Thursday, 2 January 2014

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES. Friday January 3rd

Living In His Perfect Will

Pastor Anita

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God (Hebrews 10:7).

God loves to help you achieve your dreams, but much better is when you live out His dreams for you. He has a bigger and better dream for you than you could ever have for yourself. Therefore, in setting your goals for the year, the smart thing to do is to be sure those goals are within the ambits of His desires. Your goal, at all times, should be to fulfil His perfect will.
To live in God’s dream for your life is the best place to be. That way, you’re victorious irrespective of the crises, stresses and struggles you encounter, because you’re in the centre of His perfect will. Everything you require is available to you in Him. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 12:32 "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Living in His perfect will requires intimacy with the Holy Spirit. You’d have to recognize and yield yourself to Him, giving Him the right of way in your life. Maybe, right now, you’re in a situation where you’re not sure whether or not you’re living in God’s plan for your life, and as a result, you’re wondering "How do I come out? How do I change things and get back into God’s perfect will?"
First, recognize that He’s big enough to change things for you. Secondly, decide to let the Holy Spirit gain dominion and mastery in your life: let Him take over! He’ll guide you to be in God’s place, in God’s time, for God’s purpose, in God’s way. He’s the One that reveals to your spirit the things God wants you to do, and how He wants you to do them. Living within the ambits of His desires will bring unprecedented joy and fulfilment into your life.
Never try to be someone else; take pleasure in your uniqueness, and be what God wants you to be.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for the light of your Word, by which I’ve discovered your will and walk in your plans for my life. I yield completely to the Lordship and tutelage of the Holy Spirit, who guides me in your perfect will, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Romans 12:2; Colossians 4:17

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Matthew 3 Genesis 6-8
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 6:9-15 Nehemiah 6

Monday, 30 December 2013

Monday, December 30th RHAPSODY OF REALITIES ·

Called To Preserve Lives

And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance (Genesis 45:7).

Pastor Anita

Consider the man Joseph, in the Bible: His brothers hated him and wanted to kill him, but later sold him as a slave to a band of travellers, who, in turn, sold him to an Egyptian named Potiphar (Genesis 37). Potiphar observed that God had blessed him because of Joseph, and as a result, he put Joseph in charge of his entire estate.
Things eventually went awry when Potiphar’s wife lied against Joseph, and he was thrown into prison. However, right there in prison, the Lord was with Joseph and blessed him, so that the jailer was pleased with him. He then put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and made him the overseer in the prison (Genesis 39:21-22). Meanwhile, Pharoah’s chief butler, and his baker had also been jailed in the same prison where Joseph was incarcerated. On a certain night, they both had two separate dreams that got them troubled. Joseph interpreted both their dreams, but it so happened only the chief butler’s dream had a favourable outcome: he was released within three days and restored to his former position of chief butler, just as Joseph interpreted.
Eventually, Pharaoh himself had a dream and became troubled by it. The butler, at this point, remembered Joseph and mentioned him to Pharaoh. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, and thereafter was made the prime minister of Egypt. Soon, there was famine in Canaan and all the adjoining countries, but because of Joseph, Egypt was spared the agony of a devastating famine.
During the famine, Joseph’s brothers who sold him into slavery came to Egypt to buy food, and Joseph was in charge of all the food in Egypt, but they didn’t recognize him. Read his moving words to his brothers when he eventually made himself known to them: "And Joseph said unto his brethren…I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:4-5).
God has entrusted you with the responsibility of preserving the lives of those in your chariot of life: your schoolmates, colleagues, business associates, neighbours, family members, friends, and loved ones. When they’re facing hard and difficult times, intercede in prayer until there’s a change in their situation. If you work in an organization, pray for its prosperity, for in its prosperity, you’ll also prosper (Jeremiah 29:7).
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the privilege you’ve given me to preserve the lives of those I come in contact with, and affect them positively. I decree that they walk in divine prosperity, deliverance, health, victory, abundance, strength and promotions, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Obadiah 1:21; Isaiah 42:5-7

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Malachi 1-2 Revelation 21:1-27
2 Year Reading Plan : Acts 5:12-23 Ezra 9-10 +mayowa +petra +yookos +twitter

Prayer at 12noon and 10pm (Local /GMT) - Mon Dec 30 Posted by PastorChrisLive in PastorChrisLive on 30-Dec-2013 08:28:00

Psalms 47:6-9 "Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm! God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!
For 15min at 12noon and 10pm (local/GMT) we'll worship the Lord with singing: for He has done great things in our lives. He spoke and it was so; He commanded good for us, and it came to pass. Blessed be the Lord who has made us victors forever. Hallelujah!

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Wednesday, December 4th. RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

The Power To Witness ·

Pastor Chris

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

The Gospel ministry of the Christian is to win the lost. As soon as you received the Holy Spirit, you received the power to witness. Don’t say, "I need more boldness to preach"; 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." You already have the Spirit of love, power, and a sound mind.
Peter became a dynamic preacher after he received the Holy Spirit! The same Peter who denied Jesus, even to a little girl, preached and led three thousand souls to Christ in one day (Acts 2:41). The Apostle Paul, upon receiving the Holy Spirit, immediately went about preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:20).
A very important evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit in anyone’s life is dynamic evangelism. Recall what Jesus said in our opening verse, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…." The Holy Spirit makes you a witness or proof-producer; He makes you preach the Gospel with boldness. When anyone was filled with the Holy Spirit in the Bible, they spoke the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31), which often resulted in the conversion of sinners.
You can’t claim God saved you and not tell others about it! Don’t keep quiet; preach the Gospel in your world, and beyond; for therein is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes (Romans 1:16).
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I’m so grateful for your boundless blessings in my life. Thank you for the power of the Spirit that’s at work in me mightily today, making me effective as a minister of reconciliation, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Acts 4:31; Ephesians 6:19; Ephesians 5:18-19

Friday, 15 November 2013

Friday, November 15th. RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

It Begins From Your Spirit ·

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23).

Pastor Anita

Often in the scriptures, heart is used in lieu of spirit and the reason is clear. Just as the physical heart is the operational centre of the human body, so also the spirit is the controlling centre of human existence. Everything about your life actually originates from your spirit. Success or failure, wealth or poverty, excellence or mediocrity will emanate from a man’s spirit.
Your mind is the door to your spirit. That’s why whatever words and thoughts you allow to go through your mind, unchecked, will be deposited in your spirit. This is the reason you have to sift what goes through your mind to your spirit. Every day, we hear words, see things, and receive all kinds of information, positive and negative alike. You’re required to mount guard on your heart and not allow your spirit receive and process the wrong information.
If, for example, you heard that there’s trouble in the economy or that recession is setting in, and there’s hardship everywhere, don’t be perturbed, because you’re not of this world. Refuse to process such negative information; don’t dwell on it. Rather, you should say, "I refuse to fret or be anxious, because I function in the realm of superabundance. I’m an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ. I function above the economies and economics of this world."
If you give wrong thoughts access into your heart, they’ll instil fear in you. So, keep vigilant watch over your heart. Embrace only thoughts of success, victory, health, prosperity, happiness and fulfilment that come from God’s Word.
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you for your Word that gives me the right information to think and meditate upon; your Word continually finds its home in my heart, is effectual and effective in me, and produces everything it talks about, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Luke 6:45; Philippians 4:8

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Hebrews 12:1-13, Jeremiah 31-32
2 Year Reading Plan : John 12:12-19, 1 Chronicles 15

Thursday, November 14th. RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

Insight Into Realities ·

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:13).

Pastor Chris

The Word is the wisdom of God, and when you’re born again, this wisdom is granted you; it’s deposited in your spirit. The wisdom of God gives you insight into reality; into hidden mysteries and secrets such that nothing eludes you!
Wisdom—the wisdom of God—makes you see into the "real truth" of things. It enables you to see with the eyes and the mind of God, thereby understanding things from God’s perspective. You’re able to understand concepts and see relationships between them! 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 says, "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
The princes of this world, the great men and intelligentsia of renown, had no revelation knowledge of the wisdom of God. If they did, they would have recognized the Man of Galilee—our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ—when He walked the earth. The Bible says, "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not" (John 1:10). The princes of this world didn’t know Him because they lacked insight into reality.
When you receive Christ into your heart, Christ becomes your wisdom. The Bible says, in Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3); this includes the knowledge and understanding of all learning and science; you have all of these inside you. Meditate on this thought; it’ll make you a master of all things.
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for granting me wisdom in my spirit, thus making me a master in life. Christ is my wisdom, and I have insight into reality: all things are made manifest to me by the true light of God’s Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Jeremiah 8:9; Colossians 3:16

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Hebrews 11:17-40, Jeremiah 29-30
2 Year Reading Plan : John 12:1-11, 1 Chronicles 14

Wednesday, November 13th. RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

The Truth ·

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17).

Pastor Chris

Whatever God has said about you in His Word is the reality; that’s the truth about you. For example, the Word says, "...Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). That means you can’t be oppressed; you can’t be defeated or disadvantaged in life, because the greater One, with all His wisdom, power, and glory, lives in you. Another truth is in 1 John 3:2 that says, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God…." You’re a child of God now; not next year or when you get to heaven; it’s a present-hour truth. You’re born of Him, and that makes you an associate of the God-kind.
Moreover, 1 John 4:17 says, "...As he is so are we in this world"; that means you’re His express image; the effulgence of His glory. Anyone who has seen you has seen the Master, because you’re His icon. No wonder He said in John 17:22, "And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one." Thus, as He is—glorified—so are you!
Affirming the truth of our uniqueness, peculiarity, and superiority, the Apostle James writes, "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18). 1 Peter 2:9 reiterates a similar truth: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
You’re peculiar; the first and the best of everything that God created. You’re His most precious and prized possession, called to display the excellence, beauty and perfections of divinity! It doesn’t matter what you may be going through in your life today; don’t despair; you’re more than a conqueror. You’re the seed of Abraham! You’re a success.
The sickness-destroying, disease-resistant, and devil-repelling life of God is in every fibre of your being, every bone of your body, and every cell of your blood. Not only are you blessed, you’re also a blessing. Everything and everyone you touch is blessed because you’re the dispenser of God’s goodness!
These are revealed truths about you in the Word of God; and they’re indeed worth singing, dancing, and shouting about!
Prayer
Dear Father, I thank you, for my heart has embraced your words of life and truth. Thank you for granting me the revelation knowledge of the glorious truths you’ve spoken concerning me, and the wisdom to appropriate and walk in the reality of my blessings in Christ, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Psalm 87:2-3; James 1:22

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Hebrews 11:1-16, Jeremiah 26-28
2 Year Reading Plan : John 11:47-57, 1 Chronicles 13

Monday, 11 November 2013

Monday, November 11th. RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

Speak The Wisdom Of God ·

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory (1 Corinthians 2:7).

Pastor Chris

Notice that our opening verse doesn’t say, "we talk about the wisdom of God," but that "…we speak the wisdom of God...." Have you ever spoken wisdom? Do you know what it is to speak wisdom? The wisdom of God is creative wisdom; that’s the wisdom that made this world: "He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion," (Jeremiah 10:12).
Just like Him, we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. The wisdom of God is spoken in esoteric language; it’s not a language for everybody! It’s a closed communication, revealed only to the "initiated." Only those who’re spiritually mature understand when we speak the wisdom of God: "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought" (1 Corinthians 2:6).
For instance, when you say, "I have the life of God in me"; you’re speaking the wisdom of God. When you say, "I’m full of wisdom, glory and strength; I’m walking in victory, righteousness and grace"; that’s speaking the wisdom of God. Someone might say to you, "How dare you speak so highly of yourself; aren’t you being boastful?" No, you’re not! You’re speaking the wisdom of God.
The Word of God is the wisdom of God. Those who think we’re braggadocios when we speak the Word, and boldly declare who we are in Christ—our rights, privileges, inheritance, and abilities in Him—don’t understand the esoteric nature of our communication. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Confession I walk in the light, as He is in the light. I walk in glory, strength, victory, and righteousness today. My life is the manifestation of the wisdom and grace of God! I’m what God says I am.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: 1 Corinthians 2:6-8; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Hebrews 10:1-18, Jeremiah 19-22
2 Year Reading Plan : John 11:24-34, 1 Chronicles 11

Friday, 8 November 2013

Friday, November 8th. RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

Maintaining Your Victory ·

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12).

Pastor Chris

Many are yet to acknowledge and understand the kind of warfare we’re engaged in as Christians. They say, "O, Jesus has done it all for me; He fought all my battles for me." Yes, He already accomplished all things for you, but the Word says you should "fight the good fight of faith."
The fight of faith isn’t a fight with the devil who has already been defeated; rather, it means maintaining your victory in Christ by standing your ground on God’s Word. It means living in the reality of what the Word says about you: laying hold of your rights, privileges and inheritance in Christ, and refusing to let go, irrespective of fierce opposition.
The Apostle Paul emphasized this when he said in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Notice it says "the weapons of our warfare"; acknowledging that there’s indeed a warfare, and we’re involved in it!
Secondly, it describes these weapons, stating that they are mighty through the Word and the Holy Spirit, in the pulling down of "strongholds." Strongholds are ideas, thoughts, principles and theories of this world that contradict the Word. Such ideas and theories create negative mind-sets in people, and hold them in bondage. However, with the Word of God, and through the Holy Spirit, we’re able to pull down or dismantle such strongholds.
Next, it says "casting down imaginations." Sometimes people have imaginations that are against the Word of God; they’re haunted by terrible imaginations of fear, defeat, and failure. With the Word of God, we’re able to tear down and demolish such evil imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God! Stand your ground on the Word always.
Confession
My faith is producing undeniable results; I prevail over every challenging situation because the greater One lives in me, and I’m strong in Him, and in the power of His might.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Ephesians 6:10-12

Daily Scripture Reading

1 Year Reading Plan : Hebrews 8 Jeremiah 13-14
2 Year Reading Plan : John 10:33-42 1 Chronicles 8

Iheanacho must get more of the ball and the five things the Golden Eaglets must do against Mexico

Nigeria’s U-17 team go into the final of the 2013 Fifa U-17 World Cup final as firm favourites but they must be cautious

ANALYSISBy Babajide Alaka | Deputy Editor
The hardest thing for Coach Garba Manu and his technical team will be how to motivate his players to see the final as another very important assignment and not as a crowning ceremony and that is because the Eaglets thrashed their final opponents, Mexico, 6-1 in their opening match.
So Goal looks at five things that the Eaglets need to do to make sure that all their skill and enterprise gets the final prize.

GET THE BALL MORE TO KELECHI IHEANACHO IN CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Iheanacho has not only been a scorer of goals – five at the last match; he has also been a veritable supplier of assists – seven at the last count. And the way he has set up Taiwo Awoniyi for his last three goals showed the vision that he possesses in abundance.
His pass to set up Awoniyi for the first goal against Uruguay was pinpoint and something from the Mesut Ozil book while the scoop pass for the first goal against Sweden was simply sublime.
But it has to be said that he drifts out of games when the ball is not supplied to him just behind the main striker. Abdulahi Alfa and Akinjide Dairo (if he is restored to the starting 11), need to look up more and give him the ball so he can continue setting up the strikers. The key for the Eaglets is to get the ball to him quickly so that he can work his magic. And if he chooses not to pass, he has a great left foot that can deliver the goals needed.

TRY NOT TO CONCEDE FREE KICKS AROUND THE BOX

Mexico have shown after that calamitous 6-1 capitulation to Nigeria in the first match that they are a very technical side who put a lot of work into their set pieces.
The first two goals they scored against Argentina in the semi final showed that proficiency. So the Eaglets must do well to limit their fouls to the centre of the pitch where set pieces can least hurt them.

OKON MUST STAY TIGHT WITH IVAN OCHOA

Ivan Ochoa has scored four goals in his last three matches and so can be classified as the danger man for the junior El Tri. Not possessing great skill or speed, Ochoa has mastered the art of losing his markers in tight places.
And he always appears at the far post to gobble up any knock downs from his mates or from the opponent so the Eaglets’ left-back Samuel Okon, who has been one of the best Nigerian players at this championship, must be constantly tuned on for the runs of this elusive player.
The best thing to do is make sure he is picked up immediately he gets near the Nigerian box and man-marked until all danger is cleared.

MOHAMMED SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS IN BOMBING FORWARD

The captain has already scored twice in this championship and has a great penchant for bombing forward from his new role as right back.
And Mexico has shown that they are a good counter attacking side and will use any spaces left by inordinate forays forward by Mohammed.
Therefore Coach Manu Garba needs to instill in Mohammed the discipline he shows as a defensive midfielder – go forward when you are almost 100% sure that you have a backup in case the forward move is punctured.

CAUTION AKINJIDE DAIRO ON HOLDING THE BALL TOO MUCH

If he plays, the coaches need to tell Akinjide Dairo, who has been a constant fixture of the Golden Eaglets midfield until he was shown a second yellow card against Uruguay, which made him miss the semifinal win over Sweden.
In the 3-3 draw with Sweden in the group stage, he was caught dawdling on the ball on more than one occasion. The Mexicans will be looking to pinch the ball off any of the Nigerian midfielders to launch a quick counter.
So all of them but most importantly Dairo, because he has the most touches on the ball, must be constantly aware of what is around them. One touch control and pass into space will be the neatest solution.

Patience has paid off with Lamela, says Villas-Boas

The 21-year-old summer signing opened his account for the club, scoring the opening goal against FC Sheriff before superbly winning a penalty in an impressive display

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas paid tribute to Erik Lamela following the Argentine's match-winning display in Spurs' 2-1 win over FC Sheriff.

Lamela dazzled throughout, sweeping home the opening goal before showing a touch of class, weaving past two defenders before drawing Djibril Paye into conceding a penalty.

And Villas-Boas hailed the €30 million summer signing before shedding some light on the 21-year-old's problems settling in at Spurs.

Speaking to reporters Villas-Boas said: "We were waiting for a good performance for him and we got it today.

"We have been patient with him and he has delivered. He had no fear, took on people and created a lot. We saw some signs of what he can do for us and hopefully from now on he’ll do this for us.

"Adaptation for him has taken some time for personal reasons.

"Not speaking the language is never easy, completely opposite social life to Italy, change of city, no family here and the fact he faced tough competition with Townsend's explosion.

"All of those reasons add up and the player is on the right track."

Jermain Defoe converted the spot kick Lamela won to put Tottenham 2-0 up, also overtaking club legend Martin Chivers' European goalscoring record with his 23rd goal in continental competition.

Villas-Boas spoke highly of the striker, adding: "We were expectant and glad it happened today. We were trying to put him through on goal, Erik did well to create that chance for the penalty and he slotted it home.

"We are all particularly happy for him, it’s a great honour and will stay in time as did Martin’s [Chivers] and it will be difficult to break.

"I hope it means this club will continue to the later stages of this competition and makes it even more prestigious."

Villas-Boas also revealed that Hugo Lloris would definitely start the game against Newcastle on Sunday

Defoe 'delighted' with record-breaking goal

The England international netted from the penalty spot against Moldovan minnows Sheriff in the Europa League to become Tottenham's all-time top scorer in Europe

Jermain Defoe expressed his delight after becoming Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer in Europe in a 2-1 win over Sheriff.
Defoe scored from the spot after 67 minutes to take his tally in European competition to 23 on Thursday as Tottenham booked their place in the last 32 of the Europa League with victory over the Moldovan side.
Erik Lamela had given the hosts the lead on the hour mark before Defoe's spot-kick put Andre Villas-Boas' side in command.
Forward Ismail Isa pulled one back for Sheriff, but the plaudits belonged to Defoe, who overtook the mark set by 1972 Uefa Cup winner Martin Chivers.
"It was a frustrating night as they camped in and gave us no space in behind," Defoe told ITV.
"I had to stay patient and I am delighted to score the goal and take the European scoring record. What an opportunity to do it, I was confident with the penalty.
"I saw Martin Chivers at half-time, he said to me to keep going and I would get the record. He's a legend."
The 31-year-old also reserved praise for Lamela, who scored his first goal for the London club with a smart low finish.
"Erik Lamela was fantastic tonight," Defoe added.
"He is strong, good on the ball and it is difficult when you come into a club at a young age. But he made things happen for us, I'm delighted for him."

Tottenham 2-1 Sheriff: Lamela & Defoe fire Spurs through to knockout stage

Tottenham vs Sheriff Report

UEFA Europa League

Tottenham

2 vs 1

Sheriff

Played
November 7, 2013 9:05 PM WAT
White Hart Lane — London
Referee:‬ K. Hansen‎

60′ Erik Lamela

I. Isa 72′

67′ (PG) Jermain Defoe

BETTING ODDS: ON OFF

Top of the Match

Erik Lamela
Tottenham

Flop of the Match

Djibril Tamsir Paye
Sheriff

Goal.com Rating Fans' Rating

Tottenham 2-1 Sheriff: Lamela & Defoe fire Spurs through to knockout stage

The Argentine netted his first goal for Spurs before winning a penalty which the Englishman dispatched as Andre Villas-Boas' men enjoyed a comfortable win

More On : Sheriff, Tottenham, Tottenham vs Sheriff

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Erik Lamela Luvannor Henrique and Kobi Moyal Tottenham Hotspur FC v FC Sheriff - UEFA Europa League 11072013

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Jermain Defoe became Tottenham's all-time leading scorer in Europe as they beat Sheriff 2-1 to reach the last 32 of the Europa League.

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The striker, who equalled Martin Chivers' record in the home win over the same opponents, scored a penalty to move on to 23 goals in continental competition to earn a place in the club's record books.
Manager Andre Villas-Boas side went into the game knowing victory would see them through to the next stage as they seek their first European trophy since the Uefa Cup triumph in 1984.
Tottenham won the previous encounter between the two sides 2-0 and they had little difficulty in making it a double against the Moldovan outfit.
Erik Lamela gave the hosts the lead with a smart low finish 15 minutes into the second half, the Argentine scoring his first goal for the club, before Defoe's historic strike from the spot.
Ismail Isa did pull one back for the visitors but it proved inconsequential as Tottenham comfortably held on.
Etienne Capoue made his first appearance since September for Tottenham after recovering from an ankle injury, while Brad Friedel came in for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who was rested after being knocked unconscious in the 0-0 draw with Everton last Sunday.
Tottenham looked to dominate proceedings early on, but they struggled to create chances, although Capoue should have done better when he dragged an effort wide after 10 minutes.
Sheriff looked to play on the counter-attack for the most part and they almost took a shock lead as Bulgarian striker Isa's deflected effort smacked against the right-hand post following a quick breakaway.
The hosts continued to dictate play in the closing stages of the half, Defoe failing to connect with Gylfi Sigurdsson's right-wing cross just before the break.
Sheriff defended well throughout, but they had their goalkeeper Vjekoslav Tomic to thank for keeping them on level terms as he produced a stunning save to prevent Christian Eriksen's fierce drive from finding the net.
However, Villas-Boas men did finally break the deadlock on the hour mark as Lamela turned smartly to fire home on the half-volley after Eriksen's pass had deflected into this path.
And victory looked to be all but confirmed seven minutes later, Defore etching his name into the history books with an emphatic penalty following Djbril Paye's clumsy challenge on Lamela.
Sheriff refused to lie down, though, forward Isa reacting quickest to a rebound at the near post after Friedel had saved well from Cadu.
A nervy finish was never on the cards, however, as Tottenham cruised to a deserved win.

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