U/17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009: SPAIN DEFEATS URUGUAY IN Q/FINAL AFTER A PENALTY SHOOT-OUT

Lakers Blown Out at Portland

The TrailBlazers blew the Lakers out of the building 111-94 Monday night. The Lakers didn't show up. They left their game on the bus. The Lakers were losing by 28 points going into the 4th quarter. The best team in the NBA down almost 30 playing against a conference rival! Terrible team effort! Kobe had a horrible shooting night going 11-29 scoring only 26 points. Gasol added 18 and the rest of the Lakers were MIA. They got nothing from Fisher, Odom or Walton. This game was embarrassing. The Lakers were so frustrated that Trevor Ariza committed a flagrant foul against Rudy Fernandez.

The Blazers had a balanced team effort. Brandon Roy led the Blazers with 27 and Travis Outlaw had 22. LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 and Joel Przybilla has 12. Portland played a flawless game outshooting, outrebounding and outplaying the Lakers throughout the game. The Lakers lost their 3rd straight road game. Hopefully the Lakers can rebound Wednesday night against the Rockets.

Michelle Akers enjoying life after soccer

Michelle Akers is now a mother. And she couldn't be happier.
Arguably the greatest women's soccer player ever, Akers doesn't miss the spotlight one bit. She lives in this quiet corner of southeastern Seminole County with her husband, attorney Steve Eichenblatt; their son, Cody; and five horses, three dogs and a cat.

U-17 Tournament in Costa Rica

USA Region 2 - Chile 1-1
USA Region 3 - Mexico 1-2
Costa Rica - USA Region 1 1-2
USA Region 4 - Panama 0-1

Buzz college rankings

1. UCLA
2. Santa Clara
3. Notre Dame
4. Florida State
5. Portland
6. North Carolina
7. Virginia
8. Penn State
9. Boston College
10. Tennessee

Misleading or inept?

From http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/ny/news/press_releases/090929-miettinenhire.aspx

"Miettinen is the current head coach for PK-35 in Helsinki, Finland, which is currently tied for first place in the Finnish Premier League. Prior to taking over at PK-35, she spent two years at FC Kontu in Helsinki, advancing her club to the Finnish Premier League midway through her first season at the helm."

Anyone with any knowledge of women's soccer or access to internet will find out that PK-35 is NOT in the Finnish Premier League but in second division.

Are we misleading or simply don't know?

Angelis and Elias find the new team.. (finally)

Wednesday, 21 October 2009
After being away for a while, finally I can go back to my old habit :) writing the article... little article for my blog..
I am sorry for you all my beloved readers. -))

As for the title, you see that finally Alex de Angelis goes to Scot Honda team with the HELP of San Marino's government. They will help funding the rider and Cirano Mularoni - Scot Honda's boss is the happiest man for a lot of money will come to his team.

The bad ne! ws is Toni Elias will be degraded to Moto2 team with Sito Pons team. The other (not) shocking news is that HRC has already vetoed the move of Gabor Talamcsi's group to retain the seat on Scot Honda. He will have to leave the team by the end of this year.

Fabio Berardi, Secretary of Sports and Tourism in San Marino, told on the public television that De Angelis receives full support from his country. "Today, a pilot team simply can not choose where to run, but needs the support of sponsors. That's why San Marino has tried to bring the sponsorship after reaching an agreement with Mularoni."

Source: motocuarto and Tuttosport.

Cape Town 'Wunderkind'!

Swimming news from Germany is that Capetonian Sarah Poewe has just set a new European record for the 100m breaststroke at the German Olympic trials.

Sarah won both the 100 and 200m breastroke events at the trials, and has been selected for the German Olympic team in both events. Her 100m time was the 4th fastest in the world this year.

Dani Da man!

Local favourite Dani Pedrosa got the hole-shot into turn1, and that was it, he was'nt seen again as he handed out a demonstration on how to lap the Catalunya circuit enroute to winning the MotoGP Grand Prix in Spain for his second victory of the season.
The 22-year-old Honda rider got off to a flying start as he passed pole-position holder and world champion Casey Stoner before the first bend. He set a circuit record on the second lap gave the fans their first win by a Spainish rider since Alex Criville.

WP to Stand Up well in Midfield Duel

An interesting battle awaits us in the midfield for tomorrow's Currie Cup clash between Vodacom Western Province and the Free State Cheetahs.

For WP, captain Gcobani Bobo and Dylan des Fountain line up opposite Meyer Bosman and the very physical Hendrik Meyer. Both Bobo and Bosman have Springbok aspirations this year so they'll be showcasing all their skills. Des Fountain hasn't really sparked the way we all expected him to in his few seasons in the Cape but we're all aware of the promise he has. Meyer is a big, strong centre and likes to bash it up so Des Fountain and Bobo will have their hands full on defence.

It promises to be a mouth-watering battle but whether or not the weather will allow these players to display their ability tomorrow remains to be seen. The weather office is predicting cold, wet and windy conditions with the mercury settling at a chilly 15 degrees.

If that's the case, don't expect the ball to go too far beyond the ! flyhalves. Willem de Waal and Chris Rossouw will be looking to fight for territorial supremacy and at the end of the day it'll depend on who makes the least mistakes.

Kick off is at 15h00.

Peter de Villiers is still the Man

Many Springbok supporters are baying for blood after another disappointing Tri-Nations defeat and Peter de Villiers is the prime target. In many ways this is how it should be. The coach must shoulder most of the responsibility for the defeat, but personally I think the players are wasting an opportunity to go to the next level and show why they're world champions.

For those who believe we've already reached a higher level, by winning the World Cup, remember we did so by playing a style of rugby that won't hold up under the new law var! iations and really didn't showcase all the skills our players possess. But the question of style is subjective, with almost all coaches adding their philosophies to the basics of the game.

Peter de Villiers believes South Africa has the best talent in world rugby and it's for this reason that he believes the Springboks can play a style of rugby more suited to skillful, creative, experienced and confident players. The players are professionals and must adapt. It's wrong to think that South Africa can only play a certain style of rugby.

Style however is different to tactics and even the most free-flowing teams must have a clear game-plan to outwit and outscore the opposition. This is where many critics say de Villiers has failed, even those who support his ideals for an expansive game. Maybe Robbie Deans and Graham Henry have out-witted our coach this year or maybe their teams are playing with a greater desire to win.

Read ! carefully now…Tactically, the Boks were superior on Saturday. ! I know t hat sounds impossible, as we failed to score in the first half and lost the match, but that's the way I saw it. The game-plan and tactics got us to the Wallaby try-line on numerous occasions, especially in the first half, when we should've scored and started building the momentum. Tactics, style and a game-plan didn't fail us then, it was errors combined with tough Aussie defense that cost us. Our players just were not up to it when it mattered.

Contrary to the popular view (it seems), de Villiers is not incompetent. You don't beat the All Blacks in New Zealand by luck or without some form of tactical ability. The new coach is a rookie and that's not saying he's out of his depth. But Aussie Deans is also a rookie. So what's the difference?

I think Deans is a brilliant coach, whose ability has been proven at the Crusaders, a team that seemed to thrive with the introduction of the ELV's. De Villiers does not have the same Super 14 experience, but has inhe! rited a world cup winning team. Is he expected to win everything as because of that? Maybe that statement would've rung true if Jake White stayed in charge, the rules did not change and the Wallabies and All Blacks did not improve, but White has left and de Villiers is a different coach with a very different philosophy.

Some say it looks like he's coaching the team to fail at the moment, but I applaud his bravery to try and improve on a winning formula. 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' is not the thinking that will make the Boks a better team.

White's team was brilliant last year and would've beaten New Zealand and Australia if needed to at the World Cup, but the players were not pushed to test their limits and express themselves on the field. I think de Villiers is the right man for the job considering we won't be the best in 2011 if we dig in our heels and stick to a dated style of play. The players need to genuinely buy into the coach's philosophy ! if they are to be successful and de Villiers must ensure that ! he regai ns the trust of the team and the nation.

Cobras in Control on Day 2 vs SWD

The Nashua Cape Cobras started their pre-season tour on a high note in their first game against the South Western Districts played in Oudtshoorn, posting a total of 272/7 declared. Vernon Philander scored 103 not out, whilst JP Duminy contributed 51. Brendan Adams started his carreer with the Nashua Cape Cobras with an impressive 40 runs. For SWD, Terence David Taylor took 2/29, whilst Nigel McKew took 2/36. Here's how the match has progressed so far...

SWD 1st innings 119/4 (58 overs)

Sammy-Joe Avontuur LBW Philander 7

Gary Moos not out 33*

André Olivier c Duminy b Philander 21

Jaco van der Vyver c Canning b Philander 2

Stuurman c Canning b Kleinveldt 4

Hillerman ! not out 27*

Ekstras...28



Bowling figures Cape Cobras

Plaatjies 11-0-34-0

Philander 12-8-5-3

Kleinveldt 14-7-31-1

van Zyl 9-4-14-0

Temoor 8-2-15-0

Adams 4-0-14-0

Engelbrecht 1-0-2-0



Cape Cobras 1st innings 272/7 declared

Ryan Canning 25

Vernon Philander 103*

JP Duminy 51

Brendon Adams 40



Bowling figures SWD

Terence Davis-Taylor 2/29

Nigel Mercuur 2/36

Breakfast Headlines

Bafana Bafana het die veld aan die brand gespeel in hulle 3-2 oorwinning oor Cameroon. Teko Modise het uitgeblink met twee doele, maar hy't ook 'n strafskop gemis. Cameroon het goed teruggekom, maar Bernard Parker het weerens die wenner aangeteken.

***
After the match a furious Cameroon coach Otto Pfister publicly blamed SAFA for not organising travel arrangements for his three star players Eto'o, Song and Geremi. SAFA has hit back saying the players simply failed to check-in for their flights.
***
In other FIFA friendlies, Brazil thrashed Portugal 6-2 at the Estadio Bezerrao of Brasilia only a few hours ago. England beat Germany 2-1 thanks to a late winner from John Terry last night. Diego Maradona won his first match in charge of Argentina with a 1-0 win over Scotland.
***
Graeme Smith is building another massive innings in the first test against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein. He'll resume on 138 when the Proteas resume ! on 299 for 1 on day two this morning. Hashim Amla also got a ton and is 103 not out. Neil McKenzie scored a patient 42.
***
England have reached 88 for 1 after 17.1 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first in the third one day match against India.
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Australia have been sent in to bat on day one of the first test against New Zealand. The Aussies are 153 for 7.
***
Back home the Gestetner Diamond Eagles beat the Nashua Dolphins by five wickets in the MTN Domestic Championship. Meanwhile, the Nashua Cape Cobras are itching to get their campaign underway. They face the Nashua Titans in Pretoria on Sunday. All-rounder, Vernon Philander, says he's well rested after being sidelined through suspension...

***
Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du preez will find out today whether he's r! ecovered in time to face England at Twickenham on Saturday. Th! e match 22 will be announced today. Meanwhile, Bok great Naas Botha says they only need to play decent rugby to beat England...

***
SA Rugby has announced that tickets for next year's British and Irish Lions tests against the Springboks will cost 1140 rand.

Bafana face tough test

Bafana Bafana face a stiff test when they face Chile in an international friendly at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane tomorrow evening.

Coach Joel Santana and the boys are chasing a record sixth straight win, with the team's last win coming against Zambia last month.

Soccer analyst Sergio do Santos says we can expect the usual flair the Chilean's are known for but there may be some surprises.

"They (Chile) are not going to be different from the South American football we know what they are all about but there are one or two unknown quantities in the team and they play a quick flowing game of football."

Our National team has not managed to win against their previous South Americans when they lost to 1-0 to Bolivia and drew 0-0 with Uruguay.

Do Santos says they can also expect a tough fixture from Chile.

"Chile at the moment are lying fourth in the South American region of the qualifier! s for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. They are going to be no pushovers and it will be a fantastic test for us to play against a team of this caliber and gives us some direction as to where are at the moment."

Protea women get much needed international game time

The South African Women's Pro 20 side will be getting some much needed international game time ahead of the, ICC World Twenty20 World Cup in June.

The Proteas travel to Ireland where they will play the home nation along with Pakistan in a tri-series in preparation for the tournament in England.

International time in the middle was one of their main concerns after their poor showing at the World Cup in Australia earlier this year as the team only won one game.

Co! ach Noor Rhode says the series will give them some insight on the team before the competition.

"It gives is an opportunity to look at our combinations and how we want to play the game. T20 is something that is new so all the team are on the same level. It's a learning curve and we want to make the most of this chance."

Only one change has been made to the side that went to the World Cup. Kwa-Zulu Natal's Deneisha Devnarain comes into the squad as she replaces Claire Terreblanche.

Rhode says he has faith in his players but the only way they can improve is by playing more cricket.

"I believe the players have the skills and will do a great job for South Africa. It's just that we need more opportunities and more cricket to enhance those skills which then will allow us to perform better."

2009 Pre-Season Testing: Barcelona Summary

Teams were at the Circuit de Cataluyna this week in prepartion for the 2009 season. Today was the last day of the 3 day test where Sebastian Vettel was on top of the timesheets once again. Also, we did see some interesting car developments even as this is the first test such as the new aero package and some team running with their KERS system. Below is a team by team summary of the 3 days of testing and quickest times set from the test where a total of 23 drivers took part. Absent from this round of testing was Toyota.

Ferrari- Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were on hand using two F2008: a standard version and a version with modified aerodynamics to simulate the downforce that cars will use in 2009. Badoer started reliability testing for the engine and gearbox in the modified car and added weights to simulate a KERS install, which was only partially on the car on Day 1. Gene used an unmodified F2008 and worked on car set ups. Both drivers used slick tires. On Day 2, bo! th drivers continued the reliability and set up work they started on Day 1. Day 3 saw Badoer go solo and continue long reliability runs on the engine. Badoer also got to sample the power adjustable front wing.

McLaren- McLaren's testers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett were on track on Day 1 and De la Rosa began testing with the KERS system onboard; this car was designated MP4-23K. Both cars were equipped with slick tires and an aero package that simulated 2009 downforce levels. On Day 2, De la Rosa was drafted to drive the Force India VJM01 while Paffett went solo and continued work in the MP4-23K. However, he suffered an oil leak and McLaren switched him over to the other McLaren to do aerodynamic and tire evaluations. On Day 3, Pafett was again the lone driver on duty as he continued development work on the KERS as well as aerodynamics and tires.

BMW- BMW Sauber carried out testing with two F1.08B interim cars with Robert Kubica and Christian Klien! . The cars were fitted with some bodywork complying to the 200! 9 regula tions. Also, Klien's car was fitted with a KERS system. Both drivers tried different mechanical and aerodynamic solutions as well as sampling the 2009 slick tires. Nick Heidfeld took over testing duties from Klien on Day 2 and along with Kubica, they focused on reliability and tires. On Day 3, Klien was back in action in place of Kubica and worked alongside Heidfeld. Klien worked on the set up for the KERS system while Heidfeld worked on mechanical and aerodynamic set up and got to try out the power adjustable front wing. His car was not equipped with KERS.

Renault- Nelson Piquet and Giedo van der Garde were on hand for testing duties. The team were focused on '2009 type' car set ups and evaluated the new slick tires. van der Garde managed to crash out but was able to return after some repairs. On Day 2, van der Garde completed his work and they team was pleased with his performance and feedback. They continued to focus of tire evaluations, set-up and R&D work! . On Day 3, Nelson Piquet continued the solo theme as he finished slick tire evaluation and R&D work with a R28 with simulated 2009 settings.

Red Bull- 5 times WRC champion Sebastien Loeb was the lone Red Bull Racing driver on hand on Day 1. He was getting his first test with other F1 drivers in the RB4 and did well finishing less than 1.5 seconds off the pace. This test was a thank you for winning another WRC title. However, he did do some actual work evaluating the 2009 slick tires. On Day 2, new Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel took over testing duties and wasted no time in setting the top time. The team's focus again was collecting tire data. On Day 3, Vettel continued his work and quick pace as he continued to do tire work with simulated 2009 downforce levels.

Toro Rosso- The team's focus on Day 1 was to assess the new slick tires and various mechanical set ups. It also was an opportunity to evaluate potential drivers. Prospective drive! r, Takuma Sato accounted well for himself by setting the quick! est time overall on Day 1 but not far behind was Sebastien Buemi who set the 2nd fastest time. On Day 2, Sato turned the reigns over to Sebastien Bourdais after again setting a strong time (2nd overall). Bourdais continued work on collecting data on the tires. On Day 3, both Sebastien's were on track and as yesterday were among the leaders on the timesheets. The duo continued to focus on tires trying various car set-ups.

Honda- The Japanese squad was very busy. Test driver Alex Wurz kicked off the main test program evaluating various aerodynamic components and 2009 downforce levels and running the slick tires. Honda evaluated two young Brazilian drivers, Bruno Senna and Lucas Di Grassi. On Day 2, Jenson Button took over for Wurz while Di Grassi completed his full day test program. Button focused on tire evaluations via set-up and car balance changes. Di Grassi worked on car balance and car set-up finishing .5 seconds off Button's pace. On Day 3, Button continued his work ! while Bruno Senna was back to complete his full day test program. He managed to finish only .3 seconds off of Button time and was .6 quicker than Di Grassi.

Williams- Williams came with one car and driver, Nico Hulkenberg, who ran the interim FW30. He concentrated on slick tires work and the 2009 rear wing. On Day 2, Nico Rosberg took over testing duties and focused on set-up and tire development work setting the 7th fastest time of the day. The team continued with some 2009 aero components. On Day 3, Hulkenberg was back behind the wheel continuing to work on development. He set the 10th fastest time out of 13 drivers on track today.

Force India- Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi were present on Day 1 of testing simulating 2009 downforce levels. The team worked on car set up and weight distribution. On Day 2, as mentioned above, McLaren tester Pedro De la Rosa was at the wheel taking advantage of the new McLaren/Force India technical partnership along! side Sutil. They set the 16th and 9th fastest times respectiv! ely. On Day 3, De la Rosa continued his work, while Giancarlo Fisichella took over duties from Sutil. The pair of veteran drivers were at the bottom of the timesheets.

Fastest test times (3 day totals):

1. Vettel- 1:19.295

2. Bourdais- 1:19.839

3. Sato- 1:20.017

4. Buemi- 1:20.154

5. Paffett- 1:21.140

6. Wurz- 1:21.198

7. Button- 1:21.387

8. De la Rosa- 1:21.417

9. Kubica- 1:21.521

10. Rosberg- 1:21.525

11. Klien- 1:21.534

12. Heidfeld- 1:21.592

13. Senna- 1:21.676

14. Badoer- 1:22.038

15. Sutil- 1:22.073

16. Piquet Jr.- 1:22.148

17. Di Grassi- 1:22.283

18. Hulkenberg- 1:22.410

19. Loeb- 1:22.503

20. Gene- 1:22.772

21. Fisichella- 1:23.068

22. van der Garde- 1:23.250

23. Luizzi- 1:23.794

Rafa Benitez Pleads With Denmark To Go Easy On Returning Liverpool Crock Daniel Agger

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has warned Denmark coach Morten Olsen he needs to be 'sensible' with defender Daniel Agger.

The 24-year-old centre-back has only just recovered from a back operation and has yet to feature for the first team, although he played 68 minutes for the reserves last week and made the bench for Sunday's defeat at Chelsea.

He is in Denmark's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Hungary, but Benitez has warned Olsen against over-using the defender.

'It was a difficult decision to bring Agger back into the squad, because he wasn't fit enough to start against Chelsea,' said the Liverpool boss.

'He is now with Denmark, and I hope they will be careful with him. They have to be sensible. It's good for him, because he needs to play, but he knows it will be tough for him to play both games in a row.'

Benitez admits he has mixed feel! ings about players going away for the current international break.

The Spaniard is delighted young left-back Emiliano Insua's form for the club this season has been recognised with a first call-up for Argentina.

But he is less enamoured with the prospect of Holland internationals Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel having to travel halfway around the world for a friendly against Australia in Sydney.

insua has been first choice at left-back this season, starting every Barclays Premier League and Champions League match.

Having started to fulfil the promise which persuaded Benitez to sign him permanently from Boca Juniors in August 2007 - he was previously on loan as a 17-year-old - he has now attracted the attention of Argentina boss Diego Maradona.

'It is very good news for him and for us,' said Benitez on Insua's selection for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Peru.

'He is a young player who is ! doing well for us. When you talk about young players, the idea! is to t ry to promote them. Emiliano was a very good signing by our scouting department - a young player with potential and quality - and it was very good business because the price was good.

'Last year we had three or four clubs asking about him. But we said 'no', because we want to keep him.'

Benitez would have liked to keep Kuyt and Babel on Merseyside, and Liverpool even approached the Dutch Football Association about the situation.

'We tried to talk with the Dutch Federation about Dirk and Ryan having to travel so far, but they have the right to call the players up for these games,' said the Reds boss.

'We tried to find some kind of solution. But it was impossible and it is not an ideal situation for them to travel to Australia for a friendly.'

On the plus side, the pair will return to Melwood early next week - while the likes of Insua and compatriot Javier Mascherano and Brazil midfielder Lucas do not arrive back fro! m South America until Friday - just 24 hours before the trip to Sunderland.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 2 Lyon

Liverpool have plenty of work to do to qualify for the Champions League knockout phase after they lost 2-1 at home to Group E leaders Lyon.

Yossi Benayoun put the hosts ahead in the 41st minute only for substitute Maxime Gonalans to head home a corner 18 minutes from the end and Cesar Delgado snatch the winner in added time.

More worryingly for manager Rafael Benitez ahead of the weekend visit of Manchester United was the sight of captain Steven Gerrard limping off midway through the first half with a recurrence of his groin in! jury.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned for the Champions League encounter against Lyon at Anfield but the surprise selection was teenage defender Martin Kelly.

The 19-year-old replaced England right-back Glen Johnson, who had a groin injury, for his maiden start and first appearance of the season.

Kelly's previous first-team experience amounted to eight minutes as a substitute at PSV Eindhoven last December.

His inclusion and Gerrard's return from a groin problem were among five changes from the side which lost at Sunderland on Saturday, with midfielder Javier Mascherano, striker David Ngog and Emiliano Insua also drafted in.

The French side, top of Ligue 1 and having won both their matches in the Champions League so far, fielded an experienced side which included the likes of Kim Kallstrom, Jeremy Toulalan, Lisandro Lopez and Sidney Govou.

Kelly, born in nearby Whiston and a product of the Liverpool! academy, was given an early touch of the ball from kick-off t! o settle his nerves.

Inevitably Gerrard had the first shot of the game, from the inside-left position, but it was deflected into the side-netting.

Lyon were enjoying more possession than most visiting teams to Anfield and would have gone ahead in the 10th minute had it not been for Jose Reina.

Left-back Aly Cissokho crossed to the far post where Lisandro's powerful downward header was brilliantly parried away by the Spain goalkeeper.

Liverpool had the ball in the net in the 15th minute only for Dirk Kuyt's header from Gerrard's pin-point cross to be flagged offside.

Midway through the first half the hosts suffered a major blow when Gerrard was forced off through injury and had to be replaced by Fabio Aurelio.

The substitution - a precautionary measure with Manchester United visiting at the weekend - meant a reshuffle of the attacking midfielders with Kuyt moving into the centre and Yossi Benayoun switching to the righ! t to accommodate Aurelio.

Kuyt flashed a volley wide after 30 minutes before a trip on the Dutchman by Cris resulted in the Lyon defender receiving lengthy treatment for a bang on the head and a yellow card for his pains.

Six minutes later Kuyt had a shot charged down by Cissokho and Ngog's close-range follow-up was saved by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

At the other end a stretching Govou volleyed over Kallstrom's deep cross.

Four minutes before the interval Liverpool took the lead with a move which started at the back with Jamie Carragher winning a crunching tackle.

The ball was quickly transferred to the left wing where Aurelio crossed and, although Ngog missed it and Lucas and Kelly got in each other's way, Benayoun was on hand to fire home.

Problems worsened for Lyon with Cris immediately departing on a stretcher.

Aurelio should have doubled the lead from Kelly's far-post cross but Lloris brilliantl! y parried over.

Lyon were first to show in the seco! nd half, right-back Anthony Reveillere firing over after Govou's cross was half-cleared.

Govou's late challenge on Insua earned the Lyon captain a booking and Liverpool a free-kick close to the corner flag.

Aurelio's delivery was not dealt with convincingly and when Kuyt crossed the ball back in Benayoun headed wide.

Ngog should have done better in the 58th minute when he chested down Kelly's right-wing cross but stabbed wide from 12 yards.

Kuyt, however, was unlucky when he out-jumped Reveillere to head inside the post only for Lloris to palm the ball around the upright.

France striker Bafetimbi Gomis replaced Ederson just after the hour in an attempt to give Lyon a greater presence up front.

Lyon's pressure was increasing and it eventually told in the 72nd minute from a set-piece, a perceived weakness of Liverpool's.

Reina tipped on a right-wing corner and then made a reaction double save from Toulalan an! d a point-blank Govou header but Maxime Gonalans - the first-half replacement for Cris - was on hand to nod home.

Kelly then limped off injured which resulted in a reorganisation in defence with Carragher moving out to right-back and Martin Skrtel coming on to partner Daniel Agger in the centre.

Andriy Voronin was sent on for Benayoun with six minutes to go, much to the displeasure of an increasingly frustrated Anfield crowd.

Anxiety on the pitch increased as Liverpool passes went astray with alarming regularity.

And in the first minute of added time a quick counter-attack down the right saw Govou fire a cross through the six-yard area, where another substitute Cesar Delgado converted at the far post.

The result gives Benitez many issues to address ahead of United's arrival on Sunday.

Benitez Vows To Appeal Red Cards

Rafael Benitez will appeal against both red cards after nine-man Liverpool slumped to a humiliating 3-1 defeat at Craven Cottage.

Swiss defender Philipp Degen and captain Jamie Carragher were sent off for second-half fouls as Liverpool's Premier League hopes disintegrated, falling to their fifth league loss of the season.

But Benitez believed referee Lee Mason got both decisions wrong, saying Degen's foul on Clint Dempsey was no more than a yellow card while he maintained Carragher played the ball when he was adjudged to have brought down Bobby Za! mora.

Benitez said: "They were two incidents in a few minutes when we were losing and they were difficult to take.

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Training centre gets new parts

From NAIT

FAIRVIEW, AB -- Canada's most comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle training centre -- the Fairview, AB campus of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) -- has been further enriched, thanks to Deeley Harley-Davidson, the exclusive Canadian distributor for Harley-Davidson products.

The Fairview Campus offers apprenticeship and pre-employment mortorcycle training in addition to being the only Harley-Davidson factory-authorized training centre in Canada. The Harley Davidson Technician Program offers a 15-week schedule dedicated to producing the finest technicians possible for the many authorized Harley-Davidson retailers across Canada.

So you can imagine the excitement among NAIT instructors and students when a recent donation of 11 Harleys, 10 engines and six very large skids of new parts landed at the northwest Alberta campus.

"Hands-on training ensures students gai! n the skills and experience they need to maintain and repair both current and stock Harleys in an authorized retailer setting," said Wally Besler, assistant program head and instructor. "Thanks to the support of Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada, we have many of the best and newest bikes available for students to train on."

NAIT instructors are in regular contact with Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company in Milwaukee. Even Deeley staff and retailer principals across Canada have attended the program or have taken the shorter factory courses that are continually offered through the program.

"I doubt there is a Harley dealership in Canada that doesn't have an employee who has some training through the NAIT program," added Besler. "We even have grads working in the United States and South Africa."

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Unique AJS debuts

From Todd Copan

VANCOUVER, BC -- It's the only one in the world. A unique attraction debuts at this year's Annual Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show n' Shine: a 1936 500cc AJS V-4 motorcycle re-created by Vancouver's Dan Smith.

With over 30,000 sq. ft. of display space, it's the biggest motorcycle swap meet in the Northwest. The Annual Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show n' Shine in Tsawwassen, BC takes place on Sunday, April 23 at the South Delta Recreation Centre. Doors open at 10a.m.

Now marking 21 years in existence, the Swap Meet will feature parts for classic and vintage British, American, European and Japanese bikes. Also featured are club displays, memorabilia and complete bikes for sale.

This year's AJS-Matchless themed display features Smith's unique 1936 AJS V-4, built from the ground up using only photocopies of period pictures. The re-creation is the o! nly example of this model in existence. All AJS and Matchless owners are invited to display their bikes in the Show 'N Shine, and all other classic and vintage motorcycles are welcome too.

South Delta Recreation Center is at the junction of 56th Street and Highway 17 in Delta, BC close to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and Highway 99. Highway 99 connects with Interstate 5 at the US border in Blaine, WA. The center is about 30 minutes south of Vancouver and about 30 minutes north of the US border. Admission is $6 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Check our webpage for updates www.classicbikeswapmeet.com.

Inside Motorcycles // www.insidemotorcycles.com

Graham Taylor make MLB Debut

2002 Dixie Heights High School graduate Graham Taylor made his Major League Baseball debut Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies in Miami. Taylor, who attended school at Miami University in Oxford, has been a highly touted prospect in the Florida farm system for the past couple of years. Unfortunately for Graham he would probably like to forget his first start in the MLB. Taylor was shelled by the Phillies for four earned runs on four hits and six walks over 3 2/3 innings. Taylor was 2-1 with a 3.24 ERA and a 10/6 K/BB ratio in three starts in Double A before the call up. Taylor, who is 24 started against Philadelphia pitcher Jamie Moyer, who is 46. Not known for overpowering stuff, Taylor is typically a control pitcher who couldn't find his control on Sunday. He is 0-1 on the season with a 9.82 ERA. He is scheduled to start Friday in Chicago but don't be too surprised if they send him back down to get him a little more prepared for this level.

Pitino-Sypher Story Comes Out

Finally we know the details that were involved in the case between Karen Sypher and Rick Pitino. According to a story posted in the Louisville Courier Journal released just minutes ago Rick Pitino confirms that he had consensual sex with Karen Sypher and gave her $3,000 to have an abortion. Check out the article here.

The next few days will be interesting to see how the national and local media react to this story. I cann! ot see this ending well for Coach Pitino. The University of Louisville has reported that they are standing behind their coach in support. I can only imagine how much backlash will come from the Pro-Life supporters.

We hold our public figures in higher regard and sometime to higher standards. But not only committing adultery but also contributing to an abortion will no doubt be devastating to Pitino. I understand that this does not affect his ability to coach and win basketball games, however, as a Head Coach you should be a role model to your players. Pitino has not succeeded in that respect and it could hurt him with recruiting in the future.

Survival Football

As usual post your picks in the comments. Matt your pick is in, Peyton Manning, as posted in the comments of the results.

Adam-
Passer
Reciever
(Players used: Cedric Benson, Brett Favre, Steve Smith (NYG)Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Aaron Rodgers, Hines Ward, Phillip Rivers, Wes Welker)

Redleg2420
Team
(Teams used: Green Bay, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New England)

Matt
Passer
(Players used: Matt Forte, Matt Shaub, Andre Johnson, DeAngelo Williams, Tony Romo, Kurt Warner, Aaron Rodgers)

Name that MLB All-Star

-Keefe

The All-Stars have been named for next week's game from Yankee Stadium. The Sox and Cubs lead all teams with 7 selections. The 1st place Tampa Bay Rays will bring 2 players to the mid-summer classic in Scott Kazmir and Dioner Navarro. Every year it's the same thing. Guys make it when they shouldn't, and guys don't when they should. This year is no different.

Let's play a little game called "Name that MLB All-Star." As seen sometimes on Baseball Tonight or in March when deciding on those last bubble teams I will simply list stats for certain players at a specific position without the benefit of their names, and you decide who deserves to be the All-Star. In some cases you will be able to choose more th! an 1 nameless player. Scroll down to see who belongs to each stat line, with the actual All-Stars in BOLD.

Before we begin I want to point out I understand that the fans vote in the starters, and every team in the league must be represented. The bench players are elected by fellow players and the managers (Terry Francona and Clint Hurdle). With that said, let's see who really should be All-Stars.

We'll start out simple. Just 2 options here. 1 is an All-Star and 1 is not. The position is Catcher in the American League. You decide.

Which Catcher deserves to be an All- Star?

Player A: .296, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 33 Runs

Player B: .218, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 18 Runs

I know, it's not close. Well player B was voted in by the players. His name: Jason Varitek. The Red Sox captain is only owned in 42.6% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues! Every team in fantasy needs a catcher right? That is unbelievable. In fact recently released Indians reliev! er Joe Borowski (42.5%) is owned in just as many leagues.

A . A.J. Pierzynski, CHW
B. Jason Varitek, BOS

Staying in the American League let's take a look at 3rd basemen. Choose (2) out of (5).

Player A: .281, 17 HR, 54 RBI

Player B: .261, 15 HR, 47 RBI

Player C: .286, 8 HR, 44 RBI

Player D: .297, 13 HR, 54 RBI

Player E: .281, 16 HR, 52 RBI

Looking at the numbers this one might be tough. Some similar stat lines here. No way player B makes it over D or E right? Wrong.

A: Aubrey Huff*, BAL
B: Joe Crede, CHW
C: Carlos Guillen, DET
D: Mike Lowell, BOS
E: Evan Longoria, TAM

*3B eligible in fantasy

What about OF in the AL? Here are the numbers of 7 players, choose only 2.

Player A: .272, 13 HR, 64 RBI

Player B: .278, 16 HR, 53 RBI

Player C: .307, 12 HR, 50 RBI

Player D: .271, 11 HR, 55 RBI

Player E: .302, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 3! 4 SB

Player F: .308, 19 HR, 52 RBI

Player G: .288, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 22 SB

Chalk this one up to the fans. Only 2 players on this list were selected, and they both are starters.

A: Jose Guillen, KC
B: Manny Ramirez, BOS
C: Magglio Ordonez, DET
D: David Murphy, TEX
E: Ichiro, SEA
F: Jermaine Dye, CHW
G: Carl Crawford, TAM

Surprised? It's not the worst players fans have voted in, not even close, but everyone on this list not going to NY next week certainly has a beef.

The Sports Brief is not AL biased. In the National League nearly the same scenario played out. 2 popular outfielders were named starters while other more deserving players got denied.

C! hoose (2) of the (6) NL outfielders.

Player A: .283! , 15 HR, 40 RBI

Player B: .279, 21 HR, 53 RBI

Player C: .292, 19 HR, 67 RBI

Player D: .287, 7 HR, 35 RBI

Player E: .321, 12 HR, 53 RBI

Player F: .296, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 13 SB

You think it's a popularity contest? You're right.

A: Alfonso Soriano, CHC
B: Pat Burrell, PHI
C: Carlos Lee, HOU
D: Kosuke Fukudome, CHC
E: Xavier Nady, PIT
F: Corey Hart, MIL

And lastly how about the closers in the NL? Take just 1 of these 4.

Player A: 0-1, 4.37 ERA, 24 saves

Player B: 4-1, 2.43 ERA, 18 saves

Player C: 4-2, 2.44 ERA, 17 saves

Player D: 2-3, 2.57 ERA, 18 saves

This one I don't understand. Saves is clearly an overra! ted stat, but I guess not here.

A: Brian Wilson, SF
B: Francisco Cordero, CIN
C: Jon Rauch, WSH
D: Brandon Lyon, ARI

This one would have made a lot more since to me if Wilson was the only selection from the Giants. But with Tim Lincecum on the squad, why take a closer with an ERA pushing 4.50? I don't get it.

There will always be problems picking All-Star teams in every sport. But that's what makes it a fun debate. Not even mentioned above is the fact that some positions are just so loaded, that some players get left off with little to argue. Ryan Howard for example is leading the NL in RBI with 76 and 2nd in HR (1 shy of teammate Chase Utley with 23), but his .223 average hurts him compared to the likes of Lance Berkman, Albert Pujols, and Adrian Gonzalez (only SD selection, and having a monster season). Mark Teixiera (.276-16-66) and Derrek Lee (.306-15-53) are others having great years, but nothing like the! guys in front of them.

Bottom line is when voting ! is invol ved not everyone will be happy. Isn't that right Al Gore fans?

-Keefe

NU Baseball makes ESPN's Top Plays

As you may or may not know, I was a five year member and senior captain of the Northeastern Baseball program. And so it was a great pleasure to watch today's Top Plays on Sportscenter and see Northeastern involved in the #2 play, despite the fact they were on the wrong end of it. Senior Mike Tamsin, who is the all-time hits leader and currently poised to finish with the highest career average in program history, hit a tremendously deep fly to left center field. URI center fielder Kenny Burns (no relation to the documentary guy, I don't think) tracked it to the wall, then proceeded to not only rob Tamsin of a homerun, but plow THROUGH the fence as well. Enjoy the clip of the play and the ridiculously long time it took for them to close the gate. High comedy.

Also, let it be noted that JT Ross tossed a complete game 1-hitter in this contest. No walks and like 12 K's. Apparently the only hit came after a dropped foul pop up. I bet someone is on suicide watch today...! way to ruin a perfect game.



And for the record, the #1 play on this countdown? Ray Allen's game winning jumper against the Bulls. Well deserved. C's will win this series because of that shot.
-Bess

Keefe's Pick 3 for Week 7

Well Keefe's Pick 3 is quickly turning into another version of BJal's Lock du Jour. Fresh of an 0-fer I thought about just folding up shop, perhaps setting my sights on an NBA Season Preview, (which I will do before next week), but I'm going to stick with this thing... for now.

I really don't think I could bounce back from another 0-3 week, that's devastating. At least BJal only gets 1 loss at a time. (He did nail UTEP though!). So here we go, another Pick 3.

Packers (-7) over Browns
Colts (-14) over Rams
Falcons (+4) over Cowboys

Hint: Bet opposite.

Last Week: 0-3
Overall: 5-10

-Keefe

Jupiler League Saturday Review

Standard Liege made it a four-way tie at the top of the Jupiler League with a 2-0 win at KV Kortrijk.

Wilfried Dalmat opened the scoring after 34 minutes and the man who replaced him on 89 minutes, Arnor Angeli, scored seconds later to seal the win.

Bottom side Roeselare claimed only their third point of the season in an eventful game at Genk.

Torben Joneleit put the home side in front on eight minutes but Daniel Tozser was sent off two minutes from the end ! and Roeselare took full advantage, Damir Mirvic snatching an equaliser in the last minute.

Elsewhere, Lokeren thrashed Charleroi 4-1, with Dawid Janczyk scoring twice and Mario Carevic and a penalty from Hassan El Mouataz completing the rout.

Maxime Brillault scored for the visitors.

Westerlo beat St Truidense 2-0 courtesy of a double from Aleksandr Iakovenko while Zulte-Waregem enjoyed an easy 3-1 win over 10-man Gent.

Chris Makiese opened the scoring on six minutes before Milos Maric equalised.

However, Jeremy Taravel and Teddy Chevalier made it 3-1 after 35 minutes and Maric's dismissal just before the interval ended the game as a contest,

Seeds advance to semi-finals

The top four seeds at the ATP Proton Malaysian Open breezed through to the semi-finals with ease in Kuala Lumpur.

Top seed Nikolay Davydenko of Russia cruised past fifth-seeded Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-3 6-3 to secure a last-four meeting with Sweden's Robin Soderling.

The French Open finalist, seeded third in the Malaysian capital, was a 6-2 6-2 winner against sixth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych.

The semi-final encounter will be a re-match of the US Open fourth! -round clash between the pair, which saw Davydenko retire with a leg injury last month.

Tomorrow's second semi pits Fernando Verdasco against Fernando Gonzalez.

Verdasco, the second seed from Spain, overcame Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-4 today while fourth-seeded Chilean Gonzalez prevailed 6-3 6-4 against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia.

Fulham 2 Hull City 0

The Premier League game between Fulham and Hull City at Craven Cottage on Monday, Oct 19 2009.

Fulham celebrated their 130th anniversary on Monday night with a victory against a wretched Hull City thanks to goals in either half from Bobby Zamora and Diomansy Kamara. The ! victory allowed Fulham to move into 12th place while leaving Hull - who were third at this stage of last season - in the relegation zone.

These are hard times for both clubs; Fulham went into the game with one league win in six while Hull could claim just three Premier League victories in the whole of 2009. It was, therefore, understandable that the opening exchanges were cautious, laboured and nervous with the only effort a speculative 40-yard lob from Geovanni, a man known for a dead eye from distance.

Apart from the sight of the odd beach ball, the only other early excitement was the response from the Fulham fans of Jimmy Bullard warming up on the sidelines. Since leaving London for Hull last season, the midfielder has played just 33 minutes for his new employers, but there was little sympathy on show.

There was, at last, a chance of note midway through the first half when Fulham, missing s! triker Andrew Johnson, came close when Kamara's cross was m! et by th e right foot of Zamora, only for the ball to rise wide of the left post.

Perhaps the prospect of facing Claudio Ranieri's AS Roma in Thursday's Europa League tie was playing on the minds of the Fulham players. But Hull could not hide behind the excuse of a European adventure as they struggled to find the rhythm of the game.

Matters did improve though before the break when Damien Duff, probably the liveliest player on show, forced Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill to stretch to his left to save as the home side began to take charge.

Hull defender Andy Dawson was cautioned for pulling Duff's shirt and minutes later Fulham's left-back was also booked, Paul Konchesky shown a yellow card for taking Algerian midfielder Kamel Ghilas's bright yellow boots.

But just before the interval, Fulham threatened then struck. Firstly, Zamora's flick from Konchesky's corner almost produced the game's first goal. And seconds later,! in the 43rd minute, Duff's volley was parried by Myhill before Zamora, who turned down a summer move to Hull, headed beyond the goalkeeper.

Last season, Zamora's first at Fulham, the striker scored two league goals in 32 starts; his goal last night enabled him to match that total, having scored the winner against Portsmouth early on. Add two European goals, and Zamora is becoming positively prolific.

Hull were beginning to flounder with key players losing possession and with little threat of finding an equaliser. If the win against Wigan in their previous outing had brought a much-needed boost to Phil Brown's side, there was little evidence on show on a cold night down by the River Thames.

There was a worrying sight for Fulham fans early in the second half when Danny Murphy, their captain, went down clutching his ankle. With Italian masters due to visit, this was a worry though the former Liverpool player, while ! still limping, was able to return after treatment.

! Soon af terwards, Bullard made a belated second appearance for Hull, replacing Ghilas. That he was tormented with cries of "one greedy b******" will not have dampened his spirits, neither will a shoulder charge from Kamara that sent the one-time Cottage favourite sprawling.

Soon afterwards, Murphy departed and will be an injury concern ahead of the visit of Roma.

Fulham extended their advantage in the 64th minute when, from Aaron Hughes's pass from inside his own half, Zamora turned provider, his centre from the right dropping invitingly for Kamara to convert for his second goal of the season.

Greek Super League Review

Olympiacos moved three points clear at the top of the Greek Super League as Dudu's winner earned them a 2-1 victory over Ergotelis.

Giorgi Shashiashvili gave the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute, but Kostas Mitroglou levelled seven minutes before half-time.

And Dudu sealed a seventh win in eight games for Olympiacos as they moved clear of second-placed Panathinaikos, who have a game in hand.

Panionios came from behind to beat Giannina 3-1, Fanouris Gound! oulakis (17), Bosko Balaban (23) and Carlos Castiglione (72) scoring after Patrick Dimbala had given Giannina a 15th-minute lead.

Atromitos were 2-1 winners at Asteras Tripoli, Elias Anastasakos (31) and Emanuel Perrone (43) putting the visitors two up before Vangelis Kaounos pulled one back in the 82nd minute.

Everton 1 Aston Villa 1

The Premier League game between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday Oct 31 2009.

Only in reputation do Everton, the big losers of the Premier League's gold rush, differ from Aston Villa, England's nursery and the coming force.

David Moyes, like Martin O'Neill, is a standard bearer for British management.

!

Their expectations and ambitions are the same, their successes thus far built on obduracy rather than flair. Both see a reflection of themselves in the other.

True, Villa have more money, Everton a lengthier injury list, but such things count for little between two such evenly-matched sides.

Anyone expecting a display of the fluidity which is the hallmark of the Premier League at its best was bound to be disappointed. This was always likely to be a war of attrition, a matter of who blinked first, not who dazzled most.

As it was, both sides kept their eyes open. Even the goals, when they came, did so in tandem, Everton taking the lead just before half-time and Villa drawing level immediately after.

The stalemate, then, remained, but at least the bouts of narcolepsy induced by an opening 45 minutes which might politely be described as 'cagey'.

Indeed, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's cool right-footed s! hot, after Yakubu had miscontrolled Tim Cahill's cross into! his pat h, which narrowly evaded Brad Friedel was almost the first moment of note in the game.

Only Yakubu's header, looping over, and Stephen Warnock's controlled volley, flashing wide, had raised heartbeats prior to the Russian's intervention.

The lead, though, lasted only as long as the break. Carew, a half-time substitute for the below-par James Milner, tapped home just 70 seconds after the start of the second period, pouncing after Tim Howard had done well to parry Gabriel Agbonlahor's shot.

Any hope that two a spell of two goals in as many minutes might herald the arrival of some excitement was short-lived.

Stiliyan Petrov saw Cahill deflect his speculative, 30-yard drive wide minutes later and Louis Saha fizzed one shot inches wide late on, but neither raised the heartbeats quite so much as Bilyaletdinov's justified dismissal in the dying minutes for a two-footed lunge on Petrov.

Even then, though! , parity remained paramount. Sixty-three seconds later, Carlos Cuellar followed the Russian from the pitch, sent off for a second yellow card after a careless tackle on Yakubu.

Martin O'Neill joined David Moyes as they both remonstrated in the technical area, separated only by the finest of lines.

Result of EURO 2008 Group D

June 10th

Group D First Match at Tivoti Stadium Neu

Spain 4 : 1 Russia ( D. Villa 20', 44', 75', Fabregas 90' - Pavlyuchenko 86' )

Referee: Konrad Pautz - Austria

Spectators: 30,772

Statistics:

Shot on target: 12 - 5

Shot off target : 5 - 5

Possession : 46 - 54 %

Corner Kicks : 4 - 6

Off-Side: 2 - 6

Fouls: 21 - 17

Yellow Cards : 0 - 0

Red Card :0-0

Group D Second Match at Stadion Salzburg Walssiezenhheim

Greece 0 : 2 Sweden ( Ibrahimovic 67', Hansson 72' )


Referee: Massimo Busacca - Switzerland

Spectators : 31,063

Statistics:

Shot on target: 4 - 3

Shot off target : 0- 6

Possession : 52 - 48 %
!
Corner Kicks : 6 - 6

Off-Side: 2 - 3

Fouls: 12 - 14

Yellow Cards : 3- 0

Red Card :0-0

2010 FIFA World Cup

by Justin Wong

Qualifying for the 2010 International Tournament kicks-off this March
The world's most watched sporting event, the FIFA World Cup of soccer, is only a year and a half away. Over 200 teams will begin qualifying matches for the final 32 spots beginning March 28, 2009. Matches take place across Europe so fans everywhere have a chance to be a part of the action!

Held in South Africa, this will be the first time the international tournament will be hosted by a country in the Confederation of African Football, leaving the Oceania Football Confederation the only FIFA confederation yet to host. There have been many rumours circulating over whether or not the tournament would be moved from South Africa due to some FIFA executives expressing concerns with regard to the organization, planning and pace of the preparations, though FIFA representatives have been strongly denying it.

The final tournament runs from June 11 - July 11, 2010! in 9 different cities across South Africa. An exciting moment for fans, this tournament provides current World Cup champs Italy, with a shot at tying the record for most World Cups, a title currently held by Brazil with 5.

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Tournament dates:
March 28, 2009
April 1, 2009
May 1, 2009
June 6, 2009
June 10, 2009
August 19, 2009
September 5, 2009
September 9, 2009
October 10, 2009
October 14, 2009
October 15, 2009

2010 FIFA World Cup Final Tournament dates:
June 11, 2010 - July 11, 2010 - Multiple Daily Matches

2010 FIFA World Cup tickets available at:
ShowTime Tickets
604-688-5000
1-800-480-SHOW(7469)
www.showtimetickets.com



About the Author
ShowTime Tickets
604-688-5000
1-800-480-SHOW(7469)
www.showtimetickets.com

Salernitana, è Salerno il nuovo ds

di Filippo Capurso

E' Nicola Salerno, ex ds del Cagliari il nuovo direttore sportivo della Salernitana. Lo ha annunciato la società tramite una nota sul suo sito ufficiale, puntualizzando che la presentazione avverrà oggi alle 17.30 nella sede di via Leonardo. Circolavano i voci di Angelozzi, Lupo, Garlini e Pagni, ma la scelta è caduta su Salerno stesso, amico fraterno di Antonio Imborgia e sicuramente tra i più affidabili professionisti sul mercato. Con un passato a Cagliari, Messina e Catania, è in Sardegna che Salerno ha avuto la sua consacrazione. Ora sta ! a lui scandagliare per bene il mercato degli svincolati, per tappare qualche buco in attesa di gennaio, quando la società sarà chiamata a darsi seriamente da fare per cercare di rimettere in piedi una squadra allo sbando.

Asamoah c'è, Isla quasi

di Orazio Resta
fonte: gazzetta.it

L'Udinese ha ripreso la preparazione al Bruseschi senza none nazionali, ma con un Asamoah in più. Il ghanese è rimasto in campo tutto l'allenamento, partitella inclusa, bissando così il rientro in gruppo di sabato quando aveva giocato la ripresa dell'amichevole contro il Rijeka. Tuttavia, come si è visto anche sabato, il mediano ghanese necessita ancora di molto lavoro per potersi riproporre al meglio agli ordini del tecnico. In vista dell'Atalanta si apre comunque u! na porta per la convocazione nei 18. Più in ritardo è invece Isla, il mediano cileno tornato a lavorare sul campo del Bruseschi dove si è limitato a una sessione di corsa leggera, senza esercizi a pressione e pallone. Isla ha recuperato dalla distrazione al flessore, ma l'impressione è che servirà tempo per rivederlo al massimo delle proprie possibilità. Sull'Atalanta, prossimo avversario dell'Udinese, si è così espresso Emanuele Belardi, il portiere di riserva intervenuto in conferenza stampa. "Sarà una partitaccia e sarà difficilissima. Ha un grande allenatore come Conte, che è preparatissimo e sa stimolare i giovani. L'ho conosciuto a Torino e ho grande stima di lui. Inoltre ha giocatori più forti dell'anno scorso. Noi invece ne avremo molti che rientreranno solo venerdì. Sarà dura, ma giochiamo in casa e dobbiamo cercare di vincere. L'anno scorso eravamo indecifrabili, facevamo di tutto, eravamo un punto interrogativo. Ora siamo più grandi, più esperti: dobbiamo essere ! più lineari nei risultati".

I Convocati

di Massimo Scavello
Fonte:fccrotone.it

Sono venti i rossoblu convocati da mister Lerda per la gara casalinga di domani pomeriggio col Vicenza.
Concetti, Farelli, Quondamatteo, Galeoto, Beati, Scognamiglio, Grillo, Morleo, Mazzarani, Di Matteo, Petrilli, Daud, De Martino, Abruzzese, Cutolo, Bonvissuto, Gabionetta, Coresi, Zito, Mendicino.

Belingheri-Bianchi, il Torino espugna 2-1

fonte: Tuttosport

ASCOLI, 17 ottobre - Determinato e per una volta fortunato, il Torino espugna il campo di Ascoli tornando alla vittoria dopo una striscia negativa di quattro partite. Decisivo l'errore di Frezzolini nella ripresa, che consente a Bianchi di firmare il 2-1 finale dopo le reti di Belingheri e Bernacci.

NEL SEGNO DELL'EX - Nel primo tempo è il Torino a fare la partita, mentre l'Ascoli è raccolto in difesa e prova a ripartire in contropiede. Al 18' Coppola! si fa male ed è costretto a lasciare il campo: al suo posto Colantuono sceglie Bottone. Al 36' grande occasione per il Torino nell'area bianconera: Di Michele spedisce alto da ottima posizione. La squadra di Colantuono continua ad attaccare e al 41' trova il vantaggio con Belingheri: l'ex bianconero controlla di testa e di destro supera Frezzolini con un destro secco.

IL REGALO - Nella ripresa l'Ascoli torna in campo più carico. Al 19' sciocco fallo di Ogbonna su Portin in area granata: Bernacci, entrato al posto di Lupoli, non si fa pregare e dal dischetto segna l'1-1. Colantuono prova subito a cambiere: fuori Belingheri, dentro Diana. Ad aiutare il Toro, invece, ci pensa Frezzolini alla mezz'ora. Incredibile l'errore del portiere bianconero, che si fa sfuggire il pallone nel tentativo di evitare un calcio d'angolo. Bianchi ringrazia ed appoggia nella porta ormai vuota.

Parma, che inizio di campionato

Di Davide Bagno

La squadra di Guidolin, imponendosi per 1-0 contro il Siena, riconferma il suo stato di forma sorprendente. Dopo 8 giornate, i gialloblù si ritrovano quinti in classifica a 14 punti e fanno felice il loro presidente Tommaso Ghirardi, che, ospite della trasmissione "Radio anch'io sport", dichiara: "una partenza così buona io la sognavo, noi presidenti siamo i primi tifosi delle nostre squadre. Che andassimo subito cos! ì bene però non me lo aspettavo, anche se ho molta fiducia in questo gruppo."

Ghirardi ha poi evidenziato i meriti dell'allenatore: "stiamo lavorando bene. Ci stiamo prendendo delle belle soddisfazioni, anche grazie a Guidolin, un allenatore molto esperto che ci sta dando qualcosa in più rispetto allo scorso campionato, quando arrivò alla sesta giornata. Ma il campionato è ancora lungo."

Sembra veramente che la squadra emiliana abbia le potenzialità per ritagliarsi uno spazio importante in questo campionato, nel quale alcune"piccole" squadre come il Parma stanno dimostrando sempre più di potersela giocare con le "big" per le parti alte della classifica.

#016 La superclassifica del 9 Gennaio

Torna la Superclassifica di Tutto il calcio Blog.
Ricordiamo cosa fa: mette in ordine,genera una graduatoria dei nostri radiocronisti, assegnado un punteggio, un gettone di presenza ponderato per ogni cronaca.

La Superclassifica di Venerdì 9 Gennaio è la seguente:
1 Giulio Delfino 9
2 Giuseppe Bisantis 8
3 Emanuele Dotto 7,5
4 Livio Forma 6,5
5 Tarcisio Mazzeo 6
6 Riccardo Cucchi 6
7 Tonino Raffa 6
8 Francesco Repice 5
9 Ugo Russo 3,5
10 Enzo Del Vecchio 3
11 Massimo Barchiesi 2,5
12 Antonio Monaco 2,5
13 Antonello Orlando 2,5
14 Gianfranco Coppola 2
15 Enzo Baldini 2
16 Roberto Gueli 2
17 Andrea Coco 2
18 Ettore De Lorenzo 1,5
19 Mauro Carafa 1,5

Già che ci sono pubblico anche la classifica ufficiale delle presenze (1 radiocronaca=1 punto) nello stesso periodo di tempo:

1 Tarcisio Mazzeo 4
2 Livio Forma 4
3 Giuseppe Bisantis 4
! 4 Emanuele Dotto 4
5 Ugo Russo 3
6 Giulio Delfino 3
7 Tonino Raffa 3
8 Massimo Barchiesi 2
9 Gianfranco Coppola 2
10 Enzo Del Vecchio 2
11 Enzo Baldini 2
12 Antonio Monaco 2
13 Riccardo Cucchi 2
14 Francesco Repice 2
15 Ettore De Lorenzo 1
16 Roberto Gueli 1
17 Antonello Orlando 1
18 Andrea Coco 1
19 Mauro Carafa 1

Due note techiche:
* La classifica tiene conto delle presenza a partire da Venerdì 9 Dicembre 2008 alla data presente sul titolo.
* Ecco il sistema di punteggi
Partita di B 1,0
Campo Princ. di B 1,5
Anticipo - Post - Rec di B 1,5
Anticipo - Post - Rec di A 2,5
Campo Princ. di A 3,0
Partita di A 2,0
Bordocampo di A/Coppe 1,5
Bordocampo di B 0,5
Champions 2,5
Coppa Uefa/Altre coppe 2,0
Altri sport in Tutto il Calcio 1,5

#107 Convocazioni del 21-22-23 Marzo

Tutto il Calcio Serie B (Sabato 21/03 ore 16.00)
Conduce: Filippo Corsini

CP Bari - Cittadella Enzo Del Vecchio
2 Livorno - Ancona Giovanni Scaramuzzino
3 Triestina - Parma Livio Forma
4 Empoli - Sassuolo Antonello Brughini
5 Ascoli - Albinoleffe Ugo Russo
6 Mantova - Rimini Antonio Monaco
7 Modena - Vicenza Tonino Raffa
8 Avellino - Pisa Aggiornamenti da studio
9 Piacenza - Frosinone Aggiornamenti da studio

Esordio in questa stagione per il radiocronista del ciclismo Giovanni Scaramuzzino

Anticipo di A (Sabato 21/03 ore 18.00)
Catania - Lazio
Radiocronista: Giuseppe Bisantis
Seconda voce: Nicky Pandolfini

Anticipo di A (Sabato 21/03 ore 20.30)
Roma - Juventus
Radiocronista: Francesco Repice
Seconda voce: Massimo Barchiesi

Tutto il Calcio Serie A (Domenica 22/03 ore 15.00)
Conduce: Alfredo! Provenz ali
In studio: Filippo Corsini

CP Inter - Reggina Riccardo Cucchi

2 Genoa - Udinese Antonello Orlando

3 Fiorentina - Siena Emanuele Dotto

4 Chievo Vr. - Palermo Tonino Raffa 

5 Bologna - Cagliari Ugo Russo

6 Lecce - Atalanta Enzo Del Vecchio

7  Torino - Sampdoria Livio Forma

Posticipo di A ! (Domenica 22/03 ore 20.30)
Napoli - Milan
Radiocronista: Giulio Delfino
Seconda voce: Gianfranco Copola

Posticipi di B (Lunedì 23 22/03 ore 20.30)
Treviso - Grosseto Posticipo non coperto
Salernitana - Brescia Gianfranco Coppola

C.P.: Campo principale della trasmissione pomeridiana

Convocazioni del 18 Giugno

Confederation Cup - 2° Match -
Giovedì 18 Giugno 2009
Italia - Egitto
Radiocronista: Riccardo Cucchi
Seconda voce: Francesco Repice

Aspettando Sud Africa 2010

Cari lettori, secondo appuntamento per la neonata rubrica "Aspettando Sud Africa 2010". In questo numero ci occuperemo di come avviene la scelta della nazione ospitante il Mondiale. Prima di far ciò però Vi comunichiamo che il sorteggio dei gironi dei Mondiali del 2010 si svolgerà a Città del Capo, il 4 Dicembre 2009.

L'assegnazione del Campionato del Mondo ad una nazione avviene durante i congressi della FIFA. La scelta della nazione è stata sempre teatro di controversie, specialmente tra Europa ed America del Sud, i due centri di potere del calcio mondia! le. La decisione di disputare la prima edizione della Coppa del Mondo in Uruguay, per esempio, permise a solo quattro nazionali europee di parteciparvi. I due successivi mondiali furono disputati in Europa. La scelta di affidare i Mondiali alla Francia, nel 1938, fu molto criticata, perché le nazioni sudamericane erano convinte che ci si dovesse basare sull'alternanza fra i due continenti. Per questo motivo sia l'Argentina che l'Uruguay boicottarono il torneo.

Dopo il 1958 per evitare nuovi boicottaggi e polemiche fra le varie nazionali, la FIFA adottò il sistema dell'alternanza, seguendo questa linea fino al 1998. Nel 2002 il Mondiale fu ospitato da Giappone e Corea del Sud, e fu il primo ad essere giocato in Asia e ad avere due paesi ospitanti. Il Mondiale del 2010 invece sarà il primo che si disputerà in Africa.

L'assegnazione del torneo diventa definitiva dopo che le candidate vengono sottoposte a votazione! da parte del comitato esecutivo della FIFA. La federazione ca! lcistica che desidera ospitare un Mondiale riceve dalla FIFA il così detto "Hosting Agreement", cioè una guida in cui vengono spiegati i passaggi fondamentali per presentare la candidatura per ospitare il torneo. Successivamente un gruppo di ispettori nominati dalla FIFA visita i paesi candidati per constatare tutti gli elementi necessari al raggiungimento dei requisiti per ospitare l'evento e di conseguenza stila un rapporto.

La decisione finale viene presa, di solito, circa sei anni prima della manifestazione. Per le edizioni del 2010 e del 2014 la decisione è stata presa in base alla rotazione dei vari continenti affiliati alla FIFA. L'edizione del 2010 sarà la prima, come detto, che verrà disputata in Africa; l'edizione del 2014, che si disputerà in Brasile, sarà la seconda a disputarsi nella nazione verdeoro dopo quella del 1950.

I Mondiali del 2018 non sono ancora stati assegnati. Infatti la politica di rotazione ! fra i vari continenti non proseguirà oltre il 2014. Le nazioni che hanno mostrato particolare interesse ad ospitare il torneo sono: Australia, Corea del Sud, Russia, Giappone, Indonesia, Inghilterra, Messico, Qatar, Spagna e Portogallo insieme, e Stati Uniti. Anche Olanda e Belgio hanno offerto una candidatura congiunta considerando che insieme hanno ospitato i Campionati Europei del 2000. La FIFA deciderà nel Dicembre del 2010 a quale nazione assegnare il torneo per il 2018 e per il 2022. L'Inghilterra ad oggi sembra la nazione favorità ad ospitare i mondiali del 2018.

Cari lettori, anche per questo appuntamento con "Aspettando Sud Africa 2010" è tutto. Prima di salutarVi però ecco due curiosità: a) la Coppa del Mondo del 1954 fu la prima ad essere trasmessa in televisione; b) il Campionato del Mondo di calcio è, dopo i Giochi Olimpici, il secondo evento sportivo per audience televisivo potenziale.

Con questo è davvero tutto, appuntamento a sabato p! rossimo.

Amarcord 1984-1985 (Parte 1)

Cari lettori, torna la rubrica Amarcord, quella che vi fa rivivere i momenti più belli della storia di "Tutto il calcio".
Oggi il salto lo facciamo all' indietro verso il campionato 1984-1985, quello per intenderci del Verona di Bagnoli.
Riviviamo il film del campionato con la prima e la decima giornata

Giornata 1

in studio Roberto Bortoluzzi,
da Verona per verona - Napoli Enrico Ameri
da Como per Como - Juventus Sandro Ciotti
da Bergamo per Atalanta - Inter Alfredo Provenzali
! da Avellino per Avellino - Roma Enzo Foglianese
da Roma per Lazio - Fiorentina Claudio Ferretti
da Milano per Milan - Udinese Paolo Carbone

Giornata 10

in studio Roberto Bortoluzzi
da Torino per Torino - Verona Enrico Ameri
da Milano per Milan - Sampdoria Sandro Ciotti
da Firenze per Fiorentina - Inter Claudio Ferretti
da Udine per Udinese - Juventus Alfredo Provenzali

Grande LEO!

Ciao Leonardo! Bentornato nel nostro Fanta. E grazie per i tuoi complimenti. E' vero, il nostro fanta è AVANTI, noi siamo proprio appassionati. E pensa che adesso in palio non c'è nulla! Mi ricordo che tu e io i primi due anni vincemmo un bel gruzzolo (1 milione). Adesso invece in palio c'è solo la soddisfazione di vincere con la propria squadra. Vuoi fare ricorso per l'anno 96? Celestino scoverà i registri e io ho una targa da qualche parte con i nomi dei vincitori dei primi 4 anni. Ma se vuoi ti ricordo la mia formazione: Protti (Bari 24 gol capocannoniere) Signori (Lazio 24 gol capocannoniere) e Weah (Milan 15 gol e pallone d'oro)... ti ricordi? Ti ho beffato nelle ultime giornate e ho vinto il tricolore. Si vede che hai rimosso dalla memoria per il troppo dolore. Smile :) Volevi farti un'altra vacanza a nostre spese? Smile :)

Comunque sei stato un degno avversario. Dopo di te è stato più facile vincere. Come l'Inter che ha approfittato dell'assenza della Juve.! Smile :) Ma perchè non fai il fanta in società con qualcuno? Ad esempio Giovanni avrebbe bisogno di una mano visto che sbaglia sempre la formazione... :)

Il video dovrebbe essere nella spalla destra del blog. Celeste puoi controllare che funzioni? Si intitola "la grande notte del fanta" (Leo forse devi aspettare che si carica, alla fine del Loading ti appare la faccia di Celestino. Qualche volta non appare, prova ad aggiornare la pagina del blog fino a quando non esce la scritta "loading..."). Mandaci una tua foto che cerchiamo di inserirla da qualche parte. Ciao, Raf

Vacanze = Fanta!!

Cominciano le vacanze e torniamo a parlare di Fanta... Si butta il Corriere della Sera e si compra la Gazzetta, in attesa dell'asta. Un caloroso benvenuto a Leo e Luigi.

Questi i miei voti:
SI alla regola dei 4 o 5 punti all'interno della prima fascia.
SI alla panchina come lo scorso ma con un uomo in più
SI ai mercati più frequenti (ogni 4-5 giornate)

In più chiedo a tutti di fare un patto visto che siamo in 10 e qualcuno arriverà in fondo al campionato un pò "sbracato" perchè ultimo in classifica: fino all'ultima giornata è necessario impegno nelle formazioni, come ha fatto Celeste l'anno scorso. Con una commissione di vigilanza che può anche proclamare l'esclusione dal fanta in caso di "sbracamento".

Giovanni

United Post - La formazione

Partita difficile per lo MLK United, in casa di una delle migliori formazioni della Lega. La Blucrociata Mattia altro non chiede che una vittima su cui sfogare la rabbia per gli ultimi deludenti risultati.
I ragazzi del presidente Violante, però, lo sanno bene ed anche il mister lo sa. Per questo nella "caldera" doriana disporrà la squadra con un più cauto 3-4-1-2; senza rinunciare, comunque, alla fase offensiva, dove le solite ripartenze di centrocampisti ed attaccanti cercheranno di infilare la difesa avversaria.
Da segnalare l'esordio per entrambi i nuovi acquisti Cerci e Valiani, che non hanno avuto modo di mettersi in mostra nell'ultima vittoriosa partita contro la Selecao Italia. A loro saranno affidate le fasce; zone nevralgiche negli schemi dello United.
Gli unici dubbi sono sulla presenza in campo di Papastathopoulos e Palladino. Il primo sembra un po' affaticato, mentre il secondo non ha ancora smalti! to completamente l'infortunio al polpaccio. Se non dovessero farcela, sono pronti a sostituirli l'ultimo acquisto Terlizzi ed il match winner di domenica scorsa Brienza.


Formazione: Carrizo - Papastathopoulos, Kaladze, Kolarov - Cerci, Ledesma, Liverani, Valiani - Mascara - Miccoli, Palladino.

A disposizione: Muslera - Terlizzi, Portanova, Costa - Cossu, Padoin - Brienza

ANSA: A&J chiude una favolosa operazione di mercato

Incredibile operazione portata avanti nella nottata dal presidente De Vallonis: " Non posso ancora lasciare dichiarazioni ufficiali -afferma entusiasta il presidente - ma posso soltanto dire che Mutu non è più un nostro giocatore e che a breve annunceremo il nome del nostro attaccante del prossimo anno. Per il momento posso dire soltanto che Marchisio resta con noi".
E' durata quindi soltanto 22 giorni la presenza di Mutu nell'organico dell'A&J, mentre sembra che Marchisio rientra nei piani della socetà di Corso Marconi.
Intanto, circolano mille voci intorno al nuove nome per l'attacco? Chi sarà il sostituto di Amauri?

FIFA branded Sony Ericsson W995 handset to give away

Like a disgruntled ex-partner arriving at your home with 14-inch two-handed pruning shears and designs on your thumbs, life can sometimes take you by surprise.

Take this week. One minute I'm writing a 200-word rant on why The Socceroos is a rubbish nickname; the next I'm giving a phone away.

That's right, some marketing bod contacted me to offer a FIFA branded Sony Ericsson W995 handset to one lucky World Cup Bafana Bafana 2010 visitor.

You could win the phone for FREE by answering this simple question and leaving your name and address in the Comments box below this post:

Excluding penalties, how many goals did England score in the last World Cup finals?

You have until August 23rd to submit your answer and contact details.

The winner will be announced here on August 24th. Good luck!

I! f you win the phone, enter your details at www.WinTheTickets.co.uk, including the IMEI number, and you will automatically be entered into a prize draw:

Daily Prizes: 1 x Sony BRAVIA TV

Every day a stylish 40-inch Sony BRAVIA TV is up for grabs.

Weekly Prizes: 2 x pairs of tickets to the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Win two pairs of tickets to a 2010 FIFA World Cup match. Flights and three nights in 4-star accommodation are included.

Grand Prize: 1 x 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ticket

This golden ticket entitles the winner to a pair of tickets to every game their country plays – including the final. This once in a lifetime prize includes flights and 4-star accommodation.

PS. If anyone from Sony Ericsson is reading this, I've got my eye on your X1 and World Cup finals tickets / accommodation. Just thought you might like to know that.