Hi Lastkickers, a few of you have been asking for a place where you could post random footy stuff. Lastkick Forums have been there for almost a year now, but they don't seem to be too popular except for spammers who want to sell me all sorts of bizarre stuff which they claim can help grow this and that!

TEHRAN, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Iran got their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a disappointing start when they were held to a 0-0 draw by part-timers Syria on Wednesday.

The three-times Asian Cup winners failed to score for a fifth successive game, despite being at full strength and having the advantage of their imposing Azadi stadium.

by Phil Seery
February 3, 2008

MADRID (AFP) - Spanish international Xavi came off the bench to score a vital 88th minute winner as Barcelona sliced Real Madrid's lead at the top of the table to six points with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday.

Xavi had only been on the pitch for six minutes but showed great technique to rifle home the decisive goal and spark wild celebrations at Camp Nou.

John Duerden
Asia Editor, goal.com

Last week, Spanish daily Marca asked Javier Clemente why he is going to Iran. The 57 year-old replied: "what else am I going to do at my age? Paint the Mona Lisa?"

In Iran, Clemente has the colours and the brushes to paint a fair Persian picture but he needs to be provided with a clean canvas.

Paul Wilson at The City of Manchester Stadium
Sunday February 3, 2008
The Observer

A sense of deflation is settling over Manchester City's season, and not just because the home stewards now carry pins with which to prick stray balloons. To the FA Cup exit last week and the non-arrival of Benjani can now be added the first home League defeat of the season.

Duncan Castles at White Hart Lane
Sunday February 3, 2008
The Observer

Another success for Juande Ramos, and this one far more palatable to certain North London neighbours. Arsenal stand on top of the League this weekend courtesy of one more cleverly conceived, impressively executed Tottenham performance against opponents sailing high above them in the table.

By Ronald Atkin, Fratton Park, Independent.co.uk
Sunday, 3 February 2008

Defoe could have had a couple more, but victory for either side would have been unjust, since David James, reprising his brilliant form of a week ago against Plymouth in the Cup, denied Chelsea time and again as a rousing first half was capped for thrills by the second.

The Sunday Times
February 3, 2008

The stadium announcement said the club appreciated their concern but it was time to leave. The crowd on the Kop ignored this and remained standing where they were, continuing their protest against the stewardship of Liverpool by George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

by Phil Seery
February 2, 2008

MADRID (AFP) - Almeria caused the biggest upset of the Spanish season with a sensational 2-0 win over reigning champions Real Madrid on Saturday to inject some much-needed spice into the title race.

Real could have gone 12 points clear of Barcelona at the summit with victory at Almeria but the La Liga newcomers, only founded in 1989, enjoyed the biggest result in their history.

MADRID, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Barcelona teenager Bojan Krkic was included in coach Luis Aragones's 22-man squad on Friday for Spain's friendly against World Cup finalists France next week.

The 17-year-old forward received his first call-up along with Liverpool defender Alvaro Arbeloa and Real Mallorca defender Fernando Navarro.

By Simon Baskett

MADRID, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Barcelona reached the semi-finals of the King's Cup on Thursday after a Thierry Henry header earned them a 1-0 aggregate victory over 10-man Villarreal at the Nou Camp.

The French striker scored the only goal of the tie when he planted a well-placed header beyond the reach of Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez four minutes before halftime.

VIDEO: Watch the conterversial Roma goal against Palermo

MILAN, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Serie A side Palermo are looking to have Saturday's 1-0 defeat to AS Roma overturned or the match replayed due to the actions of a ball boy.

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini told reporters the ball boy had returned the ball to Roma too quickly at a corner kick, which led to Brazilian Mancini's headed winner.

1/27/2008
By Mike Perez, PA Sport, Madrid

Real Madrid stretched their lead at the top of the Primera Liga on Sunday after edging past battling Villarreal at the Bernabeu.

With second-placed Barca drawing with Athletic Bilbao earlier in the evening, Real's victory over Villarreal means the reigning champions are now nine points clear at the summit.

1/27/2008
sportinglife.com

Barcelona's Primera Liga title hopes were severely dented on Sunday as the Catalans were held to a disappointing draw at Athletic Bilbao.

Bojan Krkic put Barca ahead 10 minutes before half-time, but Fernando Llorente shocked the visitors with a late leveller which sees Frank Rijkaard's side lose even more ground on leaders Real Madrid.