Nicolas Poussin, Autumn
“Jermain Defoe struck twice as England came from two goals down at the interval against the Netherlands to earn a creditable draw in Amsterdam. Dirk Kuyt and Rafael Van der Vaart punished errors by Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry to give the Dutch control.” (BBC)
Capello in total control as England seek higher level (Independent)
Netherlands 2-2 England: Defoe’s deadly double (ESPN)
Holland 2 England 2: match report (Telegraph)
Football: Holland v England (Guardian)

Pedersen double helps Norway crush Scotland
“Gary Caldwell was sent off as Scotland’s World Cup hopes unravelled in spectacular fashion against Norway in the Ullevaal Stadium. The Celtic player picked up two yellow cards within a minute in the first half, the second of which allowed John Arne Riise to fire in the opener from the resultant free-kick.” (ESPN)
Norway 4-0 Scotland (BBC)

Russia 2-3 Argentina: Aguero & Lopez on target
“Inspired substitutions proved the difference as Diego Maradona’s Argentina came from behind to beat Guus Hiddink’s Russia in a friendly in Moscow. Lisandro Lopez and Jesus Datolo both scored within seconds of coming on to give Argentina a 3-1 lead before Russian substitute Roman Pavluchenko pulled one back for the home side with 10 minutes remaining.” (ESPN)
Argentina’s Favorite Sport in Trouble (NYT)

Wednesday, 12 August 2009 (espn)

Football tables(BBC)

“Soccer is as much a religion in Argentina as it is in arch rival Brazil. So it is almost beyond belief that Aug. 14, opening day of the main league competition, Primera A, will pass without a ball being kicked. The Argentine Football Association (AFA), the game’s governing body in the country, had postponed indefinitely all games in the Primera A, along with those in the second and regional divisions, because of the clubs’ estimated $300 million in debt, $180 million of which is thought to be owed by the 20 Primera A clubs.” (Forbes)

“We are all familiar with the feints, the look-away passes, the surgical free kicks that made the world’s football fans fall in love with Ronaldinho. Even those who were not Brazilian or Barcelona fans could not argue that “the force” was strong with this one.
Remember that game against Real Madrid (you know the one) where he scored two of the most amazing goals that will be forever imprinted in the memories of Real Madrid fans. The whole Bernabeu audience stood up in awe of this great athlete.” (Bleacher Report)

“Reports in Spain suggest Hull City have completed the signing of Algerian forward Kamel Ghilas from Celta Vigo.” (BBC)