VIDEO: Isaksson's brilliant bicycle save against Messi

Here the footage from an amazing overhead bicycle goalline clearance from Swedish goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson after Argentina's Lionel Messi had lobbed the ball over him goal wards. The clearance didn't help as in the end Argentina won 3-2.

Löw names Germany squad for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Germany coach Joachim Löw has named his 21 players squad for the next couple of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ireland (Friday, October 12) and Sweden (Tuesday, October 16).

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern Munich makes his return to the squad after missing the Germany matches following Euro2012, while Schalke 04 teenager Julian Draxler misses the matches due to a broken arm and injured striker Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich could also not be selected.


GERMANY

Goalkeepers
Manuel Neuer (FC Bayern München), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hannover 96), Marc-André ter Stegen (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Defenders
Holger Badstuber (FC Bayern München), Jérôme Boateng (FC Bayern München), Benedikt Höwedes (FC Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philip Lahm (FC Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (FC Arsenal), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund)

Midfielders
Lars Bender (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Mario Götze (Borussia Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (FC Bayern München), Thomas Müller (FC Bayern München), Mesut Özil (Real Madrid), Lukas Podolski (FC Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Bastian Schweinsteiger (FC Bayern München), André Schürrle (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)

Forwards
Miroslav Klose (Lazio Roma)

NDTV VIDEO: From the slums of Pune to Sweden's Gothia Cup

Dreams are made of these. 16 players will play in the Gothia Cup in Sweden, the world's largest youth football tournament as part of a team from Pune. All of these young sportspersons are from the slums of Pune. A moving story...

Here an interesting report from NDTV

FC Paris Saint-Germain sign striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Big spending French side FC Paris Saint-Germain have signed Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Italian giants AC Milan for a transfer fee of 20 Million Euros and unveiled him in Paris at a press conference today. Ibrahimovic is set to get 14 Million Euros as salary per season.

At the press conference at Parc des Princes Ibrahimovic said, "I want to thank Paris Saint-Germain and (sporting director) Leonardo for the great work they've done!"

"I think they've made something that looked impossible, possible. I'm very happy to be sitting here. After lots of talks, I'm finally a PSG player. It's a big step in my career, another dream come true. I think this is a very interesting project and I had no doubts. In my mind I was very clear, and I knew what I wanted.

"They're bringing together the very best. Who wouldn't want to be here?" Ibrahimovic added.

30 year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic is someone who has won league titles in three different countries having played for FF Malmö, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus Torino, Inter Milan, FC Barcelona and AC Milan.

Ibrahimovic is the fourth signing by PSG from the Italian Serie A after Argentinian Ezequiel Lavezzi from SSC Napoli for 26 Million Euros, former AC Milan team mate Thiago Silva for 42 Million Euros and young Italian Marco Verratti for 12 Million Euros from AC Pescara.

In total these four signings have cost PSG already 100 Million Euros, but with the financial backing of their investors from Qatar Sports Investment more signings look possible as they will want to challenge the best and strongest clubs in Europe. After spending more then 100 Million Euros over the last season and now again the Qatari owners will want titles from coach Carlo Ancelotti and his team.

VIDEO: Zlatan's Goal, My goal of Euro2012 so far!

I was asked yesterday for a column to name my top five goals of Euro2012 so far with the group stages over and the quarterfinals set to kick-off later today. And in my opinion there could only be one choice, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's side-volley strike against France on Tuesday night in Kyiv. A perfect hit, which once more showed what a great striker and finisher Zlatan can be.

The others who made my top five were Danny Welbeck (for England vs Sweden), Mario Balotelli (for Italy vs Ireland), Mario Gomez (for Germany vs Netherlands) and Jakub Blaszczykowski (for Poland vs Russia).

Here the video of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal

Euro2012: England top Group D, France lose but move on

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group D teams tonight with their third and final round group matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Donetsk. France suffered a surprise loss against an eliminated Sweden, while England rode their luck to beat co-hosts Ukraine to top Group D.


GROUP D

Sweden 2-0 (0-0) France
Goals: Zlatan Ibrahimović (54'), 2-0 Sebastian Larsson (90+1')

Sweden, who were eliminated before their final match against France, showed against the Equipe Tricolore what they are capable off as Zlatan Ibrahimović and Sebastian Larsson scored for the Scandinavians, while France still qualified for the quarterfinals though they lost their first match after a 23 match unbeaten streak.

Sweden had the better chances in the game, but they needed a moment of brilliance in the 54th minute from Zlatan Ibrahimović to give them the lead. France tried to get back into the match, but in injury time Sebastian Larsson doubled the lead and sealed the match in Sweden's favour.


England 1-0 (0-0) Ukraine
Goals: 1-0 Wayne Rooney (48')

England overcame fighting co-hosts Ukraine to win 1-0 in Donetsk due to a score from Wayne Rooney on his return from suspension.

Ukraine looked the better of the two sides, but as has been the case for them in recent matches they couldn't utilise their chances as England survived and got goalless into the break. But just three minutes into the second half Rooney headed in a Steven Gerrard cross which got deflected by two Ukrainians which denied the keeper to get hold or clear the ball. Towards the end of the match the Ukraine were denied a clear goal as the ball was put back into play from behind the line but the referee showed play on. Luck was also not on the Ukrainians side.

England won 1-0 in the end and can celebrate finishing surprisingly top of Group D and will now face Italy in their quarterfinal.

Euro2012: France beat Ukraine, England down Sweden

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group D teams tonight with their second round group matches in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Donetsk. France not only had to overcome co-hosts Ukraine but thunder and lightning in Donetsk which resulted in a 57 minute suspension of play, while England needed a moment of brilliance from Danny Welback to overcome a fighting Sweden.


GROUP D

Ukraine 0-2 (0-0) France
Goals: 0-1 Jérémy Ménez (53'), 0-2 Yohan Cabaye (56')

France showed their potential against the co-hosts Ukraine in a 2-0 win, but the headlines will be about the weather as heavy thunder and a torrential downpour brought proceedings to a halt after less then five minutes. The match was halted for close to an hour as the ground, which was flooded, had to cleared of the water and things brought to some sort of normal level for the match to restart.

Both teams had their problems with the ball, but France looked the better side with the Ukraine also having their chances which were often gifted by the French's lacklustre defending. But two moments of good set-up by Karim Benzema within three minutes gave France the victory. First Benzema set-up Jérémy Ménez in the 53rd minute before he did it for Yohan Cabaye. Cabaye could have made it 3-0 but his shot hit the sidepost.


Sweden 2-3 (0-1) England
Goals: 0-1 Andy Carroll (23'), 1-1 Glen Johnson (49', own goal), 2-1 Olof Mellberg (59'), 2-2 Theo Walcott (64'), 2-3 Danny Welback (78')

England came back from 1-2 down to win 3-2 against a Swedish side who are now out of the competition after what could have been a victory against an England side, whose weaknesses were exposed in the game but an intact team spirit gave them the three points.

England were the better side in the first session and took a deserving lead in the 23rd minute when Andy Carroll headed in a scorcher from a Steven Gerrard cross. Sweden had their problems with their attack close to non-existent.

Things changed after the break as Sweden came out like a different team knowing that only a point would keep them in the tournament. Following a Ibrahimovic free-kick in the 49th minute Olof Mellberg send the ball goalwards and Glen Johnson on the line tries to save but sends the ball over the line. Now Sweden were in the game and put pressure on a cracking English defence. It was again Mellberg who this time headed in Sweden's lead in the 59th minute following a Larsson cross. It was an open game now with Ibrahimovic missing a Swedish third, while Sweden goalkeeper Isaksson made a sensational save from a John Terry header, but the resultant corner was put in by a Theo Walcott long-ranger where Isaksson looked to be misjudging the balls flights.

Now it was an open game with both teams playing for a win and then came the 78th minute when Walcott played a nice ball in from the right with Welback putting in the ball in sublime fashion. Sweden looked shocked and couldn't get back into the game.

Euro2012: England hold France, Ukraine stun Sweden

The 2012 European Championships kicked-off for the Group D teams tonight with matches in the Ukrainian cities of Donetsk and Kyiv.


GROUP D

France 1-1 (1-1) England
Goals: 0-1 Joleon Lescott (30'), 1-1 Samir Nasri (39')

In a disappointing opening Group D encounter England held a more fancied France to a one-all draw in Donetsk with what was a defensive England and an unimaginative France. Defender Joleon Lescott gave England the lead on the half hour mark while Samir Nasri equalised for France in the 39th minute of a long-ranger.

An under-strength England was expected to play a counter-attacking game, while France were expected to show that they are a team to watch, but initially the English combined as the French needed time to settle down. England's James Milner had the first chance as he went past Hugo Lloris but shot wide. England went ahead on the half hour mark after a Steven Gerrard free-kick was headed in by Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott. France thereafter woke-up and Alou Diarra had two heading chances in one attack which first Joe Hart saved and then Diarra put wide. But in the 39th minute another Manchester City player in Samir Nasri equalised with a brilliant strike.

After the break the match slowed down further and it often looked as if both the teams were happy with the one point though France did have some attempts on goal from Karim benzema and Samir Nasri, while Danny Welbeck could gotten the winner for England. It stayed 1-1 after less intense then expected 90 minute.


Ukraine 2-1 (0-0) Sweden
Goals: 0-1 Zlatan Ibrahimović (52'), 1-1,2-1 Andriy Shevchenko (55',62')

The hosts Ukraine upset Sweden 2-1 in their opening match with their ageing 35 year old star Andriy Shevchenko the hero of the night in Kyiv as he scored both of Ukraine's goals.

It wasn't the best of matches in the first session though the hosts Ukraine were the better of the two sides. The first good chance on the night fell to Andriy Shevchenko after a typical Ukrainian counter-attack, but the placed the ball wide. The Swedes had their best chance through a Zlatan Ibrahimović header which touched the outside of the post.

In the second session things got livelier. But Sweden went ahead as Kim Källström retrieved Larsson's deep right-wing cross and his low ball back across goal was tapped-in by Zlatan Ibrahimović in the 52nd minute. But lead did not last long as three minutes later the Ukraine equalised when Yarmolenko played a cross into the middle which Andriy Shevchenko headed in to the delight of the home crowd. And they got even more to cheer about in the 62nd minute as Andriy Shevchenko headed in a Konoplyanka past Lustig at the first post. Thereafter Sweden did put pressure on the Ukraine but they survived the three/four good Swedish chances to celebrate an opening victory which now might take them into the quarterfinals.

Euro2012: Sweden name final 23 players squad

Sweden have named their 23 players squad ahead of the 2012 European Championships. Sweden have been drawn in Group D along with co-host Ukraine, France and England.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren decided to take striker Johan Elmander though he is currently not fit, while leaving out talented youngster John Guidetti who hasn't recovered quick enough.


SWEDEN

Goalkeepers
Par Hansson (FF Helsingborgs), Andreas Isaksson (PSV Eindhoven), Johan Wiland (FC Copenhagen)

Defenders
Mikael Antonsson (FC Bologna), Andreas Granqvist (FC Genoa 93), Mikael Lustig (Celtic Glasgow), Olof Mellberg (Olympiacos Piräus), Jonas Olsson (West Bromwich Albion), Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers), Behrang Safari (RSC Anderlecht)

Midfielders
Emir Bajrami (FC Twente Enschede), Rasmus Elm (AZ Alkmaar), Samuel Holmen (Istanbul BB), Kim Kallstrom (Olympique Lyon), Sebastian Larsson (AFC Sunderland), Anders Svensson (Elfsborg), Pontus Wernbloom (CSKA Moscow), Christian Wilhelmsson (Al Hilal)

Forwards
Johan Elmander (Galatasaray Istanbul), Tobias Hysen (IFK Gothenburg), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan), Markus Rosenberg (SV Werder Bremen), Ola Toivonen (PSV Eindhoven)

Euro2012 Groups are out

The draw for the groups for the 2012 European Championships jointly to be co-hosted by Poland and the Ukraine in June 2012 was carried out on Friday night in the Polish capital Warsaw. The 16 participating teams have been split into four groups of four teams each with the top two sides making it to the quarterfinals.

The toughest of the groups, this tournaments 'Group of Death', is certainly Group B which contains 1988 winners Netherlands, three-times former champions Germany, 1992 surprise champions Denmark and formidable Portugal led by superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Another group to look forward to is Group D in which co-hosts Ukraine will meet a strong Sweden, a rebuilding France and England, who are under pressure from their own fans to deliver a title at this tournament.

Defending champions Spain have a relatively weaker group, but will need to watch out when they face Italy, Ireland and Croatia. One of the most interesting encounters could be when Italy take on Ireland, who are coached by seasoned Italian Giovanni Trappatoni.

The most balanced, but also the weakest of all groups looks to be Group A in which co-hosts Poland take on 2004 champions Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic. Anyone of those four teams could advance to the knockout stage and cause an upset.


EURO2012 - GROUPS

Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic

Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal

Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia

Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England

VIDEO: Bob Houghton receiving the Swedish football award

Robert Douglas Houghton, better known as Bob Houghton, had his first coaching success in Sweden with a small club called Malmö FF, which he coached from 1974 to 1979. The highlight was the 1979 European Cup (now called UEFA Champions League) final which the club lost 0-1 against Nottingham Forest and what made the achievement even bigger was the fact that this Malmö team was made-up of local boys, who came from within a radius of 60 kilometres.

Bob Houghton and his friend current FC Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson are widely regarded as being responsible for the 'transformation of Swedish football into a relative modern power'.

And for his achievements in Sweden, Bob Houghton in the summer had received the Lifetime Award of Swedish football after former UEFA president Lennart Johansson received the award last year and it was handed over to Bob by none other then Dutch football legend Johan Cryuff.

Here is the video for you all to watch (there is an ad at the start of the video):

Loew calls up numerous youngsters

German national team coach Joachim Loew has decided to call-up a number of youngsters for the final international of the year, a friendly against Sweden in Gotherburg on Wednesday, November 17. Missing from the squad of 22 players are 2010 FIFA World Cup stars in captain Philipp Lahm, Mesut Oezil and Thomas Mueller, who Loew has decided to give a break.

As had been speculated in the German media Loew has decided to call-up four youngsters from current Bundesliga league leaders Borussia Dortmund in Mats Hummels, Marcel Schmelzer, Kevin Großkreutz and 18 year old shooting star Mario Goetze. Loew has also called-up Mainz 05 duo Lewis Holtby and André Schuerrle after strong performances in the Bundesliga.

Loew has decided to call-up this group of youngsters to test them out at international level. Over the last few month's they have consistently been performing for their clubs. While Hummels and Großkreutz have already played for the senior national team, for the four others Schmelzer, Goetze, Holtby and Schuerrle it would be their first call-up to the senior national team.

Even though he called-up an experimental squad for the match against Sweden, coach Loew will be hoping for a perfect end to a year which has been ready good for the Mannschaft.


Germany

Goalkeepers
René Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04)

Defenders
Andreas Beck (TSG Hoffenheim), Jérome Boateng (Manchester City), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Per Mertesacker (SV Werder Bremen), Sascha Riether (VfL Wolfsburg), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund), Heiko Westermann (Hamburger SV)

Midfielders
Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin Großkreutz (Borussia Dortmund), Lewis Holtby (1. FSV Mainz 05), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (FC Bayern Munich), Marko Marin (SV Werder Bremen), Lukas Podolski (1. FC Cologne), André Schuerrle (1. FSV Mainz 05), Bastian Schweinsteiger (FC Bayern Munich), Christian Träsch (VfB Stuttgart)

Forwards
Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (FC Bayern Munich), Patrick Helmes (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)

Ibrahimovic returns to Italy, on loan to AC Milan

Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has left FC Barcelona after only one season and has returned to Italy to join AC Milan on loan, city rivals of his former club Internationale Milan. As per the deal Ibrahimovic has been signed by Milan on a one year loan deal, while the Rossoneri and the player have agreed a four year contract.

The 28 year old Ibrahimovic will undergo a medical tomorrow in Milan and then sign the contract. After the initial one year loan deal Milan have the right to sign the player permanently for a fee of only 24 Million Euros. It is a cut price deal for a top class striker like Ibrahimovic who only a season ago left Inter Milan to join Barca in exchange for Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o plus 69 Million Euros.

The tall, lanky striker never seemed to fit into Pep Guardiola's system still Ibrahimovic scored 21 goals in 41 matches in all competitions, not a bad scoring rate for a top striker. Still Ibrahimovic was seen alien in Barcelona and to their system of tiki-taka football though the Swedish international is technically a sound player. Many said he could not recreate the form and magic that made him a star in the Italian Serie A with Juventus and Inter Milan. In Barcelona his signing a year ago is now seen as a big mistake.

The arrival of Ibrahimovic at AC Milan could also mean that Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could finally be leaving the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza. Huntelaar has been linked with a number of clubs in the English Premier League as well as some German Bundesliga clubs. Huntelaar now falls down the pecking order and departure might be the only way for him to guarantee playing time.