Tag: Chelsea

TORRES GOAL WAS LUCKY

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The Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has said that the club was fortunate in having the Fernando Torres goal allowed in the match against Reading. Chelsea were facing the newly promoted club Reading at Stamford Bridge from the first time since winning the Champions League title last season. Hence, there was a party atmosphere at the club, but it was spoilt after Reading managed to take the lead in the match. Going into the first half break, the newly promoted club were 2-1 up in the match. However, goals from Gary Cahill and Fernando Torres helped Chelsea turn the match around in the second half.

They were finally made sure of victory following the last minute goal by Ivanovic. The new summer signing Eden Hazard was at his best in the match and he set up all but one goal in the match. The 4-2 win now means that Chelsea have six points from the opening two matches, which is a great start according to the manager Roberto di Matteo. However, Chelsea could have easily drawn the match, as they were fortunate when the linesman allowed the Fernando Torres goal to stand, despite the replays showing clearly that he was offside.

“It was maybe slightly [offside] so that went for us. But it was fantastic for Fernando. He has two goals now and he is up and running,” said Gary Cahill after the match. Fernando Torres has now scored two goals in the last three matches for Chelsea. The Reading manager Brian McDermott was visibly disappointed with the outcome of the match after his side came extremely close to getting a famous result at Stamford bridge. “He’s a clear yard offside. It’s just a shame really. I’m disappointed for the players. I thought it was a great game. We’ve come to the European champions and put on a real performance,” said the Reading manager.

TERRY COULD TAKE ONE

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England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Chelsea defender John Terry could be one of the 5 penalty takers if the Euro 2012 quarter-final match against Italy goes into penalties. England have qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition as the winners of the group D. As a result, they will be facing runners up from the group C – Italy. Due to the fact that Italy are well known for their defensive abilities, there is a very good chance that the game might go into penalties. England manager Roy Hodgson has already revealed that the team are practising penalties just in case the match goes into extra time and penalties.

Chelsea captain and defender John Terry has some of the worst experiences in a penalty shootout after he missed the crucial kick in the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United in Moscow. Even though John Terry has been redeemed from the mistake this season after Chelsea won their first ever Champions League title, it is thought that John Terry would be extremely fearful of taking a penalty in the match against Italy. Hodgson has denied such rumours by saying that Terry will step up if he is called to do so.

“John will step up to the plate. He has confidence in his own ability. He will take one if needed. We have practised already, we have used the time after training sessions to practice. We’ll obviously take it even more seriously now. But you well know, you can practise penalty shoot-outs until the cows come home, it’s really your composure, your confidence, your ability to block everything out and forget the occasion that means you score or you don’t score,” said a very confident looking Roy Hodgson ahead of the Italy match that will take place on Monday.