Manchester City Targets Yossi Benayoun

I was surprised to read today about the transfer-rumour report concerning City's interest in Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun. The report also details the renewed interest in Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic which Soccer City FC posted about last Friday. Interesting to see how it would cost Manchester City around £14m for both players with Stankovic costing around £8m and Benayoun would be available for £6m.

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City backed out of this July's Swiss Uhrencup. The club will hold camp in Germany instead. It also appears that A.C. Milan will make their way to Eastlands for the annual Thomas Cook Trophy match on Saturday, August 9. Kaka vs. Elano will be worth the price of admission.

Nery Castillo wants to move to Spain mentioning clubs such as Villarreal, Valencia and Real Betis.

And finally, it looks like City will hand out another long-term contract to an Academy alum. This time it is goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Israeli international Yossi Benayoun could be moving to Manchester City.

Image details: Liverpool v Marseille - UEFA Champions League served by picapp.com

Rui Costa Looks to Improve Benfica in 2008-2009

On May 11th 2008, Rui Costa played his final game for Benfica against . Immediately following the match, he was appointed as the new director of football at S.L. Benfica. He quickly hired ex-Valencia manager, Quique Flores to lead the club in 2008-2009. So what can be expected of this new management team?

Soccer City FC takes a look at four possible transfer options.

1. Right Back Paweł Golański: The 25-year-old Polish international plays for Steaua Bucureşti. His performance at Euro 2008 will help determine his options for 2008-2009.

2. Attacking Midfielder Jorge Valdivia: The 24-year-old Chilean international plays for Palmeiras in Brazil. Known as the Magician in South America, he displayed his attacking skills in 2008 as the club captured the Campeonato Paulista. Recently he has been linked with several teams in Europe.

3. Defensive Midfielder David Albelda: The 30-year-old veteran of several La Liga campaigns with Valencia played under Flores. Could a reunion be in the cards?

4. Striker Germán Denis: Yet another South American who has garnered attention from the various rumour mills. The 26-year-old Argentine striker is a prolific goal scorer. He scored 44 goals in 65 league appearances with Club Atlético Independiente.

Euro 2008 Preview: Spain

By: Juan Iglesias
Special to Soccer City FC

Player Spotlights:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas - The current Spanish number one had another consistent season, topping La Liga in both saves made and fewest goals conceded, as well as making UEFA's Team of the Year. Spain's progress in the tournament could come down to how well Casillas does.

Centre Back: Carles Puyol - Coming off a disappointing season affected by injury, Puyol is nevertheless the only top class central defender in the squad. He will be crucial in organizing the weakest part of the team.

Right Back: Sergio Ramos - As one of the most creative and energetic full backs, his contribution down the right flank will be very important in a team lacking any natural right winger.

Forward: Fernando Torres - He will start either as the leading forward or the only one. Despite being the most talented Spanish striker, he has been overshadowed at times in the national team by David Villa. The time has come for Torres to fulfill his potential.

Group D Opponents

Russia - Four years ago Spain won this match 1-0, and a similar result can be expected against the the weakest team in group D.

Sweden - Solid team, with quality individuals. This should be a close game. In the qualifiers, Sweden won 2-0 at home, while Spain won 3-0 in the return.

Greece - With their defensive system, they are ideally suited to contain Spain and will be their toughest opponent in the group stage. A draw is likely here.

Tactical Questions

While Spain possess an abundance of quality midfielders such as Iniesta, Fàbregas, Xavi and Senna, finding the best way of utilising them has proved problematic for aging Spanish coach Luis Aragonés. This will be one of Spain's biggest problems, coping with his fondness of switching formations and line-ups. However, in recent games at least, something resembling a flat 4-4-2 has been used, which will be important in competing with physically stronger teams.

Prediction

Reaching the quarterfinal is achievable, the question is whether further progress can be made. Whichever team emerges this "Group of Death" will prove a formidable opponent.

La Liga/Premiership - An Odd League Title Connection

A very odd yet interesting bit of statistical data here. Just the type of stuff we love at Soccer City FC. Thank you kindly to Avon who pointed me towards this information.

Champions in La Liga and the Premiership over the last several years...

• 2000-2001 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2001-2002 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2002-2003 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2003-2004 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2004-2005 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 20005-2006 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 2006-2007 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2007-2008 Real Madrid & Manchester United