Saturday, December 19, 2009
Lakers beat the Spurs
Another well rounded effort by the Lakers as they beat the Spurs in convincing fashion 99-85. This was a good game to watch in the first half. It was going back and forth. Then the Lakers took control of the game in the 3rd quarter and never looked back. 5 players scored in double figures led by Kobe with 22. Kobe and the starters were able to sit out the entire 4th quarter. Bynum kicked in a double double of 15 points and 10 boards. The Lakers bench kicked in 39 points also. Jordan Farmar was draining jumpers and hooked up with Trevor Ariza ! on a couple of alley oop dunks. Ariza added 17 and Farmar kicked in 14. Farmar looked good in his first game back from injury.
The Lakers improved their record to 35-8 overall and 23-3 at home on the season. They gained another game on the second place Spurs for home court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Lakers are playing outstanding basketball right now getting contributions from the entire team. Kobe no longer has to carry the team because he has a solid cast around him. L.A. will look to run their winning streak! to five this Tuesday against the Charlotte Bobcats.
Boston Breakers
Though they are still 10 months away from getting back on the soccer pitch for real, the revival of the Boston Breakers is gaining momentum. General manager Joe Cummings said yesterday he plans to announce the coach of the women's pro soccer club sometime next week.
USA roster for World Cup qualifiers
U.S. Women's National Team head coach Greg Ryan has named the 20-player roster that will attempt to qualify the U.S. Women's National Team for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup during the 2006 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup, being held on Nov. 22 and 26 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
GOALKEEPERS (2): Briana Scurry (Dayton, Minn.), Hope Solo (Richland, Wash.);
DEFENDERS (7): Lori Chalupny (St. Louis, Mo.), Tina Frimpong (Vancouver, Wash.), Stephanie Lopez (Elk Grove, Calif.), Kate Markgraf (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.), Heather Mitts (Cincinnati, Ohio), Christie Rampone (Point Pleasant, N.J.), Cat Whitehill (Birmingham, Ala);
MIDFIELDERS (5): Angela Hucles (Virginia Beach, Va.), Carli Lloyd (Delran, N.J.), Marci Miller (St. Charles, Ill.), Leslie Osborne (Brookfield, Wis.), Aly Wagner (San Jose, Calif.);
FORWARDS (6): Danesha Adams (Shaker Heights, Ohio), Natasha Kai (Kahuku, Hawaii), Kristine Lilly (Wilton, Conn.), Heather O'Reilly (East Brunswick,! N.J.), Lindsay Tarpley (Kalamazoo, Mich.), Abby Wambach (Rochester, N.Y.).
WUSA
According to my sources it is about 55-45 that a women's pro league will return in 2007.
If not in 2007, it is almost certain that it will return in 2008.
It appears that the league will be structured as follows:
EAST: Atlanta, Chicago, Rochester, Washington
WEST: Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego, Vancouver
Krieger breaks foot
In the midst of her holiday rehab work from a previous injury that had kept her off the field for most of the fall, Krieger broke her foot. She told me she's having surgery this week and expects to be sidelined for two months, and that she's keeping U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage informed.
MotoGP : 2008 Estoril -James Toseland's extended 2009
Saturday, 12th April 2008James Toseland has already extended his contract with the Tech3 team for 2009.
Despite using the less powerful spring-valve engine for the first two rounds, Toseland qualified a superb second on the grid for his first ever MotoGP race and finished in sixth place at both Qatar and Jerez..
The early contract extension indicates just how highly the double World Superbike champion is already regarded by both Tech 3 and Yamaha, and means that the 27-year-old - together with fellow star! rookie Senor Lorenzo of the factory team - will definitely be staying on M1s next year.
Davydenko and Williams victorious in Miami
Nikolay Davydenko played brilliant tennis to claim his second Masters Series title.
He thrashed Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-2 in final of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.
Nadal didn't look his best and questions are being raised about his form at the start having not pocketed a title this year.
Serena Williams held on to hoist the Sony Ericsson Open Cup for the second straight year as she beat Serbian Jelena Jankovic, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.
Boks to Hammer Italy
The Springboks are expected to put quite a few points past Italy when the two sides meet at Newlands on the 21st of June.
Italy coach Nick Mallett will name a hugely inexperienced squad to tour South Africa with the eye on building depth in his squad and giving the fringe players some exposure against the top teams.
Some of Italy's top players missing are Gloucester captain Marco Bortolami, Italian captain Sergio Parisse of Stade Francais, Clermont centre Gonzalo Canale and the Stade Francais pair of the Bergamasco brothers Mauro and Mirco.
Mallett says if two or three players have good tes! ts against the Springboks and Argentina a week later, he'll consider the tour a success.
Italian squad:
Forwards: Matias Aguero (Saracens, England), Roberto Barbieri (Treviso), Lorenzo Cittadini (Calvisano), Salvatore Costanzo (Treviso), Carlo Antonio Del Fava (Ulster, Ireland), Santiago Dellape (Biarritz, France), Jaco Erasmus (Viadana), Leonardo Ghiraldini (Calvisano), Carlos Nieto (Gloucester, England), Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England), Tommaso Reato (Rovigo), Josh Sole (Viadana), Alessandro Zanni (Calvisano).
Backs: Pablo Canavosio (Castres, France), Gonzalo Garcia (Calvisano), Andrea Marcato (Treviso), Andrea Masi (Biarritz, France), Luke McLean (Calvisano), Ludovico Maria Nitoglia (Calvisano), Enrico Patrizio (Padova), Riccardo Pavan (Overmach Parma), Simon Picone (Treviso), Matteo Pratichetti (Calvisano), Kaine Robertson (Viadana).
Maria 'stylin' again!
Maria Sharapova, who once wore diamond-encrusted shoes at Wimbledon, is keeping her style simple at this year's championships - she'll be wearing shorts."I'm going with the traditional shorts, believe it or not," said Sharapova, the 2004 champion.
"I've never worn shorts at a Grand Slam. I'm gonna be debuting that. Call it menswear, obviously. It's kind of like a tuxedo look, very simple lines, classic."
Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam tournament of the year, gets underway today, with Roger Federer the first on Centre-Court.
Say what?
Here are some of the quotes from the Beijing Olympics:
"Do you see any haze? There's no haze in here."
Cornel Marculuescu, the executive director of world swimming governing body FINA, responds to queries about the air quality inside the Water Cube.
"It's emotional. I've lived in the USA half my life. I can't lose my accent and change where I was born and English is my second language, but I feel so blessed that another country has adopted me. My heart is in the US."
South Africa-born tennis player Liezel Huber on her change of
allegiance.
"In Athens I was 19-years-old, an immature snot and grumpy. My head was spinning around. I wasn't a great guy to be around, so it's exciting to be back now."
Australian basketball player Andrew Bogut explains how the passage
of time has made him a nicer person.
"It's kind of weird because when you are little and you dream of being that person up there al! l famous, it's weird to become that person, you don't expect it to happen to you."
Britain's still rather small teenage diving star Tom Daley, gets all
reflective at the age of 14.
"For the glory of the motherland, I will, during the Beijing Olympics, doggedly struggle, summon all courage and energy to be first, compete with fairness and friendship, win without pride, and lose without losing spirit."
Vow taken by all Chinese team members at the Olympics.
"I think for me the Olympics is the biggest show on earth. They say once an Olympian, always an Olympian. It's just like winning a Nobel Peace Prize."
Four-time world taekwondo champion Steven Lopez of the United States, bidding for a third gold medal, sumps up what the Games mean to him.
"We look small, but we're actually very big."
New Zealand rower Glen Chadwick on why size isn't everything.
"I thought about it in training the ot! her day, a gold medal would be the icing on the cake. I have a! lready g ot the base, the icing and all I need now is the cherry. If I don't get it, I won't be too disappointed, the cake is pretty good as it is."
Australian swimmer Liesel Jones on why she won't be too upset if she doesn't finish first in the either the women's 100 or 200 metres breaststroke.
"It was a shock for Robles to set the world record. It was like Picasso. At the start you use a lot of strokes. At the end you use fewer strokes and paint from experience."
The United States's David Oliver turns art critic when discussing
Cuba's Dayron Robles, one of his rivals for the 110 metres hurdles gold
medal.
Another gold for Natalie
Natalie du Toit has won her second gold medal at the Paralympics in Beijing.
Du toit made it two out of two in as many days when she came first in the Womans 100m freestyle. South Africa's star swimmer also broke the Paralympic record when she swam in a time of 1:01:44.
Du Toit lead from the front as she also came first in her qualifying heats.
Breakfast Headlines
Die Springbok span is die week in Kaapstad om voorteberei vir hulle toer na Britanje. Afrigter Peter de Villiers se kaptein John Smit sal stut speel langs hakker Bismarck du Plessis. Die twee nuwelinge in die span is Heinrich Brussouw, wat in plaas van Luke Watson gekies is, en los-skakel Earl Rose. De Villiers se Ruan Pienaar is die eerste keuse los-skakel en sal ook paale toe skop. Die 28 speler groep sal more bymekaar kom en sal Vrydag vertrek.
***
The newly crowned ABSA Currie Cup champions, The Sharks, dominate the Bok team, with 9 players selected. For those who spent the weekend under a rock, The Sharks beat the Vodacom Blue Bulls 14-9 in Durban on Saturday. Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn got tries for the home side and let's hope they can do the same for the Boks.
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Orlando Pirates are through to the Telkom Knockout quarter-finals after a 1-0 win over Thanda Royal Zulu. Swallows beat Bidwest Wits 2-0 in yesterday's other ! match.
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Liverpool have a three point lead in the English Premier League after a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Reds have ended the Blues' unbeaten home run of 86 games, but manager Rafa Benitez is already focused on Wednesday's match against Portsmouth.
***
Newcomers Hull are now joint second with Chelsea on 20 points. It will be interesting when the two sides clash on Wednesday. Arsenal stay fourth after a 2-0 win over West Ham and Tottenham fans can celebrate. Harry Redknapp worked his managerial magic as Spurs got their first win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Bolton.
***
Aussie spinner Shane Warne believes Australia can bounce back in the test series against India without him. The legend says he sees no urgent need to come out of international retirement to help out.
***
Sergio Garcia has won the Castello Open on his home course in Spain to claim his first European tour title in three years. Garcia dedicated hi! s success to Seve Ballesteros, who's in hospital recovering fr! om brain surgery.
***
Casey Stoner's clinched the chequered flag at the final MotoGP of the season at Valencia. This year's champion, Valentino Rossi, finished third and set a new record for the most points in a season - 373.
***
Roger Federer beat David Nalbandian to win his home tournament, the Swiss Indoors, for a record third year in a row.
***
Ana Ivanovic claimed her first title since the French Open - beating Vera Zvonareva in the Linz Open final.
***
Andy Murray has become the first Briton to win five titles in a season after successfully defending his St Petersburg open title.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Du Rand and Loots shine
The African Swimming Championships took place this past weekend and even though the spotlight was on Tunisia, the South African team performed well.
Olympic swimmer George du Rand got the gold medal in the 100 meter backstroke when he swam the championship best in 55.92 seconds.
Amanda Loots also found herself in the records books when she broke the 200 meter individual medley record. She also bettered her own time which she set in Egypt six years ago.
!
Meanwhile Du Rand says he was surprised with his result. "I was taking things a bit easy with training after a big year with the Olympics but I am happy to have produced some solid performances".
He and the team will now shift their focus to the World Championships in July next year. The event is held every two years and will take place in Rome, Italy. Qualifying for the competition will start in April and Du Rand says he and the team will be looking to win some medals.
Pic: Anesh Debiky/Swimming South Africa
Breakfast headlines
Cricket:
Die Proteas sal vanoggend besluit of Albie Morkel of Paul Harris in die tweede toets teen Australie sal speel. Die toets begin half elf in Durban. Proteas afrigter Mickey Arthur sal eers die blad ondersoek voordat hy 'n besluit maak. Die Proteas moet eenvoudig wen indien hulle 'n kans wil staan om die reeks te wen.
The Nashua Cape Cobras suffered in the heat of Paarl yesterday as they slumped to 228 all out against the Nashua Titans. Ryan Cannning, who was dropped for the Pro20's, made a point by scoring 122. The visitors will resume on 10 for 1 and temperatures are expected to reach 41 degrees out there.
Rugby:
The heat will be on in the Super 14 when the Vodacom Bulls host the Vodacom Stormers at Loftus tomorrow afternoon. Every Stormers player will tell you this is the one they want to win, but captain, Jean de Villiers, has warned they're facing a well-oiled backline. The Bulls have ha! d the better of the Stormers in recent years, but Bulls scrumhalf, Fourie du Preez, says recent history counts for nothing.
The Sevens Springboks have suffered a blow with an injury to Gio Aplon during their 26-5 win over Japan on the opening day of the World Cup Sevens in Dubai. Meanwhile, the captain of the Springbok Women's side, Saloma Booysen, says the team is psyched up to beat New Zealand in the pool stage this evening.
Cycling:
The heat wave conditions took its toll on dozens of cyclists in race two of the Giro del Capo in Durbanville, which was won by Barloworld's Chris Froome. The riders head to Paarl today for a 171 kilometre race in extreme heat. On Sunday it's the big one. Medscheme team owner and last year's Cape Argus Pick 'n Pay Cycletour runner up, Malcolm Lange says everyone wants to win it.
Formula 1:
The Honda F1 team has been saved. The team will race as Brawn GP un! der new owner Ross Brawn.
Belgian Grand Prix: Points of Interest
After a wonderful debut of the Valencia Street Circuit, the F1 world moves to Spa, Belgium for the Belgian Grand Prix at one of the great, historic circuits. The circuit went under some modifications and upgrades for 2007 and secured its place on the F1 schedule for the foreseeable future. As Friday 1st practice comes nears there will be things that I will be looking at in addition to the battle at the front.
1. The performance of Williams. I will be interested in the battle between Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima in addition to the battle with Red Bull and Honda.
2. Toro Rosso. With the performance of Vettel in recent week and the apparent advantage that exists with the Ferrari engine, I will be curious to see the what kind of performance Toro Rosso will have on a long power circuit like Spa; not to mention that their chassis is essentially designed by the great aerodynamicist and race car designer, Adrian Newey.
3. Speed differential. As ment! ioned above, there is a growing difference in engine performance as the engine freeze continues. I think it will be interesting to see the speed trap numbers at a circuit like Spa and in the future, Monza.
Liverpool FC Must Show Premier League Title Intent - Rafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez today urged his players to take their Fiorentina misery out on Chelsea and present him with a happy set of problems.
The Liverpool boss is well aware that a victory at Stamford Bridge will result in their odds to win the Premier League being slashed.
But Benitez – who is considering recalling the fit-again Daniel Agger – does not want anybody at Anfield getting carried away.
However, he is equally aware that a repeat of last year's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge could end up giving Liverpool an irresistible momentum.
That's why he h! as challenged his players to be bold, as they aim to bounce back from the disappointing 2-0 defeat they suffered against Fiorentina on Tuesday.
"It will be interesting because if we can win, everyone will be saying Liverpool can win (the title) like they did after we won there last season," said Benitez.
"If you lose, they will say that you have no chance. We have to be calm, we have to be relaxed and we have to have the same ideas. We need to keep going.
"It is just another result that we will have to manage; if it is positive, we have got to keep expectations low, if it is negative, we will keep everyone positive.
"When you win these type of games against the top sides, it will be more difficult for me to keep the people on the floor and will hear them saying 'the title, the title!'
"The most difficult thing is to manage expectations and a win at Chelsea could be difficult to manage but I prefer these problems – I don! 't want the other problem of losing."
One man who i! s almost certain to be recalled is Javier Mascherano, who has recovered from a hamstring problem that ruled him out of the trip to Italy.
"When you play away, you have to work hard in the midfield and Javier is an important player for us in the past and he has to be in the future," said Benitez.
Liverpool have endured some stuttering moments so far this campaign but Benitez believes the time is right for them to rediscover consistency.
"It could be a good moment now to change things and the players realise that," said Benitez.
"Chelsea are a top side and we know that but we will have the right mentality.
The Liverpool boss is well aware that a victory at Stamford Bridge will result in their odds to win the Premier League being slashed.
But Benitez – who is considering recalling the fit-again Daniel Agger – does not want anybody at Anfield getting carried away.
However, he is equally aware that a repeat of last year's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge could end up giving Liverpool an irresistible momentum.
That's why he h! as challenged his players to be bold, as they aim to bounce back from the disappointing 2-0 defeat they suffered against Fiorentina on Tuesday.
"It will be interesting because if we can win, everyone will be saying Liverpool can win (the title) like they did after we won there last season," said Benitez.
"If you lose, they will say that you have no chance. We have to be calm, we have to be relaxed and we have to have the same ideas. We need to keep going.
"It is just another result that we will have to manage; if it is positive, we have got to keep expectations low, if it is negative, we will keep everyone positive.
"When you win these type of games against the top sides, it will be more difficult for me to keep the people on the floor and will hear them saying 'the title, the title!'
"The most difficult thing is to manage expectations and a win at Chelsea could be difficult to manage but I prefer these problems – I don! 't want the other problem of losing."
One man who i! s almost certain to be recalled is Javier Mascherano, who has recovered from a hamstring problem that ruled him out of the trip to Italy.
"When you play away, you have to work hard in the midfield and Javier is an important player for us in the past and he has to be in the future," said Benitez.
Liverpool have endured some stuttering moments so far this campaign but Benitez believes the time is right for them to rediscover consistency.
"It could be a good moment now to change things and the players realise that," said Benitez.
"Chelsea are a top side and we know that but we will have the right mentality.
Fresh Liverpool FC Injury Blow As Sotirios Kyrgiakos Damages Knee Playing For Greece
Sotirios Kyrgiakos is bracing himself for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he suffered a serious injury on international duty.
Kyrgiakos - who joined the Reds from AEK Athens in August - was forced off before half-time during his country's 2-1 win over Luxembourg last night.
It has since been claimed in Greece that Kyrgiakos has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and the 30-year-ol! d will spend at least four months on the sidelines.
That, though, is likely to be a conservative estimate if the damage is as bad as feared, as cruciate problems invariably mean that a player will be out for a minimum of six months.
Liverpool were today waiting for a further update but the early signs are that they will be without Kyrgiakos for the foreseeable future.
It will come as blow to Rafa Benitez, who drafted in the uncompromising Kyrgiakos to fill the void left by Sami Hyppia's move to Bayer Leverkusen.
He has only made one start for Liverpool in the Premier League so far - that came in the 3-2 win over Bolton on August 29 - and also played in the 1-0 Carling Cup win at Leeds. His absence now means that Benitez is short of experienced cover at the back for first choice pair Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.
Daniel Agger has yet to play for the Reds this season after coming back from injury but he has at least ! come through two games for Denmark in the past week.
Rookie Spanish defender Daniel Ayala, who made a promising full debut in a 4-0 win over Stoke City at the beginning of the campaign, will now be on standby should the Reds suffer any injury or suspension.
Kyrgiakos - who joined the Reds from AEK Athens in August - was forced off before half-time during his country's 2-1 win over Luxembourg last night.
It has since been claimed in Greece that Kyrgiakos has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and the 30-year-ol! d will spend at least four months on the sidelines.
That, though, is likely to be a conservative estimate if the damage is as bad as feared, as cruciate problems invariably mean that a player will be out for a minimum of six months.
Liverpool were today waiting for a further update but the early signs are that they will be without Kyrgiakos for the foreseeable future.
It will come as blow to Rafa Benitez, who drafted in the uncompromising Kyrgiakos to fill the void left by Sami Hyppia's move to Bayer Leverkusen.
He has only made one start for Liverpool in the Premier League so far - that came in the 3-2 win over Bolton on August 29 - and also played in the 1-0 Carling Cup win at Leeds. His absence now means that Benitez is short of experienced cover at the back for first choice pair Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel.
Daniel Agger has yet to play for the Reds this season after coming back from injury but he has at least ! come through two games for Denmark in the past week.
Rookie Spanish defender Daniel Ayala, who made a promising full debut in a 4-0 win over Stoke City at the beginning of the campaign, will now be on standby should the Reds suffer any injury or suspension.
Liverpool's Gamble On "80 Percent" Torres Pays Off
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's gamble to play an "80 percent" fit Fernando Torres paid off when the Spaniard got the first goal in a 2-0 win over Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Torres was still troubled by a groin injury that needed a pain-killing injection and Benitez, seeking to silence the home fans' boos after four consecutive defeats in all competitions, only decided to risk him a few hours before kick-off.
It proved an inspired move as the Spain striker held off Rio Ferdinand to put Liverpool ahead in the 65th minute before David Ngog added a second in stoppage time.
"It was a difficult decision on Torres because he has not been training," Benitez told reporters.
"You could see at times that he was not fresh but sometimes an 80 percent Fernando can make all the difference."
Benitez, under increasing pressure after league defeats by Chelse! a and Sunderland and Champions League losses to Fiorentina and Olympique Lyon, said his players had answered their critics.
"The passion, attitude and character of my players was the difference," he said. "Everybody worked together from the beginning and the players answered a lot of questions today.
"We showed this team is better than people think. It was just a question of getting a little bit of luck, then the character would shine through.
"We needed to win for the confidence. I think it will be a big boost for the team and the fans. Hopefully, we can use this to kick-start our season."
Torres also stressed the importance of the victory.
"It's a massive win for us," he said. "We showed that when we play as a team and work hard, we can trouble anybody. Now we have to keep working together as a unit."
United manager Alex Ferguson was upset Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was not sent off for bringing dow! n Michael Owen as the substitute threatened to break clear lat! e in the game.
"The controversial one that people will be talking about was when he (Carragher) brought down Michael Owen. It would have been difficult for them if he had gone off," he said.
Carragher disagreed, saying: "I thought he brought me down. I don't think I should have been sent off."
Torres was still troubled by a groin injury that needed a pain-killing injection and Benitez, seeking to silence the home fans' boos after four consecutive defeats in all competitions, only decided to risk him a few hours before kick-off.
It proved an inspired move as the Spain striker held off Rio Ferdinand to put Liverpool ahead in the 65th minute before David Ngog added a second in stoppage time.
"It was a difficult decision on Torres because he has not been training," Benitez told reporters.
"You could see at times that he was not fresh but sometimes an 80 percent Fernando can make all the difference."
Benitez, under increasing pressure after league defeats by Chelse! a and Sunderland and Champions League losses to Fiorentina and Olympique Lyon, said his players had answered their critics.
"The passion, attitude and character of my players was the difference," he said. "Everybody worked together from the beginning and the players answered a lot of questions today.
"We showed this team is better than people think. It was just a question of getting a little bit of luck, then the character would shine through.
"We needed to win for the confidence. I think it will be a big boost for the team and the fans. Hopefully, we can use this to kick-start our season."
Torres also stressed the importance of the victory.
"It's a massive win for us," he said. "We showed that when we play as a team and work hard, we can trouble anybody. Now we have to keep working together as a unit."
United manager Alex Ferguson was upset Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was not sent off for bringing dow! n Michael Owen as the substitute threatened to break clear lat! e in the game.
"The controversial one that people will be talking about was when he (Carragher) brought down Michael Owen. It would have been difficult for them if he had gone off," he said.
Carragher disagreed, saying: "I thought he brought me down. I don't think I should have been sent off."
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Enduro schedule revised
By John Hopkins
HAMILTON, ON -- The CMA has updated its 2005 Enduro National Series schedule, reverting to the more traditional format seen in previous years.
The season will now open with the Corduroy Enduro in Bobcaygeon, ON Sept. 17-18, followed by the Great Pine Enduro in Ganaraska, ON Oct. 2 and the Terra Nova Enduro in Primrose, ON Oct. 16.
Superbike tire supply set
From Professional Motorsports Productions
TORONTO, ON -- Tire options and allotments have been finalized for the 2006 Parts Canada Superbike Championship as the national tour begins a three-year association with Pirelli as its control tire supplier.
The Parts Canada Superbike feature class will have the most flexibility, with three options for both front and rear slicks at each series round. Competitors in the headline division will enjoy an allotment of 17 tires for a single series round, and 20 tires for a doubleheader.
"It was important for us to strike a balance between availability and affordability," said Colin Fraser of Parts Canada Superbike series promoter Professional Motorsports Productions. "Following discussion and input from manufacturer reps, tuners and racers involved in the series, we think that this arrangement best suits the needs of our competitors."
Racers in the Hindl! e Exhaust Pro 600 Sport Bike class will have a choice of two front and two rear treaded DOT tires from Pirelli. The International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW Amateur 600 Sport Bike, Canadian Thunder and Suzuki SV650 National Cup will all be limited to a single Pirelli DOT tire option.
All five national classes will be supplied with a single rain compound.
Like the Superbike racers, riders in the Pro 600 Sport Bike class will have an allotment of 20 tires for a doubleheader weekend but only 13 tires for a single round.
Amateur 600 Sport Bike competitors will have a total of five tires at their disposal on each race weekend, not including rains. Six tires will be available for the Thunder class and four tires for the SV Cup division.
All competitors will be allowed one set of rain tires per session (practice or qualifying) with unlimited rain tires available after noon on raceday.
"This is a major step forward for the Parts Cana! da Superbike Championship," said Kevin Graham of Orion Motorsp! orts, wh ich will be the exclusive trackside supplier of Pirelli tires in 2006. "Racing in this series has been some of the most competitive in the world, and this new control tire formula should guarantee even closer competition over the next three years. We're excited to be a part of this important new chapter for Canadian road racing."
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Bengals Sign Tank Johnson
Say it aint so! The Cincinnati Bengals reached a deal with Tank Johnson today. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Tank Johnson is a former Chicago Bear and Dallas Cowboy DT who feels he suits better in the Bengals 4-3. This move cries RIDICULOUS for the Bengals. Tank Johnson has been involved with multiple run ins with the law, including the arrests for gun possession, marijuana possession, resisting arrest, and assault. On another occasion, he was found with 6 firearms in his car and was questioned in the shooting death of his bodyguard. For a team that so bad wishes to escape the thugish and character flawed persona that they displayed on a national stage just a few years ago, they seem to continue to draft guys that still fit that persona. What makes matters worse is that Tank Johnson isnt that good. A mediocre defensive tackle at best.
I will go on record now saying this is a bad move. I will be glad to be proven wrong on the field.
What ! does this say? What the move does say is that the Bengals have options going into this months NFL draft. I still believe a trade back into the middle of the 1st rd would be the best move, however, options are open. If one of the big two tackles are available they can jump on it. A possible trade of Ocho Cinco may now signal a WR like Crabtree or Macklin at #6.
Cincinnati Recruit Lance Stephenson Avoids Jail Sentence
Lance Stephenson, a highly touted 2009 recruit for the University of Cincinnati, will not serve jail time in his sexual assault case.
Stephenson, pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor disorderly conduct on Friday and will perform three days of community service, according to sources.
Stephenson and high school teammate, Darwin Ellis, were charged after being accused of fondling a 17-year-old girl near Lincoln high school in October of last year.
However, the NCAA is still expected to look into Stephenson's amateur status involving his tour of the Under Armour factory while visiting the University of Maryland earlier this year.
Supposedly, the University of Cincinnati isn't worried about Stephenson's status or the assault case at the present moment.
Steeler Week
This is Steelers week in Cincinnati and for Cincinnati fans this means it is a huge week. There are a number of reasons why. Sure, we haven't beat the Steelers at home since 2001. Either way we get excited for this matchup. Whenever the schedule comes out I look for this game. I am sure that fans in the Steel City circle this game for a different reason. For Pittsburgh fans this is an easy W on the schedule, for Cincinnati fans this is the chance to beat the hated franchise who we have chased for years. Why do I hate the Steelers so much? Thats easy, envy. As a Bengals fan I wish my franchise were just like the Steelers. The Steelers have attitude and swagger, the Steelers are always in your face, and most importantly the Steelers win. We have felt like the step-chidren of the AFC North for a few years. We all know the history from Palmers knee to Rivers jaw for years they have gotten the best of us. In 2005, we thought we got the best of them, we beat them in the! ir house and went on to win the North division. But they came to Paul Brown and beat us in the playoffs, so they got the best of us once again. But regardless of the past this is a new year and a new week. I can block out all of those previous years and focus on today. If we lose every game of the year but beat the Steelers I will be very happy. This is a must win not only for a a playoff run but just for respect. The Bengals need to be aggressive and need to be physical. They need to shove the ball down their throats on offense and knock their lights out on defense. This is Steelers week fella's, time to step it up.
Crisp trade is necessary but can wait...a little while.
Coco Crisp addressed the media today at the Red Sox spring training facility, speaking on his team's current CF controversy. QB controversies seem to pop up everywhere in the NFL, but in baseball, legitimate position controversies are few and far between. Perhaps it's because of the flexibility of athletes in MLB compared to the NFL, switching positions or use of the DH. In the NBA and NHL, there are plenty of minutes to go around because guys often need to catch a blow on the bench, so they are fairly rare there, as well.
But the position the Red Sox are currently in is a unique one. On the surface, you might ask what the problem is; the team has a talent-rich outfield that is arguably six deep (Ramirez, Drew, Ellsbury, Crisp, Kielty and Moss). Obviously they'll only keep four, maybe five, so there's going to be some shifting around come the end of spring training. But when four of those players are legitimate starters in this league, with only three positions in! -game and the DH spot already tied up in Ortiz, that can be an adverse problem.
After Crisp's comments today, it's the clear that's what the Red Sox have.
Here's my solution:
Three years ago, a solid MLB outfield by the nombre Jay Payton was "that guy", sitting fourth on the depth chart of another talent rich outfield including Ramirez, Damon and Nixon. The reality was Payton can start in this league. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to be in Boston. While the team insisted he was vital as a fourth outfielder in case someone went down or as a late game replacement, he wanted to start. For the record, Payton played 142 games for Oakland in '06, hitting .296, and 131 games for Baltimore last year, hitting .256. Again, he can start in this league.
Basically, Payton didn't want to be in Boston given those circumstances. He voiced his concern and after nothing was done, tension built up and boiled over during a dugout confrontation with ! Francona leading to his dismissal and subsequent trade for Cha! d Bradfo rd.
Fast forward to '07 and the emergence of Ellsbury in the Red Sox lineup. Given, this is more of a controversy with the amount of talent between Ellsbury and Crisp. Both possess terrific speed (edge to Ellsbury), outstanding defense (edge to Crisp on experience), mediocre throwing arms (push) and great baserunning ability (edge to Ellsbury based on going 2nd to home on a pastball). At the plate, Crisp has not been the same since injuring his finger two years ago. His average and power have taken a nose dive, and quite simply, he just hasn't gotten better.
But let's not forget, he young and has played over 100 games in only four seasons. His first two years in Cleveland were still as a rising prospect, but in '04 and '05, he absolutely broke out, leading the Sox to acquire his services as the successor to Damon. But it hasn't panned out, and while there is still time in his young career to turn things around, it's also time for the Sox to begin the El! lsbury era in CF.
Last season, he hit .353 in 33 games with nine stolen bases. While there was no significant power numbers nor were the SB's eye-opening, it was his game speed that really impressed. I saw first hand how his speed could change a game, whether beating out an infield grounder, the aforementioned 2nd to home or running down a fly ball in the gap like a seasoned vet, this kid showed he's a serious gamer. Raw as he may be, he's got the tools, poise and moxy to be a formidable player at the major league level.
Not to mention he hit .438 in the World Series and was my pick to be WS MVP over Mike Lowell. But that's a whole other article…
Moving forward, the Red Sox should continue to see how Ellsbury develops in spring training. As long as he doesn't take a nose dive, use Crisp as trade bait for a team looking to add a starting outfielder right before opening day. You can keep him as insurance throughout spring training, but once Ellsbury! pans out, deal away Crisp to fill another void that has opene! d and be come more apparent before the team breaks camp. Much like Payton did in '05, Crisp has voiced that he will not settle for a non-starting role. He wants to play, and because both are full of talent, it's going to be hard to keep one out of the lineup. Ellsbury brings more to the table in my opinion and should be handed the reigns.
And so, come Opening Day Coco Crisp should no longer be a member of this team. His patience has worn thin with the media, and while he claims to understand the decrease in PT at the end of last season, he wasn't happy with it. He's bitter and will not tolerate being a 4th outfielder on this team. Simply put, that's not a guy you don't want in your clubhouse. I don't care if we're talking about the most dysfunctional clubhouse in the game, no team needs a player venting about his situation publicly. Jay Payton did it in 2005 and eventually forced the hand of the Red Sox. It wasn't good, but they were able to use him to fill a void. Theo sh! ould do the same thing, but with less agony.
Ideally, Ellsbury and Crisp will both be in the lineup on Opening Day. Except that they should be starting for different teams.
The Sports Brief's Week 15 NFL picks
So Keefe and I are involved in a league on NFL.com which we've been affiliated with for several years now; it dates all the way back to our teenage years at St. Paul's. So three years ago I took down the championship before losing to Keefe's dad in the finals the following year. It was all good, my name was first on the plaque and after losing to Pocket Hercules, I drove up to NH and we had a ceremony in which I handed off the plaque to the new king of our FFL. It was like Tiger Woods helping Lefty get his new green jacket on. The whole thing was moving, really. But last year, a dark cloud was cast over our league. Woody came out victorious and everyone was left with a bitter taste in our mouths. The only got worse when Keefe and I joined a Fantasy Baseball League with him and his friends on ESPN. Neither of us realized it was rotisserie style, and after a month we realized we were playing it the wrong way. Woody, meanwhile, shot out to an insurmountable lead and never ! looked back. It was our goal to dethrone him in football this fall.
Last week, Keefe won his final regular season match, as did Sharkey, meaning Sharkey took down the division and Keefe edged Woody for wildcard spot via points. It was truly a glorious day. Even more exciting is the fact that I take on Shark and Keefe takes on Vaughn, setting up a potential Sports Brief blockbuster in the finale. And tonight's game will have major implications. I have Brees starting at QB, Bush at RB and Greg Olsen at TE. I'm leaving Pierre Thomas on the bench tonight b/c I believe the Saints will pass the ball and utilize Bush out of the backfield and in the slot. Meanwhile, I have Bush going on two other playoff teams, as well as Colston in two other leagues, one of which is a playoff team. What makes the situation a little sticky is that I have Lance Moore going for my ESPN league team (which is in the championship against my cousin Matt, nonetheless). That's one of the teams B! ush is also on. However, Sharkey has Moore going in our NFL.co! m league . It's ugly. I guess that's what I get for having six fantasy football league teams this year. I'm thinking of cutting it down to four next year, but we'll see. It's made the weekends quite dramatic over the last several months.
Oh and Vaughn has Forte going tonight. So here's to hoping Forte gets shut down, Brees lights it up with Bush and Colston, Moore doesn't have many receptions but has a modest evening, Olsen has a TD receptions and Forte takes the night off.
Seems pretty simple, right?
Anyways, if you didn't check out the UFC Fight for the Troops card on SpikeTV last night, you may have missed what was arguably the most action packed, exciting card in UFC history. Four of the five main televised bouts were absolutely brutal stoppages, while the one decision was awarded fight of the night honors and giving an extra $30K to each participant. Ridiculous. I e-mailed my buddy Scotty this morning and said the following:
"Of the fo! llowing fights, let me know the order in which you'd like to view the corresponding videos…"
a) Knockout of the Year and arguably one of the most brutal, if not THE most brutal KO in UFC history
b) A vicious right hook followed by an absolute flurry of punches ultimately putting a man to sleep
c) An arm being snapped and bent backwards
d) One of the most ferocious and overwhelming attacks via Muay Thai clinch that Joe Rogan claimed was more impressive than Anderson Silva over Rich Franklin
Scotty chose C, B, D, A and that's how I'll give them to you here. There's a bonus video of Corey Hill at the end that wasn't televised last night. And for good reason. It's a clip that will live in infamy.
And finally, the Corey Hill video…
In closing, I had one of the most incredible realizations yesterday. Please spell out the name of the object show below:
Last week, Keefe won his final regular season match, as did Sharkey, meaning Sharkey took down the division and Keefe edged Woody for wildcard spot via points. It was truly a glorious day. Even more exciting is the fact that I take on Shark and Keefe takes on Vaughn, setting up a potential Sports Brief blockbuster in the finale. And tonight's game will have major implications. I have Brees starting at QB, Bush at RB and Greg Olsen at TE. I'm leaving Pierre Thomas on the bench tonight b/c I believe the Saints will pass the ball and utilize Bush out of the backfield and in the slot. Meanwhile, I have Bush going on two other playoff teams, as well as Colston in two other leagues, one of which is a playoff team. What makes the situation a little sticky is that I have Lance Moore going for my ESPN league team (which is in the championship against my cousin Matt, nonetheless). That's one of the teams B! ush is also on. However, Sharkey has Moore going in our NFL.co! m league . It's ugly. I guess that's what I get for having six fantasy football league teams this year. I'm thinking of cutting it down to four next year, but we'll see. It's made the weekends quite dramatic over the last several months.
Oh and Vaughn has Forte going tonight. So here's to hoping Forte gets shut down, Brees lights it up with Bush and Colston, Moore doesn't have many receptions but has a modest evening, Olsen has a TD receptions and Forte takes the night off.
Seems pretty simple, right?
Anyways, if you didn't check out the UFC Fight for the Troops card on SpikeTV last night, you may have missed what was arguably the most action packed, exciting card in UFC history. Four of the five main televised bouts were absolutely brutal stoppages, while the one decision was awarded fight of the night honors and giving an extra $30K to each participant. Ridiculous. I e-mailed my buddy Scotty this morning and said the following:
"Of the fo! llowing fights, let me know the order in which you'd like to view the corresponding videos…"
a) Knockout of the Year and arguably one of the most brutal, if not THE most brutal KO in UFC history
b) A vicious right hook followed by an absolute flurry of punches ultimately putting a man to sleep
c) An arm being snapped and bent backwards
d) One of the most ferocious and overwhelming attacks via Muay Thai clinch that Joe Rogan claimed was more impressive than Anderson Silva over Rich Franklin
Scotty chose C, B, D, A and that's how I'll give them to you here. There's a bonus video of Corey Hill at the end that wasn't televised last night. And for good reason. It's a clip that will live in infamy.
And finally, the Corey Hill video…
In closing, I had one of the most incredible realizations yesterday. Please spell out the name of the object show below:
If you're like me, you didn't realize that it's actually wheelbarrow and not wheel barrel. What I struggled with the most was that I feel like I knew this, but every time I went to say it yesterday it sounded like wheel barrel. For some reason I can't get myself to pronounce it properly. What the hell is the barrow, anyway? Ridiculous. I can't believe Merriam and Webster screwed this up.
Onto the picks…
Keefe's Picks:
Last week 9-7; overall: 104-104
Saints +2.5 over Bears
Buccaneers +2.5 over Falcons
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Colts -16.5 over Lions
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Packers -1.5 over Jaguars
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Seahawks -3.5 over Rams
Dolphins -6.5 over 49ers
Jets -7.5 over Bills
Vikings +3.5! over Cardinals
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Ravens -1! .5 over Steelers
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Giants +2.5 over Cowboys
Browns +14.5 over Eagles
Besse's Picks:
Last week 12-4; overall: 117-91
Saints +2.5 over Bears
Falcons -2.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Colts -16.5 over Lions
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Packers -1.5 over Jaguars
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Seahawks -3.5 over Rams
Dolphins -6.5 over 49ers
Jets -7.5 over Bills
Cardinals -3.5 over Vikings
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Steelers +1.5 over Ravens
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Cowboys -2.5 over Giants
Browns +14.5 over Eagles
Random Rob's Picks:
Last week 8-8; overall: 116-92
Bears -2.5 over Saints
Buccaneers +2.5 over Falcons
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Lions +16.5 over Colts
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Jaguars +1.5 over Packers
Texans ! +3.5 over Titans
Rams +3.5 over Seahawks
49ers +6.5 over Dolphins
Bills +7.5 over Jets
Cardinals -3.5 over Vikings
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Steelers +1.5 over Ravens
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Cowboys -2.5 over Giants
Eagles -14.5 over Browns
Enjoy the weekend.
-Bess
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Coupe de la Ligue Wed Review
Lens pulled off a stunning comeback to triumph 4-3 after extra time at Montpellier in their Coupe de la Ligue third-round clash on Wednesday.
Toifilou Maoulida had given the visitors the lead in the fourth minute but a first-half brace from Gregory Lacombe and a third by Karim Ait-Fana left Lens trailing by two goals with 20 minutes left to play.
However, Romain Sartre pulled one back in the 76th minute and Abdoulrazak Boukhari levelled from the spot two minutes from time.
And the come! back was complete 11 minutes into extra time when Sartre grabbed his second of the night.
Rennes also came from behind to see off Sochaux 2-1.
Ryad Boudebouz put the visitors in front shortly after the hour mark but Romain Danze equalised in the 74th minute before Kader Mangane scored the winner six minutes from time.
Paris St Germain were without a number of first-teamers but their youthful team comfortably saw off Ligue 1 rivals Boulogne 1-0 thanks to Jean-Eudes Maurice's goal on the hour mark.
St Etienne and Nice are both struggling in the league but the hosts will be able to draw some consolation from the cup having despatched their opponents 4-1.
Gonzalo Bergessio, Boubacar Sanogo, Christophe Landrin ensured St Etienne had a commanding half-time lead and Bergessio extended their advantage still further in the 80th minute.
Loic Remy grabbed a late consolation for Nice.
The night's other all-Ligue 1 clash saw Nancy beat Mo! naco 2-0.
Nancy, who had not won for four games, took t! he lead in the 13th minute through Julien Feret, and Issiar Dia sealed the victory eight minutes from time.
The shock of the night came at Sedan where the Ligue 2 side saw off Auxerre 3-1.
Alexis Allart put the hosts in front in the 10th minute but it looked as if things would start to go to plan when Jean-Pascal Mignot hauled the Ligue 1 side level on the hour mark.
However, Damien Tiberi restored Sedan's lead seven minutes later before Yohann Lasimant ensured their progression in stoppage time.
Metz also despatched top-flight opponents as they beat Valenciennes 2-0 with Pascal Johansen scoring the opener from the spot in the 63rd minute and Cheikh Matar Gueye grabbing the second three minutes from time.
Elsewhere, Le Mans beat Nimes 3-0 thanks to second-half goals from Roland Lamah, Badara Sene and Modibo Maiga.
Jupiler League Sunday Review
Anderlecht opened up a two-point lead at the top of the Jupiler League table with a 1-0 win at home to 10-man Germinal Beerschot.
Romelu Lukaku scored the decisive goal after 53 minutes with the hosts further aided by the sending off of substitute Victor Wanyama five minutes from the end.
The win moved Anderlecht two points ahead of Club Brugge who could only draw 1-1 at Excelsior Mouscron.
Jaycee John opened the scoring for the hosts after 51 minutes but th! e lead lasted just four minutes as Rostand Kouemaha found an equaliser.
Sania in Japan Open semis
Sania Mirza advanced to the Japan Open semifinals after her second-seeded French opponent Marion Bartoli retired midway.
Bartoli retired midway through the quarterfinal due to a shoulder injury with the Indian leading 6-4 2-0.
With Bartoli hampered by a right shoulder injury, Sania controlled the proceedings in the hour-long match, although the Indian said she did not play all that well.
"You always like to win match point, so it was unfortunate but I felt I was playing well and was i! n control.
"At the end of the day, a win is a win. The big thing for me is that I was outplaying a top 15 player, who was in good form," Sania said.
Sania will next play fourth seed Francesca Schiavone, who didn't even need to take the court as her seventh seeded rival Melinda Czink withdrew due to a right foot injury.
Sania faced eight break points in the first set itself but managed to save seven of them.
"I'm pleased that after two weeks of not playing my best, I'm finishing on a high and have made the semifinals. I'm playing a good friend next," Sania said.
Sania and Schiavone have played twice before, with the Italian losing the first set in both meetings but coming back to win both in three setters.
Valencia 1-1 Slavia Prague
Valencia were held by Europa League Group B basement club Slavia in a match which finished 10-a-side after two sendings off.
The hosts' David Navarro cancelled out Riste Naumov's 27th-minute opener before Hocine Ragued and Spain star David Villa saw red in the final quarter-hour.
The result allowed Lille to take top spot courtesy of their 3-0 win over Genoa, with Slavia breaking their duck in the group.
Valencia's Nikola Zigic twice headed over in the early ! stages before Slavia took the lead.
Adam Hlousek slid the ball across the penalty area and Riste Naumov slotted the ball home at the far post.
Jordi Alba fired wide when faced with a chance to quickly level before Naumov saw a goalbound effort blocked by Ruano Alexis.
Pablo Hernandez got in the way of a shot from team-mate Maduro, who then saw another effort repelled by the fists of keeper Martin Vaniak as Valencia sought to get back on terms.
But Slavia continued to have the clearer chances, with Miguel Moya saving the lively Naumov's close-range effort and Navarro's block then denying Zdenek Senkerik.
Moya saved from Senkerik and Peter Grajciar before Valencia equalised against the run of play. Marek Suchy fouled Juan Mata and Pablo Hernandez's free-kick from the left was headed in by Navarro.
Pablo Hernandez then failed to hit the target from close range, his shot from an acute angle eventually running away for a throw-in.
Ragued received a second yellow card for a foul on Ruben Baraja and, from the resulting free-kick, Villa drilled the ball against the upright from 25 yards.
The visitors then lost Senkerik to injury but had a let-off as Zigic clumsily shot over from inside the six-yard box.
An eventful final quarter continued apace as Villa reacted angrily to being fouled by Benjamin Vomacka and was sent off for violent conduct. Valencia were awarded a free-kick for the original offence, with Pablo Hernandez rattling the crossbar as Slavia survived for a share of the spoils.
Baghdatis wins Stockholm title
Marcos Baghdatis won his first ATP Tour title since February 2007 when he defeated Olivier Rochus to win the If Stockholm Open final.
The Cypriot hit 15 aces and won 62% of service points to defeat his Belgian opponent 6-1 7-5 in one hour and 39 minutes.
It was Baghdatis' first title since the PBZ Zagreb Indoors in February 2007.
Czech Rep Gambrinus Liga Review
Plzen missed out on the chance to leapfrog Sparta Prague into fourth place in the Gambrinus Liga as they were held 1-1 at home by Brno.
Things were looking good for the hosts when Marek Bakos gave them the lead six minutes after half-time.
But Martin Sus struck with seven minutes remaining to earn Brno, who lie 10th, a share of the spoils.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Final First Leg AFF Suzuki Cup in Thai Land
24-12-08
19:00 at Rajamangala Stadium Bangkok
Thai Land 1 : 2 Viet Nam
Thai: Rangsiyo 75'.
Viet: Vu Phong 39', Cong Ving 42'.
Il Crotone blocca la corsa della capolista
di Massimo Scavello
Finisce in parità il posticipo del lunedì tra il Frosinone e il Crotone. Al 41' p.t. è la squadra di Moriero ad andare in vantaggio con un goal di Santoruvo. Il Crotone però non demorde e trova il pareggio al 4' s.t. con Cutolo. Al Frosinone sono stati annullati due goal, il primo per dubbio fuorigiocio di Santoruvo, il secondo invece per un fuorigioco ineccepibile di Troianello, e si è reso pericoloso colpendo due pali con Basso e Basha. Il Crotone è stato temibile soprattutto nelle ripartenze, in par! tcolare quelle di Gabionetta, ed a tratti ha messo in seria difficoltà la capolista. Da segnalare all'66' l'espulsione del calabrese Galardo per doppia ammonizione. Dopo questa partita il Frosinone rimane in testa alla cassifica con 2 punti di vantaggio sulle seconde, mentre il Crotone fa un piccolo passo in avanti verso la salvezza.
A Mantova Campilongo cerca la cura per il mal di trasferta: "Sarà un Empoli diverso nello spirito e nel gioco"
fonte: www.goal.com"Finora fuori casa non abbiamo mai fatto male a nessuno e, se non facciamo dei gol, sarà difficile portar via punti".
Nostalgia di casa per l'Empoli. Tre sconfitte in quattro trasferte per la squadra di Campilongo che sabato va in trasferta a Mantova.
Dopo la sosta che ha coinvolto anche la squadra toscana, avendo ben quattro giocatori impegnati nelle rispettive Nazionali (
Campilongo crede nella resurrezione della propria squadra nonostante i punti in classifica al momento siano solo 13. "Sono convinto infatti che a noi manchi un punto, per cui se in classifica fossimo a quota 14 potrei ritenermi davvero soddisfatto, ma dato che la quota è 13 sento di dovermi rammaricare di qualcosa - sostiene il tecnico degli azzurri – In trasferta avremmo dovuto trovare il modo di raccogliere almeno un punto. Ma, rimanendo sul piano delle prestazioni, potremmo anche dire che le prime tre sconfitte ci stiano tutte. Noi vogliamo guadagnarci i punti fuori casa in virtù di prestazioni quantomeno dignitose, buone magari non solo per strappare il punto, ! ma per cercare anche di vincere".
Qualcosa sta cam! biando e qualcosa di nuovo dovrebbe vedersi già a Mantova. "Sarà un Empoli diverso di sicuro, sia nello spirito che nel gioco - prosegue Salvatore Campilongo - Già da qualche giorno stiamo lavorando su un'impostazione tattica più aggressiva tornando a quel 4-4-2 offensivo al quale ci stiamo preparando da luglio e che poi siamo stati costretti ad abbandonare per vari motivi. Per fortuna abbiamo usufruito di un paio di settimane senza il calcio da 3 punti, per cui è stato più facile lavorare sul sistema di gioco che preferisco. Finora fuori casa non abbiamo mai fatto male a nessuno e, se non facciamo dei gol, sarà difficile portar via punti".
Il momento giusto potrebbe essere arrivato. Al campo di Mantova l'ardua sentenza…
Appiano: Krhin, Santon e Sneijder in gruppo
di Marco Spinelli
fonte: inter.it
APPIANO GENTILE - Oggi, al centro sportivo "Angelo Moratti", penultimo allenamento della squadra prima dell'impegno di sabato, 17 ottobre '09, allo stadio "Luigi Ferraris" in Marassi contro il Genoa (ore 20,45). Rientrati dagli impegni con le nazionali, Rene Krhin, Davide Santon e Wesley Sneijder hanno lavorato con il gruppo che, dopo il riscaldamento, ha svolto esercitazioni sullo sviluppo del gioco offensivo-difensivo e sulla costruzione del gioco. La sedu! ta si è conclusa con alcune partitelle a tema. Sono ritornati a lavorare con i compagni Dejan Stankovic e Patrick Vieira (che ieri avevano usufruito di un giorno di riposo), Marco Materazzi e Paolo Orlandoni (ieri impegnani allo Stelvio in rappresentanza della squadra per l'evento Pirelli). Anche oggi, cinque ragazzi della Primavera hanno lavorato con José Mourinho: i difensori Nemanja Mitrovic ('92), Cristiano Biraghi ('92) e Marek Kisela ('92); il centrocampista Milan Jirasek ('92); l'attaccante Alan Stevanovic ('91). Doppio allenamento specifico individuale per Thiago Motta: in mattinata potenziamento settoriale in palestra; nel pomeriggio, invece, seduta sul campo con riscaldamento, esercitazioni tecniche coordinative con e senza palla, rapidità, tecnica in velocità. Terapie e fisioterapia per Samuel Eto'o. Terapie per Joel Obi. Per Diego Milito riposo programmato lungo il percorso di recupero. Sono attesi per domani i rientri in Italia di Ivan Ramiro Cordoba, Julio Ces! ar, Maicon e David Suazo che sono stati impegnati, nelle gare ! di quali ficazione al Mondiale 2010, rispettivamente con Colombia, Brasile e Honduras.
Con il Catania il 2 dicembre
fonte: www.pianetaempoli.it
L'Empoli come noto sarà di scena in Sicilia, al "Massimino" di Catania, e la gara si disputerà mercoledi 2 dicembre con inizio alle ore 15. Di certo la trasferta era già di per se non semplice, di fatto la collocazione a livello di data e di orario aumenta le difficoltà per chi vorrà seguire gli azzurri in questa trasfera.
Di seguito! il quadro completo del turno:
CHIEVO – FROSINONE 25/11 ORE 15.00
ATALANTA – LUMEZZANE 26/11 ORE 15.00 NAPOLI – CITTADELLA 26/11 ORE 20.30
PALERMO – REGGINA 26/11 ORE 20.30
SAMPDORIA – LIVORNO 01/12 ORE 20.30
TRIESTINA – SASSUOLO 01/12 ORE 20.30 CATANIA – EMPOLI 02/12 ORE 15.00 Vincente SIENA/GROSSETO – NOVARA 25/11 o 2/12 ORE 18.30
Serena: "I ragazzi hanno dato tutto"
Di Pasquale Campanella
Fonte: tuttomantova
Michele Serena, molto amareggiato per il penalty non concesso al novantesimo e per non aver raggiunto la seconda vittoria stagionale, si è comunque mostrato molto contento della prova dei suoi nel postpartita: "La squadra ha giocato la partita che mi aspettavo, fatta di grande aggressività, di intensità, di cattiveria agonistica. Anche stavolta per l'unica disattenzione paghiamo un prezzo molto salato, che ci punisce oltre i nostri demeriti. La prova è senza ! dubbio confortante, ma stiamo vivendo una situazione difficile e due punti in più in classifica avrebbero significato una posizione diversa e una tranquillità diversa. E ci tengo a sottolineare che lo dico non tanto per me, quanto per i ragazzi che hanno dato tutto, si impegnano al massimo delle loro possibilità in allenamento e in partita e alla fine si vedono scippare una vittoria che avevano guadagnato sul campo".
#098 Highlights della 28^ di Serie A
La ventottesima giornata, la nona di ritorno, fa registrare ben 34 reti! Da segnalare le numerose doppiette, ben dieci: Del Piero per la Juventus, Floccari per L'Atalanta, Semioli per il Chievo, Cavani per il Palermo, Tiribocchi per il Lecce, Pazzini per la Sampdoria, Julio Baptista per la Roma, Pato ed Inzaghi per il Milan, Ibrahimovic per l'Inter. Festeggia i suoi 300 gol fra i professionisti Filippo Inzaghi proprio sul terreno di gioco dove aveva segnato il suo primo gol con l'Albinoleffe. L'unica sorpresa della giornata viene da Roma, dove il Chievo espugna l'Olimpico. Ma vediamo nel dettaglio le partite:
Cagliari – Genoa 0-1: Continua la favola del Genoa che passa a Cagliari. Partita ricca di emozioni nel secondo tempo. Il Cagliari recrimina per l'uomo in meno. Espulsione che è sembrata eccessiva. Vittoria meritata comunque da parte dei genovesi che sfruttano al meglio le loro occasioni. Il Cagliari non vince da quattro p! artite, per i sardi quarta sconfitta interna del campionato. Per il Genoa invece 7 punti nelle ultime tre trasferte.
Juventus – Bologna 4-1: Bella partita a Torino. Il Bologna gioca bene nella prima frazione. Il secondo tempo vede in campo solo una strepitosa Juventus, che doveva riscattarsi per l'eliminazione dalla champion's. Per la Juventus quarta vittoria consecutiva e 16 punti nelle ultime 6 gare. Esaltante la prestazione del giovane Giovinco. Il Bologna resta in zona retrocessione ed è alla sua seconda sconfitta consecutiva fuori casa.
Atalanta – Torino 2-0: Dopo tre sconfitte torna alla vittoria l'Atalanta, che supera un Torino apparso sottotono rispetto alle ultime uscite. Per i bergamaschi la classifica ormai è tranquilla, mentre i granata, che quest'anno ancora non hanno centrato una vittoria in trasferta, restano al terzultimo posto. Per loro prima sconfitta dopo quattro pareggi esterni consecutivi. Da segna! lare la doppietta di Floccari che da la vittoria ai bergamasch! i.
Lazio – Chievo Vr 0-3: Risultato incredibile all'Olimpico! Una Lazio svogliata subisce un Chievo molto determinato ad uscire dalla zona bassa della classifica. I laziali interrompono la serie di tre vittorie consecutive e per loro quinta sconfitta interna della stagione. I clivensi con questa vittoria guadagnano tre punti importanti perché scavalcano due dirette rivali per la salvezza portandosi al quintultimo posto. Per loro seconda vittoria consecutiva in trasferta.
Palermo – Lecce 5-2: Spettacolo al Barbera! Ben 7 reti! Un ottimo Palermo ordinato e con la voglia di riconciliarsi con i propri tifosi supera un Lecce in piena crisi, guidato oggi dal nuovo allenatore (De Canio). Per i rosanero prima vittoria in casa dopo le due sconfitte consecutive ,contro Juventus e Catania, e seconda vittoria di fila. I siciliani restano in zona Uefa. Per il Lecce che è apparso molto disordinato, soprattutto nel reparto difensivo, terza sc! onfitta esterna consecutiva ed un solo punto nelle ultime sei partite.
Reggina – Napoli 1-1: Prima partita per Donadoni sulla panchina del Napoli e primo punto in trasferta per i partenopei dopo ben otto sconfitte consecutive. Partita importante per entrambe le compagini che alla fine devono accontentarsi di un punto a testa. Il pari è come una sconfitta per la Reggina che resta all'ultimo posto e non vince da quattordici turni. Per i granata quattro pareggi in altrettante gare casalinghe. Il Napoli, con il nuovo allenatore, riparte con un punto in trasferta ed una buona prestazione per cercare di risollevare il morale nello spogliatoio.
Sampdoria – Roma 2-2: Partita combattuta a Marassi. Le due squadre si affrontano a viso aperto e regalano un bel pomeriggio di calcio con diverse occasioni a testa. La Roma nonostante le assenze disputa un'ottima gara ed ottiene un buon punto esterno. I doriani sono al quinto risultato! utile consecutivo in casa con 11 punti nelle ultime cinque ga! re inter ne. La Roma invece è al terzo pareggio consecutivo in campionato e non vince in trasferta da quattro gare, ultima vittoria il 25 Gennaio 2009, 0-3 a Napoli.
Siena – Milan 1-5: Anche a Siena show del gol con ben 6 reti! Il Siena disputa una buona prima parte di gara, ma il Milan ha gioco facile e grazie alle doppiette di Inzaghi (per lui 300° gol fra i professionisti) e Pato, dopo il vantaggio iniziale siglato da Pirlo su rigore, stende il Siena. Il Milan resta saldo al terzo posto e torna alla vittoria in trasferta dopo due sconfitte. I toscani vengono momentaneamente risucchiati nella parte bassa della classifica. Per loro terza sconfitta casalinga della stagione, nelle ultime quattro gare in casa i bianconeri hanno ottenuto solo 2 punti.
Udinese – Catania 1-1: Pari al Friuli, con l'Udinese che può recriminare per un palo colpito nel finale. Incredibile il vantaggio degli ospiti con un altro gol da cineteca di Mascara.! Tiro da 30 metri su rilancio errato del portiere friulano. L'Udinese paga comunque la fatica della partita in coppa e nel finale cala fisicamente. Per i friulani secondo pareggio consecutivo, per i siciliani quattro punti nelle ultime due trasferte.
Inter – Fiorentina 2-0: Vittoria sofferta per l'Inter che solo nel finale ha ragione di una Fiorentina che costruisce gioco ma non si rende mai veramente pericolosa. L'Inter mantiene il distacco sulle dirette inseguitrici e si riscatta dopo l'eliminazione dalla champion's league. Per i nerazzurri nono risultato utile consecutivo con 7 vittorie e 2 pareggi. La Fiorentina subisce la seconda sconfitta consecutiva.
Cagliari – Genoa 0-1: Continua la favola del Genoa che passa a Cagliari. Partita ricca di emozioni nel secondo tempo. Il Cagliari recrimina per l'uomo in meno. Espulsione che è sembrata eccessiva. Vittoria meritata comunque da parte dei genovesi che sfruttano al meglio le loro occasioni. Il Cagliari non vince da quattro p! artite, per i sardi quarta sconfitta interna del campionato. Per il Genoa invece 7 punti nelle ultime tre trasferte.
Juventus – Bologna 4-1: Bella partita a Torino. Il Bologna gioca bene nella prima frazione. Il secondo tempo vede in campo solo una strepitosa Juventus, che doveva riscattarsi per l'eliminazione dalla champion's. Per la Juventus quarta vittoria consecutiva e 16 punti nelle ultime 6 gare. Esaltante la prestazione del giovane Giovinco. Il Bologna resta in zona retrocessione ed è alla sua seconda sconfitta consecutiva fuori casa.
Atalanta – Torino 2-0: Dopo tre sconfitte torna alla vittoria l'Atalanta, che supera un Torino apparso sottotono rispetto alle ultime uscite. Per i bergamaschi la classifica ormai è tranquilla, mentre i granata, che quest'anno ancora non hanno centrato una vittoria in trasferta, restano al terzultimo posto. Per loro prima sconfitta dopo quattro pareggi esterni consecutivi. Da segna! lare la doppietta di Floccari che da la vittoria ai bergamasch! i.
Lazio – Chievo Vr 0-3: Risultato incredibile all'Olimpico! Una Lazio svogliata subisce un Chievo molto determinato ad uscire dalla zona bassa della classifica. I laziali interrompono la serie di tre vittorie consecutive e per loro quinta sconfitta interna della stagione. I clivensi con questa vittoria guadagnano tre punti importanti perché scavalcano due dirette rivali per la salvezza portandosi al quintultimo posto. Per loro seconda vittoria consecutiva in trasferta.
Palermo – Lecce 5-2: Spettacolo al Barbera! Ben 7 reti! Un ottimo Palermo ordinato e con la voglia di riconciliarsi con i propri tifosi supera un Lecce in piena crisi, guidato oggi dal nuovo allenatore (De Canio). Per i rosanero prima vittoria in casa dopo le due sconfitte consecutive ,contro Juventus e Catania, e seconda vittoria di fila. I siciliani restano in zona Uefa. Per il Lecce che è apparso molto disordinato, soprattutto nel reparto difensivo, terza sc! onfitta esterna consecutiva ed un solo punto nelle ultime sei partite.
Reggina – Napoli 1-1: Prima partita per Donadoni sulla panchina del Napoli e primo punto in trasferta per i partenopei dopo ben otto sconfitte consecutive. Partita importante per entrambe le compagini che alla fine devono accontentarsi di un punto a testa. Il pari è come una sconfitta per la Reggina che resta all'ultimo posto e non vince da quattordici turni. Per i granata quattro pareggi in altrettante gare casalinghe. Il Napoli, con il nuovo allenatore, riparte con un punto in trasferta ed una buona prestazione per cercare di risollevare il morale nello spogliatoio.
Sampdoria – Roma 2-2: Partita combattuta a Marassi. Le due squadre si affrontano a viso aperto e regalano un bel pomeriggio di calcio con diverse occasioni a testa. La Roma nonostante le assenze disputa un'ottima gara ed ottiene un buon punto esterno. I doriani sono al quinto risultato! utile consecutivo in casa con 11 punti nelle ultime cinque ga! re inter ne. La Roma invece è al terzo pareggio consecutivo in campionato e non vince in trasferta da quattro gare, ultima vittoria il 25 Gennaio 2009, 0-3 a Napoli.
Siena – Milan 1-5: Anche a Siena show del gol con ben 6 reti! Il Siena disputa una buona prima parte di gara, ma il Milan ha gioco facile e grazie alle doppiette di Inzaghi (per lui 300° gol fra i professionisti) e Pato, dopo il vantaggio iniziale siglato da Pirlo su rigore, stende il Siena. Il Milan resta saldo al terzo posto e torna alla vittoria in trasferta dopo due sconfitte. I toscani vengono momentaneamente risucchiati nella parte bassa della classifica. Per loro terza sconfitta casalinga della stagione, nelle ultime quattro gare in casa i bianconeri hanno ottenuto solo 2 punti.
Udinese – Catania 1-1: Pari al Friuli, con l'Udinese che può recriminare per un palo colpito nel finale. Incredibile il vantaggio degli ospiti con un altro gol da cineteca di Mascara.! Tiro da 30 metri su rilancio errato del portiere friulano. L'Udinese paga comunque la fatica della partita in coppa e nel finale cala fisicamente. Per i friulani secondo pareggio consecutivo, per i siciliani quattro punti nelle ultime due trasferte.
Inter – Fiorentina 2-0: Vittoria sofferta per l'Inter che solo nel finale ha ragione di una Fiorentina che costruisce gioco ma non si rende mai veramente pericolosa. L'Inter mantiene il distacco sulle dirette inseguitrici e si riscatta dopo l'eliminazione dalla champion's league. Per i nerazzurri nono risultato utile consecutivo con 7 vittorie e 2 pareggi. La Fiorentina subisce la seconda sconfitta consecutiva.
Classifica dopo 28 giornate: Inter 66, Juventus 59, Milan 54, Genoa 48, Fiorentina e Roma 46, Palermo 42, Lazio 41, Cagliari e Atalanta 39, Napoli e Udinese 36, Sampdoria 35, Catania 34, Siena 31, Chievo Vr 27, Bologna 26, ! Torino 24, Lecce 23, Reggina 20.
Prossimo turno, 29^g. 21-22/3/2009 ore 15.00: Catania-Lazio (21/3 ore 18.00), Roma-Juventus (21/3 ore 20.30), Bologna-Cagliari, Chievo Vr-Palermo, Fiorentina-Siena, Genoa-Udinese, Inter-Reggina, Lecce-Atalanta, Torino-Sampdoria, Napoli-Milan (ore 20.30).
Prima e Seconda divisione Lega Pro
Cari lettori nel prossimo fine settimana prenderanno anche il via i campionati di Prima e Seconda divisione della Lega Pro che da quest'anno seguiremo anche sul blog con classifiche e risultati. Ecco il programma della prima giornata delle due serie:Prima divisione, girone A: Cremonese - Viareggio, Figline - Novara, Foligno - Benevento, Lecco - Paganese, Lumezzane - Arezzo, Monza - Como, Pro Patria - Pergocrema, Sorrento - Alessandria, Varese - Perugia.
Prima divisione, girone B: Andria Bat - Ternana, Giulianova - Potenza, Pescara - Rimini, Pescina Valle Giovenco - Cavese, Portogruaro Summaga - Ravenna, Reggiana - Virtus Lanciano, Spal - Cosenza, Taranto - Real Marcianise, Verona - Foggia.
Seconda divisione, girone A: Alghero - Sud Tirol Alto Adige, Carpenedolo - Rodengo Saiano, Crociati Noceto - Pro Belvedere Vercelli, Feralpisalò - Canavese, Legnano - Villacidrese, Mezzocorona - Olbia, Pro Vercelli - Sambonifacese, Spezia - Pro Sesto, Valenzana - Pavia.
Seconda divisione, girone B: Bassano Virtus - Sangiovannese, Bellaria Igea Marina - Pro Vasto, Carrarese - Celano Olimpia, Fano - Colligiana, Itala San Marco - Gubbio, Lucchese - Poggibonsi, Nocerina - Gi! acomense, Prato - San Marino, Sacilese - Sangiustese.
Seconda divisione, girone C: Catanzaro - Cisco Roma, Igea Virtus - Barletta, Isola Liri - Aversa Normanna, Juvestabia - Gela, Manfredonia - Cassino, Melfi - Brindisi, Noicattaro - Siracusa, Vibonese - Scafatese, Vico Equense - Monopoli.
Questo il programma della prima giornata previsto per il 23 Agosto. Per tutte le informazioni ed i calendari potete consultare il sito della Lega Pro alla pagina http://www.lega-calcio-serie-c.it/
SUPERPAGELLONE
Caro Raf...sei stato troppo buono....ecco i miei personalissimi voti fantacalcistici:
Piero 7,5 (forte e fortunato)
Gio' 5 (non vincete mai!)
Raf 7 (bravo e culello)
Felice 6 (stellone a metà)
Tommaso 5,5 (troppo risparmiatore)
Pasquale 5 (squadra da pensione)
Paolo 6,5 (sfortunato)
Celestino 5 (meglio degli altri anni)
Ma, ovviamente, a Lellonzo Cannavò...uno dei pochi a tenere vivo questo blog...va dato un 10 in pagella...
A proposito...i voti del Blog (escluso il mio che sono ovviamente direttamente coinvolto):
RAF 10 (sempre presente)
Piero 7 (spesso presente)
Tommy 7 (ha lanciato la moda delle formazioni sul blog)
Luigi 6,5 (il Mughini del Blog)
Paolo 6 (un po' sì, un po' no)
Celeste, Giovanni, Felice ZERO SPACCATO: i loro interventi si contano sulle punte delle dita...assenti ingiustificati (figli e famiglie c'entrano poco, bast! ano 5 minuti per dire la propria). Loro, questo blog, non se lo meritano!!!
L'abbraccio della Lega
La sensibilità del blog è incredibile!
In religioso silenzio da qualche giorno, come se avvertisse qualcosa.
La lega si stringe attorno a Raf e Giò, in un abbraccio unico e forte.
E le parole tornano ad essere superflue...
La vergogna di ieri............
Cari amici, come avete potuto notare ieri sera la vergogna ha di nuovo fatto capolino nel nostro già malandato fanta.
Non è un caso che il buon Luigi nel post precedente parla di "Coppa Italia dimenticata dopo 15 anni", "unica possibilità che abbiamo per non MACCHIARE ULTERIORMENTE questa stagione" ecc.. ecc....
Mentre ci rifletto ECCO IL FATTACCIO di ieri sera.
Sapete.......quando Celeste durante le vacanze pasquali (ci siamo visti ben due volte) mi parlava di "campionato falsato" "disinteresse al fanta" e "troppe polemiche" io non gli davo tanto peso dicendo solo che pochi giorni prima chi aveva generato il tutto il 12 settembre aveva mandato una email ergendosi a imperatore ed esecutore di squalifiche comminate (sempre da lui stesso) a destra e a manca (tanto che Pasquale durante la cena mi prese per il culo tutta la serata dicendomi che io ero in bilico ed ero (come dicono in FormulaUno) "sotto osservazione".
Dopo ieri io penso REALMENTE che le strade! da percorrere sarebbero due (una più drastica dell'altra):
1) Annullare questo campionato (falsato dalla porc... ops affare Milito)
2) Assegnarlo di diritto a Paolo Passafiume in quanto Diego Principe Milito DOVEVA ESSERE di sua proprietà avendo più crediti di tutti il 12 settembre scorso.
Certo, la seconda scelta è schokante ma darebbe un senso a tutta l'annata fantacalstica e soprattutto farebbe da DETERRENTE a chiunque (e sappiamo tutti bene chi) avesse intenzione durante l'estate (fase in cui questa persona è MOLTO ben predisposta) di concepire qualsiasi altra ..... cosa (e non mi spingo oltre).
Ho scritto questo post di getto e forse grammaticalmente non è venuta bene ma spero di aver reso l'idea; certo (dopo aver sentito tutti durante le vacanze pasquali) che questo è il pensiero (più o meno) della maggior parte degli altri allenatori e certo che adesso sarò subbissato di critiche e anche nuovamente messo alla gogna da chi mi ha già squalifi! cato per il prossimo anno qualche giorno fa.....
Cordialm! ente Vi saluto
P.P.P.
Campione del Mondo
Dedicato al Mastella "denoartri"
Comunico ufficialmente la mia contenuta ma particolare gioia nell'aver sconfitto la "Zeru Titoli" in quanto mi sono accorto che NON ho mai ricevuto in 16 anni un tradimento fantacalcistico come quello che si è perpetrato venerdì scorso.
Colgo l'occasione anche per UFFICIALMENTE SCIOGLIERE il SANTO-GAL per ALTO TRADIMENTO del suo componente (probabilmente infiltrato in quanto non ha mai surrogato le parole con i fatti) tale Trapanese Tommaso.
Quindi come Lello sarà ricordato agli annali per essere quello che ha fatto fuori Paolo dal fanta, alla stessa stregua Tommaso sarà ricordato per essere quello che ha fatto morire il SANTO-GAL.
Tanto Vi dovevo.
P.P.P.
Campione del Mondo
P.S.
IO P.P.P. (Pier Paolo Pancrazio) e ne vado fiero
TU T.T.T. (Tommaso Trapanese Traditore) ?????????????
Englands failing 2018 World Cup bid
Jack Warner's comments
Yes, I know a blog dedicated to next year's World Cup shouldn't meddle in lofty issues such as who hosts the tournament in 2018, but recent comments about England's faltering bid and how it can be turned around are making my blood boil.
First, the alleged comments from FIFA executive member Jack Warner and boss of all things FIFA in the North, Central America and Caribbean area are worth quoting in full:
"England has the best infrastructure, the best league, the best history in the world and when I see all these things I ask why they are not doing better."
"They don't have a divine right to hold it but I feel they (the bid committee) don't exploit their attributes, they are not lording it over their opponents."
Make David Beckham an "ambassador"
Having had a go at our bid on the grounds that it is insufficiently arrogant, Warner unveils his solution.
"My colleagues are saying the people coming to them are lightweight. They need to be creative and innovative. I would take David Beckham for example and make him my ambassador. He has that stardust."
"Some of the guys who have to vote do not know the people on the England bid committee - but they know Beckham, they know Michael Owen."
I'm only guessing here, but is Warner saying Beckham and Owen can explain the detailed finer points of a complicated bid involving infrastructure, transport, logistics, stadiums, budgets, safety and heaven knows what else better than the FA? Or is the whole bidding process merely a beauty contest where the prize goes to the people with the best smile? If so, let's give it to Australia right now. Natalie Imbruglia has a cracking set of nashers.
The other 2018 World Cup bids
Undaunted, Warner carried on chuntering at today's Leaders in Football conference at Stamford Bridge.
"I was in Rio last week and the name on people's lips! for 201 8 was Spain and then Russia. I'm not even sure what those countries are doing but I do know what England are not doing."
What England are not doing, according to Warner, is handing out goodie bags to delegates at conferences. Representatives of the Australia and Qatar bids did exactly that, prompting another witless Warner comment.
"I love what Australia did this morning," he said. "But if I was running the England bid I would have been more aggressive, I wouldn't have allowed them and Qatar to have a bag here."
So there you have it – England will win the right to host the 2018 World Cup by giving David Beckham a crib sheet on the bid and preventing other countries from hawking their wares. If we don't win it should be because other countries have better stadia or more efficient transport links or credible legacy plans. Not because we didn't put Beckham on a pedestal or lacked goodie bags.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Paolo Bandini in Italy
Sixty years on from the Superga disaster, football fans revere the team that united a nation.
Legacy of the Grande Torino puts Serie A league position in perspective.
Paul Scholes Hits 600-Game Landmark for Manchester United
The man Zinédine Zidane, a three-times Fifa World Player of the Year, described as "undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation" will make his 600th appearance for Manchester United at home to Portsmouth this evening and, as he grimaces at the eulogies likely to come his way, it is fair to wonder if there has been quite so reluctant a hero as the English champions' ginger pimp! ernel.
Highs and Lows of his Career
Marcela Mora y Araujo in Argentina
Only by standing united can we stop the violence that has overshadowed Huracán's revival.
How the gangs are ruining Argentinian football.
English Premier League Season Previews: Arsenal and Aston Villa
Arsenal: A top-four finish is far from guaranteed but Arsène Wenger feels a new formation, rather than new players, will elevate his team.
Preview
Aston Villa: Maybe the alarm bells should have been ringing at the end of last season when Ran! dy Lerner suggested 'more modest' spending. Preview
Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant 'Flattered' To Be Wolverhampton Wanderers Vice-President
The legendary rocker can't quite believe that he's now part of the club he's followed since boyhood...
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