soviet GRU operative who had been passing classified information to the British MI6 for the past two years.</div>
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Oleg Penkovsky was, in every sense of the word, a defector.</div>
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The Russian looked through the windows again as he vaguely remembered that fateful day two years ago. His plan to contact the CIA had worked, the young Americans he approached at the Moskovretsky bridge that rainy night were too afraid not to oblige his ‘request’. Nevertheless, the CIA hadn’t trusted him from the get-go, and their suspicions were visible from their body language as they met in one of the cafes inside the Red Square. Thankfully, the British MI6 agent with them, Greville Wynne, believed in his story and the two had been in contact since, with Oleg feeding Greville sensitive information on the Soviet’s weapons plans, armament distribution networks and other classified data.</div>
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Someone knocked on the door. Oleg looked at it and waited for the man on the other side to knock again. Knock. Knock. Two knocks in quick succession. Same as the first one. Oleg waited again. Same two quick knocks. Oleg stood up and went towards the door. “Who is it?”</div>
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“Your manager,” came the reply from the other side.</div>
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After hearing the response, Oleg quickly turned the cylinder on the door’s deadbolt and unlocked the door knob. He then opened the door and ushered his visitor inside. “Come in, Greville, we need to be quick. I’ve been here too long.”</div>
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“No problem. Just give me the documents and I’ll give you the money to pay for this room, plus funds for you to get back to Moscow,” Greville Wynne, Oleg’s contact inside MI6, said.</div>
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Oleg did not wait for Greville to sit down. He immediately pointed towards the small table in the corner, where on top of it was a file folder. “They’re all there, everything I could get my hands on when it came to Cuba. Khruschev already has his MRBMs set up and will be using those as leverage as he comes in talks with Kennedy.”</div>
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Greville walked towards the table and examined the documents and images. The images were very clear, while the documents were comprehensive and complete. From what the MI6 agent saw on the document, the Soviet already have twenty-five medium-ranged ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads installed inside Cuba. “The Kremlin has been lying all along. They have indeed installed offensive missiles. That’s why Castro’s acting so smug in front of the press nowadays, the bloody prick,” Greville shook his head and looked at Oleg, “These are really good.”</div>
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“I’m a close friend of Serov, remember?”</div>
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Greville looked straight at Oleg’s eyes and said in a monotone, “Your superior may not be your friend anymore once he finds out about this.”</div>
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Oleg shrugged and did not give a reply, but the crunched forehead and frown on his face betrayed his anxiety.</div>
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“Well,” Greville said while he reached for something in his pants pocket. He took out a bundle of paper money and gave it to Oleg. “This should be enough to get you good food and a ride home. I know we don’t usually do this, it’s usually me meeting you in Moscow, but some things came up. When I learned you were here on a diplomatic trip, I had to arrange for you to meet me here instead.”</div>
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“I understand,” Oleg replied as he took the money Greville offered. “As you said, it was a matter of convenience for both of us.”</div>
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Greville nodded. “I’ll take my leave now. See you at our usual meeting place in Moscow.”</div>
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One week later</div>
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Washington, D. C.</div>
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Greville felt a soft breeze hit his cheeks as he looked at the monument of the famous Abraham Lincoln. From the corner of his eye, the Brit could see a few tourists around him. Those who could afford personal cameras took snapshots of the gigantic presidential memorial. A few posed wackily in front of the statue to get their pictures taken. Greville smiled slightly at the naiveté of it all. A man walked beside him, and with his camera, took a picture of Lincoln’s face. “A great man, Lincoln,” the man said to no one in particular, though to Greville, it seemed like the man was talking to him. They were beside each other, after all.</div>
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“Yeah, a national symbol for you Americans,” Greville muttered as he looked at Lincoln’s face, although the MI6 agent was already judging the man. He wore a blue parka and a Frank Sinatra t-shirt underneath. It was peculiarly partnered with a pair of gray slacks and white sneakers.</div>
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The man merely nodded at Greville’s reply. “What’s the national symbol for your country?”</div>
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“For me, our national symbol should be King Edward VI. But that’s a personal opinion.”</div>
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“Shouldn’t it be a shield and a laurel?”</div>
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Greville smiled at the man and replied, tongue-in-cheek, “Shouldn’t yours be an eagle with scrolls clutched in its talons?”</div>
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The man returned the smile and offered his hand. Greville shook it and said, “I take it you’re Samuel Fischer.”</div>
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The man nodded and replied, “And I take it you’re Greville Wynne.”</div>
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Greville also nodded.</div>
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Samuel zippered up his parka after a gust of wind blew past the two of them from the front of the Lincoln Memorial. “Do you have the package with you?”</div>
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“Its close by. Do you have what I want?” Greville replied succinctly.</div>
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“It’s close by as well,” Samuel answered.</div>
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“Good. I like the way you do business, Mr. Fischer,” the MI6 operative acknowledged. He reached for something inside his overcoat and took out a piece of folded paper. He showed it to Fischer. “In here are instructions to get Penkovsky’s file. It’s in a safety deposit box in a bank here in Washington.”</div>
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The OSUEA agent-in-charge stared at the paper Greville held in his right hand. He licked his lips and said, “I assume you’d want our end of the deal to be accomplished first before you finish yours?”</div>
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Greville nodded. “Of course. This is Cuba we’re talking about, and after your failure at the Bay of Pigs, I’m sure your government won’t dream of failing again.”</div>
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“I see,” Fischer rubbed his chin. He then pressed something in his right ear and muttered a few words under his breath. Greville looked around as he waited. He noticed the flock of tourists inside the memorial were now gone. The sky outside was slowly turning orange. Greville looked at his watch. Just a few minutes before seven.</div>
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“Alright, Mr. Wynne,” Fischer finally said. “I have to leave now, but I will take that piece of paper with me. You, on the other hand, should wait here a few minutes. One of my agents will bring you the documents you want.”</div>
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Greville scratched his left cheek with his free left hand while he let Fischer’s words hang in the air for a moment. “Alright, Mr. Fischer, you have a deal. Oh, and before you leave, remember, this never happened.”</div>
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22 October 1962</div>
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Khodinka, Moscow</div>
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“Stop right here,” Oleg Penkovsky told the cab driver, to which the latter obliged. The cab made a full stop in front of the GRU headquarters along Khoroshevskoye shosse street in Moscow. Oleg checked his wristwatch, 03:07 AM, before he reached for his wallet, took out a few bills, and gave it to the driver. Oleg no longer waited for his change and got off the car. As the car sped away behind him, Oleg tightened his fur coat around him. It was a very chilly early morning - the weather bulletin Oleg read aboard the plane a few hours earlier got it right.</div>
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He walked towards the gate and showed his I. D. card to the two sentry guards. After his card checked out, Oleg was allowed to enter. A peculiar design of the GRU headquarters was that its front right corner, instead of the front side, faced the street. Oleg walked past this corner to get to the back entrance, where GRU spies like him opted to enter. There were no specific rules on this. The operatives simply liked to enter from the back entrance than the front – a non-spoken tradition.</div>
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Oleg was again told by another sentry to submit his I. D. card for verification. After that, he entered the building and walked straight to the elevator, the doors of which immediately faced and were just roughly twenty steps away from the back entrance. Oleg punched in the elevator call button and waited for the car to arrive.</div>
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The car arrived a few seconds later and Oleg got inside. He then pressed “5th” in the elevator’s control panel. This prompted the elevator doors to close. With a jerk, the elevator car moved upwards. Oleg got off the fifth floor and walked straight to his office, which was just two doors right of the elevator. Oleg reached for his keys and unlocked his office door. As he opened it, a voice from inside greeted him. “Welcome home to Rossiya, Colonel Penkovsky.”</div>
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Sitting on Oleg’s chair was the US spy Jack Dunlap, one of the CIA agents who talked to him at one of the cafes in Red Square two years ago.</div>
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“Sergeant Dunlap, what brings you here, inside of the GRU, of all places?” Oleg asked as he entered the room and removed his fur coat.</div>
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“I have a special job today, Oleg. One that would guarantee me a life of decadence for the next ten years.” Dunlap then tapped Oleg’s table twice and a group of NKVD officers stormed inside the office. Oleg did not have enough time to react. Before he could even turn around and face the armed men, one of them had already ran behind him and covered his head with a black bag. Another officer kicked Oleg straight in the gut and rendered him unconscious.</div>
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Four days later</div>
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Lubyanka Prison</div>
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Oleg woke up with a splitting headache. With his blurry vision, he tried to make out some of the things around him: A plain metal stool and a television set atop a nondescript wooden table. The television was turned on and was airing a press conference of some sort, judging from the sounds that came from it. Oleg rubbed his eyes and got up from the bed. He noticed he was still in his army uniform, albeit with blood stains and some holes. He looked around him. A single steel door, bare walls, bare flooring, nine-by-seven room. There was only one place like it – Lubyanka Prison.</div>
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As to how many days he’d been here, he was not sure. All he could remember was the endless torture he suffered as the NKVD officers electrocuted him, drowned him and did other painful stuff to him the past days. He had to give Greville’s name away so the pain would stop.</div>
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Oleg shook his head and with his one good eye, watched the television. US President Kennedy was on it.</div>
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“This urgent transformation of Cuba into an important strategic base--by the presence of these large, long range, and clearly offensive weapons of sudden mass destruction--constitutes an explicit threat to the peace and security of all the Americas, in flagrant and deliberate defiance of the Rio Pact of 1947,” The US president said, “the traditions of this Nation and hemisphere, the joint resolution of the 87th Congress, the Charter of the United Nations, and my own public warnings to the Soviets on September 4 and 13. This action also contradicts the repeated assurances of Soviet spokesmen, both publicly and privately delivered, that the arms buildup in Cuba would retain its original defensive character, and that the Soviet Union had no need or desire to station strategic missiles on the territory of any other nation.”</div>
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So, my last package got safely through to Washington, Oleg thought while he nodded to himself.</div>
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“The size of this undertaking makes clear that it has been planned for some months. Yet only—”</div>
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The metal doors swung open and an NKVD officer entered. “Get up now. You have a visitor.” Before Oleg could fully stand up, the officer grabbed him by the arm and dragged him out of the room into a hallway lighted only by a singular incandescent bulb at one end. Below the lighting fixture was a door, to which the officer was now taking him.</div>
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The officer opened the door and pushed Oleg inside. The room was fairly large. It had a wide mirror on one side and a broad metal table in the middle. There was also another door just to the left of the mirror.</div>
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It was an interrogation room.</div>
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Penkovsky heard the door behind him close shut. He turned around to see that the NKVD officer was already gone. Penkovsky sat in one of the two chairs around the table and waited for his visitor.</div>
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A few seconds later, the door beside the mirror opened. Penkovsky was surprised to see the man who entered. “Did you have a good rest, Colonel Penkovsky?”</div>
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Oleg, despite the pain in his legs, stood up and saluted the man. “Da, ser! General Serov, sir!”</div>
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Ivan Serov smiled. “No need to be too formal, Oleg. Please, sit down.”</div>
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Oleg did as he was told.</div>
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Serov leaned on the table, towering over Penkovsky, after he tossed a file folder on it. The general opened the folder and read some of the pages in it. “Espionage, eh? And look, treason! Pretty large accusations, my friend.”</div>
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Oleg did not reply.</div>
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“Premier Khrushchev already knows of your activities in London. He knows you have successfully given away sensitive information regarding our military capabilities and strategies to the British and Americans,” Serov paused as he eyed Oleg. “Unfortunately, despite your heroic efforts, you cannot be given any medals. This is a covert operation, after all, Colonel Penkovsky.”</div>
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Oleg’s eyebrows narrowed but did not say a word.</div>
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“The money, of course, will be delivered to you, in cash. Plus, you will be promoted, under the radar, of course, and be sent to a satellite state. Would China be suitable for you, Oleg?”</div>
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Oleg shook his head and asked, “Did we succeed? Did Anadyr succeed?”</div>
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Serov nodded.</div>
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“But I don’t understand. On the television inside my cell, Kennedy was talking about retaliating against us, of issuing some action against Cuba—”</div>
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Serov waved his hand repeatedly and said, “That, my friend, was a taped national address delivered four days ago.”</div>
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Oleg raised his eyebrows. “So the US government pulled out their missiles in Italy and Turkey?”</div>
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“Yes, those hostile missiles so near our home are gone,” replied Serov. “They had to. It was the only way Kennedy could convince us to remove our own missiles inside Cuba. After all, our missiles are all fully installed and ready to be fired. He had to bring a bargaining chip of his own to make us comply. It all went according to plan.”</div>
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Oleg went silent as he took all this in.</div>
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“By the way, Oleg, you’d have to be placed on trial. It’s a hassle, but we have to put on a show for our friends in the West.”</div>
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Oleg nodded.</div>
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21 August 1961</div>
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The Kremlin, Moscow</div>
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Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev was reading the morning newspaper while he sat on his antique leather chair inside the Office of the Premier. The sun shone brightly through the tall, paneled windows behind him, which helped warm the cold and heavy Soviet air inside the room. As the USSR leader was browsing through the International News section, the intercom on his large, ornate wooden table rang. Khrushchev set down the newspaper on his table, then reached forward slightly and pressed the button on the intercom. “Yes, Natasha. Speak.”</div>
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“Mr. Premier, General Serov and Minister Dobrynin are here to see you.”</div>
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“Let them in.”</div>
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Khrushchev leaned back on his chair while the light of the early morning sun beamed down on his face. He closed his eyes and remained motionless. For a brief while, he was in another place, away from the stresses of politics and the threat of war.</div>
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His relaxation was cut short – Someone knocked on the door. Before Khruschev could fully recompose himself, his secretary had already opened the door slightly and peered her head inside. “Your visitors are here.”</div>
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Khruschev nodded while he rubbed his eyes with his right thumb and index finger. “Fine. Send them in.”</div>
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His secretary quickly disappeared and shortly after, the Soviet leader’s visitors entered the room. “Dobroe Utro, Premier Khruschev,” both said.</div>
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Khrushchev spread out his arms and pointed to the two wooden chairs located in front of the outer corners of his table. “Gentlemen. Sit.”</div>
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The visitors did as they were told.</div>
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The Premier swiveled his chair so that he was now facing the window. He closed his eyes again as he took in the warmth of the sun. He was not ready to speak with these people yet. It was too early in the morning for his taste. The visitors would wait.</div>
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Serov and Dobrynin stayed silent. They were used to their leader’s ritual and was fine to get some reality-escaping of their own as they tried to gather their thoughts. The two men raised their heads up at the sound of Khruschev’s voice, whose back was still facing them. “What’s the agenda for today?”</div>
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General Serov spoke first. “Kennedy. United States.”</div>
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“What about him?”</div>
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Serov opened the file folder he had with him and briefly looked at a few of his notes. “He believes we are currently leading the nuclear arms race.”</div>
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“And you, Dobrynin, any confirmation of this news in Washington?”</div>
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“Yes, Premier Khrushchev. Reports from our sources inside the White House state their alarm over the release of Sputnik,” Dobrynin replied.</div>
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Khrushchev chuckled. “Come on. Sputnik 4 was released seven months ago. Surely, your sources got this wrong, yes?”</div>
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Dobrynin cleared his throat. “Apparently, the new US president is being anxious. After we shot down their U-2 reconnaissance plane, there hasn’t been any more intel on our progress, and Kennedy is starting to get jittery.”</div>
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The Soviet Premier finally turned around and faced his subordinates. His face was expressionless, as his face always was when in deep thought. Dobrynin and Serov waited for him to speak.</div>
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Khruschev rubbed his chin and looked at Serov. “How about our own intel? Are we indeed winning the arms race, as Kennedy believes?”</div>
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Serov looked at the papers inside his file folder for a few seconds before looking at Khruschev and said, “No.”</div>
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The USSR chief executive’s face remained blank. “How much is their lead?”</div>
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“Almost three to one.”</div>
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“And I assume you both came here with a solution? Or did you just come here to ruin my morning?”</div>
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“We do have a solution, Mr. Khruschev,” said Dobrynin.</div>
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Khrushchev looked at his North American Affairs Minister and asked, “And what is that solution?”</div>
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“Sources from Washington indicate Kennedy has no plans to rescind Eisenhower’s last order to invade Cuba, following Castro’s successful takeover. With Kennedy also fearing our supposed firepower, we could then use Cuba to our advantage.” </div>
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Khruschev raised his eyebrows. “What are you proposing?”</div>
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Serov passed a thin stack of papers to his superior and said, “This would take a while, probably a year or two, but I assure you it would be worth it.”</div>
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The USSR leader looked at the front page of the document. The title on it read “Operation: Anadyr”.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-75203236179303750472012-12-16T01:10:00.000+08:002012-12-16T01:10:43.029+08:00A Strong Response: Manchester United 3 Sunderland 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-16872DB9000005DC-665_634x472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-16872DB9000005DC-665_634x472.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney smiles in celebration as he nets home the third and game-closing goal for his side</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2248549/Manchester-United-3-Sunderland-1-match-report-Robin-van-Persie-Tom-Cleverley-Wayne-Rooney-score-goals.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2012/12/15/england/premier-league/manchester-united-fc/sunderland-association-football-club/1293843/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> (Courtesy of Soccerway.com)</div>
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<b>Goals of the Game</b></div>
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Manchester United: Van Persie (16'), Cleverley (19'), Rooney (59')</div>
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Sunderland: Campbell (72')</div>
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After Manchester City beat Newcastle 3-1 in an early kick-off match, United responded with a victory over Martin O'Neill's Sunderland with the same scoreline plus a dominant hold on possession to keep their six-point lead on the top of the table.</div>
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Sunderland kicked off the first half in a style they wouldn't be proud to remember as United dominated possession in the first fifteen minutes. Their unrelenting attack bore fruit when Sunderland's John O'Shea failed to clear an Ashley Young cross and instead sent the ball straight into Robin Van Persie, who tapped the ball home. United would get another goal just three minutes later, when Cleverley's curling shot swooped past keeper Mignolet and into the back of the net. Wayne Rooney would make a few attempts after that, but no dice.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-168721CA000005DC-684_634x432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-168721CA000005DC-684_634x432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The prolific Dutchman, Robin van Persie, opens United's goal tally for this match with a rebound tap-in</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2248549/Manchester-United-3-Sunderland-1-match-report-Robin-van-Persie-Tom-Cleverley-Wayne-Rooney-score-goals.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-16870E1E000005DC-637_634x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-16870E1E000005DC-637_634x400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tom Cleverley (second from left, in red) curls a shot past keeper Simon Mignolet to put United 2-0 in under 20 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2248549/Manchester-United-3-Sunderland-1-match-report-Robin-van-Persie-Tom-Cleverley-Wayne-Rooney-score-goals.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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While Sunderland was sub-par in the first half, creating only a few half-chances, they upped the ante in the second. Now without their talisman, Steven Fletcher, due to an injury he picked up at the end of the first half, they were out for vengeance. His replacement, the young Connor Wickham, got some space and kicked the ball just over the bar. Instead, they plunged deeper into deficit when Robin van Persie outmaneuvered Titus Bramble and made a pass to Wayne Rooney, who did not fail to score.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wayne Rooney shoots in the endgame goal for United at the 59th minute</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/279988533500968961" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Official Premier League Twitter Account</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-16873595000005DC-402_634x451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/15/article-2248549-16873595000005DC-402_634x451.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunderland's Frazier Campbell gave his side a consolation goal with a cool header</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2248549/Manchester-United-3-Sunderland-1-match-report-Robin-van-Persie-Tom-Cleverley-Wayne-Rooney-score-goals.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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At that point, Martin O'Neill's men no longer had anything to lose and everything to gain. As Manchester United started to relax a bit and started to bring on Nemanja Vidic, the Black Cats tried to pull one, which they successfully did. Sessegnon's cross was collected by Frazier Campbell from inside the six-yard box, who headed it in. </div>
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After that, Sunderland tried to push on, to no avail. When the whistle was sounded, the game ended 3-1, and Sir Alex Ferguson's men keep hold of their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-44685110212026278022012-12-10T00:36:00.000+08:002012-12-10T00:42:58.668+08:00The Dutchman's Dramatic Decider: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/09/article-2244669-166DCAEA000005DC-188_634x444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/09/article-2244669-166DCAEA000005DC-188_634x444.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie celebrates his late goal that brought United the crucial win</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2244669/Manchester-City-v-Manchester-United-Everton-v-Tottenham-West-Ham-v-Liverpool-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2012/12/09/england/premier-league/manchester-city-football-club/manchester-united-fc/1293835/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(courtesy of Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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Manchester City: Y. Toure (60'), Zabaleta (86')</div>
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Manchester United: Rooney (16', 29'), van Persie (90+2')</div>
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There was not a single empty seat in the stands as the current top two placed teams in the English Premier League clashed in one of the most dramatic of fashions. With Robert Duvall and Tom Cruise both watching on in the sidelines, this season's first Manchester Derby was nothing less than spectacular.</div>
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The Blues took early control of the first half as their opponents got the full immensity of the pressure being given by the home crowd. Barely five minutes in, and Rooney gets cautioned for tackling both David Silva and Yaya Toure on the United half. After that, Balotelli took the first strike for his team, the ball over the bar.</div>
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However, United would soon dominate the half. Against the run of play, Young blazed through the left flank and flicked the ball to Rooney inside the box. At first, it looked as if he lost his footing, but his sidefoot kick shot the ball slowly into the net, with City keeper Joe Hart stationary in the middle of the goal. Rooney would make it 2-0 just before the 30th minute. A low Rafael cross went straight to Rooney, who smashed the ball home with authority.</div>
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A9rc_o6CUAIhV6Y.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A9rc_o6CUAIhV6Y.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rooney smashes in his second goal of the match, bring his Premier League goal tally to 150</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from the <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/277777312894832642/photo/1/large" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Barclays Premier League Twitter account</a></i></span></div>
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City would respond, but to no avail. Barry would attempt a shot coming into the box, but it would go wide right. Aguero would blast forward two minutes later, but got tackled by Ferdinand. No penalty was given.</div>
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Second half saw City struggle to win something back. After a dismal appearance by Mario Balotelli, Mancini brought on former United star Carlos Tevez. This was the second change for the Blues as Kompany was replaced very early in the first half due to a knock. After a few attempts on goal, City's Yaya Toure would pull one back for his side, picking up the rebound after both Silva and Tevez made two consecutive attempts prior.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/09/article-2244669-166DB689000005DC-957_634x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/09/article-2244669-166DB689000005DC-957_634x286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">City's Pablo Zabaleta hits home the equalizing goal</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2244669/Manchester-City-v-Manchester-United-Everton-v-Tottenham-West-Ham-v-Liverpool-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/09/article-2244669-166DC82C000005DC-802_634x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/09/article-2244669-166DC82C000005DC-802_634x286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie's free kick from 25 yards ultimately goes into the back of the net, giving United the win</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2244669/Manchester-City-v-Manchester-United-Everton-v-Tottenham-West-Ham-v-Liverpool-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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Action would pick up from there. David Silva almost got an equalizer for City as he made a brilliant shot at the 78th-minute mark. The Blues had to wait eight more minutes to find it. Pablo Zabaleta sank the equalizer at the 8th minute. However, United's prolific Dutchman striker, Robin van Persie, had the decider of the match. Two minutes into stoppage time, he successfully converted a free kick into the winning goal of the match.</div>
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After that, it was all over. United once again got a victory late in the match and got their hard-earned three points, placing them firmly in the top of the table with a crucial six-point lead over their noisy neighbors.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-26330188030103786452012-12-02T03:30:00.002+08:002013-03-31T12:00:33.968+08:00Going Nowhere Fast: Reading 3 Manchester United 4<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/01/article-2240949-164DCDCA000005DC-195_634x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/01/article-2240949-164DCDCA000005DC-195_634x286.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Robin van Persie shoots in the emphatic lead and eventual winner in the 34th minute</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2240949/Reading-v-Manchester-United-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2012/12/01/england/premier-league/reading-fc/manchester-united-fc/1293828/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(from Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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<b>Goals of the Game</b></div>
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Manchester United: Anderson (13'), Rooney (16' PG, 30'), Van Persie (34')</div>
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Reading: Robson-Kanu (8'), Le Fondre (19'), Morrison (23')</div>
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From a pulsating and riveting first half, the game went nowhere fast and United eased in another win, this time against Brian McDermott's Reading at the Madejski Stadium.<br />
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Reading got the first half off to a quick start, while Manchester United to their normal one as of late when Robson-Kanu collected a poorly defended ball by Jonny Evans, who chucked it in the net and put the home side in the lead. Ashley Young would be the mastermind of United's comeback, though, as he fed Anderson, who smashed the ball in past Reading's keeper Federici. Feeling the early press, Reading would give away a penalty kick, with Rooney getting the ball in.</div>
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The home team would respond against the visiting Reds. Corner to Reading, Shorey's cross is collected by Adam Le Fondre, who headed in the 2-2 equalizer. They would then get the lead four minutes later, Sean Morrison the goalscorer.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/01/article-2240949-164DB214000005DC-957_634x334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/12/01/article-2240949-164DB214000005DC-957_634x334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rooney smashes in a penalty kick, placing his side in the lead after 16 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2240949/Reading-v-Manchester-United-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></span></div>
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But as we've seen so many times this season, with still a lot of time to go, United was bound to make a comeback. A cool 1-2 between Evra and Ashley Young worked big-time, with the former successfully delivering a cross inside the penalty box. Rooney was in the prime spot and buried in the equalizer. Four minutes later, United would once again take the lead thanks to Robin van Persie, with Rooney providing the assist.</div>
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Just before half-time, the Dutchman would drive another into the net, but the goal was not given, when replays clearly showed the ball going well over the line.</div>
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<a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02415/rvp_2415701c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02415/rvp_2415701c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Replays show van Persie's before half-time strike was clearly over the line</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9711902/Reading-v-Manchester-United-live.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Telegraph UK</a></span><br />
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Second-half tamed down dramatically, considering the impact the first half had. United, at this point, already had two changes on the playing XI, with Rafael replaced by Smalling in the 31st minute and Anderson replaced by Phil Jones in the 45th. Reading, meanwhile, had no changes on their side for the second-half.</div>
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United seemingly continued where they left off, putting the pressure on Reading's back-four. Reading, however, would soon find a break. Le Fondre was positioned in the penalty box, but the ball didn't come. On the other side, Reading's keeper Adam Federici spills the ball from a back pass and Van Persie was sure to punish the former for it. Unfortunately, Van Persie would miss.</div>
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Both sides had their own attempts in the second-half, but no cigar. Reading, though, would have the last bites on the apple. Into injury time, Reading won themselves a corner. Morison won the header over United's Phil Jones, but Lindegaard tipped it away. Second corner, again no dice. By then, Reading had no more time and the final whistle was sounded.</div>
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United eased their way to a win yet again and Sir Alex Ferguson would be delighted to go into the Manchester derby three points clear of their blue rivals.</div>
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Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4306176823332080283.post-82429154867067803502012-11-29T06:06:00.003+08:002012-11-29T06:08:23.575+08:00'Nervy': Manchester United 1 West Ham 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/64447000/jpg/_64447964_64447963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/64447000/jpg/_64447964_64447963.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie's 33rd second goal was enough to bring United the three points</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20422443" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBC Sport</a></i></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.soccerway.com/matches/2012/11/28/england/premier-league/manchester-united-fc/west-ham-united-fc/1293812/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starting Lineups</a></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(courtesy of Soccerway.com)</span></div>
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<b>Goals of the Game</b></div>
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Manchester United: van Persie (1')</div>
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West Ham: -</div>
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Robin van Persie lead Manchester United to a nervy and gritty 1-0 win at Old Trafford as his 33rd second goal held up against visitors West Ham United.</div>
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Manchester United started the first half in the most urgent of fashions when its prolific forward, Robin van Persie, found the net as early as the 33rd second. Carrick made an excellent through ball towards the Dutchman who took the shot. It deflected slightly towards West Ham defender James Collins and the ball volleyed into the net.</div>
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United made more attempts at goal, but were frequently caught offside. Hernandez came close to making it 2-0 at the 16th minute, but the shot drifted to the right. West Ham, in the same fashion, almost nicked in a goal with Kevin Nolan collecting a Matthew Taylor cross. Andy Carroll also found the bar.</div>
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<a href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/11/28/article-2239463-16421B0D000005DC-468_634x372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2012/11/28/article-2239463-16421B0D000005DC-468_634x372.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin van Persie nets the fastest goal of the season in under 33 seconds</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image retrieved from <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2239463/Manchester-United-v-West-Ham-Chelsea-v-Fulham-Everton-v-Arsenal-Tottenham-v-Liverpool-Wigan-v-Manchester-City-plus-live-Premier-League-games.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Mail UK</a></i></span></div>
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West Ham begins the second-half with business on mind as Diame took a shot on target. Carrick blocked the shot. Matthew Taylor also got a shot on the next corner, with Hernandez who cleared. United retaliated. Rooney made a good run and took a shot from the left, which was greatly saved by Jaaskelainen. At the following corner, RvP's cross lead to confusion inside penalty box, with Smalling and Hernandez all having a go but it was eventually cleared. Edge of the box in front of West Ham's goal would then become a hotspot. Hernandez, Cleverley, Anderson, Rooney would all make attempts on goal from there, to no avail.</div>
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United almost had a scare at 80th minute when Anderson conceded a foul for a free kick at the middle of the pitch. West Ham played a long ball and found Carlton Cole inside the box, who came close to scoring the equalizer. Modibo Maiga collected the rebound, but he was offside. His attempt was nevertheless saved by United keeper Lindegaard.</div>
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The nervy Old Trafford faithful was treated to another scare when Patrice Evra haphazardly made a back pass towards his keeper, with West Ham's forwards on the prowl. Jonny Evans was there to bail out his captain and made the clearance.</div>
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In the end, Sir Alex Ferguson's side kept their 1-0 lead, albeit nervously and dangerously, to capture all three points and keep themselves top of the Premier League table.</div>
Kriegskanzlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00420179083905854695noreply@blogger.com0