Sevilla

• Derby and Birmingham are on alert after Everton midfielder Lee Carsley
  turned down a new contract, so he can move back to the Midlands. (Press Association)

• Real Madrid are on the verge of signing Racing Santander’s Argentine centre half Ezequiel Garay for eleven million Euros (eight million pounds), after Barcelona president Joan Laporta vetoed a move for the player. (Sky Sports News).

• Aston Villa are rumoured to be tracking nineteen year old Real Valladolid keeper Sergio Asenjo. The Spaniard has a buyout clause of about 3.3 million pounds. (Sky Sports News)

• Ex England boss Steve McClaren is in line for taking the reins at FC Twente next season. The Dutch side qualified for the Champions League through the playoffs beating Ajax in the final. (The Sun)

• Arsenal are in talks with AS Roma’s highly rated Italian international Alberto Aquailani over a move to the Emirates. (Setanta Sports News)

• Everton are interested in Bordeaux’s former Liverpool midfielder Alou Diarra, has a replacement for the departing Lee Carsley. (Various)

• Although they missed out on Garay, the Catalans have agreed a six million pound fee with Manchester United for Gerard Pique to take the Spanish defender back to the Nou Camp. (Daily Mail)

• Hungary captain Zoltan Gera could leave West Brom for Portuguese giants Benfica, after the midfielder’s agent received an offer from the Reds. (The Times)

• Paul Jewell has put the entire Derby County squad up for sale, following the Ram’s relegation from the Premier League. (Daily Record)

• Arsenal could turn to Blackburn’s Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz if Emanuel Adebayor leaves for AC Milan, although the Gunners are confident that the Togo captain will stay in North London. (The Times)

• Arsenal will also sign Portsmouth’s Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar for ten million, if the south coast club sign former Liverpool winger Harry Kewell, who is a free agent after leaving Anfield. (Daily Mirror)

• Celtic will try to sign West Brom captain Paul Robinson if Lee Naylor leaves for Portsmouth. (The Herald)

• Fulham saviour Brian McBride is considering returning to the States this summer with former club Columbus Crew and Chicago Magic interested. The former USA international is out of contract this summer. (The Times)

• Lassana Diarra has a gentlemen’s agreement with Portsmouth that will let him leave the south coast if a top Champions League club comes in for the France International. (Daily Mail)

• QPR hope to bring West Brom Striker Kevin Phillips and Wolves’ Striker Freddie Eastwood to Loftus Road as the club’s first choice strike partnership next season. But the hoops will face competition from four other championship clubs for Eastwood’s signature. (Daily Mirror)

• Derby have had a half a million pound bid for Swansea’s Dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde turned down. (Sky Sports News)

• Daniel Alves says that he feels the time is right to leave Sevilla for another challenge, Barcelona are the favourites for the match winning right back. (Sky Sports News)

• Hearts winger Neil McCann has left Tynecastle and signed for Falkirk. He joins fellow veterans Lee Bullen and Jackie McNamara in making the move to Falkirk Park. Hearts have also released French centre half Ibrahim Tall. (Sky Sports News)

• Shaun Wright-Phillips has denied that he wants to leave Stamford Bridge, despite his lack of first-team chances with the Blues. (Chelsea.com)

• While highly rated striker Karim Benzema will stay at Lyon despite the French international being chased by some of Europe’s biggest clubs. (Sky Sports News)

The reason I have decided to write on this topic is a debate I had with a friend the other day.

I am a Maradona fanatic and he is a Pele worshipper. Things could not have gotten worse.

The two are undoubtedly the greatest players ever to have kicked a ball. But amongst themselves it is very hard to decide who is the better one?

Firstly, both played in different positions. While Pele was a conventional forward, Maradona was more of an attacking midfielder who played behind a striker.

Secondly, the two never played together or against each other, which makes it even harder to compare the two.

My father was the person who used to tell me tales about Maradona and Platini and how they used to tear defences apart. Never once did he mention Pele, even though he had witnessed Pele in full flow in 1970.

The reason that he gave for his silence on Pele was simple: he did not feel that Pele was anything special.

According to him, Pele was just a clinical finisher who would pounce on anything inside the 18-yard box. Maradona was a creator of goals; Pele, according to him, lacked that magic touch.

The explanation my father gave me was thought-provoking. Even though Pele won three World Cups with Brazil, he always had a great team that played alongside him. Maradona was usually the only star in the Argentine side for majority of his time in the blue and white jersey.

Pele had the likes of Vava, Garrincha, Zito and Zagallo to fall back on in 1958. In 1962, he had the same players to support him as well. And in 1970, he had the likes of Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho, Tostao, Gerson and Rivelino. Brazil would have won the World Cup even without him, I suppose.

Maradona, being a substitute in first World Cup in 1982, had the class of 1978 behind him. Passarella, Kempes, Ardiles, Bertoni and Tarantini. Stars in their own right.

In 1986, when Argentina won the World Cup, Maradona was one of the only mentionable player (Valdano being the other.) All the other players were mediocre to say the least.

In 1990, he had the likes of Cannigia, Ruggeri and Burruchaga. All those players put together could not come close to the strength of the 1970 Brazilian side.

Which made it that much easier for Pele.

Lets also look at their club records. Maradona has played for the likes of Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli and Sevilla. He scored a total of 311 goals for all these clubs.

On the way, he won the Copa del Rey, Copa de la Liga, Serie A, Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup and the Italian Super cup.

Pele on the other hand, has played for Santos and the New York Cosmos, winning every trophy possible with Santos and scoring 1000+ goals.

However, the fact that Pele never played in Europe is also an important factor. He never in the true sense played against the world's best defences. Besides, a large portion of his goals have never been recorded and confirmed by statisticians.

Maradona, however, scored the majority of his goals in Europe against the best of teams. He played for Napoli which was, at that time, a mid-table club and won major honours with them in Serie A, the best league in the 1980's.

All throughout his career he played for mediocre clubs and teams and made them look world-class.

If not for his substance abuse, he would have achieved a lot more.

To me, the very fact that Maradona could make a cricket-lover like my father sit and watch football was reason enough to believe that he was the best player ever.

Maradona or Pele...???

Take your pick.

• Celtic is interested in Croatian International Ognjen Vukojevic. The Hoops are preparing a four million pound bid for the Dinamo Zagreb player. (Sky Sports News)

• Gretna keeper Craig Fleming is set to snub Crewe Alexandria and sign for Oldham Athletic instead. (Sky Sports News)

• Aston Villa will come back in for Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan, after the Villains were priced out of a move for England captain Scott Carson. (The Sun)

• Lewes manager Steven King was sacked after getting the team promoted to the Blue Square Premier. (The Guardian)  

• Tottenham has registered an interest in Valencia striker David Villa and Real Zaragoza Striker Diego Milito, although moves for the players depend on whether the club sells Dimitar Berbartov. (The Guardian)

• Barcelona wants Sevilla players Seydou Keita, Christian Poulsen and Daniel Alves for next season, and are prepared to spend big to get them. (ATP)

• Thierry Henry may be ready to leave Barcelona for the MLS and sign for the Seattle Sounders. The Frenchman would be entitled to a $5.2 million per year salary. (Various)

• Newcastle is close to signing Turkish winger Arda Turan from Galasteray, right under the nose of arch-rival Middlesbrough. But any deal for the winger could result in the departure of Damien Duff from St. James’ Park. (Sunday Star)

• Arsene Wenger is keen on replacing Mathieu Flamini with any of his fellow countrymen; high on the list are Marseille’s Samir Nasri, Lille’s Jean Makoun and St. Etienne right-back Mahamadou Dabo. (Sunday Telegraph)

• Liverpool’s John Arne Riise will snub a move to Newcastle for Champions League football with Schalke 04 next season. (News of the World)

• Everton are tempted to bid 11 million pounds for Spanish winger Joaquin Sanchez, after news of Valencia’s financial problems hit the continent. (News of the World)

• Tottenham will declare their interest in West Ham striker Dean Ashton or Newcastle Striker Michael Owen if their bid for Barcelona’s Cameroon International Samuel Eto’o fails. (The People and the News of the World)

• Spurs boss Juande Ramos is close to tying up an eight million pound deal for one of his former charges at Sevilla, defender Adriano Correira. (News of the World)

• Liverpool will turn to Middlesbrough’s English winger Stewart Downing, if Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry doesn’t sign. While the reds are also preparing the finishing touches to a combined thirteen million pound deal for Espanyol winger Albert Riera and Udinese full-back Andrea Dossena. (The Liverpool Echo)

• Celtic, Portsmouth, and Sunderland are all interested in signing Birmingham’s Scottish striker James McFadden, despite his insistence that he’ll stay at St. Andrews and help with promotion back to the Premier League. (Sunday Express)

• Aston Villa are back in the hunt for Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte, after a 4.5 million pound bid was rejected by the full-back last summer. The Villains are also keen on wrapping up a seven million pound deal for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell. (News of the World)

• Roy Keane will try and take advantage of the unrest at the City of Manchester Stadium with an eight million pound bid for Ireland native Steven Ireland. (News of the World)

• Chelsea has already had enough of former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka and are prepared to cut their losses with the Frenchman this summer. Anelka just signed with the Reebok in January for 15 million. (Sunday Mirror)

• Inter Milan Coach Roberto Mancini is desperate to become the new Chelsea manager this summer. (Various)

• Manchester City could perform a U-turn and ask Sven Goran Erikkson to stay at Eastlands. But the former England manager has already started talking to Benfica and Mexico about their managerial vacancies. (Sunday Express)

Coventry City, Norwich City and Leicester City are all interested in signing Luton Town midfielder David Bell. The versatile midfielder spent the end of last season on loan at Leicester City.

(Sky Sports News)

Coventry are also on the verge of signing Hibernian’s French midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin on a free transfer. (Sky Sports News)

Crystal Palace are prepared to take Tottenham to a tribunal over their attempted signing of sixteen year old prodigy John Bostock. The eagles are looking for a bigger financial package for the England U-17s captain, than the White Heart Lane club are offering. (The Metro)

Manchester United are preparing a thirty million pound offer for Seville’s Brazilian duo Daniel Alves and Luis Fabiano (The Sun)

Stoke City are to offer recently released Aston Villa midfielder Patrick Berger a twelve month contract to stay in the premier league instead of moving back to his native Czech Republic. (The Mirror)

Steve Bruce is chasing nineteen year old Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulosfrom AEK Athens for Wigan Athletic (The Mirror)

Derby County will ask for either Jon Stead or Rob Hulse as part of any deal involving taking Robert Earnshaw to Bramall Lane (The Sheffield Star)

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has finally lost the plot and put the entire City squad up for sale. (The Guardian)

AC Milan have released BothCafu andSerginhofor the summer and both are free to move on Bosmans (Sky Sports News)

Valencia have agreed to rescind the rest of Jose Santiago Canizares’contract at the Mestalla meaning he is another high profile free agent (Sky Sports News)

If Gary O’Neilleaves Middlesbrough, then boss Gareth Southgate will turn to Newcastle winger James Milner, with a five million pound offer. (The Sun)

Sevilla and Galatasaray have been put on alert with the news that Michael Landrupwill quit Getafe this Summer (The Mirror)

Manchester City could have to start their UEFA Cup campaign at Hudderfield’s Galpharm arena after a Bon Jovi concert interrupted plans for the pitch at the City of Manchester Stadium to be relayed. (The Guardian)

Marseille coach Eric Gerets admits that both Samir Nasri and Djibril Cisse could both leave if the club receive favourable offers for the pair. (BBC Sport)

Former Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong Gook has offers from five different Japanese clubs, all vying for his services  after he was released from the Riverside (Press Association)

Tottenham Hotspurs may be forced to sell Dimitar Berbartov to balance the books after Darren Bent’s lack of impact on the team and his crippling wages (The Times)

Bolton have released Andranik Teymourian, Ivan Campo and Stelios Giannakopoulos, but the whites hope that Ricardo Gardner and Jussi Jaaskelainen will sign new deals. (Sky Sports News)

Tottenham could face competition from AS Roma in the race to sign Bolivia Striker Marcelo Moreno.

Lee Carsleycould leave Everton and rejoin Birmingham City on a two year deal (The Sun)

Motherwell Striker Ross Mccormackhas put English clubs Wigan and Middlesborough on alert after admitting that he wants to move to England. (Daily Express)

AC Milan will turn there attention to Celtic’s Polish International keep Artur Boruc with a ten million pound bid. (Daily Record)

Rangers want to swap Northern Island International Steven Davis for Gabon International Daniel Cousinwith Fulham. (Daily Mail)

Derby County Striker Kenny Miller is on the verge of a return to Rangers. (Scottish Sun)

The Daily telegraph say that Samuel Eto’o no longer wants to leave Barcelona but the Sun say that AC Milan still snatch Eto’o from under Spurs’ noses.

Sunderland have joined the race for Manchester City captain Richard Dunne. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal will join Aston Villa in the race for Werder Bremen playmaker Diego if Alexsander Hleb leaves. (Daily Mail)

Preston North end are interested in Gretna keeper Greg Fleming (Daily Record)

 A mighty, mighty weekend of football.

EPL

Manchester United's lead cut back down to three, can Chelsea pip the champions at the post? Are Arsenal out of the picture?

Is it in fact time the many doubters rolled up to St James's Park, and begged forgiveness from the very brilliant, starting to believe in himself, attacking god that is Kevin Keegan?

Of note, after two semi finals in the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium so dull, you'd think the England national team were in town, we saw Portsmouth and Cardiff going through to the FA Cup final, bizarre, although Cardiff's goal was of some relief. Shame, that to pay for Wembley, the semi finals have to be played at Wembley.

In the Premier League, Middlesbrough versus Man Utd, an exciting game at last, this is what we want. For United, Vidic was a huge loss, in a game where either team could have won.

Gareth Southgate, again gets a result against the top four, how does he do it?

Southgate plays three forwards pinning the opposition back, however it does leave you open, wide open, but the man does not give an inch, including holding his own in a verbal clash with the big bully that is Alex Ferguson.

Rio Ferdinand to miss Champions League game against Roma, the partnership Man United's success has been built this season of, Ferdinand and Vidic a la Stam/Johnson, Pallister/Bruce, has been cut down in just two games.

Liverpool, Rafa intent to draw, considering he has lost every other game at Arsenal's new stadium. Crouch hits 20 yarder shock, where did he get that power?

Arsenal, each fan slowly but surely getting frustrated with Professor Wenger. Forget the obvious points for this, lack of team spirit (Walcott was the only soul to celebrate with Benter), taking an age to get playing, having to come from behind once more, and a huge lack of atmosphere at the Emirates.

The main reason they should have a grievance, and if it isn't, it should be, Wenger had the chance in January to strengthen the squad, and for some reason he chose not to, and only he will ever know why, but what is clear his team are very much paying for it now.

In the era of super squads, like Chelsea, and Man Utd, Wenger would have us believe, Arsenal are a team who made a profit from transfers last summer, and are the fifth richest club in the world, should not and cannot compete in the era of big wages.

However, some would say the man is taking a stand he is cut from a different cloth. In the financial global market that is modern football, the man likes to mould and shape his players and his team, a man for the ages who does not like to spend big, either on known stars or unknown players.

However, the frustration coming through, is that fans believe there should be more of a compromise. Arsenal fans won't turn on him, if they are smart, give him two more transfer windows before you cry foolish of Wenger.

On a financial note, the Emirates Stadium is very much testament to the influence Wenger has had on Arsenal, considering Man Utd can only dream of the prices Arsenal can charge and thus make from their stadium.

For example, the business suites at the Emirates alone, bring in more money, than one game that took place at Highbury, for Arsenal can charge London prices.

Bundesliga

Bayern Munich, went nine points clear at the weekend, they are over the horizon champagne on ice. A tough game, 1-0 down in five minutes, Van Bommel sent off after 35 minutes, chasing the game against a very useful and skilfull side in Bochum.

However, with some Ribery magic and hard work, they turn it around for a 3-1 victory.

A good team in a mediocre league?

This side next year will be strong, the foundations were laid so quickly of a new team it has not found its feet, also Hitzfeld's work hasn't been that good but with Klinsmann coming in next year and the addition of some more players, they will be exciting to watch.

They are on course for being the strongest defence ever to win the championship, at the moment they stand at 16 goals conceded in 26 games.

A sadder note, serious crowd trouble at the weekend, Frankfurt against Nuremberg, the match had to be stopped at one point before its conclusion. The emergence of the ultra movement in Germany is starting to worry those in the Bundesliga.

Serie A

Inter Milan, after their lead being cut to one point due to Roma's win went four points clear again after a win against Atalanta. AC Milan, saw Kaka and Inzaghi back in the side and both contributed greatly in a 3-1 victory over Cagliari, where fans protested against the proposed move in the transfer market for Shevchenko.

Walter Zenga, the great Inter goalkeeper and star of Italia 90, is now manager of Catania, in his first Serie A management role, where he won his first match 3-0 against in form Napoli.

Next weekend, Juventus versus AC Milan.

SPL

Celtic can't get it done, not even close after a loss at home by Motherwell 1-0, Rangers move nearer to championship despite drawing at the weekend 3-3 against Dundee Utd.

La Liga

Joan Laporta, "no one wants to win this league," how smart he is.

Madrid stumble, great Barca and Villarreal can get closer and whip this league up one more time. No, both teams cannot get the three points, no real shame on Villarreal's part for they were away to Sevilla but Barcelona unlucky (hit the post three times) could just not finish of Getafe, and the white flags began to wave at Camp Nou.

Barcelona, physically they are not right, emotionally not right and Rijkaard does not know what tactics are it seems as everything goes against him over the last five or six games. This all being made worse, as Joan Laporta begins to lose his cool.

Deco no matter the calls for him to leave, matters greatly to Barcelona's style of play and is very much missed, there is a lack now offered once before by roaming wing backs and things have gotten a little tighter in the large Camp Nou pitch.

If Shalke, weren't so useless in front of goal Barca would be in grave trouble come mid-week.

All in all, the three teams, Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal, are just rubbish.

Also of note, Atlético Madrid against Almería, an amazing game final score 6-3.

Real Zaragoza, oh my it doesn't look good, how does this happen with a squad so good? They have had three coaches this year, leadership has gone, and this mainstay of La Liga clubs, could well be about to head down a division.

Of note, Manchester City and Ronaldinho surely not, inter-toto cup oh dear. Also, the idea or revelation that Ronaldinho has become a poor professional this season needs exploding, he has never been a good professional, and trained very little even in his early days at Barcelona.

The former world player of the year has become far more isolated in the great big city of Barcelona and more importantly within the first team squad, also his failings have been ever more magnified by a poor Barcelona team and a press much needing a scapegoat.

AC Milan would be like boot camp for the former world player of the year, but maybe just maybe, it could be the light at the end of the tunnel.

The 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships take place in Valencia, Spain at the week-end and there are a number of excellent match-ups track fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting.

The women's fields are loaded with superstars who make these championships worthy of their name and the men have no lack of stars to fill the seats, either.

The second of two particular match-ups to which I am looking forward is the men’s high jump. The 800m was previewed yesterday, now the men’s high jump shall be featured before the weekend's action gets underway.

The men's high jump should light a fire under any serious athletics fan, as there exists a very good possibility that two very fiercely competitive and driven European rivals may produce a break-through mark which has eluded scores of previous champions in the past.

Though the fields are strong across the boards—including the shot put, the 3.000m and the 60m hurdles. Athletics in the News will focus specifically on four athletes among the hundreds competing, whom fans should keep their eyes on as the championships unfold.

Abubaker Kaki was featured yesterday. Today you'll learn more about Stefan Holm and Yaroslav Rybakov. Tomorrow, the short series will conclude with Susanna Kallur.

So, again, sit back, enjoy the upcoming coverage provided by a number of world media outlets and take advantage of the excellent information provided in this report.


MEN'S HIGH JUMP - HOLM vs RYBAKOV:
Final: Saturday, 8-March at 17.00 CET

Saturday's high jump television coverage:
16.10-19.45 (Planeta Sport)
18.00-19.45 (Eurosport)
17.00-20.45 (SVT1, SVT2)

A world championship event is all about winning gold. Let no one fool you or state otherwise—despite how much fun they may have had leaping or jumping on the field or pushing oneself to the brink of exhaustion around the track.

Athletes are in it for the money, and gold medals have greater worth than silver. It's simple economics: you win, you earn.

Sure, you may find a Carolina Klüft who'll tell you that winning isn't everything, only giving your best and having fun is what counts. But Klüft, the reigning World, Olympic and European heptathlon champion, hasn't lost a competition in the eight years she has been involved in the event on an international level.

Silver medals and also ran placing matter little to athletes who live, breathe, eat and sleep around the notion of reaching the pinnacle of success, but, then again, not every world indoor championship is of the same value to all athletes, either.

But, let's forget about placing and medals for a moment and concentrate on pure gut-driven, nail-biting competition and two athletes' unrelenting drive and determination to win at all costs involved.

The first athlete is the reigning world indoor champion and Russian. His pursuer is a small Swedish man who has the highest clearance over height in history and has three such world indoor titles under his belt. He is also the reigning Olympic champion and on fire in an Olympic year.

Their “Superbowl” matches have inspired and awed, been thrilling and powerful. They have faced each other 64 times in their careers, with Yaroslav Rybakov taking a 1-0 advantage over Stefan Holm in their very first match-up seven years ago at an indoor invitational in Athens, Greece—2.30m to 2.27m.

Holm has gone on to defeat the steely Russian 20 more times than he has lost, compiling a 42-22 record against Rybakov, but it is the Russian who has his name last etched in the IAAF championships annual after winning the 2006 edition in front of his home crowd in Moscow.

Rybakov has won nine world or European medals in his illustrious career and has a personal best indoors of 2.38m set in the 2005 European Indoor Championships in Madrid.

Holm has won one more title than has his counterpart, though six of his have been gold—including three-consecutive world indoor titles (2001, 2003 and 2004). Holm has a personal best indoors of 2.40m set at the same championship event Rybakov established his best.

Together, Holm and Rybakov have been one of the best 1-2 punches this side of Tyson-Holyfield, with several heavyweight swings thrown at a magical barrier 240 centimetres above the tartan floor by both jumpers. Holm has knocked out Rybakov once at this height in a memorable competition three years ago, though Rybakov didn't do down without swinging hard.

Ok, with the hyperbole orgy now over, let’s jump straight on to this week-end’s action—of which there promises to be plenty of excitement from jump to jump from which to choose.

Two meters, 40 centimeters is the magic number to keep in mind on Saturday as you watch from one of the television stations listed above, on Versus or perhaps your own local station not listed.

Only five men in the history of this sport have ever jumped that high indoors in their careers. It is a mental barrier akin to, well, jumping 2.40m indoors; there is no rival to this event.

It's rather fitting that exactly three years ago, on the sixth day of March, Stefan Holm and Yaroslav Rybakov damaged my appreciation for high jumping for the rest of time, with Holm clearing 2.40m and making it look so easy.

Holm and Rybakov were competing for status as Europe's best indoor high jumper, with Madrid chosen as the location to conclude who was, in fact, the best our continent had to offer.

Rybakov had defeated Holm in three-consecutive competitions leading up to Madrid, with victories over Holm in Göteborg (2.35m), Arnstad (2.37m) and in front of Holm's home crowd in Karlstad (2.35m) - the latter a numbing victory by five centimetres.

Rybakov opened the Madrid competition by clearing six-straight heights with first-time clearances from 2.24m to 2.36m. He looked incredibly confident and unwavering in his pursuit of victory first and higher heights second.

Rybakov's 2.36m clearance was of particular note, because Holm passed for an attempt at 2.38m and the outright lead; he had also made six-straight first-time clearances up to 2.32m, but had started the competition at a height four centimetres lower than Rybakov.

Taking an attempt at 2.38m was risky, as had Holm failed at that height along with Rybakov, Holm would have played second-fiddle yet once again to his nemesis.

Holm had never cleared 2.38m indoors or outdoors up to this point, so it was a far stretch for him. Both had first-attempt fouls and cleared on second attempt, which forced both athletes to make attempts at 2.40m in order to win.

With Holm making it over 2.38m on his second attempt (which was actually his best jump of the night—2.40m-2.41m clearance), Rybakov, who was there to win the competition, saved his final attempt for a one-off at 2.42m. He missed and left Holm victorious and the first athlete in 14 years to breach that incredulous standard.

American Hollis Conway was the last to reach into god-like status when he cleared 2.40m for an American record at the 1991 World Championships in Sevilla.

And so the World Championships have again returned to Spain. Once again Stefan Holm finds himself in the form of his life yet trailing Rybakov on the world list, 2.38m to 2.37m.

They are again the talk of the inner circles within the sport, with Holm, who is retiring at the end of the summer campaign, making one last-ditch - yet well-planned - attempt at bettering the goal he has of demolishing his personal best mark.

Holm has been compared to former world record-holder Patrik Sjöberg, the current Swedish indoor and outdoor national record-holder, since he first cleared 2.30m several years ago. Holm has received mixed reviews from journalists and fans around the world as to which of the two high jump sensations—jumping in different eras—is the best in Swedish history.

Sjöberg, competing against Sotomajor, the current world record-holder, cleared 2.30m or higher in 118 lifetime competitions. Holm, whose greatest rival is Rybakov—a man who has never cleared higher than his in-season lifetime best of 2.38m, has bettered that mark by two, breaking the record in winning the GE Galan two weeks ago in Stockholm.

Behind Holm is the second Russian qualifier into the meet, Andrey Tereshin, who placed second two years ago with a 2.35m clearance—a mark equal to Rybakov, but one set on count-back.

Tereshin hasn't made international headlines this season, nor has he taken up much space on today's preview.

However, the 1.96m tall Russian has jumped 2.35m, 2.36m, and 2.35m the last three seasons, respectively and won the 2006 national Russian indoor championships as well (2.36m personal best).

Tereshin has competed in only three international indoor championships in his career, finishing eighth in the aforementioned 2005 European Championships; second in the 2006 World Championships and seventh in last year's European Championships.

Though gaining great exposure to championship competitions, Tereshin has only cleared 2.30m once this season. It appears as though his medal opportunities will be limited to fighting with Kyriakos Ioannou of Cyrus, the Osaka silver medallist, for bronze.

Ioannou has found good form with a 2.32m credit to his name this season.

The best wish one could make is to look into a magic ball and see into the future at what Saturday evening’s competition will deliver.

The foregone conclusion is that is impossible, however, so it’s best to let the athletes competing for gold—and that is all that matters in their eyes—play chess and attempt to force one another to make moves which expose their weaknesses and exclude them from higher heights.

It appears from experience that the incredible standard of 2.40m will has a greater chance of remaining elusive than it does of being breached, but, in the spirit of true, gritty competition, anything can—and sometimes doesha—ppen.

Stefan Holm would like to ensure his last indoor competition of his life nets a result higher than 2.41m, for though will he earn the right to be considered best in the world and best in our own country. He’s rather certain it will take 2.40m to win and he’s got the better overall record as well as championship record against anyone in the field—including the defending champion.

========================================================

2006 World Indoor Champion: Yaroslav Rybakov, RUS, 2.37m
WR 2.43m Javier Sotomajor (CUB) - Budapest, 1989-03-04

World Indoor Leaders in the High Jump 2008:

2.38m, Yaroslav Rybakov, RUS.
2.37m, Stefan Holm, SWE.
2.37m, Andrey Silnov, RUS.
2.36m, Andrey Ukhov, RUS.
2.36m, Andrey Tereshin, RUS.

2006 IAAF Indoor World Championships:

Gold: Jaroslav Rybakov, RUS, 2.37m
Silver: Andrey Tereshin, RUS, 2.35m
Bronze: Linus Thörnblad, SWE, 2.33m

========================================================

Tonight, playing the first half of the Champions League Finals round of 16 are:

Manchester United—Olympique Lyonnais:

With a 1-1 draw at Lyon's stade Gerland, Manchester only needs a 0-0 draw to insure qualification. However knowing Man U's style,and the loads of goals they have been scoring lately, we know they'll try to score as soon as they can to insure qualification.  

Lyon if they want to create a surprise win (or a 2-2 draw) will have to attack and rely on solid defense to stop Manchester's strikers from scoring. They are counting on Brazilian international defender Cris (returning from a long injury) to be on C.Ronaldo's back all game.

However, Manchester should not be afraid of the French side, they will just need to play their usual game, without forgetting to watch prodigy center forward Karim Benzema.

Ferguson knows the young Lyonnais could be turning the party off as he declared, "This player can score anytime, and that's why he is dangerous."

Evra highlighted, "The pressure is on us because everyone expects us to qualify. That is why will put pressure on them from the beggining of the game."

AC MIlan—Arsenal:

After a disappointing 0-0 at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal will have to play their best if they want to shake Milan's solid defense.

AC hasn't been that great at San Siro in Serie A but we know the CL's holder are a great competitive team, and they will do everything to save win a tittle this season as their chance to win the Scudetto are gone. 

I can't wait to see Pato playing (althought is not sure to start the game) against the Gunners, as I am sure I will give a lot of work to Gallas and his team-mates.

Arsene Wenger has to come with one of his magical strategy, if he wants his team to pull it off. 

Here are the groups for the game: 

AC MILAN: 

Kalac, Fiori, Offredi—Maldini, Nesta, Kaladze, Simic, Favalli, Bonera, Oddo—Emerson, Gattuso, Seedorf, Gourcuff, Pirlo, Ambrosini—Kakà, Gilardino, Inzaghi, Pato, Paloschi

ARSENAL:

Lehmann, Almunia—Sagna, Senderos, Gallas, Clichy, Eboué, J. Hoyte—Fabregas, Diaby, Flamini, Hleb, Gilberto, Denilson—Van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner, Walcott

Sevilla FC—Fenerbahce

After an intense game in Istanbul, ending by a 3-2 win for Fenerbahce, Sevilla only needs to win 1-0 to qualify. The Turks are a hard team to beat, and Sevilla's forward will have to score quick. Kanoute and Sevilla's forward will have to put a strong effort if they want to get there

The Turks are playing without Roberto Carlos, he is still suffering from an injury contracted during the home game.

I still think last year UEFA Cup's winner will make it to the quarter final as they are playing on home ground, where they beat Madrid this season in Liga.

FC Barcelona - Celtic Glasgow

After a great display of their capibilities in Scotland and the 3-2 win, Barcelona is definetly favourite, as Celtic should not even have scored in the first game.

Playing at Camp Nou is always tough for the away team. I have been twice in this stadium and the atmosphere is just crazy. Ronaldinho is coming back to his best level, despite his team away loss to Athletico Madrid this weekend (4-2) Ronaldinho scored a very nice bicycle kick, and has just been more consistent in his last three games.

However, we should not underestimate the Scott's fighting spirit, something that Barça's midlefielder Deco doesnt forget to do declaring, "At this stage of the competition everything is possible. We are not qualify yet, even if a lot of people thinks we are. We'll have to be carefull against Celtic."

Clement Andreau and just because you need to see it, I added Ronaldinho's goal in  my media center.

A late away goal from substitute Carlos Tevez for Manchester United salvaged their night after Karim Benema’s 20 yard drive put Lyon ahead.

Benzema, despite being linked to a summer move to Old Trafford and highly-rated by Alex Ferguson, was given too much time and space and could have extended his tally.

Lyon, six time Ligue 1 champions running, are overdue European success as are the Red Devils, who have failed to pass the semi-finals after their win in 1999

Despite conceding late, Lyon will take heart from their first leg performance.  Expect an uncomfortable night for United come March 5.

AC Milan (0) vs Arsenal (0), Emirates Stadium

Despite a good performance, Arsene Wenger was disappointed with his team’s lack of composure in the final third which saw them squander good chances. Emmanuel Adebayour should have won the game but his injury time header struck the bar. Fagregas, Bendter, and Silva all had clear cut opportunities but failed to score.

Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac, who has replaced Dida as their starter, was their player of the night thwarting the Gunners on numerous occasions.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti will be happy with the away draw and Wenger’s young guns will be hard pressed to overcome last years champions at the San Siro.

Celtic (2) vs Barcelona (3), Celtic Park

Young Argentinian Lionel Messi’s two goals handed Barcelona a come-from-behind victory against the Scots at Celtic Park. Barcelona came from behind twice after goals from Vennegoor of Hesselink and Barry Robson for Celtic.

Thierry Henry curled in a ball from the edge of the box after a careless pass from Gary Caldwell allowed Ronaldinho to intercept and supply the Frenchman for Barcelona’s second. Messi sealed the game with a cool finish after another defensive error, this time by Stephen McManus.

Despite their defensive frailties Celtic provided a stern test for the Catalans, although one wouldn’t give them much chance of going through to the quarters.

Fenerbache (3) vs Sevilla (2), Sukru Saracoglu

Fenerbache took the lead twice in each half through Mateja Kezman and Lugano respectively, but both goals were snuffed out within minutes by an own goal and a Julien Escudé strike for Sevilla.

The winner was scored by substitute Semih Senturk with three minutes remaining to take a slender into the second leg in Spain.

Given their two away goals, Sevilla will probably have done enough to edge through in the return leg.