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MUNICH, Germany -- Bayern Munich defeated Barcelona 2-0 on Wednesday in a preseason friendly that pitted Pep Guardiolas new side against his former team. Curry 3 Shoes For Sale . Philipp Lahm scored with a header in the 14th minute and halftime substitute Mario Mandzukic added another goal three minutes from time, giving Guardiola a victory in his first game at Bayerns stadium. "It was a special game for me. I spent my whole life as a player and coach at Barcelona," Guardiola said. "Im happy, I dont have anything to complain about at the moment." In typical fashion, Guardiola had started without a striker, preferring the attacking trident of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Mueller up front. His former protege, Lionel Messi, almost put the visitors ahead seconds after kickoff, only to fire just wide after running through the Bayern defence. Toni Kroos then stung Barca keeper Jose Pintos hands with a driving shot at the other end. Ribery set up Lahm to score with a cushioned back-header over the goalkeeper. Lahm, normally a defender, was deployed in midfield along with Thiago Alcantara, an off-season signing from Barcelona at Guardiolas request. Adriano twice made vital goal-line interceptions to deny Robben, first from Riberys cross and later when Mueller pulled the ball back. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did enough to put off Sergi Roberto and Cristian Tello also went close, but the visitors were clearly missing the calibre of players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and new signing Neymar. "Barcelona werent complete, but the win is important for confidence and (to get into) rhythm," said Ribery, who was impressive throughout. Barcelona changed all 11 players at the break, leaving what was effectively a third string side to frustrate the home team in search of more goals until Diego Contento crossed to give Mandzukic an easy finish. Guardiola, who steered Barcelona to 14 titles over four seasons, has taken over Bayern from Jupp Heynckes, who led the side to Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup triumphs last season. Barcelonas new coach Gerardo Martino is due to be presented on Friday, and the team was led in the Argentines absence by Jordi Roura. Martino was appointed after Tito Vilanova, Guardiolas successor, stepped down to concentrate on his fight against throat cancer. Bayern plays Borussia Dortmund for the German Supercup on Saturday in a rematch of last seasons Champions League final. Saucony Mens Running Shoes .Y. - Jerome Samson scored once in regulation and again in the shootout as the St. Under Armour Mens Speedform Gemini . The FA rejected Wilsheres appeal that the length of his punishment was "clearly excessive" and said Thursday his suspension begins with immediate effect. He will miss league matches against Chelsea on Monday and West Ham on Dec. http://www.sauconyshoesireland.com/ua-scorpio-shoes.html .5 million, one-year contract on Friday. Hawkins, who turns 41 in December, will compete with Rex Brothers for the closers role at spring training.Alan Quinlan has paid tribute to former Munster and Ireland team-mate Paul OConnell, whose determination to succeed led to the nickname Psycho. OConnell announced his retirement from all forms of rugby on Tuesday, bringing to an end a career that spanned more than 14 years at the top.A severe hamstring injured suffered against France during the World Cup marked his final international appearance for his country, but the second row had signed a two-year deal with Toulon that started at the beginning of the current season. Its an incredible legacy to be honest, just the impact hes had on the game - not just in Ireland but throughout the world. Hes known as an iconic figure and a really fantastic leader. Alan Quinlan on Paul OConnell However after failing to fully recover from the injury, OConnell was advised by doctors to call time on a playing career that was decorated with three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam with Ireland, and five European and PRO12 trophies with Munster.OConnells success at the top was a direct result of his determination to succeed, according to Quinlan. OConnell announces retirement Paul OConnell announces retirement from rugby Hes a hard man and hes very driven, the former Munster and Ireland back-row told Sky Sports. Weve been close as friends and he was never afraid to tell someone if they werent pulling their weight or if they werent focused or concentrating enough for the team. Former Ireland and Lions captain Paul OConnell has announced his retirement from rugby We had plenty of rows and arguments over the years about lineouts and about different strategies. Youve got to be tough, youve got to be resilient, youve got to be very determined and aggressive to achieve what he has achieved. OConnell: Ive been very lucky Paul OConnell reflects on long and enjoyable career We called him Psycho, Ronan OGara and myself. He was so psycho and so driven to succeed, and anyone or anything that gets in his way, he just goes straight out over them. Thats the determination.Its a great drive and a desire thats got him an incredible amount of achievement. Paul OConnell celebrates scoring a try on hiis Ireland debut against Wales in 2002 OConnell and Quinlan played together for club and country for 10 years, and Quinlan says he is not surprised by the outpouring of respect for his his former team-mate, adding that his leadership qualities were obvious from an early age. Saucony Jazz Trainers Sale. Its an incredible legacy to be honest, just the impact he has had on the game - not just in Ireland but throughout the world. Hes known as an iconic figure and a really fantastic leader. O'Connell: I've been very lucky Hes someone who has set a great example for young people. He has really natural leadership qualities and is a very selfless person. The team is very important to Paul OConnell.Hes not one for individual accolades, hes not one for the limelight, he just wants the team to do well.He just has this innate ability to drive people around him to play above themselves and achieve above their own standards. He gets the best out of people and its a real quality, not everyone has those kinds of qualities; to be able to push and drive and lead a group of people. The world of social media reacts to the news that Paul OConnell has retired His all-conquering personality on the field complemented a much more relaxed attitude off it, says Quinlan.He can put on the game face and does it really well, but hes great fun away from the field. Weve had great fun on tours and weve been on holidays together in groups.He loves a bit of fun, a bit of craic. Hes always up for a laugh and thats part of his personality as well, and thats what made him popular with players.He doesnt keep to himself, he likes to mix with people all the time, and hes intrigued by what everyone else does.Hes a great character, a really funny person who is very popular with anyone hes played with and against. OConnell makes his way down the tunnel with his son Paddy, 5, after his last home international match Quinlan and OConnell won two Heineken Cups with Munster in 2006 and 2008 and the former has expressed his desire to see the latter back at the province in a mentoring capacity.Id like to see him straight away go back in and get involved with Munster, he said.Hes someone who has so much to offer the game. Hes very intelligent and I know hes interested in business and trying to explore avenues around the business world as well, but hes just too good to be lost to rugby.He inspired people on the field when he was playing, and I think he can do the same in coaching or a managerial role. Also See: OConnell: Ive been very lucky OConnell announces retirement Farewell to a legend OConnell tributes Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '