UEFA Champions League round of 16 – first leg

UEFA Champions League round of 16 – first leg

Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-3 Barcelona

Barcelona were given a scare by brave Bayer Leverkusen, but World Player of the Year Lionel Messi proved to be too good as the holders took a two-goal advantage into next month’s return leg at the Nou Camp.

Leverkusen had defended stoutly throughout the first half, but fell behind to Barcelona’s first real chance.

Sanchez slotted the ball under Bernd Leno after Messi’s exquisite through-ball, delivered with the outside of his left foot, had put the Chilean through on goal after 41 minutes.

Leverkusen, ravaged by injuries, including one to ex-Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, had defended well despite lacking a forward threat during the first half, but came out with a renewed vigour after the break. Their fresh, attacking outlook brought its reward in the 51st minute when Vedran Corluka’s back-post cross was headed in by left-back Michal Kadlec.

Leverkusen were not level for long though, as the holders retook the lead just four minutes later, when Sanchez added his second. Cesc Fabregas’ defence-splitting through-ball again put the ex-Udinese winger one-on-one with Leno, and again Sanchez converted, rounding the goalkeeper before squeezing the ball in from a tight angle.

Messi, despite being shackled by a swarm of Leverkusen defenders whenever he got near the ball, was starting to run the show, and after waltzing past two defenders, saw his superb chip rebound off the goalkeeper's near post.

The Argentine was not to be denied though, and added a third after a Daniel Alves cross found him arriving at the back post to register his 28th Champions League goal in his last 29 outings.

Anger over proposed health reforms

Anger over proposed health reforms

NHS REFORMS could have a detrimental effect on Harrow residents, local figures have warned.

The Health and Social Care Bill, drawn up primarily by Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley, aims to cut £20 billion from the NHS bill by 2015 in a bid to cut the national deficit.

The bill, which represents one of the coalition Government’s most contentious changes since they took power, was not discussed in the run up to the 2010 General Election. It was also not mentioned in the coalition agreement between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats that followed.

Lansley, along with Prime Minister David Cameron, has been quick to state that the reforms will not affect frontline services such as primary care or patient services.

However, Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas, believes local residents are not happy with the effect the reforms have had on the area so far.

"There’s a fair amount of scepticism. People have seen what’s happened to the polyclinic and the accident and emergency department. Both those measures only happened after the announcement of the NHS bill. There’s a considerable degree of worry about what’s happening", he said.

His comments come after Alexandra Avenue Polyclinic in Rayners Lane was made a weekend only service in September 2011, just two years after it was opened. It was also announced in November of last year that Central Middlesex hospital would close its accident and emergency department in the evenings.

Organisations including the Royal College of Nursing, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners have stated they oppose the Government's plans to reform the health service.

The reforms, which, if successful, are to be introduced in 2013, will see Primary Care Trusts abolished and replaced with clinical commissioning groups, responsible for the distribution of £60-80 billion of NHS budget. The commissioning groups will be run partly by GPs - with the Government claiming GPs will have more power over the dispensation of funds as a result.

The Prime Minister has claimed that some 140 GP groups have come forward and welcomed the establishment of the commissioning groups.

However, a local GP who asked to remain anonymous, is not convinced that local patients and doctors will benefit if the clinical commissioning groups are established. He cited risks in giving GPs more power over the supervision of how the health service is run, due to many "lacking the business acumen needed".

The GP went on to declare that patients could suffer from practitioners being part of the commissioning groups.

"Time that could be spent with patients will now be spent establishing shortfalls in treatments of disorders. GPs won't work longer hours so face-to-face contact with patients will shorten", he said.

Conservative Councillor and former nurse Lurline Champagnie believes change is crucial if the NHS is to develop.

Champagnie, also Chairman of the Harrow West Conservative Association said: "The health service really needs to make changes in order to become effective. Illnesses and technology develop, and we’re seeing more problems with the NHS as it hasn’t moved forward with time and can’t combat illnesses properly.”

While Prime Minister David Cameron has declared any reforms will not lead to privatisation of the health service, stating that it will remain free at the point of entry, Councillor Champagnie is of the opinion privatisation could be imminent.

"They say the NHS is still free at the point of delivery, but it cannot work like that anymore, because you will not have the money to keep up with the pace of change. You will have to pay for some things, and some things will have to be privatised", she said.

Councillor Champagnie is not alone in her belief the Health and Social Care Bill may lead to privatisation.

The GP, who asked not to be named, claimed the changes "could potentially lead to a high risk of privatisation", adding "if the health service becomes more business orientated, and that's what the reforms point to, more private businesses will be attracted. The private sector will always be able to undercut the NHS."

Gareth Thomas has also expressed worry a two-tier health service could be developed.

"My big fear is that those who can pay, will be more likely to get better healthcare than those who can't. I don’t understand their motivation, because I think what they are going to do will lead to a worse health service for the majority."

Not everybody though, seems to be worried by the threat of privatisation to the health service. Ray Crocker, a Harrow resident and retired teacher said: "They have to provide us with a good quality service, and sometimes changes have to be made. So I don't get too uptight about the changes or buy in to scare tactics - it doesn't bother me as long as I get what I need."

Mr Crocker went on to add: "This country has always prided itself on having a good National Health Service. I think having good healthcare is one of the most important things in society. When you see the progress that's been made in general public health since it's existed it's something to be proud of and people must realise that it is going to cost money."

Assistant manager: “Mackie will bounce back”

Assistant manager: “Mackie will bounce back”

MICK JONES is confident that Jamie Mackie will be able to fully recover from the double leg break he suffered at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Mackie, whose fine form this season has led to his first Scotland caps, broke both his tibia and fibula in an accidental clash with Gael Givet in the 31st minute of Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash at Ewood Park.

“It’s an absolute disaster for the club, but more so for Mackie”, Rangers’ assistant manager said.

“We were talking about resting him but he insisted that a rest would do him more harm than good.”

Blackburn forward El Hadji Diouf caused controversy when he appeared to abuse Mackie as the R’s front-man lay on the turf following the clash with Givet. However, Jones was quick to praise Blackburn for the way Mackie was treated once he had been stretchered off the pitch.

“Blackburn Rovers were absolutely magnificent from start to finish. Their health and safety and medical teams were unbelievably good. They got him in an ambulance straight away and ensured tests were carried out on his leg as soon as he got to the hospital.”

Jones is remaining confident that the ex-Plymouth forward, who has scored nine league goals this season, will fully recover from his injury.

“Although both bones are broken, they’re not completely broken. They’re not compound breaks.

“There’ll be a lot of rehab for him, but rehab for Mackie is like water off a duck’s back. He’s so fit. And more than anything, his mental attitude is fantastic. In my 40 years involved in the game, I’ve never met a more driven footballer than Jamie.”

Mackie’s injury, coupled with Tottenham Hotspur recalling promising full-back Kyle Walker, has left an already small squad looking increasingly depleted. Jones, though, insists the club won’t panic in the current January transfer window.

“People start worrying when the window opens. They think you only have a month to get everyone in, but after the window shuts, the loan window opens a week later. I can’t see us spending a lot of money because I don’t believe we need to.

“We’re looking at bringing in three players, and it’s very possible that they will all be loans. It can be dangerous to bring too many players in during the January window because you risk destroying what you’ve currently got.”

QPR’s assistant is also confident that the club can keep hold of in-form Adel Taarabt in the transfer window.

The Moroccan international, with 12 goals and ten assists to his name this season, has been attracting interest from several Premier League clubs following a series of impressive performances.

“Adel is very happy here. He’s enjoying his football and is captain. He sulks now and then, but all it takes is Neil to say “I won’t tolerate behaviour like that. You’re my captain”, and he snaps out of it within seconds.

“He knows he’s got a manager who totally believes in him. He and Neil have a great relationship and I believe Adel really trusts Neil. During all my years in football, I’ve never seen a talent like him.”

Group Stage Review

After 48 games in the space of just two weeks, the group stages of the World Cup drew to a close on Friday night. In this piece, I take a look at the teams that have made it through to the knockout phase.

GROUP A

Uruguay have really impressed me so far and I believe they deserved to win the group. They look solid at the back and along with Portugal, are the only team yet to concede a goal during the tournament. Diego Forlan has been excellent up front and with a kind draw ahead of them, there’s no real reason why the two-time winners can’t reach the semi-finals this time round.

Mexico are the other side to have progressed from Group A. It is the fifth time in a row that Javier Aguirre’s side have reached the knockout stages of the World Cup and there can be no doubting that they do possess a very talented side, with new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez looking bright at times. However, for all their pretty football and hard work, the Mexicans lack an out-and-out goal scorer. Maradona’s Argentina will be the opposition at Soccer City on Sunday Evening and I believe Mexico will come unstuck against the likes of Messi and Higuain.

GROUP B

Argentina have looked extremely dangerous so far, and it was no surprise to see them win Group B with ease. Up front they look simply unstoppable. It speaks volumes about the wealth of quality Maradona’s side have up top when you consider that the likes of Kun Aguero and Diego Milito have to be content with warming the bench. There are still question marks over the defence, but even with those, Argentina have a great chance of reclaiming the trophy they last won 24 years ago.

South Korea sealed qualification with a 2-2 draw against Nigeria and can now look forward to a last 16 clash with Uruguay. What Huh Jung Moo’s side lack in flair and guile, they more than make up for with hard graft, epitomized by the work-rate of the instrumental Park Ji Sung. I fancy Uruguay to beat the South Koreans, but have every chance of being proved wrong by Moo’s side.

GROUP C

In the 92nd minute of the USA’s last game, they weren’t even going through. Seconds later however and after Landon Donovan’s late, late winner, Bob Bradley’s side had booked their place in the last 16 as group winners. Donovan has, as expected, been the key player having netting twice in the group stage. A tough tie against Group D runners-up Ghana awaits.

In a group that they were expected to win at a canter, England have just about made it through to the last 16. After a 1-1 draw against the USA, the Three Lions produced a dire display to draw 0-0 with a very poor Algeria side. England’s last group match however, in which Slovenia were defeated thanks to Jermain Defoe’s goal, has provided some renewed optimism amongst the fans. Germany are the opponents on Sunday afternoon in a game that is almost impossible to call. Wayne Rooney has not been anywhere near his best so far, with all England fans hoping that he can start to produce what he is capable of against Joachim Löw’s outfit.
GROUP D

After thrashing Australia 4-0 in their first game, Germany’s campaign took a blow after being reduced to 10 men in a 1-0 defeat to Serbia that left them needing to win their last game to be sure of qualification. Mesut Özil’s cracking strike secured a 1-0 win against Ghana that confirmed the three-time champions as group winners. Joachim Löw’s side look excellent going forward, with young Werder Bremen star Özil excelling in his role behind the front man. Philipp Lahm has justified his reputation as one of the best full backs in world football, but his efforts aside, Germany’s defence does not convince me.

Ghana are the only African nation left in the tournament after beating Australia to 2nd place on goal difference, setting up a tie with the USA in the process. Kevin Prince-Boateng, who only made his international debut in the final weeks before the tournament kicked off has really caught the eye and has become a key man for the Black Stars. Full of heart and team spirit, there is no reason why the Ghanaians can’t reach the quarter finals.

GROUP E

Holland were my tip for the tournament before it started, and have eased themselves into the last 16, amassing 9 points whilst not having to get out of second gear. Young Ajax full back Gregory Van Der Wiel has shown why he is rated so highly in his homeland with a series of very good displays whilst the return of Arjen Robben will be massive for Bert van Marwijk’s side. Slovakia will be the opposition for the Dutch in the knockout stages as The Flying Dutchmen look to finally utilise their undoubted potential.

I really have to give credit to Takeshi Okada’s and his Japan team, who I didn’t believe would beat Denmark in Thursday’s final group game. After an efficient performance, however, in which they ran out deserved 3-1 winners, they have set up a date in the last 16 with Paraguay. Keisuke Honda was excellent in the beating of the Danes and will again be crucial if Japan are to beat a good Paraguay side.

GROUP F

Paraguay have been yet another South American team that have shone during the group stages and will enter their game against Japan in the first knockout stage on Tuesday as favourites. Gerardo Martino’s side possess an experienced backline with Justo Villar only conceding one goal so far. Enrique Vera netted against Slovakia and has enjoyed an encouraging tournament.

The fact that Slovakia find themselves in the last 16 has come as a surprise to many, including myself. However, it can’t be claimed that they don’t deserve their place in the knockout stages, after they triumphed over Italy in what was for me the best game of the tournament so far. Whilst highly-rated captain Marek Hamsik has flattered to deceive so far, veteran striker Robert Vittek has led the line well and is currently joint top scorer in the tournament, with 3 to his name. It’s extremely unlikely that the Slovaks will go any further in the tournament as they face a very difficult game against the Dutch on Monday but one thing that Vladimir Weiss’ side will not lack is belief after dumping out the current world champions already.

GROUP G

Whilst raising no eyebrows in topping the so called “group of death”, the way in which Brazil have gone about their business may well have surprised many around the world who expected to see the five-time champions play with the stereotypical flair that they are associated with. That’s not the case under manager Dunga, who has transformed the way in which the team play. Maicon has impressed at right-back whilst Robinho looks to be reinvigorated following his spell at Santos. Luis Fabiano has shown glimpses of why he is so highly coveted by clubs all around Europe. A tough tie against fellow South Americans Chile is next for the Brazilians who will have to do a professional job against a very dangerous side.

Carlos Queiroz’s Portugal have shown plenty of grit and determination in qualifying from Group G, with two hard fought 0-0 draws against Ivory Coast and Brazil sandwiching a 7-0 drubbing of North Korea. Goalkeeper Eduardo has performed well and has been a big reason in the side being one of only two sides not to concede so far. Young left-back Fabio Coentrao has been one of the finds of the tournament so far, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to up his level of performance. A mouth-watering derby against neighbours Spain is next for Queiroz and his team.

GROUP H

Whilst Spain did eventually win Group H, they were certainly given a scare along the way after suffering a shock defeat to Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Switzerland in their opening game. Favourites in the eyes of many before the tournament kicked off, the Euro 2008 champions have shown why in glimpses, scoring some excellent goals whilst not being anywhere near their majestic best. Fernando Torres’ lack of fitness has put an even greater responsibility on the shoulders of strike partner David Villa, who has three goals already and is showing why the bookies made him favourite to win the Golden Boot this summer. Like Holland, the Spanish have never really achieved what they are capable of at a World Cup but will be desperate to change that, starting with Tuesday’s game with Portugal.

Personally, I’m really happy to see that Chile have made it to the last 16. Marcelo Bielsa has got his team playing some really attractive football and will be quietly confident of beating a Brazil side who only finished one point ahead of his own in qualifying for the tournament. Right winger Alexis Sanchez is key to the Chilean’s chances, having looked very lively in the group stages.

Return of the Nik

I’m back!!

After a long break, I’ve decided to start putting fingers to keyboard again. There have been a few reasons why I haven’t published anything in a while, with losing all motivation to write and avoiding revision for A level exams being the main culprits! I’m back now though, and am really looking forward to publishing a lot of articles on various sporting events over the summer.

Posh punish poor R's

Aaron Mclean’s early goal proved to be enough for Peterborough United as they saw off the challenge of nine-man Queens Park Rangers at a chilly London Road.

Mick Harford made four changes from last Saturday’s home defeat to Scunthorpe United as the R’s looked to get their season back on track. New signings Marcus Bent and Tamas Priskin made their debuts up front, whilst Peter Ramage was recalled at right back. Encouragingly for Rangers’, Lee Cook made his first start in over nine months after finally recovering from a knee injury.

The game kicked off and the R’s quickly registered the first shot of the game as Bent’s shot from outside the area dribbled harmlessly wide.

Peterborough responded to the early shot in the best possible way, as they took the lead just nine minutes into the contest. After Kaspars Gorkss sliced his clearance, Craig Mackail-Smith fed George Boyd down the right, who in turn rolled the ball into the path of the unmarked Mclean and the Hammersmith-born striker had the simple task of firing home from six yards out.

The Posh were very much on top and Rangers’ ‘keeper Carl Ikeme had to be alert to get to a Boyd through-ball before the onrushing Mackail-Smith.

Not to be deterred, QPR went in search of an equaliser. Bent’s shot was deflected away for a corner before skipper Mikele Leigertwood, playing in an unfamiliar right-wing role, shot straight at Joe Lewis in the Peterborough goal.

Mackail-Smith was proving to be a constant thorn in the side of the R’s backline, and after good work down the right, his cross was headed just off target by the onrushing Tommy Rowe.

Rangers’ were not on top of their game at all, making plenty of basic mistakes. The fans weren’t impressed, and the poor performance was greeted with a chant of “We wanna’ go home” by some of the 1500+ travelling support.

Half-time came and went and it was the Superhoops who had the first effort of the 2nd half, as Matt Connolly shot straight at Lewis.

Any hope that Rangers’ had of getting back into the game was dealt a massive blow on the hour-mark, when Leigertwood was seen to have gone over the ball on Rowe and received his marching orders. From my view in the terracing, it was hard to see how bad the tackle was, but having seen the replay, it looked to have been no worse than some of the tackles that flew in and weren’t punished with red cards during yesterday’s Merseyside Derby.

Peterborough made use of their one-man advantage, and only a smart stop from R’s custodian Ikeme prevented Mackail-Smith from killing off the contest.

Things went from bad to worse for Rangers’ on 82 minutes, when Peter Ramage was sent-off for a second bookable offence following a late tackle on Rowe.

As the game looked to be petering out, the away side did have one last chance to salvage something from the game. Jay Simpson forced a fine save from Lewis before fellow substitute Hogan Ephraim blazed the rebound well over the bar.

It wasn’t to be, though, for the R’s as they succumbed to yet another away day defeat.

Things are not looking at all rosy in the Rangers’ camp at the moment. The team look toothless, devoid of passion and haven’t won away from home in three months. QPR are now only five points clear of the dreaded relegation zone, and if things continue to go on as they are at the moment, it’s pretty conceivable that the R’s could well be playing League 1 football next term.

Peterborough United: Lewis, Williams, Morgan, Lee (Simpson 46), McLean, Boyd (Frecklington 82), Mackail-Smith (McLeod 82), Rowe, Whelpdale, Bennett, Livermore.

Subs not used: Gilbert, McKeown, Geoghaghon, Reid.

Bookings: Lee (45), Simpson (52), Bennett (83)

Goals: McLean (9)

QPR: Ikeme, Ramage, Leigertwood, Bent, Gorkss, Quashie (Ephraim 57), Connolly, Cook (Vine 81), Faurlin, Hill, Priskin (Simpson 65).

Subs not used: Stewart, Buzsaky, Cerny, German.

Bookings: Ramage (73 & 82)

Red Cards: Leigertwood (60), Ramage (82)

Referee: Mr D McDermid

Attendance: 8, 933 (Away: 1570)

Robert Enke, 24.08.1977 – 10.11.2009

It’s strange how events that don’t seem to directly affect you can put life into perspective. As I sat in front of my computer earlier this evening (10th November 2009), fretting about the ever-nearing deadline for my University application, I was suddenly alerted to the tragic death of Hanover 96 and Germany goalkeeper, Robert Enke.

All previous thoughts relating to the various “£1 a pint nights” that I’m sure to encounter in student union bars located in an as yet undecided city somewhere in the UK were wiped away, to be replaced with a feeling of total sorrow and shock.

For those readers who are perhaps not aware of what happened, 32 year-old Enke took his own life in an incident at a level crossing near Hanover, in which he was hit by a train. The suicide came just three years after his two year old daughter, Lara, died after losing a battle with a rare heart condition.

Most people will have experienced some sort of loss or grief in their life, but few will have had to cope with what Enke’s widow, Teresa, is sure to be going through. Having lost her daughter and now her husband, she has been left to bring up an eight month-old baby, Leila, who the couple adopted earlier this year. I cannot even begin to comprehend how heart-broken she must be, but my thoughts are especially with her, as well as with anybody else who knew the goalkeeper.

Personally, I never knew Enke. I have, however, watched enough German football to know that he was a very, very good goalkeeper. His consistently impressive performances between the sticks at the top level of German football not only earned him the idolisation of Hanover fans and subsequent captaincy of the club, but also the “Best Bundesliga Goalkeeper” award at the end of the 2008/09 season. Enke had also cemented his place in the German national squad, with a place in the World Cup squad beckoning and a starting spot very much up for grabs.

In addition to his performances on the pitch, Enke, who also played for major European clubs including Spanish giants Barcelona, was known for his involvement and hard work in many social and political projects within Hanover. These projects included the fight against right-wing extremism and the promotion of animal rights. During the 2006/07 season, a fan wrote a song about the goalkeeper titled “Robert Enke Nummer 1”. CD sales of the single helped to raise money for a local heart charity in Hanover.

The feeling of immense sadness, mourning and devastation that has quickly swept over Hanover 96, as well as German football on the whole, is a feeling that has sadly been shared by fans of many football teams across the globe in recent years. As a massive Queens Park Rangers fan, I know exactly how fans of the North German club are sure to be feeling at the moment. Young striker Ray Jones was killed in a car accident in August 2007. He was only 18.

Robert Enke had what millions worldwide dream of. His death has opened my eyes to the fact that whilst many people will strive for fame and success as their ultimate goal, there can be no doubt that there is nothing more important than personal happiness and family.

Robert Enke, 24.08.1977 – 10.11.2009.