From Soccernet.com
From Soccernet.com
This is Phoenix related, when you read through it you will
know why. Think of December the 1st!!
PFA announce 'Match of the Century' for centenary
The Professional Footballers Association have announced plans to host a game featuring a host of international and English legends at Eastlands Stadium on December 2.
The game, dubbed `Match of the Century', is part of the PFA's centenary celebrations and will pit a team of international stars, led by former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, against a side of domestic legends coached by Steve McClaren's assistant Terry Venables.
The teams are set to be captained by two of the most highly-rated players in Premier League history - Alan Shearer and Gianfranco Zola.
Other played slated to appear in the match include Teddy Sheringham, Roy Keane, David Ginola, Marcel Desailly, Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle and Niall Quinn.
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: 'It promises to be a fantastic occasion with so many footballing legends on show and I am absolutely thrilled that current Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has agreed to manage the Rest of the World XI whilst another former England boss, Terry Venables, has said he would love to manage the England legends.'
He added: 'Gianfranco Zola was not only a living legend who played the game in a magical way, but a brilliant role model to all and a perfect gentleman to boot. I'm sure his many fans will be delighted to see him back in action again.
'The same, of course, applies to Alan Shearer whose goalscoring record at club and international level alike was nothing short of phenomenal.'
Taylor also hinted at the appearance of some stars of more recent vintage - but could not commit to an appearance by another former England captain, Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham.
'I'm also hoping against hope that there will be one or two more surprises in store as international icons David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane have also expressed an interest in appearing, but both may have other commitments so I'm not going to say for definite they will be there.'
Proceeds from the match will go towards the PFA's �1million goal of fully funding a new children's rehabilitation and physiotherapy unit at the University Children's Hospital in Manchester.
Beckham won't be playing in this game, He lines up for the Galaxy against the Wellington Phoenix in a friendly on December 1st. The phoenix put up 1 million USD for the match and the contracts have already been signed.
The Professional Footballers Association have announced plans to host a game featuring a host of international and English legends at Eastlands Stadium on December 2.
The game, dubbed `Match of the Century', is part of the PFA's centenary celebrations and will pit a team of international stars, led by former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, against a side of domestic legends coached by Steve McClaren's assistant Terry Venables.
The teams are set to be captained by two of the most highly-rated players in Premier League history - Alan Shearer and Gianfranco Zola.
Other played slated to appear in the match include Teddy Sheringham, Roy Keane, David Ginola, Marcel Desailly, Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle and Niall Quinn.
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: 'It promises to be a fantastic occasion with so many footballing legends on show and I am absolutely thrilled that current Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has agreed to manage the Rest of the World XI whilst another former England boss, Terry Venables, has said he would love to manage the England legends.'
He added: 'Gianfranco Zola was not only a living legend who played the game in a magical way, but a brilliant role model to all and a perfect gentleman to boot. I'm sure his many fans will be delighted to see him back in action again.
'The same, of course, applies to Alan Shearer whose goalscoring record at club and international level alike was nothing short of phenomenal.'
Taylor also hinted at the appearance of some stars of more recent vintage - but could not commit to an appearance by another former England captain, Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham.
'I'm also hoping against hope that there will be one or two more surprises in store as international icons David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane have also expressed an interest in appearing, but both may have other commitments so I'm not going to say for definite they will be there.'
Proceeds from the match will go towards the PFA's �1million goal of fully funding a new children's rehabilitation and physiotherapy unit at the University Children's Hospital in Manchester.
Beckham won't be playing in this game, He lines up for the Galaxy against the Wellington Phoenix in a friendly on December 1st. The phoenix put up 1 million USD for the match and the contracts have already been signed.
Zola = living legend
- interesting article; agreed that as Beckham is committed to
a Sydney and Wellington appearance he will be a 'no show' at the
game - and maybe Zidane's lack of displayed 'gentlemanly' qualities
will rule him out of the game ?
Unlikely, Zidane's still a legend and should be able to appear in
exhibition matches like that. It was kind of ironic with the
whole "Joga Bonito" (play beautiful) movement around the last world
cup that the one player that really stood apart for his awesome
football became infamous not for his style but for that one
headbutt in the final.
hope sir Les ferdinand gets the call. Him and Shearer were awesome together
Bergkamp for world 11
judging from the names they have lined up for the world XI they
will be looking for former EPL players, so that rules Zidane out. I
wonder if Cantona will make an appearance. Bergkamp, Viera, Giggs,
Henry, Klinsmann and Pires are a few of the other top overseas EPL
players whose names jump to mind. I'd most like to see Faustino
Asprilla though!
KTBW2007-09-27 15:35:00
KTBW2007-09-27 15:35:00
Bergkamp for world 11
For sure! My favourite player ever.
judging from the names they have lined up for the world XI they
will be looking for former EPL players, so that rules Zidane out. I
wonder if Cantona will make an appearance. Bergkamp, Viera, Giggs,
Henry, Klinsmann and Pires are a few of the other top overseas EPL
players whose names jump to mind. I'd most like to see Faustino
Asprilla though!
Wouldn't be surprised if they put Giggs in the English team tbh, claiming Wales to be domestic. Sneaky way to claim a class player.
Critical_Lemon2007-09-27 17:03:41
Juan Sebastian Veron.......HA...you're 'avin a right royal giraffe
ain't yah!!!
Nial Quinn playing in the 'Match of the Century'. The only footballer to reach the top-level without using his feet. Ever.
I wonder if Stan Bowles will get a run. Him, Tony Currie, Rodney
Marsh. There's no players there today who could control a match
like they could and score at will. Real charactors with real skill!