Soccer fans had been anticipating this match between Chelsea and AC Milan for the inaugural World Football Challenge, and they were not disappointed. Ivorian Didier Drogba took the lead with a goal for Chelsea.

However, in the 38th minute, Clarence Seedorf found the equalizer for the Italians, drawing 1-1.

Then on the 69^th minute in the second half, Yuri Zhirkov scored the tie breaking goal, and defeating AC Milan 2-1.

Chelsea and Inter Milan will meet again at the Pasadena Rose Bowlon July 21st, 2009, but who will take the top spot?  Although the game doesn’t start until later in the afternoon, security will be beefed up around the stadium starting tonight around 2:00am.  The City of Los Angeles is expecting thousands of tailgaters to arrive at the Rose Bowl in the middle of the night for this intense futbol game.

Chelsea bad boy footballer, Dider Drogba has been banned from playing in the next 6 games for the team.  Drogba has been penalized for more bad behavior that included swearing on live TV and confronting the referee. 

Drogba’s team-mate, Jose Bosingwa has also been penalized and banned from playing in 4 games.  The UEFA said Drogna and Bosingwa are facing charges of being in breach of principles of sportsmanship by insulting the referee. 

Both of the Chelsea players are eligible to appeal the bans.

Chelsea Futbol players, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho are being courted by their old friend, Jose Mourinho.  Both soccer players suffered injuries last season and are expected to depart to Italy for less than half of what they were recruited for.  Although the duo were a huge reason for Porto’s success in 2004, Stamford Bridge believes the players best soccer days are behind them and it might be time for an esrly retirement.

Nevertheless, Mourinho is very interested in having the players back on his team.  This is what he had to say on the subject:
“We are interested in Carvalho primarily for the Champions League.  He has the right experience, he is calm under pressure and brings ­experience in the defensive line. Deco will have two tasks: to do well immediately and to help Coutinho mature as a player. Coutinho will arrive next season and plays in the same role as Deco.”