At the age of 15, Best was discovered in Belfast by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop, whose telegram to United manager Sir Matt Busby read: "I have found a genius". His local club Glentoran had previously rejected him for being "too small and light". Best was subsequently given a trial and signed up by chief scout Joe Armstrong in 1961. He turned professional and made his debut for Manchester United in 1963 against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford. He became world-famous at the age of eighteen when he scored three goals in a European Cup match against Benfica in 1966, and scored in United's European Cup final win against the same club in 1968.

Also see: Booze, Birds and Fast Cars - A Tribute To George

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) long distance goal

Scotland upset France with a home victory against France at Hampden Park on Saturday. Gary Caldwell scored the only goal of the match which put Scotland ahead of second placed France and third placed Italy.

France head coach Raymond Domenech said: "The group is an extremely difficult group and Scotland will probably be a threat to other teams as well," he said.

"I am a little disappointed because we lost the game; we could have done better.

"However, this defeat has given me energy to carry on and we will be more aggressive in the next game."

Italy won it's first Euro 2008 qualifing win through a Massino Oddo penalty and a Luca Toni goal. Italy obtained the penalty when Luca Toni had his arm tugged in the penalty box by Oleg Gusev.

According to Roberto Donadoni , "We weren't great in certain situations but we never stopped trying, never stopped fighting for the ball. They (Ukraine) were dangerous but mostly with long-range shots and free kicks. In open play they never once got one-on-one in front of our keeper which was a great testament to the way we defended."

"I was not sure about the penalty," Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin said. "I'd like to see it again."

"Italy were not as good as when they beat us (3-0 in the quarter final) at the World Cup but that could be because they are still working their way into form.

"I don't want to take anything away from them, though. Overall, they deserved it."

The Italy now has two points behind second placed France, and five behind leaders Scotland (who beat France).

Spain lost 2-0 to Sweden in it's second Euro 2008 qualifying game defeat. Despite the setback, the controversial Luis Aragones has reiterated his desire to continue as the Spanish coach.

Note: Spain's last defeat was to a 3-2 loss away in Northern Ireland.

Concerning Becks retirement Calderon originally told BBC Radio 5 Live: "As far as I know he's decided to retire in two years. For us it would be fantastic if he could stay with us for the next two years.

"We need him, he is playing very well and the coach trusts him. We hope everything will be all right in the next 15, 20 days to sign a new contract."

However in a Beckham has rejected the assumption that he would be retiring in 2008.

"Talk of retirement is a complete surprise to us," read a Beckham statement. "No-one has ever discussed a retirement date.

"David's only concern is to play for Real Madrid and win things at the club."

GOOD ! Why stop now Beck ? 2008 is only a year away practically. I don't know. Anyway, let's get pre-nostagic, shall we ?

Arsene Wenger commented that Lehmann

The FA has confirmed that Alan Wiley will indeed replace Mike Dean as the referee for this season's FA Cup Final between Liverpool and West Ham United.

Dean, 45, has been a Select Group referee since 2000, but the decision to replace him was made after Liverpool made it to the final this past Saturday.

The FA assures all that they have complete confidence in Dean

Kolo Toure's close range goal gave Arsene Wenger's team the advantage on the 41st minute of play.

Riquelme was a threat, however the spaniards were unable to
score.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Flamini, Hleb (Bergkamp 80), Ljungberg (Van Persie 80), Silva, Fabregas, Pires, Henry.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Diaby, Song Billong, Walcott, Djourou.

Goals: Toure (Arsenal) 41st minute of play

Villarreal: Barbosa, Javi Venta, Quique Alvarez, Arzo, Arruabarrena, Senna, Tacchinardi, Sorin (Josico 72), Riquelme, Jose Mari (Franco 55), Forlan (Calleja 90).
Subs Not Used: Lopez Vallejo, Guayre, Hector Font, Edu Caballer.

Booked: Arzo, Riquelme, Tacchinardi, Franco, Quique Alvarez.

Att: 35,438

Ref: Konrad Plautz (Austria).

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