Inzaghi’s Goal Key for Milan
The opening night of the Champions League featured a full slate of predictable results, with defending champion AC Milan pulling out a 1-0 victory Tuesday over Ajax on Filippo Inzaghi’s goal in the 67th minute in perhaps the most intriguing of the eight matches.
Elsewhere, the games went about as expected and with the expected names supplying the highlights.
At Manchester, England, American goalkeeper Tim Howard made his Champions League debut, helping Manchester United to a 5-0 rout of Panathinaikos in Group E.
At Madrid, former Manchester United star David Beckham made his European debut for Real Madrid and contributed a trademark cross into the box that Roberto Carlos cracked into the back of the net in the first half of a 4-2 victory over Marseille in Group F. Ronaldo added goals in each half for Madrid.
At Prague, Chelsea proved its off-season spending spree was money well-spent during a 1-0 victory over Sparta Prague in Group G. French defender William Gallas scored the only goal five minutes before the final whistle.
Meanwhile at Milan, the defending champions defeated Ajax, the team they knocked out in last season’s quarterfinals.
Milan had its share of scoring opportunities in the first half, many developed by newly signed Brazilian playmaker Kaka. Milan failed to score until Inzaghi passed to Andriy Shevchenko, whose shot past two defenders was blocked by goalie Bogdan Lobont.
Inzaghi, who had the game-winner Saturday in a Serie A match against Bologna and had a three-goal game last week for Italy against Wales, pounced on the rebound and scored his sixth goal in four games in Champions League play.
Speaking of Arsenal
Arsene Wenger, manager of league-leading Arsenal, said referees in the English Premier League are awarding penalty kicks too freely this season. Arsenal’s Robert Pires was criticized for diving Saturday after he was awarded a penalty kick that enabled the Gunners to tie Portsmouth, 1-1.
“So many penalties are given now that are not obvious,” Wenger said. “Referees are creating far more controversial situations. Referees have changed their approach.
“Even with television replays you can’t be sure.”
Alliance Formed
The Galaxy and the American Youth Soccer Organization announced a marketing partnership, with AYSO gaining access to the nine fields at the Home Depot Center for a number of new events, including a tournament to be held in 2004.
The Galaxy plays host to D.C. United on AYSO Youth Soccer Night at 7 p.m. Saturday. The first 12,000 fans will receive a Cobi Jones bobblehead doll.
The Finalists Are ...
Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan and Brian McBride are the finalists for the Honda Award as the United States player of the year for 2003. Donovan, who had four goals in a Gold Cup victory over Cuba this summer, won the award last year. The winner will be announced Oct. 7.
