Soccer Extreme : Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric will be out for at least six weeks after breaking a bone in his right fibula in Saturday's 2-1 win over Birmingham City, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

LUK'S OUT ... Modric winces after breaking his leg in Spurs' weekend win

The 23-year-old Croatian midfielder, who has been in inspired form as Spurs have won their opening four league matches this season, was hurt in what seemed an innocuous collision with Lee Bowyer at the start of the second half.

He told the Croatian daily Jutarnji List: "It's like my whole world has crumbled because I will be out for at least six weeks. I am terribly sad.

"It wasn't a ferocious tackle but it hurt awfully and I knew something was wrong the moment it happened.

"The worst feeling is knowing that I will be watching both my club and country from the sidelines for a while."

A Tottenham spokesman said initial reports the injury would take months to heal were wide of the mark.

"This is not the case with a fractured fibula," he said.

However, Modric will miss Croatia's World Cup qualifiers at home to Belarus on Sept. 5 and away to England four days later and at least five Spurs league matches including games against Manchester United and Chelsea.

It is the second time in 18 months that a key Croatian player has been hurt playing against Birmingham with the country's Brazilian-born Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva suffering a horrific leg injury in a Premier League match in February 2008.

That injury kept Eduardo out for a year but Modric should return much sooner and he ought to be fit to play in next year's World Cup finals in South Africa if Croatia qualify.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said after the game that he hoped he had suffered only damage to his calf.

However an X-ray showed he fractured his right fibula and it could lead to Modric being out of action for months.

The injury comes just as Spurs have made their best start to a season for 49 years and is a major blow to the club who are currently second in the table with a maximum 12 points from their opening four games. Chelsea are top on goal difference.

Redknapp said after the match he was concerned about a growing injury crisis at the Lane, with skipper Ledley King (groin) joining the walking (reuters, thesun)

Soccer Extreme : Didier Drogba has set his heart on clocking up a hundred goals in Chelsea colours as Carlo Ancelotti's side sit pretty at the top of the Premier League.

A comfortable 3-0 rout of Burnley on Saturday extended Chelsea's winning run in the league to four successive games and in the process took them above Tottenham on goal difference.

Drogba, who has already hit three goals so far this season, was at the hub of much of his side's attacking threat at Stamford Bridge and was unfortunate not to extend his Chelsea career tally of 97.

The Ivory Coast international is determined to reach 100 goals after ending speculation about his future by signing a new contract extension in the summer.

"I knew that I was already part of the history of Chelsea when we won the league for the first time in 2005 and then defended it a year later," said Drogba.

"We all became part of the history of the club then, but to be able to score 100 goals for Chelsea is a big achievement - I've never done that with my other teams.

"That shows how settled I am here and now I want to go on and break all the records I can.

"I'm a striker and, for me, it is really important to get goals and to try and make history at this club.

"But when we're on the pitch we don't think about needing five goals to be on 100 or anything like that - you can't let it distract you from playing your game for the team." (skysports)

Soccer Extreme : the hottest soccer babes compertition of the year is back for 2009 happy days! and its well underway in brazil as top totti does battle in a ultra babe burn out to represent its local team

.So let’s start by looking a the contestants from the preliminary round we will be having a look at some of the girls in detail! so first up is La Musa do Internacional – Bruna Zanatta (boxofficefootball)

Soccer Extreme : Leonardo said there was a “chain reaction” from Gennaro Gattuso's injury that led to Milan's capitulation in the derby.

“Up until the first goal I'd say Milan were right there against a tough and organised team. After that we struggled to deal with the difficult moment and that is something we need to improve,” said the Coach after a 4-0 defeat to Inter.

The game changed when Gattuso picked up an ankle injury, brought down Samuel Eto'o for a penalty and was sent off before half-time, all while he was waiting for a substitution.

“Gattuso got hurt and had to keep coming off for treatment. It was our free kick and he had to run back and gave away this penalty.

“He was meant to come off, [Clarence] Seedorf wasn't ready, and the delay proved decisive. He is in hospital now for tests and those minutes made all the difference.”
The biggest problem seemed to be psychological, as Milan visibly crumbled once Inter took the lead.

“I think there was a little uncertainty, but also a series of incidents that made it tougher for us. Gattuso was injured and struggled to get back, so the delay in preparing Seedorf due to a calf problem added up and the game changed.

“When a player is injured and gets there after his opponent, these things can happen. It was just one thing after another and it turned into a chain reaction. This penalty would never have happened if Gattuso had been fit.”

Leonardo stood up for Ronaldinho, who was jeered by the fans when he was replaced in the second half.

“Ronaldinho didn't have a great performance, but I don't think it is right to make individual criticism. As a team we did not deal with the situation properly and that is what we must work on.

“The 4-3-1-2 system with Ronaldinho is a little different and he can play a more advanced role, so to sustain this trident we need a very compact midfield. We achieved that in the first half-hour, but then things happened and we cannot judge the squad on these two games alone.” (football-italia)

Soccer Extreme : Arsene Wenger has defended himself against the red card he received in the final seconds of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.

Arsene Wenger has defended himself against the red card he received in the final seconds of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.

Wenger was sent to the stands by referee Mike Dean after booting a water bottle down the touchline in frustration after Robin van Persie had a last-gasp equaliser disallowed for offside.

The Frenchman initially headed for the seats behind the dugout, only to find there weren't any, and was eventually ushered towards the tunnel as his side suffered a defeat which was very hard to take.

"I just kicked a bottle of water," claimed Wenger.

"I did it because I was disappointed, not because I thought it wasn't offside.

"The fourth official called the referee over and he sent me off. I don't know what to say. There were 30 seconds to go and I didn't know where to go.

"I didn't know you were not allowed to kick a water bottle, although it was a good kick."

Wenger described the eventual outcome as "unbelievable" - a word which could have summed up the contest as a whole or half a dozen individual parts.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson claimed it was not a penalty when Darren Fletcher chopped down Andrey Arshavin with the scores still goalless, he was in a very small minority.

Thankfully for Arsenal, Arshavin scored himself shortly afterwards, rocketing a shot past a startled Ben Foster.

Alternatively, Wenger might have been describing Foster's feet-first save to deny Robin van Persie at the start of the second-half.

In addition there was the penalty that was given for United when Manuel Almunia slid into Wayne Rooney which provided the equaliser; Rooney getting to his feet to send the Arsenal keeper the wrong way, and Abou Diaby's own goal shortly afterwards that ultimately proved to be the matchwinner.

"We were the better team but we lost the game," groaned Wenger. "It is very difficult to swallow."

In an effort to follow the FA's instruction not to attack referees, Wenger attempted to bite his tongue.

"It was an Old Trafford dish," was his reaction to Rooney's penalty, adding that he felt the Arshavin incident was a penalty, while admitting he was not the most objective observer.

The Rooney incident did raise inevitable questions about the incident involving Eduardo against Celtic in midweek that seems certain to land the Croat with a two-game ban for "deceiving the referee".


Picture : Showing his bottle: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger kicks a plastic bottle on the Old Trafford touchline as he watches his side crash to defeat

"I hope UEFA were watching last night (Super Cup tie between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk) because they will be charging Lionel Messi for headbutting," he observed.

"I can guarantee over the weekend I will be able to find 50 similar situations where UEFA must take action or they will have singled out Eduardo as a victim.

"There is no logic to what they have done. We have clear evidence he was touched."

The same was undoubtedly true of Rooney, Dean's decision ultimately proving pivotal as United fought their way to a famous win.

"Coming back from 1-0 down against Arsenal was a hard task," said Ferguson.

"But we got a bit of a break with the own goal and I am delighted with the win."

Rooney has now scored five goals in five games this season, although Ferguson feels he should hand over his man-of-the-match champagne to Fletcher who, his one indiscretion apart, was superb.

"Darren was the outstanding player on the field," said Ferguson.

"It was a marvellous performance. He always does well on the big occasion. If I had been choosing the man-of-the-match, I would have given it to Darren." (espnstar)

Soccer Extreme : Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson praised Darren Fletcher’s inspirational display during United’s enthralling 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Scottish midfielder covered every blade of grass, blocked passes and shots with just about every part of his anatomy and was at the foundation of most of United’s moves attacking moves.

Fletcher’s performances this season, and last, point to a maturing player reaching his footballing peak. Still underrated by some outside Old Trafford, United fans know the Scot’s value and regularly showed their appreciation at his every lung-bursting run.

Surprisingly, Sky gave the Man of the Match award to Rooney, who Sir Alex thinks will gladly hand over the bottle of champagne.

“I think Wayne will give it to him!” the manager said with a smile. “Darren was the outstanding performer on the field. He really was outstanding. He always does well on these big occasions because he’s a big-game player.”

Rooney added: “I’ve said many times, forwards score goals and tend to get the man of the match award,” said Wayne. “But Fletch was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch.” (manutd)

Soccer Extreme : How do you get some attention when your footballing talent just isn't enough? For the France women's team, the answer was simple: strip for the cameras.

France's appearance in the Women's European Championship in Finland has been met with a Gallic shrug from sports fans back home.

But at least pictures of goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi and midfielders Gaetane Thiney and Corine Franco have gone down well. (dailymail)

EDIT PICTURE

Soccer Extreme : At the start of his ninth year of Milan, Andrea Pirlo knows that he will end his career with the Rossoneri.

A long road like the one of Baresi and Rivera, two flags: "They have real flags, like Maldini.

I also played other places.

As players I feel similar to Rivera, due to the origins and ways to do like Baresi: we're people who don't talk much, who speak with facts."

Apart from his talent, at Milan there's Ronaldinho: "He's so good that he can find the right role himself.

Leonardo listens the president, but then he decides on his own. What changed in Ronaldinho is the will.

He's working hard, for the team." This is his thought on the world cup: "It's a motivation: for our Brazilians who are not sure of their place and for us Azzurri, therefore for the entire Milan."

Finally Andrea spoke about the rumours that the club was going to be sold: "I don't think it will happen.

More incomes will be found, in order to make the market with the club's resources and not the personal investments of the Berlusconi family. But the ownership remains the same." (acmilan)

Soccer Extreme : Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accused UEFA on Friday of mounting a "witch hunt" against his striker Eduardo da Silva and said the "disgraceful" decision to open a disciplinary case against him set a dangerous precedent.

UEFA said on Friday it was opening disciplinary proceedings against Eduardo for "deceiving the referee" after the Brazilian-born Croatian international won a penalty in Arsenal's Champions League playoff victory over Celtic.

"I find it a complete disgrace," Wenger said at a news conference when asked about the UEFA charge.

"There is nothing conclusive (in the pictures). It singles out a player in Europe to be a cheat and that is not acceptable."

He added: "For me it's a witch hunt. It is not an objective judgement of the case. Eduardo was touched by the goalkeeper and we can prove that."

Eduardo went down in the Celtic game after poking the ball past goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who dived at his feet but appeared to make little or no contact with the striker. Arsenal won the match 3-1 to go through 5-1 on aggregate.

BROKEN LEG

Eduardo spent a year out of the game after suffering a badly broken leg in February 2008 and Wenger drew a comparison between the gravity of that incident and the current case.

"It is funny in football because you can break the legs of players and it doesn't make a debate for anybody but this case has been all over the world and is being treated like Eduardo has killed somebody," Wenger said.

Wenger was particularly angered by what he saw as the decision to open the case even though the referee had ruled on the incident during the match. That, he said, set a precedent allowing for every decision to be challenged.

"The existing rules of football have been changed just for this case, so from now on, we will challenge every single decision, I tell you, that is made in Europe by the referees," Wenger said.

"This is the first time I have been in football that the judgement of the referee has not been accepted... So they have opened a door that a decision seen by the referee and assessed by the referee can be challenged. They have opened a very dangerous door there." (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho blamed the press on Friday for stirring up tensions following comments he made about Ramadan.

The Portuguese coach said Ghana's Sulley Muntari had possibly lacked energy in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Bari because he was fasting for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The statement angered an Italian Muslim leader and reports say threats against Mourinho have been posted on websites.

"If something happens to me it will be your responsibility," Mourinho told reporters ahead of Saturday's Serie A derby with AC Milan.

"The situation with Muntari is your responsibility. I know what I said. I said 'you can't criticise the decision of Muntari because it is a question of faith and religion'.

"That means I accept it, I never said Muntari must forget his faith. If someone in the Islamic community is annoyed with me, It is your fault."

On the field, Mourinho said he was pleased to sign Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder from Real Madrid after the champions lacked ideas in the Serie A opener at home to Bari.

"Sneijder completes my squad. I asked for a central defender, a midfielder, a playmaker and an attacker. They've all arrived," Mourinho said referring to Lucio, Thiago Motta, Sneijder and Diego Milito/Samuel Eto'o.

"It's a shame it didn't happen in pre-season, it would have been fantastic to have a month and a half to prepare ourselves. It's a team with potential. In derbys there are no favourites, often the team that is having the worst spell wins." (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : Bayern Munich signed Dutch winger Arjen Robben from Real Madrid on Friday in a bid to improve on their stuttering start to the season.

The 25-year-old international signed a four-year contract after passing a medical earlier in the day, the Bundesliga club said on their website.

"It's done," said the club. "Arjen Robben will strengthen the Bayern squad with immediate effect."

They said Robben would train later on Friday and would be available for Saturday's match at home to champions VfL Wolfsburg, when Bayern will attempt to chalk up their first win of the season.

Under new coach Louis van Gaal, Bayern have taken only two points from their first three games in their worst start to a season for 43 years.

Their form has already brought stinging criticism from former players Oliver Kahn and Stefan Effenberg.

GOOD FEELING

"It all happened very fast. There were a couple of things I wanted to think over but in the end I decided I really wanted to move to a huge club like Bayern," Robben told Bayern's television channel FCB.tv.

"Right from the start, Bayern gave me a very good feeling, and I feel very welcome here. This is a massive club with a glorious history and I'm delighted to be here now.

"I'm totally fit, I had a good pre-season with Real Madrid and I'm ready to play," he added.

Van Gaal said: "I'm delighted, because now I have another creative player. He's an explosive player.

"I don't think we'll only be using a 4-3-3 formation from now on. We could use a number of systems with Robben and (Franck) Ribery."

Bayern did not disclose the transfer fee but Spanish media estimated they had agreed to pay 25 million euros.

Robben made his debut for Real in September 2007 after moving from Chelsea but despite a number of scintillating performances last season his career has been blighted by injury.

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka at the Bernabeu had made it less likely that he could command a regular place in Manuel Pellegrini's team this season. (reuters)


Video : Arjen Robben Skills

Soccer Extreme : Wesley Sneijder has revealed that Jose Mourinho convinced him to leave Real Madrid for Inter by SMS text message.

Sneijder's €15 million move to the San Siro hung in the balance as the player seemed unwilling to leave the Bernabeu. However, he has revealed that phone contact from the Portuguese coach finally convinced him of where his future lay.

"In recent weeks I have received several SMS from Mourinho, in which he expressed how much he'd love to have me at Inter. That is why I'm proud and happy to go to that team," Sneijder confirmed in AS.

He also admitted he has hope to remain at Madrid, and that Manuel Pellegrini was happy for him to stay but club president Florentino Perez was of a different view.

"I tried to resist, but it was a battle I could not win. Pellegrini told me he didn't want to lose me but the president had other ideas. Madrid have invested a lot of money and they needed to sell," added the 25-year-old attacking midfielder.

The Dutchman pointed to next year's World Cup as an important factor in his decision.

Sneijder could make his debut for the Nerazzurri on Saturday against city rivals Milan. (goal)

Soccer Extreme : Fans of Bayern Munich, who have made their worst start to the Bundesliga for 43 seasons, will get a chance to drown sorrows before Saturday's home match with champions VfL Wolfsburg.

The Bavarian club are to give away more than 7,000 litres of beer before the game as part of a sponsorship deal with a Munich-based brewery. The same deal also saw the players and coach Louis van Gaal dress up in traditional Bavarian costume, including lederhosen, for a photo shoot this week.

Van Gaal was photographed grinning as he held up a half-litre of beer but the former Barcelona and Netherlands coach has had little else to smile about at his new club.

Bayern have taken only two points from three Bundesliga games and are languishing in 14th place after Saturday's 2-1 defeat by promoted Mainz 05. The Bavarians are desperate for Franck Ribery to play against Wolfsburg, the Frenchman having returned to training on Monday after a knee injury kept him out for around two weeks.

"We knew it could be a bumpy start, and it has been," said German international Philipp Lahm, adding the players were still getting used to Dutchman Van Gaal's system. "A lot of what he does is tactical. He has a clear vision of how he wants each position to be played. That's a massive change for each and every one of us because it's not been like that here in recent years."

Former goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has already voiced his displeasure in an interview with the Bild newspaper.

"I have a feeling the old dominance, self-belief and the idea everyone fights together have gone missing," he said. "Bayern have always had a clear philosophy, even if we are not the strongest in individual terms the team must always be the strongest. I must ask myself if every player has this desire for success."

Wolfsburg won their opening two games before losing 4-2 to Hamburg SV on Sunday, their first home defeat in nearly 18 months.

Hamburg, touted as possible title contenders, were inspired by 35-year-old Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto, a player Bayern let go at the end of last season. Hamburg, at home to Cologne on Sunday, are one of three clubs who have taken seven points from three games along with Schalke 04 and leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

Leverkusen host VfL Bochum on Saturday while Schalke are at home to bottom team Freiburg. (soccernet.espn)

Soccer Extreme : Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith wants European governing body UEFA to punish Arsenal striker Eduardo after his dive won a penalty in their Champions League playoff game against Celtic on Wednesday.

"Eduardo showed disrespect to the game by his actions in winning a penalty against Celtic," Smith said on the SFA website (www.scottishfa.co.uk).

"We have shown the courage to use retrospective punishment when it comes to simulation and I would urge UEFA to do so in this instance. Everything that can be done to stamp it out must be done. Starting right now."

Arsenal, who secured a 2-0 first leg victory at Celtic Park on Aug. 18, effectively sealed the tie just before the half-hour mark when Croatian Eduardo won and converted the penalty, much to the displeasure of Smith.

"Everyone in football has a responsibility to set the right example to our youngsters. We can talk all we want about Fair Play campaigns, but taking action would be a much more powerful deterrent and would send the right message to players everywhere," he added.

Arsenal find out on Thursday who they will face in the lucrative Champions League group stage, with the draw being held in Monaco. (reuters)


Video : Eduardo's Diving Penatly Goal Arsenal vs Celtic

Soccer Extreme : Italy coach Marcello Lippi on Wednesday said he would not select two players for his squad if they were openly involved in a homosexual relationship.

But the veteran coach, who led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006, insisted that choice was not due to homophobia but due to the requirements of team morale.

"In the current climate, two national team players could never be involved in an open relationship," he told a web-TV station.

"This is not a question of culture but is more related to the fact that such a relation would create conflicts contrary to the interests of the dynamics of the group.

"Imagine how a homosexual couple in football would be perceived.

"Even if, socially, most people would support and understand such a situation it would nonetheless become magnified and eventually would be viewed negatively."

Lippi has previously stated that in 40 years in football he has never met a homosexual and that there are no gay players.

He also said that he would have no problems picking a gay player but that person would find it hard to live as an openly gay footballer. (AFP)

Soccer Extreme : Chewing gum and playing soccer proved a dangerous mix for one Brazilian player.

Aloisio, a striker for Vasco da Gama, wound up in the hospital after colliding with an opponent and choking on his gum during a second-division game Tuesday. He was released from the hospital and avoided serious injury.

Doctors said he injured his head and stopped breathing momentarily, the gum obstructing his airway.

“It was a very serious situation,” Vasco doctor Paulo Cesar Rocha said Wednesday. “Luckily, we identified the problem quickly and took the gum out to help him breathe again.”

Aloisio, making his debut as a starter for Vasco, was struck hard in the head while challenging for a high ball near midfield during the second half. He collapsed and lost consciousness for a few moments.

Doctors rushed to him and an ambulance came on the field at Boca do Jacare Stadium in Brasilia.

“I don’t remember a lot,” Aloisio told local media Wednesday. “I only remember the doctor taking the gum out. I have never been scared like this — no more chewing gum for me.”

Aloisio was released from the hospital hours after he was admitted. He is barred from physical activity for at least a week as a precaution. More tests will be done next week to determine when he can play again.

Vasco, a four-time national champion, defeated Brasiliense 1-0. The club was relegated to the second division after last year’s dismal season but now leads the 20-team standings. The top four teams will be promoted to the top tier next season. (blog.taragana)

Soccer Extreme : Rene Simoes, coach of Brazilian second division club Portuguesa, handed in his resignation after officials of the club came into the locker room with guns on their belts and threatened the players after a loss.

The officials, accompained by bodyguards, berated the players after losing, 2-1, to Vila Nova and jeopardizing the club's promotion chances.

"They were four armed men and one appeared to be the boss," said Simoes, who is famous for coaching Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup.

The leader of the gang was identified as Antonio Jose Vaz Pinto, a member of the club's executive council.

A statement on the club's official Web site read: "Catching everyone by surprise... Mr Antonio Jose Vaz Pinto insulted the players and technical staff, showing a complete lack of control." (thereggaeboyz)

Soccer Extreme : Japanese club Oita Trinita are planning to sign controversial midfielder Naoya Kikuchi, who was arrested two years ago for having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

Oita official Yasushi Hara said the Kyushu-based club were serious about recruiting Kikuchi, who was banned from playing in Japan for a year following the scandal.

"We don't want to see such a talented young player go to waste," Hara told Wednesday's Nikkan Sports newspaper. "We want to give him a chance."

The 24-year-old Kikuchi, who was a member of Japan's 2004 Athens Olympic squad, played third division football in Germany after being booted out of the J-League in 2007.

He had admitted to having sex with a schoolgirl in a car, according to police reports.

Kikuchi was arrested after the girl reported the case to the police with a wallet containing Kikuchi's driver's license, which he had left in the basket of her bicycle.

His former club Jubilo Iwata immediately terminated the player's contract. (fourfourtwo)

Soccer Extreme : Borussia Dortmund striker Mohamed Zidan split from his long-term partner Stina just four weeks ago, but has bounced back in spectacular style.



The 27-year-old hitman is now engaged to May Ezz Eldin, one of Egypt’s most in-demand actresses. She is the star of Shikamara, and plenty of other films you will have never heard of.


Plans for a large WAG wedding are in full swing, and time is of the essence as Mai’s mother is said to be very ill.

Soccer Extreme : Portsmouth have been taken over by United Arab Emirates investor Sulaiman al-Fahim, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

"Sulaiman al-Fahim welcomed this agreement and looks forward to helping the club build on its impressive history and achieve new successes in the Premier League," the club said in a statement on its website (www.portsmouthfc.co.uk).

Portsmouth announced on July 21 that an agreement in principle had been reached to sell to Al-Fahim but delays in finalising the deal prompted the formation of a new consortium led by chief executive Peter Storrie try to buy the club last week.

Al-Fahim was named Portsmouth chairman after passing the Premier League's "fit and proper" test for prospective club owners last month.

He fully owns Al Fahim Asia Associates Ltd, the company that has bought Portsmouth making him the sole owner of the south coast club which won the FA Cup in 2008.

A board member of the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, Al-Fahim fronted the bid from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan for Manchester City last year.

Portsmouth, without a point from their first three matches this season, have been forced to sell a number of their best players to reduce debts. (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : The English Football Association wants life bans for those responsible for the crowd violence which marred Tuesday's League Cup match between West Ham United and Millwall.

"We absolutely condemn all of the disorder that has occurred at Upton Park... both inside and outside of the ground," an FA statement read.

Fans clashed outside the Premier League club's Upton Park stadium before kickoff and supporters invaded the pitch twice after West Ham scored in extra-time to beat the third division side 3-1.


A 44-year-old man was taken to hospital with a stab wound.

"We will very quickly be working with all parties, including the police and clubs to establish the facts," the FA statement continued.

"We expect all culprits to be banned from football for life -- they have no place in our game."

West Ham said they would investigate fully the "deplorable" scenes.

"The club will not tolerate the unacceptable behaviour witnessed... and will take the strongest possible action against anyone found responsible, including life bans." (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : The most eye-catching sight in the stands at next year's soccer World Cup will be thousands of jiving fans wearing elaborate headgear invented by a former cleaner in his township shack.

While the incessant blare of "vuvuzela" trumpets stirred controversy during the Confederations Cup in June -- a dress rehearsal for next year's tournament -- it was the extraordinary helmets worn by the fans that grabbed the eye. (Vuvuzela : football's beautiful noise).

The helmets, known as makarapas, are bound to stand out again in the globe's most watched event, giving unexpected fame to a humble invention.

Makarapas are made from the hard plastic hats worn by construction workers and range from simple painted designs to intricate stand-up cut-outs of players, teams or animals, often paired with giant mock spectacles.

Dancing fans wearing makarapas and making a noise like charging elephants on their vuvuzelas will be at the heart of the unique atmosphere that was such a selling point for Africa's first World Cup.

The makarapa was invented by Alfred Baloyi, 51, an unschooled municipal bus cleaner from northern Limpopo province who still lives in a dark concrete shack in a muddy township in Germiston, near Johannesburg.

Baloyi, a fanatical supporter of top South African team Kaizer Chiefs, says the makarapa was born when he saw a fellow fan hit on the head by a bottle thrown from the stands in 1979 and a construction worker friend gave him a helmet for protection at future matches.

Soon Baloyi, a talented natural artist, painted his helmet in the black and yellow of Kaizer Chiefs and then started taking orders, working in a cramped workshop at his home.

"First I was just painting them. Then as days went by I used to add horns, like goats' horns, and then I decided to start cutting and putting players on the helmets," he told Reuters.

"I am not from school, I am not educated. It is just a gift from God."

The shack reeks of paint and Baloyi's workshop is packed with fantastical designs including a helmet dedicated to one womanizing player with a half woman/half devil reclining on top.

Baloyi himself shows off his own huge headgear including giant nose and mouth with outsize teeth and a plastic guitar with music blaring from a car radio tape player tucked inside.

"ENEMY OF PLASTIC"

"I am the enemy of plastic," Baloyi jokes about the designs he cuts with a simple box knife. He is nicknamed "The Magistrate" and wears a robe to games. "They call me this because I sentence helmets to become something else," he said.

Baloyi's guitar is decorated with figures of a witch doctor, a scorpion and a monkey. Two mini-vuvuzelas protrude from the top of the helmet and a figure representing "the Magistrate" can be moved like a puppet at the end of the guitar.

Grant Nicholls, who runs a local sports marketing company, has gone into business with Baloyi and is looking for the best way to market the helmets and spread Baloyi's artistic gifts among other underprivileged South Africans.

Production is divided between a "signature range" which Baloyi crafts by hand, usually on commission, and a factory using machinery for simpler designs. Prices range from 120 rand ($15.50) to 300 rand ($38.50) and above for special designs.

"This guy is the most fantastic artist I have ever met. When he does his signature range makarapas, people just go 'Wow!'," Nicholls told Reuters.

With an expected cumulative television audience of more than 26 billion and 3.4 million tickets for the games, the World Cup could represent a bonanza for makers of both the vuvuzela and the makarapa.

FOREIGN TEAMS

Baloyi has already begun making helmets for fans of big foreign teams like Brazil, Germany and Spain.

Nicholls said he was close to a deal with a local company which has the right to use the tightly controlled FIFA World Cup logo in return for royalty payments. This would allow the helmets to be sold at thousands of official outlets.

The aim is to sell up to 2,000 of the factory-produced makarapas a month, with less than 50 of the signature range produced for companies, soccer teams and players.

Baloyi has bought a better house in Limpopo province for his family but Nicholls says he refuses to leave his Germiston shack. "I cannot get him out of there. He doesn't want to move."

A trust has been set up from the makarapa revenue to look after the family and the first beneficiary is daughter Calphina, 20, the third of his five children, who attends art college.

"She is following in my footsteps. But now I can send her to school," Baloyi said proudly.

Nicholls wants to set up centres where Baloyi can teach his skills to aspiring artists.

Makarapas will never provoke the controversy aroused by vuvuzelas. At the Confederations Cup, foreign broadcasters and some players complained about the deafening din, drawing outraged South African accusations of cultural colonialism.

FIFA quickly decreed that the vuvuzelas must stay, saying they were as characteristic of South African soccer as drums and off-tune singing in other football-mad countries.

Meanwhile, if you decide you cannot beat South Africans and must join them with your own vuvuzela during the World Cup, a South African website (www.boogieblast.co.za) has some novel suggestions for what to do with it when the competition ends, ranging from a hearing aid to a drinking funnel. (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : Extra time is an additional period played in some sports codes if the score is tied at the end of normal time. In score notation, it is often denoted by the letters ET or AET, the latter of which stands for "aggregated extra time".

In most sports, extra time is only played if the game is required to have a clear winner, e.g. in a knockout tournament where only one team can advance to the next stage. However, in North American sports culture, draws are disfavored; leagues in most North American sports therefore employ some form of extra time for all matches.

Professional association football play an extra 30 minutes, made up of two 15-minute periods. Note, however, that not all competitions employ extra time; for example, CONMEBOL has historically never used extra time in any of the competitions it directly organises, such as the Copa Libertadores (today, it uses extra time only in the final match of a competition). If such a game is still tied after extra time it is usually decided by kicks from the penalty mark, commonly called a penalty shootout. If the score remains level after extra time, the game is determined as a draw and the winning penalty shoot-out team are provided with recognition.

Extra time should not be confused with stoppage time, the time added on to each period by the referee in allowance for time lost through substitutions, timewasting, injuries, etc. (such time being part of the period concerned).

Extra time is also used in other sports codes, among them rugby union and rugby league, where it usually lasts for 20 minutes. In Australian rules football, two five-minute extra time periods are played in knockout finals matches when scores are tied at the end of the final quarter. In Gaelic football (and hurling), two halves of ten minutes are played after a draw. In major Gaelic football tournaments, extra time is only used if a replay finishes in a tie. In field hockey matches, extra time of 7½ minutes each way is played.

In North American sports, extra time is usually referred to as "overtime"; for professional football and ice hockey, it is usually "sudden death", which means that the overtime period ends with the first score made. In college football, a system of alternating possessions beginning at the opponent's 25-yard line is used which plays out similarly to extra innings in baseball in that each team receives a chance to score, and if the game is still tied, another iteration occurs. (wikipedia)

Soccer Extreme : Julia Gödecke came to The Spoiler’s attention thanks to her long-term relationship with Hamburger SV star Marcell Jansen. The former Miss Munich, however, split from Jansen in late 2008, soon after he left Bayern Munich for his current club. Shortly after they parted ways, however, Julia announced that she was pregnant, but kept the identity of the father a closely guarded secret.

Most people expected Mr Jansen to be applauded for his baby-making abilities, but the 25-year-old beauty yesterday revealed that the father is in fact Real Madrid’s Christoph Metzelder.

The defender, who will hopefully pass on his tremendous beard growing ability to his offspring, said:

“Yes, it’s true, I’m the father. I’m tremendously over the prospect of the child.”

Julia - whom Bild describe as “Germany’s most beautiful woman” - is due to give birth to a girl in October. She currently manages two restaurants for her father in Brandenburg, and Metzelder is still doing his thang in Madrid, but there will not be a long-distance relationship as they are currently not a couple. The German defender, however, has said he will do the decent thing by taking care of the child. (thespoiler)

Soccer Extreme : Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho was criticised by an Italian Muslim leader on Tuesday for comments the Portuguese made about Ramadan.

Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari was substituted in the first half of Sunday's 1-1 Serie A draw with Bari and Mourinho said the Ghanaian was possibly lacking energy because of the fast he is observing for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.


"I think Mourinho could talk a little less," Mohamed Nour Dachan, president of the Union of the Islamic community and organisations in Italy, told Sky television.

"A player who believes in Christianity, Judaism or Islam will definitely have a very calm psychological disposition and it will help him more." (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : To be tremendously fit is a must for all professional footballers: a demand that leads some Muslim players to forgo the duty of fasting during Ramadan, preferring to fulfill their obligation when the football season ends. However, for Sevilla’s Freddie Kanoute, this is not the case.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker believes it is possible for a modern footballer to remain in peak physical condition during the holy month.

The likes of Kanoute, along with Real Madrid's Mahamadou Diarra, Lassana Diarra, and Karim Benzema, are the talk of football world as doctors work around the clock to formulate a routine in order to keep them hydrated during the fasting process.

And as Spanish tabloids splash headlines about the fasting month and debates rage about whether players should even be allowed to fast and play during Ramadan - Kanoute insists he just wants to get on with it.

“I try to respect my faith and follow it as best I can,” Kanoute told Goal.com.

“It is sometimes harder to keep the fast because here in the south of Spain it is very hot, but I can do it, thank God.

“There are many Muslim footballers who people just do not know about in England in Spain, France and in many other leagues too. But having faith and practicing Ramadan is not something they wish to tell the world about.

“Personally, having faith helps my football and football helps me to be healthy and strengthens me. There is no conflict because people who know about Islam, they know that fasting empowers and does not weaken the Muslim.”

While Barcelona's fans are wondering if the likes of Eric Abidal, Seydou Keita and Yaya Toure - all Muslims - will be fasting, Real Madrid fans know of the importance their Muslim players - especially Mahamadou Diarra - place in their religion and his traditions.

“Every coach has respected my decision,” says Diarra on his Real Madrid profile page.

“They are difficult days during which one needs to eat, but it only lasts one month. I have another ten to play well.”

The Sevilla and Real Madrid players stance on Ramadan is shared by eminent specialist - Doctor Yacine Zerguni, a member of the FIFA and CAF Sports Medical Committees.

Zerguni collaborated with F-marc, the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre, in a study on the effects of observing Ramadan for Muslim players: two professional football clubs in Algeria agreed to undergo biological, clinical and psychological tests before, during and after the month of Ramadan.

The study constituted a world first in this particular area and formed the foundations for scientific analysis of the potential impact of Ramadan on player performance.

“This month of physical and mental self discipline, which must also be free from any unhealthy or aggressive behaviour,” Zerguni told Goal.com, when asked if Ramadan was compatible with the practice of top-level football.

“Ramadan is intended be a period of internal purification and meditation; a period of regeneration. It is far from harmful. Indeed, the psychological study of the personality formed an integral part of our research project.

“And although many players who were tested could not adapt to playing whilst fasting, one has to remember that it is highly likely that the effects of Ramadan are also linked to the spiritual qualities and physical capabilities of each athlete.

“Therefore certain players who continuously observe Ramadan when playing: their body can adapt because they are used to it - but many players can get tired. Players will have to work on effective pre- and post-match routines that will help them conserve energy and strength.”

Both Mahamadou Diarra and Kanoute place particular emphasis on the charity work during Ramadan. They donate a large portion of their earnings to charities in Mali with the hope of building a better future for their fellow citizens.

For Kanoute, a chance to “make a difference during Ramadan” is something very close to his heart.

“During Ramadan I give my all for my club and try not to let my team-mates and the fans down," he continued. "Everyone here has been very good to me and they understand. They also understand that during Ramadan you have a chance to reach out to those in need.



“For me, my charity is very important. I wanted to help with charity work for some time and a few years ago I went ahead with it and The Mali Children’s Village cares for orphaned and vulnerable children. There is a very big need to work with children here, especially orphans.

“My father was born a Muslim but as an orphan, he didn’t really know a lot about it, but he did try to teach me a few things. Children are our future and we should always try to ensure they are safe and have a good upbringing.” (goal)

Soccer Extreme : Indonesia's national coach is on a collision course with the Southeast Asian nation's soccer federation over his plans to twin the job with coaching a club side.

Benny Dollo is keen to follow in Guus Hiddink's shoes and take on the dual role with Indonesian Super League club Persija Jakarta, one of the sides interested in signing him up. The parties have already been in contact.

"Persija approached me to be their head coach in the Super League," Dollo told the Jakarta Globe newspaper.

"It's just a preliminary talk. We haven't talked about any contract, and I haven't signed anything," he said, adding that he had also been approached by two other ISL clubs.

Dollo would not want to quit his role as national team boss, but rather twin it with the club duties.

"Just like Guus Hiddink when he took over Chelsea but still maintained his job in the Russian national team," he said.

Hiddink took over from Luiz Felipe Scolari in February, remaining with them until after May's victory in England's FA Cup final.

Dollo's plan was met with a cool reaction from the Indonesian soccer federation (PSSI).

"His contract will expire in December, and we will review his performance then," PSSI secretary general Nugraha Besoes said.

"I don't think he's allowed to hold two jobs at the same time. There's a clause in (his) contract that states the national team head coach is prohibited from having a job as a club coach." (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : Japan's soccer chief has called Urawa Reds manager Volker Finke unfit to coach after the German reprimanded a player for not diving to win a penalty.

"He's not qualified to be a manager," Japan Football Association (JFA) president Motoaki Inukai was quoted as saying in Tuesday's Japanese media.

"It's unbelievable he said that. It's hopeless. Is that how low we have sunk?"

Inukai's comments were in response to Finke's criticism of striker Sergio Escudero for not going down under a challenge in the penalty box during Urawa's 2-1 defeat to Hiroshima on Saturday.

Finke fumed: "That's what I'm the most angry about -- him getting fouled and not falling down. I'll give him a fair play medal."

Inukai was unimpressed with the German's sarcasm.

"He should be teaching players more than just 'fall down!' Urawa's front office needs to tell him he's wrong," said Inukai. "It's awful luck for the players to get a coach like this."

Finke has come under fire from Urawa fans and players this season. Urawa were J-League champions in 2006 and won the Asian Champions League in 2007.

But Japan's best-supported side are 16 points off the pace after losing their sixth straight game at Hiroshima, leaving the 61-year-old Finke's job in the balance. (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : India skipper Bhaichung Bhutia scored a goal to cap a memorable 100th national team appearance, leading the hosts to victory over Kyrgyzstan in a five-nation tournament.

The 33-year-old striker scored off a solo effort and then earned a penalty after being brought down inside the box as the hosts won 2-1 in a league game in the Nehru Cup tournament on Sunday.

"It is a great moment, scoring in my 100th international but the most important thing was the team winning," said Bhutia, regarded as the face of Indian soccer.

"I dedicate this to all those who have supported me during my career."

Bhutia helped the side qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup finals in Qatar, but has had less joy at club level in recent times. His club Mohun Bagan slapped him with a six-month ban in June, saying he had neglected training duties to appear in a reality television dance show, which he and his female partner won. (reuters)

Soccer Extreme : The "planned" scuffles, which involved more than 100 fans, appeared to have been caused by fans without tickets to the game, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said.

Reports suggested that some of the fans had been throwing missiles and bricks at one another and the violence between the two sets of fans was described as "serious".

Police called on reinforcements in order to help calm the violence, which went on for several hours. Police in riot gear lined streets outside the Upton Park stadium, in east London, in preparation for the end of the match.

The police spokesman said: "There has been some trouble and disorder from Millwall and West Ham fans – officers are reacting to the violence."

He added that the arrests were made for disorder and breaches of banning orders outside the Carling Cup match at West Ham's ground.

It is thought some fans were ambushed by rival supporters outside the nearby Upton Park underground station via side roads.

Officers made at least two arrests, one for disorder and the second for breach of a banning order.

Police said the stabbing of a man, aged 44, in Priory Road close to the stadium, is connected to the fighting and he is in a stabled condition in hospital.

Inside Upton Park pockets of violence also broke out. Some supporters made it on to the pitch while others reported missiles being thrown.

As the final whistle blew hundreds of fans invaded the pitch. Police and stewards battled with fans in an attempt to remove them from the field of play.







An ongoing feud ...

May 1972

The two sets of fans went to war both inside and outside the Den during a testimonial for Harry Cripps, the legendary Millwall – and former West Ham – player.

September 1976

Millwall fan Ian Pratt died at New Cross station following a scuffle with West Ham supporters that led to his fall under a train.

March 2004

Eight police horses were required on the pitch as riot police had to quell fighting sparked by West Ham’s 4-1 defeat at the New Den.

source : telegraph


Video : Exclusive from Sky News

Soccer Extreme : Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, 18, brought home the crown for Venezuela, becoming the 6th Venezuelan titleholder in the entire pageant's history.

The svelte Venezuelan model defeated favorites from Australia and Dominican Republic in the high-rated show broadcast live from Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The 1st runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee de la Cruz, while Miss Kosovo, Gona Dragusha, was 2nd runner-up.

If Venezuela follows its winning streak next year, it might just be at par with the United States, which has had 7 contestants crowned as Miss Universe - by far the most number of wins by a country in the world.

Venezuela, however, has the most international beauty pageant titles under its belt, with 5 Miss World winners.

The two countries are closely followed by Puerto Rico, which has had 5 Miss Universe wins, followed by Sweden and Finland which have had 3 wins each since the pageant's founding in 1952.

Overall, Latin American and Caribbean beauties have dominated the pageant, with a total of 21 Miss Universe winners coming from countries like Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.

This is more than the total number of contestants from European countries (13) who have won the Ms. Universe crown. Countries include Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Greece, Germany, France, Norway, and Russia.

Diversity?

In the pageant's history, only 10 Asian contestants have won the Miss Universe crown. The Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and India have had 2 winners each; while Israel and Lebanon have had one each.

Conversely, only 3 Miss Universe winners came from African countries, including South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

Some countries fail to send representatives because the pageant fees are too costly, while others, like Algeria, do not send delegates reportedly because of the swimsuit competition, which does not conform to their cultural beliefs.

Out of 57 pageants, there have only been 2 Miss Universe winners who were dethroned. Miss Universe 1974 Amparo Muñoz, had to resign for alleged bad behavior, while Miss Universe 2002 Oxana Fedorova had to give up her crown for failure to perform certain duties.

Before entering the Miss Universe pageant, contestants usually undergo intensive training from 6 months to a year, sometimes more.

Each contestant is coached in a variety of areas including public speaking, modeling, fitness, and talent rehearsals. Their make-up and dress are usually handled by a team of professional make-up artists and fashion designers.

Lucrative

The official representative of each country is chosen through a search process licensed by the Miss Universe Organization, under NBC Universal and billionaire Donald Trump.

Delegates must be single, 18 to 27 years old, and must pass the pageant's credo of featuring ladies of "intelligence, good manners, and culture." The pageant does not have rules against cosmetic surgery and allows breast padding "to discourage contestants from altering their bodies."

Throughout her year-long reign, the Miss Universe titleholder gets star treatment with freebies and expense accounts, but has to fulfill certain functions including public appearances, charity work, and others.

According to the pageant's official website, the Miss Universe 2009 prize package includes jewelry, designer clothes, a 2-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy, an assortment of video cameras, and a laptop set, memberships to gyms and spas, plus an all expense paid vacation to Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Fernandez will also get to live in a New York City apartment, including living expenses and "professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization to further her personal and professional goals."

The pageant is also lucrative for sponsors because of ratings, as well as for host countries because of the boost in visitor traffic.

Government officials in the Bahamas, a scattered group of islands and keys southeast of the United States, were hoping that hosting the 2009 Miss Universe pageant would provide a much needed short-term boost to the islands' economy and tourism industry.

Bahamas, like other Caribbean states, has been badly hit by the global economic recession which has reduced visitor arrivals and investment. Bahamas' unemployment rate has nearly doubled in the last year to just over 14 percent in May. (newsbreak)

List of Miss Universe Winners by country:

Country	Miss Universe wins	Years and Winners
USA	7	1954 - Miriam Stevenson 1956 - Carol Morris 1960 - Linda Bement 1967 - Sylvia Hitchcock 1980 - Shawn Weatherly 1995 - Chelsi Smith 1997 - Brook Lee
Venezuela	6	1979 - Malitsa Salayero 1981 - Irene Saez 1986 - Barbara Teyde 1996 - Alicia Machado 2008- Dayana Mendoza 2009- Stefania Fernandez
Puerto Rico	5	1970 - Marisol Malaret 1985 - Deborah Deu 1993 - Dayanara Torres 2001 - Denise Quinones 2006 - Zuleyka Rivera
Sweden	3	1955 - Hillevi Rombin 1966 - Margareta Arvidsson 1984 - Yvonne Ryding
Finland	3 (1 who replaced Ms. Universe 1974)	1952 - Armi Kuusela 1974 - Johanna Raunio 1975 - Ann Marie Pohtamo
Philippines	2	1969 - Gloria Diaz 1973 - Margarita Moran
Thailand	2	1965 - Apasra Hongsakula 1988 - Porntip Nakhirunkanok
Japan	2	1959 - Akiko Kojima 2007 - Riyo Mori
Brazil	2	1963 - Ieda Maria Vargas 1968 - Martha Vasconcellos
Australia	2	1972 - Kerry Anne Wells 2004 - Jennifer Hawkins
Canada	2	1982 - Karen Baldwin 2005- Natalie Glebova
India	2	1994 - Sushmita Sen 2000 - Lara Dutta
Netherlands	1	1989 - Angela Visser
Chile	1	1987 - Cecilia Bolocco
New Zealand	1	1983 - Lorraine Downes
South Africa	1	1978 - Margaret Gardiner
Trinidad and Tobago	1	1977 - Janelle Commissiong
Israel	1	1976 - Rina Messinger
Spain	1 (dethroned)	1974 - Amparo Munoz
Lebanon	1	1971 - Georgina Rizk
Greece	1	1964 - Corinna Tsopei
Argentina	1	1962 - Norma Nolan
Germany	1	1961 - Marlene Schmidt
Colombia	1	1958 - Luz Marina Zuluaga
Peru	1	1957 - Gladys Zender
France	1	1953 - Christiane Martel
Norway	1	1990 - Mona Grundt
Mexico	1	1991- Lupita Jones
Namibia	1	1992 - Michelle McLean
Russia	1 (dethroned)	2002 - Oxana Fedorova
Panama	1 (replaced Ms. Universe 2002)	2002 - Justine Pasek
Dominican Republic	1	2003- Amelia Vega

Soccer Extreme : With two draws and a defeat under their belts in 2009/10, Bayern Munich aren’t going the right way about improving on their second placed finish in the last campaign.

It’s fair to draw a comparison between the historically successful Bavarian side and Liverpool, and it is also fair to say that Liverpool fans could benefit from the analytical nature of their German counterparts.

Instead of windmilling in with pessimistic talk of lost title chances - the type of attitude that the tabloid press has instilled in the typical English fan - Die Roten have written a detailed open letter to their club. It’s a studious analysis of their teams’ plight, compiled with all the unnecessary formality and meticulousness of the minutes of a local council meeting. (thespoiler)

Soccer Extreme : Maybe it’s the altitude, or maybe it’s the mysterious inflatable tunnels that mysteriously lead into the ground, but something is riling up the blood of Bolivian footballers.

Blooming’s Sergio Jauregui was sent off in Sunday’s league match with Oriente Petrolero for his pushy retaliation to a perceived foul. This wasn’t all that Medina had stored up in his ‘hurt locker’ though, as he proceeded to deliver a brutal flying kung fu kick to the face of his enemy, leaving him unconscious.

Could you imagine the media outrage if this kind of thing happened in Europe? It would be, er, outrageous. (thespoiler)

Soccer Extreme :Miss Venezuela 18-year-old lady Stefania Fernandez is the new Miss Universe 2009. She has been crowned as Miss Universe on Sunday at the picturesque Paradise Island on Atlantis in the Bahamas.


















Stefania Fernandez was selected among young women from 83 countries. She beats 4 big finalists, who are from Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Kosovo, and Australia. In the 59-year history of the pageant it was Venezuela’s sixth Miss Universe crown.

Miss Dominican Republic, Ada Aimee De la Cruz, is named as the 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up is Miss Kosovo Gona Dragusha. And the 3rd Runner-Up is Miss Australia Rachael Finch. Miss China Wang Jingyao is chosen as Miss Photogenic, while Miss Thailand Chutima Durongdej is named Miss Congeniality.

Here are the Miss Universe 2009 Top 15 in no particular order:

• Miss Puerto Rico
• Miss Iceland
• Miss Albania
• Miss Czech Republic
• Miss Belgium
• Miss Dominican Republic
• Miss Sweden
• Miss Kosovo
• Miss Australia
• Miss France
• Miss Switzerland
• Miss South Africa
• Miss USA
• Miss Croatia
• Miss Venezuela

Prizes for Miss Universe:

• She will receive a 100,000-dollar scholarship to study acting at an academy in New York,
• A five-day vacation package in the Bahamas for two,
• A set of jewelry,
• and a complete wardrobe.

And well there is obviously a good amount of monetary prize the amount of which has been kept confidential.

According to organizers the main prize is the golden opportunity to enter, explore and establish themselves into the lucrative world of acting and entertainment. (blog.taragana)


Video : Miss Universe 2009 Crowning Moment