Eredivisie: Profligate Feyenoord punished by Breda

Two late goals saw a profligate Feyenoord side slump to a 2-0 defeat at NAC Breda in the Eredivisie.
Feyenoord had the better share of the chances for much of nfl jersey
the game and went close through Ron Vlaar more than once.
However, Robbert Schilder broke the deadlock for NAC six minutes from time and doubled his tally in added time when Feyenoord's Bruno Martins Indi was dismissed and the resulting free-kick was converted.
Andreas Granqvist's 85th-minute penalty was enough for FC Groningen to claim a deserved 1-0 home success against FC Utrecht.
The home side dominated for the majority of Dallas Cowboys jersey
the match but had to rely on Granqvist's cool head from the spot to claim the points after Tim Matavz was fouled in the area by Michael Silberbauer.
The win means Pieter Huistra's side remain unbeaten and are just two points off joint leaders PSV Eindhoven and Ajax.
A late Hugo Bargas brace saw De Graafschap battle back from two goals down to secure a point from their match at ADO Den Haag.
Dmitri Bulykin had put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute and substitute Kevin Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
Visser doubled their advantage with virtually his first touch in the 71st minute.
But Bargas pulled one back two minutes later and then notched again with a spectacular overhead kick two minutes from time to earn the visitors their fourth point of the season.

TE Davis gets 5-year extension

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)—For months, Vernon Davis(notes) insisted he wasn’t concerned about a contract extension—saying it would all take care of itself in time. Even after 49ers defensive star Patrick Willis(notes) received a hefty new deal in cheap nfl jerseys
May.
“I didn’t let it bother me,” Davis said. “I prayed about it. My grandmother prayed about it.”
That patience paid off. Now, Davis is the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.
The 26-year-old Davis signed a five-year extension with San Francisco on Saturday, a day before the team opens the season at NFC West rival Seattle as the division favorite.
He heard from his agent Friday night that things were a go. Davis is relieved to have this done before the season begins, thus avoiding entering free agency after 2010.
“It’s a beautiful thing, especially going into the season not worrying about it,” Davis said. “It’s not weighing heavy on my mind. Just go out on the field and continue to perform.”
A person familiar with the contract told The Associated Press that Davis will get $37 million overall, with $34 million guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract details were not released.
The contract is worth $3 million more in guaranteed money than San Diego’s Antonio Gates(notes) received.
“Being the highest paid tight end at my position says a lot but when it comes down to it I’m not playing the game for money. It’s about passion,” Davis said. “I didn’t let it get to me because the only thing I could focus on is football. One thing about me once the season starts, I’m 100 percent football and that’s all.”
Davis, entering his fifth NFL season, led the 49ers last season with 78 catches for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns, which matched Gates’ NFL record for TDs by a tight end. Davis made his first Pro Bowl in 2009 and tied for the league lead in touchdown catches with Randy Moss(notes) and Larry Fitzgerald(notes).
“I found myself saying this earlier this spring I couldn’t be happier for an individual to sign a contract extension and be with the 49ers for five more years, and that was Patrick Willis,” coach Mike Singletary said in a conference call Saturday night from Seattle. “Now that Vernon has signed, you’re talking about two of the finest players at their positions in the league. I’m very happy for Vernon because he deserves everything he gets.”
Davis has 181 receptions for 2,097 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career.
Selected sixth overall in 2006 out of Minnesota Vikings jersey
Maryland, Davis started eight games as a rookie and has been a regular, when healthy, ever since. He also is a team captain, a good blocker as well as a threat over the middle and deep.
Singletary said he has no concerns about the money going to Davis’ head.
“Vernon is a guy, if you find a guy who comes in and he’s one of hardest working guys on your team if not the hardest working guy on your team, what’s going to change him?” Singletary said. “That’s been the mark of Vernon Davis since he got here.”
In extending Davis’ contract, the 49ers have made deals with two of their best players—on either side of the ball. Davis joins Willis, the Niners’ All-Pro linebacker. New vice president of player personnel Trent Baalke orchestrated the extensions in two significant moves since he took over football operations following the abrupt departure of general manager Scot McCloughan in March.
Once known for scuffling with teammates, Davis has become a team leader under Singletary. They have had their moments in the past, too.
Singletary sent Davis to the showers early during the coach’s debut in October 2008 against Seattle for the way he reacted to a personal foul penalty. Davis has come a long way since that day, taming down his once volatile antics and not letting opponents get to him on the field.
He considers growing up a big part of his success—and he largely credits Singletary in that transformation. Singletary knows Davis will come to play every game and every practice, and have fun in the process.
“All you have to do is look at the identity of the 49ers and Vernon fits it,” Singletary said. “We’re very fortunate to have him here. He’s a great role model for the rest of our players.”
Davis and second-year wide receiver Michael Crabtree(notes) got into a verbal on-field spat during a training camp practice, after which Davis said he was simply displaying his leadership. Singletary, who stepped between the players and took both to the locker room for a chat, also said he appreciated Davis’ efforts though perhaps not his methods.
Davis said afterward he was frustrated by some things Crabtree did that he “didn’t like.”
“It was a matter of Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
being a team captain. All I was doing was taking care of my responsibilities and doing my job,” Davis said.
AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner in New York contributed to this story.

Opening drive: Five AFC teams can’t afford a stumbling start

Before Week 1, every NFL team is a contender. On Tuesday, half the league will be scrambling after a loss.
Getting out to a fast start is critical, especially in football jersey
the tough AFC. Five teams to watch closely early in the playoff race:
Houston Texans. They've been a sleeper team the past few years, thanks in part to wide receiver Andre Johnson(notes) headlining a prolific passing game. Sunday, they open with a critical home game against their division nemesis, the Colts—a team they have beaten only once in 16 tries.
CBS play-by-play man Jim Nantz, who said the Texans may have more riding on Week 1 than any team, believes a victory over Indianapolis would have a lasting effect. "They'll be looked at as perhaps the team to beat in the AFC South," he said.
Pittsburgh Steelers. They will be without Ben Roethlisberger(notes) for four weeks and will especially need to be up to the challenge in home games against the Falcons (Sunday) and Ravens (Oct. 3). "They're going to lean on their defense, they're going to Indianapolis Colts jersey
lean on the running game," CBS analyst and former Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "It's not something they haven't done before."
Cincinnati Bengals. The reigning AFC North champions have a chance to make a big statement Sunday at New England. The Bengals will try to show they were for real last season, and that they are improved this season. "They feel like this is their year," ESPN analyst and former Broncos linebacker Tom Jackson said.
New York Jets. Now that they've done the talking, they have to try to live up to expectations. And they start with two teams that don't like them—Ray Lewis'(notes) Ravens and Tom Brady's(notes) Patriots. "They put a lot of pressure on themselves," Hall of Fame quarterback and CBS analyst Dan Marino said.
San Diego Chargers. It's time to shake the habit of Dallas Cowboys jersey
stumbling out of the gate. With a favorable schedule, they must prove they can shine without two holdouts: wide receiver Vincent Jackson(notes) and left tackle Marcus McNeill(notes). "They need to show, 'We can still be a dominant offense,' " ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer(notes) said.

Opening drive: Five AFC teams can’t afford a stumbling start

Before Week 1, every NFL team is a contender. On Tuesday, half the league will be scrambling after a loss.
Getting out to a fast start is critical, especially in the tough AFC. Five teams to watch closely early in the playoff race:
Houston Texans. They've been a sleeper nfl jersey
team the past few years, thanks in part to wide receiver Andre Johnson(notes) headlining a prolific passing game. Sunday, they open with a critical home game against their division nemesis, the Colts—a team they have beaten only once in 16 tries.
CBS play-by-play man Jim Nantz, who said the Texans may have more riding on Week 1 than any team, believes a victory over Indianapolis would have a lasting effect. "They'll be looked at as perhaps the team to beat in the AFC South," he said.
Pittsburgh Steelers. They will be without Ben Roethlisberger(notes) for four weeks and will especially need to be up to the challenge in home games against the Falcons (Sunday) and Ravens (Oct. 3). "They're going to lean on their defense, they're going to lean Minnesota Vikings jersey
on the running game," CBS analyst and former Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "It's not something they haven't done before."
Cincinnati Bengals. The reigning AFC North champions have a chance to make a big statement Sunday at New England. The Bengals will try to show they were for real last season, and that they are improved this season. "They feel like this is their year," ESPN analyst and former Broncos linebacker Tom Jackson said.
New York Jets. Now that they've done the talking, they have to try to live up to expectations. And they start with two teams that don't like them—Ray Lewis'(notes) Ravens and Tom Brady's(notes) Patriots. "They put a lot of pressure on themselves," Hall of Fame quarterback and CBS analyst Dan Marino said.
San Diego Chargers. It's time to shake the habit of Dallas Cowboys jersey
stumbling out of the gate. With a favorable schedule, they must prove they can shine without two holdouts: wide receiver Vincent Jackson(notes) and left tackle Marcus McNeill(notes). "They need to show, 'We can still be a dominant offense,' " ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer(notes) said.

Rooney returns to action for Man United at Everton

LONDON (AP)—Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney can expect a hostile reception when he returns to Goodison Park on Saturday for a Premier League match against former club Everton.
Allegations about Rooney’s private life have been dominating the nfl jerseys
headlines, even though he returned to form on England duty over the past week with a goal against Switzerland and a flurry of assists against Bulgaria.
The 24-year-old striker should start against the club that sold him to United in 2004, despite the likelihood of abuse from home fans.
“There is a good chance he will get slaughtered,” said Everton defender Phil Jagielka, who played alongside Rooney for England on Tuesday. “He normally gets quite a bit of stick anyway. I can’t see that changing come Saturday.”
United manager Alex Ferguson refused to discuss Rooney and the player’s off-field issues in a pre-match news conference, instead opting to focus on the threat posed by an opponent which has picked up just one point from its opening three matches.
“Everton’s a hard place to go—the atmosphere’s always terrific—but we have a fantastic record there,” Ferguson said. “I think I’ve lost only three times there in 24 years.”
Rooney scored his first league goal of the season in a 3-0 win over West Ham before the international break that lifted the 18-time English champions to seven points, two behind leader Chelsea.
He should again partner the in-form Dimitar Berbatov up front while Ferguson must decide whether to recall England center back Rio Ferdinand, who is available after recovering from knee injury.
Everton is without young midfielder Jack Rodwell, who has been ruled out for up to three months with an ankle injury.
Chelsea is the only side to have won all three so far this campaign, scoring 14 goals without conceding. Next up is a trip to West Ham, which is without a point and has conceded three goals in each of its matches.
“I know they are bottom, but on the pitch it is different and we have to play well,” Chelsea defender Alex said. “We have to start the game strong and … attack in the first 15 minutes.”
Chelsea captain John Terry is available again to manager Dallas Cowboys jersey
Carlo Ancelotti after recovering from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss England’s two European Championship qualifiers. Midfielder Frank Lampard remains sidelined after undergoing hernia surgery during the international break.
West Ham is managed by Avram Grant, who guided Chelsea to the Champions League final in 2008 but is under pressure following his new club’s poor start.
This weekend is the first chance for clubs to play new signings they made prior to the closing of the transfer window at the end of August.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was busy as usual on deadline day, signing Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, and both players could make their debuts in the match at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Recent arrivals William Gallas and Sandro are also in line for Spurs debuts but England striker Jermain Defoe was ruled out for three months following surgery on torn ankle ligaments.
Second-place Arsenal, which is level on seven points with United, is at home to Bolton but is short of attacking options after injuries to striker Robin van Persie and winger Theo Walcott.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Manchester City hosts Blackburn, Wolverhampton Wanderers is at Fulham, Newcastle is at home to Blackpool and Wigan hosts Sunderland.
On Sunday, Liverpool could give debuts to new signings Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky when it plays Birmingham, which has yet to lose this season.
On Monday, Aston Villa plays for the first time since the Minnesota Vikings jersey
club appointed Gerard Houllier as manager, succeeding Martin O’Neill.
Villa, which is at second-from-last Stoke, climbed up to fourth place under temporary manager Kevin MacDonald, who will be in charge for the final time before Houllier takes over.

Thumbs down to Blatter’s extra time proposals

PARIS (AP)—In 514 matches for club and country, German wunder-forward Oliver Bierhoff scored 226 times. Yet only once, Bierhoff says, did he celebrate by whipping off his jersey: when his left-footed golden goal made Germany the European champion in 1996.
That sudden-death winner against the Czech Republic, after just four minutes of nfl jersey
extra time, was the first golden goal scored in a major international competition.
“For sure the most important goal in my career,” says Bierhoff, who is now team manager for Germany’s national side.
Czech goalkeeper Petr Kouba’s outstretched hands only managed to divert the shot against the inside of his left post. Czech players collapsed grief-stricken as Bierhoff tore away in shirt-waving joy in front of 76,000 spectators in Wembley Stadium.
“It’s strange,” Bierhoff said in a phone interview, trying 14 years later to pinpoint why that was the only time he felt compelled to go torso-naked for a goal. “Perhaps deep inside me I realized the game was over.”
No question: Because it delivered results with the brutal and sudden finality of a guillotine, the golden goal method of deciding football matches provided unforgettable moments of drama during its decade of use starting in 1993.
That doesn’t mean it should be revived ghoul-like from the grave now.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s suggestion is like putting a bottle of vinegar in the cupboard and hoping 10 years later that it will, somehow, have magically transformed into a vintage wine. It hasn’t.
Had this method been the answer to Blatter’s prayers and a consistent, widely appreciated antidote to dull football then FIFA wouldn’t have splashed the headline—“Footballing world cheers end of golden goal”—on its web site in 2004 when the sport’s rule-makers abolished it. For deciding matches deadlocked after 90 minutes, they instead reverted to a full 30 minutes of extra time followed, if necessary, by a penalty shoot-out.
Blatter, like many of us, was dismayed by the lack of Indianapolis Colts jersey
ambition from some teams at the 2010 World Cup that played not to win games but rather to not lose. Naively, Blatter feels that tinkering with the rules might encourage more attacking football.
Nations like New Zealand, Algeria, Switzerland, Honduras, North Korea or Greece—which together scored a pathetic six goals between them in South Africa — cannot be conjured into attack-minded whirlwinds like Spain, Argentina or Germany with a tweak here or there. They don’t have the necessary talent or strength in depth and so instead play within their limitations.
Blatter can’t stop weaker teams from playing for draws or pulling 10 men back in hopes of keeping goals out until they can try their luck in a penalty shoot-out. His suggested alternative to golden goals—that shoot-outs be organized after 90 minutes of play instead of the current 120—is silly because it would merely mean that unambitious teams have to hang on for a shorter time before they are rewarded with the lottery of penalties.
Consider the World Cup final. It would have been wrong had the Netherlands beaten Spain on penalties after playing so cynically and negatively for the first 90 minutes. Extra time allowed Spain to finally break down the Dutch and football justice to be done.
Because of the disparities in talent, there will always be dull games and teams at the World Cup. We can legitimately hope that future World Cups will be better without having to flip-flop back and forth between changing sets of rules. Let us also not forget that one reason put forth by some players and coaches for the restricted diet of goals in South Africa was the lightness of the World Cup ball that, at altitude, became hard to control. That should be easy for FIFA to remedy for Brazil in 2014.
Bigger priorities for FIFA should be concentrating on limiting the atrocious refereeing errors that marred some games in South Africa, including quickly accepting goal-line technology. Players might also be more inclined or able to attack if they weren’t being exhausted by over-strenuous seasons. That far trickier and complex problem is more worthy of FIFA’s utmost attention than asking committees to toy with golden goals or extra time.
“This would be much more important,” Bierhoff says of Minnesota Vikings jersey
possibly lightening players’ commitments.
“The big players come to the tournaments very tired. It becomes more and more difficult for these Messis and Ronaldos to come fresh,” he says.
And reviving golden goals?
“It will change nothing,” he says.
Hardly a ringing endorsement from someone best remembered for scoring one.
John Leicester is an international sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jleicester(at)ap.org

Wenger hails Fergie for reaching 700 EPL games

LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Friday saluted Alex Ferguson as his old rival prepared to take charge of his 700th Premier League match in charge of Manchester United.
Wenger has spent much of his time in English football in direct nfl throwback jerseys
competition with Ferguson for the game's top honours and their relationship has often been less than cordial.
But there has been more respect between the two in recent years and Wenger was happy to pay tribute to Ferguson on Friday ahead of the latest milestone in the Scot's illustrious career at Old Trafford.
Ferguson, who arrived at United from Aberdeen in 1986, will Dallas Cowboys jersey
reach the 700-game landmark in his side's clash with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Wenger, who has been in charge of 527 Premier League games, said: "It is dedication and it is a fantastic achievement.
"He deserves a lot of credit to show such consistency at the top level, which needs special qualities and special dedication.
"That certainly means 700 sleepless nights before Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
and 700 sleepless nights sometimes after the game!"