China tells Vietnam to halt unilateral oil exploration in disputed waters

BEIJING (Reuters) - China told Vietnam on Thursday to stop unilateral oil exploration in disputed areas of the South China Sea and not harass Chinese fishing boats, raising tension in protracted maritime territorial disputes with its neighbours.

Vietnam had already expelled Chinese fishing vessels from waters near China's southern Hainan province, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.

Hong's description of the confrontation last Friday was in contrast to the account by Vietnam, which said a Vietnamese ship had a seismic cable it was pulling cut by two Chinese fishing ships.

"Vietnam's statement is inconsistent with the facts," Hong said.

China is in an increasingly angry dispute with neighbours including the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia over claims to parts of the potentially oil and gas-rich South China Sea. China lays claim to almost the whole of the sea, which is criss-crossed by crucial shipping lanes.

The Chinese fishing boats were in an area where Vietnam's claim overlaps with waters of Hainan province, Hong said. New Chinese regulations allow police to board vessels deemed to be intruding in waters off the island of Hainan.

"The relevant fishing vessels were in these waters conducting regular fishing activities and they were unreasonably expelled by Vietnamese military vessels," Hong said.

The South China Sea is one of Asia's most sensitive military hotspots whose profile has been raised by a newly assertive China.

China has become more outspoken in its claims over islands in the South and East China Seas. The mounting disputes come at a time when China is flexing increasing naval might, including the launch of its first aircraft carrier in September and the test flights of its first two models of a stealth jet fighter, one of which is believed to be designed to land on aircraft carriers.

India, which jointly conducts some oil exploration with Vietnam, said this week that it was prepared to send navy ships into the region to safeguard its interests.

Hong said China and Vietnam were currently in negotiations over the waters.

"We hope the Vietnam side will not engage in unilateral oil and gas exploration activities in the relevant waters, cease interfering with Chinese fishing vessels' normal operations, and create a friendly atmosphere for bilateral negotiations", he said.

Greek prime minister-aiming to bring spectacular transformation to Greece

BERLIN - Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras said in an interview he aimed to bring about a "spectacular" transformation in Greece and more had been achieved in the last two months than in the previous three decades.

Asked in an interview with German newspaper Bild whether his country would need a further debt write down he said: "Our debt is now officially considered sustainable. But for that of course we need growth. We are trying to exit the recession, to reform the economy, so that we have enough income to pay and service debts," he said.

"It is our aim to bring about a spectacular transformation in Greece and to turn it from a bad example into a shining example of a model economy... we're working on a success story. Everyone will realise that soon."

South Africa military plane crashes in remote mountains

JOHANNESBURG - A South African military plane flying on a route often used to shuttle medical personnel caring for former President Nelson Mandela has crashed in the remote Drakensberg mountains, the defence ministry said on Thursday.

There was no information on survivors or the identity of the people on board. Local media said as many as 11 people were on the plane.

Defence spokesman Xolani Mabanga said the plane went missing on Wednesday. It had been flying from a Pretoria air base to Umtata, the nearest town to Mandela's home in Qunu, the rural Eastern Cape province village where he was born.

"Details of the personnel and the missions I'm afraid I cannot give at this stage," Mabanga said.

Money the issue over return of Turkish GP

ISTANBUL: The Turkish Grand Prix could return to the Formula One schedule next year provided the organisers can reach agreement with the sport's paymaster Bernie Ecclestone over money, the Turkish Automobile Federation (Tosfed) announced on Wednesday.

According to the Tosfed statement, quoted by Anatolia press agency, Ecclestone and the new manager of the circuit, businessman Vural Ak, reached agreement on all matters relating to the race.

However, it remains for the Turkish Government to give the green light to releasing the requisite funds - which according to Ak amount to 13.5 million dollars.

Ecclestone will be at the General Assembly of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the sport's governing body, whose board had reserved a date for a Grand Prix to be held on July 21 at an unspecified European location.

Turkey hosted a Grand Prix in Istanbul from 2005 to 2011 and it proved extremely popular with the drivers but it came to an abrupt end when Ecclestone and the then promoters of the race failed to reach agreement over holding the 2012 race.

Ecclestone has been searching for several months to have a 20th race on the 2013 calendar, following the decision to delay the New Jersey Grand Prix' inaugural running from June 2013 to 2014.

Ak made it possible to reopen talks when he bought the management rights for the circuit at Istanbul Park.

Turkey has become increasingly ambitious in competing to host major sporting events.

Istanbul is considered a strong candidate to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games - they are up against Tokyo and Madrid and will learn their fate when the 100+ International Olympic Committee (IOC) members vote on September 6 next year.

Their football federation is also keen to host the 2020 European Championships, but that is being frowned upon by the Olympic bid as the IOC refuses to allow another major sporting event to be held in the country hosting the Olympics in the same year. 

Ex-Thai PM 'to face murder charge'

BANGKOK: Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is to face a charge of murder over the death of a taxi driver who was shot by soldiers during 2010 "Red Shirt" rallies, authorities said Thursday.

The Department of Special Investigation, police and Thai prosecutors announced the decision, which marks the first charges for deaths during the mass rallies in Bangkok against Abhisit's government.

"The tripartite meeting has decided to charge former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former deputy Suthep Thaugsuban under article 288," said DSI chief Tarit Pengdith, referring to the murder provision under Thailand's criminal code.

He said the group based their decision on further witness testimony as well as a court ruling that taxi driver Phan Kamkong was shot and killed by Thai soldiers during the country's worst political violence in decades.

Abhisit and Suthep will be summoned by letter to hear the charges and to be questioned on December 12, Tarit said, adding that authorities would not seek court permission to detain the men, who are both now opposition lawmakers.

About 90 people were killed and nearly 1,900 were wounded in a series of street clashes between demonstrators and security forces, which culminated in a bloody military crackdown. Two foreign journalists were among those killed.

Until now no government or military officials had faced charges over the deaths.

Abhisit, who oversaw the crackdown, has insisted the protest leaders should accept responsibility and said his government had no choice but to take tough action.

"It was the job of the government of that day to also restore order," he told AFP last month.

Red Shirts, mostly supporters of ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, have raised accusations of double standards over the prosecutions of 24 of their leaders on terrorism charges for their part in the rallies.

Rights campaigners have said both the protesters and the authorities of the time should be held accountable.

Thailand has been riven by bitter political divisions since Thaksin was toppled by royalist generals in a 2006 coup that unleashed years of street protests by the Reds and the rival royalist Yellow Shirts. Elections in 2011 brought Thaksin's Red Shirt-backed Puea Thai party to power, sweeping Abhisit into opposition.

The accused Red Shirts, who include five current lawmakers, could in theory face the death penalty in a case that is set to begin on December 13. They pleaded not guilty in August 2010 to terrorism charges.

AFP was not immediately able to contact Abhisit on Thursday. Suthep said he would attend the hearing next week, adding that he would consult his lawyers before making any further comment.

The inquest into Phan's shooting in September was the first ever ruling on deaths during the 2010 rallies.

The court found that the 43-year-old was caught in a volley of gunfire when he ran out of a central Bangkok apartment block to see what was happening after hearing soldiers open fire at a minibus that had strayed into an area under army control.

Tarit said soldiers acting under orders would not face prosecution.

Jesus proud of Benfica's Camp Nou display

Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach
We didn't win, but we played very well. Not many teams have done what we did here at the Camp Nou. During the first half we had a strategy that paid off but was very tiring. In the second half we felt we could score − Nolito almost did after the break and Maxi Pereira missed at the end. When the Celtic match was 1-1 we believed we could score, but I must congratulate my players.

Our supporters must realise what we did in the biggest stadium in the world against the best team. For this to be a perfect night only a victory is missing. Maybe Barcelona had more of the ball than we did, but it was possession without end product. Benfica were the better team. Now we have a word to say in the Europa League.

Tito Vilanova, Barcelona coach
Messi's injury is a blow, but until we do more tests we don't know more. Our initial feeling is that it is nothing more than a [minor] blow. We don't know for what length of time he will be out. We had spoken about him coming on in the second half – if it was about the [Gerd Müller] record he would have played from the beginning.

It was not an easy game. They knew they had to get a result to progress and they pressed hard. They have a very good team and last year they nearly eliminated Chelsea, who went on to become champions.

Top marks for Juventus homework

UEFA.com Player Rater winner Stephan Lichtsteiner praised his side's pre-match preparations, and believes that Juventus out-thought FC Shakhtar Donetsk to secure a hard-earned 1-0 victory and top spot in UEFA Champions League Group E. Giorgio Chiellini hailed his side's belief and adventure in attack, while Shakhtar duo Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Fernandinho cut frustrated figures, suggesting physical and mental fatigue stifled them against "very well organised" opponents. 

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Juventus defenderWe knew that Shakhtar are a very good side, but we also knew that we had to attack because it would leave two of their defenders to cover our two strikers. That was our game plan. Our preparations for this game were really good and we created more chances than they did. We only gave them one opportunity in the second half. We have a very good side and of course it's natural that we wanted to qualify from the group. Now we are first and that is really important. We thought we might face Barcelona, but now we will face someone else in the next round.

Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus defender
We knew it would be very difficult for us after the draw in Denmark, but we always believed we could qualify but only if we play like Juventus can. Today we played very well against a Shakhtar side that have a number of good players. We did what we had to do, we created a number of good chances to get the win and I think we deserved the victory. If you play for the draw you are likely to lose because Shakhtar have a number of great players that can hurt you. We tried to attack and we tried to win and we are really happy to go through to the next round of the Champions League.

Fernandinho, Shakhtar midfielder The last match of the group stage is always difficult because not all the players can maintain their physical condition at a high level all the time. The game against Juventus was a really difficult match. We were focused on the task that faced us; unfortunately we were not able to get the result that we needed as we were playing against a side that was very well organised. Both teams were focused on attacking and I think we were just a bit unlucky in the end in that we weren't able to score. We are a bit down at the moment as it would have been better for the team if we had qualified in first place.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shakhtar forward
We have played well in the Champions League, with the exception of our last match against Juventus. We could have played for a draw and we could have qualified top of our group. In the end it didn't quite work out like that. We scored an own goal and there is nothing that we can do about that. The team tried hard to get the desired result and I think we deserved a point in the end, but unfortunately we didn't do enough. Maybe we were a bit tired. 

This was our last match before the winter break and perhaps our minds were elsewhere with one eye on our holidays. However, if you put things into perspective, the most important thing is that we are through to the knockout stages. We will wait to see who we are drawn against and will try to get through to the quarter-finals.

Shaqiri and Gomez savour handsome Bayern win

Xherdan Shaqiri was one of several new faces to shine as FC Bayern München breezed past FC BATE Borisov to claim first place in UEFA Champions League Group F. Speaking to UEFA.com the midfielder, who scored a rare header and set up Mario Gomez's opening goal in the 4-1 win, told how Jérôme Boateng's second-half dismissal forced the team to focus, while BATE's Aleksandr Hleb bemoaned some elementary errors from the Belarusian side.

Xherdan Shaqiri, Bayern midfielder
The whole team enjoyed it tonight. We wanted to put in a good performance and finish the group stage with a win. We knew that BATE were a good side who like to play on the counterattack, but after going 1-0 up we stepped it up a gear and scored more goals. Sometimes you play better when you're a man down because you focus more.

We made a lot of changes and everyone that came into the team wanted to perform well. We managed to do that. It was a shame we conceded a goal at the end because we wanted to keep a clean sheet. We'll have to see who we get in the draw. To be honest, it doesn't really matter because any team that has qualified for the last 16 is a good side, so it's going to be another step up for us.

Mario Gomez, Bayern striker
The important thing tonight was to secure top spot. We've managed that, which is what we all wanted. Our second task from the coach was to give the fans who made the effort to come and see this game something to savour. We did that, especially in the second half. We knew it wasn't going to be easy against a team that defends as hard as BATE. The first goal was important, but after that we did well, creating a lot of chances for the crowd to enjoy.

There's always room for improvement, but I hoped I'd rediscover my form after coming back from injury. I'd never been out for that long before, so you never know. Most people say you need a bit of time after an injury, but I worked hard while I was out. I tried to listen to what my foot was telling me and not rush back, so I only returned when it felt okay. The coach said he'd play me when he felt it was right and I trusted him on that.

All [three German teams] deserved to win their groups. It's nice to see that the Bundesliga is alive and catching up with the very best leagues. In terms of strength across the board, I'd even say it's the best at the moment. The top teams are all performing strongly in Europe.

Dante, Bayern defender
It was a bit different for me [to watch most of the game from the bench] but it was a good idea from the coach to change things a bit because we have a great squad and everyone deserves the chance to be involved. There were several players who haven't played too often who did really well tonight and showed plenty of confidence. We've got lots of strength in depth.

It's normal [that the team started slowly] because we had several players who hadn't played much at all over the past few months. To suddenly feature in a Champions League game, no matter who against, is tough, but the team played very well. To get the 4-1 victory was very important and I congratulate my colleagues on that.

Aleksandr Hleb, BATE midfielder
I'm very dissatisfied. We played really badly and made too many mistakes. We weren't communicating at the back – it was playground stuff. Nobody was calling at the back and that's what led to the mistakes. To concede two goals when you're 11 against ten is something I've never experienced before in my life.

Obviously Bayern are a quality side and it's hard to match them, but we managed to beat them with a bit of luck in Minsk. We fought that night and everything fell into place. Here, though, they didn't even have their best side out and still managed to give us a lesson in football.

Of course, I'm happy that we're in the Europa League. If someone had offered that before we qualified then I'd have taken it. Still, given how we started [with two wins] we did start to hope, but the last few games showed us what it means to be consistent and we have to learn from that. BATE are a small team and still managed to qualify, which is a great achievement. We won't get very far in the Europa League if we play like we did tonight.

Mata and Luiz rue Chelsea's poor start

Chelsea FC could not disguise their disappointment as their UEFA Champions League defence was ended, with Juan Mata calling it a "sad day". David Luiz pointed to their first Group E game, at home to Juventus, when the Blues squandered a two-goal lead as being key to the whole campaign. For FC Nordsjælland, a fifth defeat in six outings left a bitter taste even if Joshua John had the satisfaction of scoring for the first time in the competition.

Juan Mata, Chelsea midfielder
We did what we had to do but it wasn't enough. We played really well, especially in the second half, but the sense of disappointment is deep. We wanted to get through to the next round as we are the holders of the competition, but we have to carry on and try to win the Europa League.

It wasn't a problem tonight or in the last game. We didn't do well enough in previous games; we lost points early on. In the end we got ten points and in other groups that might have been enough to get through. For us it wasn't enough because Shakhtar and Juventus are two very strong teams.

It's a sad day but we will try and win the Europa League. It's a new tournament for the club and gives us another challenge for the season.

David Luiz, Chelsea defender
There was embarrassment in the dressing room and also sadness. We won the Champions League last season and to get knocked out after the group stage is a great disappointment. This is a big club and big clubs deserve to play in big games; the best games in the world are in the Champions League.

The first game was key. We were 2-0 up against Juventus and it finished 2-2. The team did a great job tonight and played a great game but we were unlucky with the other result. Now we have to look to the future and try to win the Europa League. The manager has just told us to keep working hard because the team deserves to win games.

Joshua John, Nordsjælland striker
It was a special moment for me to score. It was my first Champions League goal and for it to come at Stamford Bridge was nice. I have only seen these players on television before so to play against them in real life was very exciting. I am enjoying it [on loan] at Nordsjælland. I am happy because I am getting to play which wasn't the case at [FC] Twente.

Maybe I'm a little bit surprised at how well I have done in this campaign. At the start you are aware it's a different level but I just tried my best and hopefully there will be more games for me in the Champions League in the future.

Everybody was quiet in the dressing room, it was a very bad defeat, and we have to see the game again and decide what went wrong. But it's been a learning process. For every player it's been a new competition. We've played some good games at home but the away games have been more difficult.

Jesper Hansen, Nordsjælland goalkeeper
Chelsea were pressurising all over the pitch and it was a difficult for us to play our normal game. We came back in the second half but then it was a disaster for us at the end of the game and it's not so much fun standing here after a 6-1 defeat.

The [early] injury to Ivan Runje meant we had to change our plans and it wasn't helpful. Whether we could have stopped the six goals if it hadn't have happened who knows. Chelsea played some good counterattacking football and are a very good team and the results in the group showed we are having troubles at this level.

The Champions League has been a good experience for us and hopefully we can come back and play in it again. We need to learn from these games and take it into the Danish league. The big difference is the speed and tempo of the Champions League games and the quality of the other teams in the group.

Galatasaray comeback claims last-16 place

Galatasaray AŞ are among the last 16 teams in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2001/02 after coming from behind to inflict a third successive home defeat on SC Braga and claim second place in Group H.

Knowing they had to match the result CFR 1907 Cluj gained at Manchester United FC, Fatih Terim's side began slowly and fell behind to Mossoró's first-half strike. The Turkish champions came back strongly after the interval, however, and drew level through Burak Yılmaz's sixth goal of the group stage – making him the tournament's top scorer – before substitute Aydın Yılmaz sent the away supporters into raptures with the winner 12 minutes from time.

Despite Braga's elimination from European competition already being confirmed, coach José Peseiro had asked his team to "show their class" and his players responded in a bright opening. Having passed a late fitness test to start, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera misplaced an early pass that led to Alan setting up Mossoró, who scooped harmlessly over the crossbar when well positioned.

Terim predicted his players would leave "body and soul on the pitch" as they sought to guarantee their place the last 16 yet it was their opponents who were doing all the running in the first 45 minutes. Braga came close again when Albert Riera inadvertently headed Mossoró's pass into the path of Paulo Vinícius, whose poke goalwards was deflected narrowly wide by Dany Nounkeu.

The Arsenalistas did break through in the 32nd minute when Leandro Salino's left-wing cross caused problems for first Nounkeu and then Felipe Melo, who knocked it on to Mossoró. The midfielder took a touch before rifling into the corner from the edge of the area.

Needing a spark, the visitors introduced Aydın and Nordin Amrabat at the restart and the changes produced the desired effect. Within 13 minutes it was 1-1, Amrabat whipping in a cross from the left that was met by a deft Burak header into the corner. Braga rallied and twice in quick succession threatened to regain the lead through Ismaily. With CFR going in front in Manchester, however, the away side knew they had to score and their efforts were rewarded in the 78th minute.

Burak had registered all six of Galatasaray's Group H goals so far, but the most important came from another player. Braga's Elderson nodded Riera's centre to Melo and, though Quim blocked the shot, Aydın prodded in the loose ball. Burak hit the crossbar late on, yet it only briefly delayed the celebrations of Galatasaray and their jubilant fans.

Vietnam coach steps down

Vietnam coach Phan Thanh Hung has resigned after taking responsibility for a miserable campaign in Group A of the AFF Suzuki Cup with the 2008 champions picking up just one point. 

They drew 1-1 with Myanmar, were beaten by eventual qualifiers Philippines 1-0 and were outplayed 3-1 by Thailand, who topped the group with a 100 per cent record, to miss out on the semis for just the second time after their failure in 2004.

Thanh Hung, who had a year left on his contract, presented a lengthy critique of the national team’s performance to the Vietnam Football Federation on Wednesday in which he offered to resign.

“In preparation, we have received the maximum support of the Vietnam Football Federation,” he said. “The players also gave their all, both when training and competing.

“A number of factors led to the national team failing to qualify (for the knock-out stage). As the coach I must take responsibility and I have recommended to the Vietnam Football Federation that I step down from the post.”

Ngo Le Bang, the general secretary of the Vietnam Football Federation, foresaw such a move when he talked to the media in Bangkok last Friday.

“We have signed a contract with him (Thanh Hung) until December next year,” he said. “We will not fire him, we trust him. But, of course, he may resign.”

Thanh Hung, the coach of Hanoi T&T, has been in charge of the national team since May.

Boost for Philippines as Guirado, Cagara receive green light for semi

Overseas-based players Angel Guirado and Dennis Cagara have been released by their respective clubs and will be back in harness for the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final between the Philippines and Singapore in Manila on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

National team liaison officer Ace Bright said on Wednesday that he talked with Guirado and Cagara on the phone to confirm the news.

“They will play in the home game (if selected). I am trying to get their plane tickets so they can be back in Manila at least by Friday,” he said.

Cagara, who plays for German Third Division Club Karlsruher, and Guirado, of Indian side Salgaocar, were not with the team when they flew back home on Saturday from the Group A matches in Thailand.

Following an initial 2-1 loss to hosts Thailand, the Azkals bounced back with victories over Vietnam and Myanmar to secure a semi-final spot for the second straight time in the regional football showcase after placing second in the group behind the Thais.

The duo’s availability has boosted the stock of the Filipinos in their quest to reassert mastery over The Lions, who they beat in back-to-back friendly matches recently.

Two years ago, the Azkals missed the opportunity of playing the semis in front of their own fans for the lack of a suitable venue but an upgrade to the Rizal Memorial Stadium has paved the way for a first-ever AFF Suzuki Cup match on home turf.

Guirado made an impact after coming on as a substitute in the last two matches and the bull-like striker scored the second goal in the 2-0 victory over Myanmar, latching on to a through ball and powering a left foot shot into the net.

“Boss, thank you very much for your attention to my (situation),” Guirado wrote on the social networking site Twitter by way of thanks to team manager Dan Palami.

Cagara has been a daunting defensive presence and will be eager to reprise his role alongside fellow defenders Rob Gier, Juani Guirado and Ray Jonsson, who, according to Palami, is recovering fast from his quadriceps injury and could play this weekend.

Also tipped to be back in fighting form is versatile midfielder Patrick Reichelt, who broke several teeth after colliding with Angel Guirado in training in Bangkok, but has had them fixed by the dentist since returning to the country.

Jerry Lucena, who left the team after turning out in the second game against Vietnam to play for his Danish Superliga Club Esbjerg also this Saturday, may be back for the second leg in Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium next Wednesday.

Rajagobal unconcerned by fitness issues

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia coach K.Rajagobal is confident that striker Safee Sali and midfielder Shakir Shaari will be ready to return to action on Sunday for the showdown against Thailand in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals.

Safee, the leading scorer in Malaysia’s victorious AFF Suzuki Cup campaign two years ago, has been suffering from fatigue while Shakir was taken off late in the first half with an ankle problem during the Harimau Malaya’s 2-0 win over Indonesia in their last Group B match on Saturday.

While Rajagobal is less confident about the availability of S. Kunanlan and Khyril Muhymeen Zambri after they both missed the Indonesia match with groin injuries, he believes that the rest of his players will be ready for the match at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

“The situation with Safee and Shakir is not worrying at all. They will have time to recover,” said the Malaysia coach to The Star.

“But Kunalan and Khyril cannot be forced to play if they are not fully fit. We will see in a few days’ time,” Rajagobal added.

Safee, who netted five goals in the 2010 competition, did not look sharp during the group stage as he netted only one goal and squandered numerous other opportunities in Malaysia’s three matches.

While he complained of fatigue and cramps after last weekend’s match, he is determined to get things right when Malaysia continue the defence of their Asean crown against the highly-fancied Thais who topped Group A with a perfect record.

“It’s nothing worrying … just a little bit tired and my muscles are a bit sore from all the effort,” said the 28-year-old striker of his fitness.

While Safee would drop deep to gather possession during Malaysia’s matches in the group stage, he feels that a more direct approach may be needed against the Thais.

“We need to score first and win. I will change my game and listen to the coach,” he added.

Malaysia have managed only two wins and lost four of the eight matches that they have played against the Thais in the Asean Football Championship. However, the Tigers beat the Elephants 2-1 in their only previous match in the competition at Bukit Jalil in 2004.

Malaysia survive scare to rout Laos

Malaysia survived a real scare on Wednesday before recording their first points of their 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup Group B campaign with a 4-1 win over Laos.

Things were going according to plan at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium for Malaysia as they took the lead 15 minutes in when captain Safiq Rahim scored with a trademark freekick, but their opponents hit back nine minutes after the half-hour mark when Khonesavanh Sihavong netted with a deflected strike.
But after wasting a host of gilt-edged chances, the hosts finally reclaimed the lead in the 67th minute when Safee Sali netted from close range, before Wan Zack Haikal and Khyril Muhymeen Zambri netted in the final 14 minutes to make sure of the three points.
Entering the game aware that a loss would end his side's title hopes after their 3-0 loss to Singapore, Malaysia coach K. Rajagobal made four changes to his starting XI by dropping Bunyamin Umar, Amar Rohidan, Muhymeen and goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi, who paid for his error that gifted the Lions their second goal last Sunday.
Into the side came Mahalli Jasuli, Wan Zack, Shakir Shaari and Farizal Marlias, and the changes looked to have the desired effect early on as they looked extremely dangerous down the wings, with the former two in particular linking up well down the right.
However, it was a mistake the presented them with their first real opening in the 11th minute when a slack touch from Viengsavanh Sayyaboun handed Safee the ball on the edge of the area, but the Malaysia spearhead could only screw a left-footed effort wide.
A minute later, he had an even better opportunity when he was picked out inside the box after S. Kunanlan had broke free down the left and played the ball back across goal, only to shoot straight at Sengphachan Bounthisanh.
Still, there was to be no denying the hosts in the 15th minute when Norshahrul Idlan Talaha earned a freekick on the edge of the area, allowing Safiq to step up and curl a delightful strike into the top corner.
While Safee was continuing to misfire, his strike partner Norshahrul was looking extremely dangerous and sent a shot just narrowly wide after bursting down the right in the 29th minute, before latching onto a Kunanlan cross eight minutes later, only to have Ketsada Souksavanah steal the ball off him as he was about to pull the trigger.
Although Malaysia were looking good value for their lead, they were left stunned six minutes before the break as Laos equalised against the run of play after a sloppy pass from Safiq gave the ball straight to Khampheng Sayavutthi. The Khonkaen striker immediately switched the ball to the rampaging Khonesavanh, whose piledriver took a wicked deflection off Aidil Zafuan and looped over the hapless Farizal Marlias and into the net.
Ten minutes into the second half, the hosts nearly shot themselves in the foot for the second time when they allowed Soukaphone Vongchiengkham to dance through the middle and spread the ball to Keoviengpheth Lithideth, but Aidil was alert to the danger and halted the Laos forward in his tracks.
Nonetheless, Harimau Malaya continued to dominated proceedings but were threatening to waste all their good work with their profligacy, and another terrific chance went begging again in the 63rd minute when Safee sent a header wide from eight yards out after being picked out unmarked inside the area by Mahalli's pinpoint cross.
But their persistence finally paid off four minutes later when Safee finally got his goal, clipping the ball over the onrushing Sengphachan after Wan Zack broken fee down the right and played a neat ball to his striker.
Having finally reclaimed the lead, Malaysia then went in search of a third to wrap up the three points and Wan Zack, who had an excellent outing, duly got in on the act in the 76th minute when he escaped his marker's attentions at the back post and nodded home a Kunanlan delivery.
By now, the Laotians were looking completely deflated at the prospect of ending up with nothing for all their efforts and ten minutes from time, the rout was completed when Muhymeen sprung the opposition offside trap and raced towards goal before calmly prodding the ball past a hapless Sengphachan.
The hosts now head into their final group game against Indonesia aware that a win would guarantee them a place in the semi-finals.
Laos: Sengphachan Bounthisanh, Phattana Syvilay (Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya 75'), Ketsada Souksavanh, Viengsavanh Sayyaboun, Kovanh Namthavixay, Kanlaya Sysomvang, Soukaphone Vongchiengkham, Visay Phaphouvanin (Daoneua Siviengxay 70'), Keoviengpheth Lithideth, Khonesavanh Sihavong (Vilayout Sayyabounsou 54'), Khampheng Sayavutthi.
Malaysia: Farizal Marlias, Mahalli Jasuli, Aidil Zafuan, Fadhli Shas, Azmi Muslim (Zubir Azmi 46'), Wan Zack Haikal, Shakir Shaari, Safiq Rahim, S. Kunanlan, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Baddrol Bakhtiar 81'), Safee Sali (Khyril Muhymeen Zambri 77').

Man United stay top after narrow win

Robin van Persie struck after 33 seconds as Manchester United edged past West Ham 1-0 at Old Trafford.

But it turned into a nervy evening for the Barclays Premier League leaders, who were well below their best.
And whilst the visitors were not exactly on top form either on a bitterly cold evening, they came close to snatching a point late on, when Anders Lindegaard denied Carlton Cole from close range.
On his return to Old Trafford last Friday for the first time since he was bombed out by Sir Alex Ferguson six years ago, Ruud van Nistelrooy declared his hope that Van Persie would eventually eclipse his United career.
As Van Nistelrooy scored 150 times in five seasons with the Red Devils, Van Persie evidently has some way to go.
He could hardly have made a better start though.
The 29-year-old's 12th goal came in his 18th game, one fewer than Van Nistelrooy managed it in following his arrival from PSV Eindhoven. And any latecomers missed it.
With a side lacking any orthodox wingers, Van Persie checked inside from the left flank, then made his way to the edge of the area as Michael Carrick exchanged passes with Anderson.
Van Persie swivelled past Winston Reid as he collected Carrick's forward pass, then profited from James Collins' desperate attempt to block, which only sent the ball looping over Jussi Jaaskelainen and into the net.
Beaten 7-1 by Blackburn on his last visit here two years ago, Sam Allardyce must have feared the worst.
Evidently though, his team is far more durable that the poor QPR outfit that came north on Saturday.
Skipper Kevin Nolan turned Matt Taylor's low corner into the side-netting before Andy Carroll smashed a volley not that far over Lindegaard's goal.
As anticipated, Anderson's introduction for only his second Premier League start of the season provided the hosts with momentum from midfield.
The lack of width was clear though and, judging by a couple of woeful left-footed attempts that went well wide, Anderson is one of the few Brazilians who is no good at shooting.
Javier Hernandez screwed a shot wide for the hosts and the Mexican was responsible for the only other decent chance in the opening period, when Jaaskelainen turned the Mexican's shot from the edge of the area around a post.
Once again anchored in midfield, it was one of those nights when Wayne Rooney struggled on the periphery of proceedings.
He did manage to drive over from 20 yards after taking Jonny Evans' short pass but it was a rare threat to the West Ham defence.
However, it was not until he took aim with a curling shot from the edge of the area did Rooney really become a central figure as Jaaskelainen tipped it round.
The Finn pushed away Carrick's flick on from the corner, then, as Chris Smalling tried to scramble home, Nolan kept his nerve to clear from a tricky spot.
Ashley Young's arrival did little to relieve the general feeling of lethargy though and West Ham began to sense they could snatch something.
Carroll's exit may have gone down well with the home faithful but it only meant Carlton Cole could take advantage of the softening up process of the home defence.
And when Ryan Taylor screwed the striker's knockdown wide, his reaction was an indication of what a good chance it had been.
Rooney's departure 14 minutes from time was not unexpected. The fact the first job for his replacement, Danny Welbeck, was to clear behind from inside his own six-yard box was further proof of what a nervy evening it had become.
Anderson's signal to the bench that he needed to come off was not a good sign and before Phil Jones could replace him, Cole came agonisingly close to levelling Anders Lindegaard turned away his five-yard effort.
It was as near as the visitors came, even though United hardly made it easy for themselves with their sloppy defending in the final minutes.

Boring Blues booed after derby draw

Rafael Benitez was booed off instead of on to the field after Chelsea produced a second straight goalless draw in the west London derby against Fulham.

Three days after Benitez's first game in charge of the Blues saw him endure a savage reception from his new club's supporters, he was unable to turn the jeers into cheers as they slipped further off the pace in the Barclays Premier League.
And, as on Sunday against Manchester City, they could have easily lost against a Fulham side who had the better of the chances and a striker in Dimitar Berbatov who completely outshone opposite number Fernando Torres.
By the end of a frustrating evening for Chelsea fans, they were back to chanting, "You're not welcome here", at Benitez and even, "We want our Chelsea back", in front of the watching owner Roman Abramovich, who looked as bored as anyone at Stamford Bridge.
As he entered the field, Benitez was spared the cacophony of boos that greeted his introduction on Sunday, probably because this time there was no introduction.
Instead, there was what might be described as a conspiracy of silence from the home fans, with nearly all of the noise coming from the away end for a good 15 minutes.
The Fulham fans mocked the lack of atmosphere, which only improved with a chorus of, "There's only one Di Matteo".
There was certainly no football to shout about as Chelsea toiled to cut open their impressively-organised opponents.
There was not enough width from the home side to pull them out of position and not enough tempo to get through the middle, despite the best efforts of Eden Hazard.
David Luiz's skied free-kick was the first shot at goal after 25 minutes, the creativity of the rested Juan Mata becoming more and more conspicuous by its absence.
Some speedy football from Oscar finally created a real chance just before the half hour but Torres's weak shot on the turn from Cesar Azpilicueta's cross was straight at Mark Schwarzer.
Benitez said on Tuesday Torres needed to get down the gym and he was given a lesson in brute power moments later by Berbatov, who forcefully shrugged off the recalled Oriol Romeu.
Torres' flimsiness aside, Chelsea were beginning to get round the back and more than one cross prompted more than one desperate lunge.
And after a goalless first half, there was another crucial tackle shortly after the restart when Mahamadou Diarra stopped Oscar finishing off Hazard's pass.
But Chelsea could have fallen behind twice in quick succession inside 10 minutes, an errant offside flag rescuing them after Berbatov perfectly timed his run on to Diarra's flighted ball, and Petr Cech saving from John Arne Riise following a flowing breakaway.
Ramires and Giorgios Karagounis both sent shots too close to either goalkeeper before Mata finally arrived, Ryan Bertrand making way.
Fulham sent on Chris Baird for Diarra before Mata showed Chelsea what they had been missing with a corner glanced wide by Branislav Ivanovic.
An increasingly-frustrated Ivanovic was booked for disputing a free-kick, while Torres's travails continued to the extent that supporters began venting their frustration.
He, Oscar and Hazard wasted a great chance to strike after fine harrying from Azpilicueta, with Romeu following Ivanovic into the book for upending Berbatov.
The Bulgarian's coolness helped win a dangerous free-kick that got Luiz cautioned before more composed play set up Riise for a fierce drive Cech only just repelled.
In between that, Kerim Frei replaced Karagounis.
Torres finally found some space with just over 10 minutes remaining but his angled volley after good chest control was cleared by Aaron Hughes and may have been going wide anyway.
Frei had a dubious penalty appeal turned down before Marko Marin was handed his Premier League debut in place of Hazard and Mladen Petric came on for Hugo Rodallega.
With time running out, the crowd finally turned their anger on Benitez, who was urging his team forward.
Dutifully, they spent the closing moments camped in the Fulham box but despite a succession of blocked shots and other near misses, they could not force a breakthrough.

Harimau kembali bernafas

 

PINTU ke separuh akhir Piala AFF Suzuki kembali terbuka buat anak buah Datuk K Rajagobal selepas mencatat kemenangan ke atas Laos, malam tadi.

Skuad Harimau Malaya yang terdesak memburu tiga mata, membaham skuad Kokichi Kimura 4-1, sekali gus melenyapkan seketika kekecewaan tewas pada perlawanan pertama.

Safiq Rahim yang menerima kritikan sebelum ini membuka tirai jaringan pada minit ke-15 menerusi satu sepakan percuma selepas Norshahrul Idlan Talaha dijatuhkan di luar kotak penalti.

Gol berkenaan berjaya menyuntik semangat pemain untuk  memburu jaringan tambahan namun, gandingan Safee-Mat Yo gagal menyempurnakan beberapa peluang terhidang.

Menuju penghujung babak pertama Malaysia menggandakan asakan ke kubu Laos, namun kesilapan Safiq menghantar bola kepada pemain lawan membawa padah, apabila Khonesavanh Sihavong bijak menggunakan peluang untuk meledak gol penyamaan Laos pada minit ke-38.

Bersambung babak kedua, Rajagobal melakukan pertukaran dengan mengeluarkan Azmi Muslim dengan memasukkan Zubir Azmi.

Sedar hanya kemenangan sahaja mampu menyelamatkan kempen Malaysia pada kali ini, skuad kebangsaan kembali mengatur serangan dan hampir berada di hadapan, namun tandukan Safee pada minit ke-62 sedikit tersasar.

Bagaimanapun, empat minit kemudian penyerang Pelita Jaya itu menebus kesilapannya dengan jaringan kedua Malaysia selepas menyempurnakan hantaran Wan Zack Haikal.

Pada minit ke-75 tiba giliran Wan Zack mencetak nama selaku penjaring apabila mudah menanduk masuk untuk jaringan ketiga Harimau Malaya.

Selesa mendahului 3-1, Rajagobal melakukan pertukaran kedua dengan memasukkan Khyril Muhymeen Zambri untuk digantikan dengan Safee dan ternyata ia tidak sia-sia apabila penyerang

Kedah itu meledak gol  keempat  pada minit ke-78 selepas hanya beberapa minit berada di atas padang.

Kemenangan 4-1 diraih skuad kebangsaan menjadi penyuntik motivasi bagi mengalahkan Indonesia pada perlawanan wajib menang Sabtu ini untuk mara ke pusingan separuh akhir.

Rajagobal gembira pemain bangkit

JURULATIH skuad kebangsaan, Datuk K. Rajagobal melahirkan rasa kegembiraan melihat kebangkitan anak buahnya yang berjaya mencatat kemenangan besar ke atas Laos dalam perlawanan kedua Piala AF Suzuki, malam tadi.
Jelasnya, dengan kemenangan itu nyata memberi mereka satu semangat yang tinggi terutamanya bagi menghadapi aksi terakhir kumpulan B menentang musuh tradisi, Indonesia Sabtu ini.
"Saya gembira dengan kemenangan ini, ia menghidupkan peluang untuk kami mara ke separuh akhir Piala AFF Suzuki.
"Apa pun, saya mahu pemain melupakan kemenangan ini dan fokus terhadap perlawanan menentang Indonesia.
"Ini kerana saya fikir perlawanan menentang Indonesia tidaklah mudah seperti yang disangkakan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas berakhirnya perlawanan menentang Laos di Stadium Bukit Jalil.
Dalam saingan malam tadi, Skuad Harimau Malaya kembali menghidupkan peluang ke separuh akhir Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 selepas membelasah Laos 4-1.
Dalam pada itu, ketika ditanya mengenai peluang Malaysia untuk menempah slot ke separuh akhir, Rajagobal bagaimanapun optimis dan yakin pasukannya masih berpeluang untuk melepasi peringkat kumpulan.
"Sebagai jurulatih, saya masih yakin dan optimis dengan prestasi pasukan kita.
"Pemain telah tunjukkan kebangkitan malam ini, jadi saya yakin prestasi ini akan kekal sehingga kita mencapai kejayaan," katanya yang turut memuji prestasi keseluruhan pemain pada perlawanan tersebut.
"Semua pemain menunjukkan kerjasama yang sangat bagus, mereka semua bekerja keras untuk menghasilkan kemenangan kepada negara.
"Saya gembira dengan peningkatan ini terutama persembahan yang ditunjukkan oleh Wan Zack Haikal dan Kunnalan. Mereka sangat bagus," jelas beliau.

Piala AFF: Indonesia kalahkan Singapura 1-0

PASUKAN Indonesia kembali memberikan saingan dalam Kumpulan B Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 selepas mencatatkan kemenangan tipis 1-0 ke atas pendahulu Singapura di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, semalam.

Skuad Garuda yang mencatatkan keputusan seri 2-2 bertemu Laos Sabtu lepas mengasak kubu Singapura sebaik sahaja wisel permainan ditiupkan oleh pengadil perlawanan Ali Hasan Ebrahim dari Bahrain namun berjaya dipatahkan oleh pertahanan Singapura yang diketuai Baihakki Khaizan dan Daniel Mark Bennett.

Baihakki mempunyai peluang untuk menjaringkan gol pada minit ke-31 namun percubaannya tersasar.

Singapura kemudian membuat pertukaran dengan mengeluarkan pemain tengah Hariss Harun dan digantikan dengan Aleksandar Duric pada minit ke-39 bagi mempertajamkan jentera serangan pasukan namun masih gagal mencari gol pendahuluan.

Pemain pertahanan Indonesia, Novan Setya Sasongko turut berpeluang untuk menjaringkan gol pembukaan untuk skuad Garuda pada minit ke-41 namun percubaannya turut tersasar.

Singapura terpaksa beraksi dengan 10 pemain pada minit ke-65 selepas pertahanan mereka, Muhammad Irwan Shah Arismail dilayangkan kad merah oleh Ali Hasan kerana mengasari pemain tengah Indonesia, Andik Vermansyah.  

Andik yang mendapat jolokan 'Messi Indonesia' akhirnya muncul wira skuad Garuda dengan menjaringkan gol kemenangan pada minit ke-86.

Gol tersebut berpunca daripada sepakan percuma oleh Andik dari jarak 15 meter yang melepasi jangkauan penjaga gol Singapura, Mohamad Izwan Mahbud sekali gus menceriakan lebih 3,000 penyokong mereka yang membanjiri Stadium Nasional.

Kemenangan tersebut membolehkan mereka mengutip empat mata untuk memimpin sementara Kumpulan B.

Indonesia akan menamatkan aksi kumpulan bertemu Malaysia di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil manakala Singapura akan bertemu Laos di Stadium Shah Alam pada Sabtu ini.

Berikut kedudukan pasukan selepas perlawanan pertama Kumpulan B semalam.
  
    .                 P   M   S   K    J    B   MATA
Indonesia       2    1     1    0    3    2    4
Singapore      2    1     0    1    3    1    3
MALAYSIA 2    1     0    1    4    4    3
Laos              2    0     1    1    3    6    1

AGM Umno pentas penting buat Najib

SHAH ALAM - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak akan menggunakan Perhimpunan Agung Umno (AGM) 2012 selama tiga hari bermula pagi ini "sebagai pentas" untuk mengetengahkan apa yang beliau telah lakukan dan akan lakukan bagi menghadapi Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13 (PRU13), kata Profesor Ulung Datuk  Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin.

"Ini pentas Datuk Seri Najib, bukan Umno, tetapi untuk Najib (untuk menghadapi PRU13)," kata beliau dalam temu bual khas sempena AGM Umno 2012 di pejabatnya di Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Baru Bangi baru-baru ini.

Pengarah Institut Kajian Etnik ini berkata, beliau pasti Najib akan menggunakan untuk mengetengahkan segara perubahan yang telah dibawa sepanjang tiga tahun lalu mengepalai Umno, Barisan Nasional dan kerajaan atas kapasiti sebagai Presiden, Pengerusi dan Perdana Menteri.

"Beliau akan mengatakan bahawa saya sudah tepati janji, janji sudah ditepati, sekarang anda kena tunaikan janji, memberi sokongan undi dalam pilihan raya.

"Kini giliran anda tunaikan janji... ini mesej beliau akan sampaikan," kata pakar sosiologi dan antropologi ini.

Najib dipilih sebagai Presiden Umno pada Mac 2009, menggantikan Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi setahun selepas Pilihan Raya Umum 2008. Pada pilihan raya itu BN kehilangan majoriti dua pertiga di Parlimen dan lima kerajaan negeri.

Selaku Pengerusi BN dan Perdana Menteri, PRU13 pilihan raya umum yang pertama beliau akan mengetuai. Najib sudah mengesahkan kepada ahli-ahli Umno bahawa PRU13 tidak akan diadakan bulan depan.